thedailycaller--2020-01-10--To Win The 21st Century, It’s Time For A Detente Between The Government And Big Tech

States around the world are waking up to the geopolitical value of the information and communication technology revolution , and the United States ’ global technology dominance is under threat .
Made in China 2025 has garnered headlines for its ambition of making China the world ’ s high-tech leader , prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence and robotics , biotechnology , semiconductors , and telecommunications .
The strategy was inspired Germany ’ s Industry 4.0 , which seeks to leverage automation technologies to augment the capabilities of Germany ’ s workforce to unlock productivity spikes .
The EU more generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for digital sovereignty , an attempt to insulate European firms from foreign competitors , enabling them to grow and compete .
Against this backdrop is a United States where the internal conflict between the state and tech has reached its apex .
While China is seeking to dominate global markets , exporting not only its technology , but its vision for an internet age abroad , the United States is signalling to the world that its largest tech firms are untrustworthy .
As the European Union and more recently Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative infrastructure to the American internet , attempt to close themselves off to American technology , the United States has imported standards developed abroad .
Luckily , the threat this poses to national security has been noticed , but more needs to be done to protect the competitiveness of the American technology ecosystem .
Despite the Trump administration ’ s rhetoric of cutting costs in science and technology , Congress has been approving larger budgets for science agencies , most notable with a $ 195 million in funding for President Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will is growing , but American companies are not stepping up to execute .
Initiatives to boost America ’ s 5G capacity have moved away from Chinese provision , but instead of moving hardware home they have moved to Europe with reliance on Nokia and Ericsson .
( RELATED : No American Company Can Produce 5G Tech .
We ’ d Better Fix That , Fast ) Matt Stoller , of the left-leaning Open Markets Institute , noted that the Oracle and Cisco were encouraged to help America build its own radio transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key 5G components , but both firms refused .
Big Tech in general , with the tech libertarianism that has come to characterize its culture , has shown an antipathy to helping the United States achieve its strategic aims .
Google employees boycotted their firm for taking Pentagon defense contracts , yet the firm has gone out of its way to be welcomed in China .
Some of this hostility can be justified on account of the Trump administration ’ s hostility to Big Tech .
Trump has repeatedly taken to Twitter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Amazon for what he deems anti-competitive behavior .
Congress has attacked the CEOs of America ’ s largest technology firms , and the threat of antitrust action on the flimsiest of accusations are constantly bandied around .
But the problem is not entirely the state ’ s conflicting aims .
Big Tech has shown little gratitude for the leadership of public initiatives such as DARPA in producing many of the most important technologies that underlie their massive businesses .
Public-private cooperation has been a cornerstone of American capitalism , enabling firms to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hostility undermines the very ethos that created the open regulatory framework that allowed digital innovation in the United States to prosper .
( RELATED : The Pentagon ’ s DARPA Is Using Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Tech For Cyberwarfare ) The American government nonetheless has the potential to build bridges and leverage its technological capacity for strategic ends .
It can require more from firms who utilize publicly funded technologies and remedy tax loopholes that effectively transform public investments into subsidies for large corporations .
It can also do more to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this comes with a change in rhetoric , pulling back on the attacks launched at Big Tech , instead extending a hand of cooperation .
Another part comes from boosting state capacity .
America ’ s best and brightest have for too long been turned off by working for the state .
By making working for the U.S. government a more attractive proposition , bringing in more bright STEM minds , more can be done to understand how to build America ’ s technological might .
Congress as well needs to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its pronouncements on technology can be seen as trustworthy .
One of the means of doing so would be reviving the Office of Technology Assessment , that was defunded in 1995 .
This would bring in more technology insight for Congress , enabling them to be better prepared for hearings and in the crafting of regulations .
( RELATED : The Gender Gap In STEM Still Exists , With Women Often Ahead : Study ) The importance of a strong American technology sector is a bipartisan concern and one that gains increasing importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool on the global stage .
The political will to strengthen America ’ s national competitiveness requires cooperation with a tech sector that has lost faith in Congress .
It is up to Congress to take the initiative to regain that trust .
Ryan Khurana is executive director of the Institute for Advancing Prosperity .
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

States around the world are waking up to the geopolitical value of the information and communication technology revolution, and the United States’ global technology dominance is under threat.
Made in China 2025 has garnered headlines for its ambition of making China the world’s high-tech leader, prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence and robotics, biotechnology, semiconductors, and telecommunications. The strategy was inspired by Germany’s Industry 4.0, which seeks to leverage automation technologies to augment the capabilities of Germany’s workforce to unlock productivity spikes. The EU more generally has expanded on German ambitions with its plan for digital sovereignty, an attempt to insulate European firms from foreign competitors, enabling them to grow and compete.
Against this backdrop is a United States where the internal conflict between the state and tech has reached its apex. While China is seeking to dominate global markets, exporting not only its technology, but its vision for an internet age abroad, the United States is signalling to the world that its largest tech firms are untrustworthy. As the European Union and more recently Russia, with its sovereign internet law that licenses an alternative infrastructure to the American internet, attempt to close themselves off to American technology, the United States has imported standards developed abroad.
Luckily, the threat this poses to national security has been noticed, but more needs to be done to protect the competitiveness of the American technology ecosystem. Despite the Trump administration’s rhetoric of cutting costs in science and technology, Congress has been approving larger budgets for science agencies, most notable with a $195 million in funding for President Donald Trump’s National Quantum Initiative. The political will is growing, but American companies are not stepping up to execute. Initiatives to boost America’s 5G capacity have moved away from Chinese provision, but instead of moving hardware home they have moved to Europe with reliance on Nokia and Ericsson. (RELATED: No American Company Can Produce 5G Tech. We’d Better Fix That, Fast)
Matt Stoller, of the left-leaning Open Markets Institute, noted that the Oracle and Cisco were encouraged to help America build its own radio transmission technology to reduce reliance on Huawei for key 5G components, but both firms refused. Big Tech in general, with the tech libertarianism that has come to characterize its culture, has shown an antipathy to helping the United States achieve its strategic aims. Google employees boycotted their firm for taking Pentagon defense contracts, yet the firm has gone out of its way to be welcomed in China.
Some of this hostility can be justified on account of the Trump administration’s hostility to Big Tech. Trump has repeatedly taken to Twitter to call out Google for alleged anti-conservative bias and Amazon for what he deems anti-competitive behavior. Congress has attacked the CEOs of America’s largest technology firms, and the threat of antitrust action on the flimsiest of accusations are constantly bandied around.
But the problem is not entirely the state’s conflicting aims. Big Tech has shown little gratitude for the leadership of public initiatives such as DARPA in producing many of the most important technologies that underlie their massive businesses. Public-private cooperation has been a cornerstone of American capitalism, enabling firms to access international markets that ensure their profitability. Hostility undermines the very ethos that created the open regulatory framework that allowed digital innovation in the United States to prosper. (RELATED: The Pentagon’s DARPA Is Using Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Tech For Cyberwarfare)
The American government nonetheless has the potential to build bridges and leverage its technological capacity for strategic ends. It can require more from firms who utilize publicly funded technologies and remedy tax loopholes that effectively transform public investments into subsidies for large corporations. It can also do more to speak to technology firms as equals. Part of this comes with a change in rhetoric, pulling back on the attacks launched at Big Tech, instead extending a hand of cooperation. Another part comes from boosting state capacity.
America’s best and brightest have for too long been turned off by working for the state. By making working for the U.S. government a more attractive proposition, bringing in more bright STEM minds, more can be done to understand how to build America’s technological might. Congress as well needs to have a better understanding of technology so that its pronouncements on technology can be seen as trustworthy. One of the means of doing so would be reviving the Office of Technology Assessment, that was defunded in 1995. This would bring in more technology insight for Congress, enabling them to be better prepared for hearings and in the crafting of regulations. (RELATED: The Gender Gap In STEM Still Exists, With Women Often Ahead: Study)
The importance of a strong American technology sector is a bipartisan concern and one that gains increasing importance as technological might has become a bargaining tool on the global stage. The political will to strengthen America’s national competitiveness requires cooperation with a tech sector that has lost faith in Congress. It is up to Congress to take the initiative to regain that trust.
Ryan Khurana is executive director of the Institute for Advancing Prosperity.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Nancy Pelosi Is Giving Joe Biden A Leg Up Before Iowa

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Friday that she would be sending articles of impeachment over to the Senate next week .
Pelosi ’ s announcement came more than three weeks after the House formally voted to impeach President Donald Trump .
Pelosi is sending over the articles of impeachment without securing any of the concessions she demanded from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — concessions she insisted were a prerequisite for sending the articles .
But her delay in starting the impeachment process will have accomplished one thing : taking Sens .
Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses .
Regardless of whether or not it was Pelosi ’ s intention , her otherwise-fruitless delay in sending the articles to the Senate will have sidelined the two most anti-establishment Democratic candidates at a crucial point in the primary .
Sanders is currently leading the field in both Iowa and New Hampshire , while Warren is hovering around the 15 % threshold for receiving delegates in both states , according to RealClearPolitics ’ polling averages .
( RELATED : Al Green Says Democrats Could Impeach Trump ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators off the campaign trail would give an advantage to former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , both of whom are in contention to win Iowa and New Hampshire , and neither of whom are as far to the left as Sanders and Warren .
“ Of course it matters , ” Warren told Politico of being stuck in Washington , D.C. , while other candidates are campaigning .
“ We just did a 3½-hour selfie line .
Don ’ t tell me it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to face.
” The Senate trial is estimated to last between two and six weeks .
( Former President Bill Clinton ’ s Senate impeachment trial , for reference , lasted five weeks . )
Assuming the trial begins next week , even if the process lasts two weeks , that will keep Sanders and Warren largely contained to Washington , D.C. , until days before the caucuses begin .
If the trial lasts three weeks or longer , Sanders and Warren are likely to still be in the nation ’ s capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A four-week trial would almost certainly cause the two senators to miss the New Hampshire primaries as well .
Democratic Sens .
Cory Booker of New Jersey , Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Michael Bennett of Colorado would also be stuck in Washington , but none of them are currently among the frontrunners .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Friday that she would be sending articles of impeachment over to the Senate next week.
Pelosi’s announcement came more than three weeks after the House formally voted to impeach President Donald Trump.
Pelosi is sending over the articles of impeachment without securing any of the concessions she demanded from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — concessions she insisted were a prerequisite for sending the articles.
But her delay in starting the impeachment process will have accomplished one thing: taking Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts off the presidential campaign trail right before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses.
Regardless of whether or not it was Pelosi’s intention, her otherwise-fruitless delay in sending the articles to the Senate will have sidelined the two most anti-establishment Democratic candidates at a crucial point in the primary.
Sanders is currently leading the field in both Iowa and New Hampshire, while Warren is hovering around the 15% threshold for receiving delegates in both states, according to RealClearPolitics’ polling averages. (RELATED: Al Green Says Democrats Could Impeach Trump ‘More Than Once’)
Taking both senators off the campaign trail would give an advantage to former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, both of whom are in contention to win Iowa and New Hampshire, and neither of whom are as far to the left as Sanders and Warren.
“Of course it matters,” Warren told Politico of being stuck in Washington, D.C., while other candidates are campaigning. “We just did a 3½-hour selfie line. Don’t tell me it doesn’t matter to do face to face.”
The Senate trial is estimated to last between two and six weeks. (Former President Bill Clinton’s Senate impeachment trial, for reference, lasted five weeks.)
Assuming the trial begins next week, even if the process lasts two weeks, that will keep Sanders and Warren largely contained to Washington, D.C., until days before the caucuses begin.
If the trial lasts three weeks or longer, Sanders and Warren are likely to still be in the nation’s capital on the day of the caucuses. A four-week trial would almost certainly cause the two senators to miss the New Hampshire primaries as well.
Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Michael Bennett of Colorado would also be stuck in Washington, but none of them are currently among the frontrunners.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Hunter Biden May Be Profitting Off A Brutal Chinese-Owned Mine In Africa

Hunter Biden , son of former Vice President Joe Biden , may be profiting from a mine with a record of human rights abuses in Africa through a Chinese company that he invested in .
Hunter Biden served on the board of and held a 10 % stake in the Chinese investment firm Bohai Harvest RST ( BHR ) , which in turn had investments in Tenke Fungurume mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo .
The mine has seen several brutal crackdowns on workers by security personnel and the Congolese military .
In 2017 , BHR gained financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mineral company , to purchase a 24 % stake in the Tenke Fungurume mine , the largest cobalt and copper mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo .
The Congo is the world ’ s largest producer of cobalt ore and contains one of the world ’ s richest deposits of copper .
The region around the mine has over 10,000 independent , “ artisanal ” miners who often mine in areas reserved solely for BHR ’ s operations , causing the company to ask the Congolese military in June 2019 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military began its eviction campaign of the allegedly illegal miners by burning down homes belonging to the miners .
A 3-year-old girl and a 14-month-old boy were severely burned during the campaign .
The military then began firing indiscriminately into mining camps , killing one woman and injuring nine others .
There have also been reports that the mine utilizes cheap child labor in dangerous working conditions .
Several tech companies and automakers have reconsidered buying Congolese cobalt after such reports .
The Congolese military has a history of human rights abuses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1998 to 2003 , caused around four million deaths , and atrocities were committed by both sides of the conflict .
In 2004 , members of the Congolese military were brought up on charges of war crimes after they waged a brutal campaign to eject rebels form an Australian mining concession .
In 2015 , the U.N. threatened to withdraw aid to a military campaign by Democratic Republic of the Congo against rebels unless the country removed two generals repeatedly accused of human rights abuses .
BHR sold its stake in the mine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which netted BHR an estimated profit of $ 1.1 billion .
Under pressure from allegations that his position at BHR constituted a conflict of interest for his father ’ s 2020 presidential campaign , Biden stepped down from the board of BHR in October 2019 , but he still owns his 10 % stake in the company .
The mine owned by the Chinese and netting Hunter Biden some healthy profits is also a part of a race for strategic minerals that could have serious national security implications for the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the United States government and the government of China because of its numerous industrial and military applications .
It is most commonly used as an important component in batteries found in smartphones and electric cars .
It can also be used to create superalloys vital to the building of jet engines .
The U.S. has no major deposits of cobalt , and China only produced 2 % of the world ’ s cobalt in 2018 , so a race has initiated to claim cobalt mines abroad to meet demand .
( RELATED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reignites Concerns Over US Mineral Dependency ) In the Democratic Republic of the Congo , China has largely won that race and now dominates the cobalt industry .
The Congo produces 64 % of the world ’ s cobalt .
Eight of the 14 largest cobalt mines in the Congo , including Tenke Fungurume , are owned by Chinese companies , giving China control over half of the country ’ s output of cobalt .
Chinese companies also produce 80 % of the chemicals derived from cobalt that are used in the manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utilize its cobalt resources in Africa to dominate in the electric car industry and the production of batteries for smartphones .
It also has an advantage over the United States in the military applications of cobalt .
Hunter Biden ’ s business dealings abroad have become a major issue in the 2020 presidential campaign .
Biden ’ s involvement with the Ukrainian company Burisma Holdings kicked off the impeachment process against President Donald Trump .
Biden joined Burisma ’ s board of directors in 2014 , just after Joe Biden took over as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ukraine .
Both Hunter and Joe Biden deny that any wrongdoing took place during Hunter ’ s tenure with Burisma .
( RELATED : Hunter Biden Doesn ’ t Regret Ukrainian Gas Directorship — Blames Trump For Believing ‘ Ridiculous Conspiracy ’ ) Biden ’ s involvement with BHR has also come under scrutiny .
Between 2014 and 2015 , Hunter Biden received $ 700,000 in compensation for undisclosed reasons from Rosemont Seneca Bohai ( RSB ) , which obtained a 20 % stake in BHR during that same timeframe .
Hunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and obtained his 10 % stake in 2017 .
In December 2013 , Hunter Biden accompanied his father on a trip to China aboard Air Force Two and arranged a meeting between the CEO of BHR and the vice president .
Trump accused Hunter Biden of arranging that meeting to fundraise $ 1.5 billion from China for BHR .
Through his stake in BHR , Hunter Biden might be profitting from a mine in the Demcoratic Republic of the Congo that has experienced brutal crackdowns on miners by security forces and the Congolese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board of directors of the company , BHR , when it obtained the largest cobalt mine in the Congo , one with major national security interests for both China and his own country .

Hunter Biden, son of former Vice President Joe Biden, may be profiting from a mine with a record of human rights abuses in Africa through a Chinese company that he invested in.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Joaquin Phoenix Says He ‘Flew Plane Out’ To DC To Join ‘Fight’ Against Climate Change

Joaquin Phoenix told the crowd at Jane Fonda ’ s Climate Change protest that he “ flew a plane out ” to Washington , D.C. “ today ” to speak about what can be done in this “ fight ” .
“ Something that oftentimes isn ’ t talked about in the environmental movement or in the conversation about climate change is that the meat and dairy industry is the third-leading cause of climate change , ” the 45-year-old actor shared Friday , according to a video noted by the Hollywood Reporter .
( RELATED : Jane Fonda Tells Woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump And Hitler ) “ I think sometimes we wonder , ‘ What can we do in this fight against climate change , ' ” he added .
“ And there is something you can do today , right now , and tomorrow by making a choice about what you consume.
” ( RELATED : Hillary Clinton Appears To Take A Veiled Shot At Trump During Rep Cummings ’ s Funeral ) Phoenix continued , “ I struggle so much with what I can do at times .
There are things I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane out here last night , but one thing I can do is change my eating habits .
So I just want to urge all of you to join me in that.
” The entirety of his speech lasted one minute and 16 seconds and was greeted by cheers and applause from the crowd gathered .
It was part of Fonda ’ s protests in DC that have been going on for months where she , along with fellow stars , end up being arrested .

Joaquin Phoenix told the crowd at Jane Fonda’s Climate Change protest that he “flew a plane out” to Washington, D.C. “today” to speak about what can be done in this “fight”.
“Something that oftentimes isn’t talked about in the environmental movement or in the conversation about climate change is that the meat and dairy industry is the third-leading cause of climate change,” the 45-year-old actor shared Friday, according to a video noted by the Hollywood Reporter. (RELATED: Jane Fonda Tells Woman To ‘See The Parallels’ Between Trump And Hitler)
WATCH:
Joaquin Phoenix: “I struggle so much with what I can do [to combat climate change] at times. There are things that I can’t avoid — I flew a plane out here today, or last night rather. But one thing that I can do is change my eating habits.” pic.twitter.com/RaZILYq0La — The Hill (@thehill) January 10, 2020
“I think sometimes we wonder, ‘What can we do in this fight against climate change,'” he added. “And there is something you can do today, right now, and tomorrow by making a choice about what you consume.” (RELATED: Hillary Clinton Appears To Take A Veiled Shot At Trump During Rep Cummings’s Funeral)
Phoenix continued, “I struggle so much with what I can do at times. There are things I can’t avoid. I flew a plane out here last night, but one thing I can do is change my eating habits. So I just want to urge all of you to join me in that.”
The entirety of his speech lasted one minute and 16 seconds and was greeted by cheers and applause from the crowd gathered. It was part of Fonda’s protests in DC that have been going on for months where she, along with fellow stars, end up being arrested.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Iran May Have A Squadron Of Russian-Trained Military Dolphins

Iran may have a squadron of Russian military dolphins that have been trained to kill .
The dolphins were trained by the Russian navy to attack enemy warships and swimmers , according to Military.com , and they were sold to Iran after their trainer ran out of money to feed them .
The animals would attack enemy swimmers or drag them to the surface for capture .
They could reportedly distinguish enemy ships from Soviet ones by the sound of the propellers and were trained to perform kamikaze strikes against unwelcome guests .
However , funding for the training of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dolphins were moved to a private facility to perform for tourists .
Their trainer , Boris Zhurid , eventually had to sell the animals because he could no longer feed them .
“ I can not bear to see my animals starve , ” Zhurid told the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda .
“ We ’ re out of medicine , which costs thousands of dollars , and have no more fish or food supplements.
” ( RELATED : Trump Offers Iran A Chance For Peace After Country Launches Missiles At US Bases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dolphins to Iran in 2000 , BBC News reported .
Komsomolskaya Pravda wrote that “ In essence , Iran has bought our former secret weapon from Ukraine on the cheap.
” Zhurid added that he is “ prepared to go to Allah , or even to the devil , as long as my animals will be OK there.
” Dolphins and aquatic mammals have been used for war since the 1960 ’ s .
During the Cold War , the United States military discovered that bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swimmers .
The dolphins ’ excellent biosonar and the sea lions ’ underwater vision made them perfect for use in war .
The Soviet Union quickly began using marine mammals as well .
There is no evidence that the dolphins sold by Zhurid are still alive or are actively serving in the Iranian military , but some dolphins can live for up to 50 years .

Iran may have a squadron of Russian military dolphins that have been trained to kill.
The dolphins were trained by the Russian navy to attack enemy warships and swimmers, according to Military.com, and they were sold to Iran after their trainer ran out of money to feed them.
The animals would attack enemy swimmers or drag them to the surface for capture. They could reportedly distinguish enemy ships from Soviet ones by the sound of the propellers and were trained to perform kamikaze strikes against unwelcome guests.
However, funding for the training of these aquatic animals ran out, and the dolphins were moved to a private facility to perform for tourists. Their trainer, Boris Zhurid, eventually had to sell the animals because he could no longer feed them.
“I cannot bear to see my animals starve,” Zhurid told the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda. “We’re out of medicine, which costs thousands of dollars, and have no more fish or food supplements.” (RELATED: Trump Offers Iran A Chance For Peace After Country Launches Missiles At US Bases In Iraq)
Mr. Zhurid then sold the dolphins to Iran in 2000, BBC News reported. Komsomolskaya Pravda wrote that “In essence, Iran has bought our former secret weapon from Ukraine on the cheap.” Zhurid added that he is “prepared to go to Allah, or even to the devil, as long as my animals will be OK there.”
Dolphins and aquatic mammals have been used for war since the 1960’s. During the Cold War, the United States military discovered that bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions were useful in detecting underwater mines and enemy swimmers. The dolphins’ excellent biosonar and the sea lions’ underwater vision made them perfect for use in war. The Soviet Union quickly began using marine mammals as well.
There is no evidence that the dolphins sold by Zhurid are still alive or are actively serving in the Iranian military, but some dolphins can live for up to 50 years.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--FACT CHECK: Did Kevin McCarthy Say Trump Killed Qasem Soleimani ‘Because Adam Schiff “Spent The Last

FACT CHECK: Did Kevin McCarthy Say Trump Killed Qasem Soleimani ‘Because Adam Schiff “Spent The Last Year On Impeachment”‘?

Raw Story published an article Jan. 7 claiming that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy suggested President Donald Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani “ because Adam Schiff ‘ spent the last year on impeachment . '
” McCarthy ’ s statement suggested that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff ’ s critical tweet was the result of “ Schiff ’ s focus on impeachment instead of intelligence , ” per a spokesman from McCarthy ’ s office .
It did not suggest a causal link between Trump ordering the drone strike and Schiff holding impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on “ Fox and Friends , ” McCarthy discussed the latest developments in impeachment and the U.S. ’ s killing of Soleimani , the head of Iran ’ s elite Quds Force .
He also responded to Schiff ’ s tweet criticizing Trump for ordering the drone strike that killed Soleimani .
“ You know what ?
He ’ s the chairman of the Intel committee , ” said McCarthy .
“ Maybe had he spent the last year working on that , trying to protect us from what was happening in Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Saudi Arabia , taking down our drone – instead of taking that committee and making it impeachment , he would never have made that comment.
” Schiff tweeted his criticism of Trump ’ s move Jan. 6 , just a day before Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks on two military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq .
Other politicians , including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul , have also criticized Trump for the drone strike .
“ A dangerous and provocative decision to target a top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bomb cultural sites and use disproportionate force , ” wrote Schiff .
“ These are the acts of a President with no functional national security process .
Congress must engage with hearings and constraints.
” Raw Story published an article Jan. 7 with the headline that reads , “ Kevin McCarthy claims Trump killed Iranian general because Adam Schiff ‘ spent the last year on impeachment . '
” The story claims that Trump wouldn ’ t have ordered the drone strike that killed Soleimani if Schiff had not pursued impeachment .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office , the article mischaracterizes the House minority leader ’ s statement .
“ House Democrats are more worried about removing President Trump from office than they are about removing terrorists from the face of the earth , ” said Mark Bednar , McCarthy ’ s communications director , in an email to the Caller .
“ Leader McCarthy told Fox & Friends that had Chairman Schiff actually used his committee for intelligence instead of impeachment , he wouldn ’ t have issued that negative comment about President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s statement did not draw a causal link between Trump ordering the drone strike and Schiff holding impeachment hearings .
Bednar appears to suggest McCarthy implied Schiff was unaware of the threat Soleimani posed because he focused on impeachment rather than intelligence in his capacity as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee .
The House minority leader emphasized later in the “ Fox and Friends ” interview that Trump ordered the drone strike because Soleimani posed a threat to the U.S. “ The one thing I have a clear understanding , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This man had continued to rise throughout the region , create problems not only for us but the rest of the world , ” McCarthy said .
“ The world is safer today because this president took action , and he stopped something from creating in the future.
” Soleimani was “ actively developing plans ” to attack U.S. diplomats and service members in the region , according to a statement from the Pentagon .

Raw Story published an article Jan. 7 claiming that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy suggested President Donald Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani “because Adam Schiff ‘spent the last year on impeachment.'”
“Oh, c’mon,” reads the Facebook post.
Verdict: False
McCarthy’s statement suggested that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff’s critical tweet was the result of “Schiff’s focus on impeachment instead of intelligence,” per a spokesman from McCarthy’s office. It did not suggest a causal link between Trump ordering the drone strike and Schiff holding impeachment hearings.
Fact Check:
During a Jan. 7 appearance on “Fox and Friends,” McCarthy discussed the latest developments in impeachment and the U.S.’s killing of Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. He also responded to Schiff’s tweet criticizing Trump for ordering the drone strike that killed Soleimani.
“You know what? He’s the chairman of the Intel committee,” said McCarthy. “Maybe had he spent the last year working on that, trying to protect us from what was happening in Iran – from the bombing of the tankers, Saudi Arabia, taking down our drone – instead of taking that committee and making it impeachment, he would never have made that comment.”
Schiff tweeted his criticism of Trump’s move Jan. 6, just a day before Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks on two military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Other politicians, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, have also criticized Trump for the drone strike.
A dangerous and provocative decision to target a top Iranian official for killing. Threats to bomb cultural sites and use disproportionate force. These are the acts of a President with no functional national security process. Congress must engage with hearings and constraints. https://t.co/eKZrgvfoxx — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) January 6, 2020
“A dangerous and provocative decision to target a top Iranian official for killing. Threats to bomb cultural sites and use disproportionate force,” wrote Schiff. “These are the acts of a President with no functional national security process. Congress must engage with hearings and constraints.”
Raw Story published an article Jan. 7 with the headline that reads, “Kevin McCarthy claims Trump killed Iranian general because Adam Schiff ‘spent the last year on impeachment.'” The story claims that Trump wouldn’t have ordered the drone strike that killed Soleimani if Schiff had not pursued impeachment.
But, according to a spokesman from McCarthy’s office, the article mischaracterizes the House minority leader’s statement.
“House Democrats are more worried about removing President Trump from office than they are about removing terrorists from the face of the earth,” said Mark Bednar, McCarthy’s communications director, in an email to the Caller. “Leader McCarthy told Fox & Friends that had Chairman Schiff actually used his committee for intelligence instead of impeachment, he wouldn’t have issued that negative comment about President Trump’s decisive action against Soleimani.”
McCarthy’s statement did not draw a causal link between Trump ordering the drone strike and Schiff holding impeachment hearings. Bednar appears to suggest McCarthy implied Schiff was unaware of the threat Soleimani posed because he focused on impeachment rather than intelligence in his capacity as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee.
The House minority leader emphasized later in the “Fox and Friends” interview that Trump ordered the drone strike because Soleimani posed a threat to the U.S.
“The one thing I have a clear understanding, this man has killed more than 600 Americans. This man had continued to rise throughout the region, create problems not only for us but the rest of the world,” McCarthy said. “The world is safer today because this president took action, and he stopped something from creating in the future.”
Soleimani was “actively developing plans” to attack U.S. diplomats and service members in the region, according to a statement from the Pentagon.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Nancy Pelosi Named In Top 50 Bada** Women Of 2020, Offers Her ‘Best Bada** Advice’

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has been named in the Top 50 Bada** Women of 2020 issue by InStyle magazine and offers her “ best bada** ” advice .
“ My best badass advice is to be you , ” the 79-year-old Democratic U.S. House of Representative from California ’ s 12th district shared with the magazine in a piece published Friday .
( RELATED : The Tide Is Turning Against Democrats On Impeachment ) “ Be confident in what you have to offer , ” she added .
“ It ’ s nice if you want to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has an integrity about it , an authenticity about it .
That is what is necessary.
” ( RELATED : Celebrate Anna Kendrick ’ s Birthday With These Unforgettable Looks ) Pelosi continued , “ Take the slings and arrows and then let the real heroes emerge .
I certainly hope that makes me a badass.
” At one point in the article , the magazine touted the speaker for her “ badassery ” and steadfastness “ in her pursuit of justice on Capitol Hill.
” Pelosi wasn ’ t the only politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Katie Porter was also selected .
“ I ’ m not in Congress to do what is politically easy , ” Porter shared .
“ I am here to do what is right .
When you have courage to push back against leaders of both parties , we can make real change to help people.
” Of course many celebrities were chosen as “ Badass Women , ” including Billie Eilish , Kelly Clarkson , Kacey Musgraves , and Dakota Johnson .

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has been named in the Top 50 Bada** Women of 2020 issue by InStyle magazine and offers her “best bada**” advice.
“My best badass advice is to be you,” the 79-year-old Democratic U.S. House of Representative from California’s 12th district shared with the magazine in a piece published Friday. (RELATED: The Tide Is Turning Against Democrats On Impeachment)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by instylemagazine (@instylemagazine) on Jan 10, 2020 at 6:06am PST
“Be confident in what you have to offer,” she added. “It’s nice if you want to have role models but be yourself. That has an integrity about it, an authenticity about it. That is what is necessary.” (RELATED: Celebrate Anna Kendrick’s Birthday With These Unforgettable Looks)
Pelosi continued, “Take the slings and arrows and then let the real heroes emerge. I certainly hope that makes me a badass.”
At one point in the article, the magazine touted the speaker for her “badassery” and steadfastness “in her pursuit of justice on Capitol Hill.”
Pelosi wasn’t the only politician that made the cut, Democrat California Rep. Katie Porter was also selected.
“I’m not in Congress to do what is politically easy,” Porter shared. “I am here to do what is right. When you have courage to push back against leaders of both parties, we can make real change to help people.”
Of course many celebrities were chosen as “Badass Women,” including Billie Eilish, Kelly Clarkson, Kacey Musgraves, and Dakota Johnson.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--House Democrats Vote Against Recognizing Unborn Babies As ‘Vulnerable Populations’

House Democrats voted against a motion to recognize unborn babies as “ vulnerable populations ” Friday .
Republican Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers presented a motion to amend H.R .
535 , a bill requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to declare certain chemicals as hazardous and take “ vulnerable populations ” into account when developing drinking water standards .
Rodgers ’ motion suggested protections for unborn children exposed to these chemicals and aimed to include unborn children in “ vulnerable populations.
” ( RELATED : She Had An Abortion At Age 19 .
Then She Devoted Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today stood for the most vulnerable among us – the unborn , ” House Leader Kevin McCarthy told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ It is sickening that Democrats have used their majority to stand with their socialist base rather than with the most defenseless in our society.
” Two-hundred-and-nineteen House Democrats voted against recognizing unborn children as “ vulnerable populations , ” including New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar , and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib .
Four Democrats voted for the motion : Utah Rep. Ben McAdams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Dan Lipinski , and Texas Rep. Enrique Roberto “ Henry ” Cuellar .
“ When it comes to pregnant women that are at risk , there are two people at risk , ” McMorris Rodgers said Friday .
“ The pregnant woman , and the unborn child.
” The Washington representative pointed out that the unborn child is “ the most vulnerable population ” in need of protection .
“ This motion to recommit is simple , it ’ s clear , it ’ s direct .
It clarifies the protection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” McMorris Rodgers added .
“ Yesterday Chairman Pallone recognized the potential harm these chemicals can have on child development .
Today , Speaker Pelosi reiterated the importance of protecting expectant mothers .
By rejecting this amendment , you would be further denying the science of the development of a child in the womb.
” McMorris Rodgers did not respond to a request for comment from the DCNF .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

House Democrats voted against a motion to recognize unborn babies as “vulnerable populations” Friday.
Republican Washington Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers presented a motion to amend H.R. 535, a bill requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to declare certain chemicals as hazardous and take “vulnerable populations” into account when developing drinking water standards.
Rodgers’ motion suggested protections for unborn children exposed to these chemicals and aimed to include unborn children in “vulnerable populations.” (RELATED: She Had An Abortion At Age 19. Then She Devoted Her Life To Fighting Abortion)
“Republicans today stood for the most vulnerable among us – the unborn,” House Leader Kevin McCarthy told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “It is sickening that Democrats have used their majority to stand with their socialist base rather than with the most defenseless in our society.”
Two-hundred-and-nineteen House Democrats voted against recognizing unborn children as “vulnerable populations,” including New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Four Democrats voted for the motion: Utah Rep. Ben McAdams, Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson, Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski, and Texas Rep. Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar.
BREAKING: Democrats JUST blocked us from protecting unborn children from hazardous chemicals that harm development. RT to tell them to stop denying the science that the development of a child starts in the womb. #prolife pic.twitter.com/G2a3q06uIN — CathyMcMorrisRodgers (@cathymcmorris) January 10, 2020
“When it comes to pregnant women that are at risk, there are two people at risk,” McMorris Rodgers said Friday. “The pregnant woman, and the unborn child.”
The Washington representative pointed out that the unborn child is “the most vulnerable population” in need of protection.
“This motion to recommit is simple, it’s clear, it’s direct. It clarifies the protection of vulnerable populations must include any unborn child,” McMorris Rodgers added. “Yesterday Chairman Pallone recognized the potential harm these chemicals can have on child development. Today, Speaker Pelosi reiterated the importance of protecting expectant mothers. By rejecting this amendment, you would be further denying the science of the development of a child in the womb.”
McMorris Rodgers did not respond to a request for comment from the DCNF.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Donald Trump Weighs In On Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s Decision To ‘Step Back’

President Donald Trump doesn ’ t believe Queen Elizabeth II deserves to be dealing with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ’ s decision to “ step back ” from their “ senior ” roles .
Trump was sympathetic towards the Queen of England while talking to Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham on “ The Ingraham Angle ” Friday .
“ I think it ’ s sad , ” Trump told Ingraham , according to early excerpts .
“ I do .
I think it ’ s sad .
She ’ s a great woman….She ’ s never made a mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s had like a flawless time.
” “ Well I think , you know , I don ’ t want to get into the whole thing , ” he added .
“ But I find it , I just have such respect for the queen , I don ’ t think this should be happening to her.
” ( RELATED : ‘ Harry And Meghan Will Be Punished For This ’ : Royal Aides Comment On Decision To ‘ Step Back ’ ) Markle and Prince Harry shocked the world Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up their “ senior ” roles and splitting their time between North America and United Kingdom .
Reports claimed that the statement was not discussed with the Queen or other senior members of the royal family .
“ After many months of reflection and internal discussions , we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution , ” the statement , shared to Instagram , said .
“ We intend to step back as ‘ senior ’ members of the Royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.
” The full interview with Trump airs at 10 p.m. on Fox .

President Donald Trump doesn’t believe Queen Elizabeth II deserves to be dealing with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to “step back” from their “senior” roles.
Trump was sympathetic towards the Queen of England while talking to Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham on “The Ingraham Angle” Friday.
“I think it’s sad,” Trump told Ingraham, according to early excerpts. “I do. I think it’s sad. She’s a great woman….She’s never made a mistake if you look. I mean, she’s had like a flawless time.”
“Well I think, you know, I don’t want to get into the whole thing,” he added. “But I find it, I just have such respect for the queen, I don’t think this should be happening to her.” (RELATED: ‘Harry And Meghan Will Be Punished For This’: Royal Aides Comment On Decision To ‘Step Back’)
Markle and Prince Harry shocked the world Wednesday after they announced they would be giving up their “senior” roles and splitting their time between North America and United Kingdom. Reports claimed that the statement was not discussed with the Queen or other senior members of the royal family.
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the statement, shared to Instagram, said. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”
The full interview with Trump airs at 10 p.m. on Fox.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Patriots Impeachment Weekly Wrap-Up: Pelosi Buckles

After holding the articles of impeachment hostage for several weeks , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled Friday that she would be sending them on to the Republican-led Senate “ soon.
” Pelosi ’ s move followed pressure from within her own party in addition to the Senate Republicans ’ threats to dismiss the case for “ failure to prosecute.
” And although former National Security Adviser John Bolton has said that he would testify if subpoenaed , Senate Republicans have given no indication that they will take him up on that offer .
As always , the Daily Caller wades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the most important details and new information .
• Speaker Pelosi , after repeatedly stating that she would not transmit the articles until she could be certain of a fair trial in the Senate , said Friday that she would be sending the articles over “ soon ” despite no public concessions from Senate Republicans .
• Missouri ’ s freshman Republican Senator Josh Hawley may have forced Pelosi ’ s hand when he filed a resolution last week to dismiss the articles of impeachment if they were not delivered , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell increased the pressure by voicing support for Hawley ’ s proposed plan .
• Seven senators from her own party also ratcheted up the pressure on the House Speaker .
Sens .
Dianne Feinstein , Doug Jones , Chris Murphy , Joe Manchin , Richard Blumenthal , Jon Tester , and Chris Coons each told news outlets that it was time for the Senate to be allowed to do its job .
• Moderate Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins is reportedly working in the Senate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming trial .
President Trump has continued to sound off on impeachment , referring often to “ presidential harassment ” and calling the entire process a “ scam.
” • Former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle said that after this , Pelosi would only be remembered for “ embarrassing herself and politically crippling her party during a presidential election year.
” • Fox News regular Katie Pavlich took aim at those suggesting that the surgical strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was authorized by President Donald Trump in order to “ distract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detached from reality , ” she tweeted .
• California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell , who has long insisted that there was absolute proof of Russian collusion , claimed that Speaker Pelosi ’ s legacy would overshadow Trump ’ s .
“ He ’ ll be a shameful asterisk in history .
She ’ ll be a chapter , ” he tweeted .
“ And while she led his impeachment , she ‘ will go down ’ for delivering health care to millions & leaving a better future for our kids.
” • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would not haggle with House Democrats with regard to the process in the Senate .
“ We will not cede our authority to try this impeachment .
The House Democrats ’ turn is over , ” he said .
• Hawley declares victory after Pelosi announces her intention to hand over the articles .
Public response appears to have changed very little while the articles of impeachment remained in the House .
FiveThirtyEight ’ s impeachment tracking poll shows only slight increases in those who favor impeaching the president .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percentage of Americans who favor removing President Trump from office has declined — and the demographic that showed the greatest shift was independents .
In a poll taken January 5-7 , just 7 % of Republicans supported removal and 88 % opposed .
During that same time frame , 81 % of Democrats supported removal ( 9 % opposed ) and 39 % of independents supported removal ( 42 % opposed . )
The same question asked just a few days later , January 8-10 , showed a much larger change among independents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 88 % opposed while Democrats were 81 % in favor and 14 % opposed , but among independents , the numbers widened with 34 % in favor ( a 5 % drop ) and 45 % opposed ( a 3 % increase ) .
Check back next week for the latest up-to-the-minute information , commentary and related content .
‘ I ’ ll Send Them Over When I ’ m Ready ’ : Nancy Pelosi Vows To Send Over Articles Of Impeachment ‘ Probably Soon ’ Mitch McConnell Has The Votes To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look For Democrats To Make Soleimani ’ s Death The Newest Impeachable Offense

After holding the articles of impeachment hostage for several weeks, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled Friday that she would be sending them on to the Republican-led Senate “soon.”
The key players:
The White House response:
The hot takes:
Public response:
RELATED CONTENT:


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Trump Says He Will Use Executive Privilege To Prevent John Bolton Testimony

President Donald Trump said in a new interview on Fox News ’ “ The Ingraham Angle ” that he would use executive privilege to prevent former White House aide John Bolton from testifying in an impeachment trial .
“ Why not call Bolton ?
Why not allow him to testify ?
This thing is bogus .
Why not allow Bolton to testify ?
” Fox News ’ Laura Ingraham asked in a recent interview set to air 10 PM Friday .
“ No problem other than one thing , ” Trump said .
“ You can ’ t be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ m talking about future…any future presidents- and have a security advisor , anybody having to do with security , and legal and other things but especially… ” ( RELATED : Tucker Takes Aim At ‘ Bureaucratic Tapeworm ’ John Bolton For Fomenting War With Iran ) “ Are you going to invoke executive privilege ?
” Ingraham said .
“ Well I think you have to for the sake of the office , ” the president responded .
Bolton ‘ s possible testimony in the impeachment trial of Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the probe was opened by Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi in this fall .
( RELATED : Bolton Contradicts Trump On Syria Withdrawal ) The former UN ambassador said in a statement this week that he was “ prepared to testify ” if he was subpoenaed in a Senate trail .
( RELATED : NBC News Legal Analyst : John Bolton Needs To ‘ Woman Up ’ And Testify In Impeachment Hearing ) Bolton has made a number of cryptic comments since getting fired from the White House , such as saying in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security priorities is under attack from within.
” ( RELATED : Tucker Carlson Blasts Neocon ‘ Non-Geniuses Like Max Boot And John Bolton , ’ Makes The Case Against War With Iran )

President Donald Trump said in a new interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” that he would use executive privilege to prevent former White House aide John Bolton from testifying in an impeachment trial.
“Why not call Bolton? Why not allow him to testify? This thing is bogus. Why not allow Bolton to testify?” Fox News’ Laura Ingraham asked in a recent interview set to air 10 PM Friday.
“No problem other than one thing,” Trump said. “You can’t be in the White House as president, future, I’m talking about future…any future presidents- and have a security advisor, anybody having to do with security, and legal and other things but especially…” (RELATED: Tucker Takes Aim At ‘Bureaucratic Tapeworm’ John Bolton For Fomenting War With Iran)
“Are you going to invoke executive privilege?” Ingraham said.
“Well I think you have to for the sake of the office,” the president responded.
Bolton‘s possible testimony in the impeachment trial of Trump has become the subject of much scrutiny since the probe was opened by Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi in this fall. (RELATED: Bolton Contradicts Trump On Syria Withdrawal)
The former UN ambassador said in a statement this week that he was “prepared to testify” if he was subpoenaed in a Senate trail. (RELATED: NBC News Legal Analyst: John Bolton Needs To ‘Woman Up’ And Testify In Impeachment Hearing)
Bolton has made a number of cryptic comments since getting fired from the White House, such as saying in November that America’s “national security priorities is under attack from within.” (RELATED: Tucker Carlson Blasts Neocon ‘Non-Geniuses Like Max Boot And John Bolton,’ Makes The Case Against War With Iran)


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Florida Man Gets 90 Days In Prison For Spitting On 67-Year-Old Man Wearing MAGA Hat

A Florida resident was sentenced to 90 days in prison Thursday after he spit on a 67-year-old man wearing a “ Make America Great Again ” hat in October .
Matthias Ajple , 43 , was charged with battery after spitting on Robert Youngblood , The Palm Beach Post reported .
Video footage shows Ajple putting what looks like a paper towel on top of Youngblood , who was wearing a MAGA hat .
“ I was just trying to protect you guys because I support law enforcement , ” Ajple told the deputy according to the report .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t even care that I ’ m going to jail .
This is actually exciting.
” “ Plus , I have more time on this earth than he does anyway .
He probably feels so good about himself.
” Ajple added .
( RELATED : Palo Alto Woman Fired After She Screams At And Doxxes Old Man In MAGA Hat ) Ajple told Youngblood to “ go back to Russia ” before calling him a communist , according to the 67-year-old .
The 43-year-old then slapped the MAGA hat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the assault took place .
Youngblood wrote down the license plate number of the car Ajple left in , which is how deputies found the man .
Ajple will have to pay Youngblood $ 155 , pay all court costs and avoid contact with Youngblood .
This is in addition to the 90 days in jail .
A deputy spoke with Ajple ’ s wife at the address , who said she told her husband to go up to Youngblood and tell him to “ go back to Russia , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not witness the altercation .

A Florida resident was sentenced to 90 days in prison Thursday after he spit on a 67-year-old man wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat in October.
Matthias Ajple, 43, was charged with battery after spitting on Robert Youngblood, The Palm Beach Post reported. Video footage shows Ajple putting what looks like a paper towel on top of Youngblood, who was wearing a MAGA hat.
“I was just trying to protect you guys because I support law enforcement,” Ajple told the deputy according to the report. “Trump supporters are communist and racist. I don’t even care that I’m going to jail. This is actually exciting.”
“Plus, I have more time on this earth than he does anyway. He probably feels so good about himself.” Ajple added. (RELATED: Palo Alto Woman Fired After She Screams At And Doxxes Old Man In MAGA Hat)
Ajple told Youngblood to “go back to Russia” before calling him a communist, according to the 67-year-old. The 43-year-old then slapped the MAGA hat and spit on Youngblood before leaving the restaurant where the assault took place.
Youngblood wrote down the license plate number of the car Ajple left in, which is how deputies found the man.
Ajple will have to pay Youngblood $155, pay all court costs and avoid contact with Youngblood. This is in addition to the 90 days in jail.
A deputy spoke with Ajple’s wife at the address, who said she told her husband to go up to Youngblood and tell him to “go back to Russia,” the report said. She told deputies she did not witness the altercation.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Video Of US Firefighters Receiving Hero’s Welcome In Australia To Help Battle Fires Will Make You Ch

Video Of US Firefighters Receiving Hero’s Welcome In Australia To Help Battle Fires Will Make You Cheer

Firefighters from all over the United States arrived in Australia to help battle the devastating brush fires and were greeted at the airport with a hero ’ s welcome .
In an awesome video that surfaced online , we see the numerous firefighters walking off the plane at Sydney ’ s International airport and hear the loud cheers and clapping from travelers in the country .
The video was shared by CNN in a piece published Thursday .
Check it out !
( RELATED : Here ’ s A Glorious Video Of Matthew Stafford Throwing 56 Touchdowns To Calvin Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sydney Int Airport this week , on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria , ” a tweet read from Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service , along with a video of the awesome moment .
( RELATED : Patrick Mahomes Puts On Unreal Passing Display During Training Camp ) “ Coming through , all gathered gave a spontaneous [ and ] lengthy round of applause , reflecting the gratitude [ and ] admiration we all have for their generosity , ” he added , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firefighter ’ s wives , Autumn Snyder , told the outlet how “ refreshing and gratifying ” it was to see “ them be welcomed and appreciated.
” The fires in the country have been burning now for more than a month , wiping out more than 17.9 million acres , killing 27 people and have left another half a billion animals dead .
Truly , one more wonderful example of America ’ s greatness .
USA , USA , USA !

Firefighters from all over the United States arrived in Australia to help battle the devastating brush fires and were greeted at the airport with a hero’s welcome.
In an awesome video that surfaced online, we see the numerous firefighters walking off the plane at Sydney’s International airport and hear the loud cheers and clapping from travelers in the country. The video was shared by CNN in a piece published Thursday. Check it out! (RELATED: Here’s A Glorious Video Of Matthew Stafford Throwing 56 Touchdowns To Calvin Johnson)
WATCH:
US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria.
Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous & lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude & admiration we all have for their generosity. #NSWRFS @NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/5epg5y4qxX — Shane Fitzsimmons (@RFSCommissioner) January 9, 2020
“US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria,” a tweet read from Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, along with a video of the awesome moment. (RELATED: Patrick Mahomes Puts On Unreal Passing Display During Training Camp)
“Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous [and] lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude [and] admiration we all have for their generosity,” he added, “#NSWRFS @NSWRFS.”
One of the firefighter’s wives, Autumn Snyder, told the outlet how “refreshing and gratifying” it was to see “them be welcomed and appreciated.”
The fires in the country have been burning now for more than a month, wiping out more than 17.9 million acres, killing 27 people and have left another half a billion animals dead.
Truly, one more wonderful example of America’s greatness. USA, USA, USA!


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Daniel Radcliffe Was Once Mistaken For A Homeless Man In New York City

Actor Daniel Radcliffe claimed he once was mistaken for a homeless man while out in New York City .
Radcliffe , who is most known for his role as Harry Potter , appeared in Friday ’ s episode of “ The Graham Norton Show , ” according to a report published by Entertainment Tonight .
“ It ’ s weird and funny , with some very odd moments , ” Radcliffe said of being recognized everywhere he goes .
Even though he is recognized most of the time , sometimes he isn ’ t .
“ I was in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was in a shop , I was outside with our adopted dog , ” he recalled of a time he was not recognized .
“ It was very cold , and I had on a hoodie , a fleece and then a big coat over the top.
” ( RELATED : Daniel Radcliffe Says Tom Brady Shouldn ’ t Retire , Should Take MAGA Hat Out Of His Locker ) “ Because it was so cold , I knelt down to warm the dog and I saw this guy looking at me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Radcliffe continued .
“ But then he came back and handed me five dollars and said , ‘ Get yourself a coffee mate.
’ Apparently , I need to shave more often !
” I ’ m not sure how you could not recognize Radcliffe .
He was iconic as Harry Potter .
I guess he should just walk around with the lightning scar above his eye if he ’ d like to be recognized more .

Actor Daniel Radcliffe claimed he once was mistaken for a homeless man while out in New York City.
Radcliffe, who is most known for his role as Harry Potter, appeared in Friday’s episode of “The Graham Norton Show,” according to a report published by Entertainment Tonight.
“It’s weird and funny, with some very odd moments,” Radcliffe said of being recognized everywhere he goes.
Even though he is recognized most of the time, sometimes he isn’t.
“I was in New York recently with my girlfriend and while she was in a shop, I was outside with our adopted dog,” he recalled of a time he was not recognized. “It was very cold, and I had on a hoodie, a fleece and then a big coat over the top.” (RELATED: Daniel Radcliffe Says Tom Brady Shouldn’t Retire, Should Take MAGA Hat Out Of His Locker)
“Because it was so cold, I knelt down to warm the dog and I saw this guy looking at me and then he walked past me,” Radcliffe continued. “But then he came back and handed me five dollars and said, ‘Get yourself a coffee mate.’ Apparently, I need to shave more often!”


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--MARTIN: From Lois Lerner To The FBI, Bureaucrats Blame ‘Incompetence’ When They Target Conservatives

Almost lost in the impeachment news is the documented and now impossible-to-refute revelation that Donald Trump , as a candidate for president , was on the receiving end of abusive government targeting and spying — both tactics more at home in totalitarian regimes than in a free society .
According to the Justice Department Inspector General report , officials within the Obama administration manipulated the evidence to launch a federal investigation of the Trump campaign and , yes , even spy on the campaign .
In seeking a warrant to surveil the campaign , the FBI showed up to federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) provisions for surveillance , under the pretext of some national security concern .
Michael Horowitz , the inspector general of the Justice Department , testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that his investigation unearthed only “ basic and fundamental ” errors , but no political bias as the root cause of the falsified evidence and abusive behavior of the FBI towards then-candidate Donald Trump .
Horowitz blamed entrenched incompetence at the FBI in his attempt to assuage reasonable Americans ’ concerns that the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political opponent ’ s campaign .
Horowitz acknowledged , “ Errors were made by three separate , hand-picked investigative teams.
” So , we should rest easy now because what looked like intentional tampering and falsifying of evidence and a coordinated political attack was really just bureaucratic incompetence ?
Where have we seen this before ?
The government ’ s relentless pursuit of Trump and its response once caught are now easily recognizable as something akin to Washington elites ’ playbook .
The tea party , no stranger to the government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has noted the similarities between what the Obama administration did to the Trump campaign and what it did , repeatedly , to conservatives .
It was , after all , Obama ’ s IRS that systematically targeted conservatives and right-of-center groups , singling them out for audits , investigations , and other forms of harassment .
The IRS during this time also engaged in a years-long profiling program of conservative organizations , blocking their applications for non-profit status , and effectively silencing those groups and sidelining them from political and policy engagement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ promptly blamed the incompetence of lower-level “ front-line people ” in the Cincinnati “ Determinations Office ” of the agency .
Low-level incompetence is a go-to excuse that masks everything from political bias to violating individuals ’ basic Constitutional rights .
No wonder it ’ s the preferred justification for government abuse .
In both cases , the end goal was the same — to sideline those viewed as political opponents .
From 2010 to 2013 , countless tea party groups and individuals aligned with conservative causes , including working to repeal Obamacare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully or petition the government as a group .
The targeting of Donald Trump had a similar aim — not just to block one candidate from office , but , in a larger sense , to continue silencing many of those same conservatives who were tired of Washington ’ s status quo .
Both the tea party movement and the popularity of Donald Trump revealed the extent to which everyday Americans were ready to disrupt business as usual in Washington and challenge the status quo .
These two political movements both aimed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principle of a government by the people , working for the people .
And it was precisely for those reasons — for the threat the tea party and Donald Trump posed to the Washington elites — that the government swiftly took action to shut down and sideline us .
The government ’ s agenda here is a marked departure from the type of representative government our founders envisioned .
The two scandals , and the utter inability of the government , once caught , to take responsibility for wrongdoing or appropriately address the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Madison observed in Federalist 51 .
Given that humans are imperfect ( and not angels ) , government is a necessity for society .
But government , being comprised of imperfect men , must be obliged to control itself .
What we see today is a government unable , and increasingly unwilling , to control itself .
A simple definition of tyranny may be when the government exists for , and is directed by , the ruling elites , acting on their own agenda .
When one considers the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence , spying on fellow citizens , and using the investigative agencies to harass political opponents — one can be forgiven for thinking immediately of the Soviet government at the height of its repressions .
The tea party predicted that if the government , including the individual officials , were not held accountable for its wrongdoing in the IRS targeting scandal , it would not only be free to do something similar in the future , but would actually be emboldened to do so .
It turns out we were exactly right .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is chairman of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund .
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of The Daily Caller .

Almost lost in the impeachment news is the documented and now impossible-to-refute revelation that Donald Trump, as a candidate for president, was on the receiving end of abusive government targeting and spying — both tactics more at home in totalitarian regimes than in a free society.
According to the Justice Department Inspector General report, officials within the Obama administration manipulated the evidence to launch a federal investigation of the Trump campaign and, yes, even spy on the campaign. In seeking a warrant to surveil the campaign, the FBI showed up to federal court with falsified documents and made use of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) provisions for surveillance, under the pretext of some national security concern.
Michael Horowitz, the inspector general of the Justice Department, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that his investigation unearthed only “basic and fundamental” errors, but no political bias as the root cause of the falsified evidence and abusive behavior of the FBI towards then-candidate Donald Trump.
Horowitz blamed entrenched incompetence at the FBI in his attempt to assuage reasonable Americans’ concerns that the United States government engaged in illegal activities to destroy a political opponent’s campaign. Horowitz acknowledged, “Errors were made by three separate, hand-picked investigative teams.” So, we should rest easy now because what looked like intentional tampering and falsifying of evidence and a coordinated political attack was really just bureaucratic incompetence?
Where have we seen this before?
The government’s relentless pursuit of Trump and its response once caught are now easily recognizable as something akin to Washington elites’ playbook.
The tea party, no stranger to the government’s extreme abuse and targeting techniques, has noted the similarities between what the Obama administration did to the Trump campaign and what it did, repeatedly, to conservatives.
It was, after all, Obama’s IRS that systematically targeted conservatives and right-of-center groups, singling them out for audits, investigations, and other forms of harassment. The IRS during this time also engaged in a years-long profiling program of conservative organizations, blocking their applications for non-profit status, and effectively silencing those groups and sidelining them from political and policy engagement.
When caught, the IRS apologized and promptly blamed the incompetence of lower-level “front-line people” in the Cincinnati “Determinations Office” of the agency. Low-level incompetence is a go-to excuse that masks everything from political bias to violating individuals’ basic Constitutional rights. No wonder it’s the preferred justification for government abuse.
In both cases, the end goal was the same — to sideline those viewed as political opponents. From 2010 to 2013, countless tea party groups and individuals aligned with conservative causes, including working to repeal Obamacare, were silenced and unable to participate fully or petition the government as a group. The targeting of Donald Trump had a similar aim — not just to block one candidate from office, but, in a larger sense, to continue silencing many of those same conservatives who were tired of Washington’s status quo.
Both the tea party movement and the popularity of Donald Trump revealed the extent to which everyday Americans were ready to disrupt business as usual in Washington and challenge the status quo. These two political movements both aimed to increase government accountability and restore the founding principle of a government by the people, working for the people. And it was precisely for those reasons — for the threat the tea party and Donald Trump posed to the Washington elites — that the government swiftly took action to shut down and sideline us.
The government’s agenda here is a marked departure from the type of representative government our founders envisioned. The two scandals, and the utter inability of the government, once caught, to take responsibility for wrongdoing or appropriately address the wrongs, remind us of the paradox James Madison observed in Federalist 51. Given that humans are imperfect (and not angels), government is a necessity for society. But government, being comprised of imperfect men, must be obliged to control itself. What we see today is a government unable, and increasingly unwilling, to control itself.
A simple definition of tyranny may be when the government exists for, and is directed by, the ruling elites, acting on their own agenda. When one considers the government’s actions — keeping enemies lists, falsifying evidence, spying on fellow citizens, and using the investigative agencies to harass political opponents — one can be forgiven for thinking immediately of the Soviet government at the height of its repressions.
The tea party predicted that if the government, including the individual officials, were not held accountable for its wrongdoing in the IRS targeting scandal, it would not only be free to do something similar in the future, but would actually be emboldened to do so.
It turns out we were exactly right.
Jenny Beth Martin (@JennyBethM) is chairman of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of The Daily Caller.


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Terrence Williams On How To Improve Public Discourse

Political comedian Terrence Williams says he ’ s very concerned about the political division happening in our country right now @ @ @ @ @ came up with a list of actions that he thinks will dramatically help improve our @ @ @ @ @ been dubbed as President Donald Trump ’ s favorite comedian and he even briefly shared @ @ @ @ @ during the Young Black Leadership Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the White House @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ I ’ ve Been Called A Nazi ’ : Black Conservatives Open Up @ @ @ @ @ From The Left For Supporting Trump . )
In this video Williams offers a lot @ @ @ @ @ more fried chicken to “ minding your own business ” — hey , I guess @ @ @ @ @ until you try it right ?
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are @ @ @ @ @ do not reflect the official position of The Daily Caller .
Check out TheDC ’ @ @ @ @ @ to our YouTube channel to avoid missing out .

Political comedian Terrence Williams says he’s very concerned about the political division happening in our country right now, so much so he came up with a list of actions that he thinks will dramatically help improve our public discourse.
Williams has been dubbed as President Donald Trump’s favorite comedian and he even briefly shared the stage with the president during the Young Black Leadership Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the White House in October. (RELATED: ‘I’ve Been Called A Nazi’: Black Conservatives Open Up About The Hate They Receive From The Left For Supporting Trump.)
In this video Williams offers a lot of hilarious advice from eating more fried chicken to “minding your own business”— hey, I guess you don’t know until you try it right?
WATCH:


thedailycaller--2020-01-10--Texas Won’t Accept Refugees, Greg Abbott Letter Confirms

Republican Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott announced Friday that his state will not accept refugees in a letter obtained by the Daily Caller .
The Trump administration has given states the option to opt out of a refugee resettlement program , but Texas is the first state to announce they will not participate in the program .
18 Republican governors have already opted into the program .
( RELATED : The Four Ways Washington Can Fix America ’ s Immigration Crisis ) The governor praised his state ’ s history of accepting refugees , but said that he does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing the current immigration crisis .
( RELATED : Dick Durbin Stalls Landmark Immigration Bill , But Won ’ t Explain Why .
Critics Say Its To Keep Republicans From Getting A Win ) “ Texas is one of the most welcoming states for refugees seeking to escape dangers abroad , ” Abbott wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
“ In addition to accepting refugees all these years , Texas has been left by Congress to deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here , including refugees , migrants , and the homeless , ” Abbott wrote .
“ As a result , Texas can not consent to initial refugee resettlement for FY2020 .
This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States .
Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state .
”

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that his state will not accept refugees in a letter obtained by the Daily Caller.
The Trump administration has given states the option to opt out of a refugee resettlement program, but Texas is the first state to announce they will not participate in the program. 18 Republican governors have already opted into the program. (RELATED: The Four Ways Washington Can Fix America’s Immigration Crisis)
The governor praised his state’s history of accepting refugees, but said that he does not feel Texas should participate in the program, citing the current immigration crisis. (RELATED: Dick Durbin Stalls Landmark Immigration Bill, But Won’t Explain Why. Critics Say Its To Keep Republicans From Getting A Win)
“Texas is one of the most welcoming states for refugees seeking to escape dangers abroad,” Abbott wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “In addition to accepting refugees all these years, Texas has been left by Congress to deal with disproportionate migration issues resulting from a broken federal immigration system.”
“At this time, the state and non-profit organizations have a responsibility to dedicate available resources to those who are already here, including refugees, migrants, and the homeless,” Abbott wrote. “As a result, Texas cannot consent to initial refugee resettlement for FY2020. This decision does not deny any refugee access to the United States. Nor does it preclude a refugee from later coming to Texas after initially settling in another state.”


thedailycaller--2020-01-11--Harvey Weinstein’s Attorney Says It Can Be ‘Dangerous To Believe All Women’

Harvey Weinstein ’ s attorney said Friday that it can be dangerous to “ believe all women.
” Donna Rotunno , who is representing the disgraced Hollywood producer , told Fox News host Martha MacCallum that she believed the evidence would clear her client and that the jurors would be surprised by the evidence that eventually came out .
Rotunno explained that , while she couldn ’ t give specific details about an ongoing case , she believed that the cases she was handling were more like buyer ’ s remorse on the part of the women than something nefarious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You have to talk about this in a general sense because the judge is not allowed to talk about specific witnesses in this case , but when I do think that when a woman makes a choice to put herself in a circumstance , it doesn ’ t mean that she deserves what happens if she does something that ’ s not consensual , but we believe in these circumstances they are consensual .
If you enter into a consensual circumstance and later change your mind , that ’ s where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Has Harvey Weinstein convinced you that he is innocent of these two cases that you are doing for him ?
” MacCallum asked .
Rotunno said , “ Absolutely , and it ’ s not about what Harvey has to convince me of , it ’ s about what the evidence has convinced me of.
” MacCallum pressed again , asking whether Rotunno would still represent Weinstein if she were not so convinced of his innocence .
“ If you were not convinced — you say that everyone deserves a defense .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would you still represent him ?
” “ I absolutely would represent him because as you said I believe everybody has a right to a defense , ” Rotunno responded .
“ In this circumstance , I absolutely believe that Harvey Weinstein is not a rapist and I believe that he did not rape the two women accusing him.
” ( RELATED : Actress Rose McGowan Gives Searing Speech Ahead Of Harvey Weinstein Rape Trial ) “ Are you saying that they should have known or are complicit in these attacks ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the dynamic and they knew they were walking into ?
” “ No , ” Rotunno replied , adding that the women in question each had a previous relationship with Weinstein and suggesting that the story was not quite as simple as it had been made out to be .
“ I think the jurors will be surprised when they hear the evidence , especially given all the media coverage , ” she added .
“ When you work with someone you ’ re in a different situation than if you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s different than working with them and I think it ’ s also different when you want to work for someone or you want something they can offer you .
This is not a situation at least in the case that I ’ m handling where they were working in an office with Mr. Weinstein .
These are women who have had a relationship with Mr. Weinstein.
” “ You say it ’ s transactional on their part ?
” MacCallum asked .
MacCallum then brought up the “ believe all women ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MeToo movement .
“ A lot of people say believe all women .
Do you believe any women ?
” “ I believe women when I believe the facts and evidence support their cases , ” Rotunno explained , adding , “ But I think it ’ s very dangerous to believe all women without looking at the back story , the rest of the evidence.
” Rotunno concluded by saying that she believed the trial would show that the women who accused Weinstein may have only told part of the story , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave out would be “ very telling .
”

Harvey Weinstein’s attorney said Friday that it can be dangerous to “believe all women.”
Donna Rotunno, who is representing the disgraced Hollywood producer, told Fox News host Martha MacCallum that she believed the evidence would clear her client and that the jurors would be surprised by the evidence that eventually came out.
WATCH:
Rotunno explained that, while she couldn’t give specific details about an ongoing case, she believed that the cases she was handling were more like buyer’s remorse on the part of the women than something nefarious on the part of her client.
“You have to talk about this in a general sense because the judge is not allowed to talk about specific witnesses in this case, but when I do think that when a woman makes a choice to put herself in a circumstance, it doesn’t mean that she deserves what happens if she does something that’s not consensual, but we believe in these circumstances they are consensual. If you enter into a consensual circumstance and later change your mind, that’s where they are,” she said.
“Has Harvey Weinstein convinced you that he is innocent of these two cases that you are doing for him?” MacCallum asked.
Rotunno said, “Absolutely, and it’s not about what Harvey has to convince me of, it’s about what the evidence has convinced me of.”
MacCallum pressed again, asking whether Rotunno would still represent Weinstein if she were not so convinced of his innocence. “If you were not convinced — you say that everyone deserves a defense. If you were not convinced he was innocent, would you still represent him?”
“I absolutely would represent him because as you said I believe everybody has a right to a defense,” Rotunno responded. “In this circumstance, I absolutely believe that Harvey Weinstein is not a rapist and I believe that he did not rape the two women accusing him.” (RELATED: Actress Rose McGowan Gives Searing Speech Ahead Of Harvey Weinstein Rape Trial)
“Are you saying that they should have known or are complicit in these attacks?” MacCallum asked. “That’s the dynamic and they knew they were walking into?”
“No,” Rotunno replied, adding that the women in question each had a previous relationship with Weinstein and suggesting that the story was not quite as simple as it had been made out to be.
“I think the jurors will be surprised when they hear the evidence, especially given all the media coverage,” she added. “When you work with someone you’re in a different situation than if you have a relationship with someone. That’s different than working with them and I think it’s also different when you want to work for someone or you want something they can offer you. This is not a situation at least in the case that I’m handling where they were working in an office with Mr. Weinstein. These are women who have had a relationship with Mr. Weinstein.”
“You say it’s transactional on their part?” MacCallum asked.
“Correct,” Rotunno agreed.
MacCallum then brought up the “believe all women” mantra that was inspired by the #MeToo movement. “A lot of people say believe all women. Do you believe any women?”
“I believe women when I believe the facts and evidence support their cases,” Rotunno explained, adding, “But I think it’s very dangerous to believe all women without looking at the back story, the rest of the evidence.”
Rotunno concluded by saying that she believed the trial would show that the women who accused Weinstein may have only told part of the story, saying that the things they had decided to leave out would be “very telling.”


thedailycaller--2020-01-11--Iranian Military Apologizes For Shooting Down Ukraine-Bound Flight, Cites ‘Human Error’: Report

The Iranian military apologized Friday for shooting down a commercial airliner bound for Ukraine , and blamed “ human error ” for launching the missile that took down the airplane , according to Iranian state media .
“ The plane was accidentally hit by a human error , which unfortunately results in the martyrdom of dear compatriots and the death of a number of foreign nationals , ” the military ’ s general staff said in a statement published by the Islamic Republican News Agency .
The statement is a reversal from the Iranian government ’ s claim Wednesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crashed due to mechanical failure .
U.S. officials disputed that claim , and said intelligence showed that Iran fired Russia-made missiles that took down the plane , killing all 176 people aboard .
The plane was hit early Wednesday local time near Tehran , shortly after the Iranian military fired ballistic missiles at an Iraqi military base that houses American troops .
( RELATED : Reports : Downed Ukraine-Bound Flight Was Taken Down By Iranian Anti-Aircraft Missiles ) The Iranian military in its statement attributed the “ human error ” to the chaotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iraqi base .
There were no casualties from the attack .
“ In the hours after the missile strikes , US terrorist forces ’ warplanes around the country increased , and some reports of air strikes targeting strategic centers in the country were reported to numerous defense units and targets on some radar plates .
It has caused more sensitivity in air defense units , ” the statement said .
The military said after the airliner departed Khomeini airport in Tehran , it flew “ in close proximity ” to a military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corps .
The statement said the airplane was “ in the height and shape of a hostile aircraft.
” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The Iranian military apologized Friday for shooting down a commercial airliner bound for Ukraine, and blamed “human error” for launching the missile that took down the airplane, according to Iranian state media.
“The plane was accidentally hit by a human error, which unfortunately results in the martyrdom of dear compatriots and the death of a number of foreign nationals,” the military’s general staff said in a statement published by the Islamic Republican News Agency.
The statement is a reversal from the Iranian government’s claim Wednesday that the plane, a Boeing 737, crashed due to mechanical failure.
U.S. officials disputed that claim, and said intelligence showed that Iran fired Russia-made missiles that took down the plane, killing all 176 people aboard.
The plane was hit early Wednesday local time near Tehran, shortly after the Iranian military fired ballistic missiles at an Iraqi military base that houses American troops. (RELATED: Reports: Downed Ukraine-Bound Flight Was Taken Down By Iranian Anti-Aircraft Missiles)
The Iranian military in its statement attributed the “human error” to the chaotic scene following the Iranian missile attack on the Iraqi base. There were no casualties from the attack.
“In the hours after the missile strikes, US terrorist forces’ warplanes around the country increased, and some reports of air strikes targeting strategic centers in the country were reported to numerous defense units and targets on some radar plates. It has caused more sensitivity in air defense units,” the statement said.
The military said after the airliner departed Khomeini airport in Tehran, it flew “in close proximity” to a military installation for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. The statement said the airplane was “in the height and shape of a hostile aircraft.”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-01-11--‘Why Not Use This Opportunity To Say We’re Done?’ — Laura Ingraham Presses Trump On Leaving Iraq For

‘Why Not Use This Opportunity To Say We’re Done?’ — Laura Ingraham Presses Trump On Leaving Iraq For Good

Fox News host Laura Ingraham pressed President Donald Trump about whether it ’ s time to pull U.S. troops from Iraq .
During an Oval Office interview that aired on “ The Ingraham Angle ” Friday night , Ingraham brought up Iraq ’ s stated desire for a U.S. troop withdrawal as well as a campaign promise the president ran on in 2016 : “ The Iraqi Prime Minister has notified Mike Pompeo about potential plans , drawing up plans for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq period .
You ran on pulling out of the Middle East , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not use this opportunity to say we ’ re done ?
” “ I ’ m OK.
I ’ m OK with it , ” Trump said .
“ By the way , listen … ” “ You ’ re OK with removing our troops from Iraq … pulling out of the Middle East ?
” Ingraham asked .
“ That ’ s what they say publicly , ” Trump said .
“ They don ’ t say that privately .
Because if we leave , that means they ’ re not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RELATED : Tucker Carlson Lets Trump In 2007 Make The Case For Why It ’ s Time To Leave Iraq ) “ I ’ m not so bad with it , ” Trump responded before noting that he has brought down troop levels and that the troops there are there to train Iraqi forces .
“ But if they want us to leave — but they speak different publicly than they do privately.
” The Fox News host continued to press , commenting on the fact that more U.S. forces are headed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To which Trump responded that Saudi Arabia is “ paying us for it.
” “ They ’ ve already deposited $ 1 billion in the bank , ” he said .
“ We are going to help them , but these rich countries have to pay for it .
South Korea gave us $ 500 million.
” Trump told Ingraham later that Iraq should also pay , to which Ingraham asked : “ How are you going to collect ?
” “ Well , we have a lot of their money right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a lot of their money .
We have $ 35 billion of their money right now sitting in an account .
And I think they ’ ll agree to pay .
I think they ’ ll agree to pay .
Otherwise we ’ ll stay there .
”

Fox News host Laura Ingraham pressed President Donald Trump about whether it’s time to pull U.S. troops from Iraq.
During an Oval Office interview that aired on “The Ingraham Angle” Friday night, Ingraham brought up Iraq’s stated desire for a U.S. troop withdrawal as well as a campaign promise the president ran on in 2016:
“The Iraqi Prime Minister has notified Mike Pompeo about potential plans, drawing up plans for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq period. You ran on pulling out of the Middle East,” said the Fox News host. “Why not use this opportunity to say we’re done?”
“I’m OK. I’m OK with it,” Trump said. “By the way, listen …”
“You’re OK with removing our troops from Iraq … pulling out of the Middle East?” Ingraham asked.
“That’s what they say publicly,” Trump said. “They don’t say that privately. Because if we leave, that means they’re not going to be able to …” (RELATED: Tucker Carlson Lets Trump In 2007 Make The Case For Why It’s Time To Leave Iraq)
“But why not leave?” Ingraham pressed.
“I’m not so bad with it,” Trump responded before noting that he has brought down troop levels and that the troops there are there to train Iraqi forces. “But if they want us to leave — but they speak different publicly than they do privately.”
The Fox News host continued to press, commenting on the fact that more U.S. forces are headed to the country “as we speak.” To which Trump responded that Saudi Arabia is “paying us for it.”
“They’ve already deposited $1 billion in the bank,” he said. “We are going to help them, but these rich countries have to pay for it. South Korea gave us $500 million.”
Trump told Ingraham later that Iraq should also pay, to which Ingraham asked: “How are you going to collect?”
“Well, we have a lot of their money right now,” Trump said. “We have a lot of their money. We have $35 billion of their money right now sitting in an account. And I think they’ll agree to pay. I think they’ll agree to pay. Otherwise we’ll stay there.”