bipartisanreport--2020-05-15--Ex-Judge Who Took On Mob Comes Aboard Flynn Case

Although the Justice Department has moved to drop their charges against former Trump administration official and continued Trump ally Michael Flynn , the case is not over yet .
US District Judge Emmet Sullivan , who is handling Flynn ’ s case , still has to issue a final ruling on the Justice Department ’ s motion , it seems .
Now , he has appointed a famed former judge to serve as a “ friend of the court ” and develop arguments against the Justice Department ’ s attempt to let Flynn off the hook .
Over his more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years before that as a prosecutor , John Gleeson took on many high-profile cases , including those in which the defendants were members of organized crime — and now , he ’ s taking on the Trump team .
In the past , as a federal prosecutor , Gleeson successfully won a case against Gambino family crime boss John Gotti and numerous other mobsters .
Gleeson served as chief of the organized crime division of the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney ’ s office where he worked .
One former prosecutor who appeared in Gleeson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge told CNN that the then-judge demanded that prosecutors adhere “ to a standard that was super high in every way ” — which doesn ’ t sound good for the government prosecutors on Flynn ’ s side .
Prior to Sullivan ’ s decision to actually appoint Gleeson as a counsel for the court , the former judge had written alongside two other former Justice Department officials that he believed that the judge should take that exact step .
As they explained in a piece for The Washington Post : Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an argument against the Department of Justice ’ s effort to end the prosecution and will weigh whether Flynn should face a perjury charge for contradictory statements he has given the court.
” In other words , no matter the best efforts from loyal Trump shill and Attorney General Bill Barr , Flynn isn ’ t out of the woods just yet .
He could still face other charges over this debacle .
The basis for the Justice Department ’ s decision to move to drop Flynn ’ s case is flimsy at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was excessive from the start , but they do not appear to contest any of the case ’ s actual basic facts .
Flynn lied to federal investigators in an attempt to cover up his communications with the then-Russian Ambassador to the United States , and in the time since , Trump and his allies have routinely attempted to cast any effort to hold them accountable for their behavior as some kind of witch hunt .
It ’ s not .
This case is not the first in which Barr ’ s Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally .
Higher-ups also intervened to lower the government ’ s initial sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone , who was found guilty of a slew of obstruction of justice-related charges .

Although the Justice Department has moved to drop their charges against former Trump administration official and continued Trump ally Michael Flynn, the case is not over yet. US District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who is handling Flynn’s case, still has to issue a final ruling on the Justice Department’s motion, it seems. Now, he has appointed a famed former judge to serve as a “friend of the court” and develop arguments against the Justice Department’s attempt to let Flynn off the hook. Over his more than twenty years as a judge and years before that as a prosecutor, John Gleeson took on many high-profile cases, including those in which the defendants were members of organized crime — and now, he’s taking on the Trump team.
In the past, as a federal prosecutor, Gleeson successfully won a case against Gambino family crime boss John Gotti and numerous other mobsters. Gleeson served as chief of the organized crime division of the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s office where he worked. One former prosecutor who appeared in Gleeson’s courtroom once he became a judge told CNN that the then-judge demanded that prosecutors adhere “to a standard that was super high in every way” — which doesn’t sound good for the government prosecutors on Flynn’s side.
Prior to Sullivan’s decision to actually appoint Gleeson as a counsel for the court, the former judge had written alongside two other former Justice Department officials that he believed that the judge should take that exact step. As they explained in a piece for The Washington Post:
‘[If] prosecutors attempt to dismiss a well-founded prosecution for impermissible or corrupt reasons, the people would be ill-served if a court blindly approved their dismissal request. The independence of the court protects us all when executive-branch decisions smack of impropriety; it also protects the judiciary itself from becoming a party to corruption.’
Breaking via Politico: Judge Emmet Sullivan is signaling that he may pursue perjury or contempt charges against Michael Flynn. Sullivan is appointing former federal judge John Gleeson to advise the court on how to respond to the government's motion. https://t.co/EhMFXd6nWX — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) May 13, 2020
Now, CNN summarizes, Gleeson will “articulate an argument against the Department of Justice’s effort to end the prosecution and will weigh whether Flynn should face a perjury charge for contradictory statements he has given the court.” In other words, no matter the best efforts from loyal Trump shill and Attorney General Bill Barr, Flynn isn’t out of the woods just yet. He could still face other charges over this debacle.
Retired U.S. District Court Judge John Gleeson is a strong choice for the task assigned to him by Judge Emmett Sullivan. My prediction: Barr and Flynn will regret the lawless path they chose. https://t.co/RaA1o8K84v — Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) May 13, 2020
The basis for the Justice Department’s decision to move to drop Flynn’s case is flimsy at best. They insist that the case was excessive from the start, but they do not appear to contest any of the case’s actual basic facts. Flynn lied to federal investigators in an attempt to cover up his communications with the then-Russian Ambassador to the United States, and in the time since, Trump and his allies have routinely attempted to cast any effort to hold them accountable for their behavior as some kind of witch hunt. It’s not.
BREAKING: Judge SULLIVAN has appointed retired judge to argue against the government's motion to dismiss the charge against Flynn. pic.twitter.com/OUGyAbNcIB — Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) May 13, 2020
This case is not the first in which Barr’s Justice Department has intervened to help a Trump ally. Higher-ups also intervened to lower the government’s initial sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, who was found guilty of a slew of obstruction of justice-related charges.


bipartisanreport--2020-05-15--Major Medical Journal Releases Trump Anti-Endorsement

President Donald Trump ’ s response to the Coronavirus crisis has been an abject failure .
Amidst his delusional self-congratulations for a supposed job well done , tens of thousands of Americans have died and over 1.4 million have been infected with the virus .
Now , the editorial board of the esteemed medical journal The Lancet has issued rare political commentary , implicitly insisting that Trump must be removed in the upcoming November elections if there ’ s to be any hope of a systematic recovery for the public health system in the United States .
Trump has routinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inexperienced political advisers rather than science-based public health counsel .
Deriding “ the inconsistent and incoherent national response to the COVID-19 crisis , ” The Lancet wrote : ‘ The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , the flagship agency for the nation ’ s public health , has seen its role minimized and become an ineffective and nominal adviser in the response to contain the spread of the virus… .
The Trump administration ’ s further erosion of the CDC will harm global cooperation in science and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do by defunding WHO .
A strong CDC is needed to respond to public health threats , both domestic and international , and to help prevent the next inevitable pandemic .
Americans must put a president in the White House come January , 2021 , who will understand that public health should not be guided by partisan politics.
’ The CDC in particular has been largely sidelined by the Trump administration amidst the Coronavirus crisis .
As The Lancet notes , during the early days of the pandemic , the CDC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at press conferences of the White House Coronavirus task force after she issued grave warnings about the looming threats from the Coronavirus .
The Trump administration has also removed CDC officials from overseas public health cooperation positions via eliminating those posts entirely and , in the thick of the crisis , pushed CDC guidelines for safe reopening to the side .
Trump , on his own time , has dismissed the significance of the Coronavirus over and over .
As The Lancet notes : Most recently , the president has simply dismissed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been daily obsessing over a made-up scandal that he has named “ Obamagate , ” but he has failed to really explain what on earth that term actually means .
That sounds like projection from the president .
In fact , he ’ s making all of this up .
There is no grand scandal that demands attention while over 1,000 Americans continue to die each and every day due to the Coronaivirus .
Trump and his closest political allies seem completely ignorant of the actual gravity of the situation at @ @

President Donald Trump’s response to the Coronavirus crisis has been an abject failure. Amidst his delusional self-congratulations for a supposed job well done, tens of thousands of Americans have died and over 1.4 million have been infected with the virus. Now, the editorial board of the esteemed medical journal The Lancet has issued rare political commentary, implicitly insisting that Trump must be removed in the upcoming November elections if there’s to be any hope of a systematic recovery for the public health system in the United States. Trump has routinely opted to rely on nonsense predictions from inexperienced political advisers rather than science-based public health counsel.
Deriding “the inconsistent and incoherent national response to the COVID-19 crisis,” The Lancet wrote:
‘The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flagship agency for the nation’s public health, has seen its role minimized and become an ineffective and nominal adviser in the response to contain the spread of the virus…. The Trump administration’s further erosion of the CDC will harm global cooperation in science and public health, as it is trying to do by defunding WHO. A strong CDC is needed to respond to public health threats, both domestic and international, and to help prevent the next inevitable pandemic. Americans must put a president in the White House come January, 2021, who will understand that public health should not be guided by partisan politics.’
The CDC in particular has been largely sidelined by the Trump administration amidst the Coronavirus crisis. As The Lancet notes, during the early days of the pandemic, the CDC’s Dr. Nancy Messonnier no longer even appeared at press conferences of the White House Coronavirus task force after she issued grave warnings about the looming threats from the Coronavirus. The Trump administration has also removed CDC officials from overseas public health cooperation positions via eliminating those posts entirely and, in the thick of the crisis, pushed CDC guidelines for safe reopening to the side.
Trump, on his own time, has dismissed the significance of the Coronavirus over and over. As The Lancet notes:
‘The Administration is obsessed with magic bullets—vaccines, new medicines, or a hope that the virus will simply disappear.’
Most recently, the president has simply dismissed the significance of the virus altogether. He’s been daily obsessing over a made-up scandal that he has named “Obamagate,” but he has failed to really explain what on earth that term actually means.
On Friday morning, he glibly tweeted:
‘Thank you to @foxandfriends for covering, supremely, the greatest political scandal in the history of the United States, OBAMAGATE. Fake News @CNN and Concast’s own MSDNC are only trying to make their 3 year Con Job just go away. They are embarrassed and don’t know what to do’
Thank you to @foxandfriends for covering, supremely, the greatest political scandal in the history of the United States, OBAMAGATE. Fake News @CNN and Concast’s own MSDNC are only trying to make their 3 year Con Job just go away. They are embarrassed and don’t know what to do…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020
That sounds like projection from the president. In fact, he’s making all of this up. There is no grand scandal that demands attention while over 1,000 Americans continue to die each and every day due to the Coronaivirus. Trump and his closest political allies seem completely ignorant of the actual gravity of the situation at hand.


bipartisanreport--2020-05-15--Biden Says Hell No To Pardoning Trump Crimes

President Donald Trump has faced a steep amount of investigative scrutiny while in office .
During an interview that aired this week on MSNBC , former Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden insisted that if he is elected president , he would not pardon Trump or otherwise interfere in any investigations of Trump .
After President Richard Nixon resigned amidst the turmoil of the Watergate scandal , successor Gerald Ford , who had served as Nixon ’ s vice president , pardoned the former president , who saw many of his associates face criminal charges over Watergate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is entitled to do , to direct a prosecution or decide to drop a case .
It ’ s a dereliction of duty .
It ’ s hands off completely .
The attorney general is not the president ’ s lawyer .
It ’ s the people ’ s lawyer .
We never saw anything like the prostitution of that office like we see it today.
’ Recently , Trump-appointed Attorney General Bill Barr decided to drop the Justice Department ’ s case against Trump ally Michael Flynn , although Flynn brazenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted that , nevertheless , the case had supposedly constituted judicial overreach from the start , although none of that rhetoric changes the actual facts of Flynn ’ s attempt to cover up his communications with the then-Russian Ambassador .
Meanwhile , Biden has also been criticizing Trump for the incumbent president ’ s abject failures to keep the U.S. from falling into the Coronavirus crisis that it currently faces , with tens of thousands of deaths .
Biden , who has had to shift to online campaigning amidst the social distancing demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ As the economy continues to spiral downwards and unemployment soars to Great Depression-era levels , we can not ignore the hard truth : This crisis hit us harder and will take longer to recover from because of Donald Trump ’ s failures… The lives of tens of millions of Americans have been thrown into chaos through no fault of their own — and Donald Trump simply isn ’ t doing enough to help them… Donald Trump can deflect and shift blame all he wants , but the hard truth is he failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health and economic crisis in our lifetime.
’ Throughout the crisis , tens of millions of people have newly filed for unemployment benefits , and the unemployment rate has soared to the highest official level since the Great Depression .
The economy has been struggling according to other measures too — in April , amidst government demands for certain establishments to close , retail sales in the U.S. plummeted at a rate of over 16 percent .
Meanwhile , Trump has kept up with his delusional obsession over “ Obamagate.
” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grave scandal , but he ’ s completely failed to actually explain what the term means in terms of actual crimes .
He is delusional .
In a country that has experienced slavery , presidential assassinations , world wars , a civil war , and more , Trump thinks that his made-up allegations against his predecessor constitute the worst U.S. political scandal ever .

President Donald Trump has faced a steep amount of investigative scrutiny while in office. During an interview that aired this week on MSNBC, former Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden insisted that if he is elected president, he would not pardon Trump or otherwise interfere in any investigations of Trump. After President Richard Nixon resigned amidst the turmoil of the Watergate scandal, successor Gerald Ford, who had served as Nixon’s vice president, pardoned the former president, who saw many of his associates face criminal charges over Watergate.
Joe Biden says he would not pardon Donald Trump if elected and insisted any prosecutorial decisions would be left to a more independent Justice Dept.https://t.co/Beb2zaXuOL — MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 15, 2020
Biden, meanwhile, told MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell:
‘It is not something the president is entitled to do, to direct a prosecution or decide to drop a case. It’s a dereliction of duty. It’s hands off completely. The attorney general is not the president’s lawyer. It’s the people’s lawyer. We never saw anything like the prostitution of that office like we see it today.’
Recently, Trump-appointed Attorney General Bill Barr decided to drop the Justice Department’s case against Trump ally Michael Flynn, although Flynn brazenly admitted to lying to investigators. Barr insisted that, nevertheless, the case had supposedly constituted judicial overreach from the start, although none of that rhetoric changes the actual facts of Flynn’s attempt to cover up his communications with the then-Russian Ambassador.
Meanwhile, Biden has also been criticizing Trump for the incumbent president’s abject failures to keep the U.S. from falling into the Coronavirus crisis that it currently faces, with tens of thousands of deaths.
Biden, who has had to shift to online campaigning amidst the social distancing demands of the Coronavirus pandemic, tweeted:
‘As the economy continues to spiral downwards and unemployment soars to Great Depression-era levels, we cannot ignore the hard truth: This crisis hit us harder and will take longer to recover from because of Donald Trump’s failures… The lives of tens of millions of Americans have been thrown into chaos through no fault of their own — and Donald Trump simply isn’t doing enough to help them… Donald Trump can deflect and shift blame all he wants, but the hard truth is he failed to protect our nation from the worst public health and economic crisis in our lifetime.’
As the economy continues to spiral downwards and unemployment soars to Great Depression-era levels, we cannot ignore the hard truth: This crisis hit us harder and will take longer to recover from because of Donald Trump’s failures. https://t.co/PYVWy6yG2w — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 14, 2020
The lives of tens of millions of Americans have been thrown into chaos through no fault of their own — and Donald Trump simply isn't doing enough to help them. https://t.co/l9dIMOD2aK — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 14, 2020
Donald Trump can deflect and shift blame all he wants, but the hard truth is he failed to protect our nation from the worst public health and economic crisis in our lifetime. pic.twitter.com/5kHQnJrK2a — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 14, 2020
Throughout the crisis, tens of millions of people have newly filed for unemployment benefits, and the unemployment rate has soared to the highest official level since the Great Depression. The economy has been struggling according to other measures too — in April, amidst government demands for certain establishments to close, retail sales in the U.S. plummeted at a rate of over 16 percent.
U.S. retail sales fell 16.4% in April — setting a new record https://t.co/IJfW7sYsjW pic.twitter.com/ObGhLpXiJV — Bloomberg (@business) May 15, 2020
Meanwhile, Trump has kept up with his delusional obsession over “Obamagate.” Trump claims that Obamagate constitutes some kind of grave scandal, but he’s completely failed to actually explain what the term means in terms of actual crimes.
He tweeted:
‘Thank you to @foxandfriends for covering, supremely, the greatest political scandal in the history of the United States, OBAMAGATE… History is unfolding, and it is not a pretty picture for “journalism”’
He is delusional. In a country that has experienced slavery, presidential assassinations, world wars, a civil war, and more, Trump thinks that his made-up allegations against his predecessor constitute the worst U.S. political scandal ever.
….Likewise, the @nytimes and @washingtonpost are a disgrace to journalism. They are all Fake News, and they know it better than anyone else. History is unfolding, and it is not a pretty picture for “journalism”. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020


bipartisanreport--2020-05-15--Mob Of Trumpsters Harass Reporter At COVID Demonstration

President Donald Trump ’ s supporters are continuing their campaign to relentlessly harass those who they perceive as political opponents .
In line with that trend , at an anti-lockdown rally held recently on Long Island in New York , local news reporter Kevin Vesey captured video footage of a large group of angry Trump supporters harshly confronting him for supposedly peddling “ fake news.
” As should go without saying , the Trump supporters ’ allegations of some kind of media-driven conspiracy are delusional — but their virulent , threatening antagonism of a reporter over that reporter ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and very dangerous .
Trump has helped cultivate a sense of self-entitlement among his supporters , who behave as though any reality that they might happen to have some issue with is actually some grand conspiratorial plot against their liberty — or something .
It ’ s willful self-delusion , plain and simple .
In video footage that the reporter captured , angry Trump supporters call Vesey “ the virus ” and a “ traitor.
” None of those allegations have any connection to reality .
The reporter commented : Once the product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do came out , Vesey summarized : This behavior from these emboldened Trump shills is not occurring in a vacuum .
With his relentless antagonism of members of the media on the basis of them simply reporting facts that he doesn ’ t like , Trump has opened the door for this kind of threatening behavior from his supporters .
Reporters have frequently been harassed at pro-Trump political events throughout the years of the president ’ s time in office .
The president ’ s team apparently wants the freedom to operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideals of “ greatness.
” ‘ Funny : I was about as hardcore MAGA as one can get in 2015/2016 ( yes , before all the bandwagon jumping opportunists ) and the media was always respectful to us .
Most TV anchors and outlet reporters seemed to genuine want to listen to me .
This level of hate is completely one-sided ’ Do these anti-lockdown protesters think that the death tolls are made up ?
Do they simply not care ?
Tens of thousands of Americans have died .
In New York alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , over 27,000 people have died due to the Coronavirus , and over 355,000 people have been infected .
Those are staggering totals , but these Trump supporters are still out here with their belligerent and ignorant anger anyway .

President Donald Trump’s supporters are continuing their campaign to relentlessly harass those who they perceive as political opponents. In line with that trend, at an anti-lockdown rally held recently on Long Island in New York, local news reporter Kevin Vesey captured video footage of a large group of angry Trump supporters harshly confronting him for supposedly peddling “fake news.” As should go without saying, the Trump supporters’ allegations of some kind of media-driven conspiracy are delusional — but their virulent, threatening antagonism of a reporter over that reporter’s adherence to basic reality is very real and very dangerous.
Trump has helped cultivate a sense of self-entitlement among his supporters, who behave as though any reality that they might happen to have some issue with is actually some grand conspiratorial plot against their liberty — or something. It’s willful self-delusion, plain and simple.
In video footage that the reporter captured, angry Trump supporters call Vesey “the virus” and a “traitor.” None of those allegations have any connection to reality. The reporter commented:
‘The level of anger directed at the media from these protestors was alarming. As always, I will tell a fair and unbiased story today.’
The level of anger directed at the media from these protestors was alarming. As always, I will tell a fair and unbiased story today. pic.twitter.com/5jCR0YY9VH — Kevin Vesey (@KevinVesey) May 14, 2020
Once the product of his reporting that he was there to do came out, Vesey summarized:
‘I’ll probably never forget what happened today. I was insulted. I was berated. I was practically chased by people who refused to wear masks in the middle of a pandemic. All the while, I was there to tell THEIR story.’
Watch below:
I'll probably never forget what happened today.
I was insulted. I was berated. I was practically chased by people who refused to wear masks in the middle of a pandemic.
All the while, I was there to tell THEIR story. Here's the finished product. pic.twitter.com/HV2Hrcs7gi — Kevin Vesey (@KevinVesey) May 14, 2020
This behavior from these emboldened Trump shills is not occurring in a vacuum. With his relentless antagonism of members of the media on the basis of them simply reporting facts that he doesn’t like, Trump has opened the door for this kind of threatening behavior from his supporters. Reporters have frequently been harassed at pro-Trump political events throughout the years of the president’s time in office. The president’s team apparently wants the freedom to operate untethered from reality and implement their personal ideals of “greatness.”
One former Trump adviser, A.J. Delgado, observed:
‘Funny: I was about as hardcore MAGA as one can get in 2015/2016 (yes, before all the bandwagon jumping opportunists) and the media was always respectful to us. Most TV anchors and outlet reporters seemed to genuine want to listen to me. This level of hate is completely one-sided’
Funny: I was about as hardcore MAGA as one can get in 2015/2016 (yes, before all the bandwagon jumping opportunists) and the media was always respectful to us. Most TV anchors and outlet reporters seemed to genuine want to listen to me. This level of hate is completely one-sided https://t.co/PfWHnRdQgo — A.J. Delgado (@AJDelgado13) May 15, 2020
New York state Senator Brad Hoylman added:
‘This was filmed on Long Island. When some refuse to accept even the most basic facts of medicine and science, news itself in a pandemic becomes a dangerous profession. I’m so sorry that American journalists have to deal with this.’
This was filmed on Long Island. When some refuse to accept even the most basic facts of medicine and science, news itself in a pandemic becomes a dangerous profession. I'm so sorry that American journalists have to deal with this. https://t.co/SJGL5Bqm4x — Senator Brad Hoylman (@bradhoylman) May 15, 2020
Do these anti-lockdown protesters think that the death tolls are made up? Do they simply not care? Tens of thousands of Americans have died. In New York alone, where the demonstrations cited above took place, over 27,000 people have died due to the Coronavirus, and over 355,000 people have been infected. Those are staggering totals, but these Trump supporters are still out here with their belligerent and ignorant anger anyway.


bipartisanreport--2020-05-16--Lindsey Caught Working With Trump To Rig SCOTUS

At this point , there ’ s really no question about the Republicans ’ craven political ambition .
When a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court opened up during the final year of President Barack Obama ’ s time in office , Senate Republicans , who were in the majority in the chamber , blatantly refused to hold any hearings for the judge that Obama nominated to fill the seat , Merrick Garland .
There was no precedent for blocking a president ’ s Supreme Court nominee , although Republicans claimed otherwise , pointing to the then-imminent presidential election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) has switched his conviction — although there ’ s another imminent presidential election , he indicated that he ’ d be keen on ensuring that a Trump Supreme Court nominee got confirmed this year .
In an interview with the program Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren that is slated to air on Sunday morning , Graham said : ‘ Well , Merrick Garland was a different situation .
You had the president of one party nominating , and you had the Senate in the hands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve got them both would be different .
I don ’ t want to speculate , but I think appointing judges is a high priority for me in 2020 .
If you look into the history of the country , there had not been an occasion where somebody was confirmed in a presidential election year after primary started when you had divided government.
’ So in short , Graham is insisting that the deciding factor is , wait for it : political ambition .
Yet , nowhere in the Constitution did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to nominate judges to the national Supreme Court — unless the majority party in the Senate doesn ’ t like who the president happens to be or which political party they ’ re registered with .
Neither the responsibilities of the president nor those of the Senate vaporize when someone like Graham in the Senate happens to dislike someone they ’ re supposed to work with .
Notably , Graham has actually previously expressed the exact opposite perspective in relation to Trump .
In 2018 , he commented : Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s nominees for the federal judiciary .
Although Americans are still dying from the Coronavirus at a rate of over a thousand a day on average , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) prioritized getting back to D.C. to confirm more of Trump ’ s judicial nominees after the Senate concluded their break amidst the sharpest spread of the virus .
‘ As soon as we get back in session , we ’ ll start confirming judges again .
We need to have hearings , and we need to confirm judges… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieving that goal .
My motto for the year is leave no vacancy behind .
That hasn ’ t changed.
’ These Republican leaders have looked the other way amidst Trump ’ s increasingly deadly failures in the name of the political points of these judicial confirmations , who they hope will be able to shape the law in the GOP ’ s image .

At this point, there’s really no question about the Republicans’ craven political ambition. When a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court opened up during the final year of President Barack Obama’s time in office, Senate Republicans, who were in the majority in the chamber, blatantly refused to hold any hearings for the judge that Obama nominated to fill the seat, Merrick Garland. There was no precedent for blocking a president’s Supreme Court nominee, although Republicans claimed otherwise, pointing to the then-imminent presidential election. But now, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has switched his conviction — although there’s another imminent presidential election, he indicated that he’d be keen on ensuring that a Trump Supreme Court nominee got confirmed this year.
In an interview with the program Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren that is slated to air on Sunday morning, Graham said:
‘Well, Merrick Garland was a different situation. You had the president of one party nominating, and you had the Senate in the hands of the other party. A situation where you’ve got them both would be different. I don’t want to speculate, but I think appointing judges is a high priority for me in 2020. If you look into the history of the country, there had not been an occasion where somebody was confirmed in a presidential election year after primary started when you had divided government.’
So in short, Graham is insisting that the deciding factor is, wait for it: political ambition. Yet, nowhere in the Constitution did the framers insist that presidents shall have the power to nominate judges to the national Supreme Court — unless the majority party in the Senate doesn’t like who the president happens to be or which political party they’re registered with. Neither the responsibilities of the president nor those of the Senate vaporize when someone like Graham in the Senate happens to dislike someone they’re supposed to work with.
Notably, Graham has actually previously expressed the exact opposite perspective in relation to Trump. In 2018, he commented:
‘If an opening comes in the last year of President Trump’s term and the primary process is started, we’ll wait for the next election.’
Senate Republicans have already rushed to prioritize Trump’s nominees for the federal judiciary. Although Americans are still dying from the Coronavirus at a rate of over a thousand a day on average, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) prioritized getting back to D.C. to confirm more of Trump’s judicial nominees after the Senate concluded their break amidst the sharpest spread of the virus.
McConnell commented:
‘As soon as we get back in session, we’ll start confirming judges again. We need to have hearings, and we need to confirm judges… The pandemic will not prevent us from achieving that goal. My motto for the year is leave no vacancy behind. That hasn’t changed.’
These Republican leaders have looked the other way amidst Trump’s increasingly deadly failures in the name of the political points of these judicial confirmations, who they hope will be able to shape the law in the GOP’s image.


bipartisanreport--2020-05-16--Veteran Journalist Releases Touching COVID Message

Tens of thousands of Americans have died due to the Coronavirus pandemic , and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) estimates that the total U.S. death toll could hit 100,000 by June 1 .
Yet , most of President Donald Trump ’ s public commentary amidst the crisis has centered on belittling his political opponents while simultaneously congratulating himself for a supposed job well done in responding to the pandemic .
This weekend , legendary news host Dan Rather stepped in to help pick up the slack of the president ’ s moral leadership failings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ observers to remember the human toll of the pandemic and invited his followers to share stories of loved ones .
‘ So .
Many .
Dead .
Each number had a name .
Let us not forget or minimize pain and loss .
Children without parents .
Empty seats at Thanksgiving dinners .
Laughter , smiles and hugs that will never be .
Please share stories here and elsewhere .
Death on this scale mustn ’ t be normalized.
’ Rather got numerous replies containing the kinds of stories that he was seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user , for example , shared : ‘ Thank you .
My dad Arnold Kronfeld died April 3 in NJ .
We watched you every night , Dan .
He was a passionate social dancer and prided himself in being an amazing dancer in every form from Latin to Balkan to country western to swing to Israeli to ballroom and beyond .
He is missed.
’ As of Saturday afternoon , over 89,000 people had died due to the Coronavirus in the U.S. alone .
In the U.K. , which has the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation , more than 34,000 people had died from the virus by the same point .
In Italy , one of the early epicenters of the pandemic , the total death toll as of early Saturday stood at 31,763 , and the grim numbers go well on from there .
While this situation continued to develop , Trump ’ s focus was anywhere but with the suffering .
In fact , he tweeted threats against Democrats over the weekend that sounded like he was trying to depict himself as some wannabe mob boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has brought the presidency .
Check out replies to Rather :

Tens of thousands of Americans have died due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the total U.S. death toll could hit 100,000 by June 1. Yet, most of President Donald Trump’s public commentary amidst the crisis has centered on belittling his political opponents while simultaneously congratulating himself for a supposed job well done in responding to the pandemic. This weekend, legendary news host Dan Rather stepped in to help pick up the slack of the president’s moral leadership failings. He posted a reminder on Facebook for observers to remember the human toll of the pandemic and invited his followers to share stories of loved ones.
He wrote:
‘So. Many. Dead. Each number had a name. Let us not forget or minimize pain and loss. Children without parents. Empty seats at Thanksgiving dinners. Laughter, smiles and hugs that will never be. Please share stories here and elsewhere. Death on this scale mustn’t be normalized.’
So. Many. Dead. Each number had a name. Let us not forget or minimize pain and loss. Children without parents. Empty… Posted by Dan Rather on Saturday, May 16, 2020
Rather got numerous replies containing the kinds of stories that he was seeking to help be told. One Facebook user, for example, shared:
‘Thank you. My dad Arnold Kronfeld died April 3 in NJ. We watched you every night, Dan. He was a passionate social dancer and prided himself in being an amazing dancer in every form from Latin to Balkan to country western to swing to Israeli to ballroom and beyond. He is missed.’
As of Saturday afternoon, over 89,000 people had died due to the Coronavirus in the U.S. alone. In the U.K., which has the second highest confirmed death toll of any individual nation, more than 34,000 people had died from the virus by the same point. In Italy, one of the early epicenters of the pandemic, the total death toll as of early Saturday stood at 31,763, and the grim numbers go well on from there.
While this situation continued to develop, Trump’s focus was anywhere but with the suffering. In fact, he tweeted threats against Democrats over the weekend that sounded like he was trying to depict himself as some wannabe mob boss. This is the ridiculousness to which Trump has brought the presidency.
Mitch, I love you, but this is 100% true. Time is running out. Get tough and move quickly, or it will be too late. The Dems are vicious, but got caught. They MUST pay a big price for what they have done to our Country. Don’t let them get away with this! @LindseyGrahamSC https://t.co/PplfqTJdHc — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
Check out replies to Rather:


bipartisanreport--2020-05-16--Michelle Obama Plans Special Event For High Schoolers

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will be helping host a “ virtual prom ” for high school students across the country in the wake of the cancellation of many school-oriented events amidst the rapid spread of the Coronavirus across the United States and world .
She made the announcement during a surprise pop-in to a web conference in which a selection of high school students were participating after developing voter registration programs at their respective schools .
The event will include a day-long “ takeover ” of MTV , which will feature a slew of special performances and more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ call : ‘ I know this has been a tough time for you guys , I know you ’ re feeling a lot of stress right now… You guys are missing out on a lot of major milestones because of this quarantine : senior week , graduation , prom .
It doesn ’ t seem fair , I know .
We ’ re coming together to throw you and students across the country a virtual prom .
We all , MTV , my team , we called a lot of our friends and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of special guests and performances and a lot of surprises .
So this is going to be off the hook.
’ The students had developed their respective voter registration drives as part of a contest sponsored by Obama ’ s own voter engagement organization When We All Vote , which the former First Lady has been using to encourage citizens to register to vote and have their voices be heard at the ballot box when the time comes .
Originally , those who won the voter registration program development contest were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s team , but now , on May 22 , a connected event will be broadcast for everyone .
The former First Lady commented : ‘ It might not be what you were envisioning for this special occasion .
I promise you that it will be a night that you ’ re gon na remember .
The futures of your communities and our country are in the hands of young people like you all — no pressure , but we ’ re counting on you .
So let ’ s show everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote.
’ Watch the former First Lady ’ s announcement below : This is not the only special event that the Obamas are slated to participate in which is connected to the spate of school event closures across the country .
On June 6 , both the former First Lady and former President Barack Obama will deliver addresses that will be livestreamed on YouTube as part of a special web event designated for the class of 2020 .
The former president commented on Twitter : The former president was also slated to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to honor graduates from high schools and Historically Black Colleges & Universities ( HBCUs ) , respectively .
These steps contrast dramatically with Trump ’ s intent on spending all his time belittling political opponents amidst the pandemic .

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will be helping host a “virtual prom” for high school students across the country in the wake of the cancellation of many school-oriented events amidst the rapid spread of the Coronavirus across the United States and world. She made the announcement during a surprise pop-in to a web conference in which a selection of high school students were participating after developing voter registration programs at their respective schools. The event will include a day-long “takeover” of MTV, which will feature a slew of special performances and more.
Obama commented to the students on the call:
‘I know this has been a tough time for you guys, I know you’re feeling a lot of stress right now… You guys are missing out on a lot of major milestones because of this quarantine: senior week, graduation, prom. It doesn’t seem fair, I know. We’re coming together to throw you and students across the country a virtual prom. We all, MTV, my team, we called a lot of our friends and so we’re going to have a lot of special guests and performances and a lot of surprises. So this is going to be off the hook.’
The students had developed their respective voter registration drives as part of a contest sponsored by Obama’s own voter engagement organization When We All Vote, which the former First Lady has been using to encourage citizens to register to vote and have their voices be heard at the ballot box when the time comes. Originally, those who won the voter registration program development contest were going to get in-person events from Obama’s team, but now, on May 22, a connected event will be broadcast for everyone.
The former First Lady commented:
‘It might not be what you were envisioning for this special occasion. I promise you that it will be a night that you’re gonna remember. The futures of your communities and our country are in the hands of young people like you all — no pressure, but we’re counting on you. So let’s show everyone what we can accomplish when we all vote.’
Watch the former First Lady’s announcement below:
Watch @JennaBushHager surprise some amazing high school seniors with @MichelleObama, who has teamed up with @MTV and @WhenWeAllVote to throw a virtual prom these teens will never forget! #MTVPromathon pic.twitter.com/56fGdcGCWz — TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) May 15, 2020
This is not the only special event that the Obamas are slated to participate in which is connected to the spate of school event closures across the country. On June 6, both the former First Lady and former President Barack Obama will deliver addresses that will be livestreamed on YouTube as part of a special web event designated for the class of 2020.
The former president commented on Twitter:
‘I’ve always loved joining commencements––the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Even if we can’t get together in person this year, Michelle and I are excited to celebrate the nationwide Class of 2020 and recognize this milestone with you and your loved ones.’
I’ve always loved joining commencements––the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Even if we can’t get together in person this year, Michelle and I are excited to celebrate the nationwide Class of 2020 and recognize this milestone with you and your loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ngR2ykx3A2 — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 5, 2020
The former president was also slated to participate in two special events this weekend meant to honor graduates from high schools and Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), respectively. These steps contrast dramatically with Trump’s intent on spending all his time belittling political opponents amidst the pandemic.


bipartisanreport--2020-05-16--Trump Fires Off Excuses For Firing Inspector General

President Donald Trump continues to try and use his executive power for personal political benefit .
To that end , this week , he abruptly fired Steve Linick from his post as the watchdog official overseeing the State Department .
It ’ s emerged via House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel ( D-N.Y. ) that Linick was actually investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the time of his firing , establishing a clear line to establishing the firing as brazen political retaliation .
Trump didn ’ t mention the Pompeo investigation in his letter to Congress announcing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged .
Instead , he opted for vague theatrics .
‘ This is to advise that I am exercising my power as President to remove from office the Inspector General of the Department of State , effective 30 days from today .
It is extremely important that we promote the economy , efficiency , and effectiveness of Federal programs and activities .
The Inspectors General have a critical role in the achievement of those goals .
As is the case with regard to other positions where I , as President , have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advice and consent of the Senate , it is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General .
That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector General.
’ Check it out below : Nowhere in the letter does Trump explain precisely why he has supposedly lost confidence in Linick , but based on the revelation that the official was investigating Pompeo , the president may have been privately tipped off about the oversight official ’ s activities .
Trump has fired oversight officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past .
For instance , he fired Michael Atkinson from his post as inspector general for the intelligence community after he forwarded the whistleblower complaint to Congress that helped kickstart the impeachment proceedings against the president .
Atkinson followed protocol in his handling of the complaint , and the complaint outlined basic facts of Trump ’ s attempt to bribe Ukraine into investigating the Bidens , but Trump wound himself up into a rage anyway .
In this case , Congressional Democrats have pledged to investigate Linick ’ s firing in an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs Committee Chairman , Rep. Engel , commented : ‘ This President believes he is above the law .
As he systematically removes the official independent watchdogs from the Executive Branch , the work of the Committee on Foreign Affairs becomes that much more critical .
In the days ahead , I will be looking into this matter in greater detail , and I will press the State Department for answers.
’ Over in the Senate , Chris Murphy ( D-Conn. ) added : It ’ s unclear if Republicans will be interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s corruption , even as the cases mount .
Polls suggest that ahead of November , voters are preparing to vote Republicans out in droves .

President Donald Trump continues to try and use his executive power for personal political benefit. To that end, this week, he abruptly fired Steve Linick from his post as the watchdog official overseeing the State Department. It’s emerged via House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) that Linick was actually investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the time of his firing, establishing a clear line to establishing the firing as brazen political retaliation. Trump didn’t mention the Pompeo investigation in his letter to Congress announcing his firing of Linick, which has now emerged. Instead, he opted for vague theatrics.
He wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
‘This is to advise that I am exercising my power as President to remove from office the Inspector General of the Department of State, effective 30 days from today. It is extremely important that we promote the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Federal programs and activities. The Inspectors General have a critical role in the achievement of those goals. As is the case with regard to other positions where I, as President, have the power of appointment, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, it is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General. That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector General.’
Check it out below:
Linick letter by M Mali on Scribd
Nowhere in the letter does Trump explain precisely why he has supposedly lost confidence in Linick, but based on the revelation that the official was investigating Pompeo, the president may have been privately tipped off about the oversight official’s activities.
Trump has fired oversight officials who offended his political sensibilities in the past. For instance, he fired Michael Atkinson from his post as inspector general for the intelligence community after he forwarded the whistleblower complaint to Congress that helped kickstart the impeachment proceedings against the president. Atkinson followed protocol in his handling of the complaint, and the complaint outlined basic facts of Trump’s attempt to bribe Ukraine into investigating the Bidens, but Trump wound himself up into a rage anyway.
In this case, Congressional Democrats have pledged to investigate Linick’s firing in an attempt to reveal the truth. The Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Rep. Engel, commented:
‘This President believes he is above the law. As he systematically removes the official independent watchdogs from the Executive Branch, the work of the Committee on Foreign Affairs becomes that much more critical. In the days ahead, I will be looking into this matter in greater detail, and I will press the State Department for answers.’
Over in the Senate, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) added:
‘If Inspector General Linick was fired because he was conducting an investigation of conduct by Secretary Pompeo, the Senate cannot let this stand. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee must get to bottom of what happened here.’
If Inspector General Linick was fired because he was conducting an investigation of conduct by Secretary Pompeo, the Senate cannot let this stand. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee must get to bottom of what happened here. — Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) May 16, 2020
It’s unclear if Republicans will be interested in addressing the brazen facts of Trump’s corruption, even as the cases mount. Polls suggest that ahead of November, voters are preparing to vote Republicans out in droves.


bipartisanreport--2020-05-16--Trump Berates Twitter Users With Goofy Tweets

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has estimated that the U.S. death toll from the Coronavirus will soon hit 100,000 , but President Donald Trump has insisted that he ’ s done a great job responding to the pandemic anyway .
Perhaps he ’ s basing these proclamations on the always loyal coverage of the shills at Fox News and other conservative outlets .
Even as Americans die at an average rate of over 1,000 per day , Trump sounds like he ’ s focused on the public image aspect of his Coronavirus response rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans hang in the balance .
Again — tens of thousands of Americans are dead amidst the chaotic mess that the president has tried to pass off as his Coronavirus plan .
At a recent White House press conference , press secretary Kayleigh McEnany got so desperate that she tried to tout the Trump administration ’ s pandemic response plan as better than an Obama plan because Trump ’ s was in a binder .
They ’ re that ridiculous .
This Saturday , Trump also touted the harassment of a random @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bizarrely claimed that he ’ s “ not running against Sleepy Joe Biden ” although that ’ s exactly who he ’ s running against , and more .
Altogether , within the early hours of the morning , Trump appears to have posted over three dozen tweets and retweets .
This is how the president of the United States is spending his morning as a pandemic continues to rage — tweeting endlessly .
Check out Twitter ’ s response below to some of the president ’ s latest nonsense :

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that the U.S. death toll from the Coronavirus will soon hit 100,000, but President Donald Trump has insisted that he’s done a great job responding to the pandemic anyway. Perhaps he’s basing these proclamations on the always loyal coverage of the shills at Fox News and other conservative outlets. Even as Americans die at an average rate of over 1,000 per day, Trump sounds like he’s focused on the public image aspect of his Coronavirus response rather than the fact that the lives and safety of Americans hang in the balance.
CDC tracks 12 different forecasting models of possible #COVID19 deaths in the US. As of May 11, all forecast an increase in deaths in the coming weeks and a cumulative total exceeding 100,000 by June 1. See national & state forecasts: https://t.co/PI1AtLCCmt pic.twitter.com/iylBnom5U0 — Dr. Robert R. Redfield (@CDCDirector) May 15, 2020
Trump tweeted:
‘We’ve done a GREAT job on Covid response, making all Governors look good, some fantastic (and that’s OK), but the Lamestream Media doesn’t want to go with that narrative, and the Do Nothing Dems talking point is to say only bad about “Trump”. I made everybody look good, but me!’
We’ve done a GREAT job on Covid response, making all Governors look good, some fantastic (and that’s OK), but the Lamestream Media doesn’t want to go with that narrative, and the Do Nothing Dems talking point is to say only bad about “Trump”. I made everybody look good, but me! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
Again — tens of thousands of Americans are dead amidst the chaotic mess that the president has tried to pass off as his Coronavirus plan. At a recent White House press conference, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany got so desperate that she tried to tout the Trump administration’s pandemic response plan as better than an Obama plan because Trump’s was in a binder. They’re that ridiculous.
it's really saying something, but this is actually one of the stupidest things I've seen from the Trump people. https://t.co/ka6yxz9vQQ — Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) May 15, 2020
This Saturday, Trump also touted the harassment of a random local news reporter from New York, bizarrely claimed that he’s “not running against Sleepy Joe Biden” although that’s exactly who he’s running against, and more. Altogether, within the early hours of the morning, Trump appears to have posted over three dozen tweets and retweets. This is how the president of the United States is spending his morning as a pandemic continues to rage — tweeting endlessly.
People can’t get enough of this. Great people! https://t.co/b4HM0C298h — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
Is the NFL watching? https://t.co/gIJSJ6QE7L — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
America is proud of Ron Johnson. He never gives up! https://t.co/tfWXWRuy8q — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
I’m not running against Sleepy Joe Biden. He is not even a factor. Never was, remember 1% Joe? I’m running against the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats & their partner, the real opposition party, the Lamestream Fake News Media! They are vicious & crazy, but we will WIN! https://t.co/ltdHSmaMYT — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
Check out Twitter’s response below to some of the president’s latest nonsense:
You tweeting a lie over and over won't change the fact you have failed us. You told States they were on their own. The Federal government STOLE our equipment twice! #NeverForget #GOPBetrayedAmerica https://t.co/bOkswbp4E4 — Loving Father (@bmtopol) May 16, 2020
We're heading toward 100,000 COVID-19 deaths. South Korea has 260. On a per capita basis, USA has about 50x the death rate of SK. How is that a "great" job. It actually is the opposite. #BeBest https://t.co/vS2LSCHgr4 — David Corn (@DavidCornDC) May 16, 2020
Unless you're a mortician who made more than 85,000 people dead on your watch to look good, kindly STFU. https://t.co/3vu9Bah1aq — Bros4America (@Bros4America) May 16, 2020
We're the epicenter of the Covid crisis. So…we have done a great job, except compared to everyone else. https://t.co/oum5TBgQw8 — 𝙻𝚎𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚗 ⏳ (@stranahan) May 16, 2020
The direct opposite of the truth. Governors screamed at Trump to take coronavirus seriously for weeks and weeks. He sociopathically refused, prioritizing his reelection over American lives. As a result, *he* helped create conditions leading to thousands of needless deaths. https://t.co/IAmX5pRiRI — Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) May 16, 2020
#TrumpGate
You suck and so does the response.
You permitted more infections, more deaths of Americans than any nation.
We are not better off than 4 yrs ago #NoTrust4Trump
He KILLS US https://t.co/kozBw8xXXF — DaleWillResist📣 (@awelab1956) May 16, 2020
88,603 dead Americans and counting. https://t.co/ZUnVDpkoz7 — Matt Murphy (@MattMurph24) May 16, 2020
America is the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic There are 1.5 million cases of coronavirus in America Over 88,500 people have died from coronavirus in America Donald Trump believes that's a "great job" https://t.co/CDzEUEP0k2 — Edward Hardy (@EdwardTHardy) May 16, 2020
heavy is the head that wears the crown https://t.co/QjZkSFtBrv — Josh Barro (@jbarro) May 16, 2020
You guys sent body bags to Indian Country instead of medicine though https://t.co/998x7H8UNf — Chase Iron Eyes (@ChaseIronEyes) May 16, 2020
OK all joking aside, 87K have died because you refused to prepare. First responders died because they didn't have PPE. There was nursing home genocide because you had no tests and we look like the dumbest country in the world right now. No joke. https://t.co/VUkmcM1Ewu — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) May 16, 2020
88,237 Americans are dead because Trump fiddled for a month while the virus ran rampant. Another 60,000 Americans are expected to die by August, and Trump’s biggest concern right now is how much credit he’s getting for killing people. https://t.co/PUG1lchfa7 — John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳🌈 (@aravosis) May 16, 2020
The more deaths there are, and the more lost jobs there are, the more Trump insists that he has done a great job. Apparently, Trump thinks his job is to bring pain, suffering & death to as many Americans as possible. https://t.co/ZmW1yufBtR — *you're (@RKJ65) May 16, 2020
86,000 dead Americans and counting. 36 million unemployed Americans and counting. These numbers could have been much smaller had @realDonaldTrump not downplayed #COVID19 but acted more quickly to deal with it. "GREAT job" indeed. 🙄 https://t.co/qRDALpYQf6 — Steven Pifer (@steven_pifer) May 16, 2020
misspelled "my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of nearly 90,000 dead Americans" https://t.co/MybOYAu2N9 — Extremely Socially Distant Tom Tomorrow (@tomtomorrow) May 16, 2020
Nothing you can EVER say will change the fact that you ignored and downplayed this shit. That’s on public record. We’ll be at 90K dead this weekend and you’re still trying to congratulate yourself. https://t.co/4hKPNLBzg3 — Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) May 16, 2020
90 THOUSAND dead Americans, 30 times the number of Americans dead on 911, and all Trump can think about is making himself look good. Classic Trump. https://t.co/3YCzYDXwZl — Stonekettle (@Stonekettle) May 16, 2020
The United States has the highest number of cases as well as the highest number of deaths… How in the absolute fuck is that a "GREAT job," you ignorant ass?! https://t.co/zHeBnc9lLx — DragonRift (@DragonRift) May 16, 2020
Hey Donnie Boy, those 90,000 dead people don't look too good. https://t.co/dsGLSaedPu — Dean Baker (@DeanBaker13) May 16, 2020


bipartisanreport--2020-05-19--Top Senate Republican Turns On Trump After Oversight Official Fired

President Donald Trump has ended up inviting a whole lot of scrutiny with his abruptly announced plan to fire Steve Linick from his role as the inspector general overseeing operations at the State Department .
Reportedly , Linick was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , making his firing seem like an act of political retaliation because he dared to go after a Trump appointee , Pompeo .
Now , top Senate Republican Chuck Grassley ( Iowa ) is demanding that Trump explain his decision to dismiss Linick after the letter that the president sent Congress only said that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the official .
In a letter addressed to the president , Grassley noted that inspectors general “ should be free from partisan political interference , from either the Executive or Legislative branch , ” adding : ‘ Congress ’ s intent is clear that an expression of lost confidence , without further explanation , is not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the IG Reform Act .
This is in large part because Congress intended that inspectors general only be removed when there is clear evidence of unfitness , wrongdoing , or failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As you work toward filling IG roles , it is absolutely imperative that any acting leadership do not create obvious conflicts that unduly threaten the statutorily required independence of inspectors general.
’ As such , Grassley wants answers from the president about Linick ’ s firing by June 1 .
The president ’ s willful dismissal of the legal demand for a detailed explanation for the firing of an oversight official like Linick could come back to haunt Trump .
The president actually addressed Linick ’ s firing in conversation with reporters this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the firing : ‘ I don ’ t know him at all .
I never even heard of him , but I was asked to by the State Department , by Mike .
I offered most of my people , almost all of them , I said : you know , these are Obama appointees , and if you ’ d like to let ’ em go , I think you should let them go… He ’ s an Obama employee .
I understand he had a lot of problems with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , on the inspector general .
I don ’ t know anything about it… I have the absolute right as president to terminate .
I said who appointed him , they said President Obama .
I said look I ’ ll terminate him.
’ Could Trump have spelled it out any more clearly that Linick was fired for political reasons ?
The whole point of officials like inspectors general and the FBI Director , who Trump has also fired , is to outlast the shifting tides of national politics and provide some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
Trump doesn ’ t seem to care .
Trump has faced a lot of criticism from elsewhere .
House Intel Committee Chair Adam Schiff ( D-N.Y. ) , for instance , commented :

President Donald Trump has ended up inviting a whole lot of scrutiny with his abruptly announced plan to fire Steve Linick from his role as the inspector general overseeing operations at the State Department. Reportedly, Linick was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, making his firing seem like an act of political retaliation because he dared to go after a Trump appointee, Pompeo. Now, top Senate Republican Chuck Grassley (Iowa) is demanding that Trump explain his decision to dismiss Linick after the letter that the president sent Congress only said that he’d lost “confidence” in the official.
In a letter addressed to the president, Grassley noted that inspectors general “should be free from partisan political interference, from either the Executive or Legislative branch,” adding:
‘Congress’s intent is clear that an expression of lost confidence, without further explanation, is not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the IG Reform Act. This is in large part because Congress intended that inspectors general only be removed when there is clear evidence of unfitness, wrongdoing, or failure to perform the duties of the office… As you work toward filling IG roles, it is absolutely imperative that any acting leadership do not create obvious conflicts that unduly threaten the statutorily required independence of inspectors general.’
Notice how Grassley chucks in a partisan dig at Linick (and, weirdly, Obama). And here we find ourselves in a broken republic with a broken Senate. And you may ask yourself, well, how did we get here? This is not a defender of the IG program. This is not a Senator with courage. — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) May 16, 2020
As such, Grassley wants answers from the president about Linick’s firing by June 1. The president’s willful dismissal of the legal demand for a detailed explanation for the firing of an oversight official like Linick could come back to haunt Trump.
Sen. Chuck Grassley: "As I've said before, Congress requires written reasons justifying an IG's removal. A general lack of confidence simply is not sufficient detail to satisfy Congress." — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) May 16, 2020
The president actually addressed Linick’s firing in conversation with reporters this week. He said, in reference to the firing:
‘I don’t know him at all. I never even heard of him, but I was asked to by the State Department, by Mike. I offered most of my people, almost all of them, I said: you know, these are Obama appointees, and if you’d like to let ’em go, I think you should let them go… He’s an Obama employee. I understand he had a lot of problems with the DOD. There was an investigation on him, on the inspector general. I don’t know anything about it… I have the absolute right as president to terminate. I said who appointed him, they said President Obama. I said look I’ll terminate him.’
Watch below:
President Trump: "I said who appointed him? They said President Obama. I said look I'll terminate him." pic.twitter.com/30uWTSIkX5 — The Hill (@thehill) May 18, 2020
Could Trump have spelled it out any more clearly that Linick was fired for political reasons? The whole point of officials like inspectors general and the FBI Director, who Trump has also fired, is to outlast the shifting tides of national politics and provide some kind of foundation for the rule of law. Trump doesn’t seem to care.
Trump has faced a lot of criticism from elsewhere. House Intel Committee Chair Adam Schiff (D-N.Y.), for instance, commented:
‘Another Inspector General fired by Trump in the dead of night. Another apparent act of retaliation and cover up. To shield a loyal cabinet secretary from oversight and accountability. And undermine the rule of law. This surfeit of corruption must end. And soon.’
Another Inspector General fired by Trump in the dead of night. Another apparent act of retaliation and cover up. To shield a loyal cabinet secretary from oversight and accountability. And undermine the rule of law. This surfeit of corruption must end. And soon. https://t.co/fpH28bcjWu — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) May 16, 2020


bipartisanreport--2020-05-18--Michelle & Barack Reach Out To American Kids Via Video

After the Obamas left the White House , they immediately jumped into serving the American people .
They especially have reached out to the nation ’ s children of all ages in a variety of ways .
They rightfully say that children the future pathway of the country .
President Obama and his wife Michelle have started another important program with Public Broadcasting Service ( PBS ) .
Mrs. Obama had already started her Mondays with Michelle Obama online reading program .
Now , her husband has announced that he will be joining her .
Together , they have found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children who have to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic .
They will be providing these parents a welcome break .
‘ The former first lady first read “ The Giraffe Problem , ” by Jory John and Lane Smith .
Then she was joined by Barack Obama , seen over the weekend addressing the country ’ s high school graduating class , as they took turns — the former president even barked at one point — on Julia Sarcone-Roach ’ s “ A Bear Ate Your Sandwich.
” ’ Other titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading during her Monday show include Julia Donaldson ’ s The Gruffalo and Eric Carle ’ s The Hungry Caterpillar .
For the upcoming Monday program , she plans to invite the Obamas ’ two dogs , Bo and Sunny .
Appropriately , she will be reading Troy Cummings ’ Can I Be Your Dog ?
The PBS series is available on both the Facebook and YouTube pages of PBS Kids .
It is also available on the couple ’ s publisher ’ s Facebook page , Penguin Random House .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his former Vice President Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates .
The Mueller Report Adventures : In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page .
These quick , two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people .
Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery .
Interestingly enough , Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any or

After the Obamas left the White House, they immediately jumped into serving the American people. They especially have reached out to the nation’s children of all ages in a variety of ways. They rightfully say that children the future pathway of the country. President Obama and his wife Michelle have started another important program with Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Mrs. Obama had already started her Mondays with Michelle Obama online reading program. Now, her husband has announced that he will be joining her. Together, they have found a way to support families with small children who have to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will be providing these parents a welcome break.
Newsday.com reported that Michelle Obama started off reading:
‘The former first lady first read “The Giraffe Problem,” by Jory John and Lane Smith. Then she was joined by Barack Obama, seen over the weekend addressing the country’s high school graduating class, as they took turns — the former president even barked at one point — on Julia Sarcone-Roach’s “A Bear Ate Your Sandwich.”’
Other titles that the former first lady has been reading during her Monday show include Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and Eric Carle’s The Hungry Caterpillar. For the upcoming Monday program, she plans to invite the Obamas’ two dogs, Bo and Sunny. Appropriately, she will be reading Troy Cummings’ Can I Be Your Dog?
The PBS series is available on both the Facebook and YouTube pages of PBS Kids. It is also available on the couple’s publisher’s Facebook page, Penguin Random House.
In addition, the two have been actively campaigning for his former Vice President Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates.
Featured image is a screenshot via YouTube.
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any or


bipartisanreport--2020-05-18--Ivanka Humiliated By Movie-Maker After Matrix Tweet

The Trumps haven ’ t exactly done much to earn themselves a lot of fans while in the White House .
Recently , the president ’ s daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump tweeted glibly about taking the “ red pill , ” which is an expression used in far-right circles to refer to having some kind of grand epiphany about the supposed rightness of far-right politics .
The expression is derived from the Matrix film series , in which a character is presented with a choice of taking either a blue or a red pill .
Matrix co-creator Lilly Wachowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her post , which was itself a reply to the strangely increasingly right-wing tech CEO Elon Musk .
Musk had posted an admonishment for his followers to take the “ red pill , ” and Ivanka proudly replied that she ’ d “ Taken !
” it already .
Current day conservatism as expressed by those behind the popularization of the expression to take the “ red pill ” has , of course , little to do with actually coming to terms with the precarious nature of one ’ s reality , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via taking a red pill .
Donald Trump could barely be more disconnected from reality at this point , in fact .
While tens of thousands of Americans die in total due to the Coronavirus pandemic and interests like the University of Washington estimate an eventual total of tens of thousands more , Trump keeps trying to convince observers that he ’ s doing a great job with virus response .
‘ [ The ] phrase “ take the red pill ” has taken on a new meaning in Internet subculture , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It can now mean shifting one ’ s political alignment to the right , and it ’ s often used in Internet forums related to Donald Trump or men ’ s rights groups.
’ And this is the nonsense that a top adviser to the president of the United States is occupying themselves with amidst a deadly global pandemic .
Check out replies to Wachowski below :

The Trumps haven’t exactly done much to earn themselves a lot of fans while in the White House. Recently, the president’s daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump tweeted glibly about taking the “red pill,” which is an expression used in far-right circles to refer to having some kind of grand epiphany about the supposed rightness of far-right politics. The expression is derived from the Matrix film series, in which a character is presented with a choice of taking either a blue or a red pill. Matrix co-creator Lilly Wachowski publicly derided Ivanka Trump in response to her post, which was itself a reply to the strangely increasingly right-wing tech CEO Elon Musk.
Musk had posted an admonishment for his followers to take the “red pill,” and Ivanka proudly replied that she’d “Taken!” it already.
Wachowski bluntly replied:
‘Fuck both of you.’
Fuck both of you — Lilly Wachowski (@lilly_wachowski) May 17, 2020
Current day conservatism as expressed by those behind the popularization of the expression to take the “red pill” has, of course, little to do with actually coming to terms with the precarious nature of one’s reality, as the characters do in the Matrix films via taking a red pill. Donald Trump could barely be more disconnected from reality at this point, in fact. While tens of thousands of Americans die in total due to the Coronavirus pandemic and interests like the University of Washington estimate an eventual total of tens of thousands more, Trump keeps trying to convince observers that he’s doing a great job with virus response.
Meanwhile, Variety reports:
‘[The] phrase “take the red pill” has taken on a new meaning in Internet subculture, and it usually refers to conservative political beliefs. It can now mean shifting one’s political alignment to the right, and it’s often used in Internet forums related to Donald Trump or men’s rights groups.’
And this is the nonsense that a top adviser to the president of the United States is occupying themselves with amidst a deadly global pandemic.
One Twitter user quipped:
‘I’m guessing Lilly Wachowski had enough of right wingers appropriating The Matrix and Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump were what pushed her over the edge.’
I'm guessing Lilly Wachowski had enough of right wingers appropriating The Matrix and Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump were what pushed her over the edge. — SJWJamesBond Wants Nazis Banned ︽✵︽ Agent of GIRL (@mvbrat91) May 18, 2020
Check out replies to Wachowski below:


bipartisanreport--2020-05-18--Trump Unloads Vicious Monday Afternoon Lash-Out

Americans have been dealing with the human side-effects of the coronavirus .
That may look like sheltering at home or wearing protective masks .
For many , it is trying to hang on to a loved one as they slip through our fingers and into the next realm .
Even so , the people in this great country ’ s traditional fallback position has been to look forward , but how will that look ?
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us out of our daily grinds and thrown us up against change .
People rarely change unless it becomes too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very unforgiving disease stole our lives as we knew them when it took away over 90,000 people and counting .
Already companies have been exploring more work-at-home options for their employees .
As a result , the levels of smog have plummeted .
Parents appreciate their children ’ s teachers and schools as they struggle to substitute teach at home .
After the people on the front , Americans have begun to realize how valuable are those in the support lines .
Their worth should translate into more equitable earnings .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a president insistent upon remaining in his cold past .
This president has spun and turned impulsively even as he announced “ I am not acting impulsively !
” He tweets began to flow : The president has cast about for another distraction , one big enough to take the nation ’ s attention off of the coronavirus — but there was none , not even “ Afghanistan : ” POTUS pulled out of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , yet he claimed to be with “ India , Japan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the responsibility involved in dealing with coronavirus .
In a fit of pique , he even fired the nation ’ s top vaccine expert : ” The president of these United States has called his political opponents fifth-grade slurs and scapegoated any entity that caught his attention .
He has even blamed the Americans for coronavirus .
They will remember : Trump got excited about the old energy dollars when the voters have had the time to realize that there was something far more important than cold cash after their basic needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have started turning off Trump and his little tantrums and marketing tactics : Yes , there has been a loser , a great loser .
Trump just stepped into that role from this moment until his presidency formally begins shutting down after the November 2020 election : Twitter world went crazy after Trump ’ s rash of tweets .
Check out our favorite responses below : The Mueller Report Adventures : In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page .
These quick , two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ compelling spy mystery .
Interestingly enough , Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order .

Americans have been dealing with the human side-effects of the coronavirus. That may look like sheltering at home or wearing protective masks. For many, it is trying to hang on to a loved one as they slip through our fingers and into the next realm. Even so, the people in this great country’s traditional fallback position has been to look forward, but how will that look?
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us out of our daily grinds and thrown us up against change. People rarely change unless it becomes too painful to not do so. This very unforgiving disease stole our lives as we knew them when it took away over 90,000 people and counting.
Already companies have been exploring more work-at-home options for their employees. As a result, the levels of smog have plummeted. Parents appreciate their children’s teachers and schools as they struggle to substitute teach at home.
After the people on the front, Americans have begun to realize how valuable are those in the support lines. Their worth should translate into more equitable earnings. This is just the beginning, yet we have a president insistent upon remaining in his cold past.
This president has spun and turned impulsively even as he announced “I am not acting impulsively!” He tweets began to flow:
‘…..mixed about even wanting us to get out. They make a fortune $$$ by having us stay, and except at the beginning, we never really fought to win. We are more of a police force than the mighty military that we are, especially now as rebuilt. No, I am not acting impulsively!’
The president has cast about for another distraction, one big enough to take the nation’s attention off of the coronavirus — but there was none, not even “Afghanistan:”
‘The Wall Street Journal Editorial states that it doesn’t want me to act in an “impulsive” manner in Afghanistan. Could somebody please explain to them that we have been there for 19 years, and while soldier counts are way down now, hardly impulsive. Besides, the Taliban is…..’
POTUS pulled out of the World Health Organization (WHO), yet he claimed to be with “India, Japan,” and others:
‘We are with them!’
Trump wanted none of the responsibility involved in dealing with coronavirus. In a fit of pique, he even fired the nation’s top vaccine expert:”
‘So the so-called HHS Whistleblower was against HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE. Then why did he make, and sign, an emergency use authorization? @NorahODonnell said, “He shared his concerns with a reporter.” In other words, he LEAKED. A dumb @60Minutes hit job on a grandstanding Never Trumper’
The president of these United States has called his political opponents fifth-grade slurs and scapegoated any entity that caught his attention. He has even blamed the Americans for coronavirus. They will remember:
‘Sleepy Joe is wrong again!’
Trump got excited about the old energy dollars when the voters have had the time to realize that there was something far more important than cold cash after their basic needs were met — one another:
‘OIL (ENERGY) IS BACK!!!!’
People have started turning off Trump and his little tantrums and marketing tactics:
‘LIVE. President @realDonaldTrump holds a roundtable https://t.co/d5Wbjle5BB — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 18, 2020’
Yes, there has been a loser, a great loser. Trump just stepped into that role from this moment until his presidency formally begins shutting down after the November 2020 election:
‘LOSER!’
Twitter world went crazy after Trump’s rash of tweets. Check out our favorite responses below:
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.


bipartisanreport--2020-05-18--Latest ‘New Yorker’ Cover Image Inspired By Trump

In his real estate days , Donald Trump met President Bill Clinton .
After that , he thought that he could be a U.S. president , too .
After Trump met Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin , he imagined that he could be a dictator , too , and has been working toward that end ever since .
Of course , there were some misses , not that he realizes .
During a trip to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in Atlanta , the Donald said that he had a “ natural ability ” for medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blitt began designing covers in 1993 and won a Pulitzer Prize in May for his cartoons .
He decided to have some fun with the president on the magazine ’ s cover : At one point , he said he knew more about former Newark mayor and Rhodes Scholar Senator Corrie Booker ( D-NJ ) than the senator knew about himself .
POTUS also asked , according to Axios : Then , there was debt .
POTUS , never one to be modest , said : In The New Yorker cover story , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the man who designed this humorous cover .
She noted that Blitt had done a number of Trump covers , but did he ever imagine putting 45 in the surgeon role ?
The cartoonist responded ‘ I try not to think about what guises or situations I ’ m going to draw him in next .
But let ’ s just say that nothing would surprise me .
I can ’ t believe I haven ’ t drawn him as one of the Rockettes yet .
Or as part of Winnie the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Then , Mouly asked whether political cartoons felt different from how they have in the past .
Blitt replied : The art editor asked him what surgical masks did to his job .
Blitt answered : After that she asked whether the coronavirus quarantine affected his own life : ‘ I hate to admit that I ’ ve been social-distancing for decades .
The bulk of my time is spent at my drafting table , or pacing around my studio , talking to myself out loud .
When the UPS man comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid conversation .
This is nothing I ’ m proud of , but it ’ s old hat for me.
’ These are areas where Trump knows better than anyone else , according to Axio : • ‘ Campaign finance : “ I think nobody knows more about campaign finance than I do , because I ’ m the biggest contributor.
” ( ) • TV ratings : “ I know more about people who get ratings than anyone.
” ( ) • ISIS : “ I know more about ISIS than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media : “ I understand social media .
I understand the power of Twitter .
I understand the power of Facebook maybe better than almost anybody , based on my results , right ?
” ( ) • Courts : “ I know more about courts than any human being on Earth.
” ( ) • Lawsuits : “ [ W ] ho knows more about lawsuits than I do ?
I ’ m the king.
” ( ) • The visa system : “ [ N ] obody knows the system better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know the H2B .
… Nobody else on this dais knows how to change it like I do , believe me.
” ( ) • Trade : “ Nobody knows more about trade than me.
” ( ) • The U.S. government system : “ [ N ] obody knows the system better than I do.
” ( ) • Renewable energy : “ I know more about renewables than any human being on Earth.
” ( ) • Taxes : “ I think nobody knows more about taxes than I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world.
” ( ) • Debt : “ I ’ m the king of debt .
I ’ m great with debt .
Nobody knows debt better than me.
” ( ) • Infrastructure : “ [ L ] ook , as a builder , nobody in the history of this country has ever known so much about infrastructure as Donald Trump.
” ( ) • Sen. Cory Booker : “ I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.
” ( ) • Borders : that Sheriff Joe Arpaio said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ you know more about this stuff than anybody.
” • Democrats : “ I think I know more about the other side than almost anybody.
” ( ) • Construction : “ [ N ] obody knows more about construction than I do.
” ( ) • The economy : “ I think I know about it better than [ the Federal Reserve ] .
” ( ) • Technology : “ Technology — nobody knows more about technology than me.
” ( ) • Drones : “ I know more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every form of safety that you can have.
” ( ) • Drone technology : “ Having a drone fly overhead — and I think nobody knows much more about technology , this type of technology certainly , than I do.
” ( ) ’ The Mueller Report Adventures : In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page .
These quick , two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people .
Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery .
Interestingly enough , Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any @ @

In his real estate days, Donald Trump met President Bill Clinton. After that, he thought that he could be a U.S. president, too. After Trump met Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, he imagined that he could be a dictator, too, and has been working toward that end ever since. Of course, there were some misses, not that he realizes.
During a trip to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, the Donald said that he had a “natural ability” for medical science. The New Yorker contributor Barry Blitt began designing covers in 1993 and won a Pulitzer Prize in May for his cartoons. He decided to have some fun with the president on the magazine’s cover:
‘This week’s cover, “Natural Ability,” by Barry Blitt:’
At one point, he said he knew more about former Newark mayor and Rhodes Scholar Senator Corrie Booker (D-NJ) than the senator knew about himself. POTUS also asked, according to Axios:
‘[W]ho knows more about lawsuits than I do? I’m the king.’
Then, there was debt. POTUS, never one to be modest, said:
”I’m the king of debt. I’m great with debt. Nobody knows debt better than me.’
In The New Yorker cover story, art editor since 1993 Françoise Mouly talked to the man who designed this humorous cover. She noted that Blitt had done a number of Trump covers, but did he ever imagine putting 45 in the surgeon role? The cartoonist responded
‘I try not to think about what guises or situations I’m going to draw him in next. But let’s just say that nothing would surprise me. I can’t believe I haven’t drawn him as one of the Rockettes yet. Or as part of Winnie the Pooh’s inner circle, say.’
Then, Mouly asked whether political cartoons felt different from how they have in the past. Blitt replied:
‘I don’t know about being an expert. It’s panic time whenever I start the next cartoon. And it’s hard not to feel like drawing caricatures is a little trivial at a time like this. But what else am I going to do?’
The art editor asked him what surgical masks did to his job. Blitt answered:
‘Good question. This was the first cartoon I’ve drawn that required recognizable likenesses despite half the face being obscured. One thing I learned is that Jared Kushner looks almost exactly the same with and without a mask on.’
After that she asked whether the coronavirus quarantine affected his own life:
‘I hate to admit that I’ve been social-distancing for decades. The bulk of my time is spent at my drafting table, or pacing around my studio, talking to myself out loud. When the UPS man comes to the door, I hide to avoid conversation. This is nothing I’m proud of, but it’s old hat for me.’
These are areas where Trump knows better than anyone else, according to Axio:
‘Campaign finance: “I think nobody knows more about campaign finance than I do, because I’m the biggest contributor.” ( 1999. )
“I think nobody knows more about campaign finance than I do, because I’m the biggest contributor.” ( TV ratings: “I know more about people who get ratings than anyone.” ( October 2012. )
“I know more about people who get ratings than anyone.” ( ISIS: “I know more about ISIS than the generals do.” ( November 2015. )
“I know more about ISIS than the generals do.” ( Social media: “I understand social media. I understand the power of Twitter. I understand the power of Facebook maybe better than almost anybody, based on my results, right?” ( November 2015. )
“I understand social media. I understand the power of Twitter. I understand the power of Facebook maybe better than almost anybody, based on my results, right?” ( Courts: “ I know more about courts than any human being on Earth.” ( November 2015. )
I know more about courts than any human being on Earth.” ( Lawsuits: “[W]ho knows more about lawsuits than I do? I’m the king.” ( January 2016. )
“[W]ho knows more about lawsuits than I do? I’m the king.” ( Politicians : “I understand politicians better than anybody.”
: “I understand politicians better than anybody.” The visa system: “[N]obody knows the system better than me. I know the H1B. I know the H2B. … Nobody else on this dais knows how to change it like I do, believe me.” ( March 2016. )
“[N]obody knows the system better than me. I know the H1B. I know the H2B. … Nobody else on this dais knows how to change it like I do, believe me.” ( Trade: “Nobody knows more about trade than me.” ( March 2016. )
“Nobody knows more about trade than me.” ( The U.S. government system : “[N]obody knows the system better than I do.” ( April 2016. )
: “[N]obody knows the system better than I do.” ( Renewable energy: “I know more about renewables than any human being on Earth.” ( April 2016. )
“I know more about renewables than any human being on Earth.” Taxes: “I think nobody knows more about taxes than I do, maybe in the history of the world.” ( May 2016. )
“I think nobody knows more about taxes than I do, maybe in the history of the world.” ( Debt: “I’m the king of debt. I’m great with debt. Nobody knows debt better than me.” ( June 2016. )
“I’m the king of debt. I’m great with debt. Nobody knows debt better than me.” ( Money: “I understand money better than anybody.” ( June 2016. )
“I understand money better than anybody.” ( Infrastructure: “[L]ook, as a builder, nobody in the history of this country has ever known so much about infrastructure as Donald Trump.” ( July 2016. )
“[L]ook, as a builder, nobody in the history of this country has ever known so much about infrastructure as Donald Trump.” ( Sen. Cory Booker : “I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.” ( July 2016. )
: “I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.” ( Borders: Trump said in 2016 that Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he was endorsing him for president because “you know more about this stuff than anybody.”
that Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he was endorsing him for president because “you know more about this stuff than anybody.” Democrats: “I think I know more about the other side than almost anybody.” ( November 2016. )
“I think I know more about the other side than almost anybody.” ( Construction: “[N]obody knows more about construction than I do.” ( May 2018. )
“[N]obody knows more about construction than I do.” ( The economy: “I think I know about it better than [the Federal Reserve].” ( October 2018. )
“I think I know about it better than [the Federal Reserve].” ( Technology: “Technology — nobody knows more about technology than me.” ( December 2018. )
“Technology — nobody knows more about technology than me.” ( Drones: “I know more about drones than anybody. I know about every form of safety that you can have.” ( January 2019. )
“I know more about drones than anybody. I know about every form of safety that you can have.” ( Drone technology: “Having a drone fly overhead — and I think nobody knows much more about technology, this type of technology certainly, than I do.” ( January 2019. )’
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.