crooksandliars--2020-02-18--How TurboTax Tricks You Into Paying To File Your Taxes

This post from 2019 is still a necessary reminder for tax season -- Eds .
ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom .
Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox .
Did you know that if you make less than $ 66,000 a year , you can prepare and file your taxes for free ?
No ?
That ’ s no accident .
Companies that make tax preparation software , like Intuit , the maker of TurboTax , would rather you didn ’ t know .
Intuit and other tax software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the IRS doesn ’ t offer its own tax preparation and filing service .
In exchange , the companies have entered into an agreement with the IRS to offer a “ Free File ” product to most Americans — but good luck finding it .
Here ’ s what happened when we went looking .
Our first stop was Google .
We searched for “ irs free file taxes.
” And we thought we found what we were looking for : Ads from TurboTax and others directing us to free products .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contained the word “ free ” five times !
We clicked and were relieved to see that filing for free was guaranteed .
We started the process by creating the profile of a TaskRabbit house cleaner who took in $ 29,000 .
We entered extensive personal information .
TurboTax asked us to click through more than a dozen questions and prompts about our finances .
After all of that , only then did we get the bad news : TurboTax revealed this wasn ’ t going to be free at all .
Turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualify because he is an independent contractor .
The charge ?
$ 119.99 .
Then we tried with a second scenario .
We went back to TurboTax.com and clicked on “ FREE Guaranteed.
” This time , we went through the process as a Walgreens cashier without health insurance , entering personal information and giving the company lots of sensitive data .
Again , TurboTax told us we had to pay — this time because there ’ s an extra form if you don ’ t have insurance .
The charge ?
$ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house cleaner and the cashier not allowed to prepare and file their taxes for free because of their particular tax situations ?
No !
According to the agreement between the IRS and the companies , anyone who makes less than $ 66,000 can prepare and file their taxes for free .
So how did we end up with a product that would make us pay ?
We took a close look at the source code of the TurboTax website and noticed something strange .
Even though we clicked on the “ FREE Guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to file for free , the company had tagged us as a potential paying customer .
In the source code , TurboTax had branded us as “ NONFFA.
” That stands for “ Non-Free File Alliance.
” In other words , we were not on track to file for free after all .
Here ’ s what it looks like behind the curtain : Even though TurboTax could tell we were eligible to file for free , the company never told us about the truly free version .
It turns out that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s impossible to find the truly free version .
The company itself admits this .
This is a good time to remind you : Intuit , the maker of TurboTax , is one of the companies that has promised the IRS to offer free tax filing to lower-income Americans .
Is it called the Free Edition ?
No , that ’ s reserved for the widely advertised commercial products that are only free for people with the simplest taxes .
The company calls the truly free version the Freedom Edition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted was TurboTax Freedom , we simply entered that into Google : The first link was from TurboTax and said “ Free File Program ” right in the text .
We clicked , and it brought us to this new page .
While the orange “ See If You Qualify ” link did take us to the real Free File program , the blue “ Start for Free ” link brought us back to the version of TurboTax where we ended up having to pay .
There ’ s a name for internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for products they don ’ t necessarily want : dark patterns .
Now , let ’ s go back to our original Google search .
The fifth link , a government site , looked like it would take us to the actual Free File program .
But not so fast !
When we clicked , and then clicked through to a second page , we found a whole new set of choices and restrictions .
Each of the 12 companies that have signed on to the deal with the IRS offer their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have different requirements based on age , income and location .
Finally !
We clicked the “ TurboTax Free File Program ” link and found the actual homepage for TurboTax Freedom .
It ’ s not exactly a secret that this Free File program isn ’ t working well .
The national taxpayer advocate recently said it “ is failing to achieve its objectives and should be substantially improved or eliminated.
” The IRS has been criticized for failing to oversee the program and the number of people using Free File has dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Consumer groups have long argued that the IRS should offer its own free , online tax preparation and filing , as many other countries do .
But Congress is now moving to put the Free File program into law , including its restriction on the IRS creating its own free service .
We wrote about that earlier this month and the opposition to this provision by freshman Democratic Reps. Katie Hill , Katie Porter , Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others .
The House ultimately passed the bipartisan Taxpayer First Act , which also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as restrictions on private debt collection of unpaid taxes .
Now the Senate is considering the bill .
Its sponsors have argued that it doesn ’ t tie the IRS ’ hands , but outside legal experts we ’ ve spoken to disagree .
The text in the bill codifying the Free File program has long been sought by lobbyists for Intuit .
We asked TurboTax spokesman Rick Heineman why the company doesn ’ t automatically direct eligible taxpayers to the Free File product .
He didn ’ t respond , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TurboTax Free Edition is a free commercial tax preparation product that costs $ 0 for fed , $ 0 for state , $ 0 to file so 50 million users with ‘ simple ’ filings can file for absolutely no cost .
Details for eligibility for this and other TurboTax products are stated on the Products & Pricing page.
” Heineman also directed us to Intuit ’ s annual corporate social responsibility report , which said that last year it “ donated 2.3 million federal and state returns ( $ 27 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IRS and state Free File programs.
” Last year , Intuit ’ s consumer division , which includes TurboTax , reported $ 1.6 billion in operating income .
How to Ask for a Refund If you made less than $ 34,000 last year and paid to file your taxes on TurboTax , you may be able to get a refund .
A reader who reported that TurboTax agreed to refund his money said he called the TurboTax customer service line at 888-777-3066 .
Spokespeople for Intuit , the maker of TurboTax , didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment on its refund policy .
If you made less than $ 66,000 last year , you should have been able to prepare and file your taxes for free with one of the companies participating in the IRS ’ Free File program .
But each company has its own distinct eligibility requirements .
It ’ s not clear if the other companies would offer refunds .
Recently , we reported that TurboTax and H & R Block were deliberately hiding their Free File program from Google and other search engines .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is available to those who are searching for it , we have compiled and answered some frequently asked questions .
What Is the TurboTax Free File Program ?
The TurboTax Free File program is required as part of the IRS Free File program .
To qualify for the TurboTax Free File , you must make under $ 34,000 per year .
You are eligible if you make less than $ 34,000 and : Click here to access the TurboTax Free File program .
Important : If you make under $ 66,000 per year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes for free under the IRS Free File program .
If you make under $ 66,000 per year , click this link to see other options from the IRS Free File program .
What Is the TurboTax Free Edition ?
TurboTax Free Edition is the name for a free version of TurboTax .
It is not the same as the TurboTax Free File edition , which is part of the IRS program .
TurboTax Free Edition is free for people who are filing very simple returns only .
Warning : TurboTax Free Edition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people on track to pay .
Read about how TurboTax tries to hide its Free File edition .
What Is the TurboTax Freedom Edition ?
The TurboTax Freedom Edition is another name TurboTax uses for its Free File edition .
This edition is required as part of the industry ’ s deal with the IRS .
If you make less than $ 34,000 per year , you are eligible to use this program .
You can access the TurboTax Freedom Edition by clicking here .
TurboTax Free File , also called TurboTax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making under $ 34,000 per year .
Click here to access the TurboTax Free File edition .
TurboTax also offers a Free Edition for anyone who is filing a simple return only .
Warning : Despite its confusing name , the TurboTax Free Edition is not always free .
It puts many people on track to pay .
Yes .
If you make under $ 34,000 and qualify for TurboTax Free File , you can also prepare and file your state return for free .
If you make less than $ 34,000 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for free with TurboTax Free File .
This edition is required as part of the industry ’ s deal with the IRS .
You can access the TurboTax Free File program here .
TurboTax also offers a Free Edition for people who are filing very simple returns .
Warning : The Free Edition puts many people on track to pay is not part of the IRS Free File program .
Remember : If you make under $ 66,000 per year , you are still eligible to prepare and file your taxes for free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you make under $ 66,000 per year , click this link to find another free tax preparation offer from IRS Free File .
You can call TurboTax at 888-777-3066 or reach them on Twitter @ TeamTurboTax How Do I Get a Refund From TurboTax ?
Some readers have told us that they have been able to ask for refunds by calling 888-777-3066 .
If you made less than $ 34,000 , you were eligible to file for free with TurboTax .
If you were charged a fee , you can call TurboTax @ @ @ @ @ @

This post from 2019 is still a necessary reminder for tax season -- Eds.
ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
Did you know that if you make less than $66,000 a year, you can prepare and file your taxes for free?
No? That’s no accident. Companies that make tax preparation software, like Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, would rather you didn’t know.
Intuit and other tax software companies have spent millionslobbying to make sure that the IRS doesn’t offer its own tax preparation and filing service. In exchange, the companies have entered into an agreement with the IRS to offer a “Free File” product to most Americans — but good luck finding it.
Here’s what happened when we went looking.
Our first stop was Google. We searched for “irs free file taxes.”
And we thought we found what we were looking for: Ads from TurboTax and others directing us to free products.
The first link looked promising. It contained the word “free” five times! We clicked and were relieved to see that filing for free was guaranteed.
We started the process by creating the profile of a TaskRabbit house cleaner who took in $29,000. We entered extensive personal information. TurboTax asked us to click through more than a dozen questions and prompts about our finances.
After all of that, only then did we get the bad news: TurboTax revealed this wasn’t going to be free at all. Turns out the house cleaner didn’t qualify because he is an independent contractor. The charge? $119.99.
Then we tried with a second scenario. We went back to TurboTax.com and clicked on “FREE Guaranteed.” This time, we went through the process as a Walgreens cashier without health insurance, entering personal information and giving the company lots of sensitive data.
Again, TurboTax told us we had to pay — this time because there’s an extra form if you don’t have insurance. The charge? $59.99.
But wait. Are the house cleaner and the cashier not allowed to prepare and file their taxes for free because of their particular tax situations? No! According to the agreement between the IRS and the companies, anyone who makes less than $66,000 can prepare and file their taxes for free.
So how did we end up with a product that would make us pay?
We took a close look at the source code of the TurboTax website and noticed something strange. Even though we clicked on the “FREE Guaranteed” option and met all the requirements to file for free, the company had tagged us as a potential paying customer.
In the source code, TurboTax had branded us as “NONFFA.” That stands for “Non-Free File Alliance.” In other words, we were not on track to file for free after all.
Here’s what it looks like behind the curtain:
ch: /personal—taxes/online/
cc: USD
c2: 2019-04-12T17:44:20.316Z
c5: NONFFA
c6: TT.com
c7: TTCamp
c9: 582c1659—f678-4316—a059-29ee9324cf4c
c14: performance|domComplete
Even though TurboTax could tell we were eligible to file for free, the company never told us about the truly free version.
It turns out that if you start the process from TurboTax.com, it’s impossible to find the truly free version. The company itself admits this.
This is a good time to remind you: Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, is one of the companies that has promised the IRS to offer free tax filing to lower-income Americans.
Is it called the Free Edition? No, that’s reserved for the widely advertised commercial products that are only free for people with the simplest taxes. The company calls the truly free version the Freedom Edition.
Once we realized that what we really wanted was TurboTax Freedom, we simply entered that into Google:
The first link was from TurboTax and said “Free File Program” right in the text. We clicked, and it brought us to this new page.
While the orange “See If You Qualify” link did take us to the real Free File program, the blue “Start for Free” link brought us back to the version of TurboTax where we ended up having to pay.
There’s a name for internet design tactics that get users to pay for products they don’t necessarily want: dark patterns.
Now, let’s go back to our original Google search.
The fifth link, a government site, looked like it would take us to the actual Free File program.
But not so fast! When we clicked, and then clicked through to a second page, we found a whole new set of choices and restrictions. Each of the 12 companies that have signed on to the deal with the IRS offer their own Free File product. But they all have different requirements based on age, income and location.
Finally! We clicked the “TurboTax Free File Program” link and found the actual homepage for TurboTax Freedom.
It’s not exactly a secret that this Free File program isn’t working well. The national taxpayer advocate recently said it “is failing to achieve its objectives and should be substantially improved or eliminated.” The IRS has been criticized for failing to oversee the program and the number of people using Free File has dropped by millions since it peaked in 2005.
Consumer groups have long argued that the IRS should offer its own free, online tax preparation and filing, as many other countries do.
But Congress is now moving to put the Free File program into law, including its restriction on the IRS creating its own free service. We wrote about that earlier this month and the opposition to this provision by freshman Democratic Reps. Katie Hill, Katie Porter, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others. The House ultimately passed the bipartisan Taxpayer First Act, which also contains some provisions that consumer advocates support, such as restrictions on private debt collection of unpaid taxes.
Now the Senate is considering the bill. Its sponsors have argued that it doesn’t tie the IRS’ hands, but outside legal experts we’ve spoken to disagree. The text in the bill codifying the Free File program has long been sought by lobbyists for Intuit.
We asked TurboTax spokesman Rick Heineman why the company doesn’t automatically direct eligible taxpayers to the Free File product. He didn’t respond, but said in a statement that “TurboTax Free Edition is a free commercial tax preparation product that costs $0 for fed, $0 for state, $0 to file so 50 million users with ‘simple’ filings can file for absolutely no cost. Details for eligibility for this and other TurboTax products are stated on the Products & Pricing page.”
Heineman also directed us to Intuit’s annual corporate social responsibility report, which said that last year it “donated 2.3 million federal and state returns ($27 million in value) to lower-income taxpayers through the IRS and state Free File programs.”
Last year, Intuit’s consumer division, which includes TurboTax, reported $1.6 billion in operating income.
How to Ask for a Refund
If you made less than $34,000 last year and paid to file your taxes on TurboTax, you may be able to get a refund.
A reader who reported that TurboTax agreed to refund his money said he called the TurboTax customer service line at 888-777-3066.
Spokespeople for Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on its refund policy.
If you made less than $66,000 last year, you should have been able to prepare and file your taxes for free with one of the companies participating in the IRS’ Free File program. But each company has its own distinct eligibility requirements. It’s not clear if the other companies would offer refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Tax Filing From TurboTax:
Recently, we reported that TurboTax and H&R Block were deliberately hiding their Free File program from Google and other search engines. In an effort to make sure accurate information is available to those who are searching for it, we have compiled and answered some frequently asked questions.
What Is the TurboTax Free File Program?
The TurboTax Free File program is required as part of the IRS Free File program.
To qualify for the TurboTax Free File, you must make under $34,000 per year.
You are eligible if you make less than $34,000 and:
Work full time
Work part time
Are an independent contractor
Are retired or
Paid student loans
Click here to access the TurboTax Free File program.
Important: If you make under $66,000 per year, you are eligible to file your taxes for free under the IRS Free File program.
If you make under $66,000 per year, click this link to see other options from the IRS Free File program.
What Is the TurboTax Free Edition?
TurboTax Free Edition is the name for a free version of TurboTax. It is not the same as the TurboTax Free File edition, which is part of the IRS program.
TurboTax Free Edition is free for people who are filing very simple returns only.
Warning: TurboTax Free Edition is not always free. It puts many people on track to pay.
Read about how TurboTax tries to hide its Free File edition.
What Is the TurboTax Freedom Edition?
The TurboTax Freedom Edition is another name TurboTax uses for its Free File edition. This edition is required as part of the industry’s deal with the IRS.
If you make less than $34,000 per year, you are eligible to use this program. You can access the TurboTax Freedom Edition by clicking here.
Wait, Is TurboTax Really Free?
TurboTax Free File, also called TurboTax Freedom Edition, is free for those making under $34,000 per year. Click here to access the TurboTax Free File edition.
TurboTax also offers a Free Edition for anyone who is filing a simple return only.
Warning: Despite its confusing name, the TurboTax Free Edition is not always free. It puts many people on track to pay.
Does TurboTax Offer Free State Filing?
Yes. If you make under $34,000 and qualify for TurboTax Free File, you can also prepare and file your state return for free.
Who Qualifies for TurboTax Free Edition?
If you make less than $34,000 per year, you can file your taxes for free with TurboTax Free File. This edition is required as part of the industry’s deal with the IRS. You can access the TurboTax Free File program here.
TurboTax also offers a Free Edition for people who are filing very simple returns. Warning: The Free Edition puts many people on track to pay is not part of the IRS Free File program.
Remember: If you make under $66,000 per year, you are still eligible to prepare and file your taxes for free under the IRS Free File program.
If you make under $66,000 per year, click this link to find another free tax preparation offer from IRS Free File.
How Do I Reach TurboTax Support?
You can call TurboTax at 888-777-3066 or reach them on Twitter @TeamTurboTax
How Do I Get a Refund From TurboTax?
Some readers have told us that they have been able to ask for refunds by calling 888-777-3066.
If you made less than $34,000, you were eligible to file for free with TurboTax. If you were charged a fee, you can call TurboTax to ask for a refund.


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Trump-Loving Democrat Wins County Endorsement In Pennsylvania

Heather Kass won the endorsement of her county 's Democratic Party over progressive Jessica Benham , 49-19 .
The state party has distanced itself from the decision .
A Pennsylvania statehouse candidate with a controversial social media history and past support of President Donald Trump has won the endorsement of her county ’ s Democratic Party .
Heather Kass entered the Democratic primary last month to replace state Rep. Harry Readshaw , who ’ s retiring , and the Allegheny County Democratic Committee overwhelmingly voted to endorse her over disability-rights activist Jessica Benham , reported the Pittsburgh Current .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Trump and wishing that drug addicts would overdose so there would be “ less sh*t in the world , ” and she also denounced the Affordable Care Act .
“ THESE LAZY NO GOOD IDIOTS SUCKING THE SYSTEM DRY AND I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM , ” Kass posted on her Facebook page in 2015 .
“ GO TRUMP !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
” For her part , Kass has since apologized for her pro-Trump posts , saying she was under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical issues .
Kass admitted that she made the posts .
She told KDKA they there were a mistake and she did not support Trump in 2016—and never would .
`` I did not support anybody ... At the time , I was going through a lot of issues with health .
`` And whenever I made the post—not only about that but about other things—I was under a lot of stress , had huge medical bills that had come in , and I was aggravated , '' she said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
What I said was wrong .
I have learned from that .
I do n't want to be chained to my past , '' Kass added , saying that she is a moderate Democrat while Benham was more liberal .
Jessica Benham , Kass 's primary opponent , made her feelings clear about the process the other night .

Heather Kass won the endorsement of her county's Democratic Party over progressive Jessica Benham, 49-19. The state party has distanced itself from the decision.
Source: Raw Story
A Pennsylvania statehouse candidate with a controversial social media history and past support of President Donald Trump has won the endorsement of her county’s Democratic Party. Heather Kass entered the Democratic primary last month to replace state Rep. Harry Readshaw, who’s retiring, and the Allegheny County Democratic Committee overwhelmingly voted to endorse her over disability-rights activist Jessica Benham, reported the Pittsburgh Current. That endorsement came despite Kass’ outspoken support for Trump and wishing that drug addicts would overdose so there would be “less sh*t in the world,” and she also denounced the Affordable Care Act. “THESE LAZY NO GOOD IDIOTS SUCKING THE SYSTEM DRY AND I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM,” Kass posted on her Facebook page in 2015. “GO TRUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!”
For her part, Kass has since apologized for her pro-Trump posts, saying she was under a lot of stress back then and had medical issues.
Kass admitted that she made the posts. She told KDKA they there were a mistake and she did not support Trump in 2016—and never would. "I did not support anybody...At the time, I was going through a lot of issues with health. "And whenever I made the post—not only about that but about other things—I was under a lot of stress, had huge medical bills that had come in, and I was aggravated," she said. "I apologize for everything that happened five years ago. What I said was wrong. I have learned from that. I don't want to be chained to my past," Kass added, saying that she is a moderate Democrat while Benham was more liberal.
Jessica Benham, Kass's primary opponent, made her feelings clear about the process the other night.
Today, the Allegheny County Democratic Committee chose to endorse my opponent, an outspoken Trump supporter. I’m disappointed in my party tonight especially because it’s so crucial that we come together to defeat Donald Trump this year. — Jessica Benham (@jessicalbenham) February 17, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Drain The Swamp? Trump Pardons FOUR High-Profile Convicts

So much for `` Drain the Swamp . ''
Donald Trump pardoned former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr @ @ @ @ @ former Illinois governor ( and Celebrity Apprentice contestant , yeah ) Rod Blagojevich , and @ @ @ @ @ '' Bernie Kerik today .
Both Blagojevich and DeBartolo were convicted in bribery cases .
@ @ @ @ @ guilty to 8 charges that included tax fraud and lying to White House officials .
@ @ @ @ @ ridiculous move .
He was removed from office and forbidden to ever hold office again @ @ @ @ @ Obama 's Senate seat .
They have him dead-to-rights on the phone trying to make @ @ @ @ @ Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger joined many in telling Trump , `` Do n't do it @ @ @ @ @ what this is about :

So much for "Drain the Swamp."
Donald Trump pardoned former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr, commuted the sentence of former Illinois governor (and Celebrity Apprentice contestant, yeah) Rod Blagojevich, and pardoned "friend of Rudy" Bernie Kerik today.
Both Blagojevich and DeBartolo were convicted in bribery cases. Go figure. Kerik pleaded guilty to 8 charges that included tax fraud and lying to White House officials.
Blago in particular is a ridiculous move. He was removed from office and forbidden to ever hold office again for attempting to SELL Barack Obama's Senate seat. They have him dead-to-rights on the phone trying to make a deal.
In 2018 Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger joined many in telling Trump, "Don't do it."
Today, I joined my IL GOP colleagues in sending a letter to POTUS re: former #Illinois Gov. Rod #Blagojevich. My full statement can be found below & our WH letter can be read here: https://t.co/D5jj3FPS76 pic.twitter.com/u8jsbdvyU6 — Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) June 11, 2018
We all know what this is about:


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--BREAKING:  Judge Jackson Refuses To Reschedule Stone Sentencing

Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled on Tuesday that Roger Stone ’ s sentencing would move forward as scheduled even though @ @ @ @ @ trial .
Jackson made the ruling during a conference call with attorneys and prosectors .
@ @ @ @ @ would rule on the request for a new trial at a later date .
She @ @ @ @ @ sentence will not be executed until the new trial ruling has been made .
Attorneys @ @ @ @ @ the jury foreperson in his trial was biased against President Donald Trump and his supporters @

Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled on Tuesday that Roger Stone’s sentencing would move forward as scheduled even though he has requested a new trial.
Jackson made the ruling during a conference call with attorneys and prosectors.
The judge indicated that she would rule on the request for a new trial at a later date. She said that Stone’s sentence will not be executed until the new trial ruling has been made.
Attorneys for Stone have argued that the jury foreperson in his trial was biased against President Donald Trump and his supporters.
Roger Stone’s sentencing will still happen on Thursday despite the events of the last week or so, Judge Jackson says. @dsamuelsohn reporting — Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) February 18, 2020
Question is whether that should be decided before sentencing, scheduled for Thursday. Judge Amy Berman Jackson notes no law requires that. DOJ wants to go forward Thursday, defense does not. — Rachel Weiner (@rachelweinerwp) February 18, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Betsy DeVos Paid Trump's SOTU 'Scholarship' Out Of Pocket

It 's nice when young people get acknowledgment from the ( so-called , but still ) president at the State of the Union , right ?
Despite all his tearing up of constitutional and human decency norms , Trump did a nice thing for a little girl ( Philadelphia fourth-grader Janiyah Davis ) at the State of the Union .
Oh wait no he did n't .
Associated Press : It turns out the money wasn ’ t coming from any pot of state or federal dollars .
Instead , it came from the personal accounts of Education Secretary Betsy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Education spokeswoman , told The Associated Press that DeVos , who donates her annual salary to charity , would be “ directly providing the scholarship for Janiyah ” and that the money would go directly to the school of her family ’ s choosing .
Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington is looking into this back door campaign contribution from DeVos .
Providing academic scholarship to needy children is a laudable goal , but Trump ’ s grandiose announcement and DeVos ’ s payment of this scholarship raise concerns that she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the president for his political gain , which raises serious ethics questions .
The documents [ CREW ] requested will reveal how DeVos and the DOE identified their scholarship recipient and whether the White House put political pressure on DeVos to award it .
In addition , the documents requested will reveal whether the DOE consulted with agency ethics officials before awarding this scholarship and inviting Davis and her mother to the SOTU to be recognized by the president .
We should be looking at DeVos 's tax returns to see how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation . ''
Everything Trump does , EVERYTHING , is a lying scam .

It's nice when young people get acknowledgment from the (so-called, but still) president at the State of the Union, right?
Despite all his tearing up of constitutional and human decency norms, Trump did a nice thing for a little girl (Philadelphia fourth-grader Janiyah Davis) at the State of the Union. Oh wait no he didn't. Associated Press:
It turns out the money wasn’t coming from any pot of state or federal dollars. Instead, it came from the personal accounts of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Elizabeth Hill, a Department of Education spokeswoman, told The Associated Press that DeVos, who donates her annual salary to charity, would be “directly providing the scholarship for Janiyah” and that the money would go directly to the school of her family’s choosing.
Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington is looking into this back door campaign contribution from DeVos.
Providing academic scholarship to needy children is a laudable goal, but Trump’s grandiose announcement and DeVos’s payment of this scholarship raise concerns that she is making a personal gift at the behest of the president for his political gain, which raises serious ethics questions. The documents [CREW] requested will reveal how DeVos and the DOE identified their scholarship recipient and whether the White House put political pressure on DeVos to award it. In addition, the documents requested will reveal whether the DOE consulted with agency ethics officials before awarding this scholarship and inviting Davis and her mother to the SOTU to be recognized by the president.
We should be looking at DeVos's tax returns to see how and whether she writes off the "donation."
Everything Trump does, EVERYTHING, is a lying scam.


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Boy Scouts Of America Files For Bankruptcy Amid Sex Abuse Scandal

The Boy Scouts of America 's national organization filed for Chapter 11 this morning .
Like the Catholic Church , @ @ @ @ @ and lawsuits over sexual abuse of children .
NBC : A spokesman for the Boy @ @ @ @ @ a statement that the filing had `` two key objectives : equitably compensate victims who @ @ @ @ @ in Scouting and continue carrying out its mission for years to come .
The BSA @ @ @ @ @ 11 process to create a Victims Compensation Trust that would provide equitable compensation to victims @ @ @ @ @ said that only the national organization had filed for Chapter 11 and that local councils @ @ @ @ @ services are financially independent .
`` The BSA cares deeply about all victims of abuse @ @ @ @ @ who was harmed during their time in Scouting .
We are outraged that there have @ @ @ @ @ advantage of our programs to harm innocent children , '' Roger Mosby , BSA 's @ @ @ @ @ , said in a statement Tuesday .

The Boy Scouts of America's national organization filed for Chapter 11 this morning. Like the Catholic Church, BSA is facing massive backlash and lawsuits over sexual abuse of children. NBC:
A spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America said in a statement that the filing had "two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue carrying out its mission for years to come. The BSA intends to use the Chapter 11 process to create a Victims Compensation Trust that would provide equitable compensation to victims."
The Boy Scouts said that only the national organization had filed for Chapter 11 and that local councils that provide programming and other services are financially independent.
"The BSA cares deeply about all victims of abuse and sincerely apologizes to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting. We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to harm innocent children," Roger Mosby, BSA's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement Tuesday.


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--John Bolton Puts Money Before Truth And Honor

John Bolton is happy to tease content in his new book but derelict in his duty as a citizen to @ @ @ @ @ House committee .
You 'll recall that Bolton announced that he would be happy to @ @ @ @ @ Republican ) Senate but avoided House testimony altogether .
Now in response to a question @ @ @ @ @ phone call '' with the President of Ukraine , Bolton coyly says `` You 'll @ @ @ @ @ book . ''
Screw you , John .
And Twitter has more words for ya @ @ @ @ @ rare opportunity to step up and be an ACTUAL hero for America .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ he kept his damn mouth shut in order to save trump and boost book sales @ @ @ @ @ rewarded for his cowardice .
DO N'T buy his book.
# BoycottBoltonsBook

John Bolton is happy to tease content in his new book but derelict in his duty as a citizen to testify about Trump before a House committee.
You'll recall that Bolton announced that he would be happy to testify before the (friendly Republican) Senate but avoided House testimony altogether.
Now in response to a question about "Trump's perfect phone call" with the President of Ukraine, Bolton coyly says "You'll love Chapter 14 of my book."
Screw you, John. And Twitter has more words for ya.
Boycott this book. He deserves no reward for betraying his country. #JohnBolton — Shelly (@ShellyB0918) February 18, 2020
The "Greatest Generation" stormed the beaches of Normandy to save our democracy. They are PATRIOTS.
"Patriots" don't jeopardize the health of our democracy in order to profit and sell books, Mr. Bolton.
I cannot support your book or your opportunistic approach.#JohnBolton pic.twitter.com/8gyrFM6rRY — The Truce Goose (@TheTruceGoose) February 18, 2020
John Bolton had a rare opportunity to step up and be an ACTUAL hero for America.
Instead, knowing what he knew, he kept his damn mouth shut in order to save trump and boost book sales.
He should NOT be rewarded for his cowardice. DON'T buy his book.#BoycottBoltonsBook — BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) February 18, 2020
Agreed! Bolton can't have it both ways...
Either he has 1st-hand knowledge that affects every American, and thus should be made public... or he's running a con for Ttump.
Which is it, @AmbJohnBolton — NoTrumpZone (@LongAsUCan2) February 18, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Trump Rage-Tweets Over Obama Taking Credit For Today's Economy

I swear , Morning Joe is just trolling Trump at this point .
This morning , Scarborough points out exactly who laid the foundation for today 's economy , just to throw wood on the fire .
Yes , it was 11 years ago that Obama signed the Economic Recovery Act : Eleven years ago today , near the bottom of the worst recession in generations , I signed the Recovery Act , paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history .
pic.twitter.com/BmdXrxUAUf And Baby Diaper-Boom-Boom is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Did you hear the latest con job ?
President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration .
He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression , despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing .
NOW , best jobs numbers ... .
... .ever .
Had to rebuild our military , which was totally depleted .
Fed Rate UP , taxes and regulations WAY DOWN .
If Dems won in 2016 , the USA would be in big economic ( Depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
THE BEST IS YET TO COME .
KEEP AMERICA GREAT !
Trump says he created the greatest economy of all time .
Turns out , it ranks 6th out of the last 10 presidential terms .
Either he ’ s lying , or he doesn ’ t know what he ’ s talking about .
Maybe it ’ s both ?
https : //t.co/scSfSm3AFv Your economy is a con .
Anyone can have temporarily good numbers with a $ 3 trillion addition to natl debt .
Everyone knows a house decorated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks good just like your casinos did , your steaks , Trump U - until people found out it was all a con .

I swear, Morning Joe is just trolling Trump at this point. This morning, Scarborough points out exactly who laid the foundation for today's economy, just to throw wood on the fire.
Yes, it was 11 years ago that Obama signed the Economic Recovery Act:
Eleven years ago today, near the bottom of the worst recession in generations, I signed the Recovery Act, paving the way for more than a decade of economic growth and the longest streak of job creation in American history. pic.twitter.com/BmdXrxUAUf — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 17, 2020
And Baby Diaper-Boom-Boom is having a teensy hissy fit this morning:
Did you hear the latest con job? President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration. He had the WEAKEST recovery since the Great Depression, despite Zero Fed Rate & MASSIVE quantitative easing. NOW, best jobs numbers.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2020
....ever. Had to rebuild our military, which was totally depleted. Fed Rate UP, taxes and regulations WAY DOWN. If Dems won in 2016, the USA would be in big economic (Depression?) & military trouble right now. THE BEST IS YET TO COME. KEEP AMERICA GREAT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2020
Trump says he created the greatest economy of all time.
Turns out, it ranks 6th out of the last 10 presidential terms.
Either he’s lying, or he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Maybe it’s both? https://t.co/scSfSm3AFv — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) February 17, 2020
Over a decade of economic growth followed and the economy during @BarackObama’s final three years in office were stronger than Donald Trump’s first three years in office. https://t.co/tDIzaaoWZ8 — Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) February 17, 2020
Your economy is a con. Anyone can have temporarily good numbers with a $3 trillion addition to natl debt. Everyone knows a house decorated on credit can look good. Your economy looks good just like your casinos did, your steaks, Trump U - until people found out it was all a con. — Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) February 18, 2020
Nobel Laureate says what?
So I see that Trump is bad-mouthing the Obama economy. Two points. First, there was absolutely no break in economic trends after the 2016 election 1/ pic.twitter.com/AmVFjvSNTF — Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 18, 2020
Second, while recovery from the financial crisis could and should have been faster, the reason it wasn't was Republican-enforced fiscal austerity 2/ pic.twitter.com/UyL6ibjhlr — Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 18, 2020
Without that austerity — suddenly abandoned when Trump took office — unemployment would probably have fallen to 4% by some point in 2014 3/ — Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 18, 2020
MIC DROP.


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Fox Guest Shut Down For Bringing Up Trump Cheating On His Wives

Someone touched The Precious on Fox News , and host Sandra Smith immediately changed the subject .
Jessica Tarlov did That Which Must Not be done by pointing out that Trump is a serial cheater .
It happened during a discussion of whether Pete Buttigeig would be vulnerable to attacks about being married to another man .
`` Pete Buttigieg defended his marriage over the weekend .
He has received a lot of criticism .
Here he is .
I am in a faithful , loving , committed marriage .
I 'm proud of my marriage .
And I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not going to be lectured on family values from the likes of Rush Limbaugh or anybody who supports Donald J. Trump as the moral as well as political leader of the United States .
`` So notice that the Republican on the panel does n't want to talk about the substance of what the criticism was , which was a homophobic comment , made by Rush Limbaugh there , '' Tarlov said .
`` It 's really interesting to me as someone who is an open advocate , obviously , for same-sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the land , thankfully .
A lot of work by Joe Biden there to do that .
But when you hear these criticisms from the right -- and and this has been consistent , even going from Bill Barr saying progressives or the secular left are responsible for the moral decay of the country , and you see a loving , monogamous couple like Pete Buttigieg and Chasten , his husband , up there , showing what is possible , that someone who is in a same sex relationship can do this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this well , and then they 're torn down by Rush Limbaugh , who 's been married four times , I think , Trump , married three times , cheated on all of those wives ... '' '' We could say exactly what it is that Rush Limbaugh says , so that it 's fair in the conversation here .
He said a gay guy , 37 years old , loves kissing his husband on debate stages , can you see Trump have fun with that ? ''

Someone touched The Precious on Fox News, and host Sandra Smith immediately changed the subject. Jessica Tarlov did That Which Must Not be done by pointing out that Trump is a serial cheater. It happened during a discussion of whether Pete Buttigeig would be vulnerable to attacks about being married to another man.
"Pete Buttigieg defended his marriage over the weekend. He has received a lot of criticism. Here he is.
I am in a faithful, loving, committed marriage. I'm proud of my marriage. And I'm proud of my husband. And I'm not going to be lectured on family values from the likes of Rush Limbaugh or anybody who supports Donald J. Trump as the moral as well as political leader of the United States.
"So notice that the Republican on the panel doesn't want to talk about the substance of what the criticism was, which was a homophobic comment, made by Rush Limbaugh there," Tarlov said.
"It's really interesting to me as someone who is an open advocate, obviously, for same-sex marriage, which is now the law of the land, thankfully. A lot of work by Joe Biden there to do that. But when you hear these criticisms from the right -- and and this has been consistent, even going from Bill Barr saying progressives or the secular left are responsible for the moral decay of the country, and you see a loving, monogamous couple like Pete Buttigieg and Chasten, his husband, up there, showing what is possible, that someone who is in a same sex relationship can do this can be running for president and doing this well, and then they're torn down by Rush Limbaugh, who's been married four times, I think, Trump, married three times, cheated on all of those wives..."
"Let's not bring in personal relationships," Smith quickly interrupted.
"We could say exactly what it is that Rush Limbaugh says, so that it's fair in the conversation here. He said a gay guy, 37 years old, loves kissing his husband on debate stages, can you see Trump have fun with that?"


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Profiteering Off Of The Presidency Would Have Been A Better Reason To Impeach Than Ukraine

The Washington Post has obtained Secret Service receipts from Trump ’ s properties .
It reveals a massive profiteering scandal .
... the Trump Organization appears to be overcharging the Secret Service for the use of its cottage properties .
At Trump ’ s Bedminster , New Jersey , golf club , the Secret Service paid $ 17,000 a month for a three-bedroom cottage .
“ Since fall 2017 , there have been 100 rental listings for homes with three or more bedrooms in Bedminster , according to the website Zillow.com , ” the Post finds .
“ None were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average rental rate was $ 3,400 , and the highest rent listed on Zillow was $ 8,500.
” ...
The Post notes NBC News asked the Department of Homeland Security for records of Trump ’ s spending at his Washington , D.C. , Hotel .
DHS said it spent $ 159,000 there in Trump ’ s first year .
But the record did not include the rate the Secret Service paid on those stays , or explain why it is spending money to stay there at all , when Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largeish white house on Pennsylvania Avenue , a few blocks from Trump ’ s hotel — is already financed by taxpayers ?
I agree with Mike the Mad Biologist that this should have been a major focus of Democratic investigations -- much bigger than Ukraine : Unlike the Ukraine charges , which involved a bunch of people with Russian names nobody can keep straight , everybody gets being charged too much–way too much .
It really wouldn ’ t have been a hard case to make–and multiple attorneys general have filed suits which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would have been willing to testify ) .
Plus , it would have been nearly impossible for Republicans to defend because it is so clearly greed and nothing more than that .
Sure , they might have acquitted anyway , but this is really easy to hang around Republicans ’ necks .
When I 've made similar arguments , I 've been told , Yes , but the Ukraine story is easy to understand .
There 's a one-sentence version : Trump would n't release aid to Ukraine unless Ukraine promised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's political enemies .
But ordinary Americans do n't care about the fate of Ukraine .
They cared about the Cold War , and about the hot wars we 've fought over the years .
They care about fighting terrorists .
They may know Russia is a bad actor , but it 's not a bogeyman the way Hitler , the Soviet Union , and Osama bin Laden were .
If your car is in the shop and you just found out your kid needs braces , concerns about Ukraine 's security seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that simple summary is an ungainly , convoluted narrative .
( A September post by Chait was titled `` The Ukraine Scandal Is Not One Phone Call .
It ’ s a Massive Plot . ''
) Presidential buckraking is extremely easy to understand : Trump takes advantage of his office to channel money to his own businesses .
Presidents are n't supposed to personally profit from the presidency .
Some of this money comes from foreign governments .
The Constitution specifically forbids that .
To comprehend this , you do n't need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also , when Trump pockets this money he ca n't claim to be engaging in a noble act , the way he can when he says he 's very concerned about corruption in Ukraine .
The crimes for which Trump was impeached were serious -- but they were remote from most Americans ' experience .
Trump 's profiteering is much simpler to understand .
If House Democrats wanted to grab the attention of the public , that 's where they should have turned .
Published with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog

Last week, Jonathan Chait wrote about presidential buckraking:
The Washington Post has obtained Secret Service receipts from Trump’s properties. It reveals a massive profiteering scandal. ... the Trump Organization appears to be overcharging the Secret Service for the use of its cottage properties. At Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, the Secret Service paid $17,000 a month for a three-bedroom cottage. “Since fall 2017, there have been 100 rental listings for homes with three or more bedrooms in Bedminster, according to the website Zillow.com,” the Post finds. “None were anywhere near Trump’s rate; the average rental rate was $3,400, and the highest rent listed on Zillow was $8,500.” ... The Post notes NBC News asked the Department of Homeland Security for records of Trump’s spending at his Washington, D.C., Hotel. DHS said it spent $159,000 there in Trump’s first year. But the record did not include the rate the Secret Service paid on those stays, or explain why it is spending money to stay there at all, when Trump’s Washington residence — you know, the largeish white house on Pennsylvania Avenue, a few blocks from Trump’s hotel — is already financed by taxpayers?
I agree with Mike the Mad Biologist that this should have been a major focus of Democratic investigations -- much bigger than Ukraine:
Unlike the Ukraine charges, which involved a bunch of people with Russian names nobody can keep straight, everybody gets being charged too much–way too much. It really wouldn’t have been a hard case to make–and multiple attorneys general have filed suits which could have provided more evidence (and they would have been willing to testify). Plus, it would have been nearly impossible for Republicans to defend because it is so clearly greed and nothing more than that. Sure, they might have acquitted anyway, but this is really easy to hang around Republicans’ necks.
When I've made similar arguments, I've been told, Yes, but the Ukraine story is easy to understand. There's a one-sentence version: Trump wouldn't release aid to Ukraine unless Ukraine promised to announce n investigation into one of Trump's political enemies.
But ordinary Americans don't care about the fate of Ukraine. They cared about the Cold War, and about the hot wars we've fought over the years. They care about fighting terrorists. They may know Russia is a bad actor, but it's not a bogeyman the way Hitler, the Soviet Union, and Osama bin Laden were. If your car is in the shop and you just found out your kid needs braces, concerns about Ukraine's security seem very, very remote. And behind that simple summary is an ungainly, convoluted narrative. (A September post by Chait was titled "The Ukraine Scandal Is Not One Phone Call. It’s a Massive Plot.")
Presidential buckraking is extremely easy to understand: Trump takes advantage of his office to channel money to his own businesses. Presidents aren't supposed to personally profit from the presidency. Some of this money comes from foreign governments. The Constitution specifically forbids that. To comprehend this, you don't need to have a grasp on geopolitics. Also, when Trump pockets this money he can't claim to be engaging in a noble act, the way he can when he says he's very concerned about corruption in Ukraine.
The crimes for which Trump was impeached were serious -- but they were remote from most Americans' experience. Trump's profiteering is much simpler to understand. If House Democrats wanted to grab the attention of the public, that's where they should have turned.
Published with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-02-18--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

Upyernoz : How Democrat Mike Bloomberg brought you Republican Senator Pat Toomey ( R-PA ) and Trump Secretary of Education @ @ @ @ @ Here are just some of the latest innovations from America ’ s prison industrial complex @ @ @ @ @ portrait of the Attorney General as a young douchebag .
Speaking of which , your @ @ @ @ @ `` What is it that I did that is so fundamentally wrong , that deserves @ @ @ @ @ my service ? ''
( Former Bush Attorney General Alberto Gonzales , December 31 , @ @ @ @ @ Mike 's Blog Round Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives .
Send your @ @ @ @ @ and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com .

Upyernoz: How Democrat Mike Bloomberg brought you Republican Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Trump Secretary of Education Betsy Devos.
Pharyngula: Here are just some of the latest innovations from America’s prison industrial complex.
Balkinzation: Some grim thoughts on constitutional rot.
Airbag Moments: A portrait of the Attorney General as a young douchebag.
Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
"What is it that I did that is so fundamentally wrong, that deserves this kind of response to my service?" (Former Bush Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, December 31, 2008.)
Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.


crooksandliars--2020-02-19--Out-of-Control Trump Declares Himself 'Chief Law Enforcement' Officer

Jim Acosta 's report here depicts a president utterly out of control , living completely outside reality and giving us all a taste of what is yet to come if we do not remove this man from the White House in November .
After pardoning the likes of Rod Blagojevich , Bernie Kerik , and Michael Effing Milken earlier today , Trump puffed himself up and told reporters he is n't involved in the Stone case .
HOWEVER , everyone take note : Just so you understand , I chose not to be involved .
I 'm allowed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I guess the chief law enforcement officer of the country .
Yeah , screw that whole Attorney General thing , screw the independent judiciary , because the orange mofo in the White House has declared himself to BE the law , which is pretty different from obeying it .
How 's that whole `` he 'll learn his lesson thing '' working out for Senator Collins right now , by the way ?
Well , it turns out that Collins , Murkowski and Alexander sold out for some pork .
They gave Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some ... pork .
Complicit , craven Republicans .
Let that sink in while he goes ahead and pardons Roger Stone , Paul Manafort , and Michael Flynn .
You know it 's coming .

Jim Acosta's report here depicts a president utterly out of control, living completely outside reality and giving us all a taste of what is yet to come if we do not remove this man from the White House in November.
After pardoning the likes of Rod Blagojevich, Bernie Kerik, and Michael Effing Milken earlier today, Trump puffed himself up and told reporters he isn't involved in the Stone case. HOWEVER, everyone take note:
Just so you understand, I chose not to be involved. I'm allowed to be totally involved. I'm actually, I guess the chief law enforcement officer of the country.
Yeah, screw that whole Attorney General thing, screw the independent judiciary, because the orange mofo in the White House has declared himself to BE the law, which is pretty different from obeying it.
How's that whole "he'll learn his lesson thing" working out for Senator Collins right now, by the way? Well, it turns out that Collins, Murkowski and Alexander sold out for some pork. They gave Trump a pass for his lawless ways for some...pork. Complicit, craven Republicans.
Let that sink in while he goes ahead and pardons Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, and Michael Flynn. You know it's coming.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Harry Reid On A Brokered Convention: Chill Out, It's Not The End Of The World

Harry Reid said yesterday the crowded Democratic primary race could be headed toward a convention fight but said it was n't the end of the world .
Via the Associated Press : “ I don ’ t think we ’ ll have one , but we could have one , ” Reid told The Associated Press in an interview days before the Democratic caucuses in his home state of Nevada .
“ We ’ ve had brokered conventions before , and we ’ ve always come up with good candidates .
It ’ s not the end of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Reid ’ s attitude is a sharp contrast to many in the Democratic establishment who are anxious about the prospect of a long , contentious primary race in which several candidates divide up the vote and no one amasses more than 50 % of the delegates ahead of the July convention .
A brokered convention , in which party bosses or delegates in floor fights and negotiations decide the nominee , hasn ’ t happened since the invention of the modern primary system five decades ago .
Many believe it would fracture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on the common goal : defeating President Donald Trump .
Still , the 78-year-old Reid , who retired in early 2017 after a long career as a party power broker , offered no other path to arriving at the nomination .
Reid suggested that the Democratic National Committee delegates should decide the nominee if the party ’ s leading candidate does not have a majority of delegates required to win .

Harry Reid said yesterday the crowded Democratic primary race could be headed toward a convention fight but said it wasn't the end of the world. Via the Associated Press:
“I don’t think we’ll have one, but we could have one,” Reid told The Associated Press in an interview days before the Democratic caucuses in his home state of Nevada. “We’ve had brokered conventions before, and we’ve always come up with good candidates. It’s not the end of the world. It just slows the process down.”
Reid’s attitude is a sharp contrast to many in the Democratic establishment who are anxious about the prospect of a long, contentious primary race in which several candidates divide up the vote and no one amasses more than 50% of the delegates ahead of the July convention. A brokered convention, in which party bosses or delegates in floor fights and negotiations decide the nominee, hasn’t happened since the invention of the modern primary system five decades ago. Many believe it would fracture the party and delay its shift to focusing on the common goal: defeating President Donald Trump.
Still, the 78-year-old Reid, who retired in early 2017 after a long career as a party power broker, offered no other path to arriving at the nomination. Reid suggested that the Democratic National Committee delegates should decide the nominee if the party’s leading candidate does not have a majority of delegates required to win.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Joe Biden Rips Trump, Post-Debate: 'I'm Going To Beat This Man Like A Drum!'

Joe Biden had a moderately good debate night .
He held on , but did n't gain any ground .
But afterward , in the spin room , he was great when asked directly about Trump 's smears on him and the impeachment aftermath .
After Brian Williams did his usual long , drawn out question about Hunter Biden and the Biden name being dragged through Trump 's impeachment , he asked this question : We do n't know the Biden family story from Joe Biden .
So respectfully , Mr. Vice President , are you cool with that decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken by other forces outside your family ?
Okaaaay , sure .
Of course he 's not cool with it .
Biden responded : The answer is I am as you say cool with it , because you guys know for a fact that what they told and said about me are flat lies .
You wo n't even run the ads that Trump has put forward .
And the millions of dollars , over I do n't know how many , 12 million , $ 15 million in negative ads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ single person who testified under oath that worked for this administration said I did my job well .
I did it -- what the policy was .
The European policy .
IMF .
Not a single person said I did anything other than what was honorable .
Period .
Period , period .
And I 'll be darned if i 'm going to play the president 's game which he 's an expert at which is to decide that what you 're going to do is you 're going to take the eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus on something that has nothing to do with whether he did his job .
The Republicans in the Senate acknowledged , acknowledged what he did , acknowledged how they went after me unfairly .
Acknowledged how they lied about me and in fact , what happened ?
They , in fact , acquitted him and now he has free reign .
Joe was just getting started , though .
I 'm going to beat this man like a drum .
I 'm telling you .
I can hardly wait to debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about corruption .
Talk about corruption .
This is the most corrupt president we 've ever had in American history .
I can hardly wait , Brian .
I 'm not going to play his game .
I 'm not going to get into the idea of whether or not I have to defend anything .
What he did was impeachable .
He got impeached .
He should have been convicted .
They acknowledged he should have been .
That he committed the crimes that he , in fact , they said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to impeach him .
This is outrageous .
Yep , I applaud all that .
Well said .
Nicolle Wallace asked the obvious question : Why did n't anyone say that on stage ?
Why , you ask ?
`` Because we ended up answering the questions that were asked , Nicolle , '' he said .
`` It 's awful hard to get off the focus of what you 're being asked to do . ''
The moderating was terrible .
The questions were , at times , awful .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yeah , a lot of things went unsaid because of that , but at least Biden got to say it somewhere .

Joe Biden had a moderately good debate night. He held on, but didn't gain any ground. But afterward, in the spin room, he was great when asked directly about Trump's smears on him and the impeachment aftermath.
After Brian Williams did his usual long, drawn out question about Hunter Biden and the Biden name being dragged through Trump's impeachment, he asked this question:
We don't know the Biden family story from Joe Biden. So respectfully, Mr. Vice President, are you cool with that decision? Are you okay that your story was taken by other forces outside your family?
Okaaaay, sure. Of course he's not cool with it. Biden responded:
The answer is I am as you say cool with it, because you guys know for a fact that what they told and said about me are flat lies. You won't even run the ads that Trump has put forward. And the millions of dollars, over I don't know how many, 12 million, $15 million in negative ads. Every single person on his, every single person who testified under oath that worked for this administration said I did my job well. I did it -- what the policy was. The European policy. IMF. Not a single person said I did anything other than what was honorable. Period. Period, period. And I'll be darned if i'm going to play the president's game which he's an expert at which is to decide that what you're going to do is you're going to take the eye off of what he did and try to focus on something that has nothing to do with whether he did his job. The Republicans in the Senate acknowledged, acknowledged what he did, acknowledged how they went after me unfairly. Acknowledged how they lied about me and in fact, what happened? They, in fact, acquitted him and now he has free reign.
Joe was just getting started, though.
I'm going to beat this man like a drum. I'm telling you. I can hardly wait to debate him. I want to debate him about corruption. Talk about corruption. This is the most corrupt president we've ever had in American history. I can hardly wait, Brian. I'm not going to play his game. I'm not going to get into the idea of whether or not I have to defend anything. What he did was impeachable. He got impeached. He should have been convicted. They acknowledged he should have been. That he committed the crimes that he, in fact, they said he did but they said it wasn't enough to impeach him. This is outrageous.
Yep, I applaud all that. Well said. Nicolle Wallace asked the obvious question: Why didn't anyone say that on stage?
Why, you ask? "Because we ended up answering the questions that were asked, Nicolle," he said. "It's awful hard to get off the focus of what you're being asked to do."
The moderating was terrible. The questions were, at times, awful. But the moderating was especially bad. So yeah, a lot of things went unsaid because of that, but at least Biden got to say it somewhere.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

Blue Mass Group : What went down at the Democratic Senatorial debate in Massachusetts ?
No More Mister Nice Blog @ @ @ @ @ “ blue wave ” for Democrats this fall .
Informed Comment : To get a @ @ @ @ @ President Trump went to Jared .
The Palestinians ?
Not so much .
Joe.My.God .
@ @ @ @ @ Richard Grenell to be the acting Director of National Intelligence .
Speaking of which , @ @ @ @ @ : `` '' Ric , the campaign has requested that you not speak on this @ @ @ @ @ to lay low for now . ''
( Alex Wong , Mitt Romney campaign policy @ @ @ @ @ out Grenell , May 2 , 2012 . )
Guest blogging Mike 's Blog Round @ @ @ @ @ Perr from Perrspectives .
Send your tips , recommendations , comments and angst to mbru @ @ @ @ @

Blue Mass Group: What went down at the Democratic Senatorial debate in Massachusetts?
No More Mister Nice Blog: Polling suggests an urban “blue wave” for Democrats this fall.
Informed Comment: To get a Middle East peace plan, President Trump went to Jared. The Palestinians? Not so much.
Joe.My.God.: Trump picks loyal hack Richard Grenell to be the acting Director of National Intelligence.
Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
""Ric, the campaign has requested that you not speak on this call. It's best to lay low for now." (Alex Wong, Mitt Romney campaign policy advisor speaking to soon-to-be forced out Grenell, May 2, 2012.)
Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Warren Goes After The 'Billionaire Who Calls Women Fat Broads And Horse-faced Lesbians'

Watch Elizabeth Warren sprint out of the gate by defining Michael Bloomberg with his own words .
Here 's what @ @ @ @ @ like to talk about who we 're running against .
A billionaire who calls women @ @ @ @ @ , and no I 'm not talking about Donald Trump , I 'm talking about @ @ @ @ @ not going to win if we have a nominee who has a history of hiding @ @ @ @ @ harassing women .
And of supporting racist policies like red lining and stop and frisk @ @ @ @ @ support whoever the Democratic nominee is , but understand this .
Democrats take a huge @ @ @ @ @ one arrogant billionaire for another .
This country has worked for the rich for a @ @ @ @ @ else in the dirt .
It is time to have a president who will be @ @ @ @ @ families and be willing to get out there and fight for them .
That is @ @ @ @ @ race .
And that is how I will beat Donald Trump .

Watch Elizabeth Warren sprint out of the gate by defining Michael Bloomberg with his own words.
Here's what she said:
I'd like to talk about who we're running against. A billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians, and no I'm not talking about Donald Trump, I'm talking about Mayor Bloomberg. Democrats are not going to win if we have a nominee who has a history of hiding his tax returns, of harassing women. And of supporting racist policies like red lining and stop and frisk. Look, I'll support whoever the Democratic nominee is, but understand this. Democrats take a huge risk if we just substitute one arrogant billionaire for another. This country has worked for the rich for a long time and left everyone else in the dirt. It is time to have a president who will be on the side of working families and be willing to get out there and fight for them. That is why I am in this race. And that is how I will beat Donald Trump.
Damn.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Nevada Democratic Debate Open Thread

Nevada Democratic Debate Open Thread

How to watch , at 9pm Eastern / 6 Central : The debate will air live on NBC News and MSNBC .
It will stream on NBC and MSNBC web and mobile platforms , and on The Nevada Independent 's website .
It will air live in Spanish on Universo , as well as the Noticias Telemundo mobile app and website and Noticias Telemundo 's Facebook page , according to NBC .
The big news is that Mike Bloomberg has , er , qualified to be on stage tonight , and so we get to see the charisma of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ) everyone will pile on Bloomberg and b ) Sanders has a target on his back as the purported frontrunner .
Our failed political press is salivating at all the damage the Dems can do to each other .
All the email thingies have thus concluded wisely that this is what will happen because they read ( and believe ) in the national polls .
Local polling in Nevada ( a caucus state ) is almost nonexistent so tonight ’ s “ debate ” will be the only Racing Form that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And they ’ ve already written their ledes .
Anyway , the debate starts at 6PM Pacific and lasts 2 hours .
Fair Warning : one of the hosts tonight is Upchuck Todd .

How to watch, at 9pm Eastern / 6 Central:
The debate will air live on NBC News and MSNBC. It will stream on NBC and MSNBC web and mobile platforms, and on The Nevada Independent's website. It will air live in Spanish on Universo, as well as the Noticias Telemundo mobile app and website and Noticias Telemundo's Facebook page, according to NBC.
Via Tengrain at Mock Paper Scissors:
The big news is that Mike Bloomberg has bought his way , er, qualified to be on stage tonight, and so we get to see the lack of charisma of our plutocrat.
Expect two major themes: 1) everyone will pile on Bloomberg and b) Sanders has a target on his back as the purported frontrunner. Our failed political press is salivating at all the damage the Dems can do to each other.
All the email thingies have thus concluded wisely that this is what will happen because they read (and believe) in the national polls. Local polling in Nevada (a caucus state) is almost nonexistent so tonight’s “debate” will be the only Racing Form that can be read by our failed political press. And they’ve already written their ledes.
Anyway, the debate starts at 6PM Pacific and lasts 2 hours.
Fair Warning: one of the hosts tonight is Upchuck Todd.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Consequence Of Trump:  Law Students Laugh At 'Checks And Balances' Lesson

This may be the cynicism of youth , or it may be something more dangerous .
NYU law professor Melissa Murray talked with Ari Melber about how her students reacted to a `` the president is not a king '' lesson .
ARI MELBER : For people watching this , if this evidence lines up this way , this looks like it is bad and getting worse .
What do you say to them ?
MELISSA MURRAY : So I am teaching constitutional law right now at NYU .
The other day my students and I talked about a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's immunity from civil suits .
One of the things the Court says in immunizing the president from civil suits ?
He is not a king .
He is still subject to other checks .
The prospect of his legacy .
When I said all these things class , my students laughed .
And I do n't think I 've ever been more disheartened as a lawyer and a teacher to be in front of 112 new lawyers .
People who are learning to be lawyers who are so jaded and cynical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the powers of the president being vested in someone who does not use them for the public trust but clearly for his own gains .
And it 's sad .
MELBER : That is a profound story you just shared as we think about the next generation of lawyers , public servants , some people risk their lives and what are they standing for .
What do they believe is possible ?
That 's sobering .

This may be the cynicism of youth, or it may be something more dangerous. NYU law professor Melissa Murray talked with Ari Melber about how her students reacted to a "the president is not a king" lesson.
Spoiler: They laughed.
ARI MELBER: For people watching this, if this evidence lines up this way, this looks like it is bad and getting worse. What do you say to them?
MELISSA MURRAY: So I am teaching constitutional law right now at NYU. The other day my students and I talked about a case, Nixon versus Fitzgerald, about the president's immunity from civil suits. One of the things the Court says in immunizing the president from civil suits? He is not a king. He is still subject to other checks. The prospect of his legacy. When I said all these things class, my students laughed. And I don't think I've ever been more disheartened as a lawyer and a teacher to be in front of 112 new lawyers. People who are learning to be lawyers who are so jaded and cynical about the prospect of justice. And the powers of the president being vested in someone who does not use them for the public trust but clearly for his own gains. And it's sad.
MELBER: That is a profound story you just shared as we think about the next generation of lawyers, public servants, some people risk their lives and what are they standing for. What do they believe is possible? That's sobering.


crooksandliars--2020-02-19--Susan Collins Is Concerned Again — This Time About School Funding Cuts In Maine

Apparently Betsy DeVos ' Dept .
of Education is enacting funding cuts that will hurt people in her own state !
How could such a thing happen ?
She is shocked , SHOCKED , I tell you , that administration to whom she has stayed loyal despite all her deep worry and concern would do something like hurt schoolchildren in her sweet little meek state of Maine .
Golly , Sen. Collins !
You mean , you voted to confirm Betsy DeVos , the woman who eats poor children for breakfast , ( at least the ones she has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold/adopted out to her infertile white friends ) and you 're shocked at this ?
She works for the man who you 've allowed to abuse you all this time ... the man you 've enabled , to whom you 've given the benefit of the doubt despite his telegraphing his intentions loudly and clearly to the contrary , continues to do awful things ?
Are you saying he has n't decided to show his gratitude to you for your Kavanaugh and impeachment votes by showering cash on the underprivileged children in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minion DeVos is planning to make them even poorer ?
Can it BE ?
IS'T POSSIBLE ?
Oh , THAT should do it .
Did you express your worry and concern ?
Are you disturbed ?
Sen. Collins was not getting a lot of support on Twitter .
After all ... it was she who also voted to confirm Betsy Devos .
We should be reading about the efficacy of Sen. Collins ' strongly-worded letter of concern very soon .

Awwww. GOP Senator Susan Collins from Maine is concerned.
Apparently Betsy DeVos' Dept. of Education is enacting funding cuts that will hurt people in her own state! How could such a thing happen? She is shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you, that administration to whom she has stayed loyal despite all her deep worry and concern would do something like hurt schoolchildren in her sweet little meek state of Maine.
More than 100 low-income, rural schools throughout Maine are at risk of losing $1.2 million in Rural Low-Income Schools Program funding due to an abrupt decision by the Department of Education.https://t.co/VSv0mMByq4 — Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) February 18, 2020
Golly, Sen. Collins! You mean, you voted to confirm Betsy DeVos, the woman who eats poor children for breakfast, (at least the ones she hasn't stolen from their mothers at border and sold/adopted out to her infertile white friends) and you're shocked at this? She works for the man who you've allowed to abuse you all this time...the man you've enabled, to whom you've given the benefit of the doubt despite his telegraphing his intentions loudly and clearly to the contrary, continues to do awful things? Are you saying he hasn't decided to show his gratitude to you for your Kavanaugh and impeachment votes by showering cash on the underprivileged children in your community? Nay, that his evil minion DeVos is planning to make them even poorer? Can it BE? IS'T POSSIBLE?
I wrote to the Department to urge them to reverse this misguided decision, which risks denying thousands of students living in rural Maine the chance to reach their full potentials. — Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) February 18, 2020
Oh, THAT should do it. Did you express your worry and concern? Are you disturbed?
Sen. Collins was not getting a lot of support on Twitter. After all...it was she who also voted to confirm Betsy Devos.
If only Betsy DeVoss had told you exactly who she was before she was allowed anywhere near the Department of Education. pic.twitter.com/A3sS8uuiN0 — My Sweet Baboo Redux (@babsben) February 19, 2020
You're culpable. — John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) February 19, 2020
Have you learned you lesson yet???
Nevemind, we'll take the job off of your hands. — TakeBackAmerica-Resist- Witch Hunter (@HoneyLight) February 19, 2020
Let me guess: Betsy wants rural kids to have to attend online for-profit Jesus schools? — miss speech (@miss_speech) February 19, 2020
We should be reading about the efficacy of Sen. Collins' strongly-worded letter of concern very soon.


crooksandliars--2020-02-19--Glenn Kirschner Decries Pardons As 'A Slap In The Face' To Americans

Former prosecutor Glenn Kirschner joined Ari Melber 's The Beat to express his deep outrage over Trump 's abuse of the pardon power .
Normally pardons are a privilege not exerted until the end of one 's presidency .
Trump of course , is breaking all the rules for funsies and to send the corrupt message that he is above the law .
Yesterday , he pardoned convicted Senate seat peddler Rod Blagojevich , and `` Junk Bond King '' Michael Milken among others .
Melber asked Kirschner if Trump is attempting to rewrite history with these pardons , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption , bribery , and abuse of power as 'not such a bad thing to begin with ' ?
Is this more of his attempting to numb us to egregious abuse of power ?
Kirschner seems to lean towards Door # 2 .
KIRSCHNER : That may be part of what is motivating him .
But , you know , I really see this as a softening of the ground to prepare the American people for , I don ’ t want to stay more consequential pardons to come , but the ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because if he pardons or commutes the sentences of Roger Stone , of Michael Flynn , Paul Manafort , that is nothing but a presidential cover-up plain and simple .
What I will say is that prosecutors , kind of famously , are anti-pardon .
Because , you know , we do pour a lot of time and energy , and we pour our hearts into public corruption prosecutions , in particular .
Because it 's our job to hold government officials accountable when they violate the public trust .
Heck , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it 's not just the prosecutors who he apparently is seeking to punish in some instances .
You have FBI agents who pour their hearts and souls into these cases .
Witnesses , victims , paralegals , judges , jurors , the whole system pulls together to hold governmental wrongdoers accountable .
And Trump just , with a wave of his regal hand , does away with all of it .
Which is a slap in the face to , really , all law-abiding Americans .
With this `` softening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eloquently paints it , no one should be shocked when , at the moment Judge Amy Berman Jackson hands down her sentence of Roger Stone tomorrow , Trump tweets his outrage and hands his pal a Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card .

Former prosecutor Glenn Kirschner joined Ari Melber's The Beat to express his deep outrage over Trump's abuse of the pardon power. Normally pardons are a privilege not exerted until the end of one's presidency.
Trump of course, is breaking all the rules for funsies and to send the corrupt message that he is above the law. Yesterday, he pardoned convicted Senate seat peddler Rod Blagojevich, and "Junk Bond King" Michael Milken among others.
Melber asked Kirschner if Trump is attempting to rewrite history with these pardons, or is he trying to reframe behavior like corruption, bribery, and abuse of power as 'not such a bad thing to begin with'? Is this more of his attempting to numb us to egregious abuse of power? Kirschner seems to lean towards Door #2.
KIRSCHNER: That may be part of what is motivating him. But, you know, I really see this as a softening of the ground to prepare the American people for, I don’t want to stay more consequential pardons to come, but the ones that more directly aid the president himself, because if he pardons or commutes the sentences of Roger Stone, of Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, that is nothing but a presidential cover-up plain and simple. What I will say is that prosecutors, kind of famously, are anti-pardon. Because, you know, we do pour a lot of time and energy, and we pour our hearts into public corruption prosecutions, in particular. Because it's our job to hold government officials accountable when they violate the public trust. Heck, we’re protecting the American people. But it's not just the prosecutors who he apparently is seeking to punish in some instances. You have FBI agents who pour their hearts and souls into these cases. Witnesses, victims, paralegals, judges, jurors, the whole system pulls together to hold governmental wrongdoers accountable. And Trump just, with a wave of his regal hand, does away with all of it. Which is a slap in the face to, really, all law-abiding Americans.
With this "softening of the ground," as Kirschner so eloquently paints it, no one should be shocked when, at the moment Judge Amy Berman Jackson hands down her sentence of Roger Stone tomorrow, Trump tweets his outrage and hands his pal a Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card.


crooksandliars--2020-02-19--Lobbyist Group To Run Anti-'Medicare For All' Ads During Debate

The Partnership for America 's Health Care Future , an insurance industry front group formed in 2018 to combat Medicare @ @ @ @ @ that it will run television and social media ads against healthcare reform during the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ .
PAHCF said in a statement that the 30-second spot will air on MSNBC—a co-host @ @ @ @ @ well as Facebook , Twitter , and Snapchat .
The group said it is also @ @ @ @ @ YouTube 's homepage . ''
The ad characterizes Medicare for All and incremental alternatives like @ @ @ @ @ one-size-fits-all '' proposals that would strip people of `` choice '' and impose tens of @ @ @ @ @ taxes .
The ad cites the conservative Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget on the @ @ @ @ @ All but fails to mention studies showing single-payer would save hundreds of billions of dollars—and @ @ @ @ @ year .

The Partnership for America's Health Care Future, an insurance industry front group formed in 2018 to combat Medicare for All, announced Wednesday that it will run television and social media ads against healthcare reform during the Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas.
PAHCF said in a statement that the 30-second spot will air on MSNBC—a co-host of Wednesday night's debate—as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. The group said it is also planning "a takeover of YouTube's homepage."
The ad characterizes Medicare for All and incremental alternatives like the public option as "one-size-fits-all" proposals that would strip people of "choice" and impose tens of trillions of dollars in higher taxes.
The ad cites the conservative Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget on the potential cost of Medicare for All but fails to mention studies showing single-payer would save hundreds of billions of dollars—and tens of thousands of lives—each year.
Excerpted from Common Dreams under a Creative Commons license.


crooksandliars--2020-02-19--Assange Claims He Was Promised A Pardon To Lie About Russia/DNC Hack

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a British court on Tuesday that he had been promised a pardon by people close @ @ @ @ @ Assange made the remarks while appearing at a pretrial hearing via teleconference .
Courtroom reporter @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
According to Doleman , Assange said that the pardon was conditional on @ @ @ @ @ had nothing to do with the attack on the 2016 election .
Breaking , at @ @ @ @ @ a court has heard that he will be calling a witness who will allege he @ @ @ @ @ the US government , if he would say Russia was not involved in the leak @ @ @ @ @ 2006 election .
In 2017 , a The Wall Street Journal report said that Rep. @ @ @ @ @ attempted to broker a deal for a pardon or clemency between the White House and @ @ @ @ @ in the United States on 18 counts of violating espionage laws and conspiring to hack @ @ @

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a British court on Tuesday that he had been promised a pardon by people close to President Donald Trump.
Assange made the remarks while appearing at a pretrial hearing via teleconference.
Courtroom reporter James Doleman broke the news on Twitter. According to Doleman, Assange said that the pardon was conditional on him publicly announcing that Russia had nothing to do with the attack on the 2016 election.
Breaking, at pre-trial hearing for Julian Assange a court has heard that he will be calling a witness who will allege he was offered a pardon by the US government, if he would say Russia was not involved in the leak of DNC documents during the 2006 election. — James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) February 19, 2020
Julian Assange court appearance today- His lawyer mentioned a statement, that alleges former US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher visited Assange, saying he was there on behalf of the President, offering a pardon if JA would say Russia had nothing to do with DNC leaks. @SBSNews — Ben Lewis (@benlewismedia) February 19, 2020
In 2017, a The Wall Street Journal report said that Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) attempted to broker a deal for a pardon or clemency between the White House and Assange.
Assange is wanted in the United States on 18 counts of violating espionage laws and conspiring to hack government computers.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Nevada Debate Highlights: The Dance Of Women Leaders

Editor ’ s note : Six Democratic candidates met on the debate stage in Las Vegas on Feb. 19 , discussing health care , immigration , billionaires and economic equality – as well as the name of the president of Mexico .
We asked two scholars to pick out what they viewed as the night ’ s biggest moments as Nevada Democrats get ready for their caucuses on Feb. 22 .
Both Lisa DeFrank-Cole , a professor of leadership studies at West Virginia University , and Jeffrey Waddoups , a professor of economics at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged in a fierce back-and-forth across the stage .
In an era of political leaders bullying those they disagree with , it is refreshing to see one stand up for a competitor .
Even though Warren attacked Amy Klobuchar ’ s health care policy by saying it could fit on a “ Post-it note , ” she stood up for her colleague during another exchange , when Klobuchar was weathering criticism that she hadn ’ t remembered the name of Mexico ’ s president .
Warren ’ s dual role of critic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every woman leader faces .
Though a recent Gallup Poll found most Americans say they would vote for a woman for president , it is still not a sure thing .
Society still expects women to be nurturing and helpful , not argumentative or decisive .
Men , on the other hand , can be tough and strong with little or no regard for kindness .
It is hard for a woman leader to be seen as both likable and competent at the same time .
This double bind makes it a challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar .
They need to project warmth and compassion while also demonstrating the ability to get the job done .
Their task is difficult : Be smart , but not arrogant .
Be kind , but not weak .
Be feminine , but not emotional .
In addition , it ’ s dangerous to focus on being a woman and to seek sympathy for having a harder time than your male competitors .
By attacking one of Klobuchar ’ s policies , and then within the same debate coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren is projecting warmth and compassion .
This is the dance that women leaders do every day : Take two steps toward strength and one step back to show kindness .
It ’ s a dizzying maneuver to master .
There was a time in U.S. history when prosperity was more or less equitably shared across all economic classes .
During the period that started just after World War II until 1978 , increases in the minimum wage and the income of the median household reliably matched up with increases in productivity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , increasing prosperity in the overall economy generally translated into proportionate increases in the prosperity of workers and middle-income households .
In a real sense , the economy was working not only for the wealthy , but for middle-income and lower-income workers as well .
Then things shifted : Starting in the late 1970s , productivity as measured by output per worker continued its upward march .
But the economic well-being of middle- and lower-income employees stagnated .
Most workers were no longer sharing proportionately in the economy ’ s prosperity .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two important forces for better wages : a minimum wage that tracked with inflation , and widespread collective bargaining .
Both of those elements give workers power – which Nevada ’ s Culinary Workers Union wants to protect .
The current federal minimum wage is $ 7.25 per hour , a number that has not risen since 2009 .
That amount has roughly 30 % less buying power than the $ 1.60 hourly minimum wage in 1968 , an amount worth $ 10.15 in today ’ s dollars , when adjusted for inflation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set higher minimum wages , but hundreds of thousands of workers across the country are earning the federal minimum .
Similarly , union representation has dropped since the 1970s .
In 1979 , 27 % of American workers were represented by unions .
In 2019 , that number was just 11.6 % – meaning millions of workers today don ’ t have the bargaining power to get wages and working conditions that similarly situated workers in the past enjoyed .
Lisa DeFrank-Cole , Professor of Leadership Studies , West Virginia University and Jeffrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nevada , Las Vegas This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Democratic presidential candidates (L-R) former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on February 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images/Mario Tama
Lisa DeFrank-Cole, West Virginia University and Jeffrey Waddoups, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Editor’s note: Six Democratic candidates met on the debate stage in Las Vegas on Feb. 19, discussing health care, immigration, billionaires and economic equality – as well as the name of the president of Mexico. We asked two scholars to pick out what they viewed as the night’s biggest moments as Nevada Democrats get ready for their caucuses on Feb. 22.
Both Lisa DeFrank-Cole, a professor of leadership studies at West Virginia University, and Jeffrey Waddoups, a professor of economics at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, highlighted moments when Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren engaged in a fierce back-and-forth across the stage.
Lisa DeFrank-Cole, West Virginia University
Elizabeth Warren: “Can I defend Senator Klobuchar for a minute? Look, you want to ask about whether or not you understand trade policy with Mexico? Have at it. If you get it wrong, you ought to be held accountable. … Let’s be clear: Missing a name all by itself does not indicate that you do not understand what is going on.”
In an era of political leaders bullying those they disagree with, it is refreshing to see one stand up for a competitor.
Even though Warren attacked Amy Klobuchar’s health care policy by saying it could fit on a “Post-it note,” she stood up for her colleague during another exchange, when Klobuchar was weathering criticism that she hadn’t remembered the name of Mexico’s president. Warren’s dual role of critic and defender in the debate reflects a challenge every woman leader faces.
Though a recent Gallup Poll found most Americans say they would vote for a woman for president, it is still not a sure thing. Society still expects women to be nurturing and helpful, not argumentative or decisive. Men, on the other hand, can be tough and strong with little or no regard for kindness.
It is hard for a woman leader to be seen as both likable and competent at the same time. This double bind makes it a challenge for women on the campaign trail like Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar. They need to project warmth and compassion while also demonstrating the ability to get the job done. Their task is difficult: Be smart, but not arrogant. Be kind, but not weak. Be feminine, but not emotional.
In addition, it’s dangerous to focus on being a woman and to seek sympathy for having a harder time than your male competitors.
By attacking one of Klobuchar’s policies, and then within the same debate coming back to defend her fellow senator, Warren is projecting warmth and compassion. This is the dance that women leaders do every day: Take two steps toward strength and one step back to show kindness. It’s a dizzying maneuver to master.
Jeffrey Waddoups, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Elizabeth Warren: “This country has worked for the rich for a long time and left everyone else in the dirt.”
There was a time in U.S. history when prosperity was more or less equitably shared across all economic classes. During the period that started just after World War II until 1978, increases in the minimum wage and the income of the median household reliably matched up with increases in productivity of the overall economy.
During those years, increasing prosperity in the overall economy generally translated into proportionate increases in the prosperity of workers and middle-income households. In a real sense, the economy was working not only for the wealthy, but for middle-income and lower-income workers as well.
Then things shifted: Starting in the late 1970s, productivity as measured by output per worker continued its upward march. But the economic well-being of middle- and lower-income employees stagnated. Most workers were no longer sharing proportionately in the economy’s prosperity.
That disconnection was accompanied by the weakening of two important forces for better wages: a minimum wage that tracked with inflation, and widespread collective bargaining. Both of those elements give workers power – which Nevada’s Culinary Workers Union wants to protect.
The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, a number that has not risen since 2009. That amount has roughly 30% less buying power than the $1.60 hourly minimum wage in 1968, an amount worth $10.15 in today’s dollars, when adjusted for inflation. Many state and local governments have set higher minimum wages, but hundreds of thousands of workers across the country are earning the federal minimum.
Similarly, union representation has dropped since the 1970s. In 1979, 27% of American workers were represented by unions. In 2019, that number was just 11.6% – meaning millions of workers today don’t have the bargaining power to get wages and working conditions that similarly situated workers in the past enjoyed.
Lisa DeFrank-Cole, Professor of Leadership Studies, West Virginia University and Jeffrey Waddoups, Professor of Economics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


crooksandliars--2020-02-20--Roger Stone Verdict:  Three Years, Four Months For Cover Up

Judge Amy Berman Jackson hands down the sentence : three years , four months .
And check out his nonsense @ @ @ @ @ to the sentencing : Being convicted and having publicity about being a felon is `` @ @ @ @ @ client lives for that sh*t. So sayeth the judge : And Judge Jackson was n't @ @ @ @ @ interference in lessening the sentencing requirements .
And she was ESPECIALLY not impressed with Stone @ @ @ @ @ media posts : Now that we know Trump is off the leash , imagine what @ @ @ @ @ Stone : Along with The New York Times .

Judge Amy Berman Jackson hands down the sentence: three years, four months.
SNAP: 'He was not prosecuted for standing up for the president. He was prosecuted for covering up for the president.' — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 20, 2020
More Jackson, getting angry, saying revulsion for Stone's conduct should 'transcend party.' Judge: 'The truth still matters. Roger Stone’s insistence that it doesn’t his pride in his own lies are a threat to the very foundation of this democracy.' — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 20, 2020
And check out his nonsense from Stone's attorney prior to the sentencing:
Ginsberg says the high-profile nature of the case and intense publicity has already put a lot of stress on Stone. 'The process really to some extent has already been the punishment.' Ginsberg says sentencing range is more appropriate for armed robebry.' — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 20, 2020
Being convicted and having publicity about being a felon is "enough punishment?" Your client lives for that sh*t. So sayeth the judge:
Jackson rejects Stone's lawyers' complaints about the stress he suffered from high-profile case & publicity. “He was at the heart of a great deal of it. Through his press conferences and social media posting, he chose to stoke it.” — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 20, 2020
And Judge Jackson wasn't impressed with the AG's interference in lessening the sentencing requirements.
Wow! Now Jackson getting snarky to those who just weighed in for leniency for Stone. 'For those of you new to this and work up last week to the fact that the [sentencing] guidelines are harsh … — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 20, 2020
...I can assure you that defense attorneys and many judges have been making that point for a long time but we don’t usually succeed in getting the government to agree.' — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 20, 2020
And she was ESPECIALLY not impressed with Stone's "crosshairs" social media posts:
...' 'This is intolerable to the administration of justice and the court cannot just sit idly by and say that's just Roger being Roger.' — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) February 20, 2020
Now that we know Trump is off the leash, imagine what happens when he pardons Roger Stone:
The GOP is the party of Roger Stone.
Imagine being an elected GOP senator or representative and knowing that you have to bend your knee to Roger Effin Stone.
The GOP is a cringe inducing embarrassment of a party. — 🌲Million Bonobos Demand 🌲 (@otto_maddoxx) February 20, 2020
You made this bed, Republican Senators.
Along with The New York Times.