crooksandliars--2020-01-16--For This Observer, It Was Warren’s Best Debate

Fascinating to see the last debate before the voting starts be this calm .
Disagreements , a couple of flashpoints , but no one engaging in sustained attacks , no one taking big risks .
Based on my headline , you can tell this Warren supporter had no qualms about her performance : I thought Elizabeth knocked it out of the park , and most importantly successfully defined the terms of the debate .
Voters have to decide on whether the best path to beating Trump is to take the conventional wisdom path- to nominate the careful , moderate white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long time ; or to try something new : a woman , an outsider with a strong anti-corruption reform message .
I thought Elizabeth made her case well .
More on that , and on the Bernie vs Warren issues , below .
First , some commentary on the other candidates .
I was deeply puzzled why the two candidates who remain pretty far behind in the Iowa and New Hampshire polling , Steyer and Klobuchar , took no risks .
To me , one of the absolute , top tier rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any competition ) is that when you are behind , you have to take bigger risks .
Biden didn ’ t do anything last night to stir the pot or shake things up , but he didn ’ t have to , he ’ s the frontrunner .
Klobuchar is a distant 5th at 7 % , and Steyer is at about 2 % .
They both said some good things which reinforced the campaign themes they are trying to build , but neither one said anything to shake things up or change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought this was Pete ’ s worst debate performance so far .
There ’ s an oddly rehearsed , overly practiced quality to everything he says : he always seems to be trying so hard to be serious , to have gravitas , to seem older .
I don ’ t think it worked very well last night .
Biden was really subdued for the most part .
It feels like he is “ calling it in ” , trying hard not to make mistakes that will shake his frontrunner status .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time George HW Bush looked at his watch in the middle of one of his debates with Clinton : just trying to run out the clock .
And maybe that works since Biden is the frontrunner , but my guess is that voters are looking for more energy than that in a race against Trump .
Bernie ’ s great strength is that , well , he is always just Bernie .
He doesn ’ t make the adjustments other candidates make ; he never feels calibrated .
He is who he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is a very appealing thing .
I am pleased that Bernie and Elizabeth didn ’ t get into an extended negative wrangle with each other .
They clearly have a different memory about the conversation they had in 2018 , but as Elizabeth said , it doesn ’ t matter , they are still friends and allies .
Her rapid-fire pivot away from the Bernie/Elizabeth disagreement to the broader question of whether a woman can win was perfectly executed , and the case she made was eloquent .
Bernie and Elizabeth are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same voters , but both are also competing with others , according to the polling Bernie primarily with Biden , Warren primarily with Pete .
What was most important about this final debate before Iowa ( and before the early voting starts in Super Tuesday states ) was that Elizabeth defined the terms of the debate in terms of electability : is our best path to play it safe with establishment candidates and issue positions , or is that kind of “ playing it safe ” mode the same strategy that lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is time for a woman and time for a take-on-the-big-money-powers-that-be fighter , instead of going with the conventional wisdom strategies that have lost so often before , is compelling .
A couple of other points on the Bernie/Elizabeth differences : progressives are all united in wanting big changes , but as someone who has been fighting the progressive fight in DC for almost 30 years now , I very much appreciate Elizabeth ’ s point on both trade and health care that we should take as much as we can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the way Bernie has mostly voted over the years , but rhetorically he tends to be more of an all or nothing guy .
Elizabeth ’ s nod to the fact that in politics , like in the Rolling Stones song , you can ’ t always get what you want but if you try sometimes , you can get what you need , is important .
You can ’ t take the politics out of politics , and while we need to fight for the urgent changes required , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress .
The moderate wing of the party sometimes argues that as well , but the difference is that Elizabeth is genuinely more progressive and will actually fight for the big changes we need .
My final point is this : Elizabeth ’ s unifying the party message is absolutely critical .
It ’ s not a dis to Bernie , it ’ s just a fact : many Democrats will never accept Bernie as their nominee , they will fight him every step of the way .
But Elizabeth ’ s message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : we need the progressive wing of the party fully energized , engaged , and welcomed in .
That will not happen with Biden or Pete as the nominee .
Elizabeth is the perfect bridge between those two wings of the party , and the right person to beat Trump as a result .
We will see what Iowa and the states to come decide , but winning the last debate before the vote is a damn good thing for Elizabeth .
I think change and big outsider ideas will win the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liars does NOT endorse candidates in the Democratic primaries , and supports the Democratic nominee once the nominating process is over .
This post is the personal opinion of the author only .

Fascinating to see the last debate before the voting starts be this calm. Disagreements, a couple of flashpoints, but no one engaging in sustained attacks, no one taking big risks.
Based on my headline, you can tell this Warren supporter had no qualms about her performance: I thought Elizabeth knocked it out of the park, and most importantly successfully defined the terms of the debate. Voters have to decide on whether the best path to beating Trump is to take the conventional wisdom path- to nominate the careful, moderate white guy who we’ve known for a long time; or to try something new: a woman, an outsider with a strong anti-corruption reform message. I thought Elizabeth made her case well.
More on that, and on the Bernie vs Warren issues, below. First, some commentary on the other candidates.
I was deeply puzzled why the two candidates who remain pretty far behind in the Iowa and New Hampshire polling, Steyer and Klobuchar, took no risks. To me, one of the absolute, top tier rules of politics (or sports, or any competition) is that when you are behind, you have to take bigger risks. Biden didn’t do anything last night to stir the pot or shake things up, but he didn’t have to, he’s the frontrunner. Klobuchar is a distant 5th at 7%, and Steyer is at about 2%. They both said some good things which reinforced the campaign themes they are trying to build, but neither one said anything to shake things up or change the basic dynamics of the race.
I thought this was Pete’s worst debate performance so far. There’s an oddly rehearsed, overly practiced quality to everything he says: he always seems to be trying so hard to be serious, to have gravitas, to seem older. I don’t think it worked very well last night.
Biden was really subdued for the most part. It feels like he is “calling it in”, trying hard not to make mistakes that will shake his frontrunner status. His performance last night reminded me of the time George HW Bush looked at his watch in the middle of one of his debates with Clinton: just trying to run out the clock. And maybe that works since Biden is the frontrunner, but my guess is that voters are looking for more energy than that in a race against Trump.
Bernie’s great strength is that, well, he is always just Bernie. He doesn’t make the adjustments other candidates make; he never feels calibrated. He is who he is, with no apologies, and that is a very appealing thing.
I am pleased that Bernie and Elizabeth didn’t get into an extended negative wrangle with each other. They clearly have a different memory about the conversation they had in 2018, but as Elizabeth said, it doesn’t matter, they are still friends and allies. Her rapid-fire pivot away from the Bernie/Elizabeth disagreement to the broader question of whether a woman can win was perfectly executed, and the case she made was eloquent.
Bernie and Elizabeth are going to keep competing for some of the same voters, but both are also competing with others, according to the polling Bernie primarily with Biden, Warren primarily with Pete. What was most important about this final debate before Iowa (and before the early voting starts in Super Tuesday states) was that Elizabeth defined the terms of the debate in terms of electability: is our best path to play it safe with establishment candidates and issue positions, or is that kind of “playing it safe” mode the same strategy that lost for us in 2016? Her argument that it is time for a woman and time for a take-on-the-big-money-powers-that-be fighter, instead of going with the conventional wisdom strategies that have lost so often before, is compelling.
A couple of other points on the Bernie/Elizabeth differences: progressives are all united in wanting big changes, but as someone who has been fighting the progressive fight in DC for almost 30 years now, I very much appreciate Elizabeth’s point on both trade and health care that we should take as much as we can get that helps people right now. That’s the way Bernie has mostly voted over the years, but rhetorically he tends to be more of an all or nothing guy. Elizabeth’s nod to the fact that in politics, like in the Rolling Stones song, you can’t always get what you want but if you try sometimes, you can get what you need, is important. You can’t take the politics out of politics, and while we need to fight for the urgent changes required, sometimes all we can do is to make progress. The moderate wing of the party sometimes argues that as well, but the difference is that Elizabeth is genuinely more progressive and will actually fight for the big changes we need.
My final point is this: Elizabeth’s unifying the party message is absolutely critical. It’s not a dis to Bernie, it’s just a fact: many Democrats will never accept Bernie as their nominee, they will fight him every step of the way. But Elizabeth’s message is even more important to the centrists: we need the progressive wing of the party fully energized, engaged, and welcomed in. That will not happen with Biden or Pete as the nominee. Elizabeth is the perfect bridge between those two wings of the party, and the right person to beat Trump as a result.
We will see what Iowa and the states to come decide, but winning the last debate before the vote is a damn good thing for Elizabeth. I think change and big outsider ideas will win the day.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Crooks and Liars does NOT endorse candidates in the Democratic primaries, and supports the Democratic nominee once the nominating process is over. This post is the personal opinion of the author only.


crooksandliars--2020-01-16--Robert Hyde Says He Was Drunk During Threats Against US Ambassador

In the continuing saga of Trump 's shakedown of Ukraine , the new playerhas responded to his newfound fame as mafia hitman for the administration .
Robert Hyde , running for a Connecticut Congressional seat ( because , of course he is ) did n't deny tracking our ambassador 's movements while she was in Ukraine .
He also did n't deny sending the tweets that clearly imply he 's willing to harm , or arrange for harm , to come to Marie Yovanovitch in order to facilitate said shakedown .
Is he going to halt his run for Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Well , in a text message to journalist Josh Lederman , he just says , `` Pfft .
Dude .
I was drunk , and Adam Schiff is a turd . ''
Josh Lederman and Heidi Przybyla joined Stephanie Ruhle to discuss this dramatic , yet dime-store novel turn of events .
STEPHANIE RUHLE : We 're not talking about any official agency .
We 're not even talking about a lawmaker .
Who in the world is Robert Hyde ?
He 's a new name .
JOSH LEDERMAN , NBC POLITICAL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone we did n't know was part of the impeachment saga until these documents .
He 's a Republican candidate in Connecticut who appears to have joined Trump 's orbit by making donations to the president and Republicans , he showed up at Mar-a-Lago .
He 's a very bombastic guy .
He had to delete an offensive tweet about Kamala Harris after she dropped out of the presidential race .
In a text message to me last night as we were asking him about this , he brushed this all off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are texts he sent to some , quote , dweeb while he was having some drinks with a friend .
RUHLE : ...
I want to go deeper into Robert Hyde , his excuse was he was drinking when he sent those messages about the ambassador .
While the ambassador was testifying before Congress , he took to twitter in the middle of the afternoon calling her foul , derogatory terms right there .
So at 3:59 in the afternoon , calling a career diplomat a piece of you know what , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Maybe he was drunk when he -- or the lawyer was when he texted Josh last night , I do n't know .
But I think we have a lot more to learn about how Hyde fits into this .
But the most important thing here is the lines drawing back to the president .
This is why we have a second article of obstruction because it is precisely information like this that makes it very clear this was all being carried out on behalf of no one else , other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani says in this letter he is acting solely on behalf of Trump .
What is he looking for ?
We know from contemporary news reporting at the time that he is looking for dirt on the Bidens .
From those handwritten notes , it says this is what the president wants .
He wants an announcement of dirt on the Bidens .
What does that have to do with official corruption ?
Just getting an announcement for the president from the president 's personal attorney pushing for this .
So it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had any concerns about a broader fight against corruption that this was his personal attorney acting on behalf of the president in his own personal context .
And then it also explains , Hyde tweeting at Yovanovitch why the president said in that phone call with Zelensky that she 's going to , quote , `` go through some things '' because apparently he had people on the ground there who were at a minimum tracking her movements .
Who knows specifically what they meant to do to her other than to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another concern .
If you are one of these Republican senators -- by the way , the Chief Justice as well , who 's going to have the first call on whether new evidence is admitted , you have to look at this and really wonder , is this the way that you want to be on the record , given that the one sure thing about this entire episode is more information is going to continue to flow .

In the continuing saga of Trump's shakedown of Ukraine, the new playerhas responded to his newfound fame as mafia hitman for the administration. Robert Hyde, running for a Connecticut Congressional seat (because, of course he is) didn't deny tracking our ambassador's movements while she was in Ukraine. He also didn't deny sending the tweets that clearly imply he's willing to harm, or arrange for harm, to come to Marie Yovanovitch in order to facilitate said shakedown.
Is he going to halt his run for Congress? AHAHAno.
What's his response? Well, in a text message to journalist Josh Lederman, he just says, "Pfft. Dude. I was drunk, and Adam Schiff is a turd."
and the coup de grace:
Your Republican party, ladies and gentlemen.
Josh Lederman and Heidi Przybyla joined Stephanie Ruhle to discuss this dramatic, yet dime-store novel turn of events.
STEPHANIE RUHLE: We're not talking about any official agency. We're not even talking about a lawmaker. Who in the world is Robert Hyde? He's a new name.
JOSH LEDERMAN, NBC POLITICAL REPORTER: He is. He's someone we didn't know was part of the impeachment saga until these documents. He's a Republican candidate in Connecticut who appears to have joined Trump's orbit by making donations to the president and Republicans, he showed up at Mar-a-Lago. He's a very bombastic guy. He had to delete an offensive tweet about Kamala Harris after she dropped out of the presidential race. In a text message to me last night as we were asking him about this, he brushed this all off, didn't back down but said these are texts he sent to some, quote, dweeb while he was having some drinks with a friend.
RUHLE: ...I want to go deeper into Robert Hyde, his excuse was he was drinking when he sent those messages about the ambassador. While the ambassador was testifying before Congress, he took to twitter in the middle of the afternoon calling her foul, derogatory terms right there. So at 3:59 in the afternoon, calling a career diplomat a piece of you know what, he was drunk then too?
HEIDI PRZBYLA: Maybe he was drunk when he -- or the lawyer was when he texted Josh last night, I don't know. But I think we have a lot more to learn about how Hyde fits into this. But the most important thing here is the lines drawing back to the president. This is why we have a second article of obstruction because it is precisely information like this that makes it very clear this was all being carried out on behalf of no one else, other than the president of the United States. Giuliani says in this letter he is acting solely on behalf of Trump. What is he looking for? We know from contemporary news reporting at the time that he is looking for dirt on the Bidens. From those handwritten notes, it says this is what the president wants. He wants an announcement of dirt on the Bidens. What does that have to do with official corruption? Just getting an announcement for the president from the president's personal attorney pushing for this. So it's blowing up this narrative that the president had any concerns about a broader fight against corruption that this was his personal attorney acting on behalf of the president in his own personal context. And then it also explains, Hyde tweeting at Yovanovitch why the president said in that phone call with Zelensky that she's going to, quote, "go through some things" because apparently he had people on the ground there who were at a minimum tracking her movements. Who knows specifically what they meant to do to her other than to get the president to remove her. But another concern. If you are one of these Republican senators -- by the way, the Chief Justice as well, who's going to have the first call on whether new evidence is admitted, you have to look at this and really wonder, is this the way that you want to be on the record, given that the one sure thing about this entire episode is more information is going to continue to flow.


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Mark Kelly Far Outdistancing Martha McSally In Fundraising

If you were wondering what 's up with Martha McSally and her staged pouty outrage against a CNN reporter a @ @ @ @ @ it 's this : she needs cash .
Lots and lots of cash .
Without @ @ @ @ @ good chance she 'll lose a senate seat in red-state Arizona .
Democratic challenger Mark @ @ @ @ @ Republican Sen. Martha McSally ’ s fundraising in one of the top 2020 Senate races @ @ @ @ @ by both campaigns Tuesday .
Kelly , a retired astronaut , raised $ 6.3 million @ @ @ @ @ had $ 13.6 million in the bank at the end of 2019 , according to @ @ @ @ @ s led McSally in fundraising since announcing his Senate bid nearly a year ago .
@ @ @ @ @ she raised $ 4 million during the last three months of the year and had @ @ @ @ @ bank .

If you were wondering what's up with Martha McSally and her staged pouty outrage against a CNN reporter a couple of days ago, it's this: she needs cash. Lots and lots of cash. Without it, there's a good chance she'll lose a senate seat in red-state Arizona.
Source: Associated Press
Democratic challenger Mark Kelly has again topped Arizona Republican Sen. Martha McSally’s fundraising in one of the top 2020 Senate races, according to numbers released by both campaigns Tuesday.
Kelly, a retired astronaut, raised $6.3 million in the fourth quarter and had $13.6 million in the bank at the end of 2019, according to his campaign. He’s led McSally in fundraising since announcing his Senate bid nearly a year ago.
McSally’s campaign said she raised $4 million during the last three months of the year and had $7.6 million in the bank.


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Rep. Ayanna Presley Bravely Goes Public About Her Alopecia

When I was diagnosed with cancer , the first thing I thought was , `` Will I need chemo ? ''
And the second thing I thought was , `` What about my hair ? ''
For a couple of weeks , until I got the biopsy results , I had to accept that my hair might be gone .
It was difficult .
As it turned out , no chemo .
But when I read about Rep. Ayanna Presley 's hair , let 's just say it resonated .
She chose to share her story with The Root : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her hair was pivotal , she says .
Not only was it the night before Donald Trump ’ s impeachment vote in the House of Representatives , it was the anniversary of her mother ’ s death .
The sense of loss was manifold .
“ I was missing her .
I was mourning my hair .
I was mourning the state of our democracy .
I was mourning my mentor , Chairman Elijah Cummings , ” she said .
Pressley had already been accused of being “ militant ” when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she knew her bald head , stripped of context , would undoubtedly be viewed as a political message .
So , she immediately sought out options .
She called her friend Angela Rye , who connected her to “ hair caregiver ” Jamal Edmonds .
Edmonds quickly created a custom wig for the Congresswoman , hours ahead of the time she was scheduled to deliver her vote to impeach the President of the United States .
“ When I saw myself in the mirror , he had done a beautiful job , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ I was wearing this wig , fully clothed .
But in that moment , I couldn ’ t recall the last time I ’ d ever felt more naked.
” After voting on the House floor , Pressley left and hid in a bathroom stall , feeling exposed , vulnerable , and embarrassed .
It was at that point that she remembered those same little girls looking up to her—and decided that when she was ready , she ’ d go public with her condition .
“ I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shame that that secret carries with it , ” Pressley said .
Seems I 'm not the only one who related to her courage and vulnerability :

When I was diagnosed with cancer, the first thing I thought was, "Will I need chemo?" And the second thing I thought was, "What about my hair?" For a couple of weeks, until I got the biopsy results, I had to accept that my hair might be gone. It was difficult.
As it turned out, no chemo. But when I read about Rep. Ayanna Presley's hair, let's just say it resonated. She chose to share her story with The Root:
The night Pressley lost her final piece of her hair was pivotal, she says. Not only was it the night before Donald Trump’s impeachment vote in the House of Representatives, it was the anniversary of her mother’s death. The sense of loss was manifold. “I was missing her. I was mourning my hair. I was mourning the state of our democracy. I was mourning my mentor, Chairman Elijah Cummings,” she said. Pressley had already been accused of being “militant” when she wore her hair in twists, so she knew her bald head, stripped of context, would undoubtedly be viewed as a political message. So, she immediately sought out options. She called her friend Angela Rye, who connected her to “hair caregiver” Jamal Edmonds. Edmonds quickly created a custom wig for the Congresswoman, hours ahead of the time she was scheduled to deliver her vote to impeach the President of the United States. “When I saw myself in the mirror, he had done a beautiful job, but I did not recognize myself,” she said. “I was wearing this wig, fully clothed. But in that moment, I couldn’t recall the last time I’d ever felt more naked.” After voting on the House floor, Pressley left and hid in a bathroom stall, feeling exposed, vulnerable, and embarrassed. It was at that point that she remembered those same little girls looking up to her—and decided that when she was ready, she’d go public with her condition. “I want to be freed from the secret and the shame that that secret carries with it,” Pressley said.
Seems I'm not the only one who related to her courage and vulnerability:
I’m in tears. I have alopecia and it is a matter of time before I have this experience. I watch y’all joke about folks who brush their hair back and have no edges. Sometimes you don’t realize the people you hit with strays.
Thank you, Congresswoman.https://t.co/mWKn58CI2b — Somebody’s Somebody (@onlychyld) January 16, 2020
.@AyannaPressley was already an incredible inspiration and among the most brilliant, fierce and dynamic members of really the most impressive freshman congressional class since 1992. But this? Beautiful beyond words. Kudos to the Rep and @TheRoot https://t.co/KWnXx12TVx — Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) January 16, 2020
There is far too much name calling, pettiness, snark cynicism, and cruelty in this world. And then there are moments of grace, poise, and courage. This video of @AyannaPressley is one of those moments. Please find the time to stop, watch, and reflect. https://t.co/PbAzGg6bRm — Dan Rather (@DanRather) January 17, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Martha McSally Won't Answer Laura Ingraham When She Asks 'Liberal Hack's' Question

So you 've probably seen Martha McSally 's staged `` showdown '' with CNN reporter Manu Raju .
Here 's the short version : McSally was appointed to John McCain 's open seat .
She 's relatively liberal for Arizona , and her reelection numbers look bad .
So she imitates Trump , then fundraises off it .
CNN 's New Day looks at how she responded to the exact same question when Laura Ingraham asked it .
`` So Jeffrey Toobin asserted Republicans are afraid of the facts here .
There is some evidence that maybe they 're not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're afraid of even being asked about the facts .
Exhibit `` A '' here would be Arizona Senator Martha McSally .
Listen , '' John Berman said .
RAJU : Senator McSally , should the Senate consider new evidence as part of the impeachment trial ?
McSALLY : Man , you 're a liberal hack .
I 'm not talking to you .
RAJU : You 're not going to comment ?
`` How practiced was that response ? ''
Alysin Camerota said .
`` It is the most basic , pertinent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do I know that ?
Because it was asked again by liberal hack Laura Ingraham .
Listen to this . ''
INGRAHAM : What about Manu Raju 's question ?
Do you want witnesses ?
INGRAHAM : Okay .
No , no , no .
You can call me a conservative hack .
But do you want witnesses , yes or no ?
Why are n't you telling us ?
McSALLY : Because we 're going to vote on Tuesday to start the trial and let them present the -- INGRAHAM : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motion for more witnesses ?
McSALLY : We 're going to get to that .
I 'm not going to tell everybody what my vote will be .
McSALLY : I think we 're going to proceed forward at that point .
`` It 's a very easy question .
She 's a liberal hack , '' Berman said .
`` Jeffrey , what do you make of the Arizona senator 's response ? ''
`` Well , I think , you know , the most revealing thing is this outrageous and ignorant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is a fine journalist and very well known in the Capitol about being a straight up reporter , '' Toobin said .
`` She 's fundraising off of this .
She has put this out .
And this is just indicative of where the Republican party is today that , you know , anything CNN says , anything the New York Times says is , by its definition , untrue .
First of all , it 's wrong .
What we say and do is not untrue .
It 's also indicative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become . ''
`` And that that has become a strategic asset .
They say behaving in a way that debases their office , diminishes the integrity of a reporter and that relationship and refuses to ask a simple direct question by being a cheap attack on that .
They fundraise off of it .
Who 'd they learn that from ?
Daddy .
Donald Trump .
This is a downstream effect of the president , '' John Avlon said .

So you've probably seen Martha McSally's staged "showdown" with CNN reporter Manu Raju. Here's the short version: McSally was appointed to John McCain's open seat. She's relatively liberal for Arizona, and her reelection numbers look bad. So she imitates Trump, then fundraises off it. CNN's New Day looks at how she responded to the exact same question when Laura Ingraham asked it.
"So Jeffrey Toobin asserted Republicans are afraid of the facts here. There is some evidence that maybe they're not just afraid of the facts. They're afraid of even being asked about the facts. Exhibit "A" here would be Arizona Senator Martha McSally. Listen," John Berman said.
RAJU: Senator McSally, should the Senate consider new evidence as part of the impeachment trial? McSALLY: Man, you're a liberal hack. I'm not talking to you. RAJU: You're not going to comment? McSALLY: You're a liberal hack, buddy.
"How practiced was that response?" Alysin Camerota said.
"It is the most basic, pertinent question facing Republican senators now. How do I know that? Because it was asked again by liberal hack Laura Ingraham. Listen to this."
INGRAHAM: What about Manu Raju's question? Do you want witnesses? McSALLY: I want a fair trial. INGRAHAM: Okay. No, no, no. You can call me a conservative hack. But do you want witnesses, yes or no? Why aren't you telling us? McSALLY: Because we're going to vote on Tuesday to start the trial and let them present the -- INGRAHAM: How are you going to vote on the motion for more witnesses? McSALLY: We're going to get to that. I'm not going to tell everybody what my vote will be. INGRAHAM: It's an easy question. McSALLY: I think we're going to proceed forward at that point.
"It's a very easy question. She's a liberal hack," Berman said.
"Jeffrey, what do you make of the Arizona senator's response?"
"Well, I think, you know, the most revealing thing is this outrageous and ignorant thing she said about Manu Raju, who is a fine journalist and very well known in the Capitol about being a straight up reporter," Toobin said.
"She's fundraising off of this. She has put this out. And this is just indicative of where the Republican party is today that, you know, anything CNN says, anything the New York Times says is, by its definition, untrue. First of all, it's wrong. What we say and do is not untrue. It's also indicative of how ugly the Republican party has become."
"And that that has become a strategic asset. They say behaving in a way that debases their office, diminishes the integrity of a reporter and that relationship and refuses to ask a simple direct question by being a cheap attack on that. They fundraise off of it. Who'd they learn that from? Daddy. Donald Trump. This is a downstream effect of the president," John Avlon said.


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Documents Corroborate Lev Parnas Account

I think it ’ s obvious that we should all remain skeptical of Lev Parnas as Tom counsels here .
Shady operators often have good reasons for lying or embellishing when they are in the crosshairs .
The main takeaway from all this so far is that the president ’ s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani was engaged in a sleazy operation in Ukraine that appears to be linked to a lot more shady activities in this Ukraine gambit than we knew .
It ’ s not credible that the president wasn ’ t okaying it ever step of the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has to save himself a lot of people will undoubtedly be in big trouble .
That ’ s what Rudy was talking about when he said he has “ insurance.
” If Bill Barr was involved in all this , it may explain why Rudy has so far not been indicted by SDNY .
Maybe.The good news is that there are documents that can corroborate much of what Parnas said .
They are still being looked at .
Yesterday , one watchdog group took a quick look at a few and shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lined up the newly released Parnas messages with the records we obtained from the State Department through FOIA litigation , as well as other records and reports .
The timeline is troubling .
On Tuesday , the House released new evidence provided by Lev Parnas , an associate of Rudy Giuliani , which included disturbing text messages that suggest the movements of former Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch were being tracked .
intelligence.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ … Many of the messages between Parnas and Robert Hyde , a Trump donor who was apparently assisting Parnas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 — dates when Giuliani was in touch with Sec .
of State Mike Pompeo , according to records we obtained .
americanoversight.org/state-departme… March 24 : Donald Trump Jr tweets about Yovanovitch at 12:12pm EDT twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr… About 20 minutes later , at 4:34pm UTC , Parnas sends Hyde the same article that Don Jr tweeted .
March 25 : Lev Parnas posts on Instagram from the Trump International Hotel in Washington , DC , where he is with Giuliani for dinner celebrating the release of the Mueller report summary .
twitter.com/shelbyholliday… March 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is messaging Parnas ( just after 2:00am the next day Ukraine time , according to the time stamps ) suggesting he has Ambassador Yovanovitch under surveillance : “ She ’ s talked to three people .
Her phone is off .
Computer is off.
” March 26 : A little over 12 hours later , call logs obtained by American Oversight show Rudy Giuliani spoke with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo : documentcloud.org/documents/6557… Also on March 26 : John Solomon emailed Lev Parnas , Victoria Toensing , and Joseph diGenova an article advancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
documentcloud.org/documents/6557… March 26 : That evening , Giuliani appeared on Fox News host Laura Ingraham ’ s show .
It was just after midnight in Ukraine when Hyde messaged Parnas : “ If you want her out , they need to make contact with security forces… .
From Ukrainians.
” The subsequent exchange between Parnas and Hyde suggests that Parnas was with Giuliani during the Ingraham broadcast .
archive.org/details/FOXNEW… March 27 : At 11:28am EDT , Giuliani ’ s assistant contacts President Trump ’ s Oval Office secretary , Madeleine Westerhout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Secretary Pompeo .
“ I ’ ve been trying and getting nowhere through regular channels ” documentcloud.org/documents/6557… Later that night , Hyde messages Parnas about Yovanovitch again : “ Nothing has changed she is still not moving.
” “ It ’ s confirmed we have a person inside.
” March 28 : The next morning before 9:30am EDT , Giuliani called the State Department to set up a call with Mike Pompeo .
According to emails we obtained , the call was scheduled for the next day .
documentcloud.org/documents/6557… According to news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day that Giuliani delivered the the “ packet ” he had compiled about Yovanovitch — including the email that John Solomon had sent to Parnas two days earlier .
nbcnews.com/politics/trump… ; March 29 : At 3:00am Ukraine time , Hyde again messages Parnas : “ She had visitors ” and “ It ’ s confirmed we have a person inside ” Just under 12 hours later , at 8:14am EDT , State Department call logs show that Giuliani spoke on the phone with Mike Pompeo for several minutes .
documentcloud.org/documents/6557… This gets even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records and reports showing contacts with Rep. Devin Nunes regarding investigations of the Bidens .
According to CNBC , Nunes ’ staff were in contact with Parnas and Ukrainian officials in “ late March.
” cnbc.com/2019/11/24/giu… And Pompeo ’ s call schedule , which we obtained through our FOIA lawsuit , shows a call with Nunes scheduled for April 1 — listed on the log immediately after the March 29 call with Giuliani .
documentcloud.org/documents/6557… All of this calls into question Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s knowledge of the events unfolding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her eventual ouster .
In June , one of Pompeo ’ s assistant secretaries would write to top House leaders providing a misleading account of Yovanovitch ’ s removal : foreignpolicy.com/2019/11/25/tru… And State Department letters released to American Oversight just this month show Undersecretary Brian Bulatao writing to Yovanovitch ’ s attorney to instruct the former ambassador not to testify to Congress or provide documents .
documentcloud.org/documents/6603… This is why we ’ re working so hard to extract the paper trail of the Trump administration ’ s Ukraine dealings .
We have six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ files are scheduled to be released in the coming weeks .
Follow our investigation here : americanoversight.org/investigation/… That was posted before Parnas ’ interview in which he indicated that Hyde was just a drunken clown , so who knows ?
But a timeline is the sort of thing that can draw in the other players and corroborate what he said .
There isn ’ t a lot of time to get that done but I ’ m sure the lawyers on the House side are pulling all-nighters to see what they have .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy because the Parnas evidence is voluminous .
And yes , it would have been nice to have all this stuff earlier but the fact is that the SDNY and a federal judge didn ’ t release these documents until this week .
The media doesn ’ t seem to know that and neither does Susan Collins .
Someone needs to tell them .
Published with permission of Digby 's Hullabaloo , now located at digbysblog.net

I think it’s obvious that we should all remain skeptical of Lev Parnas as Tom counsels here. Shady operators often have good reasons for lying or embellishing when they are in the crosshairs.
The main takeaway from all this so far is that the president’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani was engaged in a sleazy operation in Ukraine that appears to be linked to a lot more shady activities in this Ukraine gambit than we knew. It’s not credible that the president wasn’t okaying it ever step of the way. If they ever arrest Rudy and he has to save himself a lot of people will undoubtedly be in big trouble. That’s what Rudy was talking about when he said he has “insurance.” If Bill Barr was involved in all this, it may explain why Rudy has so far not been indicted by SDNY.
Maybe.The good news is that there are documents that can corroborate much of what Parnas said. They are still being looked at.
Yesterday, one watchdog group took a quick look at a few and shared what they found on twitter:
American Oversight@weareoversight
We lined up the newly released Parnas messages with the records we obtained from the State Department through FOIA litigation, as well as other records and reports. The timeline is troubling. On Tuesday, the House released new evidence provided by Lev Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani, which included disturbing text messages that suggest the movements of former Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch were being tracked. intelligence.house.gov/uploadedfiles/
… Many of the messages between Parnas and Robert Hyde, a Trump donor who was apparently assisting Parnas in Ukraine, were sent in late March 2019 — dates when Giuliani was in touch with Sec. of State Mike Pompeo, according to records we obtained. americanoversight.org/state-departme… March 24: Donald Trump Jr tweets about Yovanovitch at 12:12pm EDT twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr… About 20 minutes later, at 4:34pm UTC, Parnas sends Hyde the same article that Don Jr tweeted. March 25: Lev Parnas posts on Instagram from the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC, where he is with Giuliani for dinner celebrating the release of the Mueller report summary. twitter.com/shelbyholliday… March 25: At that same time, Hyde is messaging Parnas (just after 2:00am the next day Ukraine time, according to the time stamps) suggesting he has Ambassador Yovanovitch under surveillance: “She’s talked to three people. Her phone is off. Computer is off.” March 26: A little over 12 hours later, call logs obtained by American Oversight show Rudy Giuliani spoke with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: documentcloud.org/documents/6557… Also on March 26: John Solomon emailed Lev Parnas, Victoria Toensing, and Joseph diGenova an article advancing a Soros-related conspiracy theory about the 2016 election. documentcloud.org/documents/6557… March 26: That evening, Giuliani appeared on Fox News host Laura Ingraham’s show. It was just after midnight in Ukraine when Hyde messaged Parnas: “If you want her out, they need to make contact with security forces…. From Ukrainians.” The subsequent exchange between Parnas and Hyde suggests that Parnas was with Giuliani during the Ingraham broadcast. archive.org/details/FOXNEW… March 27: At 11:28am EDT, Giuliani’s assistant contacts President Trump’s Oval Office secretary, Madeleine Westerhout, asking for help getting in touch with Secretary Pompeo. “I’ve been trying and getting nowhere through regular channels” documentcloud.org/documents/6557… Later that night, Hyde messages Parnas about Yovanovitch again: “Nothing has changed she is still not moving.” “It’s confirmed we have a person inside.” March 28: The next morning before 9:30am EDT, Giuliani called the State Department to set up a call with Mike Pompeo. According to emails we obtained, the call was scheduled for the next day. documentcloud.org/documents/6557… According to news reports, March 28 is also the day that Giuliani delivered the the “packet” he had compiled about Yovanovitch — including the email that John Solomon had sent to Parnas two days earlier. nbcnews.com/politics/trump…; March 29: At 3:00am Ukraine time, Hyde again messages Parnas: “She had visitors” and “It’s confirmed we have a person inside” Just under 12 hours later, at 8:14am EDT, State Department call logs show that Giuliani spoke on the phone with Mike Pompeo for several minutes. documentcloud.org/documents/6557… This gets even more concerning when you add in the records and reports showing contacts with Rep. Devin Nunes regarding investigations of the Bidens. According to CNBC, Nunes’ staff were in contact with Parnas and Ukrainian officials in “late March.” cnbc.com/2019/11/24/giu… And Pompeo’s call schedule, which we obtained through our FOIA lawsuit, shows a call with Nunes scheduled for April 1 — listed on the log immediately after the March 29 call with Giuliani. documentcloud.org/documents/6557… All of this calls into question Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s knowledge of the events unfolding in Kyiv surrounding the U.S. ambassador and her eventual ouster. In June, one of Pompeo’s assistant secretaries would write to top House leaders providing a misleading account of Yovanovitch’s removal: foreignpolicy.com/2019/11/25/tru… And State Department letters released to American Oversight just this month show Undersecretary Brian Bulatao writing to Yovanovitch’s attorney to instruct the former ambassador not to testify to Congress or provide documents. documentcloud.org/documents/6603… This is why we’re working so hard to extract the paper trail of the Trump administration’s Ukraine dealings. We have six active lawsuits seeking documents, and more files are scheduled to be released in the coming weeks. Follow our investigation here: americanoversight.org/investigation/…
That was posted before Parnas’ interview in which he indicated that Hyde was just a drunken clown, so who knows? But a timeline is the sort of thing that can draw in the other players and corroborate what he said.
There isn’t a lot of time to get that done but I’m sure the lawyers on the House side are pulling all-nighters to see what they have. It’s not going to be easy because the Parnas evidence is voluminous.
And yes, it would have been nice to have all this stuff earlier but the fact is that the SDNY and a federal judge didn’t release these documents until this week. The media doesn’t seem to know that and neither does Susan Collins. Someone needs to tell them.
Published with permission of Digby's Hullabaloo, now located at digbysblog.net


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Erin Burnett Illustrates Trump's 'Pattern Of Lying' With Video Montage

Watch Donald Trump deny ever knowing Lev Parnas beyond saying he was at fundraisers : How many times did he deny Parnas in that short clip , exactly ?
Erin Burnett thought it would be helpful to illustrate Trump 's `` pattern of lying when it comes to who and what he knows , '' so she compiled a montage of some of his greatest hits : David Duke , Wikileaks , Paul Manafort , etc .
etc.. And as she pointed out at the end , she could have added 4 or 8 more , including Gordon Sondland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time they point out something he does n't want to admit , he goes into `` lie and deny '' mode instead of just admitting he knows them .
Lev Parnas , though ?
He might be a problem .
He 's vowed to release a photo every single time Trump denies knowing him .
And it 's not just Trump .
Ellen over at NewsHounds notes that Ed Henry is denying that his photo with Robert Hyde in a Trump hat is a thing : Is n't it interesting how all these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV and Trumpers but no one knows anyone ?
Those must be some interesting parties .

Watch Donald Trump deny ever knowing Lev Parnas beyond saying he was at fundraisers:
Trump denies knowing Lev Parnas 9 different times in 2 minutes:
“I don’t know him. I don’t believe I’ve ever spoken to him." pic.twitter.com/kaz31yeZJU — JM Rieger (@RiegerReport) January 16, 2020
How many times did he deny Parnas in that short clip, exactly?
Erin Burnett thought it would be helpful to illustrate Trump's "pattern of lying when it comes to who and what he knows," so she compiled a montage of some of his greatest hits: David Duke, Wikileaks, Paul Manafort, etc. etc..
And as she pointed out at the end, she could have added 4 or 8 more, including Gordon Sondland, Stormy Daniels. and others. Any time they point out something he doesn't want to admit, he goes into "lie and deny" mode instead of just admitting he knows them.
Lev Parnas, though? He might be a problem. He's vowed to release a photo every single time Trump denies knowing him.
And it's not just Trump. Ellen over at NewsHounds notes that Ed Henry is denying that his photo with Robert Hyde in a Trump hat is a thing:
But “a source close to Henry” claims it’s all just a misunderstanding: A source close to Henry told Mediaite that the pictures are more than a year old, and were taken while he was playing golf with a friend. They said Henry did not know Hyde, but was asked to wear the hat and obliged. Riiiiight.
Isn't it interesting how all these sleazy folks are hanging around with State TV and Trumpers but no one knows anyone? Those must be some interesting parties.


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Susan Collins Scores Highest Disapproval Rating Of Any Senator

You know things are bad , and likely to get worse for Susan Collins , the faux moderate/rubber stamp for Trump if she does n't vote to convict .
And she wo n't , because that 's just how she 's rolled for the last quarter-century in the U.S. Senate .
When they really need her vote , like with Bret Kavanaugh , she 's right there , every time .
And with 52 % of Mainers now tired of her act ( her Kavanaugh vote perhaps the final straw for many ) , and only 40 % still with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ) , perhaps they 'll finally rid themselves of her .
Here 's hoping .
AUGUSTA , Maine — A national survey released Thursday found U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine had the highest disapproval rating of any senator in 2019 ’ s last quarter as she enters a campaign for a fifth term in which she is one of national Democrats ’ top targets .
The Republican once polled as Maine ’ s most popular politician and won her 2014 race with more than two-thirds of votes , but her 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kavanaugh kicked off a massive Democratic campaign against her and the news comes amid impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump that will be high-stakes for Collins .
... Collins ’ approval rating has sunk sharply since Trump took office in the first quarter of 2017 , when the Maine senator registered a 67 percent approval rating , according to Morning Consult .
In the final quarter of 2019 , the firm said her rating stood at 42 percent .
Her disapproval rating of 52 percent in Maine during that period was highest among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell , R-Kentucky , the only senator who had a higher rating than her in 2019 ’ s third quarter .

You know things are bad, and likely to get worse for Susan Collins, the faux moderate/rubber stamp for Trump if she doesn't vote to impeach convict. And she won't, because that's just how she's rolled for the last quarter-century in the U.S. Senate. When they really need her vote, like with Bret Kavanaugh, she's right there, every time. And with 52% of Mainers now tired of her act (her Kavanaugh vote perhaps the final straw for many), and only 40% still with her (down from 67% before Trump), perhaps they'll finally rid themselves of her. Here's hoping.
Source: Bangor Daily News
AUGUSTA, Maine — A national survey released Thursday found U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine had the highest disapproval rating of any senator in 2019’s last quarter as she enters a campaign for a fifth term in which she is one of national Democrats’ top targets.
The Republican once polled as Maine’s most popular politician and won her 2014 race with more than two-thirds of votes, but her 2018 vote for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh kicked off a massive Democratic campaign against her and the news comes amid impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump that will be high-stakes for Collins.
...
Collins’ approval rating has sunk sharply since Trump took office in the first quarter of 2017, when the Maine senator registered a 67 percent approval rating, according to Morning Consult. In the final quarter of 2019, the firm said her rating stood at 42 percent.
Her disapproval rating of 52 percent in Maine during that period was highest among senators. Collins overtook Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, the only senator who had a higher rating than her in 2019’s third quarter.


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Senators Have A Handy 'How To Avoid Reporters' Cheat Sheet

Holy crap , Senators have a cheat sheet on how to avoid reporters ' questions .
Senators have been given @ @ @ @ @ to use to avoid reporters , per @ caitlinconant and @ Grace_Segers https : //t.co/RVocWmrgq5 @ @ @ @ @ better than , when faced with a boring and legitimate question about your duties , @ @ @ @ @ the reporter a 'liberal hack ' while walking away .

Can you help us out?
For 18 years we have been exposing Washington lies and untangling media deceit, but now Facebook is drowning us in an ocean of right wing lies. Please give a one-time or recurring donation, or buy a year's subscription for an ad-free experience. Thank you.


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Trump Campaign Lies About His Own Rally Goers

Kayleigh McEnany is the national press secretary for President Trump 's reelection campaign .
Brad Parscale is Trump 's chest-thumping campaign manager .
This morning , McEnany was on Twitter amplifying a message from Parscale about the rally Trump staged last night as counterprogramming to the Democratic debate : Parscale posts one of these after every Trump rally -- a breakdown of statistics about the rallygoers ( information that , of course , we ca n't verify ) .
Parscale 's point is always some variation on the same message : Behold the mighty power of our campaign .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats .
We 're attracting non-whites .
We 're attracting new voters .
We are a juggernaut , and resistance is futile .
There 's just one thing about the stat McEnany highlighted : Tell us why that 's not really impressive , Wisconsin Elections Commission : Tell us more , VoteSmart.org : So of course 57.9 % were n't Republicans -- no one registered to vote in Wisconsin is a registered Republican .
Or a registered member of any other party .
I do n't trust Parscale 's boasts , but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , Trump 's campaign chief is dishonest -- try to contain your astonishment .
Republished with permission from No More Mister Nice Blog

Kayleigh McEnany is the national press secretary for President Trump's reelection campaign. Brad Parscale is Trump's chest-thumping campaign manager. This morning, McEnany was on Twitter amplifying a message from Parscale about the rally Trump staged last night as counterprogramming to the Democratic debate:
HUGE ⬇
💥💥 57.9% who attended the @realDonaldTrump rally in Milwaukee last night Were NOT Republicans https://t.co/ASwpneeQFJ — Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) January 15, 2020
Parscale posts one of these after every Trump rally -- a breakdown of statistics about the rallygoers (information that, of course, we can't verify). Parscale's point is always some variation on the same message: Behold the mighty power of our campaign. We're attracting independents. We're attracting Democrats. We're attracting non-whites. We're attracting new voters. We are a juggernaut, and resistance is futile.
There's just one thing about the stat McEnany highlighted:
57.9% Were NOT Republicans (Yuge!)
Tell us why that's not really impressive, Wisconsin Elections Commission:
Wisconsin does not register voters by party preference or affiliation....
Tell us more, VoteSmart.org:
In Wisconsin, voters may choose which party’s ballot to vote, but this decision is private and does not register the voter with that party.
So of course 57.9% weren't Republicans -- no one registered to vote in Wisconsin is a registered Republican. Or a registered member of any other party.
I don't trust Parscale's boasts, but this one is clearly intended to deceive. Yes, Trump's campaign chief is dishonest -- try to contain your astonishment.
Republished with permission from No More Mister Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Rand Paul Threatens Fellow Republicans Re Witness Votes

[ Above , at Trump rally in Kentucky , Rand Paul calls for illegal outing of whistleblower .
Nov 2019 ] Schrödinger ’ s Senator , the physics paradox known in this dimension as Rand Paul , a man from the multiverse where anything is possible including being elected in the 2016 Presidential Goat Rodeo and being elected to the Senate or both or neither can happen at the same time or never -- Sen. Rand Paul is waging a fierce campaign to prevent the Senate from hearing witnesses in Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial , vowing to force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they break with the president or back Democrats ’ demands for new evidence… Paul says if four or more of his GOP colleagues join with Democrats to entertain new witness testimony , he will make the Senate vote on subpoenaing the president ’ s preferred witnesses , including Hunter Biden and the whistleblower who revealed the Ukraine scandal — polarizing picks who moderate Republicans aren ’ t eager to call .
So he has a simple message for his party : end the trial before witnesses are called .
Yes , highly principled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , er , stacking the deck , which seems , um , ill-advised , but perhaps is normal in one of his other universes ?
“ If you vote against Hunter Biden , you ’ re voting to lose your election , basically .
Seriously .
That ’ s what it is , ” Paul said during an interview in his office on Wednesday .
“ If you don ’ t want to vote and you think you ’ re going to have to vote against Hunter Biden , you should just vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only imagine how amply be-chinned # MoscowMitch must be feeling to have this serious moment in Senate history be made into a circus side show !
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has warned Republicans not to divide the party and endanger his slim GOP majority , but Paul ’ s play could be useful to him .
If the pressure campaign stifles the small group of Republicans open to hearing from witnesses like former national security adviser John Bolton , McConnell will be able to conclude the trial in the swift fashion he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s good to have people unified .
… I ’ m for immediate dismissal , but I know it ’ s not just four [ senators ] .
There might be 10 that are against immediate dismissal .
It ’ ll just be a vote that fails , ” Paul said .
“ When it ’ s something that we ’ re trying to stay together and there is the other team trying to attack our leader , I think it behooves us to have as much unanimity as we can.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for Republicans to stay in power to give a crooked president full acquittal so he can continue to enrich himself and aid our enemies , than it is to hold a fair trial , listen to witnesses and see evidence .
We ’ re in Wonderland –

[Above, at Trump rally in Kentucky, Rand Paul calls for illegal outing of whistleblower. Nov 2019]
Schrödinger’s Senator, the physics paradox known in this dimension as Rand Paul, a man from the multiverse where anything is possible including being elected in the 2016 Presidential Goat Rodeo and being elected to the Senate or both or neither can happen at the same time or never --
-- is making his signature power move!
Rand Paul threatens fellow Republicans with explosive witness votes
Sen. Rand Paul is waging a fierce campaign to prevent the Senate from hearing witnesses in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, vowing to force tough votes on his fellow Republicans if they break with the president or back Democrats’ demands for new evidence… Paul says if four or more of his GOP colleagues join with Democrats to entertain new witness testimony, he will make the Senate vote on subpoenaing the president’s preferred witnesses, including Hunter Biden and the whistleblower who revealed the Ukraine scandal — polarizing picks who moderate Republicans aren’t eager to call. So he has a simple message for his party: end the trial before witnesses are called.
Yes, highly principled libertarian constitutional conservative Rand Paul is publicly jury tampering , er, stacking the deck, which seems, um, ill-advised, but perhaps is normal in one of his other universes?
“If you vote against Hunter Biden, you’re voting to lose your election, basically. Seriously. That’s what it is,” Paul said during an interview in his office on Wednesday. “If you don’t want to vote and you think you’re going to have to vote against Hunter Biden, you should just vote against witnesses, period.”
One can only imagine how amply be-chinned #MoscowMitch must be feeling to have this serious moment in Senate history be made into a circus side show!
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has warned Republicans not to divide the party and endanger his slim GOP majority, but Paul’s play could be useful to him. If the pressure campaign stifles the small group of Republicans open to hearing from witnesses like former national security adviser John Bolton, McConnell will be able to conclude the trial in the swift fashion he’s long sought.
Oh. Never mind.
“Sometimes it’s good to have people unified. … I’m for immediate dismissal, but I know it’s not just four [senators]. There might be 10 that are against immediate dismissal. It’ll just be a vote that fails,” Paul said. “When it’s something that we’re trying to stay together and there is the other team trying to attack our leader, I think it behooves us to have as much unanimity as we can.”
Because it is so much more important for Republicans to stay in power to give a crooked president full acquittal so he can continue to enrich himself and aid our enemies, than it is to hold a fair trial, listen to witnesses and see evidence. We’re in Wonderland –
“No, no!” said the Queen. “Sentence first—verdict afterwards.”
—Chapter 12, Alice’s Evidence
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors


crooksandliars--2020-01-16--Stephen Miller Liked Phyllis Schlafly's Advice To Ship Immigrants Out On Trains 'To Scare Them'

In a bunch of emails leaked a few years ago to Breitbart , Stephen Miller ( everyone 's favorite reincarnated Nazi ) railed against Republicans as too weak on immigration and suggested Dreamers would one day replace white Americans .
But look what good Catholic Phyllis `` Eva Braun '' Schlafly suggested !
Via Newsweek : The Southern Poverty Law Center 's `` Hatewatch '' section published its latest series of emails Tuesday which were leaked by an ex-Breitbart editor .
The emails reveal Miller pitching white nationalist and vigilantly anti-immigrant ideas to the right-wing publication while he was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and later a top Trump campaign policy adviser on immigration .
Miller 's latest leaked messages show he shared an article from far-right website WorldNetDaily with Phyllis Schlafly , who suggested the idea of shipping immigrants out of the U.S. on trains as a scare tactic and expressed fears that migrants might `` replace existing demographics . ''
Miller 's emails blast DACA , former President Barack Obama and Republicans including former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor for what he described as their support of `` illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in following the Miller `` Hatewatch '' series , Miller also attacked Florida GOP Senator Marco Rubio and cheered after he dropped out of the 2016 presidential race against then-candidate Trump .
`` Jeb [ Bush ] has mastered the art of using immigration rhetoric to sound 'moderate ' while pushing the most extremist policies , '' Miller wrote , adding that Bush wanted to use `` immigration to replace existing demographics . ''
As the SPLC 's Michael Hayden notes , Miller refers to a `` great replacement '' theory frequently expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the manifestos of several mass shooter suspects .

In a bunch of emails leaked a few years ago to Breitbart, Stephen Miller (everyone's favorite reincarnated Nazi) railed against Republicans as too weak on immigration and suggested Dreamers would one day replace white Americans. But look what good Catholic Phyllis "Eva Braun" Schlafly suggested! Via Newsweek:
The Southern Poverty Law Center's "Hatewatch" section published its latest series of emails Tuesday which were leaked by an ex-Breitbart editor. The emails reveal Miller pitching white nationalist and vigilantly anti-immigrant ideas to the right-wing publication while he was a rising GOP aide to then-Senator Jeff Sessions and later a top Trump campaign policy adviser on immigration. Miller's latest leaked messages show he shared an article from far-right website WorldNetDaily with Phyllis Schlafly, who suggested the idea of shipping immigrants out of the U.S. on trains as a scare tactic and expressed fears that migrants might "replace existing demographics."
Miller's emails blast DACA, former President Barack Obama and Republicans including former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor for what he described as their support of "illegal immigration." As Newsweek previously noted in following the Miller "Hatewatch" series, Miller also attacked Florida GOP Senator Marco Rubio and cheered after he dropped out of the 2016 presidential race against then-candidate Trump.
"Jeb [Bush] has mastered the art of using immigration rhetoric to sound 'moderate' while pushing the most extremist policies," Miller wrote, adding that Bush wanted to use "immigration to replace existing demographics."
As the SPLC's Michael Hayden notes, Miller refers to a "great replacement" theory frequently expressed by extreme white nationalist figures and in the manifestos of several mass shooter suspects.


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Bombshell Book Excerpt Shows Trump Attacking US Military Brass

[ above , December 2018 , a departed former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson notes that Donald Trump requested illegal acts from the State Department and others . ]
One can presume that excerpts from the number one best-seller on Amazon this morning will be emerging in Wapo `` exclusives '' for the next several days .
The latest have Twitter all abuzz on Friday morning .
EXCLUSIVE > > > '' Dopes and babies ...
I wouldn '' t go to war with you people '' Shocking new details from our book # AVeryStableGenius : Trump snarled at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cry , and the supreme insult that many vowed never to discuss in public .
https : //t.co/wN0QmqtZS2 Tillerson : “ Mr .
President , you are wrong..the men and women who put on a uniform don ’ t do it to become soldiers of fortune .
That ’ s why they put on a uniform & go out and die ... they do it to Protect our freedom.
” from  @ CarolLeonnig  @ jdawsey1 https : //t.co/c10Lr1Fc6x As the impeachment trial looms , nothing but bad press for the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trait .
You got ta wonder ...

[above, December 2018, a departed former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson notes that Donald Trump requested illegal acts from the State Department and others.]
One can presume that excerpts from the number one best-seller on Amazon this morning will be emerging in Wapo "exclusives" for the next several days. The latest have Twitter all abuzz on Friday morning.
EXCLUSIVE >>>"Dopes and babies...I wouldn"t go to war with you people"
Shocking new details from our book #AVeryStableGenius: Trump snarled at his generals, a female officer began to cry, and the supreme insult that many vowed never to discuss in public.
https://t.co/wN0QmqtZS2 — Carol Leonnig (@CarolLeonnig) January 17, 2020
Tillerson: “Mr. President, you are wrong..the men and women who put on a uniform don’t do it to become soldiers of fortune. That’s why they put on a uniform & go out and die...they do it to Protect our freedom.”from @CarolLeonnig @jdawsey1 https://t.co/c10Lr1Fc6x — julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) January 17, 2020
Mattis, Tillerson et al. convinced themselves they were doing their patriotic duty. It was the opposite. They should have resigned that day and held a joint news conference. https://t.co/M1KPfLmZWw — Dan Kennedy (@dankennedy_nu) January 17, 2020
As the impeachment trial looms, nothing but bad press for the so-called president. Self-preservation is supposedly a McConnell trait. You gotta wonder...


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Mean Girl Lara Trump Makes Joke About Biden's Stutter

At a recent campaign event she joked about Joe Biden 's stutter .
Such a classy look for her , @ @ @ @ @ feel kind of sad for Biden ...
I 'm supposed to want him to fail @ @ @ @ @ every time they turn to him I 'm like , 'Joe can you get it @ @ @ @ @ the words out Joe.
’ ” she told the giggling MAGA assembly .
Lara Trump @ @ @ @ @ pure projection .
It does nothing to stop Trump 's advancing dementia & obvious breakdown @ @ @ @ @ 's in denial & lashes out to feel good .
Fast fwd to 2023- she @ @ @ @ @ visit him in his quasi prison/nursing home set up Imagine choosing to be married to @ @ @ @ @ .
pic.twitter.com/pS7dKe9sVn — Their crimes do n't stop neither should webrant🍑🌿 ( @ web_rant ) @ @ @ @ @ , everyone with a speech impediment or is related to someone with a speech impediment @ @ @ @ @ campaign is MOCKING YOU .

Lara Trump is a fully formed Trump, didja hear?
At a recent campaign event she joked about Joe Biden's stutter. Such a classy look for her, doncha think?
"I feel kind of sad for Biden ... I'm supposed to want him to fail at every turn, but every time they turn to him I'm like, 'Joe can you get it out? Let's get the words out Joe.’” she told the giggling MAGA assembly.
Money can't buy class, Lara.
Lara Trump taunting Biden a/b speech is pure projection. It does nothing to stop Trump's advancing dementia & obvious breakdown of speaking skills. She's in denial & lashes out to feel good. Fast fwd to 2023- she'll be too busy to visit him in his quasi prison/nursing home set up — Tom Joseph (@TomJChicago) January 17, 2020
Imagine choosing to be married to this guy and insulting others. pic.twitter.com/pS7dKe9sVn — Their crimes don't stop neither should webrant🍑🌿 (@web_rant) January 17, 2020
So, everyone with a speech impediment or is related to someone with a speech impediment should know that the Trump campaign is MOCKING YOU. — MΞGAN KΞLLΞY HALL (@MeganKelleyHall) January 17, 2020
Why am I still shocked by this?
My son has a severe stutter. I sincerely hate this family. They're pure evil. — Lauren (@sequinpants) January 17, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--'Democrat' Calls Primary Challenger Marie Newman A 'Far-Left Extremist'

Rep. Dan Lipinski , who calls himself an Illinois Democrat , is making turncoat former Democrat Jeff Van Drew look principled .
At least Van Drew quit the party and joined the Republicans .
Lipinski has decided to go full Republican in his Democratic primary race against Marie Newman .
Daily Kos obtained the first mailer he 's sent out this year for his reelection ( you can read it below the break ) and it 's a doozy .
First off , the letterhead , declaring him `` Our commonsense congressman , '' and then the launch into full-on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's facing a `` fierce '' ( that 's true ) challenge from `` a far-left extremist who believes that this is a Democratic majority district , its representative should be a radical progressive . ''
Like the entire `` radical '' Democratic House which supports a woman 's right to determine her own health choices .
Lipinski is the sole forced birther Democrat left in the House .
It gets worse , much worse .
`` My opponent , '' he says , launching into the written equivalent of a horror-movie whisper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialist congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , also known as AOC . ''
Ooooooh , scary .
`` Also known as , '' just like someone from the FBI 's most-wanted list .
Then he details all those scary things she supports like `` so-called 'Medicare for All , ' '' which he flat-out lies about , saying it would `` eliminate medicare . ''
And `` AOC 's extreme 'Green New Deal , ' '' which would take your cars and airplanes away `` within ten years . ''
They 're going to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radically upgrade '' your home , he says , or tear it down .
That 's `` just the start of Newman 's extreme agenda '' the letter threatens .
She would be the `` fifth member of the radical 'Squad ' whose members , including AOC , are far to the left of Nancy Pelosi . ''
Notice how he sneakily slides that in ?
She 's even worse than , gasp , Nancy Pelosi !
And why again is he 's getting Democratic institutional support ?
Someone should remind him this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have to be the voters of Illinois 's 3rd district .
We can help .
Ed .
Note : Marie Newman is a Blue America candidate .
You can give to her here .

Rep. Dan Lipinski, who calls himself an Illinois Democrat, is making turncoat former Democrat Jeff Van Drew look principled. At least Van Drew quit the party and joined the Republicans. Lipinski has decided to go full Republican in his Democratic primary race against Marie Newman.
Daily Kos obtained the first mailer he's sent out this year for his reelection (you can read it below the break) and it's a doozy. First off, the letterhead, declaring him "Our commonsense congressman," and then the launch into full-on Republican talking points. He says he's facing a "fierce" (that's true) challenge from "a far-left extremist who believes that this is a Democratic majority district, its representative should be a radical progressive." Like the entire "radical" Democratic House which supports a woman's right to determine her own health choices. Lipinski is the sole forced birther Democrat left in the House.
It gets worse, much worse. "My opponent," he says, launching into the written equivalent of a horror-movie whisper, "has even been endorsed by socialist congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC." Ooooooh, scary. "Also known as," just like someone from the FBI's most-wanted list. Then he details all those scary things she supports like "so-called 'Medicare for All,'" which he flat-out lies about, saying it would "eliminate medicare." And "AOC's extreme 'Green New Deal,'" which would take your cars and airplanes away "within ten years." They're going to take your car away and make you "radically upgrade" your home, he says, or tear it down.
That's "just the start of Newman's extreme agenda" the letter threatens. She would be the "fifth member of the radical 'Squad' whose members, including AOC, are far to the left of Nancy Pelosi." Notice how he sneakily slides that in? She's even worse than, gasp, Nancy Pelosi! And why again is he's getting Democratic institutional support?
Someone should remind him this is a Democratic primary. It's going to have to be the voters of Illinois's 3rd district. We can help.
Published with permission of Daily Kos
Ed. Note: Marie Newman is a Blue America candidate. You can give to her here.


The Impeachment Parade

Ed .
Note : Welcome to Steven Greenberg , whom I will more formally introduce on tonight 's open thread @ @ @ @ @ enjoying his cartoons here on the site .
You can learn more about him here @


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Lindsey Graham 'Smells A Rat'

Lindsey Graham 'Smells A Rat'

Someone should remind Sen. Lindsey Graham who commonly uses the term `` rat '' to describe people who 've turned on them .
Here 's Graham making an appearance on State-Run TV , a.k.a .
Fox `` news '' calling Rudy 's now indicted former buddy Lev Parnas `` a rat '' on the very same evening Parnas added Graham 's name to the ever-growing list of those implicated in the Ukraine scandal .
Lindsey Graham Says Lev Parnas Is 'Crooked As a Snake ' After Evidence Disclosure : ' I Smell a Rat ' : Lindsey Graham has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week was `` no different than the old evidence , '' calling the indicted Rudy Giuliani associate `` crooked as a snake . ''
The GOP senator for South Carolina told Fox News on Thursday night that he smelled `` a rat '' and accused Parnas of `` dripping out '' evidence to the House Intelligence Committee in the build-up to the Senate impeachment trial .
His comments came two days after House Democrats released a trove of documents provided by Parnas ' attorney , including text messages and photographs .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney Giuliani requesting a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was also among the evidence , and claimed to be sent with the commander-in-chief 's `` knowledge and consent . ''
President Trump claimed he did n't `` know anything about a letter '' when asked about the document by reporters .
Speaking about the new evidence provided by Parnas on Tuesday , Graham said : `` The new evidence is no different than the old evidence . ''
`` This Parnas guy is facing indictment , '' the South Carolina senator added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the House Intel Committee batches of information , crescendoing to the week we start the trial .
`` I smell a rat here .
The guy is crooked as a snake . ''
Graham went on to say Democratic lawmakers expected Senate Republicans to `` destroy executive privilege , '' by calling on former national security adviser John Bolton to testify .
`` They did n't even subpoena Bolton , and they 're expecting us , Republicans , to destroy President Trump 's privilege , '' he said .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Someone should remind Sen. Lindsey Graham who commonly uses the term "rat" to describe people who've turned on them.
Here's Graham making an appearance on State-Run TV, a.k.a. Fox "news" calling Rudy's now indicted former buddy Lev Parnas "a rat" on the very same evening Parnas added Graham's name to the ever-growing list of those implicated in the Ukraine scandal.
Lindsey Graham Says Lev Parnas Is 'Crooked As a Snake' After Evidence Disclosure: 'I Smell a Rat':
Lindsey Graham has said new impeachment evidence presented by Lev Parnas this week was "no different than the old evidence," calling the indicted Rudy Giuliani associate "crooked as a snake."
The GOP senator for South Carolina told Fox News on Thursday night that he smelled "a rat" and accused Parnas of "dripping out" evidence to the House Intelligence Committee in the build-up to the Senate impeachment trial.
His comments came two days after House Democrats released a trove of documents provided by Parnas' attorney, including text messages and photographs.
A letter from President Donald Trump's personal attorney Giuliani requesting a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was also among the evidence, and claimed to be sent with the commander-in-chief's "knowledge and consent."
President Trump claimed he didn't "know anything about a letter" when asked about the document by reporters.
Speaking about the new evidence provided by Parnas on Tuesday, Graham said: "The new evidence is no different than the old evidence."
"This Parnas guy is facing indictment," the South Carolina senator added. "He's been dripping out to the House Intel Committee batches of information, crescendoing to the week we start the trial.
"I smell a rat here. The guy is crooked as a snake."
[...]
Graham went on to say Democratic lawmakers expected Senate Republicans to "destroy executive privilege," by calling on former national security adviser John Bolton to testify.
"They didn't even subpoena Bolton, and they're expecting us, Republicans, to destroy President Trump's privilege," he said. "We're not going to do it."


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--'Only The Best Lawyers': Trump Hires Starr, Dershowitz, And Ray For Impeachment Trial

[ Above : Senator Pat Leahy says , `` I was around to watch Ken Starr prosecute a president in @ @ @ @ @ history , and now he 's back to defend a president in the strongest impeachment @ @ @ @ @ 's their choice .
But it 's a weird choice . ''
] You can @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump is adding three seasoned lawyers to his impeachment legal defense team , @ @ @ @ @ said , including Kenneth Starr , the hard-charging prosecutor whose work led to President Bill @ @ @ @ @ Alan Dershowitz , the constitutional lawyer , and Robert Ray , Starr ’ s successor @ @ @ @ @ Counsel during the Clinton administration , are also joining the team , the people said @ @ @ @ @ up in prison after all !

[Above: Senator Pat Leahy says, "I was around to watch Ken Starr prosecute a president in the weakest impeachment case in history, and now he's back to defend a president in the strongest impeachment case in history. That's their choice. But it's a weird choice." ]
You cannot make this up.
CNN tells us…
Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump is adding three seasoned lawyers to his impeachment legal defense team, people familiar with the matter said, including Kenneth Starr, the hard-charging prosecutor whose work led to President Bill Clinton’s impeachment. Alan Dershowitz, the constitutional lawyer, and Robert Ray, Starr’s successor at the Office of Independent Counsel during the Clinton administration, are also joining the team, the people said.
Comrade Stupid may end up in prison after all!
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors
UPDATE: Even Monica Lewinsky weighs in:


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Friday News Dump: Don't Worry, It's Only Betty White's Birthday

Friday News Dump: Don't Worry, It's Only Betty White's Birthday -- And Other News

`` Thank you for being a friend ! ''
Happy 98th Birthday # BettyWhite !
pic.twitter.com/InocVXh4Bm When Golden Girl # BettyWhite is trending on Twitter , it has the same effect as when # RBG is trending : `` Oh no ! ''
is the universal response .
But it 's okay , it 's Betty 's birthday !
She 's 98 : Just want to point out the Republican-controlled PA state legislature refuses to allow the city of Philadelphia to regulate guns : Dershowitz tells me he 'll be speaking on the Senate floor to argue against Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to do it .
Says he will argue the case that abuse of power and obstruction of congress are not `` high crimes and misdemeanors '' that deserve impeachment .
DEPARTMENT OF CUTENESS AND OTHER NICE THINGS Crying watching this video and thinking about a whole generation of young women and girls who are being told “ I ’ m running for president because that ’ s what girls do.
” @ ewarren , thank you for inspiring so many of us !
Needed this and need you .
pic.twitter.com/9KFEdLLxam The Edmonton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so moving , so dignified , so inspiring , I wish I could post the whole thing .
But here 's a bit of the tribute of these incredible human beings who should still be with us today .
# cdnpoli خُدا حافِظ pic.twitter.com/6ygMOs2i9R The owner of the Starbucks I go and write in got me to hand over my loyalty card then proceeded to stamp every slot and said ‘ you get a free coffee cos you ’ re always working so hard ’ and I thought I ’ d share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s really nice people out there That 's it for this week .
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend !

When Golden Girl #BettyWhite is trending on Twitter, it has the same effect as when #RBG is trending: "Oh no!" is the universal response. But it's okay, it's Betty's birthday! She's 98:
Don't everybody have a heart attack
It is just her birthday. She made it another year y'all! 🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥳🎉#BettyWhite Betty White pic.twitter.com/VWsQLGR92B — 💙Amber🇹🇿 (@AmberTBurton) January 17, 2020
This is my adopted grandma I don't care what nobody says Happy Birthday Mimi !!! #BettyWhite pic.twitter.com/PokVB8Fu8M — Camilla Kay (@RandomlyShe) January 17, 2020
Happy Birthday #BettyWhite!! You are a national treasure! 🥰 pic.twitter.com/mZj09vdlwx — Just Erin 🦄 (@ErinBode) January 17, 2020
Whatever blackmail operation Trump & Co. were running in Ukraine is nothing compared to the depraved games they've been playing in Puerto Rico for more than 2 years, largely motivated by Trump's racism & personal pique at politicians who stood up to himhttps://t.co/o4MimgWfvw — Jeffrey St. Clair (@JSCCounterPunch) January 16, 2020
NEW: We got our hands on private memos circulating among investors about what an @ewarren administration would mean for Wall Street.
Turns out, concerns about what might happen to big business and the rich run deeper than we thought.
w/ @samvantheman:https://t.co/Vjhklsc2i2 — Kara Voght (@karavoght) January 17, 2020
In every scene, you are my star, @MichelleObama! Happy birthday, baby! pic.twitter.com/hgMBhHasBj — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 17, 2020
Literally WE LUV U BOTH and happy birthday MICHELLE OBAMA !!!!!!!! I still love this tho lmao 😂 pic.twitter.com/SaTfBBJuje — brucecomicfan20 (@scopevandyne) January 17, 2020
A spectacular lack of self awareness from a president who, in fact, has filed for bankruptcy several times https://t.co/5INjbhCOgt pic.twitter.com/Ye0NYGCpYL — Chris Megerian (@ChrisMegerian) January 17, 2020
Lev Parnas spins wild tales of Trumpian corruption — and we know most of them are true | https://t.co/e1TMZU6sFo https://t.co/VGVwoDIE7p — #TrumpRussiaGuide🍎 (@TrumpRussiaTies) January 17, 2020
Kamala Harris just convinced Senate Republicans to put Trump judicial appointments on hold pending the impeachment trial and that’s one of the most consequential things Democrats have won from Republicans in a while. — Samuel Sinyangwe (@samswey) January 17, 2020
Holy fucking shit...
This Hyde dude didn’t just proposition me for sex, did he?!
Ummm @FBI Some help here....weren’t you just at his house today? 😧 https://t.co/eio1Zhl3DN — lisastark35 (@lisastark351) January 17, 2020
The President’s former Chief of Staff promotes the “We did it, so what?” defense. https://t.co/O4VUVko3SU — Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) January 17, 2020
Just want to point out the Republican-controlled PA state legislature refuses to allow the city of Philadelphia to regulate guns:
Philadelphia is off to a record-breaking ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY EIGHT percent increase in murders over this time last year, a total of 25 deaths to date. https://t.co/Wx9AzycOtu #Philadelphia — Signe Wilkinson (@SigneWilk) January 17, 2020
Dershowitz once made an argument about pardons here which was ignorant of Burdick v. United States. When I told him he’d obviously never read the decision, he deleted it. https://t.co/ftrD4uRTc4 — Richard M. Nixon (@dick_nixon) January 17, 2020
‘Let’s Get The Words Out’: Lara Trump Taunts Joe Biden Over Stutter https://t.co/k3HK0FkRQo — #TuckFrump (@realTuckFrumper) January 17, 2020
TSA apologizes after agent says 'giddyup' while pulling on a Native American woman's braids | Via CNN https://t.co/8UNmZuKFGB — SafetyPin-Daily (@SafetyPinDaily) January 17, 2020
NEW: White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, former Clinton investigators Ken Starr and Robert Ray, as well as Alan Dershowitz, are expected to be among team that will defend Pres. Trump in the US Senate impeachment trial. https://t.co/x4GyNljvU0 — MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 17, 2020
Dershowitz tells me he'll be speaking on the Senate floor to argue against Trump's impeachment next week. Says POTUS asked him to do it. Says he will argue the case that abuse of power and obstruction of congress are not "high crimes and misdemeanors" that deserve impeachment. — Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) January 17, 2020
Espinoza v Montana is some scary shit, good overview from @ddayen https://t.co/IBQjRDxtvn @rweingarten — Andrew Crook (@andrewjcrook) January 17, 2020
Joe Biden says he wants Section 230 "revoked, immediately." He's the only presidential candidate to call for this kind of dramatic change to the law.https://t.co/vRdzRncdml — Makena Kelly (@kellymakena) January 17, 2020
The only scarlet letter that matters. pic.twitter.com/AIDBM7Rnwm — Sanho Tree (@SanhoTree) January 17, 2020
Wonder what's planned to protect NYC from the next Hurricane Sandy? This option--a huge sea gate--has been talked about since the storm's massive floods in 2012.
A bold solution, or a boondoggle that could make things worse?
Thread --> https://t.co/vemb80ZwBG — Anne Barnard (@ABarnardNYT) January 17, 2020
"After analyzing all the evidence and sitting back and really understanding what's going on, I don't think Vice President Biden did anything wrong. I think he was protecting our country and getting rid of, probably, a crooked attorney general." -Lev Parnas pic.twitter.com/T4R9saUFap — Art (@ahernandez2bak) January 17, 2020
Lets see: Speaker Pelosi sends in Schiff and Nadler and President Trump sends in Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr. That should tell you everything you need to know about the quality of the two cases. — Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 17, 2020
The Senate is Trump Country. Impartial justice is not on offer there. My column: https://t.co/DYqZYsAenM — Susan Glasser (@sbg1) January 17, 2020
Sources say that Dershowitz, Starr, and the president immediately bonded over their shared experience in covering up sexual assaults. — New York Times Pitchbot (@DougJBalloon) January 17, 2020
People deny knowing Lev Parnas. Then they show up in a photo with him. https://t.co/lxkrp2UzfS — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 17, 2020
Lev Parnas told The Daily Beast that after he was arrested, he was disappointed with the silence from Rudy Giuliani, Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing. That silence, he said, left him feeling betrayed.
"I felt like my family left me," he said.https://t.co/mR8iqIG22v — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 17, 2020
Speaking as a litigator, adding senior lawyers to a trial team on the eve of a trial isn’t likely to improve the quality of representation at the trial. — George Conway (@gtconway3d) January 17, 2020
Trump again denied knowing Lev Parnas. So Parnas' lawyer posted more robust proof. Dozens of photos witnesses and video confirm that #TrumpAlwaysLies https://t.co/dxQ0E6i66k — Andrew Mark (@POTUS45stinks) January 17, 2020
A former health insurance industry spin doctor just shattered the 'choice in healthcare' myth.https://t.co/dazSiciy2c pic.twitter.com/d4qnxLxgQJ — Upworthy (@Upworthy) January 9, 2020
DEPARTMENT OF CUTENESS AND OTHER NICE THINGS
Cute Pomeranian Puppies Running 😍🥰😘 pic.twitter.com/bfLnMhp6Oe — Happy Dogs (@twhappydogs) January 15, 2020
These kittens grew up learning how to snuggle from the best teachers pic.twitter.com/6N2QPtkd72 — The Cute Plug (@TheCutePlug) January 17, 2020
Such a stress relief = cute puppies 🐾
More puppy 📷🐩 https://t.co/djz2z7BSY5 pic.twitter.com/LOPmCsYKOi — Dogs for Fun (@facepuppies) January 12, 2020
Doggy loves the guinea pig 🐾 pic.twitter.com/PBcapWp8Ek — Dogs Groupie (@DogsGroupie) January 12, 2020
Happy Friday everyone
Wishing you all a wonderful day
And a very happy weekend 😊
🎬 WWF pic.twitter.com/taxDZMQ4Rr — Ramblings (@ramblingsloa) January 17, 2020
Crying watching this video and thinking about a whole generation of young women and girls who are being told “I’m running for president because that’s what girls do.” @ewarren, thank you for inspiring so many of us! Needed this and need you.
pic.twitter.com/9KFEdLLxam — Eliza Orlins (@elizaorlins) January 14, 2020
The Edmonton memorial for the victims of #Flight752 was so moving, so dignified, so inspiring, I wish I could post the whole thing.
But here's a bit of the tribute of these incredible human beings who should still be with us today. #cdnpoli
خُدا حافِظ pic.twitter.com/6ygMOs2i9R — Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) January 13, 2020
"It is not enough to be nice; you have to be good. We are attracted by nice people; but only on the assumption that their niceness is a sign of goodness.”
- Roger Scruton (1944 - 2020) pic.twitter.com/hLkrjXQI1c — Ethics in Bricks (@EthicsInBricks) January 12, 2020
The owner of the Starbucks I go and write in got me to hand over my loyalty card then proceeded to stamp every slot and said ‘you get a free coffee cos you’re always working so hard’ and I thought I’d share that as a reminder that there’s really nice people out there — Connie Glynn 🍕🥞🍣 (@connieglynn) January 14, 2020
"Nature is really funny. It's never not funny." In our latest SciArts video, @RosemaryMosco shows us the seriously silly natural world in her science comics! https://t.co/Uzq80gAl1Z pic.twitter.com/2kJpImfBMP — Science Friday (@scifri) January 16, 2020
That's it for this week. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!


crooksandliars--2020-01-17--Rep. Ayanna Presley Shows Her Beautiful Bald Head After Hair Loss


Cartoons!

Give a big C & L welcome to artist and cartoonist Steve Greenberg , who will be using his skills @ @ @ @ @ of us tell .
His whole bio is here , but here is a short @ @ @ @ @ : Steve Greenberg is an editorial cartoonist and artist in Southern California , drawing regularly @ @ @ @ @ Reporter , the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles and other publications and websites .
His @ @ @ @ @ while his overall work is distributed via PoliticalCartoons.com and CartoonStock in the U.K .
He @ @ @ @ @ Movement ( originally called the VJ Movement ) out of The Netherlands and was the @ @ @ @ @ join .
He is also an award-winning informational graphics artist and illustrator , and draws @ @ @ @ @ `` Boomerish , '' which is self-syndicated nationally for the 50-plus crowd .

Give a big C&L welcome to artist and cartoonist Steve Greenberg, who will be using his skills to show while the rest of us tell.
His whole bio is here, but here is a short excerpt by way of introduction:
Steve Greenberg is an editorial cartoonist and artist in Southern California, drawing regularly for the alternative-weekly Ventura County Reporter, the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles and other publications and websites. His Jewish cartoons are self-syndicated nationally while his overall work is distributed via PoliticalCartoons.com and CartoonStock in the U.K. He regularly contributes to the Cartoon Movement (originally called the VJ Movement) out of The Netherlands and was the first American cartoonist invited to join. He is also an award-winning informational graphics artist and illustrator, and draws a monthly comic strip, "Boomerish," which is self-syndicated nationally for the 50-plus crowd.
Open thread below...


crooksandliars--2020-01-18--Alan Dershowitz Flings Theory That Abuse Of Power Is Not Impeachable

If abuse of power does not qualify as a `` high crime and misdemenor '' worthy of removal from office , is there any crime that Donald Trump could do that would warrant removal ?
Or is Trump a king ?
Alan Dershowitz genuinely believes that Donald Trump abusing power is not a big enough deal to get him kicked out of office .
He declared numerous times over the years that he is a liberal Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton , as if this is some sort of excuse for his ridiculous understanding of the constitutional law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melber to talk about his decision to join Donald Trump 's impeachment legal team , which includes TV lawyer , Jay Sekulow , former Florida AG who took a bribe , Pam Bondi , a few White House lawyers , and maybe Rudy Giuliani , if he has his way .
Oh , and Special Counsel from the Bill Clinton impeachment , Ken Starr .
So a group of brilliant legal minds ( snort ) that will definitely do everything by the book , and wo n't at all abuse the impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all .
MELBER : How do you make argument without dealing with some of these facts ?
Certainly one could imagine an abuse of power that would meet the standard .
I 'm sure you and I would agree in that in theory .
DERSH : No , no , we do n't agree on that .
MELBER : Let me play for and you then get your response , let me play for you the President admitting the investigation .
And then I 'll get your response on whether that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the White House lawn .
REPORTER : Mr. President , what exactly did you hope Zelensky would do about the Bidens after the phone call ?
TRUMP : Well , I would think if they were honest about it , they would start a major investigation into the Bidens .
MELBER : The abuse of power allegation is that that request conditioned on money that was federally mandated under the law for a different purpose is the abuse .
DERSH : But abuse of power , even if proved , is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the framers rejected .
They did n't want to give Congress the authority to remove a President because he abused his power .
They have to prove treason , bribery , or they have to prove other crimes and misdemeanors .
`` Other '' refers to crimes of the kind such as treason and bribery .
MELBER : So let me make sure I understand for viewers .
You 're making news , here , about what you will argue on the President 's behalf in the Senate trial .
The news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , that `` abuse of power , in your argument , does not constitute as a high crime under the constitution ? ''
DERSH : That 's exactly right , and that 's exactly what framers said , when they rejected ... remember , the initial the criteria for removing a President was maladministration , malpractice , and a range of other vague open ended criteria .
What Hamilton said was `` the greatest danger would be to empower Congress to impeach based on how many votes you have on one side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why after they finished debating whether there should be an impeachment , they went to the criteria .
And Madison , who was very much in favor of impeachment , wanted very limited criteria .
If they wanted to put abuse of power in , they could have .
Let me give you another example .
Madison talked a lot about what if a President becomes incapacitated , but they did n't put incapacitation in as grounds for impeachment .
We had to amend the Constitution to do that .
If you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power as a criteria , you can do that .
Nobody will vote for it though .
Presidents have been accused of abuse of power from the beginning of time .
MELBER : Very interesting , getting your expertise in what you plan to argue on the president 's behalf .

If abuse of power does not qualify as a "high crime and misdemenor" worthy of removal from office, is there any crime that Donald Trump could do that would warrant removal? Or is Trump a king?
Alan Dershowitz genuinely believes that Donald Trump abusing power is not a big enough deal to get him kicked out of office. He declared numerous times over the years that he is a liberal Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton, as if this is some sort of excuse for his ridiculous understanding of the constitutional law. He went on The Beat with Ari Melber to talk about his decision to join Donald Trump's impeachment legal team, which includes TV lawyer, Jay Sekulow, former Florida AG who took a bribe, Pam Bondi, a few White House lawyers, and maybe Rudy Giuliani, if he has his way. Oh, and Special Counsel from the Bill Clinton impeachment, Ken Starr. So a group of brilliant legal minds (snort) that will definitely do everything by the book, and won't at all abuse the impeachment trial to try to raise their personal brands at all.
MELBER: How do you make argument without dealing with some of these facts? Certainly one could imagine an abuse of power that would meet the standard. I'm sure you and I would agree in that in theory.
DERSH: No, no, we don't agree on that.
MELBER: Let me play for and you then get your response, let me play for you the President admitting the investigation. And then I'll get your response on whether that's an abuse. Here's Donald Trump on the White House lawn.
(clip)
REPORTER: Mr. President, what exactly did you hope Zelensky would do about the Bidens after the phone call?
TRUMP: Well, I would think if they were honest about it, they would start a major investigation into the Bidens.
(end clip)
MELBER: The abuse of power allegation is that that request conditioned on money that was federally mandated under the law for a different purpose is the abuse.
DERSH: But abuse of power, even if proved, is not an impeachable offense. That's exactly what the framers rejected. They didn't want to give Congress the authority to remove a President because he abused his power. They have to prove treason, bribery, or they have to prove other crimes and misdemeanors. "Other" refers to crimes of the kind such as treason and bribery.
MELBER: So let me make sure I understand for viewers. You're making news, here, about what you will argue on the President's behalf in the Senate trial. The news you're making, as I understand it, that "abuse of power, in your argument, does not constitute as a high crime under the constitution?"
DERSH: That's exactly right, and that's exactly what framers said, when they rejected...remember, the initial the criteria for removing a President was maladministration, malpractice, and a range of other vague open ended criteria. What Hamilton said was "the greatest danger would be to empower Congress to impeach based on how many votes you have on one side or the other." That's why after they finished debating whether there should be an impeachment, they went to the criteria. And Madison, who was very much in favor of impeachment, wanted very limited criteria. If they wanted to put abuse of power in, they could have. Let me give you another example. Madison talked a lot about what if a President becomes incapacitated, but they didn't put incapacitation in as grounds for impeachment. We had to amend the Constitution to do that. If you want to amend the Constitution to have abuse of power as a criteria, you can do that. Nobody will vote for it though. Presidents have been accused of abuse of power from the beginning of time.
MELBER: Very interesting, getting your expertise in what you plan to argue on the president's behalf.