crooksandliars--2020-05-21--Pro Trump Doctors Pushing Americans To Risk Their Lives To Save Trump’s Economy

Team Trump recruited a group of “ extremely pro Trump ” doctors to discredit public health officials ' advice and put a medical seal of approval on their own deadly plan to rapidly reopen the economy in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic .
Associated Press got wind of the scheme via a leaked recording of a conference call between a conservative coalition and “ a senior staffer for the Trump reelection campaign.
” AP confirmed the plan for doctors to ignore public health experts in favor of Trumpy prescriptions with Tim Murtaugh , the Trump campaign communications director : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about contradicting government experts .
“ Our job at the campaign is to reflect President Trump ’ s point of view , ” Murtaugh said .
“ We are his campaign .
There is no difference between us and him.
” Matt Schlapp , chairman of the American Conservative Union is on the same page : '' The president ’ s going to get tagged by the fake news media as being irresponsible and not listening to doctors , ” Matt Schlapp said on the call .
“ And so we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people.
” In other words , who cares if almost 100,000 Americans have already died ?
Death to Americans - if it saves Trump ’ s political life !
In fact , it looks like the Trumper doctors have wasted no time advocating for death : Lo and behold , Fox News is already amplifying the campaign and has printed the letter in full .
You can count on seeing some of these doctors on Fox in the very near future .
AP noted that the first signature on the letter was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative activist who has advocated for the use of hydroxychloroquine .

Team Trump recruited a group of “extremely pro Trump” doctors to discredit public health officials' advice and put a medical seal of approval on their own deadly plan to rapidly reopen the economy in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Associated Press got wind of the scheme via a leaked recording of a conference call between a conservative coalition and “a senior staffer for the Trump reelection campaign.”
AP confirmed the plan for doctors to ignore public health experts in favor of Trumpy prescriptions with Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaign communications director:
Murtaugh said the campaign is not concerned about contradicting government experts. “Our job at the campaign is to reflect President Trump’s point of view,” Murtaugh said. “We are his campaign. There is no difference between us and him.”
Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union is on the same page:
"The president’s going to get tagged by the fake news media as being irresponsible and not listening to doctors,” Matt Schlapp said on the call. “And so we have to gird his loins with a lot of other people.”
In other words, who cares if almost 100,000 Americans have already died? Death to Americans - if it saves Trump’s political life!
In fact, it looks like the Trumper doctors have wasted no time advocating for death:
But after the AP contacted the Trump campaign seeking comment for this story, a Washington public relations firm that frequently works for conservative groups distributed an open letter to Trump signed by more than 400 doctors calling the state coronavirus lockdowns a “mass casualty event” causing “millions of casualties” from alcoholism, homelessness, suicide and other causes.
Lo and behold, Fox News is already amplifying the campaign and has printed the letter in full. You can count on seeing some of these doctors on Fox in the very near future.
AP noted that the first signature on the letter was that of Dr. Simone Gold, a conservative activist who has advocated for the use of hydroxychloroquine.


crooksandliars--2020-05-21--Jane Roe Of Roe V. Wade Was Paid By Right Wing To Say She Was Anti-Choice

On Friday night , FX will air a documentary called `` AKA Jane Roe , '' about the plaintiff in the landmark Roe v. Wade case , Norma McCorvey .
It was on her behalf that the U.S. Supreme Court decided women had a Constitutional right to access to safe and legal abortion .
McCorvey continued for decades to be a pro-choice activist , championing a woman 's right to determine for herself the timing and planning of her own motherhood .
In the mid-90s , though , she underwent a very public transformation over to the side of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became a `` born-again '' Christian , renounced her past life as a gay woman , and allegedly ended a decades-long romantic relationship with the woman she loved .
She was paraded around the country with Rev .
Flip Benham , of Operation Rescue infamy , speaking out against abortion , now , and the pro-choice movement that took her case to the Supreme Court and prevailed .
It was a huge boon to the anti-choice , forced-birth movement .
The last part of the documentary chronicles McCorvey 's last days and weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drops a bomb on both movements .
In the final third of director Nick Sweeney ’ s 79-minute documentary , featuring many end-of-life reflections from McCorvey—who grew up queer , poor , and was sexually abused by a family member her mother sent her to live with after leaving reform school—the former Jane Roe admits that her later turn to the anti-abortion camp as a born-again Christian was “ all an act.
” “ This is my deathbed confession , ” she chuckles , sitting in a chair in her nursing home room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Did [ the evangelicals ] use you as a trophy ?
” “ Of course , ” she replies .
“ I was the Big Fish.
” “ Do you think you would say that you used them ?
” Sweeney responds .
“ Well , ” says McCorvey , “ I think it was a mutual thing .
I took their money and they took me out in front of the cameras and told me what to say .
That ’ s what I ’ d say.
” She even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines .
“ I ’ m a good actress , ” she points out .
“ Of course , I ’ m not acting now.
” My brain is so twisted over this , and I can not untangle it .
As a clinic escort I have seen these @ ssholes lie , manipulate , trick , and intimidate women for exercising their Constitutional right to make their own medical and family decisions .
This was one of their favorites , how the original Roe regretted her decision , and the Court 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the abortion , by the way .
The court case took too long for that ... she gave birth before it was over . )
Well , we now have an answer to THAT we can throw in their faces .
At some point maybe I 'll feel satisfaction that the biggest cudgel the forced-birthers have been using against us has suddenly disintegrated into dust .
I imagine , though , one has to stop feeling the pain from the cudgel first .
How many women changed the course of their lives as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not many ... it 's really impossible to know .
But her `` conversion '' was frequently weaponized and used to inflict emotional distress on women during their most vulnerable and private moments .
It 's hard , though , for me to feel angry at her .
The documentary claims to show that the pro-choice movement used her , too , then `` held her at arm 's length '' because she was not exactly the perfect poster girl for the movement .
So , shame on us , too .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambivalence toward her .
As a wise friend said on Facebook , `` Hurt people hurt people , '' and she was most assuredly a `` hurt people . ''
There may never be any real feelings of resolution that might come my way about this .
No one wins .
After all , what is this , really , other than just one more way the right-wing evangelical Christians have lied and paid people off for the sole purpose of shaming and controlling women ?
At least they do n't have this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I 'll be watching on Friday .

On Friday night, FX will air a documentary called "AKA Jane Roe," about the plaintiff in the landmark Roe v. Wade case, Norma McCorvey. It was on her behalf that the U.S. Supreme Court decided women had a Constitutional right to access to safe and legal abortion. McCorvey continued for decades to be a pro-choice activist, championing a woman's right to determine for herself the timing and planning of her own motherhood.
In the mid-90s, though, she underwent a very public transformation over to the side of the Christian evangelical, anti-choice movement. She became a "born-again" Christian, renounced her past life as a gay woman, and allegedly ended a decades-long romantic relationship with the woman she loved. She was paraded around the country with Rev. Flip Benham, of Operation Rescue infamy, speaking out against abortion, now, and the pro-choice movement that took her case to the Supreme Court and prevailed. It was a huge boon to the anti-choice, forced-birth movement.
The last part of the documentary chronicles McCorvey's last days and weeks before she dies, during which she drops a bomb on both movements.
In the final third of director Nick Sweeney’s 79-minute documentary, featuring many end-of-life reflections from McCorvey—who grew up queer, poor, and was sexually abused by a family member her mother sent her to live with after leaving reform school—the former Jane Roe admits that her later turn to the anti-abortion camp as a born-again Christian was “all an act.” “This is my deathbed confession,” she chuckles, sitting in a chair in her nursing home room, on oxygen. Sweeney asks McCorvey, “Did [the evangelicals] use you as a trophy?” “Of course,” she replies. “I was the Big Fish.” “Do you think you would say that you used them?” Sweeney responds. “Well,” says McCorvey, “I think it was a mutual thing. I took their money and they took me out in front of the cameras and told me what to say. That’s what I’d say.” She even gives an example of her scripted anti-abortion lines. “I’m a good actress,” she points out. “Of course, I’m not acting now.”
My brain is so twisted over this, and I cannot untangle it. As a clinic escort I have seen these @ssholes lie, manipulate, trick, and intimidate women for exercising their Constitutional right to make their own medical and family decisions. This was one of their favorites, how the original Roe regretted her decision, and the Court's. (McCorvey never ended up getting the abortion, by the way. The court case took too long for that...she gave birth before it was over.) Well, we now have an answer to THAT we can throw in their faces.
At some point maybe I'll feel satisfaction that the biggest cudgel the forced-birthers have been using against us has suddenly disintegrated into dust. I imagine, though, one has to stop feeling the pain from the cudgel first. How many women changed the course of their lives as a result of that lie? Perhaps not many...it's really impossible to know. But her "conversion" was frequently weaponized and used to inflict emotional distress on women during their most vulnerable and private moments.
It's hard, though, for me to feel angry at her. The documentary claims to show that the pro-choice movement used her, too, then "held her at arm's length" because she was not exactly the perfect poster girl for the movement. So, shame on us, too. Yet, at worst, I simply feel ambivalence toward her. As a wise friend said on Facebook, "Hurt people hurt people," and she was most assuredly a "hurt people."
There may never be any real feelings of resolution that might come my way about this. No one wins. After all, what is this, really, other than just one more way the right-wing evangelical Christians have lied and paid people off for the sole purpose of shaming and controlling women? At least they don't have this one going forward.
At any rate, I'll be watching on Friday.
[Hulu, "AKA Jane Roe"]


crooksandliars--2020-05-21--America's Back! Two Active Shooters In 12 Hours

Got ta love America .
We ’ re getting right back to normal activities like mass shootings being broadcast live on Snapchat .
# WestGate pic.twitter.com/Al21qP8an8 I 'd almost forgotten those magical moments when the words `` active shooter '' start flooding social media .
It started last night , in Arizona : Americans can ’ t be trusted to return a shopping cart .
Why the hell are we trusted to own military grade weapons .
Enough with the guns .
Westgate is minutes from my house .
My wife works there .
Sorry if I care more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # westgate DEVELOPING : Two people have been shot at a Phoenix-area mall , authorities say .
One suspect is in custody .
The incident took place just before 8 p.m. local time at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale , just outside Phoenix .
https : //t.co/NUq3qz6sr5 Wow , I just watched the video the # Westgate shooter in Glendale , AZ posted on Snapchat , which I will not repost .
He ’ s wearing a facemask and says he ’ s doing it to “ get back to society.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground who says “ you already got me dude !
” .
Creepy stuff .
And then there was an naval air station in Corpus Christi , Texas , this morning : This seemed to sum it all up , sadly : The people who think kids wearing bullet-proof backpacks to schools w/ metal detectors & armed guards & are subjected to active-shooter drills is just `` the price of freedom '' & the people who call having to wear a mask for 10 min .
inside Walmart `` tyranny '' are @ @ @ @

I'd almost forgotten those magical moments when the words "active shooter" start flooding social media. It started last night, in Arizona:
I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims. — Sen. Martín Quezada (@SenQuezada29) May 21, 2020
A reminder to media covering Westgate to approach rampage acts of violence with responsible coverage. All aspects and facts surrounding the event can be reported without giving notoriety to the perpetrator. Don’t share his image or videos: https://t.co/DFxwocUdZJ#NoNotoriety — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) May 21, 2020
Americans can’t be trusted to return a shopping cart. Why the hell are we trusted to own military grade weapons. Enough with the guns. Westgate is minutes from my house. My wife works there. Sorry if I care more about my wife than your pathetic gun obsessions #westgate — IzzyFoReal (@IzzyBear4Real) May 21, 2020
DEVELOPING: Two people have been shot at a Phoenix-area mall, authorities say. One suspect is in custody.
The incident took place just before 8 p.m. local time at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, just outside Phoenix. https://t.co/NUq3qz6sr5 — ABC News (@ABC) May 21, 2020
Wow, I just watched the video the #Westgate shooter in Glendale, AZ posted on Snapchat, which I will not repost. He’s wearing a facemask and says he’s doing it to “get back to society.” He argues with a woman lying on the ground who says “you already got me dude!”. Creepy stuff. — Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 21, 2020
Meanwhile, the single largest enabler of domestic terrorism in the United States and "pro-life" scamming @GOP has blood on its hands for the umpteenth time. #Westgate #WestgateShooting #GlendaleAZ pic.twitter.com/Rsul7u6wrf — Samantha (@agentcurieuse) May 21, 2020
Gun laws in Arizona:
-- NO state permit required to purchase
-- NO state firearm registry
-- NO assault weapons ban
-- NO owner license required
-- NO permit required for concealed carry
-- NO permit required for open carry
-- NO background checks for private sales#Westgate — Charlotte Clymer 🏳🌈 (@cmclymer) May 21, 2020
As video and details emerge about the #Westgate shooter, deny him fame.
❌ NO NAME
❌ NO PHOTO
❌ NO NOTORIETY#NoNotoriety #EndGunViolence @bradybuzz pic.twitter.com/SfeD5HemQh — Kris Brown (@KrisB_Brown) May 21, 2020
And then there was an naval air station in Corpus Christi, Texas, this morning:
BREAKING: Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Texas has confirmed it’s in lockdown due to a possible active shooter situationhttps://t.co/DVcMkMKu7g — The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) May 21, 2020
Shooter ‘neutralized’ at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Navy says
Base security responded to active shooter at 6:15 a.m. this morning.
“One Security Force member is injured,” Navy says — Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) May 21, 2020
A gunman at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is "neutralized" after reports of a shooting placed the base on lockdown, the US Navy says https://t.co/mW61B3j5zk — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 21, 2020
This seemed to sum it all up, sadly:
The people who think kids wearing bullet-proof backpacks to schools w/ metal detectors & armed guards & are subjected to active-shooter drills is just "the price of freedom" & the people who call having to wear a mask for 10 min. inside Walmart "tyranny" are the exact same people — Bryan 🇺🇸 #StayAtHome & #WashYourHands (@swimmerbr78) May 21, 2020
Repeat after me, fellow Americans: THOUGHTS & PRAYERS.


crooksandliars--2020-05-21--Morning Joe: Attacks On Biden Remind Us Trump Is Really Describing Himself

Morning Joe 's Joe Scarborough points out the Trump campaign has `` desperately been trying to put Joe Biden in @ @ @ @ @ he gets easily confused and addled .
A lot of his allies are doing the @ @ @ @ @ 's no real contrast there . ''
He introduced an updated clip from Comedy Central @ @ @ @ @ been saying for quite some time , every time they go after Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ touch , all they 're doing are reminding Americans how unmoored Donald seems to be @ @ @ @ @ look at this clip . ''
And then the clip illustrated how clearly Trump attacks @ @ @ @ @ a matter of projection .

Morning Joe's Joe Scarborough points out the Trump campaign has "desperately been trying to put Joe Biden in some corner, suggesting that he gets easily confused and addled. A lot of his allies are doing the same thing. But there's no real contrast there."
He introduced an updated clip from Comedy Central.
"As we have been saying for quite some time, every time they go after Joe Biden, suggesting he's out of touch, all they're doing are reminding Americans how unmoored Donald seems to be at times. Take a look at this clip."
And then the clip illustrated how clearly Trump attacks on Joe Biden are only a matter of projection.


crooksandliars--2020-05-21--Reality Check: Susan Rice Email Shows Obama Administration Caught Following The Rules

CNN 's John Avlon does a reality check segment on the Susan Rice email released this week .
`` In search of a scandal to fit the slogan 'Obamagate , ' earlier this week Republican senators requested that the acting director of national intelligence declassify an email that a former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice had sent herself on Inauguration Day , '' he said .
`` The implication is that this would be a smoking gun that unlocked the conspiracy to spy on the incoming administration .
But rarely have we seen the supposed smoking gun fizzle as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It memorialized the Oval Office meeting which included then-Vice President Joe Biden after an intelligence briefing on Russia 's interference in our election . ''
The issue , he said , was the then-undisclosed contacts between Michael Flynn and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak -- which got Flynn fired for lying 24 days into the administration and led to his guilty plea before his prosecution was abandoned by Barr this month .
`` Instead of wrongdoing , Rice 's email said that President Obama emphasized his continued commitment to ensuring every aspect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement communities by the book , '' Avlon said .
( Oh , oops !
So much for the big scandal ! )
`` According to Rice , President Obama stressed that he 's not asking about initiating or instructing anything from a law enforcement perspective .
In the portion that had previously been classified , Obama asked then-FBI Director James Comey if concerns about Flynn 's contacts with the Russians meant that the National Security Council should not pass sensitive information to Flynn .
Rice wrote that Comey replied 'potentially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far that Flynn has passed classified information to Kislyak .
But he noted that the communication level is unusual .
`` Yes , it is unusual to have an incoming national security advisor have repeated undisclosed contacts with an ambassador from a country that had just interfered in our elections to benefit the president-elect .
As summed up , the Rice email shows the Obama team were caught red-handed following the rules .
Now in a sane political world , Republican senators would have made like Emily Litella and said -- '' But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So instead , Senator Ted Cruz tweeted , 'Wow , ongoing spying from an outgoing POTUS , on an ingoing POTUS directed by Obama himself is unprecedented ' -- nope .
The email showed nothing of the sort .
But the tweet showed how little facts matter in this silly season .
`` Now , Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell just said he 's backing a new round of subpoenas against Obama administration officials .
But if the truth is what he 's really after , McConnell could request the Flynn-Kislyak conversations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or explain his resistance to making a bipartisan statement condemning the Russia interference before the elections , as the latest Senate Intelligence committee report shows .
`` Or we could all just admit that this effort to investigate the Obama administration is an attempt to distract and deflect from the Trump administration 's own self-inflicted scandals .
And that 's your reality check . ''

CNN's John Avlon does a reality check segment on the Susan Rice email released this week.
"In search of a scandal to fit the slogan 'Obamagate,' earlier this week Republican senators requested that the acting director of national intelligence declassify an email that a former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice had sent herself on Inauguration Day," he said.
"The implication is that this would be a smoking gun that unlocked the conspiracy to spy on the incoming administration. But rarely have we seen the supposed smoking gun fizzle as fast as the declassified Susan Rice email. It memorialized the Oval Office meeting which included then-Vice President Joe Biden after an intelligence briefing on Russia's interference in our election."
The issue, he said, was the then-undisclosed contacts between Michael Flynn and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak -- which got Flynn fired for lying 24 days into the administration and led to his guilty plea before his prosecution was abandoned by Barr this month.
"Instead of wrongdoing, Rice's email said that President Obama emphasized his continued commitment to ensuring every aspect of this issue was handled by intelligence and law enforcement communities by the book," Avlon said. (Oh, oops! So much for the big scandal!)
"According to Rice, President Obama stressed that he's not asking about initiating or instructing anything from a law enforcement perspective. In the portion that had previously been classified, Obama asked then-FBI Director James Comey if concerns about Flynn's contacts with the Russians meant that the National Security Council should not pass sensitive information to Flynn. Rice wrote that Comey replied 'potentially,' adding he had no indication thus far that Flynn has passed classified information to Kislyak. But he noted that the communication level is unusual.
"Yes, it is unusual to have an incoming national security advisor have repeated undisclosed contacts with an ambassador from a country that had just interfered in our elections to benefit the president-elect. As summed up, the Rice email shows the Obama team were caught red-handed following the rules. Now in a sane political world, Republican senators would have made like Emily Litella and said --
Never mind.
"But we live in the Trump era. So instead, Senator Ted Cruz tweeted, 'Wow, ongoing spying from an outgoing POTUS, on an ingoing POTUS directed by Obama himself is unprecedented ' -- nope. The email showed nothing of the sort. But the tweet showed how little facts matter in this silly season.
"Now, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell just said he's backing a new round of subpoenas against Obama administration officials. But if the truth is what he's really after, McConnell could request the Flynn-Kislyak conversations, as Rice and others have suggested -- or explain his resistance to making a bipartisan statement condemning the Russia interference before the elections, as the latest Senate Intelligence committee report shows.
"Or we could all just admit that this effort to investigate the Obama administration is an attempt to distract and deflect from the Trump administration's own self-inflicted scandals. And that's your reality check."


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Low IQ Leader Goes Full Hitler In Visit To Ford Plant

Your daily dose of Nazi nostalgia comes from the ( alleged ) Leader of the Free World , Donald John Trump .
Visiting a Ford Manufacturing plant in Michigan on Thursday , he lovingly injected Hitlerian language into his speech to workers .
TRUMP : In our lifetimes , the company founded by a man named Henry Ford , good bloodlines , good bloodlines , if you believe in that stuff , you got good blood , heh ... Hm .
Let 's see , who else admired Henry Ford ?
If you guessed a failed artist named Adolf Hitler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ford was only one of the most virulent anti-Semites in America in the early 20th century , and his ideas carried a lot of weight , even across the pond into Hitler 's consciousness .
Twitter was quick to pick up on that sonic blast of eugenicist language so popular with the Nazis .
Digby points out that Trump has been espousing his belief in `` natural gifts '' and the value of `` bloodlines '' all throughout his adult life .
For some reason , this made me spit out my drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have let slip if he was visiting a Volkswagen dealership ?

Your daily dose of Nazi nostalgia comes from the (alleged) Leader of the Free World, Donald John Trump.
Visiting a Ford Manufacturing plant in Michigan on Thursday, he lovingly injected Hitlerian language into his speech to workers.
The President says the founder of Ford has good bloodlines.. If you’re not familiar with Henry Ford, I would encourage you to read more about him and specifically his actions during WW2 pic.twitter.com/vniaOSR2sX — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) May 21, 2020
TRUMP: In our lifetimes, the company founded by a man named Henry Ford, good bloodlines, good bloodlines, if you believe in that stuff, you got good blood, heh...
Hm. Let's see, who else admired Henry Ford? If you guessed a failed artist named Adolf Hitler, you guessed correctly. Yeah, Ford was only one of the most virulent anti-Semites in America in the early 20th century, and his ideas carried a lot of weight, even across the pond into Hitler's consciousness.
Twitter was quick to pick up on that dog whistle sonic blast of eugenicist language so popular with the Nazis.
Fun facts about Henry Ford (or as the Nazis called him, Heinrich Ford), who Trump just weirdly praised as having "good blood."
He popularized, worldwide, the anti-semetic conspiracy theory that inspired Nazis. They awarded him medals and Hitler had his portrait in his office. — Jared Yates Sexton (@JYSexton) May 21, 2020
Henry Ford had a close alliance with Hitler and ran an entire newspaper with the goal of spreading anti-Semitic conspiracy theories in America.
He received the Grand Cross award from the Nazi regime in 1938. https://t.co/2irYn8CNOZ — Brianna Wu (@BriannaWu) May 21, 2020
Digby points out that Trump has been espousing his belief in "natural gifts" and the value of "bloodlines" all throughout his adult life.
Henry Ford was a notorious eugenicist.https://t.co/N9Ri91JWCR pic.twitter.com/sAS2RZ7BvB — #Resisting Lies 1 RT at a Time (@Defy_Deception) May 21, 2020
Wow. Pretty explicit shout-out to Henry Ford’s history of antisemitism and Nazi-sympathizing. You can bet our current-day Nazi bros heard this exactly how it was intended. — Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) May 22, 2020
For some reason, this made me spit out my drink...
He thinks genes pass down to employees? — 30-50 Feral Opossums (@mebrannan) May 21, 2020
Can you imagine what he would have let slip if he was visiting a Volkswagen dealership?


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--'Prolonged Depression Guaranteed' If GOP Refuses To Help State And Local Governments

The ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic on the U.S. economy will be devastating enough to send the country into a certain and `` prolonged depression , '' economist Josh Bivens warned Tuesday , unless federal aid is delivered to state and local governments .
`` State and local governments are currently forecast to be facing revenue shortfalls as large as $ 1 trillion over the coming years , '' Bivens wrote at the Economic Policy Institute blog .
`` If no help is forthcoming from the federal government to close these shortfalls , the result will be an economic disaster—one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In his analysis , Bivens looked at data from the Great Recession from the 2010s and the austerity policies from that time which , he explained , slowed that recovery .
`` We need to learn from our past , '' tweeted economist Elise Gould .
`` Austerity was a huge drag on the recovery from the Great Recession .
Let 's not make the same mistake . ''
The spending austerity in the 2010s was the entire reason why it took a full decade to return to pre-crisis unemployment rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is why millions of Americans struggled—through no fault of their own—to find work and it is a key reason why wages for tens of millions of Americans barely kept pace with price inflation over this time , as labor markets remained too soft to give workers the bargaining power they needed to demand better-paying jobs .
The austerity `` clearly delayed economic recovery for U.S. workers by years , '' said Bivens .
With similar cuts this time , a `` prolonged depression is guaranteed , '' Bivens warned .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge in how recovery will proceed , '' wrote Bivens .
`` If the virus relents and effective public health measures are undertaken that allow a phased reopening of business , and if the federal government provides sufficient measures for relief and recovery during this crisis , then recovery could be rapid . ''
`` But this confidence and demand will be savaged if policymakers allow state and local governments ' spending to be hamstrung by the crisis , '' he continued .
`` These sub-national governments spend about $ 4 trillion every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second-largest source of spending outside of the federal government . ''
`` If they are forced into crash-cutting , '' Bivens concluded , `` the entire economy will suffer . ''
Bivens warning comes as Republicans in Washington show no sense of urgency in ramping up a federal rescue effort to state and local governments .
As the Washington Post 's Jeff Stein reported Tuesday , some White House officials are so confident in the possibility of an economic recovery they have broken off talks with Congress on more relief aid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the economy will roar back to life in the next few weeks , a view that `` clashes with the dire predictions of many mainstream economists , as well as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H .
Powell . ''
Claudia Sahm , who served on former President Barack Obama 's Council of Economic Advisers as an economist , told the Post that urgent legislative action from the federal government was essential to stave off the worst effects of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak economic crisis .
`` Complacency among policymakers is what made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Sahm .
`` If they do not do more , if they 'wait and see , ' they will do exactly what happened in the 1930s . ''

The ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic on the U.S. economy will be devastating enough to send the country into a certain and "prolonged depression," economist Josh Bivens warned Tuesday, unless federal aid is delivered to state and local governments.
"State and local governments are currently forecast to be facing revenue shortfalls as large as $1 trillion over the coming years," Bivens wrote at the Economic Policy Institute blog. "If no help is forthcoming from the federal government to close these shortfalls, the result will be an economic disaster—one that is not confined to these governments."
THIS, 10,000 TIMES THIS. A prolonged depression is guaranteed without significant federal aid to state and local governments https://t.co/yfY6m0G1J9 via @economicpolicy @joshbivens_DC — Heidi Shierholz (@hshierholz) May 19, 2020
In his analysis, Bivens looked at data from the Great Recession from the 2010s and the austerity policies from that time which, he explained, slowed that recovery.
"We need to learn from our past," tweeted economist Elise Gould. "Austerity was a huge drag on the recovery from the Great Recession. Let's not make the same mistake."
A prolonged depression is GUARANTEED without significant federal aid to state and local governments, via @joshbivens_DC
We need to learn from our past. Austerity was a huge drag on the recovery from the Great Recession. Let's not make the same mistake.https://t.co/AoI27VE0pO pic.twitter.com/oKYub9NhI1 — Elise Gould (@eliselgould) May 19, 2020
As Bivens explained:
The spending austerity in the 2010s was the entire reason why it took a full decade to return to pre-crisis unemployment rates following the onset of the Great Recession. It is why millions of Americans struggled—through no fault of their own—to find work and it is a key reason why wages for tens of millions of Americans barely kept pace with price inflation over this time, as labor markets remained too soft to give workers the bargaining power they needed to demand better-paying jobs.
The austerity "clearly delayed economic recovery for U.S. workers by years," said Bivens.
With similar cuts this time, a "prolonged depression is guaranteed," Bivens warned.
"The economy is currently approaching a knife edge in how recovery will proceed," wrote Bivens. "If the virus relents and effective public health measures are undertaken that allow a phased reopening of business, and if the federal government provides sufficient measures for relief and recovery during this crisis, then recovery could be rapid."
"But this confidence and demand will be savaged if policymakers allow state and local governments' spending to be hamstrung by the crisis," he continued. "These sub-national governments spend about $4 trillion every year in the economy, making them the second-largest source of spending outside of the federal government."
"If they are forced into crash-cutting," Bivens concluded, "the entire economy will suffer."
Bivens warning comes as Republicans in Washington show no sense of urgency in ramping up a federal rescue effort to state and local governments.
As the Washington Post's Jeff Stein reported Tuesday, some White House officials are so confident in the possibility of an economic recovery they have broken off talks with Congress on more relief aid. President Donald Trump and his advisors believe that the economy will roar back to life in the next few weeks, a view that "clashes with the dire predictions of many mainstream economists, as well as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell."
Claudia Sahm, who served on former President Barack Obama's Council of Economic Advisers as an economist, told the Post that urgent legislative action from the federal government was essential to stave off the worst effects of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak economic crisis.
"Complacency among policymakers is what made the 'Great Depression' a depression," said Sahm. "If they do not do more, if they 'wait and see,' they will do exactly what happened in the 1930s."
Republished from Common Dreams (Eoin Higgins, staff writer) under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License.


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Cards For These Viral Times

Cards For These Viral Times

Biden spokesperson Symone Sanders gives Fox 's Dana Perino more than she bargained for when she asks her if she @ @ @ @ @ told by Trump on coronavirus .
She also makes it clear that Biden will only @ @ @ @ @ [ ... ]

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--2020-05-22--Mike Pompeo Is Having A Bad Week

Mike Pompeo Is Having A Bad Week

[ Above : Mike Pompeo does n't want to talk about 'personnel issues ' now that the Inspector General , whose job it was to investigate his job performance , has been `` you 're fired '' -ed by Orange Julius ?
How very cover-up of you , Mike !
-- eds ] New revelations of our very shouty , End-Times enthusiast top diplomat Mike Pompeo ’ s corruption are coming at us fast and furious ( no cars , no trademark violations , amirite ? )
: “ As federal workers file out of the State Department at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite group is often just arriving in the marbled , flag-lined lobby : Billionaire CEOs , Supreme Court justices , political heavyweights and ambassadors arrive in evening attire as they ’ re escorted by private elevator to dinner with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
“ Until the coronavirus shut them down in March , the gatherings were known as ‘ Madison Dinners ’ — elaborate , unpublicized affairs that Pompeo and his wife , Susan Pompeo , began in 2018 and held regularly in the historic Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the dinners said they had raised concerns internally that the events were essentially using federal resources to cultivate a donor and supporter base for Pompeo ’ s political ambitions — complete with extensive contact information that gets sent back to Susan Pompeo ’ s personal email address .
The officials and others who attended discussed the dinners on condition of anonymity.
” Axios morning email thingie tells us about who was invited : Watch for Pompeo and the rest of the 4th Reich to try to spin this as outreach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box campaigning for 2024 and Wee the Peeple paid the tab .
You don ’ t do outreach to Fox News .

[Above: Mike Pompeo doesn't want to talk about 'personnel issues' now that the Inspector General, whose job it was to investigate his job performance, has been "you're fired"-ed by Orange Julius? How very cover-up of you, Mike! -- eds]
New revelations of our very shouty, End-Times enthusiast top diplomat Mike Pompeo’s corruption are coming at us fast and furious (no cars, no trademark violations, amirite?):
Pompeo’s elite taxpayer-funded dinners raise new concerns “As federal workers file out of the State Department at the end of a Washington workday, an elite group is often just arriving in the marbled, flag-lined lobby: Billionaire CEOs, Supreme Court justices, political heavyweights and ambassadors arrive in evening attire as they’re escorted by private elevator to dinner with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “Until the coronavirus shut them down in March, the gatherings were known as ‘Madison Dinners’ — elaborate, unpublicized affairs that Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, began in 2018 and held regularly in the historic Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the government’s dime. State Department officials involved in the dinners said they had raised concerns internally that the events were essentially using federal resources to cultivate a donor and supporter base for Pompeo’s political ambitions — complete with extensive contact information that gets sent back to Susan Pompeo’s personal email address. The officials and others who attended discussed the dinners on condition of anonymity.”
Axios morning email thingie tells us about who was invited:
14% were diplomats or foreign officials … 30% work in politics/government … 29% were corporate … 23% were in media or entertainment.
diplomats or foreign officials … 30% work in politics/government … 29% were corporate … 23% were in media or entertainment. 39% of the media figures were from Fox News.
were from Fox News. Every House or Senate member was a Republican. Why it matters: This is an additional target for the Hill after Friday’s firing of State’s inspector general.
Watch for Pompeo and the rest of the 4th Reich to try to spin this as outreach, but it pretty clearly is inside the box campaigning for 2024 and Wee the Peeple paid the tab. You don’t do outreach to Fox News.
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors.


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Tara Reade Dumped By Lawyer After Perjury Questions Arise

CNN did a deep dive into Reade and her accusations of sexual harassment/assault against Joe Biden and concluded , “ A complicated life and conflicting accounts muddle efforts to understand Tara Reade 's allegation against Joe Biden.
” If you ask me , that ’ s being generous .
Because putting aside the many inconsistencies in her story , the claim that Biden sexually assaulted her in a Senate hallway during business hours is pretty much impossible to believe on the face of it .
I ’ ll just say the CNN report did nothing to bolster Reade ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life after she fled her violent marriage : Reade told CNN that she received a bachelor of arts degree from Antioch University in Seattle under the auspices of a `` protected program , '' personally working with the former president of the school to ensure her identity was protected while she obtained credits for her degree .
She also said that she was a visiting professor at the school , on and off for five years .
Presented with this , Karen Hamilton , an Antioch University spokesperson , told CNN that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then known ] attended but did not graduate from Antioch University .
She was never a faculty member .
She did provide several hours of administrative work . ''
An Antioch University official told CNN that such a `` protected program '' does not exist and never has .
Reade graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2004 , gaining admission to the school through its Alternative Admission Program .
Reade has also testified in court numerous times as an expert witness for the prosecution in domestic violence cases .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she testified with an eye toward reopening them if the resumé she swore to is found to be false .
For the record , Reade disputes CNN ’ s account .
Monterey Weekly reported , “ She says that her degree from Antioch University in Seattle was conferred under special circumstances by former Chancellor Toni Murdock . ''
That publication called her account `` corroborated '' by an `` unofficial transcript from the Seattle University School of Law , which lists Antioch University as Reade ’ s prior degree granting institution.
” Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Wigdor ( who has also represented plaintiffs suing Fox News for racial and gender discrimination ) , dropped her as a client , just two weeks after taking her on .
He did not explain the decision .
In a statement to the press , Wigdor wrote : Our Firm no longer represents Tara Reade .
Our decision , made on May 20 , is by no means a reflection on whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted Ms. Reade .
On that point , our view — which is the same view held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll — has not changed .
We also believe that to a large extent Ms. Reade has been subjected to a double standard in terms of the media coverage she has received .
Much of what has been written about Ms. Reade is not probative of whether then-Senator Biden sexually assaulted her , but rather is intended to victim-shame and attack her credibility on unrelated and irrelevant matters .
We genuinely wish Ms. Reade well and hope that she , as a survivor , is treated fairly .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regardless of their alleged predator ’ s status or politics.
” We will not be providing further comment .

CNN did a deep dive into Reade and her accusations of sexual harassment/assault against Joe Biden and concluded, “A complicated life and conflicting accounts muddle efforts to understand Tara Reade's allegation against Joe Biden.” If you ask me, that’s being generous. Because putting aside the many inconsistencies in her story, the claim that Biden sexually assaulted her in a Senate hallway during business hours is pretty much impossible to believe on the face of it.
I’ll just say the CNN report did nothing to bolster Reade’s credibility. Especially this, about her life after she fled her violent marriage:
Reade told CNN that she received a bachelor of arts degree from Antioch University in Seattle under the auspices of a "protected program," personally working with the former president of the school to ensure her identity was protected while she obtained credits for her degree. She also said that she was a visiting professor at the school, on and off for five years.
Presented with this, Karen Hamilton, an Antioch University spokesperson, told CNN that "Alexandra McCabe [as Tara Reade was then known] attended but did not graduate from Antioch University. She was never a faculty member. She did provide several hours of administrative work."
An Antioch University official told CNN that such a "protected program" does not exist and never has.
Reade graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2004, gaining admission to the school through its Alternative Admission Program.
Reade has also testified in court numerous times as an expert witness for the prosecution in domestic violence cases.
Now, defense attorneys are reviewing cases in which she testified with an eye toward reopening them if the resumé she swore to is found to be false.
For the record, Reade disputes CNN’s account. Monterey Weekly reported, “She says that her degree from Antioch University in Seattle was conferred under special circumstances by former Chancellor Toni Murdock." That publication called her account "corroborated" by an "unofficial transcript from the Seattle University School of Law, which lists Antioch University as Reade’s prior degree granting institution.”
Today, Reade’s pro-Trump lawyer, Douglas Wigdor (who has also represented plaintiffs suing Fox News for racial and gender discrimination), dropped her as a client, just two weeks after taking her on. He did not explain the decision. In a statement to the press, Wigdor wrote:


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--OANN 'Reporter' Bizarrely Asks Press Secretary If Trump Will Pardon President Obama

Sometimes I start off these posts with a solid opening sentence .
Get right to the story .
But this post ... is different .
Because the story is that there is NO story and this is dumb .
We are living in the dumbest timeline with the dumbest people in charge doing the dumbest things every day .
And today is no different .
OANN ( Trump 's favorite right wing news media outlet ) has been showing up at press briefings , albeit without a chair assigned , because the White House Press Association does not recognize propaganda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That has not stopped the White House from allowing Chanel Rion to loiter in the hallway by the cameras like a $ 5 hooker waiting for a john on the street corner at 3AM .
Today , Chanel teed up the most ridiculous question for the newest paid propaganda shill , Kayleigh Somethingorother .
( Ed .
Note : McEnany ) And Kayleigh had her answer ready ... almost like it was coordinated .
CHANEL : Thank you , Kayleigh .
I 'd like to switch gears asking about President Obama .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and i would like to ask you if the President has considered pardoning President Obama for illegally wiretapping and for spying on U.S. citizens and other potential crimes out there , has he considered that ?
KAYLEIGH : So I have not spoken to the President about that , but who I did speak to about President Obama unmasking Michael Flynn , the men and women in this room .
I have n't spoken to him on that specific point .
I have spoken to him about the matter generally and I laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good journalist would want to answer that why people were , I want to follow that .
Did anyone pose any questions about Michael Flynn in the unmasking of the President Obama spokesperson ?
Chanel and Kayleigh 's acting was almost as bad as Romy and Michele 's `` we created post-its '' scene in Romy and Michele 's high school reunion .
Keep practicing , girls .
You 'll get there .

Sometimes I start off these posts with a solid opening sentence. Get right to the story. But this post...is different. Because the story is that there is NO story and this is dumb. We are living in the dumbest timeline with the dumbest people in charge doing the dumbest things every day. And today is no different.
OANN (Trump's favorite right wing news media outlet) has been showing up at press briefings, albeit without a chair assigned, because the White House Press Association does not recognize propaganda outlets as deserving of press credentials. That has not stopped the White House from allowing Chanel Rion to loiter in the hallway by the cameras like a $5 hooker waiting for a john on the street corner at 3AM.
Today, Chanel teed up the most ridiculous question for the newest paid propaganda shill, Kayleigh Somethingorother. (Ed. Note: McEnany) And Kayleigh had her answer ready...almost like it was coordinated.
CHANEL: Thank you, Kayleigh. I'd like to switch gears asking about President Obama. We had, an interesting article this morning and i would like to ask you if the President has considered pardoning President Obama for illegally wiretapping and for spying on U.S. citizens and other potential crimes out there, has he considered that? KAYLEIGH: So I have not spoken to the President about that, but who I did speak to about President Obama unmasking Michael Flynn, the men and women in this room. I haven't spoken to him on that specific point. I have spoken to him about the matter generally and I laid out a series of questions that any good journalist would want to answer that why people were, I want to follow that. Did anyone pose any questions about Michael Flynn in the unmasking of the President Obama spokesperson?
Chanel and Kayleigh's acting was almost as bad as Romy and Michele's "we created post-its" scene in Romy and Michele's high school reunion. Keep practicing, girls. You'll get there.


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Senate Covid-19 Talks: GOP 'Plot To Gut Social Security Behind Closed Doors'

A proposal by Sen. Mitt Romney to establish congressional committees with the specific goal of crafting legislative `` solutions '' for America 's federal trust fund programs has reportedly resurfaced in GOP talks over the next Covid-19 stimulus package , sparking alarm among progressive advocates who warn the Utah Republican 's bill is nothing but a stealth attack on Social Security and Medicare .
Politico 's Burgess Everett reported Wednesday that Romney 's TRUST Act , first introduced last October with the backing of a bipartisan group of senators , `` is getting a positive reception from Senate Republicans '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still in their early stages .
The legislation , Everett noted , `` could become part of the mix '' for the next Covid-19 stimulus as Republicans once again claim to be concerned about the growing budget deficit .
Max Richtman , president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare ( NCPSSM ) , told Common Dreams in an interview that he is not at all surprised to see Romney 's bill crop up again and said it should be diligently opposed .
NCPSSM vocally condemned the TRUST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , warning that—if passed—the measure `` would likely result in cuts to the earned benefits of seniors , people with disabilities , and survivors . ''
Richtman noted that in a House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee roundtable discussion this week , the idea of establishing commissions to study possible changes to Social Security—though not Romney 's bill specifically—was floated by GOP members , an indication that the New Deal-era program is very much on the minds , and potentially in the crosshairs , of Republican lawmakers .
`` Social Security is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to whenever it dawns on them that we 've got ta do something about the debt , '' Richtman said , `` notwithstanding the fact that they passed a huge tax cut that added trillions to the debt and benefited mostly wealthy individuals and corporations . ''
Speaking to Politico this week , two Republican congressmen—Reps .
Tom Reed ( R-N.Y. ) and Steve Womack ( R-Ark . )
—cited the coronavirus pandemic 's possible effects on Social Security to call for a commission to study the program and recommend reforms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , is pushing for an expansion of benefits funded by lifting the payroll tax cap , which would make wealthier Americans pay more .
`` I do n't know when we 're going to decide to take up the issue , '' said Womack .
`` I hope and I pray that it 's not when we have no other real options other than something draconian like big cuts . ''
Richtman warned that in the near future the public is likely `` going to start hearing more and more '' GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guise of `` entitlement reform '' as the party suddenly rediscovers its concern for the mounting deficit .
`` Obviously this is a way to push in cuts to Social Security and Medicare without leaving fingerprints , or not many fingerprints , '' Richtman said of the TRUST Act .
Romney 's legislation—which currently has 10 Senate co-sponsors , including five Democrats—would give the Treasury Department 45 days to present Congress with a report on the federal government 's `` endangered '' trust funds .
Congress would then establish one `` rescue committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate to draft legislation that restores solvency and otherwise improves each trust fund program . ''
`` If a Rescue Committee reports a qualifying bill for its trust fund program , it would receive expedited consideration in both chambers , '' according to a summary of Romney 's bill .
`` While 60 votes would be required to invoke cloture for final passage in the Senate , only a simple majority would be needed for the motion to proceed , which would be privileged . ''
`` If Republicans cared about the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be passing legislation to get PPE to essential workers , help the unemployed , and rush assistance to the nursing homes that are turning into death traps . ''
—Alex Lawson , Social Security Works The Utah Republican 's role as lead sponsor of the TRUST Act was sufficient reason for activists to raise serious concerns about the bill 's intentions when it was first unveiled last year .
During his 2012 presidential run , Romney proposed raising the Social Security retirement age and privatizing Medicare .
Romney 's running mate , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered the poster child for Republican efforts to gut what 's left of America 's social safety net .
Romney 's bill was endorsed by former Republican Sen. Alan Simpson and former Clinton Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles , the leaders of the notorious Obama-era commission that—among other sweeping changes—recommended raising Social Security 's eligibility age and slashing benefits .
`` The last thing seniors need is for Mitt Romney to get his hands on Social Security , '' Richtman said in October .
Social Security Works , a progressive advocacy group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the TRUST Act is `` a plot to gut Social Security behind closed doors . ''
The group told Common Dreams that it is closely monitoring Senate talks and actions related Romney 's bill .
Alex Lawson , executive director of Social Security Works , said in an emailed statement to Common Dreams that `` at a time when current Republican policy is to let seniors die of Covid-19 by the tens of thousands without lifting a finger to help , it is beyond shameful that Mitt Romney 's focus is to rob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social Security and Medicare benefits . ''
`` Romney 's TRUST Act would create a fast-track , closed door commission to cut Social Security and Medicare , '' Lawson said .
`` If Republicans cared about the American people , especially seniors , they 'd be passing legislation to get PPE to essential workers , help the unemployed , and rush assistance to the nursing homes that are turning into death traps . ''
`` Instead , '' Lawson added , `` they are focused on using this pandemic as an excuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs . ''

A proposal by Sen. Mitt Romney to establish congressional committees with the specific goal of crafting legislative "solutions" for America's federal trust fund programs has reportedly resurfaced in GOP talks over the next Covid-19 stimulus package, sparking alarm among progressive advocates who warn the Utah Republican's bill is nothing but a stealth attack on Social Security and Medicare.
Politico's Burgess Everett reported Wednesday that Romney's TRUST Act, first introduced last October with the backing of a bipartisan group of senators, "is getting a positive reception from Senate Republicans" in coronavirus relief discussions, which are still in their early stages. The legislation, Everett noted, "could become part of the mix" for the next Covid-19 stimulus as Republicans once again claim to be concerned about the growing budget deficit.
Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), told Common Dreams in an interview that he is not at all surprised to see Romney's bill crop up again and said it should be diligently opposed.
"Obviously this is a way to push in cuts Social Security and Medicare without leaving fingerprints."
—Max Richtman, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
NCPSSM vocally condemned the TRUST Act when it was unveiled last year, warning that—if passed—the measure "would likely result in cuts to the earned benefits of seniors, people with disabilities, and survivors."
Richtman noted that in a House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee roundtable discussion this week, the idea of establishing commissions to study possible changes to Social Security—though not Romney's bill specifically—was floated by GOP members, an indication that the New Deal-era program is very much on the minds, and potentially in the crosshairs, of Republican lawmakers.
"Social Security is the piggy bank that Republicans seem to go to whenever it dawns on them that we've gotta do something about the debt," Richtman said, "notwithstanding the fact that they passed a huge tax cut that added trillions to the debt and benefited mostly wealthy individuals and corporations."
Speaking to Politico this week, two Republican congressmen—Reps. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark.)—cited the coronavirus pandemic's possible effects on Social Security to call for a commission to study the program and recommend reforms. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), meanwhile, is pushing for an expansion of benefits funded by lifting the payroll tax cap, which would make wealthier Americans pay more.
"I don't know when we're going to decide to take up the issue," said Womack. "I hope and I pray that it's not when we have no other real options other than something draconian like big cuts."
Richtman warned that in the near future the public is likely "going to start hearing more and more" GOP proposals to cut Social Security under the guise of "entitlement reform" as the party suddenly rediscovers its concern for the mounting deficit.
"Obviously this is a way to push in cuts to Social Security and Medicare without leaving fingerprints, or not many fingerprints," Richtman said of the TRUST Act.
"If history is a guide, retirees should not trust Romney with their #SocialSecurity benefits." https://t.co/9fxgJvXQ1g — Nat. Cmte. to Preserve Social Security & Medicare (@NCPSSM) November 13, 2019
Romney's legislation—which currently has 10 Senate co-sponsors, including five Democrats—would give the Treasury Department 45 days to present Congress with a report on the federal government's "endangered" trust funds. Congress would then establish one "rescue committee" per trust fund with a "mandate to draft legislation that restores solvency and otherwise improves each trust fund program."
"If a Rescue Committee reports a qualifying bill for its trust fund program, it would receive expedited consideration in both chambers," according to a summary of Romney's bill. "While 60 votes would be required to invoke cloture for final passage in the Senate, only a simple majority would be needed for the motion to proceed, which would be privileged."
"If Republicans cared about the American people, especially seniors, they'd be passing legislation to get PPE to essential workers, help the unemployed, and rush assistance to the nursing homes that are turning into death traps."
—Alex Lawson, Social Security Works
The Utah Republican's role as lead sponsor of the TRUST Act was sufficient reason for activists to raise serious concerns about the bill's intentions when it was first unveiled last year.
During his 2012 presidential run, Romney proposed raising the Social Security retirement age and privatizing Medicare. Romney's running mate, former House Speaker Paul Ryan, was long considered the poster child for Republican efforts to gut what's left of America's social safety net.
Romney's bill was endorsed by former Republican Sen. Alan Simpson and former Clinton Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, the leaders of the notorious Obama-era commission that—among other sweeping changes—recommended raising Social Security's eligibility age and slashing benefits.
"The last thing seniors need is for Mitt Romney to get his hands on Social Security," Richtman said in October.
Social Security Works, a progressive advocacy group, warned in a tweet on Wednesday that the TRUST Act is "a plot to gut Social Security behind closed doors." The group told Common Dreams that it is closely monitoring Senate talks and actions related Romney's bill.
The bill in question is the TRUST Act, and it's a plot to gut Social Security behind closed doors: https://t.co/n4ubqjR26U With seniors most at risk from COVID-19, we need to be increasing Social Security's modest benefits, not creating secret commissions to cut them. https://t.co/2IFtEt7VeD — SocialSecurityWorks (@SSWorks) May 20, 2020
Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, said in an emailed statement to Common Dreams that "at a time when current Republican policy is to let seniors die of Covid-19 by the tens of thousands without lifting a finger to help, it is beyond shameful that Mitt Romney's focus is to rob those same older Americans of their earned Social Security and Medicare benefits."
"Romney's TRUST Act would create a fast-track, closed door commission to cut Social Security and Medicare," Lawson said. "If Republicans cared about the American people, especially seniors, they'd be passing legislation to get PPE to essential workers, help the unemployed, and rush assistance to the nursing homes that are turning into death traps."
"Instead," Lawson added, "they are focused on using this pandemic as an excuse to gut our most popular and effective government programs."
Republished from Common Dreams (Jake Johnson, staff writer) under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License.


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Graham's Latest Effort To Go After Obama For 'Unmasking' Flynn Backfires Spectacularly

From way , way back in the Trump-Russia timeline , one of the biggest charges from Republicans has been about the “ unmasking ” of Michael Flynn .
This idea , that someone in the Obama White House used their authority to uncover the real name behind an anonymous “ SUBJECT 1 ” in some discrete intelligence report has been a key Republican charge since that time Devin Nunes leaped from an Uber to go scurrying through the White House shrubbery .
And just last week , lapdog Lindsey Graham announced that he wanted to know just who was behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead off to his big new investigation of Russia investigation .
Yeah … about that .
As it turns out , there ’ s a problem with Graham demanding that the FBI tell him who in the Obama administration ordered the unmasking of Flynn .
The problem is that Graham got an answer .
And the answer is : no one .
That ’ s because it never happened .
And that ’ s because Flynn ’ s name was never masked in the first place .
But there is something about Flynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts behind that seem like a real scandal .
As The Washington Post reports , Graham made a big announcement on Tuesday that he was sending a letter to the brand-new extra-Trumpy Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell demanding to know why documents had not been produced to explain who unmasked Flynn ’ s name in connection with his multiple calls to Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak .
Meanwhile , Nunes was back on Fox News to accuse the Obama administration of “ unmasking anyone and everyone so that they could leak information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls that Flynn first denied , then lied about not just to the FBI , but supposedly to Mike Pence .
They were at the core of both Flynn ’ s resignation and the charges he is still facing in court , no matter what William Barr and Donald Trump might wish .
The reply that Graham got doesn ’ t exactly give more power to his bid to get in on this “ Obamagate ” thing .
Because what Grenell sent back was the news that the FBI never masked Flynn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report , because understanding who was talking to Kislyak “ was essential to understanding its significance.
” There was no unmasking request , because there was no mask .
But don ’ t worry .
Graham is given a chance to provide a detailed written response .
Between them they ’ ll surely find a way to blame someone for unveiling what was never veiled .
Maybe Nunes can sneak back into the White House basement and get a hot tip from Flynn ’ s former protege—who is exactly who handed him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
Still , it ’ s not as if there isn ’ t some new secret to be uncovered about Flynn ’ s calls to the Russian ambassador .
As Marcy Wheeler reported over at emptywheel : Records of Flynn ’ s interviews with the FBI show that he repeatedly lied , not about the contents of the call , but about his own coordination with Trump before and after that call .
Not only did Flynn lie directly to the FBI at least three times about his knowledge of sanctions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written note directly intended to mask the importance of the conversation .
The problem for Graham , Nunes , and others trying to find evidence that Obama did something wrong in regards to Flynn , is that Flynn is a crook , who didn ’ t just lie to the FBI , but covered up his coordination with the Trump transition team .
That ’ s in addition to numerous violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act and planning for the kidnapping of a U.S. resident .
If people keep asking for evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely find some .
They just won ’ t like it .

From way, way back in the Trump-Russia timeline, one of the biggest charges from Republicans has been about the “unmasking” of Michael Flynn. This idea, that someone in the Obama White House used their authority to uncover the real name behind an anonymous “SUBJECT 1” in some discrete intelligence report has been a key Republican charge since that time Devin Nunes leaped from an Uber to go scurrying through the White House shrubbery. And just last week, lapdog Lindsey Graham announced that he wanted to know just who was behind the dastardly unmasking of Flynn as a lead off to his big new investigation of Russia investigation.
Yeah … about that. As it turns out, there’s a problem with Graham demanding that the FBI tell him who in the Obama administration ordered the unmasking of Flynn. The problem is that Graham got an answer. And the answer is: no one. That’s because it never happened. And that’s because Flynn’s name was never masked in the first place. But there is something about Flynn that was covered up, and the facts behind that seem like a real scandal.
As The Washington Post reports, Graham made a big announcement on Tuesday that he was sending a letter to the brand-new extra-Trumpy Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell demanding to know why documents had not been produced to explain who unmasked Flynn’s name in connection with his multiple calls to Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Meanwhile, Nunes was back on Fox News to accuse the Obama administration of “unmasking anyone and everyone so that they could leak information to a press.”
These are the calls that Flynn first denied, then lied about not just to the FBI, but supposedly to Mike Pence. They were at the core of both Flynn’s resignation and the charges he is still facing in court, no matter what William Barr and Donald Trump might wish.
The reply that Graham got doesn’t exactly give more power to his bid to get in on this “Obamagate” thing. Because what Grenell sent back was the news that the FBI never masked Flynn’s name. It was always on the report, because understanding who was talking to Kislyak “was essential to understanding its significance.” There was no unmasking request, because there was no mask.
But don’t worry. Graham is given a chance to provide a detailed written response. Between them they’ll surely find a way to blame someone for unveiling what was never veiled. Maybe Nunes can sneak back into the White House basement and get a hot tip from Flynn’s former protege—who is exactly who handed him the claims about unmasking in the first place.
Still, it’s not as if there isn’t some new secret to be uncovered about Flynn’s calls to the Russian ambassador. As Marcy Wheeler reported over at emptywheel:
Flynn wasn’t lying to hide what he said to Kislyak. He was lying to hide that he had coordinated with people at Mar-a-Lago before speaking with Kislyak.
Records of Flynn’s interviews with the FBI show that he repeatedly lied, not about the contents of the call, but about his own coordination with Trump before and after that call. Not only did Flynn lie directly to the FBI at least three times about his knowledge of sanctions, he followed the call by requesting a written note directly intended to mask the importance of the conversation.
The problem for Graham, Nunes, and others trying to find evidence that Obama did something wrong in regards to Flynn, is that Flynn is a crook, who didn’t just lie to the FBI, but covered up his coordination with the Trump transition team. That’s in addition to numerous violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act and planning for the kidnapping of a U.S. resident.
If people keep asking for evidence related to Flynn, they’ll likely find some. They just won’t like it.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Calm Down Everybody: Larry Kudlow Promises Over 21 Percent Growth In Third Quarter

Courtesy of Politico aka `` Tiger Beat on the Potomac '' ( thanks Charlie Pierce ! )
and their morning email thingie , Always-Wrong Larry Kudlow orders some Claim Chowder : CLIP AND SAVE … LARRY KUDLOW in the White House on Wednesday : “ The Congressional Budget Office has just redone its estimates .
And after a rough — a predictably rough pandemic contraction in the second quarter , they ’ re looking for a 21 and a half percent growth rate , sir , in the third quarter .
… Which would actually , if it came true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in American history , or since the data were compiled.
” Thumbtack that one to the bulletin board !
“ Yields on U.S. government bonds have stalled near all-time lows , a sign that investors are anticipating a difficult economic recovery and years of aggressive monetary stimulus .
For much of the past month and a half , the yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note has hovered around two-thirds of a percentage point—a shade above its all-time low of around 0.5 % set in March .
“ Taken together , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its stability suggest that bond investors not only hold a dreary economic outlook but also are unusually confident in that perspective , a contrast with the optimism that has carried stocks to their highest levels since early March.
” So we got that working for us .
We ’ re totally eff ’ ed in the dark .

He makes Baghdad Bob blush.
Courtesy of Politico aka "Tiger Beat on the Potomac" (thanks Charlie Pierce!) and their morning email thingie, Always-Wrong Larry Kudlow orders some Claim Chowder:
CLIP AND SAVE … LARRY KUDLOW in the White House on Wednesday: “The Congressional Budget Office has just redone its estimates. And after a rough — a predictably rough pandemic contraction in the second quarter, they’re looking for a 21 and a half percent growth rate, sir, in the third quarter. … Which would actually, if it came true, would be the biggest growth quarter in American history, or since the data were compiled.”
Thumbtack that one to the bulletin board!
The W$J disagrees:
Behind Bond Market’s Stall, Investors See Hard Times Ahead “Yields on U.S. government bonds have stalled near all-time lows, a sign that investors are anticipating a difficult economic recovery and years of aggressive monetary stimulus. For much of the past month and a half, the yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note has hovered around two-thirds of a percentage point—a shade above its all-time low of around 0.5% set in March. “Taken together, the low level of the 10-year yield and its stability suggest that bond investors not only hold a dreary economic outlook but also are unusually confident in that perspective, a contrast with the optimism that has carried stocks to their highest levels since early March.”
So we got that working for us. We’re totally eff’ed in the dark.
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors.


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Michigan Pandemic Denialist Arrested In Attempt To Steal Copter, Attack Hospital To 'Free' COVID Pat

Michigan Pandemic Denialist Arrested In Attempt To Steal Copter, Attack Hospital To 'Free' COVID Patients

The unhinged conspiracism that has infected the public discourse surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to inspire both real and attempted acts of violence—along the lines of the Missouri man who intended to bomb a hospital , the people setting 5G towers aflame , the locomotive engineer who tried to ram the USNS Mercy , or the “ Boogaloo Boi ” who planned to ambush police officers .
The latest : A 70-year-old man named Jesse McFadden—reputed to be a member of the Michigan Militia—attempted to steal a Coast Guard helicopter earlier this week in the hope that he could fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its guns to shoot up the place , claiming he wanted to “ free ” victims of the novel coronavirus from their quarantines .
He didn ’ t make it far , and was arrested and charged .
The incident at the Coast Guard station in Essexville began Sunday when a man later identified as McFadden called an Arenac County dispatcher and reported that he planned to steal a helicopter so that he could shoot up a local hospital .
He said he “ wanted to disrupt the power to the hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the COVID-19 quarantine , ” according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court by the arresting Coast Guard officers .
After he hung up , the dispatcher alerted Arenac County deputies and provided information about McFadden ’ s previous criminal history .
In the meantime , McFadden himself drove to the Coast Guard station in Essexville in a pickup truck , pulled up to the gate , and began punching buttons on the security keypad in an attempt to get the gate to open .
He then called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the gate and demanded they open it , but the personnel there declined even as McFadden threatened to ram the gate with his truck before he drove off .
A Michigan state trooper found McFadden about 40 minutes later at an Essexville gas station while he was inside .
The officer confronted McFadden when he came out .
In the passenger seat of McFadden ’ s pickup was a shotgun loaded with five shells .
When the officer attempted to confiscate it , a struggle ensued in which McFadden hit the trooper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Taser and taken into custody .
According to a Hampton Township police spokesman , police were on high alert because McFadden ’ s previous criminal history included assault on a police officer .
`` We were told this could be an ex-Michigan Militia guy , possibly having machine guns and or M-16 's , '' he told WJRT-TV .
Healthcare workers have already been dealing with a deluge of threats and ugly behavior at the hands of conspiracy theorists who believe the COVID-19 pandemic is a hoax .
“ While 'medical freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the root of their protests are against vaccination , ” epidemiologist Tara C. Smith of Kent State told Anna Merlan at Vice .

The unhinged conspiracism that has infected the public discourse surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to inspire both real and attempted acts of violence—along the lines of the Missouri man who intended to bomb a hospital, the people setting 5G towers aflame, the locomotive engineer who tried to ram the USNS Mercy, or the “Boogaloo Boi” who planned to ambush police officers.
The latest: A 70-year-old man named Jesse McFadden—reputed to be a member of the Michigan Militia—attempted to steal a Coast Guard helicopter earlier this week in the hope that he could fly it to a local hospital and use its guns to shoot up the place, claiming he wanted to “free” victims of the novel coronavirus from their quarantines. He didn’t make it far, and was arrested and charged.
The incident at the Coast Guard station in Essexville began Sunday when a man later identified as McFadden called an Arenac County dispatcher and reported that he planned to steal a helicopter so that he could shoot up a local hospital. He said he “wanted to disrupt the power to the hospital, unlock the doors, and release patients under the COVID-19 quarantine,” according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court by the arresting Coast Guard officers.
After he hung up, the dispatcher alerted Arenac County deputies and provided information about McFadden’s previous criminal history. In the meantime, McFadden himself drove to the Coast Guard station in Essexville in a pickup truck, pulled up to the gate, and began punching buttons on the security keypad in an attempt to get the gate to open. He then called the command communications center via the phone line at the gate and demanded they open it, but the personnel there declined even as McFadden threatened to ram the gate with his truck before he drove off.
A Michigan state trooper found McFadden about 40 minutes later at an Essexville gas station while he was inside. The officer confronted McFadden when he came out. In the passenger seat of McFadden’s pickup was a shotgun loaded with five shells. When the officer attempted to confiscate it, a struggle ensued in which McFadden hit the trooper, but he eventually was subdued with a Taser and taken into custody.
According to a Hampton Township police spokesman, police were on high alert because McFadden’s previous criminal history included assault on a police officer. "We were told this could be an ex-Michigan Militia guy, possibly having machine guns and or M-16's," he told WJRT-TV.
Healthcare workers have already been dealing with a deluge of threats and ugly behavior at the hands of conspiracy theorists who believe the COVID-19 pandemic is a hoax.
“While 'medical freedom’ may be the rallying cry, the root of their protests are against vaccination,” epidemiologist Tara C. Smith of Kent State told Anna Merlan at Vice.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Michigan's AG Understands Trumpy:  He's A 'Petulant Child'

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel did n't hold back after Trump broke the law in Michigan -- by refusing to wear a mask full-time while touring the Ford manufacturing plant .
She spoke to Wolf Blitzer on `` The Situation Room '' on Thursday . ''
Transcript via CNN : BLITZER : Let 's continue the discussion right now with Michigan 's Attorney General Dana Nessel .
Attorney General , thank you so much for joining us .
This morning , you said right here on CNN that if President Trump does n't wear a mask , he 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities in your state .
Is the President no longer welcome in Michigan ?
DANA NESSEL , MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL : Well , I will say speaking on behalf of my department and my office , that 's right .
That 's exactly right .
I mean , today 's events were extremely disappointing and yet totally predictable .
And I will say that , you know , understanding of course , that his own doctor , Dr. Fauci , a zone medical expert recommends the wearing of masks in public enclosed spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Michigan of course now that is the law .
I -- and fact a court just upheld that just upheld the governor 's orders just hours ago .
And even in Ford , it is their own policy .
So the President is like a petulant child who refuses to follow the rules .
And I have to say , this is no joke .
I mean , you just reported that 93,000 people have died in the United States .
He is in a county right now were over 100 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from him in Wayne County where we 've had over 2,300 people die .
This is not a joke .
And he 's conveying the worst possible message to people who can not afford to be on the receiving end of terrible misinformation .
And it 's very , very concerning .
BLITZER : You wrote a letter to the President earlier , before his visit .
And you said this , among other things , let me put it up on the screen .
Anyone who has potentially been recently exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not only a legal responsibility , but also a social and moral responsibility to take reasonable precautions to prevent further spread of the virus .
So what message did the President of United States sent to the people of Michigan today , especially the workers there at that Ford plant , with his actions today , behind the scenes backstage , he put on a mask , there were no cameras allowed there , but publicly the whole time he was without a mask .
NESSEL : I think the message he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first took office in 2017 , which is , I do n't care about you .
I do n't care about your health .
I do n't care about your safety .
I do n't care about your welfare .
I do n't care about anyone but myself .
And he 's continuously sent this message .
And what I would say back is that even if you do n't have a President of the United States , that cares about the residents of this state , fortunately , you have a governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do .
And we are going to do everything in our power to protect you , even if you have a president who wo n't .
BLITZER : Because you actually have threatened action against any company or facility for that matter that allows the president inside without a mask .
Will this Ford plant , for example , a face any consequences ?
NESSEL : Well , I think that we 're going to have to have a very serious consequence -- conversation with Ford , in the event that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enclosed places , in violation of the order .
They knew exactly what the order was .
And if they permitted anyone , even the President of United States to defy that order , I think it has serious health consequences , potentially to their workers .
And this was a lengthy negotiation and discussion between the UAW , the big three auto manufacturers and our governor to ensure that people if they went back to work , they would be safe .
And this was a promise , it was a commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our auto workers who have been getting sick , and who we just opened up these plants again , just on Monday , Ford already had a few plants that had to close down because people were testing positive again .
The last thing we want to see is for this particular plant now to have to close it stores and shuttered stores , again , because someone may have been infected by the President .
And that is a real possibility .
But it also sends a message that anybody can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President did it .
So why ca n't I ?
It 's a terrible message to send .
It 's incredibly disappointing .
And it 's very disrespectful to the people of our state .
BLITZER : You know , his explanation when a reporter asked them , why would n't you wear a mask ?
What 's the big deal ?
Why not wear a mask ?
And his explanation and I want you to your reaction to this Attorney General .
He said I did n't want to -- I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't want to give the media the pleasure . ''
The pleasure -- he used the word `` pleasure '' -- of seeing me wear a mask .
What 's your reaction to that ?
NESSEL : Well , it 's my reaction to many of the things that we hear Donald Trump say and that 's that he is a ridiculous person and I am ashamed to have him be President of the United States of America .
And I hope that the voters of Michigan will remember this back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't care enough about their safety .
He did n't care about their welfare .
He did n't respect them enough just to engage in a very simple task , the painless task , the easy task of wearing a mask when he was provided one .
And so I hope that we 'll have a new president soon enough , who does respect people more than this president does .
BLITZER : All the other people there that we saw , including all the top Ford executives , they were all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is the law .
As you put forward only the President , at least in the pictures we saw , refusing to wear a mask .
Attorney General Dana Nessel , thank you so much for what you 're doing .
Thanks so much for joining us .
NESSEL : Thanks for having me Wolf .

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel didn't hold back after Trump broke the law in Michigan -- by refusing to wear a mask full-time while touring the Ford manufacturing plant. She spoke to Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room" on Thursday." Transcript via CNN:
BLITZER: Let's continue the discussion right now with Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel. Attorney General, thank you so much for joining us.
This morning, you said right here on CNN that if President Trump doesn't wear a mask, he'll be asked not to return to any undisclosed facilities in your state. Is the President no longer welcome in Michigan?
DANA NESSEL, MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL: Well, I will say speaking on behalf of my department and my office, that's right. That's exactly right. I mean, today's events were extremely disappointing and yet totally predictable. And I will say that, you know, understanding of course, that his own doctor, Dr. Fauci, a zone medical expert recommends the wearing of masks in public enclosed spaces. The CDC makes that recommendation.
In Michigan of course now that is the law. I -- and fact a court just upheld that just upheld the governor's orders just hours ago. And even in Ford, it is their own policy. So the President is like a petulant child who refuses to follow the rules. And I have to say, this is no joke. I mean, you just reported that 93,000 people have died in the United States. He is in a county right now were over 100 people have died. I am 20 minutes away from him in Wayne County where we've had over 2,300 people die. This is not a joke.
And he's conveying the worst possible message to people who cannot afford to be on the receiving end of terrible misinformation. And it's very, very concerning.
BLITZER: You wrote a letter to the President earlier, before his visit. And you said this, among other things, let me put it up on the screen. Anyone who has potentially been recently exposed, including the President of United States has not only a legal responsibility, but also a social and moral responsibility to take reasonable precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.
So what message did the President of United States sent to the people of Michigan today, especially the workers there at that Ford plant, with his actions today, behind the scenes backstage, he put on a mask, there were no cameras allowed there, but publicly the whole time he was without a mask.
NESSEL: I think the message he sent is the same message since he first took office in 2017, which is, I don't care about you. I don't care about your health. I don't care about your safety. I don't care about your welfare. I don't care about anyone but myself. And he's continuously sent this message. And what I would say back is that even if you don't have a President of the United States, that cares about the residents of this state, fortunately, you have a governor, and you have an attorney general who do. And we are going to do everything in our power to protect you, even if you have a president who won't.
BLITZER: Because you actually have threatened action against any company or facility for that matter that allows the president inside without a mask. Will this Ford plant, for example, a face any consequences?
NESSEL: Well, I think that we're going to have to have a very serious consequence -- conversation with Ford, in the event that they permitted the President to be in publicly enclosed places, in violation of the order. They knew exactly what the order was. And if they permitted anyone, even the President of United States to defy that order, I think it has serious health consequences, potentially to their workers.
And this was a lengthy negotiation and discussion between the UAW, the big three auto manufacturers and our governor to ensure that people if they went back to work, they would be safe. And this was a promise, it was a commitment that was made by the beginning to our auto workers who have been getting sick, and who we just opened up these plants again, just on Monday, Ford already had a few plants that had to close down because people were testing positive again.
The last thing we want to see is for this particular plant now to have to close it stores and shuttered stores, again, because someone may have been infected by the President. And that is a real possibility. But it also sends a message that anybody can do whatever they want, because look, the President did it. So why can't I? It's a terrible message to send. It's incredibly disappointing. And it's very disrespectful to the people of our state.
BLITZER: You know, his explanation when a reporter asked them, why wouldn't you wear a mask? What's the big deal? Why not wear a mask? And his explanation and I want you to your reaction to this Attorney General. He said I didn't want to -- I'm paraphrasing a little bit. "I didn't want to give the media the pleasure." The pleasure -- he used the word "pleasure" -- of seeing me wear a mask. What's your reaction to that?
NESSEL: Well, it's my reaction to many of the things that we hear Donald Trump say and that's that he is a ridiculous person and I am ashamed to have him be President of the United States of America.
And I hope that the voters of Michigan will remember this back in when November comes, that he didn't care enough about their safety. He didn't care about their welfare. He didn't respect them enough just to engage in a very simple task, the painless task, the easy task of wearing a mask when he was provided one. And so I hope that we'll have a new president soon enough, who does respect people more than this president does.
BLITZER: All the other people there that we saw, including all the top Ford executives, they were all wearing masks, which is the rule which is the law. As you put forward only the President, at least in the pictures we saw, refusing to wear a mask.
Attorney General Dana Nessel, thank you so much for what you're doing. Thanks so much for joining us.
NESSEL: Thanks for having me Wolf.


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--New Polls Condemn Trump's Handling Of Pandemic

Two new polls released today make it very clear that America is very disturbed by Trump 's handling of the coronavirus .
The ABC/Ipsos poll has some really disturbing trends from black Americans and Latinos , who are nearly three times as likely to personally know someone who has died from the virus than white Americans .
And on the handling of the coronavirus , 60 % disapprove while only 39 % approve of Trump , that 's a big drop since a month ago .
And that 39 % is the bottom of the barrel for Trump -- his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In that same poll , released on April 17 , 44 % of Americans approved of Trump ’ s management of the pandemic , compared to 54 % who disapproved .
His newest marks are also a sharp decline from mid-March when his approval stood at 55 % .
Meanwhile over at Fox News , outside of a slight advantage on the economy , Joe Biden continues to hold a big lead on many issues , including the handling of COVID-19 .
Trump continues to lie about having a better healthcare plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ACA through the courts .
This , during a pandemic .
Healthcare is one big reason why America prefers Joe Biden by a wide margin .
And as Fox News pollsters report , `` There has been a seismic shift in views on the economy since the pandemic .
In January , voters rated economic conditions positively by an 11-point margin : 55 percent excellent/good vs. 44 percent only fair/poor .
Today , views are negative by 58 points : 20 percent excellent/good vs. 78 percent only fair/poor . ''
Get ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,4,3,2,1 ...

Two new polls released today make it very clear that America is very disturbed by Trump's handling of the coronavirus.
The ABC/Ipsos poll has some really disturbing trends from black Americans and Latinos, who are nearly three times as likely to personally know someone who has died from the virus than white Americans.
And on the handling of the coronavirus, 60% disapprove while only 39% approve of Trump, that's a big drop since a month ago. And that 39% is the bottom of the barrel for Trump -- his core brainwashed base that never budges.
In that same poll, released on April 17, 44% of Americans approved of Trump’s management of the pandemic, compared to 54% who disapproved. His newest marks are also a sharp decline from mid-March when his approval stood at 55%.
Meanwhile over at Trump TV Fox News, outside of a slight advantage on the economy, Joe Biden continues to hold a big lead on many issues, including the handling of COVID-19.
Trump continues to lie about having a better healthcare plan to substitute for Obamacare as he actively undermines the ACA through the courts. This, during a pandemic.
Healthcare is one big reason why America prefers Joe Biden by a wide margin.
And as Fox News pollsters report, "There has been a seismic shift in views on the economy since the pandemic. In January, voters rated economic conditions positively by an 11-point margin: 55 percent excellent/good vs. 44 percent only fair/poor. Today, views are negative by 58 points: 20 percent excellent/good vs. 78 percent only fair/poor."
Get ready for another President Tweety Twitter meltdown in 5,4,3,2,1...
Lift off!
.@FoxNews should fire their Fake Pollster. Never had a good Fox Poll! https://t.co/joHfkQwd9L — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-05-22--Friday News Dump: #MoscowMitch Says No More Money For You! And Other News

On Thursday , China proposed security laws that could effectively subvert Hong Kong ’ s remaining freedoms and bring it @ @ @ @ @ Here are some basic questions and answers on China ’ s action and the possible @ @ @ @ @ — The New York Times ( @ nytimes ) May 22 , 2020

On Thursday, China proposed security laws that could effectively subvert Hong Kong’s remaining freedoms and bring it under full Chinese control. Here are some basic questions and answers on China’s action and the possible repercussions. https://t.co/375sqrujR5
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 22, 2020