crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Harry Reid Warns Joe Biden To Play His Cards Close To His Vest On Court Expansion

Former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wanted to make sure everyone is absolutely clear about who changed the rule about no longer needing a supermajority to confirm a Supreme Court justice : it was REPUBLICANS .
Furthermore , it was Republican obstructionism that led Reid to change the rule for lower court nominees ( and Cabinet members ) during President Obama 's term to begin with .
The GOP did everything in its power to prevent Obama from getting ANYTHING passed or ANYONE appointed , and that abolishing the supermajority rule was the only way to get past that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and asked if he regretted doing away with the supermajority rule , since the GOP had warned he would regret it , and Mitch McConnell used it to trigger the Nuclear Option of getting rid of it for Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch .
Reid was unequivocal and unapologetic : REID : No .
Let 's return to when this took place .
Obama had been elected president .
He was very popular .
And Republicans had a big meeting in Washington , and they came away with two conclusions .
Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they failed at that miserably , and they would oppose everything he tried to do .
They succeeded in that .
So we have a very popular president .
For the first time in the history of the country , they filibustered the secretary of defense , who , by the way , had been a Republican senator , Chuck Hagel from Nebraska ... we had many vacancies on the DC circuit , the second most important court in this country .
We could n't fill those .
We could n't get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Relations Board , and they did n't like the labor union , so they took the legs out from under the NLRB , and we could n't even get a quorum there .
So we had no choice .
And , you know , I regret it ?
No .
I 'm glad we did it .
It made Obama 's presidency remarkable .
As a result of our changing the rules , which by the way had been changed many times in the past , we were able to get over 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get his cabinet officers approved .
The DC Circuit .
We filled that , took care of the National Labor Relations Board .
But just as importantly , we were able as a result of that change I made to get the Affordable Care Act , Obamacare , approved .
We were able to do the most significant reform of Wall Street in the history of the country with the Dodd/Frank legislation .
We did the Lily Ledbetter legislation , which put women on more equal footing with men with their pay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of that rule change , and I 'm glad we did it .
Remember , we had it set up so that the only way we could approve of a Supreme Court judge was with a supermajority , and the Republicans changed that .
I did n't .
GOT THAT ?
?
?
If the GOP was n't so damn obstructionist , and racist , and determined to deny Pres .
Obama the right to do his job and run the country , we would not be in this situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Joe Biden 's answers during the Town Hall , regarding court expansion .
When pressed by moderator George Stephanopoulos about taking a clear position on it before election day , Biden said , `` Yes .
Depending on how they handle this . ''
Reid did not approve of this move .
REID : I think Senator Biden would be making a big mistake if he made public what he thinks should happen before the election .
I think this is something , we need to get the election out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'll have a Democratic Senate , a Democratic House , and I think he needs to take a look at it then , not now .

Former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wanted to make sure everyone is absolutely clear about who changed the rule about no longer needing a supermajority to confirm a Supreme Court justice: it was REPUBLICANS. Furthermore, it was Republican obstructionism that led Reid to change the rule for lower court nominees (and Cabinet members) during President Obama's term to begin with. The GOP did everything in its power to prevent Obama from getting ANYTHING passed or ANYONE appointed, and that abolishing the supermajority rule was the only way to get past that.
Ayman Mohyeldin spoke with Mr. Reid, and asked if he regretted doing away with the supermajority rule, since the GOP had warned he would regret it, and Mitch McConnell used it to trigger the Nuclear Option of getting rid of it for Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch. Reid was unequivocal and unapologetic:
REID: No. Let's return to when this took place. Obama had been elected president. He was very popular. And Republicans had a big meeting in Washington, and they came away with two conclusions. Number one, he would not be re-elected, they failed at that miserably, and they would oppose everything he tried to do. They succeeded in that. So we have a very popular president. For the first time in the history of the country, they filibustered the secretary of defense, who, by the way, had been a Republican senator, Chuck Hagel from Nebraska...we had many vacancies on the DC circuit, the second most important court in this country. We couldn't fill those. We couldn't get cabinets. We had the National Labor Relations Board, and they didn't like the labor union, so they took the legs out from under the NLRB, and we couldn't even get a quorum there. So we had no choice. And, you know, I regret it? No. I'm glad we did it. It made Obama's presidency remarkable. As a result of our changing the rules, which by the way had been changed many times in the past, we were able to get over 100 judges approved, we were able to get his cabinet officers approved. The DC Circuit. We filled that, took care of the National Labor Relations Board. But just as importantly, we were able as a result of that change I made to get the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, approved. We were able to do the most significant reform of Wall Street in the history of the country with the Dodd/Frank legislation. We did the Lily Ledbetter legislation, which put women on more equal footing with men with their pay. We did lots of good things as a result of that rule change, and I'm glad we did it. Remember, we had it set up so that the only way we could approve of a Supreme Court judge was with a supermajority, and the Republicans changed that. I didn't.
GOT THAT??? If the GOP wasn't so damn obstructionist, and racist, and determined to deny Pres. Obama the right to do his job and run the country, we would not be in this situation.
Then Mohyeldin asked Reid what he thought about Joe Biden's answers during the Town Hall, regarding court expansion. When pressed by moderator George Stephanopoulos about taking a clear position on it before election day, Biden said, "Yes. Depending on how they handle this."
Reid did not approve of this move.
REID: I think Senator Biden would be making a big mistake if he made public what he thinks should happen before the election. I think this is something, we need to get the election out of the way, he will be president, we'll have a Democratic Senate, a Democratic House, and I think he needs to take a look at it then, not now.


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Rudy Giuliani's Daughter Urges Americans To Vote Biden-Harris: 'End The Reign Of Terror'

Rudy Giuliani 's daughter Caroline Rose Giuliani urges Americans to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris .
Caroline Rose Giuliani says to vote for Biden and Harris to end Trump 's 'reign of terror ' in a Vanity Fair column .
Like the president 's niece Mary Trump , Caroline Rose Giuliani has had a front-row seat to see the damage Donald Trump inflicts on those around him .
In Vanity Fair , she describes the world of Trump : As a child , I saw firsthand the kind of cruel , selfish politics that Donald Trump has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me want to run as far away from them as possible .
But trust me when I tell you : Running away does not solve the problem .
We have to stand and fight .
The only way to end this nightmare is to vote .
There is hope on the horizon , but we 'll only grasp it if we elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris .
Once known as `` America 's Mayor '' Rudy Giuliani now serves as an operative for Trump , appearing regularly on Fox News to spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. intelligence agencies warned the White House last year Rudy Giuliani , the personal attorney of President Trump , was the `` target of an influence operation by Russian intelligence , according to four former officials familiar with the matter . ''
Caroline Giuliani 's voice is more powerful , considering who her dad is and the role Rudy Giuliani has played in keeping Trump in power : '' If being the daughter of a polarizing mayor who became the president 's bulldog has taught me anything , it is that corruption starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cronies who create an echo chamber of lies and subservience to maintain their proximity to power .
We 've seen this ad nauseam with Trump and his cadre of high-level sycophants ( the ones who were n't convicted , anyway ) . ''
Rachel Maddow interviewed Caroline Giuliani on Thursday , praising her for speaking out .
Watch the video above .

Rudy Giuliani's daughter Caroline Rose Giuliani urges Americans to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Caroline Rose Giuliani says to vote for Biden and Harris to end Trump's 'reign of terror' in a Vanity Fair column.
Like the president's niece Mary Trump, Caroline Rose Giuliani has had a front-row seat to see the damage Donald Trump inflicts on those around him. In Vanity Fair, she describes the world of Trump:
As a child, I saw firsthand the kind of cruel, selfish politics that Donald Trump has now inflicted on our country. It made me want to run as far away from them as possible. But trust me when I tell you: Running away does not solve the problem. We have to stand and fight. The only way to end this nightmare is to vote. There is hope on the horizon, but we'll only grasp it if we elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Once known as "America's Mayor" Rudy Giuliani now serves as an operative for Trump, appearing regularly on Fox News to spread misinformation.
According to The Washington Post U.S. intelligence agencies warned the White House last year Rudy Giuliani, the personal attorney of President Trump, was the "target of an influence operation by Russian intelligence, according to four former officials familiar with the matter."
Caroline Giuliani's voice is more powerful, considering who her dad is and the role Rudy Giuliani has played in keeping Trump in power:
"If being the daughter of a polarizing mayor who became the president's bulldog has taught me anything, it is that corruption starts with 'yes-men' and women, the cronies who create an echo chamber of lies and subservience to maintain their proximity to power. We've seen this ad nauseam with Trump and his cadre of high-level sycophants (the ones who weren't convicted, anyway)."
Rachel Maddow interviewed Caroline Giuliani on Thursday, praising her for speaking out. Watch the video above.


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Drudge Report: Is Trump Burned Out?

Drudge Report: Is Trump Burned Out?

The Drudge Report 's homepage is filled with negative Trump stories after Thursday nights competing town halls between presidential campaigns @ @ @ @ @ toeing the Fox News company line for Trump at all .
Joe wins demo Biden @ @ @ @ @ in early ratings Donald defends conspiracy that may be sealed did n't kill bin Laden @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the biggest aggregators of conservative news is doing the right thing and @ @ @ @ @ serious flaws and narcissistic tendencies , three weeks before the election .

The Drudge Report's homepage is filled with negative Trump stories after Thursday nights competing town halls between presidential campaigns.
Drudge has been not toeing the Fox News company line for Trump at all.
Stories highlighted:
Joe wins demo
Biden ABC tops Trump on NBC in early ratings
Donald defends conspiracy that may be sealed didn't kill bin Laden
Others included:
Anxious Republicans wonder how big problem is Trump job on resume... LEAKED CALL: Sen. Sasse says 'kisses dictators' butts'... Mocks evangelicals... 'He's flirted with white supremacists'... 'Spends like a drunken sailor'... MORE... Wondering White House warned Giuliani was target of Russian intelligence operation... Rudy Changes Story on Laptop... Daughter voting for Biden... FOX & FRIENDS Grow Increasingly Uncomfortable With His Conspiracies.....
This is terrible for Trump. One of the biggest aggregators of conservative news is doing the right thing and highlighting all of Donald's serious flaws and narcissistic tendencies, three weeks before the election.


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Trump Lost In Ratings, And His 'Nice Smile' Lady Is Voting For Biden

The Wrap : “ On ABC , Biden drew 12.7 million viewers from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. On NBC alone , Trump got 10.4 million viewers in the same time slot.
” Variety : “ Those numbers are of course subject to significant adjustment given that the Trump town hall aired simultaneously on NBC , its broadcast affiliates , cable channels CNBC and MSNBC , and Telemundo .
Whereas Biden ’ s event aired live on ABC on both coasts , meaning his viewership figure will be affected by time zone adjustments.
” And just because this is fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have a great smile , ” Dale told the president .
“ You ’ re so handsome when you smile.
” New Times caught up with Dale on her way home from the town hall — and she made it clear that she is no fan of 45 .
“ I wish he would smile more and talk less , ” she quipped .
Asked to elaborate , Dale said the president “ steps in it every time he opens his mouth.
” “ I think the man has a nice smile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan , ” she further clarified .
Dale said she was pleased with Trump ’ s response , but it wouldn ’ t be enough to sway her vote .
She plans to vote for Biden during Florida ’ s early-voting period , which begins on Monday .

The Wrap: “On ABC, Biden drew 12.7 million viewers from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. On NBC alone, Trump got 10.4 million viewers in the same time slot.”
Variety: “Those numbers are of course subject to significant adjustment given that the Trump town hall aired simultaneously on NBC, its broadcast affiliates, cable channels CNBC and MSNBC, and Telemundo. Whereas Biden’s event aired live on ABC on both coasts, meaning his viewership figure will be affected by time zone adjustments.”
And just because this is fun:
“I have to say, you have a great smile,” Dale told the president. “You’re so handsome when you smile.” [snip] New Times caught up with Dale on her way home from the town hall — and she made it clear that she is no fan of 45. “I wish he would smile more and talk less,” she quipped. Asked to elaborate, Dale said the president “steps in it every time he opens his mouth.” “I think the man has a nice smile. However, I’m not a fan,” she further clarified. [snip] Dale said she was pleased with Trump’s response, but it wouldn’t be enough to sway her vote. She plans to vote for Biden during Florida’s early-voting period, which begins on Monday.
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors.


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Giuliani Claims US Intelligence 'Out To Get' Trump After Laptop Scam Backfires

Rudy Giuliani went on Fox and Friends this morning to promote Russia 's ( now fizzled ) `` October surprise . ''
As usual it was a despicable mess of lies , conspiracy theories , unverified information and things he wished were true against the Bidens .
The story of the alleged treasure trove he somehow recovered by an unwitting Delaware computer repairman makes no sense and has revealed nothing except that Rudy Guiliani is a Russian stooge .
The Washington Post reports that , U.S. intelligence agencies warned the White House last year that President Trump ’ s personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an influence operation by Russian intelligence , according to four former officials familiar with the matter .
Fox and Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt finally stopped Giuliani 's rambling diatribe , and asked Rudy if the Washington Post story was true about him being a target of Russian disinformation .
The intelligence agencies `` ... consider that to be contaminated material , what you say about that ? ''
As usual Giuliani feigned ignorance and said he knew nothing about it .
`` Well first of all , they never warned me about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's because you are the one being compromised by Russian agents , idiot !
That 's why they told your boss not to believe anything you bring back because it would be most likely tainted and phony !
Giuliani continued and found a new target to focus his insanity on , `` I think this may be , you know ( he cackled ) one of our intelligence things ... '' '' This is not a very friendly intelligence service , '' Rudy said Co-host Steve Doocy chimed in that there were four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm never an unnamed source . ''
Rudy said .
Earhardt then asked if it was true that Rudy went to Ukraine to get information against the Biden 's ?
Rudy did n't understand the question or just did not want to answer it and he went back to attacking the intelligence agencies '' I have a pretty good idea where it 's coming from , '' he said .
That of course is the supposed DEEP STATE !
!
!
Giuliani continued , `` These are people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy his presidency inside the intelligence community of which there are many . ''
Like my pal Colby Hall , I too refuse to report what unverified information Giuliani 's Russian Kompromat holds to be during the segment .
But apparently the Murdochs at Fox Corporation are happy to pass it along in service to Donald Trump .
Chairman Schiff of the House intelligence committee will have to look into Rudy 's dealings with foreigners when this election is all said and done .
Giuliani acts like a Mafia button man that carries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than an actual lawyer .
I 'll go further .
To a patriot like myself , this man seems a traitor to the Constitution .

Rudy Giuliani went on Fox and Friends this morning to promote Russia's (now fizzled) "October surprise."
As usual it was a despicable mess of lies, conspiracy theories, unverified information and things he wished were true against the Bidens. The story of the alleged treasure trove he somehow recovered by an unwitting Delaware computer repairman makes no sense and has revealed nothing except that Rudy Guiliani is a Russian stooge.
(Here's a great article about what actually happened so far with the weird "repairman" from Delaware.)
The Washington Post reports that, U.S. intelligence agencies warned the White House last year that President Trump’s personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani was the target of an influence operation by Russian intelligence, according to four former officials familiar with the matter.
Fox and Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt finally stopped Giuliani's rambling diatribe, and asked Rudy if the Washington Post story was true about him being a target of Russian disinformation. The intelligence agencies "... consider that to be contaminated material, what you say about that?"
As usual Giuliani feigned ignorance and said he knew nothing about it.
"Well first of all, they never warned me about it," he said.
That's because you are the one being compromised by Russian agents, idiot! That's why they told your boss not to believe anything you bring back because it would be most likely tainted and phony!
Giuliani continued and found a new target to focus his insanity on, "I think this may be, you know (he cackled) one of our intelligence things..."
"This is not a very friendly intelligence service," Rudy said
Co-host Steve Doocy chimed in that there were four unnamed sources in the Washington Post article.
"I'm never an unnamed source." Rudy said.
Earhardt then asked if it was true that Rudy went to Ukraine to get information against the Biden's?
Rudy didn't understand the question or just did not want to answer it and he went back to attacking the intelligence agencies
"I have a pretty good idea where it's coming from," he said.
That of course is the supposed DEEP STATE!!!
Giuliani continued, "These are people who are trying to tear down Donald Trump and destroy his presidency inside the intelligence community of which there are many."
Like my pal Colby Hall, I too refuse to report what unverified information Giuliani's Russian Kompromat holds to be during the segment. But apparently the Murdochs at Fox Corporation are happy to pass it along in service to Donald Trump.
Chairman Schiff of the House intelligence committee will have to look into Rudy's dealings with foreigners when this election is all said and done.
Giuliani acts like a Mafia button man that carries out unsavory acts to support his Capo, rather than an actual lawyer.
I'll go further. To a patriot like myself, this man seems a traitor to the Constitution.


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--CAUGHT ON TAPE:  Ben Sasse Admits Trump Could 'Cause Permanent Damage' To GOP

“ Republican Sen. Ben Sasse excoriated President Trump in a telephone conference call with constituents this week , saying he @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ kisses dictators ’ butts , ’ ‘ sells out our allies , ’ @ @ @ @ @ sailor , ’ mistreats women , and trash-talks evangelicals behind their backs .
“ Trump @ @ @ @ @ supremacists , ’ according to Sasse , and his family ‘ treated the presidency like @ @ @ @ @ said Trump could drive the Senate into the hand of the Democrats and cause permanent @ @ @ @ @ ” Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors .
Original audio here .
UPDATE : @ @ @ @ @ fact that the audio was leaked to the Moonie Times makes it art .
Keith @ @ @ @ @ taped phonecall that says everything we would also say .
And then there 's this @

"Area Man Disses Local Shitgibbon"
Seething Rage. (image courtesy Scissorhead MonkeyFister)
Gonna just leave this here… awaiting Twitter blast.
GOP Sen. Sasse says Trump ‘kisses dictators’ butts’ and mocks evangelicals “Republican Sen. Ben Sasse excoriated President Trump in a telephone conference call with constituents this week, saying he had mishandled the coronavirus response, ‘kisses dictators’ butts,’ ‘sells out our allies,’ spends ‘like a drunken sailor,’ mistreats women, and trash-talks evangelicals behind their backs. “Trump has ‘flirted with white supremacists,’ according to Sasse, and his family ‘treated the presidency like a business opportunity.’ He said Trump could drive the Senate into the hand of the Democrats and cause permanent damage to the Republican Party.”
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors. Original audio here.
UPDATE: (Frances Langum) The fact that the audio was leaked to the Moonie Times makes it art.
Keith Olbermann had opinions about this taped phonecall that says everything we would also say.
And then there's this:


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Here's How You Can Help Build Our Green Coalition

Blue America is working with our allies in Congress ' Sustainable Energy And Environment Coalition Caucus [ SEEC PAC ] , including old friends we 've helped get elected and reelected like Matt Cartwright , Ted Lieu , Pramila Jayapal , Bonnie Watson-Coleman , Alan Lowenthal , Judy Chu , Ilhan Omar , Jim Himes , Barbara Lee , Earl Blumenauer , Steve Cohen , Raul Grijalva , Jerry McNerney , Nanette Barragan and Katie Porter .
Rep. Raul Grijalva ( D-AZ ) , chair of Congress ' Natural Resources Committee , told us yesterday that `` Within the halls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harder than the SEEC Caucus to advance clean energy , climate change solutions , and environmental justice while protecting our air , water , wildlife , and public lands from the Trump administration . ''
He further pointed out that `` This work is powered by a grassroots network of people pitching in what they can to support this critical work . ''
Blue America and SEEC PAC have teamed up to raise some last minute campaign contributions for candidates both our groups have endorsed : Let 's face it , our planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are going to build a better future for this generation and the next , there is no time to waste .
That 's why SEEC PAC and Blue America have endorsed an incredible slate of leaders who will act on this issue .
We ca n't give even an inch .
It 's essential that we expand our green coalition in the House and continue to push Congress to take up clean energy , climate resiliency , and environmental protections .
These green leaders can become Members of Congress -- with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by contributing to these dually-endorsed candidates today ?
The Trump administration spent four years taking a wrecking ball to environmental regulations .
They hired oil and gas lobbyists and climate deniers to lead the federal agencies tasked with protecting our air , water , and public lands .
They ignored the science while wildfires destroyed communities and hurricanes slammed our coasts .
It is going to take work to repair the damage of Donald Trump .
We have to rebuild protections for our environment and ensure climate mitigation is a part of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government processes that allow us to protect the American people from reckless pollution and disregard of science and fact .
Climate change and environmental protection have been among the most important items Beth Doglio has attended to as a member of the Washington state legislature .
As a congressional candidate , she told us that she 's `` So proud to have the endorsement of SEEC .
My Govenor -- Jay Inslee- founded SEEC when he served in Congress .
As a State Representative , I worked with Governor Inslee to pass landmark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We passed a suite of climate policies moving our state to 100 % clean electricity , making our existing commercial buildings more efficient and building our mass transit and vehicle/ferry electrification systems .
We are on track to meet our greenhouse emission reduction goals in statute .
I ca n't wait to work with SEEC membership to pass bold transformational policies that make the visionary Green New Deal our future . ''
Progressive Democrat Kathy Ellis told us this morning that she 's `` running for Congress in a largely rural , 30-county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by climate change and deregulation .
Our local economy is almost entirely based on the environment , whether it ’ s through farming , hospitality , or our incredible state parks and riverways .
And yet , over the last ten years , we ’ ve seen the damage that a climate-denier congressman can have : our farmers have struggled greatly because of intense flooding on their farms , our local economy has suffered as a result , and deregulation has caused great pollution of our beautiful waterways -- all while Jason Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these problems .
Having the support of SEEC means a great deal to me , as a pro-environment and pro-science candidate .
Missouri ’ s 8th District deserves -- and desperately needs -- a representative who is ready to fight each and every day for legislation that will protect our environment , create jobs , and tackle some of the root causes of climate change .
I ’ m ready to be that person , and I ’ m honored to have SEEC in this fight with me . ''
Syracuse area progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Blue America and the SEEC Caucus .
She 's a big fan of the fact that the Caucus `` s leading the fight in Congress on bold , smart , and strategic clean energy policies .
They 've also played a critical role in opposing and highlighting the dangers of anti-environmental actions taken by the Trump administration .
Rebuilding our economy from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic gives us the opportunity to make a significant investment in clean energy jobs -- and the SEEC Caucus is working to make that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I am deeply honored to have their support in this race . ''
Mike Siegel : `` I 'm honored to have the support of SEEC and Blue America as we build a broad national coalition to combat climate change and build the renewable economy we need .
As a Democrat running for Congress in the heart of Texas , I know how important it is that we take bold , courageous steps to address climate change and environmental degradation , even when those steps require difficult conversations with workers and businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Texas 10th Congressional District is already suffering from the impact of our fossil fuel economy .
We have a coal plant in Fayette County that has been polluting the air and water for 40 years ; we have widespread fracking operations that release chemicals into our groundwater and methane into our air ; we have a Houston region that has suffered five 500-year flood events in five years ; and we have Bastrop county , which was devastated by a massive wildfire nine years ago .
These natural and unnatural disasters can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even though Texas is built on a fossil fuel economy , we ca n't put our heads in the sand and pretend that change is not needed .
I 'm running for Congress to build an unparalleled coalition of unions , environmentalists , ranchers and farmers , progressives and activists of all types , to fight climate change , to create jobs in a renewable economy , and to address the legacy of pollution and environmental injustice .
Thank you , SEEC and Blue America for your belief and support , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the days , months and years ahead , for the good of our planet , and for the good of our nation . ''
It 's going to take a strong green coalition in the House fighting every day to pass comprehensive climate legislation and hold Congress to account as climate change knocks at our door .
That 's why SEEC PAC and Blue America endorsed green leaders running in close House races around the country .
They 're ready to act on climate on Day 1 -- but first , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Split a donation ( of whatever you can , if you can ) between SEEC PAC/Blue America endorsed candidates today to give these candidates a boost with less than 3 weeks before Election Day .

Blue America is working with our allies in Congress' Sustainable Energy And Environment Coalition Caucus [SEEC PAC], including old friends we've helped get elected and reelected like Matt Cartwright, Ted Lieu, Pramila Jayapal, Bonnie Watson-Coleman, Alan Lowenthal, Judy Chu, Ilhan Omar, Jim Himes, Barbara Lee, Earl Blumenauer, Steve Cohen, Raul Grijalva, Jerry McNerney, Nanette Barragan and Katie Porter.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), chair of Congress' Natural Resources Committee, told us yesterday that "Within the halls of Congress, no group is working harder than the SEEC Caucus to advance clean energy, climate change solutions, and environmental justice while protecting our air, water, wildlife, and public lands from the Trump administration." He further pointed out that "This work is powered by a grassroots network of people pitching in what they can to support this critical work."
Blue America and SEEC PAC have teamed up to raise some last minute campaign contributions for candidates both our groups have endorsed:
Nate McMurray (NY)
Beth Doglio (WA)
Marie Newman (IL)
Julie Oliver (TX)
Mike Siegel (TX)
Kathy Ellis (MO)
Audrey Denney (CA)
Cathy Kunkel (WV)
Jon Hoadley (MI)
Kara Eastman (NE)
Georgette Gomez (CA)
Dana Balter (NY)
Let's face it, our planet is at stake in November. If we are going to build a better future for this generation and the next, there is no time to waste.
That's why SEEC PAC and Blue America have endorsed an incredible slate of leaders who will act on this issue. We can't give even an inch. It's essential that we expand our green coalition in the House and continue to push Congress to take up clean energy, climate resiliency, and environmental protections.
These green leaders can become Members of Congress-- with your help. Will you maximize your donation by contributing to these dually-endorsed candidates today?
The Trump administration spent four years taking a wrecking ball to environmental regulations. They hired oil and gas lobbyists and climate deniers to lead the federal agencies tasked with protecting our air, water, and public lands. They ignored the science while wildfires destroyed communities and hurricanes slammed our coasts.
It is going to take work to repair the damage of Donald Trump. We have to rebuild protections for our environment and ensure climate mitigation is a part of those conversations. We have to reinforce the government processes that allow us to protect the American people from reckless pollution and disregard of science and fact.
Climate change and environmental protection have been among the most important items Beth Doglio has attended to as a member of the Washington state legislature. As a congressional candidate, she told us that she's "So proud to have the endorsement of SEEC. My Govenor-- Jay Inslee- founded SEEC when he served in Congress. As a State Representative, I worked with Governor Inslee to pass landmark policies addressing environmental issues in Washington. We passed a suite of climate policies moving our state to 100% clean electricity, making our existing commercial buildings more efficient and building our mass transit and vehicle/ferry electrification systems. We are on track to meet our greenhouse emission reduction goals in statute. I can't wait to work with SEEC membership to pass bold transformational policies that make the visionary Green New Deal our future."
Progressive Democrat Kathy Ellis told us this morning that she's "running for Congress in a largely rural, 30-county district in Missouri that's been decimated by climate change and deregulation. Our local economy is almost entirely based on the environment, whether it’s through farming, hospitality, or our incredible state parks and riverways. And yet, over the last ten years, we’ve seen the damage that a climate-denier congressman can have: our farmers have struggled greatly because of intense flooding on their farms, our local economy has suffered as a result, and deregulation has caused great pollution of our beautiful waterways-- all while Jason Smith votes against every bill that would tackle these problems. Having the support of SEEC means a great deal to me, as a pro-environment and pro-science candidate. Missouri’s 8th District deserves-- and desperately needs-- a representative who is ready to fight each and every day for legislation that will protect our environment, create jobs, and tackle some of the root causes of climate change. I’m ready to be that person, and I’m honored to have SEEC in this fight with me."
Syracuse area progressive Dana Balter was endorsed early on by both Blue America and the SEEC Caucus. She's a big fan of the fact that the Caucus "s leading the fight in Congress on bold, smart, and strategic clean energy policies. They've also played a critical role in opposing and highlighting the dangers of anti-environmental actions taken by the Trump administration. Rebuilding our economy from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic gives us the opportunity to make a significant investment in clean energy jobs-- and the SEEC Caucus is working to make that a reality. Their leadership is invaluable, and I am deeply honored to have their support in this race."
Mike Siegel: "I'm honored to have the support of SEEC and Blue America as we build a broad national coalition to combat climate change and build the renewable economy we need. As a Democrat running for Congress in the heart of Texas, I know how important it is that we take bold, courageous steps to address climate change and environmental degradation, even when those steps require difficult conversations with workers and businesses that depend on fossil fuel revenue. The Texas 10th Congressional District is already suffering from the impact of our fossil fuel economy. We have a coal plant in Fayette County that has been polluting the air and water for 40 years; we have widespread fracking operations that release chemicals into our groundwater and methane into our air; we have a Houston region that has suffered five 500-year flood events in five years; and we have Bastrop county, which was devastated by a massive wildfire nine years ago. These natural and unnatural disasters can all be traced to fossil fuel emissions. Even though Texas is built on a fossil fuel economy, we can't put our heads in the sand and pretend that change is not needed. I'm running for Congress to build an unparalleled coalition of unions, environmentalists, ranchers and farmers, progressives and activists of all types, to fight climate change, to create jobs in a renewable economy, and to address the legacy of pollution and environmental injustice. Thank you, SEEC and Blue America for your belief and support, and I look forward to joining with you in the days, months and years ahead, for the good of our planet, and for the good of our nation."
It's going to take a strong green coalition in the House fighting every day to pass comprehensive climate legislation and hold Congress to account as climate change knocks at our door.
That's why SEEC PAC and Blue America endorsed green leaders running in close House races around the country. They're ready to act on climate on Day 1-- but first, they need your help to win their races!
Split a donation (of whatever you can, if you can) between SEEC PAC/Blue America endorsed candidates today to give these candidates a boost with less than 3 weeks before Election Day.
Thank you!


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Friday News Dump: Chris Christie Suddenly Discovers Masks, And Other News

Former NJ Gov .
Chris Christie to @ GMA after his stint in the hospital with COVID : `` We need to be telling people that there is no downside to you wearing masks , and in fact , there can be a great deal of upside . ''
pic.twitter.com/QMpbPDu2xN Following the usual conservative pattern of `` it 's not real unless it happens to me , '' Chris Christie admits he was wrong not to wear a mask : # MorningJoe .
So Chris Christie has learned the hard way he should have worn a mask .
Okaaaay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ elect a president who still denies it , contributing to the deaths of 218,000 Americans ?
Don ’ t get me wrong , I ’ m happy @ GovChristie recovered .
But it seriously bothers me people with his privilege can disregard guidelines in the middle of a global pandemic and then get special treatment when they get sick .
218,921 are dead .
# MorningJoe This execution of an antifa activist is getting lost in the chaos , but let 's pick it up after the election .
Maybe we can impeach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we just listen to the president of the United States ordering the extrajudicial killing of an American citizen on an American street ? ''
Former Pence aide @ OliviaTroye : `` That is exactly what that is ... it 's disgusting and appalling . ''
pic.twitter.com/N53vMR7x9Y Trump is probably lying about knowing their intent , but DOJ hasn ’ t denied it .
Worse , he ’ s celebrating extrajudicial killing .
It ’ s a window into what his administration ’ s policy will be if he wins a second term .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , murder is the GOP platform now .
https : //t.co/R9luMVaW24 Here , the @ NYTimes links a September 13 @ TPMLiveWire tweet because there is no previous NYT article to link to .
That ’ s right : The NYT waited a month to tell readers that the president of the United States endorsed extrajudicial killing .
pic.twitter.com/5wTMBrUIxZ NEW - Biden ’ s campaign looked into an endorsement from W , but it ’ s not coming .
But if Biden wins and Trump causes chaos , Biden would lean on him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to get mixed up in any of it.https : //t.co/ecN3Im3Qaa My Trump hating aunt in TN has been exposed to Covid by her Trump-loving-tested-positive-son-in-law who refuses to wear a mask .
Anyway she just asked if I would request people to pray for her .
She said `` even if they do n't know me it might help . ''
So if you pray , please do .
😊 Over the last 24 hours , we ’ ve received significant feedback ( from critical to supportive ) about how we enforced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflecting on this feedback , we have decided to make changes to the policy and how we enforce it .
US District Court issues a scathing rebuke to ICE for `` lack of candor '' and `` straight up dishonesty '' in a case involving pandemic safety , and flat out tells them if they lie in the future , they will be held in contempt .
I 've never seen anything like this .
https : //t.co/DXJxEauLsD pic.twitter.com/KRDvVnDfVV After the @ ABC town hall in Philadelphia ended , @ JoeBiden has stayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t get a chance to ask He ’ s taken questions on sending in the National Guard to quell protests , and on the Muslim travel ban pic.twitter.com/FapIxu6B0R A really excellent piece that helps explain why spending didn ’ t plummet when the $ 600 a week unemployment payments stopped .
The benefits were large enough that families actually put away a month or two of savings .
But they ’ ve been spending those down .
https : //t.co/q4qjtNVlQW I was an Uber driver in 2017 for > 40 hours/week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was constantly rushing to make > 100 trips/week to hit bonuses .
I had bladder problems from how trips worked back to back and bc places don ’ t let you use restrooms .
# NoOnProp22 @ CaliforniaLabor https : //t.co/Mqn8Si245M As Republicans wrap up the Amy Coney Barrett hearing with plans to vote , Dianne Feinstein praises Lindsey Graham : `` I just want to thank you .
This has been one of the best set of hearings that I 've participated in , '' she tells him .
`` Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' pic.twitter.com/I3oXSYpVDk ❤❤❤❤❤ Riley is legally blind .
At Christmas , her parents found out there were special glasses that could help her see .
This happened after she put them on ... ( 🎥 /Buitengebieden ) pic.twitter.com/KcIPlNoPWq Toro is so affectionate , but still no one wants him .
He has been living behind bars now for a year after a life of a heavy chain & abandonment .
Please retweet !
Needs solo pet & adult home .
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter , NY .
Email : adoption @ tohmail.org @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are almost there !
Praise the Lord -- and pass the ammunition !
Wear your masks , wash your hands , and if you can , spare some time this weekend to volunteer for some remote phone banking .

Following the usual conservative pattern of "it's not real unless it happens to me," Chris Christie admits he was wrong not to wear a mask:
Chris Christie urges Americans to wear masks to fight the coronavirus that put him in ICU for 7 days, warning that the virus is "something to take very seriously." https://t.co/kvGx7HRygG. — MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 16, 2020
#MorningJoe. So Chris Christie has learned the hard way he should have worn a mask. Okaaaay. What has he learned about working to elect a president who still denies it, contributing to the deaths of 218,000 Americans? — Courtney Rhorer (@c_rhorer) October 16, 2020
Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy @GovChristie recovered. But it seriously bothers me people with his privilege can disregard guidelines in the middle of a global pandemic and then get special treatment when they get sick. 218,921 are dead. #MorningJoe — Jon Lee Hart (@jonleehart) October 16, 2020
In the real world where they don't get special treatment and the best of care, both Donald Trump and Chris Christie are dead. — William K. Wolfrum (@Wolfrum) October 16, 2020
**********************************
This execution of an antifa activist is getting lost in the chaos, but let's pick it up after the election. Maybe we can impeach him again.
The President of the United States bragging about an extrajudicial killing of an American citizen on American soil. https://t.co/UiS8kkgquA — Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) October 15, 2020
More Witnesses Corroborate Claims of Extrajudicial Killing of Antifa Activist by U.S. Marshals https://t.co/wV8fcmM6qz — Democracy Now! (@democracynow) October 15, 2020
Mehdi: "Did we just listen to the president of the United States ordering the extrajudicial killing of an American citizen on an American street?"
Former Pence aide @OliviaTroye: "That is exactly what that is... it's disgusting and appalling." pic.twitter.com/N53vMR7x9Y — The Mehdi Hasan Show (@MehdiHasanShow) October 16, 2020
Trump is probably lying about knowing their intent, but DOJ hasn’t denied it. Worse, he’s celebrating extrajudicial killing. It’s a window into what his administration’s policy will be if he wins a second term. In the absence of any other platform, murder is the GOP platform now. https://t.co/R9luMVaW24 — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) October 15, 2020
Here, the @NYTimes links a September 13 @TPMLiveWire tweet because there is no previous NYT article to link to. That’s right: The NYT waited a month to tell readers that the president of the United States endorsed extrajudicial killing. pic.twitter.com/5wTMBrUIxZ — Jamison Foser (@jamisonfoser) October 13, 2020
****************
NEW - Biden’s campaign looked into an endorsement from W, but it’s not coming. But if Biden wins and Trump causes chaos, Biden would lean on him to get involved.
Bush doesn’t want to get mixed up in any of it.https://t.co/ecN3Im3Qaa — Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) October 16, 2020
My Trump hating aunt in TN has been exposed to Covid by her Trump-loving-tested-positive-son-in-law who refuses to wear a mask. Anyway she just asked if I would request people to pray for her. She said "even if they don't know me it might help." So if you pray, please do. 😊 — Oldie Wan Kenobi (@oldiewankenobe) October 16, 2020
Red State America is keeping us sick; pic.twitter.com/umV1hZmQV4 — Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) October 16, 2020
Over the last 24 hours, we’ve received significant feedback (from critical to supportive) about how we enforced our Hacked Materials Policy yesterday. After reflecting on this feedback, we have decided to make changes to the policy and how we enforce it. — Vijaya Gadde (@vijaya) October 16, 2020
#earlyvote evening update 10/15
At least 19.8 million people have voted in the 2020 general election https://t.co/s8K2xFDeSA pic.twitter.com/FlkEh7FcHP — Michael McDonald (@ElectProject) October 16, 2020
Wonder what Ronald Reagan would think? Unbelievable. Remember these folks think satanists are running government with some cannibalism and pedophile rings thrown in for good measure.
The GOP starts forging a new alliance with QAnon https://t.co/lo0OeWNI8j pic.twitter.com/GTn5IneMUG — Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) October 16, 2020
“The intelligence agencies warned the White House late last year that Russian intelligence officers were using President Trump’s personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani as a conduit for disinformation aimed at undermining Biden’s presidential run.” https://t.co/Q5RlpzuY2g — Colin Kahl (@ColinKahl) October 16, 2020
Crazy Uncle alert https://t.co/KZsoLiPAcG — David Pepper (@DavidPepper) October 16, 2020
Key coronavirus model predicts nearly 80 percent rise in deaths by February https://t.co/9T8wbBrV3o pic.twitter.com/RN9DElngxM — The Hill (@thehill) October 16, 2020
The Trump administration has rejected California's request for a disaster declaration for six destructive wildfires, including a massive central California wildfire that has become the single largest in state history https://t.co/EwzVMpv1hX — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) October 16, 2020
US District Court issues a scathing rebuke to ICE for "lack of candor" and "straight up dishonesty" in a case involving pandemic safety, and flat out tells them if they lie in the future, they will be held in contempt.
I've never seen anything like this. https://t.co/DXJxEauLsD pic.twitter.com/KRDvVnDfVV — Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) October 16, 2020
After the @ABC town hall in Philadelphia ended, @JoeBiden has stayed behind to answer questions from voters who didn’t get a chance to ask
He’s taken questions on sending in the National Guard to quell protests, and on the Muslim travel ban pic.twitter.com/FapIxu6B0R — Johnny Verhovek (@JTHVerhovek) October 16, 2020
Iowa gotcha questions are a little different from those out East https://t.co/pV96nDPhDH — Blake News (@blakehounshell) October 16, 2020
Seasons, the oldest metaphors, are also moods. I wrote about our finest poet of October. https://t.co/w0enFhcR3O — Katy Waldman (@xwaldie) October 16, 2020
Exclusive: Feds probing if alleged Biden emails linked to foreign intel operation https://t.co/kge70LgBrc via @nbcnews — Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC) October 16, 2020
Poll: Graham leads Harrison by 6 points in South Carolina Senate race https://t.co/xn4gbi4XvA pic.twitter.com/jr05Jb5pB0 — The Hill (@thehill) October 16, 2020
A really excellent piece that helps explain why spending didn’t plummet when the $600 a week unemployment payments stopped. The benefits were large enough that families actually put away a month or two of savings. But they’ve been spending those down. https://t.co/q4qjtNVlQW — Jordan Weissmann (@JHWeissmann) October 16, 2020
The Philly Inky and @Elaijuh have been doing amazing work on documenting and reporting on early / absentee vote. https://t.co/nzISKfwkgP — amy walter (@amyewalter) October 16, 2020
A Tucker Carlson lie about masks gets supercharged by the president.
The Fox host keeps misrepresenting studies like this to denigrate mask usage: https://t.co/w9GOpd2TGf https://t.co/cnP1q9sHdD — Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) October 16, 2020
I was an Uber driver in 2017 for >40 hours/week. I had no health insurance/benefits. I was constantly rushing to make >100 trips/week to hit bonuses. I had bladder problems from how trips worked back to back and bc places don’t let you use restrooms. #NoOnProp22 @CaliforniaLabor https://t.co/Mqn8Si245M — Nathan Cheung (@nathanscheung) October 15, 2020
My wild, elaborate conspiracy theory:
1. Russian intelligence --> Derkach
2. Derkach --> Giuliani
Pretty crazy, huh? https://t.co/iJ0Wxu5tIM — Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) October 16, 2020
My latest: Herd immunity’s a great strategy, if you don’t mind the millions of dead https://t.co/qjcwBHTmu6 — Andrew Coyne (@acoyne) October 16, 2020
As Republicans wrap up the Amy Coney Barrett hearing with plans to vote, Dianne Feinstein praises Lindsey Graham: "I just want to thank you. This has been one of the best set of hearings that I've participated in," she tells him. "Thank you so much for your leadership." pic.twitter.com/I3oXSYpVDk — Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) October 15, 2020
“We are staring down the barrel of a blue tsunami." https://t.co/xTRCskeK1r — Lissandra Villa (@LissandraVilla) October 16, 2020
Savannah Guthrie for the win.
Trump talking about retweeting conspiracy theories and Savannah nails him with a “You're not like someone's crazy uncle who can retweet whatever”... pic.twitter.com/P5kiywvTHR — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) October 16, 2020
BABYLON BEE IS A SATIRE SITE LIKE THE ONION, YOU FUCKING PINECONE pic.twitter.com/E1fYb6kRQz — MeanMrsMode 🌊 (@TampaBigRed) October 16, 2020
Not all progressive lawyers: https://t.co/wP8ayJgSJ6 — Nicholas Bagley (@nicholas_bagley) October 16, 2020
Giuliani's daughter Caroline says vote for Biden.https://t.co/UEnhIqR9or — (((Katha Pollitt))) (@KathaPollitt) October 16, 2020
EXCLUSIVE: Video footage paints a disturbing picture of Proud Boys’ “extra friendly” relationship with Philly copshttps://t.co/5RXfoIGa1B — The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) October 16, 2020
YIKES — IRS documents show Tuberville Foundation kept money from vets https://t.co/m4vA4u9p1H
"This isn’t the first time Tuberville has faced questions about his financial dealings" #ALSen — Stewart Boss (@stew_boss) October 16, 2020
Every now and then I think about the most cringeworthy thing I’ve ever seen — and then I go to this...pic.twitter.com/rgXKNGjmLP — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) October 16, 2020
DEPT. OF VERY CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM
Because most everything sucks right now, check-out these two guys for one minute.
Also, age is only a number... pic.twitter.com/udJMqW4plY — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) October 11, 2020
Jay Diggs with his new smash hit taking over the streets “Fly On You” (feat. @VP ) #mikepencefly #PresidentialDebate pic.twitter.com/SYvivcPNR5 — Jay Diggs (@jaydiggsmusic) October 9, 2020
❤❤❤❤❤
Riley is legally blind.
At Christmas, her parents found out there were special glasses that could help her see.
This happened after she put them on...
(🎥 /Buitengebieden)
pic.twitter.com/KcIPlNoPWq — FierceWarriorNStilettos (@InactionNever) October 9, 2020
just a golden being a golden pic.twitter.com/ysIZokTtzY — Humor And Animals (@humorandanimals) October 15, 2020
Toro is so affectionate, but still no one wants him. He has been living behind bars now for a year after a life of a heavy chain & abandonment. Please retweet! Needs solo pet & adult home. Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, NY. Email: adoption@tohmail.org #LongIsland #NewYork pic.twitter.com/ge0ocYKQ1P — Toro the Shelter Dog (@AdoptToro) October 16, 2020
Guilty dogs are the funniest dogs...
Did you guys eat my dinner???
Nope.....
🐶🐶🤣🤣🤷♂🤷♂ pic.twitter.com/RrGdXoTk6J — Danny Hughes (@dthmath) October 15, 2020
Skateboarding in the city, meeting up with my dogs. 🤘🏻💪🔥🐶🛹 pic.twitter.com/j72OBsaXJf — Fred Schultz (@fred035schultz) October 15, 2020
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GUYS: We are almost there! Praise the Lord -- and pass the ammunition! Wear your masks, wash your hands, and if you can, spare some time this weekend to volunteer for some remote phone banking.


crooksandliars--2020-10-16--Sadly Twisted Trump Advisor Thinks Comparing Joe Biden To Mr. Rogers Is An Insult

Despite trying hard to get the Southwestern PA vote for Trump ( where Fred Rogers is a damn hero ) , Trump campaign advisor and certified hack Mercedes Schlapp still thought this was what the kids call `` a sick burn '' : Well , Twitter responded , as Twitter does : Bill Stepien : “ Look , we absolutely have to win Pennsylvania , and western Pennsylvania in particular , if we ’ re going to have a shot at this thing .
Can we somehow tie Joe Biden to a particularly reviled figure there ?
” Mercedes Schlapp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ve got this.
” https : //t.co/Wz0NaRW3Bb The Trump team 's attack on Mr. Rogers makes explicit what was already plainly obvious for many of us : We are in a mortal battle of good versus evil , and conservatives ( Mercedes Schlapp 's husband Matt is head of the American Conservative Union ) are the evil .
The Whole World : Mercedes Schlapp : `` Imma roll up on Mr .
Rogers ! ''
*She stops the car* Mr. Rogers : `` I love you just the way you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out her Glock* The Whole World jumps Mercedes all at once .
The end .
https : //t.co/teFcOiNu9E

Despite trying hard to get the Southwestern PA vote for Trump (where Fred Rogers is a damn hero), Trump campaign advisor and certified hack Mercedes Schlapp still thought this was what the kids call "a sick burn":
Well @JoeBiden @ABCPolitics townhall feels like I am watching an episode of Mister Rodgers Neighborhood. https://t.co/bC8fIZPxHR — Mercedes Schlapp (@mercedesschlapp) October 16, 2020
(Plus, she didn't know how to spell his name. In politics, these things matter!)
Well, Twitter responded, as Twitter does:
Mercedes Schlapp :
“The Biden Town hall is like Mr. Rodgers!”
Mr. Rogers :
“That’s not how you spell my name.” pic.twitter.com/sqQ16e38jb — Gord Macey (@GordMacey) October 16, 2020
Bill Stepien: “Look, we absolutely have to win Pennsylvania, and western Pennsylvania in particular, if we’re going to have a shot at this thing. Can we somehow tie Joe Biden to a particularly reviled figure there?”
Mercedes Schlapp: “Just give me the ball, I’ve got this.” https://t.co/Wz0NaRW3Bb — Andrew Exum (@ExumAM) October 16, 2020
The Trump team's attack on Mr. Rogers makes explicit what was already plainly obvious for many of us: We are in a mortal battle of good versus evil, and conservatives (Mercedes Schlapp's husband Matt is head of the American Conservative Union) are the evil. — David Mullins (@pdavidmullinsjr) October 16, 2020
Why would Mercedes Schlapp call Joe Biden "Mr Rogers" when her man looks exactly like Donna Brazile placed in a pressure cooker without seasoning? pic.twitter.com/pvVJ0Zxd8D — Covfefe Shecky Jones,King Of Shade👑aka BROLENE🌊 (@King_Of_Shade) October 16, 2020
Mercedes Schlapp comparing Biden to Mr. Rogers. What a mistake. EVERYONE except her and Satan would vote for Mr. Rogers over Trump, and I'm sure Biden would take the comparison as a high compliment. https://t.co/vnXi3cYNix — Laurie O'Brien (@greenpeeps5) October 16, 2020
The Whole World:
Mercedes Schlapp: "Imma roll up on Mr. Rogers!"
*She stops the car*
Mr. Rogers: "I love you just the way you are, Mercedes."
*Mercedes pulls out her Glock*
The Whole World jumps Mercedes all at once.
The end. https://t.co/teFcOiNu9E — Sensei Ryan (Once and Future) (@horridpoplyrics) October 16, 2020
In honor of Mercedes Sclapp comparing Joe Biden to Mr. Rogers, watch this moment from 1969 where Rogers let his feet soak in a kiddie pool alongside "Officer Clemmons," a Black man.
Black people were still being segregated from swimming pools, so this was a very powerful moment. pic.twitter.com/AjvUcLe5nG — Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) October 16, 2020
Mercedes Schlapp may think Joe Biden is a 'Mr. Rogers' type, but Donald Trump is the one who lives in a kingdom of make-believe. — (((Mark Campbell))) (@MrWordsWorth) October 16, 2020
Call me hopelessly old school, but I'm pro-Mister Rogers and anti-QAnon. — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) October 16, 2020
Mercedes, let me explain. Normal people, the kind with actual souls (not you and Matt), love Mr. Rogers. They don't complain about him. — Suburban Guerrilla Ω (@SusieMadrak) October 16, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--Trump's Coronavirus Experts Are Charles Koch And Dr. Macarena

The New York Times reports that the White House is all in on the idea of what President Trump calls `` herd mentality . ''
The White House has embraced a declaration by a group of scientists arguing that authorities should allow the coronavirus to spread among young healthy people while protecting the elderly and the vulnerable — an approach that would rely on arriving at “ herd immunity ” through infections rather than a vaccine ... .
On a call convened Monday by the White House , two senior administration officials , both speaking anonymously because they were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an October 4 petition titled The Great Barrington Declaration , which argues against lockdowns and calls for a reopening of businesses and schools .
The declaration ’ s architects include Sunetra Gupta and Gabriela Gomes , two scientists who have proposed that societies may achieve herd immunity when 10 to 20 percent of their populations have been infected with the virus , a position most epidemiologists disagree with .
Reputable scientists believe we can achieve herd immunity , in the absence of a vaccine , when we reach an infection rate of 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to 20 % .
For America , that would be millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths from now .
The Great Barrington declaration , which was said to have been signed by more than 15,000 scientists and medical practitioners around the world , was found by Sky News to contain numerous false names , as well as those of several homeopaths .
Others listed include a resident at the “ university of your mum ” and another supposed specialist whose name was the first verse of the Macarena .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list of expert names and more than 100 therapists whose expertise included massage , hypnotherapy and Mongolian khoomii singing .
So which august scientific body is behind this declaration ?
That would be these guys : Corporate records filed with the US Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) confirm that the AIER operates as part of a Koch-funded network of climate science deniers who see environmental regulation as a threat to its vision of unfettered , deregulated markets ... .
The AIER has published climate science deniers such as the economist David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the scientific consensus on climate change .
AIER ’ s President is the leading Austrian school economist Edward P. Stringham , a Research Fellow with The Independent Institute – another market-oriented think-tank that has regularly questioned the science of man-made climate change and received Koch funding , as well as support from ExxonMobil .
... the AIER is not just a free-market think-tank .
It receives a large bulk of its funding from its own investment activities , not least in fossil fuels , energy utilities , tobacco , technology and consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm , American Investment Services Inc. , which harnesses the think-tank ’ s research to help inform investment advice .
Security Exchange Commission filings seen by Byline Times confirm that AIER ’ s American Investment Services Inc. runs a private fund valued at $ 284,492,000 .
The most recent SEC document filed in August reveals that the fund ’ s holdings include a wide range of companies including : Chevron , ExxonMobil , General Electric , One Gas Inc , Duke Energy Corp , Northwestern Corp , WEC Energy , Xcel Energy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morgan Chase , Visa Inc. , Mastercard , Alphabet Inc ( the owner of Google ) , Microsoft , McDonalds , Verizon Communications , Intel Corp , Nike Inc , consumer goods giant Procter and Gamble , Host Hotels & Resorts , Dow Inc. , Pepsico , the major stock market advisors Vanguard Group , and many more .
We need to recognize the fact that much of the Republican response to the pandemic -- not Trump 's complete aversion to public health measures , but certainly the relentless push for normalization -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want their profits to continue flowing and who do n't want the government to spend more money on ordinary people in distress .
Remember Richard Epstein , who told us in the spring that the coronavirus would kill only 500 Americans , and then said no , he 'd made a mistake , he meant 5,000 ?
( We 're well over 200,00 dead now . )
Epstein is n't a doctor or scientist -- he 's a law professor who wrote the paper with the prediction of 500 dead for the right-libertarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Kurt Andersen notes , an `` early Federalist Society VP , Cato Institute scholar , [ and ] editor of the Law and Economics movement 's main journal . ''
Trump 's neuroses aside , this is where the central strain of Republican thinking on the virus is coming from .
And now these guys have Dr. Johnny Bananas on their side , too .
Republished with permission from No More Mister Nice Blog

The New York Times reports that the White House is all in on the idea of what President Trump calls "herd mentality."
The White House has embraced a declaration by a group of scientists arguing that authorities should allow the coronavirus to spread among young healthy people while protecting the elderly and the vulnerable — an approach that would rely on arriving at “herd immunity” through infections rather than a vaccine.... On a call convened Monday by the White House, two senior administration officials, both speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to give their names, cited an October 4 petition titled The Great Barrington Declaration, which argues against lockdowns and calls for a reopening of businesses and schools. The declaration’s architects include Sunetra Gupta and Gabriela Gomes, two scientists who have proposed that societies may achieve herd immunity when 10 to 20 percent of their populations have been infected with the virus, a position most epidemiologists disagree with.
Reputable scientists believe we can achieve herd immunity, in the absence of a vaccine, when we reach an infection rate of 50% to 70%, not 10% to 20%. For America, that would be millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths from now.
We're told:
As of the time of writing, the Declaration claims to be signed by over 5,000 ‘Medical & Public Health Scientists’ and 11,267 ‘Medical Practitioners’, along with over 155,000 members of the general public.
However, the Declaration's website
lists a number of apparently fake names among its expert signatories, including “Dr Johnny Bananas” and “Professor Cominic Dummings”.
(That's a play on "Dominic Cummings." Cummings is a top adviser to British prime minister Boris Johnson.)
The Great Barrington declaration, which was said to have been signed by more than 15,000 scientists and medical practitioners around the world, was found by Sky News to contain numerous false names, as well as those of several homeopaths. Others listed include a resident at the “university of your mum” and another supposed specialist whose name was the first verse of the Macarena. Sky News discovered 18 self-declared homeopaths in the list of expert names and more than 100 therapists whose expertise included massage, hypnotherapy and Mongolian khoomii singing.
So which august scientific body is behind this declaration?
The document grew out of a meeting hosted by the American Institute for Economic Research, a libertarian-leaning research organization.
That would be these guys:
Corporate records filed with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirm that the AIER operates as part of a Koch-funded network of climate science deniers who see environmental regulation as a threat to its vision of unfettered, deregulated markets.... The AIER has published climate science deniers such as the economist David Henderson, who has rejected the validity of the scientific consensus on climate change. AIER’s President is the leading Austrian school economist Edward P. Stringham, a Research Fellow with The Independent Institute – another market-oriented think-tank that has regularly questioned the science of man-made climate change and received Koch funding, as well as support from ExxonMobil. ... the AIER is not just a free-market think-tank. It receives a large bulk of its funding from its own investment activities, not least in fossil fuels, energy utilities, tobacco, technology and consumer goods. AIER owns a major investment firm, American Investment Services Inc., which harnesses the think-tank’s research to help inform investment advice. Security Exchange Commission filings seen by Byline Times confirm that AIER’s American Investment Services Inc. runs a private fund valued at $284,492,000. The most recent SEC document filed in August reveals that the fund’s holdings include a wide range of companies including: Chevron, ExxonMobil, General Electric, One Gas Inc, Duke Energy Corp, Northwestern Corp, WEC Energy, Xcel Energy, tobacco giant Philip Morris International, JP Morgan Chase, Visa Inc., Mastercard, Alphabet Inc (the owner of Google), Microsoft, McDonalds, Verizon Communications, Intel Corp, Nike Inc, consumer goods giant Procter and Gamble, Host Hotels & Resorts, Dow Inc., Pepsico, the major stock market advisors Vanguard Group, and many more.
We need to recognize the fact that much of the Republican response to the pandemic -- not Trump's complete aversion to public health measures, but certainly the relentless push for normalization -- is being driven by right-wing plutocrats who want their profits to continue flowing and who don't want the government to spend more money on ordinary people in distress. Remember Richard Epstein, who told us in the spring that the coronavirus would kill only 500 Americans, and then said no, he'd made a mistake, he meant 5,000? (We're well over 200,00 dead now.) Epstein isn't a doctor or scientist -- he's a law professor who wrote the paper with the prediction of 500 dead for the right-libertarian Hoover Institution. He's also, as Kurt Andersen notes, an "early Federalist Society VP, Cato Institute scholar, [and] editor of the Law and Economics movement's main journal." Trump's neuroses aside, this is where the central strain of Republican thinking on the virus is coming from. And now these guys have Dr. Johnny Bananas on their side, too.
Republished with permission from No More Mister Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--WATCH As New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Shuts Down COVID-19 Denier: 'Sorry Sunshine, Wrong Plac

WATCH As New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Shuts Down COVID-19 Denier: 'Sorry Sunshine, Wrong Place’

In New Zealand there 's pretty much zero tolerance for the foolishness routinely seen here with COVID-19 , so when an American asked the Deputy Prime Minister where his proof was that the coronavirus even exists , Winston Peters did not hide his disgust .
New Zealand ’ s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters had no time for a coronavirus-denying man at an election event , shutting him down and calling him `` sunshine '' .
Mr Peters is the leader of New Zealand First , the junior partner of the country 's governing coalition , led by Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taking questions from the audience after giving a speech at the event in Tauranga on Wednesday when a man with a North American accent stood up and asked for extra proof that the coronavirus exists .
“ Where ’ s your evidence that there ’ s a virus that causes the disease ?
” the man said , before being interrupted by Mr Peters .
“ Sit down , sit down , sit down , ” Mr Peters said .
“ We ’ ve got someone who obviously got an education in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , where there are eight million cases to date .
We ’ ve got 79,000 cases just today , probably in India , and here is someone who gets up and says ‘ the Earth is flat ’ .

In New Zealand there's pretty much zero tolerance for the foolishness routinely seen here with COVID-19, so when an American asked the Deputy Prime Minister where his proof was that the coronavirus even exists, Winston Peters did not hide his disgust.
Source: SBS
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters had no time for a coronavirus-denying man at an election event, shutting him down and calling him "sunshine".
Mr Peters is the leader of New Zealand First, the junior partner of the country's governing coalition, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's Labour party.
He was taking questions from the audience after giving a speech at the event in Tauranga on Wednesday when a man with a North American accent stood up and asked for extra proof that the coronavirus exists.
“Where’s your evidence that there’s a virus that causes the disease?” the man said, before being interrupted by Mr Peters.
“Sit down, sit down, sit down,” Mr Peters said.
“We’ve got someone who obviously got an education in America. 220,000 people have died in the US, where there are eight million cases to date. We’ve got 79,000 cases just today, probably in India, and here is someone who gets up and says ‘the Earth is flat’.
“Sorry sunshine, wrong place,” Mr Peters said, to applause.


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--Applause!  US Postal Service Agrees To Reverse Changes That Slowed Mail Nationwide

The U.S .
Postal Service agreed Wednesday to reverse dramatic changes to mail operations imposed in recent months by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , settling a lawsuit filed by Montana 's Democratic Gov .
Steve Bullock seeking to ensure that mail services throughout the country—including the timely delivery of ballots and medicines—would be fully functional amid a pandemic that has increased the demand for mail-in voting .
The lawsuit filed against DeJoy and the USPS on September 9 `` argued changes implemented in June harmed access to mail services in Montana , resulting in delayed delivery of medical prescriptions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeding the ability of Montana residents to vote by mail , '' the Associated Press reported Thursday .
USPS agreed to reverse all changes , which entailed various forms of sabotage including reduced hours and restricted overtime , closure of processing facilities , and removal of sorting machines as well as collection boxes , as Common Dreams has reported .
According to AP , the agreement also requires USPS to prioritize election mail in the crucial coming weeks , and the restoration of services applies nationwide .
Wednesday 's agreement comes after two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's policy changes , largely granting a request made by 14 states for a court order blocking the postmaster general 's actions .
As Common Dreams reported last month , Judge Stanley Bastian of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington described DeJoy 's efforts as a `` politically motivated attack '' on the USPS that was part of `` an intentional effort '' by the Trump administration to `` disrupt and challenge the legitimacy of upcoming local , state , and federal elections . ''
Since `` 72 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... were located in counties where Hillary Clinton received the most votes in 2016 , '' Bastian argued that the White House was engaging in targeted `` voter disenfranchisement . ''

The U.S. Postal Service agreed Wednesday to reverse dramatic changes to mail operations imposed in recent months by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, settling a lawsuit filed by Montana's Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock seeking to ensure that mail services throughout the country—including the timely delivery of ballots and medicines—would be fully functional amid a pandemic that has increased the demand for mail-in voting.
The lawsuit filed against DeJoy and the USPS on September 9 "argued changes implemented in June harmed access to mail services in Montana, resulting in delayed delivery of medical prescriptions, payments, and job applications, and impeding the ability of Montana residents to vote by mail," the Associated Press reported Thursday.
After I filed a lawsuit, Postmaster General DeJoy has agreed to reverse the changes that were harmful to Montanans’ access to the post office. Montanans never gave up this fight, and as a result, we are ensuring mail services will be immediately restored. https://t.co/h5sYDOKpTg — Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) October 15, 2020
USPS agreed to reverse all changes, which entailed various forms of sabotage including reduced hours and restricted overtime, closure of processing facilities, and removal of sorting machines as well as collection boxes, as Common Dreams has reported.
According to AP, the agreement also requires USPS to prioritize election mail in the crucial coming weeks, and the restoration of services applies nationwide.
Wednesday's agreement comes after two federal judges in September temporarily halted DeJoy's policy changes, largely granting a request made by 14 states for a court order blocking the postmaster general's actions.
As Common Dreams reported last month, Judge Stanley Bastian of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington described DeJoy's efforts as a "politically motivated attack" on the USPS that was part of "an intentional effort" by the Trump administration to "disrupt and challenge the legitimacy of upcoming local, state, and federal elections."
Since "72% of the decommissioned high-speed mail sorting machines... were located in counties where Hillary Clinton received the most votes in 2016," Bastian argued that the White House was engaging in targeted "voter disenfranchisement."
Republished from Common Dreams (Kenny Stancil, staff writer) under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License.


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--Drudge Report: Trump May Leave Country If Biden Wins

The Drudge Report claims Trump may leave the country if Biden wins the election .
At a campaign rally , @ @ @ @ @ he would `` have to leave the country '' if he loses the upcoming presidential @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
During a Georgia rally , Trump mocked Biden 's candidacy and suggested that @ @ @ @ @ lose .
Trump said , `` running against the worst candidate in the history of @ @ @ @ @ me , could you imagine if I lose ? ''
The reaction on Twitter was @ @ @ @ @ president leaving the country .
According to Molly Jong-Fast , `` This is literally the @ @ @ @ @ brought up a good point that Trump does not have a sense of humor ; @ @ @ @ @ The once pro-Trump Drudge Report noted yesterday that the president was `` burned out '' @ @ @ @ @ is writing off Trump .

The Drudge Report claims Trump may leave the country if Biden wins the election. At a campaign rally, Trump "joked" that he would "have to leave the country" if he loses the upcoming presidential election against Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
During a Georgia rally, Trump mocked Biden's candidacy and suggested that it would be embarrassing to lose. Trump said, "running against the worst candidate in the history of presidential politics puts pressure on me, could you imagine if I lose?"
The reaction on Twitter was swift and optimistic about the president leaving the country. According to Molly Jong-Fast, "This is literally the dream."
Credit: Molly Jong-Fast
Seth Abramson brought up a good point that Trump does not have a sense of humor; he does not joke.
Credit: Seth Abramson
The once pro-Trump Drudge Report noted yesterday that the president was "burned out" and it appears Mitch McConnell is writing off Trump.


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--Tucker Carlson: What Is White Supremacy?

Tucker Carson has gone from calling white supremacy a “ hoax ” to pretending not to know what it is and calling it “ the functional definition ” of “ not voting for Joe Biden.
” You may recall that last year , Tucker Carlson took a sudden , mid-week “ vacation ” one night after he called white supremacy a “ hoax ” that is “ actually not a real problem in America.
” Last night , he changed up the words , but the meaning was the same , perhaps camouflaged with an extra dollop of grievance for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Carlson began by whining how unfair Dear Leader Donald Trump ’ s town hall on NBC was compared to Joe Biden ’ s town hall on ABC .
During ( Black ) President Obama 's term , Carlson pretended to want presidents held to account by journalists .
With ( white ) Donald Trump in office , Carlson accused moderator Savannah Guthrie of having “ played stand-in for Joe Biden ” for pressing him too hard about white supremacy .
Conveniently overlooked and covered up was the fact that Trump could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Biden had he not backed out of the original town hall debate in the first place .
But Carlson ’ s supposed concern for journalism was really just an excuse for another dog whistle : that liberals oppress whites so that Blacks can get extra , undeserved privileges .
CARLSON : When the smoke clears from this election , there will be a massive realignment in the media , no matter who wins because they 've showed who they are and it ’ s so unappealing , it ’ s so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , back on ABC , Joe Biden skated by without answering any questions of substance about his son , or antifa , or BLM .
The moderator over at NBC pushed Donald Trump to condemn QAnon and white supremacy , the most important issues in this nation , and he did it , dutifully , but it was n't enough .
The point of demanding performative disavowals is n't to get the disavowal , it ’ s to smear the person you ’ re asking to disavow the group by association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened last night .
Again Carlson “ forgot ” something important here .
The FBI has called QAnon and white supremacy national security threats .
In fact , FBI Director Christopher Wray told a Congressional hearing in 2019 that White Supremacists are a major cause of domestic terrorism .
Carlson next offered up his new and slightly more sanitized denial of white supremacy , paired with a more overt effort to paint it as a Democratic/liberal media lie ( i.e .
hoax ) : CARLSON : Why does n't anyone ever define @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It ’ s America 's biggest problem , the FBI has said that .
It ’ s the biggest problem we face .
Not China , not the economy , it ’ s white supremacy .
But what is it exactly ?
White supremacy is not voting for Joe Biden , that 's the functional definition .
By the way , while Carlson was laser focused on defending Trump from racial bias , he gave Trump a pass for his rude , boorish and obviously misogynistic behavior toward Guthrie .

Tucker Carson has gone from calling white supremacy a “hoax” to pretending not to know what it is and calling it “the functional definition” of “not voting for Joe Biden.”
You may recall that last year, Tucker Carlson took a sudden, mid-week “vacation” one night after he called white supremacy a “hoax” that is “actually not a real problem in America.”
Last night, he changed up the words, but the meaning was the same, perhaps camouflaged with an extra dollop of grievance for his white nationalist fan base of Trumpers.
Carlson began by whining how unfair Dear Leader Donald Trump’s town hall on NBC was compared to Joe Biden’s town hall on ABC. During (Black) President Obama's term, Carlson pretended to want presidents held to account by journalists. With (white) Donald Trump in office, Carlson accused moderator Savannah Guthrie of having “played stand-in for Joe Biden” for pressing him too hard about white supremacy.
Conveniently overlooked and covered up was the fact that Trump could have had the same moderator and same forum as Biden had he not backed out of the original town hall debate in the first place.
But Carlson’s supposed concern for journalism was really just an excuse for another dog whistle: that liberals oppress whites so that Blacks can get extra, undeserved privileges.
CARLSON: When the smoke clears from this election, there will be a massive realignment in the media, no matter who wins because they've showed who they are and it’s so unappealing, it’s so far from journalism that it can't continue. Meanwhile, back on ABC, Joe Biden skated by without answering any questions of substance about his son, or antifa, or BLM. The moderator over at NBC pushed Donald Trump to condemn QAnon and white supremacy, the most important issues in this nation, and he did it, dutifully, but it wasn't enough. The point of demanding performative disavowals isn't to get the disavowal, it’s to smear the person you’re asking to disavow the group by association with the group and that's exactly what happened last night.
Again Carlson “forgot” something important here. The FBI has called QAnon and white supremacy national security threats. In fact, FBI Director Christopher Wray told a Congressional hearing in 2019 that White Supremacists are a major cause of domestic terrorism.
Carlson next offered up his new and slightly more sanitized denial of white supremacy, paired with a more overt effort to paint it as a Democratic/liberal media lie (i.e. hoax):
CARLSON: Why doesn't anyone ever define white supremacy? What is white supremacy? It’s America's biggest problem, the FBI has said that. It’s the biggest problem we face. Not China, not the economy, it’s white supremacy. But what is it exactly? White supremacy is not voting for Joe Biden, that's the functional definition.
By the way, while Carlson was laser focused on defending Trump from racial bias, he gave Trump a pass for his rude, boorish and obviously misogynistic behavior toward Guthrie.


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--Elie Mystal: Court Expansion Fixes Our Broken Confirmation Process

Republicans are so dependent upon terrifying the population into voting for them , they throw around misnomers like `` Court Packing '' as if ( a ) it would be a bad thing , ( b ) that is what Democrats are suggesting be done , and/or ( c ) that is n't what they themselves have been essentially doing for years .
Elie Mystal joined Tiffany Cross on AM Joy to de-Mystify ( HAR ) the term , and the reality of what has been happening , along with the very real democratic benefits of what court expansion could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First , Cross rightly pointed out that the GOP 's illegitimate and rushed confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett is n't quite `` court packing , '' but then she handed the mic to Mystal .
MYSTAL : Yeah , what Republicans are doing is about court STACKING .
What Democrats are proposing is a little bit different .
Look , I can make the `` Vengeance '' argument for court expansion all day long .
They denied Garland a hearing .
They 're putting Amy Coney Barrett through during an election , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges for four years .
I can make the `` Vengeance '' argument .
But I favor court expansion because of its reform possibilities .
I want a better Supreme Court , not merely a Supreme Court where I get to win sometimes .
So , that 's why I favor a court expansion of up to 20 new justices on the Supreme Court .
People say , `` Oh , that 's 29 justices , that 's unwieldy ! ''
No , it ai n't .
That 's exactly how many circuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently has on it .
29 justices is not unwieldy .
It 's diverse .
The benefit of having more justices is that it fixes the problem that should be obvious to all of us by now .
Our confirmation process is broken .
It 's broken because when one of these octogenarian dies , which is a thing that happens in the world , it presents an existential crisis for the party out of power .
Each individual Supreme Court justice , is frankly , too important to our laws and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 29 justices , each individual death would be less important and it will allow us to get back to confirming judges based on qualifications as opposed to based on agendas .
So , that 's number one .
Number two thing I just want to say , really quickly , most Americans say they want moderate mainstream opinions , right ?
Like , that we want the law to be stable and to know what it 's going to be .
Well , you know how you get there ?
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ write an opinion , and all I have to do is convince my four archconservative buddies , it 's going to come out one way .
If I 've got ta write an opinion that 's got ta convince ten , 15 , or 20 people , that 's fundamentally a more watered down , more moderate , more mainstream position .
I have just explained why Chili 's is in business , why Olive Garden is in business , because watered down decisions are made for the benefit of the most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the temperature , literally depoliticize the confirmation battle .
It allows us to have more moderate judges , more moderate opinions coming out of the courts .
And , last thing , the way the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals works , and the way all of our lower circuits work is the case is initially heard by a three-judge panel chosen by -- wait for it -- random lot .
That means that when go to court , you do n't know the party of the judge you 're getting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appearance of impartiality in our court system .
So , court expansion is just a way to fix it , and that 's why Republicans do n't like it , because they 're afraid they 'll lose .
Hell , if we could do court packing , I would be happy to have Republicans , if Republicans want to play ball , I 'd be happy to share some of the seats with them .
But they do n't want to fix it .
Cross agreed , pointing out that in reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` after 218 conservative judges . ''
She 's right , of course that this is the one and only reason Republicans have stayed with Trump despite his treason , abuse of women , and gleeful contribution to the death of nearly a quarter of a million Americans from COVID-19 .
Mystal - especially with his that under-appreciated Olive Garden reference — did a great job of un-PACKING that explanation , though , do n't you think ?
I 'll see myself out .

Republicans are so dependent upon terrifying the population into voting for them, they throw around misnomers like "Court Packing" as if (a) it would be a bad thing, (b) that is what Democrats are suggesting be done, and/or (c) that isn't what they themselves have been essentially doing for years. Elie Mystal joined Tiffany Cross on AM Joy to de-Mystify (HAR) the term, and the reality of what has been happening, along with the very real democratic benefits of what court expansion could mean for our nation's judiciary.
First, Cross rightly pointed out that the GOP's illegitimate and rushed confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett isn't quite "court packing," but then she handed the mic to Mystal.
MYSTAL: Yeah, what Republicans are doing is about court STACKING. What Democrats are proposing is a little bit different. Look, I can make the "Vengeance" argument for court expansion all day long. They denied Garland a hearing. They're putting Amy Coney Barrett through during an election, they've nominated predominantly white, predominantly male judges for four years. I can make the "Vengeance" argument. But I favor court expansion because of its reform possibilities. I want a better Supreme Court, not merely a Supreme Court where I get to win sometimes. So, that's why I favor a court expansion of up to 20 new justices on the Supreme Court. People say, "Oh, that's 29 justices, that's unwieldy!" No, it ain't. That's exactly how many circuit judges the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals currently has on it. 29 justices is not unwieldy. It's diverse. The benefit of having more justices is that it fixes the problem that should be obvious to all of us by now. Our confirmation process is broken. It's broken because when one of these octogenarian dies, which is a thing that happens in the world, it presents an existential crisis for the party out of power. Each individual Supreme Court justice, is frankly, too important to our laws and our polity and our rights. If we had 29 justices, each individual death would be less important and it will allow us to get back to confirming judges based on qualifications as opposed to based on agendas. So, that's number one. Number two thing I just want to say, really quickly, most Americans say they want moderate mainstream opinions, right? Like, that we want the law to be stable and to know what it's going to be. Well, you know how you get there? If you have more judges. Because if I write an opinion, and all I have to do is convince my four archconservative buddies, it's going to come out one way. If I've gotta write an opinion that's gotta convince ten, 15, or 20 people, that's fundamentally a more watered down, more moderate, more mainstream position. I have just explained why Chili's is in business, why Olive Garden is in business, because watered down decisions are made for the benefit of the most people. Court expansion allows us to take down the temperature, literally depoliticize the confirmation battle. It allows us to have more moderate judges, more moderate opinions coming out of the courts. And, last thing, the way the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals works, and the way all of our lower circuits work is the case is initially heard by a three-judge panel chosen by -- wait for it -- random lot. That means that when go to court, you don't know the party of the judge you're getting. That would have such good effects on the appearance of impartiality in our court system. So, court expansion is just a way to fix it, and that's why Republicans don't like it, because they're afraid they'll lose. Hell, if we could do court packing, I would be happy to have Republicans, if Republicans want to play ball, I'd be happy to share some of the seats with them. But they don't want to fix it.
Cross agreed, pointing out that in reality, judicial reform is what we need, "after 218 conservative judges." She's right, of course that this is the one and only reason Republicans have stayed with Trump despite his treason, abuse of women, and gleeful contribution to the death of nearly a quarter of a million Americans from COVID-19.
Mystal - especially with his that under-appreciated Olive Garden reference — did a great job of un-PACKING that explanation, though, don't you think?
I'll see myself out.


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--Joni Ernst Bombs In Second Debate With Theresa Greenfield

You might think that someone who got into the U.S. Senate promoting her agricultural background with folksy ads about castrating pigs would actually know something about agriculture , but in what amounted to a must-know gim me question from a debate moderator , Joni Ernst proved to be completely clueless .
Some serious debate malpractice there on Thursday night .
In Iowa , this is like missing a layup .
When Sen. Joni Ernst ( R-Iowa ) and her Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield first met to debate a few weeks ago , the spectacle was unpleasant to watch .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate tools , and each demanded an apology in return .
Moderator David Yepsen was forced to stop the shouting and ask : “ Is this the way Iowans expect their senator to act ?
” Not much to learn there .
But — whoa , Nellie — the candidates had a second debate Thursday night that will not be soon forgotten .
Moderator Ron Steele asked Greenfield what the break-even price of a bushel of corn was for an Iowa farmer .
Three dollars and 68 cents , she replied , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s cost structure .
Right answer !
She can expect a gold star from the Iowa State University extension service .
Steele then asked Ernst to state the break-even price for soybeans .
Ernst wasn ’ t sure .
“ You grew up on a farm .
You should know this , ” Steele said .
Ernst guessed : Maybe $ 5.50 per bushel ?
“ Would you care to give it another try ?
” asked co-moderator Matt Breen .
No thanks , Ernst replied which was probably wise .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per bushel .
Most farmers who intend to plant next year can quote the markets by the hour .
They know their market prices , their subsidy levels , their break-even costs .
A rule of running for statewide office in Iowa is to know corn and soybean prices and be facile with the donut hole for Medicare .
Not knowing the price of beans is our version of the once-standard presidential debate question : How much is a gallon of milk ?

You might think that someone who got into the U.S. Senate promoting her agricultural background with folksy ads about castrating pigs would actually know something about agriculture, but in what amounted to a must-know gimme question from a debate moderator, Joni Ernst proved to be completely clueless. Some serious debate malpractice there on Thursday night. In Iowa, this is like missing a layup.
Source: Washington Post
When Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and her Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield first met to debate a few weeks ago, the spectacle was unpleasant to watch. The two women accused each other of being corporate tools, and each demanded an apology in return. Moderator David Yepsen was forced to stop the shouting and ask: “Is this the way Iowans expect their senator to act?”
Not much to learn there. But — whoa, Nellie — the candidates had a second debate Thursday night that will not be soon forgotten. Moderator Ron Steele asked Greenfield what the break-even price of a bushel of corn was for an Iowa farmer. Three dollars and 68 cents, she replied, adding that it depends on the individual farmer’s cost structure. Right answer! She can expect a gold star from the Iowa State University extension service.
Steele then asked Ernst to state the break-even price for soybeans. Ernst wasn’t sure. “You grew up on a farm. You should know this,” Steele said. Ernst guessed: Maybe $5.50 per bushel? “Would you care to give it another try?” asked co-moderator Matt Breen. No thanks, Ernst replied which was probably wise. The break-even on soybeans is around $10 per bushel.
Most farmers who intend to plant next year can quote the markets by the hour. They know their market prices, their subsidy levels, their break-even costs. A rule of running for statewide office in Iowa is to know corn and soybean prices and be facile with the donut hole for Medicare.
Not knowing the price of beans is our version of the once-standard presidential debate question: How much is a gallon of milk?


crooksandliars--2020-10-17--David Perdue's Racist, Trump-like Dog Whistle Draws Cheers At Trump Rally

Attempting to play for Trump 's MAGA base , Sen. David Perdue of Georgia resorted to the same tired race-baiting that Trump uses , particularly egregious in this case because Perdue knows Kamala Harris well , having spent the last four years with her in the U.S. Senate .
Perdue is presently in a toss-up race with Democrat Jon Ossoff where turn-out on election day will likely determine the winner .
Sen. David Perdue , at a Georgia campaign rally for President Donald Trump , on Friday appeared to intentionally mock the first name of Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Perdue , R-Ga. , pronounced Harris ' name as : `` Kamala , or Kamala , Kamala-mala-mala , I do n't know , '' with various emphasis on parts of the name , video showed .
Perdue made the comments while naming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and others when attacking what he called `` radical socialism . ''
Perdue was elected to the Senate in 2014 and serves in Congress with Harris , who was elected in 2016 .
Perdue 's Democratic opponent in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perdue `` mocked '' Harris ' name , and added : `` We are so much better than this . ''
Ossoff seized on Perdue 's sleazy pandering in this tweet , and later in an appearance with Joy Reid on MSNBC .

Attempting to play for Trump's MAGA base, Sen. David Perdue of Georgia resorted to the same tired race-baiting that Trump uses, particularly egregious in this case because Perdue knows Kamala Harris well, having spent the last four years with her in the U.S. Senate.
Perdue is presently in a toss-up race with Democrat Jon Ossoff where turn-out on election day will likely determine the winner.
Source: NBC News
Sen. David Perdue, at a Georgia campaign rally for President Donald Trump, on Friday appeared to intentionally mock the first name of Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris. At the Macon rally, Perdue, R-Ga., pronounced Harris' name as: "Kamala, or Kamala, Kamala-mala-mala, I don't know," with various emphasis on parts of the name, video showed. Perdue made the comments while naming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and others when attacking what he called "radical socialism." Perdue was elected to the Senate in 2014 and serves in Congress with Harris, who was elected in 2016. Perdue's Democratic opponent in the Senate race, Jon Ossoff tweeted that Perdue "mocked" Harris' name, and added: "We are so much better than this."
Ossoff seized on Perdue's sleazy pandering in this tweet, and later in an appearance with Joy Reid on MSNBC.
My opponent, GOP Sen. David Perdue of anti-Semitic attack ad infamy, just mocked Sen. Harris' name as "Kamala-mala-mala-whatever" at a Trump rally.
We are so much better than this. pic.twitter.com/9AvoQK4RdN — Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) October 16, 2020
Twitter contempt followed swiftly:
By deliberately botching the name of his fellow U.S. senator, Sen. Perdue is communicating that Kamala Harris’s name is different and so is she - a black woman who is not like us and is underserving of our respect. It is his reprehensible conduct that is undeserving of respect. https://t.co/1PwNCFdhVL — Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) October 17, 2020
Kamala Harris is just as easy to pronounce as Saxby Chambliss, Perdue’s predecessor in the Senate https://t.co/M9mAtYMRvt — Fenit Nirappil (@FenitN) October 17, 2020
Perdue? Perdew? Perdouche? Whatever it is. — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 17, 2020