crooksandliars--2020-08-23--Joe Biden, And The Hopes Of Progressives

I was genuinely moved by this most unusual of conventions .
I did not necessarily expect to be .
For one thing , I am a crusty old political operative who has been involved in presidential politics since 1984 , and I am very practical about politics .
And Joe Biden was not my candidate in the primary ; Elizabeth Warren was , and I have n't stopped mourning her loss .
She would have been such an amazing president .
The Biden campaign and the convention they created were all about the big tent , with lots of Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not expect it to stir my progressive blood .
Yet it did .
Partly that is because I have known Joe and Jill Biden for a long time , since working for the first Biden presidential campaign 33 years ago .
All of the convention commentary about their decency , their kindness , their devotion to each other and their family , and to the working class people they grew up with : it 's all true .
They are two of the kindest , most empathetic , and most thoughtful people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump 's lack of decency has made me crave that kind of decency , and has made it powerfully clear how much genuine personal kindness and empathy does really matter .
While I 'm not always going to agree with Biden policy prescriptions , I know he will want to do the best he knows how to do for those working families he cares about .
That is a solid foundation to build on .
The convention was more about reaching out to the widest possible coalition than it was about energizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferred a convention with more Latinos and Latinas given major roles , with some of our great progressive rising star Muslim leaders given a chance to speak , with more of our great young progressive leaders given a role , and AOC getting more than a minute .
But I was also impressed that Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth were given such important placement , that Congresswoman Deb Haaland was asked to give a speech , that outstanding progressive activists like Laura Packard and Kristin Urquiza got great screen time , and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most powerful moments of the whole convention .
Also incredibly important , this convention was the most forcefully , openly pro-labor convention at least since 1984 .
The videos on the gun safety , climate , and especially immigration were so well done , and really moved me .
The performance of “ Glory ” by John Legend and Common blew me away .
I was also surprised and delighted , as someone who has written a book on the history of the American political debate , to have this be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historian was given several minutes to make the case for our country living up to its best ideals and traditions instead of its worst .
Most importantly , the three most significant speeches -- from Michelle and Barack , and from Joe Biden himself -- all were incredibly powerful .
They all spoke brilliantly and passionately to the stakes in this election , and to why we need to vote , volunteer for the campaign , and win .
Joe Biden 's speech on Thursday night was the best speech I have ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful , emotional , and with a good dose of working-class populism .
He reminded why , as a young progressive in Iowa so many years ago , I had picked him as my candidate .
So even though I had my disappointments , I was moved by this convention .
There 's still so much more work to do , and we ca n't take anything for granted , but I think the convention sets us on a good path to victory .
So let 's assume for a moment all our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as president and VP , and a Democratic Senate and House .
The question going forward is how progressives should view the critical next few years .
Progressives know that it is not enough to make the COVID crisis go away and then return to `` normalcy . ''
While I believe that Joe Biden also knows that , there is no doubt that he is going to surround himself with a wide range of policy experts and many of them will come from the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have plenty to push back on , just as we have this past week in terms of some of the convention decisions , or comments from one senior transition aide that seemed to imply there might not be money for all of Biden 's progressive promises .
( I 'm actually not sure that was the intent : the one who said it , Ted Kaufman , was a very progressive senator on economic issues , and I think he was pointing more to the need to raise taxes on the wealthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
Here 's what progressives have got to understand about the next few years : how much we achieve our hopes and dreams depends at least as much on the progressive movement as it does on Joe Biden .
As has been said over and over again , American history is at an inflection , a crossroads .
And it is n't just whether Donald Trump wins re-election , although that disaster would n't just be a crossroads , it would be American democracy hitting a brick wall at the crossroads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we win as well as if we lose : this country is hurtling toward climate disaster , massive job loss and the destruction of millions of small businesses , control of the economy by a tiny number of massive corporations and billionaires , and a racial justice reckoning that wo n't be denied .
If Democrats fail to meet the moment , we and our nation are in a world of hurt .
If we play small ball , if nothing transformative happens to change the path we are on , if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't recover from that failure , and our nation will fall prey to the fascist movement Trump has energized .
The progressive movement has to be the spark , the catalyst for this transformation .
And we can be .
This moment is just like the 1960s , when the civil rights movement forced two moderates with weak records on civil rights ( JFK and LBJ ) to do transformative things on those issues ; and it 's just like the 1930s , when the labor movement forced FDR ( who had never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver on labor law , the minimum wage , and Social Security .
It is the mission of the progressive movement to be strategic enough , creative enough , tough and aggressive enough to help the Biden administration be what he says he wants it to be : the boldest and most transformative president since FDR .
We have ro have an inside game and an outside game .
We will need to push a lot of the time , but also be strategic and realistic enough to know when we have gotten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign off on it .
We need to work with our champions to bargain hard , but make the deals when the time comes .
The goal for these next few years is to get big things done , because if we do n't our country and world is screwed .
What we wo n't have the time or energy to do is to worry about the slights we may get , the meetings or parties we did n't get invited to , the symbolic moments that do n't happen , or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about us .
Progressives have to help win this monumentally important election , but when we do , we have to stand and deliver and get shit done .
A failure to win on the big policy issues facing us right now would be just as big a failure as losing to Trump .

I was genuinely moved by this most unusual of conventions. I did not necessarily expect to be. For one thing, I am a crusty old political operative who has been involved in presidential politics since 1984, and I am very practical about politics. And Joe Biden was not my candidate in the primary; Elizabeth Warren was, and I haven't stopped mourning her loss. She would have been such an amazing president. The Biden campaign and the convention they created were all about the big tent, with lots of Republican endorsers in different roles, and I did not expect it to stir my progressive blood.
Yet it did.
Partly that is because I have known Joe and Jill Biden for a long time, since working for the first Biden presidential campaign 33 years ago. All of the convention commentary about their decency, their kindness, their devotion to each other and their family, and to the working class people they grew up with: it's all true. They are two of the kindest, most empathetic, and most thoughtful people in politics I have ever known. Donald Trump's lack of decency has made me crave that kind of decency, and has made it powerfully clear how much genuine personal kindness and empathy does really matter. While I'm not always going to agree with Biden policy prescriptions, I know he will want to do the best he knows how to do for those working families he cares about. That is a solid foundation to build on.
The convention was more about reaching out to the widest possible coalition than it was about energizing the base. I would have much preferred a convention with more Latinos and Latinas given major roles, with some of our great progressive rising star Muslim leaders given a chance to speak, with more of our great young progressive leaders given a role, and AOC getting more than a minute. But I was also impressed that Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth were given such important placement, that Congresswoman Deb Haaland was asked to give a speech, that outstanding progressive activists like Laura Packard and Kristin Urquiza got great screen time, and that the incomparable progressive Ady Barkan had one of the most powerful moments of the whole convention. Also incredibly important, this convention was the most forcefully, openly pro-labor convention at least since 1984. The videos on the gun safety, climate, and especially immigration were so well done, and really moved me. The performance of “Glory” by John Legend and Common blew me away.
I was also surprised and delighted, as someone who has written a book on the history of the American political debate, to have this be the first convention I can remember where a historian was given several minutes to make the case for our country living up to its best ideals and traditions instead of its worst.
Most importantly, the three most significant speeches -- from Michelle and Barack, and from Joe Biden himself -- all were incredibly powerful. They all spoke brilliantly and passionately to the stakes in this election, and to why we need to vote, volunteer for the campaign, and win. Joe Biden's speech on Thursday night was the best speech I have ever heard him give: quintessentially Joe, powerful, emotional, and with a good dose of working-class populism. He reminded why, as a young progressive in Iowa so many years ago, I had picked him as my candidate.
So even though I had my disappointments, I was moved by this convention. There's still so much more work to do, and we can't take anything for granted, but I think the convention sets us on a good path to victory.
So let's assume for a moment all our hard work comes to fruition, and we get Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as president and VP, and a Democratic Senate and House. The question going forward is how progressives should view the critical next few years. Progressives know that it is not enough to make the COVID crisis go away and then return to "normalcy." While I believe that Joe Biden also knows that, there is no doubt that he is going to surround himself with a wide range of policy experts and many of them will come from the more moderate wing of the party. We will have plenty to push back on, just as we have this past week in terms of some of the convention decisions, or comments from one senior transition aide that seemed to imply there might not be money for all of Biden's progressive promises. (I'm actually not sure that was the intent: the one who said it, Ted Kaufman, was a very progressive senator on economic issues, and I think he was pointing more to the need to raise taxes on the wealthy than he was to being fiscally frugal.)
Here's what progressives have got to understand about the next few years: how much we achieve our hopes and dreams depends at least as much on the progressive movement as it does on Joe Biden. As has been said over and over again, American history is at an inflection, a crossroads. And it isn't just whether Donald Trump wins re-election, although that disaster wouldn't just be a crossroads, it would be American democracy hitting a brick wall at the crossroads. But the crossroads thing goes to if we win as well as if we lose: this country is hurtling toward climate disaster, massive job loss and the destruction of millions of small businesses, control of the economy by a tiny number of massive corporations and billionaires, and a racial justice reckoning that won't be denied. If Democrats fail to meet the moment, we and our nation are in a world of hurt.
If we play small ball, if nothing transformative happens to change the path we are on, if we don't deliver, this nation won't recover from that failure, and our nation will fall prey to the fascist movement Trump has energized.
The progressive movement has to be the spark, the catalyst for this transformation. And we can be. This moment is just like the 1960s, when the civil rights movement forced two moderates with weak records on civil rights (JFK and LBJ) to do transformative things on those issues; and it's just like the 1930s, when the labor movement forced FDR (who had never been known as a radical) to deliver on labor law, the minimum wage, and Social Security.
It is the mission of the progressive movement to be strategic enough, creative enough, tough and aggressive enough to help the Biden administration be what he says he wants it to be: the boldest and most transformative president since FDR. We have ro have an inside game and an outside game. We will need to push a lot of the time, but also be strategic and realistic enough to know when we have gotten the best deal we can get and sign off on it. We need to work with our champions to bargain hard, but make the deals when the time comes. The goal for these next few years is to get big things done, because if we don't our country and world is screwed. What we won't have the time or energy to do is to worry about the slights we may get, the meetings or parties we didn't get invited to, the symbolic moments that don't happen, or the dumb comments someone on the inside says about us.
Progressives have to help win this monumentally important election, but when we do, we have to stand and deliver and get shit done. A failure to win on the big policy issues facing us right now would be just as big a failure as losing to Trump.


crooksandliars--2020-08-23--Trump Moves To Suppress Ballot Drop Boxes After Realizing He Doesn't Control Them

President Donald Trump on Sunday sought to suppress the use of election drop boxes after complaining that the states -- @ @ @ @ @ `` controls '' them .
`` So now the Democrats are using Mail Drop Boxes @ @ @ @ @ security disaster , '' Trump wrote on Twitter Sunday morning .
`` Among other things @ @ @ @ @ for a person to vote multiple times .
Also , who controls them , are @ @ @ @ @ Democrat areas ? ''
`` They are not Covid sanitized , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ '' It 's not the first time Trump has taken aim at ballot drop boxes @ @ @ @ @ ‘ drop boxes ’ for the collection of Universal Mail-In Ballots , ” Trump tweeted @ @ @ @ @ who is going to ‘ collect ’ the Ballots , and what might be done @ @ @ @ @ ?
A Rigged Election ?
So bad for our Country .
Only Absentee Ballots acceptable @ @

President Donald Trump on Sunday sought to suppress the use of election drop boxes after complaining that the states -- not the federal government -- "controls" them.
"So now the Democrats are using Mail Drop Boxes, which are a voter security disaster," Trump wrote on Twitter Sunday morning. "Among other things, they make it possible for a person to vote multiple times. Also, who controls them, are they placed in Republican or Democrat areas?"
"They are not Covid sanitized," he added. "A big fraud!"
So now the Democrats are using Mail Drop Boxes, which are a voter security disaster. Among other things, they make it possible for a person to vote multiple times. Also, who controls them, are they placed in Republican or Democrat areas? They are not Covid sanitized. A big fraud! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2020
It's not the first time Trump has taken aim at ballot drop boxes.
“Some states use ‘drop boxes’ for the collection of Universal Mail-In Ballots,” Trump tweeted last week. “So who is going to ‘collect’ the Ballots, and what might be done to them prior to tabulation? A Rigged Election? So bad for our Country. Only Absentee Ballots acceptable!”


crooksandliars--2020-08-23--26 Republicans Break Rank On House Emergency Funding Bill For Postal Service

The House of Representatives convened a special session on Saturday , specifically to address the Postal Service crisis created by the Trump administration , passing a legislative package that includes $ 25 billion in funding and blocks Postmaster General Louis DeJoy ’ s recent and future attempts to foment chaos and inefficiency in this most essential and Constitutionally-protected service .
In concert with the special House session , hundreds of rallies in support of the venerable institution—responsible for everything from life-saving medications to baby chicks to birthday cards to the “ last mile ” on a rural resident ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. state .
Donald Trump , who has already vowed to veto the bill , if it somehow makes it past Mitch McConnell ’ s Republican Senate , predictably spent most of the day golfing , but as always , he still found time to complain about the Postal Service and spout his unproven yet insistent belief that voting by mail is only okay when he ’ s doing it and it ’ s called “ absentee voting.
” The House bill was supported by every Democrat ( except for Hawaii Rep. Tulsi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 26 Republicans .
Those Republicans crossing the aisle represent a diverse combination of states , from rural red ones like Alaska , Nebraska , and West Virginia , to battleground states Trump must win in November , including Ohio , Texas , Florida , and Michigan .
Along with 149 Republicans , Independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan sided with his former party with his Nay vote .
After the vote , “ 26 Republicans ” immediately began trending on Twitter .
The 26 Republicans ’ rejection of Republican rhetoric on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnoticed .
With the larger-than-expected display of GOP support , speculation grew that Senate Majority Leader McConnell would not be able to let the bill wither on the vine as expected .
Trump , of course , was displeased .
According to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , the USPS ’ board of governors asked for $ 25 billion .
Ahead of the vote , supporters of the Postal Service—which enjoys a 91 % approval rating that Trump , an attention addict , must envy—came out loud for America ’ s favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This gift from a 12-year-old Mainer to the family mail carrier is so sweet .
These woozles know they can ’ t bark at their letter carrier if the Postal Service isn ’ t funded .
Union workers , including the American Federation of Teachers , showed up for the post office .
A couple hours ’ drive away , the historic Ben Franklin Post Office in Philadelphia was surrounded by socially distant supporters of the USPS .
You can find many , many more great shots from today ’ s post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # SaveTheUSPS hashtags on Twitter , as well as in the replies , like this one from New Mexico , to Walter Shaub ’ s call for images .
Did you rally for the Postal Service this Saturday ?
Share your favorite images in the comments !

The House of Representatives convened a special session on Saturday, specifically to address the Postal Service crisis created by the Trump administration, passing a legislative package that includes $25 billion in funding and blocks Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s recent and future attempts to foment chaos and inefficiency in this most essential and Constitutionally-protected service.
In concert with the special House session, hundreds of rallies in support of the venerable institution—responsible for everything from life-saving medications to baby chicks to birthday cards to the “last mile” on a rural resident’s latest Amazon order—took place in nearly every U.S. state.
Donald Trump, who has already vowed to veto the bill, if it somehow makes it past Mitch McConnell’s Republican Senate, predictably spent most of the day golfing, but as always, he still found time to complain about the Postal Service and spout his unproven yet insistent belief that voting by mail is only okay when he’s doing it and it’s called “absentee voting.”
The House bill was supported by every Democrat (except for Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who did not vote), and 26 Republicans.
Credit: Screenshot/CSPAN
Those Republicans crossing the aisle represent a diverse combination of states, from rural red ones like Alaska, Nebraska, and West Virginia, to battleground states Trump must win in November, including Ohio, Texas, Florida, and Michigan.
House 257-150 vote approving bill to prohibit changes to @USPS services during pandemic & provide $25 billion in funding. All Dems voted in favor + 26 Republicans.
See the vote at Represent:https://t.co/UM651b7nj4 pic.twitter.com/HpdWgJ7kye — ProPublica Represent (@PP_Represent) August 22, 2020
Along with 149 Republicans, Independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan sided with his former party with his Nay vote.
After the vote, “26 Republicans” immediately began trending on Twitter.
NEW: 26 Republicans voted with Democrats 257-150 for the House postal service relief bill - a rebuke of Trump. Pelosi had expected just a handful. — Amy Siskind 🏳🌈 (@Amy_Siskind) August 22, 2020
The 26 Republicans’ rejection of Republican rhetoric on the bill also didn’t go unnoticed.
26 Republicans voted in favor of the bill that GOP House Oversight says is based on a farce. https://t.co/d5xVI7s2D9 https://t.co/AGoaJAn3GD — Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) August 22, 2020
With the larger-than-expected display of GOP support, speculation grew that Senate Majority Leader McConnell would not be able to let the bill wither on the vine as expected.
26 House Republicans break ranks to vote for USPS funding
Yes, this shouldn’t be a partisan issue since everyone depends on the mail
But in these partisan times, 26 Republicans defying Trump is a big deal
McConnell ignores this bipartisan bill at his own political peril https://t.co/qCWNo8QIYW — Chris Lu (@ChrisLu44) August 22, 2020
Trump, of course, was displeased.
....that they are trying to pull off in violation of everything that our Country stands for. Vote NO to the Pelosi/ Schumer money wasting HOAX which is taking place now. Then fight the $51 million unasked for Ballots. Only ABSENTEE BALLOTS are acceptable! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2020
According to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, the USPS’ board of governors asked for $25 billion.
Ahead of the vote, supporters of the Postal Service—which enjoys a 91% approval rating that Trump, an attention addict, must envy—came out loud for America’s favorite government agency. The message was simple.
South Bend, Indiana!
Joined the national protest at the south bend post office today. We need the post office running at maximum efficiency now more than ever, lives depend on it! AND so we can get those absentee ballots-Thank you to all the mail carriers-esp ours☔💨🌨🥶📪Sanders #Savethepostoffice pic.twitter.com/EfFqQqwuvx — Muffet McGraw (@MuffetMcGraw) August 22, 2020
Middleburg, Florida!
New York City!
A friend sent me a picture of a #SaveThePostOffice rally happening on the upper West side. pic.twitter.com/M6nszFFRQN — Molly Jong-Fast🏡 (@MollyJongFast) August 22, 2020
This gift from a 12-year-old Mainer to the family mail carrier is so sweet.
12yo created a "paper squishy" for our Letter Carrier, Justin for him to display in his mail truck and squeeze in times of stress. @USPS is a vital part of our tiny Maine community. #SaveThePostOffice pic.twitter.com/EB0plZkKYi — Jayne Fagan (@TheJayneFagan) August 22, 2020
Cher marched for the Postal Service.
Take ACTION in support of postal workers, 39% are people of color, 40% are women, and 16% are military members and veterans, many of whom have lost a substantial portion of their income due to DeJoy's service cuts. https://t.co/lrMNRvXzz2 #SaveThePostOffice #WeWillDeliver pic.twitter.com/pg4YS5b2A1 — Cher (@cher) August 22, 2020
These woozles know they can’t bark at their letter carrier if the Postal Service isn’t funded.
Okay, you know we love this.
DA GOODEST BABIES for #SaveThePostOffice! pic.twitter.com/HMF1XDICB4 — MoveOn (Text MAIL to 668366) #SaveThePostOffice (@MoveOn) August 22, 2020
Union workers, including the American Federation of Teachers, showed up for the post office.
These Pennsylvanian post office fans posed a perfect question.
A couple hours’ drive away, the historic Ben Franklin Post Office in Philadelphia was surrounded by socially distant supporters of the USPS.
A great outpouring of support, where it all began. The Ben Franklin Post Office. #SaveThePostOffice pic.twitter.com/9LXRyBMiRI — Vincent Stehle (@VinceDaily) August 22, 2020
You can find many, many more great shots from today’s post office rallies at the #SaveThePostOffice and #SaveTheUSPS hashtags on Twitter, as well as in the replies, like this one from New Mexico, to Walter Shaub’s call for images.
Did you rally for the Postal Service this Saturday? Share your favorite images in the comments!
Posted with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-08-23--'It's A Hate Group': Chris Wallace Grills Mark Meadows Over Trump's Praise For QAnon

Fox News host Chris Wallace confronted White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Sunday over President Donald Trump 's praise of `` hate group '' QAnon .
During an interview on FOX News Sunday , Wallace noted that Trump was recently asked about the group at a White House press conference .
`` The president was asked this week about QAnon , a conspiracy theory group that the FBI has called a domestic terror threat , '' Wallace recalled .
`` The president said that he was thankful of the support of the people in QAnon . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Fox News host told Meadows .
`` Does the president disavow , does he condemn QAnon ? ''
`` Well , listen , we do n't even know what it is , '' Meadows said without immediately condemning the group .
`` I find it appalling that the media , when we have all of the important things that are going on , a list of top twenties , that the first question at a press briefing would be about QAnon that I had to actually Google to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to interrupt but Meadows raised his voice .
`` You 're bringing it up and it 's ridiculous ! ''
the chief of staff exclaimed .
`` If you want to talk about conspiracies , let 's get back to talking about how the FBI and others within the FBI spied on the Trump campaign . ''
`` Wait , '' Wallace pleaded .
`` The point is , it 's a hate group .
It 's a group that 's called by the FBI , a domestic terror threat . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Meadows shot back .
`` So I can tell you , if it 's a hate group that is there , let 's look at domestic terrorism and look at Antifa and a number of other areas and quit spending time on something that 81 % of Republicans do n't even know what you 're talking about . ''

Fox News host Chris Wallace confronted White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Sunday over President Donald Trump's praise of "hate group" QAnon.
During an interview on FOX News Sunday, Wallace noted that Trump was recently asked about the group at a White House press conference.
"The president was asked this week about QAnon, a conspiracy theory group that the FBI has called a domestic terror threat," Wallace recalled. "The president said that he was thankful of the support of the people in QAnon."
"You can end this controversy right now," the Fox News host told Meadows. "Does the president disavow, does he condemn QAnon?"
"Well, listen, we don't even know what it is," Meadows said without immediately condemning the group. "I find it appalling that the media, when we have all of the important things that are going on, a list of top twenties, that the first question at a press briefing would be about QAnon that I had to actually Google to figure out what it is."
Wallace tried to interrupt but Meadows raised his voice.
"You're bringing it up and it's ridiculous!" the chief of staff exclaimed. "If you want to talk about conspiracies, let's get back to talking about how the FBI and others within the FBI spied on the Trump campaign."
"Wait," Wallace pleaded. "The point is, it's a hate group. It's a group that's called by the FBI, a domestic terror threat."
"This president is not for hate!" Meadows shot back. "So I can tell you, if it's a hate group that is there, let's look at domestic terrorism and look at Antifa and a number of other areas and quit spending time on something that 81% of Republicans don't even know what you're talking about."


crooksandliars--2020-08-23--Inmates' Advocates Push For Prisoner Release As Wildfires Engulf California

As wildfires rage in California , advocates are pushing for Gov .
Gavin Newsom to evacuate prisons in the line of the fires .
`` It 's disaster on top of disaster on top of disaster , '' Kirsten Roehler , whose 78-year-old father , Fred Roehler , is imprisoned in Lancaster , California , told The Guardian .
The 2020 wildfire season is especially difficult for multiple reasons , including record high temperatures and extreme weather and , of course , Covid-19 .
Flames burned through more than 770,000 acres in the Golden State within just one week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five people dead and air quality continually decreasing .
Some of the state 's prisons are located in areas under evacuation orders , including the California Medical Facility ( CMF ) and Solano State Prison , which are outside of Vacaville , California .
`` They are breathing in fire and smoke , and they have nowhere to run , '' Sophia Murillo , 39 , whose brother is incarcerated at CMF in Vacaville told The Guardian .
`` Everyone has evacuated but they were left there in prison .
Are they going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get them out ? ''
Civil rights advocates have called on the governor to release offenders since the Covid-19 outbreak began ravaging prison populations and staff throughout the United States .
Newsom and other governors have released thousands of prisoners in light of the pandemic , but with the fires raging closer and closer to physical prison structures , the calls for more action are growing .
In Vacaville , instead of releasing the nonviolent inmates , officials moved 80 prisoners `` to sleep in outdoor tents instead of indoor cells '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid-19 in its facility , The Guardian reported .
But the wildfires have damaged air quality , prompting authorities to move the inmates back inside .
`` I 'm furious at the incompetence and severe inhumanity of this , '' Kate Chatfield , policy director with the Justice Collaborative , a group that fights mass incarceration , told The Guardian .
`` Covid is allowed to rage through the prison system and kill people , and then they have tent hospitals set up … and now with wildfires , they take down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Covid-infected building ? ''
In lieu of evacuating the Solano State Prison , authorities Thursday issued N95 masks to inmates and staff .
Aaron Francis , a spokesman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation ( CDCR ) , told the Guardian Thursday that officials were monitoring the Vacaville fires but that the two prisons were `` not in immediate danger '' and had no current orders to evacuate .
`` It should n't come down to [ Covid-19 ] , uncontrollable fires , earthquakes , or other major crises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Adbab Khan , founder of Re : Store Justice , a prisoner advocacy organization tweeted Friday .
`` Mass incarceration is the disaster . ''
Republished with permission from Common Dreams under Creative Commons License .

As wildfires rage in California, advocates are pushing for Gov. Gavin Newsom to evacuate prisons in the line of the fires.
"It's disaster on top of disaster on top of disaster," Kirsten Roehler, whose 78-year-old father, Fred Roehler, is imprisoned in Lancaster, California, told The Guardian.
The 2020 wildfire season is especially difficult for multiple reasons, including record high temperatures and extreme weather and, of course, Covid-19.
Flames burned through more than 770,000 acres in the Golden State within just one week, the Washington Post reported Friday, leaving five people dead and air quality continually decreasing. Some of the state's prisons are located in areas under evacuation orders, including the California Medical Facility (CMF) and Solano State Prison, which are outside of Vacaville, California.
"They are breathing in fire and smoke, and they have nowhere to run," Sophia Murillo, 39, whose brother is incarcerated at CMF in Vacaville told The Guardian. "Everyone has evacuated but they were left there in prison. Are they going to wait until the last minute to get them out?"
Civil rights advocates have called on the governor to release offenders since the Covid-19 outbreak began ravaging prison populations and staff throughout the United States. Newsom and other governors have released thousands of prisoners in light of the pandemic, but with the fires raging closer and closer to physical prison structures, the calls for more action are growing.
In Vacaville, instead of releasing the nonviolent inmates, officials moved 80 prisoners "to sleep in outdoor tents instead of indoor cells" in a move meant to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in its facility, The Guardian reported. But the wildfires have damaged air quality, prompting authorities to move the inmates back inside.
"I'm furious at the incompetence and severe inhumanity of this," Kate Chatfield, policy director with the Justice Collaborative, a group that fights mass incarceration, told The Guardian. "Covid is allowed to rage through the prison system and kill people, and then they have tent hospitals set up … and now with wildfires, they take down the tents and put these people back in the Covid-infected building?"
As wildfires burn and neighborhoods evacuate, California prison officials have declined to evacuate Solano State Prison in Vacaville. Instead, they will reportedly give incarcerated people N95 masks to protect against poor air quality. https://t.co/CBKUvS2ddk — The Appeal (@theappeal) August 20, 2020
In lieu of evacuating the Solano State Prison, authorities Thursday issued N95 masks to inmates and staff. Aaron Francis, a spokesman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), told the Guardian Thursday that officials were monitoring the Vacaville fires but that the two prisons were "not in immediate danger" and had no current orders to evacuate.
"It shouldn't come down to [Covid-19], uncontrollable fires, earthquakes, or other major crises for us to start releasing people," Adbab Khan, founder of Re:Store Justice, a prisoner advocacy organization tweeted Friday. "Mass incarceration is the disaster."
Republished with permission from Common Dreams under Creative Commons License.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Nancy Pelosi Responds To Recordings Of Trump's Sister: Trump Is 'A Hoax"

On Saturday the Washington Post released devastating audio taken by Mary Trump , Donald Trump 's niece , of conversations she had with Donald 's own sister .
On these recordings , Maryanne Trump says Trump only `` wants to do is appeal to his base '' and that “ he has no principles .
None .
None .
And his base , I mean my God , if you were a religious person , you want to help people .
Not do this.
” She also talks laughs about `` his goddamned tweet and lying , oh my God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew : “ No .
He doesn ’ t read . ''
As a child , she says `` He was a brat '' and states that she `` did his homework for him ” that `` he got into University of Pennsylvania because he had somebody take the exams.
” The SAT 's is what she means , which is not a new story , but it is shocking nonetheless .
She summarized Donald Trump 's entire life philosophy in 6 words : “ Donald is out for Donald , period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about her reaction to these audio interview , sparking a blunt response .
TAPPER : I want to get to the post office stuff in a second .
But , first , I do want to ask you about this breaking story , this remarkable audio of President Trump 's sister , former Judge Maryanne Trump Barry .
She calls the president cruel .
She says he has no principles .
She says Donald is out for Donald .
It was secretly recorded by President Trump 's niece Mary , who has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a book she wrote about him .
What 's your reaction to hearing that kind of stark criticism coming from the president 's own sister ?
PELOSI : Well , it 's heartbreaking to think that a family member of the President of the United States would have that view of him .
The president is calling everything a hoax .
He calls the virus a hoax for a while .
He 's called the Russian interference in our elections a hoax .
He calls everything a hoax , which is just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoax .
And this is just further evidence of his inauthenticity and his lack of integrity , a hoax .
It is pretty glaring to see someone 's sibling come out with such a blunt analysis of him as a person , but she is right .
He is a hoax .
He has no principles .
It is always about Donald .
And at the end of the day , HE IS THE HOAX .

On Saturday the Washington Post released devastating audio taken by Mary Trump, Donald Trump's niece, of conversations she had with Donald's own sister. On these recordings, Maryanne Trump says Trump only "wants to do is appeal to his base" and that “he has no principles. None. None. And his base, I mean my God, if you were a religious person, you want to help people. Not do this.” She also talks laughs about "his goddamned tweet and lying, oh my God." And confirming what we already knew: “No. He doesn’t read."
As a child, she says "He was a brat" and states that she "did his homework for him” that "he got into University of Pennsylvania because he had somebody take the exams.” The SAT's is what she means, which is not a new story, but it is shocking nonetheless. She summarized Donald Trump's entire life philosophy in 6 words: “Donald is out for Donald, period."
Jake Tapper asked Speaker Nancy Pelosi about her reaction to these audio interview, sparking a blunt response.
TAPPER: I want to get to the post office stuff in a second. But, first, I do want to ask you about this breaking story, this remarkable audio of President Trump's sister, former Judge Maryanne Trump Barry. She calls the president cruel. She says he has no principles. She says Donald is out for Donald. It was secretly recorded by President Trump's niece Mary, who has made her opinion of her uncle clear in a book she wrote about him. What's your reaction to hearing that kind of stark criticism coming from the president's own sister? PELOSI: Well, it's heartbreaking to think that a family member of the President of the United States would have that view of him. The president is calling everything a hoax. He calls the virus a hoax for a while. He's called the Russian interference in our elections a hoax. He calls everything a hoax, which is just a projection of what he is, a hoax. And this is just further evidence of his inauthenticity and his lack of integrity, a hoax.
It is pretty glaring to see someone's sibling come out with such a blunt analysis of him as a person, but she is right. He is a hoax. He has no principles. It is always about Donald. And at the end of the day, HE IS THE HOAX.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Trump Adviser Brags 'Solid People' Like Kellyanne Conway And Stephen Miller Haven't Been Arrested

Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller noted on Sunday that President Donald Trump employs a number of `` solid people '' who have not been arrested or convicted during his presidency .
While appearing on NBC 's Meet the Press , host Chuck Todd questioned Miller about the arrest of former Trump campaign chief Steve Bannon , who has been accused of defrauding donors of a charity which claimed it was building a border wall .
Miller sought to distance the campaign from Bannon .
`` It looks like this investigation was going along before the podcast even started -- the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Steve , '' Miller said .
`` These allegations are very serious and I hope that Steve has some good answers for the things that he 's been accused of .
It 's not something that I worked on . ''
Todd pointed out that a number of Trump associates have been charged or convicted since the president took office , including Bannon , Michael Flynn , Paul Manafort , Rick Gates , Michael Cohen and Roger Stone .
`` The president seems to surround himself with people with shady instincts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I disagree , '' Miller replied .
`` I think you take a look at the great people President Trump has surrounded himself with , some of the brilliant women and some of the brilliant leaders that we have within this administration , some of our cabinet members . ''
`` And I would say that , overall , the president has had a very good track record of hiring excellent people , '' he continued .
`` There are a number of the folks on the list you pointed out there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes in their life and it had nothing to do with President Trump . ''
He added : `` Take a look at his senior staff at the White House , whether it be Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , whether it be Kellyanne Conway .
Look at people like Jeron Smith and Stephen Miller .
These are solid people who I think work very hard for the American people every day .
I 'm proud to call them teammates in this broader pro-Trump effort . ''

Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller noted on Sunday that President Donald Trump employs a number of "solid people" who have not been arrested or convicted during his presidency.
While appearing on NBC's Meet the Press, host Chuck Todd questioned Miller about the arrest of former Trump campaign chief Steve Bannon, who has been accused of defrauding donors of a charity which claimed it was building a border wall.
Miller sought to distance the campaign from Bannon.
"It looks like this investigation was going along before the podcast even started -- the podcast and radio show that I co-hosted with Steve," Miller said. "These allegations are very serious and I hope that Steve has some good answers for the things that he's been accused of. It's not something that I worked on."
Todd pointed out that a number of Trump associates have been charged or convicted since the president took office, including Bannon, Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, Michael Cohen and Roger Stone.
"The president seems to surround himself with people with shady instincts," the NBC host said.
"I disagree," Miller replied. "I think you take a look at the great people President Trump has surrounded himself with, some of the brilliant women and some of the brilliant leaders that we have within this administration, some of our cabinet members."
"And I would say that, overall, the president has had a very good track record of hiring excellent people," he continued. "There are a number of the folks on the list you pointed out there, Chuck, who have made some serious mistakes in their life and it had nothing to do with President Trump."
He added: "Take a look at his senior staff at the White House, whether it be Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, whether it be Kellyanne Conway. Look at people like Jeron Smith and Stephen Miller. These are solid people who I think work very hard for the American people every day. I'm proud to call them teammates in this broader pro-Trump effort."


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Adam Christensen Won His Primary Tuesday-- Now He Faces A Trumpist

On Tuesday we had some significant victories in the Florida primaries , especially for Florida legislature candidate Angie Nixon and for FL-03 congressional candidate Adam Christensen .
Angie 's district is so blue that she does n't even have a Republican opponent in November .
Adam 's district ... well , it 's pretty red and gave Trump a 16 point margin in 2016 .
The current crackpot , Ted Yoho , is stepping down and we think Adam has a good shot to flip it from red to blue .
The DCCC is n't interested in the district or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please consider helping him mount a substantial campaign and putting his ideas into action -- both for the election and in Congress .
`` Last Tuesday we shocked the world , '' he told me .
`` We did something that no one thought was possible .
We ran an entirely youth-led progressive campaign in Ted Yoho ’ s district and won the Democratic nomination for Congress . ''
Former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson is a big supporter and said she found it `` so refreshing to talk to someone who represents everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christensen is someone whose presence in Congress would contribute to the much-needed process of transforming the institution . ''
`` Experts '' told Adam that `` to win we would have run as a 'moderate ' and 'water down ' our policies .
We were told that the only path to the nomination was to win Alachua .
We were told that we were too young , too idealistic , and that it 'wasn ’ t our time . '
We were told that we didn ’ t have the money or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our better-funded opponents .
In the end , we proved them all wrong . ''
He did something no Democrat had ever done ; he won the red-leaning rural counties -- and he won them by talking about a progressive policy agenda for working class Americans .
We proved that Medicare For All and a Green New Deal are winning issues in deep red states .
We formed coalitions and organized Florida state House candidates in our congressional district in a way that had never been done before .
We galvanized young voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listens and fights for the issues they care about most .
We convinced people in a district that everyone had written off that it was possible to win , and we did .
We made history by nominating the youngest Democratic candidate in the country at the age of 26 years old .
We are not done .
This was just the warm-up for the real battle ahead .
Now , it is time to flip Ted Yoho ’ s district and flex the muscle of the progressive left in North Central Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to do it .
Just like we did in the primary , we are going to focus on and win the rural vote .
We are going to organize and turn out the Latinx population that has been overlooked by candidates for decades .
We are going to unify Independent and Democratic women .
We are going to give a way back to the middle class for farmers , workers , and families by focusing on them instead of the companies that have destroyed their way of life for 40 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Florida state House districts up , flip the Florida House , flip Florida Congressional District 3 , and defeat Donald Trump in November .
Our congressional district is the pivot point in Florida to defeating Donald Trump .
Defeating Donald Trump is not enough .
We have to break up corporate cartels and monopolies .
We have to build an entire caucus of progressives that is able to push and pass the solutions we need in order to make our lives better : Medicare For All , Universal Childcare , a Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Emergency Universal Basic Income .
It is time to get off the sidelines and believe that a better future is possible .
We must make it a reality that if you work eight hours a day , you are able to afford a home , a family , and a decent life .
The only way we achieve that is to organize and force those currently in power to do what we want .
If there was ever a period in American history that this victory was possible , it is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives back .
It is time that we fight for our families and our future .
It is time that we tear down the structures that have held us back for too long .
It is time that we flip Florida ’ s Third Congressional District .
It is time for us to send unrelenting , unapologetic , fearless progressives to Washington .
Howie : Our time ?
Not his time -- OUR time .
And you know , he ca n't do it alone ; none of us can .
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thermometer above and contributing what you feel comfortable giving .
He won his primary with all small donations from individuals .

On Tuesday we had some significant victories in the Florida primaries, especially for Florida legislature candidate Angie Nixon and for FL-03 congressional candidate Adam Christensen. Angie's district is so blue that she doesn't even have a Republican opponent in November.
Adam's district... well, it's pretty red and gave Trump a 16 point margin in 2016. The current crackpot, Ted Yoho, is stepping down and we think Adam has a good shot to flip it from red to blue. The DCCC isn't interested in the district or in Adam, a staunch progressive.
Please consider helping him mount a substantial campaign and putting his ideas into action-- both for the election and in Congress. "Last Tuesday we shocked the world," he told me. "We did something that no one thought was possible. We ran an entirely youth-led progressive campaign in Ted Yoho’s district and won the Democratic nomination for Congress."
Former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson is a big supporter and said she found it "so refreshing to talk to someone who represents everything you think America should be. Adam Christensen is someone whose presence in Congress would contribute to the much-needed process of transforming the institution."
"Experts" told Adam that "to win we would have run as a 'moderate' and 'water down' our policies. We were told that the only path to the nomination was to win Alachua. We were told that we were too young, too idealistic, and that it 'wasn’t our time.' We were told that we didn’t have the money or the name recognition to be able to beat our better-funded opponents. In the end, we proved them all wrong." He did something no Democrat had ever done; he won the red-leaning rural counties-- and he won them by talking about a progressive policy agenda for working class Americans.
Adam:
We proved that Medicare For All and a Green New Deal are winning issues in deep red states. We formed coalitions and organized Florida state House candidates in our congressional district in a way that had never been done before. We galvanized young voters because we gave them a candidate who listens and fights for the issues they care about most. We convinced people in a district that everyone had written off that it was possible to win, and we did. We made history by nominating the youngest Democratic candidate in the country at the age of 26 years old. We are not done. This was just the warm-up for the real battle ahead. Now, it is time to flip Ted Yoho’s district and flex the muscle of the progressive left in North Central Florida. Here’s how we’re going to do it. Just like we did in the primary, we are going to focus on and win the rural vote. We are going to organize and turn out the Latinx population that has been overlooked by candidates for decades. We are going to unify Independent and Democratic women. We are going to give a way back to the middle class for farmers, workers, and families by focusing on them instead of the companies that have destroyed their way of life for 40 years. We are going to organize from the Florida state House districts up, flip the Florida House, flip Florida Congressional District 3, and defeat Donald Trump in November. Our congressional district is the pivot point in Florida to defeating Donald Trump. Defeating Donald Trump is not enough. We have to break up corporate cartels and monopolies. We have to build an entire caucus of progressives that is able to push and pass the solutions we need in order to make our lives better: Medicare For All, Universal Childcare, a Green New Deal, Universal Broadband Internet, and Emergency Universal Basic Income. It is time to get off the sidelines and believe that a better future is possible. We must make it a reality that if you work eight hours a day, you are able to afford a home, a family, and a decent life. The only way we achieve that is to organize and force those currently in power to do what we want. If there was ever a period in American history that this victory was possible, it is now. It is time that we take our lives back. It is time that we fight for our families and our future. It is time that we tear down the structures that have held us back for too long. It is time that we flip Florida’s Third Congressional District. It is time for us to send unrelenting, unapologetic, fearless progressives to Washington. It is OUR time.
Howie: Our time? Not his time-- OUR time. And you know, he can't do it alone; none of us can. Please give him a hand by clicking on the thermometer above and contributing what you feel comfortable giving. He won his primary with all small donations from individuals.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--'I Regret It': C-SPAN Caller Tells RNC Spokesperson She Won't Cast Another Vote For Trump

A Republican voter explained to RNC spokesperson Elizabeth Harrington on Sunday why she no longer supports President Donald Trump because of his response to COVID-19 .
During an appearance on C-SPAN 's Washington Journal program , a woman from Texas named Rosie admitted that she had voted for Trump in 2016 .
`` I feel right now that this young lady , Elizabeth , is n't strong enough and knows enough to defend a Republican Party , '' the woman said .
`` I did vote for Mr. Trump and , afterwards , I regretted it .
Because in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has done lots of mistakes . ''
Rosie pointed out that Trump had bragged that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without repercussions .
`` Here in Texas , he does n't have to come and shoot nobody , '' she said before slamming the president 's response to COVID-19 .
Harrington disagreed : `` The media has not given the president a fair shake in this at all .
We know this is a unique situation that happened and we know who 's to blame .
It 's a commmunist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , they covered it up . ''
The RNC spokesperson praised Trump for `` shutting down travel '' despite evidence that thousands of people entered the country following the so-called `` ban . ''
`` President Trump said it so well , '' she insisted .
`` Where Joe Biden and Kamala Harris see darkness , we see American greatness . ''

A Republican voter explained to RNC spokesperson Elizabeth Harrington on Sunday why she no longer supports President Donald Trump because of his response to COVID-19.
During an appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal program, a woman from Texas named Rosie admitted that she had voted for Trump in 2016.
"I feel right now that this young lady, Elizabeth, isn't strong enough and knows enough to defend a Republican Party," the woman said. "I did vote for Mr. Trump and, afterwards, I regretted it. Because in the beginning, if she pays attention... he has done lots of mistakes."
Rosie pointed out that Trump had bragged that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without repercussions.
"Here in Texas, he doesn't have to come and shoot nobody," she said before slamming the president's response to COVID-19.
Harrington disagreed: "The media has not given the president a fair shake in this at all. We know this is a unique situation that happened and we know who's to blame. It's a commmunist regime in China that lied to the world, they covered it up."
The RNC spokesperson praised Trump for "shutting down travel" despite evidence that thousands of people entered the country following the so-called "ban."
"President Trump said it so well," she insisted. "Where Joe Biden and Kamala Harris see darkness, we see American greatness."


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Rep. Katie Porter Grills The Postmaster General

Rep. Katie Porter basically gets Louis Dejoy to admit he does n't know the first thing about the government agency he supposedly oversees .
Rep. Katie Porter ( D-CA ) had five minutes to question President Donald Trump ’ s hand-picked Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Monday afternoon and she didn ’ t waste a second of it .
The congresswoman ’ s first question seemed like a softball .
“ What is the cost of a first-class postage stamp ?
” she asked .
DeJoy got that one right by answering $ 0.55 , but it went downhill fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know how much it cost to send a postcard or a square envelope .
Laughing uncomfortably , DeJoy admitted , “ I will submit that I know very little about postage and stamps.
” After some more back and forth , Rep. Porter asked DeJoy if he knew who had instituted the changes to the post office which have proven to be so disastrous .
DeJoy said he did not know , nor would be commit to finding out or reversing those changes .
She then asked about his financial interests in companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency he now heads , and whether he 'd resign if there was any misconduct found by the inspector general .
DeJoy said he did n't think they would find any misconduct , but `` I do n't see why i would commit here right now to resigning for any reason . ''
“ You don ’ t think there 's any reason that you should ever resign ?
” Porter asked .
“ No reason that I ’ ve heard here today , ” he answered .

Rep. Katie Porter basically gets Louis Dejoy to admit he doesn't know the first thing about the government agency he supposedly oversees.
Source: Daily Beast
Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) had five minutes to question President Donald Trump’s hand-picked Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Monday afternoon and she didn’t waste a second of it. The congresswoman’s first question seemed like a softball. “What is the cost of a first-class postage stamp?” she asked. DeJoy got that one right by answering $0.55, but it went downhill fast from there. He didn’t know how much it cost to send a postcard or a square envelope. Laughing uncomfortably, DeJoy admitted, “I will submit that I know very little about postage and stamps.”
After some more back and forth, Rep. Porter asked DeJoy if he knew who had instituted the changes to the post office which have proven to be so disastrous. DeJoy said he did not know, nor would be commit to finding out or reversing those changes. She then asked about his financial interests in companies that are in direct competition with the agency he now heads, and whether he'd resign if there was any misconduct found by the inspector general. DeJoy said he didn't think they would find any misconduct, but "I don't see why i would commit here right now to resigning for any reason."
Uh huh. Telling, isn't it?
“You don’t think there's any reason that you should ever resign?” Porter asked. “No reason that I’ve heard here today,” he answered.
Porter: Will you commit to reversing these changes?
DeJoy: No
Porter: If the Inspector General finds you've committed misconduct, will you resign?
DeJoy: I don't think I should.
This exchange between @RepKatiePorter and Postmaster DeJoy is breathtaking. pic.twitter.com/YyCkfwC1l7 — Robert Reich (@RBReich) August 24, 2020
.@RepKatiePorter : Do you know the rate of priority mail?
DeJoy: No.
Porter: Do you know how many people voted by mail in the last election?
DeJoy: No, I would be guessing. And I don't want to guess.
Porter: I'm concerned about your understanding of this agency.#USPSHearing — Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) August 24, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--New York State Files Legal Action Against Trump Organization For Possible Financial Crimes

Donald Trump and the Trump Organization is facing a serious new legal investigation - this time initiated by the New York State Attorney General , Letitia James .
And this time Eric Trump is personally named .
To be clear - the investigation that ended up in the Supreme Court was initiated by the Manhattan DA , Cy Vance , and was initiated to investigate illegal payments to Stormy Daniels .
The case filed today by AG James is to investigate Trump 's private businesses for allegedly misleading banks in order to get loans through inflating the value of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a civil investigation , but it could always lead to criminal charges .
The Washington Post reports that the New York Attorney General is investigating Trump 's use of “ Statements of Financial Condition ” — a document created to summarize his assets and debts .
In the court filing , the AG asks a New York state judge to `` compel the Trump Organization to provide information it has been withholding from investigators — including a subpoena seeking an interview with the president ’ s son Eric '' The AG states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testified in front of Congress in February 2019 , alleging that Trump had inflated his net worth to lenders .
Interestingly , the filing names Eric Trump personally and states that he had been scheduled for an interview in late July of 2020 , but had `` abruptly cancelled '' .
Further , Eric is now refusing to be interviewed at all , citing the 5th amendment without actually using those words : “ We can not allow the requested interview to go forward … pursuant to those rights afforded to every individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get into too much detail , but it does reference by name three Trump properties : A Los Angeles golf course , an office building at 40 Wall St. and a country estate called “ Seven Springs ” in Westchester County , N.Y. Just last year a Washington Post article reported that Trump had inflated ( lied ) about the value of the Seven Springs property in the exact document the AG is looking to get - a “ Statement of Financial Condition.
” In that documents , Trump claimed the property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes ” and he stated that the lots raised the value of the property to over $ 260 million .
Unfortunately the local authorities assessed the value at only $ 20 million .
That is a shocking disparity .
Oh , and the homes were never built .
Not one .
The Trump Organization legal counsel provided a statement to the Washington Post stating : “ The Trump Organization has done nothing wrong . ''
Of course , he blamed the fiing on politics .
The New York Attorney General posted this thread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if this where this case goes .
Eric Trump is not protected by the same `` no one can indict a sitting President '' and these are ALL state charges , so no pardon power .

Donald Trump and the Trump Organization is facing a serious new legal investigation - this time initiated by the New York State Attorney General, Letitia James. And this time Eric Trump is personally named. To be clear - the investigation that ended up in the Supreme Court was initiated by the Manhattan DA, Cy Vance, and was initiated to investigate illegal payments to Stormy Daniels. The case filed today by AG James is to investigate Trump's private businesses for allegedly misleading banks in order to get loans through inflating the value of its assets. Totally different. This is also a civil investigation, but it could always lead to criminal charges.
The Washington Post reports that the New York Attorney General is investigating Trump's use of “Statements of Financial Condition” — a document created to summarize his assets and debts. In the court filing, the AG asks a New York state judge to "compel the Trump Organization to provide information it has been withholding from investigators — including a subpoena seeking an interview with the president’s son Eric"
The AG states that this investigation began after Michael Cohen testified in front of Congress in February 2019, alleging that Trump had inflated his net worth to lenders. Interestingly, the filing names Eric Trump personally and states that he had been scheduled for an interview in late July of 2020, but had "abruptly cancelled". Further, Eric is now refusing to be interviewed at all, citing the 5th amendment without actually using those words: “We cannot allow the requested interview to go forward … pursuant to those rights afforded to every individual under the Constitution.”
The filing does not get into too much detail, but it does reference by name three Trump properties: A Los Angeles golf course, an office building at 40 Wall St. and a country estate called “Seven Springs” in Westchester County, N.Y. Just last year a Washington Post article reported that Trump had inflated (lied) about the value of the Seven Springs property in the exact document the AG is looking to get - a “Statement of Financial Condition.” In that documents, Trump claimed the property had been “zoned for nine luxurious homes” and he stated that the lots raised the value of the property to over $260 million. Unfortunately the local authorities assessed the value at only $20 million. That is a shocking disparity. Oh, and the homes were never built. Not one.
The Trump Organization legal counsel provided a statement to the Washington Post stating: “The Trump Organization has done nothing wrong." Of course, he blamed the fiing on politics.
The New York Attorney General posted this thread explaining the case:
I took action to force the Trump Organization, and specifically EVP Eric Trump, to comply with my office’s ongoing investigation into its financial dealings.
For months, the Trump Organization has failed to fully comply with our subpoenas in this investigation. — NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 24, 2020
Our investigation began after Michael Cohen testified before Congress that Trump’s annual financial statements inflated the values of his assets to obtain favorable terms for loans & insurance coverage, while also deflating the value of other assets to reduce real estate taxes. — NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 24, 2020
We are seeking thousands of documents and testimony from multiple witnesses regarding several Trump Organization properties and transactions, including from Eric Trump, who was intimately involved in one or more transactions under review. — NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 24, 2020
The Trump Organization has stalled, withheld documents, and instructed witnesses, including Eric Trump, to refuse to answer questions under oath.
That's why we filed a motion to compel the Trump Organization to comply with our lawful subpoenas for documents and testimony. — NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 24, 2020
Nothing will stop us from following the facts and the law, wherever they may lead.
These questions will be answered and the truth will be uncovered, because no one is above the law. — NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) August 24, 2020
Let's see if this where this case goes. Eric Trump is not protected by the same "no one can indict a sitting President" and these are ALL state charges, so no pardon power.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Stuart Varney Flips Out After World Bank Economist Calls Larry Kudlow A 'Liar For Hire'

It 's a wonderful thing to hear a Nobel prize-winning economist tell the truth about the multitude of lies that spew out of Larry Kudlow 's mouth .
Former World Bank chief economist Paul Romer is sick of dealing with fools and con-men that populate Trump 's world .
During a segment on Varney & Co. , he lambasted Larry Kudlow 's recent claims that we 're going to see two quarters of 20 % growth in the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Stuart Varney played a soundbite of Kudlow from last week and then asked for Romer 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Varney from there .
Varney presented the soundbite and then endorsed Kudlow 's ridiculous pronouncements as a real possibility of hopes and dreams , but as soon as Romer got honest , Varney freaked .
Romer said the economy is far from getting back to normal and then went for the jugular .
`` And the other thing is , the core competence of this administration is dishonesty .
So , I wouldn ’ t pay attention to anything that somebody like Kudlow says.
” Varney was surprised by his candor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a bold statement ... '' Varney then paraphrased Romer 's remarks attacking Kudlow 's honesty and said , `` That ’ s a hell of a slam , Paul.
” “ This is the way I operate , '' Romer replied .
`` I don ’ t pay any attention to what Kudlow says .
No serious economist , by the way , Kudlow isn ’ t an economist and there ’ s a reason this administration can ’ t hire a real economist is because they only hire liars for hire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you get people who will say whatever the administration wants .
But you can ’ t get credible people .
So , I don ’ t pay any attention to what Kudlow says.
” Stuart spoke for the rest of the administration and said he was upset that Romer branded them all liars .
`` Liars for Hire , yeah , '' Romer said calmly .
`` This is just a fact . ''
“ What you are saying is really rather insulting , '' Varney cried .
`` You know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you calling Larry Kudlow a liar ?
” “ Yeah .
Of course , '' Romer said .
`` He ’ ll say anything that will help this administration achieve whatever its goal of the day are . ''
Continuing , Romer repeated the phrase .
“ If you want to hear somebody that will tell you things that aren ’ t true that will make you feel good , get one of their liars for hire.
” Varney was indignant .
“ I ’ ve got to tell you , I really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this program being called liars by someone like you .
I don ’ t like that and I don ’ t think you should do that.
” “ Well , think about that when you interview Stephen Moore next , '' Romer shot back .
“ I ’ ll ask him , and I ’ ll say Paul Romer says you ’ re a liar , ” Varney said , Oh , man that made my day .

It's a wonderful thing to hear a Nobel prize-winning economist tell the truth about the multitude of lies that spew out of Larry Kudlow's mouth.
Former World Bank chief economist Paul Romer is sick of dealing with fools and con-men that populate Trump's world. During a segment on Varney & Co., he lambasted Larry Kudlow's recent claims that we're going to see two quarters of 20% growth in the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stuart Varney played a soundbite of Kudlow from last week and then asked for Romer's thoughts.
It did not go well for Varney from there.
Varney presented the soundbite and then endorsed Kudlow's ridiculous pronouncements as a real possibility of hopes and dreams, but as soon as Romer got honest, Varney freaked.
Romer said the economy is far from getting back to normal and then went for the jugular. "And the other thing is, the core competence of this administration is dishonesty. So, I wouldn’t pay attention to anything that somebody like Kudlow says.”
Oh, yeah!!
Varney was surprised by his candor and said, "Well wait, that's a bold statement..."
Varney then paraphrased Romer's remarks attacking Kudlow's honesty and said, "That’s a hell of a slam, Paul.”
“This is the way I operate," Romer replied. "I don’t pay any attention to what Kudlow says. No serious economist, by the way, Kudlow isn’t an economist and there’s a reason this administration can’t hire a real economist is because they only hire liars for hire."
He continued, "So, you get people who will say whatever the administration wants. But you can’t get credible people. So, I don’t pay any attention to what Kudlow says.”
Amen!
Stuart spoke for the rest of the administration and said he was upset that Romer branded them all liars.
"Liars for Hire, yeah," Romer said calmly. "This is just a fact."
“What you are saying is really rather insulting," Varney cried. "You know, ‘liars for hire!’ Are you calling Larry Kudlow a liar?”
“Yeah. Of course," Romer said. "He’ll say anything that will help this administration achieve whatever its goal of the day are."
Continuing, Romer repeated the phrase. “If you want to hear somebody that will tell you things that aren’t true that will make you feel good, get one of their liars for hire.”
Varney was indignant. “I’ve got to tell you, I really don’t like people who appear on this program being called liars by someone like you. I don’t like that and I don’t think you should do that.”
“Well, think about that when you interview Stephen Moore next," Romer shot back.
“I’ll ask him, and I’ll say Paul Romer says you’re a liar,” Varney said,
Romer clarified: "A liar for hire.”
Oh, man that made my day.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Rep. Jim Cooper Asks DeJoy If His 'Plan Is To Be Pardoned Like Roger Stone'

Postmaster Degenerate and Republican megadonor , Louis DeJoy , sat for a hearing on Monday before the House to answer questions about the clearly politically motivated decisions he has made since taking over the USPS just 70 days ago .
He has had very few answers to questions and has stammered his way through his statement .
Cooper asked about DeJoy 's decision to require empty trucks to move all over the country , which literally goes against DeJoy 's own statement that he is saving money .
COOPER : `` Mail trucks are being forced to leave on schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53-foot trucks forced to travel hundreds of miles completely empty , due to your so called reforms .
Here are the truck records .
That 's not efficiency .
That 's insanity . ''
Cooper asked whether DeJoys delay of mail , after requests from Donald Trump via tweet , should count as campaign contributions , hit a nerve : COOPER : `` Do your mail delays fit Trump 's campaign goal of hurting the Post Office , as stated in his Tweets ?
Are your mail delays implicit contributions . ''
DEJOY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer these types of questions . ''
Cooper ends with a very legitimate questions : `` Mr. DeJoy , is your backup plan to be pardoned like Roger Stone ? ''
In just a few short minutes , Cooper accused DeJoy of wasting money and time , insinuated that his actions are actually campaign contributions and asked if he was expecting a pardon for his crimes .
Wow .

Postmaster Degenerate and Republican megadonor, Louis DeJoy, sat for a hearing on Monday before the House to answer questions about the clearly politically motivated decisions he has made since taking over the USPS just 70 days ago. He has had very few answers to questions and has stammered his way through his statement.
Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee absolutely eviscerated DeJoy in 2 short minutes.
Cooper asked about DeJoy's decision to require empty trucks to move all over the country, which literally goes against DeJoy's own statement that he is saving money.
COOPER: "Mail trucks are being forced to leave on schedule, even when completely empty. Imagine 53-foot trucks forced to travel hundreds of miles completely empty, due to your so called reforms. Here are the truck records. That's not efficiency. That's insanity."
Cooper asked whether DeJoys delay of mail, after requests from Donald Trump via tweet, should count as campaign contributions, hit a nerve:
COOPER: "Do your mail delays fit Trump's campaign goal of hurting the Post Office, as stated in his Tweets? Are your mail delays implicit contributions." DEJOY: "I'm not going to answer these types of questions."
Cooper ends with a very legitimate questions: "Mr. DeJoy, is your backup plan to be pardoned like Roger Stone?"
In just a few short minutes, Cooper accused DeJoy of wasting money and time, insinuated that his actions are actually campaign contributions and asked if he was expecting a pardon for his crimes. Wow.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Jerry Falwell's 'Pool Guy Confession' Stinks To High Heaven

UPDATE 2 : Or maybe he has n't resigned after all .
UPDATE : Falwell has resigned as president of Liberty University .
Late Sunday night , Jerry Falwell , Jr. released a statement to the Washington Examiner about his relationship with `` pool boy '' Giancarlo Granda in Florida , which threw his wife under the bus while keeping himself at arm 's length from the icky adultery .
`` Becki had an inappropriate personal relationship with [ Granda ] , something in which I was not involved , '' Falwell Jr wrote .
He went on to write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequence of the blackmail that happened after the alleged `` fatal attraction relationship '' ended .
If you believe that , I have a bridge for sale in the middle of the desert .
It is clear from the clause `` in which I was not involved '' that Falwell was trying to get ahead of a story that might tell us why he also rewarded his personal trainer Benjamin Crosswhite with his very own fitness facility , in the same time frame that he bought a flophouse for Granda .
Reuters now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which sounds far more plausible .
Granda told Reuters that he was 20 when he met Jerry and Becki Falwell while working as a pool attendant at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel in March 2012 .
He further says that their relationship involved Falwell , Jr. watching while he had sex with Becki Falwell .
And it 's not just `` his word versus theirs . ''
Granda brought receipts : Granda showed Reuters emails , text messages and other evidence that he says demonstrate the sexual nature of his relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1987 .
“ Becki and I developed an intimate relationship and Jerry enjoyed watching from the corner of the room , ” Granda said in an interview .
Now 29 , he described the liaisons as frequent – “ multiple times per year ” – and said the encounters took place at hotels in Miami and New York , and at the Falwells ’ home in Virginia .
Well , then .
Those years were the same years that the Falwells enjoyed a relationship with young Ben Crosswhite , who also enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's something else interesting : Falwell specifically mentions losing 80 pounds as a result of `` depression '' over the affair .
But here he is with Mr. Crosswhite training and losing weight so he can `` look good '' for Donald Trump 's camera .
I do n't really care what Falwell , Jr. and his wife do in the privacy of their own home .
I 'm not here to judge their morality .
But the hypocrisy of putting their judgment on everyone else , and using Liberty University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hypocrisy is something else again .
Every detail should come out , if only to expose the craven greed of this man .
We have n't seen the last of this story .
Not by a long shot .

UPDATE 3 No, he finally resigned after the Board made it clear they would terminate him...along with all the lovely benefits I'm sure came with a voluntary severance.
Falwell says he’s completely moving on from Liberty.
“I see a role in other areas, I don’t know what it is yet but I’m not done. This happened for a reason.” — Richard Chumney (@RichChumney) August 25, 2020
Jerry Falwell Jr. just confirmed to me he has submitted his resignation to Liberty’s board.
“It’s a relief,” he said. “The quote that keeps going through my mind this morning is Martin Luther Ling Jr: ‘free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I’m free at last.” — Richard Chumney (@RichChumney) August 25, 2020
UPDATE 2: Or maybe he hasn't resigned after all.
New: Jerry Falwell Jr. tells me he is NOT leaving his post, despite indications from Liberty that he will do so. "I have not resigned," Falwell says. — Maggie Severns (@MaggieSeverns) August 24, 2020
UPDATE: Falwell has resigned as president of Liberty University.
Late Sunday night, Jerry Falwell, Jr. released a statement to the Washington Examiner about his relationship with "pool boy" Giancarlo Granda in Florida, which threw his wife under the bus while keeping himself at arm's length from the icky adultery.
"Becki had an inappropriate personal relationship with [Granda], something in which I was not involved," Falwell Jr wrote.
He went on to write that he suffered from depression as a consequence of the blackmail that happened after the alleged "fatal attraction relationship" ended.
If you believe that, I have a bridge for sale in the middle of the desert. It is clear from the clause "in which I was not involved" that Falwell was trying to get ahead of a story that might tell us why he also rewarded his personal trainer Benjamin Crosswhite with his very own fitness facility, in the same time frame that he bought a flophouse for Granda.
Reuters now reports Granda's side of the story, which sounds far more plausible.
Granda told Reuters that he was 20 when he met Jerry and Becki Falwell while working as a pool attendant at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel in March 2012. He further says that their relationship involved Falwell, Jr. watching while he had sex with Becki Falwell.
And it's not just "his word versus theirs." Granda brought receipts:
Granda showed Reuters emails, text messages and other evidence that he says demonstrate the sexual nature of his relationship with the couple, who have been married since 1987. “Becki and I developed an intimate relationship and Jerry enjoyed watching from the corner of the room,” Granda said in an interview. Now 29, he described the liaisons as frequent – “multiple times per year” – and said the encounters took place at hotels in Miami and New York, and at the Falwells’ home in Virginia.
Well, then. Those years were the same years that the Falwells enjoyed a relationship with young Ben Crosswhite, who also enjoyed trips on the private jet with them.
Here's something else interesting: Falwell specifically mentions losing 80 pounds as a result of "depression" over the affair. But here he is with Mr. Crosswhite training and losing weight so he can "look good" for Donald Trump's camera.
I don't really care what Falwell, Jr. and his wife do in the privacy of their own home. I'm not here to judge their morality. But the hypocrisy of putting their judgment on everyone else, and using Liberty University's reputation and money to cover up their hypocrisy is something else again. Every detail should come out, if only to expose the craven greed of this man.
We haven't seen the last of this story. Not by a long shot.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--The Republican Party Officially Has NO Platform, Only Trump

RESOLVED , That the Republican Party has and will continue to enthusiastically support the President ’ s America-first agenda ; @ @ @ @ @ Republican National Convention will adjourn without adopting a new platform until the 2024 Republican National @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 Republican National Convention calls on the media to engage in accurate and unbiased @ @ @ @ @ relates to the strong support of the RNC for President Trump and his Administration ; @ @ @ @ @ motion to amend the 2016 Platform or to adopt a new platform , including any @ @ @ @ @ that will allow doing so , will be ruled out of order .

RESOLVED, That the Republican Party has and will continue to enthusiastically support the President’s America-first agenda;
RESOVLVED, That the 2020 Republican National Convention will adjourn without adopting a new platform until the 2024 Republican National Convention;
RESOLVED, That the 2020 Republican National Convention calls on the media to engage in accurate and unbiased reporting, especially as it relates to the strong support of the RNC for President Trump and his Administration; and
RESOLVED, That any motion to amend the 2016 Platform or to adopt a new platform, including any motion to suspend the procedures that will allow doing so, will be ruled out of order.


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--LIVE STREAM: House Oversight Committee Grills Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

If you watched last week 's Senate hearing , you probably already know that Trump 's handpicked Postmaster General Louis DeJoy lied his copious butt off - blatantly .
That 's why I 'm so looking forward to seeing Rep. Katie Porter , Reps Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Rep. Ayanna Pressley , and Rep. Rashida Tlaib nail him to the wall during today 's House Oversight Committee hearing this morning .
Via CNN : DeJoy is expected to face pointed questions from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee about the changes implemented since he took over atop the Postal Service in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to unacceptable delays and put at risk the Postal Service 's handling of mail-in ballots in November .
DeJoy testified before the GOP-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Friday , where he was pressed by Democrats and Republican alike about delays in the mail that lawmakers have heard about across the country .
But he 's likely to face a far more hostile reception in the House , where 90 Democrats called for DeJoy 's removal last week , including many committee members .
Following Friday 's hearing , Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from DeJoy about why he is n't reversing cuts that have already been made , like the removal of mail sorting machine and blue Post Office boxes .
DeJoy said Friday sorting machines that had been removed would not be returned because they were `` not needed . ''

If you watched last week's Senate hearing, you probably already know that Trump's handpicked Postmaster General Louis DeJoy lied his copious butt off - blatantly. That's why I'm so looking forward to seeing Rep. Katie Porter, Reps Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib nail him to the wall during today's House Oversight Committee hearing this morning. Via CNN:
DeJoy is expected to face pointed questions from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee about the changes implemented since he took over atop the Postal Service in June, which Democrats charge have led to unacceptable delays and put at risk the Postal Service's handling of mail-in ballots in November.
DeJoy testified before the GOP-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Friday, where he was pressed by Democrats and Republican alike about delays in the mail that lawmakers have heard about across the country. But he's likely to face a far more hostile reception in the House, where 90 Democrats called for DeJoy's removal last week, including many committee members.
Following Friday's hearing, Democrats say they still need to hear more from DeJoy about why he isn't reversing cuts that have already been made, like the removal of mail sorting machine and blue Post Office boxes. DeJoy said Friday sorting machines that had been removed would not be returned because they were "not needed."


crooksandliars--2020-08-24--Lincoln Project's New Ad Calls Jared Kushner 'Evil' Over Pandemic Response

This is the second attack ad the Lincoln Project has aimed at Jared Kushner .
The last one called him @ @ @ @ @ ” This one uses the tagline , `` Evil is real .
And it lives @ @ @ @ @ In an interview then , Reed Galen , co-founder of The Lincoln Project , said @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Jared Kushner doesn ’ t care about your life or mine , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He thought the pandemic was just another political prop — and now we @ @ @ @ @ ''

This is the second attack ad the Lincoln Project has aimed at Jared Kushner.
The last one called him the “secretary of failure.”
This one uses the tagline, "Evil is real. And it lives in Jared Kushner."
In an interview then, Reed Galen, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, said Kushner is “beyond evil.”
“Jared Kushner doesn’t care about your life or mine,” Galen said in a statement. “He thought the pandemic was just another political prop — and now we’re all suffering."


crooksandliars--2020-08-25--First Night Of The RNC Pays Tribute To... Dwight Schrute?

Well .
Kimberley Guilfoyle gave quite the speech last night , one that made me suspect she shares her boyfriend 's predilection for Peruvian marching powder .
Morning Joe cleverly intercut her speech with the famous speech Dwight Schrute of `` The Office '' gave when he was selected as Dunder Mifflin 's Salesman of the Year .
`` Ladies and gentlemen , your 2020 Republican National Convention .
Wow .
Good morning , it 's -- I just -- you know , Willie , i just do n't know where to go with what we all saw yesterday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scarborough said .
`` I was thinking back , people deeply offended in 1992 by Pat Buchanan 's speech .
And I mean , let me tell you something , that was -- that was Churchill in the House of Commons in 1940 compared to everything we saw last night .
A bizarre collection of alternative facts and alternative realities told by cranks and misfits that would never be allowed inside any convention before this . ''
He pointed out the gun-carrying couple that insisted Joe Biden wants to abolish the suburbs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , of course , Donald Trump -- even had Donald Trump yesterday , even with his people begging him , stay on message , try to paint Joe Biden as a left winger .
Instead , he repeated his lie that Barack Obama spied on his campaign in 2016 .
Something that has been disproven time and time again .
And his own aides were so discouraged that he did it because he ca n't stay on script .
But , you know , you had Don Junior saying that the choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actually -- church , work and school , or rioting , looting , and vandalism .
`` Yes , Don Junior and Donald Trump is the paragon of church , work , and school .
And you just go down the list . ''

Well. Kimberley Guilfoyle gave quite the speech last night, one that made me suspect she shares her boyfriend's predilection for Peruvian marching powder. Morning Joe cleverly intercut her speech with the famous speech Dwight Schrute of "The Office" gave when he was selected as Dunder Mifflin's Salesman of the Year.
Joe Scarborough was bemused.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your 2020 Republican National Convention. Wow. Good morning, it's -- I just -- you know, Willie, I just don't know where to go with what we all saw yesterday and what we saw last night," Scarborough said.
"I was thinking back, people deeply offended in 1992 by Pat Buchanan's speech. And I mean, let me tell you something, that was -- that was Churchill in the House of Commons in 1940 compared to everything we saw last night. A bizarre collection of alternative facts and alternative realities told by cranks and misfits that would never be allowed inside any convention before this."
He pointed out the gun-carrying couple that insisted Joe Biden wants to abolish the suburbs.
"You go down the whole list and, of course, Donald Trump -- even had Donald Trump yesterday, even with his people begging him, stay on message, try to paint Joe Biden as a left winger. Instead, he repeated his lie that Barack Obama spied on his campaign in 2016. Something that has been disproven time and time again. And his own aides were so discouraged that he did it because he can't stay on script. But, you know, you had Don Junior saying that the choice was between -- this is very funny, actually -- church, work and school, or rioting, looting, and vandalism.
"Yes, Don Junior and Donald Trump is the paragon of church, work, and school. And you just go down the list."
...oh so he wasn’t playing when he said he was getting amped up. Glad he shared, ig #cocaine pic.twitter.com/zBygS55Pv1 — bee☘ (@hiitsbeec) August 25, 2020
When the Adderall, coke and booze all hit at once. pic.twitter.com/hYmOtscwix — Everything I touch is a spaceship 🚀🌌 (@AdamJKo) August 25, 2020
Things are eerily quiet inside the Beltway as the Blue Bubble people reel from a very successful first night of the GOP virtual "convention" and realizes @realDonaldTrump may know more about TV production than they do... — Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) August 25, 2020