crooksandliars--2020-02-07--Petty, Vindictive Trump Is Begging For An Electoral Beatdown

This is why most of America despises Donald Trump : President Donald Trump blasted `` dishonest and corrupt '' people Thursday morning at the National Prayer Breakfast , bashing his impeachment at the nonpartisan event with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi just steps away ... .
In an apparent shot at both Pelosi , D-Calif. , and [ Senator Mitt ] Romney , Trump said : `` I do n't like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong .
Nor do I like people who say , ' I pray for you , ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so . ''
... Trump did not raise his hand when Harvard University professor Arthur Brooks asked those in attendance to raise their hands if they love someone whom they disagree with politically ... .
Nearing the conclusion of his address , Trump said people of faith sometimes `` hate '' people , adding , `` When they impeach you for nothing , then you ’ re supposed to like them ?
It ’ s not easy folks . ''
At a jampacked ceremony in the East Room of the White House that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemnation , the president complained about the “ crooked politics ” that had resulted in his impeachment and trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress ... .
“ It was evil , ” Mr. Trump told the roomful of supporters from Congress and his administration in a long , rambling , stream-of-consciousness talk , tossing aside the text that had been so carefully prepared for him by his staff .
“ It was corrupt .
It was dirty cops .
It was leakers and liars and this should never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t know that other presidents would have been able to take it.
” He ... suggest [ ed ] that the “ top scum ” at the F.B.I .
had plotted to stop him from serving as president .
... “ It was all bullshit , ” he said , a rare presidential use of profanity on camera in the East Room ... .
He assailed Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Adam B. Schiff , both Democrats from California .
“ They ’ re vicious and mean , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a vicious , horrible person .
Nancy Pelosi is a horrible person.
” He ridiculed Ms. Pelosi for saying that she has prayed for the president even while opposing him .
“ She may pray but she prays for the opposite , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ But I doubt she prays at all.
” I hope this is what I predicted yesterday -- Trump taking center stage once again and being as vicious , vengeful , and polarizing as he knows how to be , because vengeance is the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's under the mistaken impression that acting this way will get him reelected .
Maybe it will get him reelected .
But I suspect that this is the aspect of Trump 's presidency that disgusts voters more than his corruption or his policies .
I ca n't prove this , but over the past few months , when approximately half of poll respondents repeatedly said that they believed Trump should be convicted and removed from office , I think what came to mind , at least for many of them , was something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles of impeachment .
I think they wanted him out ( and still want him out ) because he 's such an asshole .
Democrats look awfully hapless right now .
I do n't know if they can seize on this opportunity .
But it 's there for the seizing .
Published with permission of No More Mr. Nice Blog

This is why most of America despises Donald Trump:
President Donald Trump blasted "dishonest and corrupt" people Thursday morning at the National Prayer Breakfast, bashing his impeachment at the nonpartisan event with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi just steps away.... In an apparent shot at both Pelosi, D-Calif., and [Senator Mitt] Romney, Trump said: "I don't like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong. Nor do I like people who say, 'I pray for you,' when they know that that's not so." ... Trump did not raise his hand when Harvard University professor Arthur Brooks asked those in attendance to raise their hands if they love someone whom they disagree with politically.... Nearing the conclusion of his address, Trump said people of faith sometimes "hate" people, adding, "When they impeach you for nothing, then you’re supposed to like them? It’s not easy folks."
And this:
At a jampacked ceremony in the East Room of the White House that veered back and forth between celebration and condemnation, the president complained about the “crooked politics” that had resulted in his impeachment and trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.... “It was evil,” Mr. Trump told the roomful of supporters from Congress and his administration in a long, rambling, stream-of-consciousness talk, tossing aside the text that had been so carefully prepared for him by his staff. “It was corrupt. It was dirty cops. It was leakers and liars and this should never ever happen to another president, ever. I don’t know that other presidents would have been able to take it.” He ... suggest[ed] that the “top scum” at the F.B.I. had plotted to stop him from serving as president. ... “It was all bullshit,” he said, a rare presidential use of profanity on camera in the East Room.... He assailed Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Adam B. Schiff, both Democrats from California. “They’re vicious and mean,” Mr. Trump said. “Adam Schiff is a vicious, horrible person. Nancy Pelosi is a horrible person.” He ridiculed Ms. Pelosi for saying that she has prayed for the president even while opposing him. “She may pray but she prays for the opposite,” Mr. Trump said. “But I doubt she prays at all.”
I hope this is what I predicted yesterday -- Trump taking center stage once again and being as vicious, vengeful, and polarizing as he knows how to be, because vengeance is the greatest joy in his life and because he's under the mistaken impression that acting this way will get him reelected.
Maybe it will get him reelected. But I suspect that this is the aspect of Trump's presidency that disgusts voters more than his corruption or his policies. I can't prove this, but over the past few months, when approximately half of poll respondents repeatedly said that they believed Trump should be convicted and removed from office, I think what came to mind, at least for many of them, was something other than the specific crimes in the articles of impeachment. I think they wanted him out (and still want him out) because he's such an asshole.
Democrats look awfully hapless right now. I don't know if they can seize on this opportunity. But it's there for the seizing.
Published with permission of No More Mr. Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-02-07--Republicans Are Empty People, Devoid Of Anything But A Desire For Power

Tom Sullivan mentioned the Sherrod Brown op-ed in the New York Times yesterday in his larger piece about GOP cowardice Thursday .
I thought I would just excerpt the whole Brown piece here because it ’ s important : History has indeed taught us that when it comes to the instincts that drive us , fear has no rival .
As the lead House impeachment manager , Representative Adam Schiff , has noted , Robert Kennedy spoke of how “ moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle.
” Playing on that fear , the Senate majority leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial for President Trump with as little attention to it as possible .
Reporters , who usually roam the Capitol freely , have been cordoned off like cattle in select areas .
Mr. McConnell ordered limited camera views in the Senate chamber so only presenters — not absent senators — could be spotted .
And barely a peep from Republican lawmakers .
One journalist remarked to me , “ How in the world can these senators walk around here upright when they have no backbone ?
” Fear has a way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on day four of the trial I saw it , just 10 feet across the aisle from my seat at Desk 88 , when Mr. Schiff told the Senate : “ CBS News reported last night that a Trump confidant said that Republican senators were warned , ‘ Vote against the president and your head will be on a pike.
’ ” The response from Republicans was immediate and furious .
Several groaned and protested and muttered , “ Not true.
” But pike or no pike , Mr. Schiff had clearly struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lizzo : truth hurts . )
Of course , the Republican senators who have covered for Mr. Trump love what he delivers for them .
But Vice President Mike Pence would give them the same judges , the same tax cuts , the same attacks on workers ’ rights and the environment .
So that ’ s not really the reason for their united chorus of “ not guilty.
” For the stay-in-office-at-all-cost representatives and senators , fear is the motivator .
They are afraid that Mr. Trump might give them a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ Lyin ’ Ted , ” or that he might tweet about their disloyalty .
Or — worst of all — that he might come to their state to campaign against them in the Republican primary .
They worry : “ Will the hosts on Fox attack me ?
” “ Will the mouthpieces on talk radio go after me ?
” “ Will the Twitter trolls turn their followers against me ?
” My colleagues know they all just might .
There ’ s an old Russian proverb : The tallest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the scythe .
In private , many of my colleagues agree that the president is reckless and unfit .
They admit his lies .
And they acknowledge what he did was wrong .
They know this president has done things Richard Nixon never did .
And they know that more damning evidence is likely to come out .
So watching the mental contortions they perform to justify their votes is painful to behold : They claim that calling witnesses would have meant a never-ending trial .
They tell us they ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would we need new evidence ?
They say to convict this president now would lead to the impeachment of every future president — as if every president will try to sell our national security to the highest bidder .
I have asked some of them , “ If the Senate votes to acquit , what will you do to keep this president from getting worse ?
” Their responses have been shrugs and sheepish looks .
They stop short of explicitly saying that they are afraid .
We all want to think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against wrong .
But history does not look kindly on politicians who can not fathom a fate worse than losing an upcoming election .
They might claim fealty to their cause — those tax cuts — but often it ’ s a simple attachment to power that keeps them captured .

Tom Sullivan mentioned the Sherrod Brown op-ed in the New York Times yesterday in his larger piece about GOP cowardice Thursday. I thought I would just excerpt the whole Brown piece here because it’s important:
History has indeed taught us that when it comes to the instincts that drive us, fear has no rival. As the lead House impeachment manager, Representative Adam Schiff, has noted, Robert Kennedy spoke of how “moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle.”
Playing on that fear, the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, sought a quick impeachment trial for President Trump with as little attention to it as possible. Reporters, who usually roam the Capitol freely, have been cordoned off like cattle in select areas. Mr. McConnell ordered limited camera views in the Senate chamber so only presenters — not absent senators — could be spotted.
And barely a peep from Republican lawmakers. One journalist remarked to me, “How in the world can these senators walk around here upright when they have no backbone?” Fear has a way of bending us.
Late in the evening on day four of the trial I saw it, just 10 feet across the aisle from my seat at Desk 88, when Mr. Schiff told the Senate: “CBS News reported last night that a Trump confidant said that Republican senators were warned, ‘Vote against the president and your head will be on a pike.’” The response from Republicans was immediate and furious. Several groaned and protested and muttered, “Not true.” But pike or no pike, Mr. Schiff had clearly struck a nerve. (In the words of Lizzo: truth hurts.)
Of course, the Republican senators who have covered for Mr. Trump love what he delivers for them. But Vice President Mike Pence would give them the same judges, the same tax cuts, the same attacks on workers’ rights and the environment. So that’s not really the reason for their united chorus of “not guilty.”
For the stay-in-office-at-all-cost representatives and senators, fear is the motivator. They are afraid that Mr. Trump might give them a nickname like “Low Energy Jeb” and “Lyin’ Ted,” or that he might tweet about their disloyalty. Or — worst of all — that he might come to their state to campaign against them in the Republican primary. They worry:
“Will the hosts on Fox attack me?” “Will the mouthpieces on talk radio go after me?” “Will the Twitter trolls turn their followers against me?”
My colleagues know they all just might. There’s an old Russian proverb: The tallest blade of grass is the first cut by the scythe. In private, many of my colleagues agree that the president is reckless and unfit. They admit his lies. And they acknowledge what he did was wrong. They know this president has done things Richard Nixon never did. And they know that more damning evidence is likely to come out.
So watching the mental contortions they perform to justify their votes is painful to behold: They claim that calling witnesses would have meant a never-ending trial. They tell us they’ve made up their minds, so why would we need new evidence? They say to convict this president now would lead to the impeachment of every future president — as if every president will try to sell our national security to the highest bidder.
I have asked some of them, “If the Senate votes to acquit, what will you do to keep this president from getting worse?” Their responses have been shrugs and sheepish looks.
They stop short of explicitly saying that they are afraid. We all want to think that we always stand up for right and fight against wrong. But history does not look kindly on politicians who cannot fathom a fate worse than losing an upcoming election. They might claim fealty to their cause — those tax cuts — but often it’s a simple attachment to power that keeps them captured.


crooksandliars--2020-02-07--Nancy Won: Fox And Friends (and Trump) Focus On Paper Ripping, Not SOTU Speech

Turns out by ripping up her photocopy of the speech , Nancy Pelosi captured many times more precious TV minutes than anything Trump did or said at his game show , lie-filled State of the Union address .
Even on Fox and Friends .
Media Matters : Fox & Friends was overwhelmingly more concerned with Pelosi ’ s symbolic shredding of Trump ’ s speech , spending 21 minutes on Pelosi and completely ignoring the various misleading and false claims within the State of the Union .
In fact , the only mentions of the speech containing lies came in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hosts merely pointed out that Pelosi ripped up the speech because she believed it to be “ a pack of lies.
” And her act infected Trump 's twitter stream , too ?
# Winning !
Those people who are now angry at Nancy for ripping up the speech , were silent when Trump tweeted a picture of her with the Iranian flag wrapped around her head like an Islamic Clergy .
Selective outrage .
# hypocrites UPDATE : No Donald .
No Matt Gaetz .
Nancy Pelosi tearing up the speech @ @ @ @ @ @

Wait, I thought Trump was a stable genius at television spectacle?
Ahem.
Turns out by ripping up her photocopy of the speech, Nancy Pelosi captured many times more precious TV minutes than anything Trump did or said at his game show, lie-filled State of the Union address. Even on Fox and Friends. Media Matters:
Fox & Friends was overwhelmingly more concerned with Pelosi’s symbolic shredding of Trump’s speech, spending 21 minutes on Pelosi and completely ignoring the various misleading and false claims within the State of the Union. In fact, the only mentions of the speech containing lies came in reference to Pelosi, such as when the hosts merely pointed out that Pelosi ripped up the speech because she believed it to be “a pack of lies.”
You reported that, Steve Doocy?
And her act infected Trump's twitter stream, too? #Winning!
Trump tweeted or retweeted 21 times about Pelosi ripping up his speech.
He's not mad, though. — Sikamikanico 👩🏻💻 (@Sikamikanico) February 6, 2020
Those people who are now angry at Nancy for ripping up the speech, were silent when Trump tweeted a picture of her with the Iranian flag wrapped around her head like an Islamic Clergy. Selective outrage. #hypocrites — The6ixFan (@The6ixFan) February 5, 2020
UPDATE: No Donald. No Matt Gaetz. Nancy Pelosi tearing up the speech isn't "illegal."


crooksandliars--2020-02-07--Never Mind Trump, Katie Porter Spends The Day Being Awesome

This will make you feel good .
Katie Porter spent Thursday in House of Representative committee hearings being AWESOME .
@ @ @ @ @ her questioning that the sheer amount of financial data required just to feed your family @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's Food Stamp administrator was willing to give out about himself .
She tweeted @ @ @ @ @ .
Let 's be clear : Katie Porter will be an awesome Member of Congress @ @ @ @ @ .
If we 're lucky .

This will make you feel good.
Katie Porter spent Thursday in House of Representative committee hearings being AWESOME.
Above, Porter demonstrated with her questioning that the sheer amount of financial data required just to feed your family? Was more information than Trump's Food Stamp administrator was willing to give out about himself.
First, we had a hearing in @OversightDems, where I highlighted research that documents how burdensome application requirements often stop eligible Americans from getting the benefits they qualify for. https://t.co/ddjsZPjVqq — Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) February 7, 2020
She tweeted the rest of her day.
We had a late night voting on the House floor, so I wanted to provide an update on what's been a busy day. I participated in three hearings—including one held by a subcommittee I don't serve on—to conduct oversight on a variety of topics. Mini-thread 👇👇👇 — Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) February 7, 2020
Then, I participated in a @FSCDems hearing with our nation's top consumer protection official. She's been emphasizing financial education for consumers instead of holding bad actors accountable. I questioned whether she was up to her own task. https://t.co/J99PEUfVOG — Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) February 7, 2020
Finally, I sat in on a @FSCDems Oversight Subcommittee hearing—even though I'm not on this subcommittee. I spotlighted an incident last year where a financial watchdog cited phony comments submitted to him to defend his rollback of shareholder protections. https://t.co/rN0KADwHSz — Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) February 7, 2020
Let's be clear: Katie Porter will be an awesome Member of Congress decades after Trump is gone. If we're lucky.


crooksandliars--2020-02-07--Trump Begins 'Purge': Vindman And Brother Escorted Out Of White House

UPDATE 12:50PM : LTC Vindman was escorted out of the White House a few minutes ago , MSNBC reports .
It was n't just LTC Vindman .
His twin brother was also fired and escorted out .
The vindictive tyranny of Donald Trump continues as it appears impeachment witness Alexander Vindman will be out at the White House by end of day Friday .
Washington Post : Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman — a National Security Council aide who testified during House Democrats ’ impeachment hearings — will be informed in the coming days , likely on Friday , by administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a position at the Defense Department , taking a key figure from the investigation out of the White House , according to two people familiar with the move who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss personnel decisions .
Vindman had already informed senior officials at the NSC that he intended to take an early exit from his assignment and leave his post by the end of the month , according to people familiar with his decision , but Trump is eager to make a symbol of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquitted him of the impeachment charges approved by House Democrats .

UPDATE 12:50PM: LTC Vindman was escorted out of the White House a few minutes ago, MSNBC reports.
NEWS via LTC Vindman’s atty: “Today, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was escorted out of the White House where he has dutifully served his country and his President. He does so having spoken publicly once, and only pursuant to a subpoena from the United States Congress.” — Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) February 7, 2020
Statement continues: “There is no question in the mind of any American why this man’s job is over, why this country now has one less soldier serving it at the White House. [He] was asked to leave for telling the truth. His honor, his commitment to right, frightened the powerful.” — Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) February 7, 2020
More: “LTC Alexander Vindman leaves the White House today. But we must not accept the departure of truth, duty, and loyalty that he represents. In this country right matters, and so does truth.” — LTC Vindman’s attorney, Amb. David Pressman — Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) February 7, 2020
Here’s the full statement from Amb. David Pressman, counsel to LTC Alexander Vindman: pic.twitter.com/1xP1XMNufV — Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) February 7, 2020
It wasn't just LTC Vindman. His twin brother was also fired and escorted out.
"His twin brother Yevgeny Vindman, a National Security Council attorney, was also fired and walked off the White House grounds alongside him." https://t.co/UWOt4unjby — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 7, 2020
----
The vindictive tyranny of Donald Trump continues as it appears impeachment witness Alexander Vindman will be out at the White House by end of day Friday. Washington Post:
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman — a National Security Council aide who testified during House Democrats’ impeachment hearings — will be informed in the coming days, likely on Friday, by administration officials that he is being reassigned to a position at the Defense Department, taking a key figure from the investigation out of the White House, according to two people familiar with the move who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss personnel decisions. Vindman had already informed senior officials at the NSC that he intended to take an early exit from his assignment and leave his post by the end of the month, according to people familiar with his decision, but Trump is eager to make a symbol of the Army officer soon after the Senate acquitted him of the impeachment charges approved by House Democrats.
You can serve honorably or you can serve Trump, but it is impossible to do both. Forever grateful that Vindman chose honor. https://t.co/EbqY7y1Dt3 — Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) February 7, 2020
Alexander Vindman may lose his job because we live in a country where speaking out for what you believe is right has devastating consequences, just like in any other dictatorship. — Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) February 7, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-02-07--Must Watch:  Lawrence O'Donnell Proves Trump Has No Concept Of 'Love'

This is a must-watch monologue .
Thank you , Lawrence O'Donnell : LAWRENCE O'DONNELL : We begin tonight with the single most important word that Donald Trump does not understand .
Donald Trump has the most limited vocabulary than anyone in the history of the presidency .
And so there are many words Donald Trump does not understand .
But the single most important word Donald Trump does not understand is one we all understand .
It 's a concept preverbal babies understand , even before they can say the word , because babies can feel this thing that Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And very sadly for him , it 's possible that he has never felt this in his entire life .
Love is the single most important word that Donald Trump does not understand , and he proved that today , more than once , in the most perverse possible public displays of ignorance by a President of the United States .
We have never seen anything like this in our history .
I know we 've said that before , but we mean it tonight .
Donald Trump is the most irreligious man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently the most irreligious man in Washington .
And he used the National Prayer Breakfast to attack Mitt Romney , who is probably the most religious man in Washington .
Donald Trump , who has said he 's never prayed for forgiveness for anything , used the National Prayer Breakfast to attack Nancy Pelosi for praying .
Most of you probably already know that because that has been well reported today .
What has not been as well reported is what Donald Trump listened to right before he got up to speak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Donald Trump , and his theme was how to communicate with people who you disagree with politically .
[ video clip ] ARTHUR BROOKS : If you want to persuade them , which you should , you can only do it one way , and that 's with love .
It was not an applause line .
Thank you .
Finally .
The applause I 've been waiting so long for .
[ end clip ] O'DONNELL : Like most people in that room , Arthur Brooks is a conservative , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the concept of Christian love , which is why he expected to get applause for that line .
But he did n't because everyone there was probably very nervous about how uncomfortable that line made Donald Trump , and then everyone realized they 're going have to applaud for Christian love at the prayer breakfast , and so they did .
But one person did n't -- Donald Trump .
He did n't just not applaud the concept of `` loving thy neighbor , '' he had to physically turn around from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There was more .
[ video clip ] BROOKS : Ask God to give you the strength to go against your human nature , to follow Jesus ' teaching .
You believe Jesus ' teaching ?
Act like it , me too .
To love your enemies .
Ask God to take political contempt from your heart .
And sometimes , when it 's just too hard , ask God to help you fake it .
O'DONNELL : Love your enemies .
Donald Trump does n't know that that was Jesus Christ 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What would be left in Donald Trump 's heart if there were no contempt ?
And if that 's too hard to do , then fake it .
Donald Trump has faked a lot of things , but he could n't fake that not even today at a prayer breakfast where the speaker right before him suggested to him , urged him to at least try to fake being a good person for once , at least try to fake that he understood the Christian concept of love your enemies .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that speech to that audience-of-one sitting to his right , and Donald Trump definitely heard the speech .
He was listening enough to give his opinion .
He was listening enough to ad-lib his reaction to Arthur Brooks ' concept of Christian love when he got up to speak .
[ video clip ] DONALD TRUMP : Arthur , I do n't know if I agree with you .
But I do n't know if Arthur 's going to like what I 'm going to say .
O'DONNELL : We can be very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump had to say .
But what Donald Trump did n't understand was that he was n't disagreeing with Arthur brooks .
He was disagreeing with Jesus Christ .
Arthur Brooks was only quoting Jesus Christ , saying love your neighbors , love your enemies .
Everyone in the room knew that except Donald Trump .
Donald Trump got up at the National Prayer Breakfast today , and the very first thing he did was disagree with Jesus Christ .
And he proved how much he disagrees with Jesus Christ when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his hatred of Mitt Romney flow .
[ video clip ] TRUMP : I do n't like people who use their faith as just a justification for doing what they know is wrong .
Nor do I like people who say ' I pray for you ' when they know that that 's not so .
O'DONNELL : Stunned silence .
That was the reaction in that room full of religious people who pray every day , all of whom know now that Donald Trump does n't know what prayer is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pray for his enemies as Nancy Pelosi was when she was a little girl growing up in a Catholic church in Baltimore .
It seems Donald Trump was never taught anything about love because later at the White House when he spent an hour raging against his impeachment enemies and praising his impeachment allies , Donald Trump said one of the saddest things he has ever publicly said , he was praising his Republican ally , Congressman Steve Scalise , who was shot by a deranged man with a gun during a practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Donald Trump described encountering Steve Scalise 's wife at the hospital .
[ video clip ] TRUMP : He got whacked .
He got whacked , my Steve , right ?
I went to the hospital with our great first lady that night , right , honey ?
And we saw a man who was not going to make it .
He was not going to make it -- he was -- the doctor -- and told him his wife , I said she loves you and why did you say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot of wives would n't give a damn .
A lot of wives -- a lot of wives would have said , hey , yeah .
I said 'how 's he doing , ' she could n't talk , she was inconsolable .
Most wives would say 'not good .
I 'm going home . '
O'DONNELL : Most wives ?
Does he mean most Trump wives ?
He 's on his third wife .
Does he mean at least two of his or all of his would n't care if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought come from ?
It could only come from a man who does not know what it is to love or be loved .
Donald Trump demonstrated today he has no comprehension of the concept of Christian love or romantic love or marital love , and he has no idea about nothing we have learned about his dealings with Ukraine and his obstruction of justice with Mueller investigation or his paying off of Stormy Daniels .
None of that is as perverse as what Donald Trump revealed about himself today .
He does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never will understand the word love , and so he feels nothing when he separates children from their parents at the southern border .
He feels nothing when he abandons the Kurds .
He feels nothing when he 's told that 64 soldiers have traumatic brain injury from the Iranian missile attack on our troops in Iraq .
He feels nothing about any of those things and can lie and has lied about all of those things .
Donald Trump feels no shame at being impeached by the House of Representatives .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 48 United States Senators , including the first senator in history to find a president of his own party guilty in a Senate impeachment trial .
Donald Trump feels no guilt .
He has never felt guilt for anything .
Donald Trump feels no embarrassment at being unable to comprehend anything about the concept of Christian love that was laid out for him today before he got up to speak at a prayer breakfast .
The most dangerous thing about the most dangerous president that this country has ever had is that @ @ @ @ @

This is a must-watch monologue. Thank you, Lawrence O'Donnell:
LAWRENCE O'DONNELL: We begin tonight with the single most important word that Donald Trump does not understand. Donald Trump has the most limited vocabulary than anyone in the history of the presidency. And so there are many words Donald Trump does not understand. But the single most important word Donald Trump does not understand is one we all understand. It's a concept preverbal babies understand, even before they can say the word, because babies can feel this thing that Donald Trump so obviously does not feel. And very sadly for him, it's possible that he has never felt this in his entire life.
Love.
Love is the single most important word that Donald Trump does not understand, and he proved that today, more than once, in the most perverse possible public displays of ignorance by a President of the United States. We have never seen anything like this in our history. I know we've said that before, but we mean it tonight.
Donald Trump is the most irreligious man in the history of the presidency and currently the most irreligious man in Washington. And he used the National Prayer Breakfast to attack Mitt Romney, who is probably the most religious man in Washington. Donald Trump, who has said he's never prayed for forgiveness for anything, used the National Prayer Breakfast to attack Nancy Pelosi for praying. Most of you probably already know that because that has been well reported today. What has not been as well reported is what Donald Trump listened to right before he got up to speak. Harvard professor Arthur Brooks was the speaker before Donald Trump, and his theme was how to communicate with people who you disagree with politically.
[video clip] ARTHUR BROOKS: If you want to persuade them, which you should, you can only do it one way, and that's with love. It was not an applause line. Thank you. Finally. The applause I've been waiting so long for. [end clip]
O'DONNELL: Like most people in that room, Arthur Brooks is a conservative, a political conservative. And he was talking about the concept of Christian love, which is why he expected to get applause for that line. But he didn't because everyone there was probably very nervous about how uncomfortable that line made Donald Trump, and then everyone realized they're going have to applaud for Christian love at the prayer breakfast, and so they did. But one person didn't -- Donald Trump. He didn't just not applaud the concept of "loving thy neighbor," he had to physically turn around from the man who was saying it. There was more.
[video clip] BROOKS: Ask God to give you the strength to go against your human nature, to follow Jesus' teaching. You believe Jesus' teaching? Act like it, me too. To love your enemies. Ask God to take political contempt from your heart. And sometimes, when it's just too hard, ask God to help you fake it.
O'DONNELL: Love your enemies. Donald Trump doesn't know that that was Jesus Christ's idea. Take contempt from your heart. What would be left in Donald Trump's heart if there were no contempt? And if that's too hard to do, then fake it. Donald Trump has faked a lot of things, but he couldn't fake that not even today at a prayer breakfast where the speaker right before him suggested to him, urged him to at least try to fake being a good person for once, at least try to fake that he understood the Christian concept of love your enemies. It was as if Arthur Brooks was giving that speech to that audience-of-one sitting to his right, and Donald Trump definitely heard the speech. He was listening enough to give his opinion. He was listening enough to ad-lib his reaction to Arthur Brooks' concept of Christian love when he got up to speak.
[video clip] DONALD TRUMP: Arthur, I don't know if I agree with you. But I don't know if Arthur's going to like what I'm going to say.
O'DONNELL: We can be very sure that Arthur didn't like what Donald Trump had to say. But what Donald Trump didn't understand was that he wasn't disagreeing with Arthur brooks. He was disagreeing with Jesus Christ. Arthur Brooks was only quoting Jesus Christ, saying love your neighbors, love your enemies. Everyone in the room knew that except Donald Trump. Donald Trump got up at the National Prayer Breakfast today, and the very first thing he did was disagree with Jesus Christ. And he proved how much he disagrees with Jesus Christ when he let his hatred of Nancy Pelosi flow and his hatred of Mitt Romney flow.
[video clip] TRUMP: I don't like people who use their faith as just a justification for doing what they know is wrong. Nor do I like people who say 'I pray for you' when they know that that's not so.
O'DONNELL: Stunned silence. That was the reaction in that room full of religious people who pray every day, all of whom know now that Donald Trump doesn't know what prayer is, that Donald Trump was never taught to pray for his enemies as Nancy Pelosi was when she was a little girl growing up in a Catholic church in Baltimore. It seems Donald Trump was never taught anything about love because later at the White House when he spent an hour raging against his impeachment enemies and praising his impeachment allies, Donald Trump said one of the saddest things he has ever publicly said, he was praising his Republican ally, Congressman Steve Scalise, who was shot by a deranged man with a gun during a practice session for the annual Congressional baseball game. And Donald Trump described encountering Steve Scalise's wife at the hospital.
[video clip] TRUMP: He got whacked. He got whacked, my Steve, right? I went to the hospital with our great first lady that night, right, honey? And we saw a man who was not going to make it. He was not going to make it -- he was -- the doctor -- and told him his wife, I said she loves you and why did you say that, because she was devastated. A lot of wives wouldn't give a damn. A lot of wives -- a lot of wives would have said, hey, yeah. I said 'how's he doing,' she couldn't talk, she was inconsolable. Most wives would say 'not good. I'm going home.'
O'DONNELL: Most wives? Does he mean most Trump wives? He's on his third wife. Does he mean at least two of his or all of his wouldn't care if he got shot? Where else could that thought come from? It could only come from a man who does not know what it is to love or be loved. Donald Trump demonstrated today he has no comprehension of the concept of Christian love or romantic love or marital love, and he has no idea about nothing we have learned about his dealings with Ukraine and his obstruction of justice with Mueller investigation or his paying off of Stormy Daniels. None of that is as perverse as what Donald Trump revealed about himself today. He does not now, never has, and never will understand the word love, and so he feels nothing when he separates children from their parents at the southern border. He feels nothing when he abandons the Kurds. He feels nothing when he's told that 64 soldiers have traumatic brain injury from the Iranian missile attack on our troops in Iraq. He feels nothing about any of those things and can lie and has lied about all of those things. Donald Trump feels no shame at being impeached by the House of Representatives. He feels no shame at being found guilty by 48 United States Senators, including the first senator in history to find a president of his own party guilty in a Senate impeachment trial. Donald Trump feels no guilt. He has never felt guilt for anything. Donald Trump feels no embarrassment at being unable to comprehend anything about the concept of Christian love that was laid out for him today before he got up to speak at a prayer breakfast. The most dangerous thing about the most dangerous president that this country has ever had is that Donald Trump feels nothing.


crooksandliars--2020-02-07--Friday News Dump: One Republican Voted To Convict Trump, And Other News

Mitt Romney ’ s full speech before he votes to convict in Trump 's impeachment trial .
`` With my vote , I will tell my children and their children that I did my duty to the best of my ability , believing that my country expected it of me . ''
# MittRomney pic.twitter.com/PoTnQIcLXK What a week , huh ?
All those noble Republicans , standing up for the rule of law and human decency -- oh wait , there was just that one .
I 'm sure Mitt had a personal agenda , too ( like maybe he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead the remnants of the post-Trump Republican party ) , but what the hell -- he still stood up when it counted .
This is the guy who passes a silent stinker in the elevator and then proceeds to lecture everybody about intestinal management .
You ’ ll never come back from this one , Mittens .
Even your magic pants won ’ t save you .
# MittTheRat https : //t.co/Rh9ZSPkKfo From day two of my time in New Hampshire : It 's clear that the media is treating Buttigieg like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Sanders in Iowa .
And boy , is Sanders salty about it .
https : //t.co/m0a6aOCZU7 Do n't let Iowa or New Hampshire sway your idea of who is electable .
It wo n't be until after Nevada and South Carolina vote that we 'll know for sure the best candidate to beat Trump in November .
https : //t.co/Nu4DL4WXtq The most unprincipled man to ever hold the highest office in the land will be spinning his ass off for YOU , the American public , at 12pm today .
He will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pure and the victim of malignant forces you can not see .
He ’ s not .
HE IS THE MALIGNANT FORCE .
One day after Trump 's sham-acquittal .
One day .
This is retaliation for Vindman fulfilling his constitutional duty to testify before Congress , which is an unforgivable sin when the corrupt President is staging a coup against the Constitution with the aid of 52 complicit Senators .
https : //t.co/IhZIvNGCVN THREAD : Today we 're republishing almost 200 posts Elizabeth Warren wrote at TPM between 2005 and 2008 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Wayback Machine , many - and the earliest - are back online for the first time in a decade .
https : //t.co/FPe2vFCqzW cc : @ ewarren Warren on the Politico story about women of color on her campaign resigning in NV : “ I believe these women , completely and without reservation .
And I apologize that they have had a bad experience on this campaign.
” pic.twitter.com/wcoKvy397m # Iowa recap : The 1st out gay candidate in US history AND the youngest , son of an immigrant , managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates by prioritizing climate action through a campaign run by an under 40 team , including a woman who was Obama 's rapid response dir .
https : //t.co/3MxUa8UlSY Watch how an NYPD officer brutally pushes a child out of a subway station as she tries to catch the train home from school .
Note the subway exit gate was wide open and numerous other people had walked straight through.pic.twitter.com/9znF92sY8s Also note , New York City school students are issued free metrocards .
This is n't about fare evasion .
The exit gate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking straight through .
It 's about the cop trying to put a Black child `` in her place . ''
WaPo confirms : Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman will be informed in the coming days , likely on Friday , that he is being reassigned to a position at the Defense Dept.
, taking a key impeachment figure out of the White House , according to two people familiar .
https : //t.co/Ks1TJEILg8 THREAD : When Women Say “ No , Thank You ” to Our Offer of a Date -- Recently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited out on a date .
It is a story from twenty years ago .
She was sharing it as part of a conversation we were having about relationships .
/1 -- Photo by Glenn Beltz pic.twitter.com/SMpz4Pcef9 If Trump wins a second term , it wo n't mainly be because Dems moved too far left .
It will be because the GOP hobbled the Obama economy in the name of fiscal responsibility , then went on a borrowing spree under Trump https : //t.co/fkEdZThI4f Senior member of # Iran 's Revolutionary Guards admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al-Qaeda '' in # Bosnia .
Often unknown or denied , the Balkans in the 1990s was the first joint project for the clerical regime and Al-Qaeda , greatly empowering both .
https : //t.co/CpDiGhJeOd '' In at least two network newsrooms , there was a strong thought that out of fairness , the president deserved the chance to be heard after several weeks where the impeachment hearings and trial were broadcast . ''
https : //t.co/ken6h8m9xO Donald Trump appointed a longtime Mar-a-Lago member and handbag designer to be our nation 's ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire her deputy and hire her son are a tragic reflection of the nepotism and corruption practiced by Donald Trump and his family every day .
https : //t.co/vD0MG7A9M0 DEPARTMENT OF 'OH GOD WE NEED SOMETHING TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT' In Nepal , there is a festival every year to thank dogs for being our friends .
They offer the dogs food and addorn them with flower garlands .
This is the treatment all doggos deserve 🥰 pic.twitter.com/pSVjSgKhMb YOU GO BABY GIRL !
A single mom in North Carolina taught her young daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to walk without using her walker .
This is what one year of determination looks like .
😍🙌 HER STORY : https : //t.co/BmrhftTkDX pic.twitter.com/2EN0NkU7J8 Put this week behind you and have a wonderful weekend !

What a week, huh? All those noble Republicans, standing up for the rule of law and human decency -- oh wait, there was just that one. I'm sure Mitt had a personal agenda, too (like maybe he thinks someone is going to have to lead the remnants of the post-Trump Republican party), but what the hell -- he still stood up when it counted.
Mitt Romney is now the head of the new old GOP | Analysis by CNN's Chris Cillizza https://t.co/ZJUoY3uOE9 pic.twitter.com/QR0h1HC6Gz — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) February 7, 2020
Angry Utah Republicans eye recall of Mitt Romney after impeachment votehttps://t.co/yGFA8HcwT1 pic.twitter.com/3blaMSeQjy — The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 7, 2020
On #LSSC tonight: Bet you didn’t know Mitt Romney was a ‘secret asset.’ pic.twitter.com/gE5JpWEzYB — The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) February 7, 2020
Trump felt particularly aggrieved by Romney’s sole GOP vote to boot him from the White House, according to a Republican familiar with the White House and a senior administration officialhttps://t.co/rxQt7CJSKY — POLITICO (@politico) February 7, 2020
This is the guy who passes a silent stinker in the elevator and then proceeds to lecture everybody about intestinal management. You’ll never come back from this one, Mittens. Even your magic pants won’t save you. #MittTheRat https://t.co/Rh9ZSPkKfo — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) February 7, 2020
***
From day two of my time in New Hampshire: It's clear that the media is treating Buttigieg like the shiny new toy after he basically tied with Sanders in Iowa. And boy, is Sanders salty about it. https://t.co/m0a6aOCZU7 — Amanda Marcotte (@AmandaMarcotte) February 7, 2020
Don't let Iowa or New Hampshire sway your idea of who is electable. It won't be until after Nevada and South Carolina vote that we'll know for sure the best candidate to beat Trump in November. https://t.co/Nu4DL4WXtq — Aimee Allison (@aimeeallison) February 7, 2020
Antarctica logs hottest temperature on record with a reading of 18.3C https://t.co/hXnZwi3xLL — Guardian US (@GuardianUS) February 7, 2020
JUST IN: Trump admin delaying arms transfers worth $30 million to Ukraine: report https://t.co/Y1rBmIeCrU pic.twitter.com/5wcYiiZQ02 — The Hill (@thehill) February 6, 2020
The most unprincipled man to ever hold the highest office in the land will be spinning his ass off for YOU, the American public, at 12pm today. He will try to convince you that he is pure and the victim of malignant forces you cannot see. He’s not. HE IS THE MALIGNANT FORCE. — Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) February 6, 2020
One day after Trump's sham-acquittal. One day. This is retaliation for Vindman fulfilling his constitutional duty to testify before Congress, which is an unforgivable sin when the corrupt President is staging a coup against the Constitution with the aid of 52 complicit Senators. https://t.co/IhZIvNGCVN — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) February 7, 2020
Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyers fail to explain what happened to suspicious $12 million deposit that disappeared after his death. https://t.co/tZeSTixBsE via @nytimes — julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) February 7, 2020
Now we know why Hawley defended Trump so over the top- he may need a pardon! Audit of GOP Sen. Josh Hawley’s Time as AG Finds ‘Appearance of Impropriety,' Private Email Use https://t.co/i22VJwiuCG via @lawcrimenews — (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) February 7, 2020
Joe Walsh just dropped out and will be supporting the Democratic nomination. — Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) February 7, 2020
THREAD: Today we're republishing almost 200 posts Elizabeth Warren wrote at TPM between 2005 and 2008. Some of these have been available online at the Wayback Machine, many - and the earliest - are back online for the first time in a decade. https://t.co/FPe2vFCqzW cc: @ewarren — Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) February 6, 2020
"What happened in Iowa was unacceptable:" Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez talks to @Maddow about what should happen next after a troubled caucus in Iowa https://t.co/HAt4JSPPs4 — MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 7, 2020
The National Weather Service advised early Friday that the storm system was strengthening in the mid-Atlantic region, bringing snow, ice and rain northward. https://t.co/1IhrEDFMlm — USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 7, 2020
this is a very moving answer https://t.co/DmkUQja3i3 — b-boy bouiebaisse (@jbouie) February 7, 2020
How to tell if a Republican is serious about climate action (or not) https://t.co/tjcFhNagrP via @grist — Linda Collins (@LindaCollins11) February 7, 2020
Warren on the Politico story about women of color on her campaign resigning in NV: “I believe these women, completely and without reservation. And I apologize that they have had a bad experience on this campaign.” pic.twitter.com/wcoKvy397m — Amanda Terkel (@aterkel) February 7, 2020
'A hollow pretence of justice': the global press on Trump's acquittal | Via: Guardian https://t.co/EYStypl3WH — SafetyPin-Daily (@SafetyPinDaily) February 7, 2020
Rob Manfred: No Red Sox players will be punished https://t.co/2ag7na3JW4 — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) February 7, 2020
#Iowa recap: The 1st out gay candidate in US history AND the youngest, son of an immigrant, managed to WIN Iowa over two former presidential candidates by prioritizing climate action through a campaign run by an under 40 team, including a woman who was Obama's rapid response dir. https://t.co/3MxUa8UlSY — Victoria Brownworth (@VABVOX) February 7, 2020
Leader of al Qaeda in Yemen Believed Dead in U.S. Airstrike https://t.co/oBiyv3YFzi — Daniel Lopez (@4danlopez) February 7, 2020
Nancy Pelosi called President Trump’s comments at a prayer breakfast ‘so inappropriate,’ and said Trump ‘really needs our prayers.’ https://t.co/IRYjCrQhyl pic.twitter.com/JkRFCNIDTp — Reuters (@Reuters) February 7, 2020
What kind of roaring Soviet Russian system is this in the US? @SpeakerPelosi please do something!! https://t.co/G8yvPKbUck — Joanna (@ProtectURself) February 7, 2020
Watch how an NYPD officer brutally pushes a child out of a subway station as she tries to catch the train home from school.
Note the subway exit gate was wide open and numerous other people had walked straight through.pic.twitter.com/9znF92sY8s — Rebecca Kavanagh (@DrRJKavanagh) February 7, 2020
Also note, New York City school students are issued free metrocards.
This isn't about fare evasion. The exit gate was wide open and other people were walking straight through.
It's about the cop trying to put a Black child "in her place." — Rebecca Kavanagh (@DrRJKavanagh) February 7, 2020
Just so we are clear here: FOX NEWS is calling out FOX NEWS pundits for spreading propaganda on FOX NEWS. I've never seen anything like it. https://t.co/tNsxFiN2fd — Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman) February 6, 2020
WaPo confirms: Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman will be informed in the coming days, likely on Friday, that he is being reassigned to a position at the Defense Dept., taking a key impeachment figure out of the White House, according to two people familiar. https://t.co/Ks1TJEILg8 — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 7, 2020
Chris Hayes: Trump's press conference was closer to “a rambling toast from a bitter patriarch at a feud-stricken family wedding.” https://t.co/94tyYzdM15 #inners — All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) February 7, 2020
#UPDATE While global concerns about the #coronavirus mount, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned Friday that that world was facing a "chronic shortage" of masks and other protective equipment https://t.co/M7GcR63iub pic.twitter.com/xlTc3tI2B0 — AFP news agency (@AFP) February 7, 2020
THREAD: When Women Say “No, Thank You” to Our Offer of a Date -- Recently, a woman friend told me about being invited out on a date. It is a story from twenty years ago. She was sharing it as part of a conversation we were having about relationships. /1 --Photo by Glenn Beltz pic.twitter.com/SMpz4Pcef9 — Remaking Manhood (@RemakingManhood) February 5, 2020
If Trump wins a second term, it won't mainly be because Dems moved too far left. It will be because the GOP hobbled the Obama economy in the name of fiscal responsibility, then went on a borrowing spree under Trump https://t.co/fkEdZThI4f — Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 7, 2020
Vietnam faces loss up to $7.7 billion in tourism due to China's coronavirus: state media https://t.co/6xMHB3iy9h pic.twitter.com/1jwp8um9hy — Reuters (@Reuters) February 7, 2020
NEW: @realdonaldtrump’s company charges Trump’s own Secret Service agents while they protect him — at rates as high as $650/night for a room and $17,000/month for a cottage. Taxpayers pay. https://t.co/JIOHe66Hjx — David Fahrenthold (@Fahrenthold) February 7, 2020
Who wants to tell them about Trump's speech yesterday? https://t.co/Ta8k97Jqv6 — Steve M. (@nomoremister) February 7, 2020
Senior member of #Iran's Revolutionary Guards admitted "we were side by side with Al-Qaeda" in #Bosnia.
Often unknown or denied, the Balkans in the 1990s was the first joint project for the clerical regime and Al-Qaeda, greatly empowering both. https://t.co/CpDiGhJeOd — Kyle Orton (@KyleWOrton) February 6, 2020
We didn’t know until now what rates @realdonaldtrump charges his own government, b/c the payments to Trump Org aren’t listed in regular spending databases. Here’s how we figured this out: https://t.co/Pes87GSynU — David Fahrenthold (@Fahrenthold) February 7, 2020
"In at least two network newsrooms, there was a strong thought that out of fairness, the president deserved the chance to be heard after several weeks where the impeachment hearings and trial were broadcast." https://t.co/ken6h8m9xO — Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) February 7, 2020
Donald Trump appointed a longtime Mar-a-Lago member and handbag designer to be our nation's ambassador to South Africa. Her efforts to fire her deputy and hire her son are a tragic reflection of the nepotism and corruption practiced by Donald Trump and his family every day. https://t.co/vD0MG7A9M0 — Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) February 6, 2020
Just after Trump acquittal, Republican senators requested Hunter Biden's travel records | Via: USA Today https://t.co/SR1is2atbw — SafetyPin-Daily (@SafetyPinDaily) February 7, 2020
More than 200 people the United States has sent back to El Salvador have been killed or seriously abused — including sexually assaulted and tortured — according to a new report by Human Rights Watch https://t.co/NJkBKbgF3k — NBC Latino (@NBCLatino) February 5, 2020
***
DEPARTMENT OF 'OH GOD WE NEED SOMETHING TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT'
4 days until pitchers and catchers report. #happytruckday
pic.twitter.com/LM4Po20hNv — Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) February 7, 2020
In Nepal, there is a festival every year to thank dogs for being our friends. They offer the dogs food and addorn them with flower garlands.
This is the treatment all doggos deserve 🥰 pic.twitter.com/pSVjSgKhMb — Bee (@redhead_ordead) February 7, 2020
The abbot of the Wat Chak Daeng Buddhist temple is spearheading a project to recycle plastic bottles into fabric for saffron-colored robes for monks https://t.co/L1b6sixZH5 pic.twitter.com/MCfbZHwZ9s — Reuters (@Reuters) February 7, 2020
This new CA Uber law is off the chain pic.twitter.com/Hjpn8wBPVa — Flan Bites (@flanbites) February 7, 2020
Guinea pig update: getting outside for a play for the first time this year! pic.twitter.com/ZBXMlQByDe — Rachel Plummer (@smaychel) February 7, 2020
Puppy eyes are the corg-key to the heart 😘 pic.twitter.com/SjFrGDgtjF — Andrew (@ANDREW1ALBERTT) February 7, 2020
YOU GO BABY GIRL! A single mom in North Carolina taught her young daughter Kinley, who has cerebral palsy, to walk without using her walker. This is what one year of determination looks like. 😍🙌 HER STORY: https://t.co/BmrhftTkDX pic.twitter.com/2EN0NkU7J8 — FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) January 24, 2020
Chiefs player celebrates Super Bowl victory by paying adoption fees for over 100 shelter dogs.https://t.co/9FtdY2h2sa pic.twitter.com/wqMLmThZev — Upworthy (@Upworthy) February 3, 2020
Patagonia’s CEO is donating company’s entire $10M Trump tax cut to fight climate change. - Upworthy https://t.co/oydUvutFaW — Angela Rosaria Cancilla🌹 (@angelasfeathers) February 7, 2020
Let's take a moment to break up the news cycle with this gem! @bonjovi Shoutout to akarim5847 via @reddit pic.twitter.com/WDokMUqA4h — Upworthy (@Upworthy) January 30, 2020
One man turned nursing home design on its head when he created this stunning facility. - Upworthyhttps://t.co/oFhpmhbPE8 — TavisS (@TavisS) February 2, 2020
Doggy loves the guinea pig 🐾
Funny woof 📹🐶 https://t.co/8A1FSjTEpK pic.twitter.com/uRI3faADs1 — Dogs (@AnimalsHello) February 4, 2020
Put this week behind you and have a wonderful weekend!


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--Fox Smears LTC Vindman As A 'Chow Thief' And 'Spotlight Ranger'

More heads on a pike for anyone that dared to defy Trump and tell the truth to Congress during the House impeachment hearings .
The hosts of Fox & Friends brought on a military veteran this Sunday to go after the highly decorated Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and smear him for supposedly being a selfish attention-seeker that they tried to `` peer out '' during his time in Army Ranger School now that Vindman has been ousted from the NSC in retaliation for testifying by Trump .
This is a claim that was first made on Twitter by so-called men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cernovich , who accused Vindman of being a `` lazy chow thief '' but said he did n't want to `` out his sources . ''
It seems Fox managed to track down someone to attack Vindman with an aid and assist from host Pete Hegseth .
According to Petry 's Wikipedia page and a profile at the Office of the Command Historian , he was training to be a Ranger from 1999-2000 , but he 's certainly willing to pass along hearsay info from the likes of Mike Cernovich from the Ranger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LEROY PETRY ( MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT ) : I respect Donald Trump 's actions on escorting [ Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman ] out of the White House , because he , as a team player , he should have brought it up through the chain of command , and then blown the whistle if it did n't get approved .
And so exactly my insight is , I would 've fired him too and said , I ca n't trust you on my team if you ca n't bring me things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Nancy Pelosi also calling him a hero , I think is a word that gets thrown around way too much .
I respect his service and I understand he 's a Purple Heart recipient , but being a Purple Heart recipient does n't make somebody a hero .
PETE HEGSETH ( CO-HOST ) : No , Leroy , I appreciate your candor , because wearing the uniform does n't make you immune from criticism , especially if you 're on the National Security Council and you 've -- it 's now been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leaking , you certainly were part of a concerted effort to hurt the president , you testified against him , and then the Democrats are outraged that the president takes his prerogative to say , you serve at my pleasure , you 're moving on .
He 's still in the military , he 's just moving out of the White House .
So why the outrage from people that want to hold up Vindman and say he 's such a big hero ?
PETRY : I think a lot of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all started , those that knew him , when he was going through Ranger School , said that he was a chow thief in Ranger School and could n't be trusted , and they tried peering him out .
And they said well I guess it has n't changed much .
And usually , folks that tried to make a big statue of something are what we call spotlighters in the military .
Trying to highlight themselves as a hero , or doing something great , and you could do something great just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , let me translate that a little bit .
`` Chow thief '' meaning when there 's limited food , you 're taking some so that you can have some and your buddies do n't .
`` Spotlight ranger '' is someone who , when the spotlight 's on , you do a great job ; when it 's not , you 're not necessarily helping your buddies .
And to be `` peered out '' means your fellow peers are voting against you to graduate from that particular school .
I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always wore it openly .
Like , we all are allowed to have political views , but he 's been a left-winger his entire career , and now the president has a prerogative to get rid of him .
PETRY : Hey -- and then he 'll have to accept the title of Mr. Vindman .

More heads on a pike for anyone that dared to defy Trump and tell the truth to Congress during the House impeachment hearings. The hosts of Fox & Friends brought on a military veteran this Sunday to go after the highly decorated Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and smear him for supposedly being a selfish attention-seeker that they tried to "peer out" during his time in Army Ranger School now that Vindman has been ousted from the NSC in retaliation for testifying by Trump.
This is a claim that was first made on Twitter by so-called men's rights activist and conspiracy theorist Mike Cernovich, who accused Vindman of being a "lazy chow thief" but said he didn't want to "out his sources."
During Ranger School, LTC Vindman kept getting low peer ratings because “he was lazy and a chow thief,” a Ranger School classmate of Vindman has said.
Battalion Rangers wanted him out, said he was POS.
I won’t out sources but here is class picture. pic.twitter.com/gi3kLs4Qhz — Mike Cernovich (@Cernovich) November 19, 2019
It seems Fox managed to track down someone to attack Vindman with an aid and assist from host Pete Hegseth. According to Petry's Wikipedia page and a profile at the Office of the Command Historian, he was training to be a Ranger from 1999-2000, but he's certainly willing to pass along hearsay info from the likes of Mike Cernovich from the Ranger class of September, 2003 anyway:


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--Lindsey Graham Promises To Haul All Of Trump's Political Enemies In Front Of His Committee

Senate Judiciary Chair Lindsey Graham told Fox 's Jeanine Pirro to `` just hang tight '' as he prepares to help Trump take revenge on his political enemies by hauling them in front of his committee with the help of Trump 's corrupt DOJ .
Graham told Pirro he 's going to give Barr a list of witnesses which includes everyone from the whistleblower , to Comey , to McCabe to Yates , to Obama , to the Bidens , to you name it , and expect this list to grow before it 's over .
Here 's what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday 's Justice with Judge Jeanine .
PIRRO : Let 's talk about now .
Let 's switch it to the you guys .
Now we know that there ... do we expect that you as chairman of Judiciary or Burr , chairman of Intelligence may want to look at the whistleblower or may want to look at the Bidens ?
I know Treasury has subpoenaed Hunter Biden 's financial records .
But James Reese apparently does does n't have an appetite ... he says , of course he is the chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I 've got other things I 'm doing now and I have n't given it any thought.
” “ Have n't given it any thought ” ?
!
!
America 's been talking about this for three months !
GRAHAM : So , we 're are not going to live in a world where as a Republican you get investigated from the day you get sworn in , three years later they are still coming after you .
Here 's what amazes me .
The Russian investigation .
What happened ?
Half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go to jail and Trump was cleared .
GRAHAM : They come after Trump on Ukraine and Biden blows up .
So , every time they throw a rock at trump they get hit .
So here 's what we should look at .
Why did the State Department not act when they were told about the conflict of interest with Hunter Biden regarding the Ukraine , right ?
GRAHAM : Who is the whistleblower ?
Does he have contacts on Schiff 's staff ?
Did Colonel Vindman leak information to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FISA warrant , how could you sign the warrant four times and not know the whole thing was off the rails ?
That 's where I come in .
PIRRO : Okay , so you 're going to do something .
The thing ... the head of the FISA court said it was wrong and it was not predicated on probable cause .
You know the whole thing .
So you are going to do something .
You want to tell us what you are going to do ?
GRAHAM : Yeah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of witnesses to the Department of Justice that I want to call .
It 's going to be the case agent .
I want to find out how this got so screwed up .
Why did n't they tell about the Russian source who said , you know , the dossier is not reliable .
How could it be possible that it never goes up to the top .
I do n't believe ...
I want to know what Obama knew about this investigation .
I want to call Rosenstein , Sally Yates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who worked on this case to find out how it got so off the rails and make sure it never happens again .
And I want to know who in the White House knew about this counter-intelligence investigation against the republican nominee .
PIRRO : You and I both know the lovers were saying the White House wants to be informed of what we are doing .
I mean , if you just do a timeline interspersed , the love notes , it will explain it all , but there is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , it takes a team effort .
You are a powerful man obviously , but , you know , we need those other committees .
We need a full court press .
And you know what ?
It 's based on facts , not on what the Democrats did when they created the Russia collusion delusion and the Ukraine nothing-burger .

Senate Judiciary Chair Lindsey Graham told Fox's Jeanine Pirro to "just hang tight" as he prepares to help Trump take revenge on his political enemies by hauling them in front of his committee with the help of Trump's corrupt DOJ.
Graham told Pirro he's going to give Barr a list of witnesses which includes everyone from the whistleblower, to Comey, to McCabe to Yates, to Obama, to the Bidens, to you name it, and expect this list to grow before it's over.
Here's what it looks like when Democracy dies from this Saturday's Justice with Judge Jeanine.
PIRRO: Let's talk about now. Let's switch it to the you guys. Now we know that there... do we expect that you as chairman of Judiciary or Burr, chairman of Intelligence may want to look at the whistleblower or may want to look at the Bidens? I know Treasury has subpoenaed Hunter Biden's financial records. But James Reese apparently does doesn't have an appetite... he says, of course he is the chair of Foreign Relations, and he says, “I've got other things I'm doing now and I haven't given it any thought.”
“Haven't given it any thought”?!! America's been talking about this for three months!
GRAHAM: So, we're are not going to live in a world where as a Republican you get investigated from the day you get sworn in, three years later they are still coming after you. Here's what amazes me. The Russian investigation. What happened? Half the people behind the Russian investigation are going to go to jail and Trump was cleared.
PIRRO: Hopefully.
GRAHAM: Well, just hang tight.
PIRRO: Okay.
GRAHAM: They come after Trump on Ukraine and Biden blows up. So, every time they throw a rock at trump they get hit. So here's what we should look at. Why did the State Department not act when they were told about the conflict of interest with Hunter Biden regarding the Ukraine, right?
PIRRO: Right.
GRAHAM: Who is the whistleblower? Does he have contacts on Schiff's staff? Did Colonel Vindman leak information to the whistleblower? And as to the FISA warrant, how could you sign the warrant four times and not know the whole thing was off the rails? That's where I come in.
PIRRO: Okay, so you're going to do something. The thing... the head of the FISA court said it was wrong and it was not predicated on probable cause. You know the whole thing. So you are going to do something. You want to tell us what you are going to do?
GRAHAM: Yeah, I'm going to give a list of witnesses to the Department of Justice that I want to call. It's going to be the case agent. I want to find out how this got so screwed up. Why didn't they tell about the Russian source who said, you know, the dossier is not reliable. How could it be possible that it never goes up to the top.
I don't believe... I want to know what Obama knew about this investigation. I want to call Rosenstein, Sally Yates, Comey and McCabe, all the people who worked on this case to find out how it got so off the rails and make sure it never happens again.
And I want to know who in the White House knew about this counter-intelligence investigation against the republican nominee.
PIRRO: You and I both know the lovers were saying the White House wants to be informed of what we are doing. I mean, if you just do a timeline interspersed, the love notes, it will explain it all, but there is more I want to talk about, and you know, it takes a team effort. You are a powerful man obviously, but, you know, we need those other committees. We need a full court press.
And you know what? It's based on facts, not on what the Democrats did when they created the Russia collusion delusion and the Ukraine nothing-burger.


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--Elizabeth Warren Rebukes Stephanopoulos For 'Putting Democracy On The Line'

I really love the way Elizabeth Warren shamed George Stephanopoulos for trying to shame HER into taking billionaire contributions from SuperPACs on ABC 's This Week .
No matter how hard he tried to shovel the conventional wisdom in her lap , she shoveled it right back on him .
After downplaying her impressive finish in Iowa because only the `` top two matter , '' Warren pushed back , noting that she did n't take money from anyone other than grassroots donors .
Ah , but GSteph was ready for that .
noting that other candidates -- Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big bucks from whoever might be waving them around. ''
And [ Buttigieg ] made no apologies for doing what he 's doing , '' Stephanopoulis noted .
`` He says it 's important to build the biggest coalition you can . ''
Oh , well then .
Let 's just round up the Koch Brothers in the name of coalition building .
Sell your soul to the devil and it 's his forever , after all .
Okay , that 's my retort .
Warren 's was better .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exactly what 's going carry us over the top , '' she shot back , before going into her usual discussion of government working for billionaires .
SCORE .
She landed that one .
She went on to discuss how people who are n't billionaires pay their taxes `` so that the roads are paved and the bridges still work , and we provide for the defense before making the case for the abject corruption in Washington , DC while also taking a slap at Michael Bloomberg .
`` It 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bunch of billionaires that make big campaign contributions or reach in their own pockets , like Michael Bloomberg does , '' she explained .
`` If it 's going to take sucking up to billionaires or being a billionaire to get the Democratic nomination to run for president , then all I can say is , buckle up , America , because our government is going to work even better for billionaires and even worse for everyone else . ''
POINT TAKEN .
At least , I took that point .
As one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well over 10 years , what she is saying is music to my ears .
Billionaires are propping up Trump , they 're propping up the markets , and they 're raking in the cash .
Poor GSteph was undeterred , instead determined to bring her back to reality .
It was as if he was telling her to get with the program , woman , and stop tilting at windmills .
But there 's there 's a reality out there , '' the `` wise man from ABC '' gravely explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've had to pull back your advertising in Nevada and South Carolina because you do n't have the funds to go forward if you do n't do better here . ''
Does he somehow imagine she does n't live in reality ?
And by the way , Warren getting press these days is like finding a gold nugget in the garden after it 's been fertilized .
Why does she have to submit to these absurd and patronizing declarations , again ?
Are they doing that to Biden ?
Those questions would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren proves herself to again be better than me .
`` Yes .
But look at the question you 're asking , '' she said .
`` You 're really putting democracy out here on the line . ''
And from there , she launched into her explanation of why this is a grassroots movement -- it 's to make the system as a whole better , rather than simply accepting the status quo .
Why is this so tough for the GStephs of the world to understand ?
`` I believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided I was going to build this as a grassroots movement and make this system better , because , right now , we have Washington where , in theory , everybody has the same voice , '' she explained .
`` But billionaires , they may own more shoes than the rest of us , they may own more cars , they may own more houses , but they should n't own a bigger piece of our democracy . ''
`` And so long as they can do that , that 's how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to see get done do n't get done , '' she told him emphatically .
I 'm fairly certain he did n't get the message , but she put it out there for the people with ears to hear .
Speaking for me , I loved that she put his conventional wisdom in a box , lit a match , and burned it to a crisp .

I really love the way Elizabeth Warren shamed George Stephanopoulos for trying to shame HER into taking billionaire contributions from SuperPACs on ABC's This Week. No matter how hard he tried to shovel the conventional wisdom in her lap, she shoveled it right back on him.
After downplaying her impressive finish in Iowa because only the "top two matter," Warren pushed back, noting that she didn't take money from anyone other than grassroots donors.
Ah, but GSteph was ready for that. noting that other candidates -- Pete Buttigieg specifically -- aren't shy about taking the big bucks from whoever might be waving them around.
" And [Buttigieg] made no apologies for doing what he's doing," Stephanopoulis noted. "He says it's important to build the biggest coalition you can."
Oh, well then. Let's just round up the Koch Brothers in the name of coalition building. Sell your soul to the devil and it's his forever, after all. Okay, that's my retort. Warren's was better.
"You know, the coalition of billionaires isl not exactly what's going carry us over the top," she shot back, before going into her usual discussion of government working for billionaires.
SCORE. She landed that one. She went on to discuss how people who aren't billionaires pay their taxes "so that the roads are paved and the bridges still work, and we provide for the defense before making the case for the abject corruption in Washington, DC while also taking a slap at Michael Bloomberg.
"It's a Washington that makes -- it's a bunch of billionaires that make big campaign contributions or reach in their own pockets, like Michael Bloomberg does," she explained. "If it's going to take sucking up to billionaires or being a billionaire to get the Democratic nomination to run for president, then all I can say is, buckle up, America, because our government is going to work even better for billionaires and even worse for everyone else."
POINT TAKEN. At least, I took that point. As one who has followed the money trail for well over 10 years, what she is saying is music to my ears. Billionaires are propping up Trump, they're propping up the markets, and they're raking in the cash.
Poor GSteph was undeterred, instead determined to bring her back to reality. It was as if he was telling her to get with the program, woman, and stop tilting at windmills.
But there's there's a reality out there," the "wise man from ABC" gravely explained. "I read this weekend that you've had to pull back your advertising in Nevada and South Carolina because you don't have the funds to go forward if you don't do better here."
Does he somehow imagine she doesn't live in reality? And by the way, Warren getting press these days is like finding a gold nugget in the garden after it's been fertilized. Why does she have to submit to these absurd and patronizing declarations, again? Are they doing that to Biden?
Those questions would have been my retort. Fortunately, Elizabeth Warren proves herself to again be better than me.
"Yes. But look at the question you're asking," she said. "You're really putting democracy out here on the line."
And from there, she launched into her explanation of why this is a grassroots movement -- it's to make the system as a whole better, rather than simply accepting the status quo. Why is this so tough for the GStephs of the world to understand?
"I believe in democracy, and that's why I decided I was going to build this as a grassroots movement and make this system better, because, right now, we have Washington where, in theory, everybody has the same voice," she explained. "But billionaires, they may own more shoes than the rest of us, they may own more cars, they may own more houses, but they shouldn't own a bigger piece of our democracy."
"And so long as they can do that, that's how it is, that the things we want to see get done don't get done," she told him emphatically.
I'm fairly certain he didn't get the message, but she put it out there for the people with ears to hear. Speaking for me, I loved that she put his conventional wisdom in a box, lit a match, and burned it to a crisp.


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--Chuck Todd Tries And Fails To Make Pete Buttigieg Blame Obama For 'The Rise Of Trump'

NBC Host Chuck Todd suggested on Sunday that Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg agrees that former President Barack Obama is to blame for President Donald Trump 's ascendency into power .
Buttigieg , however , refused to take the bait .
`` The vice president is hitting you hard , implying that you are attacking the Obama presidency , '' Todd said .
`` Let me ask the question this way .
In the second term of the Obama presidency , what do you think they could have done differently that might have prevented the rise of Donald Trump ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Obama White House 's back again and again . ''
`` No , I understand that , '' Todd interrupted .
`` Why did we get Donald Trump in your view .
And could this have been prevented by the Obama/Biden administration ? ''
`` No , '' Buttigieg replied .
`` I do n't think you can pin this on any one individual administration . ''
`` Now is our chance to put together a big enough majority that it will win against Donald Trump .
Then Trump-ism itself goes into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

NBC Host Chuck Todd suggested on Sunday that Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg agrees that former President Barack Obama is to blame for President Donald Trump's ascendency into power. Buttigieg, however, refused to take the bait.
"The vice president is hitting you hard, implying that you are attacking the Obama presidency," Todd said. "Let me ask the question this way. In the second term of the Obama presidency, what do you think they could have done differently that might have prevented the rise of Donald Trump?"
Buttigieg insisted that he had "the Obama White House's back again and again."
"No, I understand that," Todd interrupted. "Why did we get Donald Trump in your view. And could this have been prevented by the Obama/Biden administration?"
"No," Buttigieg replied. "I don't think you can pin this on any one individual administration."
"Now is our chance to put together a big enough majority that it will win against Donald Trump. Then Trump-ism itself goes into the history books," he concluded.


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--'A Liar Or A Backstabber': Rudy Giuliani Rages At John Bolton In Fox News Meltdown

Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani lashed out at former National Security Adviser John Bolton on Sunday over reports that Bolton 's @ @ @ @ @ New York City mayor in President Donald Trump 's Ukraine scheme .
`` There was @ @ @ @ @ '' Giuliani said , insisted that he was `` not in the room '' with @ @ @ @ @ in the Ukraine scandal .
`` 100 % , I never had any such meeting @ @ @ @ @ `` I do not know what John is talking about and I 'm very angry @ @ @ @ @ I was a hand grenade . ''
`` He went around my back to the @ @ @ @ @ , '' Giuliani explained bitterly .
`` I do n't know what John 's up @ @ @ @ @ a liar or a backstabber . ''

Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani lashed out at former National Security Adviser John Bolton on Sunday over reports that Bolton's new book implicates the former New York City mayor in President Donald Trump's Ukraine scheme.
"There was never such a meeting," Giuliani said, insisted that he was "not in the room" with the president to witness malfeasance in the Ukraine scandal.
"100%, I never had any such meeting," he continued. "I do not know what John is talking about and I'm very angry at John because John says I was a hand grenade."
"He went around my back to the Secretary of State and complained," Giuliani explained bitterly. "I don't know what John's up to. He's either a liar or a backstabber."


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--Jeanine Pirro Rages At Mitt Romney: 'Get The Hell Out Of The United States Senate!'

Fox host and Trump boot-licker `` judge '' Jeanine Pirro opened her show this Saturday with yet another of her over-the-top , rage-filled rants , this time in response to Utah Sen. Mitt Romney , who dared to defy Dear Leader with his vote for Trump 's conviction for abuse of power .
Jeanine Pirro to Mitt Romney : 'How about you get the hell out of the United States Senate ? '
: Judge Jeanine Pirro minced no words Saturday in slamming Sen. Mitt Romney for being the sole Republican voting to convict President Trump during last week 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romney -- the 2012 Republican presidential nominee from Utah , who lost to Barack Obama that year -- voted the way he did out of jealousy of Trump , who was able to win the White House for the GOP four years later .
`` Permit me to introduce you to a non-leader , '' Pirro said on `` Justice with Judge Jeanine . ''
`` The first United States senator in American history to vote to convict the president of his own party -- Mitt Romney , the sole and only Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How dare he ! ''
she added .
`` How could he ?
And why would he ? ''
Pirro also criticized Romney and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for invoking their faith while criticizing the president .
`` Do you ever wonder why people never mention God or religion -- only bring it up when they get caught doing something or when they need an excuse for something they did ? ''
Pirro asked .
`` What a bunch of phonies . ''
`` Your jealousy of this man [ Trump ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because you can never rise to the heights that he has , '' Pirro said .
`` Because guys like you fold like wusses and you do n't have any selflessness or the ability to think about others , as Donald Trump has thought about making America first . ''
The host called on Romney to resign from office and ripped his attempt to win over the `` Trump-hating left . ''
`` How about you get the hell out of the United States Senate ? ''
Pirro said .
`` The people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your dream of endearing yourself to the Trump-hating left is a joke . ''

Fox host and Trump boot-licker "judge" Jeanine Pirro opened her show this Saturday with yet another of her over-the-top, rage-filled rants, this time in response to Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, who dared to defy Dear Leader with his vote for Trump's conviction for abuse of power.
Jeanine Pirro to Mitt Romney: 'How about you get the hell out of the United States Senate?':
Judge Jeanine Pirro minced no words Saturday in slamming Sen. Mitt Romney for being the sole Republican voting to convict President Trump during last week's Senate impeachment trial.
Pirro claimed that Romney -- the 2012 Republican presidential nominee from Utah, who lost to Barack Obama that year -- voted the way he did out of jealousy of Trump, who was able to win the White House for the GOP four years later.
"Permit me to introduce you to a non-leader," Pirro said on "Justice with Judge Jeanine." "The first United States senator in American history to vote to convict the president of his own party -- Mitt Romney, the sole and only Republican to vote to convict President Trump.
"How dare he!" she added. "How could he? And why would he?"
Pirro also criticized Romney and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for invoking their faith while criticizing the president.
"Do you ever wonder why people never mention God or religion -- only bring it up when they get caught doing something or when they need an excuse for something they did?" Pirro asked. "What a bunch of phonies."
Pirro pulled no punches, calling Romney an "embarrassment."
"Your jealousy of this man [Trump] is a constant rage burning within you because you can never rise to the heights that he has," Pirro said. "Because guys like you fold like wusses and you don't have any selflessness or the ability to think about others, as Donald Trump has thought about making America first."
The host called on Romney to resign from office and ripped his attempt to win over the "Trump-hating left."
"How about you get the hell out of the United States Senate?" Pirro said. "The people in Utah are furious with you, and your dream of endearing yourself to the Trump-hating left is a joke."


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--John Dean Scoffs At Marco Rubio's 'Silly Talk' Excusing Trump's 'Friday Night Massacre'

John Dean tore into Marco Rubio for defending Donald Trump 's vengeful firings of LTC Vindman and Ambassador Gordon Sondland on CNN Saturday .
As reaction rolled in like fire on social media over Donald Trump 's `` Friday Night Massacre , '' Senator Marco Rubio felt the urge to intervene with this tweet : CNN anchor Ana Cabrera asked John Dean about that during an interview Saturday .
“ Well , you know , that certainly doesn ’ t apply to Vindman ’ s brother , who did not testify and who is guilty by association — by blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ So , you know , that ’ s the kind of silly talk that a guy like Rubio will use to justify this kind of action , ” he continued .
“ He knows as well as anybody that it ’ s revenge , that he was a vital person on the National Security Council , that they ’ re in the process of hollowing out the National Security Council , they ’ re removing maybe 50 , 60 , 70 people who they have slight suspicions might be leakers and might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminded viewers .
“ So they don ’ t care what ’ s going to happen.
” They ought to care .
One of the fundamental responsibilities of the President is national security .
And as Dean reminds everyone at the end of his remarks , Trump is gutting the very mechanisms that help with that because he 's more concerned with loyalty to himself than he is concerned with loyalty to the country as a whole .
It 's nice to see a Watergate guy smack down the smarmy sycophancy of Marco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chorus of `` he did it but it 's not worthy of removal , '' even though what Trump did is several orders of magnitude worse than what Nixon did .
`` Little Marco '' is small indeed .

John Dean tore into Marco Rubio for defending Donald Trump's vengeful firings of LTC Vindman and Ambassador Gordon Sondland on CNN Saturday.
As reaction rolled in like fire on social media over Donald Trump's "Friday Night Massacre," Senator Marco Rubio felt the urge to intervene with this tweet:
Col. Vindman wasn’t “fired” he’s still an Army officer. He was assigned to NSC to serve the President who has a right to have people he trusts on his staff
Sondland was a politically appointee. No point in having a political appointee who no longer has the Presidents confidence — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 8, 2020
CNN anchor Ana Cabrera asked John Dean about that during an interview Saturday.
“Well, you know, that certainly doesn’t apply to Vindman’s brother, who did not testify and who is guilty by association — by blood,” Dean said, laughing.
“So, you know, that’s the kind of silly talk that a guy like Rubio will use to justify this kind of action,” he continued.
“He knows as well as anybody that it’s revenge, that he was a vital person on the National Security Council, that they’re in the process of hollowing out the National Security Council, they’re removing maybe 50, 60, 70 people who they have slight suspicions might be leakers and might not be Trump supporters,” Dean reminded viewers. “So they don’t care what’s going to happen.”
They ought to care. One of the fundamental responsibilities of the President is national security. And as Dean reminds everyone at the end of his remarks, Trump is gutting the very mechanisms that help with that because he's more concerned with loyalty to himself than he is concerned with loyalty to the country as a whole.
It's nice to see a Watergate guy smack down the smarmy sycophancy of Marco Rubio. Rubio was one who joined the chorus of "he did it but it's not worthy of removal," even though what Trump did is several orders of magnitude worse than what Nixon did.
"Little Marco" is small indeed.


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--Secrets And Lies — Sen. Chris Murphy Asks GAO To Investigate Trump

This caught my attention yesterday but I didn ’ t get around to it : And if you follow the link to the article it becomes clear… I ’ m talking about the NSA classified server where Impeached-for-Life Prznint Stupid ’ s minions buried the so-called perfect call ’ s actual transcript , which so far has not seen the light of day .
“ Read the transcript , ” he ’ s moo ’ ed at us , endlessly .
And I would be delighted to , so please declassify it .
But I think even the GAO will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compartmentalized so even knowing that a project exists can be a breach of security .
• Clearances are given on a project-by-project basis .
A Top Secret clearance on Project A does not mean someone has any clearance on any other project .
• People assigned to Project A might not ever know about the existence of Project B .
( Famously the Stealth Bomber team did not know about the Stealth Fighter team during the Carter administration , so when Carter [ oops ! ]
announced one , that was the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] knew about it ! )
• The list of people assigned to any project is itself classified .
• Compartmentalized information is compartmentalized for a reason : by restricting access , they can restrict leaks and/or track down who leaked more easily .
If only 5 people knew about X , one of ’ em is the leaker . )
So… Someone at the GAO would have to be given clearance for a project that officially doesn ’ t exist ( Project Quid Pro Quo ) and would only be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level , this is never going to happen , at least not while The Russian Usurper is in office .

This caught my attention yesterday but I didn’t get around to it:
Here's another Trump abuse of power that should alarm you. Trump will likely pervert classification authority to keep info buried that would undercut his campaign claims and inform voters about Russian interference. I talked to @ChrisMurphyCT about this:https://t.co/1FVy9CiYMu — Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) February 7, 2020
And if you follow the link to the article it becomes clear…
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) has called on the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, to undertake a review of whether the administration is over-classifying government information to keep it hidden from public view to protect Trump.
…that it already happened.
I’m talking about the NSA classified server where Impeached-for-Life Prznint Stupid’s minions buried the so-called perfect call’s actual transcript, which so far has not seen the light of day. “Read the transcript,” he’s moo’ed at us, endlessly. And I would be delighted to, so please declassify it.
But I think even the GAO will be stonewalled because those servers are generally compartmentalized so even knowing that a project exists can be a breach of security.
Here’s kinda how it works:
Clearances are given on a project-by-project basis. A Top Secret clearance on Project A does not mean someone has any clearance on any other project.
People assigned to Project A might not ever know about the existence of Project B. (Famously the Stealth Bomber team did not know about the Stealth Fighter team during the Carter administration, so when Carter [oops!] announced one, that was the first time that the other team [officially] knew about it!)
The list of people assigned to any project is itself classified.
Compartmentalized information is compartmentalized for a reason: by restricting access, they can restrict leaks and/or track down who leaked more easily. If only 5 people knew about X, one of ’em is the leaker.)
So… Someone at the GAO would have to be given clearance for a project that officially doesn’t exist (Project Quid Pro Quo) and would only be allowed to see that. So on a practical level, this is never going to happen, at least not while The Russian Usurper is in office.
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors.


crooksandliars--2020-02-09--Sunday Morning Bobblehead Thread

Sunday Morning Bobblehead Thread

In the `` Damn , Science Is Sexy '' category , we have this much needed brain cleanse : ( Sound ON ) EVERYONE needs Bill Nye and Lizzo in their lives .
EVERYONE .
And predictably , Twitter lost its collective damn mind over this .
It was delightful .
This is the social media content we signed up for .
Okay , back to reality , the Sunday shows are sure to have one or two things to talk about this morning , from the revolting , yet thoroughly predictable acquittal of Trump to Friday night 's Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high on your list ?
Here 's the line-up , via Politico : -- NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press ” : Pete Buttigieg … Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) .
Panel : Kasie Hunt , Joshua Johnson , Claire McCaskill and John Sununu ( live from Manchester , N.H. ) .
-- CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” : Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) … Pete Buttigieg … DNC Chairman Tom Perez .
Panel : Rick Santorum , Mia Love , Karen Finney and Wajahat Ali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Pete Buttigieg … Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) .
Panel : Karl Rove , Julie Pace , Dana Perino and Juan Williams … “ Power Player of the Week ” segment with Secretary of The Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch .

In the "Damn, Science Is Sexy" category, we have this much needed brain cleanse: (Sound ON)
please tell me what designer had bill nye walking im crying pic.twitter.com/3ZSyCxcBNv — big t (@miuyorker) February 7, 2020
EVERYONE needs Bill Nye and Lizzo in their lives. EVERYONE. And predictably, Twitter lost its collective damn mind over this. It was delightful. This is the social media content we signed up for.
Okay, back to reality, the Sunday shows are sure to have one or two things to talk about this morning, from the revolting, yet thoroughly predictable acquittal of Trump to Friday night's Democratic debate in New Hampshire. What's high on your list? Here's the line-up, via Politico: