crooksandliars--2020-01-09--Mike Pence Wants Public To 'Trust Us' On Iran War

Vice President and Number One Trump Toady Mike Pence expects `` the American people '' to trust the White House @ @ @ @ @ the assassination of the Iranian General Qasem Soleimani .
Pence told `` I 'm just @ @ @ @ @ '' Brian Kilmeade : `` To protect sources & methods we 're simply not able @ @ @ @ @ of Congress the intelligence that supported the president 's decision ... [ but ] I @ @ @ @ @ there was a threat of an imminent attack . ''
You would n't have to @ @ @ @ @ the Gang of Eight , Mike .
They have already been briefed multiple times by @ @ @ @ @ , you 're lying , and `` The American People '' are polling that they @ @ @ @ @ is like a person showing up at their job and it 's one of the @ @ @ @ @ country and they have absolutely no idea how to do it and so they just @ @ @ @ @ everyone will not notice I 'm *embarrassed* for Mike Pence here

Vice President and Number One Trump Toady Mike Pence expects "the American people" to trust the White House on their imaginary rationales for the assassination of the Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
Pence told "I'm just back from my Mensa meeting" Brian Kilmeade: "To protect sources & methods we're simply not able to share with every member of Congress the intelligence that supported the president's decision ... [but] I can assure your viewers that there was a threat of an imminent attack."
You wouldn't have to share sources and methods with the Gang of Eight, Mike. They have already been briefed multiple times by our intelligence agencies.
Also, you're lying, and "The American People" are polling that they know that.
1/ This is like a person showing up at their job and it's one of the most important jobs in the country and they have absolutely no idea how to do it and so they just talk nonsense about it hoping everyone will not notice
I'm *embarrassed* for Mike Pence here — Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) January 9, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-09--Doug Collins Attacks Democrats So Stupidly They Raise Money Off Of Him

Doug Collins went on the Dear Leader Lou Dobbs Hour ( of course ) and went wildly out of bounds @ @ @ @ @ : '' They 're in love with terrorists .
We see that they mourn Soleimani @ @ @ @ @ Gold Star families , who are the ones who suffered under Soleimani .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ told him to keep Gold Star families out of his wh*re mouth .
And Preet @ @ @ @ @ night , donations were up for the more-than-one Democrats running for the HONOR of opposing @ @ @ @ @ election in 2020 .
Right now Collins district , GA-09 , is R+31 , but @ @ @ @ @ .
And of course that 's why Doug Collins gets away with outrageous slander on @ @ @

Doug Collins went on the Dear Leader Lou Dobbs Hour (of course) and went wildly out of bounds with his criticism of Democrats:
"They're in love with terrorists. We see that they mourn Soleimani more than they mourn our Gold Star families, who are the ones who suffered under Soleimani. That's a problem."
Twitter told him to keep Gold Star families out of his wh*re mouth.
That would be those same Gold Star families that were profoundly disrespected by the president you so desperately try to please? #Kahn
Even by #Georgia Republicans standards, Doug Collins is a disgrace. pic.twitter.com/rynvKUYgib — ©as Ⓜudde (@CasMudde) January 9, 2020
And Preet Bharara went further.
Who is running against this craven un-American ignorant asshole named Doug Collins? I will max out to you tomorrow. I hope you all join me. https://t.co/AREc1pvjdX — Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) January 9, 2020
Last night, donations were up for the more-than-one Democrats running for the HONOR of opposing Doug Collins in the general election in 2020.
Right now Collins district, GA-09, is R+31, but that's with voter suppression. And of course that's why Doug Collins gets away with outrageous slander on Lou Dobbs.


crooksandliars--2020-01-09--'An Insult To The Constitution': Rand Paul Blasts Trump, Lindsay Graham

At least two Republicans are furious with the Trump Administration 's refusal to include any specific information or details on the `` imminent threat '' justifying the assassination of Iranian General Soleimani .
Only Trump 's loyal sycophants are pretending to buy the White House rationale .
On Wednesday , Wolf Blitzer asked Rand Paul about the 'Gang of Gight ' briefing he was part of , that caused his and Sen. Mike Lee 's , `` angry reaction . ''
Paul said , `` Well , it 's an insult to the Constitution . ''
The Constitution said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given to Congress .
They specifically did not give that power to the president .
In the briefing and in public , this administration has argued that the vote to topple Saddam Hussein in 2002 now gives them blanket permission for military action in Iraq .
The idea that when Congress voted to go after Saddam Hussein in 2002 , they also authorized military force against an Iranian general 18 years later , is absurd on its face .
Later in the interview Wolf asked Sen. Paul to respond to the vicious attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his patriotism .
`` I think it 's sad when people have this fake sort of drape of patriotism , and anybody that disagrees with them is not a patriot . ''
said Paul .
He continued , `` He believes in this unitary theory of the executive , that presidents can do whatever they want .
The only way you can stop them is by defunding a war .
That 's not what our founding fathers said .
It 's not what the Constitution says .
And he insults the Constitution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand for in this republic by making light of it and accusing people of lacking patriotism . ''
`` I think that 's a low , gutter type of response . ''
On topic and worth the click : Marcy Wheeler at Emptywheel , `` The Republican Party is no Longer the Party of Personal Responsibility . ''
... .Trump doesn ’ t like the humiliation of hearing advice he doesn ’ t like , and so he didn ’ t brief the Gang of Eight beforehand .
He owns this decision , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose to make the decision without following the norm that would allow him to share the blame .
But that raises the stakes for him to find scapegoats .
It ’ s a feedback loop , where his refusal to listen to competent advice increases the likelihood of stupid decision and his defensiveness about admitting all that , thereby raising the stakes on having scapegoats still further .

At least two Republicans are furious with the Trump Administration's refusal to include any specific information or details on the "imminent threat" justifying the assassination of Iranian General Soleimani.
Only Trump's loyal sycophants are pretending to buy the White House rationale.
On Wednesday, Wolf Blitzer asked Rand Paul about the 'Gang of Gight' briefing he was part of, that caused his and Sen. Mike Lee's, "angry reaction."
Paul said, "Well, it's an insult to the Constitution."
The Constitution said the power to declare war was to be given to Congress. They specifically did not give that power to the president.
In the briefing and in public, this administration has argued that the vote to topple Saddam Hussein in 2002 now gives them blanket permission for military action in Iraq. The idea that when Congress voted to go after Saddam Hussein in 2002, they also authorized military force against an Iranian general 18 years later, is absurd on its face.
Later in the interview Wolf asked Sen. Paul to respond to the vicious attacks his colleague Sen. Lindsey Graham made about his patriotism.
"I think it's sad when people have this fake sort of drape of patriotism, and anybody that disagrees with them is not a patriot." said Paul.
He continued, "He believes in this unitary theory of the executive, that presidents can do whatever they want. The only way you can stop them is by defunding a war. That's not what our founding fathers said. It's not what the Constitution says. And he insults the Constitution, our founding fathers and what we do stand for in this republic by making light of it and accusing people of lacking patriotism."
"I think that's a low, gutter type of response."
On topic and worth the click: Marcy Wheeler at Emptywheel, "The Republican Party is no Longer the Party of Personal Responsibility."


crooksandliars--2020-01-09--Pelosi Press Conference: 'Dismissal Equals Cover-Up'

Nancy Pelosi shows she 's not interested in PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT , but is actually doing her job .
Asked whether @ @ @ @ @ the American people about an imminent attack , Pelosi : `` I do not believe @ @ @ @ @ in the public domain that they have made the country safer by what they did @ @ @ @ @ our responsibility is . ''
pic.twitter.com/eWdEDF2RIY After series of earthquakes that have devastated Puerto Rico @ @ @ @ @ the White House to `` stop its unlawful holding of funds '' from the island @ @ @ @ @ For once , we 're with Jennifer Rubin : is it totally nerdy to look @ @ @ @ @ of @ SpeakerPelosi 's press conference ?
I always feel better about America and democracy @ @ @ @ @ from the WH and poof !
.. the moment is lost

Nancy Pelosi shows she's not interested in PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT, but is actually doing her job.
Nancy Pelosi on holding the articles of impeachment: "I'll send them over when I'm ready." pic.twitter.com/P78SZauwYE — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 9, 2020
Asked whether she thinks the admin misled the American people about an imminent attack, Pelosi: "I do not believe in terms of what is in the public domain that they have made the country safer by what they did. And that is what our responsibility is." pic.twitter.com/eWdEDF2RIY — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) January 9, 2020
After series of earthquakes that have devastated Puerto Rico, Nancy Pelosi calls on the White House to "stop its unlawful holding of funds" from the island. https://t.co/sLfQWbDkEX pic.twitter.com/UZd8R4x40F — CBS News (@CBSNews) January 9, 2020
For once, we're with Jennifer Rubin:


crooksandliars--2020-01-09--Why Joe Lieberman Is Suddenly All Over Your Teevee

Judd Legum , founder of Think Progress and now publisher of Popular Information , answers the question that 's been bugging so many of us this week : `` Why is Joe Lieberman on my teevee ? ''
Popular Information assembled this information by reviewing transcripts of segments about Iran appearing on Fox News , Fox Business , and CNN between January 3 and January 7 .
Transcripts of segments about Iran on MSNBC ’ s primetime shows over the same time period were also reviewed .
( Transcripts of MSNBC ’ s daytime programming were not available . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall coverage of Iran .
But it illustrates how a significant portion of the information about foreign policy broadcast to Americans comes from people with undisclosed financial conflicts .
It 's not just Joe Lieberman .
But I know the suspense is killing you , so here 's the short answer : Lieberman ( and virtually every other Very Serious Person who 's cheerleading the Iran strike on your teevee ) makes his paycheck shilling for the defense industry .
Quelle coincidence !
And , as Legum points out , no TV host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of interest : Lieberman works for Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ) , an Israeli weapons manufacturer that recently opened an office in DC “ with the aim of winning new contracts in the United States.
” Lieberman , who was hired through his law firm , Kasowitz Benson Torres , was brought on to “ strategically advise IAI in its activities in the U.S. and its relations with the Department of Defense.
” William Cohen .
Former Clinton secretary of defense .
`` The Cohen Group assists aerospace and defense firms on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' The firm touts that it “ has assisted [ defense ] clients to compete for and win tens of billions of dollars in contracts . '
`` Michael Chertoff .
Homeland Security Secretary under Bush .
`` Chertoff is chairman of the board of the American subsidiary of BAE Systems , the fourth largest weapons manufacturer in the world . ''
Dave Deptula .
Former “ Air Force Lieutenant.
” But he is also Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies , which is part of the Air Force Foundation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to 'empower our nation ’ s leaders by… [ e ] ducating about aerospace power 's unique role in securing America 's global interests . '
The Air Force Foundation is financed by numerous large defense contractors , including BAE Systems , Boeing and Lockheed Martin . ''
John Negroponte .
Former Iraq ambassador under George W. Bush .
Coincidentally , also the `` Vice-Chairman of McLarty Associates , an international lobbying firm that represents the defense industry . ''
James Stavridis .
Introduced as a former NATO supreme allied commander and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North.
’ ” Guess what ?
He is also the the Chair of the Board of Counselors at McLarty Associates , that same firm Negroponte works for .
Mark Kimmitt .
Identified as “ a former state and Defense Department official under George Bush and former deputy director of coalition forces in Iraq.
” Since 2011 , `` Kimmitt has worked as a consultant for companies in the defense industry at his own firm , MTK Defense Consultants . ''
Don Bramer .
Naval intelligence officer .
The Bramer Group is `` currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — ARCH Global Precision , Kongsberg Protech Systems , and MSI-Defense Systems US . ''
Dan Hoffman .
Former CIA station chief .
`` On the advisory board of the BGR Group , a government relations firm .
The BGR Group “ represents a number of major defense companies focused on shaping and informing U.S. national security policy.
” As an advisory board member , Hoffman “ provides strategic advice and counsel to BGR clients.
” Geeze , at least when you 're watching the NFL , they 're wearing the team colors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to subscribe to Popular Information , you 'll get more information like this .

Judd Legum, founder of Think Progress and now publisher of Popular Information, answers the question that's been bugging so many of us this week: "Why is Joe Lieberman on my teevee?"
Popular Information assembled this information by reviewing transcripts of segments about Iran appearing on Fox News, Fox Business, and CNN between January 3 and January 7. Transcripts of segments about Iran on MSNBC’s primetime shows over the same time period were also reviewed. (Transcripts of MSNBC’s daytime programming were not available.) It is a small slice of the overall coverage of Iran. But it illustrates how a significant portion of the information about foreign policy broadcast to Americans comes from people with undisclosed financial conflicts.
It's not just Joe Lieberman. But I know the suspense is killing you, so here's the short answer: Lieberman (and virtually every other Very Serious Person who's cheerleading the Iran strike on your teevee) makes his paycheck shilling for the defense industry. Quelle coincidence! And, as Legum points out, no TV host bothered to point out the financial conflicts of interest:
Lieberman works for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), an Israeli weapons manufacturer that recently opened an office in DC “with the aim of winning new contracts in the United States.” Lieberman, who was hired through his law firm, Kasowitz Benson Torres, was brought on to “strategically advise IAI in its activities in the U.S. and its relations with the Department of Defense.”
William Cohen. Former Clinton secretary of defense. "The Cohen Group assists aerospace and defense firms on policy, business development and transactions.' The firm touts that it “has assisted [defense] clients to compete for and win tens of billions of dollars in contracts.' "
Michael Chertoff. Homeland Security Secretary under Bush. "Chertoff is chairman of the board of the American subsidiary of BAE Systems, the fourth largest weapons manufacturer in the world."
Dave Deptula. Former “Air Force Lieutenant.” But he is also Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, which is part of the Air Force Foundation. "The purpose of the Mitchell Institute is to 'empower our nation’s leaders by… [e]ducating about aerospace power's unique role in securing America's global interests.' The Air Force Foundation is financed by numerous large defense contractors, including BAE Systems, Boeing and Lockheed Martin."
John Negroponte. Former Iraq ambassador under George W. Bush. Coincidentally, also the "Vice-Chairman of McLarty Associates, an international lobbying firm that represents the defense industry."
James Stavridis. Introduced as a former NATO supreme allied commander and author of the book ‘Sailing True North.’” Guess what? He is also the the Chair of the Board of Counselors at McLarty Associates, that same firm Negroponte works for.
Mark Kimmitt. Identified as “a former state and Defense Department official under George Bush and former deputy director of coalition forces in Iraq.” Since 2011, "Kimmitt has worked as a consultant for companies in the defense industry at his own firm, MTK Defense Consultants."
Don Bramer. Naval intelligence officer. The Bramer Group is "currently a registered lobbyist for three defense contractors — ARCH Global Precision, Kongsberg Protech Systems, and MSI-Defense Systems US."
Dan Hoffman. Former CIA station chief. "On the advisory board of the BGR Group, a government relations firm. The BGR Group “represents a number of major defense companies focused on shaping and informing U.S. national security policy.” As an advisory board member, Hoffman “provides strategic advice and counsel to BGR clients.”
Geeze, at least when you're watching the NFL, they're wearing the team colors right there in public!
If you want to subscribe to Popular Information, you'll get more information like this.


crooksandliars--2020-01-09--Sarah Sanders: It's 'Dumb' For Congress To Have War Powers

AINSLEY EARHARDT ( CO-HOST ) : Sarah , the president yesterday said the U.S. is ready to embrace peace .
He 's calling for more economic sanctions on Iran 's already struggling economy .
He did say that Iran is standing down , so why is the House putting up this resolution to try to limit the president 's powers ?
SARAH SANDERS ( FOX NEWS CONTRIBUTOR ) : You know , I ca n't think of anything dumber than allowing Congress to take over our foreign policy .
They ca n't seem to manage to get much of anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to do is push powers into Congress ' hands and take them away from the president .
Any Democrat that does n't understand that America is safer now that one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world is rotting in hell is completely naive and completely misses what we need to have in a foreign policy and the last thing I want to see is them take power away from President Trump and put it into their own hands .
I do n't think anything could be worse for America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress is getting plenty done , McConnell is blocking anything from getting past him .
Qasem Soleimani was an Iranian General -- a bad guy and hostile actor but not a terrorist in the sense Sarah is claiming .
And of course that pesky War Powers Act gives Congress both the power of the purse and the power to declare war .
They want a dictator as long as he is White , Male , Republican , and named Donald Trump .
And Sniffy , rather than resting in the warm glow of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeting about PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT .

File under stupid things Sarah Sanders says:
Yeah, I threw that in the "stupid statements from the Trump administration" file room. pic.twitter.com/Te7byk4Q9z — Frances Langum (@bluegal) January 9, 2020
Transcript via Media Matters, emphasis mine:
AINSLEY EARHARDT (CO-HOST): Sarah, the president yesterday said the U.S. is ready to embrace peace. He's calling for more economic sanctions on Iran's already struggling economy. He did say that Iran is standing down, so why is the House putting up this resolution to try to limit the president's powers? SARAH SANDERS (FOX NEWS CONTRIBUTOR): You know, I can't think of anything dumber than allowing Congress to take over our foreign policy. They can't seem to manage to get much of anything done. I think the last thing we want to do is push powers into Congress' hands and take them away from the president. Any Democrat that doesn't understand that America is safer now that one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world is rotting in hell is completely naive and completely misses what we need to have in a foreign policy and the last thing I want to see is them take power away from President Trump and put it into their own hands. I don't think anything could be worse for America than that.
Three obvious lies. Congress is getting plenty done, McConnell is blocking anything from getting past him. Qasem Soleimani was an Iranian General -- a bad guy and hostile actor but not a terrorist in the sense Sarah is claiming. And of course that pesky War Powers Act gives Congress both the power of the purse and the power to declare war.
They want a dictator as long as he is White, Male, Republican, and named Donald Trump.
We're calling him Sniffy McAdderall, h/t Kathy Griffin.
And Sniffy, rather than resting in the warm glow of Fox and Friends accolades, is today tweeting about PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT.
It's almost like he just woke up, looked for some more glowing Iran coverage, learned he was still impeached and that story didn't just go away, shouted, 'PRESIDENTIAL HARASSMENT!' and went back to sleep. — Sean McCabe (@darthstar99) January 9, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Sec. Mike Pompeo Grilled By Reporter About Embassy Attack Claim

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to slither his way through a news briefing about the assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani , but he did n't enjoying a smooth slide , thanks to journalists like Peter Alexander .
Pompeo , following his Dear Leader the night before , repeated the new `` justification '' for the murder : that Soleimani posed an `` imminent threat '' to our embassies in the region .
This was all apparently news to the Senators who 'd attended the classified briefing earlier in the day , who 'd heard nothing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear this intel announced by Trump at his Toledo rally last night .
Pompeo 's attempted clean-up did not go well .
ALEXANDER : Secretary Pompeo , if I can , here today at the podium , you said that the imminent threat was a threat to U.S. embassies , you did n't know precisely when or where .
Last night the president said there was a was a threat to embassies , including to our Baghdad embassy .
Why can you say that here , and the president can say it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one said it to lawmakers behind closed doors in the classified setting , as multiple senators have since said ?
ALEXANDER : You said , so the senators are lying when they said ... POMPEO : We told them about the imminent threat .
All of the intelligence that we have briefed that you 've heard today , I assure you in an unclassified setting , we provide in the classified setting as well .
ALEXANDER : To be clear , you told them that embassies were to be targeted .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not gon na talk about details of what we shared in the classified setting , but make no mistake about it , those leaders , those members of Congress who want to go access the same intelligence , can see that very same intelligence that will reflect what I 've described to you and what the president has said last night as well .
So , follow the ooze-trail if you can .
1 .
Alexander asked Pompeo why Senators were n't told about the threat to embassies .
2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander asked if Pompeo was accusing the Senators of lying .
4 .
Pompeo said `` We told them what we told you . ''
5 .
Alexander : `` Just making sure : You told them EMBASSIES were being targeted .
THAT was the threat . ''
6 .
Pompeo : `` Well , let 's just say they can go see the info now , if they wan na . ''
In other words , Pompeo is a lying sack of donkey dung , who is only repeating the tale about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out of his ass for the Toledo rally ( and now his Fox News besties ... ) — because 'MURICA and BrOwN pEePuL dAnGuRusS .
Happy I could clear that up for ya .
And nice going , Peter Alexander .
Glad you and your colleagues were able to find your way back to the briefing room after so long .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to slither his way through a news briefing about the assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani, but he didn't enjoying a smooth slide, thanks to journalists like Peter Alexander. Pompeo, following his Dear Leader the night before, repeated the new "justification" for the murder: that Soleimani posed an "imminent threat" to our embassies in the region. This was all apparently news to the Senators who'd attended the classified briefing earlier in the day, who'd heard nothing of the sort, and were quite put out to hear this intel announced by Trump at his Toledo rally last night.
Pompeo's attempted clean-up did not go well.
ALEXANDER: Secretary Pompeo, if I can, here today at the podium, you said that the imminent threat was a threat to U.S. embassies, you didn't know precisely when or where. Last night the president said there was a was a threat to embassies, including to our Baghdad embassy. Why can you say that here, and the president can say it at a rally in Toledo, but no one said it to lawmakers behind closed doors in the classified setting, as multiple senators have since said? POMPEO: We did. ALEXANDER: You said, so the senators are lying when they said... POMPEO: We told them about the imminent threat. All of the intelligence that we have briefed that you've heard today, I assure you in an unclassified setting, we provide in the classified setting as well. ALEXANDER: To be clear, you told them that embassies were to be targeted. That was the imminent threat? POMPEO: I'm not gonna talk about details of what we shared in the classified setting, but make no mistake about it, those leaders, those members of Congress who want to go access the same intelligence, can see that very same intelligence that will reflect what I've described to you and what the president has said last night as well.
So, follow the ooze-trail if you can.
1. Alexander asked Pompeo why Senators weren't told about the threat to embassies.
2. Pompeo said they were.
3. Alexander asked if Pompeo was accusing the Senators of lying.
4. Pompeo said "We told them what we told you."
5. Alexander: "Just making sure: You told them EMBASSIES were being targeted. THAT was the threat."
6. Pompeo: "Well, let's just say they can go see the info now, if they wanna."
In other words, Pompeo is a lying sack of donkey dung, who is only repeating the tale about embassies being threatened because President Putinpoodle pulled it out of his ass for the Toledo rally (and now his Fox News besties...) — because 'MURICA and BrOwN pEePuL dAnGuRusS.
Happy I could clear that up for ya. And nice going, Peter Alexander. Glad you and your colleagues were able to find your way back to the briefing room after so long.


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Steve Mnuchin Hiding Cost Of Trump's Golf Trips Until After Election

President Grifty McHamberder strikes again , only this time it 's Sidekick Steve-O doing his dirty work for him .
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin would just love to have the Secret Service department back under his own control again , according to The Washington Post .
It was like that for years , but was moved to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 .
Stevie-Baby wants it back .
The problem is , he needs the Democrats to do it .
Oops - he 's been rebuffing and ignoring the Democrats ' requests for required info about Secret Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oh , and also refusing to comply with Democratic requests for Trump 's taxes .
And information about how much money Trump is making off official business being conducted at his private properties .
Yes , Secretary of the Pursed Lips has been completely uncooperative with any Democratic attempt at Conbressional oversight of Trump 's conspicuous , contemptuous violations of the Constitutional prohibition of profiting off the presidency .
The author of The Washington Post story , David Fahrenthold , joined Nicolle Wallace to discuss the details of how Trump and his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Secret Service to do it , and the very curious date at which Secretary Steve offered to disclose all this pertinent info .
WALLACE : Steve Mnuchin does not get as much scrutiny as people like Bill Barr , who are out living bold , the life as Donald Trump 's Roy Cohn , loud and proud in all the political efforts to use his department to shield the president .
But Steve Mnuchin is doing just as much by refusing to turn over his taxes , by refusing to cooperate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this money until after 2020 .
Is there any sense Democrats are losing their patience with Secretary Mnuchin ?
FAHRENTHOLD : It seems like , yes .
This story , I mean , this is something where Mnuchin actually needs something or wants something from the Democrats in Congress .
He wants them to pass this law giving him back control of the Secret Service , which had been with Treasury for decades , and now is with Homeland Security .
So , this is a case where he has rejected Congressional scrutiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of documents .
And now he 's coming to Democrats hat-in-hand , saying , `` Help me . ''
They 're using the leverage they have over him now .
Whether he wants that transfer of Secret Service bad enough to give in on this demand , I guess we have to wait and see .
WALLACE : David Fahrenthold , thank you for spending time with us .
Heidi , Mnuchin , again , because it 's all relative , right , you cover politics and compared to Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guy who has been a human shield for Donald Trump 's secret and shady business dealings as president .
HEIDI PRZYBYLA : And all through the Russia investigation as well when we were trying to get answers about his tax returns which may or may not be quite illuminating .
He has fought that .
He has total control over that unless we go through a very lengthy court process .
Let 's also highlight some of the amazing numbers David had in there .
$ 1.3 million per visit to Mar-a-Lago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these numbers together .
We 're not mathematicians but this is a lot of money going into Trump 's pocket from the U.S. Government .
It 's a circular -- and then look at the date .
Is that an arbitrary date , December 2020 , just happens to be four weeks , you know , a month after the next election .
So what are we to make of why he would choose that arbitrary date ?
This is not controversial stuff .
They 're supposed to report this semi-annually to Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
WALLACE : And there are no coincidences .
I think we 're right to assume what we will about the date .
Uh , yeah .
You 're right to assume what you will about that date .

President Grifty McHamberder strikes again, only this time it's Sidekick Steve-O doing his dirty work for him.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin would just love to have the Secret Service department back under his own control again, according to The Washington Post. It was like that for years, but was moved to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. Stevie-Baby wants it back.
The problem is, he needs the Democrats to do it. Oops - he's been rebuffing and ignoring the Democrats' requests for required info about Secret Service costs for Trump's entire presidency. Oh, and also refusing to comply with Democratic requests for Trump's taxes. And information about how much money Trump is making off official business being conducted at his private properties.
Yes, Secretary of the Pursed Lips has been completely uncooperative with any Democratic attempt at Congressional oversight of Trump's conspicuous, contemptuous violations of the Constitutional prohibition of profiting off the presidency.
The author of The Washington Post story, David Fahrenthold, joined Nicolle Wallace to discuss the details of how Trump and his family has been making money illegally, using the Secret Service to do it, and
the very curious date at which Secretary Steve offered to disclose all this pertinent info.
WALLACE: Steve Mnuchin does not get as much scrutiny as people like Bill Barr, who are out living bold, the life as Donald Trump's Roy Cohn, loud and proud in all the political efforts to use his department to shield the president. But Steve Mnuchin is doing just as much by refusing to turn over his taxes, by refusing to cooperate with a coequal branch of government and disclose this money until after 2020. Is there any sense Democrats are losing their patience with Secretary Mnuchin? FAHRENTHOLD: It seems like, yes. This story, I mean, this is something where Mnuchin actually needs something or wants something from the Democrats in Congress. He wants them to pass this law giving him back control of the Secret Service, which had been with Treasury for decades, and now is with Homeland Security. So, this is a case where he has rejected Congressional scrutiny and put off Congressional efforts to get a number of documents. And now he's coming to Democrats hat-in-hand, saying, "Help me." They're using the leverage they have over him now. Whether he wants that transfer of Secret Service bad enough to give in on this demand, I guess we have to wait and see. WALLACE: David Fahrenthold, thank you for spending time with us. Heidi, Mnuchin, again, because it's all relative, right, you cover politics and compared to Attorney General Barr and others, but he is the guy who has been a human shield for Donald Trump's secret and shady business dealings as president. HEIDI PRZYBYLA: And all through the Russia investigation as well when we were trying to get answers about his tax returns which may or may not be quite illuminating. He has fought that. He has total control over that unless we go through a very lengthy court process. Let's also highlight some of the amazing numbers David had in there. $1.3 million per visit to Mar-a-Lago? WALLACE: Unbelievable. PRZYBLA: Let's just put these numbers together. We're not mathematicians but this is a lot of money going into Trump's pocket from the U.S. Government. It's a circular -- and then look at the date. Is that an arbitrary date, December 2020, just happens to be four weeks, you know, a month after the next election. So what are we to make of why he would choose that arbitrary date? This is not controversial stuff. They're supposed to report this semi-annually to Congress, and they have failed to do that. WALLACE: And there are no coincidences. I think we're right to assume what we will about the date.
Uh, yeah. You're right to assume what you will about that date.


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Rep. Doug Collins Tweets Apology For Offensive Comments Right After Defending Them On Fox News

Rep. Doug Collins ( R-GA ) vigorously defended his highly offensive comments about Democrats being `` in love with terrorists '' on Fox News just before he apologized in a series of tweets .
After taking a verbal beating from Preet Bharara and others , Collins went on Fox News and vigorously defended his comments , saying he would not apologize for his remarks .
When asked by Bill Hemmer about his comments , Collins first defended them by saying that he was `` frustrated '' since he saw the devastation terrorists like Soleimani left behind when he was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the part that was most offensive : Collins ' claim that `` Democrats are in love with terrorists . ''
`` I think their actions are betraying them at this point , '' Collins replied before taking off on a fast rant .
`` Do all of them love terrorists ?
No , '' he blustered .
`` The issue that we have here is that the fact that they wo n't acknowledge that he was a terrorist , they wo n't acknowledge the fact that this was a good thing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
And from my perspective that needs to be called out .
If they would start calling him a terrorist and stop saying our President assassinated him -- that 's accusing the president of a crime .
That 's not been talked about a lot , '' he said , all in one breath , as Collins does .
There 's more , but it 's all blather .
Here 's the thing .
Just after that appearance , he tiptoed onto Twitter and began to tweet .
I think Collins should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News to display his newly-minted contrition , or else he should just delete those tweets .
Edited to correctly reflect that Collins is a Republican , not a Democrat .
I regret the error .

Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) vigorously defended his highly offensive comments about Democrats being "in love with terrorists" on Fox News just before he apologized in a series of tweets.
After taking a verbal beating from Preet Bharara and others, Collins went on Fox News and vigorously defended his comments, saying he would not apologize for his remarks. When asked by Bill Hemmer about his comments, Collins first defended them by saying that he was "frustrated" since he saw the devastation terrorists like Soleimani left behind when he was in Iraq in 2008.
Hemmer zeroed in on the part that was most offensive: Collins' claim that "Democrats are in love with terrorists."
"I think their actions are betraying them at this point," Collins replied before taking off on a fast rant.
"Do all of them love terrorists? No," he blustered. "The issue that we have here is that the fact that they won't acknowledge that he was a terrorist, they won't acknowledge the fact that this was a good thing for the world for Soleimani to be taken out. And from my perspective that needs to be called out. If they would start calling him a terrorist and stop saying our President assassinated him -- that's accusing the president of a crime. That's not been talked about a lot," he said, all in one breath, as Collins does.
There's more, but it's all blather. Here's the thing. Just after that appearance, he tiptoed onto Twitter and began to tweet.
Let me be clear: I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists, and I apologize for what I said earlier this week. (1/5) — Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
The comment I made on Wednesday evening was in response to a question about the War Powers Resolution being introduced in the House and House Democrats’ attempt to limit the president’s authority. (2/5) — Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
As someone who served in Iraq in 2008, I witnessed firsthand the brutal death of countless soldiers who were torn to shreds by this vicious terrorist. Soleimani was nothing less than an evil mastermind who viciously killed and wounded thousands of Americans. (3/5) — Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
These images will live with me for the rest of my life, but that does not excuse my response on Wednesday evening. (4/5) — Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and with my fellow citizens to keep all Americans safe. (5/5) — Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
I think Collins should be making a fresh appearance on Fox News to display his newly-minted contrition, or else he should just delete those tweets.
Edited to correctly reflect that Collins is a Republican, not a Democrat. I regret the error.


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Pelosi Moves Toward Sending Impeachment Articles To Senate

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi sent out a `` Dear Colleague '' letter Friday laying out the next steps in the impeachment trial .
`` I am very proud of the courage and patriotism exhibited by our House Democratic Caucus as we support and defend the Constitution , '' Pelosi wrote .
`` I have asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the Floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate.
`` So all the nervous Beltway reporters anxious to cover an impeachment trial can now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact , send over the articles of impeachment and hand over the process to the Senate .
But what process , exactly ?
Mitch McConnell wants to dismiss the articles without a trial .
Pelosi had words for that , too .
• On December 20 , new emails showed that 91 minutes after Trump ’ s phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky , a top Office of Management and Budget ( OMB ) aide asked the Department of Defense to “ hold off ” on sending military aid to Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about OMB Director and Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney ’ s role in the delay of aid , the effort by lawyers at the OMB , the Department of Justice and the White House to justify the delay , and the alarm that the delay caused within the Administration .
• On January 2 , newly-unredacted Pentagon emails , which we had subpoenaed and the President had blocked , raised serious concerns by Trump Administration officials about the legality of the President ’ s hold on aid to Ukraine .
• And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton announced he would comply with a subpoena compelling his testimony .
His lawyers have stated he has new relevant information .
I would n't trust John Bolton at all .
The Soleimani assassination scratched an itch for Bolton and I would n't expect him to offer any compelling new testimony after that .
But the rest of it all points to Trump 's corruption and efforts to rig the 2020 election with help from Ukraine 's newly-elected President .

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter Friday laying out the next steps in the impeachment trial.
"I am very proud of the courage and patriotism exhibited by our House Democratic Caucus as we support and defend the Constitution," Pelosi wrote. "I have asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the Floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate. "
So all the nervous Beltway reporters anxious to cover an impeachment trial can now stand down. The House will, in fact, send over the articles of impeachment and hand over the process to the Senate.
But what process, exactly? Mitch McConnell wants to dismiss the articles without a trial. Pelosi had words for that, too.
By joining a resolution to dismiss, Sen. McConnell showed his true colors. Americans have now seen what is at stake in a fair trial with witnesses & evidence, and new evidence has emerged. Every Senator will have to vote: is their loyalty is to the President or the Constitution? — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 10, 2020
What new evidence? Speaker Pelosi helpfully provided a list:
On December 20, new emails showed that 91 minutes after Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, a top Office of Management and Budget (OMB) aide asked the Department of Defense to “hold off” on sending military aid to Ukraine.
On December 29, revelations emerged about OMB Director and Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney’s role in the delay of aid, the effort by lawyers at the OMB, the Department of Justice and the White House to justify the delay, and the alarm that the delay caused within the Administration.
On January 2, newly-unredacted Pentagon emails, which we had subpoenaed and the President had blocked, raised serious concerns by Trump Administration officials about the legality of the President’s hold on aid to Ukraine.
And on January 6, just this week, former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton announced he would comply with a subpoena compelling his testimony. His lawyers have stated he has new relevant information.
I wouldn't trust John Bolton at all. The Soleimani assassination scratched an itch for Bolton and I wouldn't expect him to offer any compelling new testimony after that. But the rest of it all points to Trump's corruption and efforts to rig the 2020 election with help from Ukraine's newly-elected President.
Let the trial begin!


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Anti-Trump Group Takes On Evangelicals

Anti-Trump Group Takes On Evangelicals

I wish Democrats would put together an ad like this but it might just be better coming from the Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ never-Trumpers who are n't afraid to call it like they see it .
George Conway @ @ @ @ @ of the video above with the warning from Matthew 7:15 about false prophets and wolves @ @ @ @ @ It wo n't play with all evangelicals , but it will with enough of them @ @ @ @ @ The ad opens with Robert Jeffress and Paula White ( among others ) praying over @ @ @ @ @ chosen . ''
It then contrasts the things he says and does with their absurd @ @ @ @ @ .
And effective .
Watch the full video above , and be aware that it @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to Donald Trump .

I wish Democrats would put together an ad like this but it might just be better coming from the Lincoln Project, a group of never-Trumpers who aren't afraid to call it like they see it.
George Conway tweeted out a shortened version of the video above with the warning from Matthew 7:15 about false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing. It won't play with all evangelicals, but it will with enough of them to make a difference.
The ad opens with Robert Jeffress and Paula White (among others) praying over Trump and calling him "chosen." It then contrasts the things he says and does with their absurd pronouncements. It's brutal. And effective.
Watch the full video above, and be aware that it isn't safe for work, thanks to Donald Trump.


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Stable Genius Asks About Your '409K'

Stable Genius Asks About Your '409K'

Seriously , our Stable Genius tweeted , then deleted , this : I just can not stop laughing .
The @ @ @ @ @ “ 9 ” are so close , natural mistake .
But it does raise a @ @ @ @ @ is he addressing this tweet ?
Seems to me the fat cats , swamp dwellers @ @ @ @ @ and Wall Streeters are the ones benefitting from the rising tide lifting all yachts , @ @ @ @ @ begging for crumbs .
How many of the “ real Americans ” have retirement accounts @ @ @ @ @ I said before , I took my 1₵ tax refund and put a down-payment on @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe next year I ’ ll have enough ?
Say it with me : @ @ @ @ @ who is using our taxpayer dollars to enrich himself and his pals .

Seriously, our Stable Genius tweeted, then deleted, this:
I just cannot stop laughing. The “1” and the “9” are so close, natural mistake.
But it does raise a YUGE question: to whom is he addressing this tweet? Seems to me the fat cats, swamp dwellers, assorted Trump children, and Wall Streeters are the ones benefitting from the rising tide lifting all yachts, while meanwhile Possum Hollar is begging for crumbs. How many of the “real Americans” have retirement accounts and stock portfolios? As I said before, I took my 1₵ tax refund and put a down-payment on a piece of Bazooka Joe. Maybe next year I’ll have enough?
Say it with me: Our President is a crook who is using our taxpayer dollars to enrich himself and his pals.
(Hat tip: Scissorhead D-Cap )
Republished with permission from Mock Paper Scissors
This coming from a man who would have been MUCH MORE wealthy if he just stuck his daddy's money in a 401k pic.twitter.com/aO0Z0HSk45 — 🖕🏻Aunt Crabby calls Bullshit 🖕🏻 (@DearAuntCrabby) January 9, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Friday News Dump: Trump Lies His Ass Off At Ohio Rally, And Other News

Here is my piece on the topic .
My take : `` We need to be told that yes , @ @ @ @ @ ourselves , but we deserve better from the world around us .
Forget invisibility .
@ @ @ @ @ and heard ... We need help , damn it .
This is no way to @ @ @ @ @ //t.co/fvGaYmnHMd

Here is my piece on the topic. My take: "We need to be told that yes, we expect too much of ourselves, but we deserve better from the world around us. Forget invisibility. We need to be seen and heard ... We need help, damn it. This is no way to live." https://t.co/fvGaYmnHMd
— (((Helaine Olen))) (@helaineolen) January 10, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Furious MAGA Cult Turns On 'RINO' Matt Gaetz After War Powers Vote

You really ca n't feel bad for Rep. Matt Gaetz , the Trump mini-me from Florida .
The guy 's right up there with the wackiest of the whack jobs , doing whatever he can to elevate Dear Leader .
His high-profile licking of Trump 's shoes is a wonder to behold .
But somehow , this guy convinced himself that he 'd earned enough right-wing cred that he could break with Trump on behalf of his military constituents , and take a symbolic vote yesterday in favor of the non-binding War Powers Act .
Ha , ha !
Boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post : He spent the rest of the day explaining himself , assuring the MAGA faithful that his vote wasn ’ t aimed at Trump .
It was instead a matter of principle .
The need for Congress to approve or disapprove of war , he said , is “ something I deeply believe.
” And that left House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-Calif. ) and Fox Business Network host Lou Dobbs shaking their heads in disbelief .
The “ surprise there was Congressman Matt Gaetz , ” said Dobbs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Not just “ shocked , ” agreed McCarthy , but “ very shocked.
” This just seems oddly-timed , yes ?
Gaetz has been totally supportive of Trump !
Is this a setup ?
Gaetz said he spoke with Trump yesterday .
I rushed to judgement on Gaetz , but what if this is some kind of strategy ?
What if Gaetz is actually throwing himself on the sword FOR Trump ?
😉

You really can't feel bad for Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Trump mini-me from Florida. The guy's right up there with the wackiest of the whack jobs, doing whatever he can to elevate Dear Leader. His high-profile licking of Trump's shoes is a wonder to behold.
But somehow, this guy convinced himself that he'd earned enough right-wing cred that he could break with Trump on behalf of his military constituents, and take a symbolic vote yesterday in favor of the non-binding War Powers Act.
Ha, ha! Boy, is he dumb! Via the Washington Post:
He spent the rest of the day explaining himself, assuring the MAGA faithful that his vote wasn’t aimed at Trump. It was instead a matter of principle. The need for Congress to approve or disapprove of war, he said, is “something I deeply believe.” And that left House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Fox Business Network host Lou Dobbs shaking their heads in disbelief. The “surprise there was Congressman Matt Gaetz,” said Dobbs. “Stunning … I was just shocked.” Not just “shocked,” agreed McCarthy, but “very shocked.”
Twitter MAGAts were furious.
Matt Gaetz just became a Republican 🐀. I unfollowed him. — nora (@NoraCuellar15) January 10, 2020
Interesting because this little resolution is nonbinding. There’s a better way to go about it. @RepMattGaetz is a back stabber, plain & simple. — LibertyBelle (@LibrtyBelle) January 10, 2020
This just seems oddly-timed, yes? Gaetz has been totally supportive of Trump! Is this a setup? Gaetz said he spoke with Trump yesterday. I rushed to judgement on Gaetz, but what if this is some kind of strategy? What if Gaetz is actually throwing himself on the sword FOR Trump?😉 — Kelly Barbeau-Ward (@BarbeauWard) January 10, 2020
You don't understand the Constitution at all, that much is obvious. — Mark Pantano (@TheMarkPantano) January 10, 2020
@RepMattGaetz betrayed his constituents and tossed them to the curb for what HE wanted based on HIS feelings. You work for US! This shit has to stop! — John Smith - Text Trump to 88022 ✝🇺🇸 (@stewonthis1) January 10, 2020
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Trump Supporter Flummoxed By Question

Trump Supporter Flummoxed By Question

An interesting exchange last night in Toledo with a reporter and one of the MAGA cultists .
REPORTER : “ @ @ @ @ @ believe the president has done well ?
” MAGA GUY : `` Umm ... well..uh @ @ @ @ @ sure .
I just support him . ''
Yep , that about sums it up @

An interesting exchange last night in Toledo with a reporter and one of the MAGA cultists.
REPORTER: “What is something that you believe the president has done well?”
MAGA GUY: "Umm...well..uh....I'm not really sure. I just support him."
Yep, that about sums it up.


crooksandliars--2020-01-10--Your Right-Wing Uncle Thinks All The Fires In Australia Were Deliberately Set

The Guardian reports that bots are spreading disinformation online about Australia bushfires .
The Queensland University of Technology senior lecturer on social network analysis Dr Timothy Graham examined content published on the # arsonemergency hashtag on Twitter , assessing 1,340 tweets , 1,203 of which were unique , published by 315 accounts .
Using a Twitter bot detection tool , he assessed a random sample for bot-like characteristics .
His preliminary analysis found there is likely a “ current disinformation campaign ” on Twitter ’ s # arsonemergency hashtag due to the “ suspiciously high number of bot-like and troll-like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large number of suspicious accounts posting on the # australiafire and # bushfireaustralia hashtags .
“ Australia suddenly appears to be getting swamped by mis/disinformation as a result of this environmental catastrophe , and we are suffering the consequences in terms of hyped up polarisation and an increased difficulty and inability for citizens to discern truth , ” Graham told the Guardian .
The New York Times notes that much of the disinformation is coming from the Prince of Lies , Rupert Murdoch .
[ Murdoch 's ] standard-bearing national newspaper , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year ’ s fires are no worse than those of the past — not true , scientists say , noting that 12 million acres have burned so far , with 2019 alone scorching more of New South Wales than the previous 15 years combined .
And on Wednesday , Mr. Murdoch ’ s News Corp. , the largest media company in Australia , was found to be part of another wave of misinformation .
An independent study found online bots and trolls exaggerating the role of arson in the fires , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Australian making similar assertions became the most popular offering on the newspaper ’ s website .
... a search for “ climate change ” in the main Murdoch outlets mostly yields stories condemning protesters who demand more aggressive action from the government ; editorials arguing against “ radical climate change policy ” ; and opinion columns emphasizing the need for more backburning to control fires — if only the left-wing [ environmentalists ] would allow it to happen .
The Australian Greens party has made clear that it supports such hazard-reduction burns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You might imagine that this disinformation is affecting opinion only in Australia -- but it 's here as well , and it 's quite likely that your right-wing uncle believes it .
Quoting the Australian story cited by the Times , Breitbart published a post yesterday titled `` Report : Arson Epidemic , Not Climate Change , Behind Australia ’ s Bushfires . ''
Another Breitbart post is called `` Australian Police Arrest 180 Arsonists for Bushfires .
Someone Tell Russell Crowe ... '' In fact , as Snopes notes , 183 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales for fire-related offenses , but only 24 were arrested for deliberately setting fires ; `` another '53 people have had legal actions for allegedly failing to comply with a total fire ban , ' and an additional '47 people have had legal actions for allegedly discarding a lighted cigarette or match on land . '
'' The Times story quotes Dr. Timothy Graham : In America , the disinformation is n't just appearing at Breitbart .
A story at Glenn Beck 's Blaze bears the headline `` 'Australia Is on Fire ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Left .
Turns Out It Was Two Dozen Arsonists . ''
Alex Jones associate Paul Joseph Watson writes , `` Nearly 200 People Arrested Across Australia For Deliberately Starting Bushfires - Yet Media & Celebrities Continue to Blame 'Climate Change . '
'' The Christian Broadcasting Network 's CBN News tells us , Concerns are mounting in Australia that three of the devastating wildfires in the states of New South Wales and Victoria could soon merge , creating an epic `` mega-blaze '' .
But that 's not even the most shocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now there 's news that the wildfires may have been caused intentionally .
The Daily Mail reports that more than 180 people have been arrested on fire-related charges .
Oh , and Pamela Geller and Richard Spencer are applying their own secret Muslim-hate sauce to the story .
Australia has just arrested a number of arsonists who are accused of setting the wildfires that are ravaging the country .
Could they have anything to do with the fact that jihadis have identified setting fires as a tool of jihad ?
... Western Sydney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two teens accused of lighting a grass fire at a Guildford park while bushfires ravaged NSW — laughed outside court today after appearing on multiple charges .
Police allege Fadi and Abraham Zreika , both 18 , set off fireworks that sparked a grass fire at Bright Park , Guildford , on December 22 .
Police were called to the park about 2.40pm after reports of several loud explosions and saw fireworks exploding and several small grassfires ... Wow , a teenager setting off fireworks .
Must be an evil plot to spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas .
This is bad .
And every right-winger you know believes it .
Published with permission of No More Mr. Nice Blog

The Guardian reports that bots are spreading disinformation online about Australia bushfires.
The Queensland University of Technology senior lecturer on social network analysis Dr Timothy Graham examined content published on the #arsonemergency hashtag on Twitter, assessing 1,340 tweets, 1,203 of which were unique, published by 315 accounts. Using a Twitter bot detection tool, he assessed a random sample for bot-like characteristics. His preliminary analysis found there is likely a “current disinformation campaign” on Twitter’s #arsonemergency hashtag due to the “suspiciously high number of bot-like and troll-like accounts”. He similarly found a large number of suspicious accounts posting on the #australiafire and #bushfireaustralia hashtags. “Australia suddenly appears to be getting swamped by mis/disinformation as a result of this environmental catastrophe, and we are suffering the consequences in terms of hyped up polarisation and an increased difficulty and inability for citizens to discern truth,” Graham told the Guardian.
The New York Times notes that much of the disinformation is coming from the Prince of Lies, Rupert Murdoch.
[Murdoch's] standard-bearing national newspaper, The Australian, has ... repeatedly argued that this year’s fires are no worse than those of the past — not true, scientists say, noting that 12 million acres have burned so far, with 2019 alone scorching more of New South Wales than the previous 15 years combined. And on Wednesday, Mr. Murdoch’s News Corp., the largest media company in Australia, was found to be part of another wave of misinformation. An independent study found online bots and trolls exaggerating the role of arson in the fires, at the same time that an article in The Australian making similar assertions became the most popular offering on the newspaper’s website. ... a search for “climate change” in the main Murdoch outlets mostly yields stories condemning protesters who demand more aggressive action from the government; editorials arguing against “radical climate change policy”; and opinion columns emphasizing the need for more backburning to control fires — if only the left-wing [environmentalists] would allow it to happen. The Australian Greens party has made clear that it supports such hazard-reduction burns, issuing a statement online saying so.
You might imagine that this disinformation is affecting opinion only in Australia -- but it's here as well, and it's quite likely that your right-wing uncle believes it.
Quoting the Australian story cited by the Times, Breitbart published a post yesterday titled "Report: Arson Epidemic, Not Climate Change, Behind Australia’s Bushfires." Another Breitbart post is called "Australian Police Arrest 180 Arsonists for Bushfires. Someone Tell Russell Crowe..."
In fact, as Snopes notes, 183 people have been arrested in New South Wales for fire-related offenses, but only 24 were arrested for deliberately setting fires; "another '53 people have had legal actions for allegedly failing to comply with a total fire ban,' and an additional '47 people have had legal actions for allegedly discarding a lighted cigarette or match on land.'" The Times story quotes Dr. Timothy Graham:
“Maybe 3 to 5 percent of fires could be attributed to arson, that’s what scientists tell us — nevertheless, media outlets, especially those that tend to be partisan, jump on that,” Dr. Graham said.
In America, the disinformation isn't just appearing at Breitbart. A story at Glenn Beck's Blaze bears the headline "'Australia Is on Fire' Because of 'Climate Change,' Said the Left. Turns Out It Was Two Dozen Arsonists." Alex Jones associate Paul Joseph Watson writes, "Nearly 200 People Arrested Across Australia For Deliberately Starting Bushfires - Yet Media & Celebrities Continue to Blame 'Climate Change.'" The Christian Broadcasting Network's CBN News tells us,
Concerns are mounting in Australia that three of the devastating wildfires in the states of New South Wales and Victoria could soon merge, creating an epic "mega-blaze". But that's not even the most shocking concern facing Aussies at the moment. Now there's news that the wildfires may have been caused intentionally. The Daily Mail reports that more than 180 people have been arrested on fire-related charges.
Oh, and Pamela Geller and Richard Spencer are applying their own secret Muslim-hate sauce to the story.
Australia has just arrested a number of arsonists who are accused of setting the wildfires that are ravaging the country. Could they have anything to do with the fact that jihadis have identified setting fires as a tool of jihad? ... “Teens Charged with Lighting Grass Fire Face Court,” Daily Telegraph, January 7, 2020: Western Sydney teen Fadi Zraika — one of the two teens accused of lighting a grass fire at a Guildford park while bushfires ravaged NSW — laughed outside court today after appearing on multiple charges. Police allege Fadi and Abraham Zreika, both 18, set off fireworks that sparked a grass fire at Bright Park, Guildford, on December 22. Police were called to the park about 2.40pm after reports of several loud explosions and saw fireworks exploding and several small grassfires...
Wow, a teenager setting off fireworks. Must be an evil plot to spread fire, jihad, and liberal climate ideas.
This is bad. And every right-winger you know believes it.
Published with permission of No More Mr. Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-01-11--Doug Collins' Apology Pisses Off The Rank-And-File Rage Junkies

Do I accept this apology ?
Sure .
I accept it -- but Collins 's right-wing commenters do n't .
They 're angry because he apologized .
No need to apologize !
Actions speak louder than words !
We the people KNOW they ( the Democrats ) love terrorist AND any other person or country more than America !
They only stay here because they think they have power & relevance here .
Hopefully that is becoming less true.❤🇺🇸 Democrats are in love with power & money .
If being sympathetic to a terrorist will convince people Orange man bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But realize this , that in the last days difficult times will come .
For men will be lovers of self , lovers of money , Never apologize to the corrupt lib mob !
They gave Iran access to billions of dollars knowing they would use $ toward expanding their influence and wave of terror .
The left mourned the death of this radical terrorist like he was a celebrity .
They ’ re not on the side of America .
The problem is n't Trump .
The problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Trump .
The problem is voters who 've been told for decades by their favorite right-wing media outlets that Democrats are evil America-haters , and who are morally certain that 's true .
This problem wo n't be solved when Trump leaves office , or when Rupert Murdoch dies .
This is a message that keeps Republican voters loyal -- at a cost to America .
I do n't know why Collins apologized .
I know he 's pondering a Senate race in increasingly purple Georgia .
I 'm glad he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem is , he did n't go far enough for his voters .
Published with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog

Do I accept this apology? Sure.
I accept it -- but Collins's right-wing commenters don't. They're angry because he apologized.
Never apologize to the mob. NEVER — Ludwig von Mises (@LudwigMises3) January 10, 2020
But they are. They love terrorists and citizens of foreign nations more than US Citizens. Their words and policies make it clear. — Andrew ‘BUILD THE WALL’ White 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@caspias) January 10, 2020
STOP APOLOGIZING!!! Republicans need a backbone! — DigitalSoldier⭐⭐⭐ (@kfr0329) January 10, 2020
They’re in love with people that they refuse to call terrorists — Mario 🇺🇸🇮🇹✝ (@lanzaootsie) January 10, 2020
In love with? Maybe not.
Sympathize with? Definitely. — 👮♀ Mrs Stacey ⭐⭐⭐ (@Piglet_scooter) January 10, 2020
Don't back off! It is clear the Democrats favor the terrorists over our own Country. This is not even debatable. — RhonnMarney (@RhonnMarney) January 10, 2020
I do, in fact they probably fund them — Bar🐝me🇺🇸 (@1960barbie) January 10, 2020
Well they certainly treat terrorist, better than POTUS. — Aaron Michael (@AaronMi33409871) January 10, 2020
Never apologize for speaking the truth and never bend a knee to the outrage mob — Kendra - Text TRUMP to 88022 (@kmira007) January 10, 2020
No need to apologize! Actions speak louder than words! We the people KNOW they ( the Democrats ) love terrorist AND any other person or country more than America! They only stay here because they think they have power & relevance here. Hopefully that is becoming less true.❤🇺🇸 — Zina Wilson (@ZinaWilson3) January 10, 2020
Democrats are in love with power & money. If being sympathetic to a terrorist will convince people Orange man bad....that's what they will do. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, — Sandi Timmons (@SandiTimmons2) January 10, 2020
Never apologize to the corrupt lib mob! They gave Iran access to billions of dollars knowing they would use $ toward expanding their influence and wave of terror. The left mourned the death of this radical terrorist like he was a celebrity. They’re not on the side of America. — Deplorable Texan (@jbird1032002) January 10, 2020
Never give socialists what they want it's all optics to them they will never relent until America is no more... — Survivalist Mind (@SurvivalistM) January 10, 2020
Stop apologizing you woose! — Marine03 (@feingold32) January 10, 2020
The problem isn't Trump. The problem isn't members of Congress who cling to Trump. The problem is voters who've been told for decades by their favorite right-wing media outlets that Democrats are evil America-haters, and who are morally certain that's true.
This problem won't be solved when Trump leaves office, or when Rupert Murdoch dies. This is a message that keeps Republican voters loyal -- at a cost to America.
I don't know why Collins apologized. I know he's pondering a Senate race in increasingly purple Georgia. I'm glad he believes that he went too far. The problem is, he didn't go far enough for his voters.
Published with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-01-11--Iran Admits They Shot Down Ukrainian Plane By Mistake

Four days after Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 , destined for Kyiv , Ukraine , was shot down , Iran has admitted it was their fault .
Initially , they had claimed it was mechanical error or some other issue unrelated to their government .
But when shown evidence to the contrary , they admitted that they had brought down the airliner with a missile .
The Washington Post is reporting that this admission has led to calls for a full investigation in Tehran , and for those who made this fateful decision to face charges .
Iranian officials claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards a `` sensitive military site , '' and that is what prompted their response .
This happened during the same few hours when Iran was firing missiles at two U.S. military bases , so they may have mistaken the airliner for a U.S. aircraft or missile .
The blame should lie squarely with Donald Trump and his `` military adventurism , '' as Joy Ann Reid pointed out on AM Joy on Saturday morning .
Were it not for his stupidity and impulsiveness , Iran would not have been on high alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Passengers were primarily Iranian , Canadian and Ukranian .
Iran ’ s foreign minister , Mohammad Javad Zarif , tweeted that “ Human error at time of crisis caused by U.S. adventurism led to disaster , ” adding a red broken-heart emoji .
Yes , we are back to tweeting official government statements .
Iran 's authorities said that the `` communication system was disrupted , '' and that the operator `` had 10 seconds to decide whether to shoot or not .
”

Four days after Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, destined for Kyiv, Ukraine, was shot down, Iran has admitted it was their fault. Initially, they had claimed it was mechanical error or some other issue unrelated to their government. But when shown evidence to the contrary, they admitted that they had brought down the airliner with a missile.
The Washington Post is reporting that this admission has led to calls for a full investigation in Tehran, and for those who made this fateful decision to face charges.
Iranian officials claim that the jet made a sharp turn towards a "sensitive military site," and that is what prompted their response. This happened during the same few hours when Iran was firing missiles at two U.S. military bases, so they may have mistaken the airliner for a U.S. aircraft or missile.
The blame should lie squarely with Donald Trump and his "military adventurism," as Joy Ann Reid pointed out on AM Joy on Saturday morning. Were it not for his stupidity and impulsiveness, Iran would not have been on high alert.
No Americans were on the flight. Passengers were primarily Iranian, Canadian and Ukranian.
Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, tweeted that “Human error at time of crisis caused by U.S. adventurism led to disaster,” adding a red broken-heart emoji.
Yes, we are back to tweeting official government statements.
Iran's authorities said that the "communication system was disrupted," and that the operator "had 10 seconds to decide whether to shoot or not.”


crooksandliars--2020-01-11--Joy Reid Blames Trump’s ‘Military Adventurism’ For Ukrainian Airline Tragedy

Reid opened AM Joy this morning with perspective on Iran ’ s acknowledgment it had mistakenly shot down , with Russian-made missiles , a Ukrainian airplane that took off from Teheran this week .
The tragedy , Reid noted , was not just a personal horror for the families of the victims , it was also “ a fresh hit to Ukraine ” from Russia , and “ deeply ironic for Iran.
” The irony she referred to was the 1988 accidental downing of an Iran Air plane by the U.S. That accidental shootdown also had roots in American adventurism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the Iran- Iraq war , which began when Iraq invaded Iran , shortly after Iran overthrew its American-installed shah .
Whom did we support in that war ?
Why , Iraq ’ s Saddam Hussein .
“ We kept supporting him until we did n't - and then we overthrew him in Regime Change 2003 , ” Reid dryly noted .
“ War , irony , it just never seems to end.
” Now , Donald Trump has begun “ a senseless new round of military adventurism , ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to today and Donald Trump would like you to believe that he has some secret intel that justifies him pushing the U.S. to the brink of yet another war in that exact same part of the Middle East .
And let ’ s just be blunt : Trump 's decision to kill a senior Iranian military leader is the reason Iran was on a war footing near its civilian airport .
And while Iran ’ s president Hassan Rouhani stepped up and rightly accepted that country ’ s fault for the horrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accident was the result of a human error caused by U.S. adventurism .
In other words , that it was ultimately Donald Trump 's actions that led to the tragedy that killed those 176 people .
And no , Donald Trump , we do not believe your rationale for starting all of this .
You 've given us no reason to believe you over the last three years and we just do n't , although the dubiousness of the evidence hasn ’ t stopped this country from going to war before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest events beg the question : How much more of this are we and others around the world going to tolerate ?

Reid opened AM Joy this morning with perspective on Iran’s acknowledgment it had mistakenly shot down, with Russian-made missiles, a Ukrainian airplane that took off from Teheran this week. The tragedy, Reid noted, was not just a personal horror for the families of the victims, it was also “a fresh hit to Ukraine” from Russia, and “deeply ironic for Iran.” The irony she referred to was the 1988 accidental downing of an Iran Air plane by the U.S.
That accidental shootdown also had roots in American adventurism, Reid explained. It came toward the end of the Iran- Iraq war, which began when Iraq invaded Iran, shortly after Iran overthrew its American-installed shah. Whom did we support in that war? Why, Iraq’s Saddam Hussein. “We kept supporting him until we didn't - and then we overthrew him in Regime Change 2003,” Reid dryly noted. “War, irony, it just never seems to end.”
Now, Donald Trump has begun “a senseless new round of military adventurism,” as Reid put it.
REID: Fast forward to today and Donald Trump would like you to believe that he has some secret intel that justifies him pushing the U.S. to the brink of yet another war in that exact same part of the Middle East. And let’s just be blunt: Trump's decision to kill a senior Iranian military leader is the reason Iran was on a war footing near its civilian airport. And while Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani stepped up and rightly accepted that country’s fault for the horrible tragedy, Iranian officials also noted that the accident was the result of a human error caused by U.S. adventurism. In other words, that it was ultimately Donald Trump's actions that led to the tragedy that killed those 176 people. And no, Donald Trump, we do not believe your rationale for starting all of this. You've given us no reason to believe you over the last three years and we just don't, although the dubiousness of the evidence hasn’t stopped this country from going to war before.
Reid didn’t ask but these latest events beg the question: How much more of this are we and others around the world going to tolerate?


crooksandliars--2020-01-11--Nancy Pelosi Playing Chess, Trump 'Is Eating Checkers Off The Board'

Count on Joy Reid to bring a bit of sanity , and even a burst of laughter , cynical though it may be , to a dreary political landscape with her guests Fernand Amandi and Karine Jean-Pierre .
First , a bit of analysis and advice on impeachment strategy for Speaker Nancy Pelosi from Amandi , who as usual , nails the dynamics of both the Dems and the GOP with brevity and incisiveness .
When Reid brings up the idea of Speaker Pelosi sending only one of the articles to the Senate , while keeping the other to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thus `` extend ( ing ) the agony '' for Trump and his GOP sycophants , Amandi is all for it .
AMANDI : I endorse it 100 % .
I think Senate Republicans are counting on the good faith of Democrats so that they can continue acting in bad faith .
They 've proven to be uncompromising warriors for Trumpian autocracy .
The Democrats led by Speaker Pelosi need to accept the mantle of being uncompromising warriors for constitutional democracy , and it 's time to play hard ball .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , what it means is , she 's saving one reserve .
Neal Katyal said this in The Washington Post yesterday , send the obstruction charge to Mitch McConnell .
Let them debate what everyone has seen before them and hold the Ukraine article in reserve .
Unfortunately , if Speaker Pelosi sends both of the articles , and , in essence , capitulates , I think it 's a bad thing for the Democrats .
Reid , though — based on her own admitted experience — warned against underestimating Speaker Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was then that perpetual bright star Karine Jean-Pierre agreed , and cracked up the entire panel with her analogy .
REID : At the same time I -- underestimating Speaker Pelosi has been a mistake that a lot of people have made , and that lady is not just going to send those articles over because she do n't have anything .
JEAN-PIERRE : I agree .
Nancy Pelosi is playing chess while Donald Trump is eating the checkers off of the board .
I mean that -- I mean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a MOMENT to collect themselves , but thankfully , did so quickly so Jean-Pierre could continue .
JEAN-PIERRE : I 've seen many things .
Look , I think that you should not underestimate Nancy Pelosi .
She knows exactly what she 's doing while she 's held these articles of impeachment , we have seen multiple things happen .
DOD .
We saw the e-mails of the DOD being very concerned about holding the aid .
We 've seen Mitch McConnell colluding with the president .
We 've learned that John Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are coming out in these last what , 20 some odd days that have be key and important , and Nancy Pelosi is playing chess .
Jimmy Williams piped in to ask whether or not anything Speaker Pelosi does will make a difference in what Mitch McConnell does in the Senate .
He 'd been working hard to make an issue of the fact that they are separate houses of Congress , and for some reason , seemed intent on proving the actions of one had no bearing on the actions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabused him of that notion .
JEAN-PIERRE : : That 's not the point .
REID : Unfortunately it also depends on the strategery of the Senate Democratic leadership , and no offense , but it 's not the same sort level of what Nancy Pelosi 's sort of strategery might be , but I would presume that a deal with witnesses has to be out there .
If she 's sending it over there , expect that some witness is coming forward .
That 's all I 'm saying .
That would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness , because otherwise why are the White House already laying it down , saying they will try to stop Bolton from testifying ?
Something is up .
WILLIAMS : And , if they can find 51 votes to get those witnesses , I think it 's awesome and wonderful .
REID : Do n't be surprised if they 've already started making that deal .
That 's all I 'm saying .
REID : They 've got something .
I 'm just saying .
I mean , after all this , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ARMS AROUND , SLOWLY , DRAMATICALLY , IN ALL DIRECTIONS* when will men stop questioning Speaker Pelosi 's game ?
I ask you , people , WHEN ?

Count on Joy Reid to bring a bit of sanity, and even a burst of laughter, cynical though it may be, to a dreary political landscape with her guests Fernand Amandi and Karine Jean-Pierre. First, a bit of analysis and advice on impeachment strategy for Speaker Nancy Pelosi from Amandi, who as usual, nails the dynamics of both the Dems and the GOP with brevity and incisiveness.
When Reid brings up the idea of Speaker Pelosi sending only one of the articles to the Senate, while keeping the other to work on it, continuing calling witnesses, and thus "extend(ing) the agony" for Trump and his GOP sycophants, Amandi is all for it.
AMANDI: I endorse it 100%. I think Senate Republicans are counting on the good faith of Democrats so that they can continue acting in bad faith. They've proven to be uncompromising warriors for Trumpian autocracy. The Democrats led by Speaker Pelosi need to accept the mantle of being uncompromising warriors for constitutional democracy, and it's time to play hard ball. I think by holding one of those articles back, what it means is, she's saving one reserve. Neal Katyal said this in The Washington Post yesterday, send the obstruction charge to Mitch McConnell. Let them debate what everyone has seen before them and hold the Ukraine article in reserve. Unfortunately, if Speaker Pelosi sends both of the articles, and, in essence, capitulates, I think it's a bad thing for the Democrats.
Reid, though — based on her own admitted experience — warned against underestimating Speaker Pelosi's ability to outmaneuver her GOP counterparts. It was then that perpetual bright star Karine Jean-Pierre agreed, and cracked up the entire panel with her analogy.
REID: At the same time I -- underestimating Speaker Pelosi has been a mistake that a lot of people have made, and that lady is not just going to send those articles over because she don't have anything. JEAN-PIERRE: I agree. Nancy Pelosi is playing chess while Donald Trump is eating the checkers off of the board. I mean that -- I mean, that is --
The entire panel needed a MOMENT to collect themselves, but thankfully, did so quickly so Jean-Pierre could continue.
JEAN-PIERRE: I've seen many things. Look, I think that you should not underestimate Nancy Pelosi. She knows exactly what she's doing while she's held these articles of impeachment, we have seen multiple things happen. DOD. We saw the e-mails of the DOD being very concerned about holding the aid. We've seen Mitch McConnell colluding with the president. We've learned that John Bolton wants to testify, there are things that are coming out in these last what, 20 some odd days that have be key and important, and Nancy Pelosi is playing chess.
Jimmy Williams piped in to ask whether or not anything Speaker Pelosi does will make a difference in what Mitch McConnell does in the Senate. He'd been working hard to make an issue of the fact that they are separate houses of Congress, and for some reason, seemed intent on proving the actions of one had no bearing on the actions of the other.
Jean-Pierre and Reid deftly disabused him of that notion.
JEAN-PIERRE: : That's not the point. REID: Unfortunately it also depends on the strategery of the Senate Democratic leadership, and no offense, but it's not the same sort level of what Nancy Pelosi's sort of strategery might be, but I would presume that a deal with witnesses has to be out there. If she's sending it over there, expect that some witness is coming forward. That's all I'm saying. That would be my guess, is that some witness, because otherwise why are the White House already laying it down, saying they will try to stop Bolton from testifying? Something is up. WILLIAMS: And, if they can find 51 votes to get those witnesses, I think it's awesome and wonderful. REID: Don't be surprised if they've already started making that deal. That's all I'm saying. JEAN-PIERRE: Public opinion matters. REID: They've got something. I'm just saying.
THANK YOU.
I mean, after all this, after
ALL. OF. THIS. *WAVING ARMS AROUND, SLOWLY, DRAMATICALLY, IN ALL DIRECTIONS*
when will men stop questioning Speaker Pelosi's game? I ask you, people, WHEN?


crooksandliars--2020-01-11--Jim Jordan's Raising Money Off Of A Lie That's As Pointless As It Is Brazen

Last year , the Supreme Court ruled to protect partisan gerrymandering and keep letting Republicans cheat democracy in states such as Ohio , where lower court judges had overturned a heavily gerrymandered map .
Rep. Jim Jordan doesn ’ t care about the fact that the challenge to Ohio gerrymandering has been dead since October , though , any more than he cares whether college wrestlers under his supervision are sexually abused .
In a recent fundraising email , Jordan pretends that court-ordered redistricting is coming and is a threat to him that requires supporters to dig extra deep .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing his energy on the National Democratic Redistricting Committee ( NDRC ) , a liberal group whose goal is to steal Conservative seats in Congress , not at the ballot box , but in the courts , ” a Jordan fundraising email said , as reported by Mother Jones .
“ And now his sights are set on me !
!
Recently , three judges struck down Ohio ’ s Congressional map , stating that all Ohio Congressional districts must be redrawn before next year , including mine !
” It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ recent ” court decision was in May 2019 and was overturned by the Trump Supreme Court .
Jordan ’ s district is not going to be redrawn .
Since it ’ s hard to believe that Jordan is having trouble with fundraising , given his star turn during the House impeachment hearings , it seems like he ’ s just lying for sport here .
Which is about right for Gym Jordan , but still noteworthy in how unsurprising it is .

Last year, the Supreme Court ruled to protect partisan gerrymandering and keep letting Republicans cheat democracy in states such as Ohio, where lower court judges had overturned a heavily gerrymandered map. Rep. Jim Jordan doesn’t care about the fact that the challenge to Ohio gerrymandering has been dead since October, though, any more than he cares whether college wrestlers under his supervision are sexually abused.
In a recent fundraising email, Jordan pretends that court-ordered redistricting is coming and is a threat to him that requires supporters to dig extra deep.
“Since Obama left office…Holder has been focusing his energy on the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), a liberal group whose goal is to steal Conservative seats in Congress, not at the ballot box, but in the courts,” a Jordan fundraising email said, as reported by Mother Jones. “And now his sights are set on me!! Recently, three judges struck down Ohio’s Congressional map, stating that all Ohio Congressional districts must be redrawn before next year, including mine!”
It’s just a pack of lies. That “recent” court decision was in May 2019 and was overturned by the Trump Supreme Court. Jordan’s district is not going to be redrawn. Since it’s hard to believe that Jordan is having trouble with fundraising, given his star turn during the House impeachment hearings, it seems like he’s just lying for sport here. Which is about right for Gym Jordan, but still noteworthy in how unsurprising it is.
(As a side note, though, kudos to whoever writes Jordan’s fundraising emails. This perfectly captures not just his lying but his shouty tone—reading it, you can 100% hear Jordan’s voice.)
Published with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-01-11--Trump Tapes Bolton's Mouth Shut With Executive Privilege

Former national security adviser John Bolton has offered to testify for Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial if subpoenaed .
The possibility that four Republican senators would break with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and call for Bolton to appear seems somewhat remote , though there is always the possibility that the House could renew its subpoena for Bolton and see if he would honor his commitment by speaking on the other end of Capitol Hill .
But no matter what Bolton decides , Donald Trump made it clear on Friday that he intends to clamp a tiny hand over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with Fox News ’ Laura Ingraham , Trump explained again how anxious he is for the facts to really come out in his Senate trial , then pulled out his well-worn executive privilege card and declared he would stop Bolton from appearing .
Trump announced that he wasn ’ t blocking Bolton ’ s potentially game-changing testimony because it might lead to defeat in 2020 or even an early moving van pulling up to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue .
Instead Trump said that he had to do it “ for the sake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement aligns with another Trump made on Thursday in which he said that “ we have to protect presidential privilege , '' which is not a thing , and most tellingly … `` When we start allowing national security advisers to just go up and say whatever they want to say , we can ’ t do that . ''
Actually , we can .
Especially during impeachment hearings .
Though Richard Nixon made an effort to hide the recordings made in the Oval Office after they were revealed during congressional hearings on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made any effort to stop witnesses from appearing at impeachment proceedings , and neither did either put any limits on what witnesses might say .
On the other hand , Trump hasn ’ t just ordered White House staff not to cooperate and refused to hand over all documents , he has also taken an expansive view of privilege from the moment he moved into the White House , one that includes blocking access to individuals many steps removed from the White House and reaching back to protect members of his campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly ruled against the kind of expansive claim of privilege that Trump is making .
There is no new law to be decided here .
If Trump was taken to court over blocking Bolton ’ s testimony , he would lose .
Trump ’ s statements that he had to block Bolton ’ s testimony to protect the office are clearly nonsense , because in previous instances such testimony from top officials wasn ’ t just allowed , but assumed .
Trump isn ’ t preserving anything—except himself .
What Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears an actual trial in the Senate , one with witnesses and documents .
And he ’ s not even trusting McConnell to bring the gavel down fast enough to save his orange skin .
The declaration that he wouldn ’ t allow Bolton to testify aligns with statements from Rudy Giuliani calling on the Supreme Court to cancel the whole impeachment , and legislation proposed by Republicans in the Senate who want to declare the trial over before it begins .
What Republicans recognize at the moment is that if the impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testimony , Republicans can pretend that the evidence against Trump isn ’ t overwhelming — even though it is .
Any testimony at all , even from a John Bolton freshly sated with Iranian blood , places Trump at a non-zero chance of removal .
That ’ s why the story out of both the White House and the Republican side of the Senate has been pared down to “ we would love to have a trial , but can ’ t because of X ” … where the nature of X doesn @ @ @ @

Former national security adviser John Bolton has offered to testify for Donald Trump’s impeachment trial if subpoenaed. The possibility that four Republican senators would break with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and call for Bolton to appear seems somewhat remote, though there is always the possibility that the House could renew its subpoena for Bolton and see if he would honor his commitment by speaking on the other end of Capitol Hill.
But no matter what Bolton decides, Donald Trump made it clear on Friday that he intends to clamp a tiny hand over Bolton’s mustachioed mouth. In an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Trump explained again how anxious he is for the facts to really come out in his Senate trial, then pulled out his well-worn executive privilege card and declared he would stop Bolton from appearing. Trump announced that he wasn’t blocking Bolton’s potentially game-changing testimony because it might lead to defeat in 2020 or even an early moving van pulling up to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Instead Trump said that he had to do it “for the sake of the office."
The Friday statement aligns with another Trump made on Thursday in which he said that “we have to protect presidential privilege," which is not a thing, and most tellingly … "When we start allowing national security advisers to just go up and say whatever they want to say, we can’t do that."
Actually, we can. Especially during impeachment hearings. Though Richard Nixon made an effort to hide the recordings made in the Oval Office after they were revealed during congressional hearings on Watergate, neither he nor Bill Clinton made any effort to stop witnesses from appearing at impeachment proceedings, and neither did either put any limits on what witnesses might say. On the other hand, Trump hasn’t just ordered White House staff not to cooperate and refused to hand over all documents, he has also taken an expansive view of privilege from the moment he moved into the White House, one that includes blocking access to individuals many steps removed from the White House and reaching back to protect members of his campaign and transition team.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled against the kind of expansive claim of privilege that Trump is making. There is no new law to be decided here. If Trump was taken to court over blocking Bolton’s testimony, he would lose. Trump’s statements that he had to block Bolton’s testimony to protect the office are clearly nonsense, because in previous instances such testimony from top officials wasn’t just allowed, but assumed. Trump isn’t preserving anything—except himself.
What Trump’s statement illustrates is just how much he fears an actual trial in the Senate, one with witnesses and documents. And he’s not even trusting McConnell to bring the gavel down fast enough to save his orange skin.
The declaration that he wouldn’t allow Bolton to testify aligns with statements from Rudy Giuliani calling on the Supreme Court to cancel the whole impeachment, and legislation proposed by Republicans in the Senate who want to declare the trial over before it begins. What Republicans recognize at the moment is that if the impeachment goes forward with no witnesses and no testimony, Republicans can pretend that the evidence against Trump isn’t overwhelming — even though it is. Any testimony at all, even from a John Bolton freshly sated with Iranian blood, places Trump at a non-zero chance of removal.
That’s why the story out of both the White House and the Republican side of the Senate has been pared down to “we would love to have a trial, but can’t because of X” … where the nature of X doesn’t matter.
Published with permission of Daily Kos


crooksandliars--2020-01-11--Tulsi Gabbard Should Practice What She Preaches Or Quit Fox News

I ’ m all for Democrats going on Fox News – but not to pretend there is no partisan , bigoted elephant in the room .
Tulsi Gabbard , still a Democratic presidential candidate , announced early on in her appearance on America ’ s Newsroom today that she aims “ to usher in a new era for our country with leadership that focuses on respect and integrity and equality for all Americans.
” Yet she repeatedly cozies up to the network that gives hate mongers like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity a prime time platform and cheerleads Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smearing four Congresswomen of color .
Gabbard put forth a decent argument against Trump 's war mongering against Iran .
She noted the Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to declare war , not Trump .
But that was after we saw a clip of him thumbing his nose at Congressional oversight during a rally last night and she gave Fox a pass for falling in line right behind that anti-Americanism .
Heck , even “ straight news ” anchor Bill Hemmer disrespected Gabbard and anti-war Democrats right then and there .
When Gabbard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation ” is that Trump has already gone to war with Iran , endangered our troops in the area and pushed that country “ closer and closer ” to a nuclear weapon , Hemmer lectured her with Trump-friendly talking points : “ Let ’ s see , in the end , how this unfolds .
A lot of this happens over days and weeks and sometimes months or even years .
I think you would even agree to that , ” he said condescendingly .
Then , without comment from her , Hemmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg for tweeting a suggestion that Trump ’ s escalation of tensions with Iran had caused the Ukrainian plane crash in Tehran a few nights ago , allegedly shot down by Iran by mistake .
Unfortunately for Hemmer , Gabbard backed Buttigieg ’ s reasoning .
She called the incident “ one of these consequences of this escalation and this state of war that we are in.
” The interview ended soon thereafter .
My beef is not with anything that Gabbard said but with what she didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to promote yourself as a candidate of respect and equality , how on earth do you make that happen by ignoring how Fox successfully markets those very antitheses ?
Gabbard ’ s blindness to Fox ’ s brand of propaganda is above , from the January 10 , 2020 America ’ s Newsroom .

I’m all for Democrats going on Fox News – but not to pretend there is no partisan, bigoted elephant in the room.
Tulsi Gabbard, still a Democratic presidential candidate, announced early on in her appearance on America’s Newsroom today that she aims “to usher in a new era for our country with leadership that focuses on respect and integrity and equality for all Americans.”
Yet she repeatedly cozies up to the network that gives hate mongers like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity a prime time platform and cheerleads Donald Trump’s “go back” tweet smearing four Congresswomen of color.
Gabbard put forth a decent argument against Trump's war mongering against Iran. She noted the Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to declare war, not Trump. But that was after we saw a clip of him thumbing his nose at Congressional oversight during a rally last night and she gave Fox a pass for falling in line right behind that anti-Americanism.
Heck, even “straight news” anchor Bill Hemmer disrespected Gabbard and anti-war Democrats right then and there. When Gabbard noted that “the reality of the situation” is that Trump has already gone to war with Iran, endangered our troops in the area and pushed that country “closer and closer” to a nuclear weapon, Hemmer lectured her with Trump-friendly talking points: “Let’s see, in the end, how this unfolds. A lot of this happens over days and weeks and sometimes months or even years. I think you would even agree to that,” he said condescendingly.
Then, without comment from her, Hemmer moved on to prod her to attack fellow presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg for tweeting a suggestion that Trump’s escalation of tensions with Iran had caused the Ukrainian plane crash in Tehran a few nights ago, allegedly shot down by Iran by mistake.
Unfortunately for Hemmer, Gabbard backed Buttigieg’s reasoning. She called the incident “one of these consequences of this escalation and this state of war that we are in.”
The interview ended soon thereafter.
My beef is not with anything that Gabbard said but with what she didn’t say. If you are going to promote yourself as a candidate of respect and equality, how on earth do you make that happen by ignoring how Fox successfully markets those very antitheses?
Gabbard’s blindness to Fox’s brand of propaganda is above, from the January 10, 2020 America’s Newsroom.
Published with permission of NewsHounds.us