crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Mayor Pete Does In MAGA Heckler With One Question: 'Do You Denounce White Supremacy?'

Oh , Mayor Pete , how we love thee .
During a Biden/Harris campaign event in Florida , Pete Buttigieg was interrupted by a MAGA chud attempting to heckle him while recording himself with one hand and holding at least two MAGA hats in the other .
Complete with facemask down around his neck to allow his spittle to fully aerosolize , the fascist-promoting fella was approached by some of the people who were there to hear Buttigieg speak , but Mayor Pete told them , `` Do n't worry about it .
Do n't worry about it .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry about it . ''
Then our favorite campaigning mayor graced this MAGAt with the opportunity to engage .
BUTTIGIEG : So , can I finish my remarks ?
MAGA : ( *unintelligible* , begins pointing to Buttigieg and talking ) BUTTIGIEG : Are you afraid to hear what I have to say ?
MAGA : ( *unintelligible* still pointing and talking ) BUTTIGIEG : Yes , are you afraid to hear what I have to say ?
MAGA : ( *unintelligible* still pointing and talking ) BUTTIGIEG : Yes , are you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
MAGA : ( *unintelligible* still pointing and talking , now to his cell phone ) BUTTIGIEG : Do you denounce white supremacy ?
MAGA : ( *NODS HIS HEAD !
* ) BUTTIGIEG : GOOD !
Then we agreed on something !
That 's the beginning point .
If you can get your president to do the same thing ... Now , I mean , how smooth is Mayor Pete ?
How solid ?
How unflappable ?
This man has been one of the most valuable surrogates for Biden and Harris ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not for nothing he 's been dubbed `` The Fox Whisperer . ''
Someone even posted the rest of the idiot 's appearance : Naturally , and deservedly , Mayor Buttigieg drew rave reviews for this takedown .

Oh, Mayor Pete, how we love thee.
During a Biden/Harris campaign event in Florida, Pete Buttigieg was interrupted by a MAGA chud attempting to heckle him while recording himself with one hand and holding at least two MAGA hats in the other. Complete with facemask down around his neck to allow his spittle to fully aerosolize, the fascist-promoting fella was approached by some of the people who were there to hear Buttigieg speak, but Mayor Pete told them, "Don't worry about it. Don't worry about it. We're bigger than that. Don't worry about it."
Then our favorite campaigning mayor graced this MAGAt with the opportunity to engage.
BUTTIGIEG: So, can I finish my remarks?
MAGA: (*unintelligible*, begins pointing to Buttigieg and talking)
BUTTIGIEG: Are you afraid to hear what I have to say?
MAGA: (*unintelligible* still pointing and talking)
BUTTIGIEG: Yes, are you afraid to hear what I have to say?
MAGA: (*unintelligible* still pointing and talking)
BUTTIGIEG: Yes, are you afraid of what I have to say?
MAGA: (*unintelligible* still pointing and talking, now to his cell phone)
BUTTIGIEG: Do you denounce white supremacy?
MAGA: (*NODS HIS HEAD!*)
BUTTIGIEG: GOOD! Then we agreed on something! That's the beginning point. If you can get your president to do the same thing...Now,
I mean, how smooth is Mayor Pete? How solid? How unflappable? This man has been one of the most valuable surrogates for Biden and Harris ever since the ticket was announced. It's not for nothing he's been dubbed "The Fox Whisperer."
Someone even posted the rest of the idiot's appearance:
...and here's how the double red hat guy went out 🤣 pic.twitter.com/2psqEaWNGH — emily valentine (@beachyapple) October 29, 2020
Naturally, and deservedly, Mayor Buttigieg drew rave reviews for this takedown.
Pete Buttigieg with a master class on handling a MAGA heckler in Florida and got the guy to denounce white supremacy in the process #Vote @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris pic.twitter.com/PwpUAb5I54 — Icculus The Brave (@FirenzeMike) October 29, 2020
I love him so much. He is so smart and always on point. He seems that he wants to work with others. I would not be surprised if one day he was our president. — Mary Tyson (@tyson_mary) October 29, 2020
Pete is a mastermind. Finding something we can all agree on is one of the first steps of negotiating. It’s solid business acumen. I worked in Contracts & negotiating contract awards & this is a win/win for both sides. Omg we need Pete as much as we need Biden in The White House. — Claudia Heiden (@magn5822) October 29, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

Joe.My.God .
: Melania Trump says her husband is great for teh gay !
Off the Kuff : As Election @ @ @ @ @ Governor Greg Abbott has gone silent on COVID .
Greg Fallis : Even a defeated @ @ @ @ @ awful lot of damage in 70 days .
Naked Capitalism : If you wondered why @ @ @ @ @ local governments must be part of any COVID relief package from Congress , this is @ @ @ @ @ , your quote of the day : `` Lesson from the Great Recession : Don @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ anti-stimulus.
’ '' ( Jon Perr , August 20 , 2020 ) Guest @ @ @ @ @ Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives .
Send your tips , recommendations , @ @ @ @ @ AT crooksandliars DOT com .

Joe.My.God.: Melania Trump says her husband is great for teh gay!
Off the Kuff: As Election Day approaches, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has gone silent on COVID.
Greg Fallis: Even a defeated Donald Trump could do an awful lot of damage in 70 days.
Naked Capitalism: If you wondered why federal aid to state and local governments must be part of any COVID relief package from Congress, this is why.
Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
"Lesson from the Great Recession: Don’t let states become the ‘anti-stimulus.’" (Jon Perr, August 20, 2020)
Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Fake Intelligence Firm Wrote The 'Hunter Biden Dossier' And Duped The Right Wing

Remember that crazy dossier on Hunter Biden that was being shopped around related to a leak of documents found on that rain-soaked laptop ?
Looks like it is a joke .
A compete farce .
Fake news , some may call it .
NBC News is reporting that a 64-page dossier that was later distributed by close associates of Donald Trump appears to be the work of a fake `` intelligence firm '' called Typhoon Investigations .
The author of the dossier is someone who claims to be a Swiss security analyst named Martin Aspen .
That person does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was created by an artificial intelligence face generator .
Martin Aspen 's fake resume states that he worked for another company in Switzerland prior to Typhoon Investigations .
That company has never heard of him either .
Oh , and no one by the name `` Martin Aspen '' lives in Switzerland .
Maybe if they had searched for the similar name , Aston Martin , they would have had luck ?
So back to the dossier .
NBC reports that `` one of the original posters of the document , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took credit for writing parts of it when asked about it and said Aspen does not exist . ''
Rudy Giuliani , Donald Trump , FOX and the entire right wing news machine have been peddling FAKE NEWS themselves .
Conservative news outlets have been trying to smear Hunter Biden for months , most recently with a bananas leak related to a laptop that supposedly came from a repair shop in Wilmington , DE that had been left a year ago ( even though Hunter Biden lives 3,000 miles away in California ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced months ago .
It was supposed to be the basis for the `` October Surprise '' that would take Biden out .
The document from Typhoon Investigations was posted in September to an anonymous blog called Intelligence Quarterly ( an ironic name , considering how dumb they were to publish this garbage ) .
The blog is run by someone named Albert Marko .
He told NBC that he got the document from Balding , who is an associate professor at Fulbright University Vietnam .
Balding told NBC that he was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China the press has simply refused to cover .
I want to strongly emphasize I did not write the report but I know who did .
`` Balding later retracted that statement , telling NBC that he did write some of it .
Balding went further , admitting that Martin Aspen is a `` fictional individual created solely for the purpose of releasing this report . ''
Not only was this fake news , but a fake person and a fake company were created to distribute this fake garbage .
Just about sums @ @ @

Remember that crazy dossier on Hunter Biden that was being shopped around related to a leak of documents found on that rain-soaked laptop? Looks like it is a joke. A compete farce. Fake news, some may call it. NBC News is reporting that a 64-page dossier that was later distributed by close associates of Donald Trump appears to be the work of a fake "intelligence firm" called Typhoon Investigations.
The author of the dossier is someone who claims to be a Swiss security analyst named Martin Aspen. That person does not exist. His profile picture is fake and was created by an artificial intelligence face generator. Martin Aspen's fake resume states that he worked for another company in Switzerland prior to Typhoon Investigations. That company has never heard of him either. Oh, and no one by the name "Martin Aspen" lives in Switzerland.
Maybe if they had searched for the similar name, Aston Martin, they would have had luck?
So back to the dossier. NBC reports that "one of the original posters of the document, a blogger and professor named Christopher Balding, took credit for writing parts of it when asked about it and said Aspen does not exist."
OMG.
Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump, FOX and the entire right wing news machine have been peddling FAKE NEWS themselves. Conservative news outlets have been trying to smear Hunter Biden for months, most recently with a bananas leak related to a laptop that supposedly came from a repair shop in Wilmington, DE that had been left a year ago (even though Hunter Biden lives 3,000 miles away in California).
But this fake dossier was apparently produced months ago. It was supposed to be the basis for the "October Surprise" that would take Biden out. The document from Typhoon Investigations was posted in September to an anonymous blog called Intelligence Quarterly (an ironic name, considering how dumb they were to publish this garbage). The blog is run by someone named Albert Marko. He told NBC that he got the document from Balding, who is an associate professor at Fulbright University Vietnam. Balding told NBC that he was "handed a report about Biden activities in China the press has simply refused to cover. I want to strongly emphasize I did not write the report but I know who did."Balding later retracted that statement, telling NBC that he did write some of it.
Balding went further, admitting that Martin Aspen is a "fictional individual created solely for the purpose of releasing this report."
Not only was this fake news, but a fake person and a fake company were created to distribute this fake garbage.
Twitter found this hilarious:
Wait, hold up - so the Hunter Biden-China fake connection was made up by a fake firm (Typhoon Investigations) led by a fake person ("Martin Aspen") to be delivered to a fake president (Donald Trump).
Makes sense. — Operative_X (@OperativeXRay) October 29, 2020
it is i, intelligence officer martin aspen, of switzerland, reporting for duty pic.twitter.com/aibllxS5Qv — alyssa bereznak (@alyssabereznak) October 30, 2020
Martin Aspen, John Barron and John Miller have never been seen in the same room at the same time. — Cameron Steele (@Voyager19) October 29, 2020
I’d like to take a moment to wish Tucker Carlson the best of luck in his quest to find his imaginary documents from a company that never existed — Angry Staffer (@AngrierWHStaff) October 29, 2020
MARTIN ASPEN??? Really??? Martin Fucking Aspen. Martin Goddamn Fucking Piece Of Shit Bullshit Motherfucking Aspen. Dear fucking god — Jason? From Camp? (@longwall26) October 29, 2020
but, but, Rudy (hand down pants) Giuliani said the Hunter laptop was real!
Well he tricked by Borat, tricked by Russian's and now tricked by a fake security firm. — Party of Fear (@kdevil66) October 29, 2020
Just about sums it up:


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Animation:  How Trump Cheats At Golf

Animation:  How Trump Cheats At Golf

Customers can still purchase guns and ammunition upon request , but the store will not have the products on display @ @ @ @ @

Can you help us out?
For 18 years we have been exposing Washington lies and untangling media deceit, but now Facebook is drowning us in an ocean of right wing lies. Please give a one-time or recurring donation, or buy a year's subscription for an ad-free experience. Thank you.


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--WH Tried To Use Taxpayer's $250M On Covid Ads To Boost Trump 2020

New documents released Thursday by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee reveal that Trump administration officials explicitly attempted to use a $ 250 million taxpayer-funded `` public advertising and awareness campaign '' to put a rosy spin on President Donald Trump 's disastrous coronavirus response and boost his effort to win reelection .
In early September , the Department of Health and Human Services doled out a lucrative contract to the Washington , D.C. consultancy firm Fors Marsh Group to help the administration with an ad blitz framed as an attempt to `` defeat despair and inspire hope '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has killed more than 227,000 Americans on Trump 's watch .
`` It is completely inappropriate to frame a taxpayer-funded ad campaign around 'helping ' President Trump in the weeks and days before the election . ''
—Reps .
Carolyn Maloney , Jim Clyburn , and Raja Krishnamoorthi Initial reports on the massive pre-election ad campaign—which has not yet gone live—immediately drew suspicion from Democratic lawmakers , particularly given that it was pushed and coordinated by Michael Caputo , a scandal-plagued HHS communications official who previously worked on Trump 's 2016 campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was awarded to Fors Marsh Group , House Oversight Committee Democrats launched an investigation into the ad campaign and demanded that HHS turn over documents and communications related to the effort .
When HHS persistently refused to cooperate , the lawmakers turned to the contractors and subcontractors involved in the effort and obtained documents showing that Caputo openly framed the ad blitz as effort to boost the president , whose disastrous response to the pandemic led to between 130,000 and 210,000 preventable Covid-19 deaths , according to one estimate .
In one messaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oversight Committee , Caputo pitched `` Helping the President Will Help the Country '' as a tagline for the ad campaign .
`` Of course , it is completely inappropriate to frame a taxpayer-funded ad campaign around 'helping ' President Trump in the weeks and days before the election , '' Reps. Carolyn Maloney ( D-N.Y. ) , Jim Clyburn ( D-S.C. ) , and Raja Krishnamoorthi ( D-Ill. ) wrote in a letter ( pdf ) Thursday to HHS Secretary Alex Azar .
`` This theme also ignores the reality that more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that should not be whitewashed in a legitimate public health message . ''
Additional documents ( pdf ) obtained by the Oversight Committee show that Trump officials instructed contractors to vet the political views of celebrities being considered for roles in the public ad campaign , including their past statements on Trump .
`` The Trump administration and its contractors criticized celebrities who support gay rights , same-sex marriage , and other positions they characterize as part of the 'liberal left , ' '' the House Democrats wrote Thursday .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrities who had agreed to participate in the PSA campaign have withdrawn their consent to do so . ''
A spokesperson for HHS told Politico Thursday that the ad campaign is currently under review and said Azar was unaware of Caputo 's involvement with the public relations effort .
In their letter to Azar , the trio of House Democrats wrote that `` your failure to provide the documents we requested—especially in light of the information we have learned from the contractors—appears to be part of a cover-up to conceal the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxpayer dollars for partisan political purposes ahead of the upcoming election , and to direct taxpayer funds to friends and allies of Trump administration officials . ''

New documents released Thursday by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee reveal that Trump administration officials explicitly attempted to use a $250 million taxpayer-funded "public advertising and awareness campaign" to put a rosy spin on President Donald Trump's disastrous coronavirus response and boost his effort to win reelection.
In early September, the Department of Health and Human Services doled out a lucrative contract to the Washington, D.C. consultancy firm Fors Marsh Group to help the administration with an ad blitz framed as an attempt to "defeat despair and inspire hope" in the fight against the coronavirus, which has killed more than 227,000 Americans on Trump's watch.
"It is completely inappropriate to frame a taxpayer-funded ad campaign around 'helping' President Trump in the weeks and days before the election."
—Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jim Clyburn, and Raja Krishnamoorthi Initial reports on the massive pre-election ad campaign—which has not yet gone live—immediately drew suspicion from Democratic lawmakers, particularly given that it was pushed and coordinated by Michael Caputo, a scandal-plagued HHS communications official who previously worked on Trump's 2016 campaign.
Days after the $250 million contract was awarded to Fors Marsh Group, House Oversight Committee Democrats launched an investigation into the ad campaign and demanded that HHS turn over documents and communications related to the effort.
When HHS persistently refused to cooperate, the lawmakers turned to the contractors and subcontractors involved in the effort and obtained documents showing that Caputo openly framed the ad blitz as effort to boost the president, whose disastrous response to the pandemic led to between 130,000 and 210,000 preventable Covid-19 deaths, according to one estimate.
In one messaging document (pdf) obtained by the Oversight Committee, Caputo pitched "Helping the President Will Help the Country" as a tagline for the ad campaign.
"Of course, it is completely inappropriate to frame a taxpayer-funded ad campaign around 'helping' President Trump in the weeks and days before the election," Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) wrote in a letter (pdf) Thursday to HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "This theme also ignores the reality that more than 220,000 Americans have died from coronavirus—a fact that should not be whitewashed in a legitimate public health message."
#BREAKING: Chairs @RepMaloney, @WhipClyburn, & @CongressmanRaja released new documents that show Administration officials tried to use a $250 Million ad campaign for #coronavirus to help the President's re-election.
Read the full release here:https://t.co/K7YTRFgpHp
— Oversight Committee (@OversightDems) October 29, 2020
Additional documents (pdf) obtained by the Oversight Committee show that Trump officials instructed contractors to vet the political views of celebrities being considered for roles in the public ad campaign, including their past statements on Trump.
"The Trump administration and its contractors criticized celebrities who support gay rights, same-sex marriage, and other positions they characterize as part of the 'liberal left,'" the House Democrats wrote Thursday. "As of October 1, 2020, all celebrities who had agreed to participate in the PSA campaign have withdrawn their consent to do so."
A spokesperson for HHS told Politico Thursday that the ad campaign is currently under review and said Azar was unaware of Caputo's involvement with the public relations effort.
In their letter to Azar, the trio of House Democrats wrote that "your failure to provide the documents we requested—especially in light of the information we have learned from the contractors—appears to be part of a cover-up to conceal the Trump administration's misuse of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars for partisan political purposes ahead of the upcoming election, and to direct taxpayer funds to friends and allies of Trump administration officials."
Republished from Common Dreams (Jake Johnson, staff writer) under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License.


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--'Rebrand The GOP'? How Many Times Have We Heard This Before?

Axios tells us that the GOP will need to change after the 2020 election -- no , this time for real .
Republicans , win or lose next week , face a big — and growing — math problem .
The state of play : They 're relying almost exclusively on a shrinking demographic ( white men ) , living in shrinking areas ( small , rural towns ) , creating a reliance on people with shrinking incomes ( white workers without college degrees ) to survive .
Why it matters : You ca n't win elections without diversity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Actually , you can if you have enough right-wing billionaire cash and a federal court system that will tilt the electoral playing field in your favor .
But go on .
Flashback : Before President Trump , the GOP acknowledged all this .
Then-RNC Chair Reince Priebus said in his `` autopsy '' after Mitt Romney 's loss in 2012 : `` We need to campaign among Hispanic , black , Asian and gay Americans and demonstrate we care about them , too .
We must recruit more candidates who come from minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump threw that out and realigned the GOP base away from suburbs and wealth , and toward working-class whites in small towns .
No -- what happened is that the GOP demonized Barack Obama in the run-up to the 2014 midterms ( Ebola !
the caravan ! )
and did very well without making any effort whatsoever to change the party 's level of inclusion .
And before that , there was talk of reorienting the party after the 2008 election -- remember Jeb Bush and the `` pizza summit '' ?
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without Trump -- led the GOP to big wins in the 2010 midterms .
So much for reorientation .
But go on , Axios .
Tell us why it will really happen this time .
New Gallup polling finds Trump remains above 50 % with rural residents , white men and white adults without college degrees .
But he has dropped nine points just this year with suburbanites — falling with both men and women — to 35 % , after winning them in 2016 .
Republicans have hemorrhaged support among suburban women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP even struggles in exurbs .
But how much of this is about the GOP and how much of it is about Trump personally ?
I 've been staying that Trump will continue to be the leader of the GOP even if he loses this election -- he 'll insist he won and was cheated out of victory , his supporters will believe it , and he 'll probably announce a 2024 run shortly after the polls close , or possibly on Biden 's inauguration day .
In a way , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know that the Democratic gains in the suburbs can survive the end of the Trump era ( and the eventual end of the pandemic ) .
We 've been hearing for years that the Republican Party is doomed , but it keeps coming back .
It was n't supposed to come back in 2016 .
It should n't be competitive this year .
I 'll believe there 's a change if Democrats win this year and keep winning .
But they 've elected two presidents in the past thirty years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years after the initial presidential win .
Reports of the Republican Party 's death always seem to be premature .
Democrats ca n't get complacent even if they have a big win this year .
They seem to be beating Trump .
But after that , they have to start motivating voters to beat the GOP the way they motivated voters to vote against Trump .
Otherwise , Republicans will rise again .
Posted with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog

Axios tells us that the GOP will need to change after the 2020 election -- no, this time for real.
Republicans, win or lose next week, face a big — and growing — math problem. The state of play: They're relying almost exclusively on a shrinking demographic (white men), living in shrinking areas (small, rural towns), creating a reliance on people with shrinking incomes (white workers without college degrees) to survive. Why it matters: You can't win elections without diversity, bigger population centers and sufficient money.
Actually, you can if you have enough right-wing billionaire cash and a federal court system that will tilt the electoral playing field in your favor. But go on.
Flashback: Before President Trump, the GOP acknowledged all this. Then-RNC Chair Reince Priebus said in his "autopsy" after Mitt Romney's loss in 2012: "We need to campaign among Hispanic, black, Asian and gay Americans and demonstrate we care about them, too. We must recruit more candidates who come from minority communities." What's happening: Trump threw that out and realigned the GOP base away from suburbs and wealth, and toward working-class whites in small towns.
No -- what happened is that the GOP demonized Barack Obama in the run-up to the 2014 midterms (Ebola! the caravan!) and did very well without making any effort whatsoever to change the party's level of inclusion.
And before that, there was talk of reorienting the party after the 2008 election -- remember Jeb Bush and the "pizza summit"? But the Tea Party -- which was Trumpism without Trump -- led the GOP to big wins in the 2010 midterms. So much for reorientation.
But go on, Axios. Tell us why it will really happen this time.
New Gallup polling finds Trump remains above 50% with rural residents, white men and white adults without college degrees. But he has dropped nine points just this year with suburbanites — falling with both men and women — to 35%, after winning them in 2016. Republicans have hemorrhaged support among suburban women during the Trump years. Now, the GOP even struggles in exurbs.
But how much of this is about the GOP and how much of it is about Trump personally?
I've been staying that Trump will continue to be the leader of the GOP even if he loses this election -- he'll insist he won and was cheated out of victory, his supporters will believe it, and he'll probably announce a 2024 run shortly after the polls close, or possibly on Biden's inauguration day. In a way, I hope I'm right, because I don't know that the Democratic gains in the suburbs can survive the end of the Trump era (and the eventual end of the pandemic). We've been hearing for years that the Republican Party is doomed, but it keeps coming back. It wasn't supposed to come back in 2016. It shouldn't be competitive this year.
I'll believe there's a change if Democrats win this year and keep winning. But they've elected two presidents in the past thirty years, and each time the party was shellacked two years after the initial presidential win. Reports of the Republican Party's death always seem to be premature. Democrats can't get complacent even if they have a big win this year. They seem to be beating Trump. But after that, they have to start motivating voters to beat the GOP the way they motivated voters to vote against Trump. Otherwise, Republicans will rise again.
Posted with permission from No More Mr. Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--Democrats' Senate Map Is Looking Hopeful In Some Unlikely Places

If you 're seeking evidence that the Senate map is expanding , not contracting , for Democrats , look no further than Cook Political Report 's ratings change in the Mississippi Senate race from `` solid '' to `` likely '' Republican .
Republicans will most likely hold that seat on election night , but the idea that things are loosening even a tad in a state like Mississippi is somewhat astonishing .
The movement in such an unlikely state also suggests Democrats are very much in the running to bring home some of the lower-tier Senate races .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup in a state that initially fell below the radar appears to be Montana , where Democratic Gov .
Steve Bullock is in striking distance of unseating GOP Sen. Steve Daines .
A new poll released Wednesday by Montana State University put Bullock up 1 point , 48 % -47 % , with 5 % undecided .
And although Donald Trump is still running 7 points ahead of Joe Biden , 52 % -45 % , the other statewide races for governor the state 's at-large congressional seat are neck and neck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Mike Cooney and GOP Rep. Greg Gianforte are tied at 45 % , while Republican at-large candidate Matt Rosendale holds a one-point lead over Democrat Kathleen Williams , 47 % -46 % .
In other words , Montana looks to be very competitive and Democrats could pick up some important seats there .
In Kansas , Democrat Barbara Bollier won the endorsement of the Kansas City Star , which compared Bollier 's GOP opponent Rep. Roger Marshall to the highly unpopular Republican , Kris Kobach .
`` Don ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Marshall is every bit as conservative as Kobach .
Bollier is far better prepared to meet this moment . ''
Kansas.com also endorsed her as `` an independent thinker , '' writing , `` It ’ s no surprise that more than 80 current and former Republican leaders have endorsed her campaign . ''
An internal poll conducted by GBAO found Bollier leading by 1 point , 46 % -45 % , with Libertarian Jason Buckley drawing 4 % and 4 % undecided .
Yet apparently , Marshall feels so good about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to skip the final debate altogether .
In a pretty stunning move , Marshall suggested he got `` set up '' after the Topeka TV Station KSNT tried to contact him repeatedly and even sent a certified letter inviting him to participate in the debate .
In South Carolina , Cook Political has the race between Democrat Jaime Harrison and GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham in tossup territory .
Since Harrison 's eye-popping $ 57 million fundraising haul in the third quarter , he has also picked up the endorsement of the South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Economist 's forecast model is also `` unclear which candidate will win , '' putting the race in the same category as other tight races that have been viewed as slightly more ripe for Democratic pickups , such as the two Georgia Senate races along with the one in Iowa .
Some Democratic Senate candidates are obviously much better poised to deliver wins on election night , but if there 's one thing that unites nearly all these races—from the `` very likely '' flips to the `` unclear '' —it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction , according to forecasts and recent polling .
That 's a good sign and suggests Democrats might walk away with an unexpected victory or two in some of the scrappier races that weren ’ t originally viewed as being in the offing for Democrats .
UPDATE : Harrison clinically took apart Lindsey Graham again in their debate tonight .

If you're seeking evidence that the Senate map is expanding, not contracting, for Democrats, look no further than Cook Political Report's ratings change in the Mississippi Senate race from "solid" to "likely" Republican. Republicans will most likely hold that seat on election night, but the idea that things are loosening even a tad in a state like Mississippi is somewhat astonishing.
The movement in such an unlikely state also suggests Democrats are very much in the running to bring home some of the lower-tier Senate races. One of Democrats' best chances for a pickup in a state that initially fell below the radar appears to be Montana, where Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock is in striking distance of unseating GOP Sen. Steve Daines.
A new poll released Wednesday by Montana State University put Bullock up 1 point, 48%-47%, with 5% undecided. And although Donald Trump is still running 7 points ahead of Joe Biden, 52%-45%, the other statewide races for governor the state's at-large congressional seat are neck and neck. In the gubernatorial race, Democratic Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney and GOP Rep. Greg Gianforte are tied at 45%, while Republican at-large candidate Matt Rosendale holds a one-point lead over Democrat Kathleen Williams, 47%-46%. In other words, Montana looks to be very competitive and Democrats could pick up some important seats there.
In Kansas, Democrat Barbara Bollier won the endorsement of the Kansas City Star, which compared Bollier's GOP opponent Rep. Roger Marshall to the highly unpopular Republican, Kris Kobach. "Don’t be fooled," wrote the Star, "Marshall is every bit as conservative as Kobach. Bollier is far better prepared to meet this moment." Kansas.com also endorsed her as "an independent thinker," writing, "It’s no surprise that more than 80 current and former Republican leaders have endorsed her campaign." An internal poll conducted by GBAO found Bollier leading by 1 point, 46%-45%, with Libertarian Jason Buckley drawing 4% and 4% undecided. Yet apparently, Marshall feels so good about the state of play that he decided to skip the final debate altogether. In a pretty stunning move, Marshall suggested he got "set up" after the Topeka TV Station KSNT tried to contact him repeatedly and even sent a certified letter inviting him to participate in the debate.
Watch this video from @KSNTnews tonight.@RogerMarshallMD got caught shamelessly lying after he blew off a 3rd debate. While I was in the studio speaking directly to Kansans.
The difference is clear: I'll always show up for you, while he'll mislead and deceive. #KSSen pic.twitter.com/12rV52bUwU — Dr. Barbara Bollier (@BarbaraBollier) October 29, 2020
In South Carolina, Cook Political has the race between Democrat Jaime Harrison and GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham in tossup territory. Since Harrison's eye-popping $57 million fundraising haul in the third quarter, he has also picked up the endorsement of the South Carolina's oldest newspaper, The State. The Economist's forecast model is also "unclear which candidate will win," putting the race in the same category as other tight races that have been viewed as slightly more ripe for Democratic pickups, such as the two Georgia Senate races along with the one in Iowa.
Some Democratic Senate candidates are obviously much better poised to deliver wins on election night, but if there's one thing that unites nearly all these races—from the "very likely" flips to the "unclear"—it's that they are trending in Democrats' direction, according to forecasts and recent polling.
That's a good sign and suggests Democrats might walk away with an unexpected victory or two in some of the scrappier races that weren’t originally viewed as being in the offing for Democrats.
Republished with permission from Daily Kos.
UPDATE: Harrison clinically took apart Lindsey Graham again in their debate tonight.


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Joe Biden Mocks Trump On The Campaign Trail

With just 4 days to go to Election Day , Vice President Joe Biden sharpened his rhetorical sword and jabbed it straight into Donald Trump , who was hate-watching the whole thing and tweeting like a maniac .
`` And the stable genius , as he calls himself continues to say , `` wind power causes cancer , '' Biden mocked .
`` The same guy who said , by the way , and you think I ’ m making this up , when he was advised about the increasing hurricanes coming across the Atlantic because of the warm water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should drop a nuclear weapon on them . '
” And he was not done .
`` The stable genius said the problem with the Revolutionary War was we didn ’ t have enough airports .
He talks about mental acuity ?
Whoa.
” Whoa indeed .
And boy howdy , was Trump watching and tweeting .
I do n't usually put Trump 's tweets in posts , but this captures how deeply Biden has crawled into Trump 's head .
Just whining and bitching and lying up a storm over there in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you have n't voted already , MAKE A PLAN and VOTE .

With just 4 days to go to Election Day, Vice President Joe Biden sharpened his rhetorical sword and jabbed it straight into Donald Trump, who was hate-watching the whole thing and tweeting like a maniac.
"And the stable genius, as he calls himself continues to say, "wind power causes cancer," Biden mocked. "The same guy who said, by the way, and you think I’m making this up, when he was advised about the increasing hurricanes coming across the Atlantic because of the warm water, he said, ‘Maybe we should drop a nuclear weapon on them.'”
And he was not done.
"The stable genius said the problem with the Revolutionary War was we didn’t have enough airports. He talks about mental acuity? Whoa.”
Whoa indeed. And boy howdy, was Trump watching and tweeting. I don't usually put Trump's tweets in posts, but this captures how deeply Biden has crawled into Trump's head. Just whining and bitching and lying up a storm over there in Trumpland.
LOL. And please, if you haven't voted already, MAKE A PLAN and VOTE.


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Fox Reporter Blows Up Biden Smear Campaign: Docs Didn't Show Any Role For Joe Biden

Fox News ' Kristen Fisher joined Fox and Friends this morning and blew up their entire conspiratorial narrative to implicate Joe Biden in a nefarious business deal .
Rudy Giuliani and Steve Bannon concocted their `` October surprise '' narrative around Hunter Biden , three suddenly discovered laptops and a new former business partner -- all to try to implicate Joe Biden in shady business deals in an effort to undermine his election chances .
After Rudy 's laptop gambit was roundly dismissed by most of the mainstream media -- his latest move was to introduce Hunter 's former business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the election with more disinformation .
It 's as scummy and outrageous as Trump is .
We are not surprised .
Fox and Friends has been pounding these stories endlessly even though Fox News refused to break the Giuliani laptop kompromat , but that did n't stop their TV shows from running with it ad infinitum .
However , the three-headed Trump TV stars brought on Fox News reporter Kristen Fisher to discuss the latest , and she blew their narrative to pieces .
After recapping some of the events , Fischer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News and the Wall Street Journal have reviewed all of the business documents that Hunter Biden 's old business partner Tony Bublinski turned over , and they did not show a role for Joe Biden in this business venture -- nor did they show the former vice president had taken any money from the venture , '' Fisher said .
Not the recap they were hoping for , Brian Kilmeade thanked her and then tried to implicate Joe Biden in this fraud , AGAIN .
Unproven and crazy conspiracy theories abound in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire right-wing media complex .

Fox News' Kristen Fisher joined Fox and Friends this morning and blew up their entire conspiratorial narrative to implicate Joe Biden in a nefarious business deal.
Rudy Giuliani and Steve Bannon concocted their "October surprise" narrative around Hunter Biden, three suddenly discovered laptops and a new former business partner -- all to try to implicate Joe Biden in shady business deals in an effort to undermine his election chances.
After Rudy's laptop gambit was roundly dismissed by most of the mainstream media -- his latest move was to introduce Hunter's former business partner to wrap up the final week of the election with more disinformation.
It's as scummy and outrageous as Trump is.
We are not surprised.
Fox and Friends has been pounding these stories endlessly even though Fox News refused to break the Giuliani laptop kompromat, but that didn't stop their TV shows from running with it ad infinitum.
However, the three-headed Trump TV stars brought on Fox News reporter Kristen Fisher to discuss the latest, and she blew their narrative to pieces.
After recapping some of the events, Fischer made these very important points.
"Fox News and the Wall Street Journal have reviewed all of the business documents that Hunter Biden's old business partner Tony Bublinski turned over, and they did not show a role for Joe Biden in this business venture -- nor did they show the former vice president had taken any money from the venture," Fisher said.
Not the recap they were hoping for, Brian Kilmeade thanked her and then tried to implicate Joe Biden in this fraud, AGAIN.
Unproven and crazy conspiracy theories abound in the GOP as QAnon has taken over the entire right-wing media complex.


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--David Perdue Runs From Debate After Getting His Ass Handed To Him By Jon Ossoff

After Wednesday 's disastrous debate that left a pile of ashes where he once stood , Perdue decided that he could n't afford a repeat performance like that as Georgia trends blue in 2020 .
Their race is rated as a toss-up with election day turnout expected to decide the race .
Senator David Perdue of Georgia withdrew on Thursday from the final debate in his tight re-election race , a day after his Democratic challenger , Jon Ossoff , called him a “ crook ” and accused the vulnerable Republican of trying to profit from the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ off on Sunday on the Atlanta television station WSB , the third debate in one of two pivotal Senate races in Georgia that could determine which party controls the chamber .
The candidates had committed to the debate in September , according to Mr. Ossoff ’ s campaign .
A spokesman for Mr. Perdue confirmed that he would not be at the debate and said in a statement that the senator had better uses of his time .
“ As lovely as another debate listening to Jon Ossoff lie to the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be participating in the WSB-TV debate but will instead join the 45th president , Donald J. Trump , for a huge get-out-the-vote rally in Northwest Georgia , ” the spokesman , John Burke , said .

After Wednesday's disastrous debate that left a pile of ashes where he once stood, Perdue decided that he couldn't afford a repeat performance like that as Georgia trends blue in 2020. Their race is rated as a toss-up with election day turnout expected to decide the race.
Source: New York Times
Senator David Perdue of Georgia withdrew on Thursday from the final debate in his tight re-election race, a day after his Democratic challenger, Jon Ossoff, called him a “crook” and accused the vulnerable Republican of trying to profit from the coronavirus pandemic.
The rivals had been scheduled to face off on Sunday on the Atlanta television station WSB, the third debate in one of two pivotal Senate races in Georgia that could determine which party controls the chamber. The candidates had committed to the debate in September, according to Mr. Ossoff’s campaign.
A spokesman for Mr. Perdue confirmed that he would not be at the debate and said in a statement that the senator had better uses of his time.
“As lovely as another debate listening to Jon Ossoff lie to the people of Georgia sounds, Senator Perdue will not be participating in the WSB-TV debate but will instead join the 45th president, Donald J. Trump, for a huge get-out-the-vote rally in Northwest Georgia,” the spokesman, John Burke, said.


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Don Jr. Calls COVID Deaths 'Almost Nothing' On A Day 1000 Americans Died From The Virus

I 'm not sure what good the Trump campaign thinks they 're doing themselves with interviews like this one from Fox on Thursday night , but apparently their strategy is to mock as many Americans as possible who are taking the pandemic seriously , or who have lost or come close to losing friends , family , coworkers and loved ones from the coronavirus .
Donald Trump Jr. made an appearance on Fox 's The Ingraham Angle , and the two of them proceeded to mock Joe Biden for his comments about his father 's super-spreader rallies , call Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the country helping to infect as many people as possible , attack Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for doing his job and , heaven forbid , asking the people hosting these MAGA rallies for a COVID Preparedness Plan , and accuse Democrats of destroying the economy on purpose with the partial lockdowns that are still in place in many cities and states across the country .
Ingraham then attacked the rest of the media for warning people that they should be careful about attending these Trump rallies , and in particular Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN that anyone who does attend should assume `` the virus is attending that rally '' with them , that they 've been exposed and should quarantine .
After having a good laugh over Gupta 's remarks , Jr called Gupta and others who have been sounding the alarm on the pandemic `` truly morons , '' followed by Jr downplaying the number of dead Americans on a day there was a reported 90,000 Americans infected and 1000 dead from COVID-19 .
“ I went through the CDC data because I kept hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , 'Well , why are n't they talking about deaths ? '
'' Trump Jr. said , referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` Oh , oh , because the number is almost nothing .
Because we 've gotten control of this thing , we understand how it works .
They have the therapeutics to be able to deal with this . ''
`` It 's gone to almost nothing , '' he repeated , adding that the U.S. is `` outperforming Europe in a positive way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favor of certain restrictions .
`` Why do n't we shut down for 10 or 15 years ? ''
said Trump Jr. , who said that children can learn on their iPhones .
Here 's more with some of the response on Twitter to Trump 's callous remarks .

I'm not sure what good the Trump campaign thinks they're doing themselves with interviews like this one from Fox on Thursday night, but apparently their strategy is to mock as many Americans as possible who are taking the pandemic seriously, or who have lost or come close to losing friends, family, coworkers and loved ones from the coronavirus.
Donald Trump Jr. made an appearance on Fox's The Ingraham Angle, and the two of them proceeded to mock Joe Biden for his comments about his father's super-spreader rallies, call Biden lazy for not imitating Trump and running around the country helping to infect as many people as possible, attack Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for doing his job and, heaven forbid, asking the people hosting these MAGA rallies for a COVID Preparedness Plan, and accuse Democrats of destroying the economy on purpose with the partial lockdowns that are still in place in many cities and states across the country.
Ingraham then attacked the rest of the media for warning people that they should be careful about attending these Trump rallies, and in particular Dr. Sanjay Gupta who told the viewers on CNN that anyone who does attend should assume "the virus is attending that rally" with them, that they've been exposed and should quarantine.
After having a good laugh over Gupta's remarks, Jr called Gupta and others who have been sounding the alarm on the pandemic "truly morons," followed by Jr downplaying the number of dead Americans on a day there was a reported 90,000 Americans infected and 1000 dead from COVID-19.
“I went through the CDC data because I kept hearing about new infections, but I was like, 'Well, why aren't they talking about deaths?'" Trump Jr. said, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Oh, oh, because the number is almost nothing. Because we've gotten control of this thing, we understand how it works. They have the therapeutics to be able to deal with this." "It's gone to almost nothing," he repeated, adding that the U.S. is "outperforming Europe in a positive way." He mocked Democrats who have advocated in favor of certain restrictions. "Why don't we shut down for 10 or 15 years?" said Trump Jr., who said that children can learn on their iPhones.
Here's more with some of the response on Twitter to Trump's callous remarks.
“The number (of deaths) is almost nothing, because we’ve gotten control of this,” Don Jr says.
So far today, Johns Hopkins has reported 87,164 new cases and 951 reported deaths.
TODAY.
With a total of 228,636 deaths.
Lie after lie after lie after lie. https://t.co/UVz6TDBbKy — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 30, 2020
Don Jr.’s Brain is almost nothing — Mayday Mindy🌊 (@maydaymindy9) October 30, 2020
DESPICABLE: "Don Jr. dismisses coronavirus deaths: ‘The number is almost nothing’" My childhood friend died from Covid so now his two teenage sons have no father but to Don Jr that's "nothing." This is a vile family!! https://t.co/sIjZU2qqBj via @politico — (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) October 30, 2020
What @DonaldJTrumpJr calls "almost nothing."
Family is devastated after their 13-year-old was pronounced dead in Houston after contracting COVID-19. #Texas https://t.co/Y4MkiWjNeS — The Daily Edge (@TheDailyEdge) October 30, 2020
"Almost nothing?" @DonaldJTrumpJr and everyone who saw him on Fox's @IngrahamAngle last night should read this story about "mass death in south Texas" https://t.co/AysU15Rg0X — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 30, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-10-30--Friday News Dump: Okay, Dems, We're Almost There! And Other News

It 's .
So .
Close .
So , so close .
( I do n't mean the election .
@ @ @ @ @ of the Orange Cheeto . ''
) Did you vote ?
Good .
Then let @ @ @ @ @ not-so-fond farewell to these horrible people .
Do n't let the door hit you in @ @ @ @ @ DEPT .
OF ' A CHANGE IS GON NA COME' Guys .
GUYS .
This @ @ @ @ @ weekend before the elections .
Do your phone banking , drive your neighbors to drop @ @ @ @ @ all voted , right ?
RIGHT ?
And I finally get to tell you what @ @ @ @ @ 8+ .
I think the pollsters are under polling likely voters , because the under-24 @ @ @ @ @ huge , there 's no way they adjusted for it .
So here 's what @ @ @ @ @ will be my celebration song , after the entire world heaves a sigh of relief @ @ @ @ @ over ?
He lost ? ''

It's. So. Close. So, so close. (I don't mean the election. I mean "getting rid of the Orange Cheeto.")
Did you vote? Good. Then let's prepare to say a not-so-fond farewell to these horrible people. Don't let the door hit you in the ass, guys!
VP Mike Pence: "We made America great again." pic.twitter.com/tIQdrv9D6e — The Hill (@thehill) October 30, 2020
Ivanka and Jared are pathetic grifters complicit and in many ways responsible for the deaths of over 223,000 Americans #ByeIvanka pic.twitter.com/iVHdOmqKVY — MeidasTouch.com (@MeidasTouch) October 24, 2020
Donald Trump Jr. repeatedly says that American deaths from covid have nearly disappeared.
"If you look at my Instagram, it’s gone to almost nothing."
There were 1,016 deaths recorded today. pic.twitter.com/lcCCt3Dzgd — Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) October 30, 2020
An example of the typical GOP female species:https://t.co/irvg2lQ0zH — cees biersma (@ceesbiersma) October 25, 2020
Jared Kushner bragged to Bob Woodward in April that Trump was "getting the country back from the doctors" and that we were at the "beginning of the comeback phase." Nearly 200,000 more Americans have died since. Jared belongs in prison. pic.twitter.com/Xl3F5kyAIO — MeidasTouch.com (@MeidasTouch) October 28, 2020
Kellyanne Conway: "Biden has no good energy plan for Pennylsvania and really no good energy whatsoever." pic.twitter.com/uQm2Ducy28 — The Hill (@thehill) October 28, 2020
Rep. Eric Swalwell NAILS Bill Barr with question he can't escape https://t.co/BX87s2rBYR via @YouTube — Marguerite Paizis (@MargueritePaiz1) October 23, 2020
JFC! He’s so far gone it’s not even funny anymore! Wait.. that’s a lie! It’s still funny! But this is some next level straight jacket crazy right here! pic.twitter.com/7kKTZ12pA5 — J...A...R...E...T...T... (@20jarett24) October 30, 2020
************************************
Springsteen: “We are rudderless and joyless... We have lost the cultural aspects of society that make American great... We have lost our mojo, our fun, our happiness, our cheering on of others - the shared experience of humanity that makes it all worth it” https://t.co/8sr2xspmZg — Tahar (@laseptiemewilay) October 30, 2020
RECORD COVID CASES: The U.S. is now averaging a pandemic-high of 73,000 daily COVID-19 cases as Wisconsin marks its deadliest day, fatalities climbing in 29 states and Dr. Birx calls out North Dakota residents for not wearing masks. @perezreports has more. https://t.co/FkdelmYEBo pic.twitter.com/VhYOZqqFP2 — World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) October 28, 2020
Update: final total for Thursday... Johns Hopkins University reported 88,521 new cases and 971 new deaths. This is now the highest number of new cases reported in a single day since the pandemic began. https://t.co/UiNeSyE9ys — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 30, 2020
Exclusive: Wilbur Ross Remained on Chinese Joint Venture Board While Running U.S.-China Trade War
Chinese documents show that the U.S. commerce secretary did not successfully step down from all his corporate commitmentshttps://t.co/ClqPfNOoDt
@isaacstonefish — Robbie Gramer (@RobbieGramer) October 29, 2020
Seriously, America. How is the race even close?
Sincerely,
The rest of the world. — Trent Capelli 🇨🇦 (@TrentCapelli) October 30, 2020
Idaho lieutenant governor appears in video that claims pandemic "may or may not be occurring" https://t.co/6CyaaIcLHQ — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 30, 2020
NYC Shops Can Now Sell Products Out On Sidewalks - https://t.co/iSaA8FaULW pic.twitter.com/MAH8O2AC3Q — JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) October 30, 2020
THIRTY NINE PERCENT of folks who requested mail-in ballots in #PA, possibly THE most pivotal swing state, have not returned them. Do it today or Monday at a drop box location or your county elections office. Otherwise make a plan to #vote in person on Tuesday, #ElectionDay — Victoria Brownworth #AntiFascistVoter (@VABVOX) October 30, 2020
It’s 3 am at the WH and the president is tweeting... pic.twitter.com/i6ZcJfM8e3 — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 30, 2020
So, if anyone is still impressed by the 7.4% US growth from the 2nd to 3rd quarter — do NOT use annual rates! — the Euro area grew 12.7%. In both cases it's a partial snapback that still leaves us way down from pre-covid; in both cases rising cases bode very badly for the future — Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) October 30, 2020
Our forecast has TX as a toss up. But success in TX on election night will be measured from the bottom up- NOT the top down. AS I've been highlighting for months- the TX state house has potential to flip & Ds could win up to 6 House seats. If that happens, THAT's a HUGE D night pic.twitter.com/dPCP9ZDKpf — Rachel "The Doc" Bitecofer 📈🔭🍌 (@RachelBitecofer) October 30, 2020
Texas is a tossup: Texas Republicans and Democrats alike believe the long-awaited moment has arrived: The state is a true presidential battleground, and either candidate could prevail next week. https://t.co/TbLbQ0q232 — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 30, 2020
Facebook under fire for boosting right-wing news sources and throttling progressive alternatives - https://t.co/pxEyHvXWgV — Progressive Push (@progressivepush) October 30, 2020
.@Maddow: "Bottom line, in all states, it is too late to count on the mail now. Don't mail it now. Bring it in yourself."https://t.co/Zpdlz6u9r4 — MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 30, 2020
DHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will launch a 24/7 virtual election war room. Election officials across the country can dial in any time to report suspicious activity and figure out how to respond. This is a good thing. Now #VOTE https://t.co/wMeihiUnrP — Richard Stengel (@stengel) October 30, 2020
WATCH: @gabegutierrez was granted access inside the ICU of a hard-hit Montana hospital. pic.twitter.com/GqHOuWnwaq — NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) October 30, 2020
There are thousands of people RIGHT NOW in hospital beds with tubes down their f*cking throats wondering when and if they’re going to FACETIME THEIR LOVED ONES TO SAY GOODBYE.
This the reality; these are stakes. — Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) October 30, 2020
Doubts about safety of Flint's water 6 years after crisis | Via: AFP https://t.co/TKDKCPhamU — SafetyPin-Daily (@SafetyPinDaily) October 30, 2020
Sen. Mitch McConnell says he’s certain Hillary Clinton was “so grateful” the Senate confirmed Amy Coney Barrett on her birthday.
pic.twitter.com/o9ffKigQk1 — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) October 30, 2020
“One of the hardest things for young children to understand is that their actions have real consequences for others. That’s because for a time a child’s own world seems like the whole world: That’s all there is.” — MisterRogersQuotes (@MisterRogersSay) October 30, 2020
Up to 200,000 spectators pack into Rome's Circus Maximus for a day of thrills in the Empire's greatest sports stadium. Before the chariot races begin the crowd watch a flamboyant parade (pompa circensis) of the day's sportsmen and entertainers. (Reconstruction by Faber Courtial) pic.twitter.com/TLIBfBc86h — Gareth Harney (@OptimoPrincipi) October 30, 2020
Because they're all in on herd immunity. This is a catastrophe.
Pence absent from Covid-19 planning calls for more than a month https://t.co/znvy6IPstq via @politico — Michelangelo Signorile, subscribe to my newsletter (@MSignorile) October 30, 2020
It's truly infuriating. I worked in NYC at its catastrophic worst in March-April, and hoped the rest of the country and our government would learn something from it. Am terrified for what we have coming this winter. https://t.co/hTxK0m9wFC — Eric Schultz (@ericschul) October 30, 2020
A Louisville Police sergeant involved in the raid that led to Breonna Taylor's death is counter-suing her boyfriend.
Jonathan Mattingly accuses Kenneth Walker of causing him "severe trauma, mental anguish & emotional distress."
@Jerickaduncan has a response from his lawyers pic.twitter.com/nmwZCIYr5e — CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) October 30, 2020
Netflix reveals whether Narcos: Mexico will be back – see all the cancelations and renewals so far! (via @toofab)https://t.co/1poFVLVulc — TMZ (@TMZ) October 30, 2020
The family of Walter Wallace Jr., who was fatally shot by police in Philadelphia, say they do not want the officers involved to face murder charges. Their attorney said the officers "were improperly trained." https://t.co/kY0K3KrSrU — NPR (@NPR) October 30, 2020
In an email to State Department officials, @SecPompeo's son refers to his father's tenure as "a family endeavor."
Susan Pompeo "gives instructions to State Department officials from her personal email address," to make reservations and fix the dryer.https://t.co/NDsiKS4ZsE — David Gura (@davidgura) October 29, 2020
Siberian virologist reinfects himself with coronavirus in experiment to test immunity https://t.co/r8gnwbzyhi — Newsweek (@Newsweek) October 30, 2020
🚨THREAD - Urgent need to get outstanding ballots in.
With 5 days to go & polls in Ohio tight, there are almost 500,000 absentee ballots that have still not been returned, many of them loyal Dems.
Getting them in by Election Day is priority one.
1/https://t.co/1ZWnJ8B6Ol — David Pepper (@DavidPepper) October 29, 2020
Let’s not let sociopath #SatansSnotRag get his chance. Miller outlined four major priorities: limiting asylum grants, outlawing sanctuary cities, expanding the travel ban with tougher screening for visa applicants and slapping new limits on work visas. https://t.co/Tbp8xfBEHQ — Barbara Malmet (@B52Malmet) October 30, 2020
It is Halloween week so please listen and learn from Donald J Trump (link for shares below) pic.twitter.com/QnBv7ZmJXS — J-L Cauvin (@JLCauvin) October 25, 2020
For the first time, Twitter has taken action against the Kremlin-controlled network RT for spreading misinformation about the 2020 election. RT had posted a 4-minute segment amplifying Trump's claims of widespread fraud and election rigging. w/ @donie https://t.co/037JezdFQX — Marshall Cohen (@MarshallCohen) October 30, 2020
“She wasn’t out looting or out doing anything. She wasn’t even charged with a crime.” https://t.co/pGhVnrzPvN — Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) October 30, 2020
DEPT. OF 'A CHANGE IS GONNA COME'
Just trying to process that daylight savings ends this weekend so:
**We have to get through a whole ‘nother hour of 2020
**There is one extra hour before Nov. 3 that I had not emotionally calculated for. pic.twitter.com/IigbqW1fqI — Julie VOTE EARLY Cohen (@FilmmakerJulie) October 30, 2020
It’s been a damn day so here is a photo of what my dog did while we recorded the @nprpolitics podcast today. As @marcusgilmer aptly noted: ““This podcast was recorded at 12:45 pm. Some things may have been destroyed by the dog by the time you listen to this” pic.twitter.com/VKibZkCacT — J U A N A (@jmsummers) October 30, 2020
Working on my head tilts 😍
🎥: the_life_of_nala (IG)#mydogiscutest pic.twitter.com/WZKsBFvm3S — My Dog Is Cutest (@mydogiscutest) September 24, 2020
Because you want to see a doggy and a cow as best friends. pic.twitter.com/pKj5fcLVEk — Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) October 26, 2020
two real life pokemons pic.twitter.com/zSpmTvs4TA — Rob N Roll (@thegallowboob) October 17, 2020
go get em fellas https://t.co/R6N87C3ias — John Ganz (@lionel_trolling) October 18, 2020
An 8-year-old boy from Rhode Island might have this year's best Halloween costume. https://t.co/QslZiFO19X pic.twitter.com/9dHoZi58Ut — ABC News (@ABC) October 30, 2020
Browser not supported. Visit www.270towin.com
Guys. GUYS. This is it, the last weekend before the elections. Do your phone banking, drive your neighbors to drop off their ballots. You all voted, right? RIGHT?
And I finally get to tell you what I think: Biden by 8+. I think the pollsters are under polling likely voters, because the under-24 turnout right now is so huge, there's no way they adjusted for it. So here's what I see:
CLEAR EYES. FULL HEARTS. CAN'T LOSE!
And this will be my celebration song, after the entire world heaves a sigh of relief: "Is it really over? He lost?"


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--Kamala Harris On The Daily Show!

Kamala Harris On The Daily Show!

Quote of the day , regarding politicians ( Donald Trump , Senator Purdue of Georgia ) who refuse to pronounce @ @ @ @ @ HARRIS : For the highest elected leaders to conduct themselves like they did when they @ @ @ @ @ , it speaks poorly of their appreciation for the responsibility and the role that they @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a reflection of their values and maturity .

Quote of the day, regarding politicians (Donald Trump, Senator Purdue of Georgia) who refuse to pronounce her name correctly:
KAMALA HARRIS: For the highest elected leaders to conduct themselves like they did when they were children on the playground—well, it speaks poorly of their appreciation for the responsibility and the role that they have. And I think it’s a reflection of their values and maturity.
Open thread below...


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--Larry Kudlow Says Trump Is ‘Pulling The Plug’ On Stimulus Deal — Again

The Trump administration is “ pulling the plug ” on stimulus negotiations , White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said @ @ @ @ @ interview with Fox News , Kudlow claimed that there is “ no hope ” that @ @ @ @ @ be negotiated before the November election .
The White House adviser also suggested that House @ @ @ @ @ blame for the failure .
“ Our team now believes that the Speaker has no @ @ @ @ @ issues , ” Kudlow said .
“ She is going to hold up key assistance @ @ @ @ @ business assistance and unemployment assistance .
She is stringing us along and basically we think @ @ @ @ @ hope.
” Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo reported that Kudlow said that the White House @ @ @ @ @ ” on negotiations .
It ’ s not the first time the White House has @ @ @ @ @ Earlier this month , Trump said that he was halting talks with Democrats but then @ @ @ @ @

The Trump administration is “pulling the plug” on stimulus negotiations, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Thursday.
In an interview with Fox News, Kudlow claimed that there is “no hope” that a pandemic relief bill will be negotiated before the November election. The White House adviser also suggested that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is to blame for the failure.
“Our team now believes that the Speaker has no intention of compromising on key issues,” Kudlow said. “She is going to hold up key assistance, like the PPP small business assistance and unemployment assistance. She is stringing us along and basically we think there’s virtually no hope.”
Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo reported that Kudlow said that the White House is “pulling the plug” on negotiations.
It’s not the first time the White House has walked away from negotiations.
Earlier this month, Trump said that he was halting talks with Democrats but then reversed himself hours later.


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--RNC Chair McDaniel Tries To Spin Record Early Voting As Good For Republicans

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel did her best to try to spin the record breaking early voting numbers we 're seeing across the country as somehow being good for her party .
As Reuters reported yesterday , over 80 million Americans have already cast ballots in the presidential election , a pace which is more than 58 % of total 2016 turnout , which does n't bode well for Republicans along with Trump 's dismal poll numbers .
The early voting gap is narrowing in several battleground states , including Florida , so naturally Fox `` news '' and RNC Chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spin the numbers as somehow being great for Republicans .
Here 's McDaniel on this Friday 's Fox & Friends , telling host Steve Doocy how swimmingly things are going for the Trump campaign , bragging about how he 's helping Arizona Sen. Martha McSally , who Trump just humiliated at a campaign stop in her state on Wednesday , doing their typical fearmongering about socialism ( even though there 's not a one of them that would ever dare to openly oppose Social Security and Medicare ) and wrapping things up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the polls this week .
DOOCY : But as we look at the polling down in Florida , what is going on ?
What do you see going on with your internals ?
MCDANIEL : Every day we 've been winning early vote .
We are seeing very high turnout with Republicans .
This is not unexpected , Steve .
Republicans were waiting to vote in person .
They did n't want to send in their absentee ballots .
So now with early votes starting across the country we are seeing strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Sure .
And that number .
We 're close to almost to 80 million people who have already voted , which is jaw-dropping .
But , while they 've done that what you are really counting on is all these hundreds of thousands of people , that the Republicans over the last four years have signed up to vote .
You really need them to show up by Tuesday .
MCDANIEL : We do .
And that 's why having the largest ground game in history we 're now at 3,000 staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers that the RNC has deployed across the country .
It is bigger than the Obama ground game in 2012 and that 's going to be a huge difference-maker and we 're heading into this weekend where they will be working nonstop to turn out those voters that we know we still need to win the election in these battle ground states .
DOOCY : Sure .
And I know I mentioned you were in Michigan .
John James is running the strong campaign for the U.S. Senate .
What is the strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly about how you hold onto the Senate and try to build momentum in the House ?
MCDANIELS : Well , certainly in a lot of these states , these senators are benefited by the president , Martha McSally , Joni Ernst .
He is running so strong in those states that talking about the economy , talking about coming out of this pandemic , the 33 percent G.D.P.
, the 11.4 million jobs that have been added , the fact that we are on track to a vaccine .
Policy does matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes , and stacking the Supreme Court , and also the censorship we 're seeing from the media .
I think a lot of Americans are really frightened right now about the Democrat party leading to us to socialism , and losing free speech , and losing our checks and balances .
And president Trump is leading to us prosperity .
So the choice is clear and helps every candidate .
DOOCY : It sounds like you are cautiously optimistic , but , you need people on your side to go to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Yeah .
Everyone has got to get out .
I mean , it 's going to be a be a close elections .
Laws have been changed all over the country by activist Democrat legislators and governors , election laws .
So we do n't know what that 's going to do .
So we need a bigger turnout to make sure we can overcome any shenanigans we see in these states .
And so everybody has to get out and vote .
When I go to a rally I say talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people you go to church with .
We 've got to turn out our vote .
DOOCY : Turn into a party and go do it ... socially distanced of course .

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel did her best to try to spin the record breaking early voting numbers we're seeing across the country as somehow being good for her party. As Reuters reported yesterday, over 80 million Americans have already cast ballots in the presidential election, a pace which is more than 58% of total 2016 turnout, which doesn't bode well for Republicans along with Trump's dismal poll numbers.
The early voting gap is narrowing in several battleground states, including Florida, so naturally Fox "news" and RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel have latched onto that news to spin the numbers as somehow being great for Republicans.
Here's McDaniel on this Friday's Fox & Friends, telling host Steve Doocy how swimmingly things are going for the Trump campaign, bragging about how he's helping Arizona Sen. Martha McSally, who Trump just humiliated at a campaign stop in her state on Wednesday, doing their typical fearmongering about socialism (even though there's not a one of them that would ever dare to openly oppose Social Security and Medicare) and wrapping things up by basically begging their voters to get to the polls this week.
DOOCY: But as we look at the polling down in Florida, what is going on? What do you see going on with your internals?
MCDANIEL: Every day we've been winning early vote. We are seeing very high turnout with Republicans. This is not unexpected, Steve. Republicans were waiting to vote in person. They didn't want to send in their absentee ballots. So now with early votes starting across the country we are seeing strong, strong turnout for Republicans.
DOOCY: Sure. And that number. We're close to almost to 80 million people who have already voted, which is jaw-dropping. But, while they've done that what you are really counting on is all these hundreds of thousands of people, that the Republicans over the last four years have signed up to vote. You really need them to show up by Tuesday.
MCDANIEL: We do. And that's why having the largest ground game in history we're now at 3,000 staff on the ground. With 2.5 million volunteers that the RNC has deployed across the country. It is bigger than the Obama ground game in 2012 and that's going to be a huge difference-maker and we're heading into this weekend where they will be working nonstop to turn out those voters that we know we still need to win the election in these battle ground states.
DOOCY: Sure. And I know I mentioned you were in Michigan. John James is running the strong campaign for the U.S. Senate. What is the strategy right now what you can tell us publicly about how you hold onto the Senate and try to build momentum in the House?
MCDANIELS: Well, certainly in a lot of these states, these senators are benefited by the president, Martha McSally, Joni Ernst. He is running so strong in those states that talking about the economy, talking about coming out of this pandemic, the 33 percent G.D.P., the 11.4 million jobs that have been added, the fact that we are on track to a vaccine.
Policy does matter as you hear Democrats talk about raising taxes, and stacking the Supreme Court, and also the censorship we're seeing from the media. I think a lot of Americans are really frightened right now about the Democrat party leading to us to socialism, and losing free speech, and losing our checks and balances. And president Trump is leading to us prosperity. So the choice is clear and helps every candidate.
DOOCY: It sounds like you are cautiously optimistic, but, you need people on your side to go to the polls between now and Tuesday.
MCDANIEL: Yeah. Everyone has got to get out. I mean, it's going to be a be a close elections. Laws have been changed all over the country by activist Democrat legislators and governors, election laws. So we don't know what that's going to do.
So we need a bigger turnout to make sure we can overcome any shenanigans we see in these states. And so everybody has to get out and vote. When I go to a rally I say talk to your friends and family, the people you go to church with. We've got to turn out our vote.
DOOCY: Turn into a party and go do it... socially distanced of course.


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--This Halloween, Witches Are Casting Spells To Defeat Trump

Jessalynn Keller , University of Calgary and Alora Paulsen Mulvey , University of Calgary This Halloween , the witches are coming — to the ballot box .
Using the hashtag # WitchTheVote , witch-identified folks are encouraging others who have an interest in the occult to get informed about political candidates and cast their vote in the U.S. presidential election Nov. 3 .
Originally launched by a group of witches from Salem , Mass.
, during the lead-up to the 2018 midterm elections , # WitchTheVote is a cross-media initiative that identifies and promotes — as one witch tells us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are progressive and social justice oriented .
It ’ s fitting political activism in a town known for the Salem witch trials and contemporary witch tourism .
More than a hashtag , # WitchTheVote is also , according to the group , a “ collective intersectional effort to direct our magic towards electing candidates who will push our country and our planet forward into the witch utopia we all envision.
” Here , intersectional feminist politics work alongside magic and creative media production to engage in political activism that includes advocacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights and # BlackLivesMatter .
# WitchTheVote runs a regular podcast and has also made and distributed zines with information for prospective voters , including how to register to vote and how to check to ensure your mail-in ballot was received .
This collective effort illustrates the ways in which “ magical resistance ” has become a popular , women-led form of mediated , political activism since the election of Donald Trump in 2016 .
The resurgence of the witch # WitchTheVote is situated within a resurgence of witches in popular culture over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s teen drama The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina , beauty retailer Sephora ’ s Starter Witch Kit ( which was eventually removed due to backlash ) , the revival of the cult classics teen witch movie The Craft and TikTok spell trends , the witch is having a cultural moment .
Read more : Dressed to kill : 6 ways horror folklore is fashioned in the movies Books such as Pam Grossman ’ s Waking the Witch ( 2019 ) have attracted widespread media attention , while public interest in astrology and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , witchcraft and mysticism circulate easily on visual social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok , where colourful crystals and elaborate altars make for beautiful photos and videos .
From a branding perspective , the witch ’ s popularity makes sense within a larger cultural interest in spirituality , wellness and mysticism .
But there is also a case to be made for the very political nature of the witch .
The archetype of the witch has a historical relationship with feminist activism .
As an unruly figure and threat to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been used in feminist protest since the 1960s .
Read more : Sirens , hags and rebels : Halloween witches draw on the history of women ’ s power At a moment of regressive politics marked by a resurgence of white supremacy , xenophobia and anti-feminist sentiments , coupled with the uncertainty of a global pandemic and the looming climate crisis , it is unsurprising that women and other marginalized folks are turning to witchcraft as a way to make sense of — and act upon — our current political , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps the collectivist sentiment of contemporary witchcraft — belonging to something bigger , together — that is appealing .
Indeed , # WitchTheVote ’ s mandate as a “ collective intersectional effort ” suggests the force of doing something together , yet attuned to the different experiences , including those related to race , class , sexuality , age and ability , that participants may face .
And while not the only tool for mobilizing a collective , technology has become a significant connector for covens in recent years .
Social media platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witches refer to as “ globally accessible magic.
” By embracing technology while recognizing its limitations and inherent oppressions , witches are engaging in new rituals with the intent of keeping their channels clear for maximum revolutionary power on an individual and collective level .
For example , upon Donald Trump ’ s election in 2016 , witches began a monthly ritual of casting a spell to “ bind ” Trump , preventing him from pursuing his agenda that many witches believe to be harmful .
Some witches used platforms such as Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spell-casting witches at a designated time each month , ensuring that the “ mass energy of the participants ” is harnessed .
Historically , spells often required very little in terms of commercial goods .
Instead , witches relied on basic household items like candles and feminized rituals such as sweeping to engage in witchcraft .
# WitchTheVote ’ s “ A Multi-tasking Spell for Mutual Aid During COVID-19 ” lists a pen , paper and “ anything else that makes you feel like a witch ” as necessary materials .
Other spells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dirt from your backyard .
The emphasis is not on the materials themselves , but instead engaging with rituals that help witches feel empowered through practices that provide a sense of routine , stability and purpose in unpredictable times .
In the digital age , using the Internet as another avenue to practice witchcraft seems like a natural extension to the tradition of making do with the resources available to you .
We may even think of emojis , shares , likes and retweets as possible technologies of magic when used with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And these practices are extensions of activist use of technologies such as feminist listservs , e-zines , chatrooms , homepages , feminist blogs and now , social media .
In a political , cultural and economic moment in which many people feel a sense of hopelessness about the future , # WitchTheVote encourages activists to ground themselves through ritual and magical resistance .
They remind us of girls ’ and women ’ s lengthy history in subverting repressive politics through focused collective action .
In casting their votes along with their digital coven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist witches hope to # WitchTheVote , one ballot at a time .
Jessalynn Keller , Associate Professor in Critical Media Studies , University of Calgary and Alora Paulsen Mulvey , PhD Student , Department of Communication , Media and Film , University of Calgary This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Jessalynn Keller, University of Calgary and Alora Paulsen Mulvey, University of Calgary
This Halloween, the witches are coming — to the ballot box.
Using the hashtag #WitchTheVote, witch-identified folks are encouraging others who have an interest in the occult to get informed about political candidates and cast their vote in the U.S. presidential election Nov. 3.
Originally launched by a group of witches from Salem, Mass., during the lead-up to the 2018 midterm elections, #WitchTheVote is a cross-media initiative that identifies and promotes — as one witch tells us — “witch-worthy” political candidates: those who are progressive and social justice oriented. It’s fitting political activism in a town known for the Salem witch trials and contemporary witch tourism.
Witching movements
More than a hashtag, #WitchTheVote is also, according to the group, a “collective intersectional effort to direct our magic towards electing candidates who will push our country and our planet forward into the witch utopia we all envision.”
Here, intersectional feminist politics work alongside magic and creative media production to engage in political activism that includes advocacy around issues like affordable housing, reproductive rights and #BlackLivesMatter. #WitchTheVote runs a regular podcast and has also made and distributed zines with information for prospective voters, including how to register to vote and how to check to ensure your mail-in ballot was received.
This collective effort illustrates the ways in which “magical resistance” has become a popular, women-led form of mediated, political activism since the election of Donald Trump in 2016.
The resurgence of the witch
#WitchTheVote is situated within a resurgence of witches in popular culture over the past four years. Between Netflix’s teen drama The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, beauty retailer Sephora’s Starter Witch Kit (which was eventually removed due to backlash), the revival of the cult classics teen witch movie The Craft and TikTok spell trends, the witch is having a cultural moment.
Read more:
Dressed to kill: 6 ways horror folklore is fashioned in the movies
Books such as Pam Grossman’s Waking the Witch (2019) have attracted widespread media attention, while public interest in astrology and tarot readings has also grown.
Esthetically, witchcraft and mysticism circulate easily on visual social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where colourful crystals and elaborate altars make for beautiful photos and videos. From a branding perspective, the witch’s popularity makes sense within a larger cultural interest in spirituality, wellness and mysticism.
But there is also a case to be made for the very political nature of the witch. The archetype of the witch has a historical relationship with feminist activism. As an unruly figure and threat to the patriarchy, the witch is resistant, and has been used in feminist protest since the 1960s.
Read more:
Sirens, hags and rebels: Halloween witches draw on the history of women’s power
At a moment of regressive politics marked by a resurgence of white supremacy, xenophobia and anti-feminist sentiments, coupled with the uncertainty of a global pandemic and the looming climate crisis, it is unsurprising that women and other marginalized folks are turning to witchcraft as a way to make sense of — and act upon — our current political, social and economic milieu.
The digital coven
It is perhaps the collectivist sentiment of contemporary witchcraft — belonging to something bigger, together — that is appealing. Indeed, #WitchTheVote’s mandate as a “collective intersectional effort” suggests the force of doing something together, yet attuned to the different experiences, including those related to race, class, sexuality, age and ability, that participants may face.
And while not the only tool for mobilizing a collective, technology has become a significant connector for covens in recent years. Social media platforms, in particular, provide what some witches refer to as “globally accessible magic.”
By embracing technology while recognizing its limitations and inherent oppressions, witches are engaging in new rituals with the intent of keeping their channels clear for maximum revolutionary power on an individual and collective level.
For example, upon Donald Trump’s election in 2016, witches began a monthly ritual of casting a spell to “bind” Trump, preventing him from pursuing his agenda that many witches believe to be harmful. Some witches used platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Twitter to connect with other spell-casting witches at a designated time each month, ensuring that the “mass energy of the participants” is harnessed.
Spells and rites
Historically, spells often required very little in terms of commercial goods. Instead, witches relied on basic household items like candles and feminized rituals such as sweeping to engage in witchcraft. #WitchTheVote’s “A Multi-tasking Spell for Mutual Aid During COVID-19” lists a pen, paper and “anything else that makes you feel like a witch” as necessary materials. Other spells recommend candles of any size and colour and dirt from your backyard.
The emphasis is not on the materials themselves, but instead engaging with rituals that help witches feel empowered through practices that provide a sense of routine, stability and purpose in unpredictable times.
In the digital age, using the Internet as another avenue to practice witchcraft seems like a natural extension to the tradition of making do with the resources available to you. We may even think of emojis, shares, likes and retweets as possible technologies of magic when used with energetic intention to manifest social change.
And these practices are extensions of activist use of technologies such as feminist listservs, e-zines, chatrooms, homepages, feminist blogs and now, social media.
Casting spells and votes
In a political, cultural and economic moment in which many people feel a sense of hopelessness about the future, #WitchTheVote encourages activists to ground themselves through ritual and magical resistance.
They remind us of girls’ and women’s lengthy history in subverting repressive politics through focused collective action. In casting their votes along with their digital coven on Nov. 3, Salem’s activist witches hope to #WitchTheVote, one ballot at a time.
Jessalynn Keller, Associate Professor in Critical Media Studies, University of Calgary and Alora Paulsen Mulvey, PhD Student, Department of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--WATCH LIVE! Stevie Wonder Performs At Biden And Obama Event Tonight In Detroit!

Fox & Friends weekend host Jedediah Bila made the rare admission that maybe it 's not the best idea for @ @ @ @ @ the medical community and recommendations from the Mayo Clinic over limiting crowd sizes at these @ @ @


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--Biden Harris Campaign Cancelled Austin TX Rally After Being Stalked And Harrassed By Rabid Trump Sup

Biden Harris Campaign Cancelled Austin TX Rally After Being Stalked And Harrassed By Rabid Trump Supporters

The Biden-Harris Bus was forced to cancel a Friday rally in Austin , Texas after facing frightening and harrassing behavior by a group of rapid and dangerous Trump supporters , both on the roads in Trump flag covered pick up trucks to on the ground pedestrians yelling threats .
The bus was transporting various high profile Democratic speakers to an event in Austin , including Congressman Lloyd Doggett , Wendy Davis and Austin Mayor Steve Adler .
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were not on the bus or included in the event , although Kamala did make 3 stops at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also followed by rabid and violent Trump supporters on the road , where video caught them surrounding the bus , honking their horns and actually inciting a car accident through side swiping one of the staffers white SUV 's .
Hopefully the offender who caused the accident will be charged with a crime - thankfully no one appears to have been hurt , although the SUV did suffer serious damage to the entire right side .
Here is video of the actual sideswipe , initiated by the violent Trump supporter : And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats report that the group caught on video at this event are repeat offenders , showing p at numerous events all over the county .
These protestors should really be called violent and armed pro-Trump vigilantes looking to incite violence .
Truth : Trump supporters are Domestic Terrorists and Donald Trump loves them .

The Biden-Harris Bus was forced to cancel a Friday rally in Austin, Texas after facing frightening and harrassing behavior by a group of rapid and dangerous Trump supporters, both on the roads in Trump flag covered pick up trucks to on the ground pedestrians yelling threats.
I flew down to Texas to help with the Biden/Harris bus tour, intended to drum up enthusiasm at polling locations. Instead, I ended up spending the afternoon calling 911. 1/ pic.twitter.com/gKAjv7gv85 — Dr. Eric Cervini (@ericcervini) October 31, 2020
These Trump supporters, many of whom were armed, surrounded the bus on the interstate and attempted to drive it off the road. They outnumbered police 50-1, and they ended up hitting a staffer’s car. 3/ — Dr. Eric Cervini (@ericcervini) October 31, 2020
The bus was transporting various high profile Democratic speakers to an event in Austin, including Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Wendy Davis and Austin Mayor Steve Adler. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were not on the bus or included in the event, although Kamala did make 3 stops at other locations in Texas.
The bus was also followed by rabid and violent Trump supporters on the road, where video caught them surrounding the bus, honking their horns and actually inciting a car accident through side swiping one of the staffers white SUV's. Hopefully the offender who caused the accident will be charged with a crime - thankfully no one appears to have been hurt, although the SUV did suffer serious damage to the entire right side.
Here is video of the actual sideswipe, initiated by the violent Trump supporter:
These tactics have no place in Texas, my home state, and no place in America.
Please vote. Please volunteer this weekend. The future of our democracy is at stake. pic.twitter.com/G0O4yg2vnJ — Dr. Eric Cervini (@ericcervini) October 31, 2020
And the damage afterwards:
Today, @realDonaldTrump supporters followed the Biden bus throughout central Texas to intimidate Biden supporters. They ran into a person's car, yelling curse words and threats. Don't let bullies win, vote. pic.twitter.com/CIyEWwbvqU — Katie Naranjo (@KatieNaranjo) October 30, 2020
The Travis County Democrats report that the group caught on video at this event are repeat offenders, showing p at numerous events all over the county. These protestors should really be called violent and armed pro-Trump vigilantes looking to incite violence.
Truth: Trump supporters are Domestic Terrorists and Donald Trump loves them.


crooksandliars--2020-10-31--Joe Biden And Barack Obama Together Again In Flint, Michigan!

Are you fired up ?
Are you ready to go ?
Are you ready to heal the soul of our @ @ @ @ @ political bromance , Barack Obama warmed up the crowd for candidate Joe Biden in Flint @ @ @ @ @ off , Obama told each individual who shouted `` I love you ! ''
to @ @ @ @ @ you right back ! ''
and `` I love you , too ! ''
whether @ @ @ @ @ of a sentence or not .
There was even the occasional , `` Now , @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
from the former 2-term president .
Stevie Wonder tracks blasted from the sound @ @ @ @ @ the advance team had the Michigan vs. Michigan State game on the big screens while @ @ @ @ @ the lot .
These people know how to campaign .
Joe Biden does n't show @ @ @ @ @ fatigue , and is as fired up as ever , ready to crush Trump and @ @ @ @ @ Here are some of the highlights , via Twitter :

Are you fired up? Are you ready to go? Are you ready to heal the soul of our nation?
Rekindling the epic political bromance, Barack Obama warmed up the crowd for candidate Joe Biden in Flint Michigan. To start things off, Obama told each individual who shouted "I love you!" to him, "I love you right back!" and "I love you, too!" whether he was in the middle of a sentence or not. There was even the occasional, "Now, put that mask back on!" from the former 2-term president.
Stevie Wonder tracks blasted from the sound system between speakers, and the advance team had the Michigan vs. Michigan State game on the big screens while the cars were filling up the lot. These people know how to campaign.
Joe Biden doesn't show the slightest bit of campaign fatigue, and is as fired up as ever, ready to crush Trump and the GOP on Tuesday. Here are some of the highlights, via Twitter:
More smart advance from Biden camp ahead of Obama-Biden drive-in rally in Flint. Playing on big screens as the cars slowly file in: not campaign videos like usual, but Michigan vs. Michigan State pic.twitter.com/3aylZ9I6OP — Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) October 31, 2020
“I’ve earned a few nicknames in 2020 but Big Gretch is my favorite” — @gretchenwhitmer ahead of Obama and Biden in Flint pic.twitter.com/MsiVVVNZzQ — Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) October 31, 2020
President Obama kicks off his first joint rally with Joe Biden this cycle in Flint, MI. “Happy Halloween,” he says, “I like your masks.” pic.twitter.com/mzsZM2vRFS — Sarah Mucha (@sarahmucha) October 31, 2020
Super strong appearance by Barack Obama lacing into Trump like no other. Biden was there for it. When Barack Obama talked about Trump as a child maybe upset about the attendance at his birthday party it was a savage burn. That will get under the thin skin. https://t.co/d7mgmXKH0v — Barbara Malmet (@B52Malmet) October 31, 2020
Former President Barack Obama wraps up and passes the mic to Joe Biden here in Flint, MI. pic.twitter.com/kKdymvBCPS — Sarah Mucha (@sarahmucha) October 31, 2020
AMERICA 👉🏾Get use to seeing this Face, Joe Biden. Here Biden steps in after Obama at Flint Michigan drive by rally. He Toots horn of previous and cracks the "patch in jean " joke.Also, he wants AMERICANS to send"the good people back to positions of power!#BidenHarris2020 🇱🇷 pic.twitter.com/4Siyyh9TnB — ImageDivaMillicent Ola Blast (@BlastImage) October 31, 2020