crooksandliars--2020-05-12--LISTEN LIVE:  SCOTUS Hears Arguments In Fight To Get Trump Financial Documents

As we 've learned with this Supreme Court , Trump is unlikely to be held to the standards of law @ @ @ @ @ Kavanaugh sit on the court .
But we will at least go through the motions @ @ @ @ @ arguments today in three cases in which Trump is fighting subpoenas seeking financial records from @ @ @ @ @ including the income tax documents Trump refused to release .
One subpoena is from the @ @ @ @ @ Reform , and the other is from by the House Committee on Financial Services and @ @ @ @ @ Both committees are seeking records from Mazars ( Trump 's accounting firm ) and Deutsche @ @ @ @ @ and Trump v. Deutche Bank have been consolidated into one hearing , while Trump v. @ @ @ @ @ payoff case ) remains separate .
Will there be a principled decision on this case @ @ @ @ @ court take a whiff ?
We wo n't know just yet .
The New York @ @ @ @ @

As we've learned with this Supreme Court, Trump is unlikely to be held to the standards of law while Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh sit on the court.
But we will at least go through the motions, as SCOTUS hears oral arguments today in three cases in which Trump is fighting subpoenas seeking financial records from him and his offspring, including the income tax documents Trump refused to release.
One subpoena is from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and the other is from by the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Intelligence.
Both committees are seeking records from Mazars (Trump's accounting firm) and Deutsche Bank. Trump v. Mazars and Trump v. Deutche Bank have been consolidated into one hearing, while Trump v. Vance (the Stormy Daniels payoff case) remains separate.
Will there be a principled decision on this case, or will the Roberts court take a whiff? We won't know just yet.
The New York Times has more details.


crooksandliars--2020-05-12--LIVE STREAM: Dr. Fauci Testifies About Reopening Standards Before Senate

Dr. Anthony Fauci , a top member of the White House coronavirus task force , plans to warn a panel @ @ @ @ @ the danger of new COVID-19 outbreaks if states start to reopen their economies too quickly @ @ @ @ @ a hearing , which senators are forced to hold by videoconference rather than in person @ @ @ @ @ within the White House , Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and @ @ @ @ @ stress `` the danger of trying to open the country prematurely . ''
`` If @ @ @ @ @ in the guidelines to 'Open America Again , ' then we risk the danger of @ @ @ @ @ .
This will not only result in needless suffering and death , but would actually @ @ @ @ @ quest to return to normal , '' Fauci said in an email to The New @ @ @ @ @ he planned to say at the hearing .

Via USAToday:
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top member of the White House coronavirus task force, plans to warn a panel of Senators on Tuesday about the danger of new COVID-19 outbreaks if states start to reopen their economies too quickly amid the pandemic.
In a hearing, which senators are forced to hold by videoconference rather than in person because of newly discovered cases within the White House, Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, plans to stress "the danger of trying to open the country prematurely."
"If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to 'Open America Again,' then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country. This will not only result in needless suffering and death, but would actually set us back on our quest to return to normal," Fauci said in an email to The New York Times that outlined what he planned to say at the hearing.


crooksandliars--2020-05-12--Moscow Mitch Calls President Obama 'Classless' For Criticizing Pandemic Response

You know , I 'm not even going to get into the factual basis of whether Moscow Mitch is telling the truth -- we already know he 's not telling the truth !
“ I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut , ” Mitch told Lara Trump .
Lara , who 's married to the stupid one , was asking about a PRIVATE phone call with President Barack Obama which was leaked .
( Speaking of Lara Trump : I wonder if any previous presidents had to pay a family member such a nice chunk to campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was “ a little bit classless ” and said former presidents should follow “ the tradition that the Bushes set up of not critiquing the president who comes after you.
” Oh , you mean a `` norm , '' right , Mitch ?
Like the norm that allows a sitting president to appoint someone to an open seat on the Supreme Court ?
You piece of slime .
# MoscowMitch went on to accuse the Obama administration of not leaving `` any kind of game plan '' for a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's National Security County left a detailed playbook on pandemic response , and President Obama 's team offered Trump 's team a briefing .
But we all knew that .
We know that all that 's necessary to know if # MoscowMitch is lying is to observe whether his servile , reptilian lips are moving .

You know, I'm not even going to get into the factual basis of whether Moscow Mitch is telling the truth -- we already know he's not telling the truth!
“I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut,” Mitch told Lara Trump. Lara, who's married to the stupid one, was asking about a PRIVATE phone call with President Barack Obama which was leaked. (Speaking of Lara Trump: I wonder if any previous presidents had to pay a family member such a nice chunk to campaign for them. Sad!)
He said it was “a little bit classless” and said former presidents should follow “the tradition that the Bushes set up of not critiquing the president who comes after you.”
Oh, you mean a "norm," right, Mitch? Like the norm that allows a sitting president to appoint someone to an open seat on the Supreme Court? You piece of slime.
#MoscowMitch went on to accuse the Obama administration of not leaving "any kind of game plan" for a pandemic.
More bullshit. We know Obama's National Security County left a detailed playbook on pandemic response, and President Obama's team offered Trump's team a briefing.
But we all knew that. We know that all that's necessary to know if #MoscowMitch is lying is to observe whether his servile, reptilian lips are moving.


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--A Terrific Edit Of Trump's Inaugural Address

Fox 's Tucker Carlson was none too happy with CNN 's Don Lemon and MSNBC 's Joy Reid for pointing @ @ @ @ @ people of color dying because they 're being forced to go back to work during @ @ @ @ @

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crooksandliars--2020-05-13--Tucker Carlson Complains About Proposed Immigrant-Worker Protections: 'Dems Will Win Every Election'

Tucker Carlson dialed up the MAGA hysteria to an 11 Tuesday night by claiming protections for undocumented immigrants in essential services will result in amnesty for all and victory for Democrats in “ every presidential election for the rest of for the rest of your life , the rest of your children 's lives , the rest of your grandchildrens ' lives.
” According to CBS News , the latest House relief bill contains an extension of unemployment benefits , assistance to farmers , funding for testing , tracing and treatments , protections for renters and homeowners from evictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby Carlson , safe in his high-paying , work-at-home job , pretended to be on the side of workers as he attacked the bill because it ’ s just not cruel enough to undocumented workers .
And if we ’ re not overrun with immigrants , we ’ ll be taken over by China .
Better dead than red !
Or brown .
The estimated price tag for everything in this bill is three trillion dollars .
That ’ s close to 90 percent of the nation ’ s entire annual tax revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes close on the heels of the last coronavirus relief bill that cost about two trillion dollars .
And of course , our usual annual spending is still there , it hasn ’ t disappeared .
So all together that ’ s an awful lot of expenses .
And every single dollar will have to be borrowed because there aren ’ t any left .
That means that when the smoke clears from all this spending , only China will be able to bail us out .
They ’ ll have to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can afford it .
China has the strongest balance sheet in the world .
At that point , we will be their vassals .
So is worth it ?
What will we get in return for this ?
We spent all day reading Pelosi ’ s bill to find out .
… Here ’ s what ’ s we found : First and most glaringly , with more than 30 million Americans out of work , really the last thing we need is more illegal low-wage labor from abroad .
Yet this bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal immigrants — who , in case you needed to be reminded , have no right to be here in the first place — with billions in taxpayer dollars .
According to House Democrats , illegal immigrants must have a right to have the $ 1200 checks that American citizens received in the last coronavirus bill .
They would also receive the same direct payments as American citizens going forward .
So in effect it ’ s a huge payoff to the Democratic Party ’ s most cherished constituency , a group that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
And then it goes on from there .
The bill also contains an amnesty provision .
For the duration of the coronavirus crisis — that ’ s something they ’ d like to see extended for a very long time — all illegal immigrants employed in so-called “ essential services ” would be shielded from deportation and their employers would be shielded , too .
People who hire illegal immigrants could not be prosecuted .
... Current “ essential ” workers as they are defined in this bill is in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the American economy .
It includes employees in food services , laundry , waste management , child care , agriculture , transportation , restaurants , as well as any retail worker in America who works at a location that sells food or beverages .
This is a blanket amnesty for virtually every illegal alien who has already taken an American job .
And once this amnesty is granted , it will never be taken away .
Bet on that no matter what they tell you .
Anyone who lives in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not going away .
And at that point , there will be no more debate about illegal immigration .
The issue will be settled , permanently and Democrats will win every presidential election for the rest of your life , the rest of your children ’ s lives , the rest of your grandchildren ’ s lives .
That ’ s the point of this .

Tucker Carlson dialed up the MAGA hysteria to an 11 Tuesday night by claiming protections for undocumented immigrants in essential services will result in amnesty for all and victory for Democrats in “every presidential election for the rest of for the rest of your life, the rest of your children's lives, the rest of your grandchildrens' lives.”
According to CBS News, the latest House relief bill contains an extension of unemployment benefits, assistance to farmers, funding for testing, tracing and treatments, protections for renters and homeowners from evictions, election security and more.
But trust-fund baby Carlson, safe in his high-paying, work-at-home job, pretended to be on the side of workers as he attacked the bill because it’s just not cruel enough to undocumented workers. And if we’re not overrun with immigrants, we’ll be taken over by China. Better dead than red! Or brown.
The estimated price tag for everything in this bill is three trillion dollars. That’s close to 90 percent of the nation’s entire annual tax revenue. And keep in mind, that comes close on the heels of the last coronavirus relief bill that cost about two trillion dollars. And of course, our usual annual spending is still there, it hasn’t disappeared. So all together that’s an awful lot of expenses. And every single dollar will have to be borrowed because there aren’t any left. That means that when the smoke clears from all this spending, only China will be able to bail us out. They’ll have to. They’re the only ones who can afford it. China has the strongest balance sheet in the world. At that point, we will be their vassals. So is worth it? What will we get in return for this? We spent all day reading Pelosi’s bill to find out. … Here’s what’s we found: First and most glaringly, with more than 30 million Americans out of work, really the last thing we need is more illegal low-wage labor from abroad. Yet this bill goes out of its way to supply illegal immigrants — who, in case you needed to be reminded, have no right to be here in the first place — with billions in taxpayer dollars. According to House Democrats, illegal immigrants must have a right to have the $1200 checks that American citizens received in the last coronavirus bill. They would also receive the same direct payments as American citizens going forward. So in effect it’s a huge payoff to the Democratic Party’s most cherished constituency, a group that’s not even allowed to be here. And then it goes on from there. The bill also contains an amnesty provision. For the duration of the coronavirus crisis — that’s something they’d like to see extended for a very long time — all illegal immigrants employed in so-called “essential services” would be shielded from deportation and their employers would be shielded, too. People who hire illegal immigrants could not be prosecuted. ... Current “essential” workers as they are defined in this bill is in fact an enormous category that spans almost every part of the American economy. It includes employees in food services, laundry, waste management, child care, agriculture, transportation, restaurants, as well as any retail worker in America who works at a location that sells food or beverages. This is a blanket amnesty for virtually every illegal alien who has already taken an American job. And once this amnesty is granted, it will never be taken away. Bet on that no matter what they tell you. Anyone who lives in Washington can confirm that. Once passed, it’s not going away. And at that point, there will be no more debate about illegal immigration. The issue will be settled, permanently and Democrats will win every presidential election for the rest of your life, the rest of your children’s lives, the rest of your grandchildren’s lives. That’s the point of this.
Yes, that is the point. Carlson is so worried about Democrats winning presidential elections, he’d rather Americans suffer and die instead.


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--'Reopen My State' Protests 'Fizzle' Without Koch Money

Trump voters are not allowed to rebrand themselves as `` independent constitutional conservatives who never liked the tweeting but just want LIBERTY '' only with more misspellings .
And their `` Reopen '' rallies were BS astroturf .
Kathleen Parker in The Washington Post : Recent attempts to reenact the erstwhile tea party protests in a movement to oppose coronavirus-related shutdowns have shown signs of fizzling despite President Trump ’ s weird cheerleading .
They are , after all , shouting down Trump ’ s own guidelines for trying to contain the new coronavirus , which has afflicted more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 81,000 deaths in the United States ...
The protesters began losing steam when the Koch network , underwriters of the tea party movement from a decade ago , decided to run with scientists instead of the gun-toting provocateurs trampling the spring-green grass around state capitols .
The chief executive of Americans for Prosperity , the main political arm of the network , said the group prefers working with doctors , data crunchers and public policy leaders to create guidelines for a safe and staggered reopening of American businesses .
Americans for Prosperity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some point , too .
Womp womp .
Just remember : Republicans are not allowed to rebrand themselves , even with the term `` Covidiot . ''
No Tea Party , third way , no labels , none of it .

Trump voters are not allowed to rebrand themselves as "independent constitutional conservatives who never liked the tweeting but just want LIBERTY" only with more misspellings.
And their "Reopen" rallies were BS astroturf. Kathleen Parker in The Washington Post:
Recent attempts to reenact the erstwhile tea party protests in a movement to oppose coronavirus-related shutdowns have shown signs of fizzling despite President Trump’s weird cheerleading. They are, after all, shouting down Trump’s own guidelines for trying to contain the new coronavirus, which has afflicted more than 1.4 million Americans and led to more than 81,000 deaths in the United States... The protesters began losing steam when the Koch network, underwriters of the tea party movement from a decade ago, decided to run with scientists instead of the gun-toting provocateurs trampling the spring-green grass around state capitols. The chief executive of Americans for Prosperity, the main political arm of the network, said the group prefers working with doctors, data crunchers and public policy leaders to create guidelines for a safe and staggered reopening of American businesses.
Americans for Prosperity lawyers probably mentioned "liability" at some point, too. Womp womp.
Just remember: Republicans are not allowed to rebrand themselves, even with the term "Covidiot." No Tea Party, third way, no labels, none of it.
We don't honor Glenn Beck canceled checks from 2009.
Burn the lifeboats.
If Betsy DeVos + Koch Industries weren’t organizing these rallies, & Trump told his base to stay home, & social distance + wear a mask out in public — Would these idiots be doing this? pic.twitter.com/vqsTZzUMUg — Arctic Friend (@FriendEden100) May 11, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--Texas Republican Calls COVID Relief Bill A 'False Utopia'

The unveiling of a $ 3 trillion new stimulus package has caused the conservative enclaves to meltdown ... ... probably since it was n't Trump or the Senate Republicans who proposed it , it was -- gasp !
-- Nancy Pelosi !
As the Coronavirus continues to spread , any efforts to help individuals during this pandemic equals `` the libs taking away your freedoms '' .
On Varney & Co. this morning , Congressman Dan Crenshaw told the Fox host that this bill reflects the Democrat Party 's ( yeah ) goal of keeping the American people locked down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trying to keep the American people safe in a pandemic should be the government 's number one priority .
Rep. Crenshaw said , `` It 's like they want to create this sort of socialist utopia where everybody is on some new UBI payment .
That 's not living in reality - that 's living in a false utopia . ''
It 's despicable how Republicans in Congress are trying to force the American people back into the lion 's den like unarmed Romans , not caring if somehow we escape with our @ @

The unveiling of a $3 trillion new stimulus package has caused the conservative enclaves to meltdown...
...probably since it wasn't Trump or the Senate Republicans who proposed it, it was --gasp!-- Nancy Pelosi!
As the Coronavirus continues to spread, any efforts to help individuals during this pandemic equals "the libs taking away your freedoms".
On Varney & Co. this morning, Congressman Dan Crenshaw told the Fox host that this bill reflects the Democrat Party's (yeah) goal of keeping the American people locked down forever by forever sending them checks.
Trying to keep the American people safe in a pandemic should be the government's number one priority.
Rep. Crenshaw said, "It's like they want to create this sort of socialist utopia where everybody is on some new UBI payment. That's not living in reality - that's living in a false utopia."
It's despicable how Republicans in Congress are trying to force the American people back into the lion's den like unarmed Romans, not caring if somehow we escape with our lives.


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--Trump Hitman Joe DiGenova Wants To See Former DOJ Official 'In An Orange Jumpsuit'

One of Trump ’ s Ukraine legal henchmen shares his views on right wing radio .
This is the crazed level of febrile frenzy in Trumpland these days : VINCE COGLIANESE ( CO-HOST ) : Mary McCord , a former assistant attorney general , is now saying that William Barr misinterpreted the legal basis for her approving the FBI agents to go speak to Michael Flynn at the White House , in this New York Times , I ’ ll be polite , defense of her actions that resulted in the Mike Flynn interview , and she ’ s saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What do you — I know what I make of this but what do you make of this , to me , a guilty tell from Mary McCord in The New York Times on this issue ?
JOSEPH DIGENOVA : Well this is part of the continuing travesty against Gen. Flynn .
Ms. McCord is a hack .
DIGENOVA : She is a political hack , she ’ s working for Lawfare , she went to work on the impeachment inquiry from Lawfare , which is part of the Brookings Institution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they are doing is they are fighting like hell , because they know that Bill Barr has found them out .
And they are developing along with John Durham , Bill Barr is , a massive conspiracy case against a host of people in the Obama , the FBI , and the DOJ .
And when you put together the last 24 hours , the comments by former President Obama that this is a threat to the rule of law , which is an utter joke coming out of his mouth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s op-ed , and then some of the statements from people associated with Mueller , you realize that the Mueller probe was from the very beginning nothing more than a pretext to try and get the president impeached .
DIGENOVA : And you realize that everybody at the senior FBI and DOJ levels was in on it .
And what ’ s really fascinating is when you go back and you look at that January 5th meeting , 2017 , in the Oval Office with all the intelligence community leaders — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brennan , and Susan Rice , the president of the United States at that meeting , Barack Obama , is discussing the ongoing investigations into the Trump campaign , the interregnum , the transition , and the upcoming presidency .
And says in that meeting according to Susan Rice , he wants to be kept informed so he can help decide whether or not they ’ re going to withhold classified information from the incoming administration involving Russia .
That is sedition .
DIGENOVA : That is beyond anything we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doing to his successor .
What Obama did in that office was sedition on that day .
And I must say , these people are ballsy .
McCord and others , screaming about the ways their actions are being misinterpreted .
DIGENOVA : And do you know why they ’ re screaming ?
Because there ’ s a conspiracy indictment coming down the track .
I don ’ t mean that Mary McCord is going to be indicted , but if you read the motion to dismiss , which the government filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the reason it reads like an indictment is that it ’ s going to be part of an indictment .
DIGENOVA : President Obama ’ s hands are dirty .
They are beyond dirty .
He has — he has judicial blood on his hands .
He is responsible for this injustice .
He could have stopped it .
He could ’ ve said “ What are you idiots doing ?
This man ’ s been duly elected president of the United States , Donald Trump .
How — why are you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t .
He encouraged it .
And he had the brazen — talk about a brazen plot — how brazen they are , sitting in the Oval Office on January 5th , and saying they might not share intelligence with the incoming administration ?
And you know what that means ?
That means they didn ’ t want to give it to General Flynn , the incoming National Security adviser , because if they did give it to him , he would discover Crossfire Hurricane — DIGENOVA : He would blow the whistle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so they decided to take him out with an illegal , corrupt investigation .
And as far as Mary McCord is concerned , I ’ d like to see her in an orange jumpsuit .

One of Trump’s Ukraine legal henchmen shares his views on right wing radio. This is the crazed level of febrile frenzy in Trumpland these days:
VINCE COGLIANESE (CO-HOST): Mary McCord, a former assistant attorney general, is now saying that William Barr misinterpreted the legal basis for her approving the FBI agents to go speak to Michael Flynn at the White House, in this New York Times, I’ll be polite, defense of her actions that resulted in the Mike Flynn interview, and she’s saying that the underlying facts are not accurate. What do you — I know what I make of this but what do you make of this, to me, a guilty tell from Mary McCord in The New York Times on this issue?
JOSEPH DIGENOVA: Well this is part of the continuing travesty against Gen. Flynn. Ms. McCord is a hack.
COGLIANESE: Right.
DIGENOVA: She is a political hack, she’s working for Lawfare, she went to work on the impeachment inquiry from Lawfare, which is part of the Brookings Institution. She is a Democratic hack, and what they are doing is they are fighting like hell, because they know that Bill Barr has found them out. And they are developing along with John Durham, Bill Barr is, a massive conspiracy case against a host of people in the Obama, the FBI, and the DOJ. And when you put together the last 24 hours, the comments by former President Obama that this is a threat to the rule of law, which is an utter joke coming out of his mouth. And when you put together Mary McCord’s op-ed, and then some of the statements from people associated with Mueller, you realize that the Mueller probe was from the very beginning nothing more than a pretext to try and get the president impeached.
COGLIANESE: Right.
DIGENOVA: And you realize that everybody at the senior FBI and DOJ levels was in on it. And what’s really fascinating is when you go back and you look at that January 5th meeting, 2017, in the Oval Office with all the intelligence community leaders — the vice president, Sally Yates, Comey, Brennan, and Susan Rice, the president of the United States at that meeting, Barack Obama, is discussing the ongoing investigations into the Trump campaign, the interregnum, the transition, and the upcoming presidency. And says in that meeting according to Susan Rice, he wants to be kept informed so he can help decide whether or not they’re going to withhold classified information from the incoming administration involving Russia. That is sedition.
COGLIANESE: Yes!
DIGENOVA: That is beyond anything we’ve ever heard about a president leaving office, doing to his successor. What Obama did in that office was sedition on that day. And I must say, these people are ballsy. McCord and others, screaming about the ways their actions are being misinterpreted.
COGLIANESE: Ha!
DIGENOVA: And do you know why they’re screaming? Because there’s a conspiracy indictment coming down the track. I don’t mean that Mary McCord is going to be indicted, but if you read the motion to dismiss, which the government filed, it reads like an indictment. And the reason it reads like an indictment is that it’s going to be part of an indictment.
COGLIANESE: Excellent.
…
DIGENOVA: President Obama’s hands are dirty. They are beyond dirty. He has — he has judicial blood on his hands. He is responsible for this injustice. He could have stopped it. He could’ve said “What are you idiots doing? This man’s been duly elected president of the United States, Donald Trump. How — why are you doing this?” He didn’t. He encouraged it.
And he had the brazen — talk about a brazen plot — how brazen they are, sitting in the Oval Office on January 5th, and saying they might not share intelligence with the incoming administration? And you know what that means? That means they didn’t want to give it to General Flynn, the incoming National Security adviser, because if they did give it to him, he would discover Crossfire Hurricane —
COGLIANESE: Of course!
DIGENOVA: He would blow the whistle, fire a bunch of people, and so they decided to take him out with an illegal, corrupt investigation.
And as far as Mary McCord is concerned, I’d like to see her in an orange jumpsuit.
COGLIANESE: Me too!


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--Bernie Sanders And Joe Biden Launch 'Unity Task Forces' Including AOC

This is very very good news : Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders have named a diverse group @ @ @ @ @ to Biden-Sanders Unity Task Forces to explore possible policy initiatives in six areas covering : @ @ @ @ @ reform , economy , education , health care , and immigration .
Biden and Sanders @ @ @ @ @ Friends of Bernie Sanders and Carmel Martin of Biden for President as representatives of the @ @ @ @ @ support the work of the Task Forces .
The Task Forces will meet in advance @ @ @ @ @ to make recommendations to the DNC Platform Committee and to Vice President Biden directly .
@ @ @ @ @ the Democratic campaigns to date , the ultimate goal of the Unity Task Forces is @ @ @ @ @ possible agenda for Democrats in 2020 .

This is very very good news:
Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders have named a diverse group of respected leaders and experts to Biden-Sanders Unity Task Forces to explore possible policy initiatives in six areas covering: climate change, criminal justice reform, economy, education, health care, and immigration. Biden and Sanders also appointed Analilia Mejia of Friends of Bernie Sanders and Carmel Martin of Biden for President as representatives of the respective campaigns to coordinate and support the work of the Task Forces.
The Task Forces will meet in advance of the Democratic National Convention to make recommendations to the DNC Platform Committee and to Vice President Biden directly. Building upon the work of the Democratic campaigns to date, the ultimate goal of the Unity Task Forces is to develop the most successful possible agenda for Democrats in 2020.


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--LISTEN LIVE:  SCOTUS Hears Arguments Over 'Faithless' Electoral College Votes

The Supreme Court on Wednesday hears two cases over the Electoral College that could affect the outcome of the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ concern whether voters in the Electoral College , the body that officially elects the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ right to buck the will of their state popular vote .

CNBC on YouTube:
The Supreme Court on Wednesday hears two cases over the Electoral College that could affect the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. The cases concern whether voters in the Electoral College, the body that officially elects the U.S. president, have a constitutional right to buck the will of their state popular vote.


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--White Guy Carrying A TV Jogs Two Miles Through FL Neighborhood -- And People Just Wave

If you ’ ve ever wondered what white privilege looks like : props to Richard Demsick for providing the world with Exhibit A # JusticeForAhmaud pic.twitter.com/xCqJ6WFrKL Richard Demsick posted a TikTok video of himself running two miles through a Florida neighborhood while trying to look like a thief .
He even carried a flat-screen TV under one arm , and instead of being met with a shotgun blast , he only got waves and hellos from residents .
Via Insider.com : His neighborhood , he said , recently did have a string of thefts .
Despite that , his neighbors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Not a soul '' even approached him afterward to ask what he was doing , he said .
Demsick recorded parts of his run for a TikTok video that has been viewed more than 1.2 million times .
`` All right , I figured it out .
I 've got my hat on backwards , I 'm shirtless , like I 'm on some episode of 'Cops . '
I 'm running with a TV .
Someone 's going to stop me now , for sure , '' Demsick in the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the problem with Ahmaud ? ''

If you’ve ever wondered what white privilege looks like: props to Richard Demsick for providing the world with Exhibit A #JusticeForAhmaud pic.twitter.com/xCqJ6WFrKL
Richard Demsick posted a TikTok video of himself running two miles through a Florida neighborhood while trying to look like a thief. He even carried a flat-screen TV under one arm, and instead of being met with a shotgun blast, he only got waves and hellos from residents. Via Insider.com:
His neighborhood, he said, recently did have a string of thefts. Despite that, his neighbors waved and smiled while he jogged.
"Not a soul" even approached him afterward to ask what he was doing, he said.
Demsick recorded parts of his run for a TikTok video that has been viewed more than 1.2 million times.
"All right, I figured it out. I've got my hat on backwards, I'm shirtless, like I'm on some episode of 'Cops.' I'm running with a TV. Someone's going to stop me now, for sure," Demsick in the video. "'Cause if not, what was the problem with Ahmaud?"


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--Paul Manafort Gets To Go Home While Other Prisoners Languish

Look , the real outrage is not that Paul Manafort was released today to home confinement .
( After all , he 's 71 , in poor health , and at high risk of death from the coronavirus . )
It 's that so many other people are n't being released -- many of them poor and without friends in high places .
I 'll also point out that former Trump toady Michael Cohen was supposed to be released a few weeks ago -- and all that suddenly changed after a furious Trump found out he was working on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outrage is that our Justice Department is so degraded that basic human decency is only a favor to be dispensed to those favorable to the Orange Cheeto .
Via the Washington Post : President Trump ’ s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been released from prison to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement because of concerns over the novel coronavirus , two sources familiar with the matter told ABC News .
Manafort was released from FCI Loretto in central Pennsylvania early Wednesday morning , the two sources said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been released to home confinement but declined to comment further .
The Bureau of Prisons also did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

Look, the real outrage is not that Paul Manafort was released today to home confinement. (After all, he's 71, in poor health, and at high risk of death from the coronavirus.) It's that so many other people aren't being released -- many of them poor and without friends in high places.
I'll also point out that former Trump toady Michael Cohen was supposed to be released a few weeks ago -- and all that suddenly changed after a furious Trump found out he was working on a tell-all book.
No, the real outrage is that our Justice Department is so degraded that basic human decency is only a favor to be dispensed to those favorable to the Orange Cheeto. Via the Washington Post:
President Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been released from prison to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement because of concerns over the novel coronavirus, two sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Manafort was released from FCI Loretto in central Pennsylvania early Wednesday morning, the two sources said. An attorney for Manafort confirmed he had been released to home confinement but declined to comment further. The Bureau of Prisons also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--Sen. Kennedy: 'I Don't Want To Have To Wear A Mask In The Shower'

Some things are just too stupid to ignore , and this is one : Sen. John Kennedy ( LA ) clowns it up for the cameras on Fox News ( naturally ! )
yesterday .
With a chyron saying `` Sen. Kennedy on Pelosi 's Far-Left Wish List , '' he attacked the Democrats ' HERO Act .
Yes , this United States senator plays an idiot : `` I do n't want to have to wear a face mask in the shower !
That 's the kind of stuff OSHA promulgates every day . ''
No , it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't .
But this is , after all , Fox `` News . ''
You might be snickering and saying , `` Boy , is that cornpone lawyer stupid . ''
No , he is n't .
Kennedy , a former Democrat , ran twice for the Senate .
He did n't win until he ran as a Republican .
He attended Vanderbilt University , majoring in political science , philosophy and economics .
( He graduated magna cum laude . )
He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law review .
But wait , there 's more !
He also earned a Bachelor of Civil Law degree with first class honors from Oxford University , and has written a legal textbook and many legal articles .
So this educated man , instead of raising up the poorly-educated residents of his state , plays the idiot on TV , showing just how low Republicans are willing to debase themselves to please their master .
What an embarrassment .

Some things are just too stupid to ignore, and this is one: Sen. John Kennedy (LA) clowns it up for the cameras on Fox News (naturally!) yesterday. With a chyron saying "Sen. Kennedy on Pelosi's Far-Left Wish List," he attacked the Democrats' HERO Act. Yes, this United States senator plays an idiot: "I don't want to have to wear a face mask in the shower! That's the kind of stuff OSHA promulgates every day."
No, it doesn't, and no, it won't. But this is, after all, Fox "News."
You might be snickering and saying, "Boy, is that cornpone lawyer stupid." No, he isn't.
Kennedy, a former Democrat, ran twice for the Senate. He didn't win until he ran as a Republican. He attended Vanderbilt University, majoring in political science, philosophy and economics. (He graduated magna cum laude.) He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia, where he was executive editor of the law review.
But wait, there's more!
He also earned a Bachelor of Civil Law degree with first class honors from Oxford University, and has written a legal textbook and many legal articles.
So this educated man, instead of raising up the poorly-educated residents of his state, plays the idiot on TV, showing just how low Republicans are willing to debase themselves to please their master. What an embarrassment.
Kennedy: I don’t want to have to wear a face mask in the shower pic.twitter.com/uB1tAdLeDV — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) May 13, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-05-13--Lindsey Graham Loses Big Donor To Democratic Challenger Jaime Harrison

Sen. Lindsey Graham ’ s vociferous attacks on Donald Trump in the months and weeks and days leading up to Trump ’ s November 2016 victory were well covered .
Sen. Graham ’ s subsequent change of heart concerning Trump has also been a depressing reminder that integrity in Washington , D.C. is easily bought .
But one big-time donor—and former member of Graham ’ s presidential campaign finance team—is fed up with spineless Republican operatives .
Richard Wilkerson , former chairman and president of Michelin ’ s Greenville , South Carolina-based North America operations , is fed up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , Wilkerson told local news outlets that he was going to support Graham ’ s challenger , Jaime Harrison , for South Carolina ’ s Senate .
At the time he said he believed Harrison was the right choice for South Carolina .
Wilkerson based this on work the two had done to get stronger environmental regulations implemented in the state .
On Monday , however , Wilkerson elaborated on his change of allegiance , penning a scathing op-ed in the Greenville News that really laid bare how low his opinion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while he does not normally make a habit of discussing his political opinions publicly , the reaction to the news that he was supporting Harrison over Graham made him feel he needed to explain .
Citing the various reactions to his support of Harrison—which ranged from positive to classic conservative misdirection attempts at boycotting Michelin tires—he said , “ I suppose this person did not know that I retired eight years ago , but seems to want to punish the outstanding working people at the company I love.
” Wilkerson writes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something he had been dealing with since Trump took office .
Specifically , Wilkerson began to wonder about Sen. Graham in relation to Donald Trump ’ s continuous attacks on then Sen. John McCain : “ What is the character of a man who will not defend his best friend ?
If he won ’ t defend John McCain , why would I expect him to defend any of us in South Carolina ?
” Wilkerson highlighted Sen. Graham ’ s retreat into divisive politics , his support of the tax scam for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent attacks on public safety : viciously fighting against a federal extension that would expand unemployment benefits to the growing tens of millions of Americans out of work due to the Republican mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Wilkerson writes that he ended his support of Graham a couple of years ago , and wrote to the Senator telling him that “ I no longer recognized him as the man I once supported.
” Sen. Graham has been facing this music for a couple of years now as time after time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and character that has come his way during this administration .
Sen. Graham ’ s about face from the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton to the recent impeachment of Donald Trump was a never-ending stream of video clips exhibiting how flimsy Graham ’ s political “ ideals ” really are .
His opponent , Harrison , has taken advantage of this hypocrisy in his campaign for Graham ’ s seat .
The political field is filled with all kinds of hypocrites .
The pressure and speed with which someone will step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a frequent topic of discussion on both sides of the political spectrum .
In recent years , with the rise of Donald Trump to the top of the Grand Old Party , the degree to which Republicans have publicly compromised their previous positions and opinions has been staggering .
While not surprising to those of us paying attention , it has been somewhat shocking to people who may not have realized how desperate for power so many people really are .

Sen. Lindsey Graham’s vociferous attacks on Donald Trump in the months and weeks and days leading up to Trump’s November 2016 victory were well covered. Sen. Graham’s subsequent change of heart concerning Trump has also been a depressing reminder that integrity in Washington, D.C. is easily bought. But one big-time donor—and former member of Graham’s presidential campaign finance team—is fed up with spineless Republican operatives.
Richard Wilkerson, former chairman and president of Michelin’s Greenville, South Carolina-based North America operations, is fed up with Sen. Graham. A couple of weeks ago, Wilkerson told local news outlets that he was going to support Graham’s challenger, Jaime Harrison, for South Carolina’s Senate. At the time he said he believed Harrison was the right choice for South Carolina. Wilkerson based this on work the two had done to get stronger environmental regulations implemented in the state. On Monday, however, Wilkerson elaborated on his change of allegiance, penning a scathing op-ed in the Greenville News that really laid bare how low his opinion of Sen. Graham has fallen.
Wilkerson explained that while he does not normally make a habit of discussing his political opinions publicly, the reaction to the news that he was supporting Harrison over Graham made him feel he needed to explain. Citing the various reactions to his support of Harrison—which ranged from positive to classic conservative misdirection attempts at boycotting Michelin tires—he said, “I suppose this person did not know that I retired eight years ago, but seems to want to punish the outstanding working people at the company I love.” Wilkerson writes that his decision was a heartfelt one and something he had been dealing with since Trump took office.
Specifically, Wilkerson began to wonder about Sen. Graham in relation to Donald Trump’s continuous attacks on then Sen. John McCain: “What is the character of a man who will not defend his best friend? If he won’t defend John McCain, why would I expect him to defend any of us in South Carolina?” Wilkerson highlighted Sen. Graham’s retreat into divisive politics, his support of the tax scam for the richest among us, and his most recent attacks on public safety: viciously fighting against a federal extension that would expand unemployment benefits to the growing tens of millions of Americans out of work due to the Republican mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilkerson writes that he ended his support of Graham a couple of years ago, and wrote to the Senator telling him that “I no longer recognized him as the man I once supported.”
Sen. Graham has been facing this music for a couple of years now as time after time, he has failed every test of integrity and character that has come his way during this administration. Sen. Graham’s about face from the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton to the recent impeachment of Donald Trump was a never-ending stream of video clips exhibiting how flimsy Graham’s political “ideals” really are. His opponent, Harrison, has taken advantage of this hypocrisy in his campaign for Graham’s seat.
The political field is filled with all kinds of hypocrites. The pressure and speed with which someone will step all over their principles for power is a frequent topic of discussion on both sides of the political spectrum. In recent years, with the rise of Donald Trump to the top of the Grand Old Party, the degree to which Republicans have publicly compromised their previous positions and opinions has been staggering. While not surprising to those of us paying attention, it has been somewhat shocking to people who may not have realized how desperate for power so many people really are.
Published with permission of Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Feds Seize Sen. Richard Burr's Cell Phone In Stock Trade Investigation

There 's no doubt there 's a legitimate basis for an investigation into Sen. Richard Burr ( R-NC ) .
Not arguing that !
I 'm just saying that this investigation seems somewhat ... selective .
After all , as far as we know , the feds are n't investigating the egregious stock trades of Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) .
Odds are very high that Barr targeted Burr at the direction of Trump , who is angry that Burr did his job as head of the Senate Intelligence committee and acknowledged the intelligence that Russia intervened in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But of course an attorney general would never sign off on such a political investigation , right ?
On Morning Joe , Kasie Hunt talked about the story that broke last night from the L.A. Times .
She said law enforcement officials confirmed that the FBI seized Richard Burr 's cell phone .
`` They obtained a search warrant for it and took it from him .
In the course of their investigation into his stock trading , we had learned a few months ago that Burr made some very fortuitously timed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic really hit the U.S. between about $ 600,000 and $ 1.7 million worth , '' she said .
She pointed out that he has access to information through the Intelligence committee as one of the Gang of 8 .
`` It is extraordinarily rare , and it is likely , if you speak with legal experts -- and , you know , I 've been talking to folks a little overnight .
This broke late last night -- but it is likely that this would have had to have been authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of the Department of Justice .
obviously , this is something that deals with a separate and co-equal branch of government .
it is not something we see every day .
`` We also know that this president has been pretty frustrated with some of the things that Richard Burr has done as chairman of the Senate Intelligence committee .
Most recently , his committee incurred in the assessment that the Russians interfered in our 2016 election , not just generally , but specifically to help Donald Trump win the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

There's no doubt there's a legitimate basis for an investigation into Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC). Not arguing that! I'm just saying that this investigation seems somewhat ... selective. After all, as far as we know, the feds aren't investigating the egregious stock trades of Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA).
Odds are very high that Barr targeted Burr at the direction of Trump, who is angry that Burr did his job as head of the Senate Intelligence committee and acknowledged the intelligence that Russia intervened in the 2016 election to the benefit of Trump. But of course an attorney general would never sign off on such a political investigation, right?
On Morning Joe, Kasie Hunt talked about the story that broke last night from the L.A. Times. She said law enforcement officials confirmed that the FBI seized Richard Burr's cell phone.
"They obtained a search warrant for it and took it from him. In the course of their investigation into his stock trading, we had learned a few months ago that Burr made some very fortuitously timed stock sales that were right before the coronavirus pandemic really hit the U.S. between about $600,000 and $1.7 million worth," she said.
She pointed out that he has access to information through the Intelligence committee as one of the Gang of 8.
"It is extraordinarily rare, and it is likely, if you speak with legal experts -- and, you know, I've been talking to folks a little overnight. This broke late last night -- but it is likely that this would have had to have been authorized, you know, basically at the top of the Department of Justice. obviously, this is something that deals with a separate and co-equal branch of government. it is not something we see every day.
"We also know that this president has been pretty frustrated with some of the things that Richard Burr has done as chairman of the Senate Intelligence committee. Most recently, his committee incurred in the assessment that the Russians interfered in our 2016 election, not just generally, but specifically to help Donald Trump win the election. So a pretty high stakes showdown here."
No brief for Burr, who should have resigned, but looks an awful lot like Trump, through his corrupted Justice Department is trying to push Burr out or force his hand in some way. https://t.co/nFdFsd8ane — Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) May 14, 2020
You can be sure this was cleared by the White House counsel if not Trump himself. Also AG Bill Barr. But why not Senator Kelly Loeffler, who also sold stocks? Because Burr is not a Trump toady, this looks like a vendetta! https://t.co/NgKLLZDJty — John Dean (@JohnWDean) May 14, 2020
This may complicate Burr's leading the investigation into Hunter Biden. Or are the GOP going to claim this is another case of FBI over-reach like they are claiming about Flynn? https://t.co/i6F5q2lkWm — Victoria Brownworth #PutOnYourMaskNOW (@VABVOX) May 14, 2020
Hard to know what to make of the Burr news. He’s likely guilty of bad acts. Whether these are crimes is less certain. Cld be legit investigation. But Burrs also been disloyal. We cant make sense of any news today without factoring in that Trump has thoroughly corrupted the DOJ. — Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) May 14, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--C&L Snap Poll: Who Should Be Joe Biden's Vice Presidential Pick?

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he 'll choose a woman to be his VP choice so that @ @ @ @ @ We 've selected six names that have been mentioned as a possible choice and I @ @ @ @ @ order .
Who Should Be Joe Biden 's Vice Presidential pick ?
The good news @ @ @ @ @ and Bernie have formed a `` Unity Task Force '' and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has accepted @ @ @ @ @ Unity Task Force with Sec .
JohnKerry .
This shows the two camps coming together @ @ @ @ @ for America .
But Biden 's VP choice is going to be critical to his @ @ @ @ @ think would be best ?
Please discuss in the comments below .

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he'll choose a woman to be his VP choice so that narrows the field mightily.
We've selected six names that have been mentioned as a possible choice and I've listed them below.
Who Should Be Joe Biden's Vice Presidential pick?
The good news so far is that Biden and Bernie have formed a "Unity Task Force" and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has accepted to co-chair the Climate Change Unity Task Force with Sec. JohnKerry.
This shows the two camps coming together and that is great news for America. But Biden's VP choice is going to be critical to his success. Who do you think would be best?
Please discuss in the comments below.


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Sen. Chuck Schumer Rips Trump For Muzzling The CDC On Guidelines For Reopening

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) on Wednesday blasted President Donald Trump ’ s administration for reportedly shelving a Centers from Disease Control ( CDC ) plan to deal with the novel coronavirus pandemic .
“ Last week , Americans learned that the Trump White House had blocked release by the Centers for Disease Control of a document that contained guidance for safely reopening up the country , ” Schumer explained during a speech on the Senate floor .
“ Making the wrong decision about when , where and how to reopen could result in loss of precious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the occurrence of a COVID second wave that , God forbid , could be worse than the first.
” “ The country needs guidance of the nation ’ s best medical and scientific experts , ” he continued .
“ But the White house has blocked the release of the CDC guidance reportedly so the president and his political appointees can make changes to it.
” Schumer added : “ As we all know , the president is not a doctor .
The president is not a scientist .
Many don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stable genius like he thinks he is .
It has become painfully clear over the last two months how unfamiliar he is with the disciplines of science and medicine .
Anyone who would say , ‘ Drink bleach — use bleach to protect yourself , ’ is not much of a medical expert .
”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Wednesday blasted President Donald Trump’s administration for reportedly shelving a Centers from Disease Control (CDC) plan to deal with the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“Last week, Americans learned that the Trump White House had blocked release by the Centers for Disease Control of a document that contained guidance for safely reopening up the country,” Schumer explained during a speech on the Senate floor. “Making the wrong decision about when, where and how to reopen could result in loss of precious life that could be otherwise saved and in the occurrence of a COVID second wave that, God forbid, could be worse than the first.”
“The country needs guidance of the nation’s best medical and scientific experts,” he continued. “But the White house has blocked the release of the CDC guidance reportedly so the president and his political appointees can make changes to it.”
Schumer added: “As we all know, the president is not a doctor. The president is not a scientist. Many don’t even believe he’s a stable genius like he thinks he is. It has become painfully clear over the last two months how unfamiliar he is with the disciplines of science and medicine. Anyone who would say, ‘Drink bleach — use bleach to protect yourself,’ is not much of a medical expert.”


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

First Draft : Donald Trump is suffering from a severe case of premature exultation .
Lawfare Blog : Michael Flynn @ @ @ @ @ predication .
EPI Blog : Josh Bivens asks if you ’ ve heard the bad @ @ @ @ @ budgets getting killed by Coronavirus .
Juanita Jean ’ s : Texas GOP Senator John @ @ @ @ @ ve heard the good news about the Affordable Care Act he wants to kill .
@ @ @ @ @ quote of the day : `` It does not affect your daily life very much @ @ @ @ @ box turtle .
But that does not mean it is right…Now you must raise your @ @ @ @ @ where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as @ @ @ @ @ John Cornyn , June 12 , 2004 . )
Guest blogging Mike 's Blog Round @ @ @ @ @ Perr from Perrspectives .
Send your tips , recommendations , comments and angst to mbru @ @ @ @ @

First Draft: Donald Trump is suffering from a severe case of premature exultation.
Lawfare Blog: Michael Flynn did not suffer from premature predication.
EPI Blog: Josh Bivens asks if you’ve heard the bad news about state and local budgets getting killed by Coronavirus.
Juanita Jean’s: Texas GOP Senator John Cornyn asks if you’ve heard the good news about the Affordable Care Act he wants to kill.
Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
"It does not affect your daily life very much if your neighbor marries a box turtle. But that does not mean it is right…Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife" (John Cornyn, June 12, 2004.)
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--2020-05-14--Federal Judge Calls Barr's Bluff, Appoints Retired Judge To Argue Against The DOJ In Flynn Case

Judge Emmet G. Sullivan , the federal judge hearing the Michael Flynn case , pulled a crazy chess move after the DOJ filed a motion last week to undo the prosecution and plea deal by dropping the charges .
Last week , Barr 's highly politicized DOJ pulled one of the craziest stunts ever .
They moved to dismiss all charges against Michael Flynn - even though he pleaded guilty in 2017 - twice .
So why the change of heart ?
Well , Barr 's DOJ submitted a filing , claiming that “ after a considered review of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including newly discovered and disclosed information .
.
.
the government has concluded that [ Flynn ’ s interview by the FBI in January 2017 ] was untethered to , and unjustified by , the FBI ’ s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn , ” and that it was “ conducted without any legitimate investigative basis.
” WHAT ?
To say that this insane filing was a bomb going off in DC would be an understatement .
The sheer politicization and degrading of the good work that the DOJ has done for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Judge to do ?
Clearly , he heard the battle cry from legal minds all over the country , Tuesday , Judge Sullivan put the move to dismiss the charges on hold when he decided to allow outside groups and legal experts to weigh in , in what is called a “ friend-of-the court ” or “ amicus brief [ s ] '' submission process .
The Washington Post noted that this `` order allows others to file objections to the Justice Department ’ s move and could open the door for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys argue against the Justice Department .
It would also permit , if the judge chooses , requiring both sides to produce evidence and revisit the case for and against Flynn . ''
Further , the judge could call witnesses , such as Flynn , investigators and even the prosecutors - both current ones and the original ones - to try to get to the bottom of what is really going on .
This brings us to today , when Judge Sullivan did something that is going to make Barr squirm in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does this mean ?
Simply put , the Judge has appointed a retired judge to argue against the government 's motion to dismiss the charge against Flynn and to look into whether Flynn should be held in contempt for FELONY PERJURY .
Renato Mariotti laid out what this means in a great thread .
I will post some of the more important tweets , but I encourage you to read back through them for more context : Flynn is in a bit of a bind at the moment .
He 's either going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or he 's going to jail for lying to the judge .
This is what happens when the rule of law is perverted for political expediency .

Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, the federal judge hearing the Michael Flynn case, pulled a crazy chess move after the DOJ filed a motion last week to undo the prosecution and plea deal by dropping the charges.
Last week, Barr's highly politicized DOJ pulled one of the craziest stunts ever. They moved to dismiss all charges against Michael Flynn - even though he pleaded guilty in 2017 - twice. So why the change of heart? Well, Barr's DOJ submitted a filing, claiming that “after a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case, including newly discovered and disclosed information . . . the government has concluded that [Flynn’s interview by the FBI in January 2017] was untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn,” and that it was “conducted without any legitimate investigative basis.”
WHAT? To say that this insane filing was a bomb going off in DC would be an understatement. The sheer politicization and degrading of the good work that the DOJ has done for decades was devastating. So what was the Judge to do? Clearly, he heard the battle cry from legal minds all over the country,
Tuesday, Judge Sullivan put the move to dismiss the charges on hold when he decided to allow outside groups and legal experts to weigh in, in what is called a “friend-of-the court” or “amicus brief[s]" submission process. The Washington Post noted that this "order allows others to file objections to the Justice Department’s move and could open the door for adversarial proceedings in which one or more attorneys argue against the Justice Department. It would also permit, if the judge chooses, requiring both sides to produce evidence and revisit the case for and against Flynn."
Further, the judge could call witnesses, such as Flynn, investigators and even the prosecutors - both current ones and the original ones - to try to get to the bottom of what is really going on.
This brings us to today, when Judge Sullivan did something that is going to make Barr squirm in his seat a little bit more:
BREAKING: Judge SULLIVAN has appointed retired judge to argue against the government's motion to dismiss the charge against Flynn. pic.twitter.com/OUGyAbNcIB — Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) May 13, 2020
What does this mean? Simply put, the Judge has appointed a retired judge to argue against the government's motion to dismiss the charge against Flynn and to look into whether Flynn should be held in contempt for FELONY PERJURY.
Renato Mariotti laid out what this means in a great thread. I will post some of the more important tweets, but I encourage you to read back through them for more context:
2/ Both of these actions by Judge Sullivan are highly unusual, but Judge Sullivan is responding to another highly unusual situation.
It is very rare for DOJ to dismiss a case after the defendant pleaded guilty, and even rarer to do so for what appears to be corrupt reasons. — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) May 13, 2020
7/ Judge Sullivan was clearly troubled by Flynn's conduct, and the DOJ's odd positions in a case involving a friend of the president's raises obvious questions about whether it was acting corruptly.
But *no one* in his courtroom was arguing the other side of these issues. — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) May 13, 2020
11/ Sullivan's decision here means that he's seriously considering denying DOJ's motion and he wants to consider whether that decision is wise and what the implications of that decision are.
Judge Gleeson won't be an advocate representing a client. He will be helping the judge. — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) May 13, 2020
13/ Today's order by Judge Sullivan is very bad news for the DOJ.
Their motion was highly unusual, and they will have to be prepared to answer many difficult questions about the odd positions that they've taken. — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) May 13, 2020
14/ But perhaps the most surprising development is that Judge Sullivan is considering holding Flynn in criminal contempt for perjury.
I wonder whether Judge Sullivan is raising this possibility, in part, to see whether DOJ or Flynn might change course. — Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) May 13, 2020
Flynn is in a bit of a bind at the moment. He's either going to jail for lying to the FBI or he's going to jail for lying to the judge. This is what happens when the rule of law is perverted for political expediency.


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Cartoon Of The Day:  Trump Opens The Blender

Former federal prosecutor Paul Butler points out the pickle Flynn is in : He either lied to the FBI or @ @ @ @ @ .
And there is also the likely possibility he lied to both of the


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--GOP Senator Blocks Resolution Calling For CDC Guidelines To Be Released

The senator from Indiana said the CDC 's guidelines were `` overly prescriptive '' , meaning I suppose , that they would have saved more American lives and that would be bad for business .
And interestingly , though American taxpayers fund the CDC to the tune of about $ 7 billion a year , a good chunk of which is mandated to protect Americans from infectious diseases , those same American taxpayers are not entitled to see the CDC guidelines for reopening the economy if they go against the wishes of the Trump administration .
The banality of evil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer on Wednesday failed to pass a resolution by unanimous consent that called for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to immediately release its guidance on reopening the economy .
The Democrat from New York argued that President Donald Trump 's administration `` simply can not be trusted to tell the truth about the coronavirus '' and `` Americans need and must have the candid guidance of our best scientists , unfiltered , unedited and uncensored by President Trump , '' in order to reopen the country as safely as possible amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a scientist ... it has become painfully clear over the last two months how unfamiliar he is with the disciplines of science and medicine , '' Schumer said .
`` Anyone who would say drink bleach , use bleach to protect yourself is not much of a medical expert . ''
Any individual senator can block a measure seeking to advance by unanimous consent , and Sen. Mike Braun , a Republican from Indiana , objected to the resolution Wednesday .
He argued Schumer is just trying to add `` bureaucratic hurdles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the CDC 's `` over prescriptive guidelines . ''

The senator from Indiana said the CDC's guidelines were "overly prescriptive", meaning I suppose, that they would have saved more American lives and that would be bad for business. And interestingly, though American taxpayers fund the CDC to the tune of about $7 billion a year, a good chunk of which is mandated to protect Americans from infectious diseases, those same American taxpayers are not entitled to see the CDC guidelines for reopening the economy if they go against the wishes of the Trump administration.
The banality of evil strikes again.
Source: CNN
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday failed to pass a resolution by unanimous consent that called for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to immediately release its guidance on reopening the economy. The Democrat from New York argued that President Donald Trump's administration "simply cannot be trusted to tell the truth about the coronavirus" and "Americans need and must have the candid guidance of our best scientists, unfiltered, unedited and uncensored by President Trump," in order to reopen the country as safely as possible amid the pandemic. "The President is not a scientist ... it has become painfully clear over the last two months how unfamiliar he is with the disciplines of science and medicine," Schumer said. "Anyone who would say drink bleach, use bleach to protect yourself is not much of a medical expert." Any individual senator can block a measure seeking to advance by unanimous consent, and Sen. Mike Braun, a Republican from Indiana, objected to the resolution Wednesday. He argued Schumer is just trying to add "bureaucratic hurdles" to "shutter the economy" using the CDC's "over prescriptive guidelines."


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Mar-A-Lago To Reopen May 27, With Special Social Distancing In The Jacuzzi

There are times when the entire Trump presidency seems like it was written by The Onion .
And the rest of the time by Franz Kafka or George Orwell .
Previously , Mar-A-Lago has been described as `` a gilded petri dish for a global disease '' .
Now you know why .
President Donald Trump 's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida will be able to partially reopen on Saturday , but with some peculiar protocols .
In an email obtained by the Washington Post , members were informed `` social distancing will be enforced on both the pool deck and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also have to bring their own towels , and pool noodles will be banned , according to The Post .
`` Do not congregate , '' members were warned in the club 's email .
With Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis adding Palm Beach County to the Sunshine State 's `` phase one '' reopening plan , Mar-a-Lago will be able to open its doors for the first time in 57 days .
Under the governor 's order , only the club 's pool areas will be able to reopen .
How , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be enforced remains unclear , The Post 's David Fahrenthold noted .

There are times when the entire Trump presidency seems like it was written by The Onion. And the rest of the time by Franz Kafka or George Orwell. Previously, Mar-A-Lago has been described as "a gilded petri dish for a global disease". Now you know why.
Source: Business Insider
President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida will be able to partially reopen on Saturday, but with some peculiar protocols.
In an email obtained by the Washington Post, members were informed "social distancing will be enforced on both the pool deck and in the pool/Jacuzzi."
Members will also have to bring their own towels, and pool noodles will be banned, according to The Post.
"Do not congregate," members were warned in the club's email.
With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis adding Palm Beach County to the Sunshine State's "phase one" reopening plan, Mar-a-Lago will be able to open its doors for the first time in 57 days.
Under the governor's order, only the club's pool areas will be able to reopen.
How, exactly, the Jacuzzi social distancing measures will be enforced remains unclear, The Post's David Fahrenthold noted.


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Trump Still Can't Say What Crime Was Supposedly Committed During Flynn 'Unmasking'

The people at Media Matters put together a mashup of the ridiculous softball questions lobbed to Trump from one of his sycophants over on the Fox Business Network , Maria Bartiromo , who , as they noted , basically gave Trump the Dear Leader treatment straight out of Lou Dobbs ' playbook , even though she 's supposedly one of their `` straight news '' anchors .
Bartiromo asked Trump about the latest faux `` scandal '' being drummed up by Trump and his allies , where they 're doing their best to try to criminalize the entire Mueller investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with investigating his crooked NSA Michael Flynn , and manipulating a routine intelligence activity in order to take down Biden , help Trump win the presidential election , and distract from the tens of thousands of Americans dying on his watch from Covid-19 .
Here 's more from Fox on the Bartiromo interview , where he called the unmasking the `` greatest political crime in the history of our country '' but still could n't explain what crime anyone supposedly committed : President Trump weighed in Thursday in an interview with Fox Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including former Vice President Joe Biden and former FBI Director James Comey – who requested to `` unmask '' former national security adviser Michael Flynn during the transition period between the Trump and Obama administrations .
A list of the then-President Obama officials who made these requests – while an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and alleged Trump campaign collusion in such efforts was ongoing – was made public Wednesday by Sens .
Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , and Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , after it was declassified by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was the greatest political crime in the history of our country , '' Trump said in an interview with Fox Business ' Maria Bartiromo that aired Thursday morning .
`` If I were a Democrat instead of a Republican , I think everybody would have been in jail a long time ago , and I 'm talking with 50-year sentences .
It is a disgrace what 's happened .
This is the greatest political scam , hoax in the history of our country . ''
Trump continued : `` People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff and hopefully , a lot of people are going to have to pay .
No other president should have to go through , and I 'll tell you , Gen. Flynn and others are heroes , heroes , because what 's happened to them .
They were n't after Gen. Flynn .
They wanted him to lie about me .
Make up a story . ''
The Trump campaign slammed Biden over the fact his name appeared on the list of officials who requested Flynn 's unmasking .
“ Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know anything about the railroading of Gen. Michael Flynn just got even more unbelievable .
Biden is listed among the Obama administration officials who requested the unmasking of Flynn , '' campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement .
`` We already knew Biden was briefed on the Flynn case before President Trump took office and now we know that he wanted Flynn unmasked . ''
The Daily Show 's Trevor Noah had an explanation for just What the F**k is `` Obamagate '' ?
following Trump 's presser earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meltdown with the Washington Post 's Phil Rucker asked him what crime he was accusing the Obama administration of supposedly committing : It seems he 's not having any easier of a time answering that question even when he 's in friendly territory .
He just rambles on with a bunch of rehearsed talking points on how everyone was out to get him , but still no answer on the crime .
Trump is pushing Lindsey Graham to do his dirty work for him and haul President Obama in before his committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go that far , and told Trump he should `` be careful what you wish for . ''
We 'll see how Trump feels about former presidents being hauled before Congress when it 's his turn in the box , which is hopefully sooner and not later .

The people at Media Matters put together a mashup of the ridiculous softball questions lobbed to Trump from one of his sycophants over on the Fox Business Network, Maria Bartiromo, who, as they noted, basically gave Trump the Dear Leader treatment straight out of Lou Dobbs' playbook, even though she's supposedly one of their "straight news" anchors.
Bartiromo asked Trump about the latest faux "scandal" being drummed up by Trump and his allies, where they're doing their best to try to criminalize the entire Mueller investigation, go after anyone and everyone involved with investigating his crooked NSA Michael Flynn, and manipulating a routine intelligence activity in order to take down Biden, help Trump win the presidential election, and distract from the tens of thousands of Americans dying on his watch from Covid-19.
Here's more from Fox on the Bartiromo interview, where he called the unmasking the "greatest political crime in the history of our country" but still couldn't explain what crime anyone supposedly committed:
President Trump weighed in Thursday in an interview with Fox Business Network on the former Obama officials – including former Vice President Joe Biden and former FBI Director James Comey – who requested to "unmask" former national security adviser Michael Flynn during the transition period between the Trump and Obama administrations. A list of the then-President Obama officials who made these requests – while an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and alleged Trump campaign collusion in such efforts was ongoing – was made public Wednesday by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., after it was declassified by acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell. "It was the greatest political crime in the history of our country," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo that aired Thursday morning. "If I were a Democrat instead of a Republican, I think everybody would have been in jail a long time ago, and I'm talking with 50-year sentences. It is a disgrace what's happened. This is the greatest political scam, hoax in the history of our country." Trump continued: "People should be going to jail for this stuff and hopefully, a lot of people are going to have to pay. No other president should have to go through, and I'll tell you, Gen. Flynn and others are heroes, heroes, because what's happened to them. They weren't after Gen. Flynn. They wanted him to lie about me. Make up a story." [...] The Trump campaign slammed Biden over the fact his name appeared on the list of officials who requested Flynn's unmasking. “Joe Biden’s limp claim that he doesn’t know anything about the railroading of Gen. Michael Flynn just got even more unbelievable. Biden is listed among the Obama administration officials who requested the unmasking of Flynn," campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement. "We already knew Biden was briefed on the Flynn case before President Trump took office and now we know that he wanted Flynn unmasked."
The Daily Show's Trevor Noah had an explanation for just What the F**k is "Obamagate"? following Trump's presser earlier this week, when he basically had a meltdown with the Washington Post's Phil Rucker asked him what crime he was accusing the Obama administration of supposedly committing:
It seems he's not having any easier of a time answering that question even when he's in friendly territory. He just rambles on with a bunch of rehearsed talking points on how everyone was out to get him, but still no answer on the crime.
Trump is pushing Lindsey Graham to do his dirty work for him and haul President Obama in before his committee, and even lickspittle Graham isn't ready to go that far, and told Trump he should "be careful what you wish for."
We'll see how Trump feels about former presidents being hauled before Congress when it's his turn in the box, which is hopefully sooner and not later.


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--GOP Rep. Mullin's Vile Smear Of Dr. Bright: Too Sick To Work But You're Testifying?

Oklahoma GOP Rep. Markwayne Mullin launched into a ridiculously offensive and personal line of questioning to Dr .
Bright that had literally nothing to do with COVID and was meant to discredit him , insult him and annoy him .
Dr .
Bright , calm and composed , remained stoic and answered every question , showing zero emotion .
I can not say the same about me or most of Twitter , which responded with disgust .
Here is a taste of Mullin 's ridiculous questions : MULLIN : Dr .
Bright , you are here on your own time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BRIGHT : Yes .
MULLIN : Where are you currently employed ?
BRIGHT : I am in the middle of transitioning between BARTA and NIH .
MULLIN : So you accepted the reassigned position to NIH .
BRIGHT : That position is under discussion at this point .
I have not yet accepted that role .
MULLIN : Are you currently being paid ?
BRIGHT : I am currently being paid .
MULLIN : Sir , at BARTA , you make $ 285,000 .
Is that correct ?
BRIGHT : That 's true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet ?
BRIGHT : I have checked in with the NIH Director 's office and we discussed on boarding process and fingerprinting process and we had a call just last evening to discuss the framework of my responsibilities that they have envision for me at the NIH .
MULLIN : You have not reported work but you are still getting paid , correct ?
BARTA : I have sick leave since I was pushed out of my position .
I had sick leave for high blood pressure .
MULLIN : For hypertension ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ BRIGHT : Yes , I have been on medical leave , I have transitioned to annual leave .
MULLIN : What is annual leave ?
Did you inform your supervisor of coming here today ?
BRIGHT : I have not informed them of my leave status .
I had a conversation with them last night .
MULLIN : So you transferred from medical leave to vacation this week or the start of next week ?
BRIGHT : I had a conversation with my physician about my hypertension and how we have been managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been stressful to be removed without explanation from my role and position , it is a life-changing for me .
My physician have been working with me to manage my heart condition and stress and the conversation I had with him last night indicated -- MULLIN : I am kind of confused , you said you had hypertension and you are able to do this interview and able to prepare for this hearing .
You are too sick to go to work and while you are still getting paid from United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BRIGHT : Sir , I have been under medical leave .
MULLIN : I get that .
If you are too sick to do that but you can prepare for a two-hour hearing .
I am having a hard time tracking it and understanding it .
If you have hyper-tension and you are too sick to go to NIH but you did not experienced that at BARTA , right ?
BRIGHT : This has been very stressful .

Oklahoma GOP Rep. Markwayne Mullin launched into a ridiculously offensive and personal line of questioning to Dr. Bright that had literally nothing to do with COVID and was meant to discredit him, insult him and annoy him.
Dr. Bright, calm and composed, remained stoic and answered every question, showing zero emotion. I cannot say the same about me or most of Twitter, which responded with disgust. Here is a taste of Mullin's ridiculous questions:
MULLIN: Dr. Bright, you are here on your own time as individuals, is that correct?BRIGHT: Yes.
MULLIN: Where are you currently employed?
BRIGHT: I am in the middle of transitioning between BARTA and NIH.
MULLIN: So you accepted the reassigned position to NIH.
BRIGHT: That position is under discussion at this point. I have not yet accepted that role.
MULLIN: Are you currently being paid?
BRIGHT: I am currently being paid.
MULLIN: Sir, at BARTA, you make $285,000. Is that correct?
BRIGHT: That's true.
MULLIN: You reported to NIH yet?
BRIGHT: I have checked in with the NIH Director's office and we discussed on boarding process and fingerprinting process and we had a call just last evening to discuss the framework of my responsibilities that they have envision for me at the NIH.
MULLIN: You have not reported work but you are still getting paid, correct?
BARTA: I have sick leave since I was pushed out of my position. I had sick leave for high blood pressure.
MULLIN: For hypertension? So you are on medical leave.
BRIGHT: Yes, I have been on medical leave, I have transitioned to annual leave.
MULLIN: What is annual leave? Did you inform your supervisor of coming here today?
BRIGHT: I have not informed them of my leave status. I had a conversation with them last night.
MULLIN: So you transferred from medical leave to vacation this week or the start of next week?
BRIGHT: I had a conversation with my physician about my hypertension and how we have been managing it over the last three weeks because it has been stressful to be removed without explanation from my role and position, it is a life-changing for me. My physician have been working with me to manage my heart condition and stress and the conversation I had with him last night indicated --
MULLIN: I am kind of confused, you said you had hypertension and you are able to do this interview and able to prepare for this hearing. You are too sick to go to work and while you are still getting paid from United States Government, is that correct?
BRIGHT: Sir, I have been under medical leave.
MULLIN: I get that. If you are too sick to do that but you can prepare for a two-hour hearing. I am having a hard time tracking it and understanding it. If you have hyper-tension and you are too sick to go to NIH but you did not experienced that at BARTA, right?
BRIGHT: This has been very stressful.


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--How To Explain 'Unmasking' To Your Facebook Friends

This whole fake `` unmasking '' fake `` scandal '' from Hannity is easy to understand , actually .
It 's about pizza delivery guys .
There 's a US SPY in the National Security Group .
We find out about it because we are listening in on RUSSIAN SPY conversations .
The Government is not allowed to report on US Citizens except when there 's evidence that SPYING is going on .
So if RUSSIAN SPIES order a pizza , that pizza guy is not going to be put on a watch list .
But if the RUSSIAN SPIES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people like THE PRESIDENT need to know that .
That 's called `` unmasking . ''
The President gets to know the name of the US citizen AT THE PENTAGON who is trading secrets with RUSSIAN SPIES .
This protects pizza guys but `` unmasks '' US citizens who are doing SPY stuff .
Michael Flynn was CAUGHT when his voice was taped listening in on RUSSIAN SPY conversations .
This was such a huge deal that the CIA went through channels to `` unmask '' Michael Flynn , and tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make deals with RUSSIAN SPIES for natural gas stock holdings .
It was about money and giving Flynn natural gas stock in exchange for dropping sanctions by the way .
So the court says OMG yes warn the president about this US citizen because OMG and on INAUGURATION DAY Obama sits down with the new president , Trump , and one of the things he tells Trump is OMG do n't hire Michael Flynn because yeah he 's doing Russian Spy stuff .
Trump hires him anyway and he is IN CHARGE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the spy stuff catches up with him .
Now in May 2020 Donald Trump and Fox News are scared Trump might not be reelected because let 's face it -- he 's a big fat FAIL on Covid because in January he put the stock market ahead of people dying of a virus .
Easy mistake to make when you call Lou Dobbs `` The News . ''
Now Hannity rolls into action and makes `` unmasking '' which he NEVER explains what that IS but it sounds bad as some sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't .
It 's just a distraction from 88,000 dead American citizens .
The End .
[ If you want to share this with your conservative relatives on Facebook , it 's here . ]

This whole fake "unmasking" fake "scandal" from Hannity is easy to understand, actually. It's about pizza delivery guys.
There's a US SPY in the National Security Group. We find out about it because we are listening in on RUSSIAN SPY conversations.
The Government is not allowed to report on US Citizens except when there's evidence that SPYING is going on. So if RUSSIAN SPIES order a pizza, that pizza guy is not going to be put on a watch list. But if the RUSSIAN SPIES talk secrets with someone at THE PENTAGON, people like THE PRESIDENT need to know that.
That's called "unmasking." The President gets to know the name of the US citizen AT THE PENTAGON who is trading secrets with RUSSIAN SPIES. This protects pizza guys but "unmasks" US citizens who are doing SPY stuff.
Michael Flynn was CAUGHT when his voice was taped listening in on RUSSIAN SPY conversations. This was such a huge deal that the CIA went through channels to "unmask" Michael Flynn, and tell the president that there's this guy trying to make deals with RUSSIAN SPIES for natural gas stock holdings. It was about money and giving Flynn natural gas stock in exchange for dropping sanctions by the way.
So the court says OMG yes warn the president about this US citizen because OMG and on INAUGURATION DAY Obama sits down with the new president, Trump, and one of the things he tells Trump is OMG don't hire Michael Flynn because yeah he's doing Russian Spy stuff. Trump hires him anyway and he is IN CHARGE OF NATIONAL SECURITY for like 9 days before the spy stuff catches up with him.
Now in May 2020 Donald Trump and Fox News are scared Trump might not be reelected because let's face it -- he's a big fat FAIL on Covid because in January he put the stock market ahead of people dying of a virus. Easy mistake to make when you call Lou Dobbs "The News."
Now Hannity rolls into action and makes "unmasking" which he NEVER explains what that IS but it sounds bad as some sort of "Obama crime." It isn't. It's just a distraction from 88,000 dead American citizens. The End.
[If you want to share this with your conservative relatives on Facebook, it's here.]


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Trump Demands Obama Be Called To Testify, Really

Has a sitting president ever demanded a former president to be investigated ?
Many of Trump 's sycophants claim they like him because he `` breaks the mold '' and does n't follow historical norms .
Unfortunately , every mold he breaks and norm he destroys throws the country more into chaos .
And these days , chaos in the White House is literally leading to more sickness and death from COVID19 .
We are at over 83K deaths so far and climbing and Trump 's inaction and absurd `` instructions '' ( inject detergents and take hydroxychloroquine ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
Now he 's openly calling for a former president to be `` called to testify . ''
Barack Obama is to be `` investigated '' to aid him in his efforts to try and erase the stain of the Mueller probe and he 's demanding his Senate flunkies do it .
If I were a Senator or Congressman , the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA , by FAR , is former President Obama .
He knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just do it .
No more Mr. Nice Guy .
No more talk !
And SOOprise SOOprise , Lindsey Graham is not rushing to bring the extremely popular , sane , and eloquent former president to be on television to discuss Donald Trump during this election year .
If I was President Obama I would answer Mr. Hypocrite by saying : “ Donald , I would be more than happy to accompany you to any proceeding for both of us to testify under oath on any subject , to clear the air on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have .
”

Has a sitting president ever demanded a former president to be investigated?
Many of Trump's sycophants claim they like him because he "breaks the mold" and doesn't follow historical norms.
Unfortunately, every mold he breaks and norm he destroys throws the country more into chaos. And these days, chaos in the White House is literally leading to more sickness and death from COVID19. We are at over 83K deaths so far and climbing and Trump's inaction and absurd "instructions" (inject detergents and take hydroxychloroquine) has made dealing with the pandemic that much worse.
Now he's openly calling for a former president to be "called to testify." Barack Obama is to be "investigated" to aid him in his efforts to try and erase the stain of the Mueller probe and he's demanding his Senate flunkies do it.
If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama. He knew EVERYTHING. Do it @LindseyGrahamSC, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2020
And SOOprise SOOprise, Lindsey Graham is not rushing to bring the extremely popular, sane, and eloquent former president to be on television to discuss Donald Trump during this election year.
“We do have oversight of it as Congress — appropriate oversight,” Graham said. “But hauling a former president before an oversight committee, I don’t think that’s been done before. And presidentially, I’d be careful what I wish for.”https://t.co/1tm4PVHhRn — Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) May 14, 2020
“I understand President Trump’s frustration, but be careful what you wish for.”
TRANSLATING LINDSEY GRAHAM: The modern GOP cannot long tolerate exposure of the truth. — Thom Sgt (@Thom_Sgt) May 14, 2020
Lindsey knows: put @BarackObama under oath at your peril. He knows lots of things you don't want out in public. He's the thread that, once pulled, would destroy every bit of the "republican sweater".
It's coming anyway. 2020 is pure Obama v Trump. — The Faitheism Project (@TheFaitheismPro) May 14, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Trump Rejects Dr. Fauci's Caution About Schools Reopening: Students 'Are In Great Shape'

Donald Trump took issue with Dr. Fauci 's cautionary testimony about reopening schools on Tuesday , declaring his answers `` unacceptable . ''
“ I think they should open the schools , absolutely .
I think they should , ” Trump told reporters at the White House .
“ Our country ’ s got to get back and it ’ s got to get back as soon as possible .
And I don ’ t consider our country coming back if the schools are closed.
” Because of course he does n't , given that if the schools are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he will own the economy he built .
In his rant , he waved away the possibility of children becoming seriously ill , saying they `` were in great shape . ''
While acknowledging that there `` may be an incident , '' Trump was unconcerned , seeing it as `` one out of a million , '' some sort of aberration .
`` But you know , you can be driving to school and some things can happen too , '' he pointed out .
Of course it makes perfect sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compounded with the risk of a deadly virus , right ?
`` So we 've got to open our country .
We want it open , '' the man-child getting far too much attention declared .
As for Fauci 's warning to be very careful about opening schools to the virus and possibly exposing children , Trump was firm .
`` It 's just -- to me it 's not an acceptable answer , especially when it comes to schools , '' Trump said .
Well , then .
I guess it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dice with their children 's lives .
And teachers .
We ALL want things to go back to normal , but singing la-la-la while willing it wo n't make it so .

Donald Trump took issue with Dr. Fauci's cautionary testimony about reopening schools on Tuesday, declaring his answers "unacceptable."
“I think they should open the schools, absolutely. I think they should,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Our country’s got to get back and it’s got to get back as soon as possible. And I don’t consider our country coming back if the schools are closed.”
Because of course he doesn't, given that if the schools are closed, parents can't go to work and he will own the economy he built. In his rant, he waved away the possibility of children becoming seriously ill, saying they "were in great shape." While acknowledging that there "may be an incident," Trump was unconcerned, seeing it as "one out of a million," some sort of aberration.
"But you know, you can be driving to school and some things can happen too," he pointed out. Of course it makes perfect sense that the risk of driving should be compounded with the risk of a deadly virus, right?
"So we've got to open our country. We want it open," the man-child getting far too much attention declared.
As for Fauci's warning to be very careful about opening schools to the virus and possibly exposing children, Trump was firm. "It's just -- to me it's not an acceptable answer, especially when it comes to schools," Trump said.
Well, then. I guess it will be up to parents to roll the dice with their children's lives. And teachers. We ALL want things to go back to normal, but singing la-la-la while willing it won't make it so.


crooksandliars--2020-05-14--Private Jet Company Founded By Trump Donor Gets $27 Million Bailout

According to reports , Clay Lacy Aviation is about a $ 1.5 billion company that employs around 500 people .
Hershel Clay Lacy himself , the company founder , is said to be a multimillionaire , but not a billionaire .
Lacy maxed out to Trump , and gave another $ 47,000 to the RNC in 2016. Who knows how much dark money he gave .
So the gift to his company , a grant , not a loan , of $ 27 million taxpayer dollars is raising more than a few eyebrows .
A private jet company founded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly $ 27 million in government funding under a program run by the Treasury Department , according to government filings .
Clay Lacy Aviation , a private jet charter company based in Van Nuys , California , that serves wealthy executives and celebrities , received the government grant as part of the CARES Act , a $ 2 trillion federal stimulus package aimed at supporting jobs during the coronavirus crisis .
The company appears to have received the largest grant of any private jet company on the list .
The vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or loans on the list are major commercial airlines , regional carriers or support companies .
The funding is a grant rather than a loan , and doesn ’ t need to be repaid to the government .
The money is part of the CARES Act program to “ compensate aviation industry workers and preserve jobs .
Clay Lacy didn ’ t return calls for comment .
A spokesperson for the Treasury Department didn ’ t respond to a request for comment .

According to reports, Clay Lacy Aviation is about a $1.5 billion company that employs around 500 people. Hershel Clay Lacy himself, the company founder, is said to be a multimillionaire, but not a billionaire. Lacy maxed out to Trump, and gave another $47,000 to the RNC in 2016. Who knows how much dark money he gave.
So the gift to his company, a grant, not a loan, of $27 million taxpayer dollars is raising more than a few eyebrows.
Source: CNBC