crooksandliars--2020-10-06--Trending:  Kellyanne's 15-Year-Old Announces Trump Is 'Doing Badly'

Our policy here has been to leave the Conway family and daughter Claudia out of our coverage .
But let @ @ @ @ @ , officials are lying about Trump 's condition , so this seems to qualify as @ @ @ @ @ recently posted that her mom had covid and infected her .
Despite Kellyanne 's attempts @ @ @ @ @ was right .
Since they 're quarantined together , they 're obviously talking .
Last @ @ @ @ @ a TikTok thread that contrary to reports , `` apparently he is doing badly lol @ @ @ @ @ they can to stabilize him . ''
Kellyanne , of course , is furious that @ @ @ @ @ 15-year-old daughter has said .
But maybe she should keep confidential information confidential , instead @ @ @ @ @ front of her kid ?
Just a thought .

Our policy here has been to leave the Conway family and daughter Claudia out of our coverage. But let's face it: Clearly, officials are lying about Trump's condition, so this seems to qualify as actual news.
Claudia Conway recently posted that her mom had covid and infected her. Despite Kellyanne's attempts to deny it, she was right. Since they're quarantined together, they're obviously talking.
Claudia & I are faring well in quarantine. Everyone else is negative
I had 3 tests on Friday: 1 negative (saliva) 1 pos (rapid), 1 pos (PCR, most accurate)
As soon as dr confirmed positive, I told my family & then went public pic.twitter.com/0NLDhiHrHo — Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) October 6, 2020
Last night, Claudia commented on a TikTok thread that contrary to reports, "apparently he is doing badly lol and they are doing what they can to stabilize him."
Claudia Conway daughter of Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway, reports Trump is not doing "better" with #COVID19 despite recent Trump photo-ops and return to the White House.
Adding reports that she is #COVID19 positive thanks to her mom exposing her to it and lying about it. pic.twitter.com/Q1ExoT3hMO — Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) October 5, 2020
Kellyanne, of course, is furious that people are repeating what her 15-year-old daughter has said. But maybe she should keep confidential information confidential, instead of talking about it in front of her kid? Just a thought.
My daughter, Claudia, is beautiful & brilliant. She has access to top doctors & health care & lives comfortably
Like all of you, she speculates on social media
Yet she’s 15
You are adults
We have COVID, but it’s clear who’s really sick — Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) October 6, 2020
The real dish:
The debate around the coverage of Claudia Conway is interesting considering Kellyanne is literally putting out messages via her daughter’s Tiktok. Here you can hear her instructing Claudia what to say via TikTok... pic.twitter.com/E37ZfuRx0M — Ben Goggin (@BenjaminGoggin) October 6, 2020
In the next video Kellyanne proceeds to yell at Claudia Conway for a previous post pic.twitter.com/HFguiYoNJM — Ben Goggin (@BenjaminGoggin) October 6, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-10-06--Michelle Obama Makes The Most Powerful Speech About Racism You'll Ever Hear

Michelle Obama makes an impassioned 24-minute argument for voting for Joe Biden in a video released this morning , reminding Americans exactly what 's at stake .
`` Because let 's be honest right now , our country is in chaos because of a president who is n't up to the job and if we want to regain any kind of stability , we 've got to ensure that every eligible voter is informed and engaged in this election because the stakes are on display every day -- not just in the headlines but in our families , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about racism that she was at her most powerful .
She said as a black woman who has always done her best , like most people of color , `` to live a life of dignity and service and honesty .
The knowledge that any of my fellow Americans is more afraid of me than the chaos we are living through right now -- well , that hurts . ''
`` I want everyone who is still undecided to think about all those folks like me and my ancestors , the moms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bone to raise their kids right , the teenagers who wear hoodies while working hard to get their diplomas .
The millions of folks who look like me and fought and died and toiled as slaves and soldiers and laborers to help build this country .
`` Put yourselves in our shoes for just a moment , imagine how it feels to wake up every day and do your very best to uphold the values that this country claims to hold dear like truth , honor , decency -- only to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just by your fellow citizens but by a sitting president .
Imagine how it feels to have suspicion cast on you from the day you were born , simply because of the hue of your skin .
`` To walk around your own country scared that someone 's unjustified fear of you could put you in harm 's way , terrified of what four more years of this kind of division might mean for the safety of you and those you love , living with the knowledge that no matter how hard we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world , there will be far too many who will never see our humanity , who will project on us their own fears of retribution for centuries of injustice and thus only see us as a threat to be restrained . ''
She said racism , fear , and division are powerful weapons `` and they can destroy this nation if we do n't deal with them head on . ''
`` So I want to ask every single American no matter what party you normally vote for , to please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the news , think about how you felt over these last four years , how quickly things have turned , and then thing about what the next four years could mean for our country 's future . ''
She asked voters to think about what would compel them to accept this chaos , and be willing to watch the country spiral out of control .
`` Because we can no longer pretend that we do n't know exactly who and what this president stands for .
Search your hearts and your conscience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like your lives depend on it . ''

Michelle Obama makes an impassioned 24-minute argument for voting for Joe Biden in a video released this morning, reminding Americans exactly what's at stake.
"Because let's be honest right now, our country is in chaos because of a president who isn't up to the job and if we want to regain any kind of stability, we've got to ensure that every eligible voter is informed and engaged in this election because the stakes are on display every day -- not just in the headlines but in our families," she said.
But it was when she talked about racism that she was at her most powerful.
She said as a black woman who has always done her best, like most people of color, "to live a life of dignity and service and honesty. The knowledge that any of my fellow Americans is more afraid of me than the chaos we are living through right now -- well, that hurts."
She appealed for empathy.
"I want everyone who is still undecided to think about all those folks like me and my ancestors, the moms and dads who worked their fingers to the bone to raise their kids right, the teenagers who wear hoodies while working hard to get their diplomas. The millions of folks who look like me and fought and died and toiled as slaves and soldiers and laborers to help build this country.
"Put yourselves in our shoes for just a moment, imagine how it feels to wake up every day and do your very best to uphold the values that this country claims to hold dear like truth, honor, decency -- only to have those efforts met by scorn, not just by your fellow citizens but by a sitting president. Imagine how it feels to have suspicion cast on you from the day you were born, simply because of the hue of your skin.
"To walk around your own country scared that someone's unjustified fear of you could put you in harm's way, terrified of what four more years of this kind of division might mean for the safety of you and those you love, living with the knowledge that no matter how hard we try, how much good we do in the world, there will be far too many who will never see our humanity, who will project on us their own fears of retribution for centuries of injustice and thus only see us as a threat to be restrained."
She said racism, fear, and division are powerful weapons "and they can destroy this nation if we don't deal with them head on."
"So I want to ask every single American no matter what party you normally vote for, to please take a moment to pause. Click off the news, think about how you felt over these last four years, how quickly things have turned, and then thing about what the next four years could mean for our country's future."
She asked voters to think about what would compel them to accept this chaos, and be willing to watch the country spiral out of control.
"Because we can no longer pretend that we don't know exactly who and what this president stands for. Search your hearts and your conscience, and then vote for Joe Biden like your lives depend on it."
Beautiful. Powerful. Persuasive. Watch the whole thing.


crooksandliars--2020-10-06--Joe Biden Promises He Would Make Roe V. Wade 'Law Of The Land'

Former Vice President Joe Biden has said he 'll move to protect abortion rights if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade , the historic decision that protected a woman 's right to have an abortion .
The Democratic presidential nominee told an NBC News town hall in Miami on Monday that if the historic ruling on abortion is overturned , his `` only response to that is pass legislation making Roe the law of the land .
That 's what I would do . ''
That 's the Democratic position , but Eli Mystal explains why it wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not that the codification of Roe is a poorly thought out plan , it just fails to recognize how deeply the Court has already pre-judged the issue .
Senator Kamala Harris , whose thoughts about this are clearly the most developed among the Democratic candidates , explained that her codification of Roe would include a “ pre-clearance ” scheme that required the states to get permission from the federal government before changing its laws on abortions or access to them .
It ’ s a great plan .
Pre-clearance worked fantastically when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Act .
I say “ was ” because John Roberts totally nuked pre-clearance in 2013 in Shelby County v. Holder .
The whole point of that disastrous decision was so Roberts could declare victory over racism and rule that pre-clearance was unconstitutional .
During his run , Biden has also reversed his long-standing opposition to federal abortion funding via the Hyde Amendment .
If Mystal is right , can reversing the law keep SCOTUS from claiming religious grounds prevent the use of tax dollars for abortion ?
No , we 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional seats .
It will be quite a fight , but it will have to be done .
It wo n't just be abortion that this court obstructs .

Via Newsweek:
Former Vice President Joe Biden has said he'll move to protect abortion rights if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade, the historic decision that protected a woman's right to have an abortion. The Democratic presidential nominee told an NBC News town hall in Miami on Monday that if the historic ruling on abortion is overturned, his "only response to that is pass legislation making Roe the law of the land. That's what I would do."
That's the Democratic position, but Eli Mystal explains why it won't matter:
Again, it’s not that the codification of Roe is a poorly thought out plan, it just fails to recognize how deeply the Court has already pre-judged the issue. Senator Kamala Harris, whose thoughts about this are clearly the most developed among the Democratic candidates, explained that her codification of Roe would include a “pre-clearance” scheme that required the states to get permission from the federal government before changing its laws on abortions or access to them. It’s a great plan. Pre-clearance worked fantastically when it was a part of the Voting Rights Act. I say “was” because John Roberts totally nuked pre-clearance in 2013 in Shelby County v. Holder. The whole point of that disastrous decision was so Roberts could declare victory over racism and rule that pre-clearance was unconstitutional.
During his run, Biden has also reversed his long-standing opposition to federal abortion funding via the Hyde Amendment. If Mystal is right, can reversing the law keep SCOTUS from claiming religious grounds prevent the use of tax dollars for abortion?
No, we're going to have to reform SCOTUS and add additional seats. It will be quite a fight, but it will have to be done. It won't just be abortion that this court obstructs.


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--Trump’s COVID Incompetence Jeopardizes Full Functioning Of The Press

[ O ] ver the past week , the exasperation has hit a crescendo .
Even after President Donald Trump and several of his top aides tested positive for the virus , the White House still declined to adopt many of the rudimentary health guidelines it recommends to the public .
Kayleigh McEnany , the White House press secretary who announced Monday that she had tested positive for the coronavirus , spoke to reporters without a mask just the day before .
Alyssa Farah , the White House communications director , also spoke on Sunday to reporters without wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meadows , the White House chief of staff , spoke with reporters without a mask .
… `` It 's not a safe place to work and has n't been in a long time , '' said a third reporter .
`` They do n't wear masks .
They clearly have n't cared as much as they should have for seven months -- large meetings , large rallies , large everything .
No masks on planes .
Inconsistent testing .
Every life reliant on a rapid testing system that does n't really work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us for pointing that out repeatedly . ''
There ’ s no doubt the White House behavior is stunningly reckless and inexcusable .
I sympathize with the reporters who feel the White House Correspondents Association ’ s response has been way too meek , as the article later discusses .
But as awful as it is to be endangering reporters ’ lives , the malfeasance is another way that Trump is endangering our democracy .
Whether deliberate or not , putting reporters ’ lives at risk also puts reporting and the public 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from CNN : '' I felt safer reporting in North Korea than I currently do at the White House , '' tweeted another reporter , Ben Tracy of CBS News .
`` This is just crazy . ''
One reporter who spoke to CNN Business expressed worry about being at the White House and traveling with the President even after he recovers , given how the last week has exposed the White House 's lack of transparency on the coronavirus .
`` Before this happened you could trust that we are getting tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being tested so we will probably be fine , '' the reporter said .
`` This last week makes you wonder if that 's actually the case .
I have faith that one way or the other , reporters will continue to cover the White House .
But how far they will be hampered by concerns for their own health and safety is another question .
Worse , almost the entire federal government has been hobbled thanks to Trump ’ s failures .
The White House has become a coronavirus hotspot , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest victim .
CNN described the West Wing as “ largely vacant because staffers keep testing positive.
” On top of that , Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , along with several members of the Pentagon 's senior leadership are quarantining after a top Coast Guard official tested positive for coronavirus .
Three Republican senators have also tested positive .
It seems like every hour , another senior level official has tested positive and/or is in quarantine .
And now it may be harder to know just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s too dangerous for reporters to go to the White House , too .

CNN spoke to nine White House correspondents:
[O]ver the past week, the exasperation has hit a crescendo. Even after President Donald Trump and several of his top aides tested positive for the virus, the White House still declined to adopt many of the rudimentary health guidelines it recommends to the public. Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary who announced Monday that she had tested positive for the coronavirus, spoke to reporters without a mask just the day before. Alyssa Farah, the White House communications director, also spoke on Sunday to reporters without wearing a mask. And last week, Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, spoke with reporters without a mask.
… "It's not a safe place to work and hasn't been in a long time," said a third reporter. "They don't wear masks. They clearly haven't cared as much as they should have for seven months -- large meetings, large rallies, large everything. No masks on planes. Inconsistent testing. Every life reliant on a rapid testing system that doesn't really work. And they have mocked and attacked us for pointing that out repeatedly."
There’s no doubt the White House behavior is stunningly reckless and inexcusable. I sympathize with the reporters who feel the White House Correspondents Association’s response has been way too meek, as the article later discusses.
But as awful as it is to be endangering reporters’ lives, the malfeasance is another way that Trump is endangering our democracy. Whether deliberate or not, putting reporters’ lives at risk also puts reporting and the public's right to know at risk. More from CNN:
"I felt safer reporting in North Korea than I currently do at the White House," tweeted another reporter, Ben Tracy of CBS News. "This is just crazy." One reporter who spoke to CNN Business expressed worry about being at the White House and traveling with the President even after he recovers, given how the last week has exposed the White House's lack of transparency on the coronavirus. "Before this happened you could trust that we are getting tested and the President and his aides are being tested so we will probably be fine," the reporter said. "This last week makes you wonder if that's actually the case.
I have faith that one way or the other, reporters will continue to cover the White House. But how far they will be hampered by concerns for their own health and safety is another question.
Worse, almost the entire federal government has been hobbled thanks to Trump’s failures. The White House has become a coronavirus hotspot, with senior policy adviser Stephen Miller as its latest victim. CNN described the West Wing as “largely vacant because staffers keep testing positive.”
On top of that, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with several members of the Pentagon's senior leadership are quarantining after a top Coast Guard official tested positive for coronavirus.
Three Republican senators have also tested positive. It seems like every hour, another senior level official has tested positive and/or is in quarantine.
And now it may be harder to know just how bad it is because it’s too dangerous for reporters to go to the White House, too.


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--IRS: Sorry, But It’s Just Easier And Cheaper To Audit The Poor

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom .
Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox .
The IRS audits the working poor at about the same rate as the wealthiest 1 % .
Now , in response to questions from a U.S. senator , the IRS has acknowledged that ’ s true but professes it can ’ t change anything unless it is given more money .
ProPublica reported the disproportionate audit focus on lower-income families in April .
Lawmakers confronted IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig about the emphasis , citing our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-Ore. , asked Rettig for a plan to fix the imbalance .
Rettig readily agreed .
Last month , Rettig replied with a report , but it said the IRS has no plan and won ’ t have one until Congress agrees to restore the funding it slashed from the agency over the past nine years — something lawmakers have shown little inclination to do .
On the one hand , the IRS said , auditing poor taxpayers is a lot easier : The agency uses relatively low-level employees to audit returns for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax credit .
The audits — of which there were about 380,000 last year , accounting for 39 % of the total the IRS conducted — are done by mail and don ’ t take too much staff time , either .
They are “ the most efficient use of available IRS examination resources , ” Rettig ’ s report says .
On the other hand , auditing the rich is hard .
It takes senior auditors hours upon hours to complete an exam .
What ’ s more , the letter says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly higher among these more experienced examiners.
” As a result , the budget cuts have hit this part of the IRS particularly hard .
For now , the IRS says , while it agrees auditing more wealthy taxpayers would be a good idea , without adequate funding there ’ s nothing it can do .
“ Congress must fund and the IRS must hire and train appropriate numbers of [ auditors ] to have appropriately balanced coverage across all income levels , ” the report said .
Since 2011 , Republicans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement budget ; it ’ s more than a quarter lower than its 2010 level , adjusting for inflation .
Recently , bipartisan support has emerged in both the House and Senate for increasing enforcement spending , but the proposals on the table are relatively modest and would not restore the budget to pre-cut levels .
However , even a proposed small increase might not come to pass , because it ’ s unclear whether Congress will actually pass any appropriations bills this year .
In response to Rettig ’ s letter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IRS needs more money , “ but that does not eliminate the need for the agency to begin reversing the alarming trend of plummeting audit rates of the wealthy within its current budget .
”

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
by Paul Kiel, ProPublica
The IRS audits the working poor at about the same rate as the wealthiest 1%. Now, in response to questions from a U.S. senator, the IRS has acknowledged that’s true but professes it can’t change anything unless it is given more money.
ProPublica reported the disproportionate audit focus on lower-income families in April. Lawmakers confronted IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig about the emphasis, citing our stories, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asked Rettig for a plan to fix the imbalance. Rettig readily agreed.
Last month, Rettig replied with a report, but it said the IRS has no plan and won’t have one until Congress agrees to restore the funding it slashed from the agency over the past nine years — something lawmakers have shown little inclination to do.
On the one hand, the IRS said, auditing poor taxpayers is a lot easier: The agency uses relatively low-level employees to audit returns for low-income taxpayers who claim the earned income tax credit. The audits — of which there were about 380,000 last year, accounting for 39% of the total the IRS conducted — are done by mail and don’t take too much staff time, either. They are “the most efficient use of available IRS examination resources,” Rettig’s report says.
On the other hand, auditing the rich is hard. It takes senior auditors hours upon hours to complete an exam. What’s more, the letter says, “the rate of attrition is significantly higher among these more experienced examiners.” As a result, the budget cuts have hit this part of the IRS particularly hard.
For now, the IRS says, while it agrees auditing more wealthy taxpayers would be a good idea, without adequate funding there’s nothing it can do. “Congress must fund and the IRS must hire and train appropriate numbers of [auditors] to have appropriately balanced coverage across all income levels,” the report said.
Since 2011, Republicans in Congress have driven cuts to the IRS enforcement budget; it’s more than a quarter lower than its 2010 level, adjusting for inflation.
Recently, bipartisan support has emerged in both the House and Senate for increasing enforcement spending, but the proposals on the table are relatively modest and would not restore the budget to pre-cut levels. However, even a proposed small increase might not come to pass, because it’s unclear whether Congress will actually pass any appropriations bills this year.
In response to Rettig’s letter, Wyden agreed in a statement that the IRS needs more money, “but that does not eliminate the need for the agency to begin reversing the alarming trend of plummeting audit rates of the wealthy within its current budget.”


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--Mandy Patinkin And Kathryn Grody Warn What Happens If You Don't Vote

Described by the Forward as `` everybody 's favorite Jewish parents , at least on Twitter , '' the pair released another winner of a video today , urging people to get out there and vote .
The video went immediately viral , and it should have .
The two are civic-minded , but they ’ re also actors , so they have been known to let their emotions get the better of them .
A new ad pushing out the vote plays on their considerable passion for informative laughs .
Mandy begins with stentorian narration , spelling out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ominous music drones behind him amid scenes of chaos and stills of establishment Republicans .
Then , Grody corrects course , urging a more moderate tone .
She suggests that the political temperature is too hot these days , and gently tells viewers to vote for senators and local candidates as well “ I understand Biden may not be everyone ’ s ideal candidate , but you know what ?
He is human and decent and kind , and guess what ?
People voted for him , so that ’ s democracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litany of issues — from the Supreme Court and immigration and finally racial justice and climate change — get her to lose her cool .

Described by the Forward as "everybody's favorite Jewish parents, at least on Twitter," the pair released another winner of a video today, urging people to get out there and vote. The video went immediately viral, and it should have.
Source: Forward
The two are civic-minded, but they’re also actors, so they have been known to let their emotions get the better of them. A new ad pushing out the vote plays on their considerable passion for informative laughs. Mandy begins with stentorian narration, spelling out the high stakes of the November 3 election as ominous music drones behind him amid scenes of chaos and stills of establishment Republicans.
Then, Grody corrects course, urging a more moderate tone. She suggests that the political temperature is too hot these days, and gently tells viewers to vote for senators and local candidates as well
“I understand Biden may not be everyone’s ideal candidate, but you know what? He is human and decent and kind, and guess what? People voted for him, so that’s democracy,” Grody says.
Naturally the litany of issues — from the Supreme Court and immigration and finally racial justice and climate change — get her to lose her cool.


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--Elizabeth Warren And Katie Porter Discuss Donald Trump's Taxes

`` Everybody needs to help everybody get out the vote in any way they can , cause come November , @ @ @ @ @ is just the beginning , ” Grody said .
“ We are gon na have @ @ @ @ @ for a very long time and we [ ... ]

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


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--WATCH LIVE:  Kamala Harris Debates Mike Pence In Vice-Presidential Debate

Why have Carly Fiorina on to `` endorse Biden '' when she said she would vote for him back in @ @


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--Susan Collins Accuses Sara Gideon Of 'Defaming My Reputation And Attacking My Integrity'

Whiny , petulant , entitled .
That 's Susan Collins in a nutshell .
You can do so much better than this , Maine .
Susan Collins generally keeps an even keel .
But she ’ s had it with Sara Gideon .
“ She will say or do anything to try to win , ” Collins said when asked of her opponent during a wide-ranging 30-minute interview in her Capitol quarters last week .
“ This race is built on a foundation of falsehoods .
And trying to convince the people of Maine that somehow I am no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t done as she accused Gideon of “ defaming my reputation and attacking my integrity ” in their increasingly nasty race .
For good measure , the Maine Republican added that Gideon ’ s campaign was being run as an arm of Chuck Schumer ’ s Washington operation , scolded Gideon , the statehouse speaker , for not reconvening the legislature amid the pandemic and challenged Gideon ’ s handling of a sexual misconduct scandal .
Perhaps most pointedly , she suggested that Gideon is from away — a serious charge in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at outsiders .
“ I grew up in Caribou , I ’ ve lived in Bangor for 26 years .
My family ’ s been in Maine for generations .
She ’ s been in Maine for about 15 years and lives in Freeport , ” Collins said acidly of Gideon , who was born and raised in Rhode Island .
“ That 's a big difference in our knowledge of the state .
”

Whiny, petulant, entitled. That's Susan Collins in a nutshell. You can do so much better than this, Maine.
Source: Politico
Susan Collins generally keeps an even keel. But she’s had it with Sara Gideon.
“She will say or do anything to try to win,” Collins said when asked of her opponent during a wide-ranging 30-minute interview in her Capitol quarters last week. “This race is built on a foundation of falsehoods. And trying to convince the people of Maine that somehow I am no longer the same person.”
Collins wasn’t done as she accused Gideon of “defaming my reputation and attacking my integrity” in their increasingly nasty race. For good measure, the Maine Republican added that Gideon’s campaign was being run as an arm of Chuck Schumer’s Washington operation, scolded Gideon, the statehouse speaker, for not reconvening the legislature amid the pandemic and challenged Gideon’s handling of a sexual misconduct scandal.
Perhaps most pointedly, she suggested that Gideon is from away — a serious charge in a state that can turn its nose up at outsiders.
“I grew up in Caribou, I’ve lived in Bangor for 26 years. My family’s been in Maine for generations. She’s been in Maine for about 15 years and lives in Freeport,” Collins said acidly of Gideon, who was born and raised in Rhode Island. “That's a big difference in our knowledge of the state.”


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--To Distract From Dad's Meltdown, Don Junior Claims 'Nancy Pelosi Has Drug Problem'

The most myopic son of any president ever joined Fox and Friends this morning and tried to castigate House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for having `` substance abuse issues . ''
It 's publicly acknowledged that Trump has been on a super cocktail of coronavirus drugs , and it 's obviously public that he himself suddenly ended negotiations for new a stimulus package .
He did so on Twitter .
Not a secret .
` Steve Doocy told Trump Jr. that Speaker Pelosi thought Trump was exhibiting some roid rage by abruptly ending the talks as he did .
`` Yeah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues according to the press and according to the media so I wo n't get into that . ''
said they guy whose eyes were so watery during the RNC that `` cocaine '' was trending on Twitter .
Say what ?
He just did `` get into it . ''
And where has any mention of Pelosi having drug issues ever happened ?
Is Junior projecting about his own issues ?
As I said , he 's been battered on social media for some of his appearances where he looks hopped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don Jr 's people let it be known that HE wanted an intervention for his dad as late as two DAYS ago , prompted by the so-called president 's `` joy ride '' around Walter Reed .
Fox did n't ask him about that .

The most myopic son of any president ever joined Fox and Friends this morning and tried to castigate House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for having "substance abuse issues."
Hey Don, your father's roid-rage tweets crashed the stock markets.
It's publicly acknowledged that Trump has been on a super cocktail of coronavirus drugs, and it's obviously public that he himself suddenly ended negotiations for new a stimulus package. He did so on Twitter. Not a secret.
`
Steve Doocy told Trump Jr. that Speaker Pelosi thought Trump was exhibiting some roid rage by abruptly ending the talks as he did.
"Yeah well, Nancy has her own substance issues according to the press and according to the media so I won't get into that." said they guy whose eyes were so watery during the RNC that "cocaine" was trending on Twitter.
Say what? He just did "get into it."
And where has any mention of Pelosi having drug issues ever happened?
Is Junior projecting about his own issues? As I said, he's been battered on social media for some of his appearances where he looks hopped up on something.
#DonJr is saying #NancyPelosi has substance issues.
This is classic #projection.
Next he'll be saying that Pelosi hires tour guides to hold exotic wild animals still while she "hunts" them or that #KimberlyGuilfoyle puts a saddle on her and then rides her around the apartment. pic.twitter.com/dXxzNxBx30 — 🎼🎤🎵Purple Hayes🎵🎤🎼 (@RutherfordRocks) October 7, 2020
Don't forget that Don Jr's people let it be known that HE wanted an intervention for his dad as late as two DAYS ago, prompted by the so-called president's "joy ride" around Walter Reed.
Fox didn't ask him about that.
Don Jr. has told friends that he tried lobbying Ivanka, Eric, and Kushner to convince the prez that he needs to stop acting unstable. “Don Jr. wants to stage an intervention, but Jared and Ivanka keep telling Trump how great he’s doing,” a source said. https://t.co/8X5htC28XH — Kimberley Johnson (@AuthorKimberley) October 5, 2020
Frances Langum contributed to this post.


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--Right-Wing Rittenhouse Narrative Obscures The Disturbing Reality About Kenosha Protest Tragedy

The right-wing narrative around Kyle Rittenhouse , the 17-year-old Illinois teen who shot three people at a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha , Wisconsin , in August—two fatally—has constructed an image of a crowd of violent rioters threatening a frightened boy who was only motivated by patriotic values and defended himself rightfully .
Even the Department of Homeland Security has pushed this narrative by directing public comments by its officials to follow this storyline with prearranged talking points .
However , a thorough and balanced investigation of the tragedy by Robert Klemko and Greg Jaffe at the Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is far more complex and troubling in what it reveals about the rush to condemn the victims and exonerate Rittenhouse : The teenager had no business carrying a semiautomatic rifle in Kenosha , and only after he had shot and killed two people was he ever threatened with lethal force .
The ardent defense of Rittenhouse—who faces murder charges in the shootings—has been generated and widely spread on both mainstream right-wing media such as Fox News , as well as on right-wing social media , where the claim that he acted purely in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself has reflected this narrative in his public remarks .
“ That was an interesting situation , ” he told a rally in Kenosha .
“ You saw the same tape as I saw .
And he was trying to get away from them .
I guess it looks like he fell and then they very violently attacked him .
And it was something that we ’ re looking at right now , and it ’ s under investigation .
But I guess he was in very big trouble .
He would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s under investigation . ''
The praise for Rittenhouse has become fulsome—and , as Shane Burley at NBC News points out , it ’ s become an official GOP talking point , with consequences for the 2020 election .
In Waukesha County , Wisconsin , a gathering of Republicans gave his mother a standing ovation .
At Arizona State University in Tempe , a Republican student group held a fundraiser for his legal defense .
Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky praised Rittenhouse : “ He also exhibited incredible restraint and presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t empty a magazine into a crowd .
There were people around him who could have caused him harm , but as soon as they showed any sign of retreat or nonaggression , he did not shoot them .
He exhibited more restraint than a lot of the police videos I ’ ve seen.
” “ He ’ s a patriot , he was protecting people , '' said a Trump supporter who attended the rally in Kenosha on September 1 .
`` The people out there are trying to make him look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s bad .
He killed two people , that ’ s bad , I understand that .
But that ’ s our right as American people , to protect ourselves , right ?
” NBC News ’ Julia Ainsley reported late last week that DHS officials were given talking points instructing them to support this narrative in their public comments , notably the claim that Rittenhouse `` took his rifle to the scene of the rioting to help defend small business owners . ''
Wisconsin law prohibits people younger than 18 from carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Moreover , not only was Rittenhouse not from Kenosha and knew none of the businessmen there whose property he ostensibly was protecting , but according to the complaint filed by Kenosha County prosecutors in the case , the gun used by Rittenhouse was not his own but had been obtained from an acquaintance in Wisconsin .
The DHS document suggests that department officials note that Rittenhouse `` took his rifle to the scene of the rioting to help defend small business owners . ''
If officials are asked about Rittenhouse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ongoing investigation , with the addendum that “ what I will say is that Rittenhouse , just like everyone else in America , is innocent until proven guilty and deserves a fair trial based on all the facts , not just the ones that support a certain narrative .
This is why we try the accused in the court of law , not the star chamber of public opinion.
” • `` Kyle was seen being chased and attacked by rioters before allegedly shooting three of them , killing two . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing that there were 'multiple gunmen ' involved , which would lend more credence to the self-defense claims . ''
The purpose of this simplistic—and factually wrong or distorted—narrative is to promote the larger right-wing narrative creating a bogeyman of a supposed “ violent left ” comprised of Black Lives Matter and antifa , while erasing the reality of a growing army of violent right-wing thugs directing their heavily armed ire at these concocted enemies .
And it falls apart in the context of the reality of the tragedy—with its complications and nuances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rittenhouse ’ s rampage—as the Washington Post piece explores in sobering detail .
The first reality check involves Rittenhouse ’ s first victim , 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum , widely reviled on right-wing social media—including the Twitter account of pseudo-journalist Andy Ngo , who immediately broadcast his prison record and status as a sex offender—as apparently worthy of death because of his long prison record and his convictions at age 18 for molesting children .
However , Rosenbaum was not connected in any way to either Black Lives Matter or antifa .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who had only been released two hours beforehand from the hospital on mental-health orders after a suicide attempt .
No one has any clear idea why he wandered over to the protest and began harassing militia members , including Rittenhouse , and then followed him down the street , shouting .
Nor did Rosenbaum hurl a Molotov cocktail at Rittenhouse , as the latter ’ s defenders initially claimed .
In fact , as their confrontation reached its climax , Rosenbaum had thrown a clear plastic bag containing a deodorant stick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , and then reached for his gun in an attempt to disarm him .
Rittenhouse responded by shooting him three times , killing him .
The second victim , Anthony Huber , 26 , similarly had no connections to BLM or antifa , and was attending only his second protest .
When Rittenhouse stumbled and fell to the ground as he was fleeing the scene of the first shooting , Huber tried to disarm him by using his skateboard as a weapon , swinging at Rittenhouse ’ s shoulder while reaching for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to recover first and shot him with a single lethal round to the chest .
The only victim who posed a lethal threat to Rittenhouse was the third man , 26-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz , who had participated in multiple protests and was carrying both a medic ’ s kit and a handgun—which he had out as he was approaching Rittenhouse still on the ground and fending off Huber .
Rittenhouse turned to Grosskreutz and shot him in the right arm .
There was nothing heroic about Kyle Rittenhouse ’ s actions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American right has become to spin its eliminationist narrative , one justifying the murder of protesters and leftists .
This is a story the right keeps telling in one new version after the other , and will no doubt keep doing so as the body count piles up .

The right-wing narrative around Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old Illinois teen who shot three people at a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August—two fatally—has constructed an image of a crowd of violent rioters threatening a frightened boy who was only motivated by patriotic values and defended himself rightfully. Even the Department of Homeland Security has pushed this narrative by directing public comments by its officials to follow this storyline with prearranged talking points.
However, a thorough and balanced investigation of the tragedy by Robert Klemko and Greg Jaffe at the Washington Post reveals the truth, which as always is far more complex and troubling in what it reveals about the rush to condemn the victims and exonerate Rittenhouse: The teenager had no business carrying a semiautomatic rifle in Kenosha, and only after he had shot and killed two people was he ever threatened with lethal force.
The ardent defense of Rittenhouse—who faces murder charges in the shootings—has been generated and widely spread on both mainstream right-wing media such as Fox News, as well as on right-wing social media, where the claim that he acted purely in self-defense is a foregone conclusion. Trump himself has reflected this narrative in his public remarks.
“That was an interesting situation,” he told a rally in Kenosha. “You saw the same tape as I saw. And he was trying to get away from them. I guess it looks like he fell and then they very violently attacked him. And it was something that we’re looking at right now, and it’s under investigation. But I guess he was in very big trouble. He would have been—probably would have been killed, but it’s under investigation."
The praise for Rittenhouse has become fulsome—and, as Shane Burley at NBC News points out, it’s become an official GOP talking point, with consequences for the 2020 election. In Waukesha County, Wisconsin, a gathering of Republicans gave his mother a standing ovation. At Arizona State University in Tempe, a Republican student group held a fundraiser for his legal defense. Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky praised Rittenhouse: “He also exhibited incredible restraint and presence and situational awareness. He didn’t empty a magazine into a crowd. There were people around him who could have caused him harm, but as soon as they showed any sign of retreat or nonaggression, he did not shoot them. He exhibited more restraint than a lot of the police videos I’ve seen.”
“He’s a patriot, he was protecting people," said a Trump supporter who attended the rally in Kenosha on September 1. "The people out there are trying to make him look bad. He shot some people—that’s bad. He killed two people, that’s bad, I understand that. But that’s our right as American people, to protect ourselves, right?”
NBC News’ Julia Ainsley reported late last week that DHS officials were given talking points instructing them to support this narrative in their public comments, notably the claim that Rittenhouse "took his rifle to the scene of the rioting to help defend small business owners."
Wisconsin law prohibits people younger than 18 from carrying semiautomatic rifles or having them transferred to them. Moreover, not only was Rittenhouse not from Kenosha and knew none of the businessmen there whose property he ostensibly was protecting, but according to the complaint filed by Kenosha County prosecutors in the case, the gun used by Rittenhouse was not his own but had been obtained from an acquaintance in Wisconsin.
The DHS document suggests that department officials note that Rittenhouse "took his rifle to the scene of the rioting to help defend small business owners." If officials are asked about Rittenhouse, it recommends they first decline comment on an ongoing investigation, with the addendum that “what I will say is that Rittenhouse, just like everyone else in America, is innocent until proven guilty and deserves a fair trial based on all the facts, not just the ones that support a certain narrative. This is why we try the accused in the court of law, not the star chamber of public opinion.”
Other talking points:
"Kyle was seen being chased and attacked by rioters before allegedly shooting three of them, killing two."
"Subsequent video has emerged reportedly showing that there were 'multiple gunmen' involved, which would lend more credence to the self-defense claims."
The purpose of this simplistic—and factually wrong or distorted—narrative is to promote the larger right-wing narrative creating a bogeyman of a supposed “violent left” comprised of Black Lives Matter and antifa, while erasing the reality of a growing army of violent right-wing thugs directing their heavily armed ire at these concocted enemies. And it falls apart in the context of the reality of the tragedy—with its complications and nuances, along with the cold hard facts of Rittenhouse’s rampage—as the Washington Post piece explores in sobering detail.
The first reality check involves Rittenhouse’s first victim, 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum, widely reviled on right-wing social media—including the Twitter account of pseudo-journalist Andy Ngo, who immediately broadcast his prison record and status as a sex offender—as apparently worthy of death because of his long prison record and his convictions at age 18 for molesting children.
However, Rosenbaum was not connected in any way to either Black Lives Matter or antifa. In reality, he was a mentally ill man who had only been released two hours beforehand from the hospital on mental-health orders after a suicide attempt. No one has any clear idea why he wandered over to the protest and began harassing militia members, including Rittenhouse, and then followed him down the street, shouting.
Nor did Rosenbaum hurl a Molotov cocktail at Rittenhouse, as the latter’s defenders initially claimed. In fact, as their confrontation reached its climax, Rosenbaum had thrown a clear plastic bag containing a deodorant stick, underwear and socks at Rittenhouse, missing him, and then reached for his gun in an attempt to disarm him. Rittenhouse responded by shooting him three times, killing him.
The second victim, Anthony Huber, 26, similarly had no connections to BLM or antifa, and was attending only his second protest. When Rittenhouse stumbled and fell to the ground as he was fleeing the scene of the first shooting, Huber tried to disarm him by using his skateboard as a weapon, swinging at Rittenhouse’s shoulder while reaching for the gun. However, Rittenhouse was able to recover first and shot him with a single lethal round to the chest.
The only victim who posed a lethal threat to Rittenhouse was the third man, 26-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz, who had participated in multiple protests and was carrying both a medic’s kit and a handgun—which he had out as he was approaching Rittenhouse still on the ground and fending off Huber. Rittenhouse turned to Grosskreutz and shot him in the right arm.
There was nothing heroic about Kyle Rittenhouse’s actions that night, no matter how desperate the American right has become to spin its eliminationist narrative, one justifying the murder of protesters and leftists. This is a story the right keeps telling in one new version after the other, and will no doubt keep doing so as the body count piles up.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--Former CDC Head: Pandemic Is 'A Slaughter,' Tells Redfield To Expose Trump Interference

A former CDC director and public health expert who led the eradication of smallpox asked the current CDC leader to expose the incompetent coronavirus response .
He advised him to orchestrate his own firing to protest White House interference .
Via USAToday : Dr. William Foege , a renowned epidemiologist who served under Democratic and Republican presidents , detailed in a private letter he sent last month to CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield his alarm over how the agency has fallen in stature while the pandemic raged across America .
Foege , who has not previously been a vocal critic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus , called on Redfield to openly address the White House ’ s meddling in the agency ’ s efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis and then accept the political sacrifice that would follow .
He recommended that Redfield commit to writing the administration 's failures — and his own — so there was a record that could not be dismissed .
“ You could upfront , acknowledge the tragedy of responding poorly , apologize for what has happened and your role in acquiescing , ” Foege wrote to Redfield .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be insufficient .
“ Don ’ t shy away from the fact this has been an unacceptable toll on our country .
It is a slaughter and not just a political dispute .
”

A former CDC director and public health expert who led the eradication of smallpox asked the current CDC leader to expose the incompetent coronavirus response. He advised him to orchestrate his own firing to protest White House interference. Via USAToday:
Dr. William Foege, a renowned epidemiologist who served under Democratic and Republican presidents, detailed in a private letter he sent last month to CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield his alarm over how the agency has fallen in stature while the pandemic raged across America.
Foege, who has not previously been a vocal critic of the agency's handling of the novel coronavirus, called on Redfield to openly address the White House’s meddling in the agency’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis and then accept the political sacrifice that would follow. He recommended that Redfield commit to writing the administration's failures — and his own — so there was a record that could not be dismissed.
“You could upfront, acknowledge the tragedy of responding poorly, apologize for what has happened and your role in acquiescing,” Foege wrote to Redfield. He added that simply resigning without coming clean would be insufficient. “Don’t shy away from the fact this has been an unacceptable toll on our country. It is a slaughter and not just a political dispute.”


crooksandliars--2020-10-07--Jeff Sessions Will Go Down In History For This: 'We Need To Take Away Children'

A shocking New York Times piece this morning talks about how the prosecution policies were made that led to family separation and children in cages instead of allowing families to claim asylum : WASHINGTON — The five U.S. attorneys along the border with Mexico , including three appointed by President Trump , recoiled in May 2018 against an order to prosecute all undocumented immigrants even if it meant separating children from their parents .
They told top Justice Department officials they were “ deeply concerned ” about the children ’ s welfare .
But the attorney general at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Mr. Trump wanted on a conference call later that afternoon , according to a two-year inquiry by the Justice Department ’ s inspector general into Mr. Trump ’ s “ zero tolerance ” family separation policy .
“ We need to take away children , ” Mr .
Sessions told the prosecutors , according to participants ’ notes .
One added in shorthand : “ If care about kids , don ’ t bring them in .
Won ’ t give amnesty to people with kids.
” Rod J. Rosenstein , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further in a second call about a week later , telling the five prosecutors that it did not matter how young the children were .
He said that government lawyers should not have refused to prosecute two cases simply because the children were barely more than infants .

A shocking New York Times piece this morning talks about how the prosecution policies were made that led to family separation and children in cages instead of allowing families to claim asylum:
WASHINGTON — The five U.S. attorneys along the border with Mexico, including three appointed by President Trump, recoiled in May 2018 against an order to prosecute all undocumented immigrants even if it meant separating children from their parents. They told top Justice Department officials they were “deeply concerned” about the children’s welfare.
But the attorney general at the time, Jeff Sessions, made it clear what Mr. Trump wanted on a conference call later that afternoon, according to a two-year inquiry by the Justice Department’s inspector general into Mr. Trump’s “zero tolerance” family separation policy.
“We need to take away children,” Mr. Sessions told the prosecutors, according to participants’ notes. One added in shorthand: “If care about kids, don’t bring them in. Won’t give amnesty to people with kids.”
Rod J. Rosenstein, then the deputy attorney general, went even further in a second call about a week later, telling the five prosecutors that it did not matter how young the children were. He said that government lawyers should not have refused to prosecute two cases simply because the children were barely more than infants.


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--VP Debate: Lord Of The Flies

VP Debate: Lord Of The Flies

Senator Kamala Harris and Mother 's husband , Mike Pence , met for the only Vice Presidential debate on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ A game , Pence was flaccid .
But the star was the large black fly @ @ @ @ @ hair midway through the debate and hung out for a good 5 minutes .
Oh @ @ @ @ @ twitter account already : The fly was there a long time , but not nearly @ @ @ @ @ by which Pence exceeded the rules .
https : //t.co/MjXI2rmOVn

Senator Kamala Harris and Mother's husband, Mike Pence, met for the only Vice Presidential debate on Wednesday night. Harris brought her A game, Pence was flaccid. But the star was the large black fly that nestled in Pence's hair midway through the debate and hung out for a good 5 minutes.
Twitter noticed:
Oh, the fly has a twitter account already:
The fly knows. — Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 8, 2020
The fly was there a long time, but not nearly as long as the time by which Pence exceeded the rules. https://t.co/MjXI2rmOVn — Jill Wine-Banks (@JillWineBanks) October 8, 2020
FINAL VP DEBATE RANKINGS
1. Kamala Harris
2. The fly
3. Mike Pence pic.twitter.com/HybQZ2aCZD — Greg Olear (@gregolear) October 8, 2020
CLOSE:
The fly keeps landing on pence’s head.
Flies love crap.#VPDebate pic.twitter.com/yZqtEJmLLi — Steve Marmel (@Marmel) October 8, 2020
CLOSER:
The fly is slowly recovering from coming in contact with Mike Pence #VPDebate pic.twitter.com/M3Pquczemw — Apparent Steve (@Steverocks35) October 8, 2020
That fly was in Pence’s hair a long time. It should quarantine. — Jason Kander (@JasonKander) October 8, 2020
That fly needs a COVID test — mwassel (@MattWassel) October 8, 2020
The fly thinks Pence is dead. — Orange is the Super Spreader (@Bmresistence) October 8, 2020
BADABOOM!
Biden's team is READY:
Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly. https://t.co/CqHAId0j8t pic.twitter.com/NbkPl0a8HV — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 8, 2020
#HarrisFly2020


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--POLL: Who Won The VP Debate?

POLL: Who Won The VP Debate?

When they ca n't criticize on substance , they go for misogyny , just like Karl Rove did .
Donna @ @ @ @ @ it .


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Fox Guest: ‘Selfish’ Older People Are Keeping Americans Frightened Of COVID

As COVID-19 rages through the White House , NY Post columnist Amanda Devine seems to think that ’ s a great model for the rest of the country – if only older people weren ’ t so selfish in trying to keep people from getting infected !
On Fox News ’ The Daily Briefing show Tuesday , Devine slobbered over Donald Trump ’ s dismissal of the pandemic threat even as it hobbles his administration from operating .
DEVINE : He ’ s delivered a message of hope through experience and he ’ s sent the message we can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody wants .
And I think it ’ s just incredibly selfish of older people or neurotic people who are timid and afraid and wo n't come out of their basements to confine children and young people to miss out on the most important parts of their lives on schooling and on the prime of youth .
Host Dana Perino was obviously stunned .
After a pause she asked for clarification .
“ Older people … you think they ’ re selfish ?
” DEVINE : Yes , I do .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on keeping the economy shut down , insisting on keeping Americans just as frightened as they were 6 months ago of the coronavirus which has receded as a threat .
i think they are selfish .
And I ’ m particularly pointing the finger , if you want to know , at the Democrats and at Joe Biden .
Perino immediately closed the discussion but she gave Devine a stamp of approval by first saying , “ it ’ s an interesting point of view.
” No , it ’ s a dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just yesterday , there were 42,553 cases and 721 deaths in the U.S .

As COVID-19 rages through the White House, NY Post columnist Amanda Devine seems to think that’s a great model for the rest of the country – if only older people weren’t so selfish in trying to keep people from getting infected!
On Fox News’ The Daily Briefing show Tuesday, Devine slobbered over Donald Trump’s dismissal of the pandemic threat even as it hobbles his administration from operating.
DEVINE: He’s delivered a message of hope through experience and he’s sent the message we can get back to work. That's what everybody wants. And I think it’s just incredibly selfish of older people or neurotic people who are timid and afraid and won't come out of their basements to confine children and young people to miss out on the most important parts of their lives on schooling and on the prime of youth.
Host Dana Perino was obviously stunned. After a pause she asked for clarification. “Older people … you think they’re selfish?”
Yep, that’s what Devine said.
DEVINE: Yes, I do. I think that people in power who are insisting on keeping the economy shut down, insisting on keeping Americans just as frightened as they were 6 months ago of the coronavirus which has receded as a threat. i think they are selfish. And I’m particularly pointing the finger, if you want to know, at the Democrats and at Joe Biden.
Perino immediately closed the discussion but she gave Devine a stamp of approval by first saying, “it’s an interesting point of view.”
No, it’s a dangerous, immoral and divisive point of view. Just yesterday, there were 42,553 cases and 721 deaths in the U.S.


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Analysis Shows Trump's Covid-19 Treatment Would Cost Regular Folks $100K

An analysis Wednesday by the New York Times estimating the treatment President Donald Trump received for Covid-19 would have cost ordinary Americans over $ 100,000 is being met with fury by critics , who pointed to the cruelty of an administration working feverishly to slash healthcare access for millions in the middle of a pandemic and economic recession .
The costs were calculated by the Times ' Sarah Kliff , who considered the president 's coronavirus testing , three-day hospital stay , and medications , as well as the big ticket item of his helicopter transportation to and from Walter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus hospitalization for a patient over 60 is $ 61,912 , according to a claims database , FAIR Health , '' the Times reported , and pointed to data finding a $ 38,770 median charge for an air ambulance .
High costs and potential ensuing medical debt are n't a threat for just those uninsured .
From the reporting : Many , but not all , health insurers have said they will not apply co-payments or deductibles to patients ' coronavirus hospital stays , which could help shield patients from large bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stuck with the entire hospital charges and not receive any discounts .
Trump , like any president , enjoys medical costs covered by the federal government , as the Times noted .
But a number of recent items , apart from the administration 's widely criticized response to the pandemic , are thrown into stark relief with the new reporting .
Among them : the president 's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court Amy Coney Barrett , is seen by Democrats as poised to bring a key role in fulfilling the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially kicking 20 million off people off healthcare insurance .
An estimated 12 million Americans have already lost their employer-tied heath insurance since February , and tens of millions more workers could lose their employer-based health insurance by the end of the year—even if they do n't lose their jobs .
Further , despite a Covid-19 death toll in the U.S. of over 211,000 and vastly unequal access to healthcare services , Trump has repeated in messaging since his hospital stay a total dismissal of the severity of the disease , urging the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid .
Do n't let it dominate your life , '' and saying that `` we have the best medicines '' after he received an experimental drug that nearly no other human has been able to access to treat Covid-19 .
What 's more , the Times revealed just last week that Trump paid $ 0 in federal income taxes in 10 of the last 15 years and a mere $ 750 in 2016 and 2017—far more than everyday working Americans .
Responding to the Times ' reporting , labor leader and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes me puke . ''
`` We paid for this with our taxes , '' she added .
`` He does n't even pay taxes . ''
The fact that Trump enjoyed the `` Medicare for one '' just ahead of halting congressional negotiations on economic relief—even as Americans continue to face potential evictions and job losses—was further infuriating .
`` After receiving three days of topnotch medical care that would cost most Americans over $ 100,000 , Trump turned around and nuked stimulus talks , denying millions of Americans desperately needed relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group that advocates for a more just taxation system .
`` Trump cares about one thing only—himself , '' the group tweeted .
According to Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair Rep. Mark Pocan ( D-Wis. ) , the case for dumping the for-profit medicare care system just gets clearer .

An analysis Wednesday by the New York Times estimating the treatment President Donald Trump received for Covid-19 would have cost ordinary Americans over $100,000 is being met with fury by critics, who pointed to the cruelty of an administration working feverishly to slash healthcare access for millions in the middle of a pandemic and economic recession.
The costs were calculated by the Times' Sarah Kliff, who considered the president's coronavirus testing, three-day hospital stay, and medications, as well as the big ticket item of his helicopter transportation to and from Walter Reed.
"The median charge for a coronavirus hospitalization for a patient over 60 is $61,912, according to a claims database, FAIR Health," the Times reported, and pointed to data finding a $38,770 median charge for an air ambulance.
"Mr. Trump did not have to worry about the costs of his care, which are covered by the federal government. Most Americans, including many who carry health coverage, do worry about receiving medical care they cannot afford."https://t.co/HMvQjs8hJv — Gavin Yamey (@GYamey) October 7, 2020
High costs and potential ensuing medical debt aren't a threat for just those uninsured. From the reporting:
Many, but not all, health insurers have said they will not apply co-payments or deductibles to patients' coronavirus hospital stays, which could help shield patients from large bills. Uninsured patients, however, could be stuck with the entire hospital charges and not receive any discounts.
Trump, like any president, enjoys medical costs covered by the federal government, as the Times noted. But a number of recent items, apart from the administration's widely criticized response to the pandemic, are thrown into stark relief with the new reporting.
Among them: the president's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court Amy Coney Barrett, is seen by Democrats as poised to bring a key role in fulfilling the administration's goal of striking down Obamacare, potentially kicking 20 million off people off healthcare insurance. An estimated 12 million Americans have already lost their employer-tied heath insurance since February, and tens of millions more workers could lose their employer-based health insurance by the end of the year—even if they don't lose their jobs.
Further, despite a Covid-19 death toll in the U.S. of over 211,000 and vastly unequal access to healthcare services, Trump has repeated in messaging since his hospital stay a total dismissal of the severity of the disease, urging the public: "Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life," and saying that "we have the best medicines" after he received an experimental drug that nearly no other human has been able to access to treat Covid-19.
What's more, the Times revealed just last week that Trump paid $0 in federal income taxes in 10 of the last 15 years and a mere $750 in 2016 and 2017—far more than everyday working Americans.
Responding to the Times' reporting, labor leader and organizer RoseAnn DeMoro tweeted, "This makes me puke."
"We paid for this with our taxes," she added. "He doesn't even pay taxes."
The fact that Trump enjoyed the "Medicare for one" just ahead of halting congressional negotiations on economic relief—even as Americans continue to face potential evictions and job losses—was further infuriating.
"After receiving three days of topnotch medical care that would cost most Americans over $100,000, Trump turned around and nuked stimulus talks, denying millions of Americans desperately needed relief," said Patriotic Millionaires, a group that advocates for a more just taxation system.
"Trump cares about one thing only—himself," the group tweeted.
According to Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), the case for dumping the for-profit medicare care system just gets clearer.
Donald Trump got >$100,000 worth of medical care—free of charge.
Shouldn’t everyone? #MedicareForAll https://t.co/P2GbK3YSJz — Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) October 7, 2020
Republished from Common Dreams (Andrea Germanos, staff writer) under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License.


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Andrew McCabe Blames Trump For Kidnapping Plot: 'The Person Most Responsible'

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe placed the blame for the failed militia plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer squarely on Donald Trump .
The six white men charged were part of a multi-state ad hoc militia , and seven other men being charged belong to a militia group called `` Wolverine Watchmen . ''
McCabe , however , chose to focus more on the person from whom these pretend soldiers were clearly taking their orders during his appearance on CNN Thursday .
Brianna Keilar , reminding McCabe about early COVID-19 protests against the shutdowns in Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for context that as we had seen , demonstrations against some of the coronavirus restrictions that were underway in Michigan .
You have the president tweeting in April , `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN ! ''
He was tweeting support for protesters , some who were armed .
This is a situation in Michigan that has been tense and has not been tamped down by rhetoric coming out of the White House . ''
McCabe agreed , and after explaining the chilling details outlining evidence of the group 's `` intent and capability '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer , he pivoted to Trump 's role in fomenting domestic terroristic plots .
McCABE : As far as political discourse angle goes , I do n't think you can possibly overstate this .
Let 's think back just for a minute .
We know that in 2016 one of the Russians ' primary objectives was to sow exactly this sort of sentiment , discord , chaos , distrust in each other and in our democratic process .
We also know from what the intelligence folks in our country have told us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are continuing that same campaign .
But let 's not be mistaken , here , Brianna .
The person most responsible for fomenting this sort of unrest , this sort of division , this sort of violence in this country right now is the president of the United States .
The Russians simply have to amplify the messages that president Trump is putting out on a daily basis .
Constantly berating the democratic process , claiming it is a rigged game , claiming it is replete with fraud , all of which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly that sort of rhetoric that causes extremists to feel like now is the time to take action .
It serves as a sort of trigger for folks who are already violent , maybe unstable , pointed in that direction anyway .
That encouragement from someone like the president of the United States can not possibly be overstated .
It is dangerous and we now see it happening on the streets of Michigan .
Let 's not forget Trump 's more recent rallying cry and call to arms : `` Stand back and @ @ @ @

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe placed the blame for the failed militia plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer squarely on Donald Trump.
The six white men charged were part of a multi-state ad hoc militia, and seven other men being charged belong to a militia group called "Wolverine Watchmen." McCabe, however, chose to focus more on the person from whom these pretend soldiers were clearly taking their orders during his appearance on CNN Thursday.
Brianna Keilar, reminding McCabe about early COVID-19 protests against the shutdowns in Michigan, said, "...this is something for context that as we had seen, demonstrations against some of the coronavirus restrictions that were underway in Michigan. You have the president tweeting in April, "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" He was tweeting support for protesters, some who were armed. This is a situation in Michigan that has been tense and has not been tamped down by rhetoric coming out of the White House."
McCabe agreed, and after explaining the chilling details outlining evidence of the group's "intent and capability" to pull off the kidnapping of Gov. Whitmer, he pivoted to Trump's role in fomenting domestic terroristic plots.
McCABE: As far as political discourse angle goes, I don't think you can possibly overstate this. Let's think back just for a minute. We know that in 2016 one of the Russians' primary objectives was to sow exactly this sort of sentiment, discord, chaos, distrust in each other and in our democratic process. We also know from what the intelligence folks in our country have told us in the last few weeks, that they are continuing that same campaign. But let's not be mistaken, here, Brianna. The person most responsible for fomenting this sort of unrest, this sort of division, this sort of violence in this country right now is the president of the United States. The Russians simply have to amplify the messages that president Trump is putting out on a daily basis. Constantly berating the democratic process, claiming it is a rigged game, claiming it is replete with fraud, all of which we know is false. But it is exactly that sort of rhetoric that causes extremists to feel like now is the time to take action. It serves as a sort of trigger for folks who are already violent, maybe unstable, pointed in that direction anyway. That encouragement from someone like the president of the United States cannot possibly be overstated. It is dangerous and we now see it happening on the streets of Michigan.
Let's not forget Trump's more recent rallying cry and call to arms: "Stand back and stand by."


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Man In Trump Parade Opens Fire After Truck Driver Gives Him The Finger

The semi truck driver admitted he 'd taunted the helpless Trump supporters , honking his horn and giving them the @ @ @ @ @ Crawford could n't take it anymore and pulled out a handgun and opened fire .
@ @ @ @ @ Ford pickup truck accused of firing a gunshot at another driver while participating in a @ @ @ @ @ support of President Donald Trump on Saturday morning turned himself in to police that afternoon @ @ @ @ @ , of Homer , was driving north on Interstate 270 south of Tuttle Crossing Boulevard @ @ @ @ @ when a semi-tractor trailer pulled up next to his truck .
An argument between Crawford @ @ @ @ @ Crawford to grab his .45-caliber handgun and fire a single shot into the side of @ @ @ @ @ , court records say .

The semi truck driver admitted he'd taunted the helpless Trump supporters, honking his horn and giving them the finger. Apparently, Todd Crawford couldn't take it anymore and pulled out a handgun and opened fire.
Source: Columbus Dispatch
The driver of a black Ford pickup truck accused of firing a gunshot at another driver while participating in a "rolling rally" in support of President Donald Trump on Saturday morning turned himself in to police that afternoon.
Todd Crawford, 58, of Homer, was driving north on Interstate 270 south of Tuttle Crossing Boulevard and north of Davidson Road when a semi-tractor trailer pulled up next to his truck.
An argument between Crawford and the semi-truck driver led Crawford to grab his .45-caliber handgun and fire a single shot into the side of the semi-truck at 10:44 a.m, court records say.


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Trump Refuses To Do Virtual Debate, Biden Will Go Ahead - UPDATED

The Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential election should take no part in a live presidential debate on Oct 15 with Donald Trump because it is too soon after Trump became infected with COVID19 .
Biden should not participate in a live debate with Trump until the president and his doctors are transparent about his illness and treatment and offer up a truthful timeline .
Then Biden 's doctors must either issue proper testing or monitor any tests that show Trump is clear of the infection .
It 's been reported that Trump tried to get all medical people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walter Reed in 2019 .
And Mark Meadows , his own Chief of Staff , broke CDC guidelines to host his daughter 's wedding back in May .
Trump joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business early this morning and he said `` he was ready to go except for the quarantine situation that you have little while after you get tested or whatever . ''
So contracting the coronavirus is a whatever situation ?
No wonder why so many people died from this illness due to his lack of action.. Trump lied through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden in the first debate -- - all the polls said so -- - which is again , a massive lie .
Bartiromo asked Trump if he was going to do a virtual town hall since the debate commission changed it to a virtual event after Trump 's infection .
`` No I 'm not going to waste my time in a virtual debate , '' Trump said .
`` It 's a waste of my time -- - And then they cut you off whenever they want . ''
We 've seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a narcissist who cares nothing about the rules that govern everyone else .
After being impeached for setting up a faux shadow government with Rudy Giuliani to withhold funds and force Ukraine to commit election fraud against Joe Biden and his son , his lack of character has been magnified by the rise of the coronavirus .
Trump has un-apologetically mishandled and lied about COVID19 to the American people and continues to put so many lives in danger .
Trump cares not for any of the CDC health guidelines that might compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout his campaign staff , White House staff , and the Pentagon is entirely his fault .
Here 's what he should be doing per the CDC .
Even though Trump is on the super cocktail elixir of unproven drugs to combat the coronavirus , two weeks after being infected with COVID is not enough time .
It ’ s not a stretch to say that Trump 's people would love it if Joe Biden got infected with the virus .
Trump is being mocked throughout the political world for refusing to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons he has caused .
Joe Biden has said he will host his own virtual event on the 15th if Trump continues to refuse and wants the commission to reschedule the debate .
UPDATE : The Biden campaign just issued the following statement : Donald Trump does n't make the debate schedule ; the Debate Commission does .
We accepted the three dates — Sept. 29 , Oct. 15 , and Oct. 22 — in June .
Trump chose today to pull out of the October 15th debate .
Trump 's erratic behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calendar , and pick new dates of his choosing .
We look forward to participating in the final debate , scheduled for October 22 , which already is tied for the latest debate date in 40 years .
Donald Trump can show up , or he can decline again .
That 's his choice . ''

The Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential election should take no part in a live presidential debate on Oct 15 with Donald Trump because it is too soon after Trump became infected with COVID19.
Biden should not participate in a live debate with Trump until the president and his doctors are transparent about his illness and treatment and offer up a truthful timeline. Then Biden's doctors must either issue proper testing or monitor any tests that show Trump is clear of the infection.
It's been reported that Trump tried to get all medical people to sign NDA's during a visit to Walter Reed in 2019.
And Mark Meadows, his own Chief of Staff, broke CDC guidelines to host his daughter's wedding back in May.
Trump joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business early this morning and he said "he was ready to go except for the quarantine situation that you have little while after you get tested or whatever."
So contracting the coronavirus is a whatever situation? No wonder why so many people died from this illness due to his lack of action..
Trump lied through his teeth saying that he beat Joe Biden in the first debate --- all the polls said so --- which is again, a massive lie.
Bartiromo asked Trump if he was going to do a virtual town hall since the debate commission changed it to a virtual event after Trump's infection.
"No I'm not going to waste my time in a virtual debate," Trump said.
"It's a waste of my time --- And then they cut you off whenever they want."
We've seen throughout his entire political career that he is a narcissist who cares nothing about the rules that govern everyone else.
After being impeached for setting up a faux shadow government with Rudy Giuliani to withhold funds and force Ukraine to commit election fraud against Joe Biden and his son, his lack of character has been magnified by the rise of the coronavirus.
Trump has un-apologetically mishandled and lied about COVID19 to the American people and continues to put so many lives in danger.
Trump cares not for any of the CDC health guidelines that might compromise his reelection chances. The virus outbreak throughout his campaign staff, White House staff, and the Pentagon is entirely his fault.
As Axios noted:
Worth noting: The CDC states that a person can be contagious for up to 10 days after coronavirus symptoms resolve. Neither the White House nor Trump's doctors have provided information about the timing of the president's last negative test.
Here's what he should be doing per the CDC.
Stay home until 14 days after last exposure and maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others at all times
Self-monitor for symptoms Check temperature twice a day Watch for fever*, cough, or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
Avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19
Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop Stay home except to get medical care. Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better. Stay in touch with your doctor . Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency. Separate yourself from other people As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a mask. Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive. By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.
Even though Trump is on the super cocktail elixir of unproven drugs to combat the coronavirus, two weeks after being infected with COVID is not enough time.
It’s not a stretch to say that Trump's people would love it if Joe Biden got infected with the virus.
Trump is being mocked throughout the political world for refusing to participate in a virtual town hall for safety reasons he has caused.
Joe Biden has said he will host his own virtual event on the 15th if Trump continues to refuse and wants the commission to reschedule the debate.
UPDATE: The Biden campaign just issued the following statement:


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Right-Wing Militia Plot To Kidnap Michigan Governor Whitmer Thwarted

The FBI says it thwarted what it described as a plot to violently overthrow the government and kidnap Michigan Gov @ @ @ @ @ federal prosecutors are expected to discuss the alleged conspiracy later Thursday .
The court filing @ @ @ @ @ conducted surveillance at Whitmer 's vacation home and discussed kidnapping her to a remote location @ @ @ @ @ trial '' for treason prior to the Nov. 3 election .
`` Several members talked @ @ @ @ @ 'taking ' a sitting governor , '' an FBI agent wrote in the affidavit .
@ @ @ @ @ needed to increase their numbers and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbors and @ @ @ @ @

WHOA. Via The Detroit News:
The FBI says it thwarted what it described as a plot to violently overthrow the government and kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and federal prosecutors are expected to discuss the alleged conspiracy later Thursday.
The court filing also alleges the conspirators twice conducted surveillance at Whitmer's vacation home and discussed kidnapping her to a remote location in Wisconsin to stand "trial" for treason prior to the Nov. 3 election.
"Several members talked about murdering 'tyrants' or 'taking' a sitting governor," an FBI agent wrote in the affidavit. "The group decided they needed to increase their numbers and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbors and spread their message."


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Fox Host Does Cleanup For Trump's Market-Crashing Reckless Tweet

During a discussion about President Super-Spreader 's tweet on Tuesday saying he was pulling the plug on coronavirus relief negotiations that sent the stock markets reeling , Fox host Melissa Francis played cleanup for Dear Leader on this Wednesday 's Outnumbered during a discussion on where the discussions on any further relief was headed from here .
After the lone Democrat on the panel , Marie Harf pointed out that the markets along with Senate Republicans ( namely , those in tough races ) were spooked by Trump 's tweet , and that was likely why we saw Trump almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francis proceeded to do damage control for Trump and pretend his reckless tweet was actually some super genius negotiating tactic .
FRANCIS : Harris , Marie is right .
The market was spooked .
I actually think that maybe that was president Trump 's intention .
He did the classic stand up and walk away from the table , and let everyone see what happens if negotiations stop .
By coming back and saying , let 's do the stand-alone thing , we know what we knew before—that he much like Marie said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He does want a bill .
So we are kind of back where we were .
Do you think that those who were resisting bringing this over the finish line feel any more pressure today than they did yesterday ?
That was too much even for her cohost Harris Faulkner , who quickly shot down the notion that any of them should be making assumptions about what 's going through Trump 's head .
FAULKNER : Look , I think everybody feels pressure , and I would n't assume to know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally ask him .
I 'm happy to do that .
But I would say what the effect of what he did was a back-and-forth .
The Washington Post reported that the real reason Trump pulled the plug was because Mitch McConnell told him that Pelosi was just `` stringing him along , '' and , as Joan McCarter discussed `` nothing would work better on Trump than telling him a powerful woman was trying to make a fool out of him . ''
But , since the other thing he actually cares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's likely the reason he immediately started to walk the comments back .
Trump cares about staying in power .
He could care less how many people suffer because he and his party wo n't negotiate in good faith on a relief package .
And , as McCarter also noted in her post , neither does Mitch McConnell : '' The economy needs another round of fiscal support with aid to households , small and midsized firms and states , '' R. Glenn Hubbard , a Columbia University economist who was chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under President George W. Bush told the Times .
`` Failing to act will have real economic consequences . ''
It seems like that 's McConnell 's actual plan .
He 's reading the polls like everyone else and is as aware as anyone that Republicans are likely to lose not just the White House , but the Senate .
So he can absolutely wreck the economy for President Joe Biden , and then further cripple him in his first year in his efforts to fix anything by stacking the Supreme Court entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are just his collateral damage .

During a discussion about President Super-Spreader's tweet on Tuesday saying he was pulling the plug on coronavirus relief negotiations that sent the stock markets reeling, Fox host Melissa Francis played cleanup for Dear Leader on this Wednesday's Outnumbered during a discussion on where the discussions on any further relief was headed from here.
After the lone Democrat on the panel, Marie Harf pointed out that the markets along with Senate Republicans (namely, those in tough races) were spooked by Trump's tweet, and that was likely why we saw Trump almost immediately try to walk it back, Francis proceeded to do damage control for Trump and pretend his reckless tweet was actually some super genius negotiating tactic.
FRANCIS: Harris, Marie is right. The market was spooked. I actually think that maybe that was president Trump's intention. He did the classic stand up and walk away from the table, and let everyone see what happens if negotiations stop. By coming back and saying, let's do the stand-alone thing, we know what we knew before—that he much like Marie said does want very much something to happen. He does want a bill. So we are kind of back where we were. Do you think that those who were resisting bringing this over the finish line feel any more pressure today than they did yesterday?
That was too much even for her cohost Harris Faulkner, who quickly shot down the notion that any of them should be making assumptions about what's going through Trump's head.
FAULKNER: Look, I think everybody feels pressure, and I wouldn't assume to know what the president's intentions were unless I personally ask him. I'm happy to do that. But I would say what the effect of what he did was a back-and-forth.
The Washington Post reported that the real reason Trump pulled the plug was because Mitch McConnell told him that Pelosi was just "stringing him along," and, as Joan McCarter discussed "nothing would work better on Trump than telling him a powerful woman was trying to make a fool out of him."
But, since the other thing he actually cares about is the stock market, that's likely the reason he immediately started to walk the comments back.
Trump cares about staying in power. He could care less how many people suffer because he and his party won't negotiate in good faith on a relief package. And, as McCarter also noted in her post, neither does Mitch McConnell:


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Senator Mike Lee Makes His Case For Fascism

So ... when Sen. Mike Lee tweeted this out in the middle of the night one wondered if it was the COVID drugs talking , or whether he was just saying out loud what the rest of them think .
Namely , that this government by the people , for the people stuff is n't working out so great , and that we 'd all be better off with something else .
What that something else is he does n't actually get into , but one imagines it involves some type of authoritarianism , command structure in place that gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a word for that because some other countries have already tried it .
Mike Lee first tweeted this out .
Jonathan Chait in NYMag on what 's going on with the Republican Party these days , because it 's not just Mike Lee promoting authoritarianism .
Lee is articulating a view that has long been in vogue on the American right but which Republican politicians were generally hesitant to express openly .
The premise is that liberty is a higher value than democracy , and they define liberty to mean a right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to say , the far right does not merely view progressive taxation , regulation and the welfare state as impediments to growth , but as fundamentally oppressive .
A political system that truly secured freedom would not allow the majority to gang up on the minority and redistribute their income for themselves .
[ ... ] From the perspective of the right , Trump ’ s assault on democracy has advanced the cause of freedom and liberty , on net .
His regressive tax cuts and deregulation have returned property to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political system must retain , and ideally expand , its counter-majoritarian features : restrictive ballot-access rules that restrict the franchise to the most “ worthy ” citizens , gerrymandered maps that allow the white rural minority to exercise control , a Senate that disproportionately represents white and Republican voters , and a Supreme Court that believes the Republican economic program is written into the Constitution .
Lee drew some attention by attacking Trump in 2016 and urging him to quit the race after the Access Hollywood tape emerged .
But Lee , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the values he and Trump share .
The most important of these shared values is Trump ’ s hatred for democracy .
And this is why the struggle for American democracy will continue after Trump is gone .

So...when Sen. Mike Lee tweeted this out in the middle of the night one wondered if it was the COVID drugs talking, or whether he was just saying out loud what the rest of them think. Namely, that this government by the people, for the people stuff isn't working out so great, and that we'd all be better off with something else. What that something else is he doesn't actually get into, but one imagines it involves some type of authoritarianism, command structure in place that gets around those ineffiencies. Luckily, there is a word for that because some other countries have already tried it.
Fascism.
Mike Lee first tweeted this out.
We’re not a democracy. — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 8, 2020
Jonathan Chait in NYMag on what's going on with the Republican Party these days, because it's not just Mike Lee promoting authoritarianism.
Lee is articulating a view that has long been in vogue on the American right but which Republican politicians were generally hesitant to express openly. The premise is that liberty is a higher value than democracy, and they define liberty to mean a right to property that precludes redistribution. That is to say, the far right does not merely view progressive taxation, regulation and the welfare state as impediments to growth, but as fundamentally oppressive. A political system that truly secured freedom would not allow the majority to gang up on the minority and redistribute their income for themselves.
[...]
From the perspective of the right, Trump’s assault on democracy has advanced the cause of freedom and liberty, on net. His regressive tax cuts and deregulation have returned property to their rightful owners. Republicans believe that the political system must retain, and ideally expand, its counter-majoritarian features: restrictive ballot-access rules that restrict the franchise to the most “worthy” citizens, gerrymandered maps that allow the white rural minority to exercise control, a Senate that disproportionately represents white and Republican voters, and a Supreme Court that believes the Republican economic program is written into the Constitution. Lee drew some attention by attacking Trump in 2016 and urging him to quit the race after the Access Hollywood tape emerged. But Lee, like most conservatives, has grown to appreciate the values he and Trump share. The most important of these shared values is Trump’s hatred for democracy. And this is why the struggle for American democracy will continue after Trump is gone.
Twitter responded.
Mike Lee announces he's coming out: As a Fascist. @SenMikeLee https://t.co/zAlsY4MRKw — Tim Hogan (@TimInHonolulu) October 8, 2020
“Democracy is bad actually” is what Republicans have been low key saying for decades with their actions. Thanks for just fever-dream owning that you guys have shitty ideas that people hate so you have to subvert democracy to stay in power. — Alex Leo (@AlexMLeo) October 8, 2020
We are a Constitutional republic established as a representative democracy. If you intend to replace our democracy with some other form of government, you'll have to tear up the Constitution. I should remind you, Senator, that you swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. — Michael Skotnicki (@MSkotnicki) October 8, 2020
Most Americans like living in this American republic. Democracy is the whole reason for this nation’s existence. People of my grandfather’s generation knew what to do about fascists. Now a member of Congress is urging us to join them. I wonder what made you hate America so much. — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) October 8, 2020
“Democracy isn’t the objective”. Our suspicions are confirmed. — Frank Figliuzzi (@FrankFigliuzzi1) October 8, 2020
Is this from Lenin, Mao, or Palpatine? — Seth Masket (@smotus) October 8, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-10-08--Let's Talk About The Big Pink Eyed Elephant In The Room Last Night

I really , really want to know if Mike Pence has covid .
Because he showed up at last night 's debate with something that can be a symptom .
( I had it , so naturally I wonder ! )
And I want to know if the current vice president KNOWINGLY EXPOSED THE NEXT VICE PRESIDENT TO COVID .
And by the way , why was n't Mother Pence wearing a mask ?
What arrogance these people have !
Obviously , I 'm not the only one who noticed the pinkeye , nor the only one who wondered : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Journal of Medical Virology , studies have found that 1.1 % of people with Covid-19 developed conjunctivitis , and 3 % of those with severe Covid-19 and 0.7 % of those with non-severe Covid-19 .
Eye symptoms in those with Covid-19 have included redness , chemosis ( which is swelling of the conjunctiva ) , and epiphora ( which is excessive tearing when not watching the movie The Notebook . )
And here 's the thing .
If this was a normal administration , and not one that openly trades in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced lies , '' we might be willing to cut Mike Pence a break and not assume the worst ( which is , he 's already had a positive test ) .
But under the circumstances , how could any sane person give any member of the Trump administration the benefit of the doubt -- especially one as openly complicit as Mike Pence ?
So sit back enjoy making fun of # PinkEyePence with a clear conscience .

I really, really want to know if Mike Pence has covid. Because he showed up at last night's debate with something that can be a symptom. (I had it, so naturally I wonder!) And I want to know if the current vice president KNOWINGLY EXPOSED THE NEXT VICE PRESIDENT TO COVID.
And by the way, why wasn't Mother Pence wearing a mask? What arrogance these people have!
Obviously, I'm not the only one who noticed the pinkeye, nor the only one who wondered:
Pink eye is a symptom of Covid-19. Saying that for no reason at all. — Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) October 8, 2020
Via Bruce Y. Lee, health writer for Forbes:
According to a research letter published in the Journal of Medical Virology, studies have found that 1.1% of people with Covid-19 developed conjunctivitis, and 3% of those with severe Covid-19 and 0.7% of those with non-severe Covid-19. Eye symptoms in those with Covid-19 have included redness, chemosis (which is swelling of the conjunctiva), and epiphora (which is excessive tearing when not watching the movie The Notebook.)
And here's the thing. If this was a normal administration, and not one that openly trades in what the nuns used to call "bold faced lies," we might be willing to cut Mike Pence a break and not assume the worst (which is, he's already had a positive test).
But under the circumstances, how could any sane person give any member of the Trump administration the benefit of the doubt -- especially one as openly complicit as Mike Pence?
So sit back enjoy making fun of #PinkEyePence with a clear conscience.
#pinkeyepence
Pink Eye Pence
Pink Eye Pence
What's up with his eyes?
And his bald-faced lies?
Now he's attracting flies
I guess they're drawn to the dishonest stench
Of Pink Eye Pence
Pink Eye Pence
You know he's a liar liar
Pence on fire RS — Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) October 8, 2020
"He didn't get rid of the fly, the fly left him when it got bored." Nicolle Wallace on #pinkeyepence's wooden performance. — Karen DaltonBeninato (@kbeninato) October 8, 2020