crooksandliars--2020-01-13--Former Press Secretaries Demand Stephanie Grisham Do Her Job

[ Above , 1/6 , Anderson Cooper puts Stephanie Grisham on the `` Ridiculist '' for refusing to hold a press briefing . ]
Thirteen former White House press secretaries signed a letter literally begging for the Trump administration to reinstate White House press briefings .
In their letter , they explain the importance of these briefings as well as the role press secretary plays in informing the media and the American public at large of White House positions and events .
It 's been over 300 days since the last briefing was held by a Trump press secretary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on is the airwaves of Fox News , which is as safe a harbor as any Trump official can dock .
Her role has been nothing more than Fox News pundit , and her remarks are as repugnant as they are sophomoric .
After the letter was delivered here is Stephanie Grisham 's myopic response : This is groupthink at its finest .
The press has unprecedented access to President Trump , yet they continue to complain because they can ’ t grandstand on TV .
They ’ re not looking for information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment .
This president is unorthodox in everything he ’ s done .
He ’ s rewritten the rules of politics .
His press secretary and everyone else in the administration is reflective of that .
In terms of the former press secretaries — they can publicly pile on all they want .
It ’ s unfortunate , because I ’ ve always felt I was in this small club of only 29 others who really know what I deal with each day , and that was always comforting .
They may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand why I do things differently .
They know I have three roles .
They know my boss has probably spoken directly to the press more than all of theirs did combined .
They know the press secretary briefs in the absence of the president , and this president is never absent — a fact that should be celebrated .
Like so many trailblazers , history will look back on this presidency with praise — until then , I ’ m comfortable with how I do my jobs — and my team and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just asking Grisham as Trump 's press secretary to do her job .
She considers that demand tantamount to lynching .
Really .
The fact that Trump systematically and consciously lies like no other president before makes it much harder to explain the actions his administration takes .
But Stephanie Grisham accepts the paycheck -- It 's our taxpayer dollars that are funding her job and she needs to do it .

[Above, 1/6, Anderson Cooper puts Stephanie Grisham on the "Ridiculist" for refusing to hold a press briefing. ]
Thirteen former White House press secretaries signed a letter literally begging for the Trump administration to reinstate White House press briefings.
In their letter, they explain the importance of these briefings as well as the role press secretary plays in informing the media and the American public at large of White House positions and events.
It's been over 300 days since the last briefing was held by a Trump press secretary. The only place she seems to appear on is the airwaves of Fox News, which is as safe a harbor as any Trump official can dock.
Her role has been nothing more than Fox News pundit, and her remarks are as repugnant as they are sophomoric.
After the letter was delivered here is Stephanie Grisham's myopic response:
This is groupthink at its finest. The press has unprecedented access to President Trump, yet they continue to complain because they can’t grandstand on TV. They’re not looking for information, they’re looking for a moment. This president is unorthodox in everything he’s done. He’s rewritten the rules of politics. His press secretary and everyone else in the administration is reflective of that. In terms of the former press secretaries — they can publicly pile on all they want. It’s unfortunate, because I’ve always felt I was in this small club of only 29 others who really know what I deal with each day, and that was always comforting. They may not say it publicly, but they all understand why I do things differently. They know I have three roles. They know my boss has probably spoken directly to the press more than all of theirs did combined. They know the press secretary briefs in the absence of the president, and this president is never absent — a fact that should be celebrated. Like so many trailblazers, history will look back on this presidency with praise — until then, I’m comfortable with how I do my jobs — and my team and I are always available to the press.
Just asking Grisham as Trump's press secretary to do her job. She considers that demand tantamount to lynching. Really.
The fact that Trump systematically and consciously lies like no other president before makes it much harder to explain the actions his administration takes. But Stephanie Grisham accepts the paycheck -- It's our taxpayer dollars that are funding her job and she needs to do it.


crooksandliars--2020-01-13--Stephanie Grisham Defends Trump Tweet On Schumer And Pelosi Who Are 'Almost Taking The Side Of Terro

Stephanie Grisham Defends Trump Tweet On Schumer And Pelosi Who Are 'Almost Taking The Side Of Terrorists'

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham on Monday defended President Donald Trump after he tweeted an image of Democratic leaders @ @ @ @ @ an Iranian flag .
Grisham , who has yet to hold a press conference , @ @ @ @ @ during an appearance on Fox News .
`` I think the president is making clear @ @ @ @ @ talking points and almost taking the side of terrorists and those who were out to @ @ @ @ @ said .

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham on Monday defended President Donald Trump after he tweeted an image of Democratic leaders in Muslim garb next to an Iranian flag.
Grisham, who has yet to hold a press conference, defended the president's tweet during an appearance on Fox News.
"I think the president is making clear that Democrats are parroting Iranian talking points and almost taking the side of terrorists and those who were out to kill Americans," Grisham said.


crooksandliars--2020-01-14--Stephen Miller Shared Article Saying Undocumented Should Be 'Shipped Out On Trains'

A reminder of what Samantha Bee said in November : Stephen Miller needs to be fired right f**king now .
@ @ @ @ @ of leaked emails received by the Southern Poverty Law Center and originating at the computer @ @ @ @ @ are as bad as ever .
More Miller emails .
`` White House senior policy @ @ @ @ @ many Republicans when siding with white nationalists and other extremists on the issue of Deferred @ @ @ @ @ '' Miller needs to be fired immediately .
https : //t.co/oJS126VVhn Stephen Miller is a @ @ @ @ @ himself with hate groups .
He pushes xenophobic rhetoric & conspiracy theories .
He designs @ @ @ @ @ ’ s beyond time to # CancelMiller and all who enable him .
https : @

A reminder of what Samantha Bee said in November: Stephen Miller needs to be fired right f**king now.
And the latest treasure trove of leaked emails received by the Southern Poverty Law Center and originating at the computer of Trump's immigration adviser are as bad as ever.
Stephen Miller also shared an article from extremist-friendly conspiracy website WorldNetDaily arguing that immigrants should be shipped out the country on trains as a scare tactic. pic.twitter.com/vrpA7TR2DL — Michael Edison Hayden (@MichaelEHayden) January 14, 2020
Using cattle cars?
Adds a historical perspective. — #Resist Dow Joans 🇨🇦 (@jlhaslip) January 14, 2020
More Miller emails.
"White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller went against many Republicans when siding with white nationalists and other extremists on the issue of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals."
Miller needs to be fired immediately. https://t.co/oJS126VVhn — Vanita Gupta (@vanitaguptaCR) January 14, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-14--'No Sentiment In GOP Conference' To Dismiss Impeachment Articles, Says Sad McConnell

That was a sad little press conference , Mr .
Majority Leader .
Sen. Mitch McConnell answered a very few questions this afternoon about the impending Senate trial of his favorite Federalist-Society-judge-appointer .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House are expected to vote tomorrow to officially send the articles of impeachment over to the Senate , and the ball will be in his court .
He is just wishing he had a bigger ball .
When asked about the noises made initially in favor of making a motion to dismiss the trial before arguments even began , McConnell had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
REPORTER : The president has suggested that you should just move to dismiss .
You clearly want to get this over sooner rather than later .
Why not push to try and dismiss ?
McCONNELL : There is little or no sentiment little in the Republican Conference for a motion to dismiss .
Our members feel that we have an obligation to listen to the arguments , and we 've laid out in this resolution an opportunity for everybody to sit there .
And remember , senators ca n't say anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit there and listen .
To listen carefully to the arguments by both the the prosecution and the defense , to follow that up with written questions , submit it through the Chief Justice .
And , that means listening to the case , not dismissing the case .
In other words , he was n't able to do Trump 's dirty work out in the open , right away , by dismissing the case before it was heard .
That would show what a screaming sham the trial is , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
If there is anything McTurtle is afraid of , it 's losing his majority , and by extension , his power .
So , if that means he has to sit through the prosecution and defense arguments , he will , and he 'll hope at that point he can get 51 votes to not call any witnesses .
He 's not exactly excited to have John Bolton get called to testify , is he , now ?

That was a sad little press conference, Mr. Majority Leader.
Sen. Mitch McConnell answered a very few questions this afternoon about the impending Senate trial of his favorite Federalist-Society-judge-appointer. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House are expected to vote tomorrow to officially send the articles of impeachment over to the Senate, and the ball will be in his court. He is just wishing he had a bigger ball.
When asked about the noises made initially in favor of making a motion to dismiss the trial before arguments even began, McConnell had to suck it up and deliver the news.
REPORTER: The president has suggested that you should just move to dismiss. You clearly want to get this over sooner rather than later. Why not push to try and dismiss? McCONNELL: There is little or no sentiment little in the Republican Conference for a motion to dismiss. Our members feel that we have an obligation to listen to the arguments, and we've laid out in this resolution an opportunity for everybody to sit there. And remember, senators can't say anything. And, so they'll have to sit there and listen. To listen carefully to the arguments by both the the prosecution and the defense, to follow that up with written questions, submit it through the Chief Justice. And, that means listening to the case, not dismissing the case.
In other words, he wasn't able to do Trump's dirty work out in the open, right away, by dismissing the case before it was heard. That would show what a screaming sham the trial is, and it would put vulnerable GOP members at risk in November. If there is anything McTurtle is afraid of, it's losing his majority, and by extension, his power. So, if that means he has to sit through the prosecution and defense arguments, he will, and he'll hope at that point he can get 51 votes to not call any witnesses.
He's not exactly excited to have John Bolton get called to testify, is he, now?


crooksandliars--2020-01-14--Congressional Dems Now Have Lev Parnas Text Messages

Nancy Pelosi has new ammo as she urges the Senate Republicans to include witnesses and documents in Impeached Prznint Stupid ’ s trial — a treasure trove of text messages turned over by the former bidness partner of Wrong-Again Rudy ( Comrade Stupid ’ s second stupidest lawyer ) Lev Parnas of Fraud Guarantee fame .
Bondy said he has also shared dozens of text messages , photos and materials from a Samsung phone and thousands of documents .
Bondy is also expected to provide investigators with materials from two other devices , an iPad and another iPhone , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone interview with Axios last night , Bondy said he anticipates that when the articles are turned over to the Senate , “ there will be a public record that is transmitted with that , including information from witnesses.
” • “ I have reason to believe that at least some of what Mr. Parnas transmitted to [ the intelligence committee ] will likely make the public record.
” • Asked if the contents of the documents Parnas provided to the committee hurt the president , Bondy replied : “ They aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parnas is eager to testify before Congress , and hopes the document dump will help in getting his client an audience with lawmakers .
So you see , Pelosi has something to talk about with her caucus members today , where she is predicted ( by Tiger Beat ) to surrender the articles of impeachment .
As I ’ ve noted before : never underestimate her .

Nancy Pelosi has new ammo as she urges the Senate Republicans to include witnesses and documents in Impeached Prznint Stupid’s trial — a treasure trove of text messages turned over by the former bidness partner of Wrong-Again Rudy (Comrade Stupid’s second stupidest lawyer) Lev Parnas of Fraud Guarantee fame.
Parnas’ lawyer, Joseph A. Bondy, tweeted:
We brought the contents of Lev Parnas’ iPhone 11 to HPSCI today, despite every stumbling block placed in our path since @DOJ SDNY arrested him on 10/9/19. #LetLevSpeak #LevRemembers pic.twitter.com/R9VK3dWWBo — Joseph A. Bondy (@josephabondy) January 13, 2020
After our trip to DC, we worked through the night providing a trove of Lev Parnas’ WhatsApp messages, text messages & images—not under protective order—to #HPSCI, detailing interactions with a number of individuals relevant to the impeachment inquiry. #LetLevSpeak #LevRemembers pic.twitter.com/HdHaCyZXIm — Joseph A. Bondy (@josephabondy) January 13, 2020
Earlier this morning, the Court granted our request for a second modification of the protective order. We have conveyed the contents of Lev Parnas’ Samsung phone to HPSCI, and will be working to provide the other materials as soon as possible. #LetLevSpeak #LevRemembers pic.twitter.com/Jgp4UWD3hZ — Joseph A. Bondy (@josephabondy) January 13, 2020
Bondy said he has also shared dozens of text messages, photos and materials from a Samsung phone and thousands of documents. Bondy is also expected to provide investigators with materials from two other devices, an iPad and another iPhone, “as soon as possible.”
Axios morning email thingie:
In a phone interview with Axios last night, Bondy said he anticipates that when the articles are turned over to the Senate, “there will be a public record that is transmitted with that, including information from witnesses.” “I have reason to believe that at least some of what Mr. Parnas transmitted to [the intelligence committee] will likely make the public record.”
to believe that at least some of what Mr. Parnas transmitted to [the intelligence committee] will likely make the public record.” Asked if the contents of the documents Parnas provided to the committee hurt the president, Bondy replied: “They aren’t helpful.”
the contents of the documents Parnas provided to the committee hurt the president, Bondy replied: “They aren’t helpful.” He added that Parnas is eager to testify before Congress, and hopes the document dump will help in getting his client an audience with lawmakers.
So you see, Pelosi has something to talk about with her caucus members today, where she is predicted (by Tiger Beat) to surrender the articles of impeachment.
As I’ve noted before: never underestimate her.


crooksandliars--2020-01-14--Joe Scarborough Chides GOP On Colbert: What Job Is Worth Selling Your Soul?

No non-Fox media outlet did more to promote the candidacy of Donald Trump than Morning Joe .
And so irony @ @ @ @ @ when Scarborough spoke to his fellow Republicans on the Colbert Show Monday night ( from @ @ @ @ @ SCARBOROUGH : When you 're not worried about the next election , remarkable things happen @ @ @ @ @ worth selling your political soul for ?
What job is worth doing ?
What so @ @ @ @ @ aware , where you can look at the people who are running in Republican primaries @ @ @ @ @ what they ’ re going to do .
It ’ s — yeah , it @ @ @ @ @ This is the guy who gave Donald Trump hundreds of millions of dollars in free @ @ @ @ @ guy who only YESTERDAY allowed Rick Wilson to pretend Republican history began in 2010 .
@ @ @ @ @ price '' of this guy 's political soul is about $ 77,000 a week .

No non-Fox media outlet did more to promote the candidacy of Donald Trump than Morning Joe.
And so irony died a little last night when Scarborough spoke to his fellow Republicans on the Colbert Show Monday night (from about the 3:25 mark)
SCARBOROUGH: When you're not worried about the next election, remarkable things happen. ...What job is worth selling your political soul for? What job is worth doing? What so many of these Republicans are aware, where you can look at the people who are running in Republican primaries, and you can predict what they’re going to do. It’s — yeah, it’s very disappointing.
This is the guy who gave Donald Trump hundreds of millions of dollars in free airtime.
This is the guy who only YESTERDAY allowed Rick Wilson to pretend Republican history began in 2010.
And apparently, the "price" of this guy's political soul is about $77,000 a week.


crooksandliars--2020-01-14--Trump Thinks He Can Take Credit For Obamacare Now

He is actually telling the cult that he ’ s responsible for their protection for pre-existing conditions in Obamacare when , in fact , he is , as we speak , trying to overturn the ACA in its entirety , which is the law that provides that protection .
I ’ m sure you all remember what it was like before the ACA .
Insurance companies could deny insurance to anyone with a medical condition .
If they did decide to insure you , they could charge outlandish premiums making it impossible to buy insurance in any case .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is repealed and the Republicans pass some garbage law that tells insurance companies they have to cover pre-existing conditions .
They ’ ll say fine .
And then they ’ ll charge people who have them 485,000 a year and say they ’ ve complied .
And while Trump did have a hand in getting rid of the individual mandate , the end result was not to improve health care .
In 2017 , Congress used a tax cut law to set the financial penalty for going uninsured to $ 0 .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 on the grounds that the individual mandate counted as a tax , the $ 0 penalty is now at the center of a Trump-backed lawsuit that aims to strike down Obamacare in its entirety .
I wish I understood why Republicans want people to die from lack of affordable health care but after all this time I just have to accept that they do and judge them accordingly .
They know very well what they re doing and they don ’ t care .
Trump is too ignorant to know what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever he thinks will make his cult happy and I think he probably even convinces himself that it ’ s true .

Mini Mike Bloomberg is spending a lot of money on False Advertising. I was the person who saved Pre-Existing Conditions in your Healthcare, you have it now, while at the same time winning the fight to rid you of the expensive, unfair and very unpopular Individual Mandate..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2020
Fergawdsakes.
He is actually telling the cult that he’s responsible for their protection for pre-existing conditions in Obamacare when, in fact, he is, as we speak, trying to overturn the ACA in its entirety, which is the law that provides that protection.
I’m sure you all remember what it was like before the ACA. Insurance companies could deny insurance to anyone with a medical condition. If they did decide to insure you, they could charge outlandish premiums making it impossible to buy insurance in any case. That is what will happen if the law is repealed and the Republicans pass some garbage law that tells insurance companies they have to cover pre-existing conditions. They’ll say fine. And then they’ll charge people who have them 485,000 a year and say they’ve complied.
Mother Jones explains:
A 2019 Kaiser Health News fact check found Trump’s repeated claims to protect patients with preexisting conditions false.
Instead, the Obamacare repeal bills Trump has supported, including 2017’s “skinny repeal” bill, would have gutted coverage for preexisting conditions to varying degrees. Trump has also extended the duration of short-term “junk insurance” plans that do not have to comply with the ACA’s protections for people with preexisting conditions.
And while Trump did have a hand in getting rid of the individual mandate, the end result was not to improve health care. In 2017, Congress used a tax cut law to set the financial penalty for going uninsured to $0. Because the Supreme Court upheld the ACA in 2012 on the grounds that the individual mandate counted as a tax, the $0 penalty is now at the center of a Trump-backed lawsuit that aims to strike down Obamacare in its entirety.
I wish I understood why Republicans want people to die from lack of affordable health care but after all this time I just have to accept that they do and judge them accordingly. They know very well what they re doing and they don’t care.
Trump is too ignorant to know what he’s talking about. He says whatever he thinks will make his cult happy and I think he probably even convinces himself that it’s true.
Published with permission of Digby's Hullabaloo


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Your Right-Wing Uncle Already Thinks The Burisma Hack Story Is A Lie

Here we go again .
... Russian military hackers have been boring into the Ukrainian gas company at the center of the affair , according to security experts .
The hacking attempts against Burisma , the Ukrainian gas company on whose board Hunter Biden served , began in early November ... .
It is not yet clear what the hackers found , or precisely what they were searching for .
But the experts say the timing and scale of the attacks suggest that the Russians could be searching for potentially embarrassing material on the Bidens ... .
Then , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military intelligence unit known formerly as the G.R.U.
, and to private researchers by the alias “ Fancy Bear , ” used so-called phishing emails that appear designed to steal usernames and passwords , according to Area 1 , the Silicon Valley security firm that detected the hacking ... .
“ The attacks were successful , ” said Oren Falkowitz , a co-founder of Area 1 , who previously served at the National Security Agency .
Now the Russians will hold information genuinely damaging to Joe Biden 's presidential campaign , which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or they wo n't find anything particularly incriminating on Hunter Biden or any other relevant subject , but they 'll leak trivial matters that will be blown out of proportion by their pals on America 's right , as well as by our mainstream media , and ridiculous catchphrases will take on sinister overtones , the way `` spirit cooking '' and `` creamy risotto '' did after the DNC hack during the 2016 campaign .
Or maybe America has grown up and wo n't care what 's revealed .
Maybe this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farce .
That 's probably too much to hope for , but it 's possible .
Meanwhile , your right-wing uncle already does n't believe this happened the way the Times said it happened .
Here 's how the story is being reported at Gateway Pundit : Here We Go Again… What BS !
– NY Times Claims ‘ Russian Hackers From Military Unit GRU Successfully Targeted Burisma Holdings ’ ...
The Burisma hack was carried out by Russian GRU officials which coincidentally were the same military officials who supposedly hacked into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this report from the Times and the Mueller report are both complete BS .
There is ZERO evidence that the Russians hacked the DNC servers — ZERO ... .
It looks like the Deep State intel community and Biden are already gearing up for the old ‘ Russian interference ’ excuse because they know Biden is going to lose in 2020 .
Here 's what Daily Caller commenters are saying : Except ...
There is no credible proof Russians hacked the DNC servers in 2016 .
No law enforcement agency ever examined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely it was at the request of Obama to cover himself and Biden .
Or , Hunter just gave the GRU his logins and passwords .
See how simple this is ?
I love that quote from the article - let me fix it : `` phishing emails , which is the same method ... '' Most Hackers Use World-Wide .
The article makes it sound specific to `` evil Russian hackers , '' thus echoing dim talking points - intentionally or otherwise .
And as to the alleged hacking of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from an anti-Russian Ukrainian-owned/run company which works for the Dem Party .
The FBI was NOT ALLOWED to examine the DNC servers .
And the transfer speeds of the files indicate it was an inside-job , downloaded off of their local area network - not `` hacked '' over the internet .
So , again , this article is echoing Dim talking-points as if they were reality .
This sure sounds like a VERY TALL TALE designed to provide cover for Joe Biden 's Ukraine corruption .
The MSM have got to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
!
!
The owners of the company doing the analysis provided to the NYT are former Crowdstrike and NSA idiots ... Well , we knew the `` Russians did it '' hoax was going to play into this somehow .
Are they going to claim that the Russians forced Burisma to hire the crackhead ?
This story is false and a Dem plant .
They are just saying this so when the damaging information about Hunter does come out they can say it ’ s Russian propaganda .
The NY Times has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia shlt the left will eat with a spoon .
So these are more facts 40 % of America will never agree are facts .
As I was saying , here we go again .
Published with permission of No More Mr. Nice Blog

Here we go again.
... Russian military hackers have been boring into the Ukrainian gas company at the center of the affair, according to security experts. The hacking attempts against Burisma, the Ukrainian gas company on whose board Hunter Biden served, began in early November.... It is not yet clear what the hackers found, or precisely what they were searching for. But the experts say the timing and scale of the attacks suggest that the Russians could be searching for potentially embarrassing material on the Bidens.... Then, as now, the Russian hackers from a military intelligence unit known formerly as the G.R.U., and to private researchers by the alias “Fancy Bear,” used so-called phishing emails that appear designed to steal usernames and passwords, according to Area 1, the Silicon Valley security firm that detected the hacking.... “The attacks were successful,” said Oren Falkowitz, a co-founder of Area 1, who previously served at the National Security Agency.
Now the Russians will hold information genuinely damaging to Joe Biden's presidential campaign, which they'll leak if he wins the nomination. Or they won't find anything particularly incriminating on Hunter Biden or any other relevant subject, but they'll leak trivial matters that will be blown out of proportion by their pals on America's right, as well as by our mainstream media, and ridiculous catchphrases will take on sinister overtones, the way "spirit cooking" and "creamy risotto" did after the DNC hack during the 2016 campaign.
Or maybe America has grown up and won't care what's revealed. Maybe this is history repeating the second time as farce. That's probably too much to hope for, but it's possible.
Meanwhile, your right-wing uncle already doesn't believe this happened the way the Times said it happened. Here's how the story is being reported at Gateway Pundit:
Here We Go Again… What BS! – NY Times Claims ‘Russian Hackers From Military Unit GRU Successfully Targeted Burisma Holdings’ ... The Burisma hack was carried out by Russian GRU officials which coincidentally were the same military officials who supposedly hacked into the DNC servers. What a coincidence! Of course we know this report from the Times and the Mueller report are both complete BS. There is ZERO evidence that the Russians hacked the DNC servers — ZERO.... It looks like the Deep State intel community and Biden are already gearing up for the old ‘Russian interference’ excuse because they know Biden is going to lose in 2020.
Here's what Daily Caller commenters are saying:
Except... There is no credible proof Russians hacked the DNC servers in 2016.
No law enforcement agency ever examined the servers. If Russians hacked Burisma, most likely it was at the request of Obama to cover himself and Biden. **** Or, Hunter just gave the GRU his logins and passwords . See how simple this is? **** I love that quote from the article - let me fix it: "phishing emails, which is the same method..." Most Hackers Use World-Wide. The article makes it sound specific to "evil Russian hackers," thus echoing dim talking points - intentionally or otherwise. And as to the alleged hacking of the DNC servers itself - that report is from an anti-Russian Ukrainian-owned/run company which works for the Dem Party. The FBI was NOT ALLOWED to examine the DNC servers. And the transfer speeds of the files indicate it was an inside-job, downloaded off of their local area network - not "hacked" over the internet. So, again, this article is echoing Dim talking-points as if they were reality. **** WHAT A CROCK!!! This sure sounds like a VERY TALL TALE designed to provide cover for Joe Biden's Ukraine corruption. The MSM have got to do whatever they can to help his candidacy!!! **** The owners of the company doing the analysis provided to the NYT are former Crowdstrike and NSA idiots... **** Well, we knew the "Russians did it" hoax was going to play into this somehow. Are they going to claim that the Russians forced Burisma to hire the crackhead? **** This story is false and a Dem plant. They are just saying this so when the damaging information about Hunter does come out they can say it’s Russian propaganda. The NY Times has zero credibility. **** Oh brother, more Russia shlt the left will eat with a spoon.
So these are more facts 40% of America will never agree are facts. As I was saying, here we go again.
Published with permission of No More Mr. Nice Blog


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Republicans Suffer Major Setbacks In Their War On Democracy

Wisconsin Republicans probably wo n't be able to silence the voices of over 200,000 people in the spring elections .
At the end of last year , a right wing front group for the Bradley Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Election Commission , demanding that nearly a quarter of a million people be purged immediately from the voter registration database .
The Republicans were in a panic because the spring elections were just around the corner and they know that when people vote , the Republicans lose .
But the Republicans thwarted themselves while creating the election commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The commission decided to hold off doing the purge due to an appeal filed by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and a federal lawsuit filed by the League of Women Voters .
The Republicans , in an state of utter desperation , launched a three prong attack against democracy : • The front group filed a motion with the original court to find the election commission in contempt • They also filed a petition with the Wisconsin Supreme Court to bypass the appellate court and take the appeal directly , since they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed in the federal lawsuit , asking for it to be dismissed , even though the legislators have no standing in the lawsuit On Monday , the original court sided with the Republicans , finding only the three Democrats on the commission in contempt .
He ordered the commission pay a $ 50 a day fine and that the three Democrats need to pay a $ 250 per day fine .
But because the commission consists of appointed citizens who were acting in their official capacity , the taxpayers will be the ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act of partisanship .
The ruling was not a complete surprise since the judge presiding on the matter , Paul Malloy , was appointed by former Republican Governor Scott McCallum .
Malloy also has a history of controversial statements and stunts , trying to present himself as a tough on crime type of judge .
Also on Monday , the state supreme court decided not to intervene in the appeal , leaving the matter to go to the appellate court first , despite the conservatives majority .
This happened because on of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reelection in the spring and would be directly affected by a decision .
A second conservative justice betrayed his special interest masters by siding with the two impartial justices in deciding against the case .
State Republicans were outraged that justice was being done , demanding to know what kind of service they were getting after spending so much money on them .
On Tuesday came the major blow .
The state appellate court issued an order to immediately stay the circuit court order , meaning that the targeted voters will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because the spring primary elections are only a few weeks away and the general elections - including the presidential primary - is on April 7 , it is extremely unlikely there will be any changes before then .
And even if the Republicans prevail when it gets to the Wisconsin State Supreme Kangaroo Court , there is still the federal lawsuit hanging over their heads , so there is a change the voters will get to keep their voices through November as well .
In summary , the Republicans lost two major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get to pay for it with their tax dollars .
Now excuse me while I go savor this moment and wait for the Republicans ' heads to start popping .

Wisconsin Republicans probably won't be able to silence the voices of over 200,000 people in the spring elections.
At the end of last year, a right wing front group for the Bradley Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Election Commission, demanding that nearly a quarter of a million people be purged immediately from the voter registration database. The Republicans were in a panic because the spring elections were just around the corner and they know that when people vote, the Republicans lose.
But the Republicans thwarted themselves while creating the election commission so that it was very partisan. The commission decided to hold off doing the purge due to an appeal filed by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and a federal lawsuit filed by the League of Women Voters.
The Republicans, in an state of utter desperation, launched a three prong attack against democracy:
The front group filed a motion with the original court to find the election commission in contempt
They also filed a petition with the Wisconsin Supreme Court to bypass the appellate court and take the appeal directly, since they had a 5-2 conservative majority
Republican legislators filed in the federal lawsuit, asking for it to be dismissed, even though the legislators have no standing in the lawsuit
On Monday, the original court sided with the Republicans, finding only the three Democrats on the commission in contempt. He ordered the commission pay a $50 a day fine and that the three Democrats need to pay a $250 per day fine. But because the commission consists of appointed citizens who were acting in their official capacity, the taxpayers will be the ones ultimately footing the bill for this blatant act of partisanship.
The ruling was not a complete surprise since the judge presiding on the matter, Paul Malloy, was appointed by former Republican Governor Scott McCallum. Malloy also has a history of controversial statements and stunts, trying to present himself as a tough on crime type of judge.
Also on Monday, the state supreme court decided not to intervene in the appeal, leaving the matter to go to the appellate court first, despite the conservatives majority. This happened because on of the judges recused himself because he is up for reelection in the spring and would be directly affected by a decision. A second conservative justice betrayed his special interest masters by siding with the two impartial justices in deciding against the case.
State Republicans were outraged that justice was being done, demanding to know what kind of service they were getting after spending so much money on them.
On Tuesday came the major blow. The state appellate court issued an order to immediately stay the circuit court order, meaning that the targeted voters will remain in the registration for now. Furthermore, because the spring primary elections are only a few weeks away and the general elections - including the presidential primary - is on April 7, it is extremely unlikely there will be any changes before then.
And even if the Republicans prevail when it gets to the Wisconsin State Supreme Kangaroo Court, there is still the federal lawsuit hanging over their heads, so there is a change the voters will get to keep their voices through November as well.
In summary, the Republicans lost two major battles in the past two days and will get to pay for it with their tax dollars. Now excuse me while I go savor this moment and wait for the Republicans' heads to start popping.


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Giuliani's Goons Clearly Stalked Marie Yovanovitch In Ukraine

Chris Hayes went through the released texts from Lev Parnas ' phone in their haunting , chilling detail .
In April 2019 , U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine , Marie Yovanovitch , was called back to the states suddenly , based on the deep concern of a State Department official for Yovanovitch 's safety .
As in , do n't even finish sleeping , get on a plane NOW kind of concern .
This , of course , left things to our imagination , but we need n't imagine any longer .
Now we have texts that detail Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Robert Hyde , who was stalking Yovanovitch and talking about paying people in Ukraine to somehow get her removed from her position .
HAYES : Here are a few of those messages with Parnas in blue and Hyde in green .
Okay .
`` They are moving her tomorrow . ''
That 's Hyde .
`` The guys over , they ask me what I would like to do and what is in it for them . ''
and then not getting a response , apparently , he says , `` Wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , this appears to be more about Yovanovitch .
`` She 's talking to three people .
Her phone is off .
Computer is off . ''
Which , again , how does he know her phone and computer is off ?
Then , `` She 's next to the embassy . ''
Not IN the embassy .
Another text from Hyde , `` Private security .
Been there since Thursday . ''
`` Interesting , '' comes a response from Lev Parnas .
Then Hyde again , `` They know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will let me know when she 's on the move . ''
`` Perfect , '' replies Parnas .
`` I mean , if they can find out . ''
Another text .
`` That address I sent checks out . ''
Another one from Hyde , `` It 's next to the embassy . ''
And then this , `` They 're willing to help if we , you , would like a price . ''
And then this one .
`` Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Okay .
So that appears to be a series of texts in realtime from this individual , Robert Hyde , about the movements and security situation about the ambassador , where she is , what she 's doing , who she 's talking to .
And then it concludes with him asking if Parnas wants a price from the unspecified , individuals presumably in Ukraine , who are doing the tailing .
A price for what , I do n't know .
But him saying , half jokingly , maybe dead serious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get anything in Ukraine for a price .
Okay .
That 's a text exchange .
Oh , that 's a text exchange , alright .
That 's also hard evidence Yovanovitch was smart to listen to her friend , who was scared for her safety .
They knew where she was , they knew how many people were in the room she was in , they knew whether her phone was on , whether her computer was on ... this is creepy beyond belief .
And the mention of money to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there 's that imagination , again .
Hayes brought up that other thing that is enough to make you imagine a horse 's head in your bedsheets .
Trump 's conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinsky .
He mentioned that Amb .
Yovanovitch was going to `` go through some things . ''
Yeah .
Not moblike or ominous or anything .
After Hayes replayed Yovanovitch 's testimony in front of Congress , he brought on Natasha Bertrand and asked her where her mind went when she read these texts .
HAYES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reading the text exchange between RRobert Hyde and Lev Parnas that appear to show realtime surveillance of Yovanovitch ?
BERTRAND : Yeah , I mean , my mind , obviously , went to the worst possible scenario , which is that they might have been planning to harm her in some way .
That 's really when you read the text messages and they say that they 're willing to do things for money and that in Ukraine , they can just do these things , that kind of leads you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're planning some kind of attack on the ambassador .
But stepping back for a moment , you know , Hyde is kind of outlandish , to say the least .
She goes on to explaiin that Hyde had been kicked out of Doral for making wild accusations of being surveilled himself and that perhaps he was saying these things to impress Parnas .
Even so , though , she maintained that just the fact that there were people who , with Trump and Giuliani 's approval were stalking Amb .
Yovanovitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented serious security risks and breaches that need to be addressed .
Hopefully the Democrats in the Senate will address them appropriately .
And maybe even four Republicans .

Chris Hayes went through the released texts from Lev Parnas' phone in their haunting, chilling detail.
In April 2019, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, was called back to the states suddenly, based on the deep concern of a State Department official for Yovanovitch's safety. As in, don't even finish sleeping, get on a plane NOW kind of concern. This, of course, left things to our imagination, but we needn't imagine any longer. Now we have texts that detail Rudy Giuliani's pal, Lev Parnas' involvement with Robert Hyde, who was stalking Yovanovitch and talking about paying people in Ukraine to somehow get her removed from her position.
HAYES: Here are a few of those messages with Parnas in blue and Hyde in green. Okay. "They are moving her tomorrow." That's Hyde. "The guys over, they ask me what I would like to do and what is in it for them." and then not getting a response, apparently, he says, "Wake up, Yankees man." Okay. Now, this appears to be more about Yovanovitch. "She's talking to three people. Her phone is off. Computer is off." Which, again, how does he know her phone and computer is off? Then, "She's next to the embassy." Not IN the embassy. Another text from Hyde, "Private security. Been there since Thursday." "Interesting," comes a response from Lev Parnas. Then Hyde again, "They know she's a political puppet. They will let me know when she's on the move." "Perfect," replies Parnas. "I mean, if they can find out." Another text. "That address I sent checks out." Another one from Hyde, "It's next to the embassy." And then this, "They're willing to help if we, you, would like a price." And then this one. "Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money. What I was told." Okay. So that appears to be a series of texts in realtime from this individual, Robert Hyde, about the movements and security situation about the ambassador, where she is, what she's doing, who she's talking to. And then it concludes with him asking if Parnas wants a price from the unspecified, individuals presumably in Ukraine, who are doing the tailing. A price for what, I don't know. But him saying, half jokingly, maybe dead serious, maybe completely jokingly, that you can get anything in Ukraine for a price. Okay. That's a text exchange.
Oh, that's a text exchange, alright. That's also hard evidence Yovanovitch was smart to listen to her friend, who was scared for her safety. They knew where she was, they knew how many people were in the room she was in, they knew whether her phone was on, whether her computer was on...this is creepy beyond belief. And the mention of money to do...anything...is just, well, there's that imagination, again.
Hayes brought up that other thing that is enough to make you imagine a horse's head in your bedsheets. Trump's conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinsky. He mentioned that Amb. Yovanovitch was going to "go through some things." Yeah. Not moblike or ominous or anything.
After Hayes replayed Yovanovitch's testimony in front of Congress, he brought on Natasha Bertrand and asked her where her mind went when she read these texts.
HAYES: What were you thinking when you were reading the text exchange between RRobert Hyde and Lev Parnas that appear to show realtime surveillance of Yovanovitch? BERTRAND: Yeah, I mean, my mind, obviously, went to the worst possible scenario, which is that they might have been planning to harm her in some way. That's really when you read the text messages and they say that they're willing to do things for money and that in Ukraine, they can just do these things, that kind of leads you to the logical conclusion that, perhaps, they're planning some kind of attack on the ambassador. But stepping back for a moment, you know, Hyde is kind of outlandish, to say the least.
She goes on to explaiin that Hyde had been kicked out of Doral for making wild accusations of being surveilled himself and that perhaps he was saying these things to impress Parnas. Even so, though, she maintained that just the fact that there were people who, with Trump and Giuliani's approval were stalking Amb. Yovanovitch and hacking into her phone and laptop represented serious security risks and breaches that need to be addressed.
Hopefully the Democrats in the Senate will address them appropriately. And maybe even four Republicans.


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--When The Government Lies, It's The Constitution That Protects Americans

When regular people lie , sometimes their lies are detected , sometimes they ’ re not .
Legally speaking , sometimes they ’ re protected by the First Amendment – and sometimes not , like when they commit fraud or perjury .
But what about when government officials lie ?
I take up this question in my recent book , “ The Government ’ s Speech and the Constitution.
” It ’ s not that surprising that public servants lie – they are human , after all .
But when an agency or official backed by the power and resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sometimes causes harm that only the government can inflict .
My research found that lies by government officials can violate the Constitution in several different ways , especially when those lies deprive people of their rights .
Consider , for instance , police officers who falsely tell a suspect that they have a search warrant , or falsely say that the government will take the suspect ’ s child away if the suspect doesn ’ t waive his or her constitutional rights to a lawyer or against self-incrimination .
These lies violate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fifth and Sixth Amendments .
If the government jails , taxes or fines people because it disagrees with what they say , it violates the First Amendment .
And under some circumstances , the government can silence dissent just as effectively through its lies that encourage employers and other third parties to punish the government ’ s critics .
During the 1950s and 1960s , for example , the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission spread damaging falsehoods to the employers , friends and neighbors of citizens who spoke out against segregation .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency “ harassed individuals who assisted organizations promoting desegregation or voter registration .
In some instances , the commission would suggest job actions to employers , who would fire the targeted moderate or activist.
” And some lawsuits have accused government officials of misrepresenting how dangerous a person was when putting them on a no-fly list .
Some judges have expressed concern about whether the government ’ s no-fly listing procedures are rigorous enough to justify restricting a person ’ s freedom to travel .
But in other situations , it can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s speech and the loss of an individual right .
Think of government officials ’ lies about their own misconduct , or their colleagues ’ , to avoid political and legal accountability – like the many lies about the Vietnam War by Lyndon Johnson ’ s administration , as revealed by the Pentagon Papers .
Those sorts of lies are part of what I ’ ve called “ the government ’ s manufacture of doubt.
” These include the government ’ s falsehoods that seek to distract the public from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance , in response to growing concerns about his campaign ’ s connections to Russia , President Donald Trump claimed that former President Barack Obama had wiretapped him during the campaign , even though the Department of Justice confirmed that no evidence supported that claim .
Decades earlier , in the 1950s , Sen. Joseph McCarthy sought both media attention and political gain through outrageous and often unfounded claims that contributed to a culture of fear in the country .
When public officials speak in these ways , they undermine public trust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold the government accountable for its performance .
But they don ’ t necessarily violate any particular person ’ s constitutional rights , making lawsuits challenging at best .
In other words , just because the government ’ s lies hurt us does not always mean that they violate the Constitution .
What else can people do ?
There are other important options for protecting the public from the government ’ s lies .
Whistleblowers can help uncover the government ’ s falsehoods and other misconduct .
Recall FBI Associate Director Mark Felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” source for The Washington Post ’ s investigation , and Army Sgt .
Joseph Darby , who revealed the mistreatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib .
And lawmakers can enact , and lawyers can help enforce , laws that protect whistleblowers who expose government lies .
Legislatures and agencies can exercise their oversight powers to hold other government officials accountable for their lies .
For example , Senate hearings led Sen. McCarthy ’ s colleagues to formally condemn his conduct as “ contrary to senatorial traditions and … ethics.
” In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information to check the government ’ s claims , and the public can protest and vote against those in power who lie .
Public outrage over the government ’ s lies about the war in Vietnam , for example , contributed to Lyndon Johnson ’ s 1968 decision not to seek reelection .
Similarly , the public ’ s disapproval of government officials ’ lies to cover up the Watergate scandal helped lead to Richard Nixon ’ s 1974 resignation .
It can be hard to prevent government officials from lying , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
But the tools available for doing just that include not only the Constitution but also persistent pushback from other government officials , the press and the people themselves .
[ Deep knowledge , daily .
Sign up for The Conversation ’ s newsletter . ]
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Helen Norton, University of Colorado Boulder
When regular people lie, sometimes their lies are detected, sometimes they’re not. Legally speaking, sometimes they’re protected by the First Amendment – and sometimes not, like when they commit fraud or perjury.
But what about when government officials lie?
I take up this question in my recent book, “The Government’s Speech and the Constitution.” It’s not that surprising that public servants lie – they are human, after all. But when an agency or official backed by the power and resources of the government tells a lie, it sometimes causes harm that only the government can inflict.
My research found that lies by government officials can violate the Constitution in several different ways, especially when those lies deprive people of their rights.
Clear violations
Consider, for instance, police officers who falsely tell a suspect that they have a search warrant, or falsely say that the government will take the suspect’s child away if the suspect doesn’t waive his or her constitutional rights to a lawyer or against self-incrimination. These lies violate constitutional protections provided in the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
If the government jails, taxes or fines people because it disagrees with what they say, it violates the First Amendment. And under some circumstances, the government can silence dissent just as effectively through its lies that encourage employers and other third parties to punish the government’s critics. During the 1950s and 1960s, for example, the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission spread damaging falsehoods to the employers, friends and neighbors of citizens who spoke out against segregation. As a federal court found decades later, the agency “harassed individuals who assisted organizations promoting desegregation or voter registration. In some instances, the commission would suggest job actions to employers, who would fire the targeted moderate or activist.”
And some lawsuits have accused government officials of misrepresenting how dangerous a person was when putting them on a no-fly list. Some judges have expressed concern about whether the government’s no-fly listing procedures are rigorous enough to justify restricting a person’s freedom to travel.
AP Photo/Jim Wells
Spreading distrust and uncertainty
But in other situations, it can be difficult to find a direct connection between the government’s speech and the loss of an individual right. Think of government officials’ lies about their own misconduct, or their colleagues’, to avoid political and legal accountability – like the many lies about the Vietnam War by Lyndon Johnson’s administration, as revealed by the Pentagon Papers.
Those sorts of lies are part of what I’ve called “the government’s manufacture of doubt.” These include the government’s falsehoods that seek to distract the public from efforts to discover the truth. For instance, in response to growing concerns about his campaign’s connections to Russia, President Donald Trump claimed that former President Barack Obama had wiretapped him during the campaign, even though the Department of Justice confirmed that no evidence supported that claim.
Decades earlier, in the 1950s, Sen. Joseph McCarthy sought both media attention and political gain through outrageous and often unfounded claims that contributed to a culture of fear in the country.
When public officials speak in these ways, they undermine public trust and frustrate the public’s ability to hold the government accountable for its performance. But they don’t necessarily violate any particular person’s constitutional rights, making lawsuits challenging at best. In other words, just because the government’s lies hurt us does not always mean that they violate the Constitution.
United Press International/Wikimedia Commons
What else can people do?
There are other important options for protecting the public from the government’s lies. Whistleblowers can help uncover the government’s falsehoods and other misconduct. Recall FBI Associate Director Mark Felt, Watergate’s “Deep Throat” source for The Washington Post’s investigation, and Army Sgt. Joseph Darby, who revealed the mistreatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib. And lawmakers can enact, and lawyers can help enforce, laws that protect whistleblowers who expose government lies.
Legislatures and agencies can exercise their oversight powers to hold other government officials accountable for their lies. For example, Senate hearings led Sen. McCarthy’s colleagues to formally condemn his conduct as “contrary to senatorial traditions and … ethics.”
In addition, the press can seek documents and information to check the government’s claims, and the public can protest and vote against those in power who lie. Public outrage over the government’s lies about the war in Vietnam, for example, contributed to Lyndon Johnson’s 1968 decision not to seek reelection. Similarly, the public’s disapproval of government officials’ lies to cover up the Watergate scandal helped lead to Richard Nixon’s 1974 resignation.
It can be hard to prevent government officials from lying, and difficult to hold them accountable when they do. But the tools available for doing just that include not only the Constitution but also persistent pushback from other government officials, the press and the people themselves.
[ Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter. ]
Helen Norton, Rothgerber Chair in Constitutional Law, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


Democratic Debate Night!

That 's right , folks !
It 's ... .drum roll ...
Debate Night !
Get some popcorn , your @ @ @ @ @ us for the first Democratic debate of 2020 and the last debate before the Iowa @ @ @ @ @ the lineup and order of candidates looks like : The debate is being broadcast by @ @ @ @ @ Des Moines Register .
We can not embed their live stream , but you can @ @ @ @ @ and watch it online here .
As always , we 'll be pulling up a @ @ @ @ @ the comment section for chat and commentary .

That's right, folks! It's....drum roll...Debate Night! Get some popcorn, your favorite beverage, and join us for the first Democratic debate of 2020 and the last debate before the Iowa caucuses.
Here's what the lineup and order of candidates looks like:
Tom Steyer
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Former Vice President Joe Biden
Sen. Bernie Sanders
Mayor Pete Buttigieg
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
The debate is being broadcast by CNN in partnership with the Des Moines Register. We cannot embed their live stream, but you can open a second browser window and watch it online here.
As always, we'll be pulling up a chair and joining you in the comment section for chat and commentary.


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Lev Parnas Document Dump Is Insane: Assasination Plot, Rudy's Handwritten Notes And More

I am rarely shocked by things the Trump administration and his loyalists do - that is what three years covering this administration will do to you .
But I think we have finally reached the point where I can say I AM SHOCKED .
The Democrats were just given a trove of documents , notes , texts and other evidence from Lev Parnas , buddy of Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani -- and it is shocking .
The Washington Post published 38 slides of information , including handwritten notes from Rudy Giuliani , passports , letters from Rudy to Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things in the trove published SO FAR the texts are the most shocking .
Because it appears they are discussing an assassination plot against AMBASSADOR MARIE YOVANOVITCH in Ukraine .
And who is on these conversations ?
Lev Parnas and Robert Hyde ( Congressional GOP candidate from Connecticut ! )
.
Not only are they discussing killing her , but Hyde tells Parnas , `` They are willing to help if you would like a price '' and then , `` Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money ... what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time period they also appear to be tracking her movements , with Hyde giving real time updates on her security , electronic access , etc .
Mobster behavior .
Traitorous behavior .
Criminal behavior .
Will Pompeo step down ?
Will the DOJ investigate or will we have to wait until the next administration takes over ( we already know the answer - Barr wo n't do anything ) .
Will the Senate call Parnas and Hyde as witnesses - this seems very material to the trial ?
Every day brings new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

I am rarely shocked by things the Trump administration and his loyalists do - that is what three years covering this administration will do to you. But I think we have finally reached the point where I can say I AM SHOCKED.
The Democrats were just given a trove of documents, notes, texts and other evidence from Lev Parnas, buddy of Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani -- and it is shocking. The Washington Post published 38 slides of information, including handwritten notes from Rudy Giuliani, passports, letters from Rudy to Zelensky and texts. And of all the things in the trove published SO FAR the texts are the most shocking.
Why?
Because it appears they are discussing an assassination plot against AMBASSADOR MARIE YOVANOVITCH in Ukraine. And who is on these conversations? Lev Parnas and Robert Hyde (Congressional GOP candidate from Connecticut!). Not only are they discussing killing her, but Hyde tells Parnas, "They are willing to help if you would like a price" and then, "Guess you can do anything in the Ukraine with money...what I was told."
And during this time period they also appear to be tracking her movements, with Hyde giving real time updates on her security, electronic access, etc. Mobster behavior. Traitorous behavior. Criminal behavior.
Twitter exploded.
Um holy sh*t. This certainly makes it sound like Parnas and co. were actively tracking Yovanovitch's movements. This could explain why Yovanovitch was moved out of Ukraine so quickly. https://t.co/4rBRB06ZGN pic.twitter.com/5Gc8WcGPih — Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) January 14, 2020
Oh my God. Read these and tell me, if you were Marie Yovanovitch, that you wouldn’t be fearing for your life. This is the Trump administration's OWN GOONS. This is absolutely insane. — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) January 15, 2020
"Dear President-Elect Zelensky: . . . In my capacity as personal counsel to President Trump and with his knowledge and consent, I request a meeting with you . . . "
Holy smokes! pic.twitter.com/BDrcE8Hz4M — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) January 14, 2020
7/ I don't want to overstate. But this was always ominous, and all the more so now:
Trump to Zelenskiy: "She's [Amb. Yovanovitch] going to go through some things."
Hyde to Parnas: "If you want her out they need to make contact with security forces."https://t.co/GMMMgR7Alh — Jed Shugerman (@jedshug) January 15, 2020
I think there needs to be some kind of emergency hearing in the House about these Parnas docs. Robert Hyde, a republican who ran for Congress in Connecticut was apparently talking about harming or assassinating a US ambassador through a conspiracy connected to the president. — Jennifer Taub (@jentaub) January 15, 2020
Will Pompeo step down? Will the DOJ investigate or will we have to wait until the next administration takes over (we already know the answer - Barr won't do anything). Will the Senate call Parnas and Hyde as witnesses - this seems very material to the trial?
Every day brings new and terrifying revelations of this mobster President*.


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Ivanka, Trump-Azerbaijan Tower, And Money Laundering

I ’ m going to post these tweets by New Yorker writer Adam Davidson for posterity .
The Trump-Azerbaijan Tower project is a notoriously shady deal and for some reason nobody seems to care .
If only they had used a private email server… For reporters needing to convince editors they can safely mention Trump ’ s prior financial ties to the IRGC , here are the receipts : The Trump Org proudly announced its Baku , Azerbaijan project in 2014 ( the deal began in 2010 , signed in 2011 ) : prnewswire.com/news-releases/… 1/ Ivanka Trump led the effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Anar Mammadov , son of Ziya Mammadov , Azerbaijan ’ s transportation minister .
US state dept officials referred to Mammadov as “ is notoriously corrupt even for Azerbaijan ” search.wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/0… 2/ That same cable explained that Kamal and Keyoumars Darvishi ran “ an alleged Revolutionary Guard-controlled business in Iran ” and “ developed a close business relationship/friendship with Azerbaijan Minister of Transportation Ziya Mammedov ” 3/ A Swedish prosecutor filed a case against Bombardier for a corrupt rail contract in Azerbaijan .
The documents the prosecutor uncovered showed the corrupt case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mammadov .
occrp.org/en/agentsofinf… 4/ Swedish prosecutor Thomas Forsberg has a lot of documentation that shows a tie between Mammadov and the Darvishis in this scam .
Taken together , this evidence shows the Mammadovs and Darvishis were almost certainly making 100s of millions of dollars … 5/ Through corrupt rail and road contracts precisely when the Trump Org was doing business with them .
The Trumps say they didn ’ t know until 2015 , though a simple google search would have revealed most of it .
But they CONTINUED doing business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The next key bit is to show that the Darvishis were not independent Iranian businessmen but were a front for the IRGC , doing the bidding of Qasem Soleimani .
That ’ s actually the easiest part .
Start with a Farsi translation of their own web page : azarpassillo.com/ ?
lang=en 7/ Note that most of their Iran projects were ones controlled by the IRGC ’ s Khatam Al-Anbia construction entity .
Also note that during the same period Trump was working on the project , the Darvishi brothers both took leaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8/ Tehran ’ s mayor , Mohamed Bagher Ghalibaf , a lifelong senior IRGC official and close ally of Soleimani .
Ghalibaf–with the Darvishis as his key deputies–previously ran the IRGC air force and its efforts to acquire WMD missile guidance systems .
9/ Look at the Tehran Metro construction project–it was under Ghalibaf ’ s control , he gave much of the work to the Darvishis , and — we can safely assume — they pocketed huge amounts of corrupt money .
Again : at the same time they were partnering with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tower to launder his money .
While we can ’ t say for sure , it is certainly compelling that THE major IRGC money laundering operation had one major external partner ( Mammadov ) who had one major business partner… Trump .
11/ Once again : Alan Garten , chief legal officer of the Trump Org , says they learned all of this in Summer 2015 .
They had a contractual right to audit the financial books of the Mammadovs .
They clearly could have alerted authorities .
They did nothing until Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial : Trump did not just profit from the IRGC , he was materially helpful in their efforts .
The goal of $ -laundering is to spread huge amounts of money around the world without detection .
Without Trump , this project would have been stymied .
13/ Mammadov and the Darvishis are international pariahs .
They would have been flagged by banks and SWIFT and other transfer services .
But , by calling this a Trump project , it was far easier to send large amounts of money through the banking system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know precisely how much money was involved or how it was used , but the evidence suggests it was a lot of money–possibly in the billions–and that these are very bad people who use their money for very bad things : WMD acquisition , terror financing , etc .
15/ In short : while running for President , Trump was knowingly providing material help to an enemy of the united states for about $ 5 million .
At a minimum , we should report that Trump ’ s concern about Soleimani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development .
16/ There is a ton more investigative meat on this bone .
Lots to uncover about Trump , Mammadov , Azarpassillo , etc .
And this is just ONE of many shady projects the company was doing at the time .
Consider his work with Hary Tanoesoedibjo–which is ongoing now–in Indonesia 17/ Hary Tanoe is tied to some ISIS linked groups : theintercept.com/2017/04/18/tru… Trump Org defense is : we were just licensing our name .
But that IS the problem .
They are selling a shiny American brand to evildoers so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
18/ There is more to be done .
But the core story is bulletproof , fully ready to pass a fact check and legal review .
And it ’ s also very simple : When responding to Trump and Iran , include : “ ” Until recently , Trump knowingly participated in an IRGC front operation to launder money.
” 19 Reporters : feel free to DM me or write me at mail @ adamdavidson.com I don ’ t need any credit .
I just think we ’ re doing a disservice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t report the Iran story with full context .
Oh , and of course read my story on all this : newyorker.com/magazine/2017/… END

I’m going to post these tweets by New Yorker writer Adam Davidson for posterity. The Trump-Azerbaijan Tower project is a notoriously shady deal and for some reason nobody seems to care. If only they had used a private email server…
For reporters needing to convince editors they can safely mention Trump’s prior financial ties to the IRGC, here are the receipts: The Trump Org proudly announced its Baku, Azerbaijan project in 2014 (the deal began in 2010, signed in 2011): prnewswire.com/news-releases/… 1/
Ivanka Trump led the effort: facebook.com/watch/?v=10152… Her official partner was Anar Mammadov, son of Ziya Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s transportation minister. US state dept officials referred to Mammadov as “is notoriously corrupt even for Azerbaijan” search.wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/0… 2/
That same cable explained that Kamal and Keyoumars Darvishi ran “an alleged Revolutionary Guard-controlled business in Iran” and “developed a close business relationship/friendship with Azerbaijan Minister of Transportation Ziya Mammedov” 3/
A Swedish prosecutor filed a case against Bombardier for a corrupt rail contract in Azerbaijan. The documents the prosecutor uncovered showed the corrupt case implicated the IRGC’s Darvishi brothers and Mammadov. occrp.org/en/agentsofinf… 4/
Swedish prosecutor Thomas Forsberg has a lot of documentation that shows a tie between Mammadov and the Darvishis in this scam. Taken together, this evidence shows the Mammadovs and Darvishis were almost certainly making 100s of millions of dollars … 5/
Through corrupt rail and road contracts precisely when the Trump Org was doing business with them. The Trumps say they didn’t know until 2015, though a simple google search would have revealed most of it. But they CONTINUED doing business after they learned all this. 6/
The next key bit is to show that the Darvishis were not independent Iranian businessmen but were a front for the IRGC, doing the bidding of Qasem Soleimani. That’s actually the easiest part. Start with a Farsi translation of their own web page: azarpassillo.com/?lang=en 7/
Note that most of their Iran projects were ones controlled by the IRGC’s Khatam Al-Anbia construction entity. Also note that during the same period Trump was working on the project, the Darvishi brothers both took leaves from their business to work for … 8/
Tehran’s mayor, Mohamed Bagher Ghalibaf, a lifelong senior IRGC official and close ally of Soleimani. Ghalibaf–with the Darvishis as his key deputies–previously ran the IRGC air force and its efforts to acquire WMD missile guidance systems. 9/
Look at the Tehran Metro construction project–it was under Ghalibaf’s control, he gave much of the work to the Darvishis, and — we can safely assume — they pocketed huge amounts of corrupt money. Again: at the same time they were partnering with Mammadov …
Who was using the Trump Tower to launder his money. While we can’t say for sure, it is certainly compelling that THE major IRGC money laundering operation had one major external partner (Mammadov) who had one major business partner… Trump. 11/
Once again: Alan Garten, chief legal officer of the Trump Org, says they learned all of this in Summer 2015. They had a contractual right to audit the financial books of the Mammadovs. They clearly could have alerted authorities. They did nothing until Dec. 2016. 12/
Here’s something crucial: Trump did not just profit from the IRGC, he was materially helpful in their efforts. The goal of $-laundering is to spread huge amounts of money around the world without detection. Without Trump, this project would have been stymied. 13/
Mammadov and the Darvishis are international pariahs. They would have been flagged by banks and SWIFT and other transfer services. But, by calling this a Trump project, it was far easier to send large amounts of money through the banking system around the world. 14/
We don’t know precisely how much money was involved or how it was used, but the evidence suggests it was a lot of money–possibly in the billions–and that these are very bad people who use their money for very bad things: WMD acquisition, terror financing, etc. 15/
In short: while running for President, Trump was knowingly providing material help to an enemy of the united states for about $5 million. At a minimum, we should report that Trump’s concern about Soleimani and the IRGC is a very recent development. 16/
There is a ton more investigative meat on this bone. Lots to uncover about Trump, Mammadov, Azarpassillo, etc. And this is just ONE of many shady projects the company was doing at the time. Consider his work with Hary Tanoesoedibjo–which is ongoing now–in Indonesia 17/
Hary Tanoe is tied to some ISIS linked groups: theintercept.com/2017/04/18/tru… Trump Org defense is: we were just licensing our name. But that IS the problem. They are selling a shiny American brand to evildoers so they can do their evil more easily. 18/
There is more to be done. But the core story is bulletproof, fully ready to pass a fact check and legal review. And it’s also very simple: When responding to Trump and Iran, include: “”Until recently, Trump knowingly participated in an IRGC front operation to launder money.” 19
Reporters: feel free to DM me or write me at mail@adamdavidson.com I don’t need any credit. I just think we’re doing a disservice to our audiences if we don’t report the Iran story with full context. Oh, and of course read my story on all this: newyorker.com/magazine/2017/… END


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--CNN Moderators Never Asked 'Who Will Pay For It' About Endless War

Democrats onstage Tuesday night at the CNN/Des Moines Register debate in Iowa were challenged repeatedly by moderators on the cost of major plans like Sen. Bernie Sanders ' Medicare for All—scrutiny that was missing in the first half hour when the questions focused on endless war and a potential attack on Iran .
`` Wonder if CNN asked how much going to potential war with Iran cost ? ''
asked artist Karla Ortiz .
`` Amazing how the moderators did n't ask how the candidates plan to pay for wars . ''
—Sarah Lazare Questions on costs and how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals appeared to use an analysis provided to CNN Tuesday by Larry Summers on the cost of the Sanders agenda .
The majority of the questions on cost were directed to Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass. )
.
But those questions only came in the second hour of the debate , and were absent during the discussion on foreign policy .
`` None of the candidates who said they support keeping troops in Iraq were asked how they were going to pay for it , '' tweeted Sanders campaign national organizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Riffle was incredulous at the line of questioning .
`` They just asked 27 questions about sending troops to the Middle East and preventing Iran from developing nukes and not once asked how they 'd pay for it , '' said Riffle .
`` But not letting poor people die ?
Whoa , what 's the price tag on that ?
! ''
Social media lit up with commentators and observers from the left taking aim at the difference in approach from the moderators .

Democrats onstage Tuesday night at the CNN/Des Moines Register debate in Iowa were challenged repeatedly by moderators on the cost of major plans like Sen. Bernie Sanders' Medicare for All—scrutiny that was missing in the first half hour when the questions focused on endless war and a potential attack on Iran.
"Wonder if CNN asked how much going to potential war with Iran cost?" asked artist Karla Ortiz.
"Amazing how the moderators didn't ask how the candidates plan to pay for wars."
—Sarah Lazare
Questions on costs and how the presidential candidates proposed to pay for their proposals appeared to use an analysis provided to CNN Tuesday by Larry Summers on the cost of the Sanders agenda. The majority of the questions on cost were directed to Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
But those questions only came in the second hour of the debate, and were absent during the discussion on foreign policy.
Progressives quickly noted the disconnect.
"None of the candidates who said they support keeping troops in Iraq were asked how they were going to pay for it," tweeted Sanders campaign national organizing director Claire Sandberg.
Policy analyst Dan Riffle was incredulous at the line of questioning.
"They just asked 27 questions about sending troops to the Middle East and preventing Iran from developing nukes and not once asked how they'd pay for it," said Riffle. "But not letting poor people die? Whoa, what's the price tag on that?!"
Social media lit up with commentators and observers from the left taking aim at the difference in approach from the moderators.
Amazing how the moderators didn’t ask how the candidates plan to pay for wars — Sarah Lazare (@sarahlazare) January 15, 2020
Why do Dems have to show how they will pay for it when Trump straight up says Mexico will pay for the wall? When Republicans haven't explained how they will pay for their disastrous tax cut? When this country spends trillions on useless wars? We can't find money for health care? — Wajahat "Abu Khadija" Ali (@WajahatAli) January 15, 2020
Amazing how that works. No question about “how we’re gonna pay for it” when Wolf spent 15 questions grilling candidates on whether or not they want to keep troops in the Middle East forever https://t.co/fqTepf4yYd — Adam H. Johnson (@adamjohnsonNYC) January 15, 2020
Republished under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams (Eoin Higgins, staff writer)


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Impeachment Articles Sent To Senate

Impeachment Articles Sent To Senate

The House voted Wednesday to send the Senate two articles of impeachment against Trump — abuse of power and obstruction @ @ @ @ @ seven Democrats to serve as prosecutors in the third trial of a U.S. president .
@ @ @ @ @ to 193 , breaking largely along party lines .
Pelosi plans to hold an engrossment @ @ @ @ @ and then the managers are scheduled to begin a procession across the Capitol Rotunda to @ @ @ @ @ to the secretary of the Senate .

Washington Post:
The House voted Wednesday to send the Senate two articles of impeachment against Trump — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — and approved seven Democrats to serve as prosecutors in the third trial of a U.S. president.
The resolution was approved 228 to 193, breaking largely along party lines.
Pelosi plans to hold an engrossment ceremony at 5 p.m., and then the managers are scheduled to begin a procession across the Capitol Rotunda to present the articles of impeachment to the secretary of the Senate.


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Reporter, 22, Calls Out State Senator After Crack About Teenage Boys 'Having Fun With Her'

When Allison Donahue of the Michigan Advance tried to ask Sen. Peter Lucido , R-Shelby Township if he was a member of an anti-Gretchen Whitmer ( Michigan Governor ) Facebook Group that featured numerous sexist and misogynist posts and images , the good Senator responded this way : What was meant to be an opportunity for Lucido to respond to the report turned into him making comments that objectified and humiliated me in front of a group of young boys .
After the Senate session ended and the chamber cleared out , a line of about 30 boys from Lucido @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salle Collegiate , an all-boys ’ Catholic high school in Warren , stood in front of the Senate doors .
I asked Lucido for a moment to address the issue at hand , and he told me he would catch up with me after he was finished honoring the group of students .
... '' You should hang around !
You could have a lot of fun with these boys , or they could have a lot of fun with you , '' [ he told me ] .
The teenagers burst into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I walked away knowing that I had been the punchline of their “ locker room ” talk .
Except it wasn ’ t the locker room ; it was the Senate chamber .
And this is n't high school .
It 's my career .
I 'm 22 years old and one of the youngest current Capitol reporters .
The senator 's insinuating comments about the `` fun '' I might have with a group of teenage boys was belittling and it came from a place of power .

When Allison Donahue of the Michigan Advance tried to ask Sen. Peter Lucido, R-Shelby Township if he was a member of an anti-Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan Governor) Facebook Group that featured numerous sexist and misogynist posts and images, the good Senator responded this way:
Source: Michigan Advance
What was meant to be an opportunity for Lucido to respond to the report turned into him making comments that objectified and humiliated me in front of a group of young boys.
After the Senate session ended and the chamber cleared out, a line of about 30 boys from Lucido’s alma mater, De La Salle Collegiate, an all-boys’ Catholic high school in Warren, stood in front of the Senate doors.
I asked Lucido for a moment to address the issue at hand, and he told me he would catch up with me after he was finished honoring the group of students. ...
"You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you," [he told me].
The teenagers burst into an old boys’ network-type of laughter, and I walked away knowing that I had been the punchline of their “locker room” talk.
Except it wasn’t the locker room; it was the Senate chamber. And this isn't high school. It's my career.
I'm 22 years old and one of the youngest current Capitol reporters. The senator's insinuating comments about the "fun" I might have with a group of teenage boys was belittling and it came from a place of power.


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Senate GOPers Impose Unprecedented Press Restrictions For Impeachment Trial

Via Roll Call , some disturbing news about impeachment coverage : The Senate sergeant-at-arms and Capitol Police are launching an @ @ @ @ @ press corps for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump , following a standoff between @ @ @ @ @ security officials , Senate Rules Chairman Roy Blunt and the standing committees of correspondents .
@ @ @ @ @ Sund and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael C. Stenger will enact a plan that intends to protect @ @ @ @ @ but it also suggests that credentialed reporters and photographers whom senators interact with on a @ @ @ @ @ threat .
Additional security screening and limited movement within the Capitol for reporters are two @ @ @ @ @ from Capitol Hill media .
The Standing Committee of Correspondents , which represents journalists credentialed @ @ @ @ @ in the House and Senate , has come out forcefully against the planned restrictions that @ @ @ @ @ made by the correspondents “ without an explanation of how the restrictions contribute to safety @ @ @ @ @ of the trial .
”

Via Roll Call, some disturbing news about impeachment coverage:
The Senate sergeant-at-arms and Capitol Police are launching an unprecedented crackdown on the Capitol press corps for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, following a standoff between the Capitol’s chief security officials, Senate Rules Chairman Roy Blunt and the standing committees of correspondents.
Capitol Police Chief Steven A. Sund and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael C. Stenger will enact a plan that intends to protect senators and the chamber, but it also suggests that credentialed reporters and photographers whom senators interact with on a daily basis are considered a threat.
Additional security screening and limited movement within the Capitol for reporters are two issues that are drawing criticism from Capitol Hill media.
The Standing Committee of Correspondents, which represents journalists credentialed in the daily press galleries in the House and Senate, has come out forcefully against the planned restrictions that it says rejected every suggestion made by the correspondents “without an explanation of how the restrictions contribute to safety rather than simply limit coverage of the trial.”


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--BREAKING:  Pelosi Names Seven Impeachment Managers

SCHIFF on new testimony released last night : `` That letter makes clear that Giuliani in his own words is @ @ @ @ @ with the knowledge and consent of the president .
There is no fobbing this off @ @ @ @ @ was the architect of this scheme . ''
pic.twitter.com/R33YVcCqb3

SCHIFF on new testimony released last night: "That letter makes clear that Giuliani in his own words is acting at the behest and with the knowledge and consent of the president. There is no fobbing this off on others -- the president was the architect of this scheme." pic.twitter.com/R33YVcCqb3
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 15, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--Morning Joe's Crew Cracks Up At Kevin McCarthy's 'Concern' Over Impeachment

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy held a very important press conference yesterday about the Trump impeachment trial : If there 's anyone who gained from this , it would be anybody who is running for president that 's not in the U.S. Senate .
With Iowa quickly upon us in early February , those four senators who are running for president will now no longer have a voice .
If you look at the true political nature of why , to harm one campaign and give a benefit to another .
The only rightful thing of Joe Biden is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders can not .
`` I 've gotten more laughs then I get usually on the scripted 30 minutes of the show , '' Scarborough said .
`` Joe Biden must have thought seriously about what Kevin McCarthy just said , '' Mike Barnicle said .
`` You know , McCarthy always has been for ethics in government .
He was the one , after all , that told the Republican caucus back in 2016 that Donald Trump took money from Vladimir Putin . ''
`` He is a reformer .
Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank heavens we 're past the phase where media types pretend to take anything McCarthy says at face value .

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy held a very important press conference yesterday about the Trump impeachment trial:
If there's anyone who gained from this, it would be anybody who is running for president that's not in the U.S. Senate. With Iowa quickly upon us in early February, those four senators who are running for president will now no longer have a voice. If you look at the true political nature of why, to harm one campaign and give a benefit to another. The only rightful thing of Joe Biden is to make a pledge not to campaign while Bernie Sanders cannot.
Actual guffaws! Then:
"I've gotten more laughs then I get usually on the scripted 30 minutes of the show," Scarborough said.
"Joe Biden must have thought seriously about what Kevin McCarthy just said," Mike Barnicle said.
"You know, McCarthy always has been for ethics in government. He was the one, after all, that told the Republican caucus back in 2016 that Donald Trump took money from Vladimir Putin."
"You're right."
"He is a reformer. Keep your eyes on that kid."
"He's got talent!"
Thank heavens we're past the phase where media types pretend to take anything McCarthy says at face value.


crooksandliars--2020-01-15--'The Name Is Hyde. Bob Hyde.'  Trump's Loyal Thug Wanted To Be James Bond

After reading yesterday 's Lev Parnas documents from the House Intelligence Committee , I continue to be , um , @ @ @ @ @ people with whom Trump chooses to associate .
Like Robert Hyde , the disturbed Republican @ @ @ @ @ with Parnas against Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch : Hyde sent this tweet while Yovanovitch was testifying @ @ @ @ @ after watching her careful testimony , my first reaction is that she was a `` @ @ @ @ @ yuge pos . ''
Uh huh .
Seems he might be mentally ill , which @ @ @ @ @ like Giuliani and Trump were enabling him : There 's no question he spent a @ @ @ @ @ Cheeto : And finally , inevitably , he donates enough money to Republicans that he @ @ @ @ @ Inc. , but he does n't pay his child support .

After reading yesterday's Lev Parnas documents from the House Intelligence Committee, I continue to be, um, impressed by the quality of people with whom Trump chooses to associate.
Like Robert Hyde, the disturbed Republican congressional candidate who was plotting with Parnas against Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch:
Hyde sent this tweet while Yovanovitch was testifying before Congress. Yes, after watching her careful testimony, my first reaction is that she was a "traitor" and a "yuge pos." Uh huh.
Like most Trump allies, he's projecting:
Here is a photo of Trump, at one of his golf clubs, with Robert F. Hyde, the man who apparently had Yanvanovitch under physical surveillance in Kiev and offered to talk to Ukranians who would "help" deal with her "for a price" pic.twitter.com/vpXnp9iZ6i — Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) January 14, 2020
Hyde, the man who offered to talk to Ukranians who would "help" deal with Yanvanovitch "for a price"
is running for Congress.
In a survey has was asked what fictional character he would want to be.
His answer: JAMES BONDhttps://t.co/ihrzv7W4sx — Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) January 15, 2020
Seems he might be mentally ill, which makes you wonder why people like Giuliani and Trump were enabling him:
SCOOP: Robert F. Hyde, the new mystery player in the Ukraine scandal, was taken into police custody at a Trump resort last year, claiming the Secret Service & a hit man were after him. He was then involuntarily confined in a medical facility. https://t.co/7Rkx3dXlJG — David Corn (@DavidCornDC) January 15, 2020
Have to wonder how Hyde goes from running a menacing op for Parnas in March to making a huge scene at a Trump property in May—the same month Yovanovitch was recalled, and a month after she got whisked out of Ukraine because of threats to her security. pic.twitter.com/059ix11DiV — Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) January 15, 2020
There's no question he spent a lot of time around the Cheeto:
Looks like Robert HYDE, revealed as a texting partner of Lev Parnas during Yovanovitch smear campaign, was at the World Series game with Trump and MCCARTHY: https://t.co/jadbM19Tud
Instagram suggests he was a regular at Trump hotels/golf clubs w/ access to Trump and his family — Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) January 15, 2020
No no, it.... it can't be... Hyde with thumbs up and cigars with Giuliani, Parnas, Fruman.... can it?
I am shooketh!
😂 pic.twitter.com/B4pCXuApW7 — JΞSŦΞR ✪ ΔCŦUΔL³³º¹ (@th3j35t3r) January 15, 2020
Robert F. Hyde appears to be deleting his posts from this account tonight. I could only see back to August 2019 when I looked. https://t.co/CbzkF4VmEd — southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) January 15, 2020
URGENT: Based on Robert Hyde texts on Amb Yovanovich’s reenforced Diplomatic Security team reveals Hyde’s private security had sources in Ukraine Police’s embassy teams who liaised with Bureau of Dipl Security. They were the ones concerned about asking too many questions. Wow! — Malcolm Nance (@MalcolmNance) January 15, 2020
Hyde and Parnas, and for that matter Rudy and Sondland, are in a way comical (if also thuggish) figures. But it’s worth remembering that from start to finish they’re executing a genuinely sinister plot. And it was Trump’s plot. It was, at the end of the day, Trump’s drug deal. — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) January 15, 2020
And finally, inevitably, he donates enough money to Republicans that he can hang out with Trump Inc., but he doesn't pay his child support.


crooksandliars--2020-01-16--Lev Parnas Implicates Trump, Pence And Bolton In The Ukraine Deal

Lev Parnas was on The Rachel Maddow Show Wednesday night for a blockbuster interview ( part 1 of 2 ) and he BROUGHT THE RECEIPTS .
Here is a bombshell part where he directly implicated Vice President Mike Pence and Bolton in the dirty deal : MADDOW : So President Trump is supposed to go , he decides not to go .
PARNAS : He sends Vice President instead .
He 's to go there and get it straightened out that Zelensky was supposed to make another announcement .
That did n't happen .
That 's when Bolton , Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think he has a lot to say .
I think he 's a key witness to his conversation with Zelensky , and when he came back and why he left , got fired , however you want to look at that .
MADDOW : When Vice President Pence went over there September 1st , in President Trump 's stead , you have reason to believe that Vice President Pence was tasked at that meeting with getting President Zelensky to announce investigation into Joe Biden specifically and tell them they would n't get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know exactly , but like I said , the aid itself was something that I think the President decided to do -- what 's it called ?
I think it was a reaction that there was no announcement being made after so many attempts and so many performs .
MADDOW : Holding the aid was the President 's sort of innovation to add to the leverage -- MADDOW : Add to the pressure that people like you , the Vice President , Mr. Giuliani , everybody else involved was putting on Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have something to say '' , did Mr. Bolton know that Vice President Pence was supposed to secure that agreement ?
PARNAS : I do n't know exactly , but I know Mr. Bolton was definitely involved in the loop because of thes firing of Marie Yovanovitch .
and he was not -- they started butting heads , and from Bolton did not agree with Giuliani on the way of dealing with it , so there was tension there .
There was definitely tension there .
MADDOW : But you believe he knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ?
PARNAS : Bolton ?
100 % .
He knows what happened there .

Lev Parnas was on The Rachel Maddow Show Wednesday night for a blockbuster interview (part 1 of 2) and he BROUGHT THE RECEIPTS.
Here is a bombshell part where he directly implicated Vice President Mike Pence and Bolton in the dirty deal:
MADDOW: So President Trump is supposed to go, he decides not to go.
PARNAS: He sends Vice President instead. He's to go there and get it straightened out that Zelensky was supposed to make another announcement. That didn't happen. That's when Bolton, Secretary Bolton, went over there. I think he has a lot to say. I think he's a key witness to his conversation with Zelensky, and when he came back and why he left, got fired, however you want to look at that.
MADDOW: When Vice President Pence went over there September 1st, in President Trump's stead, you have reason to believe that Vice President Pence was tasked at that meeting with getting President Zelensky to announce investigation into Joe Biden specifically and tell them they wouldn't get the aid --
PARNAS: I don't know exactly, but like I said, the aid itself was something that I think the President decided to do -- what's it called? I think it was a reaction that there was no announcement being made after so many attempts and so many performs.
MADDOW: Holding the aid was the President's sort of innovation to add to the leverage --
PARNAS: I think so.
MADDOW: Add to the pressure that people like you, the Vice President, Mr. Giuliani, everybody else involved was putting on Ukraine. When you say "Mr. Bolton may have something to say", did Mr. Bolton know that Vice President Pence was supposed to secure that agreement?
PARNAS: I don't know exactly, but I know Mr. Bolton was definitely involved in the loop because of thes firing of Marie Yovanovitch. and he was not -- they started butting heads, and from Bolton did not agree with Giuliani on the way of dealing with it, so there was tension there. There was definitely tension there.
MADDOW: But you believe he knows what the administration was pressuring Ukraine to do?
PARNAS: Bolton? 100%. He knows what happened there.


crooksandliars--2020-01-16--'Straight News' Anchor Ed Henry Seen Sporting Trump Hat With Robert Hyde

Lest anyone try to paint Robert Hyde , stalker of ambassadors , deadbeat dad , misogynist , and all-around Trump @ @ @ @ @ think again .
He was hobnobbing with the entire Trump family , as well as @ @ @ @ @ State TV as can be seen from his Twitter feed .
Yes , that 's @ @ @ @ @ Straight News Ed Henry from State TV , sporting a Trump hat and hanging out @ @ @ @ @ good old Robert Hyde , the guy who tweeted this about Senator Kamala Harris ' @ @ @ @ @ primary : “ She went down , brought to her knees .
Blew it .
@ @ @ @ @ to swallow….
” Yeah , that guy .
The intermarriage of Fox News , the @ @ @ @ @ is incestuous and nasty .
Never believe them when they claim they 're `` fair @ @ @ @

Lest anyone try to paint Robert Hyde, stalker of ambassadors, deadbeat dad, misogynist, and all-around Trump superfan as a whackjob, think again. He was hobnobbing with the entire Trump family, as well as certain prominent persons featured on State TV as can be seen from his Twitter feed.
Yes, that's right. That is Mr. Straight News Ed Henry from State TV, sporting a Trump hat and hanging out at a Trump property with good old Robert Hyde, the guy who tweeted this about Senator Kamala Harris' withdrawal from the Democratic presidential primary: “She went down, brought to her knees. Blew it. Must be a hard one to swallow….”
Yeah, that guy. The intermarriage of Fox News, the Republican Party and the Trumps is incestuous and nasty. Never believe them when they claim they're "fair and balanced."