crooksandliars--2020-10-01--Sen. Chuck Schumer Forces GOP Senators To Vote On Pre-Existing Conditions Protections

For once , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer made his presence known when he brought a bill up for a vote , forcing Republicans to vote for or against protecting people with pre-existing conditions if the Supreme Court strikes it down .
Not only that , but he tied the end of pre-existing conditions to the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
Here 's a little-known fact : Anyone can bring a bill up for a cloture vote in the Senate , not just Mitch McConnell .
But that power is rarely used , because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the Senate .
It 's time to shut the Senate down to block Barrett .
As for the bill , the strategic value in it is clear .
`` It 's directly related to , we think , the critical issue both in the election and the Supreme Court nomination , which is the Republican efforts to destroy health care in a pandemic , '' Senator Tim Kaine explained to reporters Wednesday .
The final vote was 51-43 , with several vulnerable Republican senators joining with Democrats , but falling short of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate .
Republicans voting for it were Lisa Murkowski , Susan Collins , Cory Gardner , Joni Ernst and Martha McSally .
Going forward , this is what needs to happen .
Schumer needs to force all kinds of votes , and he needs to make sure that no unanimous consent resolutions go forward , which would force Republicans to be present to vote , rather than campaigning in their states .
Every single procedural stop needs to be pulled out now to block the confirmation vote on Trump 's nominee to replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's nomination is not going to be easy because McConnell has other tools , and he 'll use them .
Like piling on more judicial nominations .
`` We 're prepared for that if they decide they want to use motions to adjourn or try and use the tools at their disposal to keep us here , that 's fine , ” Senate Majority Whip John Thune said Tuesday .
`` But that keeps them here too and what that means is we 'll do more judges and more executive nominations that those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` keeps them here too '' bit ?
That 's Thune acknowledging that the tactic is a problem for Republicans because so many of them are fighting for their political lives .
Given that only one Democratic senator is really in danger—Alabama 's Doug Jones—it 's a gambit that does n't hurt Democrats and is worth the effort .
Keeping Republicans off the campaign trail is just icing on the making-McConnell's-life-hell cake .
Read this Center for American Progress report on what the state of our healthcare system will look like if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a pandemic .
It 's devastating : So yes , Chuck Schumer .
Every day , you have to force a vote .
You have to make those senators stay in Washington , DC .
Bring up another bill on pre-existing conditions .
Bring up a bill on voter protections .
Make them all take those hard votes .
We 'll be here to report on them .
Every single day .
Here 's CNN 's report on the vote below :

For once, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer made his presence known when he brought a bill up for a vote, forcing Republicans to vote for or against protecting people with pre-existing conditions if the Supreme Court strikes it down. Not only that, but he tied the end of pre-existing conditions to the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Here's a little-known fact: Anyone can bring a bill up for a cloture vote in the Senate, not just Mitch McConnell. But that power is rarely used, because it's viewed as something that can shut down the Senate. It's time to shut the Senate down to block Barrett.
As for the bill, the strategic value in it is clear. "It's directly related to, we think, the critical issue both in the election and the Supreme Court nomination, which is the Republican efforts to destroy health care in a pandemic," Senator Tim Kaine explained to reporters Wednesday.
The final vote was 51-43, with several vulnerable Republican senators joining with Democrats, but falling short of the 60 votes needed to proceed to debate. Republicans voting for it were Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Cory Gardner, Joni Ernst and Martha McSally.
Going forward, this is what needs to happen. Schumer needs to force all kinds of votes, and he needs to make sure that no unanimous consent resolutions go forward, which would force Republicans to be present to vote, rather than campaigning in their states. Every single procedural stop needs to be pulled out now to block the confirmation vote on Trump's nominee to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Joan McCarter agrees (my emphasis added):
Derailing Barrett's nomination is not going to be easy because McConnell has other tools, and he'll use them. Like piling on more judicial nominations. "We're prepared for that if they decide they want to use motions to adjourn or try and use the tools at their disposal to keep us here, that's fine,” Senate Majority Whip John Thune said Tuesday. "But that keeps them here too and what that means is we'll do more judges and more executive nominations that those guys don't like." That "keeps them here too" bit? That's Thune acknowledging that the tactic is a problem for Republicans because so many of them are fighting for their political lives. Given that only one Democratic senator is really in danger—Alabama's Doug Jones—it's a gambit that doesn't hurt Democrats and is worth the effort. Keeping Republicans off the campaign trail is just icing on the making-McConnell's-life-hell cake.
Read this Center for American Progress report on what the state of our healthcare system will look like if the ACA is struck down in its entirety during a pandemic. It's devastating:
More than 20 million people would lose their health coverage, and more than 135 million people would lose protections for their preexisting conditions, including millions of COVID-19 survivors. Repealing the ACA in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic would create chaos across the entire health care system; weaken the country’s public health and economy recovery; and rip affordable health care coverage from millions of people at a time when access to health care services is absolutely essential.
So yes, Chuck Schumer. Every day, you have to force a vote. You have to make those senators stay in Washington, DC. Bring up another bill on pre-existing conditions. Bring up a bill on voter protections. Make them all take those hard votes. We'll be here to report on them. Every single day.
Worth noting:
This vote is a big deal. 6 Republicans feel so much pressure that they supported SCHUMER'S cloture motion––a rare procedural tactic you would expect to be batted down when the minority tries it.
The pressure is working, as Barrett puts the ACA on the line. https://t.co/kBZ4UHGcBp — Christopher Kang (@cdkang76) October 1, 2020
Here's CNN's report on the vote below:


crooksandliars--2020-10-01--'Where Is The River?' McEnany Grilled On Trump's Made-Up Claims About Voter Fraud

This morning Trump 's press secretary played the fool while trying to gaslight reporters about Donald Trump 's debate lie about ballots being found in the river .
One reporter demanded to know what river ballots were supposedly found in and who found them .
During a presser on Marine One on Sept. 24th , Trump made this unfounded claim about unproven voter fraud .
So we have to be very careful with the ballots .
The ballots — that ’ s a whole big scam .
You know , they found , I understand , eight ballots in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And they found — it was reported in one of the newspapers that they found a lot of ballots in a river .
They throw them out if they have the name “ Trump ” on it , I guess .
But they had ballots .
He repeated that claim verbatim during the debate Tuesday .
Today Fox News Radio 's John Decker asked , `` The other day [ Trump ] said , 'they found a lot of ballots in the river .
Who is they ?
they found a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the river ? ''
Kayleigh McEnany insisted Trump was referring to a few ballots that were inadvertently thrown out and found in a ditch in Wisconsin .
For Trump 's goal of negating the entire election , this is tantamount to massive voter fraud throughout the entire country .
`` Where specifically in this particular statement though , who is they that found those ballots and where is this river anywhere in this country ? ''
Decker countered .
McEnany became very uncomfortable .
`` And you 're really missing the forest for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trying to cover-up Trump 's latest lie .
`` No , you simply want to ignore the fact of the matter again , '' McEnany said .
`` I 've been asked so many questions about this , `` Decker told her .
He would not relent .
`` Where is this river ?
I ca n't get out accurate information and that 's why I 'm asking you . ''
Decker continued , `` I cover the news .
I 'd like to report accurately the news and when the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I simply want to know where the river is . ''
`` No , you simply want to ignore the fact of the matter again , '' McEnany said .
McEnany could n't answer the question because it was an obvious lie so she said , `` This is what 's happening here .
You are ignoring the problem here '' and she repeated the ballots in a ditch excuse only this time they were in Pennsylvania .
He asked again .
`` Where 's the river ? ''
Then McEnany claimed there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media .
Decker forcefully said .
`` I 'm asking you where the river is and you keep saying the president in a ditch .
I just want to know where the river is . ''
And with that McEnany said Decker had a lack of curiosity and Decker said , `` I 'm very curious where 's the river .
That 's curiosity . ''
McEnany then went to another reporter .
Trump 's press secretary had no idea what Trump was talking about when he lied about ballots being thrown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Trump was talking about is considered a lack of journalistic integrity by Trump 's Communications team .

This morning Trump's press secretary played the fool while trying to gaslight reporters about Donald Trump's debate lie about ballots being found in the river. One reporter demanded to know what river ballots were supposedly found in and who found them.
During a presser on Marine One on Sept. 24th, Trump made this unfounded claim about unproven voter fraud.
So we have to be very careful with the ballots. The ballots — that’s a whole big scam. You know, they found, I understand, eight ballots in a waste paper basket in some location. And they found — it was reported in one of the newspapers that they found a lot of ballots in a river. They throw them out if they have the name “Trump” on it, I guess. But they had ballots.
He repeated that claim verbatim during the debate Tuesday.
Today Fox News Radio's John Decker asked, "The other day [Trump] said, 'they found a lot of ballots in the river. Who is they? they found a lot of ballots in the river: Where is the river?"
Kayleigh McEnany insisted Trump was referring to a few ballots that were inadvertently thrown out and found in a ditch in Wisconsin.
For Trump's goal of negating the entire election, this is tantamount to massive voter fraud throughout the entire country.
"Where specifically in this particular statement though, who is they that found those ballots and where is this river anywhere in this country?" Decker countered.
McEnany became very uncomfortable. "And you're really missing the forest for the trees here," she said, trying to cover-up Trump's latest lie.
"No, you simply want to ignore the fact of the matter again," McEnany said.
"I've been asked so many questions about this, " Decker told her. He would not relent. "Where is this river? I can't get out accurate information and that's why I'm asking you."
Decker continued, "I cover the news. I'd like to report accurately the news and when the president says they found ballots in the river I simply want to know where the river is."
"No, you simply want to ignore the fact of the matter again," McEnany said.
McEnany couldn't answer the question because it was an obvious lie so she said, "This is what's happening here. You are ignoring the problem here" and she repeated the ballots in a ditch excuse only this time they were in Pennsylvania.
He asked again. "Where's the river?"
Then McEnany claimed there was "no journalistic curiosity" by the media.
Decker forcefully said. "I'm asking you where the river is and you keep saying the president in a ditch. I just want to know where the river is."
And with that McEnany said Decker had a lack of curiosity and Decker said, " I'm very curious where's the river. That's curiosity."
McEnany then went to another reporter.
Trump's press secretary had no idea what Trump was talking about when he lied about ballots being thrown in a river.
Demanding to know what Trump was talking about is considered a lack of journalistic integrity by Trump's Communications team.
Liars gotta lie and enablers gotta enable.


crooksandliars--2020-10-01--Fascism:  USDA Food Boxes Come With Letter From Dear Leader

We 've seen this before : Trump requires food aid boxes to come with a letter from him The Agriculture @ @ @ @ @ that millions of boxes of surplus food for needy families include a letter from President @ @ @ @ @ the program .
The USDA ’ s $ 4 billion Farmers to Families Food Box @ @ @ @ @ 100 million boxes to those in need since May , with the aim of redirecting @ @ @ @ @ that might normally go to restaurants and other food-service businesses .
But organizations handing out @ @ @ @ @ is now being used to bolster Trump ’ s image a month before a high-stakes @ @ @ @ @ have refused to distribute them .

We've seen this before:
Trump requires food aid boxes to come with a letter from him
The Agriculture Department last week began mandating that millions of boxes of surplus food for needy families include a letter from President Donald Trump claiming credit for the program.
The USDA’s $4 billion Farmers to Families Food Box Program has distributed more than 100 million boxes to those in need since May, with the aim of redirecting meat, dairy and produce that might normally go to restaurants and other food-service businesses. But organizations handing out the aid complain the program is now being used to bolster Trump’s image a month before a high-stakes election — and some even have refused to distribute them.


crooksandliars--2020-10-01--Huge Crowds For Biden In Western Pennsylvania Means Huge Trouble For GOP

Whoa !
Joe Biden 's crowd in Greensburg , Pennsylvania was loud and large , and that is a harbinger of change from the 2016 election .
JOE SCARBOROUGH : Jonathan , we talk about the suburbs of Philly .
but right now in the most recent polls we 've seen , Joe Biden is outperforming past Democratic candidates specifically in the suburbs of Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania .
The entire race we talked about Wisconsin , we 've talked about Michigan and Florida , but this entire race may be determined the western half of Pennsylvania .
JONATHAN LEMIRE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you and I have talked about this and I wrote in the last week or so , about how both campaigns feel that Pennsylvania may be the tipping point state this time around .
The president has been there repeatedly in recent weeks because his map does n't work without it .
If he ca n't keep Wisconsin because he needs one of the three , Wisconsin , Michigan , Pennsylvania trio .
For a long time they thought Wisconsin was that state .
Wisconsin is slipping away from them , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
Their focus has to be in Pennsylvania .
But those counties -- Westmoreland County -- so representative of much of Pennsylvania , is filled with white working class union voters , the kind of voter Joe Biden is set to win back , the kind that Donald Trump did well in 2016 with , the kind of voters breaking away from Democrats , certainly those that Hillary Clinton had her struggles winning .
Biden , though , this is his native state , let 's remember , and his campaign recognized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train itinerary yesterday , those are the voters he can win back .
If he picks off enough of them to prevent the continued moves to the Republicans , to Trump , then Trump is going to have trouble as Biden continues to do better than ever in the suburban areas around the big city and the state .

Whoa! Joe Biden's crowd in Greensburg, Pennsylvania was loud and large, and that is a harbinger of change from the 2016 election.
This spells trouble for you-know-who.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: Jonathan, we talk about the suburbs of Philly. but right now in the most recent polls we've seen, Joe Biden is outperforming past Democratic candidates specifically in the suburbs of Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania. The entire race we talked about Wisconsin, we've talked about Michigan and Florida, but this entire race may be determined the western half of Pennsylvania.
JONATHAN LEMIRE: You're right, Joe. you and I have talked about this and I wrote in the last week or so, about how both campaigns feel that Pennsylvania may be the tipping point state this time around. The president has been there repeatedly in recent weeks because his map doesn't work without it. If he can't keep Wisconsin because he needs one of the three, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania trio. For a long time they thought Wisconsin was that state. Wisconsin is slipping away from them, it would appear. Especially if they lose Arizona too. Their focus has to be in Pennsylvania. But those counties -- Westmoreland County -- so representative of much of Pennsylvania, is filled with white working class union voters, the kind of voter Joe Biden is set to win back, the kind that Donald Trump did well in 2016 with, the kind of voters breaking away from Democrats, certainly those that Hillary Clinton had her struggles winning. Biden, though, this is his native state, let's remember, and his campaign recognized and that's why we had the train itinerary yesterday, those are the voters he can win back. If he picks off enough of them to prevent the continued moves to the Republicans, to Trump, then Trump is going to have trouble as Biden continues to do better than ever in the suburban areas around the big city and the state.


crooksandliars--2020-10-01--Trump's Homeland Security: 'Sympathetic' Talking Points On Kyle Rittenhouse

Everything coming out of the Trump administration is propaganda in service to Dear Leader Mango Mussolini , but you knew @ @ @ @ @ from the so-called `` Department of Homeland Security . ''
Julia Ainsley reads from her @ @ @ @ @ .
Federal law enforcement officials were directed to make public comments sympathetic to Kyle Rittenhouse @ @ @ @ @ fatally shooting two protesters in Kenosha , Wisconsin , according to internal Department of Homeland @ @ @ @ @ NBC News .
In preparing Homeland Security officials for questions about Rittenhouse from the media @ @ @ @ @ they note that he `` took his rifle to the scene of the rioting to @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Another set of talking points distributed to Homeland Security officials said the media @ @ @ @ @ Patriot Prayer as racists after clashes erupted between the group and protesters in Portland , @ @ @ @ @ to say it 's `` unclear '' where the talking points originated .
Really ?

Everything coming out of the Trump administration is propaganda in service to Dear Leader Mango Mussolini, but you knew that. The latest is from the so-called "Department of Homeland Security."
Julia Ainsley reads from her article to Kasie Hunt above.
Federal law enforcement officials were directed to make public comments sympathetic to Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager charged with fatally shooting two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, according to internal Department of Homeland Security talking points obtained by NBC News. In preparing Homeland Security officials for questions about Rittenhouse from the media, the document suggests that they note that he "took his rifle to the scene of the rioting to help defend small business owners." Another set of talking points distributed to Homeland Security officials said the media were incorrectly labeling the group Patriot Prayer as racists after clashes erupted between the group and protesters in Portland, Oregon.
She goes on to say it's "unclear" where the talking points originated. Really?


crooksandliars--2020-10-01--At 'Shitshow' Debate, Was Trump Trying To Get Joe Biden To Stutter?

The reason I 'm posting this latest Project Lincoln ad is not because it 's hard hitting , or amusing @ @ @ @ @ . )
It 's because of the disgusting realization that Trump 's behavior during the @ @ @ @ @ triggering Joe Biden 's stutter .
And that 's why this ad is the perfect @ @ @ @ @ of spirit that grew out of Biden 's struggle to overcome his own disability .
@ @ @ @ @ is n't the only thing on the ballot .
Decency is .
I have no @ @ @ @ @ but absolutely was thinking same thing through last night ’ s catastrophe : Trump was @ @ @ @ @ trigger stutter episode for Biden One more reason to read this astonishing article by @ @ @ @ @ @ : //t.co/7ll9QUY6Pc

The reason I'm posting this latest Project Lincoln ad is not because it's hard hitting, or amusing. (It isn't.) It's because of the disgusting realization that Trump's behavior during the debate was deliberately aimed at triggering Joe Biden's stutter.
And that's why this ad is the perfect thing to illustrate the generosity of spirit that grew out of Biden's struggle to overcome his own disability. Just a reminder: Democracy isn't the only thing on the ballot. Decency is.


crooksandliars--2020-10-01--Chris Cuomo Taunts Ted Cruz For Sucking Up To The Man Who Called His Wife Ugly

It 's always fun to watch a live slugfest on cable TV , particularly when it involves the odious Ted Cruz .
“ Does it trouble you at all that New York and New Jersey had the highest death rates in the country ?
” Cruz said .
“ Of course , it all troubles me , Ted !
And to watch guys like you stand by and stroke your beard like a wise man instead of telling the president to get on it when you have power is a problem , ” Cuomo said .
“ How about telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Cruz said .
“ My brother will stand on his own record .
Why don ’ t you talk to the president like you talk to my brother , Ted ?
You afraid of him ?
You think he ’ ll smack you down at home ?
Is that what it is ?
Like he shut you up in the primary ?
” Cuomo said .
“ Yeah , I ’ m terrified of the Cuomos , '' Cruz responded .
( `` I know you are , but what am I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about the president .
My brother ’ s not the president .
The one who called you a liar , who said your wife was ugly ?
That guy .
The guy now who you won ’ t say anything about , '' Cuomo said .
Geeze , Chris , you forgot to mention Trump getting his good friend David Pecker to run this front page story about Ted 's father !

It's always fun to watch a live slugfest on cable TV, particularly when it involves the odious Ted Cruz.
“Does it trouble you at all that New York and New Jersey had the highest death rates in the country?” Cruz said.
“Of course, it all troubles me, Ted! And to watch guys like you stand by and stroke your beard like a wise man instead of telling the president to get on it when you have power is a problem,” Cuomo said.
“How about telling your brother to get on it?” Cruz said.
“My brother will stand on his own record. Why don’t you talk to the president like you talk to my brother, Ted? You afraid of him? You think he’ll smack you down at home? Is that what it is? Like he shut you up in the primary?” Cuomo said.
“Yeah, I’m terrified of the Cuomos," Cruz responded. ("I know you are, but what am I?")
“I’m talking about the president. My brother’s not the president. The one who called you a liar, who said your wife was ugly? That guy. The guy now who you won’t say anything about," Cuomo said.
Geeze, Chris, you forgot to mention Trump getting his good friend David Pecker to run this front page story about Ted's father!


crooksandliars--2020-10-01--Rep. Elissa Slotkin Slays Her Opponent Over Pre-Existing Conditions

Few things make me go ballistic like some Republican ass spouting talking points about healthcare coverage , and it looks @ @ @ @ @ MI-8 ) feels the same way .
Opponent Paul Junge blamed `` undue burdens and @ @ @ @ @ premiums .
She was not having it .
From their debate last Sunday , via @ @ @ @ @ government could keep those premiums low , he said , by “ doing things like @ @ @ @ @ regulations that require certain type of coverage someone might not want .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ coverage across state lines.
” Slotkin in turn accused him of deflecting on hard questions @ @ @ @ @ care .
“ My mother ’ s case wasn ’ t that she couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ undue regulation , ” Slotkin said .
“ It ’ s because she had a @ @ @ @ @ had 30 years ago and that forever and ever and ever every insurance company felt @ @ @ @ @ and charge her a thousand dollars a month and $ 10,000 deductible .
”

Few things make me go ballistic like some Republican ass spouting talking points about healthcare coverage, and it looks like Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-8) feels the same way. Opponent Paul Junge blamed "undue burdens and regulations" for high insurance premiums. She was not having it.
From their debate last Sunday, via the Detroit News:
The government could keep those premiums low, he said, by “doing things like not putting undue burdens and regulations that require certain type of coverage someone might not want. It’s allowing insurance companies to provide coverage across state lines.” Slotkin in turn accused him of deflecting on hard questions about his plans for health care. “My mother’s case wasn’t that she couldn’t afford insurance because of undue regulation,” Slotkin said. “It’s because she had a preexisting cancer that she had had 30 years ago and that forever and ever and ever every insurance company felt that they could gouge her and charge her a thousand dollars a month and $10,000 deductible.”
Do NOT argue w @ElissaSlotkin unless you know what you're talking about. https://t.co/pqBHZ68qXD — Billy Ray (@BillyRay5229) September 27, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--BREAKING: Donald And Melania Trump Test Positive For Coronavirus

Donald Trump , the biggest COVID denier in the country , has tested positive for the virus .
Melania Trump @ @ @ @ @ Trumps tested positive after Hope Hicks was diagnosed Wednesday night after traveling with Trump to @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota for a rally yesterday .
Hopefully they did n't spread the virus to attendees @ @ @ @ @ : Donald Trump is a 74-year old obese man with preexisting conditions who has a @ @ @ @ @ to no exercise ( tweeting is not exercise ) .
UPDATE 2 : ( Karoli @ @ @ @ @ Bream noted that Amy Coney Barrett spent a lot of time with White House Chief @ @ @ @ @ .
Will she need to quarantine too or will they just barrel on with this @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump, the biggest COVID denier in the country, has tested positive for the virus. Melania Trump also tested positive.
Trump tweet:
Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
White House statement:
White House releases a letter from the president’s physician about his positive coronavirus test. pic.twitter.com/2S2k1jBJ6n — Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) October 2, 2020
The Trumps tested positive after Hope Hicks was diagnosed Wednesday night after traveling with Trump to the debate and then to Minnesota for a rally yesterday. Hopefully they didn't spread the virus to attendees at the debate.
Reminder: Donald Trump is a 74-year old obese man with preexisting conditions who has a terrible diet and does little to no exercise (tweeting is not exercise).
Trump at the Al Smith Dinner, hours before testing positive for COVID:
"I just want to say that the end of the pandemic is in sight." pic.twitter.com/JusxOzhmSt — Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) October 2, 2020
UPDATE:
Hallie Jackson reports that Jim Jordan, exposed maskless to Hicks and both Trumps who now have Covid, is declining to quarantine. This feels like a sequel to Idiocracy. — Karen DaltonBeninato (@kbeninato) October 2, 2020
UPDATE 2: (Karoli) Fox News' Shannon Bream noted that Amy Coney Barrett spent a lot of time with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Thursday. Will she need to quarantine too or will they just barrel on with this nomination? And this...


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--First Lady Melania Trump Sneers At Family Separations: 'Give Me A F*cking Break'

Project Lincoln has some audio of Melania Trump whining about her duties as First Lady .
Apparently she really hates @ @ @ @ @ communicate that quite well -- and she 's not really interested in much else to @ @ @ @ @ of the United States .
While complaining about all of her duties , she goes @ @ @ @ @ And they say , 'What about the children that they were separated ? '
Give @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Where were they saying anything when Obama did that ? ''
she went @ @ @ @ @ n't shake in her boots ever and she tells Donald exactly how she feels , @ @ @ @ @ , a former friend of the First Lady and ex-East Wing adviser .
She believes @ @ @ @ @ to do it , he better do it right and he better do it with @ @ @ @ @ Of course Twitter had thoughts : Let 's help her with those duties she hates @ @ @ @ @ of the whole lot of these miscreants .

Project Lincoln has some audio of Melania Trump whining about her duties as First Lady. Apparently she really hates Christmas -- and her decorations communicate that quite well -- and she's not really interested in much else to do with being First Lady of the United States.
While complaining about all of her duties, she goes on to say, "And they say, 'What about the children that they were separated?' Give me a fucking break!"
"Where were they saying anything when Obama did that?" she went on.
Melania "doesn't shake in her boots ever and she tells Donald exactly how she feels," says Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former friend of the First Lady and ex-East Wing adviser.
She believes "if he's going to do it, he better do it right and he better do it with brass knuckles." pic.twitter.com/biXV2SmbBE — Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) October 2, 2020
"The jacket was... a publicity stunt, and it was to garner the attention of the press, to make sure that everyone was aware that Melania was going to the border."
Melania Trump's former friend, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, on the infamous "I really don't care. Do U?" jacket. pic.twitter.com/sCJAAAcvBf — Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) October 2, 2020
Of course Twitter had thoughts:
What ever will the evangelical Trump supporters going to say about her saying FUCKING CHRISTMAS? — Logan Murphy (@Murphy111L) October 2, 2020
Yup. She is definitely deployed specifically to mock those up in arms about his bad behavior and to shit-stir. — MutherBear (@MuthrBear) October 2, 2020
Apparently the “Be-Better” @FLOTUS needs to be much better. Cannot wait until @DrBiden is our FLOTUS. — Uncommon Name (@UncommonLiberal) October 2, 2020
Not a synapse firing. She repeats whatever blows thru the house. With gusto, tho; will give her that. It‘s most appalling given her fraudulent citizenship. Hard not to notice she made the entire thing about herself. — Kat Denise (@katpic57) October 2, 2020
She was worried about good news stories, instead of just doing good things without needing the ratings, she doesn't care. She could of taken the message to Fox but she didn't. She is exactly like "Da Donald" — powerforlife03 (@powerforlife03) October 2, 2020
Let's help her with those duties she hates so much and get rid of the whole lot of these miscreants.


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--UPDATED: Trump Airlifted To Walter Reed On Marine One

Just 24 hours after his COVID diagnosis was made public , Donald Trump was rushed to Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda , MD via helicopter .
This is a 15-minute drive normally , so being airlifted is unusual , to say the least .
Clearly , we are not being told the truth about the severity of his condition .
The White House is officially saying that he will be there for a few days as a `` precaution '' but this sounds more dramatic than that , especially since the White House has a full time medical unit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of medical issues on site .
Earlier today we were also informed that Trump was given a highly experimental drug called a polyclonal antibody drug , which Dr. Eric Ding had comments on : Now , just hours later , he is being rushed to Walter Reed ?
We 'll update this post as news warrants .
UPDATE : ( Karoli ) Orchestrated like a fine Broadway play , Donald Trump held media in a stage of breathless anticipation for over an hour before Donald Trump boarded Marine One under his own steam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top .
Before he left , he recorded a nice video tweet for everyone .
It was all carefully orchestrated to let him bask in the single-minded media 's attention .
Time for Friday cocktails and dinner .
Further updates will come from my fellow editors or the author of this post .

Just 24 hours after his COVID diagnosis was made public, Donald Trump was rushed to Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD via helicopter. This is a 15-minute drive normally, so being airlifted is unusual, to say the least. Clearly, we are not being told the truth about the severity of his condition.
The White House is officially saying that he will be there for a few days as a "precaution" but this sounds more dramatic than that, especially since the White House has a full time medical unit and is capable of treating a significant amount of medical issues on site.
Earlier today we were also informed that Trump was given a highly experimental drug called a polyclonal antibody drug, which Dr. Eric Ding had comments on:
WORRIED—you almost **never ever** give someone a clinically untested drug like @Regeneron’s polyclonal antibody drug—unless it’s for compassionate use for someone severely ill, or you’re crazy. Right @VincentRK? This smacks of utter craziness or desperation. #COVID19 #TrumpCovid https://t.co/Es0SaWA0ac — Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 2, 2020
Now, just hours later, he is being rushed to Walter Reed?
Regeneron’s polyclonal antibody as of September is in phase 3 trials....you couldn’t pay me to take it for a fever. Things must be worse than we know. — Steven McDonald (@smcdonaldMD) October 2, 2020
The President’s team either:
A) Can’t read basic medical literature.
B) Can read medical literature but can’t overrule what he’s telling them to do, based on what advice he’s getting elsewhere.
C) Believes he is dying and therefore are willing to try anything. pic.twitter.com/yByJVcUSXV — Jeremy Faust MD MS (ER physician) (@jeremyfaust) October 2, 2020
In < 24 hrs Trump has gone from no symptoms to mild symptoms to fever/fatigue to experimental drugs to admission to Walter Reed Medical Center for "several days." — Greg Miller (@gregpmiller) October 2, 2020
The decision to move the President to Walter Reed reflects a level of concern far above a description of a patient with “mild symptoms.” — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 2, 2020
You don’t hospitalize the President only out of an “abundance of caution.” He has world class medical care and they can get him to Walter Reed in a moment’s notice.
This is a serious illness. — ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) October 2, 2020
We'll update this post as news warrants.
UPDATE: (Karoli) Orchestrated like a fine Broadway play, Donald Trump held media in a stage of breathless anticipation for over an hour before Donald Trump boarded Marine One under his own steam. The video of that is at the top.
Before he left, he recorded a nice video tweet for everyone.
It was all carefully orchestrated to let him bask in the single-minded media's attention.
Time for Friday cocktails and dinner. Further updates will come from my fellow editors or the author of this post.


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--GOP Wingnut Can't Understand Why Republicans Keep Getting COVID-19

DeAnna Lorraine is a conservative nutjob who ran in Nancy Pelosi 's district this year and finished with 3.4 % of the vote .
Apparently her brand of teh crazy was not that compelling in CA-12 .
A few weeks ago she opined , `` We need more young people like Kyle Rittenhouse and less like Greta Thunberg . ''
Jeez , I wonder why so many Republicans keep getting infected with COVID-19 .
I ca n't think of any reason for it , can you ?
former GOP congressional candidate in California has claimed that the Democrats deliberately infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microphone and podium were set up for the president at Tuesday 's presidential debate .
DeAnna Lorraine , who is also conservative commentator , tweeted her statement providing no evidence to support her claims on early Friday morning .
The president announced that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday evening and would sequester themselves in the White House .
Both were tested after Trump confirmed that Hope Hicks , a top aide who travelled with Trump to numerous events this week including the presidential debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test for the illness .

DeAnna Lorraine is a conservative nutjob who ran in Nancy Pelosi's district this year and finished with 3.4% of the vote. Apparently her brand of teh crazy was not that compelling in CA-12. A few weeks ago she opined, "We need more young people like Kyle Rittenhouse and less like Greta Thunberg."
Jeez, I wonder why so many Republicans keep getting infected with COVID-19. I can't think of any reason for it, can you?
Source: Newsweek
former GOP congressional candidate in California has claimed that the Democrats deliberately infected President Donald Trump with COVID when the microphone and podium were set up for the president at Tuesday's presidential debate. DeAnna Lorraine, who is also conservative commentator, tweeted her statement providing no evidence to support her claims on early Friday morning. The president announced that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday evening and would sequester themselves in the White House. Both were tested after Trump confirmed that Hope Hicks, a top aide who travelled with Trump to numerous events this week including the presidential debate, had a positive result in her test for the illness.
I’m just going to say what we’re all thinking.
Trump was fine until the debate, where they set up microphones & podiums for him.
Incubation period is usually 2-3 days.
He tests positive a couple of days after the debate.
I put nothing past the left. NOTHING.#TrumpHasCOVID — DeAnna Lorraine 🇺🇸 (@DeAnna4Congress) October 2, 2020
Does anyone else find it odd that no prominent Democrats have had the virus but the list of Republicans goes on and on? — DeAnna Lorraine 🇺🇸 (@DeAnna4Congress) October 2, 2020
Twitter responded.
IF ONLY THERE WERE SOME SIMPLE EXPLANATION — Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) October 2, 2020
May the answer to this mystery soon be unmasked... — DEBean46 (@DBean46) October 2, 2020
The inimitable Sarah Cooper set her straight.


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--Don't Forget, Trump Is Still A Racist And Threat To US National Security

Sure `` Trump has Covid '' is the only thing people want to talk about today .
Do n't forget that Trump encourages White Nationalists , election tampering , and is a threat to national security , TOO .
Brianna Keilar 's CNN interview with Peter Strzok , the ex-FBI counterterrorism expert , was firm about Trump 's courting of white supremacists and election rigging rhetoric : It is a threat to the nation 's security that must not be ignored .
BRIANNA KEILLAR , CNN : I want to talk about the national security implications with this with Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ section before he was fired .
He 's now suing the Justice Department , saying that his firing was politically motivated .
He is the author of the book `` compromised : counterintelligence and the threat of Donald Trump . ''
You write in the book , `` I do n't feel that I have the option of keeping quiet about the danger to our national strategy .
False claims about voter fraud .
Failing to denounce the threat of white supremacy in a very clear way . ''
Do you think the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PETER STRZOK : Brianna , thank you for having me .
Yes , I do .
I started in the FBI mid-'90s and I worked the beginning of my career against the domestic terrorism group with violent white supremacists and time after time again , research and the investigations we saw , proved time and again that this sort of acknowledgement certainly from anybody in a position of power is both a powerful recruiting tool -- and we see that going on right now -- and more insidiously , it sort of builds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America that this is okay .
And for the president to be saying that , is really damaging , and more than a societal damage .
That is a damage to the nation as a whole .
And then of course that 's just one facet of everything we see in sort of a revelation of his tax records showing this financial exposure to foreign nations , but it presents a picture of a man who is in fact a danger in my opinion to the US national security .
KEILLAR : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financials in a moment but just back to your point about opposing extremists , and this is obviously something as you said you have experience with .
When the Department of Homeland Security has a draft assessment saying white supremacists are the most lethal threat to the US , what are the concerns that the FBI would have about how that could play out ?
STRZOK : I think the FBI has the knowledge through investigations of looking at all the incidents of violence in America and the preponderance of the attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some sort of racial supremacy .
That 's concerning because that is what 's a lot of these cases driving people towards violence and it is something we absolutely have to be taking a stand against .
The FBI can investigate and the Department of Justice can prosecute it , but it takes more than that .
We have to have the sort of leadership coming from the top of our nation all the way down in our government , in our society , saying this is not acceptable .
Racial violence is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance of it should be snuffed out and stifled and denounced , not accepted , not the things we hear from the president .
KEILLAR : So explain why it is so clear or why it 's so important for the president to be clear .
We hear the White House say over and over , he has denounced it , but when I think of the occasional denouncement , it is like pulling teeth .
Under considerable pressure .
A couple days after Heather Heyer was killed in Charlottesville , sure is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a clear word .
Explain why even as the White House insists people want to `` dictate the language of the president , '' why clear language is so important .
STRZOK : He should n't be issuing apologies .
The first thing he said should be denouncing it .
He should not give the muffled excuses .
When he talked about Charlottesville he said `` there 's good people on both sides of the issue '' and that 's reprehensible .
Referencing the Proud Boys to `` stand by '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have an explanation afterwards .
That 's not okay .
In the first instance he should be seeking to tamp down unrest , seeking inclusion , denouncing .
How 's it objectionable ?
How can it be problematic to say `` I 'm against racial violence ? ''
To have any other position at all is simply unacceptable with what we stand for as a nation and every person needs to think through what it is coming out of the mouth of the President of the United States .

Sure "Trump has Covid" is the only thing people want to talk about today. Don't forget that Trump encourages White Nationalists, election tampering, and is a threat to national security, TOO. Brianna Keilar's CNN interview with Peter Strzok, the ex-FBI counterterrorism expert, was firm about Trump's courting of white supremacists and election rigging rhetoric: It is a threat to the nation's security that must not be ignored.
BRIANNA KEILLAR, CNN: I want to talk about the national security implications with this with Peter Strzok. He worked in the espionage section before he was fired. He's now suing the Justice Department, saying that his firing was politically motivated. He is the author of the book "compromised: counterintelligence and the threat of Donald Trump." You write in the book, "I don't feel that I have the option of keeping quiet about the danger to our national strategy. False claims about voter fraud. Failing to denounce the threat of white supremacy in a very clear way." Do you think the president is a national security threat?
PETER STRZOK: Brianna, thank you for having me. Yes, I do. I started in the FBI mid-'90s and I worked the beginning of my career against the domestic terrorism group with violent white supremacists and time after time again, research and the investigations we saw, proved time and again that this sort of acknowledgement certainly from anybody in a position of power is both a powerful recruiting tool -- and we see that going on right now -- and more insidiously, it sort of builds an acceptance within the general mental state of America that this is okay. And for the president to be saying that, is really damaging, and more than a societal damage. That is a damage to the nation as a whole. And then of course that's just one facet of everything we see in sort of a revelation of his tax records showing this financial exposure to foreign nations, but it presents a picture of a man who is in fact a danger in my opinion to the US national security.
KEILLAR: I want to talk to you about the financials in a moment but just back to your point about opposing extremists, and this is obviously something as you said you have experience with. When the Department of Homeland Security has a draft assessment saying white supremacists are the most lethal threat to the US, what are the concerns that the FBI would have about how that could play out?
STRZOK: I think the FBI has the knowledge through investigations of looking at all the incidents of violence in America and the preponderance of the attacks are a link to ideology that involves some sort of racial supremacy.
That's concerning because that is what's a lot of these cases driving people towards violence and it is something we absolutely have to be taking a stand against. The FBI can investigate and the Department of Justice can prosecute it, but it takes more than that. We have to have the sort of leadership coming from the top of our nation all the way down in our government, in our society, saying this is not acceptable. Racial violence is not who we are, and any instance of it should be snuffed out and stifled and denounced, not accepted, not the things we hear from the president.
KEILLAR: So explain why it is so clear or why it's so important for the president to be clear. We hear the White House say over and over, he has denounced it, but when I think of the occasional denouncement, it is like pulling teeth. Under considerable pressure. A couple days after Heather Heyer was killed in Charlottesville, sure is not a denunciation, right? That is not a clear word. Explain why even as the White House insists people want to "dictate the language of the president," why clear language is so important.
STRZOK: He shouldn't be issuing apologies. The first thing he said should be denouncing it. He should not give the muffled excuses. When he talked about Charlottesville he said "there's good people on both sides of the issue" and that's reprehensible. Referencing the Proud Boys to "stand by" is reprehensible. It's not enough to have an explanation afterwards. That's not okay. In the first instance he should be seeking to tamp down unrest, seeking inclusion, denouncing. How's it objectionable? How can it be problematic to say "I'm against racial violence?" To have any other position at all is simply unacceptable with what we stand for as a nation and every person needs to think through what it is coming out of the mouth of the President of the United States.


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--Chris Wallace: Trump Family Refused To Wear Masks During Presidential Debate

Chris Wallace joined Fox and Friends today and said that while Jill Biden and all the members of the Biden team strictly adhered to wearing masks as dictated by the City of Cleveland , the entire Trump family did not .
Wallace said everybody involved took COVID tests that were administered by Cleveland Clinic .
Jill Biden and the Biden entourage wore masks as they came into the debate hall and kept them on throughout .
But that was not the case with the First Family .
Wallace said , `` Mrs. Trump came in wearing a mask but took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t see when they came in , but all the other members of the First Family that I saw there , including Ivanka , Tiffany , when they sat down , they weren ’ t wearing masks . ''
He continued , `` I ’ m told by the pool of reporters who was there that somebody from the Cleveland Clinic came up to the First Family , I believe this was before Mrs. Trump sat down , and offered the masks in case they didn ’ t have them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` And people in the hall did notice that while they were all wearing masks , including my wife and four of my children , that the first family did not wear masks during the debate .
When it ended , Mrs. Trump came up to go on the stage .
As I think everybody saw , she was not wearing a mask.
” Wallace said .
As usual the Trump administration downplayed the severity of COVID19 for political purposes at the presidential debate and now their family as well as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or are at risk of being infected .
Fools like Dr. Scott Atlas were brought into the coronavirus task force to provide Trump with false propaganda to open up all schools and businesses , while downplaying the effectiveness of wearing masks to defend oneself from the pandemic .
It 's yet another example of the Trumps thinking the rules are not for them .

Chris Wallace joined Fox and Friends today and said that while Jill Biden and all the members of the Biden team strictly adhered to wearing masks as dictated by the City of Cleveland, the entire Trump family did not.
Wallace said everybody involved took COVID tests that were administered by Cleveland Clinic. Jill Biden and the Biden entourage wore masks as they came into the debate hall and kept them on throughout.
But that was not the case with the First Family.
Wallace said, "Mrs. Trump came in wearing a mask but took it off once she sat down. I didn’t see when they came in, but all the other members of the First Family that I saw there, including Ivanka, Tiffany, when they sat down, they weren’t wearing masks."
He continued, "I’m told by the pool of reporters who was there that somebody from the Cleveland Clinic came up to the First Family, I believe this was before Mrs. Trump sat down, and offered the masks in case they didn’t have them, and they waved them away."
"And people in the hall did notice that while they were all wearing masks, including my wife and four of my children, that the first family did not wear masks during the debate. When it ended, Mrs. Trump came up to go on the stage. As I think everybody saw, she was not wearing a mask.” Wallace said.
As usual the Trump administration downplayed the severity of COVID19 for political purposes at the presidential debate and now their family as well as many others within the administration have tested positive or are at risk of being infected.
Fools like Dr. Scott Atlas were brought into the coronavirus task force to provide Trump with false propaganda to open up all schools and businesses, while downplaying the effectiveness of wearing masks to defend oneself from the pandemic.
It's yet another example of the Trumps thinking the rules are not for them.


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--Friday News Dump: So Many Republicans Feeling Positive Today, And Other News

It 's kind of funny , is n't it ?
It was inevitable this would happen , but Republicans seem to consider themselves more powerful than a pandemic .
And Fox News viewers must be so confused this morning , because suddenly it 's wall to wall coverage of The Fake Virus !
I understand the suspicions among many battered by four years of lies from these miscreants , that there could be more/less/something else to this .
But this isn ’ t some conspiracy to ( fill in the blank ) .
However : This WAS a conspiracy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public : pic.twitter.com/KBQcvOyoI8 Remember , these Republicans all tested negative for TODAY .
Anyone who had contact with Hicks or Trump should be in quarantine .
If this was a Cleveland Clinic requirement it was not enforced .
Which makes it not much of a requirement at all .
And now we know definitively — not just in theory — the acquiescence to those who are reckless put everyone in the debate hall at risk .
https : //t.co/zAtHgcqjiA For as long as I can remember the American political media has behaved as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drag them down the alley and beat the shit out of them if they dare to point out some Republican atrocity without inventing some imagined Liberal slight for `` balance '' .
DEPT .
OF 'THIS MOVIE IS TOO DAMNED IMPLAUSIBLE , LET 'S LOOK AT SOME CUTE DOGS' I probably do n't have to remind you to wear your masks , right ?
Have a wonderful fall weekend !

It's kind of funny, isn't it? It was inevitable this would happen, but Republicans seem to consider themselves more powerful than a pandemic. And Fox News viewers must be so confused this morning, because suddenly it's wall to wall coverage of The Fake Virus!
News: I have obtained a memo from the @WHCA board to WH reporters with word of "two additional cases of COVID-19 at the White House." A journalist received a preliminary positive result. And a WH staffer who sits in the "lower press" area received a confirmed positive result. — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 2, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence have tested negative for COVID-19. https://t.co/f5Lr0p4GNi — VICE (@VICE) October 2, 2020
Three top admin officials McConnell has met with recently have all tested negative, it looks like - Mnuchin, Meadows and Barrett. — Jonathan Nicholson (@JNicholsonInDC) October 2, 2020
BREAKING - Ronna McDaniel, the RNC chairwoman, tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, multiple sources say. She has mild symptoms. She was last with POTUS last Friday and has been in Michigan since then. — Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) October 2, 2020
Senator Lee tests POSITIVE for COVID https://t.co/pjiSaCEUsc — Sam Stein (@samstein) October 2, 2020
BREAKING — Notre Dame University President John Jenkins has tested positive... He attended the ceremony for Amy Coney Barrett on Saturday and was not wearing a mask and shaking hands.... 😷 https://t.co/6dRyHq9ZwP — The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) October 2, 2020
Mike Lee spoke in a Senate Judiciary meeting yesterday, as @LauraLitvan points out, without a mask on: https://t.co/qYs3ViIPpE
On that committee are Sens. Feinstein (87), Grassley (87), Leahy (80), Hirono (72 and a cancer survivor)…unclear who was in the room at the time. — Tal Kopan (@TalKopan) October 2, 2020
Mike Lee, COVID positive, met with Amy Coney Barrett on Tuesday. https://t.co/jQlEiiMtjg — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 2, 2020
CNN is reporting they’re “going to try to get Trump out in front of the cameras” in order to “calm the financial markets.”
Priorities. — Michelangelo Signorile, subscribe to my newsletter (@MSignorile) October 2, 2020
Scott Atlas outside west wing moments ago. No mask. From our pool feed. pic.twitter.com/316YGpXLLI — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 2, 2020
.@IvankaTrump and Jared Kushner were tested again today for COVID-19 and both are negative. — Carolina Hurley (@CLH45) October 2, 2020
Pelosi Says Lack Of Mask Wearing Was ‘Brazen Invitation’ For Trump’s Positive Test https://t.co/bmDJJr0wlT via @TPM — Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) October 2, 2020
CONFIRMED: There was no contact from the Trump campaign or the White House to alert the Biden campaign of possible exposure. The campaign learned of the situation from the news reports, a Biden campaign aide tells me. — Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) October 2, 2020
At 9 am, former WH physician/future congressman Dr. Ronny Jackson went on FOX saying he "expected" the president to remain asymptomatic. Minutes later, WH confirmed president had mild symptoms. — Josh Kraushaar (@HotlineJosh) October 2, 2020
FLOTUS spox Stephanie Grisham: “Barron tested negative and all precautions are being taken to ensure he’s kept safe and healthy.” — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 2, 2020
I’m still looking for my “I really don’t care do u” jacket to wear. pic.twitter.com/VMCPZV9bhJ — Richard (I condemn Trumpism without question) (@cprcious99) October 2, 2020
Here’s the real story: Trump knowingly exposed people to Covid after learning he’d been exposed. He should’ve quarantined immediately. This is a judgment issue, a fitness to lead issue & Trump failed the test. https://t.co/GEbQ2btoGm — Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) October 2, 2020
I understand the suspicions among many battered by four years of lies from these miscreants, that there could be more/less/something else to this. But this isn’t some conspiracy to (fill in the blank).
However: This WAS a conspiracy to try to conceal even this from the public: pic.twitter.com/KBQcvOyoI8 — Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) October 2, 2020
RT There's an E-6B Mercury off the east coast near DC. I looked because I would expect them to pop up if he tests positive. It's a message to the small group of adversaries with SLBMs and ICBMs. pic.twitter.com/3ta9PmPxZD — Tim Hogan (@TimInHonolulu) October 2, 2020
We urge everyone who attended yesterday's event in Bedminster to take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested for #COVID19.
Find your nearest testing location: https://t.co/JZg9mGpUuV. — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 2, 2020
Remember, these Republicans all tested negative for TODAY. Anyone who had contact with Hicks or Trump should be in quarantine.
************************
Fox News paid Kimberly Guilfoyle's former assistant $4 million after sexual harassment accusations, New Yorker reportshttps://t.co/cyYQ4pj8KY — PeePeeTapeIsReal (@taxvictim) October 2, 2020
Mind you, the First Lady saying “Fuck Christmas” doesn’t even register as a story this morning. https://t.co/H5zdL0D51a — John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳🌈 (@aravosis) October 2, 2020
Remember how quiet the start of 2020 was? You know, those quaint, slow days of a Senate impeachment trial and nearly going to war with Iran? — Mary Louise Kelly (@NPRKelly) October 2, 2020
President Vladimir Putin of Russia sent President Trump a telegram wishing him and Melania Trump “a speedy recovery and expressing sincere support at this difficult moment,” the Kremlin said. https://t.co/sSLqL1Ip4c — The New York Times (@nytimes) October 2, 2020
If this was a Cleveland Clinic requirement it was not enforced. Which makes it not much of a requirement at all.
And now we know definitively — not just in theory — the acquiescence to those who are reckless put everyone in the debate hall at risk. https://t.co/zAtHgcqjiA — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 2, 2020
President Trump wrote off payments to his daughter Ivanka as a tax deduction for “consulting fees.”
That doesn't sound right… https://t.co/C3BhQqZ4yk — Citizens for Ethics (@CREWcrew) October 2, 2020
Chicago early voting just started today. The line is so long and people just keep coming. This is insane and I love it!!#BidenHarris2020 #BidenHarrisLandslide2020 pic.twitter.com/apjjJE9mvX — Kitty Stine (@kitstine) October 1, 2020
Hi, you can read it here: @mjs_DC: Oh no. SCOTUS just agreed to hear a case that the conservatives could use to end the Voting Rights Act as we… https://t.co/9EHe58PWWL Enjoy :) 🤖 — Thread Reader App (@threadreaderapp) October 2, 2020
That plummeting blue line is thousands of women’s careers and lives disrupted by a lack of childcare (plus job losses in female heavy places like restaurants and government) https://t.co/kkn558O7Q5 — Bryce Covert (@brycecovert) October 2, 2020
I know we live in a short attention span culture. I know the election is looming. But please: let's not let this go. #breonnataylor https://t.co/o44R3SSTno — Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) October 1, 2020
EXCLUSIVE: PA Spotlight received explosive new emails showing the lengths that Harrisburg Republicans went to during the height of the coronavirus pandemic to undermine the precautionary measures Governor Tom Wolf undertook to keep us safe. https://t.co/SINoZggGaS — PA Spotlight (@PA_Spotlight) October 1, 2020
Senate GOP moving forward with Supreme Court hearings after Trump test result | TheHill https://t.co/hG7Wa3KxGp — Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) October 2, 2020
“Who gives a fuck about Christmas stuff and decoration? But I have to do it.” - First Lady Melania Trump pic.twitter.com/PFyk0tUtlm — Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) October 2, 2020
Doesn't running a red light and not getting into a fatal accident also send a message that you're an excellent driver? https://t.co/ao6u2sJ6hk — Bill Scher (@billscher) October 2, 2020
Today in 1982, a little ditty 'bout Jack & Diane, two American kids growing up in the heart land hit #1 on the US singles chart. pic.twitter.com/gS4IJ5aLFp — Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) October 2, 2020
With the President’s illness amid a divisive campaign, we should not discount the possibility that China will step up pressure on Taiwan or Russia seek to take advantage in Eastern Europe. Important the U.S. signal to both that we are watching and remain fully capable. — Nicholas Burns (@RNicholasBurns) October 2, 2020
Stole fortunes by trading on confidential coronavirus information back in February while downplaying the disease to the public 👇👇👇 https://t.co/3go4kIKFTN — Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) October 2, 2020
He played it down. He discouraged wearing masks. He lied to the public.
And now, over 211,000 have died from #COVID19.
One of those is Maddie’s grandfather.
Here's an exclusive look at our new film releasing tomorrow, watch today at https://t.co/8KqgndwBC2 pic.twitter.com/yjmvDLBJfu — Robert Greenwald (@robertgreenwald) October 1, 2020
For as long as I can remember the American political media has behaved as if they believe a Republican mob will drag them down the alley and beat the shit out of them if they dare to point out some Republican atrocity without inventing some imagined Liberal slight for "balance". — driftglass (@Mr_Electrico) October 2, 2020
Just so we don't forget in the midst of a big story:
1) Earlier this week we found out Trump didn't pay taxes for years and has massive debt. Who owns his debt?
2) On Tuesday Trump refused to condemn white supremacists. Instead, he told them to "stand back and stand by." — Cliff Schecter (@cliffschecter) October 2, 2020
DEPT. OF 'THIS MOVIE IS TOO DAMNED IMPLAUSIBLE, LET'S LOOK AT SOME CUTE DOGS'
Is this what heaven looks like?? pic.twitter.com/J4A8SFuB2G — Puppies 🐶 (@PopularPuppies) September 30, 2020
Sonnet 152 with my favourite pibble gurl. #ASonnetADay pic.twitter.com/By5hDOQgLF — Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) October 1, 2020
when you know you're the goodest boy, even in your dreams
(viralhog) pic.twitter.com/HKn9HFpoMq — Humor And Animals (@humorandanimals) September 25, 2020
this is the sweetest thing i've ever seen
(nellyvill IG) pic.twitter.com/SMBFKkr4AQ — Humor And Animals (@humorandanimals) September 23, 2020
The most adorable facts about puppies. 🐶 pic.twitter.com/16UztWREWM — UberFacts (@UberFacts) September 30, 2020
Cutest little alien gets a weirdly adorable puppy sister 😍 pic.twitter.com/pTGmo37YHQ — The Dodo (@dodo) September 26, 2020
So fluffy and adorable pic.twitter.com/RVqw8NAnTo — Puppies 🐶 (@PopularPuppies) October 1, 2020
And remember:
Browser not supported. Visit www.270towin.com
I probably don't have to remind you to wear your masks, right? Have a wonderful fall weekend!


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--Four Years Ago Today, Trump Mocked Hillary Clinton For Having Pneumonia

A lesson for those in the media lecturing citizens about staying civil at this time of `` pandemic finally catching @ @ @ @ @ ... ... four years ago this week Dear Leader was at a rally in Manheim @ @ @ @ @ , who should be president right now , fell ill with pneumonia at a September @ @ @ @ @ She took three days off of her presidential campaign .
The Jackass Republican candidate made @ @ @ @

A lesson for those in the media lecturing citizens about staying civil at this time of "pandemic finally catching up with Señor NoMask"...
Best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Whatever one thinks of his policies, I hope we can be civil, avoid snark, seek lessons and wish them both a swift recovery. — Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) October 2, 2020
...four years ago this week Dear Leader was at a rally in Manheim, Pennsylvania.
Hillary Clinton, who should be president right now, fell ill with pneumonia at a September 11, 2016 event. She took three days off of her presidential campaign.
The Jackass Republican candidate made fun of her.
Watch. And shut up.


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--Trump Declares 'The End Of The Pandemic Is In Sight'

It 's not clear if Trump knew already when saying this that he 'd contracted the virus or not , but there 's always a certain irony with what Trump says and what is really happening , and just how disconnected from reality his statements are .
President Donald Trump declared that the “ end of the pandemic is in sight ” during a virtual address to New York City ’ s Al Smith dinner , contradicting his own White House coronavirus task force , just hours before announcing that he and the First Lady tested positive for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reduced the fatality rate by 85 per cent since just April , ” Trump said at the annual dinner , held virtually this year due to the pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans .
“ We ’ re on track to develop and distribute our vaccine before the end of the year , and maybe substantially before .
And I just want to say that the end of the pandemic is in sight , ” he said .
“ And next year will be one of the greatest years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It's not clear if Trump knew already when saying this that he'd contracted the virus or not, but there's always a certain irony with what Trump says and what is really happening, and just how disconnected from reality his statements are.
Source: Mediaite
President Donald Trump declared that the “end of the pandemic is in sight” during a virtual address to New York City’s Al Smith dinner, contradicting his own White House coronavirus task force, just hours before announcing that he and the First Lady tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Through advances in treatment we have reduced the fatality rate by 85 per cent since just April,” Trump said at the annual dinner, held virtually this year due to the pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans.
“We’re on track to develop and distribute our vaccine before the end of the year, and maybe substantially before. And I just want to say that the end of the pandemic is in sight,” he said. “And next year will be one of the greatest years in the history of our country.”


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--PA Republicans Trying To Hijack The Election With Election 'Integrity' Committee

Watch the video .
That 's state rep Malcolm Kenyatta , who 's trying to stop Pennsylvania 's Republican legislators from stealing our election .
`` No one is getting Malcolm under control .
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta is trying to stop what 's happening in Pennsylvania .
The Democrats and legislators there are trying to stop it , '' Rachel Maddow said .
`` This is going to end up being a story of serious national significance .
They are trying at this late date to create a brand new Select Election Integrity Committee that they 're giving subpoena power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle of the 2020 election .
You heard Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta there .
This fight is getting hotter . ''
Maddow said , `` I do n't know if we are seeing in any other state a last-minute move by a Republican-controlled legislature to try to institute a new body to control the vote and to potentially affect the way the presidential election is conducted .
Is this something you guys knew was coming or was it as much of a surprise to you as to those of us outside the state ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours notice before a committee hearing of any bills that are coming up .
`` They put it in our inboxes , I think right before the presidential debate and for months now , Rachel , they have been trying to throw sand into the gears of our democracy .
And now they 're sanding out this election integrity committee that as I said , has no integrity to investigate the sand .
They have parroted all of President Trump 's fever dreams around voter fraud .
But here 's the reality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , he lies to the American people and cheats on his taxes and now he is trying to steal an election , '' he said .
`` Unfortunately , Republicans in Harrisburg and across the country are more than happy to help him destroy our democracy .
They have decided they 're not going to contest this election on policy or on the progress we need to see on climate change and healthcare and this covid-19 pandemic .
They 're not going to have the election on those terms .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away the power of our vote here in Pennsylvania to maintain their power . ''
PA Republicans are just horrible .
We used to have at least some semi-sane ones , but a few years ago , the Freedom Caucus types took over and I do n't think they 've done a productive thing since .
As Rep. Kenyatta , says , state elections matter .
And the PA Democratic Party is chronically underfunded .
Here 's a fun way you can help with that :

Watch the video. That's state rep Malcolm Kenyatta, who's trying to stop Pennsylvania's Republican legislators from stealing our election.
"No one is getting Malcolm under control. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta is trying to stop what's happening in Pennsylvania. The Democrats and legislators there are trying to stop it," Rachel Maddow said.
"This is going to end up being a story of serious national significance. They are trying at this late date to create a brand new Select Election Integrity Committee that they're giving subpoena power to investigate the 2020 election in the middle of the 2020 election. You heard Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta there. This fight is getting hotter."
Maddow said, "I don't know if we are seeing in any other state a last-minute move by a Republican-controlled legislature to try to institute a new body to control the vote and to potentially affect the way the presidential election is conducted. Is this something you guys knew was coming or was it as much of a surprise to you as to those of us outside the state?"
Kenyatta said they usually get 24 hours notice before a committee hearing of any bills that are coming up.
"They put it in our inboxes, I think right before the presidential debate and for months now, Rachel, they have been trying to throw sand into the gears of our democracy. And now they're sanding out this election integrity committee that as I said, has no integrity to investigate the sand. They have parroted all of President Trump's fever dreams around voter fraud. But here's the reality. The only fraud I see is Donald Trump, he lies to the American people and cheats on his taxes and now he is trying to steal an election," he said.
"Unfortunately, Republicans in Harrisburg and across the country are more than happy to help him destroy our democracy. They have decided they're not going to contest this election on policy or on the progress we need to see on climate change and healthcare and this covid-19 pandemic. They're not going to have the election on those terms.
"They are doing everything they can to take away the power of our vote here in Pennsylvania to maintain their power."
PA Republicans are just horrible. We used to have at least some semi-sane ones, but a few years ago, the Freedom Caucus types took over and I don't think they've done a productive thing since.
As Rep. Kenyatta, says, state elections matter. And the PA Democratic Party is chronically underfunded. Here's a fun way you can help with that:


crooksandliars--2020-10-02--Dear Arrogant, Careless Idiot-In-Chief: Welcome To The Coronavirus Club

Looks like Donald Trump ( and Melania `` Give Me A Fucking Break '' Trump ) are going to get a little adventure in empathy .
Whee !
Dear Trumps : if you 're lucky enough to get the so-called `` mild '' version that does n't require hospitalization , here 's the first thing : The symptoms will keep changing .
Right now , Jonathan Lemire is on my teevee saying you had a `` raspy throat '' the other day .
Ooops !
This is the first thing : The sore throat , according to me and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , feels like someone took a razor blade and slashed your throat , and it stays that way for a while .
( Try the Vitamin C and zinc lozenges .
They do help . )
It took several months before my sore throat finally went away .
I hope yours does n't last that long , I know how you love to yell .
You may or may not have a fever .
( I did n't . )
You may feel incredibly cold , like you were trapped in a walk-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature .
Whatever !
Luckily for you , you have easy access to medical care and tests -- something you made almost impossible for the rest of us in the early stages of this pandemic .
But bygones !
The chest tightness is scary as hell .
It feels like a grand piano has fallen on your chest !
If you 're `` lucky '' like me , it will pass .
If it does n't , well , you have doctors watching you closely .
Maybe the scariest part is , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door of every organ and system in your body , looking for a way in .
After a few weeks , you feel better .
If you 're really lucky , it stays that way .
If you 're not lucky , and you 're one of the people like me who has what they call `` long haul covid , '' you have several awful months ahead of you .
You will keep relapsing , and during those relapses , you will suffer from enormous , crushing fatigue .
Three-naps-a-day fatigue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't help .
In fact , if you have heart damage , you will have to stop tooting . )
If you can get past the terror , it 's actually kind of interesting to observe your body reacting to this bug you and your administration inflicted on millions by so carelessly ignoring it .
A couple of times , my face swelled up and hurt .
One of the warning signs of another relapse for me was , my tongue swelled up , too .
My hands hurt for quite a while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Oh , and the weird blood pressure spikes are scary , too .
That time my BP went up to 265/154 ?
Yeah , scared the crap out of me , especially since I normally have blood pressure on the low side .
From what I read , it can also cause severe anxiety symptoms , completely separate from the fact that you 're already pretty anxious about being sick for months on end .
( That does n't help with the chest tightness . )
A couple of times , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my breath .
Pretty frightening .
Anyway , good luck with that .
I really would n't wish this on anyone , but I do get to be angry at the fact that your narcissism and willful ignorance made sure so many other people experienced this before you did , with over 200,000 dead .
And if you 're looking for a face-saving measure out of your impending crushing defeat , well , you could always pull out of the race .

Looks like Donald Trump (and Melania "Give Me A Fucking Break" Trump) are going to get a little adventure in empathy. Whee!
Dear Trumps: if you're lucky enough to get the so-called "mild" version that doesn't require hospitalization, here's the first thing: The symptoms will keep changing.
Right now, Jonathan Lemire is on my teevee saying you had a "raspy throat" the other day. Ooops! This is the first thing: The sore throat, according to me and the other people I know who had it, feels like someone took a razor blade and slashed your throat, and it stays that way for a while. (Try the Vitamin C and zinc lozenges. They do help.)
It took several months before my sore throat finally went away. I hope yours doesn't last that long, I know how you love to yell.
You may or may not have a fever. (I didn't.) You may feel incredibly cold, like you were trapped in a walk-in freezer, yet still show a normal temperature. Whatever! Luckily for you, you have easy access to medical care and tests -- something you made almost impossible for the rest of us in the early stages of this pandemic. But bygones!
The chest tightness is scary as hell. It feels like a grand piano has fallen on your chest! If you're "lucky" like me, it will pass. If it doesn't, well, you have doctors watching you closely.
Maybe the scariest part is, the virus feels like it's knocking on the door of every organ and system in your body, looking for a way in.
After a few weeks, you feel better. If you're really lucky, it stays that way.
If you're not lucky, and you're one of the people like me who has what they call "long haul covid," you have several awful months ahead of you. You will keep relapsing, and during those relapses, you will suffer from enormous, crushing fatigue. Three-naps-a-day fatigue. (And no, Adderall won't help. In fact, if you have heart damage, you will have to stop tooting.)
If you can get past the terror, it's actually kind of interesting to observe your body reacting to this bug you and your administration inflicted on millions by so carelessly ignoring it. A couple of times, my face swelled up and hurt. One of the warning signs of another relapse for me was, my tongue swelled up, too. My hands hurt for quite a while. Neuropathy in my feet, too.
Oh, and the weird blood pressure spikes are scary, too. That time my BP went up to 265/154? Yeah, scared the crap out of me, especially since I normally have blood pressure on the low side.
From what I read, it can also cause severe anxiety symptoms, completely separate from the fact that you're already pretty anxious about being sick for months on end. (That doesn't help with the chest tightness.)
A couple of times, I felt like I couldn't quite catch my breath. Pretty frightening.
Anyway, good luck with that. I really wouldn't wish this on anyone, but I do get to be angry at the fact that your narcissism and willful ignorance made sure so many other people experienced this before you did, with over 200,000 dead.
And if you're looking for a face-saving measure out of your impending crushing defeat, well, you could always pull out of the race.
Key issue in terms of spread and responsible behavior. Hicks apparently tested positive yesterday morning. After that positive test Trump traveled to New Jersey and interacted with as many as a hundred people. — Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) October 2, 2020
Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 2, 2020