crooksandliars--2020-06-28--Pelosi Goes Off On Trump: 'All Roads Lead To Putin'

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi joined George Stephanopoulos on ABC 's This Week to discuss the bombshell reporting alleging that Russia paid bounties to Afghan Militants to kill US Soldiers .
Pelosi was incredulous and cut right to the chase : All roads lead to Putin .
What exactly DOES Putin have on Trump ?
Is it financial ?
Personal ?
Political ?
Is there a pee tape ?
Does any of that matter ?
STEPHANOPOULOS : I want to turn to that rather startling report in The New York Times that appeared yesterday , we 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that Russia secretly offered Afghan militants bounties to kill U.S. troops .
It reports that `` American intelligence officials have concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces in Afghanistan , including targeting American troops .
The intelligence finding was briefed to President Trump , and the White House National Security Council the problem at an interagency meeting in late March .
Officials developed a menu of potential options along with an escalating series of sanctions , but the White House has yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Director of National Intelligence put out a statement late last night denying that the president had been briefed .
The president has said that as well .
But not denying the intelligence .
You 're a member of that so-called Gang of Eight that gets intelligence , were you aware of those reports ?
PELOSI : No .
And we have called for a report to the congress on this .
OH WAIT .
The Gang of Eight was not briefed ?
Who made THAT decision ?
This is as bad as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not confront the Russians on this score , denies being briefed .
Whether he is or not , his administration knows and our allies -- some of our allies who work with us in Afghanistan had been briefed and accept this report .
Just as I have said to the president with him all roads lead to Putin .
He will not -- I do n't know what the Russians have on the president , politically , personally , financially , or whatever it is , but he he wants to ignore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the G8 despite the annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine , despite what they yielded to him in Syria , despite his intervention into our election which is well documented by our intelligence community , and despite now possibly this allegation , which we should have been briefed on ... Great question , Madam Speaker .
How about we get to the bottom of that ?
STEPHANOPOULOS : Well , that 's what I want to ask you about .
Do you believe that the president has n't been briefed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you explain The New York Times saying it was actually in the president 's daily brief , perhaps he did n't read it .
How would you explain if the president were n't briefed on this ?
PELOSI : Because the president wants to ignore any allegation against Russia .
As I 've said to him in that meeting when I 'm pointing at him in a blue suit , with you , Mr. President , all roads lead to Putin .
Putin -- Russia has never gotten over the humiliation they suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking it out on us , our troops .
This is totally outrageous .
You would think that the minute the president heard of it he would want to know more instead of denying that he knew anything .
Now , if in fact -- we 'll find out he has briefed and it was in his daily brief -- but if it were not , what does that say about the concern that those who briefed the president have about not going anywhere near the Russia issue with this president ?
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- well , the list is a long one in terms of his ignoring of what Russia has done .
You see what he was -- it is a gift to Russian to diminish our leadership in NATO , diminish our troops in Germany , all the gifts to Putin .
Something is very wrong here .
But this must have an answer .
ABC NEWS HOST : You ’ ve raised that several times now .
You said you don ’ t know what the Russians have on -- But do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PELOSI : Well , how would you -- else would you explain his refusal to even -- to ignore again and again the intelligence that puts right at the Russian doorstep the involvement into our elections , for example ?
Now , he 's saying this is fake news .
Why would he say that ?
Why would n't he say , let 's look into it and sees what this ?
Giving the money to Taliban , a bounty on the lives of our troops in Afghanistan .
How do you answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members who are serving there ?
And he 's engaged in peace negotiations with the Taliban and he 's kissing up to Putin in every way , saying they should be in the G-7 , even though he annexed Crimea and caused death and destruction in Ukraine -- so totally irresponsible .
Something is wrong with this picture .
But putting that aside for the moment , let 's just dwell on this .
We hear also that the administration is considering diplomatic response to this or sanctions to this -- well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do n't know about it .
The American people need to know what that is .
Nancy Pelosi nailed it : This is as bad as it gets .
SO FAR .
There are many unanswered questions that will require answers in the coming days and weeks .
There are reports that as many as 22 US soldiers were killed in Afghanististan since 2019 .
Did any of those leads to bounties being paid ?
Did Trump know ?
If he did , why did n't he act ?
If he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did , why did n't they tell Trump ?
If they are relucatant to tell Trump , why ?
Does the IC not even trust Donald Trump with intel ?
This is a horrific story that needs continued attention and both Congress and the media need to stay on it .
Our military deserves answers .
The American people do too .

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi joined George Stephanopoulos on ABC's This Week to discuss the bombshell reporting alleging that Russia paid bounties to Afghan Militants to kill US Soldiers. Pelosi was incredulous and cut right to the chase: All roads lead to Putin.
What exactly DOES Putin have on Trump? Is it financial? Personal? Political? Is there a pee tape? Does any of that matter?
STEPHANOPOULOS: I want to turn to that rather startling report in The New York Times that appeared yesterday, we're going to show it on the screen right now, that Russia secretly offered Afghan militants bounties to kill U.S. troops. It reports that "American intelligence officials have concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces in Afghanistan, including targeting American troops. The intelligence finding was briefed to President Trump, and the White House National Security Council the problem at an interagency meeting in late March. Officials developed a menu of potential options along with an escalating series of sanctions, but the White House has yet to authorize any step." Now the Director of National Intelligence put out a statement late last night denying that the president had been briefed. The president has said that as well. But not denying the intelligence. You're a member of that so-called Gang of Eight that gets intelligence, were you aware of those reports? PELOSI: No. And we have called for a report to the congress on this.
OH WAIT. The Gang of Eight was not briefed? Who made THAT decision?
This is as bad as it gets, and yet the president will not confront the Russians on this score, denies being briefed. Whether he is or not, his administration knows and our allies -- some of our allies who work with us in Afghanistan had been briefed and accept this report. Just as I have said to the president with him all roads lead to Putin. He will not -- I don't know what the Russians have on the president, politically, personally, financially, or whatever it is, but he he wants to ignore, he wants to bring them back to the G8 despite the annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine, despite what they yielded to him in Syria, despite his intervention into our election which is well documented by our intelligence community, and despite now possibly this allegation, which we should have been briefed on...
Great question, Madam Speaker. How about we get to the bottom of that?
STEPHANOPOULOS: Well, that's what I want to ask you about. Do you believe that the president hasn't been briefed on this? And secondly, how would you explain The New York Times saying it was actually in the president's daily brief, perhaps he didn't read it. How would you explain if the president weren't briefed on this? PELOSI: Because the president wants to ignore any allegation against Russia. As I've said to him in that meeting when I'm pointing at him in a blue suit, with you, Mr. President, all roads lead to Putin. Putin -- Russia has never gotten over the humiliation they suffered in Afghanistan, and now they're taking it out on us, our troops. This is totally outrageous. You would think that the minute the president heard of it he would want to know more instead of denying that he knew anything. Now, if in fact -- we'll find out he has briefed and it was in his daily brief -- but if it were not, what does that say about the concern that those who briefed the president have about not going anywhere near the Russia issue with this president? This is appalling. This is beyond amid -- well, the list is a long one in terms of his ignoring of what Russia has done. You see what he was -- it is a gift to Russian to diminish our leadership in NATO, diminish our troops in Germany, all the gifts to Putin. Something is very wrong here. But this must have an answer. GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, ABC NEWS HOST: You’ve raised that several times now. You said you don’t know what the Russians have on -- PELOSI: Yes. STEPHANOPOULOS: -- on President Trump. But do you believe they have something on him? PELOSI: Well, how would you -- else would you explain his refusal to even -- to ignore again and again the intelligence that puts right at the Russian doorstep the involvement into our elections, for example? Now, he's saying this is fake news. Why would he say that? Why wouldn't he say, let's look into it and sees what this? Giving the money to Taliban, a bounty on the lives of our troops in Afghanistan. How do you answer to the families of those who -- family members who are serving there? And he's engaged in peace negotiations with the Taliban and he's kissing up to Putin in every way, saying they should be in the G-7, even though he annexed Crimea and caused death and destruction in Ukraine -- so totally irresponsible. Something is wrong with this picture. But putting that aside for the moment, let's just dwell on this. We hear also that the administration is considering diplomatic response to this or sanctions to this -- well, they either know about it or they don't know about it. The American people need to know what that is.
Nancy Pelosi nailed it: This is as bad as it gets. SO FAR. There are many unanswered questions that will require answers in the coming days and weeks. There are reports that as many as 22 US soldiers were killed in Afghanististan since 2019. Did any of those leads to bounties being paid? Did Trump know? If he did, why didn't he act? If he didn't know, but the intelligence community did, why didn't they tell Trump? If they are relucatant to tell Trump, why? Does the IC not even trust Donald Trump with intel?
This is a horrific story that needs continued attention and both Congress and the media need to stay on it. Our military deserves answers. The American people do too.


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--'How Is This Possible?' Fox News Host Reams White House Trade Adviser For Trump's 'Losing' Poll Numb

'How Is This Possible?' Fox News Host Reams White House Trade Adviser For Trump's 'Losing' Poll Numbers

During an interview with White House trade adviser Peter Navarro , Fox News host Maria Bartiromo appeared to be exasperated by President Donald Trump 's poor poll numbers .
`` This president has been the law and order president , '' Bartiromo told Navarro in an interview on Sunday .
`` This president has been the first president to really push back on China and all of their decades of theft of intellectual property . ''
Bartiromo also mentioned that protesters in Seattle have created a police-free zone .
`` This would be fatal [ for the Democratic candidate ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opined .
`` And yet , look at these polls , Peter .
How is it possible that the law and order president , the president who 's got jobs and the economy number one is trailing Joe Biden in every poll that you look at ? ''
The Fox News host noted that Biden has expanded his lead to 12 points over Trump in the network 's latest poll .
`` All of the polls say the same thing , that Donald Trump is trailing with 127 days to go into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How is this possible ?
What is going on ? ''
`` President Trump is losing ! ''
she added .
`` Explain that . ''
`` In terms of these polls , I 'm not a big head-to-head match up poller , '' Navarro said .
`` I do n't believe in that . ''

During an interview with White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, Fox News host Maria Bartiromo appeared to be exasperated by President Donald Trump's poor poll numbers.
"This president has been the law and order president," Bartiromo told Navarro in an interview on Sunday. "This president has been the first president to really push back on China and all of their decades of theft of intellectual property."
Bartiromo also mentioned that protesters in Seattle have created a police-free zone.
"This would be fatal [for the Democratic candidate] in any other time," she opined. "And yet, look at these polls, Peter. How is it possible that the law and order president, the president who's got jobs and the economy number one is trailing Joe Biden in every poll that you look at?"
The Fox News host noted that Biden has expanded his lead to 12 points over Trump in the network's latest poll.
"All of the polls say the same thing, that Donald Trump is trailing with 127 days to go into the November election," Bartiromo continued. "How is this possible? What is going on?"
"President Trump is losing!" she added. "Explain that."
For his part, Navarro downplayed Trump's sagging poll results.
"In terms of these polls, I'm not a big head-to-head match up poller," Navarro said. "I don't believe in that."


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--Sacha Baron Cohen Crashed A Far-Right Militia Event And It Was Hilarious

Sacha Baron Cohen pulled off what may be his most brilliant prank in years .
On Saturday , Cohen , convinced the leaders of the `` March for Our Rights 3 '' to allow him to take the stage and perform some musical acts .
The rally was being held in Olympia , Washington and was attended by a lot of right-wing militia members and three percenters .
During Cohens `` performance '' , he sang lyrics that mocked Barack Obama , Dr. Fauci and the `` Wuhan Flu . ''
He also sand about injecting anyone who wears a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them up “ like the Saudis do.
” So how did he fool event organizers ?
He disguised himself as a the leader of a political action committee that wanted to help sponsor the rally and then he brought HIS OWN personal security to allow him to stay on stage once he was in character .
This would prevent the event organizers from removing him or cutting the power when he was on stage .
“ Sacha Baron Cohen pulled a ( expletive ) stunt at the March For Our Rights 3 event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lead singer of the last band , singing a bunch of racist , hateful , disgusting ( expletive ) .
His security blocked event organizers from getting him off the stage , or pulling power from the generator .
After the crowd realized what he was saying , and turned on him , his security then rushed the stage and evacuated them to a waiting private ambulance that was contracted to be their escape transport . ''
Initially , the crowd was on board , with some people singing along .
Councilman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him '' after realizing what he was saying , but the video contradicts that .
Thank you for the laughs , Sasha Baron Cohen .
You remain undefeated .

Sacha Baron Cohen pulled off what may be his most brilliant prank in years. On Saturday, Cohen, convinced the leaders of the "March for Our Rights 3" to allow him to take the stage and perform some musical acts. The rally was being held in Olympia, Washington and was attended by a lot of right-wing militia members and three percenters.
During Cohens "performance", he sang lyrics that mocked Barack Obama, Dr. Fauci and the "Wuhan Flu." He also sand about injecting anyone who wears a mask with the Wuhan Flu or chopping them up “like the Saudis do.”
So how did he fool event organizers? He disguised himself as a the leader of a political action committee that wanted to help sponsor the rally and then he brought HIS OWN personal security to allow him to stay on stage once he was in character. This would prevent the event organizers from removing him or cutting the power when he was on stage.
BRILLIANT.
Yelm City Councilman James Blair had a sadz, writing on Facebook:
“Sacha Baron Cohen pulled a (expletive) stunt at the March For Our Rights 3 event. He came on stage disguised as the lead singer of the last band, singing a bunch of racist, hateful, disgusting (expletive). His security blocked event organizers from getting him off the stage, or pulling power from the generator. After the crowd realized what he was saying, and turned on him, his security then rushed the stage and evacuated them to a waiting private ambulance that was contracted to be their escape transport."
Initially, the crowd was on board, with some people singing along. Councilman Blair claims the crowd "turned on him" after realizing what he was saying, but the video contradicts that.
Twitter enjoyed the prank:
Sacha Baron Cohen punking the Olympia Right-wing Militia event today is disturbingly funny
One, the 3% Militia were stupid enough to accept a large last minute donor who paid for security.
Two, they are clapping and singing along.
Only after Cohen left do they issue statements — TheTrumpDeathToll (@trump_toll) June 28, 2020
Then he snuck back in with a different discussed pic.twitter.com/nVRoZEurwM — Shannon McMinimee (@SMMcMinimee) June 28, 2020
* Disguise. Here is a close up of the first one. pic.twitter.com/Uv98JYeW5d — Shannon McMinimee (@SMMcMinimee) June 28, 2020
An oldie, but goodie
I love that over a decade after filming Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen can still go to America and hold up a mirror to who republicans really are... pic.twitter.com/pvQ7vXEmRX — Femi (@Femi_Sorry) June 28, 2020
The III%'ers call themselves a "military organization" who is going to defend America. But they just got infiltrated by the same comedian twice within an hour and were shown to be the fools they are. If @SachaBaronCohen was a terrorist, they'd all be dead. Military my ass! — Alternative NOAA (@altNOAA) June 28, 2020
This, a million times over
If you’re a racist asshole and Sacha Baron Cohen makes you look like a racist asshole, you probably aren’t going to generate much sympathy. pic.twitter.com/sp2o6TSE0u — Bleeding Heart Liberal Marine (@zaharako) June 28, 2020
Thank you for the laughs, Sasha Baron Cohen. You remain undefeated.


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--Mike Pence Defiantly Says 'Unborn' Lives Matter When Asked To Say 'Black Lives Matter'

Vice President Mike Pence refused to say `` Black lives matter '' in an interview that aired over the weekend .
While speaking to John Dickerson on CBS 's Face the Nation program , Pence was challenged to express his support for the value of Black lives .
`` What the American people want is to fund the police with additional training and support , '' Pence explained .
`` And also improve the lives of people in our African-American community , which I 'm proud to say , under President Trump 's leadership , we were doing over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't need to chose between supporting law enforcement and supporting our African-American neighbors , '' he added .
`` We can do both .
And that 's how we bring our country together . ''
`` One thing protesters would like to hear is leaders say Black lives matter , '' Dickerson noted .
`` You wo n't say that .
Why ? ''
Struggling for words , Pence replied : `` All my life , I 've been inspired by the example of the Rev .
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I traveled to his home church in Montgomery with Congressman John Lewis .
I walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday . ''
`` I cherish the progress that we have made , '' he continued , `` for African-Americans throughout our history .
And I 've aspired throughout my career to be a part of that ongoing work .
It 's really a heart issue for me .
And as a pro-life Americans , I also believe that all lives matter , born and the unborn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` leaders '' of the Black Lives Matter movement of a `` political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police . ''
`` Leave that out of it , '' Dickerson interrupted .
`` Just the phrase . ''
Pence complained that the Black Lives Matter movement `` would tear down monuments , that would press a radical left agenda and support calls for the kind of violence that has beset the very communities that they 've said they are advocating for . ''
`` I 've literally met with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` who made it clear to us they want law and order , they want peace in our streets . ''
`` So , you wo n't say Black lives matter , '' Dickerson said .
`` John , I really believe that all lives matter , '' Pence repeated .
`` That 's where the heart of the American people lies . ''

Vice President Mike Pence refused to say "Black lives matter" in an interview that aired over the weekend.
While speaking to John Dickerson on CBS's Face the Nation program, Pence was challenged to express his support for the value of Black lives.
"What the American people want is to fund the police with additional training and support," Pence explained. "And also improve the lives of people in our African-American community, which I'm proud to say, under President Trump's leadership, we were doing over the last three years."
"We don't need to chose between supporting law enforcement and supporting our African-American neighbors," he added. "We can do both. And that's how we bring our country together."
"One thing protesters would like to hear is leaders say Black lives matter," Dickerson noted. "You won't say that. Why?"
Struggling for words, Pence replied: "All my life, I've been inspired by the example of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. When I was in Congress, I traveled to his home church in Montgomery with Congressman John Lewis. I walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday."
"I cherish the progress that we have made," he continued, "for African-Americans throughout our history. And I've aspired throughout my career to be a part of that ongoing work. It's really a heart issue for me. And as a pro-life Americans, I also believe that all lives matter, born and the unborn."
Pence went on to accuse the "leaders" of the Black Lives Matter movement of a "political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police."
"Leave that out of it," Dickerson interrupted. "Just the phrase."
Pence complained that the Black Lives Matter movement "would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda and support calls for the kind of violence that has beset the very communities that they've said they are advocating for."
"But, sir," Dickerson pleaded.
"I've literally met with African-American leaders," Pence pushed on, "who made it clear to us they want law and order, they want peace in our streets."
"So, you won't say Black lives matter," Dickerson said.
"John, I really believe that all lives matter," Pence repeated. "That's where the heart of the American people lies."
"Okay," a defeated Dickerson replied.


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--John Bolton On Trump 2020: 'There's Really No Limit On What He Might Do In A Second Term'

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton on Sunday warned that there 's `` no limit '' to how President Donald @ @ @ @ @ if he wins a second term .
During an interview on CNN , host Jake @ @ @ @ @ sources believe the president will have `` no guard rails '' if he manages to @ @ @ @ @ .
`` What do you think he would do in a second term ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ What are you most afraid of ? ''
`` There are a range of national @ @ @ @ @ , '' Bolton replied .
`` I am also concerned as a lifelong conservative Republican @ @ @ @ @ needs a re-election , once he no longer needs the people to come out and @ @ @ @ @ 's really no limit on what he might do in a second term . ''

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton on Sunday warned that there's "no limit" to how President Donald Trump will use his power if he wins a second term.
During an interview on CNN, host Jake Tapper reported that White House sources believe the president will have "no guard rails" if he manages to win another term in office.
"What do you think he would do in a second term?" Tapper asked Bolton. "What are you most afraid of?"
"There are a range of national security concerns that I have," Bolton replied. "I am also concerned as a lifelong conservative Republican that once he no longer needs a re-election, once he no longer needs the people to come out and vote him in, there's really no limit on what he might do in a second term."


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--Trump Fans Cheer Peter Navarro For Allegedly Wearing 'QAnon' Flag Pin On Fox News

Conspiracy-minded Fox News viewers cheered White House trade adviser Peter Navarro after they assumed he wore a flag pin celebrating @ @ @ @ @ During an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo , Navarro could be seen sporting @ @ @ @ @ a curious alteration .
While it was n't clear from the broadcast , several viewers @ @ @ @ @ Navarro was promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory alleging a `` deep state '' plot against @ @ @ @ @ commenter said that he recognized the QAnon pin because he also owned one .
UPDATE @ @ @ @ @ at Trump 's State of the Union speech back in February , a bunch of @ @ @ @ @ same pin .

Conspiracy-minded Fox News viewers cheered White House trade adviser Peter Navarro after they assumed he wore a flag pin celebrating the QAnon conspiracy theory.
During an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Navarro could be seen sporting a U.S.A. flag ping with a curious alteration.
While it wasn't clear from the broadcast, several viewers of the program declared that Navarro was promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory alleging a "deep state" plot against President Donald Trump.
One commenter said that he recognized the QAnon pin because he also owned one.
Read the tweets below.
Peter Navarro was on Sunday morning Futures with @MariaBartiromo he was wearing a #American flag pin on his left lapel. There is a Q in the stripes. Navarro NEVER wears a flag pin. #QANON going mainstream #WWG1WGA #TRUMP2020 — Tuckerparks19 (@tuckerparks19) June 28, 2020
Navarro on with Bartiromo, is that a Q on his flag pin? — Tuckerparks19 (@tuckerparks19) June 28, 2020
Wow!!!!! @PeterNavarro45 is wearing a flag pin with Q on it. I have one too — David Burnham USMC⭐⭐⭐ (@exhaustartist) June 28, 2020
UPDATE: And of course, at Trump's State of the Union speech back in February, a bunch of these assholes were wearing the same pin.


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Is A F*cking Moron, Chapter Two

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defends his administration 's actions to reporters with VP Mike Pence in tow at a burger establishment in Orlando , FL ( May 20 , 2020 ) .
Taking a page from Donald Trump and his administration , Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has handled the coronavirus as if it ’ s a nuisance rather than a pandemic .
The Tampa Bay Times outlines his dereliction of duty back in April .
DeSantis even crowed to the press how great his response was .
That did n't stop his right wing defenders like Rich Lowry to fawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post and claim back in May : Gov .
Ron DeSantis had the right coronavirus response — but the media won ’ t tell you that Actually , the media was right as rain and Lowry was as usual a hack .
When infections began to rise he blamed Hispanic workers for the outbreak instead of looking at himself in the mirror and refusing to take proper precautions to protect his constituents .
His polling numbers are slipping badly with no hope in sight .
Hopefully he ’ ll be kicked out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time comes .
In response , Gov .
DeSantis decided to manipulate the reporting data of the intensive care units in hospitals , causing Dr. Vin Gupta to admit he was `` stunned . ''
Things have become much worse in Florida as they Smash Coronavirus Case Record : Nearly 9,000 Positive Cases On Thursday It 's too bad the people of Florida are the ones suffering from DeSantis ' incompetence .
Maybe they 'll rise up and decide Biden is the better choice for President and literally ANYONE is better for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ron DeSantis is a fcking moron , chapter 1

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defends his administration's actions to reporters with VP Mike Pence in tow at a burger establishment in Orlando, FL (May 20, 2020).
Taking a page from Donald Trump and his administration, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has handled the coronavirus as if it’s a nuisance rather than a pandemic.
The Tampa Bay Times outlines his dereliction of duty back in April.
DeSantis even crowed to the press how great his response was.
Gov. Ron DeSantis goes off on Florida doubters: "We've succeeded, and I think that people just don't want to recognize it." pic.twitter.com/FBi6F0saCo — The Recount (@therecount) May 20, 2020
That didn't stop his right wing defenders like Rich Lowry to fawn over his COVID-19 response in the NY Post and claim back in May: Gov. Ron DeSantis had the right coronavirus response — but the media won’t tell you that
Actually, the media was right as rain and Lowry was as usual a hack.
Remember when Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) took a COVID victory lap? Bit premature... pic.twitter.com/3uMhkSpYaI — The Recount (@therecount) June 25, 2020
When infections began to rise he blamed Hispanic workers for the outbreak instead of looking at himself in the mirror and refusing to take proper precautions to protect his constituents.
His polling numbers are slipping badly with no hope in sight. Hopefully he’ll be kicked out of office along with Donald Trump when his time comes.
More than 4,000 new Florida COVID cases, a bump up in positivity to 12.3% and one governor set to discuss what it means. @GovRonDeSantis will address the capitol press corps at 3:30 this afternoon. He’s been adamant Florida is safe and not in need of a reopening rollback. — Forrest Saunders (@FBSaunders) June 20, 2020
@GovRonDeSantis - So true!
Column: My apology to Florida Gov. DeSantis: Sorry, you're even worse than I imagined https://t.co/qJ5vSoHrAZ — Phydeauz (@Phydeauz) June 28, 2020
In response, Gov. DeSantis decided to manipulate the reporting data of the intensive care units in hospitals, causing Dr. Vin Gupta to admit he was "stunned."
Things have become much worse in Florida as they Smash Coronavirus Case Record: Nearly 9,000 Positive Cases On Thursday
It's too bad the people of Florida are the ones suffering from DeSantis' incompetence. Maybe they'll rise up and decide Biden is the better choice for President and literally ANYONE is better for their governor.
See also: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is a fcking moron, chapter 1


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--HHS Secretary Cowers When Asked To Defend Trump's 'White Power!' Retweet

It 's little wonder so many members of the Trump administration look like they 're completely dead inside , when they 're constantly having to defend Trump 's overt racism , as Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar was forced to do this morning when asked by CNN 's Jake Tapper about Trump sharing a video of his supporters in Florida participating in a golf cart parade shouting `` white power ! ''
at the protesters lined up along the route .
AZAR : Well , I ’ ve not seen that video or that tweet , but obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would do anything to be supportive of white supremacy or anything that would support discrimination of any kind .
TAPPER : Do you think that was a mistake by the president to tweet a video in which one of his apparent supporters says “ white power ” very clearly on the video ?
AZAR : Hey Jake , as I said , I ’ ve been here getting ready to speak to you .
I ’ ve not seen that , and so I don ’ t want to comment further on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I and his whole administration would stand against any acts of white supremacy.
” TAPPER : Alright .
Well , we just played it for you , but I ’ ll move on .

It's little wonder so many members of the Trump administration look like they're completely dead inside, when they're constantly having to defend Trump's overt racism, as Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar was forced to do this morning when asked by CNN's Jake Tapper about Trump sharing a video of his supporters in Florida participating in a golf cart parade shouting "white power!" at the protesters lined up along the route.
AZAR: Well, I’ve not seen that video or that tweet, but obviously neither the president, his administration nor I would do anything to be supportive of white supremacy or anything that would support discrimination of any kind.
TAPPER: Do you think that was a mistake by the president to tweet a video in which one of his apparent supporters says “white power” very clearly on the video?
AZAR: Hey Jake, as I said, I’ve been here getting ready to speak to you. I’ve not seen that, and so I don’t want to comment further on that, but obviously the president and I and his whole administration would stand against any acts of white supremacy.”
TAPPER: Alright. Well, we just played it for you, but I’ll move on.


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--Trump Shares Video Of His Supporters In Golf Cart Yelling 'White Power!' (UPDATED)

Groups of unruly senior citizens clashed yesterday in Sumter , Florida , as supporters and opponents of Trump did n't see eye-to-eye .
The odd spectacle of a bunch of senior citizens , Trump supporters in golf carts screaming back at protesters for screaming at them is pretty much where we 're at right now .
Always on the outlook to spread division and hate , Trump retweeted the video this morning , calling his supporters who shouted `` White Power !
`` , `` great people . ''
Donald Trump reposted a video on Sunday morning where a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters could be heard yelling 'white power ' as the country continues to roil in clashes between civil rights protesters and law enforcements .
The video posted to Twitter by another user on Saturday shows a clash between citizens of The Villages , a massive age-restricted community in Sumter , Florida , between pro-Trump demonstrators and senior counter protesters denouncing the president .
'Thank you to the great people of The Villages , ' Trump posted Sunday alongside the video .
'The Radical Left Do Nothing Democrats will Fall in the Fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon !
!
! '
Toward the beginning of the more than two-minute long video , one senior citizen protesting for Trump yells 'White Power , ' as his golf-cart passenger chants 'Trump . '
'There you go , white power .
Did you hear that ? '
a counter protester standing by the side of the procession responded in awe .
UPDATE : Trump has now deleted his tweet , but the internet remembers everything .
And the White House 's lame-ass explanation .
The guy says White Power !
within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Groups of unruly senior citizens clashed yesterday in Sumter, Florida, as supporters and opponents of Trump didn't see eye-to-eye. The odd spectacle of a bunch of senior citizens, Trump supporters in golf carts screaming back at protesters for screaming at them is pretty much where we're at right now.
Always on the outlook to spread division and hate, Trump retweeted the video this morning, calling his supporters who shouted "White Power!", "great people."
Source: The Daily Mail
Donald Trump reposted a video on Sunday morning where a senior citizen participating in a golf-cart parade of supporters could be heard yelling 'white power' as the country continues to roil in clashes between civil rights protesters and law enforcements. The video posted to Twitter by another user on Saturday shows a clash between citizens of The Villages, a massive age-restricted community in Sumter, Florida, between pro-Trump demonstrators and senior counter protesters denouncing the president. 'Thank you to the great people of The Villages,' Trump posted Sunday alongside the video. 'The Radical Left Do Nothing Democrats will Fall in the Fall. Corrupt Joe is shot. See you soon!!!' Toward the beginning of the more than two-minute long video, one senior citizen protesting for Trump yells 'White Power,' as his golf-cart passenger chants 'Trump.' 'There you go, white power. Did you hear that?' a counter protester standing by the side of the procession responded in awe.
The original videos.
Seniors from The Villages in Florida protesting against each other: pic.twitter.com/Q3GRJCTjEW — Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) June 27, 2020
A lot of people were interested in the #Resister in black, so here ya go, her name is Sharon Sandler: pic.twitter.com/10rYXtZpci — Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) June 27, 2020
And Trump's always unhelpful response.
Thank you to the great people of The Villages. The Radical Left Do Nothing Democrats will Fall in the Fall. Corrupt Joe is shot. See you soon!!! https://t.co/4Gg1iGOhyG — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020
UPDATE: Trump has now deleted his tweet, but the internet remembers everything.
And the White House's lame-ass explanation. The guy says White Power! within the first 15 seconds of the video.


crooksandliars--2020-06-28--Chris Wallace Calls Dishonest Trump Edit Of Biden's Remarks A 'Cheap Shot'

Chris Wallace may be one of the few anchors over at Fox who will actually take Trump or members of his administration to task for their constant gaslighting and incompetence , but he 's still not willing to lay a glove on his colleagues for aiding and abetting Dear Leader and his criminal administration , and most of the criticism we ever get from Wallace is tepid at best .
Wallace spoke to guest host Trace Gallagher on this Friday 's Bill Hemmer Reports , and was asked about a supposed `` gaffe '' by Joe Biden , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States was 120 million , and then immediately corrected himself and said it was 120 thousand .
The RNC and the Trump campaign both tweeted out edited versions which , of course , left out the correction : Sean Hannity asked Trump about the `` gaffe '' without mentioning it had been edited to leave out Biden 's immediate correction during a townhall on Fox Thursday evening .
And the hosts of Fox & Friends finally mentioned the coronavirus death toll for the first time in over a week -- to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to once again speculate on whether Biden has dementia .
Wallace somehow failed to mention his own network 's `` cheap shots '' at Biden when taking the Trump campaign to task during his appearance on Hemmer 's show : Fox News anchor Chris Wallace said Friday that attacking Joe Biden over his verbal slip-up on the number of coronavirus deaths is a “ cheap shot.
” Sean Hannity brought up the comment to President Donald Trump during their Thursday event , remarking , “ I don ’ t know whether to laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit Biden in response .
But Biden corrected himself immediately — the full quote was “ Now we have over 120 million dead from Covid , I mean , 120,000 dead from Covid ” — something Fox News ’ Trace Gallagher made a point of of highlighting in speaking with Wallace .
“ It appears that he did correct himself fairly rapidly , ” Gallagher said .
“ Clearly , a lot of people stopped that sound bite there where he stopped at 120 million .
He corrected it fairly quickly there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heat for those types of gaffes , including from the president , and I ’ m wondering if you think that ’ s fair ball these days.
” Wallace replied “ no ” and pointed to a Trump gaffe at the same town hall where Trump went after Biden for his gaffes : I think it ’ s a cheap shot .
Biden makes enough mistakes that you can find them .
All of us have said ‘ 120 million , I mean 120,000 , ’ which is basically what he did , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hall with Sean Hannity , the president at one point says , ‘ Well , Biden is going to be president because maybe people don ’ t like me or something.
’ He in effect says “ Biden is going to be president.
’ Look , we all know when something is really off .
And Biden has said some things that were off .
That wasn ’ t one of them .

Chris Wallace may be one of the few anchors over at Fox who will actually take Trump or members of his administration to task for their constant gaslighting and incompetence, but he's still not willing to lay a glove on his colleagues for aiding and abetting Dear Leader and his criminal administration, and most of the criticism we ever get from Wallace is tepid at best.
Wallace spoke to guest host Trace Gallagher on this Friday's Bill Hemmer Reports, and was asked about a supposed "gaffe" by Joe Biden, where he said the number of coronavirus deaths in the United States was 120 million, and then immediately corrected himself and said it was 120 thousand.
The RNC and the Trump campaign both tweeted out edited versions which, of course, left out the correction:
WHAT IS GOING ON WITH JOE BIDEN?
Joe Biden just said, "Now we have OVER 120 MILLION dead from COVID." pic.twitter.com/QBQTDyzzZt — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) June 25, 2020
Joe Biden is very confused.
He just falsely claimed 120 million Americans (more than one-third of the country) died from the coronavirus.
This is after he previously claimed 150 million Americans died from guns.
He's not playing with a full deck, folks. #BarelyThereBiden pic.twitter.com/GwKgdiFjdb — Trump War Room - Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) June 25, 2020
Sean Hannity asked Trump about the "gaffe" without mentioning it had been edited to leave out Biden's immediate correction during a townhall on Fox Thursday evening.
And the hosts of Fox & Friends finally mentioned the coronavirus death toll for the first time in over a week -- to make fun of Joe Biden, and to once again speculate on whether Biden has dementia.
Via @revrrlewis, Fox & Friends' report on Biden's gaffe was the first time the coronavirus death toll had been mentioned on the program in more than a week. https://t.co/cMWPovkf8W https://t.co/YFCh4cKfey — Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) June 26, 2020
Wallace somehow failed to mention his own network's "cheap shots" at Biden when taking the Trump campaign to task during his appearance on Hemmer's show:


crooksandliars--2020-06-29--To Achieve A New New Deal, Democrats Must Learn From The Old One

As the United States reels from the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide anti-racism protests , pundits from both sides of the political aisle have speculated that a new New Deal is in the offing .
It could happen .
Crises , after all , often produce social policy gains , and the similarities between the 1930s and today are hard to ignore .
Unemployment has reached levels not seen since the 1930s , widening gaps in the social safety net .
The infirm have been forced to work absent paid sick leave .
The laid off have lost health coverage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ children faces food shortages .
Similarly , when Franklin D. Roosevelt took office unemployment was at 25 % and the poverty rate among elderly citizens hovered over 70 % .
In 1932 World War I veterans demanding bonus payments were forcibly removed from Washington , D.C. , by U.S. troops .
But these conditions don ’ t automatically result in progressive social policy .
Britain muddled through the Depression without social reform , and Germany turned fascist and militaristic , for example .
As a sociology professor who has written extensively about U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s New Deal teaches us that several developments have to coincide to generate a long-term social safety net .
First , public opinion has to shift drastically .
In the 1930s , Gallup polls revealed strong support for government pensions for the elderly .
Today public opinion has grown in favor of several social policy initiatives .
About two-thirds of voters support a US $ 15 minimum wage , which was a minority view six years ago .
A majority of Americans favor a single-payer health plan .
That , too , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The crisis also has to unfold under the watch of a regime opposed to expanded social policies .
Herbert Hoover opposed public relief – for the agricultural sector , the unemployed or the welfare state , in general – during the Depression .
Instead , he ineffectively relied on mobilizing private efforts .
The Trump administration , likewise , has waged war on Obamacare .
It wants a payroll tax cut , which would slash into Social Security and Medicare .
And the Republican Senate opposes funding increases for food stamps and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
The public must also blame the crisis on the party in power and reject that party at the polls .
The Republicans lost their congressional majority in 1930 , and Hoover suffered a crushing defeat in 1932 , with Roosevelt carrying many congressional Democrats on his coattails .
American voters have yet to decide on Trump and the Republicans , but early signs point to rejection .
Trump ’ s approval rating remains well under water , while the popularity of most governors has skyrocketed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digits in many presidential polls .
Congressional ballots strongly favor Democrats .
And Republican senators in Colorado , Arizona , North Carolina and Maine are in trouble , while their counterparts in Montana , Georgia , Kansas and Iowa seem vulnerable .
But three other things had to happen in the 1930s before New Deal reforms were implemented .
The first was a long-term shift in political control .
Congress did not pass the Social Security and National Labor Relations Acts until Roosevelt ’ s third year in office .
And Congress did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which created the minimum wage , until his sixth year in office .
Roosevelt ’ s first two years were devoted largely to saving banks , encouraging industries to stabilize prices and wages and providing short-term poverty relief .
If the Democrats had lost congressional support in 1934 , major social reforms would have never seen the light .
Compare Roosevelt ’ s – and the Democrats ’ – hold on power to former President Barack Obama ’ s , and the prerequisites for extensive reform become clear .
Yes , Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he spent much of his early first term seeking passage of the Recovery Act to counter the Great Recession .
He had to abandon potential labor and environmental reforms after losing congressional control for good in 2010 .
By contrast , the New Deal reform wave was possible only after congressional elections in 1934 gave Democrats an overwhelming majority , putting legislative control in the hands of liberals .
Roosevelt won in a larger landslide in 1936 , and congressional Democrats expanded their majority .
The Social Security Act was amended twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was established in 1950 , after Democrats had won the presidency for the fifth consecutive time .
New Deal reforms also relied on the mobilization of activists .
The 2-million-strong Townsend Plan – with 8,000 clubs across the country – placed intense pressure on Congress .
This group demanded universal retirement benefits , about $ 3,700 per month in today ’ s dollars .
Workers struck for the right to bargain collectively .
The unemployed organized and demanded benefits , too .
Together , these efforts kept major reforms high on the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declines for decades , the labor movement has enjoyed a sporadic resurgence of sorts recently , with major work stoppages – by United Auto Workers , United Teachers of Los Angeles and United Food and Commercial Workers – in the last couple of years .
To implement major social policy changes , labor would need to remain active .
The activists of Black Lives Matter movement would have to build on their nationwide protests and redouble organized efforts to transform police departments .
And social policy would benefit from other reform-minded groups mobilizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform also required skillful policy crafting .
The Social Security Act included taxes on payrolls and over time made its insurance program universal .
Benefits for survivors and the disabled were slipped into the program ’ s coverage in 1939 .
However , other programs were mishandled .
Roosevelt depleted considerable political capital on the Works Progress Administration , a program to provide temporary work to the unemployed , which was permanently “ discharged ” after a conservative Congress was elected in 1942 .
That political capital might have been spent on lasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency and control of Congress , they will need to adopt and improve universal programs with solid foundations , like Social Security .
They also need to avoid squandering political capital on short-term fixes .
Some easy first moves would be to lower the age for Medicare eligibility to 60 , as Joe Biden proposes , and end the wage ceiling on Social Security taxes , while permanently boosting benefits by $ 200 per month .
Most of programs in Obama ’ s Recovery Act were funded for only a year or two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups – focused on environmental change , racial justice and gun safety , for example – will need to redouble organizing efforts to keep political leaders ’ feet to the fire , lending urgency to public opinion for reform .
The lessons from the old New Deal suggest that a new one is possible .
But Democrats will need to control Congress , policymakers will need to look beyond the current crises , and activists will need to keep the pressure on to establish lasting structural change .
[ Like what you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for The Conversation ’ s daily newsletter . ]
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Franklin Roosevelt and other administration officials visit a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp during the New Deal. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
Edwin Amenta, University of California, Irvine
As the United States reels from the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide anti-racism protests, pundits from both sides of the political aisle have speculated that a new New Deal is in the offing.
It could happen. Crises, after all, often produce social policy gains, and the similarities between the 1930s and today are hard to ignore.
Unemployment has reached levels not seen since the 1930s, widening gaps in the social safety net. The infirm have been forced to work absent paid sick leave. The laid off have lost health coverage. And one in 5 households with young children faces food shortages.
Similarly, when Franklin D. Roosevelt took office unemployment was at 25% and the poverty rate among elderly citizens hovered over 70%. In 1932 World War I veterans demanding bonus payments were forcibly removed from Washington, D.C., by U.S. troops.
But these conditions don’t automatically result in progressive social policy. Britain muddled through the Depression without social reform, and Germany turned fascist and militaristic, for example.
As a sociology professor who has written extensively about U.S. social policy, I think Roosevelt’s New Deal teaches us that several developments have to coincide to generate a long-term social safety net.
Polls favor Democrats
First, public opinion has to shift drastically. In the 1930s, Gallup polls revealed strong support for government pensions for the elderly. Today public opinion has grown in favor of several social policy initiatives. About two-thirds of voters support a US$15 minimum wage, which was a minority view six years ago. A majority of Americans favor a single-payer health plan. That, too, was a minority view just a decade ago.
The crisis also has to unfold under the watch of a regime opposed to expanded social policies. Herbert Hoover opposed public relief – for the agricultural sector, the unemployed or the welfare state, in general – during the Depression. Instead, he ineffectively relied on mobilizing private efforts.
The Trump administration, likewise, has waged war on Obamacare. It wants a payroll tax cut, which would slash into Social Security and Medicare. And the Republican Senate opposes funding increases for food stamps and federal aid for states facing depleted budgets as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The public must also blame the crisis on the party in power and reject that party at the polls. The Republicans lost their congressional majority in 1930, and Hoover suffered a crushing defeat in 1932, with Roosevelt carrying many congressional Democrats on his coattails.
American voters have yet to decide on Trump and the Republicans, but early signs point to rejection. Trump’s approval rating remains well under water, while the popularity of most governors has skyrocketed. Trump trails Joe Biden by double digits in many presidential polls. Congressional ballots strongly favor Democrats. And Republican senators in Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina and Maine are in trouble, while their counterparts in Montana, Georgia, Kansas and Iowa seem vulnerable.
Longstanding political control
But three other things had to happen in the 1930s before New Deal reforms were implemented.
The first was a long-term shift in political control. Congress did not pass the Social Security and National Labor Relations Acts until Roosevelt’s third year in office. And Congress did not approve the Fair Labor Standards Act, which created the minimum wage, until his sixth year in office.
Roosevelt’s first two years were devoted largely to saving banks, encouraging industries to stabilize prices and wages and providing short-term poverty relief. If the Democrats had lost congressional support in 1934, major social reforms would have never seen the light.
Compare Roosevelt’s – and the Democrats’ – hold on power to former President Barack Obama’s, and the prerequisites for extensive reform become clear. Yes, Obama helped pass the Affordable Care Act, but he spent much of his early first term seeking passage of the Recovery Act to counter the Great Recession. He had to abandon potential labor and environmental reforms after losing congressional control for good in 2010.
By contrast, the New Deal reform wave was possible only after congressional elections in 1934 gave Democrats an overwhelming majority, putting legislative control in the hands of liberals. Roosevelt won in a larger landslide in 1936, and congressional Democrats expanded their majority. The Social Security Act was amended twice, and the program we know today was established in 1950, after Democrats had won the presidency for the fifth consecutive time.
Mass mobilization
New Deal reforms also relied on the mobilization of activists. The 2-million-strong Townsend Plan – with 8,000 clubs across the country – placed intense pressure on Congress. This group demanded universal retirement benefits, about $3,700 per month in today’s dollars. Workers struck for the right to bargain collectively. The unemployed organized and demanded benefits, too. Together, these efforts kept major reforms high on the political agenda.
Though unionization has witnessed steady declines for decades, the labor movement has enjoyed a sporadic resurgence of sorts recently, with major work stoppages – by United Auto Workers, United Teachers of Los Angeles and United Food and Commercial Workers – in the last couple of years. To implement major social policy changes, labor would need to remain active. The activists of Black Lives Matter movement would have to build on their nationwide protests and redouble organized efforts to transform police departments. And social policy would benefit from other reform-minded groups mobilizing as well.
Winning lasting social policy reform also required skillful policy crafting. The Social Security Act included taxes on payrolls and over time made its insurance program universal. Benefits for survivors and the disabled were slipped into the program’s coverage in 1939.
However, other programs were mishandled. Roosevelt depleted considerable political capital on the Works Progress Administration, a program to provide temporary work to the unemployed, which was permanently “discharged” after a conservative Congress was elected in 1942. That political capital might have been spent on lasting reform.
If the Democrats win the presidency and control of Congress, they will need to adopt and improve universal programs with solid foundations, like Social Security. They also need to avoid squandering political capital on short-term fixes. Some easy first moves would be to lower the age for Medicare eligibility to 60, as Joe Biden proposes, and end the wage ceiling on Social Security taxes, while permanently boosting benefits by $200 per month.
Most of programs in Obama’s Recovery Act were funded for only a year or two. Under new Democratic rule, grassroots groups – focused on environmental change, racial justice and gun safety, for example – will need to redouble organizing efforts to keep political leaders’ feet to the fire, lending urgency to public opinion for reform.
The lessons from the old New Deal suggest that a new one is possible. But Democrats will need to control Congress, policymakers will need to look beyond the current crises, and activists will need to keep the pressure on to establish lasting structural change.
[Like what you’ve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversation’s daily newsletter.]
Edwin Amenta, Professor of Sociology, University of California, Irvine
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


crooksandliars--2020-06-29--White House Knowingly Allowed Bad COVID-19 Test Kits To Circulate, Unchecked, For 50 Days

In the first weeks of the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States , a shocking breakdown in quality control at the CDC ’ s central laboratory in Atlanta led to cross-contamination of test materials that made the first round of tests shipped out around the country worthless .
Correcting the issue took more than a month , during which time COVID-19 was spreading across the country , undetected and unacknowledged by the White House , where Donald Trump continually assured the nation that all was well .
As it became clear that the number of cases was far outrunning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority to allow the use of alternative antibody tests that ultimately flooded in from more than 200 companies .
Now CBS News is reporting that not only where many of these tests flawed , but agencies knew they were flawed .
But , eager to cover up the shortage of U. S. tests available , these tests were allowed to circulate , unchecked for 50 days .
Meanwhile , state and county officials made decisions about how to handle social distancing and stay-at-home orders on the results of these tests .
Cities used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social workers had been exposed , and to test essential personnel .
People made life and death decisions on the basis of tests that didn ’ t work — and the people who allowed those tests to circulate , knew it .
The story , which will appear Sunday evening on 60 Minutes , details how some cities detected the flawed tests on their own .
Laredo , Texas purchased thousands of tests with the intention of setting up drive-through testing sites .
Fortunately , before they did so , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known samples and found their accuracy was only 20 % — they were wrong far more often than they were right .
Laredo ’ s testing plans were placed on hold , a delay that meant they couldn ’ t track the local progress of the epidemic or properly protect healthcare workers .
But other cities had it worse because they trusted the tests .
They used that information to open businesses , or close them , to allocate medical resources , and to decide how to handle everything from schools to hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worthless tests were reported .
Officials from Homeland Security appeared , took the tests , and … there is no “ and.
” No apparent results came from reporting the tests , other that someone showed up to hide them .
If there was any investigation of this test , or any other , it ’ s certainly not visible .
In addition to those local results , faulty tests — and faulty testing — had a tremendous impact on the public response .
For example , in mid-April , conservative researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of infection in California were dozens of times higher than expected , and that COVID-19 was actually much less dangerous than previously reported .
The results of thee announcements immediately came under suspicion , but that hasn ’ t stopped these and other similar claims from circulating widely .
Even the 50 day free-for-all where the FDA allowed in tests without any consideration at all was far from the end of the problem .
It took three months before the FDA began to pull the ineffective tests .
In May , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing their tests were accurate—though it ’ s completely unclear how much scrutiny that data received .
It ’ s possible that millions of people in the United States took tests that were either worthless—or worse than worthless .
People receiving false-negative results may have unknowingly exposed others .
People receiving false positives may have become infected after being given a false sense of safety .
Donald Trump and Mike Pence have been bragged on the response to COVID-19 as a “ whole government effort.
” That certainly seems to be the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce sufficient tests , to the FDA that allowed an unchecked flood of inaccurate tests into the country , to Homeland Security that failed to follow up on investigations , it took everyone working together to screw up this completely .

In the first weeks of the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States, a shocking breakdown in quality control at the CDC’s central laboratory in Atlanta led to cross-contamination of test materials that made the first round of tests shipped out around the country worthless. Correcting the issue took more than a month, during which time COVID-19 was spreading across the country, undetected and unacknowledged by the White House, where Donald Trump continually assured the nation that all was well. As it became clear that the number of cases was far outrunning the available tests, the FDA used emergency authority to allow the use of alternative antibody tests that ultimately flooded in from more than 200 companies. Now CBS News is reporting that not only where many of these tests flawed, but agencies knew they were flawed. But, eager to cover up the shortage of U. S. tests available, these tests were allowed to circulate, unchecked for 50 days. Meanwhile, state and county officials made decisions about how to handle social distancing and stay-at-home orders on the results of these tests. Cities used the test to find first responders and social workers had been exposed, and to test essential personnel. People made life and death decisions on the basis of tests that didn’t work — and the people who allowed those tests to circulate, knew it.
The story, which will appear Sunday evening on 60 Minutes, details how some cities detected the flawed tests on their own. Laredo, Texas purchased thousands of tests with the intention of setting up drive-through testing sites. Fortunately, before they did so, the city’s health director checked the tests against known samples and found their accuracy was only 20% — they were wrong far more often than they were right. Laredo’s testing plans were placed on hold, a delay that meant they couldn’t track the local progress of the epidemic or properly protect healthcare workers. But other cities had it worse because they trusted the tests. They used that information to open businesses, or close them, to allocate medical resources, and to decide how to handle everything from schools to hospitals.
In the case of Laredo, the worthless tests were reported. Officials from Homeland Security appeared, took the tests, and … there is no “and.” No apparent results came from reporting the tests, other that someone showed up to hide them. If there was any investigation of this test, or any other, it’s certainly not visible.
In addition to those local results, faulty tests — and faulty testing — had a tremendous impact on the public response. For example, in mid-April, conservative researchers associated with the Hoover Institute reported that rates of infection in California were dozens of times higher than expected, and that COVID-19 was actually much less dangerous than previously reported. The results of thee announcements immediately came under suspicion, but that hasn’t stopped these and other similar claims from circulating widely.
Even the 50 day free-for-all where the FDA allowed in tests without any consideration at all was far from the end of the problem. It took three months before the FDA began to pull the ineffective tests. In May, they began to require companies to submit data showing their tests were accurate—though it’s completely unclear how much scrutiny that data received. It’s possible that millions of people in the United States took tests that were either worthless—or worse than worthless. People receiving false-negative results may have unknowingly exposed others. People receiving false positives may have become infected after being given a false sense of safety.
Donald Trump and Mike Pence have been bragged on the response to COVID-19 as a “whole government effort.” That certainly seems to be the case. From the CDC that failed to produce sufficient tests, to the FDA that allowed an unchecked flood of inaccurate tests into the country, to Homeland Security that failed to follow up on investigations, it took everyone working together to screw up this completely.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos


crooksandliars--2020-06-29--Chris Christie: Trump Is Losing, And If He Doesn't Change Anything, He Will Lose

Chris Christie gave his unvanished assessment of the Trump 's election chances at this point .
Naturally enough , MAGA hated it .
Let 's talk about this now with our roundtable .
We 're joined by Chris Christie , former governor of New Jersey , CEO of Democracy for America , Yvette Simpson , Rahm Emanuel , former White House chief of staff and mayor of Chicago , and Republican strategist Sara Fagen .
And , Chris , let me begin with you .
You saw the president get that question on his second term , priorities .
Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sean Hannity right here .
You 're in regular contact with the White House .
Does the president believe he 's losing right now and what does he need to do about it ?
CHRIS CHRISTIE , FORMER NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR AND ABC NEWS CONTRIBUTOR : Well , listen , he is losing .
And if he does n't change course , both in terms of the substance of what he 's discussing and the way that he approaches the American people , then he will lose .
There 's no question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant in terms of the raw numbers , the trend is obvious .
The trend is moving towards Joe Biden , when Joe Biden has n't said a word .
Joe Biden 's hiding in the basement and not saying anything .
No -- no discredit to the vice president , if you 're winning without doing anything , why do anything ?
The president has to change course here both in terms of the substance and answering that question much better than he did with Sean Hannity in terms of what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And , secondly , he needs to approach the American people in a different way than he 's been approaching him recently .
So I said this last week , George , you know , there 's no doubt the president 's an underdog .
He 's more of an underdog today than he was a week ago .
Now , there 's 128 days left as was said by Nate Silver , and there 's still a lot time to go here .
And President Dukakis as I said last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1988 at this time .
So , there ’ s still a lot of time to go but there has to be some fundamental changes that needs to be made by the president and his team .
If they don ’ t do it , they ’ re in big trouble .
STEPHANOPOULOS : Some real candor there from Chris Christie .

Chris Christie gave his unvanished assessment of the Trump's election chances at this point. Naturally enough, MAGA hated it.
Transcript:
STEPHANOPOULOS: President Trump on Thursday night with Sean Hannity.
Let's talk about this now with our roundtable. We're joined by Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey, CEO of Democracy for America, Yvette Simpson, Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff and mayor of Chicago, and Republican strategist Sara Fagen.
And, Chris, let me begin with you. You saw the president get that question on his second term, priorities. Didn't specify anything when he was talking to Sean Hannity right here.
You're in regular contact with the White House. Does the president believe he's losing right now and what does he need to do about it?
CHRIS CHRISTIE, FORMER NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR AND ABC NEWS CONTRIBUTOR: Well, listen, he is losing. And if he doesn't change course, both in terms of the substance of what he's discussing and the way that he approaches the American people, then he will lose. There's no question that while these national polls are less significant in terms of the raw numbers, the trend is obvious. The trend is moving towards Joe Biden, when Joe Biden hasn't said a word. Joe Biden's hiding in the basement and not saying anything. No -- no discredit to the vice president, if you're winning without doing anything, why do anything?
The president has to change course here both in terms of the substance and answering that question much better than he did with Sean Hannity in terms of what he wants to do in a second term. And, secondly, he needs to approach the American people in a different way than he's been approaching him recently.
So I said this last week, George, you know, there's no doubt the president's an underdog. He's more of an underdog today than he was a week ago. Now, there's 128 days left as was said by Nate Silver, and there's still a lot time to go here. And President Dukakis as I said last week was up over Vice President Bush back in 1988 at this time. So, there’s still a lot of time to go but there has to be some fundamental changes that needs to be made by the president and his team.
If they don’t do it, they’re in big trouble.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Some real candor there from Chris Christie.


crooksandliars--2020-04-23--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

A look at the facts about the woman accusing Joe Biden of sexual assault , from The Rectification of Names @ @ @ @ @ Trumpy Lumpy 's electoral chances .
Worse than we think ?
Scottie has links about @ @ @ @ @ beyond the respiratory system : `` ... suggests the virus also may be causing heart @ @ @ @ @ , neurological malfunction , blood clots , intestinal damage and liver problems . ''
Our @ @ @ @ @ Raymond of FairAndUnbalanced.com .
The subject ?
The Second Wave .
1,000 words worth : @ @ @ @ @ Donald Drumpf Again Tumblr .
Further analysis of Tea Party 2 : Idiot Boogaloo from @ @ @ @ @ of Evil ( & Ennui ) 's M. Bouffant threw this together .
Submissions , @ @ @ @ @ sent to mbru @ crooksandliars.com .

A look at the facts about the woman accusing Joe Biden of sexual assault, from The Rectification of Names. Yas also looks at Trumpy Lumpy's electoral chances.
Worse than we think? Scottie has links about damage that COVID-19 can do beyond the respiratory system: "... suggests the virus also may be causing heart inflammation, acute kidney disease, neurological malfunction, blood clots, intestinal damage and liver problems."
Our own INFIDEL753 is linked by Raymond of FairAndUnbalanced.com. The subject? The Second Wave.
1,000 words worth: Meme round-up from the Making Donald Drumpf Again Tumblr.
Further analysis of Tea Party 2: Idiot Boogaloo from Max's Dad.
Web of Evil (& Ennui)'s M. Bouffant threw this together. Submissions, suggestions & tips may be sent to mbru@crooksandliars.com.


crooksandliars--2020-04-23--Study Proves More Hannity Viewers Got COVID-19 And Died Than Tucker Carlson’s

The point of the study was not to make value judgments of one host over the other , but to evaluate the effects of misinformation among a more or less controlled set , in this case older Fox viewers .
In line with the differences in content , we present novel survey evidence that Hannity ’ s viewers changed behavior in response to the virus later than other Fox News viewers , while Carlson ’ s viewers changed behavior earlier .
We then turn to the effects on the pandemic itself , examining health outcomes across counties .
First , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relative to Tucker Carlson Tonight is strongly associated with a greater number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the early stages of the pandemic .
The relationship is stable across an expansive set of robustness tests .
To better identify the effect of differential viewership of the two shows , we employ a novel instrumental variable strategy exploiting variation in when shows are broadcast in relation to local sunset times .
These estimates also show that greater exposure to Hannity relative to Tucker Carlson Tonight is associated with a greater number of county-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent with misinformation being an important mechanism driving the effects in the data .
While our findings can not yet speak to long-term effects , they indicate that provision of misinformation in the early stages of a pandemic can have important consequences for how a disease ultimately affects the population The authors also note that when Hannity shifted his tone , in mid-March , “ the diverging trajectories on COVID-19 cases begin to revert.
” However , they also caution that over time , the picture could change .
“ For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply shifted the timing of infections that would have eventually occurred when the virus became more widespread.
” Still , the findings “ suggest that a significant number of people died due to exposure to misinformation.
” They also “ indicate that provision of misinformation in the early stages of a pandemic can have important consequences for health outcomes.
” Before we give too much credit to Carlson , let ’ s acknowledge that his coronavirus alarm was very much centered in his white nationalism .
In the comments cited by the study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Chinese threat .
For example : All of a sudden the Chinese coronavirus is looking like a real threat , that could be a global epidemic or even a pandemic .
It ’ s impossible to know .
But , it ’ s the kind of thing that could be very serious – very serious .
[ January 28 , 2020 ] The Chinese coronavirus continues to spread tonight .
The death toll now exceeding 500 , that ’ s the official number .
In the United States , there are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , alarming videos trickling out of China indicate the virus is far from under control .
[ February 5 , 2020 ] More recently , Carlson has been pushing people to rebel against mitigation measures ( from the safety of his own remote studio ) even as the pandemic rages .
In other words , Carlson ’ s politics happened to coincide with science at the outset of the pandemic .
When they diverged , he chose politics over science , just as Hannity did when he downplayed the pandemic .
Had Carlson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese , he may well have gone the route of his Fox colleagues , too .

The point of the study was not to make value judgments of one host over the other, but to evaluate the effects of misinformation among a more or less controlled set, in this case older Fox viewers.
In line with the differences in content, we present novel survey evidence that Hannity’s viewers changed behavior in response to the virus later than other Fox News viewers, while Carlson’s viewers changed behavior earlier. We then turn to the effects on the pandemic itself, examining health outcomes across counties. First, we document that greater viewership of Hannity relative to Tucker Carlson Tonight is strongly associated with a greater number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the early stages of the pandemic. The relationship is stable across an expansive set of robustness tests. To better identify the effect of differential viewership of the two shows, we employ a novel instrumental variable strategy exploiting variation in when shows are broadcast in relation to local sunset times. These estimates also show that greater exposure to Hannity relative to Tucker Carlson Tonight is associated with a greater number of county-level cases and deaths.. ... We provide additional evidence consistent with misinformation being an important mechanism driving the effects in the data. While our findings cannot yet speak to long-term effects, they indicate that provision of misinformation in the early stages of a pandemic can have important consequences for how a disease ultimately affects the population
The authors also note that when Hannity shifted his tone, in mid-March, “the diverging trajectories on COVID-19 cases begin to revert.” However, they also caution that over time, the picture could change. “For example, greater relative exposure to Hannity may have simply shifted the timing of infections that would have eventually occurred when the virus became more widespread.”
Still, the findings “suggest that a significant number of people died due to exposure to misinformation.” They also “indicate that provision of misinformation in the early stages of a pandemic can have important consequences for health outcomes.”
Before we give too much credit to Carlson, let’s acknowledge that his coronavirus alarm was very much centered in his white nationalism. In the comments cited by the study, his warnings painted the pandemic as a Chinese threat. For example:
All of a sudden the Chinese coronavirus is looking like a real threat, that could be a global epidemic or even a pandemic. It’s impossible to know. But, it’s the kind of thing that could be very serious – very serious. [January 28, 2020] The Chinese coronavirus continues to spread tonight. The death toll now exceeding 500, that’s the official number. In the United States, there are now 12 confirmed cases of it. Meanwhile, alarming videos trickling out of China indicate the virus is far from under control. [February 5, 2020]
More recently, Carlson has been pushing people to rebel against mitigation measures (from the safety of his own remote studio) even as the pandemic rages.
In other words, Carlson’s politics happened to coincide with science at the outset of the pandemic. When they diverged, he chose politics over science, just as Hannity did when he downplayed the pandemic. Had Carlson not wanted to fear monger about the Chinese, he may well have gone the route of his Fox colleagues, too.
(Crossposted from NewsHounds)


8:46

You know what the title means and what it references .
Chappelle talks at length about the death of George Floyd , and what it means to him personally .
Profound , sad , and funny all at the same time .
Dave Chappelle does not hold back in a new Netflix special titled “ 8:46 , ” which the streaming platform surprise debuted for free on its YouTube comedy channel late Thursday evening .
In a set rife with his signature searing social commentary , the comedian touches on everything from George Floyd ’ s death to being unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day Kobe Bryant died , to the hypocrisy of conservative TV host Laura Ingraham — and even throws in a signature bit about Ja Rule for levity .
“ It ’ s hard to figure out what to say about George Floyd , so I ’ m not going to say it yet , ” Chappelle opens , flipping through a black notebook , later adding , “ I got to tell you , this is like the first concert in North American since all this s— happened , so like it or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s going to be in the books.
” The special was filmed on June 6 in Yellow Springs , Ohio , with coronavirus-era social distancing guidelines in place for attendees , including face masks and temperature checks .
The comedy legend had not performed on stage in 87 days until the special , though he has since performed similarly intimate gigs around the Dayton area .

You know what the title means and what it references. Chappelle talks at length about the death of George Floyd, and what it means to him personally.
Profound, sad, and funny all at the same time.
Source: Variety
Dave Chappelle does not hold back in a new Netflix special titled “8:46,” which the streaming platform surprise debuted for free on its YouTube comedy channel late Thursday evening. In a set rife with his signature searing social commentary, the comedian touches on everything from George Floyd’s death to being unable to accept a Grammy award on the day Kobe Bryant died, to the hypocrisy of conservative TV host Laura Ingraham — and even throws in a signature bit about Ja Rule for levity. “It’s hard to figure out what to say about George Floyd, so I’m not going to say it yet,” Chappelle opens, flipping through a black notebook, later adding, “I got to tell you, this is like the first concert in North American since all this s— happened, so like it or not, it’s history. It’s going to be in the books.” The special was filmed on June 6 in Yellow Springs, Ohio, with coronavirus-era social distancing guidelines in place for attendees, including face masks and temperature checks. The comedy legend had not performed on stage in 87 days until the special, though he has since performed similarly intimate gigs around the Dayton area.
Nothing Chappelle has ever done has ever hit me harder than that. And the laughs were few and far between. By his design. Yeah we can crack a joke here and there but ain't shit funny about this. — Aye throw that Boyz II Men on (@DragonflyJonez) June 12, 2020
If you haven’t seen it yet, drop everything and watch Dave Chappelle’s 8:46 on youtube. It’s fucking brilliant. When the documentary of this insane time we’re going through gets made this should absolutely be a… https://t.co/opnhyYSFK1 — Joe Rogan (@joerogan) June 12, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-03-17--New Ad Crushes Trump For His COVID-19 Lies

It 's not hard to find moments when Trump lies - it 's hard , if not impossible to find moments when he does n't lie .
The Center for American Progress released a video focusing on the myriad and continuing lies he is telling about our nation 's state of preparedness for the COVID-19 outbreak .
Every Democrat running for office should share this .
• Trump saying anyone can get a test ?
Fauci testifying in Congress that they can not .
• Trump saying , `` We 're testing , we have tremendous testing set up ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have enough tests . ''
• Reporter asking if Trump takes responsibility for lack of testing ?
Trump says `` I do n't take responsibility at all . ''
• Trump saying we have people getting better by going to work .
Mayor of Seattle saying stay home .
• Trump says vaccine will be ready in a couple of months ?
Fauci saying 18 months if we 're lucky .
You get the idea .
While now the virus is in all 50 states , entire school districts have shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough test kits for everyone doctors would like to see tested .
The CAP ad correctly states that Trump 's lies are costing lives .
In the meantime our Dear Leader tried to make a deal with Germany to get the exclusive rights to the coronavirus vaccine they were developing , and they wanted the vaccine developed `` only for the USA . ''
Because cornering the market is all that matters to this @ sshole .
Of course , Germany refused , and they are exposing this disgusting move , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just stay calm .
It will wash away .
It will flow through .
It goes away .
It 's going away .
Just let spring come , right ?
The heat kills it !
Something 's going away , or rather , goddess willing , someONE is going away .
But it wo n't be in the spring .
It will be in November .

It's not hard to find moments when Trump lies - it's hard, if not impossible to find moments when he doesn't lie. The Center for American Progress released a video focusing on the myriad and continuing lies he is telling about our nation's state of preparedness for the COVID-19 outbreak. Every Democrat running for office should share this.
Trump saying anyone can get a test? Fauci testifying in Congress that they cannot.
Trump saying, "We're testing, we have tremendous testing set up?" Pence saying, "We don't have enough tests."
Reporter asking if Trump takes responsibility for lack of testing? Trump says "I don't take responsibility at all."
Trump saying we have people getting better by going to work. Mayor of Seattle saying stay home.
Trump says vaccine will be ready in a couple of months? Fauci saying 18 months if we're lucky.
You get the idea. While now the virus is in all 50 states, entire school districts have shut down, and we still do not have enough test kits for everyone doctors would like to see tested. The CAP ad correctly states that Trump's lies are costing lives.
In the meantime our Dear Leader tried to make a deal with Germany to get the exclusive rights to the coronavirus vaccine they were developing, and they wanted the vaccine developed "only for the USA." Because cornering the market is all that matters to this @sshole. Of course, Germany refused, and they are exposing this disgusting move, as they should.
It will go away. Just stay calm. It will wash away. It will flow through. It goes away. It's going away. Just let spring come, right? The heat kills it!
Something's going away, or rather, goddess willing, someONE is going away. But it won't be in the spring. It will be in November.


crooksandliars--2020-03-17--Hannity Just Doubling Down On Lies And Hillary Hate Now

As ( above ) Sean Hannity lies about the number of respirators and hospital beds , at least he and the rest of Fox News are n't denying the pandemic exists .
The reason all of Fox is backtracking on this is ?
Hard to forget what you said a few days ago , Sean .
The bad news of Coronavirus is still the fault of Democrats `` out to get '' the so-called president .
SEAN HANNITY : A groundbreaking new system , new paradigm drive through testing sites .
It in the works .
All across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Today even the media mob , they showed , maybe they were sick today .
Slight signs of moderate restraint .
It wasn ’ t all gotcha questions and personal attacks .
However sadly , there are those who will always be more interested in bludgeoning the president politically than actually solving a problem .
In this case , a pandemic .
Sadly pandemic happened .
I wish they never happen .
It brings us to the Politics of this virus .
Context is important in life .
Barack Obama was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horrible it is to bludgeon the president politically rather than actually solving a problem .
But please , Sean , tell us more about how Dear Leader is handling this so brilliantly ... Sean Hannity spent time this morning using Twitter to `` bludgeon '' Hillary Clinton .
Because THAT 'S forever a thing .
He even claimed that impeachment ( no , really ) delayed the response to the Coronavirus .
If one good thing comes out of this pandemic , may it be that Fox News dies the death it richly @ @

As (above) Sean Hannity lies about the number of respirators and hospital beds, at least he and the rest of Fox News aren't denying the pandemic exists. The reason all of Fox is backtracking on this is?
The massive backtracking at Fox, Hannity, Ingraham, Jesse Waters is the right thing to do --it will save lives. But I'd bet it was driven by Fox legal who anticipated massive legal liability if they continued to peddle false information. The result is right, the reason corrupt https://t.co/vUOUb7lTkP — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) March 17, 2020
I seriously do not understand how Fox News' viewers can still trust the network as a source for reliable information at a time like this. https://t.co/jZSsCKefFI — An Phung 🤦🏻♀ (@AnHaiPhung) March 17, 2020
Hard to forget what you said a few days ago, Sean.
The bad news of Coronavirus is still the fault of Democrats "out to get" the so-called president.
SEAN HANNITY: A groundbreaking new system, new paradigm drive through testing sites. It in the works. All across the country with many locations already open in record time. Today even the media mob, they showed, maybe they were sick today. Slight signs of moderate restraint. It wasn’t all gotcha questions and personal attacks. However sadly, there are those who will always be more interested in bludgeoning the president politically than actually solving a problem. In this case, a pandemic. Sadly pandemic happened. I wish they never happen. It brings us to the Politics of this virus. Context is important in life.
Barack Obama was not available to discuss with Sean how horrible it is to bludgeon the president politically rather than actually solving a problem. But please, Sean, tell us more about how Dear Leader is handling this so brilliantly...
Never mind.
Sean Hannity spent time this morning using Twitter to "bludgeon" Hillary Clinton. Because THAT'S forever a thing.
He even claimed that impeachment (no, really) delayed the response to the Coronavirus.
As Democrats Pursued Impeachment, Coronavirus Quietly Spread https://t.co/xIzAmDHNNR — Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) March 17, 2020
If one good thing comes out of this pandemic, may it be that Fox News dies the death it richly deserves.


crooksandliars--2020-04-23--Fox News Doctor: 'People Will Die From Overdoses And Suicides' If Economy Is Not Restarted

Fox News ' Dr. Saphier , a new right wing addition to their supposed medical team in an effort to get Trump re-elected , claimed with no proof that if we continue self-quarantining , thousands of people will commit suicide or die of drug overdoses .
Fox News personalities are trying their bloody best to kick start a second wave of a coronavirus tsunami .
Like Steve Hilton before her , she pretended we have to protect the most vulnerable from dying of Covid-19 , but we still have to break with our medical professionals and get those who `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes and back to work .
Dr. Saphier always tries to seem sympathetic and she does until you listen to every word she says .
`` There are millions , millions of people already had this viral infection and have recovered , ' she said .
How does she know for sure ?
Your guess is as good as mine , she 's making a projection .
She continued , `` We know that this is going to be far less deadly than we originally thought and were originally told by other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly know this when America does n't have even the appearance of viable testing and are a long time away from a vaccine ?
`` There is still a big vulnerable population that can have severe side effects from this viral infection , but right now we ca n't just wait for these antibody tests to open up the economy because we 're gon na have far too many people dying from overdoses and suicide and the economic fallout for waiting for it . ''
she told Fox News viewers hungry for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Dr. Phil said almost verbatim and he was laughed off the TV .
But why ?
Why should any person believe this line of reasoning ?

Fox News' Dr. Saphier, a new right wing addition to their supposed medical team in an effort to get Trump re-elected, claimed with no proof that if we continue self-quarantining, thousands of people will commit suicide or die of drug overdoses.
Fox News personalities are trying their bloody best to kick start a second wave of a coronavirus tsunami.
Like Steve Hilton before her, she pretended we have to protect the most vulnerable from dying of Covid-19, but we still have to break with our medical professionals and get those who "may not die" out of their homes and back to work.
Dr. Saphier always tries to seem sympathetic and she does until you listen to every word she says.
"There are millions, millions of people already had this viral infection and have recovered,' she said. How does she know for sure? Your guess is as good as mine, she's making a projection.
She continued, "We know that this is going to be far less deadly than we originally thought and were originally told by other countries' data."
How could she possibly know this when America doesn't have even the appearance of viable testing and are a long time away from a vaccine?
"There is still a big vulnerable population that can have severe side effects from this viral infection, but right now we can't just wait for these antibody tests to open up the economy because we're gonna have far too many people dying from overdoses and suicide and the economic fallout for waiting for it." she told Fox News viewers hungry for this nonsense.
WTF? She's repeating what Dr. Phil said almost verbatim and he was laughed off the TV.
But why? Why should any person believe this line of reasoning?
They shouldn't.