bonginoreport--2020-01-18--Peter Schweizer: How Five Members of Joe Biden’s Family Got Rich Through His Connections

Political figures have long used their families to route power and benefits for their own self-enrichment .
In my new book , “ Profiles in Corruption : Abuse of Power by America ’ s Progressive Elite , ” one particular politician — Joe Biden — emerges as the king of the sweetheart deal , with no less than five family members benefiting from his largesse , favorable access and powerful position for commercial gain .
In Biden ’ s case , these deals include foreign partners and , in some cases , even U.S. taxpayer dollars .
The Biden family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than five family members : Joe ’ s son Hunter , son-in-law Howard , brothers James and Frank , and sister Valerie .
When this subject came up in 2019 , Biden declared , “ I never talked with my son or my brother or anyone else — even distant family — about their business interests .
Period.
” As we will see , this is far from the case… Joe Biden ’ s younger brother , James , has been an integral part of the family political machine from the earliest days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe ’ s 1972 Senate campaign , and the two have remained quite close .
After Joe joined the U.S. Senate , he would bring his brother James along on congressional delegation trips to places like Ireland , Rome and Africa .
When Joe became vice president , James was a welcomed guest at the White House , securing invitations to such important functions as a state dinner in 2011 and the visit of Pope Francis in 2015 .
Sometimes , James ’ White House visits dovetailed with his overseas business dealings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother ’ s tenure as vice president .
Consider the case of HillStone International , a subsidiary of the huge construction management firm , Hill International .
The president of HillStone International was Kevin Justice , who grew up in Delaware and was a longtime Biden family friend .
On November 4 , 2010 , according to White House visitors ’ logs , Justice visited the White House and met with Biden adviser Michele Smith in the Office of the Vice President .
Less than three weeks later , HillStone announced that James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an executive vice president .
James appeared to have little or no background in housing construction , but that did not seem to matter to HillStone .
His bio on the company ’ s website noted his “ 40 years of experience dealing with principals in business , political , legal and financial circles across the nation and internationally… ” James Biden was joining HillStone just as the firm was starting negotiations to win a massive contract in war-torn Iraq .
Six months later , the firm announced a contract to build 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 35 billion , 500,000-unit project deal won by TRAC Development , a South Korean company .
HillStone also received a $ 22 million U.S. federal government contract to manage a construction project for the State Department .
David Richter , son of the parent company ’ s founder , was not shy in explainingHillStone ’ s success in securing government contracts .
It really helps , he told investors at a private meeting , to have “ the brother of the vice president as a partner , ” according to someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive , perhaps the single most lucrative project for the firm ever .
In 2012 , Charlie Gasparino of Fox Business reported that HillStone officials expected the project to “ generate $ 1.5 billion in revenues over the next three years.
” That amounted to more than three times the revenue the company produced in 2011 .
A group of minority partners , including James Biden , stood to split about $ 735 million .
“ There ’ s plenty of money for everyone if this project goes through , ” said one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set , but HillStone made a crucial error .
In 2013 , the firm was forced to back out of the contract because of a series of problems , including a lack of experience by Hill and TRAC Development , its South Korean associate firm .
But HillStone continued doing significant contract work in the embattled country , including a six-year contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers .
James Biden remained with Hill International , which accumulated contracts from the federal government for dozens of projects , including projects in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and elsewhere .
With the election of his father as vice president , Hunter Biden launched businesses fused to his father ’ s power that led him to lucrative deals with a rogue ’ s gallery of governments and oligarchs around the world .
Sometimes he would hitch a prominent ride with his father aboard Air Force Two to visit a country where he was courting business .
Other times , the deals would be done more discreetly .
Always they involved foreign entities that appeared to be seeking something from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hunter ’ s involvement with an entity called Burnham Financial Group , where his business partner Devon Archer — who ’ d been at Yale with Hunter — sat on the board of directors .
Burnham became the vehicle for a number of murky deals abroad , involving connected oligarchs in Kazakhstan and state-owned businesses in China .
But one of the most troubling Burnham ventures was here in the United States , in which Burnham became the center of a federal investigation involving a $ 60 million fraud scheme against one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Oglala Sioux .
Devon Archer was arrested in New York in May 2016 and charged with “ orchestrating a scheme to defraud investors and a Native American tribal entity of tens of millions of dollars.
” Other victims of the fraud included several public and union pension plans .
Although Hunter Biden was not charged in the case , his fingerprints were all over Burnham .
The “ legitimacy ” that his name and political status as the vice president ’ s son lent to the plan was brought up repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explicitly designed to target pension funds that had “ socially responsible investing ” clauses , including pension funds of labor union organizations that had publicly supported Joe Biden ’ s political campaigns in the past .
Indeed , eight of the eleven pension funds that lost their money were either government employee or labor union pension funds .
Joe Biden has “ a long-standing alliance with labor.
” He closely identifies with organized labor .
“ I make no apologies , ” he has said .
“ I am a union man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsed him over the years .
Transcripts from Devon Archer ’ s trial offer a clearer picture of Hunter Biden ’ s role at Burnham Asset Management , in particular , the fact that the firm relied on his father ’ s name and political status as a means of both recruiting pension money into the scheme and alleviating investors ’ concerns .
Tim Anderson , a lawyer who did legal work on the issuance of the tribal bonds , recounts seeing Hunter while visiting the Burnham office in New York City to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later convicted in the case .
The political ties that Biden and Archer had were considered key to the Burnham brand .
As stated in an August 2014 email , Jason Galanis , who was convicted in the bond scheme , agreed with an unidentified associate who also thought the company had “ value beyond capital ” because of their political connections .
In the closing arguments at the trial , one of Devon Archer ’ s defense attorneys , Matthew Schwartz , explained to the jury that it was impossible to talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s name .
“ Mr .
Archer responded to further questions .
They wanted to know about this too , and one of the reasons — by the way , it was perfectly sensible — was because Hunter Biden was part of the Burnham team.
” It would be a dream for any new company to announce their launch in the Oval Office at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue .
StartUp Health is an investment consultancy based out of New York City , and in June 2011 the company barely had a website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three siblings from Philadelphia .
Steven Krein is CEO and co-founder , while his brother , Dr. Howard Krein , serves as chief medical officer .
Sister Bari serves as the firm ’ s chief strategy officer .
A friend named Unity Stoakes is a co-founder and serves as president .
StartUp Health was barely up and running when , in June 2011 , two of the company ’ s executives were ushered into the Oval Office of the White House .
They met with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be featured at a large health care tech conference being run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , and StartUp Health executives became regular visitors to the White House , attending events in 2011 , 2014 and 2015 .
How did StartUp Health gain access to the highest levels of power in Washington ?
There was nothing particularly unique about the company , but for this : The chief medical officer of StartUp Health , Howard Krein , is married to Joe Biden ’ s youngest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be talking to my father-in-law that day and I mentioned Steve and Unity were down there [ in Washington , D.C. ] , ” recalled Howard Krein .
“ He knew about StartUp Health and was a big fan of it .
He asked for Steve ’ s number and said , ‘ I have to get them up here to talk with Barack.
’ The Secret Service came and got Steve and Unity and brought them to the Oval Office.
” StartUp Health offers to provide new companies technical and relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the business .
Demonstrating and highlighting the fact that you can score a meeting with the president of the United States certainly helps prove a strategic company asset : high-level contacts .
Vice President Joe Biden continued to help Krein promote his company at several appearances through his last months in the White House , including one in January 2017 , where he made a surprise showing at the StartUp Health Festival in San Francisco .
The corporate event , open only to StartUp Health members , enabled the 250 people in attendance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vice president .
In late March 2009 , Vice President Joe Biden landed in Costa Rica aboard Air Force Two , and went to the Costa Rican presidential palace for a one-on-one with President Oscar Arias .
The Biden visit had symbolic significance .
The last time a high-ranking American official had visited the country was back in 1997 , when Bill Clinton had come .
Joe Biden ’ s trip to Costa Rica came at a fortuitous time for his brother Frank , who was busy working deals in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s visit , in August , Costa Rica News announced a new multilateral partnership “ to reform Real Estate in Latin America ” between Frank Biden , a developer named Craig Williamson , and the Guanacaste Country Club , a newly planned resort .
The partnership , which appears to be ongoing , was wrapped in a beautiful package as a “ call on resources available to the companies and individuals to reform the social , economic and environmental practices of real estate developers across the world by example.
” In real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build in the jungles of Costa Rica thousands of homes , a world-class golf course , casinos , and an anti-aging center .
The Costa Rican government was eager to cooperate with the vice president ’ s brother .
As it happened , Joe Biden had been asked by President Obama to act as the Administration ’ s point man in Latin America and the Caribbean .
Frank ’ s vision for a country club in Costa Rica received support from the highest levels of the Costa Rican government— despite his lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He met with the Costa Rican ministers of education and energy and environment , as well as the president of the country .
On October 4 , 2016 , the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education signed a letter of intent with Frank ’ s company , Sun Fund Americas .
The project involved allowing a company called GoSolar to operate solar power facilities in Costa Rica .
The previous year , the Obama-Biden administration ’ s OPIC had authorized a $ 6.5 million taxpayer-backed loan for the project .
In June 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative ( CESI ) .
The program called for increasing access to financing for Caribbean energy projects that he strongly supported .
American taxpayer dollars were dedicated to facilitating deals that matched U.S. government financing with local energy projects in Caribbean countries , including Jamaica .
In January 2015 , USAID announced that it would be spending $ 10 million to boost renewable energy projects in Jamaica over the next five years .
After Joe Biden brought together leaders for CESI , brother Frank ’ s firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ engaged in projects and is in negotiations with governments of other countries in the [ Caribbean ] region for both its Solar and Waste to Energy development services.
” As if to push the idea along , the Obama administration ’ s OPIC provided a $ 47.5 million loan to support the construction of a 20-megawatt solar facility in Clarendon , Jamaica .
Frank Biden ’ s Sun Fund Americas later announced that it had signed a power purchase agreement ( PPA ) to build a 20-megawatt solar facility in Jamaica .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s family benefited financially in other ways as he leveraged political power .
Joe ’ s sister Valerie ran all of his Senate campaigns , as well as his presidential runs in 1988 and 2008 .
But she was also a senior partner in a political messaging firm named Joe Slade White & Company ; the only two executives listed at the firm were Joe Slade White and Valerie .
The firm received large fees from the Biden campaigns that Valerie was running .
Two and a half million dollars in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citizens for Biden and Biden For President Inc. during the 2008 presidential bid alone .
From the book PROFILES IN CORRUPTION : Abuse of Power by America ’ s Progressive Elite by Peter Schweizer .
Copyright C 2020 by Peter Schweizer .
Reprinted by permission of Harper , an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers .

Political figures have long used their families to route power and benefits for their own self-enrichment. In my new book, “Profiles in Corruption: Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite,” one particular politician — Joe Biden — emerges as the king of the sweetheart deal, with no less than five family members benefiting from his largesse, favorable access and powerful position for commercial gain. In Biden’s case, these deals include foreign partners and, in some cases, even US taxpayer dollars.
The Biden family’s apparent self-enrichment involves five family members: Joe’s son Hunter, son-in-law Howard, brothers James and Frank, and sister Valerie.
When this subject came up in 2019, Biden declared, “I never talked with my son or my brother or anyone else — even distant family — about their business interests. Period.”
As we will see, this is far from the case …
James Biden
Joe Biden’s younger brother, James, has been an integral part of the family political machine from the earliest days when he served as finance chair of Joe’s 1972 Senate campaign, and the two have remained quite close. After Joe joined the US Senate, he would bring his brother James along on congressional delegation trips to places like Ireland, Rome and Africa.
When Joe became vice president, James was a welcomed guest at the White House, securing invitations to such important functions as a state dinner in 2011 and the visit of Pope Francis in 2015. Sometimes, James’ White House visits dovetailed with his overseas business dealings, and his commercial opportunities flourished during his brother’s tenure as vice president.
Consider the case of HillStone International, a subsidiary of the huge construction management firm Hill International. The president of HillStone International was Kevin Justice, who grew up in Delaware and was a longtime Biden family friend. On Nov. 4, 2010, according to White House visitors’ logs, Justice visited the White House and met with Biden adviser Michele Smith in the Office of the Vice President.
Less than three weeks later, HillStone announced that James Biden would be joining the firm as an executive vice president. James appeared to have little or no background in housing construction, but that did not seem to matter to HillStone. His bio on the company’s website noted his “40 years of experience dealing with principals in business, political, legal and financial circles across the nation and internationally…”
James Biden was joining HillStone just as the firm was starting negotiations to win a massive contract in war-torn Iraq. Six months later, the firm announced a contract to build 100,000 homes. It was part of a $35 billion, 500,000-unit project deal won by TRAC Development, a South Korean company. HillStone also received a $22 million US federal government contract to manage a construction project for the State Department.
David Richter, son of the parent company’s founder, was not shy in explaining HillStone’s success in securing government contracts. It really helps, he told investors at a private meeting, to have “the brother of the vice president as a partner,” according to someone who was there.
The Iraq project was massive, perhaps the single most lucrative project for the firm ever. In 2012, Charlie Gasparino of Fox Business reported that HillStone officials expected the project to “generate $1.5 billion in revenues over the next three years.” That amounted to more than three times the revenue the company produced in 2011.
A group of minority partners, including James Biden, stood to split about $735 million. “There’s plenty of money for everyone if this project goes through,” said one company official.
The deal was all set, but HillStone made a crucial error. In 2013, the firm was forced to back out of the contract because of a series of problems, including a lack of experience by Hill and TRAC Development, its South Korean associate firm. But HillStone continued doing significant contract work in the embattled country, including a six-year contract with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
James Biden remained with Hill International, which accumulated contracts from the federal government for dozens of projects, including projects in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mozambique and elsewhere.
Hunter Biden
With the election of his father as vice president, Hunter Biden launched businesses fused to his father’s power that led him to lucrative deals with a rogue’s gallery of governments and oligarchs around the world. Sometimes he would hitch a prominent ride with his father aboard Air Force Two to visit a country where he was courting business. Other times, the deals would be done more discreetly. Always they involved foreign entities that appeared to be seeking something from his father.
There was, for example, Hunter’s involvement with an entity called Burnham Financial Group, where his business partner Devon Archer — who’d been at Yale with Hunter — sat on the board of directors. Burnham became the vehicle for a number of murky deals abroad, involving connected oligarchs in Kazakhstan and state-owned businesses in China.
But one of the most troubling Burnham ventures was here in the United States, in which Burnham became the center of a federal investigation involving a $60 million fraud scheme against one of the poorest Indian tribes in America, the Oglala Sioux.
Devon Archer was arrested in New York in May 2016 and charged with “orchestrating a scheme to defraud investors and a Native American tribal entity of tens of millions of dollars.” Other victims of the fraud included several public and union pension plans. Although Hunter Biden was not charged in the case, his fingerprints were all over Burnham. The “legitimacy” that his name and political status as the vice president’s son lent to the plan was brought up repeatedly in the trial.
The scheme was explicitly designed to target pension funds that had “socially responsible investing” clauses, including pension funds of labor union organizations that had publicly supported Joe Biden’s political campaigns in the past. Indeed, eight of the 11 pension funds that lost their money were either government employee or labor union pension funds. Joe Biden has “a long-standing alliance with labor.” He closely identifies with organized labor. “I make no apologies,” he has said. “I am a union man, period.” And many public unions have endorsed him over the years.
Transcripts from Archer’s trial offer a clearer picture of Hunter Biden’s role at Burnham Asset Management, in particular, the fact that the firm relied on his father’s name and political status as a means of both recruiting pension money into the scheme and alleviating investors’ concerns.
Tim Anderson, a lawyer who did legal work on the issuance of the tribal bonds, recounts seeing Hunter while visiting the Burnham office in New York City to meet with Bevan Cooney, who was later convicted in the case.
The political ties that Biden and Archer had were considered key to the Burnham brand. As stated in an August 2014 email, Jason Galanis, who was convicted in the bond scheme, agreed with an unidentified associate who also thought the company had “value beyond capital” because of their political connections.
In the closing arguments at the trial, one of Archer’s defense attorneys, Matthew Schwartz, explained to the jury that it was impossible to talk about the bond scheme without mentioning Hunter Biden’s name. This “was perfectly sensible,” according to Schwartz, “because Hunter Biden was part of the Burnham team.”
Howard Krein
It would be a dream for any new company to announce their launch in the Oval Office at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
StartUp Health is an investment consultancy based out of New York City, and in June 2011, the company barely had a website. The firm was the brainchild of three siblings from Philadelphia. Steven Krein is CEO and co-founder, while his brother, Dr. Howard Krein, serves as chief medical officer. Sister Bari serves as the firm’s chief strategy officer. A friend named Unity Stoakes is a co-founder and serves as president.
StartUp Health was barely up and running when, in June 2011, two of the company’s executives were ushered into the Oval Office of the White House. They met with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
The following day, the new company would be featured at a large health care tech conference being run by the US Department of Health and Human Services, and StartUp Health executives became regular visitors to the White House, attending events in 2011, 2014 and 2015.
How did StartUp Health gain access to the highest levels of power in Washington? There was nothing particularly unique about the company, but for this:
The chief medical officer of StartUp Health, Howard Krein, is married to Joe Biden’s youngest daughter, Ashley.
“I happened to be talking to my father-in-law that day and I mentioned Steve and Unity were down there [in Washington, DC],” recalled Howard Krein. “He knew about StartUp Health and was a big fan of it. He asked for Steve’s number and said, ‘I have to get them up here to talk with Barack.’ The Secret Service came and got Steve and Unity and brought them to the Oval Office.”
StartUp Health offers to provide new companies technical and relationship advice in exchange for a stake in the business. Demonstrating and highlighting the fact that you can score a meeting with the president of the United States certainly helps prove a strategic company asset: high-level contacts.
Vice President Joe Biden continued to help Krein promote his company at several appearances through his last months in the White House, including one in January 2017, where he made a surprise showing at the StartUp Health Festival in San Francisco. The corporate event, open only to StartUp Health members, enabled the 250 people in attendance to chat in a closed session with the vice president.
Frank Biden
In late March 2009, Vice President Joe Biden landed in Costa Rica aboard Air Force Two, and went to the Costa Rican presidential palace for a one-on-one with President Oscar Arias. The Biden visit had symbolic significance. The last time a high-ranking American official had visited the country was back in 1997, when Bill Clinton had come.
Joe Biden’s trip to Costa Rica came at a fortuitous time for his brother Frank, who was busy working deals in the country. Just months after Vice President Biden’s visit, in August, Costa Rica News announced a new multilateral partnership “to reform Real Estate in Latin America” among Frank Biden, a developer named Craig Williamson, and the Guanacaste Country Club, a newly planned resort. The partnership, which appears to be ongoing, was wrapped in a beautiful package as a “call on resources available to the companies and individuals to reform the social, economic and environmental practices of real estate developers across the world by example.”
In real terms, Frank’s dream was to build in the jungles of Costa Rica thousands of homes, a world-class golf course, casinos, and an anti-aging center. The Costa Rican government was eager to cooperate with the vice president’s brother.
As it happened, Joe Biden had been asked by President Obama to act as the administration’s point man in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Frank’s vision for a country club in Costa Rica received support from the highest levels of the Costa Rican government — despite his lack of experience in building such developments. He met with the Costa Rican ministers of education and energy and environment, as well as the president of the country.
On Oct. 4, 2016, the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Education signed a letter of intent with Frank’s company, Sun Fund Americas. The project involved allowing a company called GoSolar to operate solar power facilities in Costa Rica. The previous year, the Obama-Biden administration’s OPIC had authorized a $6.5 million taxpayer-backed loan for the project.
In June 2014, Vice President Biden announced the launch of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CESI). The program called for increasing access to financing for Caribbean energy projects that he strongly supported. American taxpayer dollars were dedicated to facilitating deals that matched US government financing with local energy projects in Caribbean countries, including Jamaica. In January 2015, USAID announced that it would be spending $10 million to boost renewable energy projects in Jamaica over the next five years.
After Joe Biden brought together leaders for CESI, brother Frank’s firm Sun Fund Americas announced that it was “engaged in projects and is in negotiations with governments of other countries in the [Caribbean] region for both its Solar and Waste to Energy development services.” As if to push the idea along, the Obama administration’s OPIC provided a $47.5 million loan to support the construction of a 20-megawatt solar facility in Clarendon, Jamaica.
Frank Biden’s Sun Fund Americas later announced that it had signed a power purchase agreement to build a 20-megawatt solar facility in Jamaica.
Valerie Biden Owens
During his years in the Senate, Biden’s family benefited financially in other ways as he leveraged political power. Joe’s sister Valerie ran all of his Senate campaigns, as well as his presidential runs in 1988 and 2008.
But she was also a senior partner in a political messaging firm named Joe Slade White & Company; the only two executives listed at the firm were Joe Slade White and Valerie.
The firm received large fees from the Biden campaigns that Valerie was running. Two and a half million dollars in consulting fees flowed to her firm from Citizens for Biden and Biden For President Inc. during the 2008 presidential bid alone.
Joe Slade White & Company worked for Biden campaigns over 18 years.
From the book “Profiles in Corruption: Abuse of Power by America’s Progressive Elite” by Peter Schweizer. Copyright C 2020 by Peter Schweizer. Reprinted by permission of Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.


bonginoreport--2020-01-18--John Durham Investigating “Strong” Paper Trail

A trail of documents has reportedly led Attorney General William Barr 's handpicked federal prosecutor to focus his inquiry into the origins of the Russia investigation on the first several months of President Trump 's tenure .
John Durham , a U.S. attorney from Connecticut , is zeroing in on the period spanning from January 2017 , when Trump took office , to May of that year .
A `` strong '' paper trail , as CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge put it on Friday , has led the investigation into possible misconduct by federal law enforcement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durham 's office declined to comment for this report .
While Trump and his allies have championed Durham 's effort , Democrats have dismissed the allegations of wrongdoing during the Trump-Russia investigation and are concerned the inquiry may be an effort to discredit the work of special counsel Robert Mueller .
Trump gave Barr full declassification authority for the endeavor .
Barr and Durham have traveled around the world for the investigation , and Durham 's team has already asked witnesses about possible anti-Trump bias among former FBI officials .
The secretive DOJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Brennan , former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper , former FBI special agent Peter Strzok , and British ex-spy Christopher Steele .
In October , it was reported that Durham was expanding the scope of his investigation , adding agents and resources , to examine the post-election timeline up to the appointment of Mueller as special counsel in May 2017 .
The `` investigation into the investigators '' was reported to be upgraded to a criminal inquiry later that month , which would give Durham the power to impanel a grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also reviewed the Intelligence Community 's conclusions about Russian interference in the 2016 election .
Little else is known about the investigation other than that Durham is exploring whether a crime was committed by Kevin Clinesmith , a former FBI lawyer who was found by the Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz to have altered a document during the FBI 's efforts to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant renewal to continue wiretapping onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page .
Among those known to be cooperating with Barr is retired Adm. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Security Agency who has a history of uncovering FISA violations .
The period of time under scrutiny by Durham also covers a leak to reporters that federal prosecutors in D.C. are investigating .
The Russian intelligence document under scrutiny , word of which made its way into press reports in the spring of 2017 , factored into former FBI Director James Comey 's handling of the FBI investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 's email server , and Comey himself appears to be the focus of that inquiry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after which Mueller was appointed special counsel to lead the Russia investigation .
During an interview with NBC News in December , Barr said Durham 's investigators are `` looking at the whole waterfront , '' and questions remain unanswered following the release of Horowitz 's FISA report .
The attorney general pointed to the `` problem '' of Comey refusing to allow his security clearance to be temporarily reinstated , which allowed him to avoid the questions about classified information that Horowitz wanted to raise .
Durham has the ability to compel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlike Horowitz in his limited role as inspector general .
`` We have to be careful about the way we collect evidence .
And we have to make sure that we have enough evidence to justify our actions .
And we 're not going to cut corners in that respect , ” Barr said before providing a hint about when Durham 's investigation may end .
“ You know , there 's some people who think this thing is going to drop in a few weeks .
That 's not the case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important watershed perhaps in the late spring , early summer .
”

A trail of documents has reportedly led Attorney General William Barr's handpicked federal prosecutor to focus his inquiry into the origins of the Russia investigation on the first several months of President Trump's tenure.
John Durham, a U.S. attorney from Connecticut, is zeroing in on the period spanning from January 2017, when Trump took office, to May of that year. A "strong" paper trail, as CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge put it on Friday, has led the investigation into possible misconduct by federal law enforcement and intelligence officials to that time frame.
Durham's office declined to comment for this report.
While Trump and his allies have championed Durham's effort, Democrats have dismissed the allegations of wrongdoing during the Trump-Russia investigation and are concerned the inquiry may be an effort to discredit the work of special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump gave Barr full declassification authority for the endeavor.
Barr and Durham have traveled around the world for the investigation, and Durham's team has already asked witnesses about possible anti-Trump bias among former FBI officials. The secretive DOJ inquiry includes scrutiny of former CIA Director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former FBI special agent Peter Strzok, and British ex-spy Christopher Steele.
In October, it was reported that Durham was expanding the scope of his investigation, adding agents and resources, to examine the post-election timeline up to the appointment of Mueller as special counsel in May 2017. The "investigation into the investigators" was reported to be upgraded to a criminal inquiry later that month, which would give Durham the power to impanel a grand jury and hand down indictments. Durham has also reviewed the Intelligence Community's conclusions about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Little else is known about the investigation other than that Durham is exploring whether a crime was committed by Kevin Clinesmith, a former FBI lawyer who was found by the Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz to have altered a document during the FBI's efforts to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant renewal to continue wiretapping onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.
Among those known to be cooperating with Barr is retired Adm. Michael Rogers, the former director of the National Security Agency who has a history of uncovering FISA violations.
The period of time under scrutiny by Durham also covers a leak to reporters that federal prosecutors in D.C. are investigating. The Russian intelligence document under scrutiny, word of which made its way into press reports in the spring of 2017, factored into former FBI Director James Comey's handling of the FBI investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's email server, and Comey himself appears to be the focus of that inquiry. Comey was fired in May 2017, after which Mueller was appointed special counsel to lead the Russia investigation.
During an interview with NBC News in December, Barr said Durham's investigators are "looking at the whole waterfront," and questions remain unanswered following the release of Horowitz's FISA report. The attorney general pointed to the "problem" of Comey refusing to allow his security clearance to be temporarily reinstated, which allowed him to avoid the questions about classified information that Horowitz wanted to raise. Durham has the ability to compel testimony from other agencies and countries, unlike Horowitz in his limited role as inspector general.
"We have to be careful about the way we collect evidence. And we have to make sure that we have enough evidence to justify our actions. And we're not going to cut corners in that respect,” Barr said before providing a hint about when Durham's investigation may end. “You know, there's some people who think this thing is going to drop in a few weeks. That's not the case. I see this, perhaps, reaching an important watershed perhaps in the late spring, early summer.”


bonginoreport--2020-01-18--The Senate’s Most Endangered Democrat is Fundraising Off of Impeachment

Senator Doug Jones ( D-AL ) has decried the political nature of the impeachment process for months .
However , on Thursday , Jones began fundraising for his 2020 reelection campaign off of President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate .
In an email sent out by his official campaign , the Doug Jones for Senate Committee , Jones himself writes , “ I believe this is one of the more important emails I will send.
” “ Many of you have asked me for my thoughts as the trial progresses .
I am going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my thoughts on the day ’ s proceedings without spin or any political campaigning , ” Jones said .
“ Many have also asked what this means for my re-election campaign .
This trial will have my full and complete attention .
Remember , while I am doing my duty the candidates seeking the nomination against me are going to stay on the attack.
” Jones then solicited the email recipients to donate to his Senate reelection campaign “ now.
” “ I can ’ t tell you how important your help will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he added .
“ While I likely won ’ t be doing fundraising events or campaigning myself , Joe Trippi , Doug Turner , and my campaign team will keep you updated and make appeals for your help when it ’ s needed .
If you are able , I need you to have my back and help when they ask.
” The Jones campaign has even created a unique fundraising page about impeachment that the email directs people to .
“ While Doug is doing his duty , we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page states .
“ His opponents are taking every opportunity to divide and attack , but Doug is focused on impartial justice and real leadership.
” “ Impartial justice ” is a phrase that Jones and his campaign appear to be utilizing frequently now regarding impeachment trial .
Both his campaign and his official U.S. Senate office tweeted out clips from the same Thursday interview with CNN .
The fundraising email comes on the heels of Jones in a recent Fox News interview admitting he is “ not trying to necessarily please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial , including his constituents .
That remark may very well remind Alabamians of his infamous line during the Kavanaugh confirmation process when Jones declared that representing the majority of his constituents is not “ the be all to end all.
” Jones ultimately voted against the confirmation .
In the first three quarters of 2019 , Jones respectively received 88 % , 88 % and 77 % of his individual campaign contributions from donors outside of Alabama .
Full Q4 reports are not due until January 31 .
However , Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately $ 1.9 million total in the last quarter .
In Q4 of 2018 , Jones actually raised more from overseas alone than Alabama .
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News .
You can follow him on Twitter @ sean_yhn

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) has decried the political nature of the impeachment process for months. However, on Thursday, Jones began fundraising for his 2020 reelection campaign off of President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate.
In an email sent out by his official campaign, the Doug Jones for Senate Committee, Jones himself writes, “I believe this is one of the more important emails I will send.”
“Many of you have asked me for my thoughts as the trial progresses. I am going to try to give periodic video updates about my thoughts on the day’s proceedings without spin or any political campaigning,” Jones said. “Many have also asked what this means for my re-election campaign. This trial will have my full and complete attention. Remember, while I am doing my duty the candidates seeking the nomination against me are going to stay on the attack.”
Jones then solicited the email recipients to donate to his Senate reelection campaign “now.”
“I can’t tell you how important your help will be over the next few weeks,” he added. “While I likely won’t be doing fundraising events or campaigning myself, Joe Trippi, Doug Turner, and my campaign team will keep you updated and make appeals for your help when it’s needed. If you are able, I need you to have my back and help when they ask.”
The Jones campaign has even created a unique fundraising page about impeachment that the email directs people to.
“While Doug is doing his duty, we’ve got to have his back,” the page states. “His opponents are taking every opportunity to divide and attack, but Doug is focused on impartial justice and real leadership.”
“Impartial justice” is a phrase that Jones and his campaign appear to be utilizing frequently now regarding impeachment trial. Both his campaign and his official U.S. Senate office tweeted out clips from the same Thursday interview with CNN.
This is about a duty to fair and #ImpartialJustice. Doug will do his duty. pic.twitter.com/KJk2ktIZBw — Doug Jones for Senate (@DougJonesHQ) January 16, 2020
I’ve practiced law on both sides of the courtroom. A good lawyer never stops looking for new facts, which can test the evidence or affirm it, up until the jury delivers a verdict. The new info we’ve seen just reaffirms the need for key witness testimony and relevant documents. pic.twitter.com/QoKUuPti65 — Doug Jones (@SenDougJones) January 16, 2020
The fundraising email comes on the heels of Jones in a recent Fox News interview admitting he is “not trying to necessarily please anyone” with his conduct during the impeachment trial, including his constituents.
That remark may very well remind Alabamians of his infamous line during the Kavanaugh confirmation process when Jones declared that representing the majority of his constituents is not “the be all to end all.” Jones ultimately voted against the confirmation.
In the first three quarters of 2019, Jones respectively received 88%, 88% and 77% of his individual campaign contributions from donors outside of Alabama. Full Q4 reports are not due until January 31. However, Jones’ campaign already announced that he raised approximately $1.9 million total in the last quarter.
RELATED: Schumer deputy fundraising for Doug Jones
In Q4 of 2018, Jones actually raised more from overseas alone than Alabama.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn


bonginoreport--2020-01-20--Sen. Sherrod Brown Says It Would Be “Fine” If Hunter Biden Testified

Senator Sherrod Brown ( D-OH ) said on Sunday ’ s broadcast of CNN ’ s “ State of the @ @ @ @ @ be “ fine ” to hear from Hunter Biden , son of Democratic presidential hopeful @ @ @ @ @ , during the Senate impeachment trial .
Brianna Keilar asked , “ They can easily @ @ @ @ @ you prepared for that ?
” Brown said , “ Fine .
We take the @ @ @ @ @ hear from witnesses .
I don ’ t know what Hunter Biden has to do @ @ @ @ @ was made.
” Brown said , “ I ’ m fine with hearing— I mean @ @ @ @ @ m not a lawyer .
I understand both sides get to call witnesses .
”

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said on Sunday’s broadcast of CNN’s “State of the Union” that it would be “fine” to hear from Hunter Biden, son of Democratic presidential hopeful former Vice President Joe Biden, during the Senate impeachment trial.
Brianna Keilar asked, “They can easily call Hunter Biden. Are you prepared for that?”
Brown said, “Fine. We take the position that we want to hear from witnesses. I don’t know what Hunter Biden has to do with the phone call that was made.”
Keilar pressed, “But you’re fine hearing from him?”
Brown said, “I’m fine with hearing— I mean, I understand —I’m not a lawyer. I understand both sides get to call witnesses.”
Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN


bonginoreport--2020-01-20--WSJ: The Comey Coverup Is Unraveling

WSJ: The Comey Coverup Is Unraveling

In a curious report on Thursday evening , the New York Times carefully averts its eyes from everything that ’ @ @ @ @ @ Schiff has acknowledged that James Comey ’ s actions in 2016 may represent the most @ @ @ @ @ on the election .
( Hoist your shot glass .
This will be the umpteenth @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Schiff on this matter in this column . )
Surely one of the most @ @ @ @ @ received by U.S. agencies was , as we now learn , received in early 2016 @ @ @

Holman W. Jenkins Jr. is a member of the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal. He writes the twice-weekly “Business World” column that appears on the paper's op-ed page on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Mr. Jenkins joined the Journal in May 1992 as a writer for the editorial page in New York. In February 1994, he moved to Hong Kong as editor of The Asian Wall Street Journal's editorial page. He returned to the domestic Journal in December 1995 as a member of the paper's editorial board and was based in San Francisco. Mr. Jenkins won a 1997 Gerald Loeb Award for distinguished business and financial coverage.
Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Jenkins received a bachelor's degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He was a 1991 journalism fellow at the University of Michigan.


bonginoreport--2020-01-19--ICE Distributes List of Fugitives Released by NYC

Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) on Friday increased the pressure on New York City 's sanctuary policies -- putting out a list of illegal immigrant fugitives who have been released into the city despite requests from ICE to hand them over for deportation .
Acting ICE Director Matthew Albence presented the list to reporters at a press conference in New York where he spoke of the dangers of sanctuary cities -- in which jurisdictions ignore detainers issued by ICE for arrested illegal immigrants .
NYPD UNION LEADER SIDES WITH ICE AGAINST DE BLASIO OVER 'SANCTUARY'-TIED MURDER : 'HE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICE be informed of an illegal immigrant ’ s pending release from custody so they can be transferred to deportation proceedings .
While the Trump administration has been warning of the dangers of such policies for months , it 's a fight that has been brought into the spotlight by the murder of a 92-year-old woman , allegedly by an illegal immigrant sprung from custody in November after New York ignored an ICE detainer .
`` Make no mistake – it is this city 's sanctuary policies that are the sole reason this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freely and end an innocent woman 's life , ” Albence said .
The list of fugitives put out by ICE includes suspected illegal immigrants from Nigeria , Mexico , the Dominican Republic , Honduras , Guinea , Spain , and El Salvador .
Those released have arrests for assault in the first , second and third degrees , attempted robbery , criminal possession of a weapon , gang assaults and other violent offenses .
ICE also issued a list of illegal immigrants currently in custody , who it says “ may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have served their sentences .
Among the crimes for which those in custody have been charged include rape , murder and sexual assault against a child .
Mayor Bill de Blasio has defended the city ’ s sanctuary city policies , saying that it makes the city safer and noting that there are some crimes for which the city will cooperate with federal immigration enforcement .
“ New York City has passed its own common-sense laws about immigration enforcement that have driven crime to record lows .
There are 177 crimes under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities , if and when someone is convicted.
, ” he said .
“ That policy has kept us safe.
” But Albence cited statistics saying that last year ICE lodged 7,526 detainers via its New York field office .
Those individuals accounted for 17,873 criminal convictions and 6,500 criminal charges .
He went on to say that those charges and convictions include over 200 homicides , over 500 robberies , over 1,000 sexual offenses , over 1,000 weapons offenses , and over 3,500 assaults .
However , only about 10 detainers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Those who politicize this issue want you to believe that you have to choose between being an immigrant-friendly city and one that cooperates with ICE , ” Albence said .
“ Again that is simply false .
The only immigrants protected by such policies are those committing violence and dangerous offenses , often in the same communities these politicians are purporting to protect.
” The press conference marks the latest push by the administration against such sanctuary cities .
It has in the past put pressure on jurisdictions in North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of 92-year-old Maria Fuertes has fired up that debate again .
Reeaz Khan , an illegal immigrant from Guyana , is accused of attacking Maria Fuertes as she walked home on Jan. 6 .
Fuertes was reportedly found at 2 a.m. in 32-degree weather and near death on a sidewalk with her clothes pulled above her waist .
She was taken to a hospital , where she died from injuries that included a broken spine , according to The New York Post .
The Post cited law enforcement sources who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s a completely preventable tragedy .
Had they honored the [ Immigration and Customs Enforcement ] detainer this would never have happened , ” Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said on “ Fox & Friends ” Friday .
“ So if they 'd cooperated with ICE officials , the individual would never have been let out , would n't have committed this crime and we would n't even be talking about this.
” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP De Blasio has accused the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused officials of “ spreading lies about the good work of the NYPD.
” Those comments brought pushback from Sergeants Benevolent Association Vice President Vincent Vallelong , who told reporters that cops want to work with ICE , but are handcuffed from doing so .
“ I can guarantee you every single one of our members wants to help them out , unfortunately , the way the policies are set up , they do n't allow us to , ” he said .
“ How do we have our own hands handcuffed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys ?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday increased the pressure on New York City's sanctuary policies -- putting out a list of illegal immigrant fugitives who have been released into the city despite requests from ICE to hand them over for deportation.
Acting ICE Director Matthew Albence presented the list to reporters at a press conference in New York where he spoke of the dangers of sanctuary cities -- in which jurisdictions ignore detainers issued by ICE for arrested illegal immigrants.
NYPD UNION LEADER SIDES WITH ICE AGAINST DE BLASIO OVER 'SANCTUARY'-TIED MURDER: 'HE OWNS THIS'
Those detainers are requests that ICE be informed of an illegal immigrant’s pending release from custody so they can be transferred to deportation proceedings. While the Trump administration has been warning of the dangers of such policies for months, it's a fight that has been brought into the spotlight by the murder of a 92-year-old woman, allegedly by an illegal immigrant sprung from custody in November after New York ignored an ICE detainer.
"Make no mistake – it is this city's sanctuary policies that are the sole reason this criminal was allowed to roam the streets freely and end an innocent woman's life,” Albence said.
The list of fugitives put out by ICE includes suspected illegal immigrants from Nigeria, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guinea, Spain, and El Salvador. Those released have arrests for assault in the first, second and third degrees, attempted robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, gang assaults and other violent offenses.
ICE also issued a list of illegal immigrants currently in custody, who it says “may be released into New York communities” after they have served their sentences. Among the crimes for which those in custody have been charged include rape, murder and sexual assault against a child.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has defended the city’s sanctuary city policies, saying that it makes the city safer and noting that there are some crimes for which the city will cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
“New York City has passed its own common-sense laws about immigration enforcement that have driven crime to record lows. There are 177 crimes under NYC law that trigger cooperation with federal authorities, if and when someone is convicted.,” he said. “That policy has kept us safe.”
But Albence cited statistics saying that last year ICE lodged 7,526 detainers via its New York field office. Those individuals accounted for 17,873 criminal convictions and 6,500 criminal charges. He went on to say that those charges and convictions include over 200 homicides, over 500 robberies, over 1,000 sexual offenses, over 1,000 weapons offenses, and over 3,500 assaults.
However, only about 10 detainers were honored by the city, officials said.
"Those who politicize this issue want you to believe that you have to choose between being an immigrant-friendly city and one that cooperates with ICE,” Albence said. “Again that is simply false. The only immigrants protected by such policies are those committing violence and dangerous offenses, often in the same communities these politicians are purporting to protect.”
The press conference marks the latest push by the administration against such sanctuary cities. It has in the past put pressure on jurisdictions in North Carolina and Maryland for their policies. But the death of 92-year-old Maria Fuertes has fired up that debate again.
Reeaz Khan, an illegal immigrant from Guyana, is accused of attacking Maria Fuertes as she walked home on Jan. 6. Fuertes was reportedly found at 2 a.m. in 32-degree weather and near death on a sidewalk with her clothes pulled above her waist. She was taken to a hospital, where she died from injuries that included a broken spine, according to The New York Post. The Post cited law enforcement sources who said she had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
“It’s a completely preventable tragedy. Had they honored the [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] detainer this would never have happened,” Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said on “Fox & Friends” Friday. “So if they'd cooperated with ICE officials, the individual would never have been let out, wouldn't have committed this crime and we wouldn't even be talking about this.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
De Blasio has accused the Trump administration of using “scare tactics” and accused officials of “spreading lies about the good work of the NYPD.”
Those comments brought pushback from Sergeants Benevolent Association Vice President Vincent Vallelong, who told reporters that cops want to work with ICE, but are handcuffed from doing so.
“I can guarantee you every single one of our members wants to help them out, unfortunately, the way the policies are set up, they don't allow us to,” he said. “How do we have our own hands handcuffed to not be able to work with these guys?


bonginoreport--2020-01-19--Chief Hypocrite Elizabeth Warren Says American’s Don’t Want a Candidate Who Lies to Them

Democratic 2020 candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Sunday questioned whether Americans want to support a presidential candidate who doesn ’ t tell the truth .
Warren , who has repeatedly struggled with the truth on the campaign trail , was asked during a press scrum whether it ’ s “ disqualifying for a presidential candidate to lie to the American public about anything ?
” “ I would think that it — you know , how could the American people want someone who lies to them ?
” Warren answered .
“ I think that we just do our best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that ’ s what happens with everyone.
” GOP strategist Luke Thompson predicted Warren ’ s answer will “ be used in ads ” if she wins the Democratic nomination .
( RELATED : ‘ Media Malpractice ’ : CNN Faces Backlash For One-Sided Questioning On Sanders Vs. Warren ) Warren , who is feuding with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders over whether he said a woman couldn ’ t win in 2020 , has repeatedly faced questions of dishonesty on the campaign trail .
She infamously portrayed herself as Native American for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minuscule fraction of Native American DNA .
In fact , Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is apparently more Native American than Warren .
Warren told school choice activists in November 2019 that her children didn ’ t go to private schools — even though she sent her son to an elite private school .
“ We are going to have the same choice that you had for your kids , because I read that your children went to private schools , ” one school choice activist told Warren after a campaign event .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ public schools , ” replied the Massachusetts senator .
Publicly available records show that Warren , who has pledged to crack down on school choice if elected , sent her son to an elite private school .
Warren also faced scrutiny over her changing versions of why she only worked one year as a public school special needs teacher after college .
She repeatedly said on the campaign trail that she was pushed out of the job for being “ visibly pregnant ” — but she told a different story before running for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year , and then that summer I didn ’ t have the education courses , so I was on an ’ emergency certificate , ’ it was called .
I went back to graduate school and took a couple of courses in education and said , ‘ I don ’ t think this is going to work out for me , ' ” she said in a 2007 interview at the University of California at Berkeley .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Democratic 2020 candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Sunday questioned whether Americans want to support a presidential candidate who doesn’t tell the truth.
Warren, who has repeatedly struggled with the truth on the campaign trail, was asked during a press scrum whether it’s “disqualifying for a presidential candidate to lie to the American public about anything?”
“I would think that it — you know, how could the American people want someone who lies to them?” Warren answered. “I think that we just do our best out there every day, and I hope that’s what happens with everyone.”
WATCH:
“How could the American people want someone who lies to them?” @ewarren says after I asked if it’s disqualifying for a presidential candidate to lie to the American people about anything pic.twitter.com/b4AxH5Bq1m — Zak Hudak (@cbszak) January 19, 2020
GOP strategist Luke Thompson predicted Warren’s answer will “be used in ads” if she wins the Democratic nomination. (RELATED: ‘Media Malpractice’: CNN Faces Backlash For One-Sided Questioning On Sanders Vs. Warren)
Warren, who is feuding with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders over whether he said a woman couldn’t win in 2020, has repeatedly faced questions of dishonesty on the campaign trail.
She infamously portrayed herself as Native American for years, even though she possesses a minuscule fraction of Native American DNA. In fact, Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is apparently more Native American than Warren.
Warren told school choice activists in November 2019 that her children didn’t go to private schools — even though she sent her son to an elite private school.
“We are going to have the same choice that you had for your kids, because I read that your children went to private schools,” one school choice activist told Warren after a campaign event.
“No, my children went to public schools,” replied the Massachusetts senator.
Publicly available records show that Warren, who has pledged to crack down on school choice if elected, sent her son to an elite private school.
Warren also faced scrutiny over her changing versions of why she only worked one year as a public school special needs teacher after college.
She repeatedly said on the campaign trail that she was pushed out of the job for being “visibly pregnant” — but she told a different story before running for president.
“I did that for a year, and then that summer I didn’t have the education courses, so I was on an ’emergency certificate,’ it was called. I went back to graduate school and took a couple of courses in education and said, ‘I don’t think this is going to work out for me,'” she said in a 2007 interview at the University of California at Berkeley.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


bonginoreport--2020-01-19--Zero Democrats Voted in Favor of Bill to Protect Women’s Sports

Florida Republican Congressman Greg Steube was disgusted to tell Fox News that not a single Democrat voted in favor of a bill that would protect women ’ s sports from biological males who claim to be transgender women .
Steube appeared on a recent broadcast of Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson Tonight , where he unloaded on House Democrats for refusing to vote to protect women .
The Florida congressman recently introduced a bill that would have banned “ schools from using Title IX federal funds to support women sports if biological men are allowed to compete with them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former Army JAG officer and Iraq War veteran , told Carlson that he was amazed that we have come to a day when we even have to say that only women should compete against other women .
“ It ’ s just fascinating that we are in a place in our country where you have to file bills to make it clear that women are actually going to be competing with women and women ’ s sports , ” Steube told the Fox host .
Steube added that Democrats came down on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a woman that day and want the ability to compete.
” Carlson was agog that it has become necessary to file bills to protect girls , and he wondered , “ how can people who pretend they ’ re feminists , that th3y ’ re carrying the torch for women , support something that hurts girls ?
” “ We are completely eroding what women sports are if we are going to allow biological men to compete with women in women ’ s collegiate activities , ” the congressman added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as an amendment on the ERA legislation that went through the Judiciary committee and not a single Democrat voted for it , ” the first-term congressman continued .
“ We did it as a motion to recommit on the floor of the house on similar legislation , and I believe there was only one or two Democrats that voted for it .
That ’ s the sad state of affairs that we are in for today .
You are destroying women sports , and Democrats aren ’ t willing to stand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after like a million years , we are redefining gender out of existence , ” Carlson concluded of the failure of Democrats to support Steube ’ s bill .
“ We will be judged for this because this is too nuts , I think .
”

Florida Republican Congressman Greg Steube was disgusted to tell Fox News that not a single Democrat voted in favor of a bill that would protect women’s sports from biological males who claim to be transgender women.
Steube appeared on a recent broadcast of Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight, where he unloaded on House Democrats for refusing to vote to protect women.
The Florida congressman recently introduced a bill that would have banned “schools from using Title IX federal funds to support women sports if biological men are allowed to compete with them,” Steube told Carlson.
Steube, a former Army JAG officer and Iraq War veteran, told Carlson that he was amazed that we have come to a day when we even have to say that only women should compete against other women.
“It’s just fascinating that we are in a place in our country where you have to file bills to make it clear that women are actually going to be competing with women and women’s sports,” Steube told the Fox host.
Steube added that Democrats came down on the side of transgenders who “identify as a woman that day and want the ability to compete.”
Carlson was agog that it has become necessary to file bills to protect girls, and he wondered, “how can people who pretend they’re feminists, that th3y’re carrying the torch for women, support something that hurts girls?”
“We are completely eroding what women sports are if we are going to allow biological men to compete with women in women’s collegiate activities,” the congressman added.
“I filed pretty much what my bill is as an amendment on the ERA legislation that went through the Judiciary committee and not a single Democrat voted for it,” the first-term congressman continued. “We did it as a motion to recommit on the floor of the house on similar legislation, and I believe there was only one or two Democrats that voted for it. That’s the sad state of affairs that we are in for today. You are destroying women sports, and Democrats aren’t willing to stand for women in women sports.”
“So after like a million years, we are redefining gender out of existence,” Carlson concluded of the failure of Democrats to support Steube’s bill. “We will be judged for this because this is too nuts, I think.”
Watch:
Follow Warner Todd Huston on facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston.


bonginoreport--2020-01-19--2.4 Million Households Have Gone Off Food Stamps Under Trump

More than 2.4 million households discontinued their participation in the nation ’ s food stamp program since President Donald Trump ’ s first full month in office in 2017 , according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) data .
The most recent USDA data showed that 2,424,901 families stopped using food stamps under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) , between February 2017— when Trump finished his first full month as president— and October 2019 .
Individual participation has taken a nosedive as well , with 5,891,110 individuals cutting ties with SNAP , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36,406,681 individuals and 18,513,002 households enrolled in the food stamp program .
Still , USDA officials say the 2020 data is “ preliminary ” given that the data may include disaster assistance .
When Trump took office , 42,297,791 individuals and 20,937,903 households were enrolled in SNAP .
But it was before Trump took office that enrollment in food stamps surged and then plunged .
Individual and household participation in SNAP had consistently declined overall since 2013 , when the Obama administration was in power , and enrollment in the program reached its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Recession ’ s height during former President Barack Obama ’ s first term in office , enrollment in SNAP grew by 135 percent and cost taxpayers $ 78 billion .
Food stamp enrollment plunged after state legislatures passed work requirement reform measures to curb dependency on welfare , requiring food stamp recipients to work , volunteer , attend school , or receive job training for 20 hours per week .
Enrollment has continued to decline under Trump , but the Trump administration has taken welfare reform measures a step further by taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
Breitbart News reported in December that the USDA recently finalized a SNAP proposal stating that those who are able-bodied and between the ages of 18-49 and without children or dependents who receive food stamps for more than three months in a 36-month period must work , go to school , receive job training , or volunteer to receive benefits .
The rule , which goes into effect on April 1 , does not apply to those who are over 50-years-old , pregnant , disabled , or caretakers for children .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time limit requirement due to poor economic conditions , but before the rule was put into place , areas with unemployment as low as 2.5 percent were eligible for waivers , according to the USDA .
The USDA estimates that approximately 755,000 people would discontinue participating in the nation ’ s food stamp program under the work requirements rule , and the rule would reduce federal spending by $ 5.5 billion over five years .
Not too long after the USDA ’ s final rule was passed , Democrat attorneys general representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and New York City , sued the Trump administration for eliminating states ’ ability to waive work requirements in areas with poor economic conditions .
Attorneys general representing the states and the cities argued that the justification for the work requirements rule ignored local labor market conditions , the Washington Post reported .
ABC News reported that the lawsuit is being filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and requests that the court issue an injunction before the rule takes effect on April 1 .

More than 2.4 million households discontinued their participation in the nation’s food stamp program since President Donald Trump’s first full month in office in 2017, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data.
The most recent USDA data showed that 2,424,901 families stopped using food stamps under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), between February 2017— when Trump finished his first full month as president— and October 2019.
Individual participation has taken a nosedive as well, with 5,891,110 individuals cutting ties with SNAP, according to the USDA.
There are currently 36,406,681 individuals and 18,513,002 households enrolled in the food stamp program. Still, USDA officials say the 2020 data is “preliminary” given that the data may include disaster assistance.
When Trump took office, 42,297,791 individuals and 20,937,903 households were enrolled in SNAP.
But it was before Trump took office that enrollment in food stamps surged and then plunged.
Individual and household participation in SNAP had consistently declined overall since 2013, when the Obama administration was in power, and enrollment in the program reached its peak in U.S. history.
At the Great Recession’s height during former President Barack Obama’s first term in office, enrollment in SNAP grew by 135 percent and cost taxpayers $78 billion.
Food stamp enrollment plunged after state legislatures passed work requirement reform measures to curb dependency on welfare, requiring food stamp recipients to work, volunteer, attend school, or receive job training for 20 hours per week.
Enrollment has continued to decline under Trump, but the Trump administration has taken welfare reform measures a step further by taking work requirement legislation found in the states nationwide.
Breitbart News reported in December that the USDA recently finalized a SNAP proposal stating that those who are able-bodied and between the ages of 18-49 and without children or dependents who receive food stamps for more than three months in a 36-month period must work, go to school, receive job training, or volunteer to receive benefits.
The rule, which goes into effect on April 1, does not apply to those who are over 50-years-old, pregnant, disabled, or caretakers for children.
The law allows states to waive out of this time limit requirement due to poor economic conditions, but before the rule was put into place, areas with unemployment as low as 2.5 percent were eligible for waivers, according to the USDA.
The USDA estimates that approximately 755,000 people would discontinue participating in the nation’s food stamp program under the work requirements rule, and the rule would reduce federal spending by $5.5 billion over five years.
Not too long after the USDA’s final rule was passed, Democrat attorneys general representing 14 states, Washington, DC, and New York City, sued the Trump administration for eliminating states’ ability to waive work requirements in areas with poor economic conditions.
Attorneys general representing the states and the cities argued that the justification for the work requirements rule ignored local labor market conditions, the Washington Post reported.
ABC News reported that the lawsuit is being filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and requests that the court issue an injunction before the rule takes effect on April 1.


bonginoreport--2020-01-20--Pete Buttigieg: Economy “Needs” 11 Million Illegal Immigrants

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg told a crowd in Des Moines , Iowa Saturday that the American “ economy needed 11 million ” illegal immigrants to stay functioning .
Buttigieg was asked by a member of the audience , “ Do you think illegal immigration is a problem in the United States ?
” The former mayor answered , “ There ’ s no question we have to fix the system — for sure .
But part of the problem is we ’ ve got an economy that really needs people , especially rural areas : I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in rural areas why there are a lot of undocumented workers.
” ( RELATED : ‘ Bull**** ’ Buttigieg Flips Out On NYT Writer Who Says He ‘ Was On The Front Lines Of Corporate Price Fixing ’ ) But Buttigieg argued the problem is not with illegal immigrants but with an immigration system that won ’ t allow sufficient numbers of legal immigrants into the country .
“ We have a system that wasn ’ t actually set up to have that many people come in lawfully .
The reason there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the economy needed 11 million more people than the system was prepared to let in.
” ( RELATED : Buttigieg Says America Was Never That Great ’ ) Buttigieg has said he supports a “ pathway to citizenship ” for illegal immigrants living the United States .
“ There are over 10 million people who are undocumented immigrants in this country who don ’ t fall into [ the DACA ] category and the reality is we can ’ t have comprehensive immigration reform that works unless it addresses the status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Buttigieg said during a CNN town hall forum .
The former mayor of South Bend , Indiana also said that his community could easily accommodate another 30,000 immigrants .
Although considered as a moderate Democrat by some , Buttigieg has urged his party to offer more leftist positions in order to win the presidency in 2020 .

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg told a crowd in Des Moines, Iowa Saturday that the American “economy needed 11 million” illegal immigrants to stay functioning.
Buttigieg was asked by a member of the audience, “Do you think illegal immigration is a problem in the United States?”
The former mayor answered, “There’s no question we have to fix the system — for sure. But part of the problem is we’ve got an economy that really needs people, especially rural areas: I don’t think it’s a mystery to people in rural areas why there are a lot of undocumented workers.” (RELATED: ‘Bull****’ Buttigieg Flips Out On NYT Writer Who Says He ‘Was On The Front Lines Of Corporate Price Fixing’)
But Buttigieg argued the problem is not with illegal immigrants but with an immigration system that won’t allow sufficient numbers of legal immigrants into the country.
“We have a system that wasn’t actually set up to have that many people come in lawfully. The reason there’s 11 million undocumented folks here is that the economy needed 11 million more people than the system was prepared to let in.” (RELATED: Buttigieg Says America Was Never That Great’)
Buttigieg has said he supports a “pathway to citizenship” for illegal immigrants living the United States.
“There are over 10 million people who are undocumented immigrants in this country who don’t fall into [the DACA] category and the reality is we can’t have comprehensive immigration reform that works unless it addresses the status for those 11 some million undocumented immigrants,” Buttigieg said during a CNN town hall forum.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana also said that his community could easily accommodate another 30,000 immigrants.
Although considered as a moderate Democrat by some, Buttigieg has urged his party to offer more leftist positions in order to win the presidency in 2020.


bonginoreport--2020-01-20--Extradition Hearing of Huawei Executive Begins in Vancouver

TORONTO ( AP ) — An extradition hearing begins Monday in a Vancouver courtroom for Huawei top executive Meng Wanzhou , the daughter of the company 's founder .
Canada arrested Meng while she was changing planes at Vancouver 's airport in late 2018 .
The U.S. wants her extradited to face fraud charges .
Her arrest infuriated Beijing , which sees her case as a political move designed to prevent China 's rise .
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE The first phase of Meng 's extradition hearing will last about five days .
U.S. authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company to evade U.S. trade sanctions on Iran .
The initial stage of the hearing will deal with the issue of whether the crime she 's accused of in the U.S. is also a crime in Canada .
Canada does not have similar sanctions on Iran but fraud is a crime in both countries .
Meng is free on bail of and is living in one of the two Vancouver mansions she owns .
U.S. OFFICIALS IN BRITAIN PUSH FOR HUAWEI 5G BAN Huawei has become a focus of attention of U.S. law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and some analysts say Chinese companies have flouted international rules and norms amid allegations of technology theft .
Washington also has security concerns because of Huawei 's ties to the Chinese government .
The U.S. has pressured other countries to limit use of its technology , warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information .
Huawei is also viewed as a commercial competitor .
The second phase of Meng 's case , scheduled for June , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the FBI violated her rights while she was detained by collecting evidence before she was arrested and told of her alleged crimes .
The extradition case could take years to resolve if there are appeals .
Nearly 90 percent of those arrested in Canada on extradition requests from the U.S. were surrendered to U.S. authorities between 2008 and 2018 .
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS Meng 's arrest set off a diplomatic furor between Canada and China and complicated high-stakes trade talks between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding her release and has detained two Canadians in apparent retaliation .
She was arrested the same day U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks .
China and the U.S. just reached a `` Phase 1 '' trade agreement last week , but most analysts say any meaningful resolution of the main U.S. allegation — that Beijing uses predatory tactics in its drive to supplant America 's technological supremacy — could require years of contentious talks .
Some analysts see the trade war as only a symptom of a @ @ @ @ @

TORONTO (AP) — An extradition hearing begins Monday in a Vancouver courtroom for Huawei top executive Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the company's founder. Canada arrested Meng while she was changing planes at Vancouver's airport in late 2018. The U.S. wants her extradited to face fraud charges. Her arrest infuriated Beijing, which sees her case as a political move designed to prevent China's rise.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The first phase of Meng's extradition hearing will last about five days. U.S. authorities allege Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to evade U.S. trade sanctions on Iran. The initial stage of the hearing will deal with the issue of whether the crime she's accused of in the U.S. is also a crime in Canada. Canada does not have similar sanctions on Iran but fraud is a crime in both countries. Meng is free on bail of and is living in one of the two Vancouver mansions she owns.
U.S. OFFICIALS IN BRITAIN PUSH FOR HUAWEI 5G BAN
WHY HUAWEI?
Huawei has become a focus of attention of U.S. law enforcement and Washington. Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and some analysts say Chinese companies have flouted international rules and norms amid allegations of technology theft. Washington also has security concerns because of Huawei's ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. has pressured other countries to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information. Huawei is also viewed as a commercial competitor.
WHAT'S NEXT
The second phase of Meng's case, scheduled for June, will consider defense allegations that Canada Border Services, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the FBI violated her rights while she was detained by collecting evidence before she was arrested and told of her alleged crimes. The extradition case could take years to resolve if there are appeals. Nearly 90 percent of those arrested in Canada on extradition requests from the U.S. were surrendered to U.S. authorities between 2008 and 2018.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
THE BACKDROP
Meng's arrest set off a diplomatic furor between Canada and China and complicated high-stakes trade talks between the U.S and China. Beijing is demanding her release and has detained two Canadians in apparent retaliation. She was arrested the same day U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks. China and the U.S. just reached a "Phase 1" trade agreement last week, but most analysts say any meaningful resolution of the main U.S. allegation — that Beijing uses predatory tactics in its drive to supplant America's technological supremacy — could require years of contentious talks. Some analysts see the trade war as only a symptom of a long term US-China competition.


bonginoreport--2020-01-20--San Antonio Spends $300k+ in Legal Fees to Keep Chick-fil A out of Airport

The city of San Antonio has spent at least $ 315,000 in legal fees after the city council voted to bar Chick-fil-A from opening a location in the San Antonio airport in March , according to calculations by KENS 5 .
The legal fees encompass two lawsuits and a federal investigation , and other invoices are pending , according to KENS 5 .
CHICK-FIL-A IS HERE TO SERVE EVERYBODY , FORMER EXECUTIVE SAYS The San Antonio City Council voted to block the chain as an airport vendor due to the company 's `` legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconsider the decision .
Texas Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott signed a `` Save Chick-fil-A '' bill in June that stemmed from the San Antonio kerfuffle .
`` The bill as filed ensures religious beliefs are protected from discrimination .
It 's about the First Amendment and freedom of speech , freedom of religion — those uniquely American rights , '' bill author state Sen. Bryan Hughes said , according to the Dallas Morning News .
News of San Antonio 's legal fees comes shortly after Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy admitted in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fast-food chain `` inadvertently discredited '' groups including the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes after changing its `` giving strategy . ''
`` We understand how some thought we were abandoning our longstanding support of faith-based organization , '' Cathy wrote in a letter to Tim Wildmon , president of the American Family Association .
`` We inadvertently discredited several outstanding organizations that have effectively served communities for years . ''
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS '' The intent of our corporate giving has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement or support a political or social agenda , '' Cathy continued .
`` Chick-fil-A will give to faith-based and other organizations that we believe to be highly effective in a particular area . ''
Chick-fil-A 's devoted conservative fanbase dealt the company some harsh criticism after it cut off support for three groups that oppose gay marriage and have drawn the ire of protesters .
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The city of San Antonio has spent at least $315,000 in legal fees after the city council voted to bar Chick-fil-A from opening a location in the San Antonio airport in March, according to calculations by KENS 5.
The legal fees encompass two lawsuits and a federal investigation, and other invoices are pending, according to KENS 5.
CHICK-FIL-A IS HERE TO SERVE EVERYBODY, FORMER EXECUTIVE SAYS
The San Antonio City Council voted to block the chain as an airport vendor due to the company's "legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior." The council also struck down a motion to reconsider the decision.
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a "Save Chick-fil-A" bill in June that stemmed from the San Antonio kerfuffle.
"The bill as filed ensures religious beliefs are protected from discrimination. It's about the First Amendment and freedom of speech, freedom of religion — those uniquely American rights," bill author state Sen. Bryan Hughes said, according to the Dallas Morning News.
News of San Antonio's legal fees comes shortly after Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy admitted in a letter to the American Family Association that the fast-food chain "inadvertently discredited" groups including the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes after changing its "giving strategy."
"We understand how some thought we were abandoning our longstanding support of faith-based organization," Cathy wrote in a letter to Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association. "We inadvertently discredited several outstanding organizations that have effectively served communities for years."
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
"The intent of our corporate giving has always been to have impact -- not to make a statement or support a political or social agenda," Cathy continued. "Chick-fil-A will give to faith-based and other organizations that we believe to be highly effective in a particular area."
Chick-fil-A's devoted conservative fanbase dealt the company some harsh criticism after it cut off support for three groups that oppose gay marriage and have drawn the ire of protesters.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Katherine Lam contributed to this report.


bonginoreport--2020-01-20--NYT Editorial Board Endorses Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar for President

The New York Times endorsed not one , but two candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination on Sunday .
The paper ’ s editorial board gave their blessings to progressive candidate Elizabeth Warren and centrist Amy Klobuchar in a surprise endorsement that split from tradition .
The editorial board announced their endorsements toward the end of an episode of “ The Weekly , ” the Times ’ television show that airs on Hulu .
In an article posted to the Times ’ website soon after the episode aired , the board noted their two endorsements were a “ break with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board wrote her campaign writes seriously about policy , while also making a point to highlight proposed anti-corruption legislation and speaking clearly about foreign policy .
“ Her campaign ’ s plans , in general , demonstrate a serious approach to policymaking that some of the other candidates lack , ” they wrote in the endorsement .
“ Ms .
Warren accurately describes a lack of housing construction as the primary driver of the nation ’ s housing crisis , and she has proposed both increases in government funding for housing construction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local governments to allow more construction , ” they added .
In their endorsement for Klobuchar , the editorial board called her the “ standard-bearer ” for the Democratic center .
They argue her centrist position will give her the opportunity to unite the two wings of her party — and offer her a shot at bringing a divided nation together .
“ The senator from Minnesota is the very definition of Midwestern charisma , grit and sticktoitiveness , ” they wrote .
“ Her lengthy tenure in the Senate and bipartisan credentials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real one ) and uniter for the wings of the party — and perhaps the nation , ” they added .
The editorial board also used the endorsement to criticize President Trump , writing he ’ s leading the country down a path of “ white nativism.
” “ The incumbent president , Donald Trump , is clear about where he is guiding the Republican Party — white nativism at home and America First unilateralism abroad , brazen corruption , escalating culture wars , a judiciary stacked with ideologues and the veneration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in American society was defined and unchallenged , ” they wrote .
In 2016 , the Times ’ endorsed Hillary Clinton for president .
She lost to President Trump in the general election .

The New York Times endorsed not one, but two candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination on Sunday.
The paper’s editorial board gave their blessings to progressive candidate Elizabeth Warren and centrist Amy Klobuchar in a surprise endorsement that split from tradition.
The editorial board announced their endorsements toward the end of an episode of “The Weekly,” the Times’ television show that airs on Hulu.
In an article posted to the Times’ website soon after the episode aired, the board noted their two endorsements were a “break with convention.”
In endorsing Warren, the board wrote her campaign writes seriously about policy, while also making a point to highlight proposed anti-corruption legislation and speaking clearly about foreign policy.
“Her campaign’s plans, in general, demonstrate a serious approach to policymaking that some of the other candidates lack,” they wrote in the endorsement.
“Ms. Warren accurately describes a lack of housing construction as the primary driver of the nation’s housing crisis, and she has proposed both increases in government funding for housing construction, and changes in regulatory policy to encourage local governments to allow more construction,” they added.
In their endorsement for Klobuchar, the editorial board called her the “standard-bearer” for the Democratic center.
They argue her centrist position will give her the opportunity to unite the two wings of her party — and offer her a shot at bringing a divided nation together.
“The senator from Minnesota is the very definition of Midwestern charisma, grit and sticktoitiveness,” they wrote.
“Her lengthy tenure in the Senate and bipartisan credentials would make her a deal maker (a real one) and uniter for the wings of the party — and perhaps the nation,” they added.
The editorial board also used the endorsement to criticize President Trump, writing he’s leading the country down a path of “white nativism.”
“The incumbent president, Donald Trump, is clear about where he is guiding the Republican Party — white nativism at home and America First unilateralism abroad, brazen corruption, escalating culture wars, a judiciary stacked with ideologues and the veneration of a mythological past where the hierarchy in American society was defined and unchallenged,” they wrote.
In 2016, the Times endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. She lost to Trump in the general election.


bonginoreport--2020-01-20--A Look At the Effects of Prohibition, 100 Years Later

New York restaurant with a sign in the shop window : 'No Booze Sold Here - Booze Hounds Please Stay Out . '
Prohibition , which began 100 years ago Friday , did n't just put the squeeze on the booze industry .
It took a much broader toll on the American economy .
On Jan. 17 , 1920 , the United States stumbled into a dry era following the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the passage of the Volstead Act .
For 13 years , Americans waited for the quality of their lives to improve while the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` noble experiment . ''
A century later , Prohibition is known for accomplishing everything it was n't supposed to — it provoked intemperance , eliminated jobs , created a black market for booze , and triggered a slew of unintended economic consequences .
`` When Prohibition went into effect about a quarter of a million people lost their jobs .
We were already in a mild recession , we were coming out of World War I , and we had all these soldiers that were coming back from Europe that we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historian Garrett Peck told CNBC .
`` So this was a big deal and it became an even bigger deal come the 1930s with the Great Depression , '' Peck , the author of `` The Great War in America : World War I and Its Aftermath , '' added .
The stock market crash of 1929 , which triggered the country 's worst economic slump , proved to further test Prohibition with nearly half of the nation 's banks failing and some 15 million Americans unemployed .
Meanwhile , Prohibition created a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by crooks and thugs , said spirits and cocktail expert Derek Brown , while causing lasting damage to the alcohol and hospitality industries .
`` Institutions closed .
Distilleries floundered .
We would n't regain craft bartending skills until the late 20th century with the emergence of the craft cocktail movement , '' said Brown , who owns Washington , D.C. 's famed cocktail bar Columbia Room and wrote `` Spirits , Sugar , Water , Bitters : How the Cocktail Conquered the World . ''
`` You have to remember that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven gallons of pure alcohol per person .
It was ingrained in our economy .
It was even sometimes used as currency , '' he added .
According to historian and author Michael Lerner , other industries believed they would reap benefits from Prohibition –but the social and economic impacts of Prohibition were largely negative : When the law went into effect , they expected sales of clothing and household goods to skyrocket .
Real estate developers and landlords expected rents to rise as saloons closed and neighborhoods improved .
Chewing gum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all expected growth .
Theater producers expected new crowds as Americans looked for new ways to entertain themselves without alcohol .
Instead , the unintended consequences proved to be a decline in amusement and entertainment industries across the board .
Restaurants failed , as they could no longer make a profit without legal liquor sales .
Theater revenues declined rather than increase , and few of the other economic benefits that had been predicted came to pass .
Lerner adds that the federal government lost approximately $ 11 billion in tax revenue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep America on the wagon .
What 's more , doctors pocketed an estimated $ 40 million in medicinal whiskey prescriptions and the bootleg market saw earnings of $ 3.6 billion in 1926 , or approximately $ 50 billion in today 's dollars .
On Dec. 5 , 1933 , the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment , ending the increasingly unpopular nationwide prohibition of alcohol .
`` A hundred years later , the alcohol and hospitality industry is worth hundred billions of dollars , '' cocktail expert Brown said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want people to drink less , that instead of tanking an entire industry , and everyone who depends on it , we just ask nicely ? ''

New York restaurant with a sign in the shop window: 'No Booze Sold Here - Booze Hounds Please Stay Out.'
Prohibition, which began 100 years ago Friday, didn't just put the squeeze on the booze industry. It took a much broader toll on the American economy.
On Jan. 17, 1920, the United States stumbled into a dry era following the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the passage of the Volstead Act. For 13 years, Americans waited for the quality of their lives to improve while the federal government spent millions trying to enforce the "noble experiment."
A century later, Prohibition is known for accomplishing everything it wasn't supposed to — it provoked intemperance, eliminated jobs, created a black market for booze, and triggered a slew of unintended economic consequences.
"When Prohibition went into effect about a quarter of a million people lost their jobs. We were already in a mild recession, we were coming out of World War I, and we had all these soldiers that were coming back from Europe that we had to reintegrate into the economy," historian Garrett Peck told CNBC.
"So this was a big deal and it became an even bigger deal come the 1930s with the Great Depression," Peck, the author of "The Great War in America: World War I and Its Aftermath," added.
The stock market crash of 1929, which triggered the country's worst economic slump, proved to further test Prohibition with nearly half of the nation's banks failing and some 15 million Americans unemployed.
Meanwhile, Prohibition created a "shadow economy" that was run by crooks and thugs, said spirits and cocktail expert Derek Brown, while causing lasting damage to the alcohol and hospitality industries.
"Institutions closed. Distilleries floundered. We wouldn't regain craft bartending skills until the late 20th century with the emergence of the craft cocktail movement," said Brown, who owns Washington, D.C.'s famed cocktail bar Columbia Room and wrote "Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters: How the Cocktail Conquered the World."
"You have to remember that in the mid-19th century Americans were drinking nearly seven gallons of pure alcohol per person. It was ingrained in our economy. It was even sometimes used as currency," he added.
According to historian and author Michael Lerner, other industries believed they would reap benefits from Prohibition –but the social and economic impacts of Prohibition were largely negative:
When the law went into effect, they expected sales of clothing and household goods to skyrocket. Real estate developers and landlords expected rents to rise as saloons closed and neighborhoods improved. Chewing gum, grape juice, and soft drink companies all expected growth. Theater producers expected new crowds as Americans looked for new ways to entertain themselves without alcohol. None of it came to pass. Instead, the unintended consequences proved to be a decline in amusement and entertainment industries across the board. Restaurants failed, as they could no longer make a profit without legal liquor sales. Theater revenues declined rather than increase, and few of the other economic benefits that had been predicted came to pass.
Lerner adds that the federal government lost approximately $11 billion in tax revenue and spent more than $300 million trying to keep America on the wagon.
What's more, doctors pocketed an estimated $40 million in medicinal whiskey prescriptions and the bootleg market saw earnings of $3.6 billion in 1926, or approximately $50 billion in today's dollars.
On Dec. 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, ending the increasingly unpopular nationwide prohibition of alcohol.
"A hundred years later, the alcohol and hospitality industry is worth hundred billions of dollars," cocktail expert Brown said. "Can we just agree that next time we want people to drink less, that instead of tanking an entire industry, and everyone who depends on it, we just ask nicely?"