bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Gallup: National Satisfaction Hits 15-Year High

People are practically giddy with the economic improvement under President Trump , and they believe by a 2-1 margin that it will only get better .
The latest Gallup survey also found that the good feelings have helped Trump to sustain his highest approval rating at 49 % , which “ greatly increases Trump 's chances of being re-elected.
” In the survey , 45 % are satisfied with the state of the nation .
It hasn ’ t been that high since 2005 , shortly after former President George W. Bush ’ s second inauguration .
“ Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when Americans are increasingly positive about the state of the nation .
The percentage who are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. had already improved from 36 % to 41 % in a Jan. 3-16 poll , before the rise in Trump 's job approval rating in late January .
The latest survey finds a further increase in national satisfaction , with 45 % now satisfied , the highest since February 2005 , ” said the Gallup analysis .
It came with several other notable economic numbers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • 63 % of U.S. adults rate current economic conditions as either excellent or good .
Just 9 % rate them as poor .
• By 61 % to 33 % , people say the economy is getting better rather than worse .
• Gallup 's Economic Confidence Index , a summary of ratings of current conditions and whether the economy is getting better or worse , is +41 .
This is essentially the same as last month , but both readings represent a return to the prior high of +44 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive headline from Gallup for Trump , a string that started before the Senate trial on his House impeachment .
It also comes as other polls show that the public believes that Trump will win reelection in the fall .
But as with much in American politics , the partisan split was huge .
Still , in its “ bottom line ” analysis , Gallup said that key election factors are falling in place for Trump ’ s reelection : '' Americans are more positive about the state of the nation than they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trump and the GOP appear to be benefiting .
Still , in this era of extreme party polarization , that puts his approval rating at 49 % , as Republicans ' already high ratings have risen further while Democrats ' negative opinions of him are n't budging .
Independents ' ratings of Trump have improved , but they are still more likely to disapprove than approve of the job he is doing .
The significance of the trend is clear .
An approval rating near 50 % greatly increases Trump 's chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed unlikely with his approval stuck near 40 % for most of his term . ''

People are practically giddy with the economic improvement under President Trump, and they believe by a 2-1 margin that it will only get better.
The latest Gallup survey also found that the good feelings have helped Trump to sustain his highest approval rating at 49%, which “greatly increases Trump's chances of being re-elected.”
In the survey, 45% are satisfied with the state of the nation. It hasn’t been that high since 2005, shortly after former President George W. Bush’s second inauguration.
“Trump's elevated job approval rating comes at a time when Americans are increasingly positive about the state of the nation. The percentage who are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. had already improved from 36% to 41% in a Jan. 3-16 poll, before the rise in Trump's job approval rating in late January. The latest survey finds a further increase in national satisfaction, with 45% now satisfied, the highest since February 2005,” said the Gallup analysis.
It came with several other notable economic numbers that show American confidence in the Trump economy:
63% of U.S. adults rate current economic conditions as either excellent or good. Just 9% rate them as poor.
By 61% to 33%, people say the economy is getting better rather than worse.
Gallup's Economic Confidence Index, a summary of ratings of current conditions and whether the economy is getting better or worse, is +41. This is essentially the same as last month, but both readings represent a return to the prior high of +44 in October 2000.
It was the latest positive headline from Gallup for Trump, a string that started before the Senate trial on his House impeachment.
It also comes as other polls show that the public believes that Trump will win reelection in the fall.
But as with much in American politics, the partisan split was huge.
Still, in its “bottom line” analysis, Gallup said that key election factors are falling in place for Trump’s reelection:
"Americans are more positive about the state of the nation than they have been in over a decade, and Trump and the GOP appear to be benefiting. Still, in this era of extreme party polarization, that puts his approval rating at 49%, as Republicans' already high ratings have risen further while Democrats' negative opinions of him aren't budging. Independents' ratings of Trump have improved, but they are still more likely to disapprove than approve of the job he is doing.
The significance of the trend is clear. An approval rating near 50% greatly increases Trump's chances of being reelected, a prospect that seemed unlikely with his approval stuck near 40% for most of his term."


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--18% of Attendees at President Trump’s Arizona Rally Were Democrats

Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale has made a habit out of collecting data on the attendees at Trump ’ s rallies , and the numbers from those last night show President Trump continuing to attract a broad coalition of voters heading into the November election that none of his opponents will be able to match .
According to Parscale , the stats from Arizona are as follows : • 29,990 voters were identified ( 87 % of whom were from Arizona ) This is in line with data from other recent rallies in key swing states ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s rally in Ohio , nearly half of attendees were either Democrats or independents .
Twenty-three percent identified as Democrats , while 20.9 % identified as independents .
• At President Trump ’ s rally in Wisconsin , the majority of attendees ( 57.8 % ) were not Republicans .
• At President Trump ’ s rally in Wildwood , New Jersey , 26.3 % of attendees were Democrats , and 10 % didn ’ t vote in 2016 .
• And at President Trump ’ s in New Hampshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 17 % didn ’ t vote in 2016 .
Can you imagine anyone on the stage last night even attracting an audience that ’ s even 5 % Republican ?
While the Democrats continue aliening most voters by trying to out-liberal one another , Trump is only pandering to the sane .

Last night President Donald Trump held a rally in Phoenix, Arizona to compete with the Las Vegas Democrat Debate – though ironically the debate was such a train-wreck he practically ended up the winner of it.
Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale has made a habit out of collecting data on the attendees at Trump’s rallies, and the numbers from those last night show President Trump continuing to attract a broad coalition of voters heading into the November election that none of his opponents will be able to match.
According to Parscale, the stats from Arizona are as follows:
67,516 tickets were sold
29,990 voters were identified (87% of whom were from Arizona)
26% didn’t vote in 2016
18% were Democrats
This is in line with data from other recent rallies in key swing states (and New Jersey):
Can you imagine anyone on the stage last night even attracting an audience that’s even 5% Republican? While the Democrats continue aliening most voters by trying to out-liberal one another, Trump is only pandering to the sane.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--IRS Sues Facebook for $9 Billion Over Offshored Profits

SAN FRANCISCO - Facebook Inc is slated to begin a tax trial in a San Francisco court on Tuesday , as the Internal Revenue Service tries to convince a judge the world ’ s largest social media company owes more than $ 9 billion linked to its decision to shift profits to Ireland .
The trial , which Facebook expects will take three to four weeks , could see top executives including hardware chief Andrew Bosworth and Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer called to testify , according to a document the company filed in January .
The witness list also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterans of Facebook ’ s aggressive growth team , and Chief Revenue Officer David Fischer .
BLOOMBERG DROPPED $ 9M ON FACEBOOK ADS IN ONE WEEK The IRS argues that Facebook understated the value of the intellectual property it sold to an Irish subsidiary in 2010 while building out global operations , a move common among U.S. multinationals .
Ireland has lower corporate tax rates than the United States , so the move reduced the company ’ s tax bill .
Under the arrangement , Facebook ’ s subsidiaries pay royalties to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , users and platform technologies .
From 2010 to 2016 , Facebook Ireland paid Facebook U.S. more than $ 14 billion in royalties and cost-sharing payments , according to the court filing .
The company said the low valuation reflected the risks associated with Facebook ’ s international expansion , which took place in 2010 before its IPO and the development of its most lucrative digital advertising products .
“ Facebook Ireland and Facebook ’ s other foreign affiliates - not Facebook US - led the high-risk , and ultimately successful , international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company said in a pre-trial memorandum .
Facebook is the world ’ s second-biggest seller of online ads after Alphabet Inc ’ s Google .
Monthly users of its core social network climbed 8 % to 2.5 billion in the fourth quarter , while 2.9 billion people used one of its apps - Facebook , WhatsApp , Instagram or Messenger - each month .
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Bertie Thomson , a Facebook spokeswoman , said the company stood by the decisions in 2010 when it “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international business was nascent and its digital advertising products were unproven.
” If the IRS prevails , Facebook would face an additional federal tax liability of up to $ 9 billion , plus interest and any penalties , the company estimated in a recent securities filing .

SAN FRANCISCO - Facebook Inc is slated to begin a tax trial in a San Francisco court on Tuesday, as the Internal Revenue Service tries to convince a judge the world’s largest social media company owes more than $9 billion linked to its decision to shift profits to Ireland.
The trial, which Facebook expects will take three to four weeks, could see top executives including hardware chief Andrew Bosworth and Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer called to testify, according to a document the company filed in January.
The witness list also includes Naomi Gleit and Javier Olivan, veterans of Facebook’s aggressive growth team, and Chief Revenue Officer David Fischer.
BLOOMBERG DROPPED $9M ON FACEBOOK ADS IN ONE WEEK
The IRS argues that Facebook understated the value of the intellectual property it sold to an Irish subsidiary in 2010 while building out global operations, a move common among U.S. multinationals. Ireland has lower corporate tax rates than the United States, so the move reduced the company’s tax bill.
Under the arrangement, Facebook’s subsidiaries pay royalties to the U.S.-based parent for access to its trademark, users and platform technologies. From 2010 to 2016, Facebook Ireland paid Facebook U.S. more than $14 billion in royalties and cost-sharing payments, according to the court filing.
The company said the low valuation reflected the risks associated with Facebook’s international expansion, which took place in 2010 before its IPO and the development of its most lucrative digital advertising products.
FACEBOOK WARNS EU HATE SPEECH RULES WOULD STIFLE INNOVATION, FREE EXPRESSION
“Facebook Ireland and Facebook’s other foreign affiliates - not Facebook US - led the high-risk, and ultimately successful, international effort to sell Facebook ads,” the company said in a pre-trial memorandum.
Facebook is the world’s second-biggest seller of online ads after Alphabet Inc’s Google. Monthly users of its core social network climbed 8% to 2.5 billion in the fourth quarter, while 2.9 billion people used one of its apps - Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram or Messenger - each month.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Bertie Thomson, a Facebook spokeswoman, said the company stood by the decisions in 2010 when it “had no mobile advertising revenue, its international business was nascent and its digital advertising products were unproven.”
If the IRS prevails, Facebook would face an additional federal tax liability of up to $9 billion, plus interest and any penalties, the company estimated in a recent securities filing.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Fed Vice Chair Says It’s Unlikely Fed Will Cut Rates

Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Richard Clarida doused talk of a rate cut , saying in an interview Thursday with CNBC @ @ @ @ @ most market participants really expect one or that it is noted .
`` Market pricing @ @ @ @ @ little tricky , because there 's market expectations for rates , there also can be @ @ @ @ @ '' the central bank official told CNBC 's Steve Liesman during a `` Squawk Box @ @ @ @ @ are pointing to a rate reduction as soon as June or July and no later @ @ @ @ @ various indicators .
However , Clarida said economists surveyed by Bloomberg largely do not see @ @ @ @ @ , a view that he gives strong weight .
`` I do n't think when @ @ @ @ @ pricing in that rate cut , even though market pricing might suggest that , '' @ @ @

Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Richard Clarida doused talk of a rate cut, saying in an interview Thursday with CNBC that he doesn't think most market participants really expect one or that it is noted.
"Market pricing for rate cuts is a little tricky, because there's market expectations for rates, there also can be term and liquidity premiums," the central bank official told CNBC's Steve Liesman during a "Squawk Box" interview.
Futures contracts are pointing to a rate reduction as soon as June or July and no later than September, according to various indicators.
However, Clarida said economists surveyed by Bloomberg largely do not see the Fed easing this year, a view that he gives strong weight.
"I don't think when you ask folks they're pricing in that rate cut, even though market pricing might suggest that," he said.
Stock market futures took a turn lower as Clarida spoke.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Alleged Comedian Chelsea Handler Roasted for Claiming President Trump Has Only Pardoned White People

Comedian Chelsea Handler was hammered after she falsely suggested that President Donald Trump only exonerates or pardons white people .
Handler got dragged on social media by commenters who pointed out that among the people President Trump chose this week for clemency are Angela Stanton-King , Tynice Nichole Hall , and Crystal Munoz — who are black and Native American .
Two years ago , President Trump also granted clemency to Alice Johnson , who is black .
President Trump enacted clemency actions on Tuesday for 11 individuals who served time for a range of crimes including drug-related offenses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent Netflix project is a documentary about “ white privilege , ” appeared to attempted to paint President Trump as a racist by incorrectly implying in a tweet that he only exonerates white people .
Angela Stanton-King , who served time for her role in a stolen vehicle ring , pointed out to Handler that she is black .
Other Twitter commenters hammered Handler for her inaccurate comment , noting that President Trump ’ s clemency list was diverse in a way that reflects the racial make-up of the U.S. Of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or commutation , at least three , or 27 percent , count as racial minorities .
The racial minority population in the U.S. is estimated at around 23 percent , according to 2010 census figures .
Since the passage of the First Step Act under President Trump , 96 percent of people who have been resentenced under the act ’ s retroactivity provision have been racial minorities , according to data provided by The Sentencing Project .
Handler ’ s Netflix documentary on white privilege — Hello , Privilege .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to largely negative reviews , with critics saying it amounts to a “ misguided reckoning ” and noting that she is actively “ exploiting her wokeness ” and “ profiting off a film about her white privilege.
” Follow David Ng on Twitter @ HeyItsDavidNg .
Have a tip ?
Contact me at dng @ breitbart.com

Comedian Chelsea Handler was hammered after she falsely suggested that President Donald Trump only exonerates or pardons white people.
Handler got dragged on social media by commenters who pointed out that among the people President Trump chose this week for clemency are Angela Stanton-King, Tynice Nichole Hall, and Crystal Munoz — who are black and Native American. Two years ago, President Trump also granted clemency to Alice Johnson, who is black.
President Trump enacted clemency actions on Tuesday for 11 individuals who served time for a range of crimes including drug-related offenses and white-collar fraud.
Chelsea Handler, whose most recent Netflix project is a documentary about “white privilege,” appeared to attempted to paint President Trump as a racist by incorrectly implying in a tweet that he only exonerates white people.
Angela Stanton-King, who served time for her role in a stolen vehicle ring, pointed out to Handler that she is black.
Other Twitter commenters hammered Handler for her inaccurate comment, noting that President Trump’s clemency list was diverse in a way that reflects the racial make-up of the U.S.
Of the 11 individuals who received a presidential pardon or commutation, at least three, or 27 percent, count as racial minorities. The racial minority population in the U.S. is estimated at around 23 percent, according to 2010 census figures.
Chelsea, This is @theangiestanton, Tynice Hall & Crystal Munoz. All were granted commuted sentences or a full pardon. He did 11 commutations or pardons today. Out of 11, 7 looked white (63%). Whites (including white hispanics) account for 77% of the population. You’re ignorant. pic.twitter.com/HRPlpma0cV — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 19, 2020
Since the passage of the First Step Act under President Trump, 96 percent of people who have been resentenced under the act’s retroactivity provision have been racial minorities, according to data provided by The Sentencing Project.
According to The Sentencing project: pic.twitter.com/YK3cVWtfTF — Katrina Pierson (@KatrinaPierson) February 19, 2020
Handler’s Netflix documentary on white privilege — Hello, Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea — debuted last year to largely negative reviews, with critics saying it amounts to a “misguided reckoning” and noting that she is actively “exploiting her wokeness” and “profiting off a film about her white privilege.”
Follow David Ng on Twitter @HeyItsDavidNg. Have a tip? Contact me at dng@breitbart.com


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Washington Post: Hey, Wouldn’t It Be Great if Elites Had More Say in Choosing the President?

The Washington Post is taking criticism for an op-ed published Tuesday by Marquette University political science professor Julia Azari , titled : “ It ’ s time to give the elites a bigger say in choosing the president.
” Citing the “ rocky start ” to the Democratic Party ’ s presidential primary , Azari suggests that the process of choosing the nominee be taken from the people and returned to the politicians : The current process is clearly flawed , but what would be better ?
… A better primary system would empower elites to bargain and make decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the 2020 and 2016 election cycles is that a lot of candidates , many of whom are highly qualified and attract substantial followings , will inevitably enter the race .
The system as it works now — with a long informal primary , lots of attention to early contests and sequential primary season that unfolds over several months — is great at testing candidates to see whether they have the skills to run for president .
What it ’ s not great at is choosing among the many candidates who clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factions together , or reconciling competing priorities .
A process in which intermediate representatives — elected delegates who understand the priorities of their constituents — can bargain without being bound to specific candidates might actually produce nominees that better reflect what voters want .
Azari suggests that the parties should use what she calls “ preference primaries , ” which would “ allow voters to rank their choices among candidates , as well as to register opinions about their issue priorities.
” After a perfunctory voting process , elites would be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the voters want .
She acknowledges that the idea is “ labor-intensive and a little risky.
” The Post is owned by Jeff Bezos , the founder of Amazon , who is the world ’ s richest man .
The paper ’ s slogan , adopted as an intended rebuke to President Donald Trump , is “ Democracy dies in darkness.
” That phrase was trending on Twitter on Wednesday morning as readers reacted ironically to the op-ed .
Azari ’ s article appears to anticipate the possibility of a “ brokered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently , no candidate is projected to win a majority of delegates before they gather in Milwaukee , Wisconsin — near Professor Azari ’ s university — at the Democratic National Convention .
If no candidate wins on the first ballot , there will be a second — at which point committed delegates will be free to choose other candidates , and the party elites , known as “ superdelegates , ” will be able to vote .
Also on Tuesday , billionaire oligarch Mike Bloomberg , who once changed the rules to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York City , qualified for the Democrat debate in Nevada on Wednesday evening .
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News .
He earned an A.B .
in Social Studies and Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard College , and a J.D .
from Harvard Law School .
He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship .
He is also the co-author of How Trump Won : The Inside Story of a Revolution , which is available from Regnery .
Follow him on Twitter @ @ @ @

The Washington Post is taking criticism for an op-ed published Tuesday by Marquette University political science professor Julia Azari, titled: “It’s time to give the elites a bigger say in choosing the president.”
Citing the “rocky start” to the Democratic Party’s presidential primary, Azari suggests that the process of choosing the nominee be taken from the people and returned to the politicians:
The current process is clearly flawed, but what would be better? … A better primary system would empower elites to bargain and make decisions, instructed by voters. One lesson from the 2020 and 2016 election cycles is that a lot of candidates, many of whom are highly qualified and attract substantial followings, will inevitably enter the race. The system as it works now — with a long informal primary, lots of attention to early contests and sequential primary season that unfolds over several months — is great at testing candidates to see whether they have the skills to run for president. What it’s not great at is choosing among the many candidates who clear that bar, or bringing their different ideological factions together, or reconciling competing priorities. A process in which intermediate representatives — elected delegates who understand the priorities of their constituents — can bargain without being bound to specific candidates might actually produce nominees that better reflect what voters want.
Azari suggests that the parties should use what she calls “preference primaries,” which would “allow voters to rank their choices among candidates, as well as to register opinions about their issue priorities.”
After a perfunctory voting process, elites would be able to choose a nominee based on information about what the voters want.
She acknowledges that the idea is “labor-intensive and a little risky.”
The Post is owned by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, who is the world’s richest man. The paper’s slogan, adopted as an intended rebuke to President Donald Trump, is “Democracy dies in darkness.”
That phrase was trending on Twitter on Wednesday morning as readers reacted ironically to the op-ed.
The headline right below “democracy dies in darkness” is some A+ work — Greg (@gwiss) February 19, 2020
>"Democracy dies in darkness" >"Do people actually want more Democracy in their lives" pic.twitter.com/p7fPf5dFVX — ｓａｌ🌹🏴🏴☠ (@ProjektVayo) February 19, 2020
Azari’s article appears to anticipate the possibility of a “brokered convention” among Democrats this summer. Currently, no candidate is projected to win a majority of delegates before they gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — near Professor Azari’s university — at the Democratic National Convention.
Average projected delegates through Super Tuesday: Sanders 608 (41% of delegates thru March 3)
Bloomberg 273 (18%)
Biden 270 (18%)
Buttigieg 157 (10%)
Warren 127 (8%)
Klobuchar 55 (4%)https://t.co/JDz2dZ8bqR — Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) February 18, 2020
If no candidate wins on the first ballot, there will be a second — at which point committed delegates will be free to choose other candidates, and the party elites, known as “superdelegates,” will be able to vote.
Also on Tuesday, billionaire oligarch Mike Bloomberg, who once changed the rules to run for a third term as mayor of New York City, qualified for the Democrat debate in Nevada on Wednesday evening.
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News. He earned an A.B. in Social Studies and Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard College, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. He is also the co-author of How Trump Won: The Inside Story of a Revolution, which is available from Regnery. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Michael Bloomberg Repeatedly Praised Donald Trump Before 2012 Election

Before Mike Bloomberg began coveting the White House , the former New York City mayor openly identified as a “ big fan ” and “ friend ” of President Donald Trump .
In the lead-up to the 2012 presidential election , as Trump was seriously hinting at a run , Bloomberg frequently went out of his way to not only the praise the billionaire real estate mogul , but he also refused to offer criticism .
The mayor ’ s strategy was exhibited during a televised appearance on Good Morning America in February 2011 .
Although Bloomberg was supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition , the discussion quickly turned political .
The segue was made when the show ’ s then-host , George Stephanopoulos , inquired if Bloomberg thought Trump was going to mount a run for president in 2012 .
At the time , Trump was a favorite of the Tea Party movement because of his strong denunciations of then-President Barack Obama ’ s policies .
“ America ’ s a wonderful country , ” Bloomberg said about Trump ’ s potential candidacy .
“ Everybody who ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the opportunity.
” The mayor quickly added that although he knew Trump , he was not privy to any inside information .
“ He ’ s a great guy .
He doesn ’ t do everything he says , but he sure tries , ” Bloomberg added .
“ And I ’ m a big fan of Donald Trump.
” Only a few short months later , Bloomberg echoed the sentiment .
During an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday in April 2011 , the mayor was asked openly if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the oval office amid discussion of the upcoming election .
“ I ’ m a friend of Donald Trump , he ’ s a New York icon , ” Bloomberg said .
“ Anybody can run for president if you ’ re 35 , an American citizen , and if you were born here.
” When pressed by Wallace whether Trump ’ s claims that then-President Barack Obama was not an American citizen were disqualifying , Bloomberg demurred from attacking his fellow New Yorker .
“ The president was born here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birther issue is more than one person , there ’ s a lot of roots that have glommed on to this.
” Bloomberg continued the praise well after Trump opted to pass on challenging Obama .
“ If there is anybody who has changed this city , it is Donald Trump , ” the mayor said when speaking at the opening of Trump ’ s golf course in the Bronx in October 2013 .
In fact , Bloomberg seems to have kept an open mind about Trump , even after the latter ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In June 2017 , while most Democrats were still registering their opposition to the results of the 2016 presidential election , Bloomberg was urging the country to move on and unite behind Trump .
“ He ’ s our president , and we need this country to be run well .
I didn ’ t vote for him , ” Bloomberg said during an appearance on ABC ’ s The View .
“ Let ’ s just all hope that Donald Trump is a good president of the United States.
” “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , write letters , make phone calls , ” he added .
“ But in the end , the public has spoken , whether you like the results or not.
” The once chummy relationship between Bloomberg and Trump , built and fortified through decades of coexistence in New York City ’ s social elite , seems to have broken down in the past three years .
Even though no indication has been given , Trump ’ s decision to abandon the Paris Climate Accord and his advocacy for the Second Amendment—two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have played a role .
Despite the relationship no longer being active , the fact that it ever existed has become fodder for Bloomberg ’ s rivals for the Democrat nomination .
Earlier this week , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) shared a photo of Trump and Bloomberg golfing when responding to accusations that his supporters were too volatile from the former mayor .

Before Mike Bloomberg began coveting the White House, the former New York City mayor openly identified as a “big fan” and “friend” of President Donald Trump.
In the lead-up to the 2012 presidential election, as Trump was seriously hinting at a run, Bloomberg frequently went out of his way to not only the praise the billionaire real estate mogul, but he also refused to offer criticism. The mayor’s strategy was exhibited during a televised appearance on Good Morning America in February 2011.
Although Bloomberg was supposed to be on the show to promote his work with the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition, the discussion quickly turned political. The segue was made when the show’s then-host, George Stephanopoulos, inquired if Bloomberg thought Trump was going to mount a run for president in 2012. At the time, Trump was a favorite of the Tea Party movement because of his strong denunciations of then-President Barack Obama’s policies.
“America’s a wonderful country,” Bloomberg said about Trump’s potential candidacy. “Everybody who’s born here and is over 35 has the opportunity.”
The mayor quickly added that although he knew Trump, he was not privy to any inside information.
“He’s a great guy. He doesn’t do everything he says, but he sure tries,” Bloomberg added. “And I’m a big fan of Donald Trump.”
mike bloomberg: "i know donald trump. he's a great guy…i'm a big fan of donald trump." pic.twitter.com/2cGOv4tuT6 — Matt Binder (@MattBinder) February 19, 2020
Only a few short months later, Bloomberg echoed the sentiment. During an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday in April 2011, the mayor was asked openly if he viewed Trump as a serious contender for the oval office amid discussion of the upcoming election.
“I’m a friend of Donald Trump, he’s a New York icon,” Bloomberg said. “Anybody can run for president if you’re 35, an American citizen, and if you were born here.”
When pressed by Wallace whether Trump’s claims that then-President Barack Obama was not an American citizen were disqualifying, Bloomberg demurred from attacking his fellow New Yorker.
“The president was born here,” the mayor said. “This birther issue is more than one person, there’s a lot of roots that have glommed on to this.”
mike bloomberg on fox news in 2011: "i'm a friend of donald trump. he's a new york icon." he's then asked about trump's racist birther attacks on obama. bloomberg downplays trump's involvement: "this birther issue is more than one person, lots of groups have glommed on to this" pic.twitter.com/iqW2rm19BK — Matt Binder (@MattBinder) February 14, 2020
Bloomberg continued the praise well after Trump opted to pass on challenging Obama. “If there is anybody who has changed this city, it is Donald Trump,” the mayor said when speaking at the opening of Trump’s golf course in the Bronx in October 2013.
In fact, Bloomberg seems to have kept an open mind about Trump, even after the latter’s eventual election to the presidency. In June 2017, while most Democrats were still registering their opposition to the results of the 2016 presidential election, Bloomberg was urging the country to move on and unite behind Trump.
“He’s our president, and we need this country to be run well. I didn’t vote for him,” Bloomberg said during an appearance on ABC’s The View. “Let’s just all hope that Donald Trump is a good president of the United States.”
“You can protest. You can elect other officials, write letters, make phone calls,” he added. “But in the end, the public has spoken, whether you like the results or not.”
The once chummy relationship between Bloomberg and Trump, built and fortified through decades of coexistence in New York City’s social elite, seems to have broken down in the past three years. Even though no indication has been given, Trump’s decision to abandon the Paris Climate Accord and his advocacy for the Second Amendment—two issues of vital importance to Bloomberg—are speculated to have played a role.
Despite the relationship no longer being active, the fact that it ever existed has become fodder for Bloomberg’s rivals for the Democrat nomination. Earlier this week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) shared a photo of Trump and Bloomberg golfing when responding to accusations that his supporters were too volatile from the former mayor.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--NYT Publishes Op-Ed From Taliban Leader Claiming They Want Peace

The deputy leader of the Taliban and one of the world 's most wanted militants has written an opinion piece for the New York Times in which he says the Afghan insurgents are `` fully committed '' to a deal with Washington .
The article , headlined `` What the Taliban Want '' , represents the highest-level statement from the group on months of negotiations with the United States , and comes as they are believed to be days away from signing an agreement that would see America begin to withdraw troops from its longest war .
It is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haqqani -- who doubles as head of the Haqqani network , a US-designated terror group that is one of the most dangerous factions fighting Afghan and US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan -- has given such a lengthy statement in English .
Previously he has communicated mainly through rare audio messages , usually in Pashto .
The most recent one on a Taliban website was dated June 2017 .
In the article , Haqqani repeats many Taliban talking points from the negotiations , including how women would have rights `` granted by Islam '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observers have pointed out , the group 's repressive interpretation of the faith .
The leader of a group known for masterminding some of the most deadly attacks during the war and the frequent use of suicide bombers also says he is `` convinced the killing and the maiming must stop '' .
The Taliban have been conducting direct talks with the US since 2018 on a deal which would see Washington begin pulling troops out in return for security guarantees from the militants and a promise to begin peace talks with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come as soon as February 29 , though no date has yet been made public .
`` We are about to sign an agreement with the United States and we are fully committed to carrying out its every single provision , in letter and spirit , '' Haqqani writes .
But he also admitted that the group is `` aware of the concerns and questions '' over any potential Taliban return to power .
Many Afghans have voiced anger at being sidelined from the talks , and resistance to returning to life under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many others simply want security and for the violence to end .
`` My response to such concerns is that it will depend on a consensus among Afghans , '' Haqqani writes , adding that the Taliban was ready to agree on `` a new , inclusive political system in which the voice of every Afghan is reflected and where no Afghan feels excluded '' .
He also states that concerns about Afghanistan being used by foreign militant groups to `` threaten regional and world security '' are `` inflated '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon by Al Qaeda , who were guests of the Taliban at the time .
One of the promises believed to be included in the deal is for the Taliban to ban any foreign militant groups on Afghan soil .
The Haqqanis are long suspected of having links with Pakistan 's Inter-Services Intelligence ( ISI ) , while Siraj 's father Jalaluddin was alleged to have had nurtured close ties to al Qaeda supremo Osama bin Laden .

Kabul (AFP) –
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The deputy leader of the Taliban and one of the world's most wanted militants has written an opinion piece for the New York Times in which he says the Afghan insurgents are "fully committed" to a deal with Washington.
The article, headlined "What the Taliban Want", represents the highest-level statement from the group on months of negotiations with the United States, and comes as they are believed to be days away from signing an agreement that would see America begin to withdraw troops from its longest war.
It is also believed to the first time that Sirajuddin Haqqani -- who doubles as head of the Haqqani network, a US-designated terror group that is one of the most dangerous factions fighting Afghan and US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan -- has given such a lengthy statement in English.
Previously he has communicated mainly through rare audio messages, usually in Pashto. The most recent one on a Taliban website was dated June 2017.
In the article, Haqqani repeats many Taliban talking points from the negotiations, including how women would have rights "granted by Islam" -- the problem being, as many observers have pointed out, the group's repressive interpretation of the faith.
The leader of a group known for masterminding some of the most deadly attacks during the war and the frequent use of suicide bombers also says he is "convinced the killing and the maiming must stop".
The Taliban have been conducting direct talks with the US since 2018 on a deal which would see Washington begin pulling troops out in return for security guarantees from the militants and a promise to begin peace talks with the government in Kabul.
The agreement could come as soon as February 29, though no date has yet been made public.
"We are about to sign an agreement with the United States and we are fully committed to carrying out its every single provision, in letter and spirit," Haqqani writes.
But he also admitted that the group is "aware of the concerns and questions" over any potential Taliban return to power.
Many Afghans have voiced anger at being sidelined from the talks, and resistance to returning to life under the militants' repressive regime -- though many others simply want security and for the violence to end.
"My response to such concerns is that it will depend on a consensus among Afghans," Haqqani writes, adding that the Taliban was ready to agree on "a new, inclusive political system in which the voice of every Afghan is reflected and where no Afghan feels excluded".
He also states that concerns about Afghanistan being used by foreign militant groups to "threaten regional and world security" are "inflated".
The US invaded Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon by Al Qaeda, who were guests of the Taliban at the time.
One of the promises believed to be included in the deal is for the Taliban to ban any foreign militant groups on Afghan soil.
The Haqqanis are long suspected of having links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), while Siraj's father Jalaluddin was alleged to have had nurtured close ties to al Qaeda supremo Osama bin Laden.
© 2020 AFP


bonginoreport--2020-02-21--Internet Raises Money to Send Bullied Child in Heartbreaking Viral Video to Disney World

Comedian Brad Williams and his nearly 100,000 Twitter followers are making a boy 's dream come true after a mom 's Facebook video describing the bullying her son faces went viral .
The 9-year-old boy , who has dwarfism like Williams , has earned more than $ 60,000 in donations for a trip to Disney World in less than 24 hours .
The goal was for just $ 10,000 .
Quaden , a 9-year-old from Australia , has been getting bullied at school from his classmates , his mom said .
Yarraka Bayles posted a video on Facebook saying when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , he was in hysterics .
`` I ’ ve just picked my son up from school , witnessed a bullying episode , rang the principal , and I want people to know – parents , educators , teachers – this is the effect that bullying has , ” Bayles said .
Bayles mentioned several times that the bullying was giving her son suicidal thoughts .
“ I ’ ve got a son that is suicidal almost every single day .
Every time there is a triggering – anything that happens at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , which is almost every time we ’ re in public , ” she said .
`` Let ’ s show Quaden and others , that there is good in the world and they are worthy of it , '' he said .
`` I have been in touch directly with Quaden ’ s mother . ''
Williams indicated that any excess money raised will be donated to anti-bullying and anti-abuse charities .

Comedian Brad Williams and his nearly 100,000 Twitter followers are making a boy's dream come true after a mom's Facebook video describing the bullying her son faces went viral.
The 9-year-old boy, who has dwarfism like Williams, has earned more than $350,000 in donations for a trip to Disney World in less than 48 hours. The goal was for just $10,000.
The fundraiser exploded late Thursday and early Friday as it increased from $50,000 Thursday afternoon to $350,000 24 hours later.
Quaden, a 9-year-old from Australia, has been getting bullied at school from his classmates, his mom said. Yarraka Bayles posted a video on Facebook saying when her son came home from school on Tuesday, he was in hysterics.
"I’ve just picked my son up from school, witnessed a bullying episode, rang the principal, and I want people to know – parents, educators, teachers – this is the effect that bullying has,” Bayles said.
Bayles mentioned several times that the bullying was giving her son suicidal thoughts.
“I’ve got a son that is suicidal almost every single day. Every time there is a triggering – anything that happens at school or while we’re in public, which is almost every time we’re in public,” she said.
Bayles' video has garnered 12 million views by Thursday.
On Wednesday, Williams launched the fundraiser.
"Let’s show Quaden and others, that there is good in the world and they are worthy of it," he said. "I have been in touch directly with Quaden’s mother."
Williams indicated that any excess money raised will be donated to anti-bullying and anti-abuse charities.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Elizabeth Warren Comes Out Against Bill That Limits Girl’s Sports to Biological Women

Democratic 2020 candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren came out Thursday against a proposed bill in Arizona that would limit girls ’ sports to biological females .
Republican state Rep. Nancy Barto ’ s proposed bill would bar biologically male athletes who identify as transgender girls from competing in girls ’ sports .
The bill comes as biological males who identify as transgender have racked up victories in girls ’ and women ’ s sports .
“ Trans athletes are not a threat , ” Warren wrote on Twitter Thursday .
“ We need to protect trans kids — and all LGBTQ+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and welcomed at school.
” “ I urge the Arizona legislature to reject this cruel bill , ” the Massachusetts senator added .
Every Democratic presidential frontrunner supports the Equality Act , which would force public schools to expand female athletic teams to include biological males who identify as transgender girls .
The House passed the bill in May 2019 with unanimous Democratic support .
Transgender athletes have piled up achievements in women ’ s sports .
A biologically male marathon runner is set to compete in the USA Olympic trials as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : We Spoke With This Former Olympian About Transgender Athletes .
Here ’ s What She Said ) June Eastwood , a biologically male runner at the University of Montana who identifies as transgender , was named the Big Sky Conference ’ s female athlete of the week that same month .
Eastwood previously competed on the university ’ s men ’ s cross country team .
Franklin Pierce University runner CeCe Telfer won an NCAA DII women ’ s track championship in May 2019 .
Like Eastwood , Telfer previously competed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genders .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Democratic 2020 candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren came out Thursday against a proposed bill in Arizona that would limit girls’ sports to biological females.
Republican state Rep. Nancy Barto’s proposed bill would bar biologically male athletes who identify as transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports. The bill comes as biological males who identify as transgender have racked up victories in girls’ and women’s sports.
“Trans athletes are not a threat,” Warren wrote on Twitter Thursday. “We need to protect trans kids — and all LGBTQ+ kids — and ensure they feel safe and welcomed at school.”
“I urge the Arizona legislature to reject this cruel bill,” the Massachusetts senator added.
Trans athletes are not a threat. We need to protect trans kids—and all LGBTQ+ kids—and ensure they feel safe and welcomed at school. I urge the Arizona legislature to reject this cruel bill. https://t.co/9ALVjeIBiv — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 20, 2020
Every Democratic presidential frontrunner supports the Equality Act, which would force public schools to expand female athletic teams to include biological males who identify as transgender girls.
The House passed the bill in May 2019 with unanimous Democratic support.
Transgender athletes have piled up achievements in women’s sports. A biologically male marathon runner is set to compete in the USA Olympic trials as a woman later in February. (RELATED: We Spoke With This Former Olympian About Transgender Athletes. Here’s What She Said)
Biologically male cyclist Rachel McKinnon won a women’s cycling world championship and set a women’s world record in October 2019.
June Eastwood, a biologically male runner at the University of Montana who identifies as transgender, was named the Big Sky Conference’s female athlete of the week that same month. Eastwood previously competed on the university’s men’s cross country team.
Franklin Pierce University runner CeCe Telfer won an NCAA DII women’s track championship in May 2019. Like Eastwood, Telfer previously competed on the men’s team before switching genders.
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--2020-02-20--Steve Scalise Subtly Schools Keith Ellison in “Tweet of the Year”

Bernie Sanders ’ s weakest moment last night is hard to single out , but one leading example would have @ @ @ @ @ that some of the bad behavior of Bernie Bros are Russian false flag operations .
@ @ @ @ @ the defense of Bernie Bros .
Which set up Rep. Steve Scalise for what we @ @ @ @ @ it is only February , to be Tweet of the Year hands down : Yes @ @ @ @ @ forgot about Bernie Bro James Hodgkinson , who , as Glenn Reynolds like to remind @ @ @ @ @ from history .
I wonder if Ellison will have the good sense to delete this @ @

Bernie Sanders’s weakest moment last night is hard to single out, but one leading example would have to be his lame answer that some of the bad behavior of Bernie Bros are Russian false flag operations. Whereupon Keith Ellison came to the defense of Bernie Bros. Which set up Rep. Steve Scalise for what we can declare, even though it is only February, to be Tweet of the Year hands down:
Yes, it seems Ellison completely forgot about Bernie Bro James Hodgkinson, who, as Glenn Reynolds like to remind us, has been airbrushed from history.
I wonder if Ellison will have the good sense to delete this Tweet.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--The Trump Economy is Boosting His Edge in the Rust Belt

President Trump leads Democrats in Wisconsin , while trailing slightly in Pennsylvania , and is in a virtual tie in Michigan in head-to-head matchups with Democrats in the key swing states of the 2016 election , a new poll showed Thursday .
The three critical Rust Belt states delivered Trump narrow wins that year , but the races are now closer nine months ahead of Election Day , according to the Quinnipiac survey , the university ’ s first swing-state poll in the 2020 election cycle .
“ Three different states , three different scenarios , one constant — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue for voters , and it ’ s giving President Trump a strong tailwind , ” said Quinnipiac polling analyst Mary Snow .
“ Wisconsin voters give him a job approval rating above 50 percent , higher than what he receives nationally and in Pennsylvania and Michigan .
These Wisconsin numbers are a red warning sign for Democrats that rebuilding the ‘ blue wall ’ in 2020 may not be so easy .
But it ’ s a long way to November.
” In Wisconsin , Trump leads the Democratic candidates by between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election matchups , beating Sen. Amy Klobuchar 50 percent to 39 percent and Sen. Elizabeth Warren 51 percent to 41 percent , the poll showed .
The president was ahead of former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg by 49 percent to 41 percent ; led Michael Bloomberg by 49 percent to 41 percent ; defeated Sen. Bernie Sanders 50 percent 43 percent ; and was ahead of former veep Joe Biden by 49 percent to 42 percent , according to the Q poll .
In Pennsylvania , the poll showed the opposite , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg by six to eight points in head-to-head matchups , while Sanders , Buttigieg and Warren were in tight races with the president .
Biden was ahead of Trump 50 percent to 42 percent ; Klobuchar led him by 49 percent to 42 percent ; and Bloomberg was ahead 48 percent to 42 percent .
Sanders got 48 percent while Trump got 44 percent , Buttigieg won 47 percent to Trump ’ s 43 percent , while Warren got 47 percent to Trump ’ s 44 percent , the survey said .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were narrowly ahead while others were roughly tied with the president .
Sanders topped Trump 48 percent to 43 percent ; Bloomberg led Trump by 47 percent to 42 percent ; and Biden got 47 percent to Trump ’ s 43 percent .
Warren won 45 percent to Trump ’ s 43 percent ; Buttigieg got 45 percent to Trump ’ s 44 percent ; and Klobuchar had 45 percent to Trump ’ s 44 percent .
The poll was conducted from Feb. 12 to 18 , before Wednesday ’ s Democratic debate @

President Trump leads Democrats in Wisconsin, while trailing slightly in Pennsylvania, and is in a virtual tie in Michigan in head-to-head matchups with Democrats in the key swing states of the 2016 election, a new poll showed Thursday.
The three critical Rust Belt states delivered Trump narrow wins that year, but the races are now closer nine months ahead of Election Day, according to the Quinnipiac survey, the university’s first swing-state poll in the 2020 election cycle.
“Three different states, three different scenarios, one constant — the economy. It’s a top issue for voters, and it’s giving President Trump a strong tailwind,” said Quinnipiac polling analyst Mary Snow.
“Wisconsin voters give him a job approval rating above 50 percent, higher than what he receives nationally and in Pennsylvania and Michigan. These Wisconsin numbers are a red warning sign for Democrats that rebuilding the ‘blue wall’ in 2020 may not be so easy. But it’s a long way to November.”
In Wisconsin, Trump leads the Democratic candidates by between seven and 11 percentage points in head-to-head election matchups, beating Sen. Amy Klobuchar 50 percent to 39 percent and Sen. Elizabeth Warren 51 percent to 41 percent, the poll showed.
The president was ahead of former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg by 49 percent to 41 percent; led Michael Bloomberg by 49 percent to 41 percent; defeated Sen. Bernie Sanders 50 percent 43 percent; and was ahead of former veep Joe Biden by 49 percent to 42 percent, according to the Q poll.
In Pennsylvania, the poll showed the opposite, with Trump trailing Biden, Klobuchar and Bloomberg by six to eight points in head-to-head matchups, while Sanders, Buttigieg and Warren were in tight races with the president.
Biden was ahead of Trump 50 percent to 42 percent; Klobuchar led him by 49 percent to 42 percent; and Bloomberg was ahead 48 percent to 42 percent.
Sanders got 48 percent while Trump got 44 percent, Buttigieg won 47 percent to Trump’s 43 percent, while Warren got 47 percent to Trump’s 44 percent, the survey said.
Among registered voters in Michigan, some Democrats were narrowly ahead while others were roughly tied with the president .
Sanders topped Trump 48 percent to 43 percent; Bloomberg led Trump by 47 percent to 42 percent; and Biden got 47 percent to Trump’s 43 percent.
Warren won 45 percent to Trump’s 43 percent; Buttigieg got 45 percent to Trump’s 44 percent; and Klobuchar had 45 percent to Trump’s 44 percent.
The poll was conducted from Feb. 12 to 18, before Wednesday’s Democratic debate.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--GOP Raised $60 Million in January – Almost Doubling Democrats

The Republican National Committee , teamed with the Trump-Pence reelection committees , hauled in $ 60.5 million in January that officials said would “ kick-start ” the 2020 election .
The RNC nearly doubled the Democratic Party ’ s take of $ 15 million .
The team headed by party chief Ronna McDaniel received $ 27.2 million .
That was a record for January .
The Trump campaign and its groups doubled that for a total of $ 60.5 million .
McDaniel told Secrets , “ Record breaking support for this president and his policies continues to grow as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Across the country , Americans are choosing President Trump ’ s record of results over Democrats ’ divided field of contenders with no vision for the country , and they are ready for four more years of the great American comeback he has started.
” Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale told us , “ President Trump ’ s campaign and the RNC continue to be fundraising juggernauts .
Thanks to President Trump ’ s record of success more Americans are showing their support than ever before .
Every dollar brought in fuels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and volunteers , and win again in November.
” The details on the January fundraising : • Trump campaign and its committees added $ 33.3 million .
• Receipts for the 2019-2020 cycle across all entities are $ 525.5 million .
• Total cash on hand across all entities is $ 200.4 million .
Officials said that times have never been better for RNC fundraising .
Not only was it the best January ever , but “ this is the most cash on hand we have had since 2012 , '' said one @ @

The Republican National Committee, teamed with the Trump-Pence reelection committees, hauled in $60.5 million in January that officials said would “kick-start” the 2020 election.
The RNC nearly doubled the Democratic Party’s take of $15 million. The team headed by party chief Ronna McDaniel received $27.2 million. That was a record for January.
The Trump campaign and its groups doubled that for a total of $60.5 million.
McDaniel told Secrets, “Record breaking support for this president and his policies continues to grow as we head full-force into this presidential election year. Across the country, Americans are choosing President Trump’s record of results over Democrats’ divided field of contenders with no vision for the country, and they are ready for four more years of the great American comeback he has started.”
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale told us, “President Trump’s campaign and the RNC continue to be fundraising juggernauts. Thanks to President Trump’s record of success more Americans are showing their support than ever before. Every dollar brought in fuels our revolutionary ground operation to reach voters and volunteers, and win again in November.”
The details on the January fundraising:
RNC took in $27.2 million.
Trump campaign and its committees added $33.3 million.
Receipts for the 2019-2020 cycle across all entities are $525.5 million.
Total cash on hand across all entities is $200.4 million.
Officials said that times have never been better for RNC fundraising. Not only was it the best January ever, but “this is the most cash on hand we have had since 2012," said one official.


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Adam Schiff Attempts to Caution Trump Against Pardoning Roger Stone

Democratic California Rep. Adam Schiff called Trump associate Roger Stone ’ s sentence “ justified ” in a tweet Thursday @ @ @ @ @ Trump that pardoning Stone would be “ corruption.
” “ Roger Stone was found guilty @ @ @ @ @ threatening a witness .
He did it to cover up for Trump , ” Schiff @ @ @ @ @ is justified .
It should go without saying , but to pardon Stone when his @ @ @ @ @ Trump would be a breathtaking act of corruption.
” Stone was sentenced to 40 months @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. court Thursday on charges related to obstruction and witness tampering .
He was @ @ @ @ @ .
The longtime Trump confidant ’ s charges stemmed from special counsel Robert Mueller ’ @ @ @ @ @ to the president tweeting angrily about Mueller .
( RELATED : Roger Stone Requests A @ @ @ @ @ About Anti-Trump Juror )

Democratic California Rep. Adam Schiff called Trump associate Roger Stone’s sentence “justified” in a tweet Thursday, also warning President Donald Trump that pardoning Stone would be “corruption.”
“Roger Stone was found guilty of lying to Congress and threatening a witness. He did it to cover up for Trump,” Schiff said. “His sentence is justified. It should go without saying, but to pardon Stone when his crimes were committed to protect Trump would be a breathtaking act of corruption.”
Roger Stone was found guilty of lying to Congress and threatening a witness. He did it to cover up for Trump. His sentence is justified. It should go without saying, but to pardon Stone when his crimes were committed to protect Trump would be a breathtaking act of corruption. — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 20, 2020
Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison in a Washington, D.C. court Thursday on charges related to obstruction and witness tampering. He was originally found guilty in November.
The longtime Trump confidant’s charges stemmed from special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, leading to the president tweeting angrily about Mueller. (RELATED: Roger Stone Requests A New Trial, Citing Revelations About Anti-Trump Juror)


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Somali Community Leader Bolsters Claim Ilhan Omar Allegedly Committed Marriage Fraud

'Squad ' congresswoman Ilhan Omar told friends years ago that the man who went on to become her second husband was in fact her brother , DailyMail.com can confirm .
And now for the first time one of those friends has come forward to reveal exactly how Omar and Ahmed Elmi scandalized the Somali community in Minneapolis .
Abdihakim Osman is the first person to go on record to speak of how Omar said she wanted to get her brother papers so he could stay in the United States , at a time when she was married to her first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realized that meant marrying him .
'No one knew there had been a wedding until the media turned up the marriage certificate years later , ' Osman , 40 , exclusively told DailyMail.com .
Osman 's revelations are sure to renew calls for an investigation into the Minnesota freshman representative who has repeatedly refused to answer questions on her marriage to Elmi .
She originally said the idea that the spouses were also siblings were 'baseless , absurd rumors ' , accusing journalists of Islamophobia , but has since stayed quiet .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , does not comment on her family or personal life .
'The Congresswoman is focused on the work her constituents sent her to Washington to accomplish , ' he said .
Omar married her first husband Hirsi in 2002 in a Muslim ceremony that , like many in the immigrant community , was not registered with the state .
Their first child Isra was born the following year and a second followed .
But in the late 2000s Elmi appeared in Minneapolis , said Osman , who referred to Hirsi by his nickname @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began noticing that Ilhan and Southside ( Hirsi ) were often with a very effeminate young guy , ' Osman said , who spoke in Somali through an interpreter .
'He was very feminine in the way he dressed — he would wear light lipstick and pink clothes and very , very , short shorts in the summer .
People started whispering about him . '
[ Hirsi ] and Ilhan both told me it was Ilhan 's brother and he had been living in London but he was mixing with what were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not like .
'So they sent him to Minneapolis as `` rehab '' . '
Osman , who runs a popular Facebook blog called Xerta Shekh , which comments on Somali issues , said that Omar kept her marriage to Elmi quiet , with no one from the Somali community invited to the wedding .
He explained : 'When [ Hirsi ] and Ilhan got married , a lot of people were invited .
It was a big Islamic wedding uniting two large clans in the Minneapolis community . '
I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' But , he said : 'When she married Elmi , no one even knew about it . '
Osman said at the time Hirsi was better known than Omar among Somalis .
'He was a footballer , he promoted a lot of Somali shows , he was very popular .
'So the scandal was about [ Hirsi 's ] brother-in-law more than Ilhan 's brother . '
It has long been rumored that Omar and Elmi are brother and sister .
But because of a lack of paperwork in war-torn Somalia where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their relationship has never been uncovered .
The first report that Omar and her husband were siblings appeared on the website Somalispot in 2016 .
It said of Elmi , 34 : 'As soon as Ilhan Omar married him he started university at her alma mater North Dakota State University where he graduated in 2012 .
'Shortly thereafter , he moved to Minneapolis where he was living in a public housing complex and was later evicted .
He then returned to the United Kingdom . '
The New York Post reported last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage and had met with a source in Minneapolis who handed over ' a trove of documents ' related to the marriage .
Any findings were to be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the US Department of Education , the paper reported .
Anyone found guilty of committing marriage fraud faces up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $ 250,000 .
Elmi and Omar married on February 12 , 2009 at a Hennepin County office in Eden Prairie , Minnesota , southwest of Minneapolis , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hirsi had separated in 2008 , and because their faith-based union was never recognized by law , neither is their separation .
Elmi and Omar said they lived together at an address in Columbia Heights , a suburb on the north side of the city .
The marriage was conducted by Christian minister Wilecia Harris .
When DailyMail.com approached her last year , she would not discuss the ceremony or why a Muslim couple would have asked her to marry them .
She and her husband Marcus run the Great and Mighty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is described on its Facebook page as a 'nondenominational , Bible believing , Bible teaching , and Bible living ministry that believes in being a living example of Jesus the anointed one ! '
In a Facebook message , Marcus Harris told DailyMail.com : 'My wife does n't want to be involved or interviewed about Congresswoman Omar . '
'It 's not going to happen , not now and not never . '
After their marriage Omar and Elmi moved to Fargo , where they both attended North Dakota State .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband and wife , Osman said .
'She said she needed to get papers for her brother to go to school .
We all thought she was just getting papers together to allow him to stay in this country .
'Once she had the papers they could apply for student loans .
'They both moved to North Dakota to go to school but she was still married to [ Hirsi ] .
In the Somali way , the only marriage that mattered was the one in the mosque .
'Ilhan came back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , but her brother did n't come with her . '
Osman believes Elmi and Omar sought out someone outside the Somali community to conduct the ceremony because an imam would have known they were related and would have refused to marry them .
Osman , who is confined to a wheelchair after contracting polio before he moved to the United States in 2004 , said he got to know Hirsi well in his first few years in Minneapolis .
They are the same age , both having been born in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was working in a barber shop and when they both regularly ate at the now-defunct Indian Ocean restaurant .
When Hirsi opened his own business , Urban Hookah , which is also now closed , Osman occasionally helped out at the till .
Omar and Elmi eventually divorced in 2017 and she remarried Hirsi — with whom she had a third child — in a civil ceremony the following year , just in time for her election to Congress .
Osman scoffs at the idea that this was a real remarriage .
'They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But last year she moved out of the family home and into a luxury penthouse apartment in the trendy Mill District of Minneapolis .
DailyMail.com then revealed that Omar was having an affair with her chief fundraiser Tim Mynett , a married father-of-one , whose company received more than half a million dollars from her campaign last year .
Hirsi and Omar divorced in November .
He married pediatric nurse Ladan Ahmed 37 days later .
Mynett and his wife Beth Jordan divorced in December .
During the hearing in a Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read out a statement about her husband 's affair with the congresswoman but was cut short by the judge .
Omar is running for a second term in Congress — where she has aligned herself with fellow leftist first-term congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York , Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts in the so-called 'Squad . '
She faces three opponents in the Democratic primary to be held in August .

'Squad' congresswoman Ilhan Omar told friends years ago that the man who went on to become her second husband was in fact her brother, DailyMail.com can confirm.
And now for the first time one of those friends has come forward to reveal exactly how Omar and Ahmed Elmi scandalized the Somali community in Minneapolis.
Abdihakim Osman is the first person to go on record to speak of how Omar said she wanted to get her brother papers so he could stay in the United States, at a time when she was married to her first husband Ahmed Hirsi.
But hardly anyone realized that meant marrying him.
'No one knew there had been a wedding until the media turned up the marriage certificate years later,' Osman, 40, exclusively told DailyMail.com.
Osman's revelations are sure to renew calls for an investigation into the Minnesota freshman representative who has repeatedly refused to answer questions on her marriage to Elmi.
She originally said the idea that the spouses were also siblings were 'baseless, absurd rumors', accusing journalists of Islamophobia, but has since stayed quiet.
'Squad' congresswoman Ilhan Omar told friends years ago that the man who went on to become her second husband was in fact her brother, DailyMail.com can confirm. And now for the first time one of those friends has come forward to reveal exactly how Omar and Ahmed Elmi scandalized Minneapolis's large Somali community - while she was still married to her first husband Ahmed Hirsi (pictured together)
It has long been rumored that Omar and Elmi (pictured) are siblings, but because of a lack of paperwork in war-torn Somalia, positive proof has never been uncovered
Abdihakim Osman (left with Hirsi and right with Omar) is the first person to go on record to speak of how Omar said she wanted to get her brother papers so he could stay in the United States. But hardly anyone realized that meant marrying him. 'No one knew there had been a wedding until the media turned up the marriage certificate years later,' Osman, 40, told DailyMail.com
Timeline of Omar's two marriages: 1997: Omar and her family settle in Minnesota after fleeing war-torn Somalia 2002: She marries Ahmed Abdisalan Hirsi in a religious ceremony but it is not recognized legally. The pair go on to have two children. 2009: Omar marries Ahmed Elmi in Eden Prairie, Minnesota 2010: He enrolls at North Dakota State University to study fine art and lives with Omar 2011: Omar claims she and Elmi split this year and he went back to the UK 2012: Omar and Hirsi have their third child. Elmi is still in the US according to college officials and social media 2013: Elmi starts working in London 2017: Omar divorces Elmi 2018: Omar marries Hirsi in a civil ceremony 2018: The marriage is brought up during Omar's campaign for congress She denies it and it is largely ignored because of the lack of proof around it July 2019: President Trump thrusts the rumor back into the spotlight July 2019: DailyMail.com reveals Omar and Hirsi have separated and she's moved into a penthouse apartment DailyMail.com also reveals Omar's secret relationship with her married aide Tim Mynett August 2019: Tim Mynett's wife files for divorce, claiming her husband had professed his love for Omar Early October 2019: Omar formally files for divorce from Hirsi November 2019: Omar is granted the divorce from Hirsi December 12, 2019: Hirsi marries pediatric nurse Ladan Ahmed December 19, 2019: Mynett is granted a divorce from his wife Beth Advertisement
Her spokesman told DailyMail.com that Omar, 37, does not comment on her family or personal life.
'The Congresswoman is focused on the work her constituents sent her to Washington to accomplish,' he said.
Omar married her first husband Hirsi in 2002 in a Muslim ceremony that, like many in the immigrant community, was not registered with the state.
Their first child Isra was born the following year and a second followed.
But in the late 2000s Elmi appeared in Minneapolis, said Osman, who referred to Hirsi by his nickname 'Southside' throughout the interview.
'People began noticing that Ilhan and Southside (Hirsi) were often with a very effeminate young guy,' Osman said, who spoke in Somali through an interpreter.
'He was very feminine in the way he dressed — he would wear light lipstick and pink clothes and very, very, short shorts in the summer. People started whispering about him.
'[Hirsi] and Ilhan both told me it was Ilhan's brother and he had been living in London but he was mixing with what were seen as bad influences that the family did not like.
'So they sent him to Minneapolis as ''rehab''.'
Osman, who runs a popular Facebook blog called Xerta Shekh, which comments on Somali issues, said that Omar kept her marriage to Elmi quiet, with no one from the Somali community invited to the wedding.
He explained: 'When [Hirsi] and Ilhan got married, a lot of people were invited. It was a big Islamic wedding uniting two large clans in the Minneapolis community.
'I would say there were 100-150 people there.'
But, he said: 'When she married Elmi, no one even knew about it.'
Osman said at the time Hirsi was better known than Omar among Somalis. 'He was a footballer, he promoted a lot of Somali shows, he was very popular.
'So the scandal was about [Hirsi's] brother-in-law more than Ilhan's brother.'
It has long been rumored that Omar and Elmi are brother and sister.
But because of a lack of paperwork in war-torn Somalia where they were both born, positive proof of their relationship has never been uncovered.
In the late 2000s Elmi (pictured) appeared in Minneapolis, said Osman. 'People began noticing that Ilhan and [Hirsi] were often with a very effeminate young guy. He was very feminine in the way he dressed — he would wear light lipstick and pink clothes and very short shorts in the summer. People started whispering about him. [Hirsi] and Ilhan told me it was Ilhan's brother'
Osman said: 'When [Hirsi] and Ilhan got married, a lot of people were invited. It was a big Islamic wedding uniting two large clans in the Minneapolis community. I would say there were 100-150 people there.' But, he said: 'When she married Elmi, no one even knew about it.' Pictured: Omar (left) with Elmi (right)
The leftist congresswoman, 37, spent months denying she had split from husband Ahmed Hirsi despite this website revealing she had left their marital home and was having an affair with a campaign aide. Omar finally filed for divorce from Hirsi (pictured together) on October 7
The first report that Omar and her husband were siblings appeared on the website Somalispot in 2016. It said of Elmi, 34: 'As soon as Ilhan Omar married him he started university at her alma mater North Dakota State University where he graduated in 2012.
'Shortly thereafter, he moved to Minneapolis where he was living in a public housing complex and was later evicted. He then returned to the United Kingdom.'
The New York Post reported last month that the FBI was investigating the marriage and had met with a source in Minneapolis who handed over 'a trove of documents' related to the marriage.
Any findings were to be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the US Department of Education, the paper reported. Anyone found guilty of committing marriage fraud faces up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000.
Elmi and Omar married on February 12, 2009 at a Hennepin County office in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, southwest of Minneapolis, their marriage license shows. Omar said she and Hirsi had separated in 2008, and because their faith-based union was never recognized by law, neither is their separation.
Elmi and Omar said they lived together at an address in Columbia Heights, a suburb on the north side of the city.
The marriage was conducted by Christian minister Wilecia Harris. When DailyMail.com approached her last year, she would not discuss the ceremony or why a Muslim couple would have asked her to marry them.
She and her husband Marcus run the Great and Mighty Works Ministries in Richfield, Minnesota, which is described on its Facebook page as a 'nondenominational, Bible believing, Bible teaching, and Bible living ministry that believes in being a living example of Jesus the anointed one!'
Osman believes Elmi (pictured with a friend) and Omar sought out someone outside the Somali community to conduct the ceremony because an imam would have known they were related and would have refused to marry them
Elmi and Omar married on February 12, 2009 at a Hennepin County office in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, southwest of Minneapolis, their license shows. The marriage was conducted by Christian minister Wilecia Harris. When DailyMail.com approached her last year, she would not discuss the ceremony or why a Muslim couple would have asked her to marry them
Pastor Wilecia Harris (pictured with her husband Marcus Harris) officiated at the 2009 ceremony of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's marriage to Elmi. The pastor's husband has made it clear his wife is not willing to help shed any light on the matter
In a Facebook message, Marcus Harris told DailyMail.com: 'My wife doesn't want to be involved or interviewed about Congresswoman Omar.'
'It's not going to happen, not now and not never.'
After their marriage Omar and Elmi moved to Fargo, where they both attended North Dakota State. But Omar and Hirsi were still together as husband and wife, Osman said.
'She said she needed to get papers for her brother to go to school. We all thought she was just getting papers together to allow him to stay in this country.
'Once she had the papers they could apply for student loans.
'They both moved to North Dakota to go to school but she was still married to [Hirsi]. In the Somali way, the only marriage that mattered was the one in the mosque.
'Ilhan came back to Minneapolis all the time to see her family, but her brother didn't come with her.'
Osman believes Elmi and Omar sought out someone outside the Somali community to conduct the ceremony because an imam would have known they were related and would have refused to marry them.
Osman, who is confined to a wheelchair after contracting polio before he moved to the United States in 2004, said he got to know Hirsi well in his first few years in Minneapolis. They are the same age, both having been born in January 1980.
They originally met when Hirsi was working in a barber shop and when they both regularly ate at the now-defunct Indian Ocean restaurant. When Hirsi opened his own business, Urban Hookah, which is also now closed, Osman occasionally helped out at the till.
After their marriage Omar and Elmi moved to Fargo, where they both attended North Dakota State. But Omar and Hirsi were still together as husband and wife, Osman said. 'She said she needed to get papers for her brother to go to school. We all thought she was just getting papers together to allow him to stay in this country.' Pictured: Elmi in photos from his Instagram
DailyMail.com then revealed that Omar was having an affair with her chief fundraiser Tim Mynett, a married father-of-one, whose company received more than half a million dollars from her campaign last year. The two are pictured together on May 26 at a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event - a month after he told his wife he was leaving her
Hirsi and Omar divorced in November. Hirsi married pediatric nurse Ladan Ahmed 37 days later (pictured together on a trip to Mecca)
Omar and Elmi eventually divorced in 2017 and she remarried Hirsi — with whom she had a third child — in a civil ceremony the following year, just in time for her election to Congress.
Osman scoffs at the idea that this was a real remarriage. 'They never parted,' he said.
But last year she moved out of the family home and into a luxury penthouse apartment in the trendy Mill District of Minneapolis.
DailyMail.com then revealed that Omar was having an affair with her chief fundraiser Tim Mynett, a married father-of-one, whose company received more than half a million dollars from her campaign last year.
Hirsi and Omar divorced in November. He married pediatric nurse Ladan Ahmed 37 days later.
Mynett and his wife Beth Jordan divorced in December. During the hearing in a Washington, D.C., courtroom, Jordan attempted to read out a statement about her husband's affair with the congresswoman but was cut short by the judge.
Omar is running for a second term in Congress — where she has aligned herself with fellow leftist first-term congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts in the so-called 'Squad.'
She faces three opponents in the Democratic primary to be held in August.


Russia Hysteria Returns

Intelligence officials warned members of the House Intelligence Committee last week the Russians were attempting to interfere in the 2020 presidential contest with the goal of helping Trump win reelection , according to reports .
The briefing was conducted by Shelby Pierson , the Intelligence Community election threats executive under outgoing acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire .
During the meeting , Pierson warned that “ Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected , ” according to five people familiar with the matter cited by the New York Times .
Russian interference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been publicly confirmed by the U.S. Intelligence Community .
Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded last year the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election in a “ sweeping and systematic ” fashion , but he did not establish any criminal conspiracy between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign .
Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Attorney John Durham are leading an internal inquiry into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation .
The day after last Thursday 's briefing , the report claimed Trump “ berated ” Maguire for letting it happen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the briefing ” of Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff “ as a particular irritant.
” In a separate piece on Thursday , the Washington Post cited sources who claimed Trump “ erroneously believed ” Pierson had given intelligence “ exclusively ” to Schiff and that Trump thought “ it would be helpful to Democrats if released publicly.
” That report cited an anonymous source who claimed “ there was a dressing down ” of Maguire by Trump and “ that was the catalyst ” that led Trump to replace him with Trump ally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grenell on Wednesday .
The New York Times cited two administration officials who cast doubt on the notion that Trump was irritated at Maguire because of the briefing , saying that “ the timing was coincidental , '' that “ Mr .
Grenell had been in discussions with the administration about taking on new roles , ” and that “ Mr .
Trump had never felt a personal kinship with Mr. Maguire.
” Former Rep. Trey Gowdy said the buzz on Capitol Hill is that Trump was not angry with Maguire before announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hill tell me he was not upset with Maguire , that this was a move that was coming anyway , '' Gowdy said on Fox News .
Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he “ would like to thank Joe Maguire for the wonderful job he has done ” and said , “ We look forward to working with him closely , perhaps in another capacity within the Administration !
” Grenell tweeted early Thursday to say he would only be the “ Acting ” head of the Intelligence Community and that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not me ) sometime soon.
” The ambassador , a longtime Russia hawk , has been a forceful and effective advocate for Trump ’ s foreign policy agenda .
Grenell has taken on an outsize role in pressuring NATO to increase spending , criticizing Germany for getting too cozy with Russian energy endeavors , and pushing for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality .
“ Members on both sides participated , including ranking member Nunes , and heard the exact same briefing from experts across the Intelligence Community , ” a committee official cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s briefing .
“ No special or separate briefing was provided to one side or to any single member , including the chairman.
” The New York Times also said , `` Mr. Trump ’ s allies challenged the conclusions , arguing that Mr. Trump has been tough on Russia and strengthened European security '' during the briefing .
Beyond the indictments against members of Russian military intelligence handed down by Mueller , the Trump administration has imposed a number of significant sanctions against Russia and has built up the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Its push for increased spending by NATO member countries has resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in increased military expenditures to confront an increasingly combative Russia .
Jack Langer , the communications director for Rep. Devin Nunes , the ranking member on the committee , told the Washington Examiner he could not divulge details about classified briefings .
A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told the Washington Examiner : “ Thank you for your query ; we have nothing for you at this time.
” Neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office immediately responded to a request for comment .
Trump has a history of speaking out against members of the intelligence and law enforcement communities , including former FBI Director James Comey .
He called Mueller 's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election a `` witch hunt . ''
Earlier this month , when Rep. Eric Swalwell pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray about whether the Russians were actively helping any specific campaign , Wray deflected .
“ I ’ d have to think about whether or not I can say anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Wray told the House Judiciary Committee .
“ But I would say , in general , that the efforts to sow discord on both sides of an issue and to generate controversy and to generate distrust in our democratic institutions on our election process , that is very much ongoing.
” Pierson told WTOP earlier this month that “ election security remains a top priority for the U.S. federal government as a whole ” and said , “ We have significantly evolved since 2016 , and I don ’ t imagine we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged last month the extent of Russian interference in 2016 but emphasized that other countries pose challenges .
“ We do not assess that any other country influenced the United States election in 2016 on the scale of what the Russians did , ” Pierson said on CBS News ’ s Intelligence Matters podcast , adding that , when it comes to 2020 , “ We see a more complicated threat landscape .
This is not just a Russia-only problem .
”

Intelligence officials warned members of the House Intelligence Committee last week the Russians were attempting to interfere in the 2020 presidential contest with the goal of helping Trump win reelection, according to reports.
The briefing was conducted by Shelby Pierson, the Intelligence Community election threats executive under outgoing acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire. During the meeting, Pierson warned that “Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump reelected,” according to five people familiar with the matter cited by the New York Times.
Russian interference on behalf of Trump in 2020 has not been publicly confirmed by the U.S. Intelligence Community.
CNN's Jake Tapper cited a national security official “I know and trust” who rejected the framing of the story along with “others with firsthand knowledge."
“What's been articulated in the news is that the intelligence community has concluded that the Russians are trying to help Trump again,” the official said. “But the intelligence doesn't say that.”
Tapper’s source said “the problem is Shelby said they developed a preference for Trump” and “a more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference, it's a step short of that. It's more that they understand the president is someone they can work with, he's a dealmaker. But not that they prefer him over Sanders or Buttigieg or anyone else. So it may have been mischaracterized by Shelby.”
Special counsel Robert Mueller concluded last year the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election in a “sweeping and systematic” fashion, but he did not establish any criminal conspiracy between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Attorney John Durham are leading an internal inquiry into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.
The day after last Thursday's briefing, the report claimed Trump “berated” Maguire for letting it happen, also alleging Trump “cited the presence in the briefing” of Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff “as a particular irritant.”
In a separate piece on Thursday, the Washington Post cited sources who claimed Trump “erroneously believed” Pierson had given intelligence “exclusively” to Schiff and that Trump thought “it would be helpful to Democrats if released publicly.” That report cited an anonymous source who claimed “there was a dressing down” of Maguire by Trump and “that was the catalyst” that led Trump to replace him with Trump ally and U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell on Wednesday.
The New York Times cited two administration officials who cast doubt on the notion that Trump was irritated at Maguire because of the briefing, saying that “the timing was coincidental," that “Mr. Grenell had been in discussions with the administration about taking on new roles,” and that “Mr. Trump had never felt a personal kinship with Mr. Maguire.”
The national security official cited by Tapper also said “the president was upset that he had to hear about an intelligence conclusion from a member of the House Republicans rather than from the intelligence community, so he was out of joint with Maguire on that process.”
Former Rep. Trey Gowdy said the buzz on Capitol Hill is that Trump was not angry with Maguire before announcing his exit. "My sources on the Hill tell me he was not upset with Maguire, that this was a move that was coming anyway," Gowdy said on Fox News.
Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he “would like to thank Joe Maguire for the wonderful job he has done” and said, “We look forward to working with him closely, perhaps in another capacity within the Administration!”
Grenell tweeted early Thursday to say he would only be the “Acting” head of the Intelligence Community and that “the President will announce the Nominee (not me) sometime soon.”
The ambassador, a longtime Russia hawk, has been a forceful and effective advocate for Trump’s foreign policy agenda. Grenell has taken on an outsize role in pressuring NATO to increase spending, criticizing Germany for getting too cozy with Russian energy endeavors, and pushing for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.
“Members on both sides participated, including ranking member Nunes, and heard the exact same briefing from experts across the Intelligence Community,” a committee official cited by the Washington Post said about last week’s briefing. “No special or separate briefing was provided to one side or to any single member, including the chairman.”
The New York Times also said, "Mr. Trump’s allies challenged the conclusions, arguing that Mr. Trump has been tough on Russia and strengthened European security" during the briefing. The national security official who talked with Tapper said “both Democrats and Republicans were challenging this at the briefing."
Beyond the indictments against members of Russian military intelligence handed down by Mueller, the Trump administration has imposed a number of significant sanctions against Russia and has built up the U.S. military’s presence in Eastern Europe. Its push for increased spending by NATO member countries has resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in increased military expenditures to confront an increasingly combative Russia.
Jack Langer, the communications director for Rep. Devin Nunes, the ranking member on the committee, told the Washington Examiner he could not divulge details about classified briefings.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told the Washington Examiner: “Thank you for your query; we have nothing for you at this time.”
Neither the White House nor Schiff’s office immediately responded to a request for comment.
Trump has a history of speaking out against members of the intelligence and law enforcement communities, including former FBI Director James Comey. He called Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election a "witch hunt."
Earlier this month, when Rep. Eric Swalwell pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray about whether the Russians were actively helping any specific campaign, Wray deflected.
“I’d have to think about whether or not I can say anything in an open setting like that,” Wray told the House Judiciary Committee. “But I would say, in general, that the efforts to sow discord on both sides of an issue and to generate controversy and to generate distrust in our democratic institutions on our election process, that is very much ongoing.”
Pierson told WTOP earlier this month that “election security remains a top priority for the U.S. federal government as a whole” and said, “We have significantly evolved since 2016, and I don’t imagine we’ll decelerate anytime soon.”
She acknowledged last month the extent of Russian interference in 2016 but emphasized that other countries pose challenges.
“We do not assess that any other country influenced the United States election in 2016 on the scale of what the Russians did,” Pierson said on CBS News’s Intelligence Matters podcast, adding that, when it comes to 2020, “We see a more complicated threat landscape. This is not just a Russia-only problem.”


bonginoreport--2020-02-20--Steve Scalise Subtly Schools Keith Ellison With “Tweet of the Year”

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise responded Thursday to Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison ’ s claim that supporters of Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are not violent .
“ I have never seen [ Bernie Sanders ] supporters being unusually mean or rude , ” Ellison said Wednesday .
“ Can someone send me an example of a ‘ Bernie Bro ’ being bad.
” “ I can think of an example , ” Scalise responded .
( RELATED : Bernie Sanders Has A Complicated History With Violent Rhetoric And Communist Regimes ) Scalise was shot in 2017 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a Congressional baseball game .
Hodgkinson was a staunch supporter of Sanders , and a volunteer on his 2016 presidential campaign .
After news broke of Hodgkinson ’ s support for Sanders , the senator disavowed Hodgkinson , calling his actions “ despicable , ” and saying that “ violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
” Sanders ’ campaign has come under fire from other Democratic presidential candidates over the rhetoric of his online supporters , popularly known as “ Bernie Bros. ” Sanders attempted to blame the rhetoric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Nevada Democratic presidential debate Wednesday night .
“ Let me say something else , not being too paranoid .
All of us remember 2016 .
And what we meant — what we remember is efforts by Russians and others to try to interfere in our election .
And divide us up .
I ’ m not saying that ’ s happening , ” Sanders said .
“ But it would not shock me .
”

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise responded Thursday to Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s claim that supporters of Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are not violent.
“I have never seen [Bernie Sanders] supporters being unusually mean or rude,” Ellison said Wednesday. “Can someone send me an example of a ‘Bernie Bro’ being bad.”
“I can think of an example,” Scalise responded. (RELATED: Bernie Sanders Has A Complicated History With Violent Rhetoric And Communist Regimes)
I can think of an example. https://t.co/KwuvyYgyGw — Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 20, 2020
Scalise was shot in 2017 by left-wing activist James T. Hodgkinson during practice for a Congressional baseball game. Hodgkinson was a staunch supporter of Sanders, and a volunteer on his 2016 presidential campaign.
After news broke of Hodgkinson’s support for Sanders, the senator disavowed Hodgkinson, calling his actions “despicable,” and saying that “violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society.”
Sanders’ campaign has come under fire from other Democratic presidential candidates over the rhetoric of his online supporters, popularly known as “Bernie Bros.”
Sanders attempted to blame the rhetoric of some of his supporters on Russia during the Nevada Democratic presidential debate Wednesday night.
“Let me say something else, not being too paranoid. All of us remember 2016. And what we meant — what we remember is efforts by Russians and others to try to interfere in our election. And divide us up. I’m not saying that’s happening,” Sanders said. “But it would not shock me.”