bonginoreport--2020-11-21--The Year of the Republican Woman

The Year of the Republican Woman

Nine short years ago , Kat Cammack found herself homeless .
This was due in large part to the Obama-era “ Home Affordable Modification Program , ” a now-defunct failed loan program that was designed to help desperate homeowners avoid foreclosure amid the 2008 recession and housing crisis but ended up draining families ’ savings .
It was an eye-opening experience for her .
“ When we found ourselves homeless , I realized the impact Washington , D.C. , would have on your life without you really knowing , ” the 32-year-old told me on the phone .
Soon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to live in Washington as the youngest Republican woman in Congress , representing Florida ’ s 3rd District .
Now , the freshman thinks her homeless-to-Congress story epitomizes the American dream .
Cammack has plenty of company .
This year has been a historic one for Republican women , who doubled in number in the U.S. House after the election .
As of this writing , 36 Republican women will serve in the next Congress , a record .
These women are more diverse than you might expect from a GOP that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of white males .
And they ’ re a collective example of fascinating firsts .
Yvette Herrell , a member of the Cherokee Nation , is the first Republican Native American businesswoman elected to Congress from New Mexico , which is itself the first state to elect all women of color to the U.S. House .
Rep.-elect Nancy Mace is a single mother and business owner from Charleston , South Carolina , and the first female graduate of the Citadel .
Miami resident and soon-to-be Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar is a Cuban American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform and won .
Some of these women booted longtime establishment-loving male politicians from office .
Coloradan Lauren Boebert is fiercely pro-gun and beat five-term incumbent Scott Tipton in the GOP primary .
Michelle Fischbach was Minnesota ’ s lieutenant governor under Democratic Gov .
Mark Dayton .
She managed to unseat 15-term Democrat Collin Peterson to represent Minnesota ’ s 7th Congressional District .
Some beat noteworthy odds .
Peterson benefited from the connections his lengthy career in politics garnered him .
“ We were the only race in the country that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... had support from nearly every Washington , D.C. , PAC , and special interest you can imagine .
They gave him well over one million dollars in direct contributions and funded a super PAC to support him and attack me , ” she told me via email .
“ Despite all of the attacks and spending against me , we still won by nearly 14 points.
” Boebert ran in Colorado ’ s 3rd District and became the first candidate in 50 years to beat an incumbent in a primary in Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her campaign account but collected over 15,000 small donors , setting a Republican fundraising record .
She made headlines when she told Texas ’ s Beto O ’ Rourke , “ Hell no , you aren ’ t taking our guns , ” and again when she defied Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis ’ s COVID shutdown orders by responsibly opening her restaurant so she could make payroll .
“ I ’ m proud to be the first mom and woman to represent Colorado ’ s 3rd Congressional District .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a newcomer who will now have a voice among a sea of lawyers and career politicians , ” she told the Washington Examiner .
Fischbach recognized that the wave of winning Republican women did n't come out of nowhere : “ This year ’ s successes are a testament to the women who have come before me and worked tirelessly to promote and support female candidates like myself.
” She cited women such as South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem and former U.S .
Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage showing there are bold Republican women ready to lead . ''
`` It is crucial that Congress has the unique perspective from women , mothers , and grandmothers — and not just from those on the Left , ” she said .
Many of the female politicians I spoke to were eager to recognize and thank women such as Haley who had gone before them , but the impetus to run for many came much closer to home .
Fischbach , for example , said she was inspired by her pro-life mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected to represent South Carolina ’ s 1st District , credited her daughter 's encouragement two years ago .
“ I had just won my reelection as a state house lawmaker .
The next day , my daughter and I saw Republicans had lost this seat , and my 9-year-old turned to me and said , ‘ Hey Mommy , when are we going to take this seat back ?
’ ” Diana Harshbarger owes her interest to the political climate and her family .
She now represents Tennessee ’ s 1st District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I saw the way our country was leaning towards socialism and thought about my son and grandchildren and wanted to make sure they have the same opportunities she did growing up , ” she wrote in an email .
They have noticed across the aisle .
“ Democrats Have a Republican-Women Problem , ” a recent Atlantic headline read .
Comparisons to “ the Squad , ” Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Ilhan Omar , Rashida Tlaib , and Ayanna Pressley , have already emerged .
In a party that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this might actually be a boon to the GOP ’ s stubborn male-centric image .
The Squad became known as such in part due to its diversity .
Interestingly , its GOP female counterparts don ’ t seem as interested in trading on their gender and ethnicity .
Herrell has been applauded significantly and featured in several news stories already due to her background .
Still , she shrugged it off when I asked her about it .
“ I am an American first and foremost , and race did not play a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my campaign.
” However , she is looking forward to the days ahead .
“ I 'm proud to be in this group of strong conservative women .
I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish for America over the years to come , ” she said .
Nicole Malliotakis defeated Max Rose , a one-term Democrat , winning a hard-fought race to represent Brooklyn and Staten Island in New York ’ s 11th Congressional District .
The daughter of Greek and Cuban immigrants , Malliotakis knows what it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics , but she , too , doubts the Republican Party will lean more heavily into identity politics .
She does believe that her and her Republican colleagues ' diverse backgrounds help inform their shared conservative ideology .
“ I haven ’ t met all the new members , [ but ] I have met some .
You have an immigrant from the Ukraine .
You have an immigrant from Cuba .
You have myself and another member , Maria Salazar , who are daughters of Cuban refugees .
You have a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural alliance forming that will counter the socialist ideas of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar .
And equally importantly , we are messengers who have real-life experience , whether it ’ s directly or through our parents , and knowledge of what socialism really is , and we need to get that message out to other people , ” Malliotakis told the Washington Examiner .
Malliotakis believes the women of the Republican Party could end up forming their own “ Freedom Squad ” that will counter Ocasio-Cortez and the rest .
“ Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the boxes .
We have qualified women who have different experiences , different backgrounds , who can contribute to the process and who can provide alternative viewpoints that are much-needed in Congress .
Of course , politically , it helps the Republican Party to have diversity .
We have elected minorities , women , that are going to be messengers to help us spread our message of freedom , of liberty , of a strong economy , of preserving the American dream , of , yes , stopping socialism , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to focus only on politics after a presidential election in which voters seemed to eschew identity politics is likely a smart play .
However , she and the others may have their work cut out for them when it comes to reframing their appeal with the rest of the media , which have played a significant role in highlighting the Squad ’ s enigmatic appeal and elevating a group of junior lawmakers to a much higher position of influence .
Ocasio-Cortez just appeared on Vanity Fair 's October cover , two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary , Knock Down the House , profiled four women who ran for political office , but only one , Ocasio-Cortez , won .
Still , the uphill battle against her establishment opponent was clear ; her appeal , conspicuous .
This intense , often obviously biased coverage might very well have influenced the success of this 2020 wave of Republican women .
If the Squad could do it , why couldn ’ t they ?
In her New York Times book review of The Firsts : The Inside Story of the Women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In an era that has seen a woman come within striking distance of the presidency and an influx of female candidates and officeholders at every level of government , we continue to debate , as did those who supported and opposed women ’ s suffrage a century ago , women ’ s impact on American politics .
Have women changed the culture of politics , its institutions and governance itself ?
Or have they behaved as voters and officeholders pretty much like men ?
” That book was focused on the 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly Democrats .
And while many of these answers remain elusive two years later , it ’ s clear 2018 's Democratic wave changed politics .
Republicans were inspired even by the women who may now become their primary antagonists .
Nearly all the women I spoke to eschewed any hints of supporting quasi-socialist policies and expressed a desire to maintain conservative ideals that represented their districts , from working on local infrastructure solutions to reopening and rebuilding the economy nationwide , rather than pulling punches out of gender solidarity .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repudiation of the politics of the Squad .
“ The amount of Republican women that won their elections on Tuesday shows that we appeal to a broad base of the electorate .
The American public rejected the radical Left 's agenda by electing us not only in open seats but by unseating numerous Democratic members of Congress as well , ” Lisa McClain , who will represent Michigan 's 10th District in the House , said in an email .
While many of these ladies are as diverse as they are talented , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just to “ sit still , look pretty , ” to quote Daya , the young female singer from Pennsylvania .
They have work to do , and they intend to do it .
“ Do you see an AOC and Kat Cammack standoff in the future ?
” I asked Cammack , the formerly homeless alumna of the U.S .
Naval War College-turned-congresswoman who was raised by a single mother who owned a commercial sandblasting business .
At 31 , Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is known for being the youngest Democrat in office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the 32-year-old Cammack quipped .
“ There ’ s a new squad in town.
” Nicole Russell ( @ russell_nm ) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner ’ s Beltway Confidential blog .

Nine short years ago, Kat Cammack found herself homeless. This was due in large part to the Obama-era “Home Affordable Modification Program,” a now-defunct failed loan program that was designed to help desperate homeowners avoid foreclosure amid the 2008 recession and housing crisis but ended up draining families’ savings. It was an eye-opening experience for her. “When we found ourselves homeless, I realized the impact Washington, D.C., would have on your life without you really knowing,” the 32-year-old told me on the phone. Soon, she’ll be looking for a place to live in Washington as the youngest Republican woman in Congress, representing Florida’s 3rd District. Now, the freshman thinks her homeless-to-Congress story epitomizes the American dream.
Cammack has plenty of company. This year has been a historic one for Republican women, who doubled in number in the U.S. House after the election. As of this writing, 36 Republican women will serve in the next Congress, a record.
These women are more diverse than you might expect from a GOP that has cultivated a reputation as the party of white males. And they’re a collective example of fascinating firsts. Yvette Herrell, a member of the Cherokee Nation, is the first Republican Native American businesswoman elected to Congress from New Mexico, which is itself the first state to elect all women of color to the U.S. House. Rep.-elect Nancy Mace is a single mother and business owner from Charleston, South Carolina, and the first female graduate of the Citadel. Miami resident and soon-to-be Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar is a Cuban American woman who ran on a vehemently anti-socialist platform and won.
Some of these women booted longtime establishment-loving male politicians from office. Coloradan Lauren Boebert is fiercely pro-gun and beat five-term incumbent Scott Tipton in the GOP primary. Michelle Fischbach was Minnesota’s lieutenant governor under Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton. She managed to unseat 15-term Democrat Collin Peterson to represent Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District.
Some beat noteworthy odds. Peterson benefited from the connections his lengthy career in politics garnered him. “We were the only race in the country that defeated a non-freshman Member. My opponent ... had support from nearly every Washington, D.C., PAC, and special interest you can imagine. They gave him well over one million dollars in direct contributions and funded a super PAC to support him and attack me,” she told me via email. “Despite all of the attacks and spending against me, we still won by nearly 14 points.”
Boebert ran in Colorado’s 3rd District and became the first candidate in 50 years to beat an incumbent in a primary in Colorado. She started with only $10,000 in her campaign account but collected over 15,000 small donors, setting a Republican fundraising record. She made headlines when she told Texas’s Beto O’Rourke, “Hell no, you aren’t taking our guns,” and again when she defied Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s COVID shutdown orders by responsibly opening her restaurant so she could make payroll. “I’m proud to be the first mom and woman to represent Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. I’m also proud to win political office as a newcomer who will now have a voice among a sea of lawyers and career politicians,” she told the Washington Examiner.
Fischbach recognized that the wave of winning Republican women didn't come out of nowhere: “This year’s successes are a testament to the women who have come before me and worked tirelessly to promote and support female candidates like myself.” She cited women such as South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, “who have been on the national stage showing there are bold Republican women ready to lead."
"It is crucial that Congress has the unique perspective from women, mothers, and grandmothers — and not just from those on the Left,” she said.
Many of the female politicians I spoke to were eager to recognize and thank women such as Haley who had gone before them, but the impetus to run for many came much closer to home. Fischbach, for example, said she was inspired by her pro-life mother. On the phone, Mace, elected to represent South Carolina’s 1st District, credited her daughter's encouragement two years ago. “I had just won my reelection as a state house lawmaker. The next day, my daughter and I saw Republicans had lost this seat, and my 9-year-old turned to me and said, ‘Hey Mommy, when are we going to take this seat back?’”
Diana Harshbarger owes her interest to the political climate and her family. She now represents Tennessee’s 1st District, replacing retiring Republican Rep. Phil Roe. “I saw the way our country was leaning towards socialism and thought about my son and grandchildren and wanted to make sure they have the same opportunities she did growing up,” she wrote in an email.
They have noticed across the aisle. “Democrats Have a Republican-Women Problem,” a recent Atlantic headline read. Comparisons to “the Squad,” Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley, have already emerged. In a party that has lacked significant female involvement for decades, this might actually be a boon to the GOP’s stubborn male-centric image.
The Squad became known as such in part due to its diversity. Interestingly, its GOP female counterparts don’t seem as interested in trading on their gender and ethnicity.
Herrell has been applauded significantly and featured in several news stories already due to her background. Still, she shrugged it off when I asked her about it. “I am an American first and foremost, and race did not play a role one way or the other in my campaign.” However, she is looking forward to the days ahead. “I'm proud to be in this group of strong conservative women. I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish for America over the years to come,” she said.
Nicole Malliotakis defeated Max Rose, a one-term Democrat, winning a hard-fought race to represent Brooklyn and Staten Island in New York’s 11th Congressional District. The daughter of Greek and Cuban immigrants, Malliotakis knows what it’s like to be a minority female in politics, but she, too, doubts the Republican Party will lean more heavily into identity politics. She does believe that her and her Republican colleagues' diverse backgrounds help inform their shared conservative ideology.
“I haven’t met all the new members, [but] I have met some. You have an immigrant from the Ukraine. You have an immigrant from Cuba. You have myself and another member, Maria Salazar, who are daughters of Cuban refugees. You have a member from South Korea. There is a natural alliance forming that will counter the socialist ideas of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. And equally importantly, we are messengers who have real-life experience, whether it’s directly or through our parents, and knowledge of what socialism really is, and we need to get that message out to other people,” Malliotakis told the Washington Examiner.
Malliotakis believes the women of the Republican Party could end up forming their own “Freedom Squad” that will counter Ocasio-Cortez and the rest. “Democrats are so into identity politics and checking the boxes. We have qualified women who have different experiences, different backgrounds, who can contribute to the process and who can provide alternative viewpoints that are much-needed in Congress. Of course, politically, it helps the Republican Party to have diversity. We have elected minorities, women, that are going to be messengers to help us spread our message of freedom, of liberty, of a strong economy, of preserving the American dream, of, yes, stopping socialism,” she said.
Herrell's and Malliotakis’s desire to focus only on politics after a presidential election in which voters seemed to eschew identity politics is likely a smart play. However, she and the others may have their work cut out for them when it comes to reframing their appeal with the rest of the media, which have played a significant role in highlighting the Squad’s enigmatic appeal and elevating a group of junior lawmakers to a much higher position of influence. Ocasio-Cortez just appeared on Vanity Fair's October cover, two years after her election. The 2019 Netflix documentary, Knock Down the House, profiled four women who ran for political office, but only one, Ocasio-Cortez, won. Still, the uphill battle against her establishment opponent was clear; her appeal, conspicuous.
This intense, often obviously biased coverage might very well have influenced the success of this 2020 wave of Republican women. If the Squad could do it, why couldn’t they?
In her New York Times book review of The Firsts: The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress, Ellen Fitzpatrick observed, “In an era that has seen a woman come within striking distance of the presidency and an influx of female candidates and officeholders at every level of government, we continue to debate, as did those who supported and opposed women’s suffrage a century ago, women’s impact on American politics. Have women changed the culture of politics, its institutions and governance itself? Or have they behaved as voters and officeholders pretty much like men?”
That book was focused on the 2018 freshman class of women, who were mostly Democrats. And while many of these answers remain elusive two years later, it’s clear 2018's Democratic wave changed politics. Republicans were inspired even by the women who may now become their primary antagonists. Nearly all the women I spoke to eschewed any hints of supporting quasi-socialist policies and expressed a desire to maintain conservative ideals that represented their districts, from working on local infrastructure solutions to reopening and rebuilding the economy nationwide, rather than pulling punches out of gender solidarity.
In fact, some see their election as a repudiation of the politics of the Squad. “The amount of Republican women that won their elections on Tuesday shows that we appeal to a broad base of the electorate. The American public rejected the radical Left's agenda by electing us not only in open seats but by unseating numerous Democratic members of Congress as well,” Lisa McClain, who will represent Michigan's 10th District in the House, said in an email.
While many of these ladies are as diverse as they are talented, they aren’t going to Washington just to “sit still, look pretty,” to quote Daya, the young female singer from Pennsylvania. They have work to do, and they intend to do it. “Do you see an AOC and Kat Cammack standoff in the future?” I asked Cammack, the formerly homeless alumna of the U.S. Naval War College-turned-congresswoman who was raised by a single mother who owned a commercial sandblasting business. At 31, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is known for being the youngest Democrat in office. “I’m up for it,” the 32-year-old Cammack quipped. “There’s a new squad in town.”
Nicole Russell (@russell_nm) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog.


bonginoreport--2020-11-21--Jill Biden’s Chief Of Staff Removes Visa Sale Website

EB5 Visa Funds , a for-profit firm that sells American citizenship to wealthy foreigners , has pulled its website down @ @ @ @ @ report linking Jill Biden ’ s Chief of Staff to the company .
Julissa Reynoso @ @ @ @ @ First Lady , is listed as a member of the advisory board at the Florida-based @ @ @ @ @ of U.S .
Ambassador to Uruguay and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central American @ @ @ @ @ in the Obama administration are prominently displayed .
Reynoso , however , omits her visa @ @ @ @ @ her current employer , law firm Winston & Strawn .
When the site – eb5visafunds.com @ @ @ @ @ now redirects to a page exclaiming “ This site is down for maintenance .
Please @ @ @ @ @ : Prior to the National Pulse report , Reynoso was listed on the site , @ @ @ @ @ page reveal : The National Pulse has reached out for comment , and at the @ @ @ @ @ not heard back .

EB5 Visa Funds, a for-profit firm that sells American citizenship to wealthy foreigners, has pulled its website down following a National Pulse exclusive report linking Jill Biden’s Chief of Staff to the company.
Julissa Reynoso, who would serve the First Lady, is listed as a member of the advisory board at the Florida-based company where her previous positions of U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central American, Caribbean and Cuban Affairs in the Obama administration are prominently displayed.
Reynoso, however, omits her visa work from her bio with her current employer, law firm Winston & Strawn.
When the site – eb5visafunds.com – is accessed, it now redirects to a page exclaiming “This site is down for maintenance. Please check back again soon”:
Prior to the National Pulse report, Reynoso was listed on the site, as archived images of the page reveal:
The National Pulse has reached out for comment, and at the time of publishing, has not heard back.


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Jeff Davidson: Who Will Carry the GOP Torch?

The rest of November , and well into December , will be a busy time for TV network news , cable television news , most Americans , and much of the world .
Fraud has been uncovered in Philadelphia , eroding the validity of Pennsylvania 's election count .
Election-turning software has been exposed , with vast criminality likely to follow .
Fraud occurred in Michigan where reports of vehicles containing thousands of ballots mysteriously appeared in the wee hours of the morning .
Nevada has been racked with fraud , from dead people voting , to observers being screened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to postal worker backdating envelopes , and so much more .
Wisconsin , Georgia , and likely Arizona , all have some major explaining to do .
Indeed , the combined criminal efforts of Democrats in this election add up to massive fraud the likes of which the country has never witnessed , in terms of the sheer numbers of fraudulent acts , illegal ballots , and outright chicanery , with worldwide implications .
The 36-day hanging chad controversy in Florida 20 years ago seems tame by comparison .
Amidst this backdrop , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the torch after President Trump ?
This is not going to be an easy task because indeed , President Trump 's ability to get things done is unprecedented .
Regardless of what unfolds in the coming days , and the seemingly endless array of legal twists and turns , the GOP will need to run a candidate in 2024 who has the capability to be an overachiever and also get an extraordinary number of things done .
Fortunately , many possible candidates are emerging .
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas has shown remarkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be among my first few choices .
Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri has a firm grasp of the key issues and would make a fine candidate .
Certainly Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio , who has shown outstanding leadership and courage , would be an excellent choice .
Given that Donald Trump went from non-politician to president , a congressional representative could win the highest office as well .
No longer must one emerge from the ranks of senator , governor , military general , cabinet member , or former vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress , could generate strong interest .
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has emerged as one of the great leaders of the party , while only four years ago , even on the right , many people could n't stand him .
Nikki Haley , formerly governor of South Carolina and the U.S. representative to the UN for several years , has a great political touch , speaks well , and could generate enthusiasm among a number of voting groups .
Greg Abbott , governor of Texas , and Ron DeSantis , governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mix .
Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee would get my vote if she decided to run .
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has emerged as political force and could serve well .
Fox News host Tucker Carlson has an amazing grasp of the issues and an unparalleled ability to deliver keen political insight and mega-doses of common sense in succinct , short bursts .
Between now and the next election , other GOP leaders could emerge , inspired by Donald Trump ’ s indefatigable approach to the issues that matter .
Time will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have the opportunity to eradicate some of the Leftist diseases such as bigotry , rioting , looting , political correctness , the desire for a country with no borders , doxxing , cancel culture , intentional misrepresentation of the facts , etc .
The Left will never quit , but they can be diminished .
If Donald Trump Jr. or Ivanka Trump Kushner runs for the presidency of the United States and wins , then we can look forward to more years of effective leadership .
Donald Trump can serve as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter or his eldest son .
Children do indeed succeed their fathers to the presidency , on occasion .
John Adams was the 2nd president of the U.S. and his son , John Quincy Adams , was the 6th president .
As widely known , George H.W .
Bush was the 41st president and his son George W. Bush was the 43rd president .
All kinds of things can happen , but why not entertain the possibility ?
It 's not out of bounds to consider that one of the Trump children can @ @ @ @

The rest of November, and well into December, will be a busy time for TV network news, cable television news, most Americans, and much of the world. Fraud has been uncovered in Philadelphia, eroding the validity of Pennsylvania's election count. Election-turning software has been exposed, with vast criminality likely to follow.
Fraud on Top of Fraud
Fraud occurred in Michigan where reports of vehicles containing thousands of ballots mysteriously appeared in the wee hours of the morning. Nevada has been racked with fraud, from dead people voting, to observers being screened out, to ballots thrown away, to postal worker backdating envelopes, and so much more. Wisconsin, Georgia, and likely Arizona, all have some major explaining to do.
Indeed, the combined criminal efforts of Democrats in this election add up to massive fraud the likes of which the country has never witnessed, in terms of the sheer numbers of fraudulent acts, illegal ballots, and outright chicanery, with worldwide implications. The 36-day hanging chad controversy in Florida 20 years ago seems tame by comparison.
Amidst this backdrop, a question emerges: Who will carry the torch after President Trump? This is not going to be an easy task because indeed, President Trump's ability to get things done is unprecedented.
Regardless of what unfolds in the coming days, and the seemingly endless array of legal twists and turns, the GOP will need to run a candidate in 2024 who has the capability to be an overachiever and also get an extraordinary number of things done.
An Ultra Strong Line-Up
Fortunately, many possible candidates are emerging. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas has shown remarkable bravery, insight, and outspokenness and would be among my first few choices. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri has a firm grasp of the key issues and would make a fine candidate.
Certainly Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who has shown outstanding leadership and courage, would be an excellent choice. Given that Donald Trump went from non-politician to president, a congressional representative could win the highest office as well. No longer must one emerge from the ranks of senator, governor, military general, cabinet member, or former vice president.
Trey Gowdy, though retired from Congress, could generate strong interest. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has emerged as one of the great leaders of the party, while only four years ago, even on the right, many people couldn't stand him.
Nikki Haley, formerly governor of South Carolina and the U.S. representative to the UN for several years, has a great political touch, speaks well, and could generate enthusiasm among a number of voting groups. Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, and Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, might be in the mix. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee would get my vote if she decided to run.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has emerged as political force and could serve well. Fox News host Tucker Carlson has an amazing grasp of the issues and an unparalleled ability to deliver keen political insight and mega-doses of common sense in succinct, short bursts.
Between now and the next election, other GOP leaders could emerge, inspired by Donald Trump’s indefatigable approach to the issues that matter. Time will tell.
Another Trump?
With more Trump leadership, we have the opportunity to eradicate some of the Leftist diseases such as bigotry, rioting, looting, political correctness, the desire for a country with no borders, doxxing, cancel culture, intentional misrepresentation of the facts, etc. The Left will never quit, but they can be diminished.
If Donald Trump Jr. or Ivanka Trump Kushner runs for the presidency of the United States and wins, then we can look forward to more years of effective leadership. Donald Trump can serve as a senior White House adviser to either his daughter or his eldest son.
Children do indeed succeed their fathers to the presidency, on occasion. John Adams was the 2nd president of the U.S. and his son, John Quincy Adams, was the 6th president. As widely known, George H.W. Bush was the 41st president and his son George W. Bush was the 43rd president.
All kinds of things can happen, but why not entertain the possibility? It's not out of bounds to consider that one of the Trump children can be elected president.


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--NY Post Editorial Board: The Left’s ‘Big-Turnout’ Myth and Other Commentary

At City Journal , Nate Hochman recalls how “ progressives take it as an article of faith that ‘ a durable majority of Americans , ’ in [ Elizabeth ] Warren ’ s words , would support a left-wing policy agenda , if not for various Republican-sponsored voter-suppression efforts , gerrymandering and anti-majoritarian institutions like the Senate and the Electoral College.
” Republicans often seem to agree : In March , President Trump warned that expanding mail-in voting would mean “ you ’ d never have a Republican elected ” again .
Yet this year ’ s election raises doubts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the GOP “ not only held its own ” but “ exceeded expectations at every level.
” Joe Biden won “ a comfortable victory ” in the popular vote , but “ the GOP ’ s resounding success in down-ballot races ” dealt a “ significant blow ” to the myth that “ a latent majoritarian mandate exists for the progressive agenda.
” From the right : Trump ’ s path to 2024 President Trump has little chance of overturning the election ’ s result , so Marc A. Thiessen at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ leave the presidency with the best chance to reclaim it in four years.
” The key : “ Cooperate with the Biden transition.
” Trump needs to understand that millions “ did not vote for him because they were tired of chaos.
” With an “ unprecedented farewell address , ” he could announce plans to run again , “ pointing his followers to the future and rallying them.
” He can “ lead the GOP to keep control of the Senate ” in January and “ retake the House in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new progressive era , ” Team Biden could be little more than an “ interregnum — but only if Trump handles the next six weeks correctly.
” Financial beat : The Fed ’ s going green Chairman Jerome Powell is signaling that the Federal Reserve is about to make “ combating climate change ” part of its “ mandate , ” reports Andrew Stuttaford at National Review .
It ’ s “ mission creep ” of the kind that ’ s “ now detectable in so many institutions.
” Yet you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central banks really expect people to trust them to implement their own climate-change policy ?
( And maybe take on inequality and social justice next ? )
The Fed expects to soon join the Network for Greening the Financial System , 75 central banks looking to “ better understand ” the risks of climate change .
Yet climate change poses no financial risk in any short-term horizon that can be conceivably assessed .
“ The fix , ” snarks Stuttaford , “ is in.
” Mayor de Blasio has closed city schools again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ not an emergency , and we have to stop treating it like one at the expense of our children , ” pleads The Federalist ’ s David Marcus .
De Blasio ’ s move is based on an arbitrary promise he made to “ teachers unions , who know they have him in their pocket , ” even though there ’ s scientific consensus that “ schools are not big spreaders of the virus.
” Yet ignoring kids ’ need for a decent education is “ child abuse , ” and parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our kids.
” If we don ’ t “ muster shame and demand action , ” we ’ re failing the next generation and labeling our own as “ the most cowardly and self-serving ” ever .
“ End this madness now.
” An “ Upward Mobility Index ” from an Urban Reform Institute study confirms that “ minority residents fail to achieve the upward mobility found in parts of the country often chided by progressives for their supposed backwardness , ” reports the institute ’ s president , Charles Blain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York cities “ dominate the list of the least upwardly mobile , ” while “ places where housing prices and taxes are low , the regulatory framework for business is friendly and government , overall , is more constrained , provide a better shot ” for blacks and Hispanics .
What seems to be limiting minorities ’ aspirations “ is largely a progressive policy environment that discourages and , in some cases , bans new home building .
”

Election journal: Left’s ‘big-turnout’ myth
At City Journal, Nate Hochman recalls how “progressives take it as an article of faith that ‘a durable majority of Americans,’ in [Elizabeth] Warren’s words, would support a left-wing policy agenda, if not for various Republican-sponsored voter-suppression efforts, gerrymandering and anti-majoritarian institutions like the Senate and the Electoral College.” Republicans often seem to agree: In March, President Trump warned that expanding mail-in voting would mean “you’d never have a Republican elected” again. Yet this year’s election raises doubts: With a “record-high turnout,” the GOP “not only held its own” but “exceeded expectations at every level.” Joe Biden won “a comfortable victory” in the popular vote, but “the GOP’s resounding success in down-ballot races” dealt a “significant blow” to the myth that “a latent majoritarian mandate exists for the progressive agenda.”
From the right: Trump’s path to 2024
President Trump has little chance of overturning the election’s result, so Marc A. Thiessen at the Washington Post offers a way for him to “leave the presidency with the best chance to reclaim it in four years.” The key: “Cooperate with the Biden transition.” Trump needs to understand that millions “did not vote for him because they were tired of chaos.” With an “unprecedented farewell address,” he could announce plans to run again, “pointing his followers to the future and rallying them.” He can “lead the GOP to keep control of the Senate” in January and “retake the House in 2022.” Instead of the “beginning of a new progressive era,” Team Biden could be little more than an “interregnum — but only if Trump handles the next six weeks correctly.”
Financial beat: The Fed’s going green
Chairman Jerome Powell is signaling that the Federal Reserve is about to make “combating climate change” part of its “mandate,” reports Andrew Stuttaford at National Review. It’s “mission creep” of the kind that’s “now detectable in so many institutions.” Yet you’ve got to wonder: Do central banks really expect people to trust them to implement their own climate-change policy? (And maybe take on inequality and social justice next?) The Fed expects to soon join the Network for Greening the Financial System, 75 central banks looking to “better understand” the risks of climate change. Yet climate change poses no financial risk in any short-term horizon that can be conceivably assessed. “The fix,” snarks Stuttaford, “is in.”
Conservative: Closing schools = child abuse
Mayor de Blasio has closed city schools again, but COVID-19 at this point is “not an emergency, and we have to stop treating it like one at the expense of our children,” pleads The Federalist’s David Marcus. De Blasio’s move is based on an arbitrary promise he made to “teachers unions, who know they have him in their pocket,” even though there’s scientific consensus that “schools are not big spreaders of the virus.” Yet ignoring kids’ need for a decent education is “child abuse,” and parents must punish “politicians who steal this from our kids.” If we don’t “muster shame and demand action,” we’re failing the next generation and labeling our own as “the most cowardly and self-serving” ever. “End this madness now.”
Urban desk: Liberals limit upward mobility
An “Upward Mobility Index” from an Urban Reform Institute study confirms that “minority residents fail to achieve the upward mobility found in parts of the country often chided by progressives for their supposed backwardness,” reports the institute’s president, Charles Blain, at the Washington Examiner. California and New York cities “dominate the list of the least upwardly mobile,” while “places where housing prices and taxes are low, the regulatory framework for business is friendly and government, overall, is more constrained, provide a better shot” for blacks and Hispanics. What seems to be limiting minorities’ aspirations “is largely a progressive policy environment that discourages and, in some cases, bans new home building.”
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Michael Reagan: Thanks for Wrecking Thanksgiving, Governor

Californians have suffered greatly in our crazy war against the China virus .
Our economy is a wreck .
Restaurants are dying off by the hundreds .
Schools are half closed .
Disneyland is a ghost town .
And now things here have gotten worse .
Because cases of new positive infections and hospitalizations have jumped lately , Gov .
Gavin Newsom has pulled the `` emergency brake '' on reopening the state 's economy , imposed a new limited `` Stay-At-Home Order '' through Dec. 21 and issued a bunch of idiotic rules to ruin Thanksgiving and Christmas for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health experts call their edicts `` small gatherings guidance , '' but we know it 's really `` California 's Thanksgiving Mandate . ''
Like the Thanksgiving rules issued in other Blue states , they are an insane blend of bureaucratic stupidity and unscientific tyranny .
Here are some of them : - Gatherings can not have people from more than three households .
- Gatherings should only be two hours or less .
- All gatherings must be held outside .
People can go inside to use the bathroom .
- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are covered by umbrellas , canopies , awnings , roofs , and other shade structures provided that at least three sides of the space ( or 75 percent ) are open to the outdoors . ''
- Seating must provide at least 6 feet of distance ( in all directions - front-to-back and side-to-side ) between different households .
- Keep physical distance from others and practice hand hygiene .
- The host should collect names and contact information of attendees for contact tracing .
Of course , it 's a given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be wearing a mask , indoors and outdoors , at all times , including between bites of turkey and sips of wine .
Please excuse me , but I do n't get the science behind these `` guidelines . ''
To stop the spread of the coronavirus , I 'm told by the public health experts that I ca n't eat a turkey dinner in my own home with my family or friends unless I follow their nutty rules .
But it 's OK to get on a plane at LAX with 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly five hours to New York City ?
And it 's OK to protest or celebrate with thousands of people in the streets , or eat at a high-end restaurant in Napa Valley with a dozen maskless friends , but you should n't have Grandma over for Thanksgiving because you might kill her ?
Another question : If masks are so effective , why are so many additional people becoming infected with the virus ?
Social distancing and hand-washing have become ingrained in the culture and something like 85 percent of Americans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does that mean that the 15 percent who do n't wear masks are the ones who are catching the virus ?
Or do the cloth masks that most people wear really not do the job of protecting us , as a recent study found ?
I do n't know the answers , but the bottom line is , people are doing more today than ever to protect themselves from the virus , yet more people are catching it .
What all this tells me is that mask or no mask , social distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or no plastic shielding , the virus is in the driver 's seat .
It 's acting like a virus .
It does what it wants to do when it wants to do it , and the only sure way to stop it is with a COVID-19 vaccine , which , thanks to President Trump 's Operation Warp Speed , is just around the corner .
Meanwhile , while we suffer another statewide lockdown and wonder if Christmas and New Year 's will be outlawed altogether , I hope Newsom wo n't do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon threatens to do to her state 's Thanksgiving scofflaws .
There , if they catch you with too many people in your home eating turkey and mashed potatoes next Thursday , they 'll arrest you .
Then they 'll put you in jail - which is a real safe place to be , eh ?
Have a happy Thanksgiving , America - if you dare .

Californians have suffered greatly in our crazy war against the China virus.
Our economy is a wreck. Restaurants are dying off by the hundreds. Schools are half closed. Disneyland is a ghost town.
And now things here have gotten worse.
Because cases of new positive infections and hospitalizations have jumped lately, Gov. Gavin Newsom has pulled the "emergency brake" on reopening the state's economy, imposed a new limited "Stay-At-Home Order" through Dec. 21 and issued a bunch of idiotic rules to ruin Thanksgiving and Christmas for 40 million people.
Newsom and his public health experts call their edicts "small gatherings guidance," but we know it's really "California's Thanksgiving Mandate."
Like the Thanksgiving rules issued in other Blue states, they are an insane blend of bureaucratic stupidity and unscientific tyranny.
Here are some of them:
- Gatherings cannot have people from more than three households.
- Gatherings should only be two hours or less.
- All gatherings must be held outside. People can go inside to use the bathroom.
- Gatherings "may occur in outdoor spaces that are covered by umbrellas, canopies, awnings, roofs, and other shade structures provided that at least three sides of the space (or 75 percent) are open to the outdoors."
- Seating must provide at least 6 feet of distance (in all directions - front-to-back and side-to-side) between different households.
- Keep physical distance from others and practice hand hygiene.
- "Singing, chanting, and shouting are strongly discouraged."
- The host should collect names and contact information of attendees for contact tracing.
Of course, it's a given that everyone at your family gathering should be wearing a mask, indoors and outdoors, at all times, including between bites of turkey and sips of wine.
Please excuse me, but I don't get the science behind these "guidelines."
To stop the spread of the coronavirus, I'm told by the public health experts that I can't eat a turkey dinner in my own home with my family or friends unless I follow their nutty rules.
But it's OK to get on a plane at LAX with 200 other people I don't know and fly five hours to New York City?
And it's OK to protest or celebrate with thousands of people in the streets, or eat at a high-end restaurant in Napa Valley with a dozen maskless friends, but you shouldn't have Grandma over for Thanksgiving because you might kill her?
Another question: If masks are so effective, why are so many additional people becoming infected with the virus?
Social distancing and hand-washing have become ingrained in the culture and something like 85 percent of Americans are said to faithfully wear masks.
So does that mean that the 15 percent who don't wear masks are the ones who are catching the virus? Or do the cloth masks that most people wear really not do the job of protecting us, as a recent study found?
I don't know the answers, but the bottom line is, people are doing more today than ever to protect themselves from the virus, yet more people are catching it.
What all this tells me is that mask or no mask, social distance or no social distance, plastic shielding or no plastic shielding, the virus is in the driver's seat. It's acting like a virus.
It does what it wants to do when it wants to do it, and the only sure way to stop it is with a COVID-19 vaccine, which, thanks to President Trump's Operation Warp Speed, is just around the corner.
Meanwhile, while we suffer another statewide lockdown and wonder if Christmas and New Year's will be outlawed altogether, I hope Newsom won't do to us what his fellow emperor in Oregon threatens to do to her state's Thanksgiving scofflaws.
There, if they catch you with too many people in your home eating turkey and mashed potatoes next Thursday, they'll arrest you. Then they'll put you in jail - which is a real safe place to be, eh?
Have a happy Thanksgiving, America - if you dare.


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--15-Year-Old Arrested in Connection With Shooting at Wisconsin Mall That Left 8 Injured

A 15-year-old Hispanic boy was arrested in connection with a shooting Friday at Mayfair shopping mall that left eight people injured , Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber said Sunday .
Weber said during a news conference that the incident was `` not a random act '' but rather an altercation between two groups , which he said resulted in the injury of four `` innocent bystanders . ''
WISCONSIN MALL SHOOTING LEAVES AT LEAST 8 WOUNDED ; SHOOTER BEING SOUGHT According to police , the suspect , who was a Milwaukee resident , fled on foot with other people exiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening following the execution of search warrants .
Weber said he believes the boy was arrested during a traffic stop and a firearm was also recovered at the scene of the arrest .
The process to completely secure the mall , which contains 1.2 million square feet of space , took about six hours and involved seven tactical teams .
During that time , investigators interviewed victims and witnesses to identify the shooter .
The suspect 's identity has not been released to prevent the investigation from being compromised and to avoid potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initial information put out regarding the shooter `` was erroneous '' as to `` who we were looking for , '' adding that police `` thought it was a white male , but did n't have an age . ''
As the investigation progressed and investigators began developing leads , Weber said they began to believe it was `` somebody younger . ''
In addition to the 15-year old boy , the other individuals involved in the altercation have been taken into custody .
The motive for the altercation remains under investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NEWS APP Police added that most of the victims are recovering from non-life threatening injuries and have been released from the hospital .
Both Weber and Mayor Dennis McBride stressed that there is no immediate danger to the public , and that Mayfair Mall is still a `` wonderful place to shop '' and `` a safe place to be . ''
`` An incident of this type can happen at any time , in any place , '' Weber said .
`` I encourage people to show their support for Mayfair .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as soon as I leave here , I 'm off to Mayfair , '' McBride added .
`` I have no problem whatsoever .
And I never have and I never will .
It 's a safe place . ''

A 15-year-old Hispanic boy was arrested in connection with a shooting Friday at Mayfair shopping mall that left eight people injured, Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber said Sunday.
Weber said during a news conference that the incident was "not a random act" but rather an altercation between two groups, which he said resulted in the injury of four "innocent bystanders."
WISCONSIN MALL SHOOTING LEAVES AT LEAST 8 WOUNDED; SHOOTER BEING SOUGHT
According to police, the suspect, who was a Milwaukee resident, fled on foot with other people exiting the mall. He was arrested Saturday evening following the execution of search warrants. Weber said he believes the boy was arrested during a traffic stop and a firearm was also recovered at the scene of the arrest.
The process to completely secure the mall, which contains 1.2 million square feet of space, took about six hours and involved seven tactical teams. During that time, investigators interviewed victims and witnesses to identify the shooter.
The suspect's identity has not been released to prevent the investigation from being compromised and to avoid potential destruction of evidence.
Weber said that the initial information put out regarding the shooter "was erroneous" as to "who we were looking for," adding that police "thought it was a white male, but didn't have an age." As the investigation progressed and investigators began developing leads, Weber said they began to believe it was "somebody younger."
In addition to the 15-year old boy, the other individuals involved in the altercation have been taken into custody. The motive for the altercation remains under investigation.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Police added that most of the victims are recovering from non-life threatening injuries and have been released from the hospital. Both Weber and Mayor Dennis McBride stressed that there is no immediate danger to the public, and that Mayfair Mall is still a "wonderful place to shop" and "a safe place to be."
"An incident of this type can happen at any time, in any place," Weber said. "I encourage people to show their support for Mayfair."
"I will tell you this, as soon as I leave here, I'm off to Mayfair," McBride added. "I have no problem whatsoever. And I never have and I never will. It's a safe place."


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Nation’s Worst Governor Says More Coronavirus Restrictions Are Coming

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
Upper Manhattan and parts of Staten Island and Long Island are set to land back into restrictive COVID-19 zones this week , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo warned Sunday .
The targeted areas have been recently grappling with worrisome rising infection rates .
“ We have several communities that are in the warning track , ” Cuomo said at a press briefing .
“ Right now … unless they dramatically change the trajectory of the infection rate , this week , they will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staten Island will go into an orange zone .
Parts of Staten Island will go into red zone at the current rate , ’ ’ he said .
“ Staten Island is a serious problem , ” Cuomo said — as the borough last week battled a seven-day average infection rate of 4.5 percent , the highest in the city .
“ Staten Island is also a problem in terms of overburdening hospitals , and we ’ re running into a hospital capacity issue on Staten Island that we have to have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , “ Upper Manhattan will go into a yellow zone , ” as will parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island if their numbers trends don ’ t change drastically , the governor added , without going into specifics on which exact areas would be affected .
Yellow zones , the least restrictive , mean in-person restaurant dining is limited to four people per table and overall indoor capacity kept at 25 percent .
New York City restaurants are already at that 25 percent indoor limit .
The governor last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liquor licenses to close at 10 p.m. daily to try to curb rising infection rates .
Under yellow-zone restrictions , indoor and outdoor gatherings would max out at 25 people , too — although the governor has already issued an order superseding this limit , saying last week that groups can not be more than 10 .
Houses of worship would remain at 50 percent capacity in yellow zones .
Schools can remain open , but there would be mandatory testing of 20 percent of in-school staffers and students , Cuomo said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed because of coronavirus increases , as per Mayor Bill de Blasio last week .
In orange zones , indoor dining at restaurants would be suspended , while businesses considered non-essential and high-risk , such as gyms and hair salons , would shut down .
Houses of worship would go down to 33 percent capacity indoors , while gatherings would be limited to 10 people .
Schools would go all remote unless they follow a mandatory testing plan , Cuomo said .
Under the most restrictive designation , red , there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , which would go to take-out and delivery only .
All non-essential businesses also would close , and churches would go to a maximum of 10 in-person worshippers .
Schools would go remote unless they agree to a mandatory testing plan .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Upper Manhattan and parts of Staten Island and Long Island are set to land back in restrictive COVID-19 zones this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned Sunday.
The targeted areas have been recently grappling with worrisome rising infection rates.
“We have several communities that are in the warning track,” Cuomo said at a press briefing. “Right now … unless they dramatically change the trajectory of the infection rate, this week, they will go into those zones.
“Parts of Staten Island will go into an orange zone. Parts of Staten Island will go into red zone at the current rate,’’ he said.
“Staten Island is a serious problem,” Cuomo said. The borough last week battled a seven-day average infection rate of 4.5 percent, the highest in the city.
“Staten Island is also a problem in terms of overburdening hospitals, and we’re running into a hospital capacity issue on Staten Island that we have to have to be dealing with in coming days.”
Meanwhile, “Upper Manhattan will go into a yellow zone,” as will parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island if their numbers trends don’t change drastically, the governor added, without going into specifics on which exact areas would be affected.
Yellow zones, the least restrictive, mean in-person restaurant dining is limited to four people per table and overall indoor capacity kept at 25 percent. New York City restaurants are already at that 25 percent indoor limit.
The governor last week also ordered bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to close at 10 p.m. daily to try to curb rising infection rates.
Under yellow-zone restrictions, indoor and outdoor gatherings would max out at 25 people, too — although the governor has already issued an order superseding this limit, saying last week that groups cannot be more than 10.
Houses of worship would remain at 50 percent capacity in yellow zones.
Schools can remain open, but there would be mandatory testing of 20 percent of in-school staffers and students, Cuomo said.
New York City public schools are currently closed because of coronavirus increases, as per Mayor Bill de Blasio last week.
In orange zones, indoor dining at restaurants would be suspended, while businesses considered non-essential and high-risk, such as gyms and hair salons, would shut down. Houses of worship would go down to 33 percent capacity indoors, while gatherings would be limited to 10 people.
Schools would go all remote unless they follow a mandatory testing plan, Cuomo said.
Under the most restrictive designation, red, there would be a ban even on outdoor dining at restaurants, which would go to take-out and delivery only. All non-essential businesses also would close, and churches would go to a maximum of 10 in-person worshipers.
Schools would go remote unless they agree to a mandatory testing plan.


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Pompeo Meets With Taliban Leaders Ahead of Afghanistan Withdrawal

DOHA , Qatar—Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a daylong round of talks with Gulf Arab leaders and representatives from the Taliban on Saturday , conversations that come as the United States moves to pull its troops out of war-torn Afghanistan .
Pompeo met with the Taliban ’ s senior leadership as part of ongoing negotiations hosted by the Qatari government in Doha .
Pompeo praised the sides for sticking with the negotiations that could see the Afghan government strike a stable peace accord with the Taliban terrorist group after decades of bloody violence .
Talks have been taking place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first announced the groundwork for negotiations .
The meetings came just hours after mortars struck several areas in Kabul , Afghanistan ’ s capital—a stark reminder that peace negotiations could deteriorate at any point .
The Taliban denied responsibility for the attack .
As talks continue , the Trump administration is moving forward with plans to pull around 2,500 American troops from Afghanistan—a move that has been roundly criticized by both Democratic and Republican leaders .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , a typical Trump administration ally , called the plan `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet to comment on the plan , but he has expressed a willingness in the past to begin removing U.S. troops from the region .
Pompeo also talked to leaders in Doha and the United Arab Emirates about the ongoing threat posed by Iran and Trump administration efforts in its final months to further tighten the economic noose on Tehran .
Gulf Arab leaders are already nervous about a Biden administration due to its vow to reenter the landmark nuclear deal with Iran and provide it with a new wave of cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaned into its ties with Saudi Arabia , the UAE , and Qatar , it is expected the Biden administration will pursue a policy centered on making Iran a more prominent regional player .

DOHA, Qatar—Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a daylong round of talks with Gulf Arab leaders and representatives from the Taliban on Saturday, conversations that come as the United States moves to pull its troops out of war-torn Afghanistan.
Pompeo met with the Taliban’s senior leadership as part of ongoing negotiations hosted by the Qatari government in Doha. Pompeo praised the sides for sticking with the negotiations that could see the Afghan government strike a stable peace accord
with the Taliban terrorist group after decades of bloody violence. Talks have been taking place since February, when the Trump administration first announced the groundwork for negotiations.
The meetings came just hours after mortars struck several areas in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital—a stark reminder that peace negotiations could deteriorate at any point. The Taliban denied responsibility for the attack.
As talks continue, the Trump administration is moving forward with plans to pull around 2,500 American troops from Afghanistan—a move that has been roundly criticized by both Democratic and Republican leaders. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a typical Trump administration ally, called the plan "a mistake."
Incoming president Joe Biden has yet to comment on the plan, but he has expressed a willingness in the past to begin removing U.S. troops from the region.
Pompeo also talked to leaders in Doha and the United Arab Emirates about the ongoing threat posed by Iran and Trump administration efforts in its final months to further tighten the economic noose on Tehran. Gulf Arab leaders are already nervous about a Biden administration due to its vow to reenter the landmark nuclear deal with Iran and provide it with a new wave of cash assets. While the Trump administration has leaned into its ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, it is expected the Biden administration will pursue a policy centered on making Iran a more prominent regional player.


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Trump Legal Team Appeals Dismissal of Pennsylvania Lawsuit

FILE PHOTO : A `` Thin Blue Line '' sign is surrounded by other signs supporting U.S. President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ , on the windows of the Racine County Republican Party Office in Racine , Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .
REUTERS/Bing Guan ( Reuters ) - U.S. President Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ judge it was appealing a ruling issued on Saturday that denied its request to halt @ @ @ @ @ win in Pennsylvania .
The campaign said in a court filing that it appealed U.S. @ @ @ @ @ s decision to the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals .

(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign on Sunday appealed part of a ruling that clears the way for the battleground state of Pennsylvania to certify Democratic President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the Nov. 3 election.
FILE PHOTO: A "Thin Blue Line" sign is surrounded by other signs supporting U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, on the windows of the Racine County Republican Party Office in Racine, Wisconsin, U.S., November 2, 2020. REUTERS/Bing Guan
In a court filing, the campaign asked the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals to review a decision by U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann.
The campaign filed a suit earlier this month, asking Brann to halt the state from certifying the results.
Brann’s ruling, issued on Saturday, described the case as based on “strained legal arguments” and “speculative accusations.”
In a court filing, the Trump campaign said it was focusing its appeal on the “narrow” question of whether Brann improperly refused to let them amend their lawsuit a second time.
For Trump to have any hope of overturning the election, he needs to reverse the outcome in Pennsylvania, which is expected to certify its election results on Monday.
Brann had denied a request by the campaign to add back allegations it dropped from the case, including a claim that its due process rights were violated.
“NO AUTHORITY” TO BLOCK VOTES
Under Pennsylvania law, the candidate who wins the popular vote in the state gets all the state’s electoral votes.
A presidential candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the election, and Biden leads in the electoral vote count by 306-232.
Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani said on Saturday that Brann’s quick ruling would help them get the case “expeditiously to the U.S. Supreme Court.”
The lawsuit before Brann was filed on Nov. 9 and had alleged inconsistent treatment by county election officials of mail-in ballots. Some counties notified voters that they could fix minor defects such as missing “secrecy envelopes” while others did not.
Brann said in his decision that he had “no authority to take away the right to vote of even a single person, let alone millions of citizens.”
Brann, nominated by former President Barack Obama, is a Republican and, according to his biography, a member of the Federalist Society, a group of conservative and libertarian lawyers, law students and scholars.
The Trump campaign and its supporters have filed dozens of lawsuits in six closely contested states. The campaign’s only victories extended the Election Day voting hours at a handful of polling places in Nevada and set aside some provisional ballots in Pennsylvania, according to court records.
Attempts to thwart the certification of the election have failed in courts in Georgia, Michigan and Arizona.


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Joe Biden Perplexed by Reporters Asking Him Questions

Former Vice President Joe Biden isn ’ t used to getting real questions .
On Friday , Biden appeared dumbfounded as to why a reporter was asking the projected Democratic presidential-elect a question as the press pool was being scurried away by staff .
“ Mr .
Biden , the COVID task force said it ’ s safe for students to be in class .
Are you going to encourage unions to cooperate more to bring kids back to classrooms , sir ?
” asked CBS reporter Bo Erickson .
“ Why are you the only guy that always shouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a bizarre episode for the 78-year-old Democrat , who enjoyed the least amount of media scrutiny on the campaign trail of any modern candidate running for president .
While serious revelations were emerging , revealing Biden ’ s role in his son ’ s potentially criminal overseas business dealings , reporters asked hard-hitting questions such as what kind of ice cream Biden purchased at a pit stop .
Erickson was also one of the few reporters to ask Biden about the scandals plaguing his campaign , bombshells suppressed by Big Tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other mainstream outlets .
When pressed on the issue , Biden lashed out at the media .
Erickson ’ s treatment of the former vice president Friday was the same treatment the media offered to President Donald Trump and his staff throughout the entire last four years , which was on full display again in the White House briefing room on the same day .
Meanwhile , one would be hard-pressed to find California Sen. Kamala Harris , Biden ’ s running mate , at any point throughout the entire general election campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a press conference .
The media gave a preview of how it would treat a Biden administration on Monday , when Biden began speaking with reporters , who lobbed him softball questions .
Joe Concha , a media reporter for The Hill , dubbed the incoming presidential press corps “ The new marshmallow media in the Biden era , ” in a column published Thursday .
“ Any press conference Biden has held since capturing the Democratic nomination has consisted mostly of questions about President Trump and very few questions about Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy stances or perspective on important issues such as trade , foreign affairs , gun control , immigration , education , or taxation as it relates to repealing the Trump tax cuts , ” Concha wrote .
“ Of the 12 questions Biden received Monday , there were zero follow-ups .
Zero interruptions during answers .
Zero questions about any of the issues above , which rank as among the top concerns on voters ’ minds , along with the coronavirus .
”

Former Vice President Joe Biden isn’t used to getting real questions. On Friday, Biden appeared dumbfounded as to why a reporter was asking the projected Democratic presidential-elect a question as the press pool was being scurried away by staff.
“Mr. Biden, the COVID task force said it’s safe for students to be in class. Are you going to encourage unions to cooperate more to bring kids back to classrooms, sir?” asked CBS reporter Bo Erickson.
“Why are you the only guy that always shouts out questions?” Biden said.
Asked Biden if he will encourage teacher unions to cooperate to get kids back in school because the COVID task force said it is safe to be in the classroom. He didn't answer. “Why are you the only guy that always shouts out questions?” he said. pic.twitter.com/x2DsG5Fmgo — Bo Erickson CBS (@BoKnowsNews) November 20, 2020
It was a bizarre episode for the 78-year-old Democrat, who enjoyed the least amount of media scrutiny on the campaign trail of any modern candidate running for president. While serious revelations were emerging, revealing Biden’s role in his son’s potentially criminal overseas business dealings, reporters asked hard-hitting questions such as what kind of ice cream Biden purchased at a pit stop.
Erickson was also one of the few reporters to ask Biden about the scandals plaguing his campaign, bombshells suppressed by Big Tech and either ignored or dubiously delegitimized by other mainstream outlets. When pressed on the issue, Biden lashed out at the media.
I asked Joe Biden: What is your response to the NYPost story about your son, sir? He called it a “smear campaign” and then went after me. “I know you’d ask it. I have no response, it’s another smear campaign, right up your alley, those are the questions you always ask.” pic.twitter.com/Eo6VD4TqxD — Bo Erickson CBS (@BoKnowsNews) October 17, 2020
Erickson’s treatment of the former vice president Friday was the same treatment the media offered to President Donald Trump and his staff throughout the entire last four years, which was on full display again in the White House briefing room on the same day.
"I don't call on activists," is how @PressSec ended her press briefing. A reporter kept shouting, "When will you admit you lost the election?" "I'm not an activist…" a different reporter can be heard saying. pic.twitter.com/Xx5tu348Bg — Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) November 20, 2020
Meanwhile, one would be hard-pressed to find California Sen. Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate, at any point throughout the entire general election campaign taking a single question from a reporter during a press conference.
The media gave a preview of how it would treat a Biden administration on Monday, when Biden began speaking with reporters, who lobbed him softball questions. Joe Concha, a media reporter for The Hill, dubbed the incoming presidential press corps “The new marshmallow media in the Biden era,” in a column published Thursday.
“Any press conference Biden has held since capturing the Democratic nomination has consisted mostly of questions about President Trump and very few questions about Biden’s own worldview, record, policy stances or perspective on important issues such as trade, foreign affairs, gun control, immigration, education, or taxation as it relates to repealing the Trump tax cuts,” Concha wrote. “Of the 12 questions Biden received Monday, there were zero follow-ups. Zero interruptions during answers. Zero questions about any of the issues above, which rank as among the top concerns on voters’ minds, along with the coronavirus.”


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Saudi Foreign Minister Says Country Should Be Part of Any Future Nuclear Deal With Iran

Saudi Arabia says it should be a part of any potential negotiations between the incoming U.S. administration and Iran on a new nuclear deal , Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud told CNBC .
Saudi Arabia seeks to partner with the U.S. administration on a potential new agreement , which would not only limit Iran 's nuclear activities but also seek to address its `` regional malign activity , '' Al-Saud told CNBC 's Hadley Gamble on Saturday .
Such an accord could be labeled the `` JCPOA++ , '' he added .
The JCPOA , or Joint Comprehensive Plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Iran and world powers which limited the country 's nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions .
The original agreement was signed by the five permanent members of the United Nations ' Security Council — China , France , Russia , the U.K. and the U.S. , plus Germany .
President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the JCPOA in 2018 , calling it the `` worst deal in history . ''
Since then , his administration has placed crushing sanctions on Iran , dubbed the `` maximum pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran 's rial to depreciate by one-fifth of its former value against the dollar , and the country 's gross domestic product ( GDP ) has shrunk by around 6 % for three consecutive years .
Other signatories to the 2015 accord have stood by the agreement , but there is talk that a renegotiated pact could be on the cards , with more pressure on Iran over missile programs and other regional issues .
A new agreement has been touted as a `` JCPOA+ '' — that is , like the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Such an agreement could go even further , Al-Saud believes , saying that a `` JCPOA++ '' deal could also seek to address Iran 's reported `` arming of militias , whether it 's the Houthis in Yemen , or certain groups in Iraq or in Syria , or Lebanon , and even beyond . ''
`` And , of course , its ballistic missile programs and other arms programs , which ( it ) continues to use to spread havoc around the region , '' Al-Saud added .
CNBC has contacted Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's comments and is yet to receive a reply .
Saudi 's foreign minister emphasized the long-standing partnership his country has with the United States and that he would work with any administration .
Al-Saud reiterated , however , that should the incoming president wish to re-engage with Iran , Saudi Arabia should be a `` partner in those discussions . ''
`` The issue with Iran is the fact that it continues to believe in imposing its will in the region on exporting its revolution to its neighbors and beyond , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he claimed , speaking to CNBC from NEOM , a megaproject and new planned city on Saudi Arabia 's northwest Red Sea coast .
Saudi Arabia is hosting world leaders , virtually , at the Group of 20 ( G-20 ) summit in Riyadh this weekend .
Neighbors Saudi Arabia and Iran are locked in a decades-old struggle for regional dominance .
Saudi Arabia is a majority Sunni country while Iran is home to a Shia Muslim majority .
Trump leaned into Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama , sought to normalize relations with Iran and create the nuclear deal .
Trump 's exit from the JCPOA was applauded by America 's allies in the Gulf , and was widely seen as a shift in U.S. policy in the region .
The U.S. ' attitude toward Iran could change with an incoming administration , however .
President-elect Joe Biden hopes to re-engage with Iran once in the White House and rejoining the nuclear agreement is a top priority for his incoming administration .
The Trump administration is set to sanction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end , which could make Biden 's rapprochement with Iran more challenging .
Meanwhile , the new administration 's relationship with Saudi Arabia could be harder to predict .
Biden has criticized human rights violations by Saudi Arabia and has said he would re-assess ties with the kingdom , having threatened in 2019 to stop arms sales to the nation and to make them , what he described , `` the pariah that they are . ''
In October , when marking the two-year anniversary since the death of Jamal Khashoggi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 , Biden went further in detailing how U.S.- Saudi Arabia relations could develop .
He noted in a statement that `` under a Biden-Harris administration , we will reassess our relationship with the Kingdom , end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia 's war in Yemen , and make sure America does not check its values at the door to sell arms or buy oil . ''
`` America 's commitment to democratic values and human rights will be a priority , even with our closest security @ @ @ @ @ @

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan al-Saud speaks to the media on February 21, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. Thomas Trutschel | Photothek | Getty Images
Saudi Arabia says it should be a part of any potential negotiations between the incoming U.S. administration and Iran on a new nuclear deal, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud told CNBC. Saudi Arabia seeks to partner with the U.S. administration on a potential new agreement, which would not only limit Iran's nuclear activities but also seek to address its "regional malign activity," Al-Saud told CNBC's Hadley Gamble on Saturday. Such an accord could be labeled the "JCPOA++," he added. The JCPOA, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, is a 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers which limited the country's nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. The original agreement was signed by the five permanent members of the United Nations' Security Council — China, France, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S., plus Germany. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the JCPOA in 2018, calling it the "worst deal in history." Since then, his administration has placed crushing sanctions on Iran, dubbed the "maximum pressure campaign."
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These sanctions have caused Iran's rial to depreciate by one-fifth of its former value against the dollar, and the country's gross domestic product (GDP) has shrunk by around 6% for three consecutive years. Other signatories to the 2015 accord have stood by the agreement, but there is talk that a renegotiated pact could be on the cards, with more pressure on Iran over missile programs and other regional issues. A new agreement has been touted as a "JCPOA+" — that is, like the original deal but with more conditions attached. Such an agreement could go even further, Al-Saud believes, saying that a "JCPOA++" deal could also seek to address Iran's reported "arming of militias, whether it's the Houthis in Yemen, or certain groups in Iraq or in Syria, or Lebanon, and even beyond." "And, of course, its ballistic missile programs and other arms programs, which (it) continues to use to spread havoc around the region," Al-Saud added. CNBC has contacted Iranian officials for a response to Al Saud's comments and is yet to receive a reply. Saudi's foreign minister emphasized the long-standing partnership his country has with the United States and that he would work with any administration. Al-Saud reiterated, however, that should the incoming president wish to re-engage with Iran, Saudi Arabia should be a "partner in those discussions." "The issue with Iran is the fact that it continues to believe in imposing its will in the region on exporting its revolution to its neighbors and beyond, and we need to address that," he claimed, speaking to CNBC from NEOM, a megaproject and new planned city on Saudi Arabia's northwest Red Sea coast. Saudi Arabia is hosting world leaders, virtually, at the Group of 20 (G-20) summit in Riyadh this weekend.
Regional rivalries


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Black Rifle Coffee Ends Sponsorship With Blaze Podcast After Host Shares Pic of Kyle Rittenhouse Wea

Black Rifle Coffee Ends Sponsorship With Blaze Podcast After Host Shares Pic of Kyle Rittenhouse Wearing Shirt With Their Logo

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah-based coffee company is quashing any supposed connection with or sponsorship of Kyle Rittenhouse , who is accused of killing two people during protests in Wisconsin in August , after a photo of the teen wearing a shirt with the company 's logo was shared on social media .
Black Rifle Coffee Company responded after the host of a podcast which the company sponsors tweeted a discount code for the coffee along with the photo .
“ Kyle Rittenhouse drinks the best coffee in America , '' Elijah Schaffer , host of Blaze Media 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the now-deleted tweet .
A Black Rifle spokeswoman initially told The Salt Lake Tribune that the company was ending its sponsorship of the podcast .
However , she later clarified her comments , saying she misunderstood .
“ We are not fluctuating our ad spend , ” she told the Tribune in a text message .
“ We did have a conversation with Schaffer , and he understands that the post was a mistake.
” After clarifying the company ’ s continuing sponsorship of Blaze Media , she added : “ Our concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the post did not reflect our values .
That ’ s a concern we ’ ve addressed with the journalist and that he understands.
” Blaze employees “ make decisions about how to allocate ad dollars within the Blaze , ” she said , but she did not clarify whether Black Rifle would request to end its placement as a podcast sponsor .
She said the company and Blaze are discussing “ how to move forward with the allocation of ad dollars.
” The company did , however , officially state that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any direct connection with Rittenhouse , who was released Friday after supporters raised his $ 2 million bail .
“ We do not support legal advocacy efforts , ” Black Rifle co-founder Evan Hafer said in a statement .
“ We do not sponsor nor do we have a relationship with the 17-year-old facing charges in Kenosha , WI.
” Click here to read the full report .
FOX 13 is a content-sharing partner with The Salt Lake Tribune .
The same photo shared by another Twitter user :

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah-based coffee company is quashing any supposed connection with or sponsorship of Kyle Rittenhouse, who is accused of killing two people during protests in Wisconsin in August, after a photo of the teen wearing a shirt with the company's logo was shared on social media.
Black Rifle Coffee Company responded after the host of a podcast which the company sponsors tweeted a discount code for the coffee along with the photo.
“Kyle Rittenhouse drinks the best coffee in America," Elijah Schaffer, host of Blaze Media's "Slightly Offens*ve," wrote in the now-deleted tweet.
A Black Rifle spokeswoman initially told The Salt Lake Tribune that the company was ending its sponsorship of the podcast. However, she later clarified her comments, saying she misunderstood.
“We are not fluctuating our ad spend,” she told the Tribune in a text message. “We did have a conversation with Schaffer, and he understands that the post was a mistake.”
After clarifying the company’s continuing sponsorship of Blaze Media, she added: “Our concern is that use of the discount code in the post did not reflect our values. That’s a concern we’ve addressed with the journalist and that he understands.”
Blaze employees “make decisions about how to allocate ad dollars within the Blaze,” she said, but she did not clarify whether Black Rifle would request to end its placement as a podcast sponsor. She said the company and Blaze are discussing “how to move forward with the allocation of ad dollars.”
The company did, however, officially state that it does not sponsor and does not have any direct connection with Rittenhouse, who was released Friday after supporters raised his $2 million bail.
“We do not support legal advocacy efforts,” Black Rifle co-founder Evan Hafer said in a statement. “We do not sponsor nor do we have a relationship with the 17-year-old facing charges in Kenosha, WI.”
Click here to read the full report. FOX 13 is a content-sharing partner with The Salt Lake Tribune.
The same photo shared by another Twitter user:


bonginoreport--2020-11-22--Iran-Backed Militia in Iraq Declares End to Ceasefire With U.S.

A conditional ceasefire suspending attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq has ended , the leader of an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia group declared on Thursday .
“ The truce with the Americans has ended due to its conditions not being met , ” Qais al-Khazali , leader of the Iranian-backed Shiite militia group Asaib Ahl Al-Haq , said in an interview with Iraqi state media on November 19 , Kurdish news agency Rudaw reported on Friday .
Asaib Ahl Al-Haq is a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization and a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces ( PMF ) , a coalition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight the Islamic State .
Many are Iran-backed militias that have regularly threatened the United States .
The announcement followed news on November 17 that four rockets landed in Baghdad ’ s Green Zone , a heavily fortified area of the Iraqi capital housing foreign embassies , including that of the United States .
In a statement , the Iraqi military said the bombing killed one child and injured five other civilians .
The rockets that landed in the Green Zone “ were launched from a neighborhood in al-Alf Dar district in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
Tuesday ’ s assault took place on the same day that the U.S. announced plans to reduce its number of troops in Iraq from 3,000 to 2,500 by January 15 , 2021 .
Observers said the targeting of an international zone signaled an end to a temporary halt of attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq by Iran-backed militias , established by the largely Shiite militant groups through an informal truce in October .
“ Iraq ’ s Iranian-backed militia groups escalated attacks on US targets in Iraq , including the embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after the US killed Qasem Soleimani , commander of Iran ’ s Quds force , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , deputy commander of Iraq ’ s Popular Mobilization Forces , on January 3 , ” Rudaw recalled on Friday .
“ The militias agreed in October to suspend the attacks on condition that Washington withdraws its troops.
” In his Thursday interview , Khazali said he does not support targeting the U.S. embassy in Baghdad , as it serves a diplomatic purpose .
He claimed that armed operations in Iraq are sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A stable future for Iraq depends on building state institutions .
It is wrong to carry weapons without any reason , but only when it serves a clear goal , ” Khazali said .
“ Whenever the goal disappears , so do the weapons.
” Khazali ’ s militant group , Asaib Ahl Al-Haq , is also considered a political party within Iraq and is represented in the Iraqi parliament .
In his interview , the Shiite militia leader also criticized Iraq ’ s recently reignited relationship with Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia .
Riyadh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase its investment in Iraq by 10 billion Saudi riyals ( about $ 2.7 billion ) .
The investment will focus on Iraq ’ s “ fields of energy , industry , mineral wealth , and agriculture , ” Saudi Investment Minister Khaled bin Abdulaziz al-Falih said at the time .
“ It is going to hurt fertile Iraqi land , and strongly harm our water reserves , ” Khazali said of Riyadh ’ s investment and development plans in Iraq .
The two countries opened their shared Arar border crossing for trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on November 18 .
Some observers view Saudi Arabia ’ s recent interest in Iraq as part of its efforts to stem Iran ’ s growing regional influence .

A conditional ceasefire suspending attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq has ended, the leader of an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia group declared on Thursday.
“The truce with the Americans has ended due to its conditions not being met,” Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iranian-backed Shiite militia group Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, said in an interview with Iraqi state media on November 19, Kurdish news agency Rudaw reported on Friday.
Asaib Ahl Al-Haq is a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization and a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of militias that worked with the United States to fight the Islamic State. Many are Iran-backed militias that have regularly threatened the United States.
The announcement followed news on November 17 that four rockets landed in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a heavily fortified area of the Iraqi capital housing foreign embassies, including that of the United States. In a statement, the Iraqi military said the bombing killed one child and injured five other civilians. The rockets that landed in the Green Zone “were launched from a neighborhood in al-Alf Dar district in New Baghdad,” according to the statement.
Tuesday’s assault took place on the same day that the U.S. announced plans to reduce its number of troops in Iraq from 3,000 to 2,500 by January 15, 2021. Observers said the targeting of an international zone signaled an end to a temporary halt of attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq by Iran-backed militias, established by the largely Shiite militant groups through an informal truce in October.
“Iraq’s Iranian-backed militia groups escalated attacks on US targets in Iraq, including the embassy in Baghdad and bases housing American troops, after the US killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Quds force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, on January 3,” Rudaw recalled on Friday. “The militias agreed in October to suspend the attacks on condition that Washington withdraws its troops.”
In his Thursday interview, Khazali said he does not support targeting the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, as it serves a diplomatic purpose. He claimed that armed operations in Iraq are sometimes necessary to achieve specific goals.
“A stable future for Iraq depends on building state institutions. It is wrong to carry weapons without any reason, but only when it serves a clear goal,” Khazali said. “Whenever the goal disappears, so do the weapons.”
Khazali’s militant group, Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, is also considered a political party within Iraq and is represented in the Iraqi parliament. In his interview, the Shiite militia leader also criticized Iraq’s recently reignited relationship with Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh announced in mid-October that it planned to increase its investment in Iraq by 10 billion Saudi riyals (about $2.7 billion). The investment will focus on Iraq’s “fields of energy, industry, mineral wealth, and agriculture,” Saudi Investment Minister Khaled bin Abdulaziz al-Falih said at the time.
“It is going to hurt fertile Iraqi land, and strongly harm our water reserves,” Khazali said of Riyadh’s investment and development plans in Iraq.
The two countries opened their shared Arar border crossing for trade for the first time in three decades on November 18. Some observers view Saudi Arabia’s recent interest in Iraq as part of its efforts to stem Iran’s growing regional influence.