politicususa--2020-07-03--Bill Barr Is Systematically Removing U.S. Attorneys Connected To Trump Investigations

While the country is distracted by a public health and economic crisis , Attorney General William Barr is systematically removing U.S. attorneys who are connected to investigations that touch on Donald Trump and his shady associates .
On Thursday , CNN reported that the Department of Justice was considering replacing the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn with an ally of Barr .
CNN noted that this particular post “ wields significant influence by virtue of its jurisdiction and recently has investigated individuals close to President Donald Trump.
” The push by Barr to install one of his buddies comes after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Southern District of New York , out of his position .
As Rachel Maddow pointed out on Thursday , Barr appears to be methodically removing powerful U.S. attorneys connected to investigations that involve Trump .
“ Today ’ s news isn ’ t a rerun , ” the MSNBC host said .
“ Bill Barr , one by one , has been picking off those U.S. attorneys and removing them from their posts.
” We don ’ t know whatever happened to the Rudy Giuliani investigation .
We know that Lev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed until after the November election , but what ’ s going on between the attorney general and these ongoing cases touching the president ?
I mean , we ’ ve seen a lot of this , right ?
But today ’ s news isn ’ t a rerun .
This isn ’ t — they just keep doing the same play over and over again .
It ’ s recursive news .
I mean , Bill Barr has now taken out the U.S. Attorney in Washington , D.C. , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has now taken out as of tonight the U.S. Attorney in EDNY .
These are all the major prosecutors offices basically in the country where there are major ongoing prosecutions and investigations touching on the president , his businesses , his inaugural , his campaign personnel , and all the myriad fallout from the Russian effort to help Trump in the last election .
Bill Barr , one by one has been picking off those U.S. attorneys and removing them from their posts .
As America devolves further into crisis under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Barr isn ’ t even pretending to be a legitimate attorney general – not that he ever was .
As I wrote last month , Barr is Trump ’ s new fixer , not America ’ s attorney general .
From day one , he ’ s helped shield this corrupt president , whether it ’ s whitewashing the Mueller report , meddling in Trump-related SDNY cases , or pushing the president ’ s crackpot conspiracy theories , William Barr might be the head of the Justice Department , but there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing .

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While the country is distracted by a public health and economic crisis, Attorney General William Barr is systematically removing U.S. attorneys who are connected to investigations that touch on Donald Trump and his shady associates.
On Thursday, CNN reported that the Department of Justice was considering replacing the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn with an ally of Barr. CNN noted that this particular post “wields significant influence by virtue of its jurisdiction and recently has investigated individuals close to President Donald Trump.”
The push by Barr to install one of his buddies comes after he forced Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. Attorney from the Southern District of New York, out of his position.
As Rachel Maddow pointed out on Thursday, Barr appears to be methodically removing powerful U.S. attorneys connected to investigations that involve Trump.
“Today’s news isn’t a rerun,” the MSNBC host said. “Bill Barr, one by one, has been picking off those U.S. attorneys and removing them from their posts.”
Video:
Maddow said:
We don’t know whatever happened to the Rudy Giuliani investigation. We know that Lev and Igor’s trial has been delayed until after the November election, but what’s going on between the attorney general and these ongoing cases touching the president? I mean, we’ve seen a lot of this, right? But today’s news isn’t a rerun. This isn’t — they just keep doing the same play over and over again. It’s recursive news. I mean, Bill Barr has now taken out the U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., he’s taken out the U.S. Attorney in SDNY. He has now taken out as of tonight the U.S. Attorney in EDNY. These are all the major prosecutors offices basically in the country where there are major ongoing prosecutions and investigations touching on the president, his businesses, his inaugural, his campaign personnel, and all the myriad fallout from the Russian effort to help Trump in the last election. Bill Barr, one by one has been picking off those U.S. attorneys and removing them from their posts.
Bill Barr isn’t even pretending anymore
As America devolves further into crisis under the incompetent leadership of Donald Trump, Bill Barr isn’t even pretending to be a legitimate attorney general – not that he ever was.
As I wrote last month, Barr is Trump’s new fixer, not America’s attorney general. From day one, he’s helped shield this corrupt president, whether it’s whitewashing the Mueller report, meddling in Trump-related SDNY cases, or pushing the president’s crackpot conspiracy theories,
William Barr might be the head of the Justice Department, but there is nothing just about what he’s doing.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-03--Trump And Pence Have Given Nearly Two Dozen Secret Service Agents Coronavirus

Eight more Secret Service Agents have tested positive for coronavirus after they had spent days in Arizona preparing for Mike Pence ’ s trip there .
At least eight Secret Service agents are currently holed up in a hotel in Phoenix , some suffering the flu-like coronavirus symptoms after coming down with the disease while preparing for a visit by Vice President Mike Pence , two people familiar with the matter say .
Last month , up to 15 agents who tested positive for the virus loaded into cars and drove themselves home , avoiding flights after becoming infected while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign rally , according to another source familiar with the situation .
At least eight Secret Service agents assigned to Pence ’ s detail ahead of his trip to Arizona this week tested positive for the coronavirus right before the vice president was scheduled to travel there , a law enforcement source told CNN .
Between Trump ’ s Tulsa rally , and Pence ’ s trip to Phoenix , nearly two dozen agents have gotten the coronavirus .
None of this travel by Trump and Pence is essential .
Even though it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case as official government business , it has really been all about the 2020 election .
Trump and Pence are making Secret Service agents sick so that they can campaign .
The travel to make it seem like everything is normal strategy is backfiring .
With each infected agent , Trump and Pence are proving their failure in handling the pandemic .

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Eight more Secret Service Agents have tested positive for coronavirus after they had spent days in Arizona preparing for Mike Pence’s trip there.
CNN reported:
At least eight Secret Service agents are currently holed up in a hotel in Phoenix, some suffering the flu-like coronavirus symptoms after coming down with the disease while preparing for a visit by Vice President Mike Pence, two people familiar with the matter say.
Last month, up to 15 agents who tested positive for the virus loaded into cars and drove themselves home, avoiding flights after becoming infected while preparing for President Donald Trump’s campaign rally, according to another source familiar with the situation.
….
At least eight Secret Service agents assigned to Pence’s detail ahead of his trip to Arizona this week tested positive for the coronavirus right before the vice president was scheduled to travel there, a law enforcement source told CNN.
Between Trump’s Tulsa rally, and Pence’s trip to Phoenix, nearly two dozen agents have gotten the coronavirus.
None of this travel by Trump and Pence is essential. Even though it has been disguised in Pence’s case as official government business, it has really been all about the 2020 election.
Trump and Pence are making Secret Service agents sick so that they can campaign.
The travel to make it seem like everything is normal strategy is backfiring. With each infected agent, Trump and Pence are proving their failure in handling the pandemic.


politicususa--2020-07-03--Trump To Admit Defeat And Tell America To Learn To Live With The Virus

The White House has found itself a new message for the coronavirus .
Trump is going to tell the American people that we just have to live the pandemic he caused .
After several months of mixed messages on the coronavirus pandemic , the White House is settling on a new one : Learn to live with it .
Administration officials are planning to intensify what they hope is a sharper and less conflicting message of the pandemic next week , according to senior administration officials , after struggling to offer clear directives amid a crippling surge in cases across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States reported more than 55,000 new cases of coronavirus , and infection rates were hitting new records in multiple states .
At the crux of the message , officials said , is a recognition by the White House that the virus is not going away any time soon — and will be around through the November election .
The new message is the Trump administration saying that they aren ’ t going to do anything about the virus , so the American people are just going to have to live with sickness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s new position is an admission of defeat .
The virus won , so life should go on as usual besides all of the illness and death throughout the country .
The message is the sort of non-existent vision and leadership that America has come to expect from Trump , and it is one of the reasons why he is looking like a one-term president .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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The White House has found itself a new message for the coronavirus. Trump is going to tell the American people that we just have to live the pandemic he caused.
NBC News reported:
After several months of mixed messages on the coronavirus pandemic, the White House is settling on a new one: Learn to live with it.
Administration officials are planning to intensify what they hope is a sharper and less conflicting message of the pandemic next week, according to senior administration officials, after struggling to offer clear directives amid a crippling surge in cases across the country. On Thursday, the United States reported more than 55,000 new cases of coronavirus, and infection rates were hitting new records in multiple states.
At the crux of the message, officials said, is a recognition by the White House that the virus is not going away any time soon — and will be around through the November election.
The new message is the Trump administration saying that they aren’t going to do anything about the virus, so the American people are just going to have to live with sickness and death.
The White House’s new position is an admission of defeat. The virus won, so life should go on as usual besides all of the illness and death throughout the country.
The message is the sort of non-existent vision and leadership that America has come to expect from Trump, and it is one of the reasons why he is looking like a one-term president.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-03--Peter Navarro Celebrates 4th Of July By Spreading Racist Virus Conspiracy On MSNBC

Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro went on MSNBC and told Ali Velshi that China deliberately created the coronavirus and intentionally spread it to the US .
Navarro said , “ What we have , is Americans angry about being locked down , anxious about their economic future and fearful of getting the virus and we ’ re a house divided now with Democrats blaming Republicans , Republicans blaming Democrats , I want everybody right here today , as the day before America ’ s Independence day , to understand where this virus started the Chinese communist party making us stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , they hid the virus , they sent hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationalists over here to spread the virus before we knew and – ” Navarro continued , “ The dateline is November , they spawned the virus , probably came out of the biological lab , for two months they hid the virus from world and the possibility of a pandemic behind the shield of the world health organization , while they did that , they vacuumed up the world ’ s protective equipment – ” Velshi asked again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is deliberate , the Chinese deliberate did this ?
” Nabarro kept going , “ Here ’ s the point , while they were preventing any domestic travel from Wuhan to Beijing , locking down their transportation , they sent Chinese on aircraft to go around the world – ” The Trump administration is celebrating the 4th of July by not social distancing , not wearing masks , and trying to use the patriotic spirit of the holiday to push a widely debunked conspiracy theory that the coronavirus is a deliberate Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t look possible for this White House to sink any lower , Peter Navarro dropped down ten more levels .

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Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro went on MSNBC and told Ali Velshi that China deliberately created the coronavirus and intentionally spread it to the US.
Navarro said, “What we have, is Americans angry about being locked down, anxious about their economic future and fearful of getting the virus and we’re a house divided now with Democrats blaming Republicans, Republicans blaming Democrats, I want everybody right here today, as the day before America’s Independence day, to understand where this virus started the Chinese communist party making us stay locked in our homes, they spawn the virus, they hid the virus, they sent hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationalists over here to spread the virus before we knew and –”
Ali Velshi asked, “What are you talking about?”
Navarro continued, “The dateline is November, they spawned the virus, probably came out of the biological lab, for two months they hid the virus from world and the possibility of a pandemic behind the shield of the world health organization, while they did that, they vacuumed up the world’s protective equipment –”
Velshi asked again, “So you’re saying this is deliberate, the Chinese deliberate did this?”
Nabarro kept going, “Here’s the point, while they were preventing any domestic travel from Wuhan to Beijing, locking down their transportation, they sent Chinese on aircraft to go around the world –”
Video:
Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro spreads a totally racist and false conspiracy theory about China creating the virus and intentionally infecting the United States. pic.twitter.com/v1elMVfcZ4 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 3, 2020
The Trump administration is celebrating the 4th of July by not social distancing, not wearing masks, and trying to use the patriotic spirit of the holiday to push a widely debunked conspiracy theory that the coronavirus is a deliberate Chinese plot.
Just when it didn’t look possible for this White House to sink any lower, Peter Navarro dropped down ten more levels.


politicususa--2020-07-03--Sheriff Deputies Won’t Wear Masks At Trump Mount Rushmore Event

Sheriff Kevin Thom said that his deputies would not be wearing masks to work Trump ’ s South Dakota event at Mount Rushmore .
Sheriff Thom said on MSNBC , “ In terms of the COVID-19 , that ’ s one aspect of what we ’ re doing in regards to public safety at the monument today .
It ’ s an outside event , so that lowers our concern .
Masks are available for attendees .
Masks are optional for our deputies .
Generally , they won ’ t be wearing them .
The hand sanitizing stations are available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong message that if you ’ re uncomfortable with that setting , don ’ t attend the event .
There are other ways to watch it .
Livestreaming it on TV , we hope people take advantage of that.
” NBC ’ s Peter Alexander asked the sheriff why the masks were optional when it would be good for public safety and set a good example .
Thom answered , “ It ’ s optional for the deputies .
We ’ ve not had a high number of cases in our area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature here , freedom of choice , and if they want to wear a mask , they can .
If they don ’ t want to , they don ’ t have to .
It ’ s an outdoor venue , and we think that helps with the safety of the event itself.
” The idea that wearing a mask equals a loss of freedom is nonsensical Trump propaganda .
What freedom is a deputy losing by wearing a mask ?
The freedom to get coronavirus ?
The real reason that the deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Donald Trump doesn ’ t believe in wearing masks .
Coronavirus deniers such as Sheriff Thom are the reason why the virus is surging in most of the country .
Just because an area hasn ’ t been heavily impacted by the virus yet , it doesn ’ t mean that it won ’ t be in the future .
It only takes one infected person at Trump ’ s event tonight to trigger an outbreak .
This sort of irresponsible behavior for community leaders is why this pandemic is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Sheriff Kevin Thom said that his deputies would not be wearing masks to work Trump’s South Dakota event at Mount Rushmore.
Sheriff Thom said on MSNBC, “In terms of the COVID-19, that’s one aspect of what we’re doing in regards to public safety at the monument today. It’s an outside event, so that lowers our concern. Masks are available for attendees. Masks are optional for our deputies. Generally, they won’t be wearing them. The hand sanitizing stations are available. And we put out a pretty strong message that if you’re uncomfortable with that setting, don’t attend the event. There are other ways to watch it. Livestreaming it on TV, we hope people take advantage of that.”
Video:
Sheriff says his deputies won't be wearing masks at Trump's Mount Rushmore event, because of "freedom of choice." pic.twitter.com/widTdVT0L3 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 3, 2020
NBC’s Peter Alexander asked the sheriff why the masks were optional when it would be good for public safety and set a good example.
Thom answered, “It’s optional for the deputies. We’ve not had a high number of cases in our area. Again, we believe that our independent nature here, freedom of choice, and if they want to wear a mask, they can. If they don’t want to, they don’t have to. It’s an outdoor venue, and we think that helps with the safety of the event itself.”
The idea that wearing a mask equals a loss of freedom is nonsensical Trump propaganda. What freedom is a deputy losing by wearing a mask? The freedom to get coronavirus?
The real reason that the deputies aren’t wearing a mask is that Donald Trump doesn’t believe in wearing masks. Coronavirus deniers such as Sheriff Thom are the reason why the virus is surging in most of the country.
Just because an area hasn’t been heavily impacted by the virus yet, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be in the future. It only takes one infected person at Trump’s event tonight to trigger an outbreak.
This sort of irresponsible behavior for community leaders is why this pandemic is on the verge of being out of control.


politicususa--2020-07-03--6,000 Vets To Denounce Trump Over The 4th Of July Weekend

Grassroots groups will be running a full-page ad in Pennsylvania featuring 6,000 vets agreeing with Gen. Mattis and denouncing Trump .
According to a statement from the Progressive Change Campaign Committee provided to PoliticusUSA : This Fourth of July weekend , grassroots groups will run a full-page ad featuring 6,000 veterans who agree with former Trump Defense Secretary James Mattis that we must “ hold accountable ” President Donald Trump for making “ a mockery of our Constitution.
” The ad , run by veterans organization Common Defense and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee , will run first in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where American democracy was born and the first Constitutional Convention was held .
“ Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people , ” said Mattis , a 4-star Marine general who Trump appointed to lead America ’ s military .
“ We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership…We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution.
” “ I voted for Donald Trump in 2016 , but he is using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow citizens , and it isn ’ t right .
It ’ s unpatriotic , ” said David Michael Weissman , an Army veteran from Florida who co-signed Mattis ’ s statement and is quoted in the ad .
Here is the full ad : The ad is going to reach a ton of Republican voters in central PA , which is the heart of Trump ’ s support in the state .
Trump is facing a coalition of Democrats , progressives , liberals , Independents , and Republicans that has not existed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left and middle united behind him , but he didn ’ t have as much moderate Republican support as Biden does .
The ad is devastating , and it , along with the efforts of others , is hitting Trump across the political spectrum with a message of rejection that could lead to his defeat in November .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Grassroots groups will be running a full-page ad in Pennsylvania featuring 6,000 vets agreeing with Gen. Mattis and denouncing Trump.
According to a statement from the Progressive Change Campaign Committee provided to PoliticusUSA:
This Fourth of July weekend, grassroots groups will run a full-page ad featuring 6,000 veterans who agree with former Trump Defense Secretary James Mattis that we must “hold accountable” President Donald Trump for making “a mockery of our Constitution.”
The ad, run by veterans organization Common Defense and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, will run first in the Harrisburg Patriot-News in Pennsylvania — the state where American democracy was born and the first Constitutional Convention was held.
“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people,” said Mattis, a 4-star Marine general who Trump appointed to lead America’s military. “We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership…We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution.”
…..
“I voted for Donald Trump in 2016, but he is using the uniform we served in against our fellow citizens, and it isn’t right. It’s unpatriotic,” said David Michael Weissman, an Army veteran from Florida who co-signed Mattis’s statement and is quoted in the ad.
Here is the full ad:
New in PA: liberal groups @BoldProgressive & @commondefense running a full page ad in the Harrisburg Patriot-News this wknd with Jim Mattis’ full statement criticizing President Trump.
Includes other veterans too.
Hitting region with lots of GOP voters. pic.twitter.com/0gCnnXmAuC — Jonathan Tamari (@JonathanTamari) July 2, 2020
The ad is going to reach a ton of Republican voters in central PA, which is the heart of Trump’s support in the state.
Trump is facing a coalition of Democrats, progressives, liberals, Independents, and Republicans that has not existed in modern American politics. Obama had the left and middle united behind him, but he didn’t have as much moderate Republican support as Biden does.
The ad is devastating, and it, along with the efforts of others, is hitting Trump across the political spectrum with a message of rejection that could lead to his defeat in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-03--Mitch McConnell Warns Democrats Not to “Vandalize” the Senate If They Win the Majority

Mitch McConnell has warned Democrats not to change any of the Senate ’ s rules if they win in November .
He ’ s particularly concerned about maintaining the filibuster .
The Senate Majority Leader made the remarks on the Senate floor on Thursday as it has become more and more likely Republicans will be swept from office this year .
McConnell claimed that progressive Democrats wanted major reforms of the system , including changing the Supreme Court and making Washington , D.C. a state .
“ And to accomplish all this , destroying the Senate ’ s distinguishing feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” McConnell said .
“ We have an entire political movement that is telling us literally out loud that they ’ ve lost patience with playing by the rules and may well declare war on the rule book.
” The Kentucky Republican went on to claim that Democrats must not “ vandalize the rules to pass legislation with a simple majority.
” McConnell is clearly referring to the filibuster – a procedure that has been much abused over the past decade .
If a Democratic majority were to reform the filibuster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocking legislation .
The Republican-controlled Senate has become a graveyard for legislation , thanks in large part to McConnell , who has used the body ’ s sometimes arcane rules to partisan advantage .
However , recent polling suggests the GOP won ’ t be able to hold on to the Senate in November as President Donald Trump ’ s unpopularity trickles down to the rest of his party .

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Mitch McConnell has warned Democrats not to change any of the Senate’s rules if they win in November. He’s particularly concerned about maintaining the filibuster.
The Senate Majority Leader made the remarks on the Senate floor on Thursday as it has become more and more likely Republicans will be swept from office this year.
McConnell claimed that progressive Democrats wanted major reforms of the system, including changing the Supreme Court and making Washington, D.C. a state.
“And to accomplish all this, destroying the Senate’s distinguishing feature that makes radical change hard by design,” McConnell said.
“We have an entire political movement that is telling us literally out loud that they’ve lost patience with playing by the rules and may well declare war on the rule book.”
The Kentucky Republican went on to claim that Democrats must not “vandalize the rules to pass legislation with a simple majority.”
McConnell is clearly referring to the filibuster – a procedure that has been much abused over the past decade. If a Democratic majority were to reform the filibuster, they could prevent a Republican minority from blocking legislation.
The Republican-controlled Senate has become a graveyard for legislation, thanks in large part to McConnell, who has used the body’s sometimes arcane rules to partisan advantage.
However, recent polling suggests the GOP won’t be able to hold on to the Senate in November as President Donald Trump’s unpopularity trickles down to the rest of his party.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-03--Democrats Slam “Insane” Decision to Issue Bayonets to Soldiers for Crowd Control

Democrats have reacted with fury and incredulity to reports that the army issued troops with bayonets during protests in Washington , D.C .
The weapons were never used .
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , General Mark Milley , confirmed that bayonets were issued during recent protests in the nation ’ s capital .
Democratic lawmakers were quick to react .
General Milley sent a letter on the matter to Rep. Ted Lieu and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi .
They responded in their letter , while Lieu also took to Twitter .
The two Democrats compared arming troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shootings in 1970 .
The National Guard killed four protesting students .
“ The escalation and violence leading up to and following those killings included those same troops meeting peaceful demonstrators with bayonets , ” they wrote .
“ We recognize the necessity of the Joint Force preserving flexibility to respond to varying circumstances , but it is difficult for us to imagine a circumstance which could necessitate or justify the deployment of bayonets against American civilians , ” they said .
“ While we are grateful for General Milley ’ s responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops with bayonets for potential deployment against protesters , we were disappointed he was not willing to commit to banning the practice , ” Lieu and Krishnamoorthi told the AP .
“ It is insane to issue bayonets to soldiers for crowd control , ” Lieu tweeted .
“ Are they supposed to stab protestors ?
Americans are not the enemy .
”

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Democrats have reacted with fury and incredulity to reports that the army issued troops with bayonets during protests in Washington, D.C. The weapons were never used.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, confirmed that bayonets were issued during recent protests in the nation’s capital. Democratic lawmakers were quick to react.
General Milley sent a letter on the matter to Rep. Ted Lieu and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. They responded in their letter, while Lieu also took to Twitter.
The two Democrats compared arming troops with bayonets to the notorious Kent State shootings in 1970. The National Guard killed four protesting students.
It is insane to issue bayonets to soldiers for crowd control. Are they supposed to stab protestors? Americans are not the enemy. @CongressmanRaja & I are demanding @DeptofDefense & @thejointstaff to commit to never do this again in the future. https://t.co/PVF95hbrsC — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) July 2, 2020
“The escalation and violence leading up to and following those killings included those same troops meeting peaceful demonstrators with bayonets,” they wrote.
“We recognize the necessity of the Joint Force preserving flexibility to respond to varying circumstances, but it is difficult for us to imagine a circumstance which could necessitate or justify the deployment of bayonets against American civilians,” they said.
“While we are grateful for General Milley’s responses to our questions concerning the arming of troops with bayonets for potential deployment against protesters, we were disappointed he was not willing to commit to banning the practice,” Lieu and Krishnamoorthi told the AP.
“It is insane to issue bayonets to soldiers for crowd control,” Lieu tweeted.
“Are they supposed to stab protestors? Americans are not the enemy.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-03--Trump In Mental Free Fall As He Thinks Democrats Want To Build Biden Statues

Trump is privately telling his friends and allies that Democrats want to build statues honoring former vice president Joe Biden .
According to The Daily Beast : According to three people who ’ ve independently spoken to the president , Trump makes a point of regularly complaining that the media has not given him the kudos he deserves for “ leading ” what he deems to be a smashing economic recovery .
He ’ s argued that if former Vice President Joe Biden were in the White House during the current moment , the media would be fawning over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five million jobs that the Labor Department reported on Thursday had been added over the last month ending in mid-June .
Trump ’ s gone so far as to suggest that Democrats would want to build “ statues ” honoring Biden , one of the sources said .
Elsewhere , he ’ s griped about how the “ phony ” polls conducted by independent organizations aren ’ t reflecting more voter enthusiasm about economic rejuvenation , another source recounted .
Trump ’ s whining about statues to Biden is a reflection of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump sees that most of the country respect Joe Biden in a way that he will never be respected .
The reason why Trump isn ’ t getting a bounce in the polls is that the coronavirus is still surging .
People who were called back to work aren ’ t necessarily happy about risking their health and safety for a job .
Trump doesn ’ t get credit for wrecking the economy and then urging states to reopen too early .
The country is seeing a virus feeding frenzy , not an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to build to statues to honor Biden .
They just want to elect him president in November .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump is privately telling his friends and allies that Democrats want to build statues honoring former vice president Joe Biden.
According to The Daily Beast:
According to three people who’ve independently spoken to the president, Trump makes a point of regularly complaining that the media has not given him the kudos he deserves for “leading” what he deems to be a smashing economic recovery. He’s argued that if former Vice President Joe Biden were in the White House during the current moment, the media would be fawning over the strong job gains, including the nearly five million jobs that the Labor Department reported on Thursday had been added over the last month ending in mid-June.
Trump’s gone so far as to suggest that Democrats would want to build “statues” honoring Biden, one of the sources said. Elsewhere, he’s griped about how the “phony” polls conducted by independent organizations aren’t reflecting more voter enthusiasm about economic rejuvenation, another source recounted.
Trump’s whining about statues to Biden is a reflection of his jealousy of the presumptive Democratic nominee. Trump sees that most of the country respect Joe Biden in a way that he will never be respected.
The reason why Trump isn’t getting a bounce in the polls is that the coronavirus is still surging. People who were called back to work aren’t necessarily happy about risking their health and safety for a job.
Trump doesn’t get credit for wrecking the economy and then urging states to reopen too early. The country is seeing a virus feeding frenzy, not an economic recovery.
Democrats don’t want to build to statues to honor Biden. They just want to elect him president in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-03--Speaker Nancy Pelosi Calls Donald Trump A Hoax

Nancy Pelosi has responded with derision to Donald Trump ’ s claims that Russian bounties on U.S. soldiers are a hoax .
The President has repeatedly asserted that the story isn ’ t true .
The Speaker of the House spoke to the press on Thursday before a meeting of congressional leaders known as the Gang of Eight .
She dismissed Trump ’ s claims of a media hoax .
“ He ’ ll say this is a hoax , and it ’ s a hoax that they are 24/7 trying to disrupt our election as they did in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the Coronavirus is a hoax .
The fact is the President himself is a hoax.
” News broke in recent days that the Russian state was offering financial inducements to the Taliban in Afghanistan for the deaths of American soldiers .
The accusations have rocked Washington , with both Democrats and Republican deeply concerned .
“ Let ’ s hope that the Gang of Eight shows up , open to hear the truth , the facts , the intelligence , and that ‘ Moscow Mitch ’ doesn ’ t show up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate comes with an open mind , ” Pelosi said .
Pelosi again raised the question of Trump ’ s frequent defense of Russia .
“ You just wonder what the President would be thinking if this kind of intelligence had come forth about any other country , but every time it ’ s Russia , as I ’ ve said over and over .
With this President all roads lead to Putin , ” she said .
“ I think the President should step down because of dereliction of duty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Nancy Pelosi has responded with derision to Donald Trump’s claims that Russian bounties on U.S. soldiers are a hoax. The President has repeatedly asserted that the story isn’t true.
The Speaker of the House spoke to the press on Thursday before a meeting of congressional leaders known as the Gang of Eight. She dismissed Trump’s claims of a media hoax.
“He’ll say this is a hoax, and it’s a hoax that they are 24/7 trying to disrupt our election as they did in 2016,” Pelosi said.
“He says the Coronavirus is a hoax. The fact is the President himself is a hoax.”
News broke in recent days that the Russian state was offering financial inducements to the Taliban in Afghanistan for the deaths of American soldiers.
The accusations have rocked Washington, with both Democrats and Republican deeply concerned.
“Let’s hope that the Gang of Eight shows up, open to hear the truth, the facts, the intelligence, and that ‘Moscow Mitch’ doesn’t show up, but the leader of the Republicans in the Senate comes with an open mind,” Pelosi said.
Pelosi again raised the question of Trump’s frequent defense of Russia.
“You just wonder what the President would be thinking if this kind of intelligence had come forth about any other country, but every time it’s Russia, as I’ve said over and over. With this President all roads lead to Putin,” she said.
“I think the President should step down because of dereliction of duty,” the California Democrat went on.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-03--Monmouth Poll: Trump Has Claimed Biden Lacks Stamina, But Latest Poll Shows Voters Disagree

President Donald Trump spent the 2016 election cycle claiming Hillary Clinton for not having enough “ stamina ” to be president .
He has volleyed similar attacks at former vice president Joe Biden , his current opponent .
He has often referred to Biden as “ Sleepy Joe ” and asserted Biden is not up to the task of running the country during a global pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression .
But voters believe otherwise , according to a new Monmouth poll , The poll found that fifty-two percent of voters are “ very ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the mental and physical stamina to be president .
By comparison , 45 percent said the same about Trump .
While more voters are more confident about Trump ’ s stamina to Biden ’ s––33 percent to 23 percent––Monmouth says “ this is due to a partisan phenomenon where Trump ’ s base is more likely to offer its support without qualification.
” The new poll comes the morning after Trump challenged Biden to take a cognitive test .
“ I ’ ve been tested and I ’ m constantly tested , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Look , all you got ta do is watch me , and I can hardly wait to compare my cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I ’ m running against.
” He added : “ This president … he talks about cognitive ability .
He doesn ’ t seem cognitively aware of what ’ s going on .
He either reads and or gets briefed on important issues and he forgets it , or he doesn ’ t think it ’ s necessary that he needs to know it @ @

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President Donald Trump spent the 2016 election cycle claiming Hillary Clinton for not having enough “stamina” to be president. He has volleyed similar attacks at former vice president Joe Biden, his current opponent. He has often referred to Biden as “Sleepy Joe” and asserted Biden is not up to the task of running the country during a global pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
But voters believe otherwise, according to a new Monmouth poll, The poll found that fifty-two percent of voters are “very” or “somewhat confident” that Biden has the mental and physical stamina to be president. By comparison, 45 percent said the same about Trump.
While more voters are more confident about Trump’s stamina to Biden’s––33 percent to 23 percent––Monmouth says “this is due to a partisan phenomenon where Trump’s base is more likely to offer its support without qualification.”
The new poll comes the morning after Trump challenged Biden to take a cognitive test.
He cannot pass the test I “aced”. He should give it a try!!! https://t.co/4U6pny2D6y — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2020
“I’ve been tested and I’m constantly tested,” Biden said earlier this week. “Look, all you gotta do is watch me, and I can hardly wait to compare my cognitive capability to the cognitive capability of the man I’m running against.”
He added: “This president … he talks about cognitive ability. He doesn’t seem cognitively aware of what’s going on. He either reads and or gets briefed on important issues and he forgets it, or he doesn’t think it’s necessary that he needs to know it.”


politicususa--2020-07-03--WaPo Editorial Board Rips Trump’s Coronavirus Response: “Virus is Not Under Control; It is In Contro

WaPo Editorial Board Rips Trump’s Coronavirus Response: “Virus is Not Under Control; It is In Control”

The Washington Post editorial board issued a harsh rebuke of President Donald Trump ’ s coronavirus response , particularly as he has attempted to downplay the severity of the pandemic as case numbers reach record highs .
“ The reality is that the virus is not under control ; it is in control , ” the newspaper ’ s editorial board wrote .
“ Record-shattering numbers of new cases were reported Wednesday in six states : California , Georgia , Texas , North Carolina , Arizona and Alaska .
New daily cases are increasing in 41 states compared to two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are erupting , such as clusters from Myrtle Beach , S.C .
In five months , the pandemic has killed nearly 19 times as many Americans as have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
” The editorial board accused the president of engaging in “ magical thinking , ” saying he “ failed to muster the logistical support to confront it ” and “ then decided to walk away by leaving the response largely to the states.
” The board goes on to note that “ states that opened up prematurely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Mr. Trump bears responsibility for encouraging governors to loosen the restrictions too early .
It was a bad miscalculation.
” Along the way , the board includes some of the president ’ s own quotes .
For example , on Wednesday , he said , “ I think at some point that ’ s going to sort of just disappear , I hope.
” And yesterday , he told reporters : “ We have some areas where we are putting out the flames , or the fires , and that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is historic delusion , and it has consequences in human lives , ” the board concludes .

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The Washington Post editorial board issued a harsh rebuke of President Donald Trump’s coronavirus response, particularly as he has attempted to downplay the severity of the pandemic as case numbers reach record highs.
“The reality is that the virus is not under control; it is in control,” the newspaper’s editorial board wrote. “Record-shattering numbers of new cases were reported Wednesday in six states: California, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona and Alaska. New daily cases are increasing in 41 states compared to two weeks ago. Outbreaks and superspreader events are erupting, such as clusters from Myrtle Beach, S.C. In five months, the pandemic has killed nearly 19 times as many Americans as have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
The editorial board accused the president of engaging in “magical thinking,” saying he “failed to muster the logistical support to confront it” and “then decided to walk away by leaving the response largely to the states.” The board goes on to note that “states that opened up prematurely in May are paying the price now, and Mr. Trump bears responsibility for encouraging governors to loosen the restrictions too early. It was a bad miscalculation.”
Along the way, the board includes some of the president’s own quotes. For example, on Wednesday, he said, “I think at some point that’s going to sort of just disappear, I hope.” And yesterday, he told reporters: “We have some areas where we are putting out the flames, or the fires, and that’s working out well.”
“This is historic delusion, and it has consequences in human lives,” the board concludes.


politicususa--2020-07-03--Trump Boasts About Nasdaq Numbers as Death Toll Nears 132,000

President Donald Trump boasted about Nasdaq ’ s record close amid news that The Nasdaq Composite COMP , +0.52 % @ @ @ @ @ 1 percent , closing at a record 10,154.63 .
As Marketwatch reported , “ Nasdaq @ @ @ @ @ over the period for its sharpest quarterly return since 1999.
” The president has made @ @ @ @ @ cornerstones of his campaign and this was reflected in a tweet he wrote earlier this @ @ @ @ @ ITS 23RD RECORD CLOSE OF THE YEAR .
OTHER EXCHANGES ARE FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND .
@ @ @ @ @ MONTHS UPCOMING .
NEXT YEAR , DEPENDING ON AN ELECTION WIN , WILL BE ONE @ @ @ @ @ ” he wrote , citing Fox Business host Lou Dobbs .
The president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ toll from the novel coronavirus nears 132,000 .
Cases of Covid-19 have spiked in states @ @ @ @ @ early and against expert advice .
Arizona , Florida , and Texas––states that went heavily @ @ @ @ @ recording their highest infection rates since the pandemic reached American shores .

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President Donald Trump boasted about Nasdaq’s record close amid news that The Nasdaq Composite COMP, +0.52% rose 95.86 points, or 1 percent, closing at a record 10,154.63. As Marketwatch reported, “Nasdaq Composite soared nearly 31% over the period for its sharpest quarterly return since 1999.”
The president has made the economy one of the cornerstones of his campaign and this was reflected in a tweet he wrote earlier this morning.
“NASDAQ HAD ITS 23RD RECORD CLOSE OF THE YEAR. OTHER EXCHANGES ARE FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND. TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL REMAINING. BIG MONTHS UPCOMING. NEXT YEAR, DEPENDING ON AN ELECTION WIN, WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST EVER!” he wrote, citing Fox Business host Lou Dobbs.
NASDAQ HAD ITS 23RD RECORD CLOSE OF THE YEAR. OTHER EXCHANGES ARE FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND. TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL REMAINING. BIG MONTHS UPCOMING. NEXT YEAR, DEPENDING ON AN ELECTION WIN, WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST EVER! @LouDobbs — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2020
The president’s message comes as the death toll from the novel coronavirus nears 132,000. Cases of Covid-19 have spiked in states that reopened their economies too early and against expert advice. Arizona, Florida, and Texas––states that went heavily for Trump in 2016––have been recording their highest infection rates since the pandemic reached American shores.


politicususa--2020-07-04--Trump Butchers The Word Totalitarianism In Mount Rushmore Speech

Trump is showing even more signs of cognitive decline as he could not say the word totalitarianism in his Mount @ @ @ @ @ obvious that this isn ’ t the same Trump who ran in 2016 .
Each @ @ @ @ @ , acting , or sounding frail and feeble .
Donald Trump was never a man @ @ @ @ @ mind and character , but voters are watching what is left of him erode before @ @ @ @ @ critical presidential election in almost a century .
Trump can ’ t drink water .
@ @ @ @ @ down a ramp , and now his mind is leaving him , so he can @ @ @ @ @ basic of words .
It is no wonder the Trump campaign is desperate to paint @ @ @ @ @ .
They don ’ t want the nation to see the declining shell of a @ @ @ @ @ become .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group @

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Trump is showing even more signs of cognitive decline as he could not say the word totalitarianism in his Mount Rushmore speech.
Video:
Trump mangles the word "totalitarianism" pic.twitter.com/WZ70dwd1rv — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 4, 2020
It is obvious that this isn’t the same Trump who ran in 2016. Each public appearance features Trump looking, acting, or sounding frail and feeble. Donald Trump was never a man who had great strength of mind and character, but voters are watching what is left of him erode before their eyes in the most critical presidential election in almost a century.
Trump can’t drink water. He can’t walk down a ramp, and now his mind is leaving him, so he can’t pronounce the most basic of words. It is no wonder the Trump campaign is desperate to paint Joe Biden as mentally unfit. They don’t want the nation to see the declining shell of a human that Donald Trump has become.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-04--Donald Trump Jr.’s Girlfriend Tests Positive For Coronavirus Before Mount Rushmore Event

Trump campaign official and Donald Trump Jr. ’ s girlfriend , Kim Guilfoyle tested positive for coronavirus at Mount Rushmore @ @ @ @ @ event .
South Dakota sheriff ’ s deputies have refused to wear masks while working @ @ @ @ @ The Sheriff said that masks were made optional because the event was outdoors , and @ @ @ @ @ the right to choose .
Local officials believed that they didn ’ t need to @ @ @ @ @ from the virus because it wasn ’ t that widespread .
What they didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s carnival of corona bringing the virus into their community .
Eight more Secret @ @ @ @ @ the virus after they worked a Mike Pence event in Phoenix , and it is @ @ @ @ @ spreading the pandemic with his behavior .
It doesn ’ t matter if a community @ @ @ @ @ before Trump arrives because he and his campaign will leave them with an outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump campaign official and Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, Kim Guilfoyle tested positive for coronavirus at Mount Rushmore ahead of Trump’s event.
Maggie Haberman tweeted:
NEW – Kim Guilfoyle, girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr. and a top campaign official, tested positive for coronavirus in SD ahead of attending Mt Rushmore event, according to a person familiar w what happened. She was never was with POTUS, and neither was Don Jr., who tested negative. — Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) July 4, 2020
South Dakota sheriff’s deputies have refused to wear masks while working the Mount Rushmore event. The Sheriff said that masks were made optional because the event was outdoors, and it was a matter of the right to choose.
Local officials believed that they didn’t need to protect themselves and their communities from the virus because it wasn’t that widespread. What they didn’t count on was Trump’s carnival of corona bringing the virus into their community.
Eight more Secret Service agents tested positive for the virus after they worked a Mike Pence event in Phoenix, and it is becoming clear that Trump is spreading the pandemic with his behavior.
It doesn’t matter if a community has a small infection rate before Trump arrives because he and his campaign will leave them with an outbreak.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-05--Trump Claims Desert Storm Happened In Vietnam In 4th of July Disaster

During his Fourth of July Speech , Trump claimed that Operation Desert Storm happened in the jungles of Vietnam .
Trump said , “ In the fields and jungles of Vietnam , they delivered a swift and swiffian , It was swift and it was sweeping like nobody ’ s ever seen happen .
A victory in Operation Desert Storm , a lot of you were involved in that .
A lot of you were involved .
That was a quick one.
” For the record Operation Desert Storm was part of the first Gulf War .
It had nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign wants to pretend like Joe Biden is in cognitive decline , but Trump can ’ t make it through a single public appearance without butchering words or getting history totally wrong .
Trump is losing it .
He seems to think that it is 1968 , and he ’ s Richard Nixon , but the reality is that Donald Trump is in clear cognitive decline .
The President Of The United States doesn ’ t know the difference between the Gulf War and the Vietnam War .
Joe Biden has been delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as Donald Trump can barely function .
Trump ’ s mind is cracking under the scrutiny and spotlight of the presidency .

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During his Fourth of July Speech, Trump claimed that Operation Desert Storm happened in the jungles of Vietnam.
Trump said, “In the fields and jungles of Vietnam, they delivered a swift and swiffian, It was swift and it was sweeping like nobody’s ever seen happen. A victory in Operation Desert Storm, a lot of you were involved in that. A lot of you were involved. That was a quick one.”
Video:
The corporate media rushed to cover for Trump in a way that didn’t excuse Hillary Clinton in 2016, and don’t excuse Joe Biden.
Here is Daniel Dale of CNN claiming that Trump “stumbled:”
No, he didn’t. He stumbled when trying to say the word “sweeping” while talking about Desert Storm, but he was just listing wars – he mentioned Vietnam, then, stumbling, mentioned the sweeping victory in Desert Storm. Didn’t make a substantive error. https://t.co/rYA0nyp4qV — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 5, 2020
Dale pointed to the transcript, which Trump is notorious for not following:
People are sharing a short clip that makes it seem like Trump said Desert Storm happened in Vietnam. He did not, though he stumbled. Here's the transcript of that section. pic.twitter.com/vTlOnY9CAR — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 5, 2020
As Sarah Jones pointed out, it’s Trump’s job to communicate in an understandable way. It is not the job of the press to clean up after him:
It’s Trump’s JOB to be understood by the American people. It’s not our job to keep giving him benefit of the doubt. His stumbling, incomplete manner of speech is constantly used to claim he didn’t say what he said. He doesn’t make sense. You need a transcript to understand him. — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 5, 2020
For the record Operation Desert Storm was part of the first Gulf War. It had nothing to do with Vietnam. The Trump campaign wants to pretend like Joe Biden is in cognitive decline, but Trump can’t make it through a single public appearance without butchering words or getting history totally wrong.
Trump is losing it. He seems to think that it is 1968, and he’s Richard Nixon, but the reality is that Donald Trump is in clear cognitive decline. The President Of The United States doesn’t know the difference between the Gulf War and the Vietnam War.
Joe Biden has been delivering solid performances in the general election campaign, as Donald Trump can barely function. Trump’s mind is cracking under the scrutiny and spotlight of the presidency.
Listen for yourself, and decide whether Trump doesn’t know what he is talking about or if he so feeble that can no longer read off a script.
Either way, this diminished president is not fit for reelection.


politicususa--2020-07-04--Trump Compares The Left To Nazis At White House 4th Of July

Trump used his speech at the White House ’ s 4th of July celebration to compare the left and peaceful protesters to Nazis .
Trump compared the left and peaceful protesters to Nazis .
It is important to remember that the people who are being defined by Trump as agitators and looters are African-Americans and others who are protesting police brutality and systemic racism .
Trump is mining the depths of America ’ s worst racial divisions for votes .
There is no other way to look at his speech .
His remarks at the White House are a continuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unleashed at Mount Rushmore on Friday night .
Donald Trump is pandering to an angry “ silent majority ” of white voters that doesn ’ t exist .
The fascists aren ’ t the peaceful protesters .
The ones with fascist leanings are a president who allows the enemies of America to place bounties on the heads of our troops , while he denounces free speech and equality along with his Republican enablers .
Trump is pushing himself into irrelevance with each one of these racist diatribes .
For more discussion about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .

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Trump used his speech at the White House’s 4th of July celebration to compare the left and peaceful protesters to Nazis.
Trump said:
An excerpt from Trump's Fourth of July speech this evening: pic.twitter.com/4UcBNXjQn2 — Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 4, 2020
Video:
Trump's July 4 message to the nation: "We are now in the process of defeating the radical left, the Marxists, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters, and people who in many instances have absolutely no clue what they are doing." pic.twitter.com/zh7wPYmT3z — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 4, 2020
Trump compared the left and peaceful protesters to Nazis. It is important to remember that the people who are being defined by Trump as agitators and looters are African-Americans and others who are protesting police brutality and systemic racism.
Trump is mining the depths of America’s worst racial divisions for votes. There is no other way to look at his speech. His remarks at the White House are a continuation of the culture war theme that he unleashed at Mount Rushmore on Friday night.
Donald Trump is pandering to an angry “silent majority” of white voters that doesn’t exist. The fascists aren’t the peaceful protesters. The ones with fascist leanings are a president who allows the enemies of America to place bounties on the heads of our troops, while he denounces free speech and equality along with his Republican enablers.
Trump is pushing himself into irrelevance with each one of these racist diatribes.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-04--Opinion: Addressing “Crazy” Fears of Trump’s America may be Key to Creating a Civil Rights Culture

I always find it worthwhile to try to understand those with whom I most disagree and to decipher the experiences and psychologies animating their belief systems .
It helps me understand why the world is the way it is and why it ’ s not the way I ’ d like it to be .
And also what I need to address in seeking to transform the world .
Transformation tends to begin with understanding others , not just dismissing them .
I ’ d love to see a world without racism , sexism , or class inequality , without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , universal health care and more .
To me , it ’ s just obvious such a world would make for a better life .
It ’ s also obvious this belief isn ’ t largely shared , at least not by those powers holding the most sway to shape our world .
My evidence ?
The world doesn ’ t come close to aligning with the vision my belief system projects .
Just enough of the American electorate found Donald Trump ’ s statements on the Access Hollywood tape tolerable enough that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s hunky dory with them if a man wants to grab a women ’ s genitals when he pleases .
And a good 40 % or more of the population found Trump palatable enough , even likeable , when he declared there were fine people marching in Charlottesville in August 2017 chanting “ Jews will not replace us ” while carrying tiki torches .
He continues to have the support of a surprising ( at least to me ) percentage of Americans , even when his rhetoric triggers mass racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018 and at a Walmart in El Paso in August 2019 when a gunman admittedly targeted Mexicans and echoed many of Trump ’ s anti-immigrant and anti-Mexican talking points .
The world for which Trump advocates , one that is racist , sexist , anti-immigrant , anti-worker , pro-pollution , and more , is the world I fear most .
That fear will motivate my vote this November .
I ’ m guessing a variety of fears swirling among the electorate will motivate their votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just recently circulating on social media really helped me understand just how out of touch I am with some pretty powerful beliefs and fears at work in hearts and minds of American voters .
My fear of a violent and inhumane world replete with racism , sexism , and class inequality seems rather foreign to many Americans .
They don ’ t fear such a world at all .
At least Evangelical voters don ’ t seem to , if we see the former high-profile tele-Evangelist Jim Bakker as any kind of representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spelled out his fears in anxiety-ridden tones , it made me aware of the breadth and differences of what people fear in America .
While many of us fear a Trump re-election , the likes of Jim Bakker fear he won ’ t be re-elected .
Why ?
Well , let me answer this question in his own words .
Bakker said recently , “ Trump must be reelected .
God sees we are moving in the right way and returning to the Lord .
If the liberals take over , they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know it , a transgender will be teaching your son anal sex in high school.
” This statement was eye-opening .
I would not in a million years have thought to fear a “ transgender ” teaching my son anal sex .
In fact , I checked my long list of fears , and it wasn ’ t on there anywhere .
Nothing even close .
Well , I do fear laws that that don ’ t protect the civil rights of transgender people , and I do fear laws that make anal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t what Bakker is talking about .
Just the opposite .
And upwards of 70 % of white evangelical Protestants support Trump , so Bakker is not an outlier among this voting bloc .
What Bakker ’ s comments made me realize is that that the political conversation in this country doesn ’ t even have a common or centering subject .
It ’ s not even a real debate .
While many of us are trying to have a conversation about health care , the environment , racial and class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the “ other side ” isn ’ t really engaging these issues at all .
They are more concerned about who will be teaching their male children about anal sex .
While my initial encounter with Bakker ’ s fears made me laugh and filled me with a mix of incredulity , horror , and amazement , my second thought was that we progressives seeking a humane political and economic society that distributes resources to meet people ’ s needs and endows civil rights on all must think about how to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and conversation .
I ’ m not sure what the answer is , but I ’ m not comfortable with the view that these voters are beyond engagement .
Such a position is no different from Mitt Romney dismissing 47 % of the population as unreachable .
What a progressive culture needs to do , I ’ m suggesting , is find a way to bring these issues and fears about transgender people teaching anal sex in schools to the center of a conversation .
We can talk about health care , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all day long and not get heard–because this isn ’ t what is on the minds of this community of voters .
Maybe the way forward is to think about how to assuage these fears—strange to many of us , I ’ m sure—without abandoning our principles and without dismissing the other side .
My guess is that many people might be like me in that their list of fears did not have anywhere on it the fear of a “ transgender ” teaching your son anal sex .
Maybe we are hopelessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But I look at how Americans turned quickly on the issue of marriage equality , and I look at the numbers of Americans supporting recent protests and declaring they ’ ve had enough of racism in America .
In doing so , I see possibility in addressing America ’ s fears seriously if we are to bring civil rights to all .

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I always find it worthwhile to try to understand those with whom I most disagree and to decipher the experiences and psychologies animating their belief systems. It helps me understand why the world is the way it is and why it’s not the way I’d like it to be. And also what I need to address in seeking to transform the world. Transformation tends to begin with understanding others, not just dismissing them.
I’d love to see a world without racism, sexism, or class inequality, without gun violence, with a clean environment, universal health care and more. To me, it’s just obvious such a world would make for a better life.
It’s also obvious this belief isn’t largely shared, at least not by those powers holding the most sway to shape our world. My evidence? The world doesn’t come close to aligning with the vision my belief system projects.
Just enough of the American electorate found Donald Trump’s statements on the Access Hollywood tape tolerable enough that they could still stomach voting for him. It’s hunky dory with them if a man wants to grab a women’s genitals when he pleases.
And a good 40% or more of the population found Trump palatable enough, even likeable, when he declared there were fine people marching in Charlottesville in August 2017 chanting “Jews will not replace us” while carrying tiki torches. He continues to have the support of a surprising (at least to me) percentage of Americans, even when his rhetoric triggers mass racist shootings, as it did at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018 and at a Walmart in El Paso in August 2019 when a gunman admittedly targeted Mexicans and echoed many of Trump’s anti-immigrant and anti-Mexican talking points.
The world for which Trump advocates, one that is racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, anti-worker, pro-pollution, and more, is the world I fear most.
That fear will motivate my vote this November.
I’m guessing a variety of fears swirling among the electorate will motivate their votes well.
An article that I found just recently circulating on social media really helped me understand just how out of touch I am with some pretty powerful beliefs and fears at work in hearts and minds of American voters.
My fear of a violent and inhumane world replete with racism, sexism, and class inequality seems rather foreign to many Americans. They don’t fear such a world at all.
At least Evangelical voters don’t seem to, if we see the former high-profile tele-Evangelist Jim Bakker as any kind of representative.
In any case, as he spelled out his fears in anxiety-ridden tones, it made me aware of the breadth and differences of what people fear in America.
While many of us fear a Trump re-election, the likes of Jim Bakker fear he won’t be re-elected.
Why? Well, let me answer this question in his own words.
Bakker said recently, “Trump must be reelected. God sees we are moving in the right way and returning to the Lord. If the liberals take over, they will destroy all our progress. Before you know it, a transgender will be teaching your son anal sex in high school.”
This statement was eye-opening. I would not in a million years have thought to fear a “transgender” teaching my son anal sex. In fact, I checked my long list of fears, and it wasn’t on there anywhere. Nothing even close.
Well, I do fear laws that that don’t protect the civil rights of transgender people, and I do fear laws that make anal sex a crime.
But obviously this isn’t what Bakker is talking about. Just the opposite.
And upwards of 70% of white evangelical Protestants support Trump, so Bakker is not an outlier among this voting bloc.
What Bakker’s comments made me realize is that that the political conversation in this country doesn’t even have a common or centering subject. It’s not even a real debate.
While many of us are trying to have a conversation about health care, the environment, racial and class inequality, taxation, and so forth, the “other side” isn’t really engaging these issues at all. They are more concerned about who will be teaching their male children about anal sex.
While my initial encounter with Bakker’s fears made me laugh and filled me with a mix of incredulity, horror, and amazement, my second thought was that we progressives seeking a humane political and economic society that distributes resources to meet people’s needs and endows civil rights on all must think about how to change the way we engage in political debate and conversation.
I’m not sure what the answer is, but I’m not comfortable with the view that these voters are beyond engagement. Such a position is no different from Mitt Romney dismissing 47% of the population as unreachable.
What a progressive culture needs to do, I’m suggesting, is find a way to bring these issues and fears about transgender people teaching anal sex in schools to the center of a conversation.
We can talk about health care, the environment, racism, and income inequality all day long and not get heard–because this isn’t what is on the minds of this community of voters.
Maybe the way forward is to think about how to assuage these fears—strange to many of us, I’m sure—without abandoning our principles and without dismissing the other side.
My guess is that many people might be like me in that their list of fears did not have anywhere on it the fear of a “transgender” teaching your son anal sex.
Maybe we are hopelessly divided. I don’t know. But I look at how Americans turned quickly on the issue of marriage equality, and I look at the numbers of Americans supporting recent protests and declaring they’ve had enough of racism in America.
In doing so, I see possibility in addressing America’s fears seriously if we are to bring civil rights to all.


politicususa--2020-07-04--Biden Campaign Says Trump Doesn’t Give A Damn About America

The Biden presidential campaign reacted to Trump ’ s Mount Rushmore speech by saying that Trump doesn ’ t give a damn about America .
Here is the statement from the Biden campaign ’ s Andrew Bates : Trump barely mentioned the pandemic in his Mount Rushmore speech .
The President practiced racism but didn ’ t bother addressing the racism in the country , and he had absolutely nothing to say about the suffering going on throughout the nation .
Trump spent more time talking about statutes and trying to make the Confederacy the central issue of the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people about their issues and concerns .
The Biden campaign nailed it .
Donald Trump doesn ’ t see any of the problems in the country , because he doesn ’ t care .
Trump used his Mount Rushmore speech as a vehicle to divide the country and appeal to his base .
Trump had nothing to say about any of the biggest issues facing the country .
Trump has no plans .
He has no vision for the future because Donald Trump doesn ’ t care .
For more discussion about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .

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The Biden presidential campaign reacted to Trump’s Mount Rushmore speech by saying that Trump doesn’t give a damn about America.
Here is the statement from the Biden campaign’s Andrew Bates:
Biden campaign's @AndrewBatesNC response to Trump's Mt. Rushmore speech: "Our whole country is suffering through the excruciating costs of having a negligent, divisive president who doesn't give a damn about anything but his own gain…" pic.twitter.com/WwboL6scQl — Johnny Verhovek (@JTHVerhovek) July 4, 2020
Trump barely mentioned the pandemic in his Mount Rushmore speech. The President practiced racism but didn’t bother addressing the racism in the country, and he had absolutely nothing to say about the suffering going on throughout the nation.
Trump spent more time talking about statutes and trying to make the Confederacy the central issue of the campaign than he did talking to the American people about their issues and concerns.
The Biden campaign nailed it. Donald Trump doesn’t see any of the problems in the country, because he doesn’t care. Trump used his Mount Rushmore speech as a vehicle to divide the country and appeal to his base.
Trump had nothing to say about any of the biggest issues facing the country. Trump has no plans. He has no vision for the future because Donald Trump doesn’t care.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-04--Joe Biden Makes Trump Look Like A Loser On The 4th Of July

In contrast to Trump , Joe Biden ’ s 4th of July message mentioned slavery , systemic racism , George @ @ @ @ @ message of hope .
Here is the text of Joe Biden ’ s statement : @ @ @ @ @ used a holiday that is supposed to be about patriotic unity to try divide America @ @ @ @ @ .
As Trump spends his presidency in some weird parallel universe where defending Confederate statues @ @ @ @ @ the nation , Joe Biden is seeing America ’ s problems , looking us in @ @ @ @ @ the country that this is our moment to make things better .
Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Trump look small , and like a loser .
The Trump campaign is so worried @ @ @ @ @ going to cancel his convention in Jacksonville , yet they couldn ’ t stop Trump @ @ @ @ @ Dakota .
Joe Biden is capable of being something that Trump will never be a @ @ @ @ @

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In contrast to Trump, Joe Biden’s 4th of July message mentioned slavery, systemic racism, George Floyd, and offered a message of hope.
Video of Biden:
Our nation was founded on a simple idea: We're all created equal. We've never lived up to it — but we've never stopped trying. This Independence Day, let's not just celebrate those words, let's commit to finally fulfill them. Happy #FourthOfJuly! pic.twitter.com/1WrATlx8Xl — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 4, 2020
Here is the text of Joe Biden’s statement:
.@JoeBiden's July 4th message mentions slavery, the Civil War, systemic racism: "This Independence Day, let’s not just celebrate the words. Let’s celebrate that promise and commit to work — the work we must do to fulfill that promise." @cbsnews pic.twitter.com/zAQVw8Unxn — Bo Erickson CBS (@BoKnowsNews) July 4, 2020
At Mount Rushmore, Trump used a holiday that is supposed to be about patriotic unity to try divide America along old racial fault lines. As Trump spends his presidency in some weird parallel universe where defending Confederate statues is the biggest issue in the nation, Joe Biden is seeing America’s problems, looking us in the eye, and assuring the country that this is our moment to make things better.
Biden’s 4th of July message made Trump look small, and like a loser.
The Trump campaign is so worried about humiliation that they are going to cancel his convention in Jacksonville, yet they couldn’t stop Trump from humiliating himself in South Dakota.
Joe Biden is capable of being something that Trump will never be a compassionate and competent president.


politicususa--2020-07-05--Trump Appears To Claim Desert Storm Happened In Vietnam In 4th of July Disaster

During his Fourth of July Speech , Trump claimed that Operation Desert Storm happened in the jungles of Vietnam .
Trump said , “ In the fields and jungles of Vietnam , they delivered a swift and swiffian , It was swift and it was sweeping like nobody ’ s ever seen happen .
A victory in Operation Desert Storm , a lot of you were involved in that .
A lot of you were involved .
That was a quick one.
” The corporate media rushed to cover for Trump in a way that didn ’ t excuse Hillary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t excuse Joe Biden .
Here is Daniel Dale of CNN claiming that Trump “ stumbled : ” Dale pointed to the transcript , which Trump is notorious for not following : For the record Operation Desert Storm was part of the first Gulf War .
It had nothing to do with Vietnam .
The Trump campaign wants to pretend like Joe Biden is in cognitive decline , but Trump can ’ t make it through a single public appearance without butchering words or getting history totally wrong .
Trump is losing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 1968 , and he ’ s Richard Nixon , but the reality is that Donald Trump is in clear cognitive decline .
The President Of The United States doesn ’ t know the difference between the Gulf War and the Vietnam War .
Joe Biden has been delivering solid performances in the general election campaign , as Donald Trump can barely function .
Trump ’ s mind is cracking under the scrutiny and spotlight of the presidency .
Listen for yourself , and decide whether Trump doesn ’ t know what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeble that can no longer read off a script .
Either way , this diminished president is not fit for reelection .


politicususa--2020-07-05--Joni Ernst Kisses Her Senate Seat Goodbye As She Refuses To Admit Trump’s Failed Virus Leadership

Sen. Joni Ernst ( R-IA ) said that two US Ebola deaths under Obama were failed leadership , but Trump isn ’ t failing after 130,000 coronavirus deaths .
Transcript via CNN ’ s State Of The Union : BASH : OK , Senator , let ’ s turn to the coronavirus crisis .
Cases in your home state of Iowa have steadily risen for the last two weeks .
You criticized President Obama in 2014 for his handling of the Ebola outbreak , saying that he showed — quote — “ failed leadership.
” Only two people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are almost 130,000 Americans dead from coronavirus .
So , if President Obama showed failed leadership then , do you think President Trump is showing failed leadership now ?
ERNST : Well , I think we all have responsibility in stopping the spread .
And , certainly , I have heard some of the discussions earlier .
Wearing a mask is entirely appropriate .
Social distancing is entirely appropriate .
We have seen , I think , one additional death in the last 24 hours here in Iowa .
So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be paying attention to .
And we all should do our part to make sure that we are protecting others as well .
So , this is a virus that is not going to go away soon .
We want to make sure that we are watching this and doing everything that we can as a federal government , including the research and development of therapeutics and vaccinations , to make sure that we are doing the right thing as a nation .
BASH : So , given the fact that one person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half the number that died during Ebola , which you have said was failed leadership , is the president right now exhibiting failed leadership ?
ERNST : Well , I — no , I think that the president is stepping forward .
And we have Vice President Mike Pence that is spearheading the task force efforts on the coronavirus , and so understanding where this came from , how it developed .
Of course , the pushback that we got from the Democrats when the president did try to shut down travel from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an extremely difficult environment to operate .
And , you know , we know different today than we did at the beginning of the spread of the virus , and we should continually learn from those efforts and make sure that we are doing the right thing by moving our nation forward , simple things , wearing a mask , making sure that we ’ re washing our hands , but then , as federal government officials , making sure we ’ re moving at warp speed to get to that vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye to Trump ’ s failures Senate Republican double standard been made more clear than it was by Sen. Ernst .
Joni Ernst is locked in a tight Senate race because of Trump ’ s failure on the pandemic , but instead of telling Iowa voters the truth about the president , she is hopping into a sinking lifeboat with Trump and hoping that they can make it to shore .
Ernst is sticking with Trump through the bitter end and comments like this are why she is kissing her Senate seat goodbye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) said that two US Ebola deaths under Obama were failed leadership, but Trump isn’t failing after 130,000 coronavirus deaths.
Transcript via CNN’s State Of The Union:
BASH: OK, Senator, let’s turn to the coronavirus crisis.
Cases in your home state of Iowa have steadily risen for the last two weeks. You criticized President Obama in 2014 for his handling of the Ebola outbreak, saying that he showed — quote — “failed leadership.”
Only two people in the U.S. died from Ebola. Right now, there are almost 130,000 Americans dead from coronavirus. So, if President Obama showed failed leadership then, do you think President Trump is showing failed leadership now?
ERNST: Well, I think we all have responsibility in stopping the spread.
And, certainly, I have heard some of the discussions earlier. Wearing a mask is entirely appropriate. Social distancing is entirely appropriate.
We have seen, I think, one additional death in the last 24 hours here in Iowa. So, it is something that we absolutely should be paying attention to. And we all should do our part to make sure that we are protecting others as well.
So, this is a virus that is not going to go away soon. We want to make sure that we are watching this and doing everything that we can as a federal government, including the research and development of therapeutics and vaccinations, to make sure that we are doing the right thing as a nation.
BASH: So, given the fact that one person died there, that’s only half the number that died during Ebola, which you have said was failed leadership, is the president right now exhibiting failed leadership?
ERNST: Well, I — no, I think that the president is stepping forward.
And we have Vice President Mike Pence that is spearheading the task force efforts on the coronavirus, and so understanding where this came from, how it developed.
Video:
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) says two Ebola deaths under Obama is failed leadership, but 130,000 coronavirus deaths under Trump is not. pic.twitter.com/fgH981TMdH — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 5, 2020
Of course, the pushback that we got from the Democrats when the president did try to shut down travel from some of those hot spots, it was an extremely difficult environment to operate.
And, you know, we know different today than we did at the beginning of the spread of the virus, and we should continually learn from those efforts and make sure that we are doing the right thing by moving our nation forward, simple things, wearing a mask, making sure that we’re washing our hands, but then, as federal government officials, making sure we’re moving at warp speed to get to that vaccination.
Never has the turn a blind eye to Trump’s failures Senate Republican double standard been made more clear than it was by Sen. Ernst.
Joni Ernst is locked in a tight Senate race because of Trump’s failure on the pandemic, but instead of telling Iowa voters the truth about the president, she is hopping into a sinking lifeboat with Trump and hoping that they can make it to shore.
Ernst is sticking with Trump through the bitter end and comments like this are why she is kissing her Senate seat goodbye.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-05--Protesters Calls Trump A Failure and A Traitor As He Flees To Golf Course

Donald Trump showed up at his golf course in Virginia where he was met by protesters holding signs calling him a huge failure .
Via The White House Pool Report as provided to PoliticusUSA : The motorcade has arrived at Trump National Golf Club , in Sterling , Virginia , around 10:11 am ET .
As we drove up , your pooler saw a handful of protesters holding signs including one calling President Trump a “ HUGE FAILURE ” and another calling on him to “ RESIGN.
” Nearby , a woman walking her dog gave a prolonged thumbs-up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen the president yet this morning .
We are holding at a nearby restaurant. Trump can ’ t escape .
Whereever he goes , there are protesters there to meet and remind him that he is a failure as president .
Protesters also held signs accusing Trump of treason and of betraying his country .
After a weekend of botched inflammatory speeches loaded with racist and culture war rhetoric , several patriotic Americans aren ’ t going to let Trump escape to the golf course on the taxpayers ’ dime without reminding him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Donald Trump showed up at his golf course in Virginia where he was met by protesters holding signs calling him a huge failure.
Via The White House Pool Report as provided to PoliticusUSA:
The motorcade has arrived at Trump National Golf Club, in Sterling, Virginia, around 10:11 am ET. As we drove up, your pooler saw a handful of protesters holding signs including one calling President Trump a “HUGE FAILURE” and another calling on him to “RESIGN.” Nearby, a woman walking her dog gave a prolonged thumbs-up to the motorcade.
Your pooler has not seen the president yet this morning. We are holding at a nearby restaurant.
Trump can’t escape. Whereever he goes, there are protesters there to meet and remind him that he is a failure as president. Protesters also held signs accusing Trump of treason and of betraying his country.
After a weekend of botched inflammatory speeches loaded with racist and culture war rhetoric, several patriotic Americans aren’t going to let Trump escape to the golf course on the taxpayers’ dime without reminding him that he is a traitor and a failure.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-06--Republicans Reportedly Have “No Idea” about Trump’s Agenda for a Second Term

Republicans on Capitol Hill don ’ t know what Donald Trump will do with a second term .
Reports over the Fourth of July weekend claimed the GOP has “ no idea ” what the President ’ s agenda could be .
Trump twice failed to explain what his second term agenda will be in recent interviews with friendly news outlets – a fact that has reportedly worried senior Republicans .
One veteran GOP stalwart , Senator Chuck Grassley , said he knew about Trump ’ s second term plans “ Only on the Supreme Court.
” “ That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had , ” he told The Hill newspaper .
“ The President , he ’ s going to put out a new list , including some of the people that are already on the list , for the Supreme Court.
” “ I assume we ’ re going to be dealing with a U.K.-U.S. free trade agreement , Kenya-U.S. free trade agreement , ” Grassley said .
He added that he hoped Trump would speak more about his goals .
Other senior Republicans were equally unclear .
Senator Lindsey Graham , a staunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d given the President after Trump bungled the second term question on Fox News .
“ Your agenda is to finish the job you started in your first term , ” Graham said .
“ Close the deal on fixing a broken immigration system , building a wall , and going to merit-based immigration .
More judges .
Keep the military strong .
Energy independence , not just for this generation but every generation.
” “ When that question is asked , I would like the President to be able to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his first term , say , ‘ I ’ m going to finish the job and the new priority will be the debt , ' ” Graham offered .
However , President Trump ’ s argument for reelection has so far focused on Culture War issues and throwing red meat to his apparently dwindling base .

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Republicans on Capitol Hill don’t know what Donald Trump will do with a second term. Reports over the Fourth of July weekend claimed the GOP has “no idea” what the President’s agenda could be.
Trump twice failed to explain what his second term agenda will be in recent interviews with friendly news outlets – a fact that has reportedly worried senior Republicans.
One veteran GOP stalwart, Senator Chuck Grassley, said he knew about Trump’s second term plans “Only on the Supreme Court.”
“That’s the only discussion we’ve had,” he told The Hill newspaper.
“The President, he’s going to put out a new list, including some of the people that are already on the list, for the Supreme Court.”
“I assume we’re going to be dealing with a U.K.-U.S. free trade agreement, Kenya-U.S. free trade agreement,” Grassley said. He added that he hoped Trump would speak more about his goals.
Other senior Republicans were equally unclear. Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump ally, explained the advice he’d given the President after Trump bungled the second term question on Fox News.
“Your agenda is to finish the job you started in your first term,” Graham said.
“Close the deal on fixing a broken immigration system, building a wall, and going to merit-based immigration. More judges. Keep the military strong. Energy independence, not just for this generation but every generation.”
“When that question is asked, I would like the President to be able to go back to what he’s done in his first term, say, ‘I’m going to finish the job and the new priority will be the debt,'” Graham offered.
However, President Trump’s argument for reelection has so far focused on Culture War issues and throwing red meat to his apparently dwindling base.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter