politicususa--2020-08-06--Joe Biden Says He Wouldn’t Stand in the Way of Prosecuting Trump

Joe Biden has said he wouldn ’ t prevent the Justice Department from prosecuting Donald Trump if he becomes president but he also wouldn ’ t pursue prosecution personally .
The former Vice President spoke about the matter at a conference of Black and Hispanic journalists earlier this week .
His comments were reported by NPR on Thursday .
Biden said prosecuting a former president would be a “ very unusual thing and probably not very … good for democracy ” but he said he wouldn ’ t stand in the way of such action .
“ Look , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s private law firm , ” Biden said .
“ The attorney general is not the president ’ s private lawyer .
I will not interfere with the Justice Department ’ s judgment of whether or not they think they should pursue the prosecution of anyone that they think has violated the law.
” “ In terms of saying , ‘ I think the president violated the law .
I think the president did this , therefore , go on and prosecute him ’ — I will not do that , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] prove [ s ] to be a criminal offense , then in fact , that would be up to the attorney general to decide whether he or she wanted to proceed with it , ” Biden went on .
“ I am not going to make that individual judgment.
” Trump has been linked to a variety of potential crimes over the course of his administration .
It is possible he could face prosecution on a state and federal level .

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Joe Biden has said he wouldn’t prevent the Justice Department from prosecuting Donald Trump if he becomes president but he also wouldn’t pursue prosecution personally.
The former Vice President spoke about the matter at a conference of Black and Hispanic journalists earlier this week. His comments were reported by NPR on Thursday.
Biden said prosecuting a former president would be a “very unusual thing and probably not very … good for democracy” but he said he wouldn’t stand in the way of such action.
Look, the Justice Department is not the president’s private law firm,” Biden said.
“The attorney general is not the president’s private lawyer. I will not interfere with the Justice Department’s judgment of whether or not they think they should pursue the prosecution of anyone that they think has violated the law.”
“In terms of saying, ‘I think the president violated the law. I think the president did this, therefore, go on and prosecute him’ — I will not do that,” he said.
“If [a case] prove[s] to be a criminal offense, then in fact, that would be up to the attorney general to decide whether he or she wanted to proceed with it,” Biden went on.
“I am not going to make that individual judgment.”
Trump has been linked to a variety of potential crimes over the course of his administration. It is possible he could face prosecution on a state and federal level.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-06--Mark Meadows Defends Trump’s Unsubstantiated Claim That Beirut Explosion Was an Attack

Mark Meadows has defended Donald Trump ’ s claim that the recent explosion in Beirut was an attack despite the fact the government of Lebanon said it was an accident .
The Lebanese government blamed the deadly incident on an “ unsecured ” shipment of ammonium nitrate – a chemical used in fertilizers and industrial explosives .
“ This seems to be , according to [ the generals ] , they would know better than I would , but they seem to think it was an attack , ” he said .
“ It was a bomb of some kind.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of staff , backed Trump ’ s claim , though it appears to be entirely false .
He said Defense Secretary Mark Esper didn ’ t know if it was a bomb or not .
“ I can tell you from Secretary Esper ’ s standpoint , he doesn ’ t know , ” Meadows told CNN on Wednesday .
“ I can tell you the initial report was exactly what the President shared with all of you .
I happen to know that he was briefed on that .
The initial reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We still have not totally ruled that out.
” “ Without sharing anything classified , I ’ ve been able to see a lot of what has taken place there .
We ’ ll continue to evaluate that , ” he said .
“ Obviously , there ’ s no group that has claimed any responsibility but what the president shared with the American people is what he was briefed on.
” Meadows said Trump ’ s claim of an attack was “ not speculation on his part .
”

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Mark Meadows has defended Donald Trump’s claim that the recent explosion in Beirut was an attack despite the fact the government of Lebanon said it was an accident.
The Lebanese government blamed the deadly incident on an “unsecured” shipment of ammonium nitrate – a chemical used in fertilizers and industrial explosives.
President Trump thought otherwise at a Tuesday press conference.
“This seems to be, according to [the generals], they would know better than I would, but they seem to think it was an attack,” he said.
“It was a bomb of some kind.”
Meadows, the White House chief of staff, backed Trump’s claim, though it appears to be entirely false. He said Defense Secretary Mark Esper didn’t know if it was a bomb or not.
“I can tell you from Secretary Esper’s standpoint, he doesn’t know,” Meadows told CNN on Wednesday.
“I can tell you the initial report was exactly what the President shared with all of you. I happen to know that he was briefed on that. The initial reports looked at an explosion,” Meadows said.
“We still have not totally ruled that out.”
“Without sharing anything classified, I’ve been able to see a lot of what has taken place there. We’ll continue to evaluate that,” he said.
“Obviously, there’s no group that has claimed any responsibility but what the president shared with the American people is what he was briefed on.”
Meadows said Trump’s claim of an attack was “not speculation on his part.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-07--John Kasich and Bernie Sanders Will Speak on the Same Night of Democratic Convention

John Kasich and Bernie Sanders will both make their speeches on the same night of the Democratic National Convention .
The decision is being viewed as a show of Joe Biden ’ s broad support .
The former Republican governor of Ohio and Senator Sanders will speak at the convention on the same evening , according to new reporting from Politico on Friday .
“ Bernie Sanders and John Kasich will share a night in the spotlight , and both Clintons are slated to have prominent speaking roles at the all-virtual Democratic National Convention in less than two weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking slot at the Democratic Convention was met with a mixed reaction .
Some considered it appropriate for a prominent Republican and former GOP presidential contender to publicly back Biden .
Others , however , saw Kasich ’ s role as a sign that Biden was courting the broadest possible support , including conservative voters who may have turned on President Donald Trump .
“ One source said Kasich — the former Republican governor of Ohio and a major critic of President Donald Trump — would appear on the same night as Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unity , ” Politico said .
“ The duo would be designed to showcase a broad anti-Trump coalition that is backing Biden.
” Sanders will also play a crucial role in signalling unity in the Democratic Party following a sometimes fraught primary season .
The Vermont senator appeared on track for the nomination early on before Biden swept the South .

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John Kasich and Bernie Sanders will both make their speeches on the same night of the Democratic National Convention. The decision is being viewed as a show of Joe Biden’s broad support.
The former Republican governor of Ohio and Senator Sanders will speak at the convention on the same evening, according to new reporting from Politico on Friday.
“Bernie Sanders and John Kasich will share a night in the spotlight, and both Clintons are slated to have prominent speaking roles at the all-virtual Democratic National Convention in less than two weeks,” Politico reports.
Kasich’s speaking slot at the Democratic Convention was met with a mixed reaction. Some considered it appropriate for a prominent Republican and former GOP presidential contender to publicly back Biden.
Others, however, saw Kasich’s role as a sign that Biden was courting the broadest possible support, including conservative voters who may have turned on President Donald Trump.
“One source said Kasich — the former Republican governor of Ohio and a major critic of President Donald Trump — would appear on the same night as Sanders early in the week in a demonstration of unity,” Politico said.
“The duo would be designed to showcase a broad anti-Trump coalition that is backing Biden.”
Sanders will also play a crucial role in signalling unity in the Democratic Party following a sometimes fraught primary season. The Vermont senator appeared on track for the nomination early on before Biden swept the South.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-07--Biden Hits Back at Trump: Faith Is “Bedrock Foundation of My Life”

Joe Biden has responded forcefully to Donald Trump ’ s attack on his religious faith .
The former Vice President said the President was willing to stoop to any low to win power .
Biden issued a statement late on Thursday after Trump claimed he would “ hurt God ” if he were elected .
“ Like so many people , my faith has been the bedrock foundation of my life : it ’ s provided me comfort in moments of loss and tragedy , it ’ s kept me grounded and humbled in times of triumph and joy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this moment of darkness for our country — of pain , of division , and of sickness for so many Americans — my faith has been a guiding light for me and a constant reminder of the fundamental dignity and humanity that God has bestowed upon all of us.
” “ For President Trump to attack my faith is shameful , ” he said .
“ It ’ s beneath the office he holds and it ’ s beneath the dignity the American people so rightly expect and deserve from their leaders.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many other insecure bullies , President Trump ’ s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else , ” Biden added .
“ They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain , and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in.
” Trump unveiled this new line of attack on Thursday during a radio interview .
He claimed Biden was “ against the Bible .
”

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Joe Biden has responded forcefully to Donald Trump’s attack on his religious faith. The former Vice President said the President was willing to stoop to any low to win power.
Biden issued a statement late on Thursday after Trump claimed he would “hurt God” if he were elected.
“Like so many people, my faith has been the bedrock foundation of my life: it’s provided me comfort in moments of loss and tragedy, it’s kept me grounded and humbled in times of triumph and joy,” Biden said.
“And in this moment of darkness for our country — of pain, of division, and of sickness for so many Americans — my faith has been a guiding light for me and a constant reminder of the fundamental dignity and humanity that God has bestowed upon all of us.”
“For President Trump to attack my faith is shameful,” he said.
“It’s beneath the office he holds and it’s beneath the dignity the American people so rightly expect and deserve from their leaders.”
“However, like the words of so many other insecure bullies, President Trump’s comments reveal more about him than they do about anyone else,” Biden added.
“They show us a man willing to stoop to any low for political gain, and someone whose actions are completely at odds with the values and teachings that he professes to believe in.”
Trump unveiled this new line of attack on Thursday during a radio interview. He claimed Biden was “against the Bible.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-07--No Social Distancing, Few Masks at Donald Trump’s Bedminster Speech

In the middle part of July , Donald Trump tweeted out a photo of himself wearing a facemask .
Trump surrogates cheered on the move calling it a bold change in message and even describing it as patriotic .
The President , however , was not able to stay on his pro-mask messaging .
He has frequently been pictured since that moment without face covering and speaking to largely mask-less crowds .
This was the case on Friday night when Trump gave a speech to supporters at his Bedminster , New Jersey country club .
The Associated Press ’ Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tweeting , “ Country club members awaiting the president.
” The members are packed shoulder to shoulder with a number of children present .
Only about four members can be seen wearing face coverings .
Masks have obviously been a frequent topic of discussion on Conservative television .
While most pundits were on board back in July , many are again changing their messaging .
Fox ’ s Jeanine Pirro , who posted a picture of herself wearing a mask while out on the town last month , is again slamming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a British television show last weekend , “ What is the point of the mask ?
The point of the mask is to basically kinda dehumanize .
It ’ s to frighten people…It ’ s exactly what the anarchists and the protesters need…There are all kinds of subliminal messages to that mask.
” Trump tweeted in advance of the speech , “ I will be doing a news conference on the ChinaVirus , the just announced very good economic numbers , and the improving economy , at 7pm from Bedminster , New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beirut , Lebanon catastrophe will be discussed .
”

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In the middle part of July, Donald Trump tweeted out a photo of himself wearing a facemask. Trump surrogates cheered on the move calling it a bold change in message and even describing it as patriotic.
The President, however, was not able to stay on his pro-mask messaging. He has frequently been pictured since that moment without face covering and speaking to largely mask-less crowds.
This was the case on Friday night when Trump gave a speech to supporters at his Bedminster, New Jersey country club. The Associated Press’ Jonathan Lemire shared a picture of the event, tweeting, “Country club members awaiting the president.”
The members are packed shoulder to shoulder with a number of children present. Only about four members can be seen wearing face coverings.
Masks have obviously been a frequent topic of discussion on Conservative television. While most pundits were on board back in July, many are again changing their messaging.
Fox’s Jeanine Pirro, who posted a picture of herself wearing a mask while out on the town last month, is again slamming the use of face coverings.
She told a British television show last weekend, “What is the point of the mask? The point of the mask is to basically kinda dehumanize. It’s to frighten people…It’s exactly what the anarchists and the protesters need…There are all kinds of subliminal messages to that mask.”
Fox News’ Pirro comes out firmly against masks: “What is the point of the mask? The point of the mask is to basically kinda dehumanize. It’s to frighten people…It’s exactly what the anarchists and the protesters need…There are all kinds of subliminal messages to that mask.” pic.twitter.com/15yKeHenrr — Angelo Carusone (@GoAngelo) August 3, 2020
Trump tweeted in advance of the speech, “I will be doing a news conference on the ChinaVirus, the just announced very good economic numbers, and the improving economy, at 7pm from Bedminster, New Jersey. Also, the subject of the Beirut, Lebanon catastrophe will be discussed.”


politicususa--2020-08-07--Canadian Politician Doug Ford Criticizes Trump for Imposing Tariffs on Canadian Raw Aluminum

Canadian Premier Doug Ford criticized President Donald Trump after he imposed 10 percent tariffs on Canadian raw aluminum .
“ I just have to say how disappointed I am with President Trump right now , ” Ford said at his Friday news conference .
“ In times like this , who tries to go after your closest ally , your closest trading partner , your number one customer in the entire world ?
Who would do this ?
Well , President Trump did this.
” Ford said he spoke to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland today to discuss imposing retaliatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Canada would impose $ 3.6 billion in tariffs .
“ We ’ re up against a real battle right now , it ’ s us versus them , ” Ford said .
“ And I ’ ve always said , I love the American people .
But right now , for the president to come and attack us during these times , through a pandemic when we need everyone ’ s support , is totally unacceptable.
” “ To be a strong nation , America must be a manufacturing nation and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the president said .
“ That means protecting our national industrial base.
” “ My administration agreed to lift those tariffs in return for a promise from the Canadian government that its aluminum industry would not flood our country with exports and kill all our aluminum jobs , which is exactly what they did , ” he added .
“ Canadian aluminum producers have broken that commitment .
”

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Canadian Premier Doug Ford criticized President Donald Trump after he imposed 10 percent tariffs on Canadian raw aluminum.
“I just have to say how disappointed I am with President Trump right now,” Ford said at his Friday news conference. “In times like this, who tries to go after your closest ally, your closest trading partner, your number one customer in the entire world? Who would do this? Well, President Trump did this.”
Ford said he spoke to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland today to discuss imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Freeland responded that Canada would impose $3.6 billion in tariffs.
“We’re up against a real battle right now, it’s us versus them,” Ford said. “And I’ve always said, I love the American people. But right now, for the president to come and attack us during these times, through a pandemic when we need everyone’s support, is totally unacceptable.”
Trump signed a proclamation imposing the tariffs on Thursday.
“To be a strong nation, America must be a manufacturing nation and not be led by a bunch of fools,” the president said. “That means protecting our national industrial base.”
“My administration agreed to lift those tariffs in return for a promise from the Canadian government that its aluminum industry would not flood our country with exports and kill all our aluminum jobs, which is exactly what they did,” he added. “Canadian aluminum producers have broken that commitment.”


politicususa--2020-08-07--Trump Launches Sexist Attack On AOC

Trump Launches Sexist Attack On AOC

Since she was elected to Congress in 2018 , Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been a subject of fascination for Republicans .
Much of this fascination is based on her youth and her looks .
Add Donald Trump to the crowd of GOP ’ ers who find the New York Representative quite attractive .
During a recent speech in Ohio , the President described AOC as “ a real beauty ” who “ knows nothing.
” Trump landed on the subject of the congresswoman when talking about her support for a Green New Deal .
The President was speaking at an appliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecological restrictions .
He told the workers , “ AOC , that ’ s a real beauty , isn ’ t it ?
She knows as much about the environment — do we have any young children here ?
— as that young child over there .
I think he knows more .
And she certainly knows nothing about the economy.
” While Trump railed agaisnt Ocasio-Cortez ’ s take on economics , the congresswoman actually has a degree in the subject from Boston University .
She graduated Cum Laude from the prestigious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t this first time , of course , that the President has ripped into the New York lawmaker .
In July of this year , he claimed that Ocasio-Cortez was “ not talented ” in many ways .
The progressive congresswoman shot back , “ A man whose entire life was built on a rich blend of daddy ’ s money and financial fraud accuses me , daughter of a house cleaner who won multiple elections to Congress by the age of 30 , of not having talent.You can tell from his delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
”

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Since she was elected to Congress in 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been a subject of fascination for Republicans. Much of this fascination is based on her youth and her looks.
Add Donald Trump to the crowd of GOP’ers who find the New York Representative quite attractive. During a recent speech in Ohio, the President described AOC as “a real beauty” who “knows nothing.”
Trump landed on the subject of the congresswoman when talking about her support for a Green New Deal. The President was speaking at an appliance factory and was slamming any kind of ecological restrictions.
He told the workers, “AOC, that’s a real beauty, isn’t it? She knows as much about the environment — do we have any young children here? — as that young child over there. I think he knows more. And she certainly knows nothing about the economy.”
"@AOC, that's a real beauty, isn't it? She knows as much about the environment — do we have any young children here — as that young child over there. I think he knows more and she certainly knows nothing about the economy." – President Trump pic.twitter.com/PxxbAFmg9X — BG (@TheBGates) August 6, 2020
While Trump railed agaisnt Ocasio-Cortez’s take on economics, the congresswoman actually has a degree in the subject from Boston University. She graduated Cum Laude from the prestigious college in 2011.
This isn’t this first time, of course, that the President has ripped into the New York lawmaker. In July of this year, he claimed that Ocasio-Cortez was “not talented” in many ways.
The progressive congresswoman shot back, “A man whose entire life was built on a rich blend of daddy’s money and financial fraud accuses me, daughter of a house cleaner who won multiple elections to Congress by the age of 30, of not having talent.You can tell from his delivery that even HE doesn’t believe it.”


politicususa--2020-08-07--Things Get Worse For Trump As Jerry Falwell Jr. Takes Indefinite Leave From Liberty University

One of Trump ’ s top evangelical supporters , Jerry Falwell Jr. , is taking an indefinite leave from Liberty University after posting pics with his pants unzipped .
Here is the statement from Liberty University : Falwell Jr. has been chased by reports of graft , scandal , and corruption for years , which made him the perfect “ evangelical ” to give Donald Trump his seal of approval during the 2016 campaign .
It has not been a good week for corrupt Trump supporters .
The Attorney General in New York filed a lawsuit to dissolve the NRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LaPierre has been engaged in a multimillion-dollar fraud and corruption scheme as the non-profit ’ s head .
In the case of Jerry Falwell Jr. , it appears that he was finally pushed out the door of the university that his father founded after posting pictures of himself with his pants unzipped .
Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen said that he covered up racy pics of Falwell before he endorsed Trump in 2016 .
The tide appears to be turning in America as Trump and his axis of evil are finally paying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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One of Trump’s top evangelical supporters, Jerry Falwell Jr., is taking an indefinite leave from Liberty University after posting pics with his pants unzipped.
Here is the statement from Liberty University:
NEWS: Jerry Falwell Jr. is taking “indefinite leave of absence” from Liberty University. pic.twitter.com/kl8SF8Omcy — Michael Stratford (@mstratford) August 7, 2020
Falwell Jr. has been chased by reports of graft, scandal, and corruption for years, which made him the perfect “evangelical” to give Donald Trump his seal of approval during the 2016 campaign.
It has not been a good week for corrupt Trump supporters.
The Attorney General in New York filed a lawsuit to dissolve the NRA after an 18-month investigation revealed that Wayne LaPierre has been engaged in a multimillion-dollar fraud and corruption scheme as the non-profit’s head.
In the case of Jerry Falwell Jr., it appears that he was finally pushed out the door of the university that his father founded after posting pictures of himself with his pants unzipped. Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen said that he covered up racy pics of Falwell before he endorsed Trump in 2016.
The tide appears to be turning in America as Trump and his axis of evil are finally paying the piper for their corruption.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-08-07--Eric Swalwell Busts Lindsey Graham Laundering Russian Propaganda

Rep. Eric Swalwell ( D-CA ) said that Sens .
Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) and Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) are laundering Russian propaganda through the Senate to attack Biden .
Rep. Swalwell said during an interview with MSNBC ’ s Nicolle Wallace : Russia has a capability , a scope , an intent , and a prior in criminal law , they did this before , this is not articulated by those other countries .
They have a preference for Donald Trump to be re-elected and use their resources to denigrate Joe Biden and they ’ re doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this information by this individual who ’ s described who has publicly said that he ’ s sending materials to Ron Johnson and Lindsey Graham to try to tear down Joe Biden .
Members of the U.S. Senate are acting as Russian launderers of this .
It ’ s reprehensible , it should stop .
Nicolle , if you want to know why Donald Trump won ’ t confront Vladimir Putin about these bounties on U.S .
Soldiers , there you go , Russia continues to spot Donald Trump and he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if it means to defend U.S .
Troops .
Swalwell later added , “ Ron Johnson and Lindsey Graham are all too willing to use in their naked ambition to keep Donald Trump in power and so the concern here is that U.S .
Persons are being used to facilitate this Russia influence operation and , again F the president is not going to have resources to counter this and , if the senators aren ’ t going to , you know , responsibly conduct themselves like Americans , not pro-Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to have the awareness of what they ’ re trying to do.
” Johnson and Graham are trying to launder Russian propaganda through the Senate hearing process to try to smear , discredit , and invent a scandal to use against Joe Biden .
There are two key differences between 2016 and 2020 .
The American people aren ’ t being blindsided .
They know what is going on and can see who is acting on behalf of Russia to swing an election in Putin ’ s favor .
The other difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving Democrats a platform to do what Eric Swalwell did .
Democrats can go on national television and call out the activities of Trump/Russia co-conspirators like Lindsey Graham and Ron Johnson .
Trump and Putin are running the 2016 playbook on Joe Biden , but this time Democrats are ready , waiting , and moving to protect democracy .

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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) said that Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are laundering Russian propaganda through the Senate to attack Biden.
Rep. Swalwell said during an interview with MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace:
Russia has a capability, a scope, an intent, and a prior in criminal law, they did this before, this is not articulated by those other countries. They have a preference for Donald Trump to be re-elected and use their resources to denigrate Joe Biden and they’re doing it through the U.S. Senate, laundering this information by this individual who’s described who has publicly said that he’s sending materials to Ron Johnson and Lindsey Graham to try to tear down Joe Biden.
Members of the U.S. Senate are acting as Russian launderers of this. It’s reprehensible, it should stop. Nicolle, if you want to know why Donald Trump won’t confront Vladimir Putin about these bounties on U.S. Soldiers, there you go, Russia continues to spot Donald Trump and he’s not going to do a single thing even if it means to defend U.S. Troops.
Video:
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) says Republican Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are laundering Russian propaganda through the Senate to attack and denigrate Joe Biden. pic.twitter.com/RfdGC7X9Hu — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 7, 2020
Swalwell later added, “Ron Johnson and Lindsey Graham are all too willing to use in their naked ambition to keep Donald Trump in power and so the concern here is that U.S. Persons are being used to facilitate this Russia influence operation and, again F the president is not going to have resources to counter this and, if the senators aren’t going to, you know, responsibly conduct themselves like Americans, not pro-Russia, then it’s on the American people to have the awareness of what they’re trying to do.”
Johnson and Graham are trying to launder Russian propaganda through the Senate hearing process to try to smear, discredit, and invent a scandal to use against Joe Biden.
There are two key differences between 2016 and 2020. The American people aren’t being blindsided. They know what is going on and can see who is acting on behalf of Russia to swing an election in Putin’s favor. The other difference is that the Democratic House majority is giving Democrats a platform to do what Eric Swalwell did. Democrats can go on national television and call out the activities of Trump/Russia co-conspirators like Lindsey Graham and Ron Johnson.
Trump and Putin are running the 2016 playbook on Joe Biden, but this time Democrats are ready, waiting, and moving to protect democracy.


politicususa--2020-08-07--27 More House Races Shift Toward Democrats As Blue Wave Surges

The non-partisan organization Inside Elections has shifted 27 more House races toward Democrats with just two moving toward Republicans .
Here is the list : As Trump and Mitch McConnell gobble up most of the donor money for the presidential race and a bid to keep the Republican Senate majority .
House Republicans have been largely abandoned by their own party and left to face a Democratic onslaught that has been led by excellent candidate recruit and record-setting fundraising from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ( DCCC ) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi .
Presidential and Senate races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but quietly Democrats have placed themselves in an outstanding position to expand their House majority .
Pelosi and the Democrats are showing the world that their 2018 takeover of the House was no fluke .
Speaker Pelosi has done exactly what voters put Democrats back in the majority to do .
Democrats have passed hundreds of pieces of legislation to help the American people on issues ranging from healthcare to the economy to climate change and the coronavirus pandemic .
The House Democratic majority has conducted valuable oversight and served as a check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in the year of a potentially historic blue wave , House Democrats are poised to expand their majority .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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The non-partisan organization Inside Elections has shifted 27 more House races toward Democrats with just two moving toward Republicans.
Here is the list:
🚨House ratings changes: @InsideElections has shifted 29 House races, 27 shifts in favor of Democrats, and 2 in favor of Republicans. Full list here: pic.twitter.com/mU8gKg92Tr — Jacob Rubashkin (@JacobRubashkin) August 7, 2020
As Trump and Mitch McConnell gobble up most of the donor money for the presidential race and a bid to keep the Republican Senate majority. House Republicans have been largely abandoned by their own party and left to face a Democratic onslaught that has been led by excellent candidate recruit and record-setting fundraising from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
Presidential and Senate races get almost of the media attention, but quietly Democrats have placed themselves in an outstanding position to expand their House majority. Pelosi and the Democrats are showing the world that their 2018 takeover of the House was no fluke.
Speaker Pelosi has done exactly what voters put Democrats back in the majority to do. Democrats have passed hundreds of pieces of legislation to help the American people on issues ranging from healthcare to the economy to climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.
The House Democratic majority has conducted valuable oversight and served as a check on Trump.
Democrats have delivered, and in the year of a potentially historic blue wave, House Democrats are poised to expand their majority.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-08-07--Trump Is Blocking Virus Relief Because He Doesn’t Want To Spend Money To Help People

Speaker Pelosi offered to meet Republicans in the middle on the virus relief bill , and Trump ’ s White House rejected her offer .
Jake Sherman of Politico confirmed with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin that the White House refuses to spend more money : To recap , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is willing to pass a compromise bill with Democratic Senate votes .
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats passes their bill in mid-May .
The President has it in his head that the money for state and local governments is going to blue states , and he refuses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that aren ’ t going to vote for him .
Even though the economic recovery has stalled , is in denial about what is going to happen to the economic numbers in the coming months without more relief .
By rejecting Pelosi ’ s compromise offer , Trump is admitting that he doesn ’ t want to spend money to help people .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook Trump is blocking vital help because the it is what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caring about the suffering of the American people .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Speaker Pelosi offered to meet Republicans in the middle on the virus relief bill, and Trump’s White House rejected her offer.
Pelosi made a middle ground offer:
Pelosi said last night Dems offered to come down $1T in relief plan if GOP comes up $1T – added that Dems would be willing to change expiration dates to make those cuts, but WH negotiators said no — Kate Riga (@Kate_Riga24) August 7, 2020
Jake Sherman of Politico confirmed with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin that the White House refuses to spend more money:
🚨🚨WASTE OF TIME? I asked @stevenmnuchin1 if coming up $1 trillion — as @SpeakerPelosi said is necessary — is a non starter for republicans. @stevenmnuchin1 said: “that’s a non starter” — Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) August 7, 2020
To recap, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is willing to pass a compromise bill with Democratic Senate votes. Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats passes their bill in mid-May.
The problem is Trump.
The President has it in his head that the money for state and local governments is going to blue states, and he refuses to spend money to help people in states that aren’t going to vote for him.
Even though the economic recovery has stalled, is in denial about what is going to happen to the economic numbers in the coming months without more relief.
By rejecting Pelosi’s compromise offer, Trump is admitting that he doesn’t want to spend money to help people.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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Trump is blocking vital help because the it is what it is president is incapable of seeing or caring about the suffering of the American people.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-08-07--Larry Kudlow Wants You To Praise Trump For Doubling Unemployment

Larry Kudlow tried to paint a sunny picture even though Trump has more than doubled the unemployment rate since taking office .
You know , I think the big story here is this survey was taken in the middle of July , July 12th to July 18th .
That was the heart — that was the heart of the hot spot problem where some states had to pull back in the southwest and so forth .
Therefore , we didn ’ t get hurt another as much as many people feared .
To go through the hot spots , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leveling off and starting to hook down which is great news , but to go through a tough month like that and still get 1.8 million new jobs and most importantly the unemployment rate back down to 10.2 % , I would just say to you , Poppy , that the idea that we won ’ t get a single-digit unemployment rate is off the boards now .
We ’ re going to see this well into single digits as we move through the summer and fall .
The rate of recovery has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unemployment was at 4.8 % .
The current unemployment rate is more than double what Trump came into office with .
The economy hasn ’ t taken off like a rocket when the nation reopened , as Trump promised .
The economic recovery has been propped up by trillions of dollars in government spending .
If that spending does not continue , the best-case scenario is that the economy continues to limp along through election day .
The worst outcome is that the economic crisis and suffering deepen in the nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ report that should inspire confidence in or praise for Donald Trump .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Larry Kudlow tried to paint a sunny picture even though Trump has more than doubled the unemployment rate since taking office.
Kudlow said on CNN:
You know, I think the big story here is this survey was taken in the middle of July, July 12th to July 18th. That was the heart — that was the heart of the hot spot problem where some states had to pull back in the southwest and so forth. Therefore, we didn’t get hurt another as much as many people feared. To go through the hot spots, and I might add that they are now leveling off and starting to hook down which is great news, but to go through a tough month like that and still get 1.8 million new jobs and most importantly the unemployment rate back down to 10.2%,
I would just say to you, Poppy, that the idea that we won’t get a single-digit unemployment rate is off the boards now. We’re going to see this well into single digits as we move through the summer and fall.
Video of Kudlow:
Larry Kudlow thinks Trump deserves credit for more than doubling the unemployment rate since taking office. pic.twitter.com/vKaA5uDBZf — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 7, 2020
The rate of recovery has slowed. When Donald Trump took office, unemployment was at 4.8%. The current unemployment rate is more than double what Trump came into office with. The economy hasn’t taken off like a rocket when the nation reopened, as Trump promised.
The economic recovery has been propped up by trillions of dollars in government spending. If that spending does not continue, the best-case scenario is that the economy continues to limp along through election day. The worst outcome is that the economic crisis and suffering deepen in the nation.
There is nothing in the new jobs report that should inspire confidence in or praise for Donald Trump.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-08-07--Biden, Pelosi and Schumer Slam Trump’s “Historic Failure” on Jobs Numbers

Joe Biden and the Democratic leadership in Congress have placed the blame for the latest unemployment figures squarely on Donald Trump .
In separate statements , they harshly criticized the President ’ s response to the economic crisis .
The Speaker of the House and Senate Minority Leader issued a joint statement on Friday following the July jobs report .
The U.S. has added 1.8 million jobs but has lost nearly 13 million jobs during the pandemic .
“ The latest jobs report shows that the economic recovery spurred by the investments Congress has passed is losing steam and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lives and livelihoods of the American people , ” Pelosi and Schumer said .
“ Millions of Americans are still hurting and yet , despite this reality , President Trump and Republicans appear ready to walk away from the negotiating table to do unworkable , weak and narrow executive orders that barely scratch the surface of what is needed to defeat the virus and help struggling Americans.
” The Biden campaign issued their own statement , making even more forceful comments about Trump ’ s handling of the economy .
“ Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far we have to go and why leadership matters , ” Biden said in the statement .
“ While I am grateful for the people who got their jobs back , my heart goes out to the more than 16 million workers who are without a job and a paycheck , and to their families who are without peace of mind .
It did not have to be this bad.
” “ We are in a deeper economic hole than we should be because of Donald Trump ’ s historic failure to respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of recovery has now slowed because of Trump ’ s continuing inability to come up with a plan to control the virus.
” “ Trump ’ s surrender to the pandemic has led to a resurgence of the virus and more economic pain and anxiety for millions of Americans , ” Biden went on .
“ After six months of a nation in crisis , he still has no plan to get us through .
”

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Joe Biden and the Democratic leadership in Congress have placed the blame for the latest unemployment figures squarely on Donald Trump. In separate statements, they harshly criticized the President’s response to the economic crisis.
The Speaker of the House and Senate Minority Leader issued a joint statement on Friday following the July jobs report. The U.S. has added 1.8 million jobs but has lost nearly 13 million jobs during the pandemic.
“The latest jobs report shows that the economic recovery spurred by the investments Congress has passed is losing steam and more investments are still urgently needed to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people,” Pelosi and Schumer said.
“Millions of Americans are still hurting and yet, despite this reality, President Trump and Republicans appear ready to walk away from the negotiating table to do unworkable, weak and narrow executive orders that barely scratch the surface of what is needed to defeat the virus and help struggling Americans.”
The Biden campaign issued their own statement, making even more forceful comments about Trump’s handling of the economy.
“Today’s jobs report shows just how far we have to go and why leadership matters,” Biden said in the statement.
“While I am grateful for the people who got their jobs back, my heart goes out to the more than 16 million workers who are without a job and a paycheck, and to their families who are without peace of mind. It did not have to be this bad.”
“We are in a deeper economic hole than we should be because of Donald Trump’s historic failure to respond to the pandemic, and the pace of recovery has now slowed because of Trump’s continuing inability to come up with a plan to control the virus.”
“Trump’s surrender to the pandemic has led to a resurgence of the virus and more economic pain and anxiety for millions of Americans,” Biden went on.
“After six months of a nation in crisis, he still has no plan to get us through.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-07--Appeals Court Rules Trump’s Former White House Counsel Must Comply with House Subpoena

A federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump ’ s former White House counsel Don McGahn must comply with a House subpoena and testify .
The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said McGahn ’ s refusal to testify is grounds for the House to sue , in a victory for House Democrats .
The court ruled 7-2 .
President Trump had sought to bar McGahn from testifying before the House Judiciary Committee and had asked the Supreme Court to step in to avoid having the spotlight on McGahn before a Democrat-led congressional panel ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The “ effective functioning of the Legislative Branch critically depends on the legislative prerogative to obtain information , and constitutional structure and historical practice support judicial enforcement of congressional subpoenas when necessary , ” Judge Judith Rogers wrote for the majority .
The decision does not mean McGahn will testify right away .
Now the decision reverts to the initial three-judge panel that ruled against the House to consider McGahn ’ s other challenges to the subpoena .
BREAKING : The Appeals Court rules that the House Judiciary Committee has standing to enforce @ @ @ @ @

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A federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump’s former White House counsel Don McGahn must comply with a House subpoena and testify. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said McGahn’s refusal to testify is grounds for the House to sue, in a victory for House Democrats. The court ruled 7-2.
President Trump had sought to bar McGahn from testifying before the House Judiciary Committee and had asked the Supreme Court to step in to avoid having the spotlight on McGahn before a Democrat-led congressional panel ahead of November’s general election.


politicususa--2020-08-07--Democratic Rep. Karen Bass: Trump Is a Racist Who’s “Giving License to Racists”

Karen Bass has accused Donald Trump of emboldening racists and of running a racist reelection campaign .
The Democratic congresswoman said there ’ s clear evidence for the President ’ s own prejudices .
Bass is considered a major contender for former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s VP nod .
She spoke to CNN ’ s David Axelrod on Thursday about Trump and was asked if she thinks he ’ s a racist .
“ Yes , I do .
I don ’ t think there ’ s anything new about that , ” she said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I mean , his father was .
They were charged with discrimination , housing discrimination , sued by the federal government.
” “ Everything that has come out of his mouth , not just against Black people , I mean , he started his campaign with racist attacks on Mexicans , ” Bass went on .
“ He ’ s attacked Native Americans and his latest attacks are on Asian Americans by calling the [ Coronavirus ] as the China virus .
And there has been attacks against the Asian Pacific Islander community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of his essentially giving license to racists that might have been a little dormant for a minute , but who now feel completely emboldened and empowered.
” Bass added that Trump ’ s approach to his reelection this year was in part to appeal to racism .
“ I ’ m very clear that the Republican Party has two strategies for this election .
And one is to resurrect the ghost of Joe McCarthy and the Cold War , ” she said .
“ And two is to resurrect the ghost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Bass pointed to Trump ’ s recent comments about low income housing in the suburbs and added : “ You know , I think that he doesn ’ t use dog whistles .
He uses a bullhorn .
”

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Karen Bass has accused Donald Trump of emboldening racists and of running a racist reelection campaign. The Democratic congresswoman said there’s clear evidence for the President’s own prejudices.
Bass is considered a major contender for former Vice President Joe Biden’s VP nod. She spoke to CNN’s David Axelrod on Thursday about Trump and was asked if she thinks he’s a racist.
“Yes, I do. I don’t think there’s anything new about that,” she said.
“I think he’s second generation, I mean, his father was. They were charged with discrimination, housing discrimination, sued by the federal government.”
“Everything that has come out of his mouth, not just against Black people, I mean, he started his campaign with racist attacks on Mexicans,” Bass went on.
“He’s attacked Native Americans and his latest attacks are on Asian Americans by calling the [Coronavirus] as the China virus. And there has been attacks against the Asian Pacific Islander community. “
“People have been hurt because of his essentially giving license to racists that might have been a little dormant for a minute, but who now feel completely emboldened and empowered.”
Bass added that Trump’s approach to his reelection this year was in part to appeal to racism.
“I’m very clear that the Republican Party has two strategies for this election. And one is to resurrect the ghost of Joe McCarthy and the Cold War,” she said.
“And two is to resurrect the ghost of George Wallace and run a racist campaign.”
Bass pointed to Trump’s recent comments about low income housing in the suburbs and added: “You know, I think that he doesn’t use dog whistles. He uses a bullhorn.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-07--Trump: Joe Biden “Is No Longer Worthy of the Black Vote”

Donald Trump continued his criticism of Joe Biden on Friday following the former Vice President ’ s remarks about diversity in the African American community .
The President has repeatedly tried to frame Biden ’ s comments as evidence that he does not deserve votes from Black Americans .
He made the claim again on Twitter .
“ After yesterday ’ s statement , Sleepy Joe Biden is no longer worthy of the Black Vote !
” Trump wrote .
On Thursday , Trump made the same criticism , though his apparent appeal for African American votes has been met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims about employment .
“ Joe Biden this morning , he totally disparaged and insulted the black community .
What he said is incredible , ” Trump had said .
“ It was a very insulting statement he made.
” Biden sought to clarify comments about diversity in the Black and Latino communities , which caused some controversy and was picked up as an attack line by the President .
“ Earlier today , I made some comments about diversity in the African American and Latino communities that I want to clarify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way did I mean to suggest the African American community is a monolith — not by identity , not on issues , not at all .
”

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Donald Trump continued his criticism of Joe Biden on Friday following the former Vice President’s remarks about diversity in the African American community.
The President has repeatedly tried to frame Biden’s comments as evidence that he does not deserve votes from Black Americans. He made the claim again on Twitter.
“After yesterday’s statement, Sleepy Joe Biden is no longer worthy of the Black Vote!” Trump wrote.
After yesterday’s statement, Sleepy Joe Biden is no longer worthy of the Black Vote! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2020
On Thursday, Trump made the same criticism, though his apparent appeal for African American votes has been met with derision, especially considering his recent claims about employment.
Joe Biden this morning, he totally disparaged and insulted the black community. What he said is incredible,” Trump had said.
“It was a very insulting statement he made.”
Biden sought to clarify comments about diversity in the Black and Latino communities, which caused some controversy and was picked up as an attack line by the President.
“Earlier today, I made some comments about diversity in the African American and Latino communities that I want to clarify,” Biden said.
“In no way did I mean to suggest the African American community is a monolith — not by identity, not on issues, not at all.”
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politicususa--2020-08-07--New York AG Letitia James: Execs Used NRA as “Their Personal Piggy Bank”

Letitia James has claimed some people at the National Rifle Association used the organization as their “ personal piggy bank ” as she moves to dissolve the gun group .
The New York Attorney General spoke to MSNBC ’ s Rachael Maddow on Thursday following her announcement the previous day of her intention to seek the NRA ’ s dissolution .
James caused a major stir on Thursday with a press conference alleging major financial malpractice and self-dealing at the NRA .
She stuck to her position during her interview with Maddow .
James said “ it was the diversion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that convinced her to move against the NRA .
“ Individuals were using the NRA as their personal piggy bank , ” she said .
The NY Attorney General said “ the corruption runs very deep ” and extends to senior leadership within the NRA .
She particularly targeted longtime CEO Wayne LaPierre .
“ The corruption is pervasive , it ’ s persistent , it ’ s not limited to one person , ” James said .
“ It ’ s throughout the entire corporation and that ’ s why we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirety .
”

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Letitia James has claimed some people at the National Rifle Association used the organization as their “personal piggy bank” as she moves to dissolve the gun group.
The New York Attorney General spoke to MSNBC’s Rachael Maddow on Thursday following her announcement the previous day of her intention to seek the NRA’s dissolution.
James caused a major stir on Thursday with a press conference alleging major financial malpractice and self-dealing at the NRA. She stuck to her position during her interview with Maddow.
James said “it was the diversion of millions, upon millions of dollars” that convinced her to move against the NRA.
Watch the video:
New York AG Letitia James alleges NRA corruption "runs very deep" "The corruption is pervasive, it's persistent, it's not limited to one person. It's throughout the entire corporation and that's why we seek to dissolve the corporation in its entirety." pic.twitter.com/XNalgRTDfs — MSNBC (@MSNBC) August 7, 2020
“Individuals were using the NRA as their personal piggy bank,” she said.
The NY Attorney General said “the corruption runs very deep” and extends to senior leadership within the NRA. She particularly targeted longtime CEO Wayne LaPierre.
“The corruption is pervasive, it’s persistent, it’s not limited to one person,” James said.
“It’s throughout the entire corporation and that’s why we seek to dissolve the corporation in its entirety.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-07--Geraldo Rivera: Biden Would Struggle “Debating a Force of Nature Like Donald Trump”

Geraldo Rivera has claimed Joe Biden would have difficulty debating Donald Trump because the President is a “ force of nature.
” The Fox News personality had nothing but praise for Trump .
Rivera spoke to the Fox News morning show Fox & Friends on Friday and slammed former Vice President Biden ’ s debating skills .
Criticisms of Biden ’ s “ gaffes ” are now a consistent part of conservative media ’ s attacks on him .
“ I think personally that Joe Biden has everything to lose with the debates , ” Rivera said .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see in , terms of his fragility and his tendency toward malaprops , he would have a hard time debating a force of nature like Donald Trump.
” Rivera suggested the bar was being set very low for Biden – a criticism more often leveled at President Trump , whose most recent interview performances drew scorn .
However , Rivera saw Trump as not only an excellent debater but perhaps one of a kind .
“ Just look at the two .
In terms of vivacity , in terms of energy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of the command of the ability to answer spontaneous questions spontaneously , ” Rivera said .
“ I think the President really is one for the decades , ” he said .
“ More than just against Joe Biden.
” Despite repeated claims to the contrary by the Trump campaign and its supporters in the media , Biden has made no attempt to duck debates .
By contrast , the Trump campaign has continued to complain about them .

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Geraldo Rivera has claimed Joe Biden would have difficulty debating Donald Trump because the President is a “force of nature.” The Fox News personality had nothing but praise for Trump.
Rivera spoke to the Fox News morning show Fox & Friends on Friday and slammed former Vice President Biden’s debating skills. Criticisms of Biden’s “gaffes” are now a consistent part of conservative media’s attacks on him.
“I think personally that Joe Biden has everything to lose with the debates,” Rivera said.
“If what we see, what we appear to see in, terms of his fragility and his tendency toward malaprops, he would have a hard time debating a force of nature like Donald Trump.”
Watch the video:
Geraldo Rivera says Joe Biden "would have a hard time debating a force of nature like Donald Trump": "In terms of vivacity, in terms of energy, in terms of physical size … I think the president really is one for the decades." pic.twitter.com/B4lgObNrba — Bobby Lewis (@revrrlewis) August 7, 2020
Rivera suggested the bar was being set very low for Biden – a criticism more often leveled at President Trump, whose most recent interview performances drew scorn.
However, Rivera saw Trump as not only an excellent debater but perhaps one of a kind.
“Just look at the two. In terms of vivacity, in terms of energy, in terms of physical size, in terms of the command of the ability to answer spontaneous questions spontaneously,” Rivera said.
“I think the President really is one for the decades,” he said. More than just against Joe Biden.
Despite repeated claims to the contrary by the Trump campaign and its supporters in the media, Biden has made no attempt to duck debates. By contrast, the Trump campaign has continued to complain about them.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-08-09--Trump Tells The Unemployed Having Their Benefits Cut Is Not A Hardship

In the middle of a pandemic , with unemployment above Great Recession levels , Trump told the unemployed that having their benefits cut isn ’ t a hardship .
Trump said when asked why he supports cutting unemployment benefits , “ t ’ s not a hardship .
This is the money that they need .
This is the money they want and this gives them a great incentive to go back to work .
So , this was much more than was originally agreed .
The $ 600 was a number that was there and as you know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number because it really was a disincentive.
” Trump is saying that it is not a hardship to the unemployed to have their benefits cut , but he is also saying that he is cutting benefits in the hope of forcing people to go back to work out of financial desperation .
The problem with the Republican logic of cutting benefits so that people go back to work is that many of the unemployed have no jobs to go back to .
Currently , there are four or more unemployed people for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t just go back to work .
If your job is gone and you can ’ t get a new one , a rich president who has only ever worked for his daddy has no clue what your life is like .
Trump ’ s press conference , even with a studio audience , was a disaster .
The President continues to show that he can ’ t help Americans with their problems , because he doesn ’ t understand them , and he doesn ’ t care .
For more discussion about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MSNBC group .

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In the middle of a pandemic, with unemployment above Great Recession levels, Trump told the unemployed that having their benefits cut isn’t a hardship.
Trump said when asked why he supports cutting unemployment benefits, “t’s not a hardship. This is the money that they need. This is the money they want and this gives them a great incentive to go back to work. So, this was much more than was originally agreed. The $600 was a number that was there and as you know, there was difficulty with the $600 number because it really was a disincentive.”
Video:
Trump tells unemployed people that having their benefits cut is not a hardship. pic.twitter.com/Agcw01xMaI — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) August 8, 2020
Trump is saying that it is not a hardship to the unemployed to have their benefits cut, but he is also saying that he is cutting benefits in the hope of forcing people to go back to work out of financial desperation.
The problem with the Republican logic of cutting benefits so that people go back to work is that many of the unemployed have no jobs to go back to. Currently, there are four or more unemployed people for every job opening, so people can’t just go back to work.
If your job is gone and you can’t get a new one, a rich president who has only ever worked for his daddy has no clue what your life is like.
Trump’s press conference, even with a studio audience, was a disaster.
The President continues to show that he can’t help Americans with their problems, because he doesn’t understand them, and he doesn’t care.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-08-08--Trump Has A Meltdown And Runs Out Of Press Conference When Called Out On Lie

Trump cut off questions at a Saturday press briefing after CBS ’ s Paula Reid called out his lie about passing Veteran ’ s Choice .
Reid : Sir , Veteran ’ s Choice , it was passed in 2014 .
Trump : Okay .
Thank you very much , every .
Thank you very much .
Trump didn ’ t pass Veteran ’ s Choice .
Obama did .
What Trump did do was sign a bill that changed the law that Obama passed .
Trump has been taking credit for years for a bill that he had absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeps taking credit for Barack Obama ’ s accomplishments because he has none of his own .
Trump signed a wildly unpopular tax cut for the wealthy , and that is it as far as major accomplishments go .
The reason why Trump is always bragging about putting two Supreme Court justices on the bench , which is something that any president with a pulse could do , is that he has nothing else .
The bigger problem for Trump and his campaign is that he keeps storming out of press conferences when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer or doesn ’ t like .
These presidential meltdowns on national television are happening far too often .
The nation is in the middle of a pandemic and looking for a steady hand at the wheel , and all voters are seeing Trump doing is playing golf an angrily walking out of rooms .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump cut off questions at a Saturday press briefing after CBS’s Paula Reid called out his lie about passing Veteran’s Choice.
The exchange:
Reid: Veterans choice —
Reid: Sir, Veteran’s Choice, it was passed in 2014.
Trump: Go ahead, please.
Reid: It was a false statement, sir.
Trump: Okay. Thank you very much, every. Thank you very much.
Video:
Trump stomps out of "press briefing" when he was asked why he is lying about passing Veteran's Choice., which Obama passed in 2014. pic.twitter.com/OEy0e4GYc3 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 8, 2020
Trump didn’t pass Veteran’s Choice. Obama did. What Trump did do was sign a bill that changed the law that Obama passed. Trump has been taking credit for years for a bill that he had absolutely nothing to do with.
Donald Trump keeps taking credit for Barack Obama’s accomplishments because he has none of his own. Trump signed a wildly unpopular tax cut for the wealthy, and that is it as far as major accomplishments go. The reason why Trump is always bragging about putting two Supreme Court justices on the bench, which is something that any president with a pulse could do, is that he has nothing else.
The bigger problem for Trump and his campaign is that he keeps storming out of press conferences when he gets questions that can’t answer or doesn’t like. These presidential meltdowns on national television are happening far too often.
The nation is in the middle of a pandemic and looking for a steady hand at the wheel, and all voters are seeing Trump doing is playing golf an angrily walking out of rooms.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-08-08--Opinion: Trump sanctioning China for abusing protestors is the height of hypocrisy

Even while dirty Don Trump is being condemned for abusing American citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest , he levied sanctions on China for abusing its citizens for protesting civil rights abuses .
For the second time in less than two months Trump defined for the whole world what hypocrisy means .
Most people have experienced first hand exactly what hypocrisy entails , but for the uniformed the dictionary definition is : “ Hypocrisy is the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another .
In moral psychology , it is the failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moral rules and principles.
” “ Feigns to be what one is not or to believe what one does not : behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel ; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion.
” Of course most Americans , and citizens of the world for that matter , comprehend that Trump has exhibited no “ appearance of virtue or religion , ” but there will likely never be a more apt example of rank hypocrisy than aspiring dictator Trump “ punishing ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing precisely what he is responsible for with veritable impunity – because Republican boot-lickers are terrified of standing up to their tyrannical leader .
After sending in unidentifiable thugs to beat , gas , and kidnap peaceful American protestors in Portland Oregon , and gassing other peaceful American protestors in Washington D.C. for an obscene “ photo-op , ” Trump is punishing China for “ cracking down ” on peaceful protestors in Hong Kong .
Besides the flagrant and typical Trump hypocrisy , there is another point to this rant that makes Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is glaringly apparent that Trump ’ s actions are to demonstrate to his ignorant sycophants that he is standing strong against China .
However much Trump ’ s actions are nothing more than a campaign ploy , there is the inconvenient truth that Hong Kong is not a sovereign nation and hasn ’ t been since 1997 when England handed over control of its former colony and returned it to China .
Add to that , China did , in fact , use its authority to announce , and then enact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same Chinese law governing the mainland .
Although it is an affront to democratic ideals , China rightfully exercised its purview over Hong Kong despite Trump ’ s assertion that there are two separate governments in play .
Contrast that fact with what Trump has done in America , and likely will repeat , to demonstrate to his cult that he is a strongman in a nation where citizens enjoy a First Amendment guarantee to peaceably protest for whatever reason suits their fancy .
Despite the 231 year-old “ law of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assemble and protest , Trump took it upon himself to send armed thugs to use chemical weapons , “ non-lethal ” weapons , and engage in extrajudicial apprehension and detainment of American citizens .
If America was not ruled by a tyrannical thug with a criminal cohort running the Justice Department , there would have been harsh sanctions imposed on Trump .
But the top law enforcement officer in America conducted himself like a punk-ass thug and supported Trump ’ s actions .
Trump ’ s Secretary of State , teabagger Mike Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defend Chinese ’ citizens “ democratic right to dissent and protest ” without facing any repercussions .
Pompeo never complained about Trump sending Brownshirts to attack American citizens exercising their constitutionally-guaranteed “ democratic right to dissent and protest ” against institutionalized oppression of people of color , including extrajudicial killings at the hands of law enforcement .
Where was Pompeo ’ s outrage when his tyrannical boss sent federal law enforcement , and the military , to oppress Americans exercising their constitutional right to protest ?
As if levying sanctions on China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful American protestors was not bad enough , last month he imposed sanctions on senior Chinese officials over human rights abuses against the largely Muslim Uighur ethnic minority in the Xinjiang region .
And yet in June Trump “ approved ” of Chinese President Xi Jinping ’ s atrocious abuse of human rights in building “ concentration camps ” for the Uighur people ; Trump said it was “ exactly the right thing to do ” according to former National Security Advisor John Bolton .
If Trump changed his mind and suddenly gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over their religion , then why did he support Israel ’ s occupation and encroachment into the Palestinian people ’ s land where they are basically forced to live on a reservation ?
No sanctions on Israel because Trump is a raging hypocrite and his acolytes would never accept him failing to support Benjamin Netanyahu .
It is true that few people like a hypocrite any more than they like dirty filthy liars like Trump .
It is almost certain that Trump could not care less what China does to protestors in Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further atrocities Israel commits against the Palestinian people .
The only thing Trump cares about is securing power and wealth .
Like his inaction to stop the virus raging across America as part of his campaign strategy , his hypocrisy in levying sanctions on China for doing exactly what he did in Washington D.C. and Portland warrant him being unceremoniously thrown out of the White House with extreme prejudice ; something that would happen if Republicans and the Department of Justice were not as corrupt and hypocritical as Trump .

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Even while dirty Don Trump is being condemned for abusing American citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest, he levied sanctions on China for abusing its citizens for protesting civil rights abuses.
For the second time in less than two months Trump defined for the whole world what hypocrisy means. Most people have experienced first hand exactly what hypocrisy entails, but for the uniformed the dictionary definition is:
“Hypocrisy is the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another. In moral psychology, it is the failure to follow one’s own expressed moral rules and principles.”
Another definition states that a hypocrite:
“Feigns to be what one is not or to believe what one does not : behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion.”
Of course most Americans, and citizens of the world for that matter, comprehend that Trump has exhibited no “appearance of virtue or religion,” but there will likely never be a more apt example of rank hypocrisy than aspiring dictator Trump “punishing” members of a sovereign foreign nation for doing precisely what he is responsible for with veritable impunity – because Republican boot-lickers are terrified of standing up to their tyrannical leader.
After sending in unidentifiable thugs to beat, gas, and kidnap peaceful American protestors in Portland Oregon, and gassing other peaceful American protestors in Washington D.C. for an obscene “photo-op,” Trump is punishing China for “cracking down” on peaceful protestors in Hong Kong. Besides the flagrant and typical Trump hypocrisy, there is another point to this rant that makes Trump’s actions even worse.
First, it is glaringly apparent that Trump’s actions are to demonstrate to his ignorant sycophants that he is standing strong against China. However much Trump’s actions are nothing more than a campaign ploy, there is the inconvenient truth that Hong Kong is not a sovereign nation and hasn’t been since 1997 when England handed over control of its former colony and returned it to China.
Add to that, China did, in fact, use its authority to announce, and then enact, its typical anti-demonstration law according to the same Chinese law governing the mainland. Although it is an affront to democratic ideals, China rightfully exercised its purview over Hong Kong despite Trump’s assertion that there are two separate governments in play.
Contrast that fact with what Trump has done in America, and likely will repeat, to demonstrate to his cult that he is a strongman in a nation where citizens enjoy a First Amendment guarantee to peaceably protest for whatever reason suits their fancy. Despite the 231 year-old “law of the land” guaranteeing Americans’ right to assemble and protest, Trump took it upon himself to send armed thugs to use chemical weapons, “non-lethal” weapons, and engage in extrajudicial apprehension and detainment of American citizens.
If America was not ruled by a tyrannical thug with a criminal cohort running the Justice Department, there would have been harsh sanctions imposed on Trump. But the top law enforcement officer in America conducted himself like a punk-ass thug and supported Trump’s actions.
Trump’s Secretary of State, teabagger Mike Pompeo, stated that Trump had to act to defend Chinese’ citizens “democratic right to dissent and protest” without facing any repercussions. Pompeo never complained about Trump sending Brownshirts to attack American citizens exercising their constitutionally-guaranteed “democratic right to dissent and protest” against institutionalized oppression of people of color, including extrajudicial killings at the hands of law enforcement. Where was Pompeo’s outrage when his tyrannical boss sent federal law enforcement, and the military, to oppress Americans exercising their constitutional right to protest?
As if levying sanctions on China for doing exactly what Trump did to peaceful American protestors was not bad enough, last month he imposed sanctions on senior Chinese officials over human rights abuses against the largely Muslim Uighur ethnic minority in the Xinjiang region. And yet in June Trump “approved” of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s atrocious abuse of human rights in building “concentration camps” for the Uighur people; Trump said it was “exactly the right thing to do” according to former National Security Advisor John Bolton.
If Trump changed his mind and suddenly gives a damn about indigenous people being sequestered over their religion, then why did he support Israel’s occupation and encroachment into the Palestinian people’s land where they are basically forced to live on a reservation? No sanctions on Israel because Trump is a raging hypocrite and his acolytes would never accept him failing to support Benjamin Netanyahu.
It is true that few people like a hypocrite any more than they like dirty filthy liars like Trump. It is almost certain that Trump could not care less what China does to protestors in Hong Kong any more than he cares what further atrocities Israel commits against the Palestinian people. The only thing Trump cares about is securing power and wealth. Like his inaction to stop the virus raging across America as part of his campaign strategy, his hypocrisy in levying sanctions on China for doing exactly what he did in Washington D.C. and Portland warrant him being unceremoniously thrown out of the White House with extreme prejudice; something that would happen if Republicans and the Department of Justice were not as corrupt and hypocritical as Trump.


politicususa--2020-08-08--Trump Admits That He Is Going To Get Sued For Illegal Executive Orders

Trump admitted that he is going to be sued for his planned executive orders cutting payroll taxes and expanding extended unemployment benefits .
Trump said via a transcript from The White House provided to PoliticusUSA : Q Because there are questions they may be found illegal .
THE PRESIDENT : No .
If somebody — well , you always get sued .
I mean , everything you do you get sued .
I was sued on the travel ban , and we won .
I was sued on a lot of things , and we won .
So we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get sued , but people feel that we can do it .
Trump ’ s claim that he has been sued on a lot things and won is absurdly false .
Trump has more at the federal court level than any other president .
Trump ’ s legal work has been so sloppy that it has been cited for a reason for his defeat in multiple Supreme Court cases .
Trump lost 63 federal court cases in two years .
Recently , Trump lost cases on DACA , stealing money from the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ absolute immunity.
” The idea that Trump ’ s clearly illegal executive orders are going to hold up to legal scrutiny is insane , but these executive orders aren ’ t about the law .
The executive orders are election-year stunts to make it look like Trump is solving problems .
Trump has no record to run on .
The President also has no platform for a second term .
Trump knows he is going to get sued , but as people are dying , he would rather pretend to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on in the country .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump admitted that he is going to be sued for his planned executive orders cutting payroll taxes and expanding extended unemployment benefits.
Trump said via a transcript from The White House provided to PoliticusUSA:
Q Because there are questions they may be found illegal.
THE PRESIDENT: No. If somebody — well, you always get sued. I mean, everything you do you get sued. I was sued on the travel ban, and we won. I was sued on a lot of things, and we won. So we’ll see. Yeah, probably we get sued, but people feel that we can do it.
Video:
Here is Trump admitting that he is going to get sued for illegal executive orders cutting payroll taxes and extending expanded unemployment benefits. pic.twitter.com/wWImr5RBJI — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 8, 2020
Trump’s claim that he has been sued on a lot things and won is absurdly false. Trump has more at the federal court level than any other president. Trump’s legal work has been so sloppy that it has been cited for a reason for his defeat in multiple Supreme Court cases. Trump lost 63 federal court cases in two years. Recently, Trump lost cases on DACA, stealing money from the military to fund his wall and his claim of “absolute immunity.”
The idea that Trump’s clearly illegal executive orders are going to hold up to legal scrutiny is insane, but these executive orders aren’t about the law.
The executive orders are election-year stunts to make it look like Trump is solving problems. Trump has no record to run on. The President also has no platform for a second term.
Trump knows he is going to get sued, but as people are dying, he would rather pretend to do something than addressing the multiple crises going on in the country.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-08-08--Opinion: Tom Cotton’s 1619 Project Legislation Highlights Ignorance Of Political Economy and History

As is now widely known , the Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton recently proposed legislation that would deny federal funding to schools that in any way used the The New York Times controversial 1619 project in its curriculum .
This series in The New York Times , of course , explores the history of the United States through the lens of slavery , premised on the fact that accounts of slavery have not been expansively , roundly , and fully incorporated into accounts of U.S. history , particularly in its earliest stages .
Nikole Hannah-Jones , the project ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prize for her commentary on the series , and the Pulitzer Center and The New York Times have since collaborated to create a curriculum based on the project which schools can now adopt .
This last prospect upsets Cotton for reasons that aren ’ t entirely clear .
Does he not want children in America to confront the horrors of an American institution that inflicted untold violence on other human beings , subjecting them to being owned , having their labor exploited , and being denied any human rights and any protection under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What we do know , at a minimum , is that Cotton wants us all , including the generations that come after us , to understand slavery in the United States as a “ necessary evil.
” He told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , “ As the Founding Fathers said , it was the necessary evil upon which the union was built , but the union was built in a way , as Lincoln said , to put slavery on the course to its ultimate extinction.
” So they can study slavery , maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand how necessary it was to dehumanize African people because of the color of their skin in order to have created America , to have made the nation as it is today , possible .
I have heard critics such as Deval Patrick take Cotton to task for the abomination his argument is , particularly on moral grounds .
Patrick , for example , has responded to Cotton , writing , But what we also need to understand is the dangerous ridiculousness Cotton ’ s understanding of our political and economic history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ became a prosperous nation on the backs of enslaved African Americans , it is hardly true that enslaving and exploiting people ’ s labor was necessary to make the U.S. an economic powerhouse and wealthy nation .
It was only necessary to make us a class-divided and racist nation .
The best person to offer this critique is the formerly enslaved American writer and activist Frederick Douglass ( yes , Donald Trump , he ’ s still doing great things ! )
.
In his work The Narrative of the Life of Frederick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers an analysis of the relationship between racial liberation–the end of racial labor exploitation–and the larger economic self-interest of society at large , including whites .
At the end of his narrative , when he makes it North to freedom in New Bedford , Massachusetts , Douglass finds himself in a state of wonder , mesmerized by and in virtual disbelief of the wealth that appears before his eyes .
He sees African Americans and workers of all types living in homes and is amazed at the absence of poverty and suffering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of living all seem to enjoy in the North is such a revelation is that heretofore , in the political economy of slavery , Douglass has witnessed the production of wealth for some as entailing the suffering and degradation of many .
Imagining wealth being produced without brutalizing many in the process was impossible for him .
Every thing looked clean , new and beautiful .
I saw few or no dilapidated homes , with poverty-stricken inmates ; no half-naked children and barefooted women , such as I had been accustomed to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s , and Baltimore .
The people looked abler , stronger , healthier , and happier , than those of Maryland .
I was for once made glad by a view of extreme wealth , without being saddened by seeing extreme poverty .
But the most astonishing as well as the most interesting thing to me was the condition of the colored people , a great many of whom , like myself , had escaped thither as a refuge from the hunters of men .
I found many , who had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , living in finer houses , and evidently enjoying more of the comforts of life , than the average of slaveholders in Maryland .
Clearly , this is a moment of idealization with purpose , as we know in the narrative that Douglass continued to face racial discrimination .
So what is Douglass trying to show us ?
The implicit argument in Douglass ’ s narrative is that the most efficient and productive economy is actually the most humane economy .
Humanity , as opposed to exploitation and oppression of any kind , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy that produces a high standard of living for all .
In other words , slavery was no necessary evil .
It was necessary only to promote and perpetuate the evils of racism , labor exploitation , violence , and repression in U.S. culture and society .
Douglass seeks to disabuse us of the dangerous belief , held by Cotton apparently , that for some to be prosperous , others must suffer .
To create a truly prosperous society , Douglass recommends creating conditions that allow people to fully flourish so they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contributing to the economy .
A humane economy , Douglass teaches us , is the most efficient and productive economy .
Frederick Douglass and the analysis he offered in his slave narrative The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass , An American Slave about the relationship between racial liberation-the end of racial labor exploitation-and the larger economic self-interest of society at large , including whites .
At the end of his narrative , when he makes it North to freedom in New Bedford , Massachusetts , Douglass finds himself in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in virtual disbelief of the wealth that appears before his eyes .
He sees African Americans and workers of all types living in homes and is amazed at the absence of poverty and suffering .
The reason the wealth and high standard of living all seem to enjoy in the North is such a revelation is that heretofore , in the political economy of slavery , Douglass has witnessed the production of wealth for some as entailing the suffering and degradation of many .
Imagining wealth being produced without brutalizing many in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implicit argument in Douglass ’ s narrative is that the most efficient and productive economy is actually the most humane economy .
Humanity , as opposed to exploitation and oppression of any kind , is the key to creating an efficient economy that produces a high standard of living for all .

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As is now widely known, the Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton recently proposed legislation that would deny federal funding to schools that in any way used the The New York Times controversial 1619 project in its curriculum. This series in The New York Times, of course, explores the history of the United States through the lens of slavery, premised on the fact that accounts of slavery have not been expansively, roundly, and fully incorporated into accounts of U.S. history, particularly in its earliest stages. Nikole Hannah-Jones, the project’s creator, has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her commentary on the series, and the Pulitzer Center and The New York Times have since collaborated to create a curriculum based on the project which schools can now adopt.
This last prospect upsets Cotton for reasons that aren’t entirely clear. Does he not want children in America to confront the horrors of an American institution that inflicted untold violence on other human beings, subjecting them to being owned, having their labor exploited, and being denied any human rights and any protection under the law?
I guess not. What we do know, at a minimum, is that Cotton wants us all, including the generations that come after us, to understand slavery in the United States as a “necessary evil.” He told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “As the Founding Fathers said, it was the necessary evil upon which the union was built, but the union was built in a way, as Lincoln said, to put slavery on the course to its ultimate extinction.”
So they can study slavery, maybe in some form, but they must understand how necessary it was to dehumanize African people because of the color of their skin in order to have created America, to have made the nation as it is today, possible.
I have heard critics such as Deval Patrick take Cotton to task for the abomination his argument is, particularly on moral grounds. Patrick, for example, has responded to Cotton, writing,
When America’s greatness comes only at the expense of others, we all lose. For what makes America great is not our wealth, our military might, or our historic milestones. Nations of great treasure, formidable armies, or storied history have come and gone with the winds of time. America is great when we affirm, by our actions not just our words, our civic ideals of equality, opportunity and fair play — the essential ingredients of liberty. In a very real sense, America was founded as a nation with a conscience. America is great when America is good.
But what we also need to understand is the dangerous ridiculousness Cotton’s understanding of our political and economic history.
While it is true that the U.S. became a prosperous nation on the backs of enslaved African Americans, it is hardly true that enslaving and exploiting people’s labor was necessary to make the U.S. an economic powerhouse and wealthy nation.
It was only necessary to make us a class-divided and racist nation.
The best person to offer this critique is the formerly enslaved American writer and activist Frederick Douglass (yes, Donald Trump, he’s still doing great things!).
In his work The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Douglass offers an analysis of the relationship between racial liberation–the end of racial labor exploitation–and the larger economic self-interest of society at large, including whites.
At the end of his narrative, when he makes it North to freedom in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Douglass finds himself in a state of wonder, mesmerized by and in virtual disbelief of the wealth that appears before his eyes. He sees African Americans and workers of all types living in homes and is amazed at the absence of poverty and suffering. The reason the wealth and high standard of living all seem to enjoy in the North is such a revelation is that heretofore, in the political economy of slavery, Douglass has witnessed the production of wealth for some as entailing the suffering and degradation of many. Imagining wealth being produced without brutalizing many in the process was impossible for him.
He wrote,
Every thing looked clean, new and beautiful. I saw few or no dilapidated homes, with poverty-stricken inmates; no half-naked children and barefooted women, such as I had been accustomed to see in Hillsborough, Easton, St. Michael’s, and Baltimore. The people looked abler, stronger, healthier, and happier, than those of Maryland. I was for once made glad by a view of extreme wealth, without being saddened by seeing extreme poverty. But the most astonishing as well as the most interesting thing to me was the condition of the colored people, a great many of whom, like myself, had escaped thither as a refuge from the hunters of men. I found many, who had not been seven years out of their chains, living in finer houses, and evidently enjoying more of the comforts of life, than the average of slaveholders in Maryland.
Clearly, this is a moment of idealization with purpose, as we know in the narrative that Douglass continued to face racial discrimination.
So what is Douglass trying to show us?
The implicit argument in Douglass’s narrative is that the most efficient and productive economy is actually the most humane economy. Humanity, as opposed to exploitation and oppression of any kind, is the key to creating an efficient economy that produces a high standard of living for all.
In other words, slavery was no necessary evil. It was necessary only to promote and perpetuate the evils of racism, labor exploitation, violence, and repression in U.S. culture and society.
Douglass seeks to disabuse us of the dangerous belief, held by Cotton apparently, that for some to be prosperous, others must suffer.
To create a truly prosperous society, Douglass recommends creating conditions that allow people to fully flourish so they can be as productive and creative as possible in contributing to the economy. A humane economy, Douglass teaches us, is the most efficient and productive economy.