politicususa--2020-07-06--Opinion: Let Republicans Help Defeat Trump, but Don’t Be Fooled

The Lincoln Project republicans came out in full force last December , declaring in a New York Times op-ed their mission of defeating both Trump this November as well as Trumpism , meaning they are seeking to erase the republican majority in the senate .
This majority , in their view , has enabled Trump and promises similarly damaging leadership .
They emphasize that “ this president ’ s actions are possible only with the craven acquiescence of congressional Republicans .
They have done no less than abdicate their Article I responsibilities.
” Constituted by such figures as Steve Schmidt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and George T. Conway III , all of whom have worked for and supported Republican campaigns , the Lincoln Project is serious in its project of electing Joe Biden and liberating America from the politically and humanly damaging enterprise Trump and congressional republicans have unleashed on Americans for the past nearly four years .
The project has aired a series of provocative ads highlighting Trump ’ s betrayal of America and favorably contrasting Joe Biden ’ s vitality and competence against Trump ’ s stupidities and frailties .
Certainly , we can use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeating Trump .
But let ’ s also not be fooled by these folks ’ supposedly “ principled stand ” in support of the Constitution and America ’ s best ideals of equality , freedom , and justice for all .
They are still defenders of standard GOP “ conservativism ” and long nostalgically for a pre-Trump Republican party , writing , “ We have been , and remain , broadly conservative ( or classically liberal ) in our politics and outlooks .
Our many policy differences with national Democrats remain , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a common effort.
” They largely distinguish their Republican values from Trump ’ s : “ Mr .
Trump and his enablers have abandoned conservatism and longstanding Republican principles and replaced them with Trumpism , an empty faith led by a bogus prophet.
” Are these “ longstanding Republican principles ” really that different from what Trump sells America—racism , sexism , division , tax cuts for the wealthy while the rest of us scramble for crumbs ?
While Steve Schmidt frequents MSNBC ’ s airwaves eviscerating Trump and waxing sanctimoniously about American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patriotism , and basic political decency , we must remember that he is credited with elevating the likes of Sarah Palin into the political conversation in America .
She became a Tea Party favorite and a chief purveyor of the virulent and dishonest politics that overran congress in 2010 , providing an intractable obstacle to Obama ’ s presidency , informed by a deep racism .
She changed the game indeed , exemplifying the same anti-intellectualism , the refusal to believe science and experts , which we see in congress today among Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog of the GOP establishment .
And the GOP back then and for some time has been no fan of democracy .
Just remember Karl Rove ’ s fantasy of a “ permanent Republican majority ” back when he was serving as George W. Bush ’ s brain .
Voter suppression and gerrymandering were the order of the day .
These “ longstanding Republican principles ” did not value democracy in any way shape or form and thus disgraced the Constitution as well .
There is always something unsettling about these figures ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disavowing its current politics and form as though they represent a sharp break , an incongruous discontinuity with the respectable and dignified GOP with which they reverently identified .
This stance of moral indignation at Trump ’ s cruelty , hate , and flagrant celebrations of racism and sexism , just doesn ’ t sit right .
It ’ s not just insufficient ; it ’ s dangerously deceptive , erasing the Republican Party ’ s complicity in producing Trump and in promoting the divisive , repressive , self-serving , and hostile politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , the bombshell tape of Ronald Reagan ’ s conversation with Richard Nixon , made public last July , in which Reagan referred to African diplomats as “ monkeys , ” begins to make this point clear .
Reagan doesn ’ t sound all that different from Trump , when he tells Nixon , “ “ Last night , I tell you , to watch that thing on television , as I did , to see those , those monkeys from those African countries — damn them — they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nixon laughs .
The only difference between Trump and Reagan here is that Reagan thinks nobody will hear the conversation , so his hateful racist attitudes can inform Republican policies in coded and unrecognized ways .
Let ’ s remember exactly how Republican operative Lee Atwater described the Southern Strategy he crafted to get Nixon elected in 1968 and , really , move to consolidate Republican dominance in the South moving forward to the present , aiding and abetting the likes of Scarborough .
Here ’ s how Atwater characterized the strategy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist underpinnings : You start out in 1954 by saying , “ [ N-word ] , [ n-word ] , [ n-word ] .
” By 1968 you can ’ t say “ [ n-word ] ” —that hurts you , backfires .
So you say stuff like , uh , forced busing , states ’ rights , and all that stuff , and you ’ re getting so abstract .
Now , you ’ re talking about cutting taxes , and all these things you ’ re talking about are totally economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blacks get hurt worse than whites.… “ We want to cut this , ” is much more abstract than even the busing thing , uh , and a hell of a lot more abstract than “ N-word ] , [ n-word ] .
” ( parenthetical substitutions of “ n-word ” are mine . )
So what did Republicans like Reagan and the Bushes support ?
They supported vigorously positions that defended states ’ rights and tax cuts—the codes for defending racist policies .
States ’ rights , of course , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly around civil rights issues , enabling local governments to be as racist as they like .
And Atwater neatly explained the racist dimensions of tax cuts .
And anyone who has seen Adam McKay ’ s Vice , a biting satirical “ documentary ” of Dick Cheney ’ s rise to power , or Rachel Maddow ’ s more serious Why We Did it , documenting the complicity of the Bush administration and oil corporations in deceiving the American people to sell the invasion of Iraq , can certainly see good reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not so different from Trump ’ s in the way it abused the Presidency for personal enrichment or to serve the enrichment of a good old boys corporate network at the expense of the American people .
Without accountability for this past and how it has created our present , we can ’ t move forward in a new direction by fully recognizing the mistakes off the past .
We can ’ t be fooled that restoring a GOP establishment is any less racist or harmful to the people .

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The Lincoln Project republicans came out in full force last December, declaring in a New York Times op-ed their mission of defeating both Trump this November as well as Trumpism, meaning they are seeking to erase the republican majority in the senate.
This majority, in their view, has enabled Trump and promises similarly damaging leadership. They emphasize that “this president’s actions are possible only with the craven acquiescence of congressional Republicans. They have done no less than abdicate their Article I responsibilities.”
Constituted by such figures as Steve Schmidt, Reed Galen, Rick Wilson, and George T. Conway III, all of whom have worked for and supported Republican campaigns, the Lincoln Project is serious in its project of electing Joe Biden and liberating America from the politically and humanly damaging enterprise Trump and congressional republicans have unleashed on Americans for the past nearly four years. The project has aired a series of provocative ads highlighting Trump’s betrayal of America and favorably contrasting Joe Biden’s vitality and competence against Trump’s stupidities and frailties.
Certainly, we can use all the help we can get in defeating Trump.
Let’s take it.
But let’s also not be fooled by these folks’ supposedly “principled stand” in support of the Constitution and America’s best ideals of equality, freedom, and justice for all.
They are still defenders of standard GOP “conservativism” and long nostalgically for a pre-Trump Republican party, writing, “We have been, and remain, broadly conservative (or classically liberal) in our politics and outlooks. Our many policy differences with national Democrats remain, but our shared fidelity to the Constitution dictates a common effort.”
They largely distinguish their Republican values from Trump’s: “Mr. Trump and his enablers have abandoned conservatism and longstanding Republican principles and replaced them with Trumpism, an empty faith led by a bogus prophet.”
Are these “longstanding Republican principles” really that different from what Trump sells America—racism, sexism, division, tax cuts for the wealthy while the rest of us scramble for crumbs?
While Steve Schmidt frequents MSNBC’s airwaves eviscerating Trump and waxing sanctimoniously about American democracy, the rule of law, patriotism, and basic political decency, we must remember that he is credited with elevating the likes of Sarah Palin into the political conversation in America. She became a Tea Party favorite and a chief purveyor of the virulent and dishonest politics that overran congress in 2010, providing an intractable obstacle to Obama’s presidency, informed by a deep racism. She changed the game indeed, exemplifying the same anti-intellectualism, the refusal to believe science and experts, which we see in congress today among Republicans.
The Tea Party became the attack dog of the GOP establishment.
And the GOP back then and for some time has been no fan of democracy. Just remember Karl Rove’s fantasy of a “permanent Republican majority” back when he was serving as George W. Bush’s brain. Voter suppression and gerrymandering were the order of the day. These “longstanding Republican principles” did not value democracy in any way shape or form and thus disgraced the Constitution as well.
There is always something unsettling about these figures’ somewhat holier-than-thou turning on the GOP, disavowing its current politics and form as though they represent a sharp break, an incongruous discontinuity with the respectable and dignified GOP with which they reverently identified. This stance of moral indignation at Trump’s cruelty, hate, and flagrant celebrations of racism and sexism, just doesn’t sit right.
It’s not just insufficient; it’s dangerously deceptive, erasing the Republican Party’s complicity in producing Trump and in promoting the divisive, repressive, self-serving, and hostile politics characteristic of the current White House.
For example, the bombshell tape of Ronald Reagan’s conversation with Richard Nixon, made public last July, in which Reagan referred to African diplomats as “monkeys,” begins to make this point clear. Reagan doesn’t sound all that different from Trump, when he tells Nixon, ““Last night, I tell you, to watch that thing on television, as I did, to see those, those monkeys from those African countries — damn them — they’re still uncomfortable wearing shoes!” And Nixon laughs.
The only difference between Trump and Reagan here is that Reagan thinks nobody will hear the conversation, so his hateful racist attitudes can inform Republican policies in coded and unrecognized ways.
Let’s remember exactly how Republican operative Lee Atwater described the Southern Strategy he crafted to get Nixon elected in 1968 and, really, move to consolidate Republican dominance in the South moving forward to the present, aiding and abetting the likes of Scarborough.
Here’s how Atwater characterized the strategy in a 1981 interview, laying bare its racist underpinnings:
You start out in 1954 by saying, “[N-word], [n-word], [n-word].” By 1968 you can’t say “[n-word]”—that hurts you, backfires. So you say stuff like, uh, forced busing, states’ rights, and all that stuff, and you’re getting so abstract. Now, you’re talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you’re talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is, blacks get hurt worse than whites.… “We want to cut this,” is much more abstract than even the busing thing, uh, and a hell of a lot more abstract than “N-word], [n-word].” (parenthetical substitutions of “n-word” are mine.)
So what did Republicans like Reagan and the Bushes support? They supported vigorously positions that defended states’ rights and tax cuts—the codes for defending racist policies. States’ rights, of course, are about allowing states to skirt federal enforcement particularly around civil rights issues, enabling local governments to be as racist as they like. And Atwater neatly explained the racist dimensions of tax cuts.
And anyone who has seen Adam McKay’s Vice, a biting satirical “documentary” of Dick Cheney’s rise to power, or Rachel Maddow’s more serious Why We Did it, documenting the complicity of the Bush administration and oil corporations in deceiving the American people to sell the invasion of Iraq, can certainly see good reason to believe that the Bush administration was not so different from Trump’s in the way it abused the Presidency for personal enrichment or to serve the enrichment of a good old boys corporate network at the expense of the American people.
Without accountability for this past and how it has created our present, we can’t move forward in a new direction by fully recognizing the mistakes off the past.
We can’t be fooled that restoring a GOP establishment is any less racist or harmful to the people.


politicususa--2020-07-07--Trump Has Been Repeatedly Calling Tucker Carlson And Asking Him To Help Save His Campaign

As Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign finds itself in increasingly dire trouble , the president has reportedly been turning to Fox News host Tucker Carlson for messaging advice .
According to Washington Post reporter Robert Costa , while Trump previously turned to Lou Dobbs for advice , Carlson seems to be his new Fox News flavor of the month .
“ In recent months … he ’ s also turning repeatedly to Tucker Carlson , ” Costa said .
“ Mr .
Carlson has sky-high ratings and he sees Carlson as one of these voices on the right who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve done a lot of reporting on President Trump and how he watches television in his residence in the dining room off of the Oval Office .
And for years he has always turned to Lou Dobbs on the Fox Business Network as a guide to his own populist nationalist message on immigration and other issues .
But in recent months , it ’ s clear based on my conversations with the president ’ s associates that he ’ s turning to Dobbs to be sure .
But he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Carlson has sky-high ratings and he sees Carlson as one of these voices on the right who can help guide his own message .
People within the White House follow Carlson closely .
And you see Carlson even being talked about by some Republican donors as a possible 2024 presidential contender .
It doesn ’ t take a political expert to notice that Donald Trump has been turning to Tucker Carlson in recent weeks as his campaign falls further behind former Vice President Joe Biden .
In some of his latest speeches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump sounds as if he ’ s reading directly from transcripts of Carlson ’ s show .
As Axios reported over the weekend , “ If you want to understand the rhetorical roots of Trump ’ s Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore , go back and watch Tucker Carlson ’ s monologues for the past six weeks.
” This seems to indicate that Trump is going to spend the next four months of the campaign doubling down on racist rhetoric in hopes that he can pull off a repeat of 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Donald Trump – and his de facto campaign manager Tucker Carlson – are in for a rude awakening .

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As Donald Trump’s reelection campaign finds itself in increasingly dire trouble, the president has reportedly been turning to Fox News host Tucker Carlson for messaging advice.
According to Washington Post reporter Robert Costa, while Trump previously turned to Lou Dobbs for advice, Carlson seems to be his new Fox News flavor of the month.
“In recent months … he’s also turning repeatedly to Tucker Carlson,” Costa said. “Mr. Carlson has sky-high ratings and he sees Carlson as one of these voices on the right who can help guide his own message.”
Video:
In recent months, as his reelection campaign struggles, Trump has repeatedly turned to Fox News host Tucker Carlson for advice. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/iPwzgkSUpa — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) July 6, 2020
Costa reported:
I’ve done a lot of reporting on President Trump and how he watches television in his residence in the dining room off of the Oval Office. And for years he has always turned to Lou Dobbs on the Fox Business Network as a guide to his own populist nationalist message on immigration and other issues. But in recent months, it’s clear based on my conversations with the president’s associates that he’s turning to Dobbs to be sure. But he’s also turning repeatedly to Tucker Carlson. Mr. Carlson has sky-high ratings and he sees Carlson as one of these voices on the right who can help guide his own message. People within the White House follow Carlson closely. And you see Carlson even being talked about by some Republican donors as a possible 2024 presidential contender.
Trump is essentially reading Tucker Carlson’s transcripts during speeches
It doesn’t take a political expert to notice that Donald Trump has been turning to Tucker Carlson in recent weeks as his campaign falls further behind former Vice President Joe Biden.
In some of his latest speeches, including the disaster at Mount Rushmore, Trump sounds as if he’s reading directly from transcripts of Carlson’s show.
As Axios reported over the weekend, “If you want to understand the rhetorical roots of Trump’s Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore, go back and watch Tucker Carlson’s monologues for the past six weeks.”
This seems to indicate that Trump is going to spend the next four months of the campaign doubling down on racist rhetoric in hopes that he can pull off a repeat of 2016.
If the polling is any indication, Donald Trump – and his de facto campaign manager Tucker Carlson – are in for a rude awakening.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-06--Trump And Jared Kushner Connected Businesses Got Millions In PPP Loans

Businesses connected to Donald Trump and Jared Kushner raked in millions of dollars in PPP loans that were supposed to go to small businesses .
Via The Daily Beast , three Kushner family businesses got PPP money : Records show $ 350,000 to $ 1 million went to Observer Holdings LLC , the parent entity of Observer Media—the publishing company formerly owned by White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner .
Kushner resigned from the news organization before decamping to Washington , D.C. in 2017 , but it has remained in the family : Joseph Meyer , wedded to Kushner ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the holdings of his Observer Capital investment firm .
The federal assistance preserved 41 jobs , according to the SBA .
The Observer was not the only Kushner family business to take advantage of the PPP program .
Two of the family ’ s New Jersey hotels also cashed in .
The SBA materials show that $ 1 million to $ 2 million in assistance went to Princeton Forrestal LLC—revealed in Security and Exchange Commission records to be 40 percent owned by the former developer ’ s mother , brother , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owns the land on which the company ’ s Westminster Hotel sits , received another $ 350,000 to $ 1 million .
Mortgage documents filed in Essex County , New Jersey show that Esplanade Livingston LLC is controlled by C.K .
Livingston LLC , a company that bears the initials of Jared Kushner ’ s father Charles—and which the former disclosed in 2017 as a source of personal income from the hotel .
Trump world got their piece of the pie too , according to Ken Vogel : Some prominent Democratic aligned groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family still found a way to get their hands on millions of dollars that were intended to go to small businesses on Main Street America .
Too much of this money went to the political elite .
It is now clear why the Trump administration did not want to release the PPP loan data and only did so after weeks of Congressional Democratic pressure .
The PPP didn ’ t help the small businesses that needed it most .
It went to the most politically connected .
Millions of dollars went to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good idea , and if it is overseen by a non-corrupt administration it still has the potential to save small businesses around the country .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Businesses connected to Donald Trump and Jared Kushner raked in millions of dollars in PPP loans that were supposed to go to small businesses.
Via The Daily Beast, three Kushner family businesses got PPP money:
Records show $350,000 to $1 million went to Observer Holdings LLC, the parent entity of Observer Media—the publishing company formerly owned by White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner. Kushner resigned from the news organization before decamping to Washington, D.C. in 2017, but it has remained in the family: Joseph Meyer, wedded to Kushner’s sister, Nicole, lists it among the holdings of his Observer Capital investment firm. The federal assistance preserved 41 jobs, according to the SBA.
The Observer was not the only Kushner family business to take advantage of the PPP program.
Two of the family’s New Jersey hotels also cashed in. The SBA materials show that $1 million to $2 million in assistance went to Princeton Forrestal LLC—revealed in Security and Exchange Commission records to be 40 percent owned by the former developer’s mother, brother, and sister. Esplanade Livingston LLC, which owns the land on which the company’s Westminster Hotel sits, received another $350,000 to $1 million. Mortgage documents filed in Essex County, New Jersey show that Esplanade Livingston LLC is controlled by C.K. Livingston LLC, a company that bears the initials of Jared Kushner’s father Charles—and which the former disclosed in 2017 as a source of personal income from the hotel.
Trump world got their piece of the pie too, according to Ken Vogel:
A top fundraising firm for TRUMP's campaign & the RNC received $1-$2m in PPP $. The firm, @flsconnect, has been paid MORE THAN $22 MILLION by Trump's campaign & the RNC since 2017. — Kenneth P. Vogel (@kenvogel) July 6, 2020
BLACK TIE PROTECTION SERVICES, a co. linked to TRUMP's campaign, got $150k-$350k from PPP. Black Tie has been paid $1.5m by Trump's campaign & RNC. It was part of a TRUMP security team headed by @KeithSchiller45 that was accused of roughing up protesters https://t.co/4fOsDUwSot — Kenneth P. Vogel (@kenvogel) July 6, 2020
Some prominent Democratic aligned groups got loans as well:
The Trump/Kushner family still found a way to get their hands on millions of dollars that were intended to go to small businesses on Main Street America.
Too much of this money went to the political elite. It is now clear why the Trump administration did not want to release the PPP loan data and only did so after weeks of Congressional Democratic pressure. The PPP didn’t help the small businesses that needed it most. It went to the most politically connected.
Millions of dollars went to the Kushner family alone.
The PPP is a good idea, and if it is overseen by a non-corrupt administration it still has the potential to save small businesses around the country.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-06--Trump To Kick International Students Out Of The Country If Their Classes Meet Online

The Trump administration , through ICE , issued a new policy that international college students will have to leave the @ @ @ @ @ online .
Here is the statement from ICE : A hybrid system of in-person and @ @ @ @ @ by many colleges and universities this fall , and that may or may not keep @ @ @ @ @ : The move from the White House is a clear effort to extort institutions of @ @ @ @ @ classes no matter the public health risk to individuals and communities .
The Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ an immigration brain drain in the United States .
Their policies intentionally remove immigrants from @ @ @ @ @ an asset to the nation .
Trump is using the pandemic as cover to virtually @ @ @ @ @ United States .
The current policy for the fall semester is beyond short-sighted and stupid @ @ @ @ @ president unleashed a pandemic , but he is trying to remake the country in his @ @ @ @ @ For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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The Trump administration, through ICE, issued a new policy that international college students will have to leave the country if their classes meet online.
Here is the statement from ICE:
This is bad. ICE just told students here on student visas that if their school is going online-only this fall, the students must depart the United States and cannot remain through the fall semester. https://t.co/8DteVzexLB pic.twitter.com/OfkWRKFZZE — Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) July 6, 2020
A hybrid system of in-person and online classes is being used by many colleges and universities this fall, and that may or may not keep international students in the country:
Lots of people are asking whether schools could adopt some form of hybrid system where they only hold a tiny fraction of classes on campus, and the answer is, it depends. Here's what ICE says on "hybrid" models, with some in-person classes and some online. pic.twitter.com/2SoQpExtyI — Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) July 6, 2020
The move from the White House is a clear effort to extort institutions of higher education into holding in-person classes no matter the public health risk to individuals and communities.
The Trump administration has consistently sought to create an immigration brain drain in the United States. Their policies intentionally remove immigrants from the country who could be an asset to the nation.
Trump is using the pandemic as cover to virtually destroy legal immigration to the United States. The current policy for the fall semester is beyond short-sighted and stupid.
Not only has this president unleashed a pandemic, but he is trying to remake the country in his own intellectually deficient image.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-06--Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms who is a rumored contender to be Joe Biden ’ s running mate has tested @ @ @ @ @ Mayor ’ s positive test should be a lesson to everyone .
People can have @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
Bottoms has been an outspoken critic of Trump ’ s handling of the @ @ @ @ @ her profile increase during the nation ’ s current crisis .
For Trump and everyone @ @ @ @ @ that the virus is gone if people don ’ t have symptoms , the news @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus can be spread by people who are asymptomatic .
The pandemic isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ people aren ’ t going to grow numb to it , or get used to @ @ @ @ @ live with a deadly pandemic is not an answer .
Here is hoping that the @ @ @ @ @ full recovery .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC @ @

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Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms who is a rumored contender to be Joe Biden’s running mate has tested positive for coronavirus.
Mayor Lance Bottoms tweeted:
COVID-19 has literally hit home. I have had NO symptoms and have tested positive. — Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) July 6, 2020
The Mayor’s positive test should be a lesson to everyone. People can have the virus and not have symptoms. Bottoms has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s handling of the pandemic. She has seen her profile increase during the nation’s current crisis.
For Trump and everyone else who wants to believe that the virus is gone if people don’t have symptoms, the news is a reminder that the coronavirus can be spread by people who are asymptomatic. The pandemic isn’t going anywhere. The American people aren’t going to grow numb to it, or get used to it. Telling people to live with a deadly pandemic is not an answer.
Here is hoping that the Mayor makes a speedy and full recovery.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-06--Fox News Claims They “Accidentally” Cut Trump Out Of A Picture With Jeffrey Epstein

Fox News claimed that they accidentally edited Donald Trump out of a photo with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell that @ @ @ @ @ Video of the edited photo as it aired on Fox News : Fox issued an @ @ @ @ @ made a mistake : Fox can claim it was an accident , but it is @ @ @ @ @ Fox News didn ’ t want to put a picture on the screen that showed @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
Fox News has a long history of using deceptive editing to push their @ @ @ @ @ in a presidential election , and with Donald Trump facing perhaps the greatest character disparity @ @ @ @ @ in his race against Joe Biden , Fox News is doing everything they can to @ @ @ @ @ s biggest liabilities .
Trump has been unable to drag Joe Biden into the mud @ @ @ @ @ to his own level , so his allies at Fox tried to scrub history , @ @ @ @ @ For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Fox News claimed that they accidentally edited Donald Trump out of a photo with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell that was taken at Mar-a-Lago.
Video of the edited photo as it aired on Fox News:
Fox issued an apology and claimed that they made a mistake:
Fox is now addressing this. Network spox says, “On Sunday, July 5, a report on Ghislaine Maxwell during FOX News Channel’s America’s News HQ mistakenly eliminated President Donald Trump from a photo alongside then Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell. We regret the error.” https://t.co/Sfqthbx9NI — Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) July 6, 2020
Fox can claim it was an accident, but it is obvious what they did. Fox News didn’t want to put a picture on the screen that showed the relationship between Epstein and Trump. Fox News has a long history of using deceptive editing to push their false message.
Character matters in a presidential election, and with Donald Trump facing perhaps the greatest character disparity in US presidential election history in his race against Joe Biden, Fox News is doing everything they can to manage one of Trump’s biggest liabilities.
Trump has been unable to drag Joe Biden into the mud and lower his standing down to his own level, so his allies at Fox tried to scrub history, and they got caught.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-07-06--Trump Calls Racism Strength As He Defends Washington Redskins Name

Trump claimed that racist team names like the Cleveland Indians and Washington Redskins are a sign of strength as Trump took his racism up a notch .
Trump and Putin work so well together because they share the common goal of dividing and weakening America .
The White House Press Secretary fell apart when she was confronted with Trump ’ s racism .
Trump is losing the election to Joe Biden .
He has nothing else to run on .
The economy is in tatters .
The coronavirus is raging through the nation , and with no positive accomplishments or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump is going back to the racism that has always served him well .
Donald Trump isn ’ t playing to white grievances .
The President has moved way beyond a culture war .
Trump ’ s comments and tweets are unvarnished racism .
It is not hidden , disguised , or even a wink , and any media outlets that don ’ t call it exactly what it is , are doing a disservice to the country .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group @

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Trump claimed that racist team names like the Cleveland Indians and Washington Redskins are a sign of strength as Trump took his racism up a notch.
Trump tweeted:
They name teams out of STRENGTH, not weakness, but now the Washington Redskins & Cleveland Indians, two fabled sports franchises, look like they are going to be changing their names in order to be politically correct. Indians, like Elizabeth Warren, must be very angry right now! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2020
Trump and Putin work so well together because they share the common goal of dividing and weakening America. The White House Press Secretary fell apart when she was confronted with Trump’s racism. Trump is losing the election to Joe Biden. He has nothing else to run on. The economy is in tatters. The coronavirus is raging through the nation, and with no positive accomplishments or ideas for the future to point to, Trump is going back to the racism that has always served him well.
Donald Trump isn’t playing to white grievances. The President has moved way beyond a culture war.
Trump’s comments and tweets are unvarnished racism. It is not hidden, disguised, or even a wink, and any media outlets that don’t call it exactly what it is, are doing a disservice to the country.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-06--Press Secretary Falls Apart When Confronted With Trump’s Racism

Press Secretary Kaleigh McEnany crumbled when asked why Trump thinks Bubba Wallace should apologize for a hate crime that he didn ’ t report .
CBS ’ s Paula Reid asked why Trump is demanding an apology from Wallace for a noose that was reported by NASCAR .
McEnany answered , “ Well , look , the FBI as I noted concluded that this is not a hate crime , and he believes it would go a long way if Bubba came out and acknowledged that as well.
” Reid responded , “ He has .
He has in interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FBI found that this was not intentional .
Why is he directing this at Mr. Wallace ?
” McEnany responded by quoting Trump ’ s attack on the media in his 4th of July speech and tried to change the subject to false accusations .
The Press Secretary then ignored the question about the president is suggesting that Wallace apologize for an investigation that he didn ’ t initiate into a potential hate crime .
We ’ re getting into serious Dear Leader territory as the Press Secretary stood behind a podium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a speech in response to questions .
Trump called on Wallace to apologize because his campaign is running on a platform of racism .
McEnany can ’ t defend Trump ’ s racist attacks on any factual grounds , so she spits out a Trump quote and ignores questions .
The media isn ’ t helping Trump push his racist narrative , and the pushback paralyzes the White House .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Press Secretary Kaleigh McEnany crumbled when asked why Trump thinks Bubba Wallace should apologize for a hate crime that he didn’t report.
CBS’s Paula Reid asked why Trump is demanding an apology from Wallace for a noose that was reported by NASCAR.
McEnany answered, “Well, look, the FBI as I noted concluded that this is not a hate crime, and he believes it would go a long way if Bubba came out and acknowledged that as well.”
Reid responded, “He has. He has in interviews. He has been very clear that the FBI found that this was not intentional. Why is he directing this at Mr. Wallace?”
McEnany responded by quoting Trump’s attack on the media in his 4th of July speech and tried to change the subject to false accusations.
The Press Secretary then ignored the question about the president is suggesting that Wallace apologize for an investigation that he didn’t initiate into a potential hate crime.
Video:
.@PaulaReidCBS: The president thinks Bubba Wallace should apologize for an investigation that someone else initiated suggesting he was possibly the victim of a hate crime? McENANY: *moves on immediately without answering question* pic.twitter.com/UVEMH41rrZ — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 6, 2020
We’re getting into serious Dear Leader territory as the Press Secretary stood behind a podium and quoted Trump’s baseless attacks from a speech in response to questions.
Trump called on Wallace to apologize because his campaign is running on a platform of racism.
McEnany can’t defend Trump’s racist attacks on any factual grounds, so she spits out a Trump quote and ignores questions.
The media isn’t helping Trump push his racist narrative, and the pushback paralyzes the White House.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-06--Democratic North Carolina Senate Candidate Sets Fundraising Record As Blue Wave Surges

Cal Cunningham raised $ 7.4 million in the second quarter of 2020 , which is a Senate fundraising record for the state of North Carolina .
According to a statement from the Cunningham campaign : Cal Cunningham will report $ 7.4 million raised in the second quarter of 2020 , the most ever raised by a Senate candidate in North Carolina in a single quarter .
He will report $ 6.6 million on hand and has raised nearly $ 15 million over the course of the campaign .
“ Our campaign is so grateful to the thousands of North Carolinians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing that people across the state are ready to elect Cal and put this seat back to work to protect their health care and take on corruption in Washington , ” said Devan Barber , Campaign Manager for Cal for NC .
“ This record-breaking quarter follows poll after poll showing a close race , and the momentum is on our side with less than four months to election day.
” The warning sign for Republicans goes beyond the record-setting fundraising total .
It is how the money is being raised that should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.4 million without holding an in-person fundraiser , and 96 % of Cunningham ’ s donations were for less than $ 100 .
Cunningham is in a great position to beat the unpopular Sen. Tillis in the fall .
Cunningham is up by an average of three points , according to Real Clear Politics .
Cunningham ’ s average lead is equal to that of Joe Biden over Trump in the state .
The small-donor energy to vote out Trump and his GOP enablers is surging .
Joe Biden has outraised Trump for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing it with small donations .
A person who donates to a campaign is one of the most likely people to vote in an election .
It looks like a blue wave is getting ready to sweep out Trump and his Republican Senate enablers from Washington .

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Cal Cunningham raised $7.4 million in the second quarter of 2020, which is a Senate fundraising record for the state of North Carolina.
According to a statement from the Cunningham campaign:
Cal Cunningham will report $7.4 million raised in the second quarter of 2020, the most ever raised by a Senate candidate in North Carolina in a single quarter. He will report $6.6 million on hand and has raised nearly $15 million over the course of the campaign.
“Our campaign is so grateful to the thousands of North Carolinians lending their support to this campaign, showing that people across the state are ready to elect Cal and put this seat back to work to protect their health care and take on corruption in Washington,” said Devan Barber, Campaign Manager for Cal for NC. “This record-breaking quarter follows poll after poll showing a close race, and the momentum is on our side with less than four months to election day.”
The warning sign for Republicans goes beyond the record-setting fundraising total. It is how the money is being raised that should scare the GOP. Cunningham raised $7.4 million without holding an in-person fundraiser, and 96% of Cunningham’s donations were for less than $100.
Cunningham is in a great position to beat the unpopular Sen. Tillis in the fall. Cunningham is up by an average of three points, according to Real Clear Politics. Cunningham’s average lead is equal to that of Joe Biden over Trump in the state.
The small-donor energy to vote out Trump and his GOP enablers is surging. Joe Biden has outraised Trump for two straight months, and he is doing it with small donations. A person who donates to a campaign is one of the most likely people to vote in an election.
It looks like a blue wave is getting ready to sweep out Trump and his Republican Senate enablers from Washington.


politicususa--2020-07-06--Trump Administration Hopes “Americans Will Grow Numb” to Coronavirus Death Toll, New Report Claims

The White House is hoping Americans will become “ numb ” to the rising death toll from Covid-19 , according to a new report from The Washington Post .
The news comes amid reports that Trump thinks the country must “ live with ” the virus .
“ The goal is to convince Americans that they can live with the virus , ” the Post reports .
“ White House officials also hope Americans will grow numb to the escalating death toll and learn to accept tens of thousands of new cases a day , according to three people familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Americans will have to “ live with the virus being a threat ” while life gets back to normal .
This will mean schools reopening , and an end to social distancing and other public health measures .
One former administration official spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity and tried to explain the administration ’ s thinking .
“ They ’ re of the belief that people will get over it or if we stop highlighting it , the base will move on and the public will learn to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the source said .
President Trump has downplayed the significance of the Coronavirus from the beginning , even fighting with state governors over ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) .
His attempts to dismiss the global pandemic hasn ’ t ended , however .
Over the weekend , Trump falsely claimed that 99 % of Coronavirus cases were “ harmless ” and downplayed deaths – now surpassing 132,000 .

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The White House is hoping Americans will become “numb” to the rising death toll from Covid-19, according to a new report from The Washington Post. The news comes amid reports that Trump thinks the country must “live with” the virus.
“The goal is to convince Americans that they can live with the virus,” the Post reports.
"White House officials also hope Americans will grow numb to the escalating death toll and learn to accept tens of thousands of new cases a day, according to three people familiar with the White House’s thinking" https://t.co/mqD6oB1reE pic.twitter.com/J4nTAepM1M — “Mark Berman” (@markberman) July 6, 2020
“White House officials also hope Americans will grow numb to the escalating death toll and learn to accept tens of thousands of new cases a day, according to three people familiar with the White House’s thinking.”
Americans will have to “live with the virus being a threat” while life gets back to normal. This will mean schools reopening, and an end to social distancing and other public health measures.
One former administration official spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity and tried to explain the administration’s thinking.
“They’re of the belief that people will get over it or if we stop highlighting it, the base will move on and the public will learn to accept 50,000 to 100,000 new cases a day,” the source said.
President Trump has downplayed the significance of the Coronavirus from the beginning, even fighting with state governors over ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
His attempts to dismiss the global pandemic hasn’t ended, however. Over the weekend, Trump falsely claimed that 99% of Coronavirus cases were “harmless” and downplayed deaths – now surpassing 132,000.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-06--Conservative Lincoln Project: Trump’s Given Us “Rocket Fuel” by Attacking Us

The conservative Lincoln Project is more than happy to accept Donald Trump ’ s attacks because it helps them to raise money , its co-founder says .
The project ’ s ads have hit Trump hard .
Founded by a group of former Republicans , the Lincoln Project has run a series of powerful political ads aimed at the President and his Republican supporters .
Trump has responded by attacking his conservative critics on Twitter – a move that co-founder John Weaver says only helps them .
“ By attacking us , he ’ s become our biggest financial bundler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were an administration , we ’ d probably make him ambassador to Slovenia or something , because he ’ s raising so much money for us.
” Indeed , the group has raised some $ 2.6 million through the month of March .
They ’ re also spending millions on ad buys in crucial swing states and in Washington , D.C. “ Trump is his own worst political enemy at times , ” Weaver explained .
“ And there ’ s no doubt that he hasn ’ t given us rocket fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , it ’ s hard to claim we ’ re irrelevant if they ’ re constantly attacking us.
” The Lincoln Project has become very active on Twitter , engaging with and trolling Trump ’ s tweets .
On Monday , they said that Trump behaved like he belonged in the Ku Klux Klan .
“ He won ’ t wear a mask , but he has no problem with a white hood , ” their Twitter account said .

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The conservative Lincoln Project is more than happy to accept Donald Trump’s attacks because it helps them to raise money, its co-founder says. The project’s ads have hit Trump hard.
Founded by a group of former Republicans, the Lincoln Project has run a series of powerful political ads aimed at the President and his Republican supporters.
Trump has responded by attacking his conservative critics on Twitter – a move that co-founder John Weaver says only helps them.
“By attacking us, he’s become our biggest financial bundler,” Weaver said.
“If we were an administration, we’d probably make him ambassador to Slovenia or something, because he’s raising so much money for us.”
He won’t wear a mask, but he has no problem with a white hood. — The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) July 6, 2020
Indeed, the group has raised some $2.6 million through the month of March. They’re also spending millions on ad buys in crucial swing states and in Washington, D.C.
“Trump is his own worst political enemy at times,” Weaver explained.
“And there’s no doubt that he hasn’t given us rocket fuel by engaging with us.”
“I mean, it’s hard to claim we’re irrelevant if they’re constantly attacking us.”
The Lincoln Project has become very active on Twitter, engaging with and trolling Trump’s tweets. On Monday, they said that Trump behaved like he belonged in the Ku Klux Klan.
“He won’t wear a mask, but he has no problem with a white hood,” their Twitter account said.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-06--White House Chief of Staff Defends Trump Claim that 99% of Coronavirus Cases Are “Harmless”

Mark Meadows has defended Donald Trump ’ s false claim that 99 % of Coronavirus cases are “ harmless ” .
The White House chief of staff joined his boss in downplaying the virus .
The President caused serious dismay when he made the claim during an Independence Day speech over the weekend .
“ There were no tests for a new virus , but now we have tested over 40 million people , ” Trump said .
“ But by so doing , we show cases , 99 % of which are totally harmless.
” Meadows , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday and argued that most people are indeed safe from the virus , despite evidence to the contrary .
“ When you start to look at the stats and look at all the numbers that we have , the amount of testing that we have , the vast majority of people are safe from this , ” Meadows said .
“ When you look at the deaths that we have , if you ’ re over 80 years of age , or if you have what they call co-morbidities — diabetes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be very , very careful.
” “ Outside of that , the risks are extremely low , and the President is right with that .
And the facts and statistics back us up there .
”

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Mark Meadows has defended Donald Trump’s false claim that 99% of Coronavirus cases are “harmless”. The White House chief of staff joined his boss in downplaying the virus.
The President caused serious dismay when he made the claim during an Independence Day speech over the weekend.
“There were no tests for a new virus, but now we have tested over 40 million people,” Trump said.
“But by so doing, we show cases, 99% of which are totally harmless.”
Meadows, a former Republican congressman, appeared on Fox News on Monday and argued that most people are indeed safe from the virus, despite evidence to the contrary.
Watch the video:
Mark Meadows defends the Tulsa rally for causing no known "major outbreaks," and says "the vast majority of people are safe" from coronavirus (which is not true.) pic.twitter.com/OBRRMIGvBv — Bobby Lewis (@revrrlewis) July 6, 2020
“When you start to look at the stats and look at all the numbers that we have, the amount of testing that we have, the vast majority of people are safe from this,” Meadows said.
“When you look at the deaths that we have, if you’re over 80 years of age, or if you have what they call co-morbidities — diabetes, hypertension, heart issues — then you need to be very, very careful.”
“Outside of that, the risks are extremely low, and the President is right with that. And the facts and statistics back us up there.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-06--Trump Spreads Fake News and Accuses NASCAR Driver of Noose “Hoax”

President Donald Trump railed against NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace earlier this morning , falsely accusing him of a “ hoax ” after a noose was found in Wallace ’ s garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway .
“ Has @ BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid , stood by his side , & were willing to sacrifice everything for him , only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX ?
” The president also defended the display of Confederate flags at NASCAR events , saying : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratings EVER !
” Last month , an investigation by the FBI concluded that Wallace was not the victim of a hate crime , though photographs showed what was clearly a noose .
The FBI ’ s determination led to criticism for Wallace , who was accused of orchestrating the incident .
NASCAR defended Wallace , saying he “ and the 43 team had nothing to do with this.
” The controversy took place just after NASCAR announced it would ban the display of the Confederate flag at its events .
Wallace was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity , ” he told CNN last month .
“ I ’ m mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity .
It will piss me off , absolutely .
But that only fuels the competitive drive in me to shut everybody up .
”

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President Donald Trump railed against NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace earlier this morning, falsely accusing him of a “hoax” after a noose was found in Wallace’s garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway.
“Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX?”
The president also defended the display of Confederate flags at NASCAR events, saying: “That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!”
Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX? That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2020
Last month, an investigation by the FBI concluded that Wallace was not the victim of a hate crime, though photographs showed what was clearly a noose. The FBI’s determination led to criticism for Wallace, who was accused of orchestrating the incident. NASCAR defended Wallace, saying he “and the 43 team had nothing to do with this.” The controversy took place just after NASCAR announced it would ban the display of the Confederate flag at its events.
Wallace was never formally suspected of staging the incident.
“I’m mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity,” he told CNN last month. “I’m mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity. It will piss me off, absolutely. But that only fuels the competitive drive in me to shut everybody up.”


politicususa--2020-07-06--Trump Spends Morning Attacking China as Death Toll Nears 133,000

President Donald Trump renewed his attacks against China , suggesting its government is responsible for the spread of the novel coronavirus within the United States .
“ China has caused great damage to the United States and the rest of the World !
” the president wrote .
He later retweeted remarks he wrote last night : “ New China Virus Cases up ( because of massive testing ) , deaths are down , ‘ low and steady ’ .
The Fake News Media should report this and also , that new job numbers are setting records !
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale of the pandemic even as his own response to the virus falters .
Nearly 133,000 people have died since the first case of coronavirus in the United States was detected in February .
The president ’ s tweets come as news outlets report he is considering executive orders target China .
Other orders would affect manufacturing and immigration to the United States .
“ It ’ s dealing with a number of executive orders that may go all the way from dealing with some of the immigration issues that we have before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and jobs issues that are before us , and ultimately dealing with China , in what we need to do there in terms of resetting that balance , ” his chief of staff Mark Meadows said .

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President Donald Trump renewed his attacks against China, suggesting its government is responsible for the spread of the novel coronavirus within the United States.
“China has caused great damage to the United States and the rest of the World!” the president wrote.
China has caused great damage to the United States and the rest of the World! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2020
He later retweeted remarks he wrote last night: “New China Virus Cases up (because of massive testing), deaths are down, ‘low and steady’. The Fake News Media should report this and also, that new job numbers are setting records!”
New China Virus Cases up (because of massive testing), deaths are down, “low and steady”. The Fake News Media should report this and also, that new job numbers are setting records! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2020
The president has repeatedly blamed China for the scale of the pandemic even as his own response to the virus falters. Nearly 133,000 people have died since the first case of coronavirus in the United States was detected in February.
The president’s tweets come as news outlets report he is considering executive orders target China. Other orders would affect manufacturing and immigration to the United States.
“It’s dealing with a number of executive orders that may go all the way from dealing with some of the immigration issues that we have before us, to some of the manufacturing and jobs issues that are before us, and ultimately dealing with China, in what we need to do there in terms of resetting that balance,” his chief of staff Mark Meadows said.


politicususa--2020-07-06--Trump Death Clock Drives Around D.C. Blaming President for 77,000 Deaths

A “ Trump Death Clock ” drove around the streets of Washington , D.C. on Saturday claiming Donald Trump is responsible for more than 77,000 avoidable fatalities .
A billboard truck circled the White House as the President celebrated the Fourth of July .
It carried the claim that his inaction on Coronavirus has cost 77,000 lives .
According to the sign ’ s organizers , these deaths could have been prevented .
But the administration ’ s failure to introduce Coronavirus measures in a timely fashion , they say .
One of the groups funding the “ Death Clock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer advocacy group .
The group ’ s president , Robert Weissman , explained the clock ’ s meaning .
“ Trump ’ s cruelty , casual indifference to the loss of human life and utter incompetence have combined to kill tens of thousands of Americans , ” Weissman said in a statement .
“ From the failure to act early to stop the pandemic to the refusal to implement mitigation guidelines and make personal protective equipment widely available , ” he said .
“ From the stunning dismissal of the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure a vaccine is available as soon as possible to everyone on the planet , Trump has worsened ― and continues to worsen ― the pandemic.
” The “ Death Clock ” has toured the country , visiting New York ’ s Times Square and the President ’ s Oklahoma rally .
Deaths from Covid-19 in the U.S. have now passed 132,000 .

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A “Trump Death Clock” drove around the streets of Washington, D.C. on Saturday claiming Donald Trump is responsible for more than 77,000 avoidable fatalities.
A billboard truck circled the White House as the President celebrated the Fourth of July. It carried the claim that his inaction on Coronavirus has cost 77,000 lives.
According to the sign’s organizers, these deaths could have been prevented. But the administration’s failure to introduce Coronavirus measures in a timely fashion, they say.
We've sent the @TrumpDeathClock to Trump's front doorstep during his reckless July 4th celebrations. Experts have concluded that at least 77,000 of 132,000 US coronavirus deaths can be directly attributed to the president's incompetent COVID response.https://t.co/0OTgR83qyf — Public Citizen (@Public_Citizen) July 4, 2020
One of the groups funding the “Death Clock” was Public Citizen, a non-profit consumer advocacy group. The group’s president, Robert Weissman, explained the clock’s meaning.
“Trump’s cruelty, casual indifference to the loss of human life and utter incompetence have combined to kill tens of thousands of Americans,” Weissman said in a statement.
“From the failure to act early to stop the pandemic to the refusal to implement mitigation guidelines and make personal protective equipment widely available,” he said.
“From the stunning dismissal of the importance of mask-wearing to his failure to take action to ensure a vaccine is available as soon as possible to everyone on the planet, Trump has worsened ― and continues to worsen ― the pandemic.”
The “Death Clock” has toured the country, visiting New York’s Times Square and the President’s Oklahoma rally. Deaths from Covid-19 in the U.S. have now passed 132,000.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-07--Carl Bernstein: Trump Is Willing to See the Country “Go Up in Flames” to Win Reelection

Veteran journalist Carl Bernstein has warned that Donald Trump will do anything to be reelected – even if that involves seeing the United States “ go up in flames.
” Bernstein spoke to British TV show Good Morning Britain about the President ’ s reelection on Tuesday .
He explained that there is currently a “ cold civil war ” going on in the U.S. “ His misstatements of facts and lies are well known and actually define both him and his presidency , ” Bernstein said .
“ But what we are dealing with here is a President of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who served closest with him in national security areas as unfit to be President of the United States.
” “ Donald Trump has commanded the allegiance of perhaps 40 % of our electorate through his presidency , despite all the outrages , despite the acts of demonstrable incompetence , despite the fact that he is a racist in terms of both his words and his acts , ” he went on .
Bernstein , who along with his Bob Woodward broke the infamous Watergate story , warned that Trump was now ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ He has now been willing to bring that cold civil war to the point of ignition in terms of his provocation , ” Bernstein said .
Trump will do this “ in such a way to gain re-election that he is willing to see this country , to some extent , go up in flames on the streets if he thinks that it would help his re-election .
”

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Veteran journalist Carl Bernstein has warned that Donald Trump will do anything to be reelected – even if that involves seeing the United States “go up in flames.”
Bernstein spoke to British TV show Good Morning Britain about the President’s reelection on Tuesday. He explained that there is currently a “cold civil war” going on in the U.S.
“His misstatements of facts and lies are well known and actually define both him and his presidency,” Bernstein said.
“But what we are dealing with here is a President of the United States who… is regarded by those who served closest with him in national security areas as unfit to be President of the United States.”
“Donald Trump has commanded the allegiance of perhaps 40% of our electorate through his presidency, despite all the outrages, despite the acts of demonstrable incompetence, despite the fact that he is a racist in terms of both his words and his acts,” he went on.
“This is an extraordinary situation.”
Bernstein, who along with his Bob Woodward broke the infamous Watergate story, warned that Trump was now ready to ignite the “cold civil war.”
“He has now been willing to bring that cold civil war to the point of ignition in terms of his provocation,” Bernstein said.
Trump will do this “in such a way to gain re-election that he is willing to see this country, to some extent, go up in flames on the streets if he thinks that it would help his re-election.”
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-07--Rachel Maddow Calls Trump A Failed President For Still Not Solving America’s Testing Shortage

Rachel Maddow torched Donald Trump on Monday for still not solving America ’ s coronavirus testing shortage four months after he said any person who needs a test can get a test .
The MSNBC host pointed to New Orleans as an example , saying that tests ran out in two minutes on Monday and folks were turned away .
“ That ’ s what our testing situation is in this country , ” Maddow said .
“ That ’ s how we ’ re doing this now , even as of July.
” Maddow said that Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go down in American history not just as a presidential failure but as an American failure of epic and fatal proportion.
” MADDOW : There were more than 150 people standing on line when they opened .
Every one of their testing slots for the whole day was then filled between 8:00 A.M. And 8:02 A.M. Today in New Orleans , that was your two-minute window in which you might have had a chance to get tested had you been lining up for enough hours before the 8:00 A.M. opening .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country .
That ’ s how we ’ re doing this now , even as of July .
TRUMP : Anybody that wants a test can get a test .
MADDOW : Was not true then , still not true now , and the wasted time and effort and sacrifice between then and now that got us to a place now where that is still not true , will go down in American history , not just as a presidential failure but as an American failure of epic and fatal proportion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get people tested in July ?
Trump will never shake this failure The vast majority of Americans agree that Donald Trump ’ s management of this crisis has been an unmitigated disaster .
A quick look at the data shows why the country feels that way .
As almost all advanced countries have gotten a handle of the outbreak , the United States is seeing a record number of cases reported in recent weeks .
Overall , the U.S. ranks number one globally in coronavirus deaths ( 132,000+ ) and infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a polarized political environment , Donald Trump could still win reelection by motivating his loyal base to turn out while suppressing the vote of those most likely to support Joe Biden .
But regardless of whether Trump wins in November , he will likely never be able to shake this monumental and fatal failure .

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Rachel Maddow torched Donald Trump on Monday for still not solving America’s coronavirus testing shortage four months after he said any person who needs a test can get a test.
The MSNBC host pointed to New Orleans as an example, saying that tests ran out in two minutes on Monday and folks were turned away.
“That’s what our testing situation is in this country,” Maddow said. “That’s how we’re doing this now, even as of July.”
Maddow said that Trump’s bungled response to this crisis “will go down in American history not just as a presidential failure but as an American failure of epic and fatal proportion.”
Video:
Rachel Maddow blasts Trump for his failure to solve the testing shortage four months after he said any American who needs a coronavirus test can get one. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/wxYyQvqTYX — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) July 7, 2020
Transcript:
MADDOW: There were more than 150 people standing on line when they opened. Every one of their testing slots for the whole day was then filled between 8:00 A.M. And 8:02 A.M. Today in New Orleans, that was your two-minute window in which you might have had a chance to get tested had you been lining up for enough hours before the 8:00 A.M. opening. That’s what our testing situation is in this country. That’s how we’re doing this now, even as of July. TRUMP: Anybody that wants a test can get a test. MADDOW: Was not true then, still not true now, and the wasted time and effort and sacrifice between then and now that got us to a place now where that is still not true, will go down in American history, not just as a presidential failure but as an American failure of epic and fatal proportion. 130,000 dead now. We still can’t get people tested in July?
Trump will never shake this failure
The vast majority of Americans agree that Donald Trump’s management of this crisis has been an unmitigated disaster.
A quick look at the data shows why the country feels that way. As almost all advanced countries have gotten a handle of the outbreak, the United States is seeing a record number of cases reported in recent weeks.
Overall, the U.S. ranks number one globally in coronavirus deaths (132,000+) and infections (over 3 million).
In a polarized political environment, Donald Trump could still win reelection by motivating his loyal base to turn out while suppressing the vote of those most likely to support Joe Biden.
But regardless of whether Trump wins in November, he will likely never be able to shake this monumental and fatal failure.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-08--Tucker Carlson Tells Fox Viewers That Masks And Social Distancing Don’t Work

During his program on Tuesday night , Fox News host Tucker Carlson lied to his viewers , telling them that wearing masks and maintaining social distance aren ’ t effective in curbing the spread of the coronavirus .
Carlson said the restrictions “ have no basis of any kind in science ” and whined that students in reopened schools would have to take staggered bathroom breaks and be unable to participate in some sports .
“ It ’ s a kind of bizarre health theater , ” the Fox host said of the life-saving measures .
Many schools that do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of restrictions that have no basis of any kind in science .
It ’ s a kind of bizarre health theater .
Students will be kept six feet apart , everyone will have to wear a mask , class size will be limited .
In some schools , there will be scheduled bathroom breaks , etc .
etc .
No sports .
Carlson is playing to an audience of one while putting the health of millions at risk Tucker Carlson ’ s rhetoric on Tuesday represents a major shift .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was one of the only voices on Fox News urging Trump to take the virus seriously .
In March , Carlson even supported the idea of wearing face coverings , saying , “ Of course , masks work .
Everyone knows that .
Dozens of research papers have proved it.
” Now , as his program increasingly becomes a one-hour effort to please Donald Trump , Carlson has gone completely off the rails .
He knows the president is watching and apparently that ’ s all that matters to him now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous misinformation in the process .
Tucker Carlson may be pleasing Donald Trump as his presidency plunges off a cliff , but he ’ s putting millions of lives at risk .

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During his program on Tuesday night, Fox News host Tucker Carlson lied to his viewers, telling them that wearing masks and maintaining social distance aren’t effective in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
Carlson said the restrictions “have no basis of any kind in science” and whined that students in reopened schools would have to take staggered bathroom breaks and be unable to participate in some sports.
“It’s a kind of bizarre health theater,” the Fox host said of the life-saving measures.
Video:
Tucker Carlson says masks and social distancing “have no basis of any kind in science. It’s like a kind of bizarre health theater” pic.twitter.com/71lIvRubx8 — Andrew Lawrence (@ndrew_lawrence) July 8, 2020
Carlson said:
Many schools that do plan to reopen will do so under a series of restrictions that have no basis of any kind in science. It’s a kind of bizarre health theater. Students will be kept six feet apart, everyone will have to wear a mask, class size will be limited. In some schools, there will be scheduled bathroom breaks, etc. etc. No sports.
Carlson is playing to an audience of one while putting the health of millions at risk
Tucker Carlson’s rhetoric on Tuesday represents a major shift. Just a few months ago, in fact, he was one of the only voices on Fox News urging Trump to take the virus seriously.
In March, Carlson even supported the idea of wearing face coverings, saying, “Of course, masks work. Everyone knows that. Dozens of research papers have proved it.”
Now, as his program increasingly becomes a one-hour effort to please Donald Trump, Carlson has gone completely off the rails. He knows the president is watching and apparently that’s all that matters to him now – even if he’s spreading dangerous misinformation in the process.
Tucker Carlson may be pleasing Donald Trump as his presidency plunges off a cliff, but he’s putting millions of lives at risk.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-08--Miami’s GOP Mayor Says He Won’t Let Trump Dictate City’s Coronavirus Strategy

As Florida gets hammered by a record-breaking number of coronavirus cases , Gov .
Ron DeSantis has continued to follow Donald Trump ’ s ignorance-is-bliss approach to the outbreak .
On Monday , the Republican governor even claimed that the Sunshine State is “ better off ” than it was back in March , despite the fact that Florida “ set a national record for COVID-19 cases in a 24-hour period ” just two days prior .
Luckily , not all GOP lawmakers in the state are burying their heads in the sand and refusing to take swift action to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with MSNBC ’ s Joy Reid on Tuesday , Miami Republican Mayor Francis Suarez stood by his city ’ s measures to curb the spread of the virus .
Suarez denied being pressured by his party to fall in line behind Trump , but he said he wouldn ’ t listen even if they did try to bully him .
“ My obligation is not to necessarily a party , ” the mayor said .
“ My obligation is to my residents and to make sure that I do everything possible to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not .
And , frankly , honestly , I wouldn ’ t listen because the bottom line is that my obligation — I ’ m a nonpartisan elected official .
My obligation is not to necessarily a party .
My obligation is to my residents and to make sure that I do everything possible to make sure that they ’ re protected .
And this to me should not be a partisan issue .
It should not be a political issue .
This is a public health safety issue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we have to deal with both aspects of it and I don ’ t think party should be involved in it at all .
In recent weeks , Miami has paused its reopening , closed beaches , and implemented stricter mask-wearing guidelines in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus .
Ultimately , the best strategy to combat the coronavirus and protect the American people is to stop listening to Donald Trump and start listening to medical experts .

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As Florida gets hammered by a record-breaking number of coronavirus cases, Gov. Ron DeSantis has continued to follow Donald Trump’s ignorance-is-bliss approach to the outbreak.
On Monday, the Republican governor even claimed that the Sunshine State is “better off” than it was back in March, despite the fact that Florida “set a national record for COVID-19 cases in a 24-hour period” just two days prior.
Luckily, not all GOP lawmakers in the state are burying their heads in the sand and refusing to take swift action to curb the outbreak.
During an interview with MSNBC’s Joy Reid on Tuesday, Miami Republican Mayor Francis Suarez stood by his city’s measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Suarez denied being pressured by his party to fall in line behind Trump, but he said he wouldn’t listen even if they did try to bully him.
“My obligation is not to necessarily a party,” the mayor said. “My obligation is to my residents and to make sure that I do everything possible to make sure that they’re protected.”
Video:
The Republican mayor of Miami says he won’t let Trump or the GOP pressure him into relaxing safety guidelines as cases surge in Florida. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/Yl7bWFDxMg — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) July 8, 2020
Mayor Suarez said:
I’m not. And, frankly, honestly, I wouldn’t listen because the bottom line is that my obligation — I’m a nonpartisan elected official. My obligation is not to necessarily a party. My obligation is to my residents and to make sure that I do everything possible to make sure that they’re protected. And this to me should not be a partisan issue. It should not be a political issue. This is a public health safety issue and it’s an economic issue. And we have to deal with both aspects of it and I don’t think party should be involved in it at all.
In recent weeks, Miami has paused its reopening, closed beaches, and implemented stricter mask-wearing guidelines in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
Ultimately, the best strategy to combat the coronavirus and protect the American people is to stop listening to Donald Trump and start listening to medical experts.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-07--Trump Won’t Release His Grades Because He Cheated On The SATs

A new book from Mary Trump says that Donald Trump cheated on the SATs and only got into Wharton through cheating and his father ’ s money .
As a high school student in Queens , Ms. Trump writes , Donald Trump paid someone to take a precollegiate test , the SAT , on his behalf .
The high score the proxy earned for him , Ms. Trump adds , helped the young Mr. Trump to later gain admittance as an undergraduate to the University of Pennsylvania ’ s prestigious Wharton business school .
Mr. Trump has often boasted about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to as “ the best school in the world ” and “ super genius stuff.
” Trump has threatened his high school , colleges , and the college boards if they ever release his grades or SAT scores .
According to Michel Cohen ’ s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee , “ When I say conman , I ’ m talking about a man who declares himself brilliant but directed me to threaten his high school , his colleges , and the College Board to never release his grades or SAT scores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m giving the Committee today copies of a letter I sent at Mr. Trump ’ s direction threatening these schools with civil and criminal actions if Mr. Trump ’ s grades or SAT scores were ever disclosed without his permission.
” One of Trump ’ s professors said that he was the dumbest student that he ever taught .
The reason why Trump won ’ t release his grades or SAT scores is that he cheated to get where he is .
Trump isn ’ t a genius .
He is a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no conscience to break rules and laws get what he wants .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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A new book from Mary Trump says that Donald Trump cheated on the SATs and only got into Wharton through cheating and his father’s money.
Via The Washington Post:
As a high school student in Queens, Ms. Trump writes, Donald Trump paid someone to take a precollegiate test, the SAT, on his behalf. The high score the proxy earned for him, Ms. Trump adds, helped the young Mr. Trump to later gain admittance as an undergraduate to the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton business school.
Mr. Trump has often boasted about attending Wharton, which he has referred to as “the best school in the world” and “super genius stuff.”
Trump has threatened his high school, colleges, and the college boards if they ever release his grades or SAT scores.
According to Michel Cohen’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, “When I say conman, I’m talking about a man who declares himself brilliant but directed me to threaten his high school, his colleges, and the College Board to never release his grades or SAT scores. As I mentioned, I’m giving the Committee today copies of a letter I sent at Mr. Trump’s direction threatening these schools with civil and criminal actions if Mr. Trump’s grades or SAT scores were ever disclosed without his permission.”
One of Trump’s professors said that he was the dumbest student that he ever taught.
The reason why Trump won’t release his grades or SAT scores is that he cheated to get where he is. Trump isn’t a genius. He is a man whose only gift is a willingness with no conscience to break rules and laws get what he wants.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-07--Trump Accuses Governors of Conspiring Against Him By Keeping Schools Closed

Trump claimed governors make keep schools closed to benefit themselves politically by hurting his reelection campaign .
Trump said , “ We hope that most schools are going to be open and we don ’ t want people to make political statements , or doing it for political reasons .
They think it ’ s going to be good for them politically , so they keep the schools closed .
No way , so we ’ re very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools , to get them open , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s very important for the well being of the student and parent , so we ’ re going to putting a lot of pressure on .
Open your schools in the fall.
” The reason why Trump has failed on the pandemic is that he doesn ’ t see the coronavirus as a public health crisis .
Governors aren ’ t keeping schools closed as a political statement , or to make Trump look bad .
They are keeping schools closed as a public health measure .
Trump wants all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life goes back to normal people will forget about the coronavirus and vote for him in November .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump claimed governors make keep schools closed to benefit themselves politically by hurting his reelection campaign.
Trump said, “We hope that most schools are going to be open and we don’t want people to make political statements, or doing it for political reasons. They think it’s going to be good for them politically, so they keep the schools closed. No way, so we’re very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools, to get them open, and it’s very important for our country. It’s very important for the well being of the student and parent, so we’re going to putting a lot of pressure on. Open your schools in the fall.”
Video:
"Open your schools in the fall." US President Donald Trump says he is going to put pressure on governors to open schools in the fall, adding that he doesn't want people "to make political statements" by keeping them closed. Latest US news: https://t.co/FvvhEe90OT pic.twitter.com/T6J2Cgiq90 — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 7, 2020
The reason why Trump has failed on the pandemic is that he doesn’t see the coronavirus as a public health crisis. Governors aren’t keeping schools closed as a political statement, or to make Trump look bad. They are keeping schools closed as a public health measure.
Trump wants all schools open because he thinks that if life goes back to normal people will forget about the coronavirus and vote for him in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-07--Trump Bailed Out Devin Nunes’ Winery As Part Of COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program

As small businesses struggle and millions of Americans remain out of work during the coronavirus pandemic , the Trump administration bailed out some of the most well-connected elites in Washington .
Among those who benefited were the family of his son-in-law , Jared Kushner , and one of his most loyal defenders in Congress , Rep. Devin Nunes ( R-CA ) .
According to The Daily Beast , “ Rep .
Devin Nunes ( R-CA ) , in his most recent financial disclosure filing , reported owning between $ 50,000 and $ 100,000 in equity in a California winery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a PPP loan worth between $ 1 million and $ 2 million.
” Right-wing media outlets like Newsmax and the Tucker Carlson-founded Daily Caller also cashed in on the small business program .
More from the report : Records show $ 350,000 to $ 1 million went to Observer Holdings LLC , the parent entity of Observer Media—the publishing company formerly owned by White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner .
Kushner resigned from the news organization before decamping to Washington , D.C. in 2017 , but it has remained in the family : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s sister , Nicole , lists it among the holdings of his Observer Capital investment firm .
The federal assistance preserved 41 jobs , according to the SBA .
The Observer was not the only Kushner family business to take advantage of the PPP program .
Two of the family ’ s New Jersey hotels also cashed in .
The SBA materials show that $ 1 million to $ 2 million in assistance went to Princeton Forrestal LLC—revealed in Security and Exchange Commission records to be 40 percent owned by the former developer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister .
Esplanade Livingston LLC , which owns the land on which the company ’ s Westminster Hotel sits , received another $ 350,000 to $ 1 million .
Mortgage documents filed in Essex County , New Jersey show that Esplanade Livingston LLC is controlled by C.K .
Livingston LLC , a company that bears the initials of Jared Kushner ’ s father Charles—and which the former disclosed in 2017 as a source of personal income from the hotel .
Meanwhile , the conservative online media outlet founded by Trump confidante and Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caller , received as much as $ 1 million .
Carlson sold his stake in the company on June 10 .
And Newsmax , the conservative TV network and website owned by another presidential confidante , Christopher Ruddy , got a loan worth $ 2 million to $ 5 million .
Donald Trump ’ s allies weren ’ t the only folks who received small business relief funds , The Daily Beast noted .
According to the report , other recipients included conservative anti-tax activist Grover Norquist , a consulting firm run by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even a firm connected to former Obama officials .
In other words , the Trump administration ’ s incompetence knows no bounds .
In this case , it even transcends party lines .
The experiment of electing a former reality TV host president has been a massive failure as Donald Trump is simply incapable of competent governance .

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As small businesses struggle and millions of Americans remain out of work during the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration bailed out some of the most well-connected elites in Washington.
Among those who benefited were the family of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and one of his most loyal defenders in Congress, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA).
According to The Daily Beast, “Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), in his most recent financial disclosure filing, reported owning between $50,000 and $100,000 in equity in a California winery, Phase 2 Cellars. That winery received a PPP loan worth between $1 million and $2 million.”
Right-wing media outlets like Newsmax and the Tucker Carlson-founded Daily Caller also cashed in on the small business program.
More from the report:
Records show $350,000 to $1 million went to Observer Holdings LLC, the parent entity of Observer Media—the publishing company formerly owned by White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner. Kushner resigned from the news organization before decamping to Washington, D.C. in 2017, but it has remained in the family: Joseph Meyer, wedded to Kushner’s sister, Nicole, lists it among the holdings of his Observer Capital investment firm. The federal assistance preserved 41 jobs, according to the SBA. The Observer was not the only Kushner family business to take advantage of the PPP program. Two of the family’s New Jersey hotels also cashed in. The SBA materials show that $1 million to $2 million in assistance went to Princeton Forrestal LLC—revealed in Security and Exchange Commission records to be 40 percent owned by the former developer’s mother, brother, and sister. Esplanade Livingston LLC, which owns the land on which the company’s Westminster Hotel sits, received another $350,000 to $1 million. Mortgage documents filed in Essex County, New Jersey show that Esplanade Livingston LLC is controlled by C.K. Livingston LLC, a company that bears the initials of Jared Kushner’s father Charles—and which the former disclosed in 2017 as a source of personal income from the hotel. Meanwhile, the conservative online media outlet founded by Trump confidante and Fox News host Tucker Carlson, the Daily Caller, received as much as $1 million. Carlson sold his stake in the company on June 10. And Newsmax, the conservative TV network and website owned by another presidential confidante, Christopher Ruddy, got a loan worth $2 million to $5 million.
Trump’s incompetence knows no bounds
Donald Trump’s allies weren’t the only folks who received small business relief funds, The Daily Beast noted.
According to the report, other recipients included conservative anti-tax activist Grover Norquist, a consulting firm run by ex-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and even a firm connected to former Obama officials.
In other words, the Trump administration’s incompetence knows no bounds. In this case, it even transcends party lines.
The experiment of electing a former reality TV host president has been a massive failure as Donald Trump is simply incapable of competent governance.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-07-07--Trump Warned Of Humiliating Defeat If He Vetoes Renaming Confederate Bases

Trump is being warned by Senate Republicans that they will override his veto if he vetoes the NDAA over renaming bases named after confederates .
Trump has threatened to veto the spending bill if it contains the amendment .
“ I would hope he wouldn ’ t veto it just based on that , ” Grassley said of Trump .
Grassley raised the possibility that the issue of renaming bases could be considered separately from the full defense spending bill but said he believes Congress has the votes to override a presidential veto if it comes to that .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ d probably override the veto , ” he said .
Trump is campaigning on saving the relics of the racist confederacy , and he has threatened to veto the NDAA if the Senate leaves in the provision renaming military bases that currently are named after confederates within the next three years .
Senate Republicans are ready to bail on Trump ’ s failing presidential campaign by Labor Day if he does not turn it around , so the override of his veto of the NDAA would be the perfect first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President .
If Trump tries to pull a power play on renaming the bases , he is going to be humiliated by his own party in the United States Senate .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump is being warned by Senate Republicans that they will override his veto if he vetoes the NDAA over renaming bases named after confederates.
The Des Moines Register reported that Sen. Chuck Grassley told Iowa reporters:
Trump has threatened to veto the spending bill if it contains the amendment.
“I would hope he wouldn’t veto it just based on that,” Grassley said of Trump.
Grassley raised the possibility that the issue of renaming bases could be considered separately from the full defense spending bill but said he believes Congress has the votes to override a presidential veto if it comes to that.
“If it came to overriding a veto, we’d probably override the veto,” he said.
Trump is campaigning on saving the relics of the racist confederacy, and he has threatened to veto the NDAA if the Senate leaves in the provision renaming military bases that currently are named after confederates within the next three years.
Senate Republicans are ready to bail on Trump’s failing presidential campaign by Labor Day if he does not turn it around, so the override of his veto of the NDAA would be the perfect first step in their political distancing from the President.
If Trump tries to pull a power play on renaming the bases, he is going to be humiliated by his own party in the United States Senate.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-07--Republican Senators Are Refusing To Attend Trump’s Virus Spreading Convention

Sen. Lamar Alexander ( TN ) became the second Republican senator to announce that he will not be attending Trump ’ s GOP convention in Florida .
Alexander wouldn ’ t say that the virus was the reason why he isn ’ t attending : In a statement , an Alexander spokesman said that despite being the honorary chairman of the Tennessee delegation to the convention , the senator would not attend “ because he believes the delegate spots should be reserved for those who have not had that privilege before as he has had.
” Alexander ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether coronavirus was a factor in his decision .
Sen. Chuck Grassley ( R-IA ) directly cited the virus as the reason why he would not be attending the Republican convention .
The virus could give Republican senators who are fighting for their seats an easy out if they wanted to distance themselves from Trump .
The coronavirus has been following Trump and Pence to all of their public events .
Any Republican elected official or delegate who attends Trump ’ s non-socially distance maskless convention should expect to be exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Trump campaign is expecting to have to cancel the president ’ s planned big acceptance speech due to Florida now requiring masks at all public events .
While Trump pretends like the virus is gone , the actions of Republican Senators are speaking louder than the President ’ s words .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) became the second Republican senator to announce that he will not be attending Trump’s GOP convention in Florida.
Alexander wouldn’t say that the virus was the reason why he isn’t attending:
In a statement, an Alexander spokesman said that despite being the honorary chairman of the Tennessee delegation to the convention, the senator would not attend “because he believes the delegate spots should be reserved for those who have not had that privilege before as he has had.”
Alexander’s office did not immediately respond to a question about whether coronavirus was a factor in his decision.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) directly cited the virus as the reason why he would not be attending the Republican convention.
The virus could give Republican senators who are fighting for their seats an easy out if they wanted to distance themselves from Trump.
The coronavirus has been following Trump and Pence to all of their public events. Any Republican elected official or delegate who attends Trump’s non-socially distance maskless convention should expect to be exposed to the coronavirus.
It has been reported that the Trump campaign is expecting to have to cancel the president’s planned big acceptance speech due to Florida now requiring masks at all public events.
While Trump pretends like the virus is gone, the actions of Republican Senators are speaking louder than the President’s words.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-07-07--Republican Governor Who Clashed with Trump Suggests Voters Want “Something Different”

At least one Republican governor is less than enthusiastic about Donald Trump ’ s reelection bid .
Maryland ’ s Larry Hogan seems to be teasing his own White House run in four years time .
Hogan has clashed with the President over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and his new interview with The New York Times is unlikely to endear him to the President .
“ After this November election is over , regardless of who wins , there are a large majority of Americans who are completely convinced our political system is fundamentally broken , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something different , ” Hogan said .
The Maryland governor is embarking on a virtual book tour to promote his memoir Still Standing : Surviving Cancer , Riots , and the Toxic Politics that Divide America .
“ We have an election coming up — we ’ ll see what happens there — but I ’ ve been leading the nation ’ s governors through one of the biggest crises in our lifetime , ” he said .
Governor Hogan ’ s lack of enthusiasm for Trump ’ s reelection hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more willing than many serving Republicans to criticize the President .
“ It ’ s mixed messages — bouncing from one message to the other , ” Hogan said .
“ His entire administration is telling everyone to take it seriously while he tells everybody to not take it seriously.
” There ’ s been much speculation about a possible Senate or presidential bid .
Hogan ruled out the former , despite good polling in his home state .
“ I still have 31 months of being governor of Maryland , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not something I ’ m actively considering .
Senate has not been the focus.
” However , a 2024 White House bad doesn ’ t seem to be off the cards just yet .
Some could see Hogan as a moderate alternative to more pro-Trump voices , such as Senator Tom Cotton .

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At least one Republican governor is less than enthusiastic about Donald Trump’s reelection bid. Maryland’s Larry Hogan seems to be teasing his own White House run in four years time.
Hogan has clashed with the President over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and his new interview with The New York Times is unlikely to endear him to the President.
“After this November election is over, regardless of who wins, there are a large majority of Americans who are completely convinced our political system is fundamentally broken, and they’re going to be looking for something different,” Hogan said.
The Maryland governor is embarking on a virtual book tour to promote his memoir Still Standing: Surviving Cancer, Riots, and the Toxic Politics that Divide America.
“We have an election coming up — we’ll see what happens there — but I’ve been leading the nation’s governors through one of the biggest crises in our lifetime,” he said.
Governor Hogan’s lack of enthusiasm for Trump’s reelection hasn’t become outright opposition, but he’s more willing than many serving Republicans to criticize the President.
“It’s mixed messages — bouncing from one message to the other,” Hogan said.
“His entire administration is telling everyone to take it seriously while he tells everybody to not take it seriously.”
There’s been much speculation about a possible Senate or presidential bid. Hogan ruled out the former, despite good polling in his home state.
“I still have 31 months of being governor of Maryland,” he said. “It’s not something I’m actively considering. Senate has not been the focus.”
However, a 2024 White House bad doesn’t seem to be off the cards just yet. Some could see Hogan as a moderate alternative to more pro-Trump voices, such as Senator Tom Cotton.
Follow Darragh Roche on Twitter