politicususa--2020-02-05--Nancy Pelosi Goes Off And Unloads On Trump After SOTU

Nancy Pelosi told Democrats in a private meeting after the SOTU , “ He shredded the truth , so I shredded his speech.
” Politico reported on the meeting : Pelosi , addressing her caucus Wednesday morning , said she felt “ liberated ” after defiantly ripping up Trump ’ s speech for the world to see , tearing up each page as she stood behind the president after he concluded his annual address .
“ He shredded the truth , so I shredded his speech , ” Pelosi told House Democrats , according to multiple sources in the room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a disgrace.
” “ She said that he disgraced the House of Representatives by using it as a backdrop for a reality show , ” Rep. John Yarmuth ( D-Ky. ) said , leaving the meeting .
Speaker Pelosi has no regrets and could care less what Republicans have to say .
Trump ’ s behavior at the State Of The Union was a disgrace to the nation .
It was part campaign rally , part reality TV , and all a publicity stunt .
Pelosi had every right to be enraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disrespected The People ’ s House .
It is a good thing that viewership was down 25 % on the broadcast networks from the previous year .
With one gesture , the Speaker Of The House sent a wave of defiance through the country .
We The People aren ’ t going to quietly sit still while Trump destroys the republic around us .
Pelosi showed that she has had enough and voters will get express the same feelings on the first Tuesday in November .
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Nancy Pelosi told Democrats in a private meeting after the SOTU, “He shredded the truth, so I shredded his speech.”
Politico reported on the meeting:
Pelosi, addressing her caucus Wednesday morning, said she felt “liberated” after defiantly ripping up Trump’s speech for the world to see, tearing up each page as she stood behind the president after he concluded his annual address.
“He shredded the truth, so I shredded his speech,” Pelosi told House Democrats, according to multiple sources in the room. “What we heard last night was a disgrace.”
….
“She said that he disgraced the House of Representatives by using it as a backdrop for a reality show,” Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) said, leaving the meeting.
Speaker Pelosi has no regrets and could care less what Republicans have to say. Trump’s behavior at the State Of The Union was a disgrace to the nation. It was part campaign rally, part reality TV, and all a publicity stunt.
Pelosi had every right to be enraged because Trump came through the door and disrespected The People’s House. It is a good thing that viewership was down 25% on the broadcast networks from the previous year.
With one gesture, the Speaker Of The House sent a wave of defiance through the country. We The People aren’t going to quietly sit still while Trump destroys the republic around us.
Pelosi showed that she has had enough and voters will get express the same feelings on the first Tuesday in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-05--Americans Cancel Trump As His SOTU Ratings Plummet 25%

It could be a very bad sign for Trump ’ s reelection that his State Of The Union viewership plunged by 25 % on the broadcast networks .
Via The Hollywood Reporter : The State of the Union address drew a considerably smaller audience on the broadcast networks than it did a year ago , at least in the preliminary ratings from Tuesday .
President Trump ’ s address and the Democratic response averaged 15.23 million viewers from 9 to 11 p.m .
ET on ABC , CBS , Fox and NBC in Nielsen ’ s fast national ratings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the comparable figure last year .
CBS topped the broadcast networks with 4.24 million viewers , followed by NBC with 4.05 million , Fox with 3.5 million and ABC with 3.45 million , all pending updates .
These are fast ratings that don ’ t include the cable news networks , and the full rating is likely to be revised up , but not 25 % worth of up .
Trump ’ s ratings were down for his SOTU , despite the fact that he tried to turn a presidential address into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have done a monster rating , but it is extremely unlikely that Trump ’ s numbers will come anywhere close to the more than 46 million viewers who watched him last year .
The writing appears to be on the wall .
Many Americans are suffering from Trump fatigue .
They are ready to move on , as Donald Trump ’ s presidential act has grown stale .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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It could be a very bad sign for Trump’s reelection that his State Of The Union viewership plunged by 25% on the broadcast networks.
Via The Hollywood Reporter:
The State of the Union address drew a considerably smaller audience on the broadcast networks than it did a year ago, at least in the preliminary ratings from Tuesday.
President Trump’s address and the Democratic response averaged 15.23 million viewers from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in Nielsen’s fast national ratings. That’s down about 25 percent from the comparable figure last year.
CBS topped the broadcast networks with 4.24 million viewers, followed by NBC with 4.05 million, Fox with 3.5 million and ABC with 3.45 million, all pending updates.
These are fast ratings that don’t include the cable news networks, and the full rating is likely to be revised up, but not 25% worth of up. Trump’s ratings were down for his SOTU, despite the fact that he tried to turn a presidential address into a reality TV fiasco.
Fox News will have done a monster rating, but it is extremely unlikely that Trump’s numbers will come anywhere close to the more than 46 million viewers who watched him last year.
The writing appears to be on the wall. Many Americans are suffering from Trump fatigue. They are ready to move on, as Donald Trump’s presidential act has grown stale.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-05--The NRA Has Been Charged With Breaking Insurance Laws

The state of New York has charged the NRA with acting as an unlicensed insurance agent and deceptive marketing practices .
A New York regulator on Wednesday filed civil charges against the National Rifle Association , accusing the gun rights group of acting as an unlicensed insurance producer and deceiving its members with misleading marketing practices .
New York ’ s Department of Financial Services accused the NRA of having worked with insurance broker Lockton Companies to offer insurance products such as the NRA-branded “ Carry Guard ” to the group ’ s members without a license .
It said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the products were being sold at the lowest possible cost , when in fact the group kept “ substantial ” royalties , sometimes exceeding 20 % of premiums paid .
The NRA was selling products that they aren ’ t licensed to sell while deceiving their members about discounts that didn ’ t exist .
The NRA remains buried under a variety of investigations including some that are related to potentially laundering money from Russia to the Trump campaign .
The NRA is the lobbying arm of the gun industry .
The organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push the interests of gun manufacturers .
The NRA is less about representing the interests of gun owners and more focused on politics and money .
It is an organization teetering on the brink with their only remaining clout being the control that they maintain over Republicans in Washington , but bit by bit , the NRA is crumbling .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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The state of New York has charged the NRA with acting as an unlicensed insurance agent and deceptive marketing practices.
Reuters reported:
A New York regulator on Wednesday filed civil charges against the National Rifle Association, accusing the gun rights group of acting as an unlicensed insurance producer and deceiving its members with misleading marketing practices.
New York’s Department of Financial Services accused the NRA of having worked with insurance broker Lockton Companies to offer insurance products such as the NRA-branded “Carry Guard” to the group’s members without a license.
It said the NRA misrepresented to its members that the products were being sold at the lowest possible cost, when in fact the group kept “substantial” royalties, sometimes exceeding 20% of premiums paid.
The NRA was selling products that they aren’t licensed to sell while deceiving their members about discounts that didn’t exist. The NRA remains buried under a variety of investigations including some that are related to potentially laundering money from Russia to the Trump campaign.
The NRA is the lobbying arm of the gun industry. The organization has used its members as muscle to push the interests of gun manufacturers. The NRA is less about representing the interests of gun owners and more focused on politics and money.
It is an organization teetering on the brink with their only remaining clout being the control that they maintain over Republicans in Washington, but bit by bit, the NRA is crumbling.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-05--Sen. Doug Jones Announces That He Will Vote To Convict Trump

Democratic Senator Doug Jones is fighting to hold on to his Senate seat in Alabama , but he will vote to convict Trump and uphold the Constitution .
Sen. Jones announced that he will vote to convict Trump on both articles of impeachment : On the day I was sworn in as a United States Senator , I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution .
At the beginning of the impeachment trial , I took a second oath to do ‘ impartial justice ’ according to the same Constitution I swore to protect .
These solemn oaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a difficult time for our country , for my state , and for me personally .
I did not run for Senate hoping to participate in the impeachment trial of a duly-elected President , but I can not and will not shrink from my duty to defend the Constitution and to do impartial justice .
In keeping with my oaths , I resolved that throughout this process I would keep an open mind and hear all of the evidence before making a final decision on the charges against the President .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts of this case exhaustively .
I have read thousands of pages of transcripts , watched videos of testimony , taken copious notes , reviewed history and precedents and discussed this case with colleagues , staff , and constituents , in addition to having participated in the Senate trial over the past two weeks .
After many sleepless nights , I have reluctantly concluded that the evidence is sufficient to convict the President for both abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
“ With the eyes of history upon us , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial will set for future presidencies and Congresses .
Unfortunately , I do not believe those precedents are good ones .
I am particularly concerned that we have now set a precedent that a fair trial in the Senate does not include witnesses and documentary evidence , even when those witnesses have first-hand information and the evidence would provide the Senate and the American people with a more complete picture of the truth .
I am also deeply troubled by the partisan nature of these proceedings from start to finish .
Very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both houses of Congress to stay out of their partisan corners .
Many did , but so many did not .
The country deserves better .
We must find a way to rise above the things that divide us and find the common good .
Having done my best to see through the fog of partisanship , I am deeply troubled by the arguments put forth by the President ’ s lawyers in favor of virtually unchecked presidential power .
In this case , the evidence clearly proves the President used the weight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States government to seek to coerce a foreign government to interfere in our election for his personal political benefit .
The President ’ s actions placed his personal interests well above the national interests and threatened the security of the United States , our allies in Europe , and our ally Ukraine .
His actions were more than simply inappropriate .
They were an abuse of power .
With impeachment as the only check on such presidential wrongdoing , I felt I must vote to convict on the first charge of abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment , obstruction of Congress , gave me even more pause .
I have struggled to understand the House ’ s strategy in their pursuit of documents and witnesses and wished they had done more .
However , after careful consideration of the evidence developed in the hearings , the public disclosures , the legal precedents , and the trial , I believe the President deliberately and unconstitutionally obstructed Congress by refusing to cooperate with the investigation in any way .
While I am sensitive to protecting the privileges and immunities afforded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe it is critical to our constitutional structure that we protect Congress ’ authorities also .
In this matter it was clear from the outset that the President had no intention whatsoever of any accommodation with Congress when he blocked both witnesses and documents from being produced .
In addition , he engaged in a course of conduct to threaten potential witnesses and smear the reputations of the civil servants who did come forward and provide testimony .
The President ’ s actions demonstrate a belief that he is above the law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioning or examining his actions , and that all who do so , do so at their peril .
That belief , unprecedented in the history of this country , simply must not be permitted to stand .
To do otherwise risks guaranteeing that no future whistleblower or witness will ever come forward and no future President — Democrat or Republican — will be subject to Congressional oversight as mandated by the Constitution .
Senators are elected to make tough choices .
We are required to study the facts of each issue before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping with the oaths we take .
The gravity of this moment , the seriousness of the charges , and the implications for future presidencies and Congresses all contributed to the difficulty with which I have arrived at my decision .
This has been a divisive time for our country , but I think it has nonetheless been an important constitutional process for us to follow .
As this chapter of history draws to a close , one thing is clear : our country deserves better than this .
We must find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside partisan differences , and to focus on what we have in common as Americans .
We are facing great challenges both domestically and internationally , but it remains my firm belief that united , we can conquer them and remain the greatest hope for people around the world .
It would have been easy for Sen. Jones to play to the Republicans in his red home state and vote to acquit Trump .
Jones is the most vulnerable Democratic Senate incumbent up for reelection in 2020 .
If he would have played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have understood .
Doug Jones did something much more important .
He took a vote that will hurt him politically because it was the right thing to do .
Sen. Jones is going to uphold his oath of office and the Constitution by voting to convict Trump .
At a time when political cowardice is dominating the Senate , Sen. Doug Jones is standing up and doing what ’ s right .
Sen. Jones just showed McConnell ’ s crew of cowards how a real Senator is supposed to behave .

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Democratic Senator Doug Jones is fighting to hold on to his Senate seat in Alabama, but he will vote to convict Trump and uphold the Constitution.
Sen. Jones announced that he will vote to convict Trump on both articles of impeachment:
On the day I was sworn in as a United States Senator, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. At the beginning of the impeachment trial, I took a second oath to do ‘impartial justice’ according to the same Constitution I swore to protect.
These solemn oaths have been my guides during what has been a difficult time for our country, for my state, and for me personally. I did not run for Senate hoping to participate in the impeachment trial of a duly-elected President, but I cannot and will not shrink from my duty to defend the Constitution and to do impartial justice.
In keeping with my oaths, I resolved that throughout this process I would keep an open mind and hear all of the evidence before making a final decision on the charges against the President. For months, I have been studying the facts of this case exhaustively. I have read thousands of pages of transcripts, watched videos of testimony, taken copious notes, reviewed history and precedents and discussed this case with colleagues, staff, and constituents, in addition to having participated in the Senate trial over the past two weeks. After many sleepless nights, I have reluctantly concluded that the evidence is sufficient to convict the President for both abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
“With the eyes of history upon us, I am acutely aware of the precedents this impeachment trial will set for future presidencies and Congresses. Unfortunately, I do not believe those precedents are good ones. I am particularly concerned that we have now set a precedent that a fair trial in the Senate does not include witnesses and documentary evidence, even when those witnesses have first-hand information and the evidence would provide the Senate and the American people with a more complete picture of the truth.
I am also deeply troubled by the partisan nature of these proceedings from start to finish. Very early on I implored my colleagues in both houses of Congress to stay out of their partisan corners. Many did, but so many did not. The country deserves better. We must find a way to rise above the things that divide us and find the common good.
Having done my best to see through the fog of partisanship, I am deeply troubled by the arguments put forth by the President’s lawyers in favor of virtually unchecked presidential power. In this case, the evidence clearly proves the President used the weight of his office and that of the United States government to seek to coerce a foreign government to interfere in our election for his personal political benefit. The President’s actions placed his personal interests well above the national interests and threatened the security of the United States, our allies in Europe, and our ally Ukraine. His actions were more than simply inappropriate. They were an abuse of power. With impeachment as the only check on such presidential wrongdoing, I felt I must vote to convict on the first charge of abuse of power.
The second article of impeachment, obstruction of Congress, gave me even more pause. I have struggled to understand the House’s strategy in their pursuit of documents and witnesses and wished they had done more. However, after careful consideration of the evidence developed in the hearings, the public disclosures, the legal precedents, and the trial, I believe the President deliberately and unconstitutionally obstructed Congress by refusing to cooperate with the investigation in any way. While I am sensitive to protecting the privileges and immunities afforded to the President and his advisors, I believe it is critical to our constitutional structure that we protect Congress’ authorities also. In this matter it was clear from the outset that the President had no intention whatsoever of any accommodation with Congress when he blocked both witnesses and documents from being produced.
In addition, he engaged in a course of conduct to threaten potential witnesses and smear the reputations of the civil servants who did come forward and provide testimony. The President’s actions demonstrate a belief that he is above the law, that Congress has no power whatsoever in questioning or examining his actions, and that all who do so, do so at their peril. That belief, unprecedented in the history of this country, simply must not be permitted to stand. To do otherwise risks guaranteeing that no future whistleblower or witness will ever come forward and no future President — Democrat or Republican — will be subject to Congressional oversight as mandated by the Constitution.
Senators are elected to make tough choices. We are required to study the facts of each issue before us and exercise our independent judgment in keeping with the oaths we take. The gravity of this moment, the seriousness of the charges, and the implications for future presidencies and Congresses all contributed to the difficulty with which I have arrived at my decision.
This has been a divisive time for our country, but I think it has nonetheless been an important constitutional process for us to follow. As this chapter of history draws to a close, one thing is clear: our country deserves better than this. We must find a way to come together, to set aside partisan differences, and to focus on what we have in common as Americans. We are facing great challenges both domestically and internationally, but it remains my firm belief that united, we can conquer them and remain the greatest hope for people around the world.
It would have been easy for Sen. Jones to play to the Republicans in his red home state and vote to acquit Trump. Jones is the most vulnerable Democratic Senate incumbent up for reelection in 2020. If he would have played politics with this vote, everyone would have understood.
Doug Jones did something much more important. He took a vote that will hurt him politically because it was the right thing to do. Sen. Jones is going to uphold his oath of office and the Constitution by voting to convict Trump.
At a time when political cowardice is dominating the Senate, Sen. Doug Jones is standing up and doing what’s right.
Sen. Jones just showed McConnell’s crew of cowards how a real Senator is supposed to behave.


politicususa--2020-02-05--Republicans Are Losing It Because Pelosi Refuses To Normalize Trump

Republicans are losing it because Speaker Of The House Nancy Pelosi refuses to normalize the lies and behavior of Trump .
Here Pence on Fox News making a big issue out of Pelosi tearing up Trump ’ s speech : Nikki Haley said that she was “ disappointed : ” Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney said on MSNBC that Pelosi ’ s actions were about not normalizing Trump , “ I think the Speaker has consistently found a dignified way to make clear she is not going to normalize the president ’ s behavior .
She ’ s walking the line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people understand that the president should be , in most all cases , respected , and that is a dignified event and she acted that way .
But we all have an obligation to find a way to make clear that what the president is saying is false , rooted in a lie , and I think she found a way to do that and I ’ m proud of her.
” All Republicans can talk about on the day after their president ’ s State Of The Union is Nancy Pelosi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s speech was lightweight and completely forgettable .

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Republicans are losing it because Speaker Of The House Nancy Pelosi refuses to normalize the lies and behavior of Trump.
Here Pence on Fox News making a big issue out of Pelosi tearing up Trump’s speech:
"I wasn't sure if she was ripping up the speech or the Constitution" — Mike Pence is on Fox & Friends making a big fuss over Pelosi ripping up Trump's speech. The fake outrage today on Fox News is going to be insufferable. pic.twitter.com/KVJjLYOfP2 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 5, 2020
Nikki Haley said that she was “disappointed:”
Disappointed to see @SpeakerPelosi rip up the speech that mentioned lives we’ve lost and heroes we celebrated at the SOTU. No matter how you feel or what you disagree with, remember others are watching. This was unbecoming of someone at her level in office. — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 5, 2020
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney said on MSNBC that Pelosi’s actions were about not normalizing Trump, “I think the Speaker has consistently found a dignified way to make clear she is not going to normalize the president’s behavior. She’s walking the line like all of us, making sure people understand that the president should be, in most all cases, respected, and that is a dignified event and she acted that way. But we all have an obligation to find a way to make clear that what the president is saying is false, rooted in a lie, and I think she found a way to do that and I’m proud of her.”
Video of Rep. Maloney:
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney says Pelosi refuses to normalize Trump. #NancyPelosiROCKS pic.twitter.com/RNRdwkAvkN — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 5, 2020
All Republicans can talk about on the day after their president’s State Of The Union is Nancy Pelosi, which shows the degree to which Trump’s speech was lightweight and completely forgettable.


politicususa--2020-02-05--Joe Biden Rips Trump For Giving Rush Limbaugh The Medal Of Freedom

Joe Biden called Donald Trump awarding Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal Of Freedom at the State Of The Union shameful .
Biden said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA , “ In one fell swoop , Trump delivered a speech worthy of the worst demagogue and turned his constitutional obligation to inform Congress about the state of our union into an episode of reality television .
He even awarded our nation ’ s highest civilian honor , not to the real American hero in the gallery — one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen—but a conservative media personality who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divide our nation .
It was a shameful display.
” Rush Limbaugh is a racist , sexist , homophobe hate monger who has made an entire career off of dividing people , so in Trump ’ s view , he is the perfect person to receive the nation ’ s highest civilian honor .
Trump ’ s State Of The Union was designed to appeal only to his base .
His speech contained no vision for the future .
There was no bold ambition to make the nation better for generations to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national embarrassment , and instead of focusing on Nancy Pelosi tearing it up , Republicans and their media sycophants should be happy that she didn ’ t pull out a lighter and set it on fire because Trump ’ s MAGA rally disguised as a SOTU was an epic waste of time .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Joe Biden called Donald Trump awarding Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal Of Freedom at the State Of The Union shameful.
Biden said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, “In one fell swoop, Trump delivered a speech worthy of the worst demagogue and turned his constitutional obligation to inform Congress about the state of our union into an episode of reality television. He even awarded our nation’s highest civilian honor, not to the real American hero in the gallery — one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen—but a conservative media personality who has done as much as Trump himself to divide our nation. It was a shameful display.”
Rush Limbaugh is a racist, sexist, homophobe hate monger who has made an entire career off of dividing people, so in Trump’s view, he is the perfect person to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Trump’s State Of The Union was designed to appeal only to his base. His speech contained no vision for the future. There was no bold ambition to make the nation better for generations to come.
Trump’s speech was a national embarrassment, and instead of focusing on Nancy Pelosi tearing it up, Republicans and their media sycophants should be happy that she didn’t pull out a lighter and set it on fire because Trump’s MAGA rally disguised as a SOTU was an epic waste of time.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
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politicususa--2020-02-06--Susan Collins Runs To Fox News To Complain About Angry Voicemails Following Her Acquittal Vote

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine voted to acquit Donald Trump on Wednesday , and now she ’ s very upset about the angry voicemails she ’ s getting .
Collins is so upset , in fact , that she ran to Fox News to complain about the backlash she ’ s received lately .
During a discussion with Martha MacCallum in which the Fox News host played two expletive-filled voicemails that Collins received in recent days , the Maine lawmaker whined that “ it seems we lost the ability in this country to disagree respectfully.
” Collins called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of abuse and harassment that has occurred for my staff , my family and me since my vote for Justice Kavanaugh.
” “ I think it ’ s a sad commentary that we can ’ t have differences of opinion without resorting to profanity to death threats to vile language , ” she added .
The full video of Susan Collins ’ appearance on Fox News : Just a tip for the senator : If you want to win reelection in November , you should probably bring up your vote to confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First of all , no one – including this writer – is condoning death threats against lawmakers in any political party .
There is no place for that in the United States .
But here ’ s the deal : Members of Congress receive angry feedback from voters all the time ; it ’ s part of the job .
Collins signed up for it when she decided to run for office .
Now , as she seeks to shield herself from the very appropriate outrage her constituents are feeling over her decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her country , she is trying to build sympathy by going on Fox News and playing angry voicemails .
If Susan Collins is looking for sympathy today – the day she so cowardly put her party before her country – then she ’ s going to have trouble finding it .

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Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine voted to acquit Donald Trump on Wednesday, and now she’s very upset about the angry voicemails she’s getting.
Collins is so upset, in fact, that she ran to Fox News to complain about the backlash she’s received lately.
During a discussion with Martha MacCallum in which the Fox News host played two expletive-filled voicemails that Collins received in recent days, the Maine lawmaker whined that “it seems we lost the ability in this country to disagree respectfully.”
Collins called the recent voicemails a “continuation of the kind of abuse and harassment that has occurred for my staff, my family and me since my vote for Justice Kavanaugh.”
“I think it’s a sad commentary that we can’t have differences of opinion without resorting to profanity to death threats to vile language,” she added.
The full video of Susan Collins’ appearance on Fox News:
Just a tip for the senator: If you want to win reelection in November, you should probably bring up your vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as little as possible.
Cry us a river, Senator Collins
First of all, no one – including this writer – is condoning death threats against lawmakers in any political party. There is no place for that in the United States.
But here’s the deal: Members of Congress receive angry feedback from voters all the time; it’s part of the job. Collins signed up for it when she decided to run for office.
Now, as she seeks to shield herself from the very appropriate outrage her constituents are feeling over her decision to put the corrupt Donald Trump before her country, she is trying to build sympathy by going on Fox News and playing angry voicemails.
If Susan Collins is looking for sympathy today – the day she so cowardly put her party before her country – then she’s going to have trouble finding it.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-02-06--Triggered Trump Blows A Gasket And Calls Mitt Romney A ‘Democrat Secret Asset’

Donald Trump and his supporters frequently attack their critics as snowflakes , but they spent Wednesday earning that label themselves after Mitt Romney courageously voted to convict the president .
To demonstrate just how triggered the MAGA world was by Romney ’ s surprise vote , Trump released an attack ad against the former GOP presidential nominee and current Utah senator .
The video called Romney “ slick , ” “ slippery , ” and “ stealthy , ” and accused him of being a “ Democrat secret asset.
” Then , of course , since this is Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election results , comparing them to the 2012 campaign in which Romney lost to Barack Obama .
Not to be outdone , Donald Trump Jr. spent the hours after Romney ’ s vote throwing a tantrum that would embarrass even the most poorly developed grade schooler .
In a blizzard of tweets and retweets , the eldest Trump son took aim at Romney , calling him bitter and jealous and saying he should be expelled from the GOP conference .
It ’ s clear by Donald Trump ’ s behavior on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put country over party completely stunned the White House and Senate Republicans as they hoped for a party-line vote on the two impeachment articles against Trump .
Instead , Romney became the first U.S. senator to vote to convict and remove a president of his own party and he gave cover to Democrats in purple and red states to vote in favor of removal .
In other words , there was a bipartisan vote to remove Donald Trump from office and a partisan vote to acquit him on Wednesday – something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put country over party .
No wonder MAGA world is in meltdown mode .

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Donald Trump and his supporters frequently attack their critics as snowflakes, but they spent Wednesday earning that label themselves after Mitt Romney courageously voted to convict the president.
To demonstrate just how triggered the MAGA world was by Romney’s surprise vote, Trump released an attack ad against the former GOP presidential nominee and current Utah senator.
The video called Romney “slick,” “slippery,” and “stealthy,” and accused him of being a “Democrat secret asset.”
Then, of course, since this is Trump, the ad played a highlight reel of the 2016 election results, comparing them to the 2012 campaign in which Romney lost to Barack Obama.
Video of the bizarre ad:
Not to be outdone, Donald Trump Jr. spent the hours after Romney’s vote throwing a tantrum that would embarrass even the most poorly developed grade schooler.
In a blizzard of tweets and retweets, the eldest Trump son took aim at Romney, calling him bitter and jealous and saying he should be expelled from the GOP conference.
Trump was completely stunned by Romney’s vote
It’s clear by Donald Trump’s behavior on Wednesday that Mitt Romney’s decision to put country over party completely stunned the White House and Senate Republicans as they hoped for a party-line vote on the two impeachment articles against Trump.
Instead, Romney became the first U.S. senator to vote to convict and remove a president of his own party and he gave cover to Democrats in purple and red states to vote in favor of removal.
In other words, there was a bipartisan vote to remove Donald Trump from office and a partisan vote to acquit him on Wednesday – something that happened in large part because Mitt Romney put country over party.
No wonder MAGA world is in meltdown mode.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-02-06--GOP Senators Demand Biden Documents Moments After Bipartisan Vote To Convict Trump

Just moments after a bipartisan vote to convict and remove Donald Trump from office , Republican senators requested documents on Joe Biden son ’ s , Hunter .
CBS News reporter Kathryn Watson reported on Twitter that Sens .
Chuck Grassley ( R-IA ) and Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) asked the Secret Service for Hunter Biden ’ s travel records .
According to The Hill , the two Republican lawmakers wrote a letter to the Secret Service saying they need the documents as part of an investigation into “ potential conflicts of interest posed by the business activities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration.
” More from the report : “ We write to request information about whether Hunter Biden used government-sponsored travel to help conduct private business , to include his work for Rosemont Seneca and related entities in China and Ukraine , ” the two senators added .
As part of their request , the senators specifically want to know what sort of security detail Hunter Biden received while his father served as vice president , and a list of all dates and places Hunter Biden traveled with a protective detail .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Air Force One or Air Force Two , the presidential and vice presidential aircraft , or on another government aircraft , and whether additional family members were present for each trip .
The Trump-era Republican Party has no soul Outside of Mitt Romney , who courageously put politics aside to do what was right for the country , the Republican Party has completely sold its soul to the most corrupt and dangerous president in American history .
It was bad enough that GOP lawmakers betrayed their country on Wednesday by refusing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office and selling out American democracy for his own personal gain .
Their immediate push to investigate the Bidens – the very thing Trump pushed a foreign power to do , which he was then impeached for – shows they aren ’ t even pretending to uphold their oath of office .

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Just moments after a bipartisan vote to convict and remove Donald Trump from office, Republican senators requested documents on Joe Biden son’s, Hunter.
CBS News reporter Kathryn Watson reported on Twitter that Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) asked the Secret Service for Hunter Biden’s travel records.
Moments after the acquittal vote, Grassley and Johnson announce their request for Hunter Biden’s travel records from Secret Service. — Kathryn Watson (@kathrynw5) February 5, 2020
According to The Hill, the two Republican lawmakers wrote a letter to the Secret Service saying they need the documents as part of an investigation into “potential conflicts of interest posed by the business activities of Hunter Biden and his associates during the Obama administration.”
More from the report:
We write to request information about whether Hunter Biden used government-sponsored travel to help conduct private business, to include his work for Rosemont Seneca and related entities in China and Ukraine,” the two senators added. As part of their request, the senators specifically want to know what sort of security detail Hunter Biden received while his father served as vice president, and a list of all dates and places Hunter Biden traveled with a protective detail. They specifically want to know if he traveled on Air Force One or Air Force Two, the presidential and vice presidential aircraft, or on another government aircraft, and whether additional family members were present for each trip.
The Trump-era Republican Party has no soul
Outside of Mitt Romney, who courageously put politics aside to do what was right for the country, the Republican Party has completely sold its soul to the most corrupt and dangerous president in American history.
It was bad enough that GOP lawmakers betrayed their country on Wednesday by refusing to hold Donald Trump accountable for abusing his office and selling out American democracy for his own personal gain.
Their immediate push to investigate the Bidens – the very thing Trump pushed a foreign power to do, which he was then impeached for – shows they aren’t even pretending to uphold their oath of office.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-02-06--Nancy Pelosi Let Us Know This House Is Not Accepting a Shoe-in Dictator from a Reality Show

The following is an open letter to Nancy Pelosi from a group of friends in Detroit , Michigan .
Thank you for upholding democratic principles .
It has been a great relief to have a person who has both integrity and courage serving in an authoritative governing position at this time .
I admired your cautious approach to impeachment .
I watched as you accepted its growing necessity , and began sober work on the inevitable , sad , carefully-constitutional , legal process .
The current challenges to the governing promise of the United States ’ are stark .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have made it difficult , then impossible , for the House of Representatives to complete a fair and valid process .
The Senate ’ s inappropriate , often illegal collaboration with the White House to prohibit both the content and workings of a legitimate trial are creating a potentially lawless future that we must work to overcome .
The House Managers are remarkable , excellent , and have been engaged in transparent , fair , and deliberate processes .
They have worked hard ; it has been a long slog .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and indomitable focus and energy .
These folks and many , many others , unnamed and uncounted – locally , regionally , and nationally – are uplifting and inspiring as we move forward in confronting degraded policies and processes , which are compounded by unthinkably dishonest , obdurate politicians .
I am hopeful that we will find our way , that the next step will make itself known , and that we will move , unified , toward home .
Your public act of procedural disavowal , literally and symbolically tearing apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view of the world , was a declarative , singular protest .
No one else could have , perhaps would have , done this .
It was in your hand , it was up to you , only you , Batter Up , and you found the one thing that you could do , in that brief , but critical moment of opportunity , to express the wrongness wrought on all of us .
Your repeated ripping – don ’ t miss this , folks – let us know that you were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accepting a shoe-in dictator from a variety-reality show/rally .
Your calm , deliberate hands , here in the last few seconds of this game , will become an iconic image of discipline , restraint , civility , and yes , diplomacy .
Historic .
Heroic .
Classic .
Classroom stuff .
One day there will be a Democracy Action Doll , dressed in a white suit , who will come with a color change of medium-heeled pumps , and tiny , multiple copies of the 2020 SOTU speech .
Batteries will make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into pieces , over and over and over and over .
Instructions will include history .
We will all learn anew how to take care of things that matter .

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The following is an open letter to Nancy Pelosi from a group of friends in Detroit, Michigan.
Dear Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi,
Thank you for upholding democratic principles. It has been a great relief to have a person who has both integrity and courage serving in an authoritative governing position at this time.
I admired your cautious approach to impeachment. I watched as you accepted its growing necessity, and began sober work on the inevitable, sad, carefully-constitutional, legal process.
The current challenges to the governing promise of the United States’ are stark. These same challenges are at full play, and have made it difficult, then impossible, for the House of Representatives to complete a fair and valid process. The Senate’s inappropriate, often illegal collaboration with the White House to prohibit both the content and workings of a legitimate trial are creating a potentially lawless future that we must work to overcome.
The House Managers are remarkable, excellent, and have been engaged in transparent, fair, and deliberate processes. They have worked hard; it has been a long slog. We are grateful for their trustworthiness, determination, and indomitable focus and energy.
These folks and many, many others, unnamed and uncounted – locally, regionally, and nationally – are uplifting and inspiring as we move forward in confronting degraded policies and processes, which are compounded by unthinkably dishonest, obdurate politicians. I am hopeful that we will find our way, that the next step will make itself known, and that we will move, unified, toward home.
Your public act of procedural disavowal, literally and symbolically tearing apart the falseness of the speech in full view of the world, was a declarative, singular protest. No one else could have, perhaps would have, done this. It was in your hand, it was up to you, only you, Batter Up, and you found the one thing that you could do, in that brief, but critical moment of opportunity, to express the wrongness wrought on all of us.
Your repeated ripping – don’t miss this, folks – let us know that you were not having it; this House is not accepting a shoe-in dictator from a variety-reality show/rally. Your calm, deliberate hands, here in the last few seconds of this game, will become an iconic image of discipline, restraint, civility, and yes, diplomacy. Historic. Heroic. Classic. Classroom stuff.
One day there will be a Democracy Action Doll, dressed in a white suit, who will come with a color change of medium-heeled pumps, and tiny, multiple copies of the 2020 SOTU speech. Batteries will make it possible for her to rip the speech into pieces, over and over and over and over. Instructions will include history. We will all learn anew how to take care of things that matter.
Ariana Henri and friends
Detroit, Michigan


politicususa--2020-02-06--Adam Schiff Was 100% Right On Trump GOP Impeachment Retaliation

Republicans were outraged when Adam Schiff said that Trump would retaliate if they voted against him .
It turns out @ @ @ @ @ .
Republicans faked anger at Adam Schiff after he called them out for being afraid @ @ @ @ @ .
After Sen. Mitt Romney voted to convict Trump , the White House is sending @ @ @ @ @ Republicans sat silently in the East Room of the White House as Trump attacked Romney @ @ @ @ @ public therapy session .
It turns out that Adam Schiff was right all along .
@ @ @ @ @ to destroy anyone from his own party who voted to convict him .
Mitt Romney @ @ @ @ @ conscience , and Trump is responding by trying to kick him out of the Republican @ @ @ @ @ never going to happen , even though Trump is guilty because Republicans are terrified of @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t function with one political party and a cult .
For more discussion @ @ @ @ @ Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Republicans were outraged when Adam Schiff said that Trump would retaliate if they voted against him. It turns out Schiff was 100% correct.
Republicans faked anger at Adam Schiff after he called them out for being afraid to vote to convict Trump.
After Sen. Mitt Romney voted to convict Trump, the White House is sending out anti-Romney talking points:
The WH is now sending around anti-Romney talking points, including:
•Romney’s decision was unsurprising as this display of self-serving political expedience has come to define his career.
•Romney has a long history of flip-flopping, with no sign of principles to be found. — Ashley Parker (@AshleyRParker) February 6, 2020
Republicans sat silently in the East Room of the White House as Trump attacked Romney at his post-impeachment pep rally/ public therapy session.
It turns out that Adam Schiff was right all along. Trump was going to try to destroy anyone from his own party who voted to convict him. Mitt Romney voted his faith and his conscience, and Trump is responding by trying to kick him out of the Republican Party.
A conviction was never going to happen, even though Trump is guilty because Republicans are terrified of this president. American democracy can’t function with one political party and a cult.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-06--Rick Scott Introduces Amendment To Stop Future Impeachment Of Trump Accomplices

Sen. Rick Scott ( R-FL ) introduced a constitutional amendment that would raise the threshold for the House to impeach an elected official to 60 % .
Sen. Scott wrote in USA Today : I believe it ’ s time to raise the simple majority threshold in the House of Representatives to approve impeachment articles and send them to the Senate for trial .
Thursday , I ’ m introducing a constitutional amendment that would require a supermajority vote of three-fifths in the House to impeach a public official .
Our country should never again suffer through the kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past several months .
I believe this amendment adheres to the true purpose and intention of the impeachment process laid out in our constitution .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has left the door open to impeaching Donald Trump again , but Scott chose an amendment that would require 60 % of the House because it would effectively block any future impeachment of Donald Trump , Mike Pence , or other elected officials who have served as Trump accomplices like Rep. Devin Nunes .
After Trump was impeached , and stained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy the House ’ s impeachment power .
Scott ’ s constitutional amendment will never get through Congress , and if it did , it wouldn ’ t be ratified by the states .
Republicans are coming after every check on Donald Trump and his accomplices , including those designed by the nation ’ s founders .
This is an assault on democracy that must be halted at the ballot box in November .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL)introduced a constitutional amendment that would raise the threshold for the House to impeach an elected official to 60%.
Sen. Scott wrote in USA Today:
I believe it’s time to raise the simple majority threshold in the House of Representatives to approve impeachment articles and send them to the Senate for trial.
Thursday, I’m introducing a constitutional amendment that would require a supermajority vote of three-fifths in the House to impeach a public official. Our country should never again suffer through the kind of partisan charade that has consumed Washington over the past several months.
I believe this amendment adheres to the true purpose and intention of the impeachment process laid out in our constitution.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has left the door open to impeaching Donald Trump again, but Scott chose an amendment that would require 60% of the House because it would effectively block any future impeachment of Donald Trump, Mike Pence, or other elected officials who have served as Trump accomplices like Rep. Devin Nunes.
After Trump was impeached, and stained for life, Republicans are trying to destroy the House’s impeachment power. Scott’s constitutional amendment will never get through Congress, and if it did, it wouldn’t be ratified by the states.
Republicans are coming after every check on Donald Trump and his accomplices, including those designed by the nation’s founders.
This is an assault on democracy that must be halted at the ballot box in November.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-06--Pete Buttigieg Torches Mike Pence’s Pearl Clutching Fake Outrage

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg torched Mike Pence after the Vice President claimed that Pelosi ripped up the Constitution .
Transcript of Buttigieg on The View : Joy Behar : You know , Vice-President Pence compared Nancy Pelosi ripping up the president ’ s speech — I always wanted to do that — with ripping up the constitution .
I know , it ’ s unbelievable .
Pete Buttigieg : You know what ripping up the constitution looks like ?
Sending your lawyer into the well of the Senate to say that anything you do , even at the expense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to benefit your own campaign is by definition the right thing to do and legal .
That ’ s ripping up the constitution .
Buttigieg is having his moment .
Bernie Sanders declared victory in Iowa on Thursday , but Mayor Pete beat him to the punch by nearly three days and has been enjoying a bounce in the polls and wall to wall cable news coverage .
The real test for the Buttigieg campaign will come after New Hampshire .
Buttigieg has built an impressive operation that paid off in Iowa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it will be make or break time for him when the electorate is less white and more representative of the Democratic Party itself in Nevada , South Carolina , and California .
Being from Indiana , Buttigieg seem to have Mike Pence ’ s number .
He always has a sharp and thoughtful answer when asked about the Vice President , and his response to the Pelosi related pearl-clutching of the VP was perfect .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg torched Mike Pence after the Vice President claimed that Pelosi ripped up the Constitution.
Transcript of Buttigieg on The View:
Joy Behar: You know, Vice-President Pence compared Nancy Pelosi ripping up the president’s speech — I always wanted to do that — with ripping up the constitution. I know, it’s unbelievable.
Pete Buttigieg: You know what ripping up the constitution looks like? Sending your lawyer into the well of the Senate to say that anything you do, even at the expense of national security, anything you do to benefit your own campaign is by definition the right thing to do and legal. That’s ripping up the constitution.
Video:
Buttigieg is having his moment. Bernie Sanders declared victory in Iowa on Thursday, but Mayor Pete beat him to the punch by nearly three days and has been enjoying a bounce in the polls and wall to wall cable news coverage.
The real test for the Buttigieg campaign will come after New Hampshire. Buttigieg has built an impressive operation that paid off in Iowa and should do well in New Hampshire, but it will be make or break time for him when the electorate is less white and more representative of the Democratic Party itself in Nevada, South Carolina, and California.
Being from Indiana, Buttigieg seem to have Mike Pence’s number. He always has a sharp and thoughtful answer when asked about the Vice President, and his response to the Pelosi related pearl-clutching of the VP was perfect.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-06--A Dire Threat Emerges As Trump Poisons The Intelligence Community

Republican Senator Mitt Romney is the punching bag through which President Trump is conveying his mob-like message that anyone who dares to cross him by cooperating with investigations or voting in accordance with their oath to the United States will be dragged , pummeled , and relentlessly attacked from all sides until they learn their lesson that Donald Trump is King .
“ So the brutalization of Romney is also about telegraphing what awaits Republicans who express any such misgivings , ” Greg Sargent concluded at the end of an opinion piece in the Washington Post , in which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NSC Spokesperson Ned Price about the possible reasons the Trump White House appears to be directing the NSA to withhold information from Congress .
Price is referring to the Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff ’ s suggestion that the NSA – and possibly the CIA – withheld evidence pertinent to Trump and Ukraine from the House , and that Schiff believes the information was withheld on direction from the White House .
So , two things : Why would this information be withheld , and what does it mean if Donald Trump now has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to refuse to share pertinent information about our national security and election security with Congress , which is a violation of its statutory obligation .
WHY : Price told Sargent “ … one plausible scenario is that this information comprised intercepted conversations among Ukrainian officials about Trump ’ s shakedown.
” If the Ukrainians felt pressured to announce a bogus investigation into Biden , Price explained , that would demonstrate that they “ understood a direct link between the two.
” Sargent continues with Price ’ s observation that it is likely the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to comply : Ned Price is the person who quit the CIA in 2017 , writing “ Despite working proudly for Republican and Democratic presidents , I reluctantly concluded that I can not in good faith serve this administration as an intelligence professional.
” WHAT IT MEANS : Not only did the House not have all of the information about Trump ’ s Ukraine extortion plot , but more broadly , this would be a huge power grab and attempt to undermine the few foundations of our democracy that have clung to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Price warned in 2017 that the Trump administration “ has little need for intelligence professionals who , in speaking truth to power , might challenge the ‘ America First ’ orthodoxy that sees Russia as an ally and Australia as a punching bag .
That ’ s why the president ’ s trusted White House advisers , not career professionals , reportedly have final say over what intelligence reaches his desk.
” Price explained then that intelligence is supposed to inform policy , that is how it always worked in the past .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the system is supposed to work .
I saw that up close for the past three years at the White House , where I worked on loan from the CIA until last month.
” The details are unclear for a variety of reasons , but when respected officials are warning that our intelligence community has been or is being poisoned by Trumpism , it deserves all attention .
( Price worked for both Democrats and Republicans , but did donate to Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Adam Schiff is the Chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Democrat with a history of backing his claims up with facts . )
The intelligence community , the free press , and a Democratic-led House have been the only institutions upholding reality and the rule of law under Trump .
Without the intelligence community , we are left only to the limited powers of the House and the rather easily dismissed reporting of investigative journalists in the age of “ Fake News.
” Trump has managed to undermine all tenets of reality and truth-telling , in order to fashion a staged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and refusal to concede to reality , let alone his complete disregard for what has always made the United States great .
The Trump cult fever is reaching an all time high , infecting every part of our institutions .
Only time will tell if they will hold under such pressure , but make no mistake , Donald Trump is attacking the fundamental buttresses of our democracy .

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Republican Senator Mitt Romney is the punching bag through which President Trump is conveying his mob-like message that anyone who dares to cross him by cooperating with investigations or voting in accordance with their oath to the United States will be dragged, pummeled, and relentlessly attacked from all sides until they learn their lesson that Donald Trump is King.
“So the brutalization of Romney is also about telegraphing what awaits Republicans who express any such misgivings,” Greg Sargent concluded at the end of an opinion piece in the Washington Post, in which he included quotes from former CIA official and NSC Spokesperson Ned Price about the possible reasons the Trump White House appears to be directing the NSA to withhold information from Congress.
Price is referring to the Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff’s suggestion that the NSA – and possibly the CIA – withheld evidence pertinent to Trump and Ukraine from the House, and that Schiff believes the information was withheld on direction from the White House.
So, two things: Why would this information be withheld, and what does it mean if Donald Trump now has the power to order our intelligence community to refuse to share pertinent information about our national security and election security with Congress, which is a violation of its statutory obligation.
WHY: Price told Sargent “… one plausible scenario is that this information comprised intercepted conversations among Ukrainian officials about Trump’s shakedown.”
If the Ukrainians felt pressured to announce a bogus investigation into Biden, Price explained, that would demonstrate that they “understood a direct link between the two.
Sargent continues with Price’s observation that it is likely the White House counsel who directed the NSA not to comply:
“This would have been very pertinent information,” Price told me. Price noted it’s likely the White House counsel — who led Trump’s impeachment defense — could have instructed NSA officials not to cooperate with House demands. “By law, the NSA is required to provide pertinent information to congressional overseers,” Price told me. “Blocking that would require a deliberate intervention from the White House.”
Ned Price is the person who quit the CIA in 2017, writing “Despite working proudly for Republican and Democratic presidents, I reluctantly concluded that I cannot in good faith serve this administration as an intelligence professional.”
WHAT IT MEANS: Not only did the House not have all of the information about Trump’s Ukraine extortion plot, but more broadly, this would be a huge power grab and attempt to undermine the few foundations of our democracy that have clung to reality as Trump gaslit the nation.
Price warned in 2017 that the Trump administration “has little need for intelligence professionals who, in speaking truth to power, might challenge the ‘America First’ orthodoxy that sees Russia as an ally and Australia as a punching bag. That’s why the president’s trusted White House advisers, not career professionals, reportedly have final say over what intelligence reaches his desk.”
Price explained then that intelligence is supposed to inform policy, that is how it always worked in the past. “Intelligence informing policy — this is how the system is supposed to work. I saw that up close for the past three years at the White House, where I worked on loan from the CIA until last month.”
The details are unclear for a variety of reasons, but when respected officials are warning that our intelligence community has been or is being poisoned by Trumpism, it deserves all attention. (Price worked for both Democrats and Republicans, but did donate to Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Adam Schiff is the Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a Democrat with a history of backing his claims up with facts.)
The intelligence community, the free press, and a Democratic-led House have been the only institutions upholding reality and the rule of law under Trump. Without the intelligence community, we are left only to the limited powers of the House and the rather easily dismissed reporting of investigative journalists in the age of “Fake News.”
Trump has managed to undermine all tenets of reality and truth-telling, in order to fashion a staged atmosphere that centers around his conspiracy beliefs and refusal to concede to reality, let alone his complete disregard for what has always made the United States great.
The Trump cult fever is reaching an all time high, infecting every part of our institutions. Only time will tell if they will hold under such pressure, but make no mistake, Donald Trump is attacking the fundamental buttresses of our democracy.


politicususa--2020-02-06--Republican Congressional Cowards Sit Quietly As Trump Attacks Romney

Trump held a post-acquittal gathering at the White House where he attacked Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans cowered in fear and did nothing .
Trump said , “ Then you have some who used religion as a crutch .
They never used it before .
An article written today , never heard him use it before .
But today , you know , it ’ s one of those things .
But it ’ s a failed presidential candidate , so things can happen when you fail so badly running for president.
” The congressional Republican fear of Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during that moment in the White House .
Congressional Republicans are spineless cowards who incapable of ever doing the right thing .
Republicans talk a big game and they love to sound tough , but they are afraid of a vindictive senior citizen with a Twitter .
This sort of cowardice would never happen in the Democratic Party .
House and Senate Republicans are so afraid to anger their cult leader that they won ’ t utter a whisper to defend a man who they are privately congratulating for his vote to convict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Republican Party is a truly lost cause .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump held a post-acquittal gathering at the White House where he attacked Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans cowered in fear and did nothing.
Trump said, “Then you have some who used religion as a crutch. They never used it before. An article written today, never heard him use it before. But today, you know, it’s one of those things. But it’s a failed presidential candidate, so things can happen when you fail so badly running for president.”
Video:
Silence in a room full of Congressional Republicans cowards as Trump attacks Mitt Romney. pic.twitter.com/E3DB3BwNZw — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 6, 2020
The congressional Republican fear of Trump has never been more obvious than it was during that moment in the White House. Congressional Republicans are spineless cowards who incapable of ever doing the right thing.
Republicans talk a big game and they love to sound tough, but they are afraid of a vindictive senior citizen with a Twitter. This sort of cowardice would never happen in the Democratic Party.
House and Senate Republicans are so afraid to anger their cult leader that they won’t utter a whisper to defend a man who they are privately congratulating for his vote to convict the president of high crimes and misdemeanors.
The Republican Party is a truly lost cause.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-06--Pelosi Ripped Up Trump’s Speech To Wake America Up

Speaker Pelosi said that she ripped up Trump ’ s “ manifesto of mistruths ” to get the attention of American people on his false statements .
I did not .
I tore up a manifesto of mistruthing .
It very hard to get you to talk about the issues that we are working on , HR 3 , infrastructure and the rest .
He misrepresented all of that .
It was necessary to get the attention of the American people to say this is not true .
And this is how it affects you .
And I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially the President of the United States , about dignity .
Dignity .
Is it okay to start saying four more years in the House of Representatives ?
It ’ s just unheard of .
Is it unheard of for the President to insult people there who don ’ t share his view as well as to misrepresent , present falsehoods , some would use the word lie , I don ’ t like to use the word lie about what he is saying .
So , no , I think it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the other exuberances within me , the courteous thing to do .
Pelosi isn ’ t going to be lectured by Trump or any of the followers of the fake Christian President on ethics and dignity .
Speaker Pelosi did what she did to wake America up , and it worked .
After the State Of The Union , nobody was talking about Trump or his speech .
All of the attention was on Speaker Pelosi .
The ratings for Trump ’ s potentially last State Of The Union plummeted on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tuned out this President .
Still , for those who watched , Speaker Pelosi called attention to his lies .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Speaker Pelosi said that she ripped up Trump’s “manifesto of mistruths” to get the attention of American people on his false statements.
Pelosi said:
I did not. I tore up a manifesto of mistruthing. It very hard to get you to talk about the issues that we are working on, HR 3, infrastructure and the rest. He misrepresented all of that.
It was necessary to get the attention of the American people to say this is not true. And this is how it affects you. And I don’t need any lessons from anybody, especially the President of the United States, about dignity. Dignity. Is it okay to start saying four more years in the House of Representatives? It’s just unheard of. Is it unheard of for the President to insult people there who don’t share his view as well as to misrepresent, present falsehoods, some would use the word lie, I don’t like to use the word lie about what he is saying.
So, no, I think it was completely, entirely appropriate and considering some of the other exuberances within me, the courteous thing to do.
Video:
Pelosi says she ripped up Trump's speech to get America's attention and let the country know that Trump was lying. pic.twitter.com/2oMrDrf694 — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 6, 2020
Pelosi isn’t going to be lectured by Trump or any of the followers of the fake Christian President on ethics and dignity. Speaker Pelosi did what she did to wake America up, and it worked.
After the State Of The Union, nobody was talking about Trump or his speech. All of the attention was on Speaker Pelosi. The ratings for Trump’s potentially last State Of The Union plummeted on the broadcast networks, as the American people have tuned out this President. Still, for those who watched, Speaker Pelosi called attention to his lies.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-07--Sherrod Brown Says GOP’s Fawning Over Trump Is Like Watching A North Korean Military Parade

Ohio ’ s Democratic senator , Sherrod Brown , agreed with MSNBC ’ s Chris Matthews ’ assessment on Thursday that the Republican Party ’ s fawning over Donald Trump has reached a dangerous point .
In a discussion with the ‘ Hardball ’ host , Brown said the cult-like behavior of the GOP was on full display during Trump ’ s State of the Union address this week when Republican lawmakers immediately turned the affair into a full-blown MAGA rally .
“ You look across their side of the aisle and the way they stand and cheer for damn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants them to stand , just in unison , ” the Ohio senator said .
“ I know State of the Union speeches are sometimes like that , but never , never , ever to this degree and I ’ ve been to 20 of them over the years.
” MATTHEWS : Senator , when we look at pictures from North Korea , just an example of a dictatorship , and you watch everybody wearing those high-peaked hats and everybody smiling in unison or frowning in unison or marching in unison in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their so-called assembly , … They all are so frozen in fear of being seen as somehow out of line , which is a very strict standard in that country .
Are Republicans beginning to act like that ?
Fearful of not showing the right sort of emotion in public ?
You have to be exuberant in this cult when he stands before them it seems .
SEN. BROWN : As soon as you said that , I started thinking about three nights ago during the State of the Union .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gallery and she said , she wrote the next day in her column , I ’ ve never been to a Trump political rally until the State of the Union .
And to watch these – you look across , it ’ s almost all white men , not entirely – you look across their side of the aisle and the way they stand and cheer for damn near anything that Trump says when he wants them to stand , just in unison .
And there ’ s just — I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that , but never , never , ever to this degree and I ’ ve been to 20 of them over the years , more or less .
History will not be kind to those who blindly stood by Trump Republicans may think it ’ s a smart short-term play to stand by this corrupt and dangerous president – publicly stroking his ego and bowing down to him like he ’ s a king – but history will not be kind to them .
Those who appease wannabe dictators always end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney demonstrated this week by voting to remove Donald Trump from office , it ’ s still possible for Republicans to break loose from this president and put country first .
All it takes is a little courage , which the modern GOP appears to be fresh out of .

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Ohio’s Democratic senator, Sherrod Brown, agreed with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews’ assessment on Thursday that the Republican Party’s fawning over Donald Trump has reached a dangerous point.
In a discussion with the ‘Hardball’ host, Brown said the cult-like behavior of the GOP was on full display during Trump’s State of the Union address this week when Republican lawmakers immediately turned the affair into a full-blown MAGA rally.
“You look across their side of the aisle and the way they stand and cheer for damn near anything that Trump says when he wants them to stand, just in unison,” the Ohio senator said. “I know State of the Union speeches are sometimes like that, but never, never, ever to this degree and I’ve been to 20 of them over the years.”
Video:
Sherrod Brown slams the cult-like behavior of Republicans whenever they’re in the same room as Donald Trump. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/DNf0MJWcLW — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) February 7, 2020
Transcript:
MATTHEWS: Senator, when we look at pictures from North Korea, just an example of a dictatorship, and you watch everybody wearing those high-peaked hats and everybody smiling in unison or frowning in unison or marching in unison in a goose-step, and you watch the people and their so-called assembly, … They all are so frozen in fear of being seen as somehow out of line, which is a very strict standard in that country. Are Republicans beginning to act like that? Fearful of not showing the right sort of emotion in public? You have to be exuberant in this cult when he stands before them it seems. SEN. BROWN: As soon as you said that, I started thinking about three nights ago during the State of the Union. My wife, Connie … she was in the gallery and she said, she wrote the next day in her column, I’ve never been to a Trump political rally until the State of the Union. And to watch these – you look across, it’s almost all white men, not entirely – you look across their side of the aisle and the way they stand and cheer for damn near anything that Trump says when he wants them to stand, just in unison. And there’s just — I know State of the Union speeches are sometimes like that, but never, never, ever to this degree and I’ve been to 20 of them over the years, more or less.
History will not be kind to those who blindly stood by Trump
Republicans may think it’s a smart short-term play to stand by this corrupt and dangerous president – publicly stroking his ego and bowing down to him like he’s a king – but history will not be kind to them. Those who appease wannabe dictators always end up in the ash heap of history.
As Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney demonstrated this week by voting to remove Donald Trump from office, it’s still possible for Republicans to break loose from this president and put country first.
All it takes is a little courage, which the modern GOP appears to be fresh out of.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-02-07--Fox News’ Own Research Department Says The Network Is A Propaganda Machine

In a memo obtained by The Daily Beast , Fox News ’ own research department – yes , they have one – is admitting that many of the people that appear on the network are regularly spreading propaganda .
According to the report , a 162-page internal research briefing book issued a warning to Fox News colleagues “ not to trust some of the network ’ s top commentators ’ claims about Ukraine.
” More from the Daily Beast report : An internal Fox News research briefing book obtained by The Daily Beast openly questions Fox News contributor John Solomon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing an “ indispensable role ” in a Ukrainian “ disinformation campaign.
” The document also accuses frequent Fox News guest Rudy Giuliani of amplifying disinformation , as part of an effort to oust former U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch , and blasts Fox News guests Victoria Toensing and Joe diGenova—both ardent Trump boosters—for “ spreading disinformation.
” The 162-page document , entitled “ Ukraine , Disinformation , & the Trump Administration , ” was created by Fox News senior political affairs specialist Bryan S. Murphy , who produces research from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Brain Room—a newsroom division of researchers who provide information , data , and topic guides for the network ’ s programming .
The briefing book is also seemingly critical of Fox ’ s own coverage , urging employees to note the role that unnamed “ US Media ” outlets played a role in the “ amplification of disinformation stories from clearly unreliable sources and non-disclosure of conflicts by guests.
” While Fox isn ’ t specifically named in the introduction , much of the timeline focuses on appearances made on Fox programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most prominent ” outlets who amplified the disinformation campaign are mentioned in the timeline—a possible reference to Fox News itself .
As Sam Stein of the Daily Beast pointed out on Twitter , the memo is basically an admission by the network that viewers shouldn ’ t trust folks that regularly appear on Fox News .
Without Fox News , the Trump presidency would have been over long ago It ’ s important to remember that Donald Trump ’ s presidency would likely have been over – and may not have even existed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the propaganda Fox News pushes on a daily basis .
The network has created a comfortable , alternative world for this president and his supporters to live in – one where facts don ’ t matter and Donald Trump never does wrong .
In this fictional universe , the unprecedented corruption of the past three years doesn ’ t exist , and it ’ s actually the Democrats who are at fault for daring to hold the president accountable .
For those living in the real-world , it ’ s hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – a self-centered child living in the body of a 73-year-old man – but the existence of Fox News is what makes Donald Trump ’ s support possible .

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In a memo obtained by The Daily Beast, Fox News’ own research department – yes, they have one – is admitting that many of the people that appear on the network are regularly spreading propaganda.
According to the report, a 162-page internal research briefing book issued a warning to Fox News colleagues “not to trust some of the network’s top commentators’ claims about Ukraine.”
More from the Daily Beast report:
An internal Fox News research briefing book obtained by The Daily Beast openly questions Fox News contributor John Solomon’s credibility, accusing him of playing an “indispensable role” in a Ukrainian “disinformation campaign.” The document also accuses frequent Fox News guest Rudy Giuliani of amplifying disinformation, as part of an effort to oust former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, and blasts Fox News guests Victoria Toensing and Joe diGenova—both ardent Trump boosters—for “spreading disinformation.” The 162-page document, entitled “Ukraine, Disinformation, & the Trump Administration,” was created by Fox News senior political affairs specialist Bryan S. Murphy, who produces research from what is known as the network’s Brain Room—a newsroom division of researchers who provide information, data, and topic guides for the network’s programming. … The briefing book is also seemingly critical of Fox’s own coverage, urging employees to note the role that unnamed “US Media” outlets played a role in the “amplification of disinformation stories from clearly unreliable sources and non-disclosure of conflicts by guests.” While Fox isn’t specifically named in the introduction, much of the timeline focuses on appearances made on Fox programs, and Murphy writes that the “most prominent” outlets who amplified the disinformation campaign are mentioned in the timeline—a possible reference to Fox News itself.”
Mitch Kweit, senior vice president of the Brain Room said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, “The research division of FOX News produces a briefing book for all major stories, which serves as a standing collection of extensive data on major topics for internal use by all those in editorial functions. The Ukraine briefing book is nothing more than a comprehensive chronological account of what every person involved in the Ukraine controversy was doing at any identifiable point in time, including tracking media appearances of major players who appeared on FOX News and in many other outlets. The 200 page document has thousands of data points and the vast majority have no relation to FOX News—instead it’s now being taken out of context and politicized to damage the network.”
As Sam Stein of the Daily Beast pointed out on Twitter, the memo is basically an admission by the network that viewers shouldn’t trust folks that regularly appear on Fox News.
Fox News side is basically admitting that the Fox News evening guest rotation is part of a massive disinformation campaign and shouldn’t be trusted. — Sam Stein (@samstein) February 6, 2020
Without Fox News, the Trump presidency would have been over long ago
It’s important to remember that Donald Trump’s presidency would likely have been over – and may not have even existed in the first place – if not for the propaganda Fox News pushes on a daily basis.
The network has created a comfortable, alternative world for this president and his supporters to live in – one where facts don’t matter and Donald Trump never does wrong. In this fictional universe, the unprecedented corruption of the past three years doesn’t exist, and it’s actually the Democrats who are at fault for daring to hold the president accountable.
For those living in the real-world, it’s hard to comprehend how one might support this president – a self-centered child living in the body of a 73-year-old man – but the existence of Fox News is what makes Donald Trump’s support possible.
Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter


politicususa--2020-02-07--William Barr Has Shut Down Six Investigations Into Trump

Attorney General William Barr has shut down six separate investigations into Donald Trump and his businesses since he took over @ @ @ @ @ Author Don Winslow tweeted that his sources in the DOJ told him that Barr is @ @ @ @ @ : The new information matches up with Barr ’ s memo that notified the DOJ @ @ @ @ @ or Pence had to be personally approved by him in writing .
Barr is known @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s Ukraine plot , and it seems would have no issue with letting @ @ @ @ @ States use federal enforcement to attack his political enemies .
If Winslow ’ s tweet @ @ @ @ @ is running around and shutting down investigations into Trump and his businesses .
Barr could @ @ @ @ @ the most corrupt person to ever act as attorney general .
The nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ become nothing more than Trump ’ s clean up man .
For more discussion about @ @ @ @ @ Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Attorney General William Barr has shut down six separate investigations into Donald Trump and his businesses since he took over the Department of Justice.
Author Don Winslow tweeted that his sources in the DOJ told him that Barr is shutting down investigations into Trump:
I have multiple sources inside the Justice Department that tell me when Barr became Attorney General he shut down *six* separate investigations into Trump and Trump related companies and surrogates. I'm told Barr has also prevented *two new* investigations from moving forward. https://t.co/ikK9WCfuXU — Don Winslow (@donwinslow) February 7, 2020
The new information matches up with Barr’s memo that notified the DOJ that any investigation into Trump or Pence had to be personally approved by him in writing. Barr is known to have been involved in Trump’s Ukraine plot, and it seems would have no issue with letting the President Of The United States use federal enforcement to attack his political enemies.
If Winslow’s tweet is accurate, William Barr is running around and shutting down investigations into Trump and his businesses. Barr could go down in history as the most corrupt person to ever act as attorney general.
The nation’s top law enforcement official has become nothing more than Trump’s clean up man.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-07--Sanders and Buttigieg Are Surging In New NH Poll

The new NBC/Marist Poll of New Hampshire reveals that Pete Buttigieg is surging , but Bernie Sanders has vaulted into @ @ @ @ @ primary .
The polling this week has been relatively consistent .
Buttigieg and Sanders are @ @ @ @ @ of each other in New Hampshire .
The other interesting race is for third .
@ @ @ @ @ never going to be good for Joe Biden , but the former vice president needs @ @ @ @ @ .
After New Hampshire , the primary electorate will begin to resemble the majority of @ @ @ @ @ will be real tests ahead for Sanders and Buttigieg in Nevada and South Carolina .
@ @ @ @ @ organizing against Sanders and Warren in Nevada : Ahead of the debate , look for @ @ @ @ @ it up , as both need a win in New Hampshire because the road to @ @ @ @ @ to get much more difficult for both of them after the Granite State .
For @ @ @ @ @ join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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The new NBC/Marist Poll of New Hampshire reveals that Pete Buttigieg is surging, but Bernie Sanders has vaulted into the lead days before the primary.
NBC News’s Mark Murray tweeted:
New NBC/Marist poll of New Hampshire — conducted right after Iowa: Sanders 25% (+3 from Jan poll)
Buttigieg 21% (+4)
Warren 14% (+1)
Biden 13% (-2)
Klobuchar 8% (-2)
Steyer 4% (+1)
Yang 4% (-1)
Gabbard 3% (-3)
Patrick 1% (-)
Bennet 1% (-) Feb 4-6, likely voters, +/- 4.7% — Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) February 7, 2020
The polling this week has been relatively consistent. Buttigieg and Sanders are within the margin of error of each other in New Hampshire. The other interesting race is for third. New Hampshire and Iowa were never going to be good for Joe Biden, but the former vice president needs to avoid another fourth-place finish.
After New Hampshire, the primary electorate will begin to resemble the majority of the Democratic Party. There will be real tests ahead for Sanders and Buttigieg in Nevada and South Carolina.
The Culinary Union is already organizing against Sanders and Warren in Nevada:
NEWS: Culinary prints flier indicating it does not like Warren or Sanders, thinks either would lose to Trump — first sign of an attempt to mobilize workers against them. If Biden loses NH, he will badly need Nevada to stay alive. And Mayor Pete has a strong org here.#WeMatter https://t.co/OfZ9A5Dk8i — Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) February 7, 2020
Ahead of the debate, look for Buttigieg and Sanders to mix it up, as both need a win in New Hampshire because the road to the Democratic nomination is going to get much more difficult for both of them after the Granite State.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-07--Trump Fires Vindman After He Testified Against Him In Impeachment

Trump fired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and had security escort him out of the White House because he testified against him in impeachment .
Lt. Col. Alex Vindman , the top Ukraine expert at the National Security Council , was pushed out of his role Friday months earlier than expected , according to a statement from his attorney .
Vindman was not slated to leave until July , but had been telling colleagues in recent weeks he would likely leave soon .
It was not his decision to leave , however , according to one person familiar with the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fume privately about Vindman ’ s testimony during the impeachment inquiry , and some Democrats say the move is clearly retribution for it .
Kaitlin Collins tweeted that Vindman was escorted out by security : Vindman is an expert on Ukraine , but he crossed Trump by testifying in the impeachment trial so he was fired .
His firing had nothing to do with his job performance , and it will weaken national security because an expert on Ukraine , which is at war with Russia , has been removed from the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jeopardizing the nation by replacing experts who disagree with or cross him with corrupt lackeys who will carry out his orders to help him cheat his way to a second term .
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group .

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Trump fired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and had security escort him out of the White House because he testified against him in impeachment.
CNN reported:
Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, the top Ukraine expert at the National Security Council, was pushed out of his role Friday months earlier than expected, according to a statement from his attorney. Vindman was not slated to leave until July, but had been telling colleagues in recent weeks he would likely leave soon. It was not his decision to leave, however, according to one person familiar with the situation.
President Donald Trump has continued to fume privately about Vindman’s testimony during the impeachment inquiry, and some Democrats say the move is clearly retribution for it.
Kaitlin Collins tweeted that Vindman was escorted out by security:
News — Lt. Col. Vindman was just escorted out of the White House by security and told his services were no longer needed. — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) February 7, 2020
Vindman is an expert on Ukraine, but he crossed Trump by testifying in the impeachment trial so he was fired. His firing had nothing to do with his job performance, and it will weaken national security because an expert on Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, has been removed from the National Security Council.
Trump is harming and jeopardizing the nation by replacing experts who disagree with or cross him with corrupt lackeys who will carry out his orders to help him cheat his way to a second term.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook


politicususa--2020-02-07--President Obama’s Job Record Still Trounces Trump’s

You wouldn ’ t know this from reading most media reports , but the job growth under Trump has actually slowed when compared to the last three years of President Obama ’ s presidency .
Things are still good , they ’ re just not Obama-good .
The latest jobs report is stronger than expected , and being hailed by the media in a way never seen under President Obama , who made history with the longest consecutive growth strength in 75 years .
Obama managed that as Congressional Republicans obstructed his every attempt to expand jobs , in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now again lost love ) for austerity .
Certainly President Trump has bragged up the economy to such an extent that any reality check will tend to disappoint , but indeed , these numbers look good on the surface , even if the caveat that applied under Obama still applies here , which is that many people are not feeling this positivity .
It simply doesn ’ t resonate for many Americans , due the massive inequality between the haves and the have-nots .
But things are still good !
“ Total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , and the unemployment rate was little changed at 3.6 percent ” the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday morning .
They ’ re just not Obama-good .
And that means that Trump is lying when he repeatedly claims he is overseeing the best job growth in our history .
Rachel Maddow show producer Steve Bennen pointed out on his blog , “ ( W ) hile Trump spent the year boasting that the U.S. job market was the strongest it ’ s ever been , 2019 saw job growth slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this further , “ What ’ s more , the best year for jobs during Trump ’ s presidency – 2.31 million in 2018 – fails to reach the job growth in any of the three final years of Barack Obama ’ s presidency .
It adds a degree of irony to his rhetorical record : Trump ran for president in 2015 and 2016 , telling the nation that the economy was horrible and he ’ d make it vastly better .
But annual job growth totals from both 2015 and 2016 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tenure , at least so far.
” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement sent to PoliticusUSA that three years in , “ ( T ) he Trump economy is creating 42,000 fewer jobs a month on average than the last three years of President Obama.
” Bennen did the math here , and found that in Trump ’ s three years ( February 2017 through January 2020 ) , the economy created 6.56 million jobs .
Yet , “ In the 36 months preceding Trump ’ s presidency – February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created 8.08 million jobs.
” In 2018 , Chuck Jones writing for Forbes pointed out , “ President Trump started with a distinct advantage with a workforce of 145.7 million , 9 % larger than when President Obama took office .
If the workforce were to only grow by 2 % , that would add just over 2.9 million jobs a year or 243,000 per month .
Over the course of 10 years , there would be over 29 million jobs added.
” So it ’ s fair to say that Trump didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he could have ridden Obama ’ s coat tails to meeting his campaign promise .
And yet job growth is slower than it was under Obama ’ s last three years , the years after he pulled us out of the recession pretty much by all by his party ’ s work , with Republicans rooting for his failure at every turn .
Growing inequity existed under Obama and other presidents as well .
Obama tried to address it , but he was forced to save the entire economy from collapse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vowed to block him at every turn as he was sworn into office .
The workplace suicide rate has hit historic highs , which perhaps suggests that workers aren ’ t feeling the highs the investment class is : The bottom line is the Trump economy is not as good as the Obama economy in terms of job growth .
It just isn ’ t , no matter how Republicans try to stack the deck in favor of Trump by giving Trump November of 2016 onward , even though he was not president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of second-hand embarrassing to see Republicans , including Fox News , calling these numbers “ outstanding ” when they spent the Obama years manufacturing conspiracy theories about the BLS numbers , since they were unable to admit that Obama had an even more “ outstanding ” performance on jobs .
Trump claims his numbers are “ the best it has ever been ” and that is completely false .
No one can claim that , due to the way records were kept , but if anyone in modern time can claim that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no lie .

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You wouldn’t know this from reading most media reports, but the job growth under Trump has actually slowed when compared to the last three years of President Obama’s presidency. Things are still good, they’re just not Obama-good.
The latest jobs report is stronger than expected, and being hailed by the media in a way never seen under President Obama, who made history with the longest consecutive growth strength in 75 years. Obama managed that as Congressional Republicans obstructed his every attempt to expand jobs, in their politically motivated and newly found love (and now again lost love) for austerity.
Certainly President Trump has bragged up the economy to such an extent that any reality check will tend to disappoint, but indeed, these numbers look good on the surface, even if the caveat that applied under Obama still applies here, which is that many people are not feeling this positivity. It simply doesn’t resonate for many Americans, due the massive inequality between the haves and the have-nots.
But things are still good! “Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 225,000 in January, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 3.6 percent” the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday morning.
They’re just not Obama-good. And that means that Trump is lying when he repeatedly claims he is overseeing the best job growth in our history.
Rachel Maddow show producer Steve Bennen pointed out on his blog, “(W)hile Trump spent the year boasting that the U.S. job market was the strongest it’s ever been, 2019 saw job growth slow to an eight-year low.”
Bennen expands this further, “What’s more, the best year for jobs during Trump’s presidency – 2.31 million in 2018 – fails to reach the job growth in any of the three final years of Barack Obama’s presidency. It adds a degree of irony to his rhetorical record: Trump ran for president in 2015 and 2016, telling the nation that the economy was horrible and he’d make it vastly better. But annual job growth totals from both 2015 and 2016 were better than any year of the Republican’s tenure, at least so far.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement sent to PoliticusUSA that three years in, “(T)he Trump economy is creating 42,000 fewer jobs a month on average than the last three years of President Obama.”
Bennen did the math here, and found that in Trump’s three years (February 2017 through January 2020), the economy created 6.56 million jobs. Yet, “In the 36 months preceding Trump’s presidency – February 2014 to January 2017 – the economy created 8.08 million jobs.”
In 2018, Chuck Jones writing for Forbes pointed out, “President Trump started with a distinct advantage with a workforce of 145.7 million, 9% larger than when President Obama took office. If the workforce were to only grow by 2%, that would add just over 2.9 million jobs a year or 243,000 per month. Over the course of 10 years, there would be over 29 million jobs added.”
So it’s fair to say that Trump didn’t have to change any policies and he could have ridden Obama’s coat tails to meeting his campaign promise. And yet job growth is slower than it was under Obama’s last three years, the years after he pulled us out of the recession pretty much by all by his party’s work, with Republicans rooting for his failure at every turn.
Growing inequity existed under Obama and other presidents as well. Obama tried to address it, but he was forced to save the entire economy from collapse, and obstructed relentlessly by Republicans who had vowed to block him at every turn as he was sworn into office.
The workplace suicide rate has hit historic highs, which perhaps suggests that workers aren’t feeling the highs the investment class is:
The bottom line is the Trump economy is not as good as the Obama economy in terms of job growth. It just isn’t, no matter how Republicans try to stack the deck in favor of Trump by giving Trump November of 2016 onward, even though he was not president then.
It’s also kind of second-hand embarrassing to see Republicans, including Fox News, calling these numbers “outstanding” when they spent the Obama years manufacturing conspiracy theories about the BLS numbers, since they were unable to admit that Obama had an even more “outstanding” performance on jobs.
Trump claims his numbers are “the best it has ever been” and that is completely false. No one can claim that, due to the way records were kept, but if anyone in modern time can claim that, it is Barack Obama. And that is no lie.