theroot--2020-04-29--Dr. Fauci Suggests COVID-19 Could Force Sports Leagues to Skip the Season: 'Safety Trumps Everything

Dr. Fauci Suggests COVID-19 Could Force Sports Leagues to Skip the Season: 'Safety Trumps Everything'

As the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , who moonlights as the Justin Timberlake of Trump ’ s coronavirus task force boy band , anything that comes out of his mouth is as good as gold .
So if he says there ’ s no Santa Claus , your kids will just have to cry that shit out and deal with it .
If he says Cardi B has ghostwriters , then dammit , guess who the hell has ghostwriters ?
And if he says that some sports leagues might have to skip the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ?
!
In an interview with the New York Times , the world-renowned immunologist dropped the kind of truth bombs that will leave sports fanatics crying in the shower like an R & B music video .
This bastard really fixed his face and said : While completely rational and pragmatic , this ain ’ t what those of us who can ’ t wait for LeBron to take an L in the playoffs are trying to hear .
But Fauci wasn ’ t done there ; he expressed the very real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that they ’ ll loo k nothing like we ’ ve ever experienced before .
Stadiums could require fans to wear gloves and masks , as well as maintain social distancing in order to mitigate the “ density of the infection , ” or outright refuse fan entry entirely .
“ I ’ m not saying this is the way to go , but you want to at least consider having players , if they ’ re going to play , play in front of a TV camera without people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And then test all the players and make sure they ’ re negative and keep them in a place where they don ’ t have contact with anybody on the outside who you don ’ t know whether they ’ re positive or negative.
” But if canceling the season proves to be the only available option for pro sports leagues , the outcome could be catastrophic .
Leagues like the WNBA were set to kick off on May 15 , and because it ’ s attendance struggles require it to be subsidized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own issues during this pandemic—what ’ s the NBA ’ s incentive to prioritize a league that has yet to prove profitable ?
Would the NBA cut its losses and cancel the entire 2020 WNBA season ?
Or force it to operate concurrently with the NBA and compete for media coverage and broadcast times when games resume ?
That ’ s a battle the WNBA has no chance in hell to win .
MLB is another league that ’ s in serious trouble .
I mean , hell .
The NCAA already canceled—not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on an indefinite hiatus , and the NFL and NCAA College Football are considering skipping bye weeks and other alternatives as they prepare for their own upcoming seasons .
What more does COVID-19 want from us ?
!
“ I would love to be able to have all sports back , ” Fauci said .
“ But as a health official and a physician and a scientist , I have to say , right now , when you look at the country , we ’ re not ready for that yet.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And without a vaccine , many of us are beginning to wonder if we ever will be .

Dr. Anthony Fauci is kind of a big deal.
As the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who moonlights as the Justin Timberlake of Trump’s coronavirus task force boy band, anything that comes out of his mouth is as good as gold. So if he says there’s no Santa Claus, your kids will just have to cry that shit out and deal with it. If he says Cardi B has ghostwriters, then dammit, guess who the hell has ghostwriters? And if he says that some sports leagues might have to skip the rest of their seasons, then—wait, what?!
In an interview with the New York Times, the world-renowned immunologist dropped the kind of truth bombs that will leave sports fanatics crying in the shower like an R&B music video.
Advertisement
This bastard really fixed his face and said:
“Safety, for the players and for the fans, trumps everything. If you can’t guarantee safety, then unfortunately you’re going to have to bite the bullet and say, ‘We may have to go without this sport for this season.’”
Advertisement Advertisement
While completely rational and pragmatic, this ain’t what those of us who can’t wait for LeBron to take an L in the playoffs are trying to hear. But Fauci wasn’t done there; he expressed the very real possibility that if and when sports return, that they’ll loo k nothing like we’ve ever experienced before. Stadiums could require fans to wear gloves and masks, as well as maintain social distancing in order to mitigate the “density of the infection,” or outright refuse fan entry entirely.
“I’m not saying this is the way to go, but you want to at least consider having players, if they’re going to play, play in front of a TV camera without people in the audience,” he said. “And then test all the players and make sure they’re negative and keep them in a place where they don’t have contact with anybody on the outside who you don’t know whether they’re positive or negative.”
Advertisement
But if canceling the season proves to be the only available option for pro sports leagues, the outcome could be catastrophic. Leagues like the WNBA were set to kick off on May 15, and because it’s attendance struggles require it to be subsidized by the NBA—which is dealing with its own issues during this pandemic—what’s the NBA’s incentive to prioritize a league that has yet to prove profitable? Would the NBA cut its losses and cancel the entire 2020 WNBA season? Or force it to operate concurrently with the NBA and compete for media coverage and broadcast times when games resume? That’s a battle the WNBA has no chance in hell to win.
MLB is another league that’s in serious trouble.
From Yahoo Sports:
MLB—between its gate revenues from 81 home games per team and position in the sports calendar—seems to have the most to lose if widespread testing doesn’t arrive in the next few months. The league has already floated a number of possible ways to hold a season in isolation, and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has said he is willing to get creative to hold baseball games this year.
Advertisement
I mean, hell. The NCAA already canceled—not postponed—March Madness, the NHL and NBA are on an indefinite hiatus, and the NFL and NCAA College Football are considering skipping bye weeks and other alternatives as they prepare for their own upcoming seasons. What more does COVID-19 want from us?!
“I would love to be able to have all sports back,” Fauci said. “But as a health official and a physician and a scientist, I have to say, right now, when you look at the country, we’re not ready for that yet.”
Advertisement
Clearly, we aren’t. And without a vaccine, many of us are beginning to wonder if we ever will be.


theroot--2020-04-29--Houston Hotties Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé Finally Join Forces for 'Savage Remix'

It ’ s happening !
The two Houston Hotties have finally joined forces to form a vivacious Voltron of hot girl summery fierceness !
Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé have finally collaborated on a song !
As the two ladies are from Houston , Texas and appear to be fans of one another , it only made sense that they worked together .
There had been buzzing ( heh ! )
last week about a potential collaboration between the ladies coming soon , so we all had our eyes and ears peeled .
Specifically , Bey was rumored to hop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Savage ” for a remix .
Well , the rumor has become reality because “ Savage Remix ” featuring Beyoncé is out now !
Megan dropped the announcement on her Instagram page Wednesday with the caption , “ I ’ m literally crying being from HOUSTON MF TEXAS this shit means EVERYTHING to me !
!
!
!
” As expected , the two Houston hotties are talking their “ Cash Shit ” and letting y ’ all know why and how they ’ re the baddest in the game .
Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be going toward Bey ’ s BeyGood initiative .
The initiative also recently donated $ 6 million toward COVID-19 relief .
Happy Hump Day , because this energy came right on time .
Plus , I can ’ t help but notice the wonderful timing of this hilarious meme from @ PartitionBeat .
These two were clearly destined to collab .
As stay-at-home orders are extended , i t ’ s looking like our hot girl summer will be in the house this year , so it begs the question—will there be another @ @ @ @ @ @

Tonja Renée Stidhum on The Grapevine, shared by Tonja Renée Stidhum to The Root

It’s happening! The two Houston Hotties have finally joined forces to form a vivacious Voltron of hot girl summery fierceness!
Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé have finally collaborated on a song! As the two ladies are from Houston, Texas and appear to be fans of one another, it only made sense that they worked together.
Advertisement
There had been buzzing (heh!) last week about a potential collaboration between the ladies coming soon, so we all had our eyes and ears peeled. Specifically, Bey was rumored to hop on Meg’s popular track, “Savage” for a remix.
Advertisement Advertisement
Well, the rumor has become reality because “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé is out now!
Megan Thee Stallion - Savage Remix (feat. Beyoncé) / Megan Thee Stallion (YouTube)
Megan dropped the announcement on her Instagram page Wednesday with the caption, “I’m literally crying being from HOUSTON MF TEXAS this shit means EVERYTHING to me!!!!”
Advertisement
As expected, the two Houston hotties are talking their “Cash Shit” and letting y’all know why and how they’re the baddest in the game.
Advertisement
Plus, all proceeds of the song will be going toward Bey’s BeyGood initiative. The initiative also recently donated $6 million toward COVID-19 relief.
Happy Hump Day, because this energy came right on time. Plus, I can’t help but notice the wonderful timing of this hilarious meme from @PartitionBeat. These two were clearly destined to collab.
Advertisement
As stay-at-home orders are extended, i t’s looking like our hot girl summer will be in the house this year, so it begs the question—will there be another #SavageChallenge for this remix?


theroot--2020-04-29--Leader of Utah Surveillance Firm Is a Former KKK Member Involved in a Past Synagogue Shooting

In 2018 , Utah officials hired a company to provide massive surveillance of 911 calls , traffic cameras and social media posts .
Now , the Utah attorney general ’ s office will suspend the state ’ s use of the surveillance system after learning that the founder of the company is a former KKK member .
The Salt Lake City Tribune reports that Damien Patton , leader and co-founder of the surveillance company Banjo , was a member of the Dixie Knights of the Ku Klux Klan when he was 17 .
He accompanied a leader of the white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Nashville synagogue in 1990 .
Attorney General Sean Reyes ’ spokesman Richard Piatt said the office “ is shocked and dismayed at reports that Banjo ’ s founder had any affiliation with any hate group or groups in his youth.
” “ Neither the attorney general nor anyone in the attorney general ’ s office were aware of these affiliations or actions , ” Piatt said adding that they “ absolutely condemn the hate and violence promoted by supremacist groups and will continue to aggressively fight crimes and decry domestic terror perpetrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was first uncovered by OneZero .
Documents available to the public and reviewed by OneZero — including transcripts of courtroom testimony , sworn statements , and more than 1,000 pages of records produced from a federal hate crime prosecution — reveal that Patton actively participated in white supremacist groups in his youth and was involved in the shooting of a synagogue .
In an interview with OneZero , one of the people involved in that shooting confirmed Patton ’ s participation .
Patton has not previously acknowledged this chapter of his life in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately led to the conviction of two of his associates , Patton revealed that , as a 17-year-old , he was involved with the Dixie Knights of the Ku Klux Klan .
On the evening of June 9 , 1990 — a month before Patton turned 18 — Patton and a Klan leader took a semi-automatic TEC-9 pistol and drove to a synagogue in a Nashville suburb .
With Patton at the wheel , the Ku Klux Klan member fired onto the synagogue , destroying a street-facing window and spraying bullets and shattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices , which were next to that of the congregation ’ s rabbi .
No one was struck or killed in the shooting .
Afterward , Patton hid on the grounds of a white supremacist paramilitary training camp under construction before fleeing the state with the help of a second Klan member .
Patton also testified that he participated in meetings about eliminating black and Jewish people .
“ 32 years ago I was a lost , scared , and vulnerable child.
” Patton told the Tribune .
“ I won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I left home at such a young age are unfortunately not unique ; I suffered abuse in every form .
I did terrible things and said despicable and hateful things , including to my own Jewish mother , that today I find indefensibly wrong , and feel extreme remorse for .
I have spent most of my adult lifetime working to make amends for this shameful period in my life.
” Banjo still has or had contracts with numerous Utah institutions including the University of Utah—which also announced it was suspending its relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City and Ogden police departments .

In 2018, Utah officials hired a company to provide massive surveillance of 911 calls, traffic cameras and social media posts. Now, the Utah attorney general’s office will suspend the state’s use of the surveillance system after learning that the founder of the company is a former KKK member.
The Salt Lake City Tribune reports that Damien Patton, leader and co-founder of the surveillance company Banjo, was a member of the Dixie Knights of the Ku Klux Klan when he was 17. He accompanied a leader of the white supremacist group in the drive-by shooting of a Nashville synagogue in 1990.
Advertisement
Attorney General Sean Reyes’ spokesman Richard Piatt said the office “is shocked and dismayed at reports that Banjo’s founder had any affiliation with any hate group or groups in his youth.”
“Neither the attorney general nor anyone in the attorney general’s office were aware of these affiliations or actions,” Piatt said adding that they “absolutely condemn the hate and violence promoted by supremacist groups and will continue to aggressively fight crimes and decry domestic terror perpetrated by them.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Patton’s past was first uncovered by OneZero.
Documents available to the public and reviewed by OneZero — including transcripts of courtroom testimony, sworn statements, and more than 1,000 pages of records produced from a federal hate crime prosecution — reveal that Patton actively participated in white supremacist groups in his youth and was involved in the shooting of a synagogue. In an interview with OneZero, one of the people involved in that shooting confirmed Patton’s participation. Patton has not previously acknowledged this chapter of his life in public. In grand jury testimony that ultimately led to the conviction of two of his associates, Patton revealed that, as a 17-year-old, he was involved with the Dixie Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. On the evening of June 9, 1990 — a month before Patton turned 18 — Patton and a Klan leader took a semi-automatic TEC-9 pistol and drove to a synagogue in a Nashville suburb. With Patton at the wheel, the Ku Klux Klan member fired onto the synagogue, destroying a street-facing window and spraying bullets and shattered glass near the building’s administrative offices, which were next to that of the congregation’s rabbi. No one was struck or killed in the shooting. Afterward, Patton hid on the grounds of a white supremacist paramilitary training camp under construction before fleeing the state with the help of a second Klan member.
Advertisement
Patton also testified that he participated in meetings about eliminating black and Jewish people.
“32 years ago I was a lost, scared, and vulnerable child.” Patton told the Tribune. “I won’t go into detail, but the reasons I left home at such a young age are unfortunately not unique; I suffered abuse in every form. I did terrible things and said despicable and hateful things, including to my own Jewish mother, that today I find indefensibly wrong, and feel extreme remorse for. I have spent most of my adult lifetime working to make amends for this shameful period in my life.”
Advertisement
Banjo still has or had contracts with numerous Utah institutions including the University of Utah—which also announced it was suspending its relationship with the company—as well as the Park City and Ogden police departments.


theroot--2020-04-29--Thank You, Heroes: Fisher-Price's New Line of 'Little People' Honors 'Community Champions'

If , as I did , you grew up playing with Fisher-Price ’ s “ Little People , ” you no doubt feel a wave of nostalgia upon just hearing the name .
But if you have little people of your own these days , you may already be well-acquainted with the current generation of this legacy line—and are well accustomed to seeing them among the other playthings littering your home as we shelter-in-place .
Wednesday morning , parent brand Mattel paid tribute to the heroes of our present crisis , unveiling “ a new , special edition line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against COVID-19 , as well as the everyday heroes who are working to keep communities up and running.
” A new , five-figure collection of Fisher-Price ’ s Little People represents some of the essential workers we ’ ve been depending on in recent weeks doctors , nurses and EMTs , of course , but also grocery store and delivery workers .
And the toy brand is also making sure their appreciation pays off during the coronavirus crisis , as stated by Mattel : All net proceeds from the # ThankYouHeroes line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ org established by CAAFoundation , Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health + Thrive Global , in partnership with The Entertainment Industry Foundation ) to provide resources to first responders who serve on the frontlines and their families .
The program is part of our broader “ Play It Forward ” platform , which focuses on leveraging Mattel brands to give back to communities in times of need .
In addition to raising funds to support our first responders , Mattel is using its resources and workforce to produce 500,000 face shields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 .
As COVID-19 continues to devastate communities across America , it ’ s a gesture that will hopefully keep our lifesaving workers safer .
Similarly , Fisher-Price ’ s new collection is a wonderful way to teach our children that there are no “ little people ” in combatting a crisis like this ; it is essential that we all do our part .

Maiysha Kai on The Glow Up, shared by Maiysha Kai to The Root

If, as I did, you grew up playing with Fisher-Price’s “Little People,” you no doubt feel a wave of nostalgia upon just hearing the name. But if you have little people of your own these days, you may already be well-acquainted with the current generation of this legacy line—and are well accustomed to seeing them among the other playthings littering your home as we shelter-in-place.
Wednesday morning, parent brand Mattel paid tribute to the heroes of our present crisis, unveiling “a new, special edition line of collectibles that honor the individuals leading the fight against COVID-19, as well as the everyday heroes who are working to keep communities up and running.” A new, five-figure collection of Fisher-Price’s Little People represents some of the essential workers we’ve been depending on in recent weeks doctors, nurses and EMTs, of course, but also grocery store and delivery workers.
Advertisement
And the toy brand is also making sure their appreciation pays off during the coronavirus crisis, as stated by Mattel:
All net proceeds from the #ThankYouHeroes line will go to First Responders First (org established by CAAFoundation, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health + Thrive Global, in partnership with The Entertainment Industry Foundation) to provide resources to first responders who serve on the frontlines and their families. The program is part of our broader “Play It Forward” platform, which focuses on leveraging Mattel brands to give back to communities in times of need.
Advertisement Advertisement
In addition to raising funds to support our first responders, Mattel is using its resources and workforce to produce 500,000 face shields for healthcare workers, after originally committing 100,000. As COVID-19 continues to devastate communities across America, it’s a gesture that will hopefully keep our lifesaving workers safer. Similarly, Fisher-Price’s new collection is a wonderful way to teach our children that there are no “little people” in combatting a crisis like this; it is essential that we all do our part.


theroot--2020-04-29--Shop Huckberry's Spring Outerwear Sale for Hoodies, Flannels, and Jackets Up to 60% Off

Up to 60 % off Spring Outerwear | Huckberry We may be stuck inside for the most part right now @ @ @ @ @ all the more reason to spring clean your wardrobe and feel like a person again @ @ @ @ @ morning I wake up at the same time I did back in January , brew @ @ @ @ @ on my casual workday attire .
You can do the same , and even try @ @ @ @ @ with up to 60 % off Huckberry spring outerwear .
Among our readers ’ favorite @ @ @ @ @ Mendo flannels , Moto leather jackets , Flint and Tinder 10-Year hoodies , and more @ @ @ @ @ and take something home .
By September , who knows , maybe we ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ these looks for the fall .
And if nothing in the spring outerwear catalog is @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a little something to take the edge off : our regularly updated Huckberry @ @ @ @ @ the hottest sales of each week .

Gabe Carey on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Up to 60% off Spring Outerwear | Huckberry
We may be stuck inside for the most part right now, but that’s all the more reason to spring clean your wardrobe and feel like a person again. Believe me, every morning I wake up at the same time I did back in January, brew some coffee, and put on my casual workday attire. You can do the same, and even try out some new looks, with up to 60% off Huckberry spring outerwear.
Among our readers’ favorite brands, Huckberry is spotlighting Mendo flannels, Moto leather jackets, Flint and Tinder 10-Year hoodies, and more. Peruse the selection yourself and take something home. By September, who knows, maybe we’ll be outside enough to recycle these looks for the fall. And if nothing in the spring outerwear catalog is to your liking, here’s a little something to take the edge off: our regularly updated Huckberry deals page walking you through the hottest sales of each week.


theroot--2020-04-29--'Checking In, That's Whassup': Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union and More Recreate the Popular Budweiser Com

'Checking In, That's Whassup': Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union and More Recreate the Popular Budweiser Commercial in PSA

As we navigate these uncertain times , the yearning for connection is even stronger .
By this point , we ’ ve all been invited to various Zoom meetings , family FaceTimes , virtual happy hours , house parties ( via app ) and more .
As such , Budweiser launched a campaign in partnership with The Salvation Army “ in response to rising levels of anxiety , uncertainty , and fear resulting from the pandemic.
” The campaign actually kicked off last week featuring Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade checking in with DJ D-Nice , Candace Parker and Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union and Wade call up a few more friends including Issa Rae , Yvonne Orji , Emmy Raver-Lampman and Daveed Diggs .
You may recognize the schtick in the PSA as a throwback to the 1999 Budweiser commercial that made waves throughout pop culture .
Everybody and their mama ( and movies ! )
were saying the catchphrase , “ whassaaaaaap !
” Since I was a goofy teen during the time of its release ( Spoiler Alert for my past self : I grew up to be a goofy adult , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would , of course , reenact it occasionally with my hoodrat friends .
In the spirit of edutainment , the funny and heartwarming video has a larger purpose .
Per the press release , sent to The Root : As part of the campaign , Budweiser will make a donation to The Salvation Army for essential support of those in need due to COVID-19 .
Every day at 6:00 PM EST , Budweiser will be offering its community the chance to say “ whassup ” through a host of interactive activations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by “ whassup ” live chats every Thursday via Instagram Live on @ BudweiserUSA where different celebrities will check in while having a Bud and answering questions submitted by fans .
The program will kick off with Dwyane Wade tomorrow , April 30 , at 6:00 PM EST .
The Salvation Army has trained staff available for English and Spanish speakers every day from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM EST at 1-844-458-HOPE ( 4673 ) .
Callers are encouraged to leave a message if they call after hours .
“ My wife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we believe the message is crucial , ” Wade said in a statement .
“ We both remembered the original ‘ whassup ’ ads and love the idea of bringing them back as a genuine PSA to connect with each other .
We encourage everyone to take a moment out from their day to check-in with their friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
” The full schedule of events is listed below : Monday : “ Merch Mondays ” feature giveaways to fans for the chance to receive limited-edition “ whassup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our “ whassup ” topics to discuss occasions that bring people together such as watching TV together , sharing meals , and having a Bud .
Wednesday : “ whassup ” throwbacks bring followers back to the 90 ’ s so they can relive the original ad and share it with their friends , family and followers .
Followers will also have the chance to submit questions for Thursday ’ s Live “ whassup ” chats .
Thursday : “ Whassup ” Live Chats feature different celebrities checking-in over a Bud and answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Friday : Celebrate the end of the workweek with Budweiser and check in with your friends while enjoying a well-earned Friday beer .
Saturday : Compete in Budweiser ’ s “ whassup ” challenges over social media to win exclusive merchandise , free beer and other prizes .
Sunday : Share your best “ whassup ” videos on social media with the hashtag # whassup and you may be featured as part of the “ whassups of the week ” on Budweiser ’ s channels .

As we navigate these uncertain times, the yearning for connection is even stronger. By this point, we’ve all been invited to various Zoom meetings, family FaceTimes, virtual happy hours, house parties (via app) and more. As such, Budweiser launched a campaign in partnership with The Salvation Army “in response to rising levels of anxiety, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the pandemic.”
The campaign actually kicked off last week featuring Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade checking in with DJ D-Nice, Candace Parker and Chris Bosh. In this latest episode, Union and Wade call up a few more friends including Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Emmy Raver-Lampman and Daveed Diggs.
Budweiser Checking in, that’s still whassup / Budweiser (YouTube)
You may recognize the schtick in the PSA as a throwback to the 1999 Budweiser commercial that made waves throughout pop culture. Everybody and their mama (and movies!) were saying the catchphrase, “whassaaaaaap!” Since I was a goofy teen during the time of its release (Spoiler Alert for my past self: I grew up to be a goofy adult, too), I found it so funny and would, of course, reenact it occasionally with my hoodrat friends.
Advertisement
In the spirit of edutainment, the funny and heartwarming video has a larger purpose. Per the press release, sent to The Root:
As part of the campaign, Budweiser will make a donation to The Salvation Army for essential support of those in need due to COVID-19. Every day at 6:00 PM EST, Budweiser will be offering its community the chance to say “whassup” through a host of interactive activations on its social platforms. This is headlined by “whassup” live chats every Thursday via Instagram Live on @BudweiserUSA where different celebrities will check in while having a Bud and answering questions submitted by fans. The program will kick off with Dwyane Wade tomorrow, April 30, at 6:00 PM EST. The Salvation Army has trained staff available for English and Spanish speakers every day from 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM EST at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673). Callers are encouraged to leave a message if they call after hours.
Advertisement Advertisement
“My wife and I wanted to partner with Budweiser because we believe the message is crucial,” Wade said in a statement. “We both remembered the original ‘whassup’ ads and love the idea of bringing them back as a genuine PSA to connect with each other. We encourage everyone to take a moment out from their day to check-in with their friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The full schedule of events is listed below:


theroot--2020-04-29--D'ussé Palooza Severs Relationship With Host Chris Stylezz After Sexual Assault Allegations Surface

D ’ ussé Palooza , the New York-based festival heralded by Forbes as “ America ’ s Favorite House Party ” is cutting ties with its host and curator , Christopher “ Chris Stylezz ” Samuels , after more than a dozen women came forward accusing him of sexual assault , manipulation and coercion .
On Monday night , D ’ ussé Palooza ’ s official Twitter account announced that it was “ aware of the allegation made against one of our staff members.
” “ We are currently conducting an internal investigation around this allegation .
Until the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been placed on indefinite leave.
” The staff member , as Okayplayer reports , is Samuels , whose behavior toward women was the subject of discussion on Twitter the night the organization shared its statement .
As many as 16 women shared stories about Samuels , including anonymous screenshots of anecdotes detailing threats and harassment after Samuels allegedly propositioned women for sex but was rebuffed .
Several women reported similar stories , saying Samuels exposed himself to them without their consent .
Within 24 hours , D ’ ussé Palooza followed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We have decided to sever ties with the staff member who was initially put under internal investigation , ” it wrote .
“ Effective immediately , said staff member is no longer a part of the Palooza team and will not host any of our events going forward.
” There was no elaboration as to what the investigation turned up or what tilted D ’ ussé ’ s decision to remove Samuels from future events .
It was also unclear whether Samuels would still be allowed to attend other D ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severance was strictly in a professional capacity .
Samuels has been characterized as a “ larger than life ” personality and — as one of the two co-hosts of the popular festival ( originally known as Hennypalooza ) — was a highly visible member of the D ’ ussé Palooza team .
The Brooklyn native responded to the allegations via Instagram Live Tuesday night , appearing to accept responsibility for “ disrespecting women , ” but denying he had assaulted or raped anyone .
The recording is no longer available on his Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be found online .
“ I still can stand on what I did .
I still can stand on disrespecting women .
I still can stand on that I was wrong , I will stand on that all day and tomorrow .
Rape ?
I ’ m not standing on that , ” Samuels said .
“ If that ’ s the case , please .
I implore you to go to authorities , ” he continued .
“ If you want to out me , if you want to expose me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I can deal with that public scrutiny .
But the fact that , in the court of public opinion , the fact that I ’ m guilty before I even open my mouth ?
That ’ s crazy.
” The Root has reached out to D ’ ussé Palooza for comment and further clarification about the allegations .

Anne Branigin on The Grapevine, shared by Anne Branigin to The Root

D’ussé Palooza, the New York-based festival heralded by Forbes as “America’s Favorite House Party” is cutting ties with its host and curator, Christopher “Chris Stylezz” Samuels, after more than a dozen women came forward accusing him of sexual assault, manipulation and coercion.
On Monday night, D’ussé Palooza’s official Twitter account announced that it was “aware of the allegation made against one of our staff members.”
Advertisement
“We are currently conducting an internal investigation around this allegation. Until the investigation has been concluded, that staff member has been placed on indefinite leave.”
The staff member, as Okayplayer reports, is Samuels, whose behavior toward women was the subject of discussion on Twitter the night the organization shared its statement.
Advertisement Advertisement
As many as 16 women shared stories about Samuels, including anonymous screenshots of anecdotes detailing threats and harassment after Samuels allegedly propositioned women for sex but was rebuffed. Several women reported similar stories, saying Samuels exposed himself to them without their consent.
Within 24 hours, D’ussé Palooza followed up saying it was parting ways with Samuels.
Advertisement
“We have decided to sever ties with the staff member who was initially put under internal investigation,” it wrote. “Effective immediately, said staff member is no longer a part of the Palooza team and will not host any of our events going forward.”
There was no elaboration as to what the investigation turned up or what tilted D’ussé’s decision to remove Samuels from future events. It was also unclear whether Samuels would still be allowed to attend other D’ussé Palooza-affiliated events, or whether the severance was strictly in a professional capacity.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Samuels has been characterized as a “larger than life” personality and — as one of the two co-hosts of the popular festival (originally known as Hennypalooza)— was a highly visible member of the D’ussé Palooza team.
The Brooklyn native responded to the allegations via Instagram Live Tuesday night, appearing to accept responsibility for “disrespecting women,” but denying he had assaulted or raped anyone. The recording is no longer available on his Instagram, but excerpts of the recording can still be found online.
Advertisement
“I still can stand on what I did. I still can stand on disrespecting women. I still can stand on that I was wrong, I will stand on that all day and tomorrow. Rape? I’m not standing on that,” Samuels said.
“If that’s the case, please. I implore you to go to authorities,” he continued. “If you want to out me, if you want to expose me, do all that. Do it. I can deal with that public scrutiny. But the fact that, in the court of public opinion, the fact that I’m guilty before I even open my mouth? That’s crazy.”
Advertisement
The Root has reached out to D’ussé Palooza for comment and further clarification about the allegations.


theroot--2020-04-29--Former Republican Justin Amash Is Considering Whether He Wants to Ruin Everything

There were three ways to a Trump victory in November : A global pandemic that forces everyone in the house ; a refusal to fund the Postal Service , which will surely affect mail-in voting ; and a third-party candidate who surely has no chance at winning but will fuck up the election .
The first one is life .
The second is clearly the president ’ s doing , as he told members of Congress that he won ’ t approve any coronavirus proposals that include funding the Postal Service unless they hike prices ; and the last ingredient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fucked ” smoothie is all Justin Amash .
Fuck this guy .
And I wish that I could further convey my contempt and utter annoyance for the former Republican-turned-Independent who just announced an exploratory committee , the first sign that he ’ s seriously considering making a run for president .
First off , he doesn ’ t have a shot in hell at winning anything as a third : not a three-legged race , not a three-way phone call , not even a pair of Third Eye Blind tickets .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ross Perot , the spitfire third-party candidate who couldn ’ t stop running for president , is trending on Twitter .
To date , the most successful independent presidential candidate was George Wallace , who ran for the American Independent Party in 1968 and won Alabama , Arkansas , Georgia , Louisiana , Mississippi and 45 electoral votes .
And he didn ’ t even plan on winning the election ; he ran only to muck up the process hoping that his involvement would lead to no candidate winning the election , pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives where he could curry favor .
It didn ’ t work .
This was the most successful third-party candidate in American history—and all he even wanted to do was just fuck things up .
So Amash , the congressman from Michigan can go fuck himself with his presidential candidacy consideration announcement Tuesday and his look at a longshot attempt to win the White House as a Libertarian .
“ Americans are ready for practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people , ” he said in his announcement , launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our Constitution and bring people together .
I ’ m excited and honored to be taking these first steps toward serving Americans of every background as president.
” Apparently , Amash has been talking about this for some time , as CNN reports that earlier this month he was reported as saying he was looking “ closely ” at a bid .
Then , “ two weeks ago he said in a statement that he stopped actively campaigning for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumping into the presidential race , ” CNN reports .
Looks like Amash was facing an uphill battle to retain his seat in Michigan ’ s 3rd District , so he decided to fuck up America ’ s chances to get Trump out of office by pondering a run for president .
Only white people ponder and it ’ s time to shut Amash ’ s pondering down .
If he is to run in the general election for president , Amash will have to win the Libertarian Party ’ s nomination at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is currently set for the end of May .
That timing could change depending on the coronavirus pandemic .
While it is very unlikely a third-party candidate could win the presidency , a high-profile third-party contender has the potential to reshape the race .
In 2016 , Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson , a former governor of New Mexico , was on the ballot in every state and won a little over 3 % of the national vote .
Whether a strong Amash showing on Election Day could hurt the Republican candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Donald Trump has continually earned high approval ratings among the overwhelming majority of self-identified Republicans throughout his presidency , but Amash could win support among traditionally Republican or conservative voters who are dissatisfied with Trump .
He could also appeal to progressive voters who are unhappy with Joe Biden ’ s candidacy and agree with Amash on issues like civil liberties and foreign policy .
Let ’ s be clear about this : Some Republicans may hate Trump but not enough to vote for a turncoat who left their party to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they roll .
And secondly , this is only going to hurt Joe Biden ’ s chances at winning the White House .
And I ’ m no Biden fan , either ; he ’ s just the lesser of the three idiots we ’ re talking about .
Amash voted for Trump ’ s impeachment and bounced from the Republican party on July 4 , 2019 .
He had this to say before chucking the GOP the deuces : “ The Republican Party , I believed , stood for limited government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had made the American Dream possible for my family , ” he wrote in a Washington Post op-ed .
“ In recent years , though , I ’ ve become disenchanted with party politics and frightened by what I see from it .
The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions.
” Amash has told reporters he would only run for president if he can see a path to victory , and there isn ’ t , so he shouldn ’ t even think about it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone to shake it up and make a difference ?
I don ’ t know.
” I do and now is not the time .
He needs to Amash the fuck out of this idea .

There were three ways to a Trump victory in November:
A global pandemic that forces everyone in the house; a refusal to fund the Postal Service, which will surely affect mail-in voting; and a third-party candidate who surely has no chance at winning but will fuck up the election.
The first one is life. The second is clearly the president’s doing, as he told members of Congress that he won’t approve any coronavirus proposals that include funding the Postal Service unless they hike prices; and the last ingredient in the “We About to Be Fucked” smoothie is all Justin Amash.
Advertisement
Fuck this guy. And I wish that I could further convey my contempt and utter annoyance for the former Republican-turned-Independent who just announced an exploratory committee, the first sign that he’s seriously considering making a run for president. First off, he doesn’t have a shot in hell at winning anything as a third: not a three-legged race, not a three-way phone call, not even a pair of Third Eye Blind tickets. In fact, he’s so fucked that Ross Perot, the spitfire third-party candidate who couldn’t stop running for president, is trending on Twitter.
To date, the most successful independent presidential candidate was George Wallace, who ran for the American Independent Party in 1968 and won Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and 45 electoral votes. And he didn’t even plan on winning the election; he ran only to muck up the process hoping that his involvement would lead to no candidate winning the election, pushing the whole thing to the House of Representatives where he could curry favor. It didn’t work. This was the most successful third-party candidate in American history—and all he even wanted to do was just fuck things up.
Advertisement Advertisement
So Amash, the congressman from Michigan can go fuck himself with his presidential candidacy consideration announcement Tuesday and his look at a longshot attempt to win the White House as a Libertarian.
“Americans are ready for practical approaches based in humility and trust of the people,” he said in his announcement, launched on his website ‘gofuckyourselfJustinAmash.com’.
Advertisement
“We’re ready for a presidency that will restore respect for our Constitution and bring people together. I’m excited and honored to be taking these first steps toward serving Americans of every background as president.”
Apparently, Amash has been talking about this for some time, as CNN reports that earlier this month he was reported as saying he was looking “closely” at a bid. Then, “two weeks ago he said in a statement that he stopped actively campaigning for his House seat in mid-February while he considered jumping into the presidential race,” CNN reports.
Advertisement
Looks like Amash was facing an uphill battle to retain his seat in Michigan’s 3rd District, so he decided to fuck up America’s chances to get Trump out of office by pondering a run for president. Only white people ponder and it’s time to shut Amash’s pondering down.
From CNN:
If he is to run in the general election for president, Amash will have to win the Libertarian Party’s nomination at their convention in Austin, Texas, which is currently set for the end of May. That timing could change depending on the coronavirus pandemic. While it is very unlikely a third-party candidate could win the presidency, a high-profile third-party contender has the potential to reshape the race. In 2016, Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson, a former governor of New Mexico, was on the ballot in every state and won a little over 3% of the national vote. Whether a strong Amash showing on Election Day could hurt the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate more remains unclear. President Donald Trump has continually earned high approval ratings among the overwhelming majority of self-identified Republicans throughout his presidency, but Amash could win support among traditionally Republican or conservative voters who are dissatisfied with Trump. He could also appeal to progressive voters who are unhappy with Joe Biden’s candidacy and agree with Amash on issues like civil liberties and foreign policy.
Advertisement
Let’s be clear about this: Some Republicans may hate Trump but not enough to vote for a turncoat who left their party to become Independent. It’s not how they roll. And secondly, this is only going to hurt Joe Biden’s chances at winning the White House. And I’m no Biden fan, either; he’s just the lesser of the three idiots we’re talking about.
Amash voted for Trump’s impeachment and bounced from the Republican party on July 4, 2019. He had this to say before chucking the GOP the deuces:
“The Republican Party, I believed, stood for limited government, economic freedom and individual liberty—principles that had made the American Dream possible for my family,” he wrote in a Washington Post op-ed. “In recent years, though, I’ve become disenchanted with party politics and frightened by what I see from it. The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions.”
Advertisement
Amash has told reporters he would only run for president if he can see a path to victory, and there isn’t, so he shouldn’t even think about it.
“Now, is it possible for anyone to shake it up and make a difference? I don’t know.”
Advertisement
I do and now is not the time. He needs to Amash the fuck out of this idea.


theroot--2020-04-29--Spring Cleaning at Levi's Means Markdowns for You With 70% off Select Fashions

From now until May 11th Levi ’ s has slashed its prices on all it ’ s warehouse items .
@ @ @ @ @ % off on all of their closeout fashions .
If you need a few pairs @ @ @ @ @ got you covered .
Styles for men , women , and kids .
Tees are @ @ @ @ @ and jeans as low as $ 20 .
The only caveat is you have to @ @ @ @ @ list to get access .
But you do get 20 % off your next non-sale @ @ @ @ @ t pay for shipping .
Look in the regular sale section too , great deals @ @ @ @ @ still enjoy free shipping with this warehouse order .

Sheilah Villari on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

70% Off Warehouse Styles | Levi’s
From now until May 11th Levi’s has slashed its prices on all it’s warehouse items. This is up to 70% off on all of their closeout fashions. If you need a few pairs of jeans they’ve got you covered. Styles for men, women, and kids. Tees are as low as $6 and jeans as low as $20.
The only caveat is you have to sign up for their mailing list to get access. But you do get 20% off your next non-sale purchase and you won’t pay for shipping. Look in the regular sale section too, great deals there also. You will still enjoy free shipping with this warehouse order .


theroot--2020-04-29--Tarana Burke, Stacey Abrams, Weigh In on Sexual Assault Allegations Against Joe Biden

This week , new reporting about Tara Reade , a former Senate staffer who accused former Vice President Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s , forced the Biden campaign , its surrogates and its supporters to once again confront the polarizing allegations .
Among them was former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams , who is considered a potential running mate for Biden .
Keeping in line with the rest of the Democratic Party , Abrams defended the former vice president in a Tuesday night interview with CNN ’ s Don Lemon .
“ As someone who wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it ’ s important that we speak about something that ’ s in the news now , ” Lemon said toward the end of his interview with Abrams , who has been openly campaigning to join Biden on the Democratic presidential ticket .
Lemon referred to a recent report from Business Insider in which two women corroborated Reade ’ s story , saying the former Senate staffer told them about the incident within a few years of the alleged attack .
“ CNN has now spoken on the record with her former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the allegation within a few years of the alleged incident , ” Lemon said ( h/t Daily Beast ) .
“ Biden ’ s campaign says untrue , never happened .
Is this a credible allegation ?
” “ I believe that women deserve to be heard and I believe that they need to be listened to .
But I also believe that those allegations have to be investigated by credible sources , ” Abrams responded .
She then referred to a New York Times investigation earlier this month into the allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ not credible.
” “ I believe Joe Biden , ” Abrams continued .
“ I believe that he is a person who has demonstrated that his love of family , his love of our community , has been made perfectly clear through his work as a congressional leader and as an American leader .
I know Joe Biden and I think he ’ s telling the truth and that this did not happen.
” The argument that the Times reporting deemed Reade ’ s accusation as “ not credible , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last several weeks .
It ’ s also worth pointing out that it is not a correct assessment of the Times story .
Speaking about the controversial report on April 13 , Times executive editor Dean Baquet said the following : What I think readers should take away from this is that this is a serious allegation made by somebody who has some standing .
It is denied strenuously by Mr. Biden and his campaign .
Here ’ s everything we know and you have to make your own judgment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell readers they have to make their own judgment .
I understand that people want simple answers , but in my experience editing stories like this , sometimes there aren ’ t simple answers and sometimes you just have to figure that the reader is sophisticated , thoughtful , will read it , weigh it and make his or her own judgment He also acknowledged one noteworthy edit made to the story after it was published— “ The Times found no pattern of sexual misconduct by Mr. Biden , beyond the hugs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made them uncomfortable ” —was made in consult with the Biden campaign .
Abrams has been far from alone in her defense of the former vice president in recent weeks .
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand , known as one of Congress ’ most strident # MeToo supporters , also leaped to Biden ’ s defense , telling reporters on a recent conference call : “ I stand by Vice President Biden.
” “ He ’ s devoted his life to supporting women , and he has vehemently denied this allegation , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also considered a potential running mate for Biden , made similar comments in the last two weeks , telling the San Francisco Chronicle ’ s “ It ’ s All Political ” podcast that Reade “ has a right to tell her story .
And I believe that and I believe Joe Biden believes that , too.
” Harris , who landed some hard punches against Biden in the early Democratic primary debates , said she could “ only speak to the Joe Biden I know.
” “ He ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopping violence against women , ” she said , referring to his leading role in passing the 1994 Violence Against Women Act as a Delaware senator .
The act was part of the controversial 1994 crime bill signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton and marked the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes .
Harris offered that a “ bigger structural issue ” was that “ women must be able to speak without fear of retaliation.
” But Reade ’ s allegations against Biden have become about far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven women , not including Reade , have come forward over the years to say that Biden made contact with them that they found inappropriate or uncomfortable .
As recently as 2019 , Reade was on record saying that during her time working at Biden ’ s Senate office , he would touch her neck and shoulders , and once asked her to serve drinks at an event because he liked her legs .
But in a podcast interview with political commentator Katie Halper in March , Reade expanded on her fallout with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a wall and put his hands under her skirt , groping her and penetrating her with his fingers .
Reade , who was in her 20s at the time , said she was so shocked by Biden ’ s actions , she couldn ’ t recall if she actually said something to him at the time .
“ I remember wanting to say stop , but I don ’ t know if I said it out loud or if I just thought it .
I was kind of frozen up , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Biden campaign vehemently denied the allegations , which have been gleefully circulated by supporters of President Donald Trump .
The GOP has never cared about women ’ s rights except when politically expedient , and their disingenuous concern for Reade has made the allegations particularly difficult to parse .
Reade also tried unsuccessfully to get the Time ’ s Up Legal Defense Fund , which has backed women with sexual abuse claims against high-profile accusers , to provide her with funding or public relations support for her case .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t support Reade not because her case wasn ’ t credible , but because “ as a nonprofit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) charitable organization , the National Women ’ s Law Center is restricted in how it can spend its funds , including restrictions that pertain to candidates running for election.
” It ’ s this dynamic—a perceived lack of support for a sexual assault survivor from political figures and institutions that have built their reputations on championing their rights—that has left a bad taste in the mouths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touched on the nuances of the Reade case better than # MeTooFounder Tarana Burke , who discussed Reade ’ s allegations in a Twitter thread on Tuesday afternoon .
“ I hate to disappoint you , ” Burke wrote , “ but I don ’ t have really have easy answers .
There are no perfect survivors .
And no one , especially a presidential candidate , is beyond reproach.
” Burke pointed out that news investigations aren ’ t the same as due process , pointing out that , “ like other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rely on journalists in order to be heard—precisely because the systems for survivors are not in place.
” She also pushed back on the argument that Biden ’ s status as a “ good guy ” was a sufficient defense .
“ Instead , he could demonstrate what it looks like to be both accountable and electable , ” Burke wrote .
“ Meaning , at minimum , acknowledging that his demonstrated learning curve around boundaries with women , at the very least , left him open to the plausibility of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we are allowed to expect more of the person running for U.S. President.
” “ Survivors deserve more than being used as a political football by disinterested parties , ” she closed .
“ And a culture of acknowledging harm can ’ t exist if we continue to view sexual violence as a catastrophic outlier rather than an embedded toxic element of our culture .
”

This week, new reporting about Tara Reade, a former Senate staffer who accused former Vice President Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s, forced the Biden campaign, its surrogates and its supporters to once again confront the polarizing allegations.
Among them was former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, who is considered a potential running mate for Biden. Keeping in line with the rest of the Democratic Party, Abrams defended the former vice president in a Tuesday night interview with CNN’s Don Lemon.
Advertisement
“As someone who wants to be his vice president, I think it’s important that we speak about something that’s in the news now,” Lemon said toward the end of his interview with Abrams, who has been openly campaigning to join Biden on the Democratic presidential ticket.
Lemon referred to a recent report from Business Insider in which two women corroborated Reade’s story, saying the former Senate staffer told them about the incident within a few years of the alleged attack.
Advertisement Advertisement
“CNN has now spoken on the record with her former neighbor, who says Reade told her about the allegation within a few years of the alleged incident,” Lemon said (h/t Daily Beast). “Biden’s campaign says untrue, never happened. Is this a credible allegation?”
“I believe that women deserve to be heard and I believe that they need to be listened to. But I also believe that those allegations have to be investigated by credible sources,” Abrams responded. She then referred to a New York Times investigation earlier this month into the allegations, which she said found the accusation was “not credible.”
Advertisement
“I believe Joe Biden,” Abrams continued. “I believe that he is a person who has demonstrated that his love of family, his love of our community, has been made perfectly clear through his work as a congressional leader and as an American leader. I know Joe Biden and I think he’s telling the truth and that this did not happen.”
The argument that the Times reporting deemed Reade’s accusation as “not credible,” has been repeated by the Biden campaign in the last several weeks. It’s also worth pointing out that it is not a correct assessment of the Times story.
Advertisement
Speaking about the controversial report on April 13, Times executive editor Dean Baquet said the following:
What I think readers should take away from this is that this is a serious allegation made by somebody who has some standing. It is denied strenuously by Mr. Biden and his campaign. Here’s everything we know and you have to make your own judgment. Sometimes I think it is OK to tell readers they have to make their own judgment. I understand that people want simple answers, but in my experience editing stories like this, sometimes there aren’t simple answers and sometimes you just have to figure that the reader is sophisticated, thoughtful, will read it, weigh it and make his or her own judgment
Advertisement
He also acknowledged one noteworthy edit made to the story after it was published—“The Times found no pattern of sexual misconduct by Mr. Biden, beyond the hugs, kisses and touching that women previously said made them uncomfortable”—was made in consult with the Biden campaign.
Abrams has been far from alone in her defense of the former vice president in recent weeks. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, known as one of Congress’ most strident #MeToo supporters, also leaped to Biden’s defense, telling reporters on a recent conference call: “I stand by Vice President Biden.”
Advertisement
“He’s devoted his life to supporting women, and he has vehemently denied this allegation,” she said.
California Senator Kamala Harris, also considered a potential running mate for Biden, made similar comments in the last two weeks, telling the San Francisco Chronicle’s “It’s All Political” podcast that Reade “has a right to tell her story. And I believe that and I believe Joe Biden believes that, too.”
Advertisement
Harris, who landed some hard punches against Biden in the early Democratic primary debates, said she could “only speak to the Joe Biden I know.”
“He’s been a lifelong fighter, in terms of stopping violence against women,” she said, referring to his leading role in passing the 1994 Violence Against Women Act as a Delaware senator. The act was part of the controversial 1994 crime bill signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton and marked the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes.
Advertisement
Harris offered that a “bigger structural issue” was that “women must be able to speak without fear of retaliation.”
But Reade’s allegations against Biden have become about far more than being heard.
Advertisement
At least seven women, not including Reade, have come forward over the years to say that Biden made contact with them that they found inappropriate or uncomfortable. As recently as 2019, Reade was on record saying that during her time working at Biden’s Senate office, he would touch her neck and shoulders, and once asked her to serve drinks at an event because he liked her legs.
But in a podcast interview with political commentator Katie Halper in March, Reade expanded on her fallout with Biden, saying he once pinned her to a wall and put his hands under her skirt, groping her and penetrating her with his fingers.
Advertisement
Reade, who was in her 20s at the time, said she was so shocked by Biden’s actions, she couldn’t recall if she actually said something to him at the time.
“I remember wanting to say stop, but I don’t know if I said it out loud or if I just thought it. I was kind of frozen up,” she told the Associated Press this year.
Advertisement
The Biden campaign vehemently denied the allegations, which have been gleefully circulated by supporters of President Donald Trump. The GOP has never cared about women’s rights except when politically expedient, and their disingenuous concern for Reade has made the allegations particularly difficult to parse. Reade also tried unsuccessfully to get the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, which has backed women with sexual abuse claims against high-profile accusers, to provide her with funding or public relations support for her case.
According to the Intercept, Time’s Up didn’t support Reade not because her case wasn’t credible, but because “as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the National Women’s Law Center is restricted in how it can spend its funds, including restrictions that pertain to candidates running for election.”
Advertisement
It’s this dynamic—a perceived lack of support for a sexual assault survivor from political figures and institutions that have built their reputations on championing their rights—that has left a bad taste in the mouths of some advocates.
Perhaps no one touched on the nuances of the Reade case better than #MeTooFounder Tarana Burke, who discussed Reade’s allegations in a Twitter thread on Tuesday afternoon.
Advertisement
“I hate to disappoint you,” Burke wrote, “but I don’t have really have easy answers. There are no perfect survivors. And no one, especially a presidential candidate, is beyond reproach.”
Advertisement
Burke pointed out that news investigations aren’t the same as due process, pointing out that, “like other public survivors before her, she had to rely on journalists in order to be heard—precisely because the systems for survivors are not in place.”
She also pushed back on the argument that Biden’s status as a “good guy” was a sufficient defense.
Advertisement
“Instead, he could demonstrate what it looks like to be both accountable and electable,” Burke wrote. “Meaning, at minimum, acknowledging that his demonstrated learning curve around boundaries with women, at the very least, left him open to the plausibility of these claims. No matter what you believe, we are allowed to expect more of the person running for U.S. President.”
“Survivors deserve more than being used as a political football by disinterested parties,” she closed. “And a culture of acknowledging harm can’t exist if we continue to view sexual violence as a catastrophic outlier rather than an embedded toxic element of our culture.”


theroot--2020-04-29--Octavia Spencer Donates Respirators to Hospitals in Alabama and New York

Octavia Spencer is doing her part to make sure lives are being saved amidst the coronavirus pandemic .
The Oscar-winning actress is reportedly donating respiratory monitors to hospitals in her home state of Alabama and the epicenter of the illness , New York .
“ Seeing what is happening in the communities that I love , I have teamed up with @ Mikucare to donate monitors to nursing and medical facilities in Alabama and New York to provide much-needed relief to nurses as they navigate care for COVID-19 patients , ” she wrote on Instagram Tuesday in the caption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elsewhere in her post , Spencer discussed some of the best aspects of the Miku machine , such as its ability to “ indicate potential onset [ illness ] before other symptoms present.
” “ Miku ’ s two-way talk and video functionality also provides patients and medical personnel a method to communicate safely and effectively with those who have contracted the highly contagious virus , ” she continued , before urging her fans and followers to stay safe .
New York is the epicenter of the illness , with nearly 300,000 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the website for NYC Health , over 150,000 citizens contracted COVID-19 in New York City alone .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made it a requirement for masks to be worn in public places in the state where social distancing is not possible , such as grocery stores and sidewalks .
Kudos to Ms. Spencer for the incredibly generous gesture .

J'na Jefferson on The Grapevine, shared by J'na Jefferson to The Root

Octavia Spencer is doing her part to make sure lives are being saved amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The Oscar-winning actress is reportedly donating respiratory monitors to hospitals in her home state of Alabama and the epicenter of the illness, New York.
“Seeing what is happening in the communities that I love, I have teamed up with @Mikucare to donate monitors to nursing and medical facilities in Alabama and New York to provide much-needed relief to nurses as they navigate care for COVID-19 patients,” she wrote on Instagram Tuesday in the caption of a photo of a medical worker.
Advertisement
Elsewhere in her post, Spencer discussed some of the best aspects of the Miku machine, such as its ability to “indicate potential onset [illness] before other symptoms present.”
Advertisement Advertisement
“Miku’s two-way talk and video functionality also provides patients and medical personnel a method to communicate safely and effectively with those who have contracted the highly contagious virus,” she continued, before urging her fans and followers to stay safe.
New York is the epicenter of the illness, with nearly 300,000 cases and more than 17,600 deaths. According to the website for NYC Health, over 150,000 citizens contracted COVID-19 in New York City alone. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made it a requirement for masks to be worn in public places in the state where social distancing is not possible, such as grocery stores and sidewalks.
Advertisement
Kudos to Ms. Spencer for the incredibly generous gesture.


theroot--2020-04-29--Video Appears to Show Police Officer Repeatedly Punching and Slamming a 14-Year-Old Black Child

Here we go again .
Cell phone video footage posted on social media Tuesday appears to show an officer using excessive force in an effort to detain a 14-year-old black child in Rancho Cordova , Calif .
In the video , the officer is seen shoving the child ’ s face into the ground and punching him multiple times as witnesses plead with him to stop .
The Rancho Cordova Police Department released a statement addressing the incident Tuesday afternoon saying what you would expect cops to say in situations like this : The video needs context and the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we ’ re pretty sure the officer did everything right ( added subtext mine ) .
According to the statement , the “ Problem Oriented Policing ( POP ) Officer ” was patrolling the area amid complaints from citizens about “ hand-to-hand sales of alcohol , tobacco and drugs to minors .
” It ’ s important to put video footage into context , especially in relation to a use of force incident .
In this case , the deputy saw what he believed to be a hand-to-hand exchange between an adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around , he lost sight of the adult , who left the area .
When the deputy approached the juvenile , the juvenile was uncooperative and refused to give the deputy basic identifying information .
He told the deputy he was 18 years old .
Having reasonable suspicion that criminal activity was occurring , the deputy attempted to detain the juvenile so he could conduct further investigation .
The juvenile became physically resistive at that time , causing the deputy to lose control of his handcuffs , which landed several feet away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the juvenile without his handcuffs and while alone waiting for his partners to arrive and assist him .
Ultimately , the deputy recovered tobacco products from the 14-year-old juvenile , which is presumably the reason for his resistance .
The juvenile was cited and released to his guardians .
Nothing in the RCPD ’ s statement explains why an officer needed to repeatedly punch and slam a child half his size .
“ Uncooperative ” doesn ’ t explain that and “ physically resistive ” is too vague a description for something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against a minor .
All their statement does is immediately paint the officer as innocent and the child as troublesome .
Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Ca . )
pretty much captured the appropriate sentiment .
“ This is a horrific abuse of power .
This officer must be held accountable , ” she tweeted .

Here we go again.
Cell phone video footage posted on social media Tuesday appears to show an officer using excessive force in an effort to detain a 14-year-old black child in Rancho Cordova, Calif.
Advertisement
In the video, the officer is seen shoving the child’s face into the ground and punching him multiple times as witnesses plead with him to stop.
The Rancho Cordova Police Department released a statement addressing the incident Tuesday afternoon saying what you would expect cops to say in situations like this: The video needs context and the investigation is still “in its infancy” but we’re pretty sure the officer did everything right (added subtext mine).
Advertisement Advertisement
According to the statement, the “Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Officer” was patrolling the area amid complaints from citizens about “hand-to-hand sales of alcohol, tobacco and drugs to minors. ”
It’s important to put video footage into context, especially in relation to a use of force incident. In this case, the deputy saw what he believed to be a hand-to-hand exchange between an adult and juvenile. As the deputy turned around, he lost sight of the adult, who left the area. When the deputy approached the juvenile, the juvenile was uncooperative and refused to give the deputy basic identifying information. He told the deputy he was 18 years old. Having reasonable suspicion that criminal activity was occurring, the deputy attempted to detain the juvenile so he could conduct further investigation. The juvenile became physically resistive at that time, causing the deputy to lose control of his handcuffs, which landed several feet away. The deputy attempted to maintain control of the juvenile without his handcuffs and while alone waiting for his partners to arrive and assist him. Ultimately, the deputy recovered tobacco products from the 14-year-old juvenile, which is presumably the reason for his resistance. The juvenile was cited and released to his guardians.
Advertisement
Nothing in the RCPD’s statement explains why an officer needed to repeatedly punch and slam a child half his size. “Uncooperative” doesn’t explain that and “physically resistive” is too vague a description for something that supposedly led to this degree of force against a minor. All their statement does is immediately paint the officer as innocent and the child as troublesome.
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Ca.) pretty much captured the appropriate sentiment.
“This is a horrific abuse of power. This officer must be held accountable,” she tweeted.


theroot--2020-04-29--Give Your Mother 400 Kisses of the Hershey's Variety for $13

I ’ ll be the first to admit that I ’ m no good at gifting .
I would buy @ @ @ @ @ 400 Hershey ’ s Kisses chocolates and give the whole thing to my mother in @ @ @ @ @ fall into depression after she disowns me for putting no thought into her Mother ’ @ @ @ @ @ can just eat them all myself and work it all off in the gym whenever @ @ @ @ @ Always plan ahead , folks .

Quentyn Kennemer on Kinja Deals, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

400 Hershey’s Kisses | $13 | Woot
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no good at gifting. I would buy this $13 bag of 400 Hershey’s Kisses chocolates and give the whole thing to my mother in a heartbeat. Whenever I fall into depression after she disowns me for putting no thought into her Mother’s Day gift, I can just eat them all myself and work it all off in the gym whenever they open back up. Always plan ahead, folks.


theroot--2020-04-29--Eager to Get His Career Back on Track, Jameis Winston 'Puts Ego Aside' to Sign With the New Orleans

Eager to Get His Career Back on Track, Jameis Winston 'Puts Ego Aside' to Sign With the New Orleans Saints

Jameis Winston is the Chris Brown of the NFL : for all his natural gifts and immense talent , the dude just can ’ t get out of his own damn way .
As a star quarterback at Florida State , he was hounded by sexual assault allegations from an encounter that occurred in 2012 ( he would settle out of court in 2016 ) , got caught stealing crab legs from a grocery store in 2013 , was suspended in 2014 for jumping on a table and barking , “ Fuck her right in her pussy !
” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and after becoming the # 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft , he was suspended for three games in 2018 after allegedly groping a female Uber driver .
As such , the dude is a perennial headache .
And after inexplicably throwing 30 interceptions last season—he became the first player in NFL history to couple such a dubious distinction with 30 touchdown passes—he ’ s also the textbook definition of feast or famine .
So when Tom Brady filed for divorce from the Patriots in March after 20 years of marital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a surprise that Winston came home to find another man in the bed and all his shit left out on the curb .
Then between free agency signings and last week ’ s 2020 NFL Draft , quarterback vacancies dried up throughout the league .
So what is an incredibly gifted quarterback with a penchant for pick-sixes and mental errors to do ?
Apparently swallow his pride and backup one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history , as ESPN reports that Winston has signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , the Saints provide the perfect opportunity to learn from a future Hall of Famer and get his career back on track .
“ Being a part of the New Orleans Saints—being a part with Drew Brees , Taysom Hill , [ head coach ] Sean Payton , [ quarterback ’ s coach ] Joe Lombardi , [ offensive coordinator ] Pete Carmichael Jr.—when you think about that room , that ’ s like a Harvard education in quarterback school , ” Winston said Tuesday during an appearance on “ Chalk Talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wanted to put my ego aside—put the money to the side—to think about my family , think about my career.
” He added , “ And there was no better position than to be in the same room with someone that I ’ ve really looked up to , that I ’ ve admired since I ’ ve been playing this game , in Drew Brees.
” While I think the Steelers or Patriots would ’ ve provided him with a better opportunity to play this upcoming season , I sure as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s logic .
Brees is 41 and clearly in the twilight of his career , and after filling a similar backup role with the Saints last season—and leading them to a 5-0 record in Brees ’ absence—Teddy Bridgewater signed a lucrative deal with the Panthers in March .
So if Winston is able to flourish , all signs point to him becoming Brees ’ heir apparent .
“ [ Brees ] is an incredible leader ; he ’ s an incredible studier of the game how he breaks down his opponents , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general manager , said on the Matt Mosley Show .
“ And then you throw in Pete Carmichael , Joe Lombardi and Sean Payton on the offensive side of the ball , those creative minds , Jameis Winston will learn more football in a year than he has in his lifetime.
” But can Winston beat out fellow backup Taysom Hill , who just signed a new deal of his own and doesn ’ t habitually throw the ball to the wrong team ?
Worst case scenario , Winston becomes a free agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available for him to play elsewhere .
But considering the circumstances , this sounds like a win for all parties involved .

Jameis Winston is the Chris Brown of the NFL: for all his natural gifts and immense talent, the dude just can’t get out of his own damn way.
As a star quarterback at Florida State, he was hounded by sexual assault allegations from an encounter that occurred in 2012 (he would settle out of court in 2016), got caught stealing crab legs from a grocery store in 2013, was suspended in 2014 for jumping on a table and barking, “Fuck her right in her pussy!” in Florida State’s Student Union, and after becoming the #1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, he was suspended for three games in 2018 after allegedly groping a female Uber driver.
Advertisement
As such, the dude is a perennial headache. And after inexplicably throwing 30 interceptions last season—he became the first player in NFL history to couple such a dubious distinction with 30 touchdown passes—he’s also the textbook definition of feast or famine. So when Tom Brady filed for divorce from the Patriots in March after 20 years of marital bliss, it wasn’t exactly a surprise that Winston came home to find another man in the bed and all his shit left out on the curb.
Advertisement Advertisement
Then between free agency signings and last week’s 2020 NFL Draft, quarterback vacancies dried up throughout the league. So what is an incredibly gifted quarterback with a penchant for pick-sixes and mental errors to do? Apparently swallow his pride and backup one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, as ESPN reports that Winston has signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Advertisement
And if you let Winston tell it, the Saints provide the perfect opportunity to learn from a future Hall of Famer and get his career back on track.
“Being a part of the New Orleans Saints—being a part with Drew Brees, Taysom Hill, [head coach] Sean Payton, [quarterback’s coach] Joe Lombardi, [offensive coordinator] Pete Carmichael Jr.—when you think about that room, that’s like a Harvard education in quarterback school,” Winston said Tuesday during an appearance on “Chalk Talk” with Charlie Ward. “So I wanted to put my ego aside—put the money to the side—to think about my family, think about my career.”
Advertisement
He added, “And there was no better position than to be in the same room with someone that I’ve really looked up to, that I’ve admired since I’ve been playing this game, in Drew Brees.”
While I think the Steelers or Patriots would’ve provided him with a better opportunity to play this upcoming season, I sure as hell can’t fault Winston’s logic. Brees is 41 and clearly in the twilight of his career, and after filling a similar backup role with the Saints last season—and leading them to a 5-0 record in Brees’ absence—Teddy Bridgewater signed a lucrative deal with the Panthers in March. So if Winston is able to flourish, all signs point to him becoming Brees’ heir apparent.
Advertisement
“[Brees] is an incredible leader; he’s an incredible studier of the game how he breaks down his opponents,” Jeff Ireland, the Saints’ assistant general manager, said on the Matt Mosley Show. “And then you throw in Pete Carmichael, Joe Lombardi and Sean Payton on the offensive side of the ball, those creative minds, Jameis Winston will learn more football in a year than he has in his lifetime.”
But can Winston beat out fellow backup Taysom Hill, who just signed a new deal of his own and doesn’t habitually throw the ball to the wrong team?
Advertisement
Worst case scenario, Winston becomes a free agent next year and there are more opportunities available for him to play elsewhere. But considering the circumstances, this sounds like a win for all parties involved.


theroot--2020-04-29--I'm Halfway Through Little Fires Everywhere and I Have so Many Questions!

*I will try very , very hard to avoid them , but there will be light spoilers here .
* 2 .
Does anyone else say “ Here comes a little fire ” to themselves whenever there ’ s a confrontation ?
4 .
A first date to a junkyard van ?
Really ?
Who does that ?
Are junkyard vans the awkward white teenager ’ s Cheesecake Factory ?
5 .
I love Kerry Washington with all my heart , but why does it always seem like she ’ s standing in front of a strong-ass fan ?
8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an actual thing ?
9 .
Why did they act like she discovered fire when she just added some crackers to ground beef ?
Had they ever had soup before ?
10 .
Also , she did like 3821983 fireable things in the first two weeks working at that house , so why wasn ’ t she just fired then ?
12 .
Did Reese Witherspoon ’ s White Guilt become sentient and start the fire ?
?
?
13 .
Why are all the kids on the show so small ?
14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s apparently a star quarterback at a big high school despite being the size of a mailbox ?
15 .
And if it ’ s supposed to be 1997 , why does he have a high top fade—which went out of style in like 1991 and didn ’ t come back until like yesterday ?
17 .
And in the scene where he did you-know-what with whatshername for the first time , where was the limo driver ?
18 .
The food at that Chinese restaurant is definitely terrible , right ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 .
And the subplot with the baby and the mom and the other mom , can that actually happen in real life ?
21 .
Where a person who did what she did can sue , a year later , to get her back ?
( Don ’ t tell me what happens on the show .
I ’ m genuinely curious if that can actually happen . )
22 .
SO THAT ’ S WHERE JESSE WILLIAMS HAS BEEN FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS ?
( Forgive me but I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 23 .
I know she ’ s just a teenage girl who ’ s been through a lot , but Pearl is kinda trash , right ?
Or at least trash-adjacent ?
24 .
Little outcast girl has the most personality of all the kids and the least friends , which is less a question and more a sobering commentary on the soul-crippling nature of pre-millennial adolescent interpersonal dynamics , huh ?
25 .
Is Reese Witherspoon the LeBron James of Reese Witherspoons ?
26 .
There are a lot of black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the actual neighborhoods , so are those high school black kids just holograms ?
27 .
Even for 1997 , that has to be America ’ s biggest and best $ 300 a month apartment , right ?
28 .
And speaking of things that were things in 1997 , “ so ... call us African-American now ” is the worst idea we ( black people ) have ever had , isn ’ t it ?
29 .
Even worse than lightskint replacement Harriet on Family Matters , right ?

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

*I will try very, very hard to avoid them, but there will be light spoilers here.*
1. Who set the fire???
2. Does anyone else say “Here comes a little fire” to themselves whenever there’s a confrontation?
Advertisement
3. No?
4. A first date to a junkyard van? Really? Who does that? Are junkyard vans the awkward white teenager’s Cheesecake Factory?
Advertisement Advertisement
5. I love Kerry Washington with all my heart, but why does it always seem like she’s standing in front of a strong-ass fan?
6. Did Kerry Washington’s Strong-Ass Fan start the fire???
7. Or fan the flames?
8. Is putting Ritz crackers in meatloaf an actual thing?
9. Why did they act like she discovered fire when she just added some crackers to ground beef? Had they ever had soup before?
Advertisement
10. Also, she did like 3821983 fireable things in the first two weeks working at that house, so why wasn’t she just fired then?
11. Is white guilt that powerful?
12. Did Reese Witherspoon’s White Guilt become sentient and start the fire???
13. Why are all the kids on the show so small?
14. Including the black boyfriend, who’s apparently a star quarterback at a big high school despite being the size of a mailbox?
Advertisement
15. And if it’s supposed to be 1997, why does he have a high top fade—which went out of style in like 1991 and didn’t come back until like yesterday?
(And don’t reply with “Shaker Heights is a suburb and suburban black kids in Ohio might have been slow with trends” BECAUSE SHAKER HEIGHTS IS LITERALLY AN EYELASH FROM CLEVELAND AND CLEVELAND IS BLACK AS FUCK AND ONLY TWO HOURS FROM NOTORIOUSLY ANTIFASHIONABLE PITTSBURGH AND EVEN WE’D LEFT THE HIGH TOP FADES AND HAMMER PANTS IN 1992.)
Advertisement
16. DID BLACK BOYFRIEND’S ANACHRONISTIC HAIR START THE FIRE???
Advertisement
17. And in the scene where he did you-know-what with whatshername for the first time, where was the limo driver?
18. The food at that Chinese restaurant is definitely terrible, right?
19. Would you eat there?
20. And the subplot with the baby and the mom and the other mom, can that actually happen in real life?
Advertisement
21. Where a person who did what she did can sue, a year later, to get her back? (Don’t tell me what happens on the show. I’m genuinely curious if that can actually happen.)
22. SO THAT’S WHERE JESSE WILLIAMS HAS BEEN FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS? (Forgive me but I don’t watch Grey’s.)
Advertisement
23. I know she’s just a teenage girl who’s been through a lot, but Pearl is kinda trash, right? Or at least trash-adjacent?
24. Little outcast girl has the most personality of all the kids and the least friends, which is less a question and more a sobering commentary on the soul-crippling nature of pre-millennial adolescent interpersonal dynamics, huh?
Advertisement
25. Is Reese Witherspoon the LeBron James of Reese Witherspoons?
26. There are a lot of black kids at that school, but none in the actual neighborhoods, so are those high school black kids just holograms?
Advertisement
27. Even for 1997, that has to be America’s biggest and best $300 a month apartment, right?
28. And speaking of things that were things in 1997, “so...call us African-American now” is the worst idea we (black people) have ever had, isn’t it?
Advertisement
29. Even worse than lightskint replacement Harriet on Family Matters, right?
30. DID LIGHTSKINT REPLACEMENT HARRIET START THE FIRE???


theroot--2020-04-29--Vice President Mike Pence Is a Crash Test Dummy for Trump

Remember way back to 2017 when Vice President Mike Pence attended a football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers just so he could walk out when players kneeled for the National Anthem ?
Pence would later tweet : “ I left today ’ s Colts game because @ POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers , our Flag , or our National Anthem .
” The football game wasn ’ t on any of the vice president ’ s itineraries .
In fact , the press members who were following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend the game and were tipped off by one of the VP ’ s handlers that they wouldn ’ t be waiting in the van for the whole game as there might be an “ early departure.
” The whole thing was a show , a stunt to further the president ’ s message that fans should leave the game if players don ’ t stand for the flag .
It was an attempt by the president to rile up his base by using players as pawns and his VP as a crash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who I ’ m still not convinced isn ’ t a Russian robot , complied because he ’ s a fucking idiot .
On Tuesday , the vice president visited the Mayo Clinic and didn ’ t wear a face mask in the renowned Rochester , Minn. , facility , surely at the insistence of President Trump , who has been anxiously pushing to reopen the economy during a global pandemic .
Not only is it Mayo Clinic ’ s policy that everyone on the premises wear a mask , but they even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have one .
Y et VP Pence refused to wear one , surely hoping to appear like some kind of hero and instead just ended up looking like a goofy who can ’ t follow orders unless his high commander has given them .
The Mayo Clinic even tweeted not to blame Pence ’ s stupidity on them as they “ informed @ VP of the masking policy prior to his arrival today , ” the center wrote on Twitter and then later deleted , probably realizing that they ’ d thrown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus .
But there he was , barefaced in the blood and plasma donation center inside the building surrounded by everyone else wearing masks .
The Mayo Clinic briefed Pence ’ s team in the last several days about the clinic ’ s policy requiring face masks , a person involved in planning the visit told CNN .
The briefing came after the White House reached out last week about a potential visit .
The person said when the clinic told the White House about the policy , it wasn ’ t clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Pence and the team , including reporters , arrived at the clinic , personnel from the facility had masks available for the group , including Pence .
During the tour , the rest of the entourage wore masks except Pence .
Another source familiar with discussions said it is clear that — despite what the vice president said in defending himself and not wearing a mask — Pence ’ s staff understands now it was a mistake .
News reports after the visit focused on whether he wore a mask instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinic , and Pence ’ s staff believes they should have made sure he wore one to avoid such a news cycle , the source said .
Pence wasn ’ t all the way stupid ; he reportedly didn ’ t shake hands and instead elbow-bumped folks , but this could ’ ve been because his wife wasn ’ t there .
But he was mask-less and breathing in all that Mayo Clinic air unfiltered as he “ conferred with hospital administrators and spoke with a Mayo Clinic employee who was donating plasma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of March , ” CNN reports .
But Pence ’ s reason for not wearing a mask might ’ ve been dumber than not wearing a mask .
“ As vice president of the United States I ’ m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis , and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus , ” he said .
“ Since I don ’ t have the coronavirus , I thought it ’ d be a good opportunity for me to be here , to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible health care personnel and look them in the eye and say thank you , ” he said .
Does Pence wear his masks over his eyes ?
Why couldn ’ t he wear a mask and still look people in the eye ?
And what does getting regularly tested for the coronavirus have to do with anything ?
All that says is that you don ’ t have it , yet .
WTF is wrong with this administration ?
On April 13 , the Mayo Clinic updated their website to note it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a face covering or mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
” “ Patients and visitors are asked to bring their own face covering or mask to wear .
If a patient or visitor does not have a mask , Mayo Clinic will provide one , ” the website reads , CNN reports .
But Crash Test Dummy Pence is just following his commander ’ s lead as President Trump also refuses to wear a mask—but that ’ s just because he doesn ’ t want mask lines all in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think I ’ m going to be doing it , ” Trump said when asked about wearing a mask .
“ Wearing a face mask as I greet presidents , prime ministers , dictators , kings , queens—I just don ’ t see it.
” You know what else the president and vice president aren ’ t going to be able to see ?
The future if they keep fucking around with the Rona without a mask .
In the words of philosopher Benita Butrell , “ You didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @

Remember way back to 2017 when Vice President Mike Pence attended a football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers just so he could walk out when players kneeled for the National Anthem?
Pence would later tweet: “I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem .”
Advertisement
The football game wasn’t on any of the vice president’s itineraries. In fact, the press members who were following the vice president weren’t allowed to attend the game and were tipped off by one of the VP’s handlers that they wouldn’t be waiting in the van for the whole game as there might be an “early departure.”
The whole thing was a show, a stunt to further the president’s message that fans should leave the game if players don’t stand for the flag.
Advertisement Advertisement
It was an attempt by the president to rile up his base by using players as pawns and his VP as a crash test dummy.
Advertisement
And, Pence, who I’m still not convinced isn’t a Russian robot, complied because he’s a fucking idiot.
On Tuesday, the vice president visited the Mayo Clinic and didn’t wear a face mask in the renowned Rochester, Minn. , facility , surely at the insistence of President Trump, who has been anxiously pushing to reopen the economy during a global pandemic.
Advertisement
Not only is it Mayo Clinic’s policy that everyone on the premises wear a mask, but they even provide them for those who don’t have one. Y et VP Pence refused to wear one , surely hoping to appear like some kind of hero and instead just ended up looking like a goofy who can’t follow orders unless his high commander has given them. The Mayo Clinic even tweeted not to blame Pence’s stupidity on them as they “informed @VP of the masking policy prior to his arrival today,” the center wrote on Twitter and then later deleted, probably realizing that they’d thrown his ass all the way under the bus.
But there he was, barefaced in the blood and plasma donation center inside the building surrounded by everyone else wearing masks.
Advertisement
From CNN:
The Mayo Clinic briefed Pence’s team in the last several days about the clinic’s policy requiring face masks, a person involved in planning the visit told CNN. The briefing came after the White House reached out last week about a potential visit. The person said when the clinic told the White House about the policy, it wasn’t clear whether Pence would wear a mask. When Pence and the team, including reporters, arrived at the clinic, personnel from the facility had masks available for the group, including Pence. During the tour, the rest of the entourage wore masks except Pence. Another source familiar with discussions said it is clear that — despite what the vice president said in defending himself and not wearing a mask — Pence’s staff understands now it was a mistake. News reports after the visit focused on whether he wore a mask instead of the work being done at the Mayo Clinic, and Pence’s staff believes they should have made sure he wore one to avoid such a news cycle, the source said.
Advertisement
Pence wasn’t all the way stupid; he reportedly didn’t shake hands and instead elbow-bumped folks, but this could’ve been because his wife wasn’t there.
But he was mask-less and breathing in all that Mayo Clinic air unfiltered as he “conferred with hospital administrators and spoke with a Mayo Clinic employee who was donating plasma after being diagnosed with Covid-19 at the end of March,” CNN reports.
Advertisement
But Pence’s reason for not wearing a mask might’ve been dumber than not wearing a mask.
“As vice president of the United States I’m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis, and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus,” he said.
Advertisement
“Since I don’t have the coronavirus, I thought it’d be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers, these incredible health care personnel and look them in the eye and say thank you,” he said.
Does Pence wear his masks over his eyes? Why couldn’t he wear a mask and still look people in the eye? And what does getting regularly tested for the coronavirus have to do with anything? All that says is that you don’t have it, yet. WTF is wrong with this administration?
Advertisement
On April 13, the Mayo Clinic updated their website to note it was requiring “all patients and visitors to wear a face covering or mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”
“Patients and visitors are asked to bring their own face covering or mask to wear. If a patient or visitor does not have a mask, Mayo Clinic will provide one,” the website reads, CNN reports.
Advertisement
But Crash Test Dummy Pence is just following his commander’s lead as President Trump also refuses to wear a mask—but that’s just because he doesn’t want mask lines all in his orange makeup.
“I don’t think I’m going to be doing it,” Trump said when asked about wearing a mask. “Wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens—I just don’t see it.”
Advertisement
You know what else the president and vice president aren’t going to be able to see? The future if they keep fucking around with the Rona without a mask. In the words of philosopher Benita Butrell, “You didn’t hear it from me.”