inquisitr--2020-01-12--Bernie Sanders Did Not Approve Leaked Memo Trashing Elizabeth Warren, Reports Say

A leaked script that is allegedly from Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders ‘ campaign instructed volunteers to criticize fellow candidate Elizabeth Warren .
According to CBS News 2020 campaign reported Cara Korte via Twitter , the Vermont Sen. said that he did not approve the volunteer talking points taking aim at Warren .
The clarification comes after NBC News reported that Warren expressed her disappointment after hearing of the Sanders campaign ’ s purported strategy .
“ I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me , ” she told NBC News , noting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other for a long time .
The script reportedly said Warren was a candidate for “ elites ” that would bring nothing new to the Democratic Party .
The memo also claimed that the Massachusetts Senator ’ s base consists of “ highly educated , more affluent people ” who would vote in the 2020 election regardless , noting that Sanders would draw new voters .
According to BuzzFeed News political reporter Ruby Cramer — via Twitter — Sanders brushed off reports of his campaign ’ s attacks on Warren .
Sanders noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was pressed on the memo attacking Warren ’ s campaign .
The spat comes as Sanders continues to surge in the polls as Warren and Pete Buttigieg appear to be losing support .
The rise appears to have been noticed by Donald Trump ’ s campaign , which appears to be shifting its focus to the 78-year-old politician .
Rep. Ro Khanna of California claims that the president understands Sanders ’ appeal to working-class voters and does not underestimate the danger he could present to his presidency in the 2020 election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump has focused most of his campaign ’ s attacks on current Democratic primary frontrunner Joe Biden , who has remained in the lead for the duration of the race .
Sanders has also been shifting his strategy and going on the offensive against Biden .
In particular , Sanders criticized the former Vice President for his support of the Iraq War and blasted him for supporting the NAFTA trade agreement , as well as his previous support for cutting Social Security and Medicare .

A leaked script that is allegedly from Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders‘ campaign instructed volunteers to criticize fellow candidate Elizabeth Warren. According to CBS News 2020 campaign reported Cara Korte via Twitter, the Vermont Sen. said that he did not approve the volunteer talking points taking aim at Warren.
The clarification comes after NBC News reported that Warren expressed her disappointment after hearing of the Sanders campaign’s purported strategy.
“I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me,” she told NBC News, noting that she and Sanders have known each other for a long time.
The script reportedly said Warren was a candidate for “elites” that would bring nothing new to the Democratic Party. The memo also claimed that the Massachusetts Senator’s base consists of “highly educated, more affluent people” who would vote in the 2020 election regardless, noting that Sanders would draw new voters.
According to BuzzFeed News political reporter Ruby Cramer — via Twitter — Sanders brushed off reports of his campaign’s attacks on Warren.
“Elizabeth,” he reportedly began before laughing.
“I gotta tell you, I think this is a little bit of a media blow up. The kind of wants conflict. Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine.”
Sanders noted he and Warren’s relationship before he was pressed on the memo attacking Warren’s campaign.
“We have hundreds of employees Elizabeth Warren has hundreds of employees. And people sometimes say things that they shouldn’t. You have heard me give many speeches. Have I ever said one word about Elizabeth Warren?”
Warren hits back: “I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me. Bernie knows me and has known me for a long time…I hope bernie reconsiders and turns his campaign in a different direction.” Also notes the “factionalism” caused by 2016 https://t.co/ER0Vm6sgJS pic.twitter.com/N8prZdeZk9 — Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) January 12, 2020
The spat comes as Sanders continues to surge in the polls as Warren and Pete Buttigieg appear to be losing support. The rise appears to have been noticed by Donald Trump’s campaign, which appears to be shifting its focus to the 78-year-old politician. Rep. Ro Khanna of California claims that the president understands Sanders’ appeal to working-class voters and does not underestimate the danger he could present to his presidency in the 2020 election.
The shift in focus is notable given that Trump has focused most of his campaign’s attacks on current Democratic primary frontrunner Joe Biden, who has remained in the lead for the duration of the race.
Sanders has also been shifting his strategy and going on the offensive against Biden. In particular, Sanders criticized the former Vice President for his support of the Iraq War and blasted him for supporting the NAFTA trade agreement, as well as his previous support for cutting Social Security and Medicare.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Bernie Sanders Lands Endorsement From New Hampshire SEIU

The New Hampshire chapter of the Service Employees International Union ( SEIU ) has endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont for president , reports The New York Times .
In doing so , the Granite State chapter broke ranks with national leadership , which has remained neutral in the endorsement process .
About 10,000 workers across New Hampshire are represented by the SEIU ’ s collective bargaining contract , and its national affiliate organization represents about two million workers nationally .
In a statement , New Hampshire SEIU president Rich Gulla praised Sanders ’ commitment to labor issues , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorse him for president .
“ Senator Sanders has taken the time to stand with us on multiple occasions .
This type of unwavering dedication to New Hampshire ’ s workers means that we can trust him to have our backs .
For these reasons and more , we are thrilled to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders for president.
” As The New York Times notes , during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary , local union chapters had their hands tied as national bodies made the decisions .
This lead to splits between local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country have faced pressure to become more transparent and democratic about their endorsements .
The New Hampshire SEIU endorsed Sanders after a vote , and the national leadership did not object to the decision , according to individuals familiar with the process who spokes with the Times .
The national union has yet to endorse a candidate .
According to its spokeswoman , Sara Lonardo , the national leadership will “ continue engaging our members nationwide to determine who they see as the best candidate for our union to endorse.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy proposals , including a sweeping “ Workplace Democracy ” plan .
The proposal , which aims to double union membership during Sanders ’ first term in office , would increase workers ’ rights to bargain for better benefits and wages , ban companies from classifying employees as independent contractors and penalize employers who refuse to negotiate in “ good faith.
” For Sanders , the New Hampshire SEIU endorsement comes on the heels of similar seals of approval from unions and progressive organizations .
The Vermont senator enjoys the support of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups including People ’ s Action , Sunrise Movement and the Center for Popular Democracy .
The SEIU could help Sanders solidify support in New Hampshire , where he leads in the polls .
The senator has surged in the two early states and continues to breathe down frontrunner Joe Biden ’ s neck in other key primary competitions .
Even President Donald Trump has taken note of Sanders ’ surge in the polls , with his campaign sending out emails blasting the Vermont senator as “ dangerous .
”

The New Hampshire chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont for president, reports The New York Times. In doing so, the Granite State chapter broke ranks with national leadership, which has remained neutral in the endorsement process.
About 10,000 workers across New Hampshire are represented by the SEIU’s collective bargaining contract, and its national affiliate organization represents about two million workers nationally. In a statement, New Hampshire SEIU president Rich Gulla praised Sanders’ commitment to labor issues, saying that workers are “thrilled” to endorse him for president.
“Senator Sanders has taken the time to stand with us on multiple occasions. This type of unwavering dedication to New Hampshire’s workers means that we can trust him to have our backs. For these reasons and more, we are thrilled to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders for president.”
As The New York Times notes, during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, local union chapters had their hands tied as national bodies made the decisions. This lead to splits between local chapters and national organizations, so unions across the country have faced pressure to become more transparent and democratic about their endorsements.
The New Hampshire SEIU endorsed Sanders after a vote, and the national leadership did not object to the decision, according to individuals familiar with the process who spokes with the Times. The national union has yet to endorse a candidate. According to its spokeswoman, Sara Lonardo, the national leadership will “continue engaging our members nationwide to determine who they see as the best candidate for our union to endorse.”
Sanders has released a number of pro-labor policy proposals, including a sweeping “Workplace Democracy” plan. The proposal, which aims to double union membership during Sanders’ first term in office, would increase workers’ rights to bargain for better benefits and wages, ban companies from classifying employees as independent contractors and penalize employers who refuse to negotiate in “good faith.”
I’m 78. I plead guilty. But there is an advantage—you can check my record going back a long way. And I have stood up and fought for working families my entire life. pic.twitter.com/qE60vL8zSN — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 4, 2020
For Sanders, the New Hampshire SEIU endorsement comes on the heels of similar seals of approval from unions and progressive organizations. The Vermont senator enjoys the support of the National Nurses United, and prominent advocacy groups including People’s Action, Sunrise Movement and the Center for Popular Democracy.
The SEIU could help Sanders solidify support in New Hampshire, where he leads in the polls. The senator has surged in the two early states and continues to breathe down frontrunner Joe Biden’s neck in other key primary competitions. Even President Donald Trump has taken note of Sanders’ surge in the polls, with his campaign sending out emails blasting the Vermont senator as “dangerous.”


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Mike Lee Says He Is ‘Worried’ About Integrity Of Donald Trump Administration’s Intelligence On Iran

Republican Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee recently broke with the GOP on Donald Trump ’ s approach to Iran , noting the apparent lack of intelligence presented in the congressional briefing addressing the assassination of the country ’ s top general .
During Sunday ’ s broadcast of CNN ’ s State of the Union , Lee spoke to host Jake Tapper about the evidence that has been presented to justify the attack on Qassem Soleimani , Breitbart reports .
Tapper noted the shifting narratives pertaining to the reasoning behind the attack , from claims of an imminent attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times claiming that the president ’ s administration was planning Soleimani ’ s death for 18 months .
“ How worried are you about the integrity of the information we ’ re being told ?
” Tapper asked .
“ Well , I ’ m worried , ” Lee responded .
“ And as a United States senator and as a voter and citizen , I have learned not to simply take the federal government ’ s word at face value.
” The 48-year-old Utah politician noted the lies that were used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as those used to support military intervention in Afghanistan .
“ We have been lied to about a lot of things .
It ’ s not to say that the government is always lying or that the people who run it are inherently evil .
It ’ s just that they ’ re human .
And these things do happen .
And so that ’ s important to ask these questions , to make sure that we know the details.
” Lee expressed his belief that Congress must be informed of intelligence before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noting Article 1 , Section 8 of the Constitution .
Lee ’ s beliefs echo Paul ’ s , who also expressed his dismay with the intelligence briefing on Soleimani .
The Kentucky senator appeared on NBC News ’ Meet the Press Sunday and continued to push for a “ full-throated ” debate on future military action against Iran in Congress .
He also claimed that Trump ’ s recent actions were the result of pressure from Washington war hawks that have the president ’ s attention .
Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to justify attacks on Iran , pointing to the Trump administration ’ s previous distrust of the intelligence community .
Much like Lee , he noted the false justifications that drove the Iraq War — pushed by cable news outlets — and said these claims undermined the strength of the U.S. Carlson ’ s comments were in stark contrast to many of his fellow Fox News commentators who appeared to flip in their previous distrust of the intelligence community .

Republican Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee recently broke with the GOP on Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, noting the apparent lack of intelligence presented in the congressional briefing addressing the assassination of the country’s top general. During Sunday’s broadcast of CNN’s State of the Union, Lee spoke to host Jake Tapper about the evidence that has been presented to justify the attack on Qassem Soleimani, Breitbart reports.
Tapper noted the shifting narratives pertaining to the reasoning behind the attack, from claims of an imminent attack to a report from The New York Times claiming that the president’s administration was planning Soleimani’s death for 18 months.
“How worried are you about the integrity of the information we’re being told?” Tapper asked.
“Well, I’m worried,” Lee responded. “And as a United States senator and as a voter and citizen, I have learned not to simply take the federal government’s word at face value.”
The 48-year-old Utah politician noted the lies that were used to justify the Iraq War, as well as those used to support military intervention in Afghanistan.
“We have been lied to about a lot of things. It’s not to say that the government is always lying or that the people who run it are inherently evil. It’s just that they’re human. And these things do happen. And so that’s important to ask these questions, to make sure that we know the details.”
Lee expressed his belief that Congress must be informed of intelligence before making a decision related to military action, noting Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.
“I believe that the briefers and the President believe that they had a basis for concluding that there was an imminent attack… It’s just frustrating to be told that and not get the details behind it.” – GOP @SenMikeLee about intel on the strike against Soleimani. #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/Tjn82vLSGa — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) January 12, 2020
Lee’s beliefs echo Paul’s, who also expressed his dismay with the intelligence briefing on Soleimani. The Kentucky senator appeared on NBC News’ Meet the Press Sunday and continued to push for a “full-throated” debate on future military action against Iran in Congress. He also claimed that Trump’s recent actions were the result of pressure from Washington war hawks that have the president’s attention.
Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has also been critical of the intelligence used to justify attacks on Iran, pointing to the Trump administration’s previous distrust of the intelligence community. Much like Lee, he noted the false justifications that drove the Iraq War — pushed by cable news outlets — and said these claims undermined the strength of the U.S.
Carlson’s comments were in stark contrast to many of his fellow Fox News commentators who appeared to flip in their previous distrust of the intelligence community.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Elizabeth Warren Says She’s Disappointed That Bernie Sanders’ Campaign Is ‘Sending Volunteers To Tra

Elizabeth Warren Says She’s Disappointed That Bernie Sanders’ Campaign Is ‘Sending Volunteers To Trash Me’

Elizabeth Warren is speaking out against Bernie Sanders ’ campaign after a leaked script showed that volunteers were being given instructions to criticize Warren in discussions with voters .
As NBC News reported , the Massachusetts senator spoke out on Sunday and called on Sanders to turn his campaign “ in a different direction.
” “ I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me , ” she told NBC News .
“ Bernie knows me and has known me for a long time .
He knows who I am , where I come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fought for and the coalition and grassroots movement we are trying to build .
Democrats want to win in 2020 we all saw the impact of the factionalism in 2016 and we can ’ t have a repeat of that.
” Warren and Sanders have spoken frequently about their friendship as two of the more progressive members of the U.S. Senate , and have refrained from direct attacks against each other .
But in her statement on Sunday , Warren said that Democrats need a candidate who can bring the party together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Politico revealed that volunteers for the Sanders campaign were given a script that claimed Warren was the candidate of the “ elites ” who would not be able to expand the Democratic base .
It said that Warren ’ s supporters are “ highly educated , more affluent people ” who would show up to the polls no matter what , while claiming that Sanders could bring in new voters who would lift up the party .
The moves come as Sanders has seen an uptick in polling , steadily gaining ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today noted , many pundits believed that Sanders ’ chances were slim after he suffered a heart attack three months ago and had to undergo emergency surgery .
He has since come back to take the lead in a series of critical polls , including one from the first voting state , Iowa .
Warren and Pete Buttigieg have fallen off in polls as well , leaving what could be a two-person race between Sanders and Biden for the nomination .
“ I think the two people who will absolutely be in it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Joe Trippi , a longtime Democratic campaign operative , told the newspaper .
“ Does it turn into a Biden-Bernie race the way Clinton-Bernie did ?
Or is it three or four other people , billionaires , fighting it out until the end ?
I don ’ t know .
”

Elizabeth Warren is speaking out against Bernie Sanders’ campaign after a leaked script showed that volunteers were being given instructions to criticize Warren in discussions with voters.
As NBC News reported, the Massachusetts senator spoke out on Sunday and called on Sanders to turn his campaign “in a different direction.”
“I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me,” she told NBC News. “Bernie knows me and has known me for a long time. He knows who I am, where I come from, what I have worked on and fought for and the coalition and grassroots movement we are trying to build. Democrats want to win in 2020 we all saw the impact of the factionalism in 2016 and we can’t have a repeat of that.”
Warren and Sanders have spoken frequently about their friendship as two of the more progressive members of the U.S. Senate, and have refrained from direct attacks against each other. But in her statement on Sunday, Warren said that Democrats need a candidate who can bring the party together and excite the base.
A report from Politico revealed that volunteers for the Sanders campaign were given a script that claimed Warren was the candidate of the “elites” who would not be able to expand the Democratic base. It said that Warren’s supporters are “highly educated, more affluent people” who would show up to the polls no matter what, while claiming that Sanders could bring in new voters who would lift up the party.
Warren hits back: “I was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me. Bernie knows me and has known me for a long time…I hope bernie reconsiders and turns his campaign in a different direction.” Also notes the “factionalism” caused by 2016 https://t.co/ER0Vm6sgJS pic.twitter.com/N8prZdeZk9 — Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) January 12, 2020
The moves come as Sanders has seen an uptick in polling, steadily gaining ground on frontrunner Joe Biden. As USA Today noted, many pundits believed that Sanders’ chances were slim after he suffered a heart attack three months ago and had to undergo emergency surgery. He has since come back to take the lead in a series of critical polls, including one from the first voting state, Iowa.
Warren and Pete Buttigieg have fallen off in polls as well, leaving what could be a two-person race between Sanders and Biden for the nomination.
“I think the two people who will absolutely be in it until the end are Biden and Bernie,” Joe Trippi, a longtime Democratic campaign operative, told the newspaper. “Does it turn into a Biden-Bernie race the way Clinton-Bernie did? Or is it three or four other people, billionaires, fighting it out until the end? I don’t know.”


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Rand Paul Demands Congressional Debate On Iran: ‘Bring Our Kids Home’

In the wake of Donald Trump ‘ s unilateral decision to kill Iran ’ s General Qassem Soleimani , Republican Sen. Rand Paul has been critical of the lack of intelligence provided during a briefing on the mission .
During a Sunday appearance on NBC News ’ Meet the Press , Paul continued to express his belief that Congress must be brought into the debate of further action on Iran , Newsweek reports .
Paul claimed that U.S. commanders and generals have privately complained about the lack of a clear mission in the wars that the U.S. has participated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade .
He said that both he and Trump share the desire to bring the troops home , but suggested Trump was being influenced by allies that were supportive of the Iraq War — a view he does not believe is shared by most Americans .
The Kentucky senator took particular issue with Republicans leaning on the 2002 congressional vote to authorize military action against Saddam Hussein to justify circumventing Congress for current action against Iran .
“ This is what really infuriated me about the briefing , that a vote in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a vote that now allows them to still be in Iraq and do whatever they want , including killing a foreign general in Iran .
I don ’ t think that ’ s what Congress meant in 2002 , nor do I think one generation can bind another generation.
” According to Paul — who claims that most of his GOP colleagues are neoconservatives who “ don ’ t care about the Constitution ” — the president is being influenced by Washington war hawks who don ’ t have the best interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 57-year-old politician claims that some of the Republicans who have Trump ’ s ear have convinced him that withdrawal in the Middle East reflects badly on the strength of the U.S. and called for a “ full-throated ” debate on the issue in Congress .
Per The Washington Examiner , Paul also used his appearance to note that Trump is not the first president to engage in military conflict without authorization from Congress .
He pointed to the many alleged military strikes former President Barack Obama ordered without congressional approval , likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered during his time in office .
Paul previously expressed his belief that the power to declare war has been drifting from Congress for years , pointing to Obama , George W. Bush , Harry S. Truman , and Lyndon B. Johnson , all of whom he said were guilty of “ usurping war powers.
” In such cases , presidents leaned on the powers granted by Article II , Section 2 of the Constitution , which gives the president authority over the U.S. military , ignoring Article I , Section 8 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

In the wake of Donald Trump‘s unilateral decision to kill Iran’s General Qassem Soleimani, Republican Sen. Rand Paul has been critical of the lack of intelligence provided during a briefing on the mission. During a Sunday appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Paul continued to express his belief that Congress must be brought into the debate of further action on Iran, Newsweek reports.
Paul claimed that U.S. commanders and generals have privately complained about the lack of a clear mission in the wars that the U.S. has participated in in the Middle Easter for over a decade. He said that both he and Trump share the desire to bring the troops home, but suggested Trump was being influenced by allies that were supportive of the Iraq War — a view he does not believe is shared by most Americans.
The Kentucky senator took particular issue with Republicans leaning on the 2002 congressional vote to authorize military action against Saddam Hussein to justify circumventing Congress for current action against Iran.
“This is what really infuriated me about the briefing, that a vote in Congress in 2002 to go after Saddam Hussein was a vote that now allows them to still be in Iraq and do whatever they want, including killing a foreign general in Iran. I don’t think that’s what Congress meant in 2002, nor do I think one generation can bind another generation.”
According to Paul — who claims that most of his GOP colleagues are neoconservatives who “don’t care about the Constitution” — the president is being influenced by Washington war hawks who don’t have the best interests of the American people in mind. The 57-year-old politician claims that some of the Republicans who have Trump’s ear have convinced him that withdrawal in the Middle East reflects badly on the strength of the U.S. and called for a “full-throated” debate on the issue in Congress.
“The majority of American people want to come home, they don’t understand why we’re still there. I want to have that debate and I want to bring our kids home.”
WATCH: Senator @RandPaul of the Foreign Relations Committee says this is the time "to come home" from Iraq #MTP #IfItsSunday "He keeps supporting people to represent him that think the Iraq War was just great … I do think his instincts are pure." pic.twitter.com/Igu0dxGS84 — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) January 12, 2020
Per The Washington Examiner, Paul also used his appearance to note that Trump is not the first president to engage in military conflict without authorization from Congress. He pointed to the many alleged military strikes former President Barack Obama ordered without congressional approval, likely referring to the over 500 drone strikes ordered during his time in office.
Paul previously expressed his belief that the power to declare war has been drifting from Congress for years, pointing to Obama, George W. Bush, Harry S. Truman, and Lyndon B. Johnson, all of whom he said were guilty of “usurping war powers.”
In such cases, presidents leaned on the powers granted by Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president authority over the U.S. military, ignoring Article I, Section 8, which provides Congress authority to declare war.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Bernie Sanders Could Suffer Second Heart Attack, Would Be ‘Gift’ To Donald Trump, ‘USA Today’ Column

Bernie Sanders Could Suffer Second Heart Attack, Would Be ‘Gift’ To Donald Trump, ‘USA Today’ Columnist Warns

Former House Oversight Committee spokesperson Kurt Bardella says Democrats must ask tough questions about 78-year-old Sanders ' health .
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders suffered a mild heart attack on October 2 , and now a former House Oversight Committee spokesperson , who is currently a columnist for USA Today , wants Democrats to ask hard questions about Sanders ’ health .
A second heart attack for Sanders , if he were to win the party ’ s nomination , would be a “ gift ” to Donald Trump , Kurt Bardella writes .
Bardella appeared in an MSNBC interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that might unfold were Sanders to become the Democratic nominee .
As seen in the video excerpt below , Bardella asked what “ the plan is if the Democratic nominee is Bernie Sanders and he suffers a heart attack on the campaign trail.
” Under that scenario , Democrats would be “ giving Donald Trump a second term , ” Bardella said in the interview .
Two previous presidents — Dwight D. Eisenhower , and Lyndon B. Johnson — each suffered heart attacks prior to winning elections .
Eisenhower ’ s heart attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the National Institutes of Health , and occurred in 1955 , his third year in office .
But the former Army general ran for and won a second term in 1956 .
He survived that term and in fact lived until 1969 when he died at age 78-years-old .
Sanders , however , was already 78-years-old when he suffered his heart attack last October .
If he were to win the presidency , he would be 79-years-old by the time he assumed office .
“ Do Democrats really believe that the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 78-year-old who has already suffered a heart attack ?
” Bardella asked in his USA Today column published on Saturday .
The columnist went on to warn Democrats of the consequences if a second Sanders coronary incident occurred in public .
Sanders ’ heart attack last year occurred as the Vermont senator was on stage during a campaign appearance .
But despite a hospitalization , Sanders did not acknowledge that the incident was , in fact , a heart attack , rather than the initial claim of “ chest discomfort , ” until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be “ irresponsible and naive ” of Democrats to ignore the questions surrounding Sanders ’ health , Bardella cites statistics from the American Heart Association showing that one of every five heart attack victims will suffer a second coronary within five years of the initial incident — and that there are 335,000 incidents of “ recurrent ” heart attacks on a yearly basis .
But none of those 335,000 heart attacks have happened to a person under the stress of running for president , Bardella wrote , adding that “ lifestyle changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are strongly recommended for recovering heart attack patients .
“ If the worst-case scenario happens and Sanders suffers a repeat heart incident , what is the plan ?
” Bardella asks — speculating that Sanders could conceivably experience a second heart attack in the middle of a televised debate with Trump .

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders suffered a mild heart attack on October 2, and now a former House Oversight Committee spokesperson, who is currently a columnist for USA Today, wants Democrats to ask hard questions about Sanders’ health. A second heart attack for Sanders, if he were to win the party’s nomination, would be a “gift” to Donald Trump, Kurt Bardella writes.
Bardella appeared in an MSNBC interview on Sunday morning, to discuss scenarios that might unfold were Sanders to become the Democratic nominee. As seen in the video excerpt below, Bardella asked what “the plan is if the Democratic nominee is Bernie Sanders and he suffers a heart attack on the campaign trail.”
Under that scenario, Democrats would be “giving Donald Trump a second term,” Bardella said in the interview.
Two previous presidents — Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson — each suffered heart attacks prior to winning elections. Eisenhower’s heart attack was described as “massive,” by the National Institutes of Health, and occurred in 1955, his third year in office. But the former Army general ran for and won a second term in 1956. He survived that term and in fact lived until 1969 when he died at age 78-years-old.
Sanders, however, was already 78-years-old when he suffered his heart attack last October. If he were to win the presidency, he would be 79-years-old by the time he assumed office.
"I want to know what the plan is if the Democratic nominee is @BernieSanders & he suffers a heart attack on the campaign trail, what are Democrats going to do? Because if that happens, they’re giving @realDonaldTrump a 2nd term" pic.twitter.com/wu2XbhqDDL — Kurt Bardella (@kurtbardella) January 12, 2020
“Do Democrats really believe that the best chance to defeat Trump lies with a 78-year-old who has already suffered a heart attack?” Bardella asked in his USA Today column published on Saturday.
The columnist went on to warn Democrats of the consequences if a second Sanders coronary incident occurred in public. Sanders’ heart attack last year occurred as the Vermont senator was on stage during a campaign appearance. But despite a hospitalization, Sanders did not acknowledge that the incident was, in fact, a heart attack, rather than the initial claim of “chest discomfort,” until three days later.
Writing that it would be “irresponsible and naive” of Democrats to ignore the questions surrounding Sanders’ health, Bardella cites statistics from the American Heart Association showing that one of every five heart attack victims will suffer a second coronary within five years of the initial incident — and that there are 335,000 incidents of “recurrent” heart attacks on a yearly basis.
But none of those 335,000 heart attacks have happened to a person under the stress of running for president, Bardella wrote, adding that “lifestyle changes” such as “managing stress” are strongly recommended for recovering heart attack patients.
“If the worst-case scenario happens and Sanders suffers a repeat heart incident, what is the plan?” Bardella asks — speculating that Sanders could conceivably experience a second heart attack in the middle of a televised debate with Trump.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Donald Trump Takes Aim At Bernie Sanders, Senator Responds With A Zinger

President Donald Trump is apparently becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders winning the Democratic nomination .
According to reports , the Trump campaign has begun shifting its focus from perceived frontrunner Joe Biden to Sanders , sending out emails blasting the senator .
In a recent interview , Trump ’ s campaign spokesperson Tim Murtaugh described Sanders as “ dangerous , ” suggesting that a Sanders presidency would be bad news for national security .
The attacks have not stopped .
In a Twitter message posted on Sunday , Trump took aim at Sanders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and noting that he has surged in the polls .
“ Wow !
Crazy Bernie Sanders is surging in the polls , looking very good against his opponents in the Do Nothing Party .
So what does this all mean ?
Stay tuned !
” Trump tweeted .
According to a report from The Hill , the president ’ s attacks on Sanders come as no surprise to those familiar with the Trump campaign ’ s strategy .
According to Rep. Ro Khanna of California , a top adviser to the Sanders campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of Sanders winning the nomination , and aware of the senator ’ s appeal to key voting blocs .
“ I ’ ve heard reports in private from people that Trump doesn ’ t actually underestimate him .
He understands Sanders ’ s appeal to rural America .
He understands Sanders ’ s appeal to working-class voters , ” Khanna said , explaining that Trump ’ s attacks are good news for the Sanders campaign , because they demonstrate that the Vermont Independent is indeed one of the leading Democratic White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican operative affiliated with the Trump campaign , Sanders winning the Democratic nomination would do “ weird things to the electoral landscape , ” making it more difficult for the president to run an efficient reelection campaign .
“ It shakes up the map , and we have no idea how it shakes up the map , ” the operative said .
Sanders entered the Democratic primary race as a frontrunner but was soon overtaken by Biden .
The former vice president has maintained his lead in national polls , but his standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as good .
Sanders is topping the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire , and breathing down Biden ’ s neck in other crucial primary states .
In recent weeks , Sanders has aggressively contrasted his own record with Biden ’ s , blasting the former vice president for supporting the war in Iraq , and criticizing him for backing the NAFTA trade agreement and wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare .

President Donald Trump is apparently becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders winning the Democratic nomination. According to reports, the Trump campaign has begun shifting its focus from perceived frontrunner Joe Biden to Sanders, sending out emails blasting the senator.
In a recent interview, Trump’s campaign spokesperson Tim Murtaugh described Sanders as “dangerous,” suggesting that a Sanders presidency would be bad news for national security. The attacks have not stopped. In a Twitter message posted on Sunday, Trump took aim at Sanders, calling the senator “Crazy,” and noting that he has surged in the polls.
“Wow! Crazy Bernie Sanders is surging in the polls, looking very good against his opponents in the Do Nothing Party. So what does this all mean? Stay tuned!” Trump tweeted.
Sanders responded with a zinger.
“It means you’re going to lose.”
According to a report from The Hill, the president’s attacks on Sanders come as no surprise to those familiar with the Trump campaign’s strategy. According to Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a top adviser to the Sanders campaign, Trump is actually concerned about the possibility of Sanders winning the nomination, and aware of the senator’s appeal to key voting blocs.
“I’ve heard reports in private from people that Trump doesn’t actually underestimate him. He understands Sanders’s appeal to rural America. He understands Sanders’s appeal to working-class voters,” Khanna said, explaining that Trump’s attacks are good news for the Sanders campaign, because they demonstrate that the Vermont Independent is indeed one of the leading Democratic White House hopefuls.
Furthermore, according to a Republican operative affiliated with the Trump campaign, Sanders winning the Democratic nomination would do “weird things to the electoral landscape,” making it more difficult for the president to run an efficient reelection campaign.
“It shakes up the map, and we have no idea how it shakes up the map,” the operative said.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: "We are the strongest campaign to defeat Donald Trump." pic.twitter.com/ngGAYwwoJF — The Hill (@thehill) January 12, 2020
Sanders entered the Democratic primary race as a frontrunner but was soon overtaken by Biden. The former vice president has maintained his lead in national polls, but his standing in key early states is not nearly as good.
Sanders is topping the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire, and breathing down Biden’s neck in other crucial primary states.
In recent weeks, Sanders has aggressively contrasted his own record with Biden’s, blasting the former vice president for supporting the war in Iraq, and criticizing him for backing the NAFTA trade agreement and wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Vladimir Putin Is More Trusted Across The World Than Donald Trump According To New Poll

When it comes to handling international affairs , more people trust Russian leader Vladimir Putin to do the right thing than U.S. President Donald Trump .
According to NBC News , a new Pew poll reveals that Trump falls to fourth place behind Germany ’ s Angela Merkel and France ’ s Emmanuel Macron when it comes to confidence .
As news of Trump ’ s dealings with Ukraine and increased conflict in Iran continue to make waves both in and out of the United States , it ’ s clear that people from various different countries don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ do the right thing regarding world affairs.
” Chancellor Merkel was the top when it came to trust with 46 percent of people expressing the belief that she would do the right thing .
Macron was in at 41 percent and Putin landed at third with 33 percent .
Trump , on the other hand , got just 29 percent of people expressing confidence in him , just ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping , who got 28 percent of support from people .
At the same time in his presidency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher in trust , as NBC points out .
“ The data also suggests that any lack of trust is less about the United States than it is about Trump specifically .
The president ’ s numbers are noticeably lower on the confidence question than were the figures for his predecessor , Barack Obama , at a similar point in Obama ’ s presidency , ” the news outlet reports .
Further , as NBC points out , the downward trend appears particularly stark in countries that are important allies to the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump ’ s ‘ right thing ’ number , 32 percent , is 43 points lower than Obama ’ s was in 2011 .
In Canada , Trump ’ s score , 28 percent , is 53 points lower than Obama ’ s was in 2013 .
In France , the confidence in Trump is 64 points lower than it was for Obama in 2011.
” Unsurprisingly , the numbers diverge when it comes to conservatives and liberals .
Only 9 percent of liberals in France have confidence in Trump , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , 50 percent of conservatives support Trump , while only 15 percent of liberals do .
In Canada , a 30 point gap separates liberals and conservatives .
Not all countries look down on Trump .
Conservatives in Poland support him at 61 percent and in Israel , a whopping 86 percent of people believe in Trump ’ s ability to do the right thing in world affairs .
Though his numbers are behind other world leaders , it appears that confidence in Trump is climbing – at least among conservatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Canada in the past year , 11 points in Italy , and 17 points in France .

When it comes to handling international affairs, more people trust Russian leader Vladimir Putin to do the right thing than U.S. President Donald Trump. According to NBC News, a new Pew poll reveals that Trump falls to fourth place behind Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s Emmanuel Macron when it comes to confidence.
As news of Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and increased conflict in Iran continue to make waves both in and out of the United States, it’s clear that people from various different countries don’t have a lot of faith in Trump to “do the right thing regarding world affairs.”
Chancellor Merkel was the top when it came to trust with 46 percent of people expressing the belief that she would do the right thing. Macron was in at 41 percent and Putin landed at third with 33 percent. Trump, on the other hand, got just 29 percent of people expressing confidence in him, just ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who got 28 percent of support from people.
At the same time in his presidency, former President Barack Obama scored far higher in trust, as NBC points out.
“The data also suggests that any lack of trust is less about the United States than it is about Trump specifically. The president’s numbers are noticeably lower on the confidence question than were the figures for his predecessor, Barack Obama, at a similar point in Obama’s presidency,” the news outlet reports.
Further, as NBC points out, the downward trend appears particularly stark in countries that are important allies to the United States.
“In the United Kingdom, Trump’s ‘right thing’ number, 32 percent, is 43 points lower than Obama’s was in 2011. In Canada, Trump’s score, 28 percent, is 53 points lower than Obama’s was in 2013. In France, the confidence in Trump is 64 points lower than it was for Obama in 2011.”
"As long as I am President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." pic.twitter.com/7lzGY5fWz3 — The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) January 8, 2020
Unsurprisingly, the numbers diverge when it comes to conservatives and liberals. Only 9 percent of liberals in France have confidence in Trump, while 30 percent of conservatives do. In Italy, 50 percent of conservatives support Trump, while only 15 percent of liberals do. In Canada, a 30 point gap separates liberals and conservatives.
Not all countries look down on Trump. Conservatives in Poland support him at 61 percent and in Israel, a whopping 86 percent of people believe in Trump’s ability to do the right thing in world affairs.
Though his numbers are behind other world leaders, it appears that confidence in Trump is climbing – at least among conservatives. Confidence in him has increased 10 points in Canada in the past year, 11 points in Italy, and 17 points in France.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Most Americans Disapprove Of Donald Trump’s Handling Of Iran, Says Poll

An ABC News/Ipsos survey conducted on Friday and Saturday reveals that 56 percent of respondents said they disapprove of Donald Trump ‘ s handling of Iran .
In addition , 52 percent said the military airstrike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani has made the United States less safe overall , according to Newsweek .
The results are reportedly aligned with similar polls conducted by other media outlets , including a USA Today and Ipsos survey that found that 55 percent of Americans believe Soleimani ’ s assassination has decreased safety in America .
Another poll by Reuters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disapproved of Trump ’ s approach to tensions with Iran .
“ Overall attitudes about Trump and the consequences of his actions against Iran largely were driven by Independents , a critical target for both parties in electoral politics , ” ABC News reported .
“ The poll showed a majority of Independents , 57 % , and all U.S. adults , 56 % , disapproving of Trump ’ s handling of the situation with Iran , with 43 % of both Independents and U.S. adults approving.
” With regards to concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 94 percent of Democrats are very concerned or somewhat concerned , compared to just 52 percent of Republicans .
Conversely , 6 percent of Democrats and 48 percent of Republicans said they were not so concerned or not concerned at all .
The Soleimani attack is controversial not just among the American public but within Congress as well .
Democratic lawmakers — as well as some Republicans — criticized the lack of transparency around the mission .
Many noted the intelligence briefing that was held following the assassination and the lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump ’ s move has heightened tensions with Iran and pushed the U.S. closer to war with the country , with some arguing that war has already begun — at least in some form .
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie voted in support of the recently passed non-binding War Powers measure that would require Trump to gain authorization from Congress before taking any further military action against Iran .
“ This vote is about exercising our constitutional authority , but more importantly , our moral obligation to decide when and where our troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lives , ” Massie said , noting that war must have the “ blessing ” and “ support ” of American citizens as well as a “ clear mission ” for soldiers to “ accomplish.
” Others are more critical of Trump .
Independent Justin Amash — who voted for the War Powers resolution along with fellow libertarian-leaning congressman Massie — claims that the president ’ s authorization to kill Soleimani is tantamount to abuse of power .
He noted that non-defensive military action requires approval from Congress — per the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which the Trump campaign has struggled to prove .

An ABC News/Ipsos survey conducted on Friday and Saturday reveals that 56 percent of respondents said they disapprove of Donald Trump‘s handling of Iran. In addition, 52 percent said the military airstrike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani has made the United States less safe overall, according to Newsweek.
The results are reportedly aligned with similar polls conducted by other media outlets, including a USA Today and Ipsos survey that found that 55 percent of Americans believe Soleimani’s assassination has decreased safety in America. Another poll by Reuters and Ipsos revealed that 53 percent of Americans disapproved of Trump’s approach to tensions with Iran.
“Overall attitudes about Trump and the consequences of his actions against Iran largely were driven by Independents, a critical target for both parties in electoral politics,” ABC News reported. “The poll showed a majority of Independents, 57%, and all U.S. adults, 56%, disapproving of Trump’s handling of the situation with Iran, with 43% of both Independents and U.S. adults approving.”
With regards to concerns about a “full-scale war” with Iran, 94 percent of Democrats are very concerned or somewhat concerned, compared to just 52 percent of Republicans. Conversely, 6 percent of Democrats and 48 percent of Republicans said they were not so concerned or not concerned at all.
The Soleimani attack is controversial not just among the American public but within Congress as well. Democratic lawmakers — as well as some Republicans — criticized the lack of transparency around the mission. Many noted the intelligence briefing that was held following the assassination and the lack of intelligence provided within it. Critics believe that Trump’s move has heightened tensions with Iran and pushed the U.S. closer to war with the country, with some arguing that war has already begun — at least in some form.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie voted in support of the recently passed non-binding War Powers measure that would require Trump to gain authorization from Congress before taking any further military action against Iran.
“This vote is about exercising our constitutional authority, but more importantly, our moral obligation to decide when and where our troops are going to be asked to give their lives,” Massie said, noting that war must have the “blessing” and “support” of American citizens as well as a “clear mission” for soldiers to “accomplish.”
Others are more critical of Trump. Independent Justin Amash — who voted for the War Powers resolution along with fellow libertarian-leaning congressman Massie — claims that the president’s authorization to kill Soleimani is tantamount to abuse of power. He noted that non-defensive military action requires approval from Congress — per the Constitution — unless there is “imminence,” which the Trump campaign has struggled to prove.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Nancy Pelosi Warns Of Senate ‘Cover-Up’ As She Prepares To Transmit Articles Of Impeachment

Nancy Pelosi is warning of a potential “ cover-up ” in the U.S. Senate as she prepares to transmit articles of impeachment passed by the House last month .
The House speaker on Sunday defended her decision to delay sending the articles to the Senate to begin Donald Trump ’ s trial , saying she wanted to make the case that witnesses needed to be called .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has stood strongly against that , saying he has enough Republican votes to move forward with a quick trial that would not include witnesses .
Democrats have stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration who had firsthand knowledge of the president ’ s actions to pressure Ukraine into launching an investigation of his political rival , Joe Biden .
The White House blocked their testimony during impeachment hearings in the House and also refused to send over documents related to the matter .
As Politico noted , Pelosi said the delay in sending articles of impeachment was necessary as Democrats made the public case for calling witnesses .
“ What we think we accomplished in the past few weeks is that we wanted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pelosi said during an appearance on ABC News ’ This Week .
“ Now the ball is in their court to either do that or pay the price.
” The House speaker did find some evidence for witnesses since the articles were first passed .
During the three-week period during which Pelosi held back the impeachment articles , newly released emails show that the Pentagon pushed back against Trump ’ s decision to freeze congressionally approved military aid for Ukraine .
Pelosi said that the pressure on Senate Republicans to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquittal was worth the wait .
“ More importantly , ” Pelosi said , “ raising the profile of the fact that we need to have witnesses and documentation , and if we don ’ t , that is a cover-up.
” McConnell still had not agreed to witnesses , but Pelosi was beginning to face pressure from some in her own party to transmit the articles of impeachment and begin Trump ’ s Senate trial .
Trump is still expected to be acquitted by the Senate , as a number of Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquit him .
It would require a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict Trump and remove him from office , meaning a significant number of Republicans would need to break with their party and oust a president just months away from the 2020 election .

Nancy Pelosi is warning of a potential “cover-up” in the U.S. Senate as she prepares to transmit articles of impeachment passed by the House last month.
The House speaker on Sunday defended her decision to delay sending the articles to the Senate to begin Donald Trump’s trial, saying she wanted to make the case that witnesses needed to be called. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has stood strongly against that, saying he has enough Republican votes to move forward with a quick trial that would not include witnesses.
Democrats have stressed the need to call top members of the Trump administration who had firsthand knowledge of the president’s actions to pressure Ukraine into launching an investigation of his political rival, Joe Biden. The White House blocked their testimony during impeachment hearings in the House and also refused to send over documents related to the matter.
As Politico noted, Pelosi said the delay in sending articles of impeachment was necessary as Democrats made the public case for calling witnesses.
“What we think we accomplished in the past few weeks is that we wanted the public to see the need for witnesses,” Pelosi said during an appearance on ABC News’ This Week. “Now the ball is in their court to either do that or pay the price.”
The House speaker did find some evidence for witnesses since the articles were first passed. During the three-week period during which Pelosi held back the impeachment articles, newly released emails show that the Pentagon pushed back against Trump’s decision to freeze congressionally approved military aid for Ukraine. Pelosi said that the pressure on Senate Republicans to hold a full trial and not a hurried acquittal was worth the wait.
“More importantly,” Pelosi said, “raising the profile of the fact that we need to have witnesses and documentation, and if we don’t, that is a cover-up.”
McConnell still had not agreed to witnesses, but Pelosi was beginning to face pressure from some in her own party to transmit the articles of impeachment and begin Trump’s Senate trial.
Trump is still expected to be acquitted by the Senate, as a number of Republicans have said they plan to vote to acquit him. It would require a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict Trump and remove him from office, meaning a significant number of Republicans would need to break with their party and oust a president just months away from the 2020 election.


inquisitr--2020-01-12--Mark Esper Says He ‘Didn’t See’ Intelligence On Iran’s Alleged Plan To Attack U.S. Embassies

Amid scrutiny for authorizing the assassination of Qassem Soleimani , Donald Trump recently suggested that the top Iranian general was planning to attack four U.S. embassies .
Per The Hill , Secretary of Defense Mark Esper appeared on CBS ’ s Face the Nation on Sunday and said that — while he agreed that some degree of planning was underway — he did not see any intelligence supporting the notion that Iran was plotting four attacks .
“ What the president said was he believed there probably and could ’ ve been attacks against additional embassies , I shared that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national security team shared that view , that ’ s why I deployed thousands of American paratroopers to the Middle East to reinforce our embassy in Baghdad and other sites throughout the region , ” Esper said .
Esper added that Trump did not provide any “ specific piece of evidence ” for his claims , to which CBS host Margaret Brennan asked the former Raytheon lobbyist if that meant there was no evidence .
“ I didn ’ t see one with regard to four embassies , ” Esper responded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I share the presidents ’ view.
” Esper echoed such sentiments during his interview on CNN ‘ s State of the Union .
Although Esper backed Trump ’ s claims that Iran was attacking four embassies , he did not confirm there was any intelligence to support this view when pressed by host Jake Tapper .
The lack of transparency with regards to intelligence supporting the Soleimani attack has been enough to draw backlash from Republican Sens .
Mike Lee and Rand Paul , who blasted the briefing on the situation held last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo .
In Lee ’ s case , it pushed him to co-sponsor Bernie Sanders ’ bill to freeze military funding for action against Iran without congressional authorization .
Lee — along with Paul — also said he would support the non-binding War Powers resolution that recently passed the House of Representatives .
The bill would require the president to gain congressional authorization before any further military action against Iran .
Democratic Sens .
echoed Lee and Paul ’ s complaints .
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut noted that if there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on four U.S. embassies , it would have been outlined at the briefing mentioned above .
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia also confirmed that there was no evidence presented at the briefing he attended .
As The Inquisitr reported , a report by The New York Times suggests that the Trump administration was plotting Soleimani ’ s death for approximately 18 months , which continues to shed doubt on the claims of an imminent attack pushed by the president and his allies .

Amid scrutiny for authorizing the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, Donald Trump recently suggested that the top Iranian general was planning to attack four U.S. embassies. Per The Hill, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday and said that — while he agreed that some degree of planning was underway — he did not see any intelligence supporting the notion that Iran was plotting four attacks.
“What the president said was he believed there probably and could’ve been attacks against additional embassies, I shared that view, I know other members of the national security team shared that view, that’s why I deployed thousands of American paratroopers to the Middle East to reinforce our embassy in Baghdad and other sites throughout the region,” Esper said.
Esper added that Trump did not provide any “specific piece of evidence” for his claims, to which CBS host Margaret Brennan asked the former Raytheon lobbyist if that meant there was no evidence.
“I didn’t see one with regard to four embassies,” Esper responded. “What I’m saying is I share the presidents’ view.”
Esper echoed such sentiments during his interview on CNN‘s State of the Union. Although Esper backed Trump’s claims that Iran was attacking four embassies, he did not confirm there was any intelligence to support this view when pressed by host Jake Tapper.
“I’m not going to discuss intelligence matters here on this show.”
NEWS: @EsperDod tells @margbrennan he "didn't see" specific evidence showing Iran planned to strike 4 U.S. embassies, despite @realDonaldTrump saying an attack at multiple embassies was “imminent." Watch more of Esper's interview on @FacetheNation today. pic.twitter.com/1Nud8waok1 — Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) January 12, 2020
The lack of transparency with regards to intelligence supporting the Soleimani attack has been enough to draw backlash from Republican Sens. Mike Lee and Rand Paul, who blasted the briefing on the situation held last week by Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In Lee’s case, it pushed him to co-sponsor Bernie Sanders’ bill to freeze military funding for action against Iran without congressional authorization. Lee — along with Paul — also said he would support the non-binding War Powers resolution that recently passed the House of Representatives. The bill would require the president to gain congressional authorization before any further military action against Iran.
Democratic Sens. echoed Lee and Paul’s complaints. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut noted that if there were evidence for alleged “imminent attacks” on four U.S. embassies, it would have been outlined at the briefing mentioned above.
“They didn’t,” Murphy said.
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia also confirmed that there was no evidence presented at the briefing he attended.
As The Inquisitr reported, a report by The New York Times suggests that the Trump administration was plotting Soleimani’s death for approximately 18 months, which continues to shed doubt on the claims of an imminent attack pushed by the president and his allies.


inquisitr--2020-01-13--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Refusing To Pay Democrats $250,000 In Dues: I’m ‘Not Welcome’ In The Par

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Refusing To Pay Democrats $250,000 In Dues: I’m ‘Not Welcome’ In The Party

Freshman congresswoman and squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has claimed that she will refuse to pay the mandatory dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee , Fox News reported .
Ocasio-Cortez has cited the fact that she does not feel that she or other outside challengers are “ welcome ” in the party .
“ I don ’ t see the sense in giving a quarter-million dollars to an organization that has clearly told people like me that we ’ re not welcome , ” Ocasio-Cortez explained .
The “ people like me ” comment referred to insurgents against long-standing Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after beating Rep. Joseph Crowley .
Crowley , who had previously been hailed as having a bright future in the Democratic party , had not seen a challenger in over a decade .
Ocasio-Cortez added that the DCC “ want ( s ) to take my money , but push me out , or push candidates like me out.
” Another factor that Ocasio-Cortez has cited in her decision to boycott the dues is the monumental sum requested by the DCCC .
As a prerequisite for all Democratic lawmakers in the House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150,000 for newer members and reach $ 1 million — like the fee paid by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
“ It ’ s pretty nuts — $ 250,000 for a freshman member .
Can you imagine being 30 years old and getting a bill for $ 250,000 ?
I still have $ 20,000 in student loan debt , ” she said .
However , her decision to buck the rules has some members of her party deeply upset .
“ Deadbeat Cortez should pay her bills , ” complained a Democratic insider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s always whining about people paying their fair share and here she is leaving her friends with the bill.
” “ Do you want to be part of a team ?
” added New York Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks .
However , the Boston University alumna has hit back against claims that she is not a team player , citing the fact that she has helped the Democratic party ’ s fundraising abilities substantially .
Ocasio-Cortez estimated that she has helped raise over $ 300,000 for the party .
Republicans have a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NRCC .
The purpose is to ensure a Democratic — or Republican — majority by helping give money to candidates in competitive races .
Despite the fact that Ocasio-Cortez has refused to contribute , the DNCC has already broken records with its fundraising , boasting an off-year record of $ 110 million through November of 2019 .
Ocasio-Cortez has also emphasized the importance of grass roots fundraising and getting big money out of politics .
That said , she recently received some heat after receiving the maximum donation from current Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by The Inquisitr .

Freshman congresswoman and squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has claimed that she will refuse to pay the mandatory dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Fox News reported. Ocasio-Cortez has cited the fact that she does not feel that she or other outside challengers are “welcome” in the party.
“I don’t see the sense in giving a quarter-million dollars to an organization that has clearly told people like me that we’re not welcome,” Ocasio-Cortez explained.
The “people like me” comment referred to insurgents against long-standing Democratic incumbents. Ocasio-Cortez famously rose to fame after beating Rep. Joseph Crowley. Crowley, who had previously been hailed as having a bright future in the Democratic party, had not seen a challenger in over a decade.
Ocasio-Cortez added that the DCC “want(s) to take my money, but push me out, or push candidates like me out.”
Another factor that Ocasio-Cortez has cited in her decision to boycott the dues is the monumental sum requested by the DCCC. As a prerequisite for all Democratic lawmakers in the House, they can be as low as $150,000 for newer members and reach $1 million — like the fee paid by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“It’s pretty nuts — $250,000 for a freshman member. Can you imagine being 30 years old and getting a bill for $250,000? I still have $20,000 in student loan debt,” she said.
I give quite a bit to fellow Dems – we’ve fundraised over $300,000 for others (more than my “dues”), w/ over 50% going to swing seats. DCCC made clear that they will blacklist any org that helps progressive candidates like me. I can choose not to fund that kind of exclusion. https://t.co/qqwdwPAqek — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 10, 2020
However, her decision to buck the rules has some members of her party deeply upset.
“Deadbeat Cortez should pay her bills,” complained a Democratic insider to Fox News. “She’s always whining about people paying their fair share and here she is leaving her friends with the bill.”
“Do you want to be part of a team?” added New York Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks.
However, the Boston University alumna has hit back against claims that she is not a team player, citing the fact that she has helped the Democratic party’s fundraising abilities substantially. Ocasio-Cortez estimated that she has helped raise over $300,000 for the party.
Republicans have a similar system, though their dues go to the NRCC. The purpose is to ensure a Democratic — or Republican — majority by helping give money to candidates in competitive races.
Despite the fact that Ocasio-Cortez has refused to contribute, the DNCC has already broken records with its fundraising, boasting an off-year record of $110 million through November of 2019.
Ocasio-Cortez has also emphasized the importance of grass roots fundraising and getting big money out of politics. That said, she recently received some heat after receiving the maximum donation from current Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer, as previously reported by The Inquisitr.


inquisitr--2020-01-13--Donald Trump Tweets That He ‘Couldn’t Care Less’ If Iran Wishes To Negotiate With The United States

The president 's tweet also included a warning for Iran to not harm the protesters currently marching through the streets of Tehran .
As angry Iranians continue to protest in the streets of Tehran , Iran , President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated in a tweet that though Iran could be closer to the negotiating table , he “ couldn ’ t care less ” if they want to negotiate or not .
According to The Hill , the tweet came on the heels of his national security adviser , Robert O ’ Brien , claiming during a segment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of U.S. sanctions , Iran seemed to be closer to the negotiating table , presumably on the subject of nuclear weapons .
“ I think the maximum pressure campaign is working , ” O ’ Brien said .
Trump ’ s response to the idea that Iran might be more willing to negotiate in the face of increased sanctions also included a call for the country to not commit violence against its protesters .
“ National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran ‘ choked off ’ , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I couldn ’ t care less if they negotiate .
Will be totally up to them but , no nuclear weapons and ‘ don ’ t kill your protesters , ' ” Trump tweeted .
Later in the day , Trump repeated the tweet , but in Persian — Iran ’ s predominant language , which marked the second Persian tweet the president made in as many days .
It was also another warning from the president to the leaders of Iran to refrain from harming thousands of protesters who ’ ve taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s capital city in the wake of the downing of a Ukrainian Boeing 737 by an Iranian missile .
All 176 of its passengers and crew were killed in the incident .
The downing of the Ukraine-bound jet came just hours after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at Al Asad airbase in Iraq — a base which houses U.S. troops , in an apparent retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that resulted in the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
Iran first denied that they were responsible for shooting down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrary began to surface , they finally admitted that they accidentally shot it down due to a communications error with the missile system .
Protesters , a vast majority of which appear to be students , stormed through the streets in Tehran over the weekend , shouting chants of “ death to liars ” and “ death to the dictator ” in response to Iran ’ s initial cover-up of the attack on the plane .
As previously reported by The Inquisitr , the situation apparently escalated as a pro-regime gunman reportedly opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in addition to them being hit with water cannons and tear gas by law enforcement .

As angry Iranians continue to protest in the streets of Tehran, Iran, President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated in a tweet that though Iran could be closer to the negotiating table, he “couldn’t care less” if they want to negotiate or not.
According to The Hill, the tweet came on the heels of his national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, claiming during a segment on Fox News that because of the increased level of U.S. sanctions, Iran seemed to be closer to the negotiating table, presumably on the subject of nuclear weapons.
“I think the maximum pressure campaign is working,” O’Brien said.
“Iran is being choked off, and Iran is going to have no other choice but to come to the table.”
Trump’s response to the idea that Iran might be more willing to negotiate in the face of increased sanctions also included a call for the country to not commit violence against its protesters.
“National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions & protests have Iran ‘choked off’, will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn’t care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and ‘don’t kill your protesters,'” Trump tweeted.
Later in the day, Trump repeated the tweet, but in Persian — Iran’s predominant language, which marked the second Persian tweet the president made in as many days.
It was also another warning from the president to the leaders of Iran to refrain from harming thousands of protesters who’ve taken to the streets of the country’s capital city in the wake of the downing of a Ukrainian Boeing 737 by an Iranian missile. All 176 of its passengers and crew were killed in the incident.
The downing of the Ukraine-bound jet came just hours after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at Al Asad airbase in Iraq — a base which houses U.S. troops, in an apparent retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that resulted in the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Another video shows Iranians tearing down #Soleimani poster. You know why?
78 people killed in an stampede in his funeral, 178 people killed in exacting his revenge by downing #UkrainianPlane & 1500 killed by IRGC in #IranProtests . People are furious when you call him a hero. pic.twitter.com/2COgVHpsNV — Masih Alinejad 🏳 (@AlinejadMasih) January 12, 2020
Iran first denied that they were responsible for shooting down the airliner, but after evidence to the contrary began to surface, they finally admitted that they accidentally shot it down due to a communications error with the missile system.
Protesters, a vast majority of which appear to be students, stormed through the streets in Tehran over the weekend, shouting chants of “death to liars” and “death to the dictator” in response to Iran’s initial cover-up of the attack on the plane.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the situation apparently escalated as a pro-regime gunman reportedly opened fire on a number of protesters, in addition to them being hit with water cannons and tear gas by law enforcement.


inquisitr--2020-01-13--Anthony Scaramucci Appears To Offer Cryptic Prediction About Donald Trump: ‘The End Is Coming’

Anthony Scaramucci appears to have an ominous prediction about Donald Trump ’ s presidency , saying there will soon be an abrupt end to his time in office .
The former White House member-turned-critic of Trump took to Twitter to post what appeared to be a cryptic message about the end of his presidency .
“ The end is coming and it will end abruptly , ” wrote Scaramucci , who for months has been predicting that Trump ’ s presidency would come to an end before the 2020 presidential election .
Scaramucci did not elaborate on exactly what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hint that he may have inside information about the inner workings of the White House .
This was supported by a reply from actor Tom Arnold , a former competitor on the Celebrity Apprentice who also has been predicting that Trump ’ s presidency will end in shame .
“ Don ’ t ruin it , ” Arnold wrote , himself not elaborating on what inside information the two could share .
Since Trump ’ s election , Arnold has been predicting that the release of allegedly secret tapes from The Apprentice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that these tapes , which he claimed were being kept under wraps by NBC , showed Trump making racially charged and sexually inappropriate comments .
“ I would love Mark Burnett , who sits at the prayer breakfast with [ Trump ] , I ’ d like him to stand up and say , ‘ We had to cut out all the lies , sexual harassment and incompetence , ' ” Arnold said , via The Hollywood Reporter .
It was not clear if Scaramucci ’ s insinuation about the end of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Arnold ’ s predictions , but Scaramucci in the past has predicted an abrupt end to Trump ’ s time in office .
As The Inquisitr reported , the former White House communications director told MSNBC that if the Senate impeachment trial included top White House officials as witnesses — such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton and acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney — Trump would simply quit rather than take the pressure of the evidence against him .
Even before the impeachment scandal erupted , Scaramucci had been predicting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2020 election , saying that the president would not be able to handle the shame of losing the election and would rather quit instead .

Anthony Scaramucci appears to have an ominous prediction about Donald Trump’s presidency, saying there will soon be an abrupt end to his time in office.
The former White House member-turned-critic of Trump took to Twitter to post what appeared to be a cryptic message about the end of his presidency.
“The end is coming and it will end abruptly,” wrote Scaramucci, who for months has been predicting that Trump’s presidency would come to an end before the 2020 presidential election.
Scaramucci did not elaborate on exactly what he meant, but it appeared to be a hint that he may have inside information about the inner workings of the White House. This was supported by a reply from actor Tom Arnold, a former competitor on the Celebrity Apprentice who also has been predicting that Trump’s presidency will end in shame.
“Don’t ruin it,” Arnold wrote, himself not elaborating on what inside information the two could share.
Since Trump’s election, Arnold has been predicting that the release of allegedly secret tapes from The Apprentice will sink Trump. Arnold has hinted that these tapes, which he claimed were being kept under wraps by NBC, showed Trump making racially charged and sexually inappropriate comments.
“I would love Mark Burnett, who sits at the prayer breakfast with [Trump], I’d like him to stand up and say, ‘We had to cut out all the lies, sexual harassment and incompetence,'” Arnold said, via The Hollywood Reporter.
“He sits next to Donald Trump, and gives him cover. He never says one word. Mark Burnett says he’s a Christian, and he lets that man do all that bullsh*t and he let a sexual harasser work on his show.”
It was not clear if Scaramucci’s insinuation about the end of Trump’s presidency was related at all to Arnold’s predictions, but Scaramucci in the past has predicted an abrupt end to Trump’s time in office. As The Inquisitr reported, the former White House communications director told MSNBC that if the Senate impeachment trial included top White House officials as witnesses — such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton and acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney — Trump would simply quit rather than take the pressure of the evidence against him.
Even before the impeachment scandal erupted, Scaramucci had been predicting that Trump would be out of office by 2020 election, saying that the president would not be able to handle the shame of losing the election and would rather quit instead.


inquisitr--2020-01-13--Donald Trump Rips Senate For ‘Giving Credence’ To Impeachment Charges By Going Through With Trial

Trump seemingly urged Republican senators to reconsider going forward with an impeachment trial in a series of Sunday tweets .
Though President Donald Trump has spent the past several weeks slamming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for not transmitting the articles of impeachment to the U.S. Senate for a proper trial , on Sunday he seemingly changed his tune on the matter , blasting the upper chamber for “ giving credence ” to the impeachment charges if they actually begin an impeachment trial .
According to The Hill , Trump posted a number of tweets on Sunday in which he not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls an “ impeachment hoax , ” but he appeared to try to pressure Republican senators to consider not holding a trial for his impeachment .
“ Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence , no crime , read the transcripts , ‘ no pressure ’ Impeachment Hoax , rather than an outright dismissal , it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have .
I agree !
” Trump tweeted on Sunday .
Earlier that morning , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Jeanine Pirro ’ s take on the impeachment charges and trial while she spoke with Trump ’ s personal attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani .
The president expressed his agreeance with the two , who argued that Trump ’ s impeachment should be dismissed by the Republican-controlled Senate .
Trump also reminded his followers that a handful of Democratic lawmakers broke with the party during the official vote on the two impeachment articles , while claiming it was unfair to have the “ stigma ” of impeachment attached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did NOTHING wrong ?
Read the Transcripts !
A totally partisan Hoax , never happened before , ” Trump tweeted .
The tweets came possibly days before Pelosi decides to formally transmit the two articles of impeachment to the Senate , which would almost immediately begin the trial .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has battled with top Democrats in recent weeks over the rules that will ultimately dictate how the impeachment trial is played out .
As previously reported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell of partaking in “ gamesmanship , ” before proclaiming during an interview on ABC ’ s This Week that Trump is “ impeached for life.
” “ There is nothing the Senate can do to ever erase that , ” Pelosi said .
A number of Republican senators have already publicly criticized the House-led effort to impeach Trump and have signaled that they will work to acquit him of the charges in an expedient manner .
Democrats face an uphill battle to have the president removed from office , as it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper chamber .
There ’ s currently no indication that enough Republicans would break with the White House to make that happen .

Though President Donald Trump has spent the past several weeks slamming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for not transmitting the articles of impeachment to the U.S. Senate for a proper trial, on Sunday he seemingly changed his tune on the matter, blasting the upper chamber for “giving credence” to the impeachment charges if they actually begin an impeachment trial.
According to The Hill, Trump posted a number of tweets on Sunday in which he not only slammed Democrats for what he repeatedly calls an “impeachment hoax,” but he appeared to try to pressure Republican senators to consider not holding a trial for his impeachment.
“Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, ‘no pressure’ Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree!” Trump tweeted on Sunday.
Earlier that morning, he tweeted a video of Fox News’ Judge Jeanine Pirro’s take on the impeachment charges and trial while she spoke with Trump’s personal attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The president expressed his agreeance with the two, who argued that Trump’s impeachment should be dismissed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
Trump also reminded his followers that a handful of Democratic lawmakers broke with the party during the official vote on the two impeachment articles, while claiming it was unfair to have the “stigma” of impeachment attached to his name.
“Why should I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did NOTHING wrong? Read the Transcripts! A totally partisan Hoax, never happened before,” Trump tweeted.
The tweets came possibly days before Pelosi decides to formally transmit the two articles of impeachment to the Senate, which would almost immediately begin the trial. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has battled with top Democrats in recent weeks over the rules that will ultimately dictate how the impeachment trial is played out.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr, Pelosi on Sunday accused McConnell of partaking in “gamesmanship,” before proclaiming during an interview on ABC’s This Week that Trump is “impeached for life.”
“There is nothing the Senate can do to ever erase that,” Pelosi said.
A number of Republican senators have already publicly criticized the House-led effort to impeach Trump and have signaled that they will work to acquit him of the charges in an expedient manner. Democrats face an uphill battle to have the president removed from office, as it would require a two-thirds vote in the Republican-controlled upper chamber. There’s currently no indication that enough Republicans would break with the White House to make that happen.


inquisitr--2020-01-13--Nancy Pelosi On Donald Trump: ‘This President Is Impeached For Life’

House Speaker Pelosi made the statement as she prepares to formally transmit the articles of impeachment to the U.S. Senate , which will begin the impeachment trial .
As President Donald Trump and his legal team await the official start of the Senate impeachment trial , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reminded her supporters and critics of the president that Trump is “ impeached for life.
” According to The Hill , Pelosi made the statement during an interview on Sunday on ABC ’ s This Week , pointing out that no matter how the Senate trial is conducted in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump will wear the impeachment label for the rest of his career in the White House .
“ This president is impeached for life regardless of any gamesmanship on the part of Mitch McConnell , ” Pelosi said .
“ There is nothing the Senate can do to ever erase that.
” The phrase quickly became a top trending Twitter hashtag not long after Pelosi made the statement on air .
Her assertion that Trump will always be impeached presumably comes as Democrats , including Pelosi , understand that the Republican-controlled Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquittal of his impeachment charges , which include “ abuse of power ” and “ obstruction of Congress.
” McConnell has already pledged to work with the White House on the matter and several top Senate Republicans , such as Sen. Lindsey Graham , have all but dismissed the impeachment articles against the president before the trial even begins .
Pelosi raised eyebrows in recent weeks after committing to withholding the impeachment articles from the upper chamber , citing the need for transparency and for fair rules to be negotiated that would allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accordingly .
Not only did McConnell and the president himself repeatedly blast Pelosi for stalling the impeachment trial , as recently as last week , some Senate Democrats , including Sen. Dianne Feinstein , requested that Pelosi transmit the impeachment articles to get the trial started , as reported by Politico .
“ The longer it goes on the less urgent it becomes , ” Feinstein said .
“ So if it ’ s serious and urgent , send them over .
If it isn ’ t , don ’ t send it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feinstein ’ s request , saying he was “ ready ” for the trial to begin and said that Democrats “ should move on.
” Sen. Chris Coons , a Democrat from Delaware , also signaled that Pelosi needs to go ahead and get the trial started .
“ I respect the fact that she is concerned about the fact about whether or not there will be a fair trial .
But I do think it is time to get on with it , ” he stated .
Pelosi recently indicated that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles over , however , she also said she needs to still consult with her Democratic colleagues on when exactly that should happen .
As The Hill reported , once the articles are transmitted to the upper chamber , the trial will likely start within 24 hours .

As President Donald Trump and his legal team await the official start of the Senate impeachment trial, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reminded her supporters and critics of the president that Trump is “impeached for life.”
According to The Hill, Pelosi made the statement during an interview on Sunday on ABC’s This Week, pointing out that no matter how the Senate trial is conducted in the hands of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Trump will wear the impeachment label for the rest of his career in the White House.
“This president is impeached for life regardless of any gamesmanship on the part of Mitch McConnell,” Pelosi said. “There is nothing the Senate can do to ever erase that.”
The phrase quickly became a top trending Twitter hashtag not long after Pelosi made the statement on air.
Her assertion that Trump will always be impeached presumably comes as Democrats, including Pelosi, understand that the Republican-controlled Senate will likely hand down a somewhat speedy acquittal of his impeachment charges, which include “abuse of power” and “obstruction of Congress.”
McConnell has already pledged to work with the White House on the matter and several top Senate Republicans, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, have all but dismissed the impeachment articles against the president before the trial even begins.
Pelosi raised eyebrows in recent weeks after committing to withholding the impeachment articles from the upper chamber, citing the need for transparency and for fair rules to be negotiated that would allow Democrats to present their case at trial accordingly.
Well put. Impeached for life. https://t.co/50cMmzPbZc — Mika Brzezinski (@morningmika) January 12, 2020
Not only did McConnell and the president himself repeatedly blast Pelosi for stalling the impeachment trial, as recently as last week, some Senate Democrats, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, requested that Pelosi transmit the impeachment articles to get the trial started, as reported by Politico.
“The longer it goes on the less urgent it becomes,” Feinstein said. “So if it’s serious and urgent, send them over. If it isn’t, don’t send it over.”
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin echoed Feinstein’s request, saying he was “ready” for the trial to begin and said that Democrats “should move on.”
Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, also signaled that Pelosi needs to go ahead and get the trial started.
“I respect the fact that she is concerned about the fact about whether or not there will be a fair trial. But I do think it is time to get on with it,” he stated.
Pelosi recently indicated that she’s ready to send the impeachment articles over, however, she also said she needs to still consult with her Democratic colleagues on when exactly that should happen. As The Hill reported, once the articles are transmitted to the upper chamber, the trial will likely start within 24 hours.


inquisitr--2020-01-13--Andrew Yang Says Reception Of Ricky Gervais’ Golden Globes Monologue Is A ‘Matter Of Taste’

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has been gaining the support of several comedians , including Dave Chappelle , Hannibal Buress , and Norm Macdonald .
During a recent interview with the Boston Herald , Yang addressed comedian Ricky Gervais ’ divisive Golden Globes performance , in which he eviscerated the Hollywood elite and made references to Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein .
“ I mean , they freaking hired him multiple times , ” Yang said of the Golden Globes selecting Gervais to host .
“ They kind of know what kind of comedian he is and it is comedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a matter of taste.
” The 44-year-old serial entrepreneur ’ s laid-back approach was previously seen after he was targeted by racially-charged comments from comedian Shane Gillis , which ended up getting him fired from Saturday Night Live .
In response , Yang watched Gillis ’ comedy and concluded that his comments were not motivated by malicious intent , eventually proposing to talk with him .
“ We had a good , frank , off-the-record conversation , ” Yang said .
“ I was on the record saying that I did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Again , it ’ s comedy .
I thought I had a particular opportunity to let people know that turning on each other is not productive even if someone says something that you find offensive.
” According to Yang , talking to people with differing views is a prerequisite for changing their minds .
He suggested that failing to engage in such conversations will make it harder to “ bring our country together ” and solve the problems that affect the entire country .
“ You talk to them like Americans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The businessman ’ s open-minded approach has led him on many different programs , including comedian Joe Rogan ’ s podcast , The Joe Rogan Experience , as well as The Ben Shapiro Show .
Throughout his campaign , he has drawn support from people all across the political spectrum , which was touched on during a Twitter game of “ pass it on.
” During the game , Yang ’ s supporters noted their political beliefs , which spanned from liberal and conservative to libertarian , as well as their reasons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Beinart claims that Yang ’ s diverse base is at least partly due to Yang ’ s tendency to downplay social issues and focus on economic ones .
In addition , the central focus of Yang ’ s campaign is a universal basic income ( UBI ) , which the candidate has proposed as a solution for various problems in America that would benefit people of all kinds .
Beinart noted that Yang ’ s approach could help him draw disaffected voters amid the identity wars created by Donald Trump .

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has been gaining the support of several comedians, including Dave Chappelle, Hannibal Buress, and Norm Macdonald. During a recent interview with the Boston Herald, Yang addressed comedian Ricky Gervais’ divisive Golden Globes performance, in which he eviscerated the Hollywood elite and made references to Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein.
“I mean, they freaking hired him multiple times,” Yang said of the Golden Globes selecting Gervais to host. “They kind of know what kind of comedian he is and it is comedy so I’d put it up to a matter of taste.”
The 44-year-old serial entrepreneur’s laid-back approach was previously seen after he was targeted by racially-charged comments from comedian Shane Gillis, which ended up getting him fired from Saturday Night Live. In response, Yang watched Gillis’ comedy and concluded that his comments were not motivated by malicious intent, eventually proposing to talk with him.
“We had a good, frank, off-the-record conversation,” Yang said. “I was on the record saying that I did not think that he should lose his job. Again, it’s comedy. I thought I had a particular opportunity to let people know that turning on each other is not productive even if someone says something that you find offensive.”
According to Yang, talking to people with differing views is a prerequisite for changing their minds. He suggested that failing to engage in such conversations will make it harder to “bring our country together” and solve the problems that affect the entire country.
“You talk to them like Americans and human beings,” Yang said.
Andrew Yang tries his hand in this politics edition of our Cartoon Caption Contest. https://t.co/qXt5SnNsEu pic.twitter.com/v7L7L0W75m — The New Yorker (@NewYorker) January 10, 2020
The businessman’s open-minded approach has led him on many different programs, including comedian Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, as well as The Ben Shapiro Show. Throughout his campaign, he has drawn support from people all across the political spectrum, which was touched on during a Twitter game of “pass it on.” During the game, Yang’s supporters noted their political beliefs, which spanned from liberal and conservative to libertarian, as well as their reasons for voting for the businessman.
American journalist Peter Beinart claims that Yang’s diverse base is at least partly due to Yang’s tendency to downplay social issues and focus on economic ones. In addition, the central focus of Yang’s campaign is a universal basic income (UBI), which the candidate has proposed as a solution for various problems in America that would benefit people of all kinds.
Beinart noted that Yang’s approach could help him draw disaffected voters amid the identity wars created by Donald Trump.


inquisitr--2020-01-13--Joe Biden’s Iraq War Vote Raises Questions About Electability, Suggests Democrat Michael Bennet

As President Donald Trump escalates tensions with Iran , foreign policy is coming into focus in the Democratic primary race .
The Democratic frontrunner , former Vice President Joe Biden , voted in favor of the authorization for use of military force against Iraq and staunchly supported then-President George W. Bush ’ s effort .
According to Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado , who is also running in the Democratic primary , Biden ’ s Iraq war vote raises questions about electability .
In an interview with NBC ’ s Chuck Todd , Bennet suggested that Biden ’ s baggage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race against President Donald Trump , according to The Hill .
“ I think it is much harder to unite the Democratic party if you voted in favor of the Iraq War , and I think it ’ s much harder to take on Donald Trump , who takes every single position , ” Bennet said , prompting Todd to ask whether he believes Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is more electable than Biden , given that he vocally opposed the Iraq war and voted against it .
“ I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his finest hour , ” Bennet said of Biden ’ s vote , noting , however , that he believes neither of the leading Democratic candidates necessarily has what it takes to defeat Trump in 2020 .
According to Bennet , voters remain undecided about who the Democratic nominee should be because they “ know how much is at stake , ” and realize that the nominee needs to be someone capable of beating Trump .
As president , Bennet added , he would seek approval from Congress before making important foreign policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote is currently in focus not only because Trump is escalating tensions with Iran , but because Biden has been inviting criticism by apparently misrepresenting his own record .
On the campaign trail , the former vice president has claimed that he opposed the Iraq war “ from the very moment ” it began in 2003 , which is false , according to fact-checkers .
In fact , according to a CNN fact-check , Biden “ repeatedly spoke in favor of the war both before and after it began , ” praising the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effort to take down Saddam Hussein .
Sanders has used Biden ’ s apparent misstatements as an opening to differentiate himself from the rest of the field , with his campaign describing the former vice president ’ s claims about the Iraq war as “ appalling.
” Much like Bennet , Sanders has suggested that Biden ’ s record on issues such as war , trade , and welfare makes him a weak general election candidate .
Sanders has surged in the key early states of Iowa and New Hampshire , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Oops! Page Not Found
The page you were looking for doesn’t exist,
isn’t available or was loaded incorrectly.