inquisitr--2020-01-07--Eric Weinstein Says Media Coverage Of Yang And Gabbard Is ‘Declaration Of War’ On Democracy

Podcaster and Thiel Capital Managing Director Eric Weinstein recently addressed the media ’ s treatment of Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Tulsi Gabbard , which he paralleled to the coverage of Bernie Sanders and Ron Paul .
Weinstein ’ s comments come after CNBC showed the wrong pictures of Yang and Gabbard on one of its chyrons .
Although Weinstein has touched on the coverage of such candidates in the past , he believes the recent coverage indicates a shift in the media ’ s strategy .
“ This is what I call the ‘ Vampire Effect ’ ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as vampires supposedly don ’ t reflect in a mirror , ” he wrote in a lengthy Twitter thread .
According to Weinstein , this is different from the media blackout , which refers to the candidates being left off of chyrons and graphics — something that has happened to Yang , Gabbard and Sanders on multiple occasions during the Democratic primary .
“ This isn ’ t cute as # YangMediaBlackout .
This isn ’ t hidden any more .
This is a boast by our media .
Their point to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your illusions ’ .
And We aren ’ t calling it what it is : a declaration of war by our own media and parties against our own democratic process.
” The 54-year-old mathematical physicist called the alleged Russian interference in United States democracy “ amateur hour.
” “ The Russians aren ’ t bragging like this , ” he continued before appearing to suggest that MSNBC has been blatantly excluding Yang and Gabbard to test the limits of what the network can get away with .
Weinstein compared the treatment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alleged “ secret NSF [ National Science Foundation ] study ” that he alleges led to the H-1B visa .
Per Workpermit.com , the H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that permits United States companies to hire graduate-level workers in positions that require “ theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields.
” In one of Weinstein ’ s papers , posted on The National Bureau of Economic Research , he outlined evidence that the NSF purposely flooded the PhD market with such workers to create low wages for PhD jobs .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said of situations when he brings up the study .
Weinstein said that since he has the data to prove his theory , the media can not refute it and thus chooses not to reflect it .
According to Weinstein , Yang and Gabbard must make the purported interference and gaslighting in U.S. elections a focal point , adding that both the Democratic Party and Republican Party should fight against the media ’ s alleged tactics .
Progressive commentator David Pakman has likened the media blackout of Sanders — compiled by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Sirota — to a type of interference in the primary .
Similarly , Yang supporter and universal basic income advocate Scott Santens has a thread on Vocal Media covering the Yang blackout .

Podcaster and Thiel Capital Managing Director Eric Weinstein recently addressed the media’s treatment of Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Tulsi Gabbard, which he paralleled to the coverage of Bernie Sanders and Ron Paul. Weinstein’s comments come after CNBC showed the wrong pictures of Yang and Gabbard on one of its chyrons.
Although Weinstein has touched on the coverage of such candidates in the past, he believes the recent coverage indicates a shift in the media’s strategy.
“This is what I call the ‘Vampire Effect’; institutions will not reflect certain people just as vampires supposedly don’t reflect in a mirror,” he wrote in a lengthy Twitter thread.
According to Weinstein, this is different from the media blackout, which refers to the candidates being left off of chyrons and graphics — something that has happened to Yang, Gabbard and Sanders on multiple occasions during the Democratic primary.
“This isn’t cute as #YangMediaBlackout. This isn’t hidden any more. This is a boast by our media. Their point to all of us is: ‘F*ck you and your illusions’. And We aren’t calling it what it is: a declaration of war by our own media and parties against our own democratic process.”
The 54-year-old mathematical physicist called the alleged Russian interference in United States democracy “amateur hour.”
“The Russians aren’t bragging like this,” he continued before appearing to suggest that MSNBC has been blatantly excluding Yang and Gabbard to test the limits of what the network can get away with.
Weinstein compared the treatment of such candidates to his experience bringing up the alleged “secret NSF [National Science Foundation] study” that he alleges led to the H-1B visa. Per Workpermit.com, the H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that permits United States companies to hire graduate-level workers in positions that require “theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields.” In one of Weinstein’s papers, posted on The National Bureau of Economic Research, he outlined evidence that the NSF purposely flooded the PhD market with such workers to create low wages for PhD jobs.
“There is an absolute black out,” he said of situations when he brings up the study.
Weinstein said that since he has the data to prove his theory, the media cannot refute it and thus chooses not to reflect it. According to Weinstein, Yang and Gabbard must make the purported interference and gaslighting in U.S. elections a focal point, adding that both the Democratic Party and Republican Party should fight against the media’s alleged tactics.
Progressive commentator David Pakman has likened the media blackout of Sanders — compiled by the campaign’s senior adviser and speechwriter David Sirota — to a type of interference in the primary. Similarly, Yang supporter and universal basic income advocate Scott Santens has a thread on Vocal Media covering the Yang blackout.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Lou Dobbs Scolds The Nation: Americans Do Not ‘Understand Their Obligations’ To Donald Trump

Dobbs recently praised Trump for setting a standard for presidents 'that most mortals won ’ t be able to meet . '
Fox Business host Lou Dobbs ’ lavish praise for President Donald Trump has once again made the headlines .
During the latest edition of his show , broadcast on Tuesday , Dobbs scolded the nation , arguing that American citizens do “ not understand their obligations ” to the president , reports Mediaite .
“ Forget the political leaders , so-called , on Capitol Hill , ” the host began his monologue , telling his viewers to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leadership ” — including the clergy — is reacting to the “ absolute fraud and a tragic farce ” that is being carried out against the commander-in-chief .
Praising the Trump economy , Dobbs commended the Republican Party for backing the president , while noting that ordinary Americans need to step up .
Americans , Dobbs posited , need to recognize that they , too , have “ obligations ” to Trump , “ the leader ” of the country .
It is not out of the ordinary for Dobbs to lavish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he lauded Trump for setting a standard for presidents “ that most mortals won ’ t be able to meet , ” while blasting Democrats in Congress for pursuing impeachment in order to “ overthrow his presidency.
” Similarly , during a December broadcast , Dobbs opined that Trump is “ the greatest president in our history , ” predicting centuries of “ veneration ” for both the president and the GOP .
Dobbs has been criticized over his unapologetic affection for Trump and once went as far as crediting the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making that part of the week possible for all Americans .
According to multiple reports , Dobbs — who infamously pushed the controversial “ birther ” theory that claimed former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States — has Trump ’ s ear .
The host ’ s voice is influential in the Trump White House and he has reportedly inspired the president to take a hard-line stance on immigration .
Dobbs allegedly advised Trump to fire former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and urged him to declare a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction of a wall along the southern border .
According to The Washington Post , with impeachment looming large over his presidency , Trump has relied on Fox News and affiliated channels to defend himself against Democratic attacks .
The president is known to be an avid fan of the conservative network , which he frequently praises on Twitter .
The commander-in-chief ’ s cozy relationship with the nation ’ s most popular news channel has paid off , according to the publication , which notes that most of its viewers remain fully @ @ @ @ @ @

Fox Business host Lou Dobbs’ lavish praise for President Donald Trump has once again made the headlines. During the latest edition of his show, broadcast on Tuesday, Dobbs scolded the nation, arguing that American citizens do “not understand their obligations” to the president, reports Mediaite.
“Forget the political leaders, so-called, on Capitol Hill,” the host began his monologue, telling his viewers to pay attention to how “the rest of the leadership” — including the clergy — is reacting to the “absolute fraud and a tragic farce” that is being carried out against the commander-in-chief.
Praising the Trump economy, Dobbs commended the Republican Party for backing the president, while noting that ordinary Americans need to step up. Americans, Dobbs posited, need to recognize that they, too, have “obligations” to Trump, “the leader” of the country.
“It is a shame that this country which has — is benefiting so much from this president’s leadership does not understand their obligations to the leader who is making it possible for all of us.”
It is not out of the ordinary for Dobbs to lavish Trump with praise. Earlier this week, he lauded Trump for setting a standard for presidents “that most mortals won’t be able to meet,” while blasting Democrats in Congress for pursuing impeachment in order to “overthrow his presidency.”
Similarly, during a December broadcast, Dobbs opined that Trump is “the greatest president in our history,” predicting centuries of “veneration” for both the president and the GOP. Dobbs has been criticized over his unapologetic affection for Trump and once went as far as crediting the president with the weekend, thanking him for making that part of the week possible for all Americans.
According to multiple reports, Dobbs — who infamously pushed the controversial “birther” theory that claimed former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States — has Trump’s ear. The host’s voice is influential in the Trump White House and he has reportedly inspired the president to take a hard-line stance on immigration.
Dobbs allegedly advised Trump to fire former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and urged him to declare a national emergency in order to pay for the construction of a wall along the southern border.
Despite how much Trump would like everyone to behave like Lou Dobbs and treat him like Kim Jong Un, Americans have no "obligation" to the "Dear Leader." People like Dobbs & Ed Rollins hate the values they brag we embody.
Believe fascists when they tell u who they are#JayarRated pic.twitter.com/GjVUDHQ1XM — Jayar Jackson (@JayarJackson) January 7, 2020
According to The Washington Post, with impeachment looming large over his presidency, Trump has relied on Fox News and affiliated channels to defend himself against Democratic attacks. The president is known to be an avid fan of the conservative network, which he frequently praises on Twitter.
The commander-in-chief’s cozy relationship with the nation’s most popular news channel has paid off, according to the publication, which notes that most of its viewers remain fully supportive of the Trump agenda.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Explanation Has ‘Too Many Inconsistencies,’ Says Former US. Attorney

A recent CBS ’ s 60 Minutes segment revealed disturbing new photos of the body of accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and the orange sheets he allegedly used to hang himself .
In the wake of the segment , former Utah U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman appeared on Fox News ‘ s Fox & Friends on Tuesday to express his doubt over the suicide explanation that has been tied to Epstein ’ s death .
According to Tolman , there are too many gaps and inconsistencies to label the case a definitive suicide , which he believes prosecutors are eager to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City Medical Examiner ’ s Office ruling .
“ It may be a while before we are able to put this to bed…and , this just makes it even more difficult , ” Tolman said .
Tolman believes that the key to the mystery lies with the two guards working at the time of Epstein ’ s death , both of whom were indicted on charges of falsifying records and conspiracy .
“ It may seem like they are the scapegoats , and — in some ways — they are .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can piece together what occurred in those moments : why the body was moved against protocol , why there were so many monumental failures… ” Noting his experience as a prosecutor , Tolman said that he would be “ really concerned ” about some of the facts presented in the case .
Tolman said that his approach to such facts would be to “ flush ” them out with witnesses or “ apply the pressure ” to get such witnesses to talk to determine if there ’ s “ anything more ” happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt on Epstein ’ s alleged suicide and reaffirmed his beliefs during the 60 Minutes broadcast .
Baden pointed to the broken bones in Epstein ’ s neck , suggesting that such injuries were not common in suicides by hanging and were more frequently found in homicidal strangulation cases .
According to Baden , he has never seen anything similar to the three fractures Epstein suffered in the over 1,000 jail hangings and suicides in the New York City state prisons he visited during the past 40 to 50 years .
As The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed Epstein ’ s reported suicide , which has further fueling theories that the convicted sex offender was murdered .
In addition , numerous New York City officials have reportedly pushed for answers and suggested that the circumstances of Epstein ’ s death are suspicious .
If you or someone you know is in crisis , please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 .
For readers outside the U.S. , visit Suicide.org or Befrienders Worldwide for international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Chuck Schumer Says He Will Force A Vote On Impeachment Witnesses At Start Of Senate Trial

Conflict continues to erupt over when a vote on impeachment witnesses will be held in the forthcoming Senate trial on the articles of impeachment passed against Donald Trump .
Although Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell claims to have the votes to move forward without such a vote at the outset of the trial , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer nevertheless said Tuesday that he would force an early vote on such a demand , Breitbart reports .
“ Make no mistake , on the question of witnesses and documents , Republicans may run but they can ’ t hide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There will be votes at the beginning on whether to call the four witnesses we ’ ve proposed and subpoena the documents we ’ ve identified .
If every Republican senator votes for a rigged trial that hides the truth , the American people will see that the Republican Senate is part of a large and awful cover-up.
” The conflict over when to hear from witnesses comes as former White House national security adviser John Bolton said he would be open to testifying if subpoenaed .
Both McConnell and Schumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to approach the impeachment trial — a stark contrast to the 100-0 votes that began former President Bill Clinton ’ s trial .
However , Politico reports that the Senate in the Clinton trial had “ much more ” information on the impeachment probe than the Trump administration has offered .
Regardless , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is still holding on to the two articles of impeachment passed against Trump , and McConnell doesn ’ t appear set to give in to her demands for calling on witnesses .
Amid the conflict , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marco Rubio for suggesting that the testimony and evidence used by the House should match the evidence in the Senate trial — a notion that suggests no new witnesses are needed .
“ What @ marcorubio proposes here is not at all how a trial works .
It ’ s how a double standard works , ” Amash responded , noting that such an approach creates two standards of justice — one for the people , and another for Trump and “ other elites.
” McConnell said he is prepared to move forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderate Republican Sens .
Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins reportedly back McConnell ’ s plan to start the trial and have both expressed their belief that calling witnesses later in the impeachment process — as was done during Clinton ’ s trial — is the best approach to take for Trump ’ s forthcoming trial .

Conflict continues to erupt over when a vote on impeachment witnesses will be held in the forthcoming Senate trial on the articles of impeachment passed against Donald Trump. Although Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell claims to have the votes to move forward without such a vote at the outset of the trial, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer nevertheless said Tuesday that he would force an early vote on such a demand, Breitbart reports.
“Make no mistake, on the question of witnesses and documents, Republicans may run but they can’t hide,” Schumer said in a floor speech.
“There will be votes at the beginning on whether to call the four witnesses we’ve proposed and subpoena the documents we’ve identified. If every Republican senator votes for a rigged trial that hides the truth, the American people will see that the Republican Senate is part of a large and awful cover-up.”
The conflict over when to hear from witnesses comes as former White House national security adviser John Bolton said he would be open to testifying if subpoenaed. Both McConnell and Schumer have been unable to agree on how to approach the impeachment trial — a stark contrast to the 100-0 votes that began former President Bill Clinton’s trial. However, Politico reports that the Senate in the Clinton trial had “much more” information on the impeachment probe than the Trump administration has offered.
To Senate Republicans, Make no mistake: There will be votes on whether to subpoena the documents we’ve identified and to call the four witnesses we’ve proposed: Mulvaney, Bolton, Duffey, and Blair. Will you support a fair trial, or a Senate-sponsored cover-up? pic.twitter.com/uO2ZC6Ha42 — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 7, 2020
Regardless, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is still holding on to the two articles of impeachment passed against Trump, and McConnell doesn’t appear set to give in to her demands for calling on witnesses. Amid the conflict, Michigan Rep. Justin Amash blasted Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for suggesting that the testimony and evidence used by the House should match the evidence in the Senate trial — a notion that suggests no new witnesses are needed.
“What @marcorubio proposes here is not at all how a trial works. It’s how a double standard works,” Amash responded, noting that such an approach creates two standards of justice — one for the people, and another for Trump and “other elites.”
McConnell said he is prepared to move forward with the impeachment trial without Democrats. Moderate Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins reportedly back McConnell’s plan to start the trial and have both expressed their belief that calling witnesses later in the impeachment process — as was done during Clinton’s trial — is the best approach to take for Trump’s forthcoming trial.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Justin Amash Blasts Marco Rubio For Comments On Impeachment Trial

Independent and former Republican Justin Amash took to Twitter Tuesday to criticize Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and his comments on the forthcoming Senate trial on the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump .
According to Rubio , the evidence in the impeachment trial must match the evidence and testimony that the House relied on when passing articles of impeachment , suggesting he his not open to hearing from witnesses during the trial .
“ Our job is to vote on what the House passed , not to conduct an open ended inquiry , ” Rubio concluded his tweet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a point of contention that has divided Democrats and Republicans .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has so far rejected Democratic demands of witness testimony from former White House national security adviser John Bolton and three other witnesses , as well as documents that are reportedly being withheld by the White House , CNN reports .
Adding to the pressure McConnell is facing , Bolton recently revealed that — after “ careful consideration and study ” — he is open to testifying in the Senate trial if he is subpoenaed .
Given that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events that led to Trump ’ s impeachment for his Ukraine dealings , his testimony could be crucial in the case .
Amash could also play a vital role in the Senate trial .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , a group of freshman Democrats led by Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips is pushing to have the Michigan Rep. be an impeachment manager in the upcoming trial in the upper chamber .
“ To the extent that this can be bipartisan , it should , and I think including Representative Amash amongst the impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , for the substance and for the optics , ” Phillips said , per The Washington Post .
The decision will fall to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who is still holding on to the two articles of impeachment against Trump , according to The Guardian .
Regardless , Phillips claims that Amash agreed to consider the position if asked .
As of now , McConnell is reportedly planning a set of rules for the impeachment trial .
He allegedly has enough support from his 53-member caucus to do so without @ @ @

Independent and former Republican Justin Amash took to Twitter Tuesday to criticize Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and his comments on the forthcoming Senate trial on the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. According to Rubio, the evidence in the impeachment trial must match the evidence and testimony that the House relied on when passing articles of impeachment, suggesting he his not open to hearing from witnesses during the trial.
“Our job is to vote on what the House passed, not to conduct an open ended inquiry,” Rubio concluded his tweet.
Amash doesn’t appear to agree.
“What @marcorubio proposes here is not at all how a trial works. It’s how a double standard works: There’s one standard of justice for the people and another standard of justice for President Trump and other elites.”
Whether the trial will include witnesses is a point of contention that has divided Democrats and Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has so far rejected Democratic demands of witness testimony from former White House national security adviser John Bolton and three other witnesses, as well as documents that are reportedly being withheld by the White House, CNN reports.
Adding to the pressure McConnell is facing, Bolton recently revealed that — after “careful consideration and study” — he is open to testifying in the Senate trial if he is subpoenaed. Given that Bolton can likely shed light on the events that led to Trump’s impeachment for his Ukraine dealings, his testimony could be crucial in the case.
Rep. Justin Amash (I-MI): "Trump has abused and violated the public trust …. His actions reflect precisely the type of conduct the framers of the Constitution intended to remedy through the power of impeachment. And it is our duty to impeach him." pic.twitter.com/Fpeb1odJgy — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 18, 2019
Amash could also play a vital role in the Senate trial. As The Inquisitr previously reported, a group of freshman Democrats led by Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips is pushing to have the Michigan Rep. be an impeachment manager in the upcoming trial in the upper chamber.
“To the extent that this can be bipartisan, it should, and I think including Representative Amash amongst the impeachment managers is a smart move both for the country, for the substance and for the optics,” Phillips said, per The Washington Post.
The decision will fall to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is still holding on to the two articles of impeachment against Trump, according to The Guardian. Regardless, Phillips claims that Amash agreed to consider the position if asked.
As of now, McConnell is reportedly planning a set of rules for the impeachment trial. He allegedly has enough support from his 53-member caucus to do so without Democratic support.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Andrew Yang Gains Most Support From 2016 Donald Trump Voters In Emerson Poll

A recent Emerson College poll showed Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang in third place with 10 percent support behind Joe Biden ‘ s 27 percent and Bernie Sanders ‘ 28 percent .
The jump in polling numbers was great news for Yang , who has had an overall polling average of two to three percent for some time .
A closer look reveals more good news for Yang and his supporters — he received the most support from respondents who voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and plan to vote in the 2020 Democratic primary .
Specifically , of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would vote for Yang , putting him at 38.7 percent support from this base .
The only other candidate that comes close to achieving those numbers is Michael Bloomberg , who has 19.35 percent of that base ’ s support .
Biden gains 6.45 percent from the group , while Sanders , Elizabeth Warren , Pete Buttigieg , and Tulsi Gabbard all gained 3.23 percent .
Although the sample size is small , it ’ s nevertheless a good sign for Yang and seems to indicate his campaign ’ s non-partisan messaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from across the political spectrum .
The 44-year-old serial entrepreneur has made a habit of noting his belief that Trump is not the cause of the current problems the United States is facing , but a symptom .
He has also stated that Trump ’ s impeachment is a distraction from the real issues facing the country .
In a recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report , Jonathan Hopkins , a lifelong Democrat who voted for Sanders in 2016 , said he believes that Trump ’ s success was tied to the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind .
“ This campaign brings together people who are so far ideologically apart that would never talk otherwise , ” he said of Yang ’ s run for president , which he now supports .
Much like Trump , Yang ’ s campaign focuses on solutions that address the decline of the working class .
But the younger entrepreneur differs from Trump on this issue , blaming automation and a shifting economy — not immigration — as the cause of this decline .
“ Donald Trump ’ s our president today because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , ” Yang told an audience at a previous campaign event , per The Harvard Crimson .
“ But his solutions are obviously the exact opposite of what we need : build the wall , freeze time , turn the clock back , and what I ’ m saying is we need to turn the clock forward.
” One former Trump supporter previously spoke to Fox News multimedia reporter Rob DiRienzo about why he decided to switch his support to Yang .
“ I ’ ve seen things in this country just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ s in the White House , really , ” he said , adding that Yang ’ s solutions made sense to him .
“ It makes sense to me that it ’ s not immigrants , it ’ s automation that ’ s taking jobs in America , ” he said .

A recent Emerson College poll showed Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang in third place with 10 percent support behind Joe Biden‘s 27 percent and Bernie Sanders‘ 28 percent. The jump in polling numbers was great news for Yang, who has had an overall polling average of two to three percent for some time.
A closer look reveals more good news for Yang and his supporters — he received the most support from respondents who voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and plan to vote in the 2020 Democratic primary. Specifically, of the 31 former Trump voters, 12 said they would vote for Yang, putting him at 38.7 percent support from this base. The only other candidate that comes close to achieving those numbers is Michael Bloomberg, who has 19.35 percent of that base’s support. Biden gains 6.45 percent from the group, while Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, and Tulsi Gabbard all gained 3.23 percent.
Although the sample size is small, it’s nevertheless a good sign for Yang and seems to indicate his campaign’s non-partisan messaging is getting across, gaining him support from across the political spectrum. The 44-year-old serial entrepreneur has made a habit of noting his belief that Trump is not the cause of the current problems the United States is facing, but a symptom. He has also stated that Trump’s impeachment is a distraction from the real issues facing the country.
In a recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report, Jonathan Hopkins, a lifelong Democrat who voted for Sanders in 2016, said he believes that Trump’s success was tied to the president’s decision to address voters that felt left behind.
“This campaign brings together people who are so far ideologically apart that would never talk otherwise,” he said of Yang’s run for president, which he now supports.
There is no possible way Trump can beat @AndrewYang. Give Yang the Democratic nomination, and Trump will be a one-term President. End of story. Game over. #YangGang pic.twitter.com/BYIhtkRUkh — Scott Santens (@scottsantens) January 7, 2020
Much like Trump, Yang’s campaign focuses on solutions that address the decline of the working class. But the younger entrepreneur differs from Trump on this issue, blaming automation and a shifting economy — not immigration — as the cause of this decline.
“Donald Trump’s our president today because he got a lot of the problems right,” Yang told an audience at a previous campaign event, per The Harvard Crimson. “But his solutions are obviously the exact opposite of what we need: build the wall, freeze time, turn the clock back, and what I’m saying is we need to turn the clock forward.”
One former Trump supporter previously spoke to Fox News multimedia reporter Rob DiRienzo about why he decided to switch his support to Yang.
“I’ve seen things in this country just get more and more divided no matter who’s in the White House, really,” he said, adding that Yang’s solutions made sense to him.
“It makes sense to me that it’s not immigrants, it’s automation that’s taking jobs in America,” he said.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Tucker Carlson Slams Conservatives For Trusting Intelligence Community On Iran

Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has been highly critical of Donald Trump and the Washington war hawks that have been supportive of the assassination of Iranian Maj. General Qassem Soleimani and he doesn ’ t appear to be stopping anytime soon .
On a recent episode of Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson Tonight , the 50-year-old journalist blasted the intelligence officials who provided the information to the president that was reportedly used to justify Soleimani ’ s killing .
He also had criticism for those who easily accepted this narrative .
“ It ’ s hard to remember now but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t consider Iran an imminent threat , ” Carlson said .
“ Iranian saboteurs weren ’ t committing acts of terror in our cities .
Oh , but our leaders tell us they were about to at any second .
That ’ s why we struck first .
What ’ s so striking is how many people appear to accept this uncritically.
” He continued to note that before Soleimani ’ s death , intelligence agencies were treated as “ politically tainted ” by conservatives , noting the recent revelations in Inspector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed numerous abuses in the FISA process used to investigate Trump ’ s 2016 presidential campaign , as well as previous suggestions that the president was a “ Russian agent.
” Although the Trump administration and his allies claim that Soleimani was killed to prevent an “ imminent attack ” on Americans in the Middle East , Carlson doesn ’ t appear to buy that explanation .
He noted the previous false narratives used to push the Iraq War , which he claims “ dramatically weakened ” the United States .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Carlson added , echoing progressive commentator Kyle Kulinski , who paralleled the justifications used to support killing Soleimani with those used by George W. Bush ’ s administration to take aim at Saddam Hussein and start the Iraq War .
“ It seems like about 20 minutes ago we were denouncing these people as the ‘ deep state ’ and pledging never to trust them again without verification , ” Carlson continued , noting that now , such intelligence officials are supposed to be believed .
Carlson appears to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the contradiction between the previous attacks on the “ deep state ” from Trump and his conservative allies and the pivot to leaning on such intelligence officials .
As The Inquisitr reported , a recent report claims that Fox News hosts Sean Hannity , Stuart Varney , Brian Kilmeade , and Pete Hegseth — as well as former Trump adviser Christian Whiton — have all recently used intelligence officials to support Trump ’ s military action , despite rallying against them recently .

Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has been highly critical of Donald Trump and the Washington war hawks that have been supportive of the assassination of Iranian Maj. General Qassem Soleimani and he doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon. On a recent episode of Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight, the 50-year-old journalist blasted the intelligence officials who provided the information to the president that was reportedly used to justify Soleimani’s killing. He also had criticism for those who easily accepted this narrative.
“It’s hard to remember now but as recently as last week most people didn’t consider Iran an imminent threat,” Carlson said. “Iranian saboteurs weren’t committing acts of terror in our cities. Oh, but our leaders tell us they were about to at any second. That’s why we struck first. What’s so striking is how many people appear to accept this uncritically.”
He continued to note that before Soleimani’s death, intelligence agencies were treated as “politically tainted” by conservatives, noting the recent revelations in Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report that detailed numerous abuses in the FISA process used to investigate Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, as well as previous suggestions that the president was a “Russian agent.”
“Remember that interlude?” Carlson asked.
Although the Trump administration and his allies claim that Soleimani was killed to prevent an “imminent attack” on Americans in the Middle East, Carlson doesn’t appear to buy that explanation. He noted the previous false narratives used to push the Iraq War, which he claims “dramatically weakened” the United States.
“The people pushing conflict with Iran did that,” Carlson added, echoing progressive commentator Kyle Kulinski, who paralleled the justifications used to support killing Soleimani with those used by George W. Bush’s administration to take aim at Saddam Hussein and start the Iraq War.
“It seems like about 20 minutes ago we were denouncing these people as the ‘deep state’ and pledging never to trust them again without verification,” Carlson continued, noting that now, such intelligence officials are supposed to be believed.
Carlson appears to be the only Fox News host that has pointed out the contradiction between the previous attacks on the “deep state” from Trump and his conservative allies and the pivot to leaning on such intelligence officials. As The Inquisitr reported, a recent report claims that Fox News hosts Sean Hannity, Stuart Varney, Brian Kilmeade, and Pete Hegseth — as well as former Trump adviser Christian Whiton — have all recently used intelligence officials to support Trump’s military action, despite rallying against them recently.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Pete Buttigieg Won’t Rule Out Appointing High-Dollar Donors To Ambassadorships

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg spoke to CNN ’ s Jake Tapper Sunday for an airing of State of the Union and was pressed about whether he would match Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren ’ s pledge not to award positions to her top donors should she be elected president .
The former South Bend , Indiana mayor claimed he would appoint ambassadors based on their job qualifications and not consider any of their previous donations to his campaign , Business Insider reports .
“ If I ’ m trying to figure out who ought to be a senior envoy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Afghanistan and Pakistan , and somebody emerges as the right person for that job with the best qualifications , are they going to turn out to be disqualified because they came to a house party for my campaign years earlier ?
” Buttigieg asked .
Tapper clarified that his question was referencing “ big-dollar donors , ” to which Buttigieg noted that the donation limit is $ 2,800 .
The CNN host didn ’ t appear to buy Buttigieg ’ s response , pointing to super PACs and donation bundling that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You know how it works , ” Tapper said .
Buttigieg doubled down on his previous comment , suggesting that he would appoint candidates based on “ merits ” and not on previous support for his campaign .
The 37-year-old politician ’ s comments are not likely to gain him any support from critics , who have long pointed to his recent pivot from the progressive platform he started with to a more centrist lane .
Discontent with the former mayor ’ s current positions has been so high that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as indicated by # RefundPete trending on Twitter .
Per The Intercept , Buttigieg recently took heat for a fundraiser he held in a Napa Valley wine cave .
Although some wealthy individuals came forward to defend the decision , the publication noted that a recent poll suggested the majority of Americans believe “ corruption in our political system ” is a serious problem — more so than climate change , increased health care costs , and unauthorized immigration .
In response , Buttigieg opted to attack fellow candidate Elizabeth Warren for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he took from the attacks .
“ The media and the Buttigieg campaign have responded to the wine cave assault not with an exploration of the connection between high-dollar donations and policy results , but by searching for the safer ground of hypocrisy , ” The Intercept report reads .
Buttigieg ’ s past work at McKinsey & Company has also drawn scrutiny .
The company has been involved in many questionable business enterprises .
Buttigieg reportedly worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield ( BCBS ) and Loblaws .
According to Business for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCBS works to minimize medical care provision and maximize bills , noting that Buttigieg ’ s health care plan is designed to protect such companies .

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg spoke to CNN’s Jake Tapper Sunday for an airing of State of the Union and was pressed about whether he would match Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s pledge not to award positions to her top donors should she be elected president.
The former South Bend, Indiana mayor claimed he would appoint ambassadors based on their job qualifications and not consider any of their previous donations to his campaign, Business Insider reports.
“If I’m trying to figure out who ought to be a senior envoy to deal with, let’s say, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and somebody emerges as the right person for that job with the best qualifications, are they going to turn out to be disqualified because they came to a house party for my campaign years earlier?” Buttigieg asked.
Tapper clarified that his question was referencing “big-dollar donors,” to which Buttigieg noted that the donation limit is $2,800. The CNN host didn’t appear to buy Buttigieg’s response, pointing to super PACs and donation bundling that can be used to bypass campaign donation ceilings.
“You know how it works,” Tapper said.
Buttigieg doubled down on his previous comment, suggesting that he would appoint candidates based on “merits” and not on previous support for his campaign.
The 37-year-old politician’s comments are not likely to gain him any support from critics, who have long pointed to his recent pivot from the progressive platform he started with to a more centrist lane. Discontent with the former mayor’s current positions has been so high that some supporters have asked for donations back, as indicated by #RefundPete trending on Twitter.
Per The Intercept, Buttigieg recently took heat for a fundraiser he held in a Napa Valley wine cave. Although some wealthy individuals came forward to defend the decision, the publication noted that a recent poll suggested the majority of Americans believe “corruption in our political system” is a serious problem — more so than climate change, increased health care costs, and unauthorized immigration.
In response, Buttigieg opted to attack fellow candidate Elizabeth Warren for her past glitzy fundraisers to minimize the damage he took from the attacks.
“The media and the Buttigieg campaign have responded to the wine cave assault not with an exploration of the connection between high-dollar donations and policy results, but by searching for the safer ground of hypocrisy,” The Intercept report reads.
Buttigieg’s past work at McKinsey & Company has also drawn scrutiny. The company has been involved in many questionable business enterprises. Buttigieg reportedly worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and Loblaws. According to Business for Medicare for All President Wendell Potter, BCBS works to minimize medical care provision and maximize bills, noting that Buttigieg’s health care plan is designed to protect such companies.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Joe Biden Beats Donald Trump By 6 Points In Hypothetical Head-To-Head, New Poll Suggests

In the poll , Bernie Sanders , Michael Bloomberg , and Pete Buttigieg would also all beat Trump in head-to-head matchups .
Joe Biden would beat Donald Trump by six percentage points in a hypothetical 2020 election matchup , The Hill reports .
It ’ s the widest margin of victory over Trump of any of Biden ’ s challengers for the Democratic Party ’ s 2020 nomination .
According to the results of the latest Morning Consult poll — conducted between December 30 and January 5 and released Tuesday — if the election were held today , likely voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Biden over Trump , assuming Biden earns the Democratic Party ’ s nomination .
Biden would get 46 percent of the hypothetical vote to Trump ’ s 40 percent .
That six-point margin of victory is the highest among the three Democratic candidates who , according to the poll , could beat Trump .
Michael Bloomberg and Bernie Sanders each led Trump by two points in their own hypothetical matchups , but the percentage of votes would shake out differently for each man .
Sanders would win with 44 percent to Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would win with 43 percent compared to Trump ’ s 41 percent .
Pete Buttigieg has the slimmest margin of victory — one percent , which is within the poll ’ s margin of error — hypothetically earning 42 percent of the vote compared to Trump ’ s 41 percent .
Against Elizabeth Warren , the poll results reveal that she would lose to Trump by one percentage point , 42 percent to Trump ’ s 43 percent .
But like Buttigieg ’ s margin of victory , Warren ’ s one percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of error .
When Trump was taken out of the equation , however , the status of the Democratic field itself was more muddled .
Even though Biden , Bloomberg , and Sanders hold statistically-significant leads over Trump in hypothetical general election scenarios , it is not guaranteed that any of the three men would win the Democratic Party nomination .
Of those surveyed , Biden seemed to have the highest support of Democratic primary voters .
This means he holds the unique position of having the highest hypothetical margin of victory against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of likely Democratic voters .
Specifically , 31 percent of those voters support Biden for the Democratic nomination , according to the latest poll .
Sanders comes in second place with 23 percent of the Democratic primary vote , while Warren — who would potentially lose to Trump in a head-to-head matchup — comes in third , at 14 percent .
Buttigieg currently has eight percent of Democratic support , while Bloomberg has seven percent .
This newest poll comes as the field of potential Democratic contenders shrunk once again .
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for president , as previously reported by The Inquisitr .

Joe Biden would beat Donald Trump by six percentage points in a hypothetical 2020 election matchup, The Hill reports. It’s the widest margin of victory over Trump of any of Biden’s challengers for the Democratic Party’s 2020 nomination.
According to the results of the latest Morning Consult poll — conducted between December 30 and January 5 and released Tuesday — if the election were held today, likely voters say they are more apt to vote for Biden over Trump, assuming Biden earns the Democratic Party’s nomination. Biden would get 46 percent of the hypothetical vote to Trump’s 40 percent.
That six-point margin of victory is the highest among the three Democratic candidates who, according to the poll, could beat Trump.
Michael Bloomberg and Bernie Sanders each led Trump by two points in their own hypothetical matchups, but the percentage of votes would shake out differently for each man. Sanders would win with 44 percent to Trump’s 42 percent, while Bloomberg would win with 43 percent compared to Trump’s 41 percent.
Pete Buttigieg has the slimmest margin of victory — one percent, which is within the poll’s margin of error — hypothetically earning 42 percent of the vote compared to Trump’s 41 percent.
Against Elizabeth Warren, the poll results reveal that she would lose to Trump by one percentage point, 42 percent to Trump’s 43 percent. But like Buttigieg’s margin of victory, Warren’s one percent is within the poll’s margin of error.
When Trump was taken out of the equation, however, the status of the Democratic field itself was more muddled. Even though Biden, Bloomberg, and Sanders hold statistically-significant leads over Trump in hypothetical general election scenarios, it is not guaranteed that any of the three men would win the Democratic Party nomination.
Of those surveyed, Biden seemed to have the highest support of Democratic primary voters. This means he holds the unique position of having the highest hypothetical margin of victory against Trump while simultaneously having the strongest backing of likely Democratic voters. Specifically, 31 percent of those voters support Biden for the Democratic nomination, according to the latest poll.
Sanders comes in second place with 23 percent of the Democratic primary vote, while Warren — who would potentially lose to Trump in a head-to-head matchup — comes in third, at 14 percent. Buttigieg currently has eight percent of Democratic support, while Bloomberg has seven percent.
This newest poll comes as the field of potential Democratic contenders shrunk once again. Last week, Julian Castro officially ended his campaign for president, as previously reported by The Inquisitr.


inquisitr--2020-01-07--Rand Paul Expresses Opposition To Donald Trump’s Iran Escalation, Calls Mike Pompeo ‘Brain-Dead’

In a dramatic escalation last week , President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani , commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards ’ Quds force .
Since the attack , administration officials have scrambled to justify the decision , with Vice President Mike Pence going as far as blaming Iran for the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center .
Not all Republicans are on board with Trump ’ s aggressive posture , however .
In a new interview with CNN , libertarian-leaning Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky expressed opposition to Trump ’ s latest escalation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are reckless policies that could lead to war , per RealClearPolitics .
Speaking with Wolf Blitzer , Paul argued that the Soleimani killing makes Americans less safe .
According to the senator , Iran is no longer willing to negotiate with the United States .
The country ’ s only option , Paul suggested , is to strike back , and it is now “ much more likely ” that the tensions will result in attacks on Americans .
According to Paul , “ it ’ s now a certainty that there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani killing , given that the general has been replaced by an equally aggressive “ hard-liner.
” “ And this is sad .
I mean , the death of Soleimani , I think , is the death of diplomacy with Iran .
I don ’ t see an off-ramp , ” Paul said , explaining to Blitzer that he believes Trump got “ bad advice ” from members of his administration .
According to Paul , Trump is doing exactly what his former national security adviser John Bolton — a neoconservative war-hawk — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two countries closer to war .
Administration officials have suggested that the killing of Soleimani is meant to bring Iran back to the negotiating table , which Paul dismissed , taking aim at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and calling him “ brain-dead.
” “ You would have to be brain-dead to believe that we tear up the agreement , we put an embargo on you , and we kill your major general , and they ’ re just going to crawl back to the table and say , what do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranians “ who do like the West and who would talk to us ” no longer have a voice , according to Paul , who predicted that hard-liners in the Iranian government will consolidate support , further escalating the tensions , and potentially take revenge for Trump ’ s attack on their country .
Paul has previously criticized Trump for attacking Iran , stating in a recent Fox News interview that the president is breaking his campaign promise of ending Middle East wars and deploying more American troops to the region instead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran .
In 2017 , in an attempt to protect the Iran nuclear deal , only Paul and Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders voted against sanctions on the country , according to HuffPost .


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Lindsey Graham Calls Iran Missile Strike On Al Asad Base An ‘Act Of War,’ Warns Tehran To Back Down

Sen. Graham also warned Iran that if they continue their aggressive response , that they will soon be 'out of the oil business . '
Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham — a top GOP ally to President Donald Trump — reacted to a ballistic missile attack on two military bases in Iraq that house U.S. soldiers , warning the country to back down or face extreme consequences .
According to The Hill , Graham called Iran ’ s attack an “ act of war ” during an interview with Fox News ’ Sean Hannity , shortly after it was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also insisted that , contrary to what his Democratic colleagues have previously said about further military actions against the country , Trump has the full legal authority to respond appropriately to tonight ’ s attack .
“ The president has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond , ” Graham told Hannity .
The Pentagon released a statement following widespread reports of the surprise missile strike on Al Asad base in Iraq and the other attack in Irbil , claiming Iran “ launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil , ” the Pentagon added in the statement .
The attacks have been referred to as retaliatory in nature , given the recent surprise U.S. drone strike which resulted in the death of Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
Iran vowed retaliation after the strike , but at the time didn ’ t offer specifics as to how they would respond .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike that killed Soleimani was to prevent “ imminent ” plans by the commander that would have resulted in American deaths .
Graham explained to Hannity that the president should continue to focus on a deal that would prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear arms .
He also suggested that Trump should pay attention to the country ’ s ballistic missile program and the country ’ s alleged backing of various terrorist organizations .
The South Carolina senator also told Hannity that he ’ d spoken with the president in the wake of Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stark warning to the country with concern to any future moves they might consider making against the United States .
“ If you ’ re watching television in Iran : I just got off the phone with the president .
Your fate is in your own hands in terms of the regime ’ s economic viability .
You continue this… crap , you ’ re going to wake up one day out of the oil business , ” Graham said .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , Trump posted a tweet in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said that he plans on delivering a statement about the matter on Wednesday morning .

Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham — a top GOP ally to President Donald Trump — reacted to a ballistic missile attack on two military bases in Iraq that house U.S. soldiers, warning the country to back down or face extreme consequences.
According to The Hill, Graham called Iran’s attack an “act of war” during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, shortly after it was confirmed that the strike took place. Graham also insisted that, contrary to what his Democratic colleagues have previously said about further military actions against the country, Trump has the full legal authority to respond appropriately to tonight’s attack.
“The president has all the authority he needs under Article II to respond,” Graham told Hannity.
The Pentagon released a statement following widespread reports of the surprise missile strike on Al Asad base in Iraq and the other attack in Irbil, claiming Iran “launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq.”
“It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil,” the Pentagon added in the statement.
The attacks have been referred to as retaliatory in nature, given the recent surprise U.S. drone strike which resulted in the death of Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran vowed retaliation after the strike, but at the time didn’t offer specifics as to how they would respond.
The Trump administration claims that the drone strike that killed Soleimani was to prevent “imminent” plans by the commander that would have resulted in American deaths.
Graham explained to Hannity that the president should continue to focus on a deal that would prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear arms. He also suggested that Trump should pay attention to the country’s ballistic missile program and the country’s alleged backing of various terrorist organizations.
The South Carolina senator also told Hannity that he’d spoken with the president in the wake of Iran’s Tuesday night response, offering a stark warning to the country with concern to any future moves they might consider making against the United States.
“If you’re watching television in Iran: I just got off the phone with the president. Your fate is in your own hands in terms of the regime’s economic viability. You continue this… crap, you’re going to wake up one day out of the oil business,” Graham said.
As The Inquisitr previously reported, Trump posted a tweet in the aftermath of the Iranian missile attack and said that he plans on delivering a statement about the matter on Wednesday morning.


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Democrats Should ‘Reopen The Impeachment’ Inquiry, Says Fox News Judge

In the wake of recently reported emails that reveal Donald Trump provided “ clear direction ” to hold Ukraine aid , Fox News senior judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano said that Democrats should “ reopen the impeachment ” inquiry due to the “ newly acquired evidence.
” Napolitano made the comments on Monday ’ s edition of America ’ s Newsroom , Newsweek reports .
The former New Jersey Superior Court judge noted the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could control the rules of the Senate trial , which are currently being argued by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested an alternative legal path for Democrats .
“ If I were a Democrat in the House , I would be moving to reopen the impeachment on the basis of newly acquired evidence , which are these new emails of people getting instructions directly from the president to hold up on the sending of the [ military ] funds ” to Ukraine , ” he said .
Pelosi has received criticism from many Republicans for her decision to hold onto the two articles of impeachment passed against Trump , while some Democrats have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As for the opportunity for new articles , Pelosi has not commented on the possibility .
Following the release of the recent damning emails , Schumer called them a “ devastating blow ” to the president ’ s case .
Outside of the emails , the 69-year-old politician has been fighting for GOP Senate leaders to allow for additional witnesses that were prevented from testifying during the House inquiry .
McConnell does not appear to be set to do so and claims that he has the votes to move forward with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic approval .
Napolitano has expressed his support for Trump ’ s impeachment in recent weeks .
He previously predicted that there could be three of four articles of impeachment against the president .
Although only two exist at the moment , he will be proven correct should Democrats pursue another article of impeachment based on the recently surfaced evidence .
The Fox News legal previously predicted that Trump would testify live on television for the Senate impeachment trial .
“ I think it will be the most dramatic legal political event in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Napolitano said , per The Hill .
According to Napolitano , the testimony will take place in front of the chief justice and the full Senate , as well as the 200 million people that will watch on television .

In the wake of recently reported emails that reveal Donald Trump provided “clear direction” to hold Ukraine aid, Fox News senior judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano said that Democrats should “reopen the impeachment” inquiry due to the “newly acquired evidence.”
Napolitano made the comments on Monday’s edition of America’s Newsroom, Newsweek reports. The former New Jersey Superior Court judge noted the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could control the rules of the Senate trial, which are currently being argued by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. However, Napolitano suggested an alternative legal path for Democrats.
“If I were a Democrat in the House, I would be moving to reopen the impeachment on the basis of newly acquired evidence, which are these new emails of people getting instructions directly from the president to hold up on the sending of the [military] funds” to Ukraine,” he said.
“That would justify holding on to the articles of impeachment, because there’s new evidence, perhaps new articles.”
Pelosi has received criticism from many Republicans for her decision to hold onto the two articles of impeachment passed against Trump, while some Democrats have praised it as a savvy political move. As for the opportunity for new articles, Pelosi has not commented on the possibility.
Following the release of the recent damning emails, Schumer called them a “devastating blow” to the president’s case. Outside of the emails, the 69-year-old politician has been fighting for GOP Senate leaders to allow for additional witnesses that were prevented from testifying during the House inquiry. McConnell does not appear to be set to do so and claims that he has the votes to move forward with the Senate trial on his own accord without Democratic approval.
Napolitano has expressed his support for Trump’s impeachment in recent weeks. He previously predicted that there could be three of four articles of impeachment against the president. Although only two exist at the moment, he will be proven correct should Democrats pursue another article of impeachment based on the recently surfaced evidence.
The Fox News legal previously predicted that Trump would testify live on television for the Senate impeachment trial.
“I think it will be the most dramatic legal political event in the history of our era,” Napolitano said, per The Hill.
According to Napolitano, the testimony will take place in front of the chief justice and the full Senate, as well as the 200 million people that will watch on television.


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Donald Trump Walks Back Comments About Attacking Iranian Cultural Sites: ‘I Like To Obey The Law’

After vowing to attack more than 50 cultural sites in Iran if the country retaliated for the U.S. airstrike that killed one of its top military leaders , Donald Trump walked back his comments , saying that he wants to “ obey the law.
” As USA Today reports , the president threatened to attack Iranian cultural sites after the country stated that it that intended to retaliate for the drone airstrike that killed Qassem Soleimani , a revered leader of the Quds Force .
Trump said that the U.S would attack 52 Iranian cultural sites , “ some at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran & the Iranian culture.
” The number of sites corresponds to the number of people taken during the Iranian hostage crisis of the late 1970s and early 1980s .
After facing criticism for this threat , the president doubled down with the following remarks , as quoted by USA Today .
As many critics have pointed out , destroying important cultural sites is considered a war crime under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection fo Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict .
On Tuesday , Trump appeared to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat .
“ And you know what , if that ’ s what the law is , I like to obey the law , ” he said .
Still , despite backing off , the president complained that being unable to strike at cultural sites seemed unfair .
“ But think of it .
They kill our people , they blow up our people , and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions .
But I ’ m OK with it , ” he concluded , during an Oval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitsotakis .
In addition , the president promised to exact revenge if Iran retaliated for the death of Soleimani .
“ I will say this : If Iran does anything that they shouldn ’ t be doing , they ’ re going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly , ” he said .
Shortly after Trump ’ s comments , news broke that Iran had launched at least a dozen missiles aimed at two United States military bases in Iraq .
As The Inquisitr previously reported , Iranian officials announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Erbil in northern Iraq and the al Asad air base in western Iraq at 1:20 a.m. — the time that Suleimani was killed in the U.S. airstrike last week .
While the White House hasn ’ t responded to the attack , the administration said in a statement that Trump was aware of the situation and monitoring it as it unfolded .

After vowing to attack more than 50 cultural sites in Iran if the country retaliated for the U.S. airstrike that killed one of its top military leaders, Donald Trump walked back his comments, saying that he wants to “obey the law.”
As USA Today reports, the president threatened to attack Iranian cultural sites after the country stated that it that intended to retaliate for the drone airstrike that killed Qassem Soleimani, a revered leader of the Quds Force.
Trump said that the U.S would attack 52 Iranian cultural sites, “some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture.” The number of sites corresponds to the number of people taken during the Iranian hostage crisis of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
After facing criticism for this threat, the president doubled down with the following remarks, as quoted by USA Today.
“[T]hey’re allowed to kill our people, they’re allowed to torture and maim our people … and we’re not allowed to touch their cultural site? It doesn’t work that way.”
As many critics have pointed out, destroying important cultural sites is considered a war crime under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection fo Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
On Tuesday, Trump appeared to have changed his tune, walking back the threat.
“And you know what, if that’s what the law is, I like to obey the law,” he said.
Still, despite backing off, the president complained that being unable to strike at cultural sites seemed unfair.
“But think of it. They kill our people, they blow up our people, and then we have to be very gentle with their cultural institutions. But I’m OK with it,” he concluded, during an Oval Office meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In addition, the president promised to exact revenge if Iran retaliated for the death of Soleimani.
“I will say this: If Iran does anything that they shouldn’t be doing, they’re going to be suffering the consequences and very strongly,” he said.
Shortly after Trump’s comments, news broke that Iran had launched at least a dozen missiles aimed at two United States military bases in Iraq. As The Inquisitr previously reported, Iranian officials announced that they had launched attacks at bases in Erbil in northern Iraq and the al Asad air base in western Iraq at 1:20 a.m. — the time that Suleimani was killed in the U.S. airstrike last week.
Iran has launched 'tens' of missiles at the al-Asad airbase in Iraq, where U.S. forces are housed, according to Iran's state TV pic.twitter.com/KLikqK2fsw — NowThis (@nowthisnews) January 8, 2020
While the White House hasn’t responded to the attack, the administration said in a statement that Trump was aware of the situation and monitoring it as it unfolded.


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Majority Of Americans Think Donald Trump’s Dealings With Ukraine Were Improper, New Poll Says

The poll also revealed that a majority of Republicans surveyed believe that the president 's interactions with Ukraine were not improper .
While President Donald Trump and his administration await an impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate , Americans who were surveyed in the wake of the vote to impeach the president say that they disapproved of his initial dealings with Ukraine .
According to The Hill , the Hill-HarrisX poll revealed that 58 percent of Americans believe Trump acted improperly with regard to how he handled a July 25 phone call last year , in which Democrats accused him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dig up political ammunition against potential top 2020 opponent and former Vice President Joe Biden .
At the crux of the matter was the allegation that Trump purposely withheld a nearly $ 400 million U.S. military aid package in exchange for information about Biden and his son , Hunter Biden .
Only 42 percent of those surveyed believe that the president acted properly with his Ukraine dealings .
Not unexpectedly , survey results varied wildly when broken down by party .
Trump has enjoyed strong support both from top Republican allies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America .
That was shown in the survey as only 22 percent of Republicans indicated that they think his dealings with Ukraine were improper .
In contrast , 86 percent of Democrats polled believe his actions were improper .
Independents who were polled seemingly sided with Democrats on the matter , with a 62 percent majority agreeing that Trump acted improperly .
The results came as House Democrats overwhelmingly passed a vote to draft two articles of impeachment against Trump , including one for obstruction of Congress and one for abuse of power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the passing of the articles of impeachment that she would refrain from transmitting them in official capacity to the Republican-controlled Senate , citing a lack of fair rules .
That announcement was made prior to the holiday recess and as of this writing , she hasn ’ t yet indicated when she might consider sending the matter to the Senate for its final phase .
Sen. Diane Feinstein seemingly took a shot at Pelosi ’ s stalling of the impeachment articles , demanding that they be sent over to begin the process sooner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown role in all of this , and the longer it goes on , the less the urgency becomes .
So if it ’ s serious and urgent , it should come over .
If it isn ’ t , don ’ t send it over , ” Feinstein said .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made headlines on Tuesday as he revealed that he would be moving the upper chamber forward on the impeachment trial , citing precedent that was set during former President Bill Clinton ’ s impeachment trial in 1999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ample votes to formulate a set of rules without the need to bargain with Senate Democrats over which witnesses will and will not be called to testify .
As previously reported by The Inquisitr , a group of GOP senators , including Sen. Josh Hawley , introduced a resolution on Monday to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump .

While President Donald Trump and his administration await an impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, Americans who were surveyed in the wake of the vote to impeach the president say that they disapproved of his initial dealings with Ukraine.
According to The Hill, the Hill-HarrisX poll revealed that 58 percent of Americans believe Trump acted improperly with regard to how he handled a July 25 phone call last year, in which Democrats accused him of using his power as the president to dig up political ammunition against potential top 2020 opponent and former Vice President Joe Biden. At the crux of the matter was the allegation that Trump purposely withheld a nearly $400 million U.S. military aid package in exchange for information about Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.
Only 42 percent of those surveyed believe that the president acted properly with his Ukraine dealings.
Not unexpectedly, survey results varied wildly when broken down by party. Trump has enjoyed strong support both from top Republican allies in Congress, along with his supporters across America. That was shown in the survey as only 22 percent of Republicans indicated that they think his dealings with Ukraine were improper.
In contrast, 86 percent of Democrats polled believe his actions were improper. Independents who were polled seemingly sided with Democrats on the matter, with a 62 percent majority agreeing that Trump acted improperly.
The results came as House Democrats overwhelmingly passed a vote to draft two articles of impeachment against Trump, including one for obstruction of Congress and one for abuse of power.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced upon the passing of the articles of impeachment that she would refrain from transmitting them in official capacity to the Republican-controlled Senate, citing a lack of fair rules. That announcement was made prior to the holiday recess and as of this writing, she hasn’t yet indicated when she might consider sending the matter to the Senate for its final phase.
Sen. Diane Feinstein seemingly took a shot at Pelosi’s stalling of the impeachment articles, demanding that they be sent over to begin the process sooner than later.
“Time plays an unknown role in all of this, and the longer it goes on, the less the urgency becomes. So if it’s serious and urgent, it should come over. If it isn’t, don’t send it over,” Feinstein said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made headlines on Tuesday as he revealed that he would be moving the upper chamber forward on the impeachment trial, citing precedent that was set during former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial in 1999. The Kentucky senator claimed that he has ample votes to formulate a set of rules without the need to bargain with Senate Democrats over which witnesses will and will not be called to testify.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr, a group of GOP senators, including Sen. Josh Hawley, introduced a resolution on Monday to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Trump.


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Pete Buttigieg Ignored Evidence Of Racism In South Bend Police Department, Says Report

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has previously faced accusations of failing to address racism in South Bend , Indiana ’ s police force .
A previous TYT Investigates report revealed the presence of secret tapes that allegedly suggest Buttigieg fired South Bend ’ s first black police chief , Darryl Boykins , due to a plot reportedly hatched by white police offers to pressure him via donors .
Buttigieg ’ s lack of black voter support reflects these troubles , and they don ’ t appear to be going away any time soon .
A new report jointly published by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that letters , lawsuits , and complaints documenting racism in South Bend ’ s police force went unanswered by the 37-year-old politician .
“ Over the course of the last month , The Root and The Young Turks have received internal documents , examined formal complaints , and interviewed former officers who outlined a pattern of racial discrimination against black police officers in South Bend , ” the report reads .
According to memos , emails , and complaints obtained by the publications , black officers repeatedly brought the issue up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes at least five discrimination lawsuits were filed in federal courts and highlights letters signed by 10 black South Bend Police Department ( SBPD ) officers describing problems within the department .
Notably , the letters were sent to the Board of Public Safety ( BOPS ) , the city ’ s legislature , and the mayor ’ s office .
The report notes that there were five common complaints among South Bend ’ s black officers : black officers were rarely promoted ; white officers often received promotions , positions , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterparts ; white officers often failed to support black officers in time of danger or when they needed help ; white officers were given an advantage due to being chosen for temporary positions ; and less punishment was administered to white officers than black officers .
“ Not only is there a mountain of evidence showing that the city ’ s black officers felt marginalized , but we could not find a single black complainant who said Buttigieg responded to their concerns personally or in writing , ” the report reads .
Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Root and asked if the mayor was aware of issues of discrimination and racism raised by black officers .
The campaign reportedly said Buttigieg was aware of some complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( EEOC ) and claimed they were dismissed .

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has previously faced accusations of failing to address racism in South Bend, Indiana’s police force. A previous TYT Investigates report revealed the presence of secret tapes that allegedly suggest Buttigieg fired South Bend’s first black police chief, Darryl Boykins, due to a plot reportedly hatched by white police offers to pressure him via donors.
Buttigieg’s lack of black voter support reflects these troubles, and they don’t appear to be going away any time soon. A new report jointly published by The Root and The Young Turks claims that letters, lawsuits, and complaints documenting racism in South Bend’s police force went unanswered by the 37-year-old politician.
“Over the course of the last month, The Root and The Young Turks have received internal documents, examined formal complaints, and interviewed former officers who outlined a pattern of racial discrimination against black police officers in South Bend,” the report reads.
“The alleged discrimination spanned the course of multiple police chiefs, captains, and supervisors. The only common denominator is that every black complainant mentions one name: Pete Buttigieg.”
According to memos, emails, and complaints obtained by the publications, black officers repeatedly brought the issue up to the South Bend Common Council. The report notes at least five discrimination lawsuits were filed in federal courts and highlights letters signed by 10 black South Bend Police Department (SBPD) officers describing problems within the department. Notably, the letters were sent to the Board of Public Safety (BOPS), the city’s legislature, and the mayor’s office.
Inbox: "South Bend Black Lives Matters media call on racism and secrecy in the police under Mayor Buttigieg, and what's coming next in 2020." pic.twitter.com/WonnJ08GSB — Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) December 17, 2019
The report notes that there were five common complaints among South Bend’s black officers: black officers were rarely promoted; white officers often received promotions, positions, and transfers not publicly advertised to their black counterparts; white officers often failed to support black officers in time of danger or when they needed help; white officers were given an advantage due to being chosen for temporary positions; and less punishment was administered to white officers than black officers.
“Not only is there a mountain of evidence showing that the city’s black officers felt marginalized, but we could not find a single black complainant who said Buttigieg responded to their concerns personally or in writing,” the report reads.
Buttigieg’s campaign was allegedly contacted by The Root and asked if the mayor was aware of issues of discrimination and racism raised by black officers. The campaign reportedly said Buttigieg was aware of some complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and claimed they were dismissed.


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Andrew Yang Vows To Push Power Of War Declaration ‘Back To Congress Where It Belongs’

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang appeared on The View Wednesday in the wake of Iran ’ s ballistic missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq , which were said to be retribution for America ’ s killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani .
At one point during the appearance , Yang was pressed on whether he would have authorized the drone strike that led to Soleimani ’ s death , ABC News reports .
“ I would not have , no .
I think it was a mistake , ” Yang said .
“ The story seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented to President [ Donald ] Trump and he chose the most dramatic option that even the military leaders would never have expected him in some way.
” The 44-year-old serial entrepreneur is likely referring to reporting by New York Times terrorism correspondent Rukmini Callimachi , which suggested that killing Soleimani was initially a “ far out ” option before the attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad , which reportedly pushed Trump to change his mind .
Yang also expressed his desire to put the powers of war declaration back into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push echoes the words of Independent Justin Amash , who recently spoke out against Trump ’ s approach to Iran and suggested that he is ignoring Article I , Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution , which gives Congress the authority to declare war .
The Michigan representative noted that there is a good reason that the Constitution puts the power to declare war in the hands of Congress .
Yang previously expressed similar sentiments in a lengthy Twitter thread .
In it , he said that starting a war with Iran is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States needs .
He then noted that the Constitution grants Congress the power of war authorization .
In the thread , Yang highlighted that he signed a pledge to end the “ Forever Wars ” and said he would work to restore the “ historical balance ” between the executive and legislative branches .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing to debate and vote on updates to the 1973 War Powers Act , which requires the president to notify Congress of any armed conflict within 48 hours .
In addition , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond 60 days .

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang appeared on The View Wednesday in the wake of Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq, which were said to be retribution for America’s killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.
At one point during the appearance, Yang was pressed on whether he would have authorized the drone strike that led to Soleimani’s death, ABC News reports.
“I would not have, no. I think it was a mistake,” Yang said. “The story seems to be that a number of solutions were represented to President [Donald] Trump and he chose the most dramatic option that even the military leaders would never have expected him in some way.”
The 44-year-old serial entrepreneur is likely referring to reporting by New York Times terrorism correspondent Rukmini Callimachi, which suggested that killing Soleimani was initially a “far out” option before the attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, which reportedly pushed Trump to change his mind.
Yang also expressed his desire to put the powers of war declaration back into the hands of Congress.
“I would push the power to declare war back to Congress where it belongs in our constitution.”
Yang’s push echoes the words of Independent Justin Amash, who recently spoke out against Trump’s approach to Iran and suggested that he is ignoring Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which gives Congress the authority to declare war. The Michigan representative noted that there is a good reason that the Constitution puts the power to declare war in the hands of Congress.
“Every American may be intimately affected by a violent conflict. Soleimani was evil. But our system demands consent for war from the people, acting through their representatives and senators in Congress.”
Yang previously expressed similar sentiments in a lengthy Twitter thread. In it, he said that starting a war with Iran is the “last thing” the United States needs. He then noted that the Constitution grants Congress the power of war authorization. In the thread, Yang highlighted that he signed a pledge to end the “Forever Wars” and said he would work to restore the “historical balance” between the executive and legislative branches.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing to debate and vote on updates to the 1973 War Powers Act, which requires the president to notify Congress of any armed conflict within 48 hours. In addition, the president must receive authorization from Congress for involvement beyond 60 days.


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Sebastian Gorka Under Fire For Crude Attack On Teen Activist Greta Thunberg’s Body

Former White House adviser Sebastian Gorka is coming under fire after making a crude attack on teen climate activist Greta Thunberg ‘ s body .
Gorka discussed the teen on his radio program , joining guest Andrew Klavan in mocking her last name and then taking a dig at her appearance .
“ Whatever her name .
What is her name ?
” Klavan said , via a clip posted by the media watchdog Media Matters .
“ Greta Thunberg ?
” As The Huffington Post noted , there was a swift reaction from critics who called it inappropriate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making comments on the body of Thunberg , who just turned 17 .
Some called Gorka “ disgusting ” for the unnecessary and personal attack .
Chicago Tribune columnist Rex Huppke turned the personal attack back around on Gorka , calling him a “ repellent , cretinous glob of beard and meat ” in a response on Twitter .
Many noted that the remarks against Thunberg seemed to follow the playbook of Donald Trump , who has frequently lobbed personal insults against the Swedish teen , including an unprompted comment after Thunberg was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Year.
” That time , Trump appeared to criticize her demeanor .
“ So ridiculous , ” Trump said on Twitter .
“ Greta must work on her Anger Management problem , then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend !
Chill Greta , Chill !
” Many accused Trump of attacking Thunberg because he was bitter about not receiving the Time honor himself .
For her part , Thunberg has said she was diagnosed with Asperger ’ s syndrome , a neurological disorder known to cause difficulty with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused the Trump of hypocrisy for Donald ’ s attack on Greta after members of the family said that their own teenage son was off-limits to public references .
First Lady Melania Trump defended her husband ’ s attack on Thunberg , saying in a statement that the minor is a public figure , seemingly implying that she is a fair target for criticism .
“ It is no secret that the President and First Lady often communicate differently — as most married couples do , ” Melania said via a spokesperson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who travels the globe giving speeches .
He is a 13-year-old who wants and deserves privacy.
” Many on the right have joined Trump in attacking Thunberg .
As The Inquisitr noted , Fox News guest Michael Knowles called the teen a “ mentally ill Swedish child ” after she spoke at the U.N. ’ s Climate Action Summit .
Knowles ’ remark prompted an apology from the conservative news network .


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Iran Says It Has Concluded Its Response To United States’ Soleimani Strike

Iran ’ s Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif previously warned that the country would retaliate against the U.S. for the killing of its top military general , Qassem Soleimani .
Following the Tuesday evening missile strikes on U.S. air bases in Iraq , Zarif tweeted that Iran ’ s revenge has concluded , Newsweek reports .
“ Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched , ” Zarif wrote .
“ We do not seek escalation or war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guard took credit for the missile attacks on two U.S. military bases , citing them as “ revenge ” for the assassination of Soleimani .
American leaders claimed the strike was conducted on intelligence that Soleimani was planning attacks on U.S. interests .
Not long after Zarif ’ s comment , Donald Trump addressed the United States following Iran ’ s attacks and suggested that the country does not want to deploy its military against the Western Asia country .
Per CBS News , Trump also announced new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain until the country changes its behavior .
He also attacked the Iran nuclear deal that was negotiated by former President Barack Obama , which Trump pulled out of .
Trump continued to urge allies to pull out of the Iran deal and suggested a new contract with Iran “ makes the world safer.
” The speech marks a tipping point following the escalation of attacks between U.S. and Iran and — taking Zarif ’ s comment into consideration — appears to suggest that no further action will be taken from either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced .
Yashar Ali , a contributor for New York Magazine and HuffPost , believes that Iran will almost certainly retaliate at some point in the future , though exactly when he believes to be uncertain .
“ If you think Iran lobbing missiles over the border is the kind of revenge they ultimately have in mind , you ’ re wrong , ” Ali wrote in a lengthy Twitter thread , noting that Iran often attacks vulnerable or unprotected targets across unpredictable timelines .
Ali outlined the multiple targeted bombings Iran has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of which operated on the aforementioned targets and timelines .
According to Ali , the U.S. should not take the recent missile attacks as Iran ’ s retribution and instead expect asymmetrical assaults in the future .
“ The problem is so many people have thought about this situation through the lens of conventional warfare .
So they believe if there is no conventional warfare that the situation has deescalated , ” he tweeted .

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif previously warned that the country would retaliate against the U.S. for the killing of its top military general, Qassem Soleimani. Following the Tuesday evening missile strikes on Iraqi bases holding U.S. troops, Zarif tweeted that Iran’s revenge has concluded, Newsweek reports.
“Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched,” Zarif wrote. “We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard took credit for the missile attacks on two U.S. military bases, citing them as “revenge” for the assassination of Soleimani. American leaders claimed the strike was conducted on intelligence that Soleimani was planning attacks on U.S. interests.
Not long after Zarif’s comment, Donald Trump addressed the United States following Iran’s attacks and suggested that the country does not want to deploy its military against the Western Asia country. Per CBS News, Trump also announced new sanctions on Iran, which he claims will remain until the country changes its behavior. He also attacked the Iran nuclear deal that was negotiated by former President Barack Obama, which Trump pulled out of.
Trump continued to urge allies to pull out of the Iran deal and suggested a new contract with Iran “makes the world safer.”
The speech marks a tipping point following the escalation of attacks between U.S. and Iran and — taking Zarif’s comment into consideration — appears to suggest that no further action will be taken from either country.
Trump: "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties…Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world." pic.twitter.com/lO1wd2Zy0L — Axios (@axios) January 8, 2020
Regardless, not everyone is convinced. Yashar Ali, a contributor for New York Magazine and HuffPost, believes that Iran will almost certainly retaliate at some point in the future, though exactly when he believes to be uncertain.
“If you think Iran lobbing missiles over the border is the kind of revenge they ultimately have in mind, you’re wrong,” Ali wrote in a lengthy Twitter thread, noting that Iran often attacks vulnerable or unprotected targets across unpredictable timelines.
Ali outlined the multiple targeted bombings Iran has carried out as revenge against Israel, all of which operated on the aforementioned targets and timelines. According to Ali, the U.S. should not take the recent missile attacks as Iran’s retribution and instead expect asymmetrical assaults in the future.
“The problem is so many people have thought about this situation through the lens of conventional warfare. So they believe if there is no conventional warfare that the situation has deescalated,” he tweeted.


inquisitr--2020-01-08--Donald Trump’s Speech On Iran Attack Blasted By Kyle Kulinski For Being ‘Full Of Lies And Insanity’

Following Iran ’ s attack on U.S. installations in Iraq , President Donald Trump addressed the nation and suggested that America does not want to use its military strength on the Western Asia country .
Progressive commentator Kyle Kulinski took to Twitter to comment on the speech in real-time and — while he appeared to disagree with much of it — acknowledged it was the “ best case scenario ” in the current situation of heightened tensions between U.S. and Iran .
“ That speech was absolutely full of lies and insanity but no indication of further military conflict so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely terrible situation this administration is responsible for getting us in , ” he tweeted .
Kulinski — who has been critical of Trump ’ s Iran approach — noted the president ’ s assertion that Iran will “ never have a nuke ” while he is in office and pointed to his decision to pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that was intended to prevent such a scenario .
The 31-year-old then said that Trump ’ s assertion that Iran has been the “ leading sponsor of terrorism ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ not remotely true.
” He continued to pushback against Trump ’ s assertion that recently assassinated Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani was the “ world ’ s top terrorist , ” noting Soleimani ’ s role in defeating ISIS and reports that Soleimani was on a peace mission to deescalate tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia , as BBC reported .
Kulinski also noted that there has been no evidence of the “ specific attacks ” Trump claims Soleimani carried out .
The talk show host later called Trump a “ colossal moron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Islamic State , noting that Soleimani was one of the terrorist militant group ’ s biggest enemies in the region .
According to Kulinski , Soleimani ’ s death will make it more likely that the Islamic State will reemerge .
Although Iran ’ s attack is seen by many as retribution , Yashar Ali , a contributor for New York Magazine and HuffPost , suggested that the real revenge is yet to come .
He pointed to Iran ’ s history of attacks that don ’ t follow a strict timeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting that it ’ s naive to believe the recent ballistic missile strikes were Iran ’ s plan for revenge against America .

Following Iran’s attack on U.S. installations in Iraq, President Donald Trump addressed the nation and suggested that America does not want to use its military strength on the Western Asia country. Progressive commentator Kyle Kulinski took to Twitter to comment on the speech in real-time and — while he appeared to disagree with much of it — acknowledged it was the “best case scenario” in the current situation of heightened tensions between U.S. and Iran.
“That speech was absolutely full of lies and insanity but no indication of further military conflict so this is best case scenario in an absolutely terrible situation this administration is responsible for getting us in,” he tweeted.
Kulinski — who has been critical of Trump’s Iran approach — noted the president’s assertion that Iran will “never have a nuke” while he is in office and pointed to his decision to pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that was intended to prevent such a scenario.
“Pulling out of the Iran deal and assassinating a general obviously makes it much more likely they will get a nuke, for deterrence of US aggression.”
The 31-year-old then said that Trump’s assertion that Iran has been the “leading sponsor of terrorism” is a “complete lie” and “not remotely true.” He continued to pushback against Trump’s assertion that recently assassinated Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani was the “world’s top terrorist,” noting Soleimani’s role in defeating ISIS and reports that Soleimani was on a peace mission to deescalate tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as BBC reported.
Here's Trump's full speech in response to Iran. Worth watching every second. pic.twitter.com/hCoX6Hu9Ps — Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) January 8, 2020
Kulinski also noted that there has been no evidence of the “specific attacks” Trump claims Soleimani carried out.
“Repeats nonsense claim that an Iranian general was planning an imminent attack. I have a bridge to sell you if you believe this.”
The talk show host later called Trump a “colossal moron” for bragging about killing the head of Islamic State, noting that Soleimani was one of the terrorist militant group’s biggest enemies in the region. According to Kulinski, Soleimani’s death will make it more likely that the Islamic State will reemerge.
Although Iran’s attack is seen by many as retribution, Yashar Ali, a contributor for New York Magazine and HuffPost, suggested that the real revenge is yet to come. He pointed to Iran’s history of attacks that don’t follow a strict timeline and target the vulnerable and weak, suggesting that it’s naive to believe the recent ballistic missile strikes were Iran’s plan for revenge against America.