inquisitr--2020-02-17--Tom Steyer Says He Is ‘Putting Together A Coalition’ To Defeat Donald Trump

Democratic Party presidential candidate Tom Steyer has outspent every other White House hopeful — save for fellow billionaire Michael Bloomberg — but his strategy has not yielded results .
Steyer did not win a single delegate in Iowa or New Hampshire .
With the Nevada caucuses around the corner , Steyer is already turning his attention to South Carolina , where he claims to have built a formidable and diverse coalition of voters .
Per The Hill , in an interview with ABC broadcast on Sunday , the billionaire discussed his electoral prospects in the Palmetto State and beyond .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is “ putting together a coalition of people , including specifically African Americans and Latinos , who are responding to a message that is inclusive.
” According to Steyer , whether he wins the nomination or not , the Democratic Party needs a diverse , multi-racial coalition to defeat President Donald Trump in November .
ABC ’ s Martha Raddatz pointed out that Steyer ’ s efforts appear to be in vain , given that he is far behind former Vice President Joe Biden in South Carolina polling and barely registering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs a “ great result ” in South Carolina in order for the public to perceive him as a formidable contender .
If he manages to do well in the first-in-the-South primary state , the billionaire continued , he will have the momentum necessary to perform well on Super Tuesday .
“ If I can show there that I can put together a coalition and take that with momentum into Super Tuesday with the kind of diverse coalition that I believe I ’ m building and I believe I will show , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people will have to look at me as a serious candidate , ” he said .
As The Hill notes , Steyer spent $ 16.4 million on advertisements in Iowa , only to finish with zero percent of the vote .
In the Granite State , the billionaire spent $ 19.8 million on adds , receiving only 4 percent of the vote .
Having finished fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire — after polling as the national front-runner for a year — Biden is now in danger of losing his South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Steyer and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont have good ground games in the state .
Steyer and Sanders are reportedly winning support from local officials and activists , many of whom appear uncertain that Biden can win the nomination , let alone beat Trump .
According to latest polling , Biden ’ s once-formidable South Carolina lead is starting to decrease , with Sanders trailing him by eight points .

Democratic Party presidential candidate Tom Steyer has outspent every other White House hopeful — save for fellow billionaire Michael Bloomberg — but his strategy has not yielded results. Steyer did not win a single delegate in Iowa or New Hampshire.
With the Nevada caucuses around the corner, Steyer is already turning his attention to South Carolina, where he claims to have built a formidable and diverse coalition of voters. Per The Hill, in an interview with ABC broadcast on Sunday, the billionaire discussed his electoral prospects in the Palmetto State and beyond.
In South Carolina, Steyer said, he is “putting together a coalition of people, including specifically African Americans and Latinos, who are responding to a message that is inclusive.”
According to Steyer, whether he wins the nomination or not, the Democratic Party needs a diverse, multi-racial coalition to defeat President Donald Trump in November.
“And I’m putting together the kind of coalition that we’re going to have to have in November 2020 to beat Donald Trump.”
ABC’s Martha Raddatz pointed out that Steyer’s efforts appear to be in vain, given that he is far behind former Vice President Joe Biden in South Carolina polling and barely registering in nationwide polls.
Steyer conceded that he needs a “great result” in South Carolina in order for the public to perceive him as a formidable contender. If he manages to do well in the first-in-the-South primary state, the billionaire continued, he will have the momentum necessary to perform well on Super Tuesday.
“If I can show there that I can put together a coalition and take that with momentum into Super Tuesday with the kind of diverse coalition that I believe I’m building and I believe I will show, then that will give me the momentum and people will have to look at me as a serious candidate,” he said.
As The Hill notes, Steyer spent $16.4 million on advertisements in Iowa, only to finish with zero percent of the vote. In the Granite State, the billionaire spent $19.8 million on adds, receiving only 4 percent of the vote.
Having finished fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire — after polling as the national front-runner for a year — Biden is now in danger of losing his South Carolina firewall. According to reports, both Steyer and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont have good ground games in the state.
Steyer and Sanders are reportedly winning support from local officials and activists, many of whom appear uncertain that Biden can win the nomination, let alone beat Trump. According to latest polling, Biden’s once-formidable South Carolina lead is starting to decrease, with Sanders trailing him by eight points.


inquisitr--2020-02-17--Michael Bloomberg Has Reportedly Spent $100 Million More On Television Ads Than His Competitors Comb

Michael Bloomberg Has Reportedly Spent $100 Million More On Television Ads Than His Competitors Combined

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg might be the latest entrant into the Democratic presidential primary , but that hasn ’ t stopped him from quickly moving up in the polls .
Much of his success appears to be from his massive spending — as of now , Newsweek reports that he has spent approximately $ 418 million on television ads , which is about $ 100 million more than his competitors combined and ten times the spending of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders .
After Bloomberg , fellow billionaire Tom Steyer has spent $ 194 million on television ads , with Sanders in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South , Indiana Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg is in fourth with $ 32 million spending and Sen. Elizabeth Warren in fifth with $ 21 million .
Bloomberg ’ s massive spending has been a point of controversy , with many suggesting he is buying his way into the primary .
“ Democracy to me means one person , one vote , not Bloomberg or anybody else spending hundreds of millions of dollars trying to buy an election , ” Sanders tweeted Sunday evening .
During a recent interview with The Intercept , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party would not let someone like Sanders win .
He pointed to former Vice President Joe Biden as the party ’ s top choice and claimed that Bloomberg is the second option in the case of Biden ’ s failure .
As of now , Bloomberg is in third place nationwide with 14 percent support .
In first is Sanders with 23.6 percent and in second Biden with 19.2 percent .
Despite his rise in the polls , Bloomberg failed to gain any delegates in New Hampshire or Iowa , although his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skip the early states and focus all of his efforts on Super Tuesday .
The rise of Bloomberg appears to be getting his rivals on edge , Associated Press reported .
“ He thinks he can buy this election , ” Sanders said during a campaign rally Carson City , Nevada .
“ Well , I ’ ve got news for Mr. Bloomberg — the American people are sick and tired of billionaires buying elections !
” Speaking on CBS ’ Face the Nation , Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar took aim at Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcast interviews .
Although Klobuchar has only spent $ 11 million on television ads , she claims she can take down Bloomberg on the debate stage .
“ I ’ m never going to beat him on the airwaves , but I can beat him on the debate stage , ” she said .

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg might be the latest entrant into the Democratic presidential primary, but that hasn’t stopped him from quickly moving up in the polls. Much of his success appears to be from his massive spending — as of now, Newsweek reports that he has spent approximately $418 million on television ads, which is about $100 million more than his competitors combined and almost 10 times the ad budget of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
After Bloomberg, fellow billionaire Tom Steyer has spent $194 million on TV ads, with Sanders in third with $42 million. Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg is in fourth with $32 million and Sen. Elizabeth Warren placed fifth with $21 million.
Bloomberg’s massive spending has been a point of controversy, with many suggesting he is buying his way into the primary.
“Democracy to me means one person, one vote, not Bloomberg or anybody else spending hundreds of millions of dollars trying to buy an election,” Sanders tweeted Sunday evening.
During a recent interview with The Intercept, former presidential candidate Ralph Nader said that the Democratic Party would not let someone like Sanders win. He pointed to Joe Biden as the party’s top choice and claimed that Bloomberg is the second option in the case of the former vice president’s failure.
LISTEN: "Now Mr. Bloomberg, like anybody else, has a right to run for president. He does not have a right to buy the presidency." Loud cheers as @BernieSanders takes aim at @MikeBloomberg at a #rally in #Richmond. Bloomberg's spending a lot of money on campaign ads here in CA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7HwoMf8UDr — Anna Trinidad (@ATrinNBC) February 17, 2020
As of now, Bloomberg is in third place nationwide with 14 percent support. In first is Sanders with 23.6 percent, followed by Biden with 19.2 percent. Despite his rise in the polls, Bloomberg failed to gain any delegates in New Hampshire or Iowa, although his plan from the beginning has been to skip the early states and focus all of his efforts on Super Tuesday.
The rise of Bloomberg appears to be getting his rivals on edge, the Associated Press reported.
“He thinks he can buy this election,” Sanders said during a campaign rally at Carson City, Nevada. “Well, I’ve got news for Mr. Bloomberg — the American people are sick and tired of billionaires buying elections!”
Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar took aim at Bloomberg for his television spending and lack of broadcast interviews.
“I think he cannot hide behind the airwaves and the money. I think he has to come on the shows. And I personally think he should be on the debate stage.”
Although Klobuchar has only spent $11 million on television ads, she claims she can take down Bloomberg on the debate stage.
“I’m never going to beat him on the airwaves, but I can beat him on the debate stage,” she said.


inquisitr--2020-02-17--Top Donald Trump Adviser Reportedly Secretly Hunting For ‘Anonymous’ Exposé Book Author

The best-selling book “ A Warning , ” written by an author known as “ Anonymous , ” shocked the world when it was published in November 2019 and revealed startling allegations about the Donald Trump presidency from the perspective of an insider .
Now , it appears as though a top Trump adviser has a side job of searching for the book ’ s author .
Trump has been repeatedly accused of purging his administration of anyone that he perceives to be disloyal to him .
The anonymous author claims to be an insider in the White House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top trade policy adviser , is allegedly looking for the individual , according to the Daily Beast .
Anonymous initially published an op-ed in the New York Times criticizing the president in September 2018 .
At the time , the person described themselves as part of the “ resistance ” inside the Trump White House .
The individual later published the book , which quickly became a bestseller on the New York Times list .
But the identity of the author has remained unknown even as the Trump administration seeks to purge leakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Trump is aware of the investigation , Navarro — who Trump has nicknamed “ my Peter ” — has been analyzing the language used by Anonymous in order to compare it to administration employees .
It appears that Navarro isn ’ t conducting his investigation alone .
Apparently , a few people who work for the National Security Council are also conducting an investigation to identify the person .
“ Two other people familiar with Navarro ’ s efforts said he had zeroed in on at least one likely suspect and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written report that he ’ s shared with White House Counsel Pat Cipollone , who is leading official internal efforts to unearth Anonymous ’ identity , ” the Daily Beast writes .
Trump reportedly sees the anonymous author as proof that Washington insiders are trying to undermine his efforts to shake up Washington , D.C. “ Trump himself has taken notice , and on many occasions has privately asked senior aides about efforts to unmask Anonymous , according to those close to the president .
Both he and his allies have taken Anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a ‘ deep state ’ cabal operating within the federal government to thwart the president ’ s efforts to disrupt the status quo , ” the article notes .
In September 2018 , Trump questioned whether the anonymous individual was really an insider , or if he or she were a phony source trying to gain attention .
He called for the Times to turn the individual ’ s name over to the government .
The investigation comes shortly after Trump dismissed several staffers , including Alexander Vindman , who were involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial .
Vindman has been praised for his willingness to talk about Trump ’ s request that Ukraine investigate his political opponent .
No word on whether Anonymous is still a White House employee .
The author says he or she will strongly deny writing the book if asked .

The best-selling book “A Warning,” written by an author known as “Anonymous,” shocked the world when it was published in November 2019 and revealed startling allegations about the Donald Trump presidency from the perspective of an insider. Now, it appears as though a top Trump adviser has a side job of searching for the book’s author.
Trump has been repeatedly accused of purging his administration of anyone that he perceives to be disloyal to him. The anonymous author claims to be an insider in the White House, and Peter Navarro, Trump’s top trade policy adviser, is allegedly looking for the individual, according to the Daily Beast.
Anonymous initially published an op-ed in the New York Times criticizing the president in September 2018. At the time, the person described themselves as part of the “resistance” inside the Trump White House. The individual later published the book, which quickly became a bestseller on the New York Times list. But the identity of the author has remained unknown even as the Trump administration seeks to purge leakers.
While it isn’t clear whether Trump is aware of the investigation, Navarro — who Trump has nicknamed “my Peter” — has been analyzing the language used by Anonymous in order to compare it to administration employees. It appears that Navarro isn’t conducting his investigation alone. Apparently, a few people who work for the National Security Council are also conducting an investigation to identify the person.
Navarro’s sleuthing has apparently proven fruitful.
“Two other people familiar with Navarro’s efforts said he had zeroed in on at least one likely suspect and that he has compiled his findings in a written report that he’s shared with White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, who is leading official internal efforts to unearth Anonymous’ identity,” the Daily Beast writes.
Trump reportedly sees the anonymous author as proof that Washington insiders are trying to undermine his efforts to shake up Washington, D.C.
“Trump himself has taken notice, and on many occasions has privately asked senior aides about efforts to unmask Anonymous, according to those close to the president. Both he and his allies have taken Anonymous’ presence as confirmation of the existence of a ‘deep state’ cabal operating within the federal government to thwart the president’s efforts to disrupt the status quo,” the article notes.
In September 2018, Trump questioned whether the anonymous individual was really an insider, or if he or she were a phony source trying to gain attention. He called for the Times to turn the individual’s name over to the government.
The investigation comes shortly after Trump dismissed several staffers, including Alexander Vindman, who were involved in testifying against him in the impeachment trial. Vindman has been praised for his willingness to talk about Trump’s request that Ukraine investigate his political opponent.
No word on whether Anonymous is still a White House employee. The author says he or she will strongly deny writing the book if asked.


inquisitr--2020-02-17--Alan Dershowitz Claims George Soros Asked Barack Obama To Investigate A Soon-To-Be-Named Person

High-profile defense attorney Alan Dershowitz , who was a part of President Donald Trump ‘ s impeachment legal team , recently claimed in an interview with Breitbart News that billionaire George Soros told then-President Barack Obama to investigate someone whose identity will be soon revealed .
According to Dershowitz , the target of the alleged investigation will be revealed in a lawsuit he claims will be coming “ in the near future.
” He also noted that such a request is “ not unusual ” and said that people “ whisper ” to presidents and the Department of Justice ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s very common , ” he said .
“ It ’ s wrong , whoever does it , but it ’ s common , and we shouldn ’ t think that it ’ s unique to any particular president .
I have in my possession the actual 302 form [ an FBI record of an interview ] , which documents this issue , and it will , at the right time , come out .
But I ’ m not free to disclose it now because it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed.
” Soros is a prominent left-wing activist who at the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland recently accused Facebook of attempting to help Trump get re-elected .
He previously attacked social media companies like Facebook for what he believes is an intentional strategy to create addictive services , which he claims do harm — especially to young people .
Conversely , Dershowitz has spoken frequently spoken in defense of Trump in recent months .
Although Dershowitz , a liberal Democrat , claims he may not vote for Trump in 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president did not commit impeachable offenses .
The 81-year-old academic controversially argued that Trump ’ s quid pro quo with Ukraine was in the public interest and thus , not impeachable .
The argument drew backlash from many who suggested that the precedent means former President Richard Nixon ’ s behavior was also not impeachable .
Dershowitz also claimed that impeachable offenses require criminal-like behavior , which runs contrary to the legal consensus that the U.S. Constitution does not specify that statutory crimes are necessary for impeachment .
Notably , Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyst Andrew Napolitano both argued opposite to Dershowitz and pointed to the high crimes and misdemeanors charge , which they note relates to abuses of high office .
The controversial defense attorney — who has defended Jeffrey Epstein and O.J .
Simpson — also used his Breitbart News interview to touch on the Roger Stone charges .
Dershowitz expressed his belief that Stone deserves a new trial due to the alleged political bias within the jury .

High-profile defense attorney Alan Dershowitz, who was a part of President Donald Trump‘s impeachment legal team, recently claimed in an interview with Breitbart News that billionaire George Soros told then-President Barack Obama to investigate someone whose identity will be soon revealed.
According to Dershowitz, the target of the alleged investigation will be revealed in a lawsuit he claims will be coming “in the near future.” He also noted that such a request is “not unusual” and said that people “whisper” to presidents and the Department of Justice (DOJ) “all the time.”
“It’s very common,” he said. “It’s wrong, whoever does it, but it’s common, and we shouldn’t think that it’s unique to any particular president. I have in my possession the actual 302 form [an FBI record of an interview], which documents this issue, and it will, at the right time, come out. But I’m not free to disclose it now because it’s a case that’s not yet been filed.”
Soros is a prominent left-wing activist who at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland recently accused Facebook of attempting to help Trump get re-elected. He previously attacked social media companies like Facebook for what he believes is an intentional strategy to create addictive services, which he claims do harm — especially to young people.
Conversely, Dershowitz has spoken frequently spoken in defense of Trump in recent months. Although Dershowitz, a liberal Democrat, claims he may not vote for Trump in 2020, he has been vocal in his opinion that the president did not commit impeachable offenses.
The 81-year-old academic controversially argued that Trump’s quid pro quo with Ukraine was in the public interest and thus, not impeachable. The argument drew backlash from many who suggested that the precedent means former President Richard Nixon’s behavior was also not impeachable.
Dershowitz also claimed that impeachable offenses require criminal-like behavior, which runs contrary to the legal consensus that the U.S. Constitution does not specify that statutory crimes are necessary for impeachment. Notably, Independent Congressman Justin Amash and Fox News legal analyst Andrew Napolitano both argued opposite to Dershowitz and pointed to the high crimes and misdemeanors charge, which they note relates to abuses of high office.
The controversial defense attorney — who has defended Jeffrey Epstein and O.J. Simpson — also used his Breitbart News interview to touch on the Roger Stone charges. Dershowitz expressed his belief that Stone deserves a new trial due to the alleged political bias within the jury.


inquisitr--2020-02-17--Democrats Plan To Focus Their Efforts On Health Care & Jobs Instead Of More Investigations Of Presid

Democrats Plan To Focus Their Efforts On Health Care & Jobs Instead Of More Investigations Of President Trump

Congressional Democrats intend to spend the next few months focusing on health care and jobs rather than continued investigations of President Trump , The New York Times reports , in an effort to preserve their majority in the House — and possibly flip the Senate — come the November elections .
In recent weeks , Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has instructed fellow Democrats in Congress to make every effort to connect with voters on key issues , none of which involve Donald Trump .
“ Health care , health care , health care , ” she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laser-focused ” on winning in 2020 and only making decisions that lead in that direction .
In fact , Pelosi ’ s agenda for Democrats includes not only health care , but what she calls her three-pronged “ For the People ” agenda .
That plan includes not only making health care more affordable for millions of Americans , but also creating jobs and cleaning up corruption in Washington .
What ’ s more , Pelosi hopes that Democrats can use Trump ’ s recently-released budget , which includes cuts to Medicaid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and federal student loans , as a weapon against him .
Specifically , Pelosi wants Democrats to meet with voters — at senior centers , at after-school programs , at food banks — to demonstrate how these proposed cuts could affect them .
“ What the president has put forth is a destructive and irrational budget that intentionally goes after working families and vulnerable Americans , ” said a document issued to Democrats .
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon , a freshman Democrat from Pennsylvania , whose district is considered a “ swing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues as talking points when she meets with voters .
“ We keep seeing more and more data about the recovery that the administration is touting , the great economy .
But what hits people who have a lot of stock holdings is not hitting the families in my district .
Over half of them are underwater at the end of every month now , once they pay for health care and child care and housing , ” she said .
Meanwhile , it seems that further investigations of Donald Trump are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate ’ s failure to convict him and remove him from office after he was impeached by the House .
Democrats do plan to ask Attorney General William Barr about Trump ’ s purported efforts to interfere in Justice Department proceedings — and in particular , when it came to sentencing his former associate , Roger Stone .
Although what , if anything , will come of that questioning remains unclear .

Congressional Democrats intend to spend the next few months focusing on health care and jobs rather than continued investigations of President Trump, The New York Times reports, in an effort to preserve their majority in the House — and possibly flip the Senate — come the November elections.
In recent weeks, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has instructed fellow Democrats in Congress to make every effort to connect with voters on key issues, none of which involve Donald Trump.
“Health care, health care, health care,” she said, adding that Democrats need to be “laser-focused” on winning in 2020 and only making decisions that lead in that direction.
In fact, Pelosi’s agenda for Democrats includes not only health care, but what she calls her three-pronged “For the People” agenda. That plan includes not only making health care more affordable for millions of Americans, but also creating jobs and cleaning up corruption in Washington.
What’s more, Pelosi hopes that Democrats can use Trump’s recently-released budget, which includes cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, food stamps, and federal student loans, as a weapon against him. Specifically, Pelosi wants Democrats to meet with voters — at senior centers, at after-school programs, at food banks — to demonstrate how these proposed cuts could affect them.
“What the president has put forth is a destructive and irrational budget that intentionally goes after working families and vulnerable Americans,” said a document issued to Democrats.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, a freshman Democrat from Pennsylvania, whose district is considered a “swing” district, plans to use these issues as talking points when she meets with voters.
“We keep seeing more and more data about the recovery that the administration is touting, the great economy. But what hits people who have a lot of stock holdings is not hitting the families in my district. Over half of them are underwater at the end of every month now, once they pay for health care and child care and housing,” she said.
Meanwhile, it seems that further investigations of Donald Trump are all but off the table, following the Senate’s failure to convict him and remove him from office after he was impeached by the House. Democrats do plan to ask Attorney General William Barr about Trump’s purported efforts to interfere in Justice Department proceedings — and in particular, when it came to sentencing his former associate, Roger Stone. Although what, if anything, will come of that questioning remains unclear.


inquisitr--2020-02-17--Donald Trump Campaign Quickly Deletes Inflated Daytona Crowd Photo After Finding It’s From 2004

Donald Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale posted and then quickly deleted a photo showing Air Force One surrounded by fans at Daytona after realizing the image was actually from a 2004 George W. Bush appearance .
According to CNN , Parscale posted the 16-year-old image showing Air Force One taking off over a massive crowd packed into the Daytona International Speedway in Florida .
He captioned the post with praise for Trump ’ s appearance at the event on Sunday .
“ [ Trump ] won the # Daytona500 before the race even started , ” he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours and nabbed 23,000 likes before it was removed .
While it was online , the photographer , Jonathan Ferrey , commented , joking that he wasn ’ t at the race on Sunday to take the photo .
“ I have a lot of talented colleagues photographing the Daytona 500 this year… I am unfortunately not there today , but apparently I won the Daytona 500 photography before the race even started , ” Ferrey said .
Voice of America White House bureau chief Steve Herman also noted that the image wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the event , along with numerous other social media users .
The photo was replaced by a second one from Trump ’ s actual arrival , though the Daytona stands look far emptier than they did in the original photo .
Right-wing conservative website The Daily Wire also posted the image to illustrate Trump ’ s arrival at the NASCAR event , and this one remains at the top of the post as of this writing .
As CNN reports , Trump appeared at the event on Sunday , flying in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his presidential limousine and to give an opening speech .
“ There is no greater thrill than to join you at the world center of racing for the 62nd Daytona 500 – so exciting , ” he began .
“ To all of the drivers , technicians and pit crews here today , good luck and may the best team win .
God bless you , God bless our military , God bless our veterans and God bless America .
Have a great race , ” Trump said .
Trump was the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parade , the first being George W. Bush .
At the event , he gave the famous order “ Gentlemen , start your engines , ” and oversaw the 200-lap , 500-mile long race featuring 40 drivers .
The incident echoes past events where Trump or his team have inflated the size of his audience or altered photos featuring the president , intentionally and not .
Trump famously claimed that his inauguration crowd size was larger than Obamas , a claim that proved false .
Most recently , the National Archives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents , was forced to replace an altered photo that removed Trump ’ s name from protest signs .

Donald Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale posted and then quickly deleted a photo showing Air Force One surrounded by fans at Daytona after realizing the image was actually from a 2004 George W. Bush appearance.
According to CNN, Parscale posted the 16-year-old image showing Air Force One taking off over a massive crowd packed into the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. He captioned the post with praise for Trump’s appearance at the event on Sunday.
“[Trump] won the #Daytona500 before the race even started,” he wrote.
The post remained live for several hours and nabbed 23,000 likes before it was removed. While it was online, the photographer, Jonathan Ferrey, commented, joking that he wasn’t at the race on Sunday to take the photo.
“I have a lot of talented colleagues photographing the Daytona 500 this year… I am unfortunately not there today, but apparently I won the Daytona 500 photography before the race even started,” Ferrey said.
Voice of America White House bureau chief Steve Herman also noted that the image wasn’t from Trump’s visit to the event, along with numerous other social media users.
The photo was replaced by a second one from Trump’s actual arrival, though the Daytona stands look far emptier than they did in the original photo.
Right-wing conservative website The Daily Wire also posted the image to illustrate Trump’s arrival at the NASCAR event, and this one remains at the top of the post as of this writing.
As CNN reports, Trump appeared at the event on Sunday, flying in to make a lap around the racetrack in his presidential limousine and to give an opening speech.
“There is no greater thrill than to join you at the world center of racing for the 62nd Daytona 500 – so exciting,” he began.
“To all of the drivers, technicians and pit crews here today, good luck and may the best team win. God bless you, God bless our military, God bless our veterans and God bless America. Have a great race,” Trump said.
Trump was the second president to serve as Grand Marshal of the parade, the first being George W. Bush. At the event, he gave the famous order “Gentlemen, start your engines,” and oversaw the 200-lap, 500-mile long race featuring 40 drivers.
The incident echoes past events where Trump or his team have inflated the size of his audience or altered photos featuring the president, intentionally and not. Trump famously claimed that his inauguration crowd size was larger than Obamas, a claim that proved false. Most recently, the National Archives, the government agency entrusted with archiving historical documents, was forced to replace an altered photo that removed Trump’s name from protest signs.


inquisitr--2020-02-17--Illegal Border Crossings Increase As Smugglers Use $5 Ladders To Jump Donald Trump’s New Wall

Donald Trump ’ s border wall is proving to be less effective than promised , as smugglers use $ 5 ladders to scale the wall .
According to Yahoo News , in some areas where the wall has been rebuilt , illegal crossings have nearly doubled since the new sections went up .
In El Paso , one section of the border is reportedly “ littered ” with cheap hook-on ladders made out of rebar that match the rust-brown color of the border wall .
One border agent , Joe Romero , said that they destroy the ladders when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new section of replacement wall was constructed in May , border crossing have nearly doubled in the area .
“ Somebody is making money off those ladders , ” Romero said .
“ The agents pulled it off the wall and cut it up so it can ’ t be used again.
” Another border agent , Ramiro Cordero , confirmed that illegal crossings are up , most likely due to the simple ladder .
Last year , the area saw just over 5,000 apprehensions .
This year , over 10,000 were apprehended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a lot of evading activity , ” said Cordero .
“ We ’ re starting to see the criminal organizations working hand-to-hand on either side to avoid detection .
More and more we are seeing ‘ failure to yields ’ — they are utilizing ladders to go over the fence and diversionary tactics.
” The ladders are fashioned out of rebar with four poles and two pieces of 3/8-inch rebar .
Each ladder is completed with steps and a bent section at the end to form a hook that secures over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rebar is being purchased at a nearby hardware store in Ciudad Juarez .
For that amount of rebar , the total would come to about $ 5.30 , making each ladder an affordable option for those looking to jump Trump ’ s wall .
As the New York Times reported last week , Trump promised to force Mexico to pay for the controversial wall , but so far , he hasn ’ t been able to make good on that promise .
Most recently , the Trump administration says that it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build part of the wall after Congress refused to authorize the full amount that Trump requested .
Last year , Congress only authorized $ 1.375 billion .
The administration is taking heat as lawmakers say that the diversion is an abuse of power .
“ This latest effort to steal congressionally appropriated military funding undermines our national security and the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution , ” Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer said in a statement .

Donald Trump’s border wall is proving to be less effective than promised, as smugglers use $5 ladders to scale the wall. According to Yahoo News, in some areas where the wall has been rebuilt, illegal crossings have nearly doubled since the new sections went up.
In El Paso, one section of the border is reportedly “littered” with cheap hook-on ladders made out of rebar that match the rust-brown color of the border wall.
One border agent, Joe Romero, said that they destroy the ladders when they find them, but shortly after the new section of replacement wall was constructed in May, border crossing have nearly doubled in the area.
“Somebody is making money off those ladders,” Romero said. “The agents pulled it off the wall and cut it up so it can’t be used again.”
Another border agent, Ramiro Cordero, confirmed that illegal crossings are up, most likely due to the simple ladder. Last year, the area saw just over 5,000 single adult apprehensions. This year, over 10,000 were apprehended.
“We’re starting to see a lot of evading activity,” said Cordero. “We’re starting to see the criminal organizations working hand-to-hand on either side to avoid detection. More and more we are seeing ‘failure to yields’ — they are utilizing ladders to go over the fence and diversionary tactics.”
The ladders are fashioned out of rebar with four poles and two pieces of 3/8-inch rebar. Each ladder is completed with steps and a bent section at the end to form a hook that secures over the wall.
It’s possible that the rebar is being purchased at a nearby hardware store in Ciudad Juarez. For that amount of rebar, the total would come to about $5.30, making each ladder an affordable option for those looking to jump Trump’s wall.
As the New York Times reported last week, Trump promised to force Mexico to pay for the controversial wall, but so far, he hasn’t been able to make good on that promise. Most recently, the Trump administration says that it will divert $3.8 billion of funding to build part of the wall after Congress refused to authorize the full amount that Trump requested. Last year, Congress only authorized $1.375 billion.
The administration is taking heat as lawmakers say that the diversion is an abuse of power.
“This latest effort to steal congressionally appropriated military funding undermines our national security and the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution,” Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer said in a statement.


inquisitr--2020-02-16--Over 1,100 Former Justice Department Officials Call For AG William Barr To Resign In Scathing Letter

Over 1,100 former federal prosecutors and Justice Department officials are calling for Attorney General William Barr to resign .
According to The New York Times , former officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations wrote in an open letter that Bill Barr should step down after reportedly urging a reduction in the recommended sentence for Trump associate Roger Stone .
Prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of up to nine years for Stone after he was convicted of obstructing Congress .
Shortly after , Donald Trump tweeted about the situation and Barr purportedly stepped in to reduce the recommended sentence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ four prosecutors on the case resigned , prompting a widespread outcry on both sides of the aisle for blurring the traditional lines between the White House and the Justice Department .
In the open letter , former DOJ officials condemned Trump ’ s actions and called for department employees to blow the whistle on any concerning behavior that they see .
“ Each of us strongly condemns President Trump ’ s and Attorney General Barr ’ s interference in the fair administration of justice , ” the letter begins .
The officials added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend the U.S. Constitution , they also agreed to the Department of Justice Rulebook , which stipulates that “ the Department ’ s legal decisions ‘ must be impartial and insulated from political influence ’ ; and that the Department ’ s prosecutorial powers , in particular , must be ‘ exercised free from partisan consideration . '
” But , the officials argue in their letter , Barr and Trump have “ openly and repeatedly flouted ” the fundamental principles that govern the department .
This was particularly egregious , they argue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although there are times when political leadership appropriately weighs in on individual prosecutions , it is unheard of for the Department ’ s top leaders to overrule line prosecutors , who are following established policies , in order to give preferential treatment to a close associate of the President , as Attorney General Barr did in the Stone case , ” the letter states .
The letter goes on to say that Barr is welcome to admit the mistake and strive to do better , but that they expect that he won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such , they support the prosecutors who resigned from the Stone case and DOJ and call on employees to report any abuses .
Barr has criticized Trump for making his job more difficult by commenting on DOJ cases via tweet , but he didn ’ t go so far as to condemn or apologize for any interference in the Stone case .

Over 1,100 former federal prosecutors and Justice Department officials are calling for Attorney General William Barr to resign. According to The New York Times, former officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations wrote in an open letter that Bill Barr should step down after reportedly urging a reduction in the recommended sentence for Trump associate Roger Stone.
Prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of up to nine years for Stone after he was convicted of obstructing Congress. Shortly after, Donald Trump tweeted about the situation and Barr purportedly stepped in to reduce the recommended sentence. His actions were immediately criticized and the four prosecutors on the case resigned, prompting a widespread outcry on both sides of the aisle for blurring the traditional lines between the White House and the Justice Department.
In the open letter, former DOJ officials condemned Trump’s actions and called for department employees to blow the whistle on any concerning behavior that they see.
“Each of us strongly condemns President Trump’s and Attorney General Barr’s interference in the fair administration of justice,” the letter begins.
The officials added that when they took an oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, they also agreed to the Department of Justice Rulebook, which stipulates that “the Department’s legal decisions ‘must be impartial and insulated from political influence’; and that the Department’s prosecutorial powers, in particular, must be ‘exercised free from partisan consideration.'”
But, the officials argue in their letter, Barr and Trump have “openly and repeatedly flouted” the fundamental principles that govern the department. This was particularly egregious, they argue, in the Stone case.
“Although there are times when political leadership appropriately weighs in on individual prosecutions, it is unheard of for the Department’s top leaders to overrule line prosecutors, who are following established policies, in order to give preferential treatment to a close associate of the President, as Attorney General Barr did in the Stone case,” the letter states.
The letter goes on to say that Barr is welcome to admit the mistake and strive to do better, but that they expect that he won’t, given past behavior. As such, they support the prosecutors who resigned from the Stone case and DOJ and call on employees to report any abuses.
Barr has criticized Trump for making his job more difficult by commenting on DOJ cases via tweet, but he didn’t go so far as to condemn or apologize for any interference in the Stone case.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Democrats Accuse Republicans Of ‘Sabotage’ In A Key North Carolina Race

Democrats in North Carolina are accusing Republicans of sabotage after an outside contestant for the Democratic senate nomination has threatened the chances of the establishment candidate , reports Politico .
The brouhaha began a week ago when numerous advertisements for three-term state senator Erica Smith began hitting the airwaves .
The media blitz came as a shock to establishment Democrats , as Smith had previously struggled to find funding throughout the race .
However , shock soon turned to suspicion as it was revealed that the benefactor behind her $ 2 million ad campaign was a PAC called Faith and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank favored by Republicans .
Though the Faith and Power PAC has not made any comments on the matter , many Democrats are already calling the actions sabotage , as they believe that Smith has less of a chance of beating current Republican incumbent Thom Tillis than party favorite Cal Cunningham .
“ It ’ s so brazen and obvious .
… They recognize that Cunningham is a strong candidate , and they ’ re worried about holding onto that seat , ” said Virginia Senator Tim Kaine .
“ When Republicans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve made the judgment that they ’ re worried about Cal , and they ’ re not worried about her , ” he added .
That said , Faith and Power is not the only mysterious PAC in the race .
Cunningham just won $ 1 million from a PAC called “ Carolina Blue , ” which in turn has ties to Democratic leadership , sparking accusations that party officials — rather than the people of North Carolina — are trying to decide the seat .
“ The special interest groups and big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to buy this Senate seat , and it ’ s just shameful and it is embarrassing , ” Smith told Real Clear Politics .
“ I just worry about the people I serve in North Carolina .
We don ’ t have the same demographics as New York , and this Senate seat is not for sale , ” she added .
Cunningham is currently leading Smith by double digits , but many experts worry that Smith is catching up .
But even if Cunningham emerges victorious , his campaign has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off this new internal attack .
The North Carolina senate seat is arguably the most important race that Democrats are facing in the legislative branch this upcoming fall .
Senator Tillis is suffering from poor approval ratings , making him one of the best seats for Democrats to target — and an essential one if Democrats have any hopes of flipping the senate .
Meanwhile , North Carolina is not the only contentious Democratic race at present , as the fight for the presidential nomination continues .
Politicos are even beginning to worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which experts warn could “ tear the party apart , ” as was previously reported by The Inquisitr .

Democrats in North Carolina are accusing Republicans of sabotage after an outside contestant for the Democratic senate nomination has threatened the chances of the establishment candidate, reports Politico.
The brouhaha began a week ago when numerous advertisements for three-term state senator Erica Smith began hitting the airwaves. The media blitz came as a shock to establishment Democrats, as Smith had previously struggled to find funding throughout the race. However, shock soon turned to suspicion as it was revealed that the benefactor behind her $2 million ad campaign was a PAC called Faith and Power — and had links to a bank favored by Republicans.
Though the Faith and Power PAC has not made any comments on the matter, many Democrats are already calling the actions sabotage, as they believe that Smith has less of a chance of beating current Republican incumbent Thom Tillis than party favorite Cal Cunningham.
“It’s so brazen and obvious. … They recognize that Cunningham is a strong candidate, and they’re worried about holding onto that seat,” said Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.
“When Republicans are weighing in for somebody, they’ve made the judgment that they’re worried about Cal, and they’re not worried about her,” he added.
North Carolina will be key to flipping the US Senate for Democrats in 2020. Erica Smith beats incumbent Republican Thom Tillis in every poll of this race, by bringing US together.https://t.co/5Z7mksb8uK #ncpol #ncsen pic.twitter.com/vT00Q9sRhV — Erica D. Smith for Congress (@EricaforUS) December 26, 2019
That said, Faith and Power is not the only mysterious PAC in the race. Cunningham just won $1 million from a PAC called “Carolina Blue,” which in turn has ties to Democratic leadership, sparking accusations that party officials — rather than the people of North Carolina — are trying to decide the seat.
“The special interest groups and big, wealthy donors out of New York are trying to buy this Senate seat, and it’s just shameful and it is embarrassing,” Smith told Real Clear Politics.
“I just worry about the people I serve in North Carolina. We don’t have the same demographics as New York, and this Senate seat is not for sale,” she added.
Cunningham is currently leading Smith by double digits, but many experts worry that Smith is catching up. But even if Cunningham emerges victorious, his campaign has had to employ money and resources fighting off this new internal attack.
The North Carolina senate seat is arguably the most important race that Democrats are facing in the legislative branch this upcoming fall. Senator Tillis is suffering from poor approval ratings, making him one of the best seats for Democrats to target — and an essential one if Democrats have any hopes of flipping the senate.
Meanwhile, North Carolina is not the only contentious Democratic race at present, as the fight for the presidential nomination continues. Politicos are even beginning to worry that the Democratic convention could be contested, which experts warn could “tear the party apart,” as was previously reported by The Inquisitr.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Donald Trump Accuses Barack Obama Of Taking Credit For Strong Economy

Former President Barack Obama commemorated his Recovery Act on Monday and suggested that it “ paved the way ” for the United States ’ recent economic growth and job creation .
Hours later , current President Donald Trump took issue with the tweet , calling Obama ’ s comment a “ con job , ” The Hill reports .
“ President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration , ” Trump tweeted before claiming that the United States would be in an economic depression if the Democratic Party won in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kayleigh McEnany also released a statement addressing Obama ’ s tweet and echoed much of the content in the president ’ s tweet .
While Trump has been touting the strong U.S. economy in the run-up to the 2020 election , Democrats claim that the Obama administration ’ s repairs following the 2008 financial crisis were the real catalysts for the country ’ s current economic success .
Specifically , Obama ’ s supporters point to the $ 787 billion Recovery Act as well as the decline in unemployment that began after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its lowest point in 50 years under Trump .
In addition , statistics from the U.S. Commerce Department reported in January claim that the moderate growth from Trump ’ s 2017 tax cuts has declined from a 2018 rate of 2.9 percent growth to a rate of 2.3 percent for the entire year of 2019 .
According to The New Yorker , the economic growth under Trump is par the course for the annual growth rate over the last two decades beginning in 2000 , which conflicts with his boasts of the uniquely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy during his recent State of the Union Address earlier this month .
In response , MSNBC ’ s Morning Joe host , Joe Scarborough , slammed the president and accused him of taking credit for the achievements that he believes stem from the work of Obama ’ s presidency .
“ It ’ s just absolutely preposterous that Donald Trump suggests that had he not turned things around from Barack Obama this economy would be in terrible shape , when he ’ s riding the Obama wave , ” Scarborough said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recovery period for the global financial crisis in 2008 is 11 years .
He also noted that Obama created more jobs in his final three years in office than Trump did across his first three years .

Former President Barack Obama commemorated his Recovery Act on Monday and suggested that it “paved the way” for the United States’ recent economic growth and job creation. Hours later, current President Donald Trump took issue with the tweet, calling Obama’s comment a “con job,” The Hill reports.
“President Obama is now trying to take credit for the Economic Boom taking place under the Trump Administration,” Trump tweeted before claiming that the United States would be in an economic depression if the Democratic Party won in 2016.
Trump campaign national press secretary Kayleigh McEnany also released a statement addressing Obama’s tweet and echoed much of the content in the president’s tweet.
“Obama and Biden orchestrated the worst economic recovery in modern history. By contrast, though, deregulating, lowering taxes, and supporting free-market policies, President Trump has created the hottest economy on record.”
While Trump has been touting the strong U.S. economy in the run-up to the 2020 election, Democrats claim that the Obama administration’s repairs following the 2008 financial crisis were the real catalysts for the country’s current economic success. Specifically, Obama’s supporters point to the $787 billion Recovery Act as well as the decline in unemployment that began after the former president took office and continued to its lowest point in 50 years under Trump.
Face it
Obama was better for the Economy than Bush and Trump pic.twitter.com/f9px3BJUga — Randi Rhodes (@RandiRhodes) February 18, 2020
In addition, statistics from the U.S. Commerce Department reported in January claim that the moderate growth from Trump’s 2017 tax cuts has declined from a 2018 rate of 2.9 percent growth to a rate of 2.3 percent for the entire year of 2019. According to The New Yorker, the economic growth under Trump is par the course for the annual growth rate over the last two decades beginning in 2000, which conflicts with his boasts of the uniquely fantastic economy.
Trump notably touted the economy during his recent State of the Union Address earlier this month. In response, MSNBC’s Morning Joe host, Joe Scarborough, slammed the president and accused him of taking credit for the achievements that he believes stem from the work of Obama’s presidency.
“It’s just absolutely preposterous that Donald Trump suggests that had he not turned things around from Barack Obama this economy would be in terrible shape, when he’s riding the Obama wave,” Scarborough said, per Newsweek.
According to Scarborough, the recovery period for the global financial crisis in 2008 is 11 years. He also noted that Obama created more jobs in his final three years in office than Trump did across his first three years.
“The lies were preposterous,” Scarborough added.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Bill de Blasio Slams Michael Bloomberg: ‘He’s The Epitome Of The Power Structure’

Former Democratic presidential candidate and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio , who has endorsed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president , recently slammed candidate Michael Bloomberg , who has been rising in the polls following a massive television ad spending spree .
“ It ’ s important for people to understand what ’ s happening here , ” de Blasio said Monday on CNN Newsroom — per Newsweek — before attacking Bloomberg for using over $ 400 million of his vast wealth to garner votes .
“ What it is masking is a lifetime of supporting those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the power structure , ” he added .
Although the 58-year-old politician acknowledged that Bloomberg did positive things during his time as New York ’ s mayor , he also claimed that he did harm as well .
Thus far , Bloomberg has spent approximately $ 418 million on television ads , which is around $ 100 million more than all of his Democratic competitors combined .
The closest to his spending haul is fellow billionaire Tom Steyer , who has spent $ 194 million .
According to recent data , Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average behind Sanders in first and Joe Biden in second .
Despite his polling success , the former mayor did not secure delegates in Iowa or New Hampshire .
However , his campaign strategy has decided to skip focus on the early states and bank on a solid performance on Super Tuesday .
In recent days , Bloomberg ’ s controversial comments and record have come into the spotlight .
Notably , Biden took aim at the billionaire ’ s past and suggested that his spending blitz would ultimately not be enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion dollars can buy you a lot of advertising , but it can ’ t erase your record , ” the former vice president said during a Sunday interview with NBC News ’ Meet the Press .
Bloomberg ’ s remarks on the stop-and-frisk policy he enacted during his time as New York City mayor received praise from white nationalist Richard Spencer .
The blessing comes as the billionaire received flak from everyone from Donald Trump — who called him racist — to New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
“ People lost their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the 30-year-old politician said of those arrested under Bloomberg ’ s controversial policy .
Bloomberg also took criticism for his claim that the 2008 housing crisis was fueled by the end of “ redlining ” — the systematic denial of services to specific neighborhoods , often low-income and majority-minority .

Former Democratic presidential candidate and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has endorsed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president, recently slammed candidate Michael Bloomberg, who has been rising in the polls following a massive television ad spending spree.
“It’s important for people to understand what’s happening here,” de Blasio said Monday on CNN Newsroom — per Newsweek — before attacking Bloomberg for using over $400 million of his vast wealth to garner votes.
“What it is masking is a lifetime of supporting those in power, he’s the epitome of the power structure,” he added.
Although the 58-year-old politician acknowledged that Bloomberg did positive things during his time as New York’s mayor, he also claimed that he did harm as well.
“He’s one of the richest people in the world and he pursued policies in New York City that made income inequality worse, that helped developers and big real estate folks and Wall Street at the expense of working people.”
Thus far, Bloomberg has spent approximately $418 million on television ads, which is around $100 million more than all of his Democratic competitors combined. The closest to his spending haul is fellow billionaire Tom Steyer, who has spent $194 million.
According to recent data, Bloomberg is in third place in national polling average behind Sanders in first and Joe Biden in second. Despite his polling success, the former mayor did not secure delegates in Iowa or New Hampshire. However, his campaign strategy has decided to skip focus on the early states and bank on a solid performance on Super Tuesday.
bill de blasio will be a helpful sanders surrogate against bloomberg bloomberg once called de blasio's campaign "racist" for using de blasio's family in ads…because de blasio's wife and children are black also this: pic.twitter.com/wRSqAoUW5J — Matt Binder (@MattBinder) February 14, 2020
In recent days, Bloomberg’s controversial comments and record have come into the spotlight. Notably, Biden took aim at the billionaire’s past and suggested that his spending blitz would ultimately not be enough to succeed in the primary.
“Sixty billion dollars can buy you a lot of advertising, but it can’t erase your record,” the former vice president said during a Sunday interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press.
Bloomberg’s remarks on the stop-and-frisk policy he enacted during his time as New York City mayor received praise from white nationalist Richard Spencer. The blessing comes as the billionaire received flak from everyone from Donald Trump — who called him racist — to New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“People lost their fathers, people lost their brothers,” the 30-year-old politician said of those arrested under Bloomberg’s controversial policy.
Bloomberg also took criticism for his claim that the 2008 housing crisis was fueled by the end of “redlining” — the systematic denial of services to specific neighborhoods, often low-income and majority-minority.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Donald Trump Claims To Know The Identity Of ‘Anonymous’ Exposé Book Author

A top adviser for Donald Trump was recently reported to be seeking the identity of the anonymous author of the best-selling book , A Warning , which chronicled the alleged chaos of the president ’ s administration .
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday as he prepared to board Air Force One , Trump claimed to know the identity of the government official , who also criticized his administration in an op-ed for The New York Times in 2018 , Breitbart reports .
“ It ’ s not so much a search… I know who it is , ” Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the individual , Trump remained tight-lipped .
Some reports have speculated the individual is Deputy National Security Adviser Victoria Coates , although she has denied such claims .
Conversely , former FBI agent Josh Campbell claims that the author is the former secretary of homeland security Kirstjen Nielsen .
Per Mediaite , Campbell said on Twitter that his years of training led him to the conclusion that Nielsen was the author of the New York Times piece , pointing to comparisons in her resignation letter .
Although Campbell admitted he could be wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cadence ” of each piece supports his conclusion .
According to Raw Story , White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said Tuesday that the anonymous author is an enemy of the “ American people ” who could face retaliation for their actions .
“ And whoever wrote the anonymous book and the op-ed , they do need to be found , ” Grisham said in an interview on Fox News .
“ And the fact that they are working in government against the president and essentially against the American people is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grisham if Coates could be reassigned due to rumors that she is the anonymous author , Grisham said she was unsure .
Trump reportedly views the anonymous author as an enemy who reflects a Washington , D.C. movement against his presidency .
He has allegedly asked senior aides in private about efforts to reveal the identity of the author .
On another occasion , Trump allegedly asked whether the anonymous author was indeed a government insider or someone trying to gain attention .
Regardless , the anonymous author claims they will deny writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s still unclear if they are still an employee in the Trump administration .

A top adviser for Donald Trump was recently reported to be seeking the identity of the anonymous author of the best-selling book, A Warning, which chronicled the alleged chaos of the president’s administration. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday as he prepared to board Air Force One, Trump claimed to know the identity of the government official, who also criticized his administration in an op-ed for The New York Times in 2018, Breitbart reports.
“It’s not so much a search… I know who it is,” Trump said.
When pressed on the name of the individual, Trump remained tight-lipped.
“Can’t tell you that. But I know who it is. We won’t get into it, people know it’s a fraud.”
Some reports have speculated the individual is Deputy National Security Adviser Victoria Coates, although she has denied such claims. Conversely, former FBI agent Josh Campbell claims that the author is the former secretary of homeland security Kirstjen Nielsen.
Per Mediaite, Campbell said on Twitter that his years of training led him to the conclusion that Nielsen was the author of the New York Times piece, pointing to comparisons in her resignation letter.
“As a trained investigator, I’m just going to go on record now saying that anonymous NYT op-ed was LOADED with commas and em dashes. And so is this resignation letter.”
Although Campbell admitted he could be wrong, he said that the “style and cadence” of each piece supports his conclusion.
“I know who it is.” Trump says he knows the identity of the anonymous author of "A Warning," a book about the inner workings of the White House pic.twitter.com/ISawf5PvwF — Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) February 18, 2020
According to Raw Story, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said on Tuesday that the anonymous author is an enemy of the “American people” who could face retaliation for their actions.
“And whoever wrote the anonymous book and the op-ed, they do need to be found,” Grisham said in an interview on Fox News.
“And the fact that they are working in government against the president and essentially against the American people is not good.”
When host Steve Doocy asked Grisham if Coates could be reassigned due to rumors that she is the anonymous author, Grisham said she was unsure.
Trump reportedly views the anonymous author as an enemy who reflects a Washington, D.C. movement against his presidency. He has allegedly asked senior aides in private about efforts to reveal the identity of the author. On another occasion, Trump allegedly asked whether the anonymous author was indeed a government insider or someone trying to gain attention.
Regardless, the anonymous author claims they will deny writing A Warning if pressed, and it’s still unclear if they are still an employee in the Trump administration.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Michael Bloomberg’s Stop-And-Frisk Policy Shows His ‘Disdain For Black People,’ Says Fox Contributor

Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg continues to face scrutiny for his mayoral record , which included his controversial stop-and-frisk policy that The New York Times claims targeted mostly young black and Latino males .
Speaking on Tuesday ’ s episode of Fox & Friends , Fox News contributor Charles Payne spoke about Bloomberg ’ s controversial policy , which the Making Money host believes indicates his attitude toward black people .
Although Payne believes Bloomberg is an “ elitist who looks down on almost everyone , ” he suggested that the billionaire looks down on African Americans the most , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has a particular disdain for black people .
I have a 23-year-old son .
The notion that if he walks outside , he should be considered a dangerous animal before a human being , that he should be denied his civil liberties protected under the Constitution , that he could be thrusted against the wall simply because he ’ s black ?
It kills me.
” ” Payne also noted what he saw as a different response to the alleged racism of Donald Trump compared to the actions of Bloomberg .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allow black people into his building are not the same as Bloomberg ’ s stop-and-frisk policy .
“ But it ’ s not the same as saying , ‘ I want to round up 700,000 people in one year ostensibly to fight crime , ' ” he said .
Payne ’ s comments come just one day after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders took aim at Bloomberg ’ s “ racist policies ” at his massive Monday night rally in Tacoma , Washington .
The Democratic frontrunner also slammed Bloomberg ’ s history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls for cuts to Social Security , Medicare , and Medicaid .
Bloomberg has been accused of racism against Muslims as well .
Writing for The Intercept , Mehdi Hasan claimed that Bloomberg oversaw “ mass warrantless , suspicionless surveillance ” of Muslim New Yorkers .
According to Hasan , under Bloomberg ’ s term as mayor , the New York Police Department ( NYPD ) — working with the CIA — used undercover agents to gather information in Muslim neighborhoods .
These agents reportedly spied on the daily life of Muslims in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and even mosques .
Such monitoring was allegedly carried out even in cases where there was no evidence of wrongdoing .
Despite the criticism he faces , Bloomberg continues to surge in the polls .
He recently qualified for Wednesday ’ s Nevada debate , reaching 19 percent support in a new NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll , putting him second only to Sanders , who topped the poll with 31 percent support .
Meanwhile , Joe Biden trails the pair in third with 15 percent support .

Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg continues to face scrutiny for his mayoral record, which included his controversial stop-and-frisk policy that The New York Times claims targeted mostly young black and Latino males. Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of Fox & Friends, Fox News contributor Charles Payne spoke about Bloomberg’s controversial policy, which the Making Money host believes indicates his attitude toward black people.
Although Payne believes Bloomberg is an “elitist who looks down on almost everyone,” he suggested that the billionaire looks down on African Americans the most, Newsweek reports.
“But I think he has a particular disdain for black people. I have a 23-year-old son. The notion that if he walks outside, he should be considered a dangerous animal before a human being, that he should be denied his civil liberties protected under the Constitution, that he could be thrusted against the wall simply because he’s black? It kills me.”
Payne also noted what he saw as a different response to the alleged racism of Donald Trump compared to the actions of Bloomberg. He also claimed that reports that Trump did not allow black people into his building are not the same as Bloomberg’s stop-and-frisk policy.
“But it’s not the same as saying, ‘I want to round up 700,000 people in one year ostensibly to fight crime,'” he said.
To all you defending Bloomberg, look Tyquan in the face and tell him to just “get over” what happened to him, that he was just collateral damage in a righteous crusade, that the violation of his rights, body and humanity are things you can live with. HE WAS JUST A CHILD!!!! pic.twitter.com/9yVcRlOwUb — Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) February 13, 2020
Payne’s comments come just one day after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders took aim at Bloomberg’s “racist policies” at his massive Monday night rally in Tacoma, Washington. The Democratic frontrunner also slammed Bloomberg’s history of opposing the minimum wage and previous calls for cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Bloomberg has been accused of racism against Muslims as well. Writing for The Intercept, Mehdi Hasan claimed that Bloomberg oversaw “mass warrantless, suspicionless surveillance” of Muslim New Yorkers. According to Hasan, under Bloomberg’s term as mayor, the New York Police Department (NYPD) — working with the CIA — used undercover agents to gather information in Muslim neighborhoods. These agents reportedly spied on the daily life of Muslims in bars, cafes, bookstores, nightclubs, and even mosques. Such monitoring was allegedly carried out even in cases where there was no evidence of wrongdoing.
Despite the criticism he faces, Bloomberg continues to surge in the polls. He recently qualified for Wednesday’s Nevada debate, reaching 19 percent support in a new NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll, putting him second only to Sanders, who topped the poll with 31 percent support. Meanwhile, Joe Biden trails the pair in third with 15 percent support.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Glenn Greenwald Highlights ‘Insulting, Ugly’ Attacks From Elizabeth Warren Supporters

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren recently criticized the behavior of Bernie Sanders ‘ supporters and said she believes the candidates are responsible for the actions of their supporters .
In response , journalist Glenn Greenwald slammed Warren ’ s suggestion and highlighted the attacks he has faced and observed coming from her supporters .
“ I ’ m going to post the insulting , ugly tweets sent to me by Warren supporters over the last few weeks & demand a personal apology from the Senator ( the first woman of color on Harvard Law ’ s faculty ) given she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to her standard , ” he tweeted .
Greenwald highlighted a blog written by journalist Xeni Jardin in which she says she hopes Greenwald dies in prison .
The blog was a response to the recent cybercrime charges Greenwald faced from the Brazilian government , which The Intercept reports were later dismissed .
The 52-year-old author noted another tweet from Warren supporter Saira Rao , who Greenwald says Warren ’ s campaign has “ touted as a prominent and important supporter.
” Greenwald also spotlighted a tweet by a Twitter user who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassed her more than conservatives and supporters of Donald Trump ever have .
According to Greenwald , only people in television studios and think tanks are focusing on such attacks as a serious election issue .
Journalist Michael Tracey appeared to agree with Greenwald in regard to Warren ’ s suggestion , claiming that she implies that she can be held to any of her supporters ’ behavior .
“ This is desperate and pathetic , ” he tweeted .
As Warren continues to decline in the polls , she has been critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business Insider , she recently spoke with NBC News at the Cardenas Market in Las Vegas and criticized the behavior of Sanders ’ supporters , in particular their alleged attacks on Culinary Workers Union Local 226 .
In an interview with PBS News Hour , Sanders ’ disavowed the attacks and said than anyone making personal attacks on others is “ not part of ” his movement .
A recent NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll released Thursday shows Sanders in first place with 31 percent support , which is the first time a Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national poll .
As for Warren , she received 12 percent support , a dip of five points since the December iteration of the survey .

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren recently criticized the behavior of Bernie Sanders‘ supporters and said she believes the candidates are responsible for the actions of their supporters. In response, journalist Glenn Greenwald slammed Warren’s suggestion and highlighted the attacks he has faced and observed coming from her supporters.
“I’m going to post the insulting, ugly tweets sent to me by Warren supporters over the last few weeks & demand a personal apology from the Senator (the first woman of color on Harvard Law’s faculty) given she’s personally responsible for those tweets, according to her standard,” he tweeted.
Greenwald highlighted a blog written by journalist Xeni Jardin in which she says she hopes Greenwald dies in prison. The blog was a response to the recent cybercrime charges Greenwald faced from the Brazilian government, which The Intercept reports were later dismissed.
The 52-year-old author noted another tweet from Warren supporter Saira Rao, who Greenwald says Warren’s campaign has “touted as a prominent and important supporter.”
Greenwald also spotlighted a tweet by a Twitter user who claimed that Warren’s supporters have harassed her more than conservatives and supporters of Donald Trump ever have.
“This game of elevating mean tweets of random supporters into some profound and important election issue is one of the most pathetic things I’ve ever seen, and it’s the 2nd election in a row it’s happening.”
NEW: Asked about online attacks from Sanders supporters & if he has done enough to condemn them, Warren tells me Sanders “has a lot of questions to answer here” & “that’s not how we build an inclusive Dem party & not how we beat Trump. We do not build on a foundation of hate.” pic.twitter.com/wk6Sn3VVyO — Ali Vitali (@alivitali) February 18, 2020
According to Greenwald, only people in television studios and think tanks are focusing on such attacks as a serious election issue.
Journalist Michael Tracey appeared to agree with Greenwald in regard to Warren’s suggestion, claiming that she implies that she can be held to any of her supporters’ behavior.
“This is desperate and pathetic,” he tweeted.
As Warren continues to decline in the polls, she has been critical of Sanders’ frontrunner campaign. Per Business Insider, she recently spoke with NBC News at the Cardenas Market in Las Vegas and criticized the behavior of Sanders’ supporters, in particular their alleged attacks on Culinary Workers Union Local 226.
In an interview with PBS News Hour, Sanders’ disavowed the attacks and said than anyone making personal attacks on others is “not part of” his movement.
A recent NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll released Thursday shows Sanders in first place with 31 percent support, which is the first time a Democratic presidential candidate has hit 30 percent in a national poll. As for Warren, she received 12 percent support, a dip of five points since the December iteration of the survey.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Donald Trump Falsely Claims He’s The ‘Chief Law Enforcement Officer’ Of U.S. As He Goes On Pardon Sp

Donald Trump Falsely Claims He’s The ‘Chief Law Enforcement Officer’ Of U.S. As He Goes On Pardon Spree

Donald Trump has taken heat in recent days for allegedly interfering in Roger Stone ’ s court case .
Adding to that , on Tuesday , the president issued numerous pardons for public figures such as Rod Blagojevich and Eddie DeBartolo Jr .
In a seeming defense of his actions , Trump told reporters that he was the “ chief law enforcement officer of the country.
” According to a video posted on Twitter by Vox reporter Aaron Rupar Trump was asked by reporters as he was departing to California whether he had asked Attorney General William Barr to step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a long-time Trump associate .
In response , he said that he hadn ’ t directed Barr , but that he may do something of that nature in the future .
“ I ’ m actually , I guess , the chief law enforcement officer of the country .
But I ’ ve chosen not to be involved , ” he said .
“ I could be involved if I wanted to be.
” The Attorney General is usually referred to as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military .
Historically , the White House and Department of Justice have long maintained a wall between them in order to prevent the appearance of impropriety .
While the DOJ may advise the president about issues facing the department , the attorney general does not traditionally work with the president to determine sentencing and which cases to intervene in .
But recently , Trump wrote a tweet complaining about the recommended sentence for Stone , who was convicted of obstructing Congress and witness tampering .
Shortly after the tweet , Barr intervened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the intervention , Trump congratulated Barr on the decision .
While both Barr and Trump maintain that they didn ’ t work together , many critics have raised concerns about the appearance of the matter , and the four attorneys prosecuting Stone resigned from the case in protest .
One left the DOJ all-together .
Since then , thousands of Department of Justice officials have signed on to an open letter calling for Barr ’ s resignation .
Trump was asked to weigh on his decision to commute the sentence for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption for trying to sell former President Obama ’ s Senate seat , and has served half of a 14-year sentence .
Blagojevich was a former contestant on Trump ’ s show “ The Apprentice.
” “ It was a prosecution by the same people — Comey , Fitzpatrick — the same group , ” Trump claimed in defending his decision .
Trump also pardoned ex-49ers owner DeBartolo Jr. , who was convicted of gambling fraud .

Donald Trump has taken heat in recent days for allegedly interfering in Roger Stone’s court case. Adding to that, on Tuesday, the president issued numerous pardons for public figures such as Rod Blagojevich and Eddie DeBartolo Jr. In a seeming defense of his actions, Trump told reporters that he was the “chief law enforcement officer of the country.”
According to a video posted on Twitter by Vox reporter Aaron Rupar, Trump was asked by reporters as he was departing to California whether he had asked Attorney General William Barr to step in and reduce the sentence for Stone, a longtime Trump associate. In response, he said that he hadn’t directed Barr, but that he may do something of that nature in the future.
“I’m actually, I guess, the chief law enforcement officer of the country. But I’ve chosen not to be involved,” he said. “I could be involved if I wanted to be.”
The attorney general is usually referred to as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States, while the president is the commander-in-chief of the military. Historically, the White House and Department of Justice have long maintained a wall between them in order to prevent the appearance of impropriety.
While the DOJ may advise the president about issues facing the department, the attorney general does not traditionally work with the president to determine sentencing and which cases to intervene in.
But recently, Trump wrote a tweet complaining about the recommended sentence for Stone, who was convicted of obstructing Congress and witness tampering. Shortly after the tweet, Barr intervened to have Stone’s jail time reduced. After the intervention, the president congratulated the attorney general on the decision.
While both Barr and Trump maintain that they didn’t work together, many critics have raised concerns about the appearance of the matter, and the four attorneys prosecuting Stone resigned from the case in protest. One left the DOJ altogether.
Since then, thousands of Department of Justice officials have signed on to an open letter calling for Barr’s resignation.
Trump was asked to weigh on his decision to commute the sentence for Blagojevich, who was found guilty of corruption for trying to sell former President Barack Obama’s Senate seat and has served more than half of a 14-year sentence. Blagojevich was a former contestant on Trump’s reality series The Apprentice.
“It was a prosecution by the same people — [James] Comey, [Patrick Fitzgerald] — the same group,” Trump claimed, defending his decision.
The president also pardoned ex-49ers owner DeBartolo Jr., who was convicted of gambling fraud.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--Bernie Sanders Slams Michael Bloomberg’s ‘Racist Policies’ At Massive Rally

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders held a massive rally Monday night in Tacoma , Washington , drawing more than 17,000 people .
During the event , Sanders pulled no punches and took aim at Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg , who has been surging in the polls thanks to a massive advertising blitz across the Super Tuesday states .
“ Today , we say to Mayor Bloomberg , we are a democracy , not an oligarchy , ” Sanders said , per Common Dreams .
“ You are not going to buy this election.
” Sanders slammed Bloomberg ’ s record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ racist policies ” like stop-and-frisk .
He also noted Bloomberg ’ s opposition to raising the minimum wage as well as his previous calls for cuts to Medicare , Medicaid , and Social Security .
“ The American people , working for families all over this country , want an economy and a government that works for all of us — not just a handful of billionaires , ” Sanders said , per Breitbart .
The attacks come ahead of Nevada ’ s caucuses as the pair continues to take shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ comments came shortly after Bloomberg ’ s recent attacks on the behavior of Sanders ’ campaign .
In an email to supporters , Bloomberg likened Sanders ’ campaign to the conduct of Donald Trump , pointing to several comments from Sanders staffers who attacked Bloomberg as a racist and an oligarch .
In response , the Medicare for All advocate took to Twitter to share a picture of Bloomberg and Trump together at a golf course .
According to David Sirota , Sanders ’ speechwriter , Bloomberg ’ s attacks on Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the possibility of not being able to purchase the Democratic nomination .
Sirota claims that the recent string of attacks is simply an attempt to silence one of his most prominent critics .
“ Michael Bloomberg can throw all the temper tantrums he wants , but we will not be silenced — we will continue to show exactly why Bernie Sanders has a far better record and will be a far better nominee than the billionaire former GOP mayor trying to buy the primary.
” Criticism of Bloomberg ’ s tactics is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political spectrum .
Fox News host Tucker Carlson recently accused Bloomberg of attempting to purchase votes .
He criticized the business man ’ s campaign , noting its lack of ideas and slammed him for not trying to convince voters via policy but simply overwhelming them with money .
Carlson also noted the massive amount of spending Bloomberg has funneled into advertising — approximately $ 417 million — and the gap between his spending and his competitors .

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders held a massive rally Monday night in Tacoma, Washington, drawing more than 17,000 people. During the event, Sanders pulled no punches and took aim at Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg, who has been surging in the polls thanks to a massive advertising blitz across the Super Tuesday states.
“Today, we say to Mayor Bloomberg, we are a democracy, not an oligarchy,” Sanders said, per Common Dreams.
“You are not going to buy this election.”
Sanders slammed Bloomberg’s record as New York City mayor, pointing to “racist policies” like stop-and-frisk. He also noted Bloomberg’s opposition to raising the minimum wage as well as his previous calls for cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
“The American people, working for families all over this country, want an economy and a government that works for all of us — not just a handful of billionaires,” Sanders said, per Breitbart.
The attacks come ahead of Nevada’s caucuses as the pair continues to take shots at each other. Notably, Sanders’ comments came shortly after Bloomberg’s recent attacks on the behavior of Sanders’ campaign. In an email to supporters, Bloomberg likened Sanders’ campaign to the conduct of Donald Trump, pointing to several comments from Sanders staffers who attacked Bloomberg as a racist and an oligarch. In response, the Medicare for All advocate took to Twitter to share a picture of Bloomberg and Trump together at a golf course.
According to David Sirota, Sanders’ speechwriter, Bloomberg’s attacks on Sanders stem from the billionaire’s frustration at the possibility of not being able to purchase the Democratic nomination. Sirota claims that the recent string of attacks is simply an attempt to silence one of his most prominent critics.
“Michael Bloomberg can throw all the temper tantrums he wants, but we will not be silenced — we will continue to show exactly why Bernie Sanders has a far better record and will be a far better nominee than the billionaire former GOP mayor trying to buy the primary.”
Criticism of Bloomberg’s tactics is not isolated to the left of the political spectrum. Fox News host Tucker Carlson recently accused Bloomberg of attempting to purchase votes. He criticized the business man’s campaign, noting its lack of ideas and slammed him for not trying to convince voters via policy but simply overwhelming them with money.
Carlson also noted the massive amount of spending Bloomberg has funneled into advertising — approximately $417 million — and the gap between his spending and his competitors.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--John Bolton’s Book Shows Donald Trump Administration’s ‘Unprecedented’ Corruption, Says Ex-Obama Adv

John Bolton’s Book Shows Donald Trump Administration’s ‘Unprecedented’ Corruption, Says Ex-Obama Adviser

President Donald Trump ‘ s former national security adviser , John Bolton , is set to release his memoir , The Room Where It Happened , next month .
The book will reportedly chronicle the Trump administration ’ s alleged quid pro quo with Ukraine , which sparked the president ’ s impeachment and subsequent acquittal .
According to Ben Rhodes , who was President Barack Obama ‘ s deputy national security adviser , the book will shine a light on the Trump administration ’ s “ unprecedented level of corruption , ” Newsweek reports .
“ He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has been a complete failure on his key foreign policy initiatives , ” Rhodes said during an MSNBC appearance on Monday .
Rhodes claims that Bolton ’ s memoir reveals that “ the emperor has no clothes , ” noting Trump ’ s alleged failure to accomplish the goals that he purportedly set out for himself .
He also claims that Bolton ’ s release of the book was motivated by profit but nevertheless believes the literature will help shed light on Trump ’ s corruption .
On the evening of President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duke University in Durham , North Carolina , marking his first public speech since the impeachment trial that did not call on him as a witness .
Per The Guardian , no audio recording or livestreaming was allowed at the event .
Regardless , many journalists live-tweeted Bolton ’ s comments as he spoke with one of the university ’ s political science and public policy professors , Peter Feaver .
When Feaver asked Bolton about Trump ’ s tweets about him , the 71-year-old Republican consultant reportedly said he was not allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I can ’ t talk about it .
How fair is that ?
” he reportedly said .
Bolton later touched on his motivations , which some have suggested are tied to his self-interest .
“ I ’ m not asking for martyrdom , ” Bolton said , adding that he believes he understood the situation he was getting into .
Bolton ’ s might not be able to move forward without retribution from Trump .
As The Inquisitr reported , the president is reportedly planning revenge on those who defied him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romney , who was the only Republican to vote for Trump ’ s removal from office in the Senate trial on Trump ’ s impeachment articles .
Although Bolton never spoke as a witness in the impeachment trial , his book is believed to support the narrative the Democrats used to impeach the president for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .

President Donald Trump‘s former national security adviser, John Bolton, is set to release his memoir, The Room Where It Happened, next month. The book will reportedly chronicle the Trump administration’s alleged quid pro quo with Ukraine, which sparked the president’s impeachment and subsequent acquittal.
According to Ben Rhodes, who was President Barack Obama‘s deputy national security adviser, the book will shine a light on the Trump administration’s “unprecedented level of corruption,” Newsweek reports.
“He’s also telling us in his own words…that Trump has been a complete failure on his key foreign policy initiatives,” Rhodes said during an MSNBC appearance on Monday.
Rhodes claims that Bolton’s memoir reveals that “the emperor has no clothes,” noting the president’s alleged failure to accomplish the goals that he purportedly set out for himself. He also claims that Bolton’s release of the book was motivated by profit but nevertheless believes the literature will help shed light on Trump’s alleged corruption.
“The glimpse we’ve gotten is an unprecedented level of corruption, an unprecedented level of the president using his office, abusing his office, for his own personal interests. John Bolton keeps indicating that he knows that happened, and he’s going to tell us in his book.”
On the evening of Presidents’ Day, Bolton spoke at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, marking his first public speech since the impeachment trial that did not call on him as a witness. Per The Guardian, no audio recording or livestreaming was allowed at the event. Regardless, many journalists live-tweeted Bolton’s comments as he spoke with one of the university’s political science and public policy professors, Peter Feaver.
When Feaver asked Bolton about Trump’s tweets about him, the 71-year-old Republican consultant was quoted as saying he was not allowed to comment.
“He tweets, but I can’t talk about it. How fair is that?” he reportedly said.
Bolton later touched on his motivations, which some have suggested are tied to his self-interest.
“I’m not asking for martyrdom,” he said, adding that he believes he understood the situation he was getting into.
Former national security adviser John Bolton is raising eyebrows over comments related to his upcoming book, @MitchellReports explains. pic.twitter.com/WAEKKhahmi — TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 18, 2020
Bolton’s might not be able to move forward without retribution from Trump. As The Inquisitr reported, the president is allegedly planning revenge on those who defied him, including Bolton and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, who was the only Republican to vote for his removal from office in his impeachment trial.
Although Bolton never spoke as a witness in the trial, his book is believed to support the narrative the Democrats used to impeach the president for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.


inquisitr--2020-02-18--New NPR Poll Shows Sanders In Double-Digit Lead, Allows Bloomberg To Qualify For Nevada Debate

The Vermont senator opens up his margin of victory as the former NYC mayor surges in popularity .
A new NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll released on Tuesday showed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders surge in popularity — although he wasn ’ t the only one to make significant gains .
Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg also received a groundswell of support from this newest poll , qualifying him for Wednesday ’ s Democratic primary debate .
The survey — which detailed Democratic voters ’ preference for president — showed Sanders overtaking former Vice President Joe Biden for the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support , marking the first time any Democratic presidential nominee has broken 30 percent in a national poll , per NPR .
In the previous NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll taken in December 2019 , Sanders only had 22 percent support , while the former vice president had slightly edged him out with 24 percent .
This new result not only shows the senator as the first nominee to break 30 percent , but it also shows him surging ahead of the other candidates in the field .
The most recent poll puts Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field — although the identity of who reached second place may be shocking to some .
While Biden ’ s poor showing in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries have seemingly curtailed his national popularity — he dropped to third place , only reaching 15 percent — an unexpected late entrant into the primary has seemingly gained significant popularity .
Bloomberg reached 19 percent — the fourth over 10 percent support he has received in a national poll — which qualifies him for Wednesday ’ s Democratic primary debate set to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s success is a massive jump from his polling numbers in December when he only managed to get 4 percent support .
Nevada ’ s debate will be the first time Bloomberg will be on a national stage to face off against his fellow primary candidates .
As NPR reports , he did not qualify for the previous debates because he did not meet the donor threshold , due to not taking outside contributions to fund his campaign .
However , new rules from the Democratic Party have relaxed the donor qualification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nevada , and — if he qualifies — in South Carolina .
As The New York Times reports , attacks against Bloomberg have increased since his campaign started gaining traction , attracting attention from most candidates and pundits .
The former mayor has reportedly spent more than $ 300 million on TV ads throughout the U.S. , leading to accusations that he is trying to buy the election .
The other candidates who have qualified for the debate are Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , who received 12 percent support in the newest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since December ; Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , who gained five points since December to reach 9 percent approval ; and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg , who — despite leading in delegates at the moment — only earned 8 percent support , a four-point drop from December .
Although Klobuchar and Buttigieg did not meet the 10 percent polling requirement to qualify , they each received at least one delegate from New Hampshire and/or Iowa ’ s primaries , which automatically allows them to be on the debate stage .
After Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primaries and his fall in the polls , some supporters may be worried about his chances to secure the nomination .
All is not lost , however .
In a head-to-head competition with President Donald Trump , Biden still performs best out of the top six potential Democratic candidates , leading them by six points .
He is also the only candidate to reach over 50 percent support against Trump .

A new NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll released on Tuesday showed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders surge in popularity — although he wasn’t the only one to make significant gains. Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg also received a groundswell of support from this newest poll, qualifying him for Wednesday’s Democratic primary debate.
The survey — which detailed Democratic voters’ preference for president — showed Sanders overtaking former Vice President Joe Biden for the lead. The Vermont lawmaker got 31 percent support, marking the first time any Democratic presidential nominee has broken 30 percent in a national poll, per NPR. In the previous NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist poll taken in December 2019, Sanders only had 22 percent support, while the former vice president had slightly edged him out with 24 percent.
This new result not only shows the senator as the first nominee to break 30 percent, but it also shows him surging ahead of the other candidates in the field. The most recent poll puts Sanders 12 points above the next competitor in the field — although the identity of who reached second place may be shocking to some.
While Biden’s poor showing in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries have seemingly curtailed his national popularity — he dropped to third place, only reaching 15 percent — an unexpected late entrant into the primary has seemingly gained significant popularity. Bloomberg reached 19 percent — the fourth over 10 percent support he has received in a national poll — which qualifies him for Wednesday’s Democratic primary debate set to take place in Nevada. The former mayor’s success is a massive jump from his polling numbers in December when he only managed to get 4 percent support.
Nevada’s debate will be the first time Bloomberg will be on a national stage to face off against his fellow primary candidates. As NPR reports, he did not qualify for the previous debates because he did not meet the donor threshold, due to not taking outside contributions to fund his campaign. However, new rules from the Democratic Party have relaxed the donor qualification, allowing Bloomberg to join the stage in Nevada, and — if he qualifies — in South Carolina.
As The New York Times reports, attacks against Bloomberg have increased since his campaign started gaining traction, attracting attention from most candidates and pundits. The former mayor has reportedly spent more than $300 million on TV ads throughout the U.S., leading to accusations that he is trying to buy the election.
The other candidates who have qualified for the debate are Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who received 12 percent support in the newest survey, a decrease of five points since December; Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who gained five points since December to reach 9 percent approval; and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who — despite leading in delegates at the moment — only earned 8 percent support, a four-point drop from December. Although Klobuchar and Buttigieg did not meet the 10 percent polling requirement to qualify, they each received at least one delegate from New Hampshire and/or Iowa’s primaries, which automatically allows them to be on the debate stage.
After Biden’s poor showing in the first two primaries and his fall in the polls, some supporters may be worried about his chances to secure the nomination. All is not lost, however. In a head-to-head competition with President Donald Trump, Biden still performs best out of the top six potential Democratic candidates, leading them by six points. He is also the only candidate to reach over 50 percent support against Trump.