alternet--2020-12-09--'Big step' for antitrust as Facebook gets hit with massive monopoly lawsuit

In a coordinated attack following over a year of investigation , federal regulators and a coalition of nearly all state attorneys general filed a pair of lawsuits against Facebook on Wednesday , arguing that the social media giant has become an illegal monopoly and should not only be broken up but also face limits on future mergers so it ca n't engage in any more alleged anti-competitive behavior .
`` For nearly a decade , Facebook has used its dominance and monopoly power to crush smaller rivals and snuff out competition , all at the expense of everyday users , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James in a statement .
James is leading the state lawsuit ( pdf ) , which is backed by the AGs of 45 other states—all but Alabama , Georgia , South Carolina , and South Dakota—as well as the District of Columbia and Guam .
`` We are taking action to stand up for the millions of consumers and many small businesses that have been harmed by Facebook 's illegal behavior , '' she said .
`` Instead of competing on the merits , Facebook used its power to suppress competition so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billions by converting personal data into a cash cow . ''
Noting that `` almost every state in this nation has joined this bipartisan lawsuit because Facebook 's efforts to dominate the market were as illegal as they were harmful , '' James added that the suit `` should send a clear message to Facebook and every other company that any efforts to stifle competition , reduce innovation , or cut privacy protections will be met with the full force of our offices . ''
Filed in U.S. District Court for D.C. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not pay a cash price to use Facebook , '' a social media platform launched in 2004 by chairman , CEO , and controlling shareholder Mark Zuckerberg .
`` Instead , users exchange their time , attention , and personal data for access to Facebook 's services.As the complaint details : The state AGs charge that `` Facebook has had monopoly power in the personal social networking market in the United States '' for almost a decade , and the company `` illegally maintains that monopoly power by deploying a buy-or-bury strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and advertisers . ''
Both the state case and the new lawsuit ( pdf ) filed Wednesday by the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) in the same court draw attention to Facebook 's acquisitions of the photo-sharing platform Instagram in April 2012 for $ 1 billion and the messaging service WhatsApp in February 2014 for nearly $ 19 billion .
`` Today 's enforcement action aims to restore competition to this important industry and provide a foundation for future competitors to grow and innovate without the threat of being crushed by Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ian Conner said in a statement .
`` The commission 's requested relief includes unwinding Facebook 's prior acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp , and barring Facebook from engaging in additional anti-competitive practices that have helped it dominate the personal social networking market . ''
After acknowledging the cooperation with the states , Conner added that `` the American public deserves a competitive and vibrant personal social networking market , and we are taking this action to restore the competitive vigor necessary to foster innovation and consumer choice . ''
According to Alex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer advocacy group Public Citizen , `` These lawsuits mark an important turning point in the battle to rein in Big Tech monopolies and to reinvigorate antitrust enforcement . ''
`` Facebook is absolutely an out-of-control monopoly—one that has abused its market power to squash competition , manipulate democracies , and crush journalism . ''
—Rep .
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez '' What started as a nascent academic idea supported by a small coalition fighting for economic justice has become the official policy of American antitrust enforcers , '' Harman said .
`` We welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggressive antitrust enforcement actions against other Big Tech monopolists , as well as those in other industries . ''
The long-anticipated filings against Facebook—which follow an antitrust suit against Google brought by the U.S. Justice Department and several states in October—were also applauded in a statement from Demand Progress executive director David Segal and the Revolving Door Project executive director Jeff Hauser .
The company 's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp as well as `` other anti-competitive activities have allowed Facebook to wield too much power over the social internet , online discourse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Segal and Hauser said .
`` Authorities never should have allowed these mergers , nor Facebook 's other anti-competitive conduct , but a revolving door between regulators and industry helped create a culture of non-enforcement that has lasted for decades . ''
`` The effects of this revolving door extend far beyond Facebook , or even Big Tech—they can be seen in our highly concentrated agricultural sector , airline sector , financial sector , and more , '' they added .
`` We are glad that advocates and authorities across the country have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending concentrated economic power .
In the case of Big Tech firms like Facebook , Google , and Amazon , the power they wield over the internet , the economy , our government , and broader society has had an incalculable impact . ''
Segal and Hauser also recognized President-elect Joe Biden 's victory over Donald Trump last month .
Looking ahead to Biden 's planned January 20 inauguration and beyond , they urged the incoming administration to `` make it clear that it also understands the dangers posed by concentrated corporate power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other monopolistic firms . ''
`` Biden must ensure that the cases against both Google and Facebook will continue under his presidency , and that his administration shall pursue a vigorous anti-monopoly policy across all economic sectors , '' they said .
`` The first step to building trust on this issue will be for Biden to keep top executives , lobbyists , and consultants for Big Tech and other corporations out of his administration . ''

In a coordinated attack following over a year of investigation, federal regulators and a coalition of nearly all state attorneys general filed a pair of lawsuits against Facebook on Wednesday, arguing that the social media giant has become an illegal monopoly and should not only be broken up but also face limits on future mergers so it can't engage in any more alleged anti-competitive behavior.
"For nearly a decade, Facebook has used its dominance and monopoly power to crush smaller rivals and snuff out competition, all at the expense of everyday users," said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. James is leading the state lawsuit (pdf), which is backed by the AGs of 45 other states—all but Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and South Dakota—as well as the District of Columbia and Guam.
"We are taking action to stand up for the millions of consumers and many small businesses that have been harmed by Facebook's illegal behavior," she said. "Instead of competing on the merits, Facebook used its power to suppress competition so it could take advantage of users and make billions by converting personal data into a cash cow."
Noting that "almost every state in this nation has joined this bipartisan lawsuit because Facebook's efforts to dominate the market were as illegal as they were harmful," James added that the suit "should send a clear message to Facebook and every other company that any efforts to stifle competition, reduce innovation, or cut privacy protections will be met with the full force of our offices."
Facebook makes its money by selling ads. Facebook sells advertising to firms that attach immense value to the user engagement and highly targeted advertising that Facebook can uniquely deliver due to its massive network of users and the vast trove of data it has collected on users, their friends, and their interests. The more data Facebook accumulates by surveilling the activities of its users and the more time the company convinces users to spend engaging on Facebook services, the more money the company makes through its advertising business.
Filed in U.S. District Court for D.C., the state complaint explains that "users do not pay a cash price to use Facebook," a social media platform launched in 2004 by chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder Mark Zuckerberg. "Instead, users exchange their time, attention, and personal data for access to Facebook's services.As the complaint details:
The state AGs charge that "Facebook has had monopoly power in the personal social networking market in the United States" for almost a decade, and the company "illegally maintains that monopoly power by deploying a buy-or-bury strategy that thwarts competition and harms both users and advertisers."
Both the state case and the new lawsuit (pdf) filed Wednesday by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the same court draw attention to Facebook's acquisitions of the photo-sharing platform Instagram in April 2012 for $1 billion and the messaging service WhatsApp in February 2014 for nearly $19 billion.
"Today's enforcement action aims to restore competition to this important industry and provide a foundation for future competitors to grow and innovate without the threat of being crushed by Facebook," FTC Bureau of Competition Director Ian Conner said in a statement. "The commission's requested relief includes unwinding Facebook's prior acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, and barring Facebook from engaging in additional anti-competitive practices that have helped it dominate the personal social networking market."
After acknowledging the cooperation with the states, Conner added that "the American public deserves a competitive and vibrant personal social networking market, and we are taking this action to restore the competitive vigor necessary to foster innovation and consumer choice."
As the Washington Postreported Wednesday:
Facebook, for its part, has mounted a massive lobbying offensive to try to rebut the allegations. Publicly, the company and its chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, have sought to stress that Facebook's purchases of Instagram and WhatsApp helped them grow into viable services in a larger market where newcomers, such as TikTok, are still able to thrive.
"A strongly competitive landscape existed at the time of both acquisitions and exists today," spokesman Chris Sgro said in a statement in October. "Regulators thoroughly reviewed each deal and rightly did not see any reason to stop them at the time."
According to Alex Harman, competition policy advocate for the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, "These lawsuits mark an important turning point in the battle to rein in Big Tech monopolies and to reinvigorate antitrust enforcement."
"Facebook is absolutely an out-of-control monopoly—one that has abused its market power to squash competition, manipulate democracies, and crush journalism."
—Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
"What started as a nascent academic idea supported by a small coalition fighting for economic justice has become the official policy of American antitrust enforcers," Harman said. "We welcome this action and look forward to more aggressive antitrust enforcement actions against other Big Tech monopolists, as well as those in other industries."
The long-anticipated filings against Facebook—which follow an antitrust suit against Google brought by the U.S. Justice Department and several states in October—were also applauded in a statement from Demand Progress executive director David Segal and the Revolving Door Project executive director Jeff Hauser.
The company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp as well as "other anti-competitive activities have allowed Facebook to wield too much power over the social internet, online discourse, and our broader society," Segal and Hauser said. "Authorities never should have allowed these mergers, nor Facebook's other anti-competitive conduct, but a revolving door between regulators and industry helped create a culture of non-enforcement that has lasted for decades."
"The effects of this revolving door extend far beyond Facebook, or even Big Tech—they can be seen in our highly concentrated agricultural sector, airline sector, financial sector, and more," they added. "We are glad that advocates and authorities across the country have begun to recognize the democratic imperative of ending concentrated economic power. In the case of Big Tech firms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon, the power they wield over the internet, the economy, our government, and broader society has had an incalculable impact."
Segal and Hauser also recognized President-elect Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump last month. Looking ahead to Biden's planned January 20 inauguration and beyond, they urged the incoming administration to "make it clear that it also understands the dangers posed by concentrated corporate power, and the harms caused by Facebook and other monopolistic firms."
"Biden must ensure that the cases against both Google and Facebook will continue under his presidency, and that his administration shall pursue a vigorous anti-monopoly policy across all economic sectors," they said. "The first step to building trust on this issue will be for Biden to keep top executives, lobbyists, and consultants for Big Tech and other corporations out of his administration."


alternet--2020-12-09--Legal experts mock Trump for getting a 'disgraced white supremacist' to file a 'crazy’ Supreme Court

Legal experts mock Trump for getting a 'disgraced white supremacist' to file a 'crazy’ Supreme Court case

Legal experts are having a field day with the latest Supreme Court lawsuit , filed by 17 red states , trying to overturn the election by literally disenfranchising millions upon millions of U.S. citizens .
The case is without merit , legal experts say , but what may be even more embarrassing and ridiculous is President Donald Trump is trying to join the case .
To do so , he must petition the Supreme Court , which he just did .
It appears the only attorney Trump could convince to file his motion is a `` disgraced white supremacist '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marco Rubio are not U.S .
citizens . ''
That attorney is John Eastman , a law professor at Chapman University School of Law .
If the name sounds familiar , it should .
Eastman is also the chairman of the National Organization For Marriage ( NOM ) , the far right wing anti-LGBTQ faith-based organization that spent millions of dollars of dark money in a failed attempt to ban same-sex couples from marrying .
UC Irvine Professor of Law and Political Science Rick Hasen , who is also an election law expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastman is a white supremacist come from a Newsweek op-ed he wrote that was so offensive its editors had to append an apology to it , which read , in part : This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia .
We apologize .
The essay , by John Eastman , was intended to explore a minority legal argument about the definition of who is a `` natural-born citizen '' in the United States .
But to many readers , the essay inevitably conveyed the ugly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman of color and the child of immigrants , was somehow not truly American .
UCLA School of Law professor Sean Hecht points out a falsehood in Eastman 's filing – one Trump tweeted out earlier Wednesday :

Legal experts are having a field day with the latest Supreme Court lawsuit, filed by 17 red states, trying to overturn the election by literally disenfranchising millions upon millions of U.S. citizens.
The case is without merit, legal experts say, but what may be even more embarrassing and ridiculous is President Donald Trump is trying to join the case. To do so, he must petition the Supreme Court, which he just did.
It appears the only attorney Trump could convince to file his motion is a "disgraced white supremacist" who "who thinks Kamala Harris and Marco Rubio are not U.S. citizens."
That attorney is John Eastman, a law professor at Chapman University School of Law.
If the name sounds familiar, it should. Eastman is also the chairman of the National Organization For Marriage (NOM), the far right wing anti-LGBTQ faith-based organization that spent millions of dollars of dark money in a failed attempt to ban same-sex couples from marrying.
Here's Slate's legal expert Mark Joseph Stern, predicting Trump has "lost already."
UC Irvine Professor of Law and Political Science Rick Hasen, who is also an election law expert:
By the way, the claims Eastman is a white supremacist come from a Newsweek op-ed he wrote that was so offensive its editors had to append an apology to it, which read, in part:
This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologize. The essay, by John Eastman, was intended to explore a minority legal argument about the definition of who is a "natural-born citizen" in the United States. But to many readers, the essay inevitably conveyed the ugly message that Senator Kamala Harris, a woman of color and the child of immigrants, was somehow not truly American.
Law & Crime's Senior Investigative Reporter & Editor, Adam Klasfeld weighs in:
National security attorney Bradley Moss:
UCLA School of Law professor Sean Hecht points out a falsehood in Eastman's filing – one Trump tweeted out earlier Wednesday:


alternet--2020-12-09--Fox News suffers an embarrassing defeat as Newsmax rides high by touting Trump's lies

Newsmax TV scored a minor ratings win over Fox News that could signal a major conservative media shift after the network went all-in on President Donald Trump 's baseless election conspiracy theories .
Newsmax 's `` Greg Kelly Reports , '' a show Trump has plugged on Twitter , edged out `` The Story with Martha MacCallum '' on Fox among the key 25- to 54-year-old demographic on Monday night , CNN 's Brian Stelter reported , for the first time in the network 's six-year history .
Kelly 's show averaged 229,000 viewers in the demographic while MacCallum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every category ahead of the election , averaged 203,000 .
Prior to the election , Kelly 's show only averaged about 10,000 viewers in the 25-54 demographic and about 100,000 viewers in total , according to Stelter .
But on Monday , his show hit 949,000 total viewers .
Kelly , a former local New York news anchor , has quickly risen in the post-election conservative TV universe by repeatedly claiming Trump did not lose the election long after every mainstream network called the race .
`` This is Newsmax , where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he bragged last month , more than a week after the election was called .
`` Why would we ?
We do not know who has won .
This whole idea of a president-elect ?
It is a media fabrication . ''
Kelly has served as an unabashed cheerleader for Trump and claimed that the lame-duck president was `` fulfilling his duty '' and `` defending the Constitution '' by refusing to concede and challenging legal votes in numerous states .
Kelly has also repeatedly hosted former Trump attorney Sidney Powell , allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theories that even Fox News ' Tucker Carlson ripped as baseless .
He even occasionally calls out his competitors directly .
`` Fox does seem to be going through something of an identity crisis , '' he told viewers last month .
`` They 're not very supportive of the president these days — they seem to be bending over backward to hurt him . ''
Other Newsmax shows have also seen a rating bump .
Stelter noted that the rating bump is particularly pronounced when Fox is airing straight news shows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cavuto 's , rather than pro-Trump opinion shows like `` The Five '' and `` Hannity . ''
Newsmax chief Chris Ruddy , a longtime friend of Trump , told CNN that the network plans to continue to expand its opinion shows to capitalize on its rating boom , though the network significantly trails Fox News in the overall ratings .
Still , Newsmax averaged just 72,000 viewers before the election , which jumped to 204,000 after the election .
`` We 're here to stay , '' Ruddy said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network has seen a boost from Trump 's tweets .
The president has repeatedly urged followers to tune into the channel while slamming Fox News for not backing his baseless conspiracy theories .
Fox executives have taken notice .
CNN reported last month that Fox News producers were told not to continue booking regular guests if they kept appearing on Newsmax , though the network denied the report .
Some Fox employees described Newsmax to CNN as `` far-right '' and `` fringe '' and specifically criticized Kelly 's program .
Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an even more fringe outlet that is not even rated by Nielsen because of its small audience , has also seen a boost after the election , according to its executives ( who are not always the most reliable sources ) .
OAN President Charles Herring said last month that a `` massive wave of former Fox News viewers have abandoned Fox and have found a home at OAN . ''
Steve Tomsic , the chief financial officer at Fox , cited Newsmax and OANN at a financial conference this week .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they sort of , their knee-jerk reaction is to think , 'well all we need is two or three talking heads to go head to head with ours . '
The business is much bigger than that , '' he said , according to CNN .
`` So we feel super confident about Fox News being able to compete in any environment going forward . ''
Fox News has been the most-watched network in primetime since Memorial Day , according to Nielsen , and the most-watched cable news network for nearly19 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the election .
Some hosts , like Marta Bartiromo , have fully embraced Trump 's baseless conspiracy theories while longtime Trump boosters like Laura Ingraham and Tucker Carlson have reluctantly admitted the president 's defeat .
The network 's `` news side '' has been far more active in batting down election falsehoods .
`` It seems that we have a president who , he ca n't wrap his brain or mind around the fact , he ca n't process that someone who he thinks is so inferior to him won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
Fellow host Sandra Smith expressed disbelief when a guest tried to suggest that President-elect Joe Biden did not win. ''
What ?
What is happening ? ''
she questioned on a hot-mic while off-camera during the viral moment .

Newsmax TV scored a minor ratings win over Fox News that could signal a major conservative media shift after the network went all-in on President Donald Trump's baseless election conspiracy theories.
Newsmax's "Greg Kelly Reports," a show Trump has plugged on Twitter, edged out "The Story with Martha MacCallum" on Fox among the key 25- to 54-year-old demographic on Monday night, CNN's Brian Stelter reported, for the first time in the network's six-year history.
Kelly's show averaged 229,000 viewers in the demographic while MacCallum, who won her 7 pm timeslot in every category ahead of the election, averaged 203,000. Prior to the election, Kelly's show only averaged about 10,000 viewers in the 25-54 demographic and about 100,000 viewers in total, according to Stelter. But on Monday, his show hit 949,000 total viewers.
Kelly, a former local New York news anchor, has quickly risen in the post-election conservative TV universe by repeatedly claiming Trump did not lose the election long after every mainstream network called the race.
"This is Newsmax, where we have not called the election," he bragged last month, more than a week after the election was called. "Why would we? We do not know who has won. This whole idea of a president-elect? It is a media fabrication."
Kelly has served as an unabashed cheerleader for Trump and claimed that the lame-duck president was "fulfilling his duty" and "defending the Constitution" by refusing to concede and challenging legal votes in numerous states.
Kelly has also repeatedly hosted former Trump attorney Sidney Powell, allowing her to push bizarre and unfounded conspiracy theories that even Fox News' Tucker Carlson ripped as baseless. He even occasionally calls out his competitors directly.
"Fox does seem to be going through something of an identity crisis," he told viewers last month. "They're not very supportive of the president these days — they seem to be bending over backward to hurt him."
Other Newsmax shows have also seen a rating bump. Stelter noted that the rating bump is particularly pronounced when Fox is airing straight news shows, like MacCallum's or fellow host Neil Cavuto's, rather than pro-Trump opinion shows like "The Five" and "Hannity."
Newsmax chief Chris Ruddy, a longtime friend of Trump, told CNN that the network plans to continue to expand its opinion shows to capitalize on its rating boom, though the network significantly trails Fox News in the overall ratings. Still, Newsmax averaged just 72,000 viewers before the election, which jumped to 204,000 after the election.
"We're here to stay," Ruddy said. "The ratings are showing that."
The network has seen a boost from Trump's tweets. The president has repeatedlyurgedfollowers to tune into the channel while slamming Fox News for not backing his baseless conspiracy theories.
Fox executives have taken notice. CNN reported last month that Fox News producers were told not to continue booking regular guests if they kept appearing on Newsmax, though the network denied the report.
Some Fox employees described Newsmax to CNN as "far-right" and "fringe" and specifically criticized Kelly's program.
Trump has also touted One America News Network, an even more fringe outlet that is not even rated by Nielsen because of its small audience, has also seen a boost after the election, according to its executives (who are not always the most reliable sources).
OAN President Charles Herring said last month that a "massive wave of former Fox News viewers have abandoned Fox and have found a home at OAN."
Steve Tomsic, the chief financial officer at Fox, cited Newsmax and OANN at a financial conference this week.
"I think when people think about competition, they sort of, their knee-jerk reaction is to think, 'well all we need is two or three talking heads to go head to head with ours.' The business is much bigger than that," he said, according to CNN. "So we feel super confident about Fox News being able to compete in any environment going forward."
Fox News has been the most-watched network in primetime since Memorial Day, according to Nielsen, and the most-watched cable news network for nearly19 years.
Fox coverage has grown more disparate since the election. Some hosts, like Marta Bartiromo, have fully embraced Trump's baseless conspiracy theories while longtime Trump boosters like Laura Ingraham and Tucker Carlson have reluctantly admitted the president's defeat. The network's "news side" has been far more active in batting down election falsehoods.
"It seems that we have a president who, he can't wrap his brain or mind around the fact, he can't process that someone who he thinks is so inferior to him won the election," host Eric Shawn declared last week.
Fellow host Sandra Smith expressed disbelief when a guest tried to suggest that President-elect Joe Biden did not win."What? What is happening?" she questioned on a hot-mic while off-camera during the viral moment.
"We've called it."


alternet--2020-12-09--Here's what Trump supporters really believe about the election and his coup attempt

Do Republican voters really believe that Joe Biden stole the election from Donald Trump ?
Do they sincerely see Trump 's efforts to overturn the election as the legitimate actions of a wronged man trying to defend democracy ?
When they declare `` stop the steal , '' are they truly unaware that they are the ones trying to steal this election from the rightful winners ?
Or are millions of Americans arguing in bad faith , merely claiming to believe Trump is the true winner ?
Is this all just a disingenuous song-and-dance , meant to put a morally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support among Trump voters for a coup ?
The answer to this question of `` delusion or bad faith ? ''
matters quite a bit , as Trump continues to prosecute his futile campaign to steal the 2020 election .
Polls show that a hefty majority of Republican voters — 68 % , according to Reuters/Ipsos — say they believe the 2020 election was `` rigged '' in Biden 's favor .
Since the election , more than $ 200 million has flowed into Trump 's coffers from Republican donors responding to emails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Are these donors innocent lambs who sincerely believe that Trump is a good man done wrong ?
Or are they people who are actively seeking to finance a coup , employing the flimsiest of excuses ?
Well , as the author of a book called `` Troll Nation , '' it 's clear where I stand : By and large , Republican voters who claim that Biden stole the election are arguing from bad faith , not delusion .
This distinction is important because it shows that the intentions of Republican voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders ) are sinister , and need to be taken seriously as an overt assault on democracy .
Understanding modern politics means understanding one crucial reality about the current landscape : Conservatives do n't hold beliefs , they only have rationalizations .
Many of their long-standing beliefs do n't hold up to modern moral standards or rational scrutiny .
Rather than give up those beliefs , however , Republicans have developed a series of disingenuous gambits , conspiracy theories and trolling tactics to derail conversations , sow confusion and otherwise distract those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , it 's morally indefensible to come right out and say you care more about keeping your gas guzzler than protecting the planet .
So , instead , conservatives claim to be `` skeptical '' of climate science , wasting their interlocutor 's time by forcing them to prove , over and over and over and over again , that climate change is real .
Similarly , open contempt for women 's rights is hard to argue , so instead , conservatives will claim concern for `` fetal life '' to justify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of their other policy preferences point to concern about the wellbeing of children , much less fetuses .
Poll numbers showing that Republican voters `` believe '' that Trump lost the election are more of the same .
Conservatives know better than to openly argue that Democratic votes should n't be counted .
So instead they concoct this elaborate conspiracy theory , painting themselves as the victims of voter fraud in order to justify an illegal effort to steal the election .
The current situation is similar to the last time there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegitimizing a duly elected Democratic president .
During Barack Obama 's presidency , polling showed that large numbers of Republicans , often a majority , expressed `` skepticism '' that Obama was a natural-born citizen and therefore legally eligible to be president .
As is the case now , Trump was a ringleader in pushing this `` birther '' conspiracy theory , helping to mainstream claims that Obama 's presidency was illegitimate .
But did Republican voters really believe that Obama was born in Kenya ?
Or was it just a cover story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Black man being president ?
A 2014 study by Stanford researchers suggests strongly that for most birthers the conspiracy theory was bad faith and not a sincere error .
The researchers compared different polls and found that how the poll questions were worded made a huge difference in conservative adherence to birtherism .
When pollsters reminded respondents that only `` natural-born '' citizens can become president , nearly 60 % of Republican voters readily denied Obama 's citizenship .
But when polls framed it as a test of knowledge of facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born , only 31 % of conservatives espoused birther beliefs .
These findings suggest that most conservatives were n't confused about where Obama was born .
The conspiracy theory was just a way to express racist beliefs about the inherent illegitimacy of Black leaders by asking `` questions '' about Obama 's birth certificate .
Trump knows how to tickle this racist impulse in his followers and , unsurprisingly , his claims that Biden `` stole '' the election follow the same formula .
Trump and his main henchman , Rudy Giuliani , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee and Atlanta — all cities where Black Americans are either a majority or a plurality of residents — of having `` dumps '' of illegal ballots .
The appeal of this conspiracy theory to racists is n't subtle .
It 's a way to deny the legitimacy of Black voters without coming right out and saying it .
This is n't just a conspiracy theory about Trump 's fragile ego .
It speaks directly to long-standing right-wing fury at minority voting rights .
Historian Jeffrey Herf notes another historical precedent at play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ones that rose up in Germany between the first and second world wars in a recent Washington Post op-ed : In reality , Herf points out , the war was `` lost because of the superiority of the Allied military '' and German hubris leading to bad battlefield decisions .
But claiming to believe otherwise gave conservative Germans a chance to save face and , perhaps more important , an excuse to bash other Germans — mostly leftists and Jews — who they did n't want to acknowledge as equal citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ As I note in a recent newsletter , Jean-Paul Sartre felt strongly it was the former at the time , and argued the `` bad faith '' case in his famous 1946 essay on anti-Semitism .
So why does it matter ?
As Greg Sargent writes at the Washington Post , `` What Republican voters think , or say they think , about who really won matters less than the fact that , as a consequence , they actively want their elected representatives to subvert our democracy and keep Trump in power illegitimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these folks are sincere in their claims that the election was `` stolen '' puts a glow of innocence on their actions .
This leads many observers underestimate the seriousness of a situation where a large percentage of Americans are actively supporting a coup .
It also focuses attention away from what needs to be done to fight back .
The `` delusion '' model of understanding Republican behavior suggests that education is the solution .
That was thoroughly disproven in the Obama years , when even the release of his long-form birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from denying his legitimacy .
Instead , it 's important to see those who support Trump 's coup for who they are : People who have been radicalized , through racism hateful propaganda and a sense of perpetual grievance , against democracy .
They are n't going to change their minds because of new facts , because the underlying belief — which is that they deserve to be in power , no matter what — is the problem here .
It 's a rising American authoritarianism , and we underestimate it at our @ @

Do Republican voters really believe that Joe Biden stole the election from Donald Trump? Do they sincerely see Trump's efforts to overturn the election as the legitimate actions of a wronged man trying to defend democracy? When they declare "stop the steal," are they truly unaware that they are the ones trying to steal this election from the rightful winners?
Or are millions of Americans arguing in bad faith, merely claiming to believe Trump is the true winner? Is this all just a disingenuous song-and-dance, meant to put a morally justifiable gloss on what is actually widespread support among Trump voters for a coup? The answer to this question of "delusion or bad faith?" matters quite a bit, as Trump continues to prosecute his futile campaign to steal the 2020 election.
Polls show that a hefty majority of Republican voters — 68%, according to Reuters/Ipsos — say they believe the 2020 election was "rigged" in Biden's favor. Since the election, more than $200 million has flowed into Trump's coffers from Republican donors responding to emails promising to "stop the steal." Are these donors innocent lambs who sincerely believe that Trump is a good man done wrong? Or are they people who are actively seeking to finance a coup, employing the flimsiest of excuses?
Well, as the author of a book called "Troll Nation," it's clear where I stand: By and large, Republican voters who claim that Biden stole the election are arguing from bad faith, not delusion.
This distinction is important because it shows that the intentions of Republican voters (and too many of their elected leaders) are sinister, and need to be taken seriously as an overt assault on democracy. Understanding modern politics means understanding one crucial reality about the current landscape: Conservatives don't hold beliefs, they only have rationalizations.
Many of their long-standing beliefs don't hold up to modern moral standards or rational scrutiny. Rather than give up those beliefs, however, Republicans have developed a series of disingenuous gambits, conspiracy theories and trolling tactics to derail conversations, sow confusion and otherwise distract those who would challenge their indefensible ideology.
Of course, it's morally indefensible to come right out and say you care more about keeping your gas guzzler than protecting the planet. So, instead, conservatives claim to be "skeptical" of climate science, wasting their interlocutor's time by forcing them to prove, over and over and over and over again, that climate change is real. Similarly, open contempt for women's rights is hard to argue, so instead, conservatives will claim concern for "fetal life" to justify support for forced childbirth — even though none of their other policy preferences point to concern about the wellbeing of children, much less fetuses.
Poll numbers showing that Republican voters "believe" that Trump lost the election are more of the same.
Conservatives know better than to openly argue that Democratic votes shouldn't be counted. So instead they concoct this elaborate conspiracy theory, painting themselves as the victims of voter fraud in order to justify an illegal effort to steal the election. The current situation is similar to the last time there was a widespread conspiracy theory aimed at delegitimizing a duly elected Democratic president. During Barack Obama's presidency, polling showed that large numbers of Republicans, often a majority, expressed "skepticism" that Obama was a natural-born citizen and therefore legally eligible to be president. As is the case now, Trump was a ringleader in pushing this "birther" conspiracy theory, helping to mainstream claims that Obama's presidency was illegitimate.
But did Republican voters really believe that Obama was born in Kenya? Or was it just a cover story for their real but unspeakable racist opposition to a Black man being president?
A 2014 study by Stanford researchers suggests strongly that for most birthers the conspiracy theory was bad faith and not a sincere error. The researchers compared different polls and found that how the poll questions were worded made a huge difference in conservative adherence to birtherism. When pollsters reminded respondents that only "natural-born" citizens can become president, nearly 60% of Republican voters readily denied Obama's citizenship. But when polls framed it as a test of knowledge of facts, by asking respondents where Obama was born, only 31% of conservatives espoused birther beliefs. These findings suggest that most conservatives weren't confused about where Obama was born. The conspiracy theory was just a way to express racist beliefs about the inherent illegitimacy of Black leaders by asking "questions" about Obama's birth certificate.
Trump knows how to tickle this racist impulse in his followers and, unsurprisingly, his claims that Biden "stole" the election follow the same formula. Trump and his main henchman, Rudy Giuliani, have specifically accused Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Atlanta — all cities where Black Americans are either a majority or a plurality of residents — of having "dumps" of illegal ballots.
The appeal of this conspiracy theory to racists isn't subtle. It's a way to deny the legitimacy of Black voters without coming right out and saying it. This isn't just a conspiracy theory about Trump's fragile ego. It speaks directly to long-standing right-wing fury at minority voting rights. Historian Jeffrey Herf notes another historical precedent at play, comparing Trump's conspiracy theory to the ones that rose up in Germany between the first and second world wars in a recent Washington Post op-ed:
[Trump's] efforts to deny the reality of defeat and threaten democracy recall the most famous comparable episode in modern European history — the claims by the German military and diplomatic establishment that Germany had not been defeated militarily in World War I. Instead, they argued, Germany had been "stabbed in the back" by liberals, socialists, communists and Jews who somehow snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
In reality, Herf points out, the war was "lost because of the superiority of the Allied military" and German hubris leading to bad battlefield decisions. But claiming to believe otherwise gave conservative Germans a chance to save face and, perhaps more important, an excuse to bash other Germans — mostly leftists and Jews — who they didn't want to acknowledge as equal citizens. Was it bad faith or misapprehension? As I note in a recent newsletter, Jean-Paul Sartre felt strongly it was the former at the time, and argued the "bad faith" case in his famous 1946 essay on anti-Semitism.
So why does it matter?
As Greg Sargent writes at the Washington Post, "What Republican voters think, or say they think, about who really won matters less than the fact that, as a consequence, they actively want their elected representatives to subvert our democracy and keep Trump in power illegitimately."
Unfortunately, the belief that these folks are sincere in their claims that the election was "stolen" puts a glow of innocence on their actions. This leads many observers underestimate the seriousness of a situation where a large percentage of Americans are actively supporting a coup. It also focuses attention away from what needs to be done to fight back. The "delusion" model of understanding Republican behavior suggests that education is the solution. That was thoroughly disproven in the Obama years, when even the release of his long-form birth certificate did little to discourage GOP voters from denying his legitimacy.
Instead, it's important to see those who support Trump's coup for who they are: People who have been radicalized, through racism hateful propaganda and a sense of perpetual grievance, against democracy. They aren't going to change their minds because of new facts, because the underlying belief — which is that they deserve to be in power, no matter what — is the problem here. It's a rising American authoritarianism, and we underestimate it at our peril.


alternet--2020-12-09--Hunter Biden reveals that Trump's DOJ is investigating him — just as the president wanted

On Wednesday afternoon , Hunter Biden , son of President-elect Joe Biden , announced via the transition team that the Justice Department is investigating his tax history .
`` I learned yesterday for the first time that the U.S. Attorney 's Office in Delaware advised my legal counsel , also yesterday , that they are investigating my tax affairs , '' he said in a statement .
`` I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately , including with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In an attached statement , the transition team added : `` President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son , who has fought through difficult challenges , including the vicious personal attacks of recent months , only to emerge stronger . ''
Since 2019 , President Donald Trump and his allies have been sharply critical of Hunter Biden , lambasting his overseas business connections in Ukraine and China , which appear to indicate the son 's attempts to profit off his father 's famous name .
However , despite extensive efforts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to conclusively link him to his son 's dealings or implicate either of them in clear wrongdoing or illegality .
As the 2020 campaign came to a close , new sketchy reports emerged from Rudy Giuliani and a few news outlets claiming to have uncovered Hunter Biden 's laptop after he abandoned it at a repair shop .
They claimed that the laptop showed impropriety on the part of Hunter Biden and the family , but the allegations were thin and unverified .
Some argued that the stories and accusations could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
But regardless about the provenance of the information or the content of the allegations , Trump and his allies whipped up suspicions about Hunter and the Biden family in an effort to tar the former vice president heading into the election .
Trump personally called for Attorney General Bill Barr to investigate Hunter Biden and even claimed that Joe Biden should n't even be allowed to run for president .
Trump 's call to investigate the Bidens inevitably casts doubt on the propriety of a Justice Department investigation into Hunter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains unexplained .
Reports about the Biden laptop indicated that the FBI was investigating a related matter , but it was n't clear whether Hunter Biden was viewed a subject or a target of that probe .

On Wednesday afternoon, Hunter Biden, son of President-elect Joe Biden, announced via the transition team that the Justice Department is investigating his tax history.
"I learned yesterday for the first time that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Delaware advised my legal counsel, also yesterday, that they are investigating my tax affairs," he said in a statement. "I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors."
In an attached statement, the transition team added: "President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges, including the vicious personal attacks of recent months, only to emerge stronger."
Since 2019, President Donald Trump and his allies have been sharply critical of Hunter Biden, lambasting his overseas business connections in Ukraine and China, which appear to indicate the son's attempts to profit off his father's famous name. However, despite extensive efforts, opponents of the president-elect have not been able to conclusively link him to his son's dealings or implicate either of them in clear wrongdoing or illegality. As the 2020 campaign came to a close, new sketchy reports emerged from Rudy Giuliani and a few news outlets claiming to have uncovered Hunter Biden's laptop after he abandoned it at a repair shop. They claimed that the laptop showed impropriety on the part of Hunter Biden and the family, but the allegations were thin and unverified.
Some argued that the stories and accusations could be the work of an intentional foreign disinformation campaign.
But regardless about the provenance of the information or the content of the allegations, Trump and his allies whipped up suspicions about Hunter and the Biden family in an effort to tar the former vice president heading into the election. Trump personally called for Attorney General Bill Barr to investigate Hunter Biden and even claimed that Joe Biden shouldn't even be allowed to run for president.
Trump's call to investigate the Bidens inevitably casts doubt on the propriety of a Justice Department investigation into Hunter, and the factual basis for the investigation remains unexplained. Reports about the Biden laptop indicated that the FBI was investigating a related matter, but it wasn't clear whether Hunter Biden was viewed a subject or a target of that probe.


alternet--2020-12-09--Giuliani says he was treated by Trump's physician and received the same COVID cocktail

He is not an elected official and serves no public or government function but Rudy Giuliani , President Donald Trump 's personal attorney , says when he tested positive for COVID-19 Trump 's physician treated him and he received the same course of treatment – not commonly available to most Americans – as the President himself .
Throughout the pandemic there have been numerous reports of celebrities , sports stars , the wealthy and the well-connected getting priority access to coronavirus testing , but now it appears that President Trump is facilitating access to experimental but life-saving drugs for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cocktail , '' Giuliani said when he called into his own radio show Tuesday , `` I felt 100 % better , '' Business Insider reports .
The COVID-19 cocktail has not been widely available to the general public .
It reportedly includes Regeneron 's monoclonal antibody therapy , which was approved for emergency use less than three weeks ago .
`` His doctor sent me here , talked me into it , '' Giuliani said , adding he was given `` exactly '' the same cocktail President Trump received , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't really want to go to the hospital and he said do n't be stupid , we can get it over in three days if we send you to the hospital . ''
He also `` claimed he was not aware of its high cost or lack of availability to the general public . ''
Giuliani , who is 76-years old , `` said he felt 10 years younger after receiving some of the same drugs taken by Trump when the president contracted COVID-19 in October , '' US News added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports the drugs that make up the cocktail Trump and Giuliani took are `` in extremely short supply . ''
`` Monoclonal antibodies , which medical science generally agrees are the best shot at an effective treatment for the disease , are expensive and rare .
One Florida hospital reported that its phone lines have been 'bombarded ' by people wanting the drug . ''
`` What 's more , '' Kovensky adds , `` all of the doses in circulation currently belong to the U.S .
government . ''
The former New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country in recent weeks promoting a farcical circus act of conspiracy theories in an attempt to overturn the election results while getting smacked down in the nation 's court , is said to be leaving the hospital on Wednesday .
He was admitted Sunday , despite suggesting he had only minor symptoms .
Kovensky asks the question many likely are wondering about : `` is the President using the perks of his office to grant his friends medical help ? ''

He is not an elected official and serves no public or government function but Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's personal attorney, says when he tested positive for COVID-19 Trump's physician treated him and he received the same course of treatment – not commonly available to most Americans – as the President himself.
Throughout the pandemic there have been numerous reports of celebrities, sports stars, the wealthy and the well-connected getting priority access to coronavirus testing, but now it appears that President Trump is facilitating access to experimental but life-saving drugs for his friends.
"The minute I took the cocktail," Giuliani said when he called into his own radio show Tuesday, "I felt 100% better," Business Insider reports.
The COVID-19 cocktail has not been widely available to the general public. It reportedly includes Regeneron's monoclonal antibody therapy, which was approved for emergency use less than three weeks ago.
"His doctor sent me here, talked me into it," Giuliani said, adding he was given "exactly" the same cocktail President Trump received, according to CNN's Shimon Prokupecz.
"I didn't really want to go to the hospital and he said don't be stupid, we can get it over in three days if we send you to the hospital."
He also "claimed he was not aware of its high cost or lack of availability to the general public."
Giuliani, who is 76-years old, "said he felt 10 years younger after receiving some of the same drugs taken by Trump when the president contracted COVID-19 in October," US News added.
Talking Points Memo's Josh Kovensky reports the drugs that make up the cocktail Trump and Giuliani took are "in extremely short supply."
"Monoclonal antibodies, which medical science generally agrees are the best shot at an effective treatment for the disease, are expensive and rare. One Florida hospital reported that its phone lines have been 'bombarded' by people wanting the drug."
"What's more," Kovensky adds, "all of the doses in circulation currently belong to the U.S. government."
The former New York City mayor who has traveled the country in recent weeks promoting a farcical circus act of conspiracy theories in an attempt to overturn the election results while getting smacked down in the nation's court, is said to be leaving the hospital on Wednesday. He was admitted Sunday, despite suggesting he had only minor symptoms.
Kovensky asks the question many likely are wondering about: "is the President using the perks of his office to grant his friends medical help?"


alternet--2020-12-09--'From the bottom of my heart': Angela Merkel delivers a powerful speech on the importance of COVID s

'From the bottom of my heart': Angela Merkel delivers a powerful speech on the importance of COVID safety

Germans — like Americans , Brazilians , Spaniards and millions of others around the world — have been suffering from major coronavirus fatigue as the number of COVID-19 infections increases in many countries .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel feels their pain , but in a passionate speech this week , she stressed that Germans must be willing to embrace social distancing this Christmas season if that 's what it takes to save lives in her country .
Merkel , during a speech , warned of the dangers of eating and drinking in public , saying , `` As hard as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much love has gone into setting up the mulled wine stands and waffle stalls — this is not compatible with the agreement we made to only take food away to eat at home .
I 'm sorry — I really am sorry from the bottom of my heart — but if the price we pay is 590 deaths a day , then that is unacceptable , in my view . ''
Merkel 's comments drew a round of applause , and the German chancellor continued her speech — noting that `` scientists are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a week before we see Grandma and Grandpa , grandparents and older people at Christmas . ''
In Germany , the current coronavirus outbreak has plateaued at around 18,000 new infections detected per day , according to Worldometer .
Deaths from the virus , which are spiking in the last week , are at an average of 400 per day .
Merkel added , `` I only want to say : if we have too many contacts now in the run-up to Christmas — and it ends up being the last Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done something wrong .
We should not let this happen . ''
Merkel 's speech , which was in German , has been posted on Twitter with English subtitles .
It was a stark contrast with the leadership of the U.S. federal government .
Here are some reactions from English speakers :

Germans — like Americans, Brazilians, Spaniards and millions of others around the world — have been suffering from major coronavirus fatigue as the number of COVID-19 infections increases in many countries. German Chancellor Angela Merkel feels their pain, but in a passionate speech this week, she stressed that Germans must be willing to embrace social distancing this Christmas season if that's what it takes to save lives in her country.
Merkel, during a speech, warned of the dangers of eating and drinking in public, saying, "As hard as it is — and I know how much love has gone into setting up the mulled wine stands and waffle stalls — this is not compatible with the agreement we made to only take food away to eat at home. I'm sorry — I really am sorry from the bottom of my heart — but if the price we pay is 590 deaths a day, then that is unacceptable, in my view."
Merkel's comments drew a round of applause, and the German chancellor continued her speech — noting that "scientists are practically begging us to reduce our contacts for a week before we see Grandma and Grandpa, grandparents and older people at Christmas."
In Germany, the current coronavirus outbreak has plateaued at around 18,000 new infections detected per day, according to Worldometer. Deaths from the virus, which are spiking in the last week, are at an average of 400 per day.
Merkel added, "I only want to say: if we have too many contacts now in the run-up to Christmas — and it ends up being the last Christmas with our grandparents — then we will have done something wrong. We should not let this happen."
Merkel's speech, which was in German, has been posted on Twitter with English subtitles. It was a stark contrast with the leadership of the U.S. federal government. Here are some reactions from English speakers:


alternet--2020-12-09--Conservative writer explains why 'the soul of the Republican Party' has been lost

This week , Republican supporters of President Donald Trump were dealt yet another legal blow when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to even consider one of their Pennsylvania-related election lawsuits .
One GOP lawsuit after another has unsuccessfully tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election , claiming , without evidence , that Trump was the victim of widespread voter fraud and that former Vice President Joe Biden is n't really president-elect .
But Never Trump conservative Jonathan V. Last , writing in The Bulwark this week , argues that while the GOP 's election lawsuits have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they have been a raging success from a political standpoint .
Last explains , `` Everyone laughs at how stupid the Trump lawsuits are .
Can you believe these morons ?
They lose everywhere !
Even Republican judges keep slapping them down !
How embarrassing for Trump !
But that 's the wrong way to think about Trump 's actions since November 3 , because his goal has n't been to keep the office of the president — it 's been to keep the Republican Party . ''
It obviously gives Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican lawsuits fighting the election results have been effective politically .
The conservative journalist has been a blistering critic of Trump , who he believes has been terrible for the Republican Party and terrible for the conservative movement .
But Last laments , in The Bulwark , that those lawsuits are having their desired effect — they are firing up Trump 's MAGA base and appealing to their sense of grievance .
`` While everyone laughs at how incompetent Trump 's elite strike force has been as a matter of law , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of politics , '' Last argues .
`` Mission accomplished . ''
The fact that Trump lost the election to Biden , according to Last , does n't mean that the Republican Party will abandon him .
`` Trump will not leave the public eye , '' Last emphasizes .
`` His insistence that he won increased the activation of the Republican base .
The base 's acceptance of his claim forced the partisan media to toe his line and even created demand for more partisan options when Fox ( News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality .
The explosion of Newsmax and OAN as they went full-2020 truther can only force Fox further away from the mainstream and into outright propaganda . ''
Last points out that although Biden 's victory was decisive — he won 306 electoral votes and defeated Trump by more than 7 million in the popular vote — Trump 's MAGA base is increasingly divorced from reality .
`` Once you 're embracing 'The guy who lost by 7 million votes actually won in a landslide , because Deep State , ' then 'Hey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' is only the next step .
And not a very big one . ''
Many Never Trumpers were hoping that if Biden won the election , the Republican Party would reject Trumpism .
But the harsh reality , Last argues , is that Trump is now the face of the GOP — and that is n't going to change .
`` The election is over , '' Last writes .
`` Trump lost .
But the battle for the soul of the Republican Party is over too .
And Trump won .
@

This week, Republican supporters of President Donald Trump were dealt yet another legal blow when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to even consider one of their Pennsylvania-related election lawsuits. One GOP lawsuit after another has unsuccessfully tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, claiming, without evidence, that Trump was the victim of widespread voter fraud and that former Vice President Joe Biden isn't really president-elect.
But Never Trump conservative Jonathan V. Last, writing in The Bulwark this week, argues that while the GOP's election lawsuits haven't been a success from a legal standpoint, they have been a raging success from a political standpoint.
Last explains, "Everyone laughs at how stupid the Trump lawsuits are. Can you believe these morons? They lose everywhere! Even Republican judges keep slapping them down! How embarrassing for Trump! But that's the wrong way to think about Trump's actions since November 3, because his goal hasn't been to keep the office of the president — it's been to keep the Republican Party."
It obviously gives Last no pleasure to say that the many Republican lawsuits fighting the election results have been effective politically. The conservative journalist has been a blistering critic of Trump, who he believes has been terrible for the Republican Party and terrible for the conservative movement. But Last laments, in The Bulwark, that those lawsuits are having their desired effect — they are firing up Trump's MAGA base and appealing to their sense of grievance.
"While everyone laughs at how incompetent Trump's elite strike force has been as a matter of law, they miss how effective it's been as a matter of politics," Last argues. "Mission accomplished."
The fact that Trump lost the election to Biden, according to Last, doesn't mean that the Republican Party will abandon him.
"Trump will not leave the public eye," Last emphasizes. "His insistence that he won increased the activation of the Republican base. The base's acceptance of his claim forced the partisan media to toe his line and even created demand for more partisan options when Fox (News) wavered in its willingness to deny reality. The explosion of Newsmax and OAN as they went full-2020 truther can only force Fox further away from the mainstream and into outright propaganda."
Last points out that although Biden's victory was decisive — he won 306 electoral votes and defeated Trump by more than 7 million in the popular vote — Trump's MAGA base is increasingly divorced from reality.
"Once you're embracing 'The guy who lost by 7 million votes actually won in a landslide, because Deep State,' then 'Hey, those QAnons have some interesting ideas' is only the next step. And not a very big one."
Many Never Trumpers were hoping that if Biden won the election, the Republican Party would reject Trumpism. But the harsh reality, Last argues, is that Trump is now the face of the GOP — and that isn't going to change.
"The election is over," Last writes. "Trump lost. But the battle for the soul of the Republican Party is over too. And Trump won."


alternet--2020-12-09--Mitch McConnell gets denounced for taking his role as 'grim reaper' to a terrifying new level

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) has long been described as the `` grim reaper '' of politics .
The staunch Republican has reveled in the nickname he earned for brining death to Democratic legislation .
In fact , there have even been times when the Kentucky senator has boasted about the unsavory moniker .
But now , McConnell is being sharply criticized even more because his tactics of alienation thwart the efforts of the Democratic Party are now taking a direct toll on the American public .
An editorial published by NBC News highlights the dangerous impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief bills .
Based on his latest actions amid COVID relief negotiations and the grim upticks in coronavirus cases across the country , the editorial highlights how `` McConnell is the grim reaper in a much more literal sense . ''
Although coronavirus cases are alarmingly high in states across the country as hospitals are on the brink of reaching ICU capacity , McConnell continues to stall negotiation efforts and tie up funding for American workers , small businesses , healthcare systems and more .
As a result of his actions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The editorial points out the subsequent occurrences as it highlights the problem with McConnell 's laser focus on appointing more conservative judges instead of focusing on the more important matter at hand : the pandemic .
It explained : [ S ] hamefully , such warnings seem to have no impact on McConnell .
He has turned the Senate into a judge-confirming machine , even as the virus ravages the nation and multiple Covid-19 relief bills passed by the House of Representatives languish on his desk .
Sen. Ron Wyden , ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his take on Congress ' ability to get things done for the well being of the American public if it were not for McConnell 's obstructive impact and `` political games . ''
`` Congress knows how to help workers and families .
It knows how to prevent the looming recession , '' Wyden tweeted as another grim unemployment report was released .
`` One person is standing in the way .
Mitch McConnell 's political games are costing lives and livelihoods . ''
As McConnell continues to wreak havoc , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200,000 coronavirus cases each day , with the average daily death toll reaching well over 2,000 .
As of Wednesday , Dec. 9 , more than 15.5 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the United States .
The cumulative death toll stands at more than 295,000 people as of this writing .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has long been described as the "grim reaper" of politics. The staunch Republican has reveled in the nickname he earned for brining death to Democratic legislation. In fact, there have even been times when the Kentucky senator has boasted about the unsavory moniker.
But now, McConnell is being sharply criticized even more because his tactics of alienation thwart the efforts of the Democratic Party are now taking a direct toll on the American public.
An editorial published by NBC News highlights the dangerous impact of McConnell's ongoing attempts to stall coronavirus relief bills. Based on his latest actions amid COVID relief negotiations and the grim upticks in coronavirus cases across the country, the editorial highlights how "McConnell is the grim reaper in a much more literal sense."
Although coronavirus cases are alarmingly high in states across the country as hospitals are on the brink of reaching ICU capacity, McConnell continues to stall negotiation efforts and tie up funding for American workers, small businesses, healthcare systems and more. As a result of his actions, the death toll also continues to rise. The editorial points out the subsequent occurrences as it highlights the problem with McConnell's laser focus on appointing more conservative judges instead of focusing on the more important matter at hand: the pandemic. It explained:
[S]hamefully, such warnings seem to have no impact on McConnell. He has turned the Senate into a judge-confirming machine, even as the virus ravages the nation and multiple Covid-19 relief bills passed by the House of Representatives languish on his desk.
Sen. Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.) also weighed in via Twitter with his take on Congress' ability to get things done for the well being of the American public if it were not for McConnell's obstructive impact and "political games."
"Congress knows how to help workers and families. It knows how to prevent the looming recession," Wyden tweeted as another grim unemployment report was released. "One person is standing in the way. Mitch McConnell's political games are costing lives and livelihoods."
As McConnell continues to wreak havoc, the country is reporting an average of nearly 200,000 coronavirus cases each day, with the average daily death toll reaching well over 2,000. As of Wednesday, Dec. 9, more than 15.5 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the United States. The cumulative death toll stands at more than 295,000 people as of this writing.


alternet--2020-12-09--The GOP won't be pleased with YouTube's latest decision about the 2020 election

Like most Americans , YouTube is also ready to move beyond President Donald Trump and the Republican Party 's continued efforts to undermine the 2020 presidential election .
On Dec. 9 , YouTube announced changes that will be incorporated this week , according to CNet .
The company took to Twitter with a series of tweets explaining its course of action to come .
As a result of the uptick in videos surrounding election-related conspiracy theories and falsehoods , the social platform has opted to implement stricter measures to combat the spread of misinformation .
According to YouTube 's latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud that are posted to the video sharing network after Wednesday will be removed .
`` Our goal this election was to connect people to authoritative info , limit harmful misinfo & remove violative content , '' it said .
`` Subsequently , authoritative news was widely watched & recommended , and since Sept , we removed 8K+ channels for violating our policies . ''
Michael Grosack , the head of global content policy at YouTube , also published a post on the company 's blog site further explaining the platform 's decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline for the U.S. presidential election and enough states have certified their election results to determine a president-elect , '' Grosack said .
`` Given that , we will start removing any piece of content uploaded today ( or anytime after ) that misleads people by alleging that widespread fraud or errors changed the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election , in line with our approach towards historical U.S. presidential elections . ''
The statement continued , `` We 'll also update today our election results info panel , which already surfaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
It 'll note that U.S. Presidential election results are certified & link to the 2020 Electoral College Results page by the Office of the Federal Register . ''
It concluded , `` There 's always more to do .
Striking the balance between openness & responsibility is one of our toughest challenges .
We 're continuing to make improvements & will apply our learnings from this election , globally . ''
Many conservatives , who have frequently fumed about the idea that social media is biased against them , were unsurprisingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri : Videos discussing voter fraud claims and questioning President-elect Joe Biden 's win will remain on the site .

Like most Americans, YouTube is also ready to move beyond President Donald Trump and the Republican Party's continued efforts to undermine the 2020 presidential election.
On Dec. 9, YouTube announced changes that will be incorporated this week, according to CNet. The company took to Twitter with a series of tweets explaining its course of action to come.
As a result of the uptick in videos surrounding election-related conspiracy theories and falsehoods, the social platform has opted to implement stricter measures to combat the spread of misinformation. According to YouTube's latest announcement, any videos relative to election fraud that are posted to the video sharing network after Wednesday will be removed.
"Our goal this election was to connect people to authoritative info, limit harmful misinfo & remove violative content," it said. "Subsequently, authoritative news was widely watched & recommended, and since Sept, we removed 8K+ channels for violating our policies."
Michael Grosack, the head of global content policy at YouTube, also published a post on the company's blog site further explaining the platform's decision.
"Yesterday was the safe harbor deadline for the U.S. presidential election and enough states have certified their election results to determine a president-elect," Grosack said. "Given that, we will start removing any piece of content uploaded today (or anytime after) that misleads people by alleging that widespread fraud or errors changed the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, in line with our approach towards historical U.S. presidential elections."
The statement continued, "We'll also update today our election results info panel, which already surfaced under 200k+ vids and was shown 4.5b+ times. It'll note that U.S. Presidential election results are certified & link to the 2020 Electoral College Results page by the Office of the Federal Register."
It concluded, "There's always more to do. Striking the balance between openness & responsibility is one of our toughest challenges. We're continuing to make improvements & will apply our learnings from this election, globally."
Many conservatives, who have frequently fumed about the idea that social media is biased against them, were unsurprisingly offended by the decision, such as Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri:
Videos discussing voter fraud claims and questioning President-elect Joe Biden's win will remain on the site.


alternet--2020-12-09--GOP lawmaker revolts after colleague compiles 'list' for Trump of which Republicans support attempts

GOP lawmaker revolts after colleague compiles 'list' for Trump of which Republicans support attempts to overturn election

Rep. Mike Johnson ( R-LA ) is making a list for President Donald Trump to review of every Republican who signs on to support a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election .
As reported by CNN 's Jake Tapper , Johnson sent out an email to every Republican serving in the House of Representatives asking them to sign onto an amicus brief that will be filed in support of Paxton 's lawsuit , which many legal experts say has little chance at succeeding in overturning the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to contact all Republican Members of the House and Senate today and request that all join on to our brief , '' wrote Johnson .
`` He said he will be anxiously awaiting the final list to review . ''
According to Tapper , some House Republicans are justifying signing onto the brief because `` their constituents have enough questions about the integrity of the election , they want SCOTUS to intervene to set the record straight . ''
Tapper notes , however , that those questions exist because of `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , one House Republican tells Tapper they were `` put off '' by the email .
`` Are we the party of list-making now ? ''
he wondered .
Read the whole thread here .

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) is making a list for President Donald Trump to review of every Republican who signs on to support a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election.
As reported by CNN's Jake Tapper, Johnson sent out an email to every Republican serving in the House of Representatives asking them to sign onto an amicus brief that will be filed in support of Paxton's lawsuit, which many legal experts say has little chance at succeeding in overturning the 2020 election.
"[Trump] specifically asked me to contact all Republican Members of the House and Senate today and request that all join on to our brief," wrote Johnson. "He said he will be anxiously awaiting the final list to review."
According to Tapper, some House Republicans are justifying signing onto the brief because "their constituents have enough questions about the integrity of the election, they want SCOTUS to intervene to set the record straight." Tapper notes, however, that those questions exist because of "the president and his minions lying."
Additionally, one House Republican tells Tapper they were "put off" by the email.
"Are we the party of list-making now?" he wondered.
Read the whole thread here.


alternet--2020-12-09--Mississippi GOP governor slammed for imposing COVID restrictions on residents while holding Christma

Mississippi GOP governor slammed for imposing COVID restrictions on residents while holding Christmas parties

Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves ( R ) recently issued a warning to residents , suggesting stricter mitigation guidelines could be implemented if the state is unable to combat its accelerated uptick in coronavirus cases .
But now , he is being criticized for personally contributing to the rise in cases by holding holiday parties .
On Monday , Reeves tweeted a warning urging Mississippians to be cautious during the holiday season .
As he noted that changes will likely be added to the state 's executive orders , he also urged residents to wear masks and avoid large gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country and here in Mississippi , '' Reeves said .
`` Please be extra cautious and mindful during this time .
We will have an update on our EO later this week—in the meantime the best tool is the same : wear a mask .
Avoid crowds .
Be smart .
Protect loved ones . ''
While Reeves ' warning is one that governors across the country are issuing in their states , the problem is that Reeves , himself , is continuing to violate the same mitigation guidelines he is imposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Reeves and his wife have sent Christmas invitations to state and district officials for at least three upcoming holiday parties and events set to be held at the governor 's mansion .
Due to backlash over the upcoming parties amid the pandemic , Bailey Martin , the governor 's spokeswoman issued a statement insisting Reeves ' COVID guidelines would be followed at the events .
`` The Governor and first lady have canceled or delayed many mansion events this year including the 1st Friday Christmas Candlelighters event and their daughter 's 16th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those events that can be conducted safely , '' Martin said .
Dr. Thomas Dobbs with the Mississippi State Department of Health reacted to the upcoming list of scheduled events by strongly recommending `` that EVERYONE avoid all social gatherings until further notice . ''
As of Wednesday , Dec. 9 , the state of Mississippi has reported more than 167,000 coronavirus cases , statewide .
The state also has a positivity rate of 16.9 % .

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) recently issued a warning to residents, suggesting stricter mitigation guidelines could be implemented if the state is unable to combat its accelerated uptick in coronavirus cases. But now, he is being criticized for personally contributing to the rise in cases by holding holiday parties.
On Monday, Reeves tweeted a warning urging Mississippians to be cautious during the holiday season. As he noted that changes will likely be added to the state's executive orders, he also urged residents to wear masks and avoid large gatherings.
"COVID-19 continues to rage throughout the country and here in Mississippi," Reeves said. "Please be extra cautious and mindful during this time. We will have an update on our EO later this week—in the meantime the best tool is the same: wear a mask. Avoid crowds. Be smart. Protect loved ones."
While Reeves' warning is one that governors across the country are issuing in their states, the problem is that Reeves, himself, is continuing to violate the same mitigation guidelines he is imposing on residents. According to Mississippi Today, Reeves and his wife have sent Christmas invitations to state and district officials for at least three upcoming holiday parties and events set to be held at the governor's mansion.
Due to backlash over the upcoming parties amid the pandemic, Bailey Martin, the governor's spokeswoman issued a statement insisting Reeves' COVID guidelines would be followed at the events.
"The Governor and first lady have canceled or delayed many mansion events this year including the 1st Friday Christmas Candlelighters event and their daughter's 16th birthday party, and have only continued with those events that can be conducted safely," Martin said.
Dr. Thomas Dobbs with the Mississippi State Department of Health reacted to the upcoming list of scheduled events by strongly recommending "that EVERYONE avoid all social gatherings until further notice."
As of Wednesday, Dec. 9, the state of Mississippi has reported more than 167,000 coronavirus cases, statewide. The state also has a positivity rate of 16.9%.


alternet--2020-12-09--State attorneys general are closing in on Trump as his presidency comes to an end

As President Donald Trump focuses on his post-election legal battles , attorneys general in multiple states are focused on their own post-presidential legal battles that could result in severe consequences for the president and his allies .
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey recently weighed in with her perspective on what could possibly happen after Trump leaves office in the coming weeks .
Although she admitted that she is limited on what can be said at this point , Healey , in an interview with Vanity Fair , highlighted a number of important legal avenues that may result in accountability for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : '' As a state A.G. , I 'm going to be limited in what I can say , but it is important that Donald Trump , his enablers , those who acted in concert with him and furthered actions that may have been illegal , criminal or otherwise , are held accountable just as anyone else needs to be held accountable .
Much of this will depend on facts and law .
Obviously there are investigations underway , and I 'm confident that the right offices will do their jobs . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical opinion of Trump and his family members .
`` I could n't care less about Donald Trump .
I am very happy to see him go , '' Healey admitted .
`` I think about his incompetence as there are tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases every day .
It 's outrageous what he 's done—his callousness , his incompetence , his narcissism , his bullying , how he 's hurt so many people .
Either he 's ignorant or callous or both , and I think members of his family are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at emotionally appealing to people and saying things that resonate . ''
Based on the president 's actions , Healey has gathered that he only cares about himself and the power he threatens to lose , which would also result in the loss of prosecutorial protections that come with the presidency .
She added , `` He only cares about keeping himself in power . ''
Healey 's remarks come as New York Attorney General Letitia James ( D ) moves forward with an investigation into Trump 's business dealings .
During an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , James insisted that Trump will not be able to `` avoid justice '' in the state of New York .
In fact , she even predicts that Trump may step down and allow Vice President Mike Pence to pardon him .
`` He can preemptively pardon individuals , and the vast majority of legal scholars have indicated that he can not pardon himself , '' James said on the show .
`` What he could do is step down and allow the vice president — Vice President Pence — to pardon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I suspect at some point in time he will step down and allow the vice president to pardon him . ''
NY AG Letitia James Says `` Trump can not avoid justice in the great state of New York '' | The View

As President Donald Trump focuses on his post-election legal battles, attorneys general in multiple states are focused on their own post-presidential legal battles that could result in severe consequences for the president and his allies.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey recently weighed in with her perspective on what could possibly happen after Trump leaves office in the coming weeks. Although she admitted that she is limited on what can be said at this point, Healey, in an interview with Vanity Fair, highlighted a number of important legal avenues that may result in accountability for the president and his "enablers":
"As a state A.G., I'm going to be limited in what I can say, but it is important that Donald Trump, his enablers, those who acted in concert with him and furthered actions that may have been illegal, criminal or otherwise, are held accountable just as anyone else needs to be held accountable. Much of this will depend on facts and law. Obviously there are investigations underway, and I'm confident that the right offices will do their jobs."
Healey went on to offer a deeply critical opinion of Trump and his family members.
"I couldn't care less about Donald Trump. I am very happy to see him go," Healey admitted. "I think about his incompetence as there are tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases every day. It's outrageous what he's done—his callousness, his incompetence, his narcissism, his bullying, how he's hurt so many people. Either he's ignorant or callous or both, and I think members of his family are as well. They're very good at emotionally appealing to people and saying things that resonate."
Based on the president's actions, Healey has gathered that he only cares about himself and the power he threatens to lose, which would also result in the loss of prosecutorial protections that come with the presidency.
She added, "He only cares about keeping himself in power."
Healey's remarks come as New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) moves forward with an investigation into Trump's business dealings. During an appearance on "The View" on Tuesday, James insisted that Trump will not be able to "avoid justice" in the state of New York. In fact, she even predicts that Trump may step down and allow Vice President Mike Pence to pardon him.
"He can preemptively pardon individuals, and the vast majority of legal scholars have indicated that he cannot pardon himself," James said on the show. "What he could do is step down and allow the vice president — Vice President Pence — to pardon him."
She added later, "I suspect at some point in time he will step down and allow the vice president to pardon him."


alternet--2020-12-09--'This is madness': Mitt Romney blasts GOP lawmakers threatening to protest Electoral College vote

Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) is not pleased with his Republican colleagues ' continued efforts to delay the upcoming Electoral College vote that will solidify President-elect Joe Biden 's election victory .
During an interview with NBC News ' Frank Thorp , the Republican lawmaker described the legal challenges as `` madness . ''
`` This is madness .
We have a process , recounts are appropriate , going to the court is approp [ SIC ] & pursuing every legal avenue is appropriate , but trying to get electors not to do what the people voted to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` It would be saying , 'Look , let 's not follow the vote of the people , let 's instead do it what we want , that would not be the way a democratic republic ought to work . ''
Romney 's latest remarks are not the first he has made regarding the outcome of the election .
Shortly after Biden was declared the winner of the election , Romney was one of the first Republican lawmakers to speak out .
On day after the election was called , Romney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
The Utah senator 's conversation with Thorp come just days after the state of Texas sued to overturn the election results in multiple battleground states Georgia , Pennsylvania , Michigan , and Wisconsin that Biden won .
Prior to the Texas lawsuits , Trump and his legal campaign had a total of 46 post-election lawsuits thrown out of courts across the country .

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) is not pleased with his Republican colleagues' continued efforts to delay the upcoming Electoral College vote that will solidify President-elect Joe Biden's election victory. During an interview with NBC News' Frank Thorp, the Republican lawmaker described the legal challenges as "madness."
"This is madness. We have a process, recounts are appropriate, going to the court is approp [SIC] & pursuing every legal avenue is appropriate, but trying to get electors not to do what the people voted to do is madness," Romney said on Tuesday. "It would be saying, 'Look, let's not follow the vote of the people, let's instead do it what we want, that would not be the way a democratic republic ought to work."
Romney's latest remarks are not the first he has made regarding the outcome of the election. Shortly after Biden was declared the winner of the election, Romney was one of the first Republican lawmakers to speak out. On day after the election was called, Romney urged the nation to 'get behind' Biden.
The Utah senator's conversation with Thorp come just days after the state of Texas sued to overturn the election results in multiple battleground states Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin that Biden won. Prior to the Texas lawsuits, Trump and his legal campaign had a total of 46 post-election lawsuits thrown out of courts across the country.


alternet--2020-12-09--Is anybody listening? Pandemic fatigue sets in among Californians as state faces 'viral tsunami'

SACRAMENTO , Calif. — When coronavirus cases in California began a dangerous ascent in November , Gov .
Gavin Newsom @ @ @ @ @ The state imposed a nighttime curfew for the state ’ s hardest-hit counties , saying @ @ @ @ @ transmission and slow hospitalizations .
“ We are sounding the alarm , ” Newsom said @ @ @ @ @ on Nov. 19 .
It didn ’ t appear to work .
Some local sheriffs @ @ @ @ @ and El Dorado County , quickly said they wouldn ’ t enforce a curfew .
@ @ @ @ @ was spreading much at night .
Within two weeks , Newsom was ...

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alternet--2020-12-09--Economist Paul Krugman: Increasingly detached Republicans live in ‘an era of post-truth politics’

Although President-elect Joe Biden enjoyed a decisive victory in the 2020 presidential election — winning 306 electoral votes and defeating President Donald Trump by more than 7 million in the popular vote — many Trump supporters continue to insist , without evidence , that Trump was the real winner and that Trump 's victory was stolen from him by widespread voter fraud .
Liberal economist Paul Krugman , in his December 7 column for the New York Times , argues that all the Republicans who are refusing to accept Biden as president-elect are living in a fantasy world .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest example of the modern GOP being detached from reality .
Krugman notes that a recent Washington Post survey found that out of 249 Republicans serving in either the U.S. Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives , only 27 of them acknowledged Biden as president-elect .
Trump , in response , tweeted , `` I am surprised there are so many .
We have just begun to fight .
Please send me a list of the… .
RINOS . ''
`` Despite the complete lack of evidence of significant fraud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters/Ipsos poll that the election was rigged , '' Krugman observes .
`` But you really should n't be surprised by this willingness to indulge malicious , democracy-endangering lies .
After all , when was the last time Republicans accepted a politically inconvenient fact ?
It has been clear for years that the modern GOP is a party that ca n't handle the truth . ''
Krugman goes on to say that Republicans have also been separated from reality with everything from the coronavirus pandemic to climate change to the Affordable Care Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Republican refusal to accept the election results follows months of refusal to acknowledge the dangers of the coronavirus , even as COVID-19 has become the nation 's leading cause of death — and even as a startling number of people in Trump 's orbit have been infected , '' Krugman observes .
`` Sure enough , virus denial and vote denial converged almost perfectly on Saturday , ( December 5 ) , when Trump addressed a large , mostly unmasked crowd in Georgia — creating a potential superspreader event — and demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election results .
The next day , Rudy Giuliani , who has been directing Trump 's efforts to cling to office , was hospitalized with the virus . ''
The columnist adds , `` Climate change denial — including claims that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by an international cabal of scientists — has been a badge of partisan identity for many years… .
And one half-forgotten episode in particular seems to me to have foreshadowed much of what we 're seeing right now : Republican reactions to the mostly successful introduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Obamacare `` went into full effect in 2014 , '' Republicans claimed that it `` would drive insurance premiums sky-high , fail to reduce the number of uninsured , and have a devastating effect on employment . ''
Instead , Krugman writes , millions of Americans obtained health insurance through Obamacare — and `` 3 million jobs '' were `` added in the year following the ACA 's implementation . ''
Republicans , according to Krugman , now live in `` an era of post-truth politics . ''
`` Once a party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does n't want to hear , one fact it 's bound to reject sooner or later is the fact that it lost an election , '' Krugman argues .
`` In that sense , there 's a straight line from , say , the Republican embrace of climate denial to the party 's willingness to go along with Trump 's attempts to retain power .
And the GOP 's previous history of dealing with inconvenient reality gives us a pretty good idea about when the party will accept Joe Biden as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ namely , never . ''

Although President-elect Joe Biden enjoyed a decisive victory in the 2020 presidential election — winning 306 electoral votes and defeating President Donald Trump by more than 7 million in the popular vote — many Trump supporters continue to insist, without evidence, that Trump was the real winner and that Trump's victory was stolen from him by widespread voter fraud. Liberal economist Paul Krugman, in his December 7 column for the New York Times, argues that all the Republicans who are refusing to accept Biden as president-elect are living in a fantasy world. And according to Krugman, this is only the latest example of the modern GOP being detached from reality.
Krugman notes that a recent Washington Post survey found that out of 249 Republicans serving in either the U.S. Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives, only 27 of them acknowledged Biden as president-elect. Trump, in response, tweeted, "I am surprised there are so many. We have just begun to fight. Please send me a list of the…. RINOS."
"Despite the complete lack of evidence of significant fraud, two-thirds of self-identified Republicans said in a Reuters/Ipsos poll that the election was rigged," Krugman observes. "But you really shouldn't be surprised by this willingness to indulge malicious, democracy-endangering lies. After all, when was the last time Republicans accepted a politically inconvenient fact? It has been clear for years that the modern GOP is a party that can't handle the truth."
Krugman goes on to say that Republicans have also been separated from reality with everything from the coronavirus pandemic to climate change to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, a.k.a. Obamacare.
"Republican refusal to accept the election results follows months of refusal to acknowledge the dangers of the coronavirus, even as COVID-19 has become the nation's leading cause of death — and even as a startling number of people in Trump's orbit have been infected," Krugman observes. "Sure enough, virus denial and vote denial converged almost perfectly on Saturday, (December 5), when Trump addressed a large, mostly unmasked crowd in Georgia — creating a potential superspreader event — and demanded that the governor overturn the state's election results. The next day, Rudy Giuliani, who has been directing Trump's efforts to cling to office, was hospitalized with the virus."
The columnist adds, "Climate change denial — including claims that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by an international cabal of scientists — has been a badge of partisan identity for many years…. And one half-forgotten episode in particular seems to me to have foreshadowed much of what we're seeing right now: Republican reactions to the mostly successful introduction of Obamacare."
Krugman notes that before Obamacare "went into full effect in 2014," Republicans claimed that it "would drive insurance premiums sky-high, fail to reduce the number of uninsured, and have a devastating effect on employment." Instead, Krugman writes, millions of Americans obtained health insurance through Obamacare — and "3 million jobs" were "added in the year following the ACA's implementation."
Republicans, according to Krugman, now live in "an era of post-truth politics."
"Once a party gets into the habit of rejecting facts it doesn't want to hear, one fact it's bound to reject sooner or later is the fact that it lost an election," Krugman argues. "In that sense, there's a straight line from, say, the Republican embrace of climate denial to the party's willingness to go along with Trump's attempts to retain power. And the GOP's previous history of dealing with inconvenient reality gives us a pretty good idea about when the party will accept Joe Biden as the legitimate winner of the 2020 election — namely, never."