freebeacon--2020-01-20--Thousands Peacefully Protest For Gun Rights in Richmond

Tens of thousands gathered in Richmond , Va. , on Monday to oppose new gun-control measures being pushed by Democrats in the state legislature .
The event ’ s peaceful procession marked a stark contrast to mainstream media portrayals of a rally filled with white nationalists and others prepared to do violence .
The day ’ s rally concluded without a single incidence of mayhem or civil unrest .
Music , shared food , and chants of `` USA ! ''
made for a festive , fraternal atmosphere as marchers displayed their support for Second Amendment rights in Virginia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Virginia Citizens Defense League ( VCDL ) , a pro-gun-rights group that has been at the center of the controversy around new gun-control legislation .
Monday 's protest , however , was by far the largest turnout , as gun-owning Virginians gathered from across the Commonwealth to advocate for their rights .
The culmination of two months of grassroots efforts throughout the state , Monday 's march showcases a gun-rights movement that is still gaining momentum .
The massive turnout of constituents could further sway newly elected Democrats from more moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun-control proposals .
A similar march , organized last week by the NRA , also drew thousands—all of whom were on hand to watch as state Senate Democrats dropped their AR-15 confiscation bill and moderated several other gun-control measures in committee .
Philip Van Cleave , president of the VCDL , told the Washington Free Beacon that the rally was meant to send a simple message to lawmakers .
`` We want to send a signal to the general assembly to walk away from all this gun control , '' Van Cleave said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And go do other things . ''
Despite predictions to the contrary from many in the mainstream media , displays of violence were wholly absent from Monday 's protest .
The generally festive atmosphere belied the fears , promoted by media outlets and Democratic politicians , that the event had been co-opted by violent , white-nationalist extremists .
The Free Beacon did not witness any acts of violence or shows of racism while walking through the crowds at the event ; instead , attendees were focused entirely on gun-rights advocacy .
Mark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his last name , drove several hours from Northern Virginia to attend the rally and said he was happy to be at the event and was bothered by the negative media coverage in the lead up to it .
`` For me , as an African American on MLK Day , it 's critically important that we preserve the ability to defend ourselves and our loved ones , '' he told the Free Beacon .
`` And I will not allow anyone to push a narrative that there are racist people at these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Asked by the Free Beacon what bills on offer in the state legislature they most opposed , attendees most frequently cited a `` red flag '' law , which permits a judge to order a temporary seizure of a person 's firearms .
Many Virginia gun owners are skittish about the bill—one protester worried there was `` no co-legislation that would prevent abuse , '' while Van Cleave said it violates `` half of the Bill of Rights , if not more . ''
Attendees did find their gun rights constrained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state supreme court left in place Governor Ralph Northam 's ( D. ) ban on carrying firearms in the area around the state capitol .
The VCDL , which had brought suit to try to enjoin the order , told its supporters over the weekend to abide by Northam 's decision .
`` We still will have our day in court to fully debate the governor 's unconstitutional overreach in just a few short weeks , '' the group told supporters at the time .

Tens of thousands gathered in Richmond, Va., on Monday to oppose new gun-control measures being pushed by Democrats in the state legislature.
The event’s peaceful procession marked a stark contrast to mainstream media portrayals of a rally filled with white nationalists and others prepared to do violence. The day’s rally concluded without a single incidence of mayhem or civil unrest.
Music, shared food, and chants of "USA!" made for a festive, fraternal atmosphere as marchers displayed their support for Second Amendment rights in Virginia. The march has been put on annually by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), a pro-gun-rights group that has been at the center of the controversy around new gun-control legislation. Monday's protest, however, was by far the largest turnout, as gun-owning Virginians gathered from across the Commonwealth to advocate for their rights.
The culmination of two months of grassroots efforts throughout the state, Monday's march showcases a gun-rights movement that is still gaining momentum. The massive turnout of constituents could further sway newly elected Democrats from more moderate areas of Virginia against the most aggressive gun-control proposals. A similar march, organized last week by the NRA, also drew thousands—all of whom were on hand to watch as state Senate Democrats dropped their AR-15 confiscation bill and moderated several other gun-control measures in committee.
Philip Van Cleave, president of the VCDL, told the Washington Free Beacon that the rally was meant to send a simple message to lawmakers.
"We want to send a signal to the general assembly to walk away from all this gun control," Van Cleave said. "Walk away from that. And go do other things."
Despite predictions to the contrary from many in the mainstream media, displays of violence were wholly absent from Monday's protest. The generally festive atmosphere belied the fears, promoted by media outlets and Democratic politicians, that the event had been co-opted by violent, white-nationalist extremists. The Free Beacon did not witness any acts of violence or shows of racism while walking through the crowds at the event; instead, attendees were focused entirely on gun-rights advocacy.
Mark, an African-American attendee who declined to provide his last name, drove several hours from Northern Virginia to attend the rally and said he was happy to be at the event and was bothered by the negative media coverage in the lead up to it.
"For me, as an African American on MLK Day, it's critically important that we preserve the ability to defend ourselves and our loved ones," he told the Free Beacon. "And I will not allow anyone to push a narrative that there are racist people at these rallies. It’s not true."
Asked by the Free Beacon what bills on offer in the state legislature they most opposed, attendees most frequently cited a "red flag" law, which permits a judge to order a temporary seizure of a person's firearms. Many Virginia gun owners are skittish about the bill—one protester worried there was "no co-legislation that would prevent abuse," while Van Cleave said it violates "half of the Bill of Rights, if not more."
Attendees did find their gun rights constrained in one way—a Friday evening order from the state supreme court left in place Governor Ralph Northam's (D.) ban on carrying firearms in the area around the state capitol. The VCDL, which had brought suit to try to enjoin the order, told its supporters over the weekend to abide by Northam's decision.
"We still will have our day in court to fully debate the governor's unconstitutional overreach in just a few short weeks," the group told supporters at the time.


freebeacon--2020-01-20--Dem Operative Shares Tweet Calling Gun-Rights Advocates Terrorists

The Democratic Governors Association 's ( DGA ) creative director on Monday shared a tweet calling it `` terrorism '' @ @ @ @ @ Zainab Javed has previously called for guns to be taken away but she took it @ @ @ @ @ retweeted a left-wing Twitter user saying protesters were engaging in acts of terror by being @ @ @ @ @ clear , this is Terrorism .
This isn ’ t a peaceful protest ; they @ @ @ @ @ armed for the specific implication that if the Virginia Government doesn ’ t meet their @ @ @ @ @ violence , '' wrote a Twitter user with the handle @ PanasonicDX4500 .
Javed and @ @ @ @ @ to requests for comment .
Washington Free Beacon reporter Stephen Gutowski spoke to attendees and @ @ @ @ @ of violence and racist displays , tweeting that it `` was focused on gun rights @ @ @ @ @ that the rally `` was largely peaceful , with no reported violence . ''

The Democratic Governors Association's (DGA) creative director on Monday shared a tweet calling it "terrorism" to legally carry rifles.
Zainab Javed has previously called for guns to be taken away but she took it a step further when she retweeted a left-wing Twitter user saying protesters were engaging in acts of terror by being armed.
"To be clear, this is Terrorism. This isn’t a peaceful protest; they’re amassing this heavily armed for the specific implication that if the Virginia Government doesn’t meet their demands, they will incite violence," wrote a Twitter user with the handle @PanasonicDX4500.
Javed and the DGA did not respond to requests for comment.
Washington Free Beacon reporter Stephen Gutowski spoke to attendees and reported the rally was free of violence and racist displays, tweeting that it "was focused on gun rights."
People are begining to clear out as the rally comes to an end. The attendence was massive. There was no violence, disturbance, or really any consternation from what I witnessed. I did not see any racist displays whatsoever. Everyone in attendance was focused on gun rights. — Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) January 20, 2020
NBC also reported that the rally "was largely peaceful, with no reported violence."


freebeacon--2020-01-20--Denver Post Columnist Fired After Arguing There Are Two Sexes

A Denver Post columnist says he was fired after disputing the idea that there are more than two sexes .
Jon Caldara , president of the libertarian Independence Institute , announced that he has been fired from the Post , chalking it up to `` a difference in style '' that his editors found `` too insensitive . ''
`` My column is not a soft voiced , sticky sweet NPR-styled piece which employs the language now mandated by the victim-centric , identity politics driven media , '' he said in a Facebook post .
`` What seemed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my insistence that there are only two sexes and my frustration that to be inclusive of the transgendered ( even that word isn ’ t allowed ) we must lose our right to free speech . ''
Caldara criticized an Associated Press directive saying that sex and gender are not binary .
`` There are only two sexes , identified by an XX or XY chromosome .
That is the very definition of binary .
The AP ruling it isn ’ t so doesn ’ t change science .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s activism , '' he wrote on Jan. 3 .
In a column two weeks later , Caldara also railed against a 2019 Colorado law that required elementary school children to be instructed in transgender ideology .
`` Some parents weren ’ t thrilled a couple of years back when during school their little ones in Boulder Valley School District were treated to videos staring [ sic ] a transgender teddy bear teaching the kids how to misuse pronouns or when Colorado ’ s ‘ Trans Community Choir ' sang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Caldara wrote .
`` What are the protections for a parent who feels transgender singing groups and teddy bears with gender dysphoria might be ‘ stigmatizing ' for their kid ? ''
Caldara said that he was fired by the paper 's editorial page editor , Megan Schrader , according to an interview with Westword published Monday .
`` Megan told me I was the page 's most-read columnist .
But there 's now a permanently and perpetually offended class , and in order to speak , you need to use their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you-can't-say-that-ism going on right now . ''
In an email to the Washington Free Beacon , Schrader confirmed that she fired Caldara but declined to discuss the reason .
`` I am writing a job description as we speak to fill his position , '' she said .
`` I hope that conservative Colorado writers will apply knowing that we value conservative voices on our pages and do n't have a litmus test for their opinions . ''

'There are only two sexes, identified by an XX or XY chromosome'
A Denver Post columnist says he was fired after disputing the idea that there are more than two sexes.
Jon Caldara, president of the libertarian Independence Institute, announced that he has been fired from the Post, chalking it up to "a difference in style" that his editors found "too insensitive."
"My column is not a soft voiced, sticky sweet NPR-styled piece which employs the language now mandated by the victim-centric, identity politics driven media," he said in a Facebook post. "What seemed to be the last straw for my column was my insistence that there are only two sexes and my frustration that to be inclusive of the transgendered (even that word isn’t allowed) we must lose our right to free speech."
Caldara criticized an Associated Press directive saying that sex and gender are not binary. "There are only two sexes, identified by an XX or XY chromosome. That is the very definition of binary. The AP ruling it isn’t so doesn’t change science. It’s a premeditative attempt to change culture and policy. It’s activism," he wrote on Jan. 3. In a column two weeks later, Caldara also railed against a 2019 Colorado law that required elementary school children to be instructed in transgender ideology.
"Some parents weren’t thrilled a couple of years back when during school their little ones in Boulder Valley School District were treated to videos staring [sic] a transgender teddy bear teaching the kids how to misuse pronouns or when Colorado’s 'Trans Community Choir' sang to kids about a transgender raven," Caldara wrote. "What are the protections for a parent who feels transgender singing groups and teddy bears with gender dysphoria might be 'stigmatizing' for their kid?"
Caldara said that he was fired by the paper's editorial page editor, Megan Schrader, according to an interview with Westword published Monday.
"Megan told me I was the page's most-read columnist. But there's now a permanently and perpetually offended class, and in order to speak, you need to use their terminology. There's a whole lot of you-can't-say-that-ism going on right now."
In an email to the Washington Free Beacon, Schrader confirmed that she fired Caldara but declined to discuss the reason.
"I am writing a job description as we speak to fill his position," she said. "I hope that conservative Colorado writers will apply knowing that we value conservative voices on our pages and don't have a litmus test for their opinions."


freebeacon--2020-01-20--MSNBC Anchor: White Nationalists ‘Swarming’ VA State Capitol

MSNBC anchor Craig Melvin on Monday claimed white nationalists were among the thousands `` swarming '' the Virginia capitol building in Richmond .
`` Right now thousands of gun rights activists , white nationalists , militia groups—all swarming the Virginia state capitol in Richmond , '' Melvin said following a `` breaking news '' alert .
Melvin 's claim follows NBC reporter Ben Collins labeling the demonstration a `` white supremacist rally . ''
His tweet over the weekend received criticism for lacking evidence .
The rally `` is not organized by racists and they wo n't be in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Washington Free Beacon staff writer Stephen Gutowski said .
Collins eventually deleted his tweet and said white nationalists have been `` planning violent action at the event . ''
Despite reports of possible violence , NBC reported that the rally `` was largely peaceful , with no reported arrests or violence . ''
Gutowski spoke to attendees and reported the rally was free of violence or racist displays , tweeting that the rally `` was focused on gun rights . ''
A CNN report that also aired Monday appeared to tie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri , although producers eventually changed the chyron to reflect the fact that no violent incidents were reported .

MSNBC anchor Craig Melvin on Monday claimed white nationalists were among the thousands "swarming" the Virginia capitol building in Richmond.
"Right now thousands of gun-rights activists, white nationalists, militia groups—all swarming the Virginia state capitol in Richmond," Melvin said following a "breaking news" alert.
Melvin's claim follows NBC reporter Ben Collins labeling the demonstration a "white supremacist rally." His tweet over the weekend received criticism for lacking evidence.
The rally "is not organized by racists and they won't be in any way a significant portion of the attendees," Washington Free Beacon staff writer Stephen Gutowski said.
Tomorrow's event is in no way a "white nationalist rally." it is not organized by racists and they won't be in any way a significant portion of the attendees yet this writer is elevating them while smearing the regular people who will actually be there. https://t.co/ZrR9UngWj8 — Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) January 19, 2020
Collins eventually deleted his tweet and said white nationalists have been "planning violent action at the event." Despite reports of possible violence, NBC reported that the rally "was largely peaceful, with no reported arrests or violence."
Gutowski spoke to attendees and reported the rally was free of violence or racist displays, tweeting that the rally "was focused on gun rights."
People are begining to clear out as the rally comes to an end. The attendence was massive. There was no violence, disturbance, or really any consternation from what I witnessed. I did not see any racist displays whatsoever. Everyone in attendance was focused on gun rights. — Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) January 20, 2020
A CNN report that also aired Monday appeared to tie the peaceful rally to a murder in Missouri, although producers eventually changed the chyron to reflect the fact that no violent incidents were reported.


freebeacon--2020-01-20--While Discussing Peaceful Gun-Rights Rally, CNN Keeps Up Chyron About Kansas City Shooting

While reporting a peaceful gun-rights rally in Richmond , Va. , on Monday , CNN kept a chyron up about a shooting the night before in Kansas City .
CNN reported on three recent gun-related events : a Monday morning shooting in Honolulu , a Sunday night shooting in Kansas City , and a Monday gun-rights rally in Richmond .
As the segment transitioned from the Kansas City shooting to the Richmond protest , the chyron title read `` Virginia Gun Fight '' with the subtitle `` 2 Dead , 15 Injured in Kansas City shooting . ''
The chyron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report about the peaceful gun-rights rally in Virginia before changing to `` No incidents at pro gun rally after threats of extremist violence . ''
Gun rights activists gathered on Monday morning to protest legislation considered by the Virginia legislature that would require background checks and ban some types of rifles .
Virginia governor Ralph Northam ( D. ) declared a state of emergency ahead of Monday 's rally and temporarily banned firearms from capitol grounds .
The Virginia supreme court upheld the ban .
Some of the protesters openly carried their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended Monday afternoon without any violent incidents reported .

While reporting on a peaceful gun-rights rally in Richmond, Va., on Monday, CNN kept a chyron up about a shooting the night before in Kansas City.
CNN reported on three recent gun-related events: a Monday morning shooting in Honolulu, a Sunday night shooting in Kansas City, and a Monday gun-rights rally in Richmond. As the segment transitioned from the Kansas City shooting to the Richmond protest, the chyron title read "Virginia Gun Fight" with the subtitle "2 Dead, 15 Injured in Kansas City shooting."
The chyron was up for over a minute into the report about the peaceful gun-rights rally in Virginia before changing to "No incidents at pro gun rally after threats of extremist violence."
Gun-rights activists gathered on Monday morning to protest legislation considered by the Virginia legislature that would require background checks and ban some types of rifles. Virginia governor Ralph Northam (D.) declared a state of emergency ahead of Monday's rally and temporarily banned firearms from capitol grounds. The Virginia Supreme Court upheld the ban. Some of the protesters openly carried their firearms outside capitol grounds. The rally ended Monday afternoon without any violent incidents reported.


freebeacon--2020-01-20--THE ENDORSEMENT: Melania and Ivanka Trump (and Tiffany)

American voters must choose between two sharply divergent visions for the future .
Option A is freedom and prosperity , as embodied by the historically successful incumbent president , Donald J. Trump .
Option B is the apocalyptic nightmare that would descend upon the American heartland in the unlikely event that any of the remaining Democratic candidates is elected .
In other words , the choice is clear .
But that has not stopped media institutions like the New York Times from attempting to distinguish among the numerous white candidates seeking the Democratic nomination by publishing an `` endorsement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominated by wealthy white people with ties to Ivy League universities , on Sunday officially endorsed two wealthy white people with ties to Ivy League universities .
It goes without saying that members of the media should not make political endorsements .
In an ideal world , journalists would be banned from all forms of political activity save , perhaps , nominating a spokesman to relay their concerns to the leadership at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba .
Alas , notwithstanding the historic presidency of Donald J. Trump , we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet .
Political endorsements , as a rule , should only be made by people who matter and should only concern political contests of maximum import .
That is why the Washington Free Beacon is endorsing the most attractive candidates for First Lady of the United States in 2020 .
They are Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump .
Also , Tiffany Trump .
Endorsing a candidate for First Lady not named Trump would , in our esteemed estimation , be an exercise in futility .
Melania , the incumbent , has demonstrated a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans of all genders can admire .
The success of her `` Be Best '' initiative has shattered the toxic stereotypes perpetuated by her predecessor , Michelle Obama .
Being FLOTUS can and should involve more than simply lecturing children about vegetables and planting a garden in your backyard .
Ivanka Trump would also be a fabulous choice to serve in the highest female office in the land .
Exceptional breeding has gifted her with phenomenal beauty and a formidable intellect , especially when compared to her lesser male siblings .
Ivanka 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who fits the ( somewhat politically incorrect ) mold of the traditional Alpha Male , suggests she has the judgment to one day command the most powerful military on Earth .
One day , God willing , Ivanka will prove Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) wrong once and for all by demonstrating that , yes , a woman can become president .
Though this year 's decision to endorse more than one FLOTUS candidate represented a break from Free Beacon tradition , a nagging question remained— '' Why not three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good answer .
Tiffany Trump should also be considered for the role of First Lady .
She has the youth .
She has the pedigree .
She has a decent Instagram account .
There will be those dissatisfied that this page is not throwing its weight behind a single candidate , but given the near certainty that Donald Trump will be reelected in 2020 , we were bored and did n't know what else to do .
Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Trump and Miss Trump right now are the female leaders best equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he continues to make this country great .
May the best woman win .

American voters must choose between two sharply divergent visions for the future. Option A is freedom and prosperity, as embodied by the historically successful incumbent president, Donald J. Trump. Option B is the apocalyptic nightmare that would descend upon the American heartland in the unlikely event that any of the remaining Democratic candidates is elected.
In other words, the choice is clear. But that has not stopped media institutions like the New York Times from attempting to distinguish among the numerous white candidates seeking the Democratic nomination by publishing an "endorsement." The Times, a once-storied newspaper dominated by wealthy white people with ties to Ivy League universities, on Sunday officially endorsed two wealthy white people with ties to Ivy League universities.
It goes without saying that members of the media should not make political endorsements. In an ideal world, journalists would be banned from all forms of political activity save, perhaps, nominating a spokesman to relay their concerns to the leadership at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba. Alas, notwithstanding the historic presidency of Donald J. Trump, we do not live in an ideal world. Yet.
Political endorsements, as a rule, should only be made by people who matter and should only concern political contests of maximum import. That is why the Washington Free Beacon is endorsing the most attractive candidates for First Lady of the United States in 2020. They are Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump. Also, Tiffany Trump.
Endorsing a candidate for First Lady not named Trump would, in our esteemed estimation, be an exercise in futility. Melania, the incumbent, has demonstrated a commanding grace and sense of style that Americans of all genders can admire. The success of her "Be Best" initiative has shattered the toxic stereotypes perpetuated by her predecessor, Michelle Obama. Being FLOTUS can and should involve more than simply lecturing children about vegetables and planting a garden in your backyard.
Ivanka Trump would also be a fabulous choice to serve in the highest female office in the land. Exceptional breeding has gifted her with phenomenal beauty and a formidable intellect, especially when compared to her lesser male siblings. Ivanka's choice of husband, Jared Kushner, who fits the (somewhat politically incorrect) mold of the traditional Alpha Male, suggests she has the judgment to one day command the most powerful military on Earth. One day, God willing, Ivanka will prove Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) wrong once and for all by demonstrating that, yes, a woman can become president.
Though this year's decision to endorse more than one FLOTUS candidate represented a break from Free Beacon tradition, a nagging question remained—"Why not three?"—to which there was no good answer. Tiffany Trump should also be considered for the role of First Lady. She has the youth. She has the pedigree. She has a decent Instagram account.
There will be those dissatisfied that this page is not throwing its weight behind a single candidate, but given the near certainty that Donald Trump will be reelected in 2020, we were bored and didn't know what else to do.
Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Trump and Miss Trump right now are the female leaders best equipped to stand by Mr. Trump's side as he continues to make this country great.
May the best woman win.


freebeacon--2020-01-20--Iran Threatens to End Cooperation With International Nuclear Inspectors

Iranian leaders are threatening to sever their country ’ s cooperation with international nuclear inspectors tasked with ensuring the Islamic Republic does not resume its secretive work on a nuclear weapon .
As the United States and Europe tighten the economic noose on Iran ’ s economy , Iran has significantly scaled back its commitment to the landmark nuclear accord .
In addition to resuming the enrichment of uranium , the key component in a nuclear weapon , Tehran has signaled that it is picking back up its nuclear bomb work .
While the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran ’ s contested nuclear sites since the deal was reached , it has disclosed in recent months that Iran is blocking access to key sites .
Now , Iran is warning that it may end all cooperation with the IAEA in yet another sign of escalating tensions .
Leading European nations last week declared Iran in breach of the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty , paving the way for a showdown in the United Nations over the possible reimplementation of numerous sanctions .
Iran now says it will revoke IAEA access over what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' moves .
`` We clearly declare that if Europe shows an unjust behavior in using article 37 of the nuclear deal , for any reason , then the Islamic Republic will make a serious decision over its cooperation with the agency and a relevant bill is standing ready at the parliament , '' Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani said .
Iran is fed-up with efforts by the United States and Europe to hold it accountable for repeated violations of the U.N. accord , according to Larijani .
`` Iran does not like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Over a year after the U.S. hostile behavior towards the nuclear issue , Europe has just sufficed to issue political statements and the Islamic Republic of Iran has shown tolerance for a long time . ''
Iran also is prepared to continue scaling back its nuclear commitments , a scenario that could put Tehran closer to a nuclear weapon than ever before .
Already , Iran has begun to stockpile heavy water , a nuclear byproduct that could provide it with a plutonium-based pathway to a bomb .
This has coincided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enriching uranium to levels needed for weapons research .
`` The fifth step was the last step in reducing our undertakings and Iran is planning for a final and more effective move if such words [ by the Europeans ] continue , and if the present trend continues , Iran will take the effective step , '' Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said over the weekend .
The State Department did not immediately respond to a Washington Free Beacon request for comment on the matter .

Iranian leaders are threatening to sever their country’s cooperation with international nuclear inspectors tasked with ensuring the Islamic Republic does not resume its secretive work on a nuclear weapon.
As the United States and Europe tighten the economic noose on Iran’s economy, Iran has significantly scaled back its commitment to the landmark nuclear accord. In addition to resuming the enrichment of uranium, the key component in a nuclear weapon, Tehran has signaled that it is picking back up its nuclear bomb work.
While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has sought to perform oversight on Iran’s contested nuclear sites since the deal was reached, it has disclosed in recent months that Iran is blocking access to key sites. Now, Iran is warning that it may end all cooperation with the IAEA in yet another sign of escalating tensions.
Leading European nations last week declared Iran in breach of the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty, paving the way for a showdown in the United Nations over the possible reimplementation of numerous sanctions. Iran now says it will revoke IAEA access over what it described as Europe’s "unjust" moves.
"We clearly declare that if Europe shows an unjust behavior in using article 37 of the nuclear deal, for any reason, then the Islamic Republic will make a serious decision over its cooperation with the agency and a relevant bill is standing ready at the parliament," Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani said.
Iran is fed-up with efforts by the United States and Europe to hold it accountable for repeated violations of the U.N. accord, according to Larijani.
"Iran does not like threatening," the Iranian official said. "Over a year after the U.S. hostile behavior towards the nuclear issue, Europe has just sufficed to issue political statements and the Islamic Republic of Iran has shown tolerance for a long time."
Iran also is prepared to continue scaling back its nuclear commitments, a scenario that could put Tehran closer to a nuclear weapon than ever before.
Already, Iran has begun to stockpile heavy water, a nuclear byproduct that could provide it with a plutonium-based pathway to a bomb. This has coincided with Iran’s decision to begin enriching uranium to levels needed for weapons research.
"The fifth step was the last step in reducing our undertakings and Iran is planning for a final and more effective move if such words [by the Europeans] continue, and if the present trend continues, Iran will take the effective step," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said over the weekend.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a Washington Free Beacon request for comment on the matter.


freebeacon--2020-01-20--MSNBC Anchor Ends Segment When Guest Says Trump Did Nothing Wrong

MSNBC anchor Hallie Jackson cut off a Republican guest Monday after he said President Donald Trump did n't do anything wrong in his handling of lethal aid to Ukraine .
Jackson ended an interview segment with former representative Chris Cannon when Cannon asked which facts contradicted his argument that Trump had done nothing unusual in his handling of the aid .
Jackson had said to Cannon , `` I think the facts , congressman , maybe belie what your argument is here , when you look at some of the objective facts that not even the White House disputes at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those facts ? ''
Cannon asked , but Jackson ended the segment without any further discussion on the matter .
Earlier in the interview , Jackson had asked Cannon whether it was appropriate for one of Trump 's attorneys , Alan Dershowitz , to say he is not sure whether his client `` abused power , '' a charge leveled against Trump in House Democrats ' articles of impeachment .
`` Would you be comfortable with that ? ''
Jackson asked about Dershowitz 's position .
`` Absolutely , '' Cannon said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ordinary for presidents negotiating with foreign countries .
`` That 's not the basis for impeachment . ''
Jackson said she appreciated the congressman 's insight because of his role as an impeachment manager during the trial of President Bill Clinton .

MSNBC anchor Hallie Jackson cut off a Republican guest Monday after he said President Donald Trump didn't do anything wrong in his handling of lethal aid to Ukraine.
Jackson ended an interview segment with former representative Chris Cannon when Cannon asked which facts contradicted his argument that Trump had done nothing unusual in his handling of the aid.
Jackson had said to Cannon, "I think the facts, congressman, maybe belie what your argument is here, when you look at some of the objective facts that not even the White House disputes at this point."
"What are those facts?" Cannon asked, but Jackson ended the segment without any further discussion on the matter.
Earlier in the interview, Jackson had asked Cannon whether it was appropriate for one of Trump's attorneys, Alan Dershowitz, to say he is not sure whether his client "abused power," a charge leveled against Trump in House Democrats' articles of impeachment.
"Would you be comfortable with that?" Jackson asked about Dershowitz's position.
"Absolutely," Cannon said, arguing Trump hasn't done anything out of the ordinary for presidents negotiating with foreign countries. "That's not the basis for impeachment."
Jackson said she appreciated the congressman's insight because of his role as an impeachment manager during the trial of President Bill Clinton.


freebeacon--2020-01-20--Two Iraqi Policemen, Two Protesters Killed as Anti-Government Unrest Resumes

BAGHDAD ( Reuters ) – Four Iraqis including two police officers were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday in clashes with security forces , medical and security sources said , as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks .
Two protesters succumbed to their wounds in a Baghdad hospital after police fired live rounds of ammunition in Baghdad 's Tayaran Square , security and medical sources said .
One protester was shot by a live bullet in the head , while the second was hit by a tear gas canister , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stones at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades , Reuters witnesses said .
`` They ( security forces ) should stop shooting and aiming , who are they and who are we ?
Both sides are Iraqis .
So why are you killing your brothers ? ''
said one woman protester in Baghdad who declined to give her name .
In the Iraqi oil city of Basra , two policemen were struck and killed by a civilian car during the protest , security sources said .
The driver was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between protesters and security forces when he drove into the two officers , they said .
Elsewhere in southern Iraq , hundreds of protesters burned tires and blocked main roads in several cities , including Nassiriya , Kerbala and Amara .
They say Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not fulfilled promises including naming a new government acceptable to Iraqis .
Baghdad police said its forces had reopened all roads that were closed by `` violent gatherings '' .
It said 14 officers were wounded near Tahrir square , including some with head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disrupted on a highway linking Baghdad to southern cities , a Reuters witness said .
Production in southern oilfields was unaffected by the unrest , oil officials said .
Mass protests have gripped Iraq since Oct. 1 , with mostly young protesters demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and as keeping most Iraqis in poverty .
More than 450 people have been killed .
Numbers had dwindled but protests resumed last week as demonstrators sought to keep up momentum after attention turned to the threat of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tehran 's top general in an air strike inside Iraq .
The killing of Qassem Soleimani , to which Tehran responded with a ballistic missile attack on two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops , has highlighted the influence of some foreign powers in Iraq , especially Iran and the United States .

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Four Iraqis including two police officers were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday in clashes with security forces, medical and security sources said, as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks.
Two protesters succumbed to their wounds in a Baghdad hospital after police fired live rounds of ammunition in Baghdad's Tayaran Square, security and medical sources said. One protester was shot by a live bullet in the head, while the second was hit by a tear gas canister, the sources added.
Protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades, Reuters witnesses said.
"They (security forces) should stop shooting and aiming, who are they and who are we? Both sides are Iraqis. So why are you killing your brothers?" said one woman protester in Baghdad who declined to give her name.
In the Iraqi oil city of Basra, two policemen were struck and killed by a civilian car during the protest, security sources said. The driver was trying to avoid the scene of clashes between protesters and security forces when he drove into the two officers, they said.
Elsewhere in southern Iraq, hundreds of protesters burned tires and blocked main roads in several cities, including Nassiriya, Kerbala and Amara. They say Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not fulfilled promises including naming a new government acceptable to Iraqis.
Baghdad police said its forces had reopened all roads that were closed by "violent gatherings". It said 14 officers were wounded near Tahrir square, including some with head wounds and broken bones.
Traffic was disrupted on a highway linking Baghdad to southern cities, a Reuters witness said. Production in southern oilfields was unaffected by the unrest, oil officials said.
Mass protests have gripped Iraq since Oct. 1, with mostly young protesters demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and as keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed.
Numbers had dwindled but protests resumed last week as demonstrators sought to keep up momentum after attention turned to the threat of a U.S.-Iran conflict following Washington's killing of Tehran's top general in an air strike inside Iraq.
The killing of Qassem Soleimani, to which Tehran responded with a ballistic missile attack on two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops, has highlighted the influence of some foreign powers in Iraq, especially Iran and the United States.
(Reporting by Iraq staff; Writing by Aziz El Yaakoubi; Editing by Janet Lawrence, William Maclean)


Beacon Extra

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FIGHTING NORTHAM AGGRESSION … `` Thousands Peacefully Protest For Gun Rights in Richmond , '' by WFB ’ s Stephen Gutowski : The event ’ s peaceful procession marked a stark contrast to mainstream media portrayals of a rally filled with white nationalists and others prepared to do violence .
The day ’ s rally concluded without a single incidence of mayhem or civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights constrained in one way—a Friday evening order from the state supreme court left in place Governor Ralph Northam 's ( D. ) ban on carrying firearms in the area around the state capitol .
The [ Virginia Citizens Defense League ] , which had brought suit to try to enjoin the order , told its supporters over the weekend to abide by Northam 's decision .
HIDE YOUR STAPLERS … `` Amy Klobuchar desperately wants an Iowa moment .
Impeachment is getting in the way.
, '' via WAPO : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have to be leaving actually tomorrow night and going back to the impeachment hearing , '' Klobuchar said , as she opened her event [ in Waukee ] before about 150 voters .
`` We get a lot of questions about , well , how are you going to keep running ?
I always tell people that I 'm a mom and I can do two things at once . ''
But you couldn ’ t miss the disappointment in Klobuchar ’ s voice .
The impeachment trial comes as things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
MORONS FOR HILLARY … `` Fans give up Social Security numbers to hear Hillary Clinton speak , '' via PAGE SIX : Clinton was hawking her new Hulu docuseries `` Hillary '' with a speech at the Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena , Calif. , and we ’ re told , `` Everyone had to give Social Security numbers to get in !
It was the only way to get in . ''
… Clinton attended with her former top aide Huma Abedin .
SEND THE BOMBERS … `` Iran Threatens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' by WFB ’ s Adam Kredo : Iranian leaders are threatening to sever their country ’ s cooperation with international nuclear inspectors tasked with ensuring the Islamic Republic does not resume its secretive work on a nuclear weapon .
As the United States and Europe tighten the economic noose on Iran ’ s economy , Iran has significantly scaled back its commitment to the landmark nuclear accord .
In addition to resuming the enrichment of uranium , the key component in a nuclear weapon , Tehran has signaled that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
HE ’ LL BLEND … `` As his impeachment trial consumes Washington , Trump heads to Davos , '' via NBC NEWS : [ President ] Trump is scheduled to land Tuesday in Davos , where he will speak before a group of executives , financiers , and foreign dignitaries at the World Economic Forum just hours before the Senate is set to begin the first full day of his impeachment trial .
He is also expected to hold a series of meetings with world leaders over the next two days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developments in real time from across the Atlantic Ocean .
The platform will give Trump the chance to tout U.S. economic growth and recent trade deals with China and Mexico , elements his campaign views as key to his re-election bid .
MEDIA LAMENTS LACK OF VIOLENCE … `` Virginia Second Amendment rally proves the media hate gun owners , '' via EXAMINER : It 's not hard to read between the lines of the Washington Post 's coverage : `` Chants of ‘ U-S-A , U-S-A ' broke out every few minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no signs of violence or conflict with law enforcement officers . ''
… We know that the media smear marches they hate .
It was one year ago that the Washington Post and other outlets recklessly and falsely cast a crew of Catholic schoolboys in MAGA hats as nasty racists .
FAKING NEWS … `` MSNBC Anchor : White Nationalists ‘ Swarming ’ VA State Capitol , '' by WFB ’ s Cameron Cawthorne : `` Right now thousands of gun rights activists , white nationalists , militia groups—all swarming the Virginia state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Melvin said following a `` breaking news '' alert … The rally `` is not organized by racists and they wo n't be in any way a significant portion of the attendees , '' Washington Free Beacon staff writer Stephen Gutowski said .
I HAVE A NIGHTMARE … `` Yale Taps BDS Activist as MLK Day Speaker , '' by WFB ’ s Adam Kredo : Yale selected prominent black power movement leader Angela Davis to speak at its MLK Day commemoration event on Thursday .
Davis is an outspoken supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement , which wages economic warfare on Israel .
Davis also has faced accusations of anti-Semitism for her support of the Soviet Union 's suppression of Jewish dissidents … The promotion of BDS at U.S. colleges has long been a focal point in the pro-Israel community 's efforts to combat growing anti-Semitism on campus , an issue that has received renewed scrutiny in the wake of several violent attacks on Jews across the country .
WHY CHOOSE ONE WHEN WE CAN HAVE ALL THREE … `` THE ENDORSEMENT : Melania and Ivanka Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WFB Staff : Endorsing a candidate for First Lady not named Trump would , in our esteemed estimation , be an exercise in futility .
Melania , the incumbent , has demonstrated a commanding grace and sense of style that Americans of all genders can admire .
The success of her `` Be Best '' initiative has shattered the toxic stereotypes perpetuated by her predecessor , Michelle Obama .
Being FLOTUS can and should involve more than simply lecturing children about vegetables and planting a garden in your backyard .
Ivanka Trump would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the highest female office in the land … One day , God willing , Ivanka will prove Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) wrong once and for all by demonstrating that , yes , a woman can become president .
DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW : 1,136 .
Come back , Joe !
`` You know who really doesn ’ t have it ?
Joe Biden . ''
—Former President Barack Obama Thanks for reading !
Send tips to rutz @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon’s morning newsletter, your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom. To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning, sign up here.
MENSHEVIKS PREPARE FOR LAST STAND … "Democratic Leaders Willing to Risk Party Damage to Stop Bernie Sanders," via NYT: Since Mr. Sanders’s victory in Nevada’s caucuses on Saturday, the Times has interviewed 93 party officials—all of them superdelegates … and found overwhelming opposition to handing the Vermont senator the nomination if he arrived with the most delegates but fell short of a majority …
Since Mr. Sanders won Nevada’s caucuses on Saturday, four donors have approached former representative Steve Israel of New York to ask if he can suggest someone to run a super PAC aimed at blocking Mr. Sanders. He declined their offer.
THE NEW NEW DEMOCRATS … "2020 Dem Plans Reflect Party of the ‘Professional Class’," by WFB’s Charles Fain Lehman: The [Manhattan Institute] report examines the distributive impacts of major proposals, including Medicare for All, student debt forgiveness, and the repeal of key components of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). It argues that while Democratic candidates talk big about supporting workers and the poor, these programs primarily serve the interests of the wealthy …
Long branded as representatives of the working class, the Democratic Party has come to appeal primarily to the college-educated, often affluent residents of urban America, data indicate.
MIKE GOT IT DONE … "Bloomberg Locked Up Nearly Half a Million People on Marijuana Charges," by WFB’s Yuichiro Kakutani: The administrations of [Michael] Bloomberg's three predecessors … collectively arrested 226,000 people, or 25 people daily, for the same charge over a 24-year period between 1978 and 2001. During Bloomberg's tenure, approximately 471,000 people were arrested on possession charges …
The possession arrests for Bloomberg's tenure peaked in 2011 when the police hauled in more than 50,000 New Yorkers.
DOWNLOAD UNAVAILABLE IN WISCONSIN … "Coming to a podcast near you: Hillary Clinton," via POLITICO: The former first lady, secretary of State, and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee is planning to launch a new audio program in late spring, just in time for her to have a powerful new megaphone during the 2020 election …
Clinton’s show will feature her in conversation with a brand-name guest, who might be drawn from world leaders and politicians, of course, but also celebrities, authors and perhaps famous chefs.
BOOK THROWN … "Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh sentenced to 3 years for ‘Healthy Holly’ children’s book fraud scheme," via BALTIMORE SUN: [Pugh] told reporters: "This is not the last you’ll see of Catherine Pugh" …
Pugh’s political fall began in March when the Baltimore Sun revealed she had entered into a no-bid deal with the University of Maryland Medical System, where Pugh sat on the board of directors, to buy 100,000 copies of her sloppily self-published "Healthy Holly" books for $500,000.
YANG HOLDS OUT FOR BETTER OFFER … "Michael Bloomberg’s Campaign Sought Andrew Yang’s Backing, Floated Vice- Presidential Slot," via WSJ: Aides to the former New York City mayor reached out to discuss ways the two entrepreneurs-turned-politicians could work together as Mr. Bloomberg seeks the Democratic nomination, these people said.
Mr. Yang, who dropped out of the race earlier this month, didn’t commit to join forces, as he considers his own political future, a third person familiar with the discussions said.
NO SURRENDER … "Congressional Republicans Warn Trump Against Inking Peace Deal With Taliban," by WFB’s Adam Kredo: The lawmakers … are demanding they receive assurances the administration "will not place the security of the American people into the hands of the Taliban" …
The lawmakers are also demanding the release of so-called secret annexes in the draft agreement that they claim establish a set of unknown side deals with the Taliban, a move reminiscent of the Obama administration's secret agreements with Iran when the Iran nuclear deal was being negotiated.
TEHRAN MARY … "Iran Vice President Is One of 7 Officials to Contract Coronavirus," via NYT: The disclosure came a day after a cabinet meeting in which she was in close contact with other government leaders, including [Hassan] Rouhani. A photo posted by a BBC Persia reporter on Twitter showed she had been sitting a few yards from the president.
[Masoumeh] Ebtekar, one of four vice presidents, was known to Americans as "Mary" during the Tehran hostage crisis four decades ago, when, as a young revolutionary, she was a spokeswoman for the captors of the 52 Americans held at the United States Embassy.
PICTURE OF COWARDICE … "Sony World Photography Awards Removes Hong Kong Protest Images," via HYPERALLERGIC: Since pro-democracy protests prompted by the Hong Kong government’s now-scrapped extradition bill erupted across the city in spring 2019, China has tightened its grip on the media …
Now, some speculate WPO yielded to pressure from China to take down the photographs, especially because other entries featuring arguably graphic or politically sensitive content have not faced a similar fate in past competitions.
THE REAL VICTIMS … "Mark Halperin Says Murderers Are Treated More Fairly Than Canceled People," via MOTHER JONES: "I haven’t had a job interview in two years," Halperin said, adding that he has applied to work at restaurants and Target, trying to get health insurance for his three-year-old son …
When [asked to] differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate ways that he had been held accountable for his behavior … he said victims deserve "top priority" but complained again that there isn’t a mechanism for reintegrating canceled people.
THIS IS CNN … "Sasse Criticizes CNN for Referring to a Baby as a ‘Fetus That Was Born’," via CNN: "The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act is about babies who have already been born," [Sen. Ben] Sasse said to the Washington Free Beacon. "I’m glad CNN finally made the correction, but there’s no reason this needed to take two days. Planned Parenthood desperately wants to misrepresent this bipartisan, pro-babies bill, and unfortunately too many reporters have bought their spin hook, line, and sinker."
PUNK IS DEAD … "Billy Idol is helping de Blasio take on idling cars in new campaign," via NY POST: Billy Idol has a new Rebel Yell: helping Mayor Bill de Blasio fight fume-spewing vehicles that idle on Big Apple streets …
The campaign will also publicize the city’s 2018 "Citizens Air Complaint Program," where individuals who see a bus or delivery truck idling for longer than four minutes can file a complaint and collect a 25 percent bounty off the fine, worth $87.50.
"The First Postmodern Pandemic," via WFB’s Matthew Continetti: We were better off when the media focused on impeachment. Now that it is interested in coronavirus, a familiar pattern will set in. Data will be publicized without the slightest sense of proportion. The most outrageous scenarios will receive the most attention. Speculation will be paraded as fact …
The Washington Post transcribes Democratic Party talking points when it suggests Vice President Mike Pence is incapable of overseeing the government's efforts because he opposes needle-sharing programs. Among the reasons [President Donald] Trump is said to have weakened public health? He defunded Planned Parenthood.
Thanks for reading! Send tips to rutz@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-01-21--Yale Taps BDS Activist as MLK Day Speaker

For a Martin Luther King Day event , Yale University tapped a keynote presenter who is an outspoken supporter of the Israel boycott movement and has faced accusations of anti-Semitism .
Yale selected prominent black power movement leader Angela Davis to speak at its MLK Day commemoration event on Thursday .
Davis is an outspoken supporter of the Boycott , Divestment , and Sanctions movement , which wages economic warfare on Israel .
Davis also has faced accusations of anti-Semitism for her support of the Soviet Union 's suppression of Jewish dissidents .
Davis was selected to keynote the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the Afro-American Cultural Center Risë Nelson , according to the Yale Daily News .
The decision was supported by the MLK2020 planning committee .
Davis 's participation in the event is just the latest instance of an American university promoting a BDS leader .
The promotion of BDS at U.S. colleges has long been a focal point in the pro-Israel community 's efforts to combat growing anti-Semitism on campus , an issue that has received renewed scrutiny in the wake of several violent attacks on Jews across the country .
Davis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the black power movement in the 1970s .
She served as a member of the Los Angeles Black Panther Party chapter and of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee , a militant black power group .
Davis spent more than a year in prison on charges of participating in the 1970 armed takeover of a California courtroom .
Davis 's support for the BDS movement led an Alabama civil rights organization to revoke an award to her in January 2019 .
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was slated to award Davis with its Fred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil rights leader , but revoked the accolade after the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center wrote a letter expressing its concern over Davis 's support for BDS .
In an interview with Democracy Now !
during the controversy , Davis affirmed her support for boycotts against Israel .
`` I have never concealed my support for the boycott , sanctions movement , '' she said .
`` As a matter of fact , when BDS was created , in 2005 , I believe , as a response to efforts by Palestinian civil society to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the civil rights movement , as a matter of fact , it has been characterized as a nonviolent effort by Palestinian civil society to challenge the repression that is so pervasive in occupied Palestine .
I have been a supporter of justice for Palestine almost as long as I can remember , at least since my years in college . ''
Jewish political commentator Jonathan Tobin , in discussing the controversy , noted that the incident was not the first time Davis was accused of anti-Semitism .
`` As a radical celebrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent Communist and supporter of the Soviet Union and its satellite regimes , she was asked to support the struggle for human rights in those countries , '' Tobin wrote .
`` In particular , some on the left pleaded with her to aid Jews who were persecuted by the anti-Semitic Soviet government , which refused them the right to leave for Israel or to practice Judaism at home . ''
Davis once said of Czech dissidents , `` They deserve what they get .
Let them remain in prison , '' Tobin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who also asked for help for Jewish refuseniks and other prisoners of conscience , she told him , ‘ They are all Zionist fascists and opponents of socialism . '
'' Yale University and the Yale Daily New did not respond to requests for comment .
Last week , Congress held hearings on `` Confronting the Rise in Anti-Semitic Domestic Terrorism . ''
`` If you are an anti-Zionist today you are , at best , indifferent to the fate of the only viable Jewish community remaining in the Middle East , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies , testified before Congress 's subcommittee on intelligence and counterterrorism .
`` In other words , to an anti-Zionist , Jewish lives do n't matter . ''
`` If anti-Semitism is a disease , what we 're experiencing today is a global epidemic .
Jew hatred has become not just widely acceptable but edgy , if not fashionable—even in lands where there are virtually no Jews , '' May said .

For a Martin Luther King Day event, Yale University tapped a keynote presenter who is an outspoken supporter of the Israel boycott movement and has faced accusations of anti-Semitism.
Yale selected prominent black power movement leader Angela Davis to speak at its MLK Day commemoration event on Thursday. Davis is an outspoken supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, which wages economic warfare on Israel. Davis also has faced accusations of anti-Semitism for her support of the Soviet Union's suppression of Jewish dissidents.
Davis was selected to keynote the event by assistant dean of Yale College and director of the Afro-American Cultural Center Risë Nelson, according to the Yale Daily News. The decision was supported by the MLK2020 planning committee.
Davis's participation in the event is just the latest instance of an American university promoting a BDS leader. The promotion of BDS at U.S. colleges has long been a focal point in the pro-Israel community's efforts to combat growing anti-Semitism on campus, an issue that has received renewed scrutiny in the wake of several violent attacks on Jews across the country.
Davis rose to prominence as a leader in the black power movement in the 1970s. She served as a member of the Los Angeles Black Panther Party chapter and of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a militant black power group. Davis spent more than a year in prison on charges of participating in the 1970 armed takeover of a California courtroom.
Davis's support for the BDS movement led an Alabama civil rights organization to revoke an award to her in January 2019.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was slated to award Davis with its Fred L. Shuttlesworth honor, named after the civil rights leader, but revoked the accolade after the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center wrote a letter expressing its concern over Davis's support for BDS.
In an interview with Democracy Now! during the controversy, Davis affirmed her support for boycotts against Israel.
"I have never concealed my support for the boycott, sanctions movement," she said. "As a matter of fact, when BDS was created, in 2005, I believe, as a response to efforts by Palestinian civil society to take measures that are in the spirit of the civil rights movement, as a matter of fact, it has been characterized as a nonviolent effort by Palestinian civil society to challenge the repression that is so pervasive in occupied Palestine. I have been a supporter of justice for Palestine almost as long as I can remember, at least since my years in college."
Jewish political commentator Jonathan Tobin, in discussing the controversy, noted that the incident was not the first time Davis was accused of anti-Semitism.
"As a radical celebrity in the 1970s as well as a prominent Communist and supporter of the Soviet Union and its satellite regimes, she was asked to support the struggle for human rights in those countries," Tobin wrote. "In particular, some on the left pleaded with her to aid Jews who were persecuted by the anti-Semitic Soviet government, which refused them the right to leave for Israel or to practice Judaism at home."
Davis once said of Czech dissidents, "They deserve what they get. Let them remain in prison," Tobin noted. "According to Alan Dershowitz, who also asked for help for Jewish refuseniks and other prisoners of conscience, she told him, 'They are all Zionist fascists and opponents of socialism.'"
Yale University and the Yale Daily New did not respond to requests for comment.
Last week, Congress held hearings on "Confronting the Rise in Anti-Semitic Domestic Terrorism."
"If you are an anti-Zionist today you are, at best, indifferent to the fate of the only viable Jewish community remaining in the Middle East," Clifford May, founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, testified before Congress's subcommittee on intelligence and counterterrorism. "In other words, to an anti-Zionist, Jewish lives don't matter."
"If anti-Semitism is a disease, what we're experiencing today is a global epidemic. Jew hatred has become not just widely acceptable but edgy, if not fashionable—even in lands where there are virtually no Jews," May said.


Beacon Extra 1/20/20

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon ’ s morning newsletter , your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom .
To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning , sign up here .
SOLEMN SMILES … `` Dem Rep : ‘ There Was No Joy ’ at Impeachment Ceremony , '' by WFB ’ s Graham Piro : `` There was no joy in that ceremony , '' Rep. Hakeem Jeffries ( D. , N.Y. ) said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday .
`` And from the very beginning through the end , Speaker [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are going to proceed in a very serious and solemn and sober fashion . ''
Anchor Chris Wallace had shown Jeffries photos of the ceremony , indicating that `` all the participants look pretty happy . ''
IT 'S ALL ON VHS … `` Biden and Sanders Fight Over Social Security , '' via WSJ : `` The facts are very clear : [ Joe ] Biden not only pushed to cut Social Security—he is on tape proudly bragging about it on multiple occasions , '' [ Bernie Sanders campaign manager ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to 1995 Senate floor speeches in which Mr. Biden noted his work with Republicans to balance the federal budget .
COMRADES , PLEASE !
… `` Sanders and Warren Try to Tone Down Rift .
Some of Their Supporters Seem Less Willing , '' via NYT : Yet after [ Senator Bernie ] Sanders and [ Senator Elizabeth ] Warren , of Massachusetts , angrily accused one another of lying about whether he had told her a woman could not defeat President Trump , and with just over two weeks until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two progressives and erstwhile political allies remained upset .
`` I was really disappointed , '' said Jayne Cousins , an ardent Sanders supporter who attended his [ New Hampshire ] rally .
She predicted Ms. Warren ’ s claim , which Mr. Sanders denies , would adversely impact Ms. Warren because , she said , it was so implausible .
LETHARGIC FRONTRUNNER … `` Progressives Warn of a Great Deflation , '' via THE ATLANTIC : [ Joe ] Biden ’ s rallies are consistently much less well attended [ than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
And although crowd size is not necessarily predictive of electoral success , it could indicate whether a candidate has a sizable pool of enthusiastic volunteers to draw from in the general election .
A Biden nomination would trigger a huge deflation in enthusiasm , and a shrinking of that volunteer pool , progressives argue .
RUNNING SCARED … `` Under criticism , Buttigieg changes plans and will attend King Day event in South Carolina , '' via WAPO : [ Former South Bend mayor Pete ] Buttigieg ’ s planned absence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some in the state as a slap at those voters .
`` I ’ m putting this out there .
Candidates skipping King Day at the Dome is disrespectful [ as it gets , ] '' Bakari Sellers , a former South Carolina state legislator who endorsed Sen. Kamala D. Harris ( D. , Calif. ) before her departure from the presidential race , tweeted on Friday .
`` You don ’ t miss an Iowa steak fry .
Look , you ’ re not just speaking to black folk in SC you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South .
I ’ m disappointed .
It ’ s like you don ’ t care . ''
SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE … `` ‘ It 's going to be devastating ' : Senators gear up for no-talking , no-electronics impeachment trial rules , '' via CNN : To start , lawmakers used to giving lengthy speeches on the Senate floor to weigh in on the issues of the day will instead have to be quiet .
Official decorum guidelines for the trial released by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that senators must refrain from speaking while the case is being presented … '' It 's going to be devastating for some , '' Democratic senator Jon Tester of Montana said with a smile about the fact that senators wo n't be able to talk .
MIGA ?
… `` ‘ Make Iran Great Again !
’ : Trump hits back after Khamenei ’ s gibe , '' via POLITICO : Shortly after Trump ’ s tweet , [ Ayatollah Ali ] Khamenei ’ s official English language account tweeted out that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Iranian people .
`` If you are standing by the Iranian ppl , it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers .
Of course , you have so far failed to do so , & you will certainly continue to fail , '' Khamenei 's account said .
Trump retweeted his response in both English and Farsi : `` The noble people of Iran—who love America—deserve a government that ’ s more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again ! ''
FINISHING WHAT MEL GIBSON STARTED … `` UK 's Harry and Meghan to drop titles and retire as working royals , '' via REUTERS : The couple ’ s plans for independence , announced after a long break over the Christmas period in Canada , caught the rest of the royal family by surprise earlier this month and left the queen and other senior Windsors hurt and disappointed , according to royal sources .
However , in a TV interview aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear how they were struggling with the immense media attention .
Harry said he felt his wife had faced `` bullying '' from some tabloids .
RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE … `` NBC News ' Ben Collins slammed for warning of ‘ white nationalist rally in Virginia ' , '' via FOX NEWS : Ahead of Monday 's gun-rights rally in Virginia , NBC News reporter Ben Collins labeled the event a `` white nationalist '' gathering Sunday , even as he warned against spreading `` made-up stuff '' on Twitter—prompting scores of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to condemn his network for sanctioning Collins ' checkered reporting on the so-called `` dystopia beat . ''
… Commentators and Second Amendment advocates had unloaded on Collins , asserting that it was strikingly unfair to claim that the thousands of expected attendees at the gun-rights rally were attending a `` white nationalist '' event simply because a handful of people outside the state potentially plotted to attend .
A TIME FOR NOT CHOOSING … `` Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren : The Democrats ’ Best Choices for President , '' via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this page is not throwing its weight behind a single candidate , favoring centrists or progressives .
But it ’ s a fight the party itself has been itching to have since Mrs. Clinton ’ s defeat in 2016 , and one that should be played out in the public arena and in the privacy of the voting booth .
That ’ s the very purpose of primaries , to test-market strategies and ideas that can galvanize and inspire the country .
Ms. Klobuchar and Ms. Warren right now are the Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May the best woman win .
REID ’ S CYBER EXPERT UNAVAILABLE FOR COMMENT … `` Joy Reid Body Language Expert Says Elizabeth Warren Was Telling the Truth : ‘ I Think Bernie ’ s Lying ’ , '' via MEDIAITE : `` Most of us want to deal with it afterwards instead of just going right for it , '' [ body language expert Janine ] Driver said , and added `` The fact that Elizabeth Warren not only came right over , she squared her body , he ’ s giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t turn to her , she says ‘ I think you just called me a liar on national TV , ’ if you go back to Wienergate , you go back to all of these political armageddons when it comes to deception , no one calls someone else a liar . ''
LACK OF JEW-BAITING DAMPENS ENTHUSIASM … `` Women 's March Draws A Smaller , But Passionate Crowd , '' via NPR : The fourth annual Women 's March descended on the streets of Washington on Saturday .
But unlike the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the capital the day after President Trump 's inauguration , the march drew just a fraction of the original turnout as the movement has struggled with changes in leadership and questions about inclusivity … After claims of anti-Semitism pushed three founding members of the Women 's March to step down from their roles last year , a bigger and more diverse board took their place .
WE READ IT BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WILL … `` Review : ‘ Restoring Our Republic ’ by Ned Ryun , '' by WFB ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the word `` transcendent '' need to appear in a book about the history of the American republic and how to `` reclaim '' it from the communists ?
Once ?
Twice ?
Surely , 13 times is excessive , but Ryun lets it fly like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stuttering at the podium .
The word `` Trump , '' meanwhile , appears just one time and only in the context of praising the administration 's efforts to reform the Department of Agriculture , an agency that ought to have been abolished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoting `` small government '' in this country .
Alas… DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW : 1,135 .
Come back , Joe !
`` You know who really doesn ’ t have it ?
Joe Biden . ''
—Former President Barack Obama Thanks for reading !
Send tips to rutz @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome to the Washington Free Beacon’s morning newsletter, your comprehensive briefing on the Enemies of Freedom. To get this newsletter sent straight to your inbox every morning, sign up here.
SOLEMN SMILES … "Dem Rep: ‘There Was No Joy’ at Impeachment Ceremony," by WFB’s Graham Piro: "There was no joy in that ceremony," Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday. "And from the very beginning through the end, Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi has been clear that we are going to proceed in a very serious and solemn and sober fashion."
Anchor Chris Wallace had shown Jeffries photos of the ceremony, indicating that "all the participants look pretty happy."
IT'S ALL ON VHS … "Biden and Sanders Fight Over Social Security," via WSJ: "The facts are very clear: [Joe] Biden not only pushed to cut Social Security—he is on tape proudly bragging about it on multiple occasions," [Bernie Sanders campaign manager] Faiz Shakir said.
The Sanders campaign pointed to 1995 Senate floor speeches in which Mr. Biden noted his work with Republicans to balance the federal budget.
COMRADES, PLEASE! … "Sanders and Warren Try to Tone Down Rift. Some of Their Supporters Seem Less Willing," via NYT: Yet after [Senator Bernie] Sanders and [Senator Elizabeth] Warren, of Massachusetts, angrily accused one another of lying about whether he had told her a woman could not defeat President Trump, and with just over two weeks until the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses, supporters of the two progressives and erstwhile political allies remained upset.
"I was really disappointed," said Jayne Cousins, an ardent Sanders supporter who attended his [New Hampshire] rally. She predicted Ms. Warren’s claim, which Mr. Sanders denies, would adversely impact Ms. Warren because, she said, it was so implausible.
LETHARGIC FRONTRUNNER … "Progressives Warn of a Great Deflation," via THE ATLANTIC: [Joe] Biden’s rallies are consistently much less well attended [than ones for Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren]. And although crowd size is not necessarily predictive of electoral success, it could indicate whether a candidate has a sizable pool of enthusiastic volunteers to draw from in the general election. A Biden nomination would trigger a huge deflation in enthusiasm, and a shrinking of that volunteer pool, progressives argue.
RUNNING SCARED … "Under criticism, Buttigieg changes plans and will attend King Day event in South Carolina," via WAPO: [Former South Bend mayor Pete] Buttigieg’s planned absence from the high-profile event was taken by some in the state as a slap at those voters.
"I’m putting this out there. Candidates skipping King Day at the Dome is disrespectful [as it gets,]" Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state legislator who endorsed Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D., Calif.) before her departure from the presidential race, tweeted on Friday. "You don’t miss an Iowa steak fry. Look, you’re not just speaking to black folk in SC you’re speaking to black folks throughout the South. I’m disappointed. It’s like you don’t care."
SHUT UP AND DRIBBLE … "'It's going to be devastating': Senators gear up for no-talking, no-electronics impeachment trial rules," via CNN: To start, lawmakers used to giving lengthy speeches on the Senate floor to weigh in on the issues of the day will instead have to be quiet. Official decorum guidelines for the trial released by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's offices say that senators must refrain from speaking while the case is being presented …
"It's going to be devastating for some," Democratic senator Jon Tester of Montana said with a smile about the fact that senators won't be able to talk.
MIGA? … "‘Make Iran Great Again!’: Trump hits back after Khamenei’s gibe," via POLITICO: Shortly after Trump’s tweet, [Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei’s official English language account tweeted out that the U.S. government lies when saying it stands with the Iranian people.
"If you are standing by the Iranian ppl, it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers. Of course, you have so far failed to do so, & you will certainly continue to fail," Khamenei's account said.
Trump retweeted his response in both English and Farsi: "The noble people of Iran—who love America—deserve a government that’s more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect. Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!"
FINISHING WHAT MEL GIBSON STARTED … "UK's Harry and Meghan to drop titles and retire as working royals," via REUTERS: The couple’s plans for independence, announced after a long break over the Christmas period in Canada, caught the rest of the royal family by surprise earlier this month and left the queen and other senior Windsors hurt and disappointed, according to royal sources.
However, in a TV interview aired in October, both had made it clear how they were struggling with the immense media attention. Harry said he felt his wife had faced "bullying" from some tabloids.
RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE … "NBC News' Ben Collins slammed for warning of 'white nationalist rally in Virginia'," via FOX NEWS: Ahead of Monday's gun-rights rally in Virginia, NBC News reporter Ben Collins labeled the event a "white nationalist" gathering Sunday, even as he warned against spreading "made-up stuff" on Twitter—prompting scores of critics to point out the apparent irony and to condemn his network for sanctioning Collins' checkered reporting on the so-called "dystopia beat." …
Commentators and Second Amendment advocates had unloaded on Collins, asserting that it was strikingly unfair to claim that the thousands of expected attendees at the gun-rights rally were attending a "white nationalist" event simply because a handful of people outside the state potentially plotted to attend.
A TIME FOR NOT CHOOSING … "Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren: The Democrats’ Best Choices for President," via NYT: There will be those dissatisfied that this page is not throwing its weight behind a single candidate, favoring centrists or progressives. But it’s a fight the party itself has been itching to have since Mrs. Clinton’s defeat in 2016, and one that should be played out in the public arena and in the privacy of the voting booth. That’s the very purpose of primaries, to test-market strategies and ideas that can galvanize and inspire the country.
Ms. Klobuchar and Ms. Warren right now are the Democrats best equipped to lead that debate.
May the best woman win.
REID’S CYBER EXPERT UNAVAILABLE FOR COMMENT … "Joy Reid Body Language Expert Says Elizabeth Warren Was Telling the Truth: ‘I Think Bernie’s Lying’," via MEDIAITE: "Most of us want to deal with it afterwards instead of just going right for it," [body language expert Janine] Driver said, and added "The fact that Elizabeth Warren not only came right over, she squared her body, he’s giving her the cold shoulder, he doesn’t turn to her, she says ‘I think you just called me a liar on national TV,’ if you go back to Wienergate, you go back to all of these political armageddons when it comes to deception, no one calls someone else a liar."
LACK OF JEW-BAITING DAMPENS ENTHUSIASM … "Women's March Draws A Smaller, But Passionate Crowd," via NPR: The fourth annual Women's March descended on the streets of Washington on Saturday. But unlike the first demonstration that brought hundreds of thousands to the capital the day after President Trump's inauguration, the march drew just a fraction of the original turnout as the movement has struggled with changes in leadership and questions about inclusivity …
After claims of anti-Semitism pushed three founding members of the Women's March to step down from their roles last year, a bigger and more diverse board took their place.
WE READ IT BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WILL … "Review: ‘Restoring Our Republic’ by Ned Ryun," by WFB’s Andrew Stiles: How many times should the word "transcendent" need to appear in a book about the history of the American republic and how to "reclaim" it from the communists? Once? Twice? Surely, 13 times is excessive, but Ryun lets it fly like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stuttering at the podium. The word "Trump," meanwhile, appears just one time and only in the context of praising the administration's efforts to reform the Department of Agriculture, an agency that ought to have been abolished by now if we are serious about promoting "small government" in this country. Alas…
DAYS SINCE JOE BIDEN DID A SUNDAY SHOW: 1,135. Come back, Joe!
"You know who really doesn’t have it? Joe Biden." —Former President Barack Obama
Thanks for reading! Send tips to rutz@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-01-22--Dem Sen: It’s a ‘Conspiracy Theory’ to Think Dems Were Out to Get Trump

Sen. Mazie Hirono ( D. , Hawaii ) on Tuesday said Republicans are spreading a `` weird conspiracy theory '' that Democrats wanted to impeach Donald Trump since he became president .
`` What I found astounding was they 're still saying that we were out to get the president from day one , some sort of a weird conspiracy theory that I have to say , even [ Supreme Court Justice Brett ] Kavanaugh brought up , '' Hirono said on MSNBC .
Hirono was referring to Kavanaugh 's contention in his confirmation hearing that `` anger about President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an onslaught of unproven allegations .
Kavanaugh did not mention impeachment in his hearing .
Rep. Maxine Waters ( D. , Calif. ) championed the impeachment of Trump in numerous televised appearances and said she thought it could happen by the end of 2017 .
`` The President is a liar , his actions are contemptible , & I 'm going to fight everyday until he 's impeached , '' Waters said in an April 2017 tweet .
Rep. Jared Huffman ( D. , Calif. ) in May 2017 called for Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen if handful of Republicans in Congress join Dems to put country above party , '' Huffman said in a tweet .
Rep. Brad Sherman ( D. , Calif. ) and Rep. Al Green ( D. , Texas ) in July 2017 introduced articles of impeachment .
Rep. Steve Cohen ( D. , Tenn. ) also introduced articles of impeachment in November 2017 and shared statements issued by Democratic representatives Marcia Fudge ( Ohio ) , Green , Adriano Espaillat ( N.Y. ) , and then-representative Luis Gutiérrez ( D. , Ill. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment became even more popular after Democrats won enough seats in November 2018 to take control of the House .
In January 2019 , shortly after being sworn in , Rep. Rashida Tlaib ( D. , Mich. ) said the Democrats are committed to impeaching Trump .
`` We 're going to go in there and we 're going to impeach the motherf—er , '' Tlaib said .

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D., Hawaii) on Tuesday said Republicans are spreading a "weird conspiracy theory" that Democrats wanted to impeach Donald Trump since he became president.
"What I found astounding was they're still saying that we were out to get the president from day one, some sort of a weird conspiracy theory that I have to say, even [Supreme Court Justice Brett] Kavanaugh brought up," Hirono said on MSNBC.
Hirono was referring to Kavanaugh's contention in his confirmation hearing that "anger about President Trump and the 2016 election" led to an onslaught of unproven allegations. Kavanaugh did not mention impeachment in his hearing.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D., Calif.) championed the impeachment of Trump in numerous televised appearances and said she thought it could happen by the end of 2017.
"The President is a liar, his actions are contemptible, & I'm going to fight everyday until he's impeached," Waters said in an April 2017 tweet.
The President is a liar, his actions are contemptible, & I'm going to fight everyday until he's impeached. — Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) April 18, 2017
Rep. Jared Huffman (D., Calif.) in May 2017 called for Republicans to support impeachment.
"Impeachment will happen if handful of Republicans in Congress join Dems to put country above party," Huffman said in a tweet.
Impeachment will happen if handful of Republicans in Congress join Dems to put country above party. Or in 2019 after Dems win the House. https://t.co/g9U67QY2gg — Rep. Jared Huffman (@JaredHuffman) May 12, 2017
Rep. Brad Sherman (D., Calif.) and Rep. Al Green (D., Texas) in July 2017 introduced articles of impeachment.
Rep. Steve Cohen (D., Tenn.) also introduced articles of impeachment in November 2017 and shared statements issued by Democratic representatives Marcia Fudge (Ohio), Green, Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), and then-representative Luis Gutiérrez (D., Ill.) pledging their support for impeachment.
Pushing impeachment became even more popular after Democrats won enough seats in November 2018 to take control of the House. In January 2019, shortly after being sworn in, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) said the Democrats are committed to impeaching Trump.
"We're going to go in there and we're going to impeach the motherf—er," Tlaib said.


freebeacon--2020-01-21--Journalists Can’t Stop Giving Mitch McConnell Badass Nicknames

Democrats and journalists—to the extent that there is a meaningful difference—ca n't stop coming up with nicknames for Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) that make the Senate majority leader sound like a total badass , which he is .
The latest , via lib journalist Carl Bernstein , is `` Midnight Mitch '' —a reference to the Senate impeachment trial rules McConnell recently proposed .
Some have criticized the rules because , among other reasons , the late-night schedule could make it harder for grandstanding Democratic senators to get video clips of their grandstanding played on evening news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users of the popular social networking website Twitter pointed out that `` Midnight Mitch '' is a pretty badass nickname .
If you thought that would stop Democratic lawmakers from turning `` Midnight Mitch '' into a stupid hashtag , you 'd be wrong .
If they 'd stop lying to themselves and the American people for once , Democrats and their allies in the media could finally admit how terrified they are of what Midnight Mitch has in store for them in 2020 .
It 's certainly not the first badass nickname @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the formidable Senate leader .
MSNBC host Joe Scarborough dubbed McConnell `` Moscow Mitch '' in 2019 after the majority leader refused to go along with the phony Russia witch hunt hoax .
Multiple House Democrats have recycled the title , but that has n't stopped McConnell , who is too busy getting conservative justices confirmed to the Supreme Court and every other federal bench in the land .
Their depravity notwithstanding , lib journalists were not responsible for McConnell 's best nickname , `` Cocaine Mitch . ''
That was the brainchild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive who ran for Senate ( unsuccessfully ) in the West Virginia GOP primary in 2018 .
Blankenship promised voters he would `` ditch Cocaine Mitch '' if elected , suggesting that McConnell was somehow implicated in reports that 90 pounds of cocaine had been seized aboard a shipping vessel owned by his father-in-law .
Being a badass , McConnell embraced the nickname .
In addition to playfully celebrating Blankenship 's defeat in the GOP Senate primary , McConnell 's campaign website gave supporters a chance to `` own a piece of history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cocaine Mitch '' t-shirts .
Bow down to the legend , libs .
He 's got your number .

Democrats and journalists—to the extent that there is a meaningful difference—can't stop coming up with nicknames for Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) that make the Senate majority leader sound like a total badass, which he is.
The latest, via lib journalist Carl Bernstein, is "Midnight Mitch"—a reference to the Senate impeachment trial rules McConnell recently proposed. Some have criticized the rules because, among other reasons, the late-night schedule could make it harder for grandstanding Democratic senators to get video clips of their grandstanding played on evening news programs.
In any event, some users of the popular social networking website Twitter pointed out that "Midnight Mitch" is a pretty badass nickname.
'Midnight Mitch" is a badass name https://t.co/icZLyyByyM — Emily Zanotti (@emzanotti) January 21, 2020
If you thought that would stop Democratic lawmakers from turning "Midnight Mitch" into a stupid hashtag, you'd be wrong.
If #MidnightMitch & Trump think that all of us are going to be asleep during the trial, they have another thought coming because I and others will stay up all night long to hear the democratic team lay out the charges against this criminal enterprise in the White House! — Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) January 21, 2020
#MidnightMitch has already admitted he’s working hand-in-hand with Trump on the #impeachment trial & violating his oath to be impartial—but his proposed rules for the trial (holding the trial at 1am??) are yet more evidence that he’s helping the White House perpetrate a cover-up. https://t.co/L2TzAeUuuB — Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 21, 2020
If they'd stop lying to themselves and the American people for once, Democrats and their allies in the media could finally admit how terrified they are of what Midnight Mitch has in store for them in 2020.
It's certainly not the first badass nickname members of the media have bestowed on the formidable Senate leader. MSNBC host Joe Scarborough dubbed McConnell "Moscow Mitch" in 2019 after the majority leader refused to go along with the phony Russia witch hunt hoax. Multiple House Democrats have recycled the title, but that hasn't stopped McConnell, who is too busy getting conservative justices confirmed to the Supreme Court and every other federal bench in the land.
Their depravity notwithstanding, lib journalists were not responsible for McConnell's best nickname, "Cocaine Mitch." That was the brainchild of Don Blankenship, a former coal executive who ran for Senate (unsuccessfully) in the West Virginia GOP primary in 2018. Blankenship promised voters he would "ditch Cocaine Mitch" if elected, suggesting that McConnell was somehow implicated in reports that 90 pounds of cocaine had been seized aboard a shipping vessel owned by his father-in-law.
Being a badass, McConnell embraced the nickname. In addition to playfully celebrating Blankenship's defeat in the GOP Senate primary, McConnell's campaign website gave supporters a chance to "own a piece of history" by purchasing their very own "Cocaine Mitch" t-shirts.
Bow down to the legend, libs. He's got your number.


freebeacon--2020-01-21--CNN Brings on Hard-Hitting White House Correspondent to Join Jim Acosta

John Harwood announced he has left CNBC for CNN on Tuesday , as the network adds to its deep bench of White House reporting talent .
His announcement was met with wide acclaim , even from leading conservatives like Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin .
Indeed , Jen .
For so many reasons , this is a home-run hire for CNN .
It 's almost unfair that the outlet that already boasts Jim Acosta has added this giant of straight-down-the-middle reporting to its roster .
Harwood is a well-sourced veteran of Washington who can appeal to the leading experts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 21 , 2015 , Harwood emailed Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta for advice on what to ask Jeb Bush during his interview the following day .
Incredible access !
Six days later , Harwood showed off his forward-thinking journalism and political foresight when he emailed Podesta and Jake Sullivan , a Clinton adviser , that he could n't believe `` that some people still think it 's worth burning so much interview time with [ the ] person most likely to be next president on her emails . ''
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president .
Harwood is a kind soul too ; it comes off in his Dec. 8 , 2015 , message to Podesta in which Harwood said Barack Obama should feel `` vindication at this demonstration of his years-long point about the opposition party veering off the rails . ''
`` I certainly am feeling that way with respect to how I questioned Trump at our debate , '' Harwood added .
Harwood was referring to his moderation of the CNBC Republican debate on Oct. 28 , 2015 .
It was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even though Harwood and his compatriots elicited thoughtful answers on significant problems facing the United States , like regulating fantasy football and whether Donald Trump was running a `` comic book version of a presidential campaign . ''
Harwood also asked Sen. Marco Rubio ( R. , Fla. ) if he hated his job and clumsily tried to trap then-New Jersey governor Chris Christie into saying he supported the federal government driving action on climate change ( Christie did n't ) .
Some may have seen a `` liberal hack '' there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realizing the only way to make sure none of NBC 's umbrella of networks held any more GOP debates was to utterly ruin one himself .
It worked .
The same week , Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus cut off NBC News from moderating a planned February debate .
In fairness , Harwood was n't afraid to ask the tough questions with Democrats .
During an interview with Barack Obama for the New York Times shortly before he took office in 2009 , Harwood noted that , like John F. Kennedy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in with a young , attractive family , had a lot of big Harvard brains around him . ''
Obama could hardly muster a response !
On Harwood 's Twitter feed , he shares deep observations from his experience as a straight-down-the-middle Washington correspondent .
One final plus side to Harwood joining the White House beat : President Trump can do his spot-on impression of him to his face !
That will be fun .

John Harwood announced he has left CNBC for CNN on Tuesday, as the network adds to its deep bench of White House reporting talent.
some personal news: this is my first day at @CNN as White House Correspondent. honored and proud to join a team of journalists I’ve admired for so long — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) January 21, 2020
His announcement was met with wide acclaim, even from leading conservatives like Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin.
Fabulous! What a get for CNN! — Jennifer 'pro-voting' Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) January 21, 2020
Indeed, Jen. For so many reasons, this is a home-run hire for CNN. It's almost unfair that the outlet that already boasts Jim Acosta has added this giant of impartial reporting to its roster.
Harwood is a well-sourced veteran of Washington who can appeal to the leading experts for their insights. For instance, on Sept. 21, 2015, Harwood emailed Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta for advice on what to ask Jeb Bush during his interview the following day. Incredible access!
Six days later, Harwood showed off his forward-thinking journalism and political foresight when he emailed Podesta and Jake Sullivan, a Clinton adviser, that he couldn't believe "that some people still think it's worth burning so much interview time with [the] person most likely to be next president on her emails." He was so right—Hillary Clinton very nearly became the president.
Harwood is a kind soul too; it comes off in his Dec. 8, 2015, message to Podesta in which Harwood said Barack Obama should feel "vindication at this demonstration of his years-long point about the opposition party veering off the rails."
"I certainly am feeling that way with respect to how I questioned Trump at our debate," Harwood added.
Harwood was referring to his moderation of the CNBC Republican debate on Oct. 28, 2015. It was one of the most widely panned debates in recent history, even though Harwood and his compatriots elicited thoughtful answers on significant problems facing the United States, like regulating fantasy football and whether Donald Trump was running a "comic book version of a presidential campaign." Harwood also asked Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) if he hated his job and clumsily tried to trap then-New Jersey governor Chris Christie into saying he supported the federal government driving action on climate change (Christie didn't).
Some may have seen a "liberal hack" there, but others saw a heroic journalist realizing the only way to make sure none of NBC's umbrella of networks held any more GOP debates was to utterly ruin one himself. It worked. The same week, Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus cut off NBC News from moderating a planned February debate.
In fairness, Harwood wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions with Democrats. During an interview with Barack Obama for the New York Times shortly before he took office in 2009, Harwood noted that, like John F. Kennedy, Obama "also made history, came in with a young, attractive family, had a lot of big Harvard brains around him." Obama could hardly muster a response!
On Harwood's Twitter feed, he shares deep observations from his experience as a straight-down-the-middle Washington correspondent.
good description of the challenge for journalism hard for reporters to say plainly that the Republican Party, at this point in our history, is fundamentally broken but it is https://t.co/HXHn3cmJ4N — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) December 22, 2019
Ted Cruz disseminating propaganda fabricated by the Kremlin to weaken the Unites States https://t.co/Cd6kGTJSP9 — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) December 8, 2019
however repugnant their actions, MS-13 gang members are human beings IMHO — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) May 17, 2018
does anybody seriously believe it was not as everyday as sunrise that employers made pregnant women leave their jobs 50 years ago? get real — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) October 9, 2019
Trump relishes describing ghastly violence — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) October 27, 2019
fortunately for Clintons and WH alike, Loretta Lynch communicates pretty well/credibly — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) July 1, 2016
so it turns out a good guy with a gun was there, with sheriff’s dept training no teacher will ever have, and he didn’t stop the bad guy with a gun — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) February 22, 2018
there is no doubt media coverage exaggerated the significance of Clinton's e-mails in a way that was not just dumb but obviously ridiculous https://t.co/uNlLrwAkqr — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) September 17, 2017
One final plus side to Harwood joining the White House beat: President Trump can do his spot-on impression of him to his face! That will be fun.


freebeacon--2020-01-21--Mayor Pete’s ‘Please Clap’ Moment

Mayor Pete’s ‘Please Clap’ Moment

Former South Bend , Ind.
, mayor Pete Buttigieg channeled Jeb Bush on Tuesday , pleading with a crowd of @ @ @ @ @ a `` come on . ''
Bush memorably asked an audience of silent New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ please clap '' for him .

Former South Bend, Ind., mayor Pete Buttigieg channeled Jeb Bush on Tuesday, pleading with a crowd of Iowans to support him with a "come on." Bush memorably asked an audience of silent New Hampshire voters in 2016 to "please clap" for him.
Buttigieg pleads with silent crowd in Iowa to cheer for him: 'come on"https://t.co/8i60dXRKDm pic.twitter.com/jPJcEsdy4x — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 21, 2020