hotair--2020-08-16--Mark Meadows and Jason Miller: The Trump campaign won't challenge Harris's eligibility to be VP

Sounds like there was a campaign huddle at some point between Thursday and yesterday because everyone from Trump on down is now eager to communicate that they want no part of this subject .
Three days ago the president was asked about the op-ed in Newsweek by law prof John Eastman questioning whether Harris is a natural-born citizen since her parents weren ’ t American citizens themselves when she was born .
Trump took no position on the issue but did endorse the author , praising Eastman as a “ very talented ” lawyer .
That made it sound like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without fully committing to it .
Yesterday he was asked about it again and again praised Eastman , but this time he was clearer .
No , he won ’ t be challenging Harris ’ s eligibility .
Note that he still took no position on the merits of Eastman ’ s claim .
That appears to be the new party line within Team Trump : They ’ re not going to risk pissing off Trumpers by vouching for Harris but they ’ re also not going to risk pissing off suburbanites by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s actually an old M.O .
for Trump , who made himself a player in Republican politics in 2011 by pushing innuendo about Obama ’ s birth certificate and then reversed himself five years later , less than two months before the election , in order to seem more grown-up to swing voters .
When he ’ s looking to get a leg up among Republicans , ahead of a primary , he ’ ll go full Birther .
( Ask Ted Cruz . )
When he has a general election to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impress , suddenly he ’ s more sober .
Chief of staff Mark Meadows and campaign spokesman Jason Miller were on today ’ s Sunday shows and were each asked about Trump ’ s comments on Thursday , naturally .
They followed the script , disclaiming any interest in Harris ’ s eligibility and grumbling about the media ’ s pursuit of the issue while trying not to vouch for Harris ’ s natural-born status — although , through sheer persistence , Jake Tapper did finally badger Meadows into saying that yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional candidate in North Carolina in 2011 , Meadows once promised voters that “ 2012 is the time that we ’ re going to send Mr. Obama home to Kenya or wherever it is.
” Trump advisor Steve Cortes was also on TV this morning and was pressed by Chris Wallace to take a position on whether Harris was eligible or not .
Cortes refused , again insisting that the campaign won ’ t litigate the issue : “ I ’ m just going to press it one more time , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me of being one of those media people .
Why not say it ’ s wrong , she is eligible ?
It ’ s one thing to say , ‘ I ’ m not going to pursue it.
’ It ’ s a different thing to say , ‘ It ’ s flat wrong , she ’ s eligible to be the vice president.
’ Why doesn ’ t he say that ?
” “ I don ’ t know why it ’ s incumbent upon him to opine on legal scholarship of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Cortes said in response.. “ I don ’ t think that ’ s his place as president .
What he is saying is , we have not made an issue of this , we will not make an issue of this .
It ’ s a non-starter from our point of view , for the president and for the campaign.
” What makes Harris ’ s eligibility more tricky for Team Trump than Obama ’ s or Cruz ’ s situation is that no one disputes that she was born in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case against her , the president would necessarily have to argue that all so-called “ anchor babies ” who currently enjoy American citizenship should have that citizenship rescinded on grounds that they weren ’ t “ subject to the jurisdiction ” of the United States when they were born .
Some border hawks would be thrilled , but doing that in the home stretch of a presidential election — when millions of those same anchor babies are poised to vote — would be insanity , a gambit which might cost Trump the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If he sued and lost , with Harris ’ s eligibility upheld ( or , more likely , with SCOTUS declining to rule ) , he ’ d have gained nothing except pissing off those anchor-baby voters .
If he sued and won , with Harris kicked off the ballot and millions of people suddenly at risk of losing their citizenship , there ’ s no telling what the backlash might look like among the rest of the electorate .
In a no-win situation , the only correct move is not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Team Trump is doing .
In fact , the politics of this issue may be sufficiently favorable to Democrats that Harris herself might try to go on offense over her eligibility : Relatedly , read this interesting Politico piece about the West Indian diaspora in Florida that ’ s excited about seeing an American of Jamaican ancestry on the national ticket .
That group could be significant in a state with margins as narrow as Florida ’ s traditionally are , and they might be irritated by an attempt to challenge Harris ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As might the sizable contingent of Indian-Americans across the 50 states . )
There ’ s simply far more to lose for Trump by chasing this angle of attack against Harris then there is to gain , so for once he seems to be exercising a bit of judicious restraint from which he ’ ll ultimately benefit .
And I do mean “ for once.
” Here ’ s his latest brain fart on Twitter , one that ’ s already causing a fuss among the media .
He really does behave at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of only America ’ s red states .

Sounds like there was a campaign huddle at some point between Thursday and yesterday because everyone from Trump on down is now eager to communicate that they want no part of this subject.
Three days ago the president was asked about the op-ed in Newsweek by law prof John Eastman questioning whether Harris is a natural-born citizen since her parents weren’t American citizens themselves when she was born. Trump took no position on the issue but did endorse the author, praising Eastman as a “very talented” lawyer. That made it sound like he was trying to promote the theory without fully committing to it.
Yesterday he was asked about it again and again praised Eastman, but this time he was clearer. No, he won’t be challenging Harris’s eligibility.
REPORTER: Will you say Kamala Harris is eligible to run and be vice president based on the fact she was born in Oakland? TRUMP: "So, I have nothing to do with that. I read something about it … it's not something that bothers me." pic.twitter.com/Oq3CCluSvn — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 15, 2020
Note that he still took no position on the merits of Eastman’s claim. That appears to be the new party line within Team Trump: They’re not going to risk pissing off Trumpers by vouching for Harris but they’re also not going to risk pissing off suburbanites by going full Birther on her. That’s actually an old M.O. for Trump, who made himself a player in Republican politics in 2011 by pushing innuendo about Obama’s birth certificate and then reversed himself five years later, less than two months before the election, in order to seem more grown-up to swing voters. When he’s looking to get a leg up among Republicans, ahead of a primary, he’ll go full Birther. (Ask Ted Cruz.) When he has a general election to win and voters in the center to impress, suddenly he’s more sober.
Chief of staff Mark Meadows and campaign spokesman Jason Miller were on today’s Sunday shows and were each asked about Trump’s comments on Thursday, naturally. They followed the script, disclaiming any interest in Harris’s eligibility and grumbling about the media’s pursuit of the issue while trying not to vouch for Harris’s natural-born status — although, through sheer persistence, Jake Tapper did finally badger Meadows into saying that yes, she’s eligible.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows says he accepts that Sen. Kamala Harris is eligible to be vice president. #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/kLcjgP4lYi — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) August 16, 2020
.@GStephanopoulos: Why can’t President Trump clearly, unequivocally say Kamala Harris is eligible to run? As Trump fans false, racist birther theory, Jason Miller says campaign believes Harris is eligible: “In our opinion it is case closed, end of story.” https://t.co/2ABKsXMlfb pic.twitter.com/pgNoDtW53W — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) August 16, 2020
As a congressional candidate in North Carolina in 2011, Meadows once promised voters that “2012 is the time that we’re going to send Mr. Obama home to Kenya or wherever it is.” Trump advisor Steve Cortes was also on TV this morning and was pressed by Chris Wallace to take a position on whether Harris was eligible or not. Cortes refused, again insisting that the campaign won’t litigate the issue:
“I’m just going to press it one more time,” the host said. “You can accuse me of being one of those media people. Why not say it’s wrong, she is eligible? It’s one thing to say, ‘I’m not going to pursue it.’ It’s a different thing to say, ‘It’s flat wrong, she’s eligible to be the vice president.’ Why doesn’t he say that?” “I don’t know why it’s incumbent upon him to opine on legal scholarship of the Constitution and the 14th Amendment,” Cortes said in response.. “I don’t think that’s his place as president. What he is saying is, we have not made an issue of this, we will not make an issue of this. It’s a non-starter from our point of view, for the president and for the campaign.”
What makes Harris’s eligibility more tricky for Team Trump than Obama’s or Cruz’s situation is that no one disputes that she was born in the United States. In order to make a case against her, the president would necessarily have to argue that all so-called “anchor babies” who currently enjoy American citizenship should have that citizenship rescinded on grounds that they weren’t “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States when they were born. Some border hawks would be thrilled, but doing that in the home stretch of a presidential election — when millions of those same anchor babies are poised to vote — would be insanity, a gambit which might cost Trump the election no matter how it turned out. If he sued and lost, with Harris’s eligibility upheld (or, more likely, with SCOTUS declining to rule), he’d have gained nothing except pissing off those anchor-baby voters. If he sued and won, with Harris kicked off the ballot and millions of people suddenly at risk of losing their citizenship, there’s no telling what the backlash might look like among the rest of the electorate.
In a no-win situation, the only correct move is not to play. So that’s what Team Trump is doing.
In fact, the politics of this issue may be sufficiently favorable to Democrats that Harris herself might try to go on offense over her eligibility:
Responding to the conspiracy theory, Harris, a California senator and former presidential candidate, said in an interview released Sunday that Trump and his campaign will “engage in lies” and “deception” during the election. “They’re going to engage in an attempt to distract from the real issues that are impacting the American people. And I expect that they will engage in dirty tactics. And this is going to be a knockdown, drag-out. And we’re ready,” Harris told media outlet TheGrio when asked how Trump promoting birther conspiracies signals the tactics his campaign will use.
Relatedly, read this interesting Politico piece about the West Indian diaspora in Florida that’s excited about seeing an American of Jamaican ancestry on the national ticket. That group could be significant in a state with margins as narrow as Florida’s traditionally are, and they might be irritated by an attempt to challenge Harris’s authenticity as an American. (As might the sizable contingent of Indian-Americans across the 50 states.) There’s simply far more to lose for Trump by chasing this angle of attack against Harris then there is to gain, so for once he seems to be exercising a bit of judicious restraint from which he’ll ultimately benefit.
And I do mean “for once.” Here’s his latest brain fart on Twitter, one that’s already causing a fuss among the media. He really does behave at times as though he’s the president of only America’s red states.


hotair--2020-08-16--Legendary country music star makes waves: "Of course Black lives matter"

A country music legend waded into the Black Live Matter discussion and it looks like she handled the issue well .
There won ’ t be any angry mob coming for her on social media , demanding a boycott to cancel her .
Why ?
Because everyone loves Dolly Parton .
The question of supporting Black Lives Matter is a hot button issue because what started out as a response to police officer-involved deaths – the Michael Brown case in Ferguson , Missouri in 2014 – has morphed into a Marxist political movement .
The supporters of today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just want law enforcement reforms , they demand a fundamental shift in American government .
The co-founders of Black Lives Matter , for example , are self-avowed Marxists .
Can we support the equality of Black lives and not support the Black Lives Matter movement ?
Yes , a lot of people think that way .
Americans believe in the equality of men ( and women ) yet when it all goes political instead of remaining an issue of basic humanity , the issue is conflated .
I think Dolly Parton managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political discussion that other celebrities and public figures are eager to go on the record about .
One of the reasons Dolly Parton has remained a country music favorite for so many years is because she doesn ’ t weigh in on politics .
She is , above all else , not just a talented performer but a savvy businesswoman .
So , when she was asked about supporting Black Lives Matter , she delivered a well-reasoned , sincere response .
She is a little ahead of the curve , as it turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confederacy became controversial , especially names , she made some changes .
In 2018 , for example , she removed the word “ Dixie ” from the name of a dinner attraction at Dollywood .
The original name , the Dixie Stampede dinner , was renamed Dolly Parton ’ s Stampede .
She looked at it as a smart business move besides avoiding hurtful language .
“ Don ’ t be a dumbass.
” Flexibility benefits Parton in other ways .
In 2018 she renamed her Dixie Stampede dinner attraction Dolly Parton ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how hurtful the term “ Dixie ” and its associations with the Confederacy could be — perhaps because of a 2017 Slate article that cast a critical eye on its rosy , family-friendly depictions of the Civil War .
( At the time , the Dollywood Company said it was also eyeing an international expansion and noted that “ Dixie ” wouldn ’ t translate abroad . )
“ There ’ s such a thing as innocent ignorance , and so many of us are guilty of that , ” she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dixie ’ was an offensive word , I thought , ‘ Well , I don ’ t want to offend anybody .
This is a business .
We ’ ll just call it The Stampede.
’ As soon as you realize that [ something ] is a problem , you should fix it .
Don ’ t be a dumbass .
That ’ s where my heart is .
I would never dream of hurting anybody on purpose.
” Why turn off customers ?
She ’ s not stupid , she is trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I have never understood about entertainers and public figures who depend on the support of the public – paying customers – yet feel compelled to lecture about their own political views .
It ’ s no secret that the entertainment business is liberal .
It ’ s not smart to turn off potential customers .
Most businesses , especially major corporations , contribute to both political parties for this very reason .
The change came two years before the police killings of unarmed Black Americans like George Floyd sparked a reckoning with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that led country acts such as the Dixie Chicks and Lady Antebellum to change their names to similarly avoid glorifying dark chapters of history .
Parton hasn ’ t attended any recent marches , but she is unequivocal in her support of protestors and the Black Lives Matter movement .
“ I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen , ” she says .
“ And of course Black lives matter .
Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter ?
No !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoided politics throughout her career made her declaration of support for Black lives fodder for headlines .
You notice she carefully specified that it was people , not a political movement , that she supports .
Frankly , that is where I think the majority of Americans come down on the issue .
We don ’ t think “ our little white asses are the only ones who matter ” .
Parton doesn ’ t launch into defunding the police or destroying capitalism or endorsing candidates .
The interviewer made her response into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is what the media does , right ?
She didn ’ t say she supports protests and the riots or anything like that .
The Black Lives Matter movement has morphed into an often violent , destructive political movement .
It is no longer about George Floyd ’ s death , or Michael Brown ’ s for that matter .
People who wish to promote a Marxist agenda saw a vacuum in leadership and infiltrated the protests and marches .
Then next thing we knew , rallies featured speeches from speakers blasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dolly exemplifies the American Dream .
She rose from poverty to become an entrepreneur as well as an entertainer .
There is no room for Marxism in that dream .

A country music legend waded into the Black Live Matter discussion and it looks like she handled the issue well. There won’t be any angry mob coming for her on social media, demanding a boycott to cancel her. Why? Because everyone loves Dolly Parton.
The question of supporting Black Lives Matter is a hot button issue because what started out as a response to police officer-involved deaths – the Michael Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014 – has morphed into a Marxist political movement. The supporters of today’s Black Lives Matter movement don’t just want law enforcement reforms, they demand a fundamental shift in American government. The co-founders of Black Lives Matter, for example, are self-avowed Marxists.
Can we support the equality of Black lives and not support the Black Lives Matter movement? Yes, a lot of people think that way. Americans believe in the equality of men (and women) yet when it all goes political instead of remaining an issue of basic humanity, the issue is conflated. I think Dolly Parton managed to walk a fine line and avoid the political discussion that other celebrities and public figures are eager to go on the record about. One of the reasons Dolly Parton has remained a country music favorite for so many years is because she doesn’t weigh in on politics. She is, above all else, not just a talented performer but a savvy businesswoman. So, when she was asked about supporting Black Lives Matter, she delivered a well-reasoned, sincere response.
She is a little ahead of the curve, as it turns out because when everything associated with the Confederacy became controversial, especially names, she made some changes. In 2018, for example, she removed the word “Dixie” from the name of a dinner attraction at Dollywood. The original name, the Dixie Stampede dinner, was renamed Dolly Parton’s Stampede. She looked at it as a smart business move besides avoiding hurtful language. “Don’t be a dumbass.”
Flexibility benefits Parton in other ways. In 2018 she renamed her Dixie Stampede dinner attraction Dolly Parton’s Stampede as she became more aware of how hurtful the term “Dixie” and its associations with the Confederacy could be — perhaps because of a 2017 Slate article that cast a critical eye on its rosy, family-friendly depictions of the Civil War. (At the time, the Dollywood Company said it was also eyeing an international expansion and noted that “Dixie” wouldn’t translate abroad.) “There’s such a thing as innocent ignorance, and so many of us are guilty of that,” she says now. “When they said ‘Dixie’ was an offensive word, I thought, ‘Well, I don’t want to offend anybody. This is a business. We’ll just call it The Stampede.’ As soon as you realize that [something] is a problem, you should fix it. Don’t be a dumbass. That’s where my heart is. I would never dream of hurting anybody on purpose.”
Why turn off customers? She’s not stupid, she is trying to appeal to everyone. This is what I have never understood about entertainers and public figures who depend on the support of the public – paying customers – yet feel compelled to lecture about their own political views. It’s no secret that the entertainment business is liberal. It’s not smart to turn off potential customers. Most businesses, especially major corporations, contribute to both political parties for this very reason.
The change came two years before the police killings of unarmed Black Americans like George Floyd sparked a reckoning with systemic racism in the United States — one that led country acts such as the Dixie Chicks and Lady Antebellum to change their names to similarly avoid glorifying dark chapters of history. Parton hasn’t attended any recent marches, but she is unequivocal in her support of protestors and the Black Lives Matter movement. “I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen,” she says. “And of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter? No!”
The fact that Dolly Parton has avoided politics throughout her career made her declaration of support for Black lives fodder for headlines. You notice she carefully specified that it was people, not a political movement, that she supports. Frankly, that is where I think the majority of Americans come down on the issue. We don’t think “our little white asses are the only ones who matter”. Parton doesn’t launch into defunding the police or destroying capitalism or endorsing candidates. The interviewer made her response into supporting protesters and the BLM movement, which is what the media does, right? She didn’t say she supports protests and the riots or anything like that.
The Black Lives Matter movement has morphed into an often violent, destructive political movement. It is no longer about George Floyd’s death, or Michael Brown’s for that matter. People who wish to promote a Marxist agenda saw a vacuum in leadership and infiltrated the protests and marches. Then next thing we knew, rallies featured speeches from speakers blasting Capitalism and of course Republicans and Trump. Dolly exemplifies the American Dream. She rose from poverty to become an entrepreneur as well as an entertainer. There is no room for Marxism in that dream.
I love this woman so much!! https://t.co/gLXCR57he6 — Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) August 14, 2020
Everyone loves Dolly.


hotair--2020-08-16--Kansas City teen Dem, revenge porn candidate may be heading to state House

We normally wouldn ’ t pay much attention to a Democratic primary race for a safe Democratic state House seat in Kansas , but this one has enough twists and turns to make for an interesting weekend read .
Out in Kansas City , Kansas , the 37th district is represented by state Rep. Stan Frownfelter .
He ’ s in his seventh term in a district that is so safe for Democrats that he hasn ’ t even faced a GOP opponent in five general elections .
But this year he drew a primary challenge from a 19-year-old community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coleman looks like the sort of candidate who makes for a great American political story .
He ’ s a dishwasher by trade and ran a campaign with no money , going through all of the neighborhoods and knocking on doors .
He promised a platform of very liberal objectives .
And when the votes were counted after the primary last Tuesday , Coleman held a five-vote lead over the incumbent .
This week they ’ ll be looking at provisional ballots to see if that will change .
The catch is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past for someone so young .
( NBC News ) Democrats are scrambling to deal with the strong possibility that a 19-year-old candidate for a Kansas House seat in Kansas City will unseat a veteran lawmaker despite making incendiary comments on social media and acknowledging abusive behavior online toward girls in middle school .
Aaron Coleman , a dishwasher and community college student , holds a five-vote lead over seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter , a 69-year-old small business owner .
Officials in their home of Wyandotte County are scheduled to meet Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to count them , potentially altering Coleman ’ s 807-802 lead in voting .
Coleman is running a liberal platform that includes universal health coverage , eliminating college tuition , defunding the police and legalizing marijuana .
So what ’ s the problem with Coleman ?
He was apparently so much of a dark horse candidate that nobody bothered vetting him very much during the primary campaign .
If they had , they would have learned sooner about his social media history , which includes a claim that he would “ giggle ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
He also obtained a nude picture of one of his female , underage middle school classmates and threatened to send it around the school if she didn ’ t send him more naked pictures .
When she refused , he indeed sent it to all his friends .
He was also credibly accused of online bullying .
So now the state Democrats find themselves in a bit of a quandary .
Only 1,609 people bothered to show up and vote in the Dem primary for that district , likely opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
But if the provisional ballots don ’ t tip the scales back in Frownfelter ’ s favor , Coleman could be on the way to the legislature in January .
Given how much Democrats talk about Me Too and empowering women , somebody who engaged in an attempted revenge porn scheme isn ’ t exactly going to be their poster boy , is he ?
For his part , Coleman isn ’ t denying any of it .
He writes off those actions as the deeds of “ a sick and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with PTSD at the age of 15 , Coleman says that he ’ s “ grown a great deal since then.
” On the one hand , if he ’ s owned up to his past misdeeds and claims to have grown up since then , shouldn ’ t he get the seat if he won the election fairly ?
At that same time , that ’ s a lot for people to forgive .
And if he really was in possession of and distributing a naked picture of a middle-school girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least taken to juvenile court under child pornography laws ?
Surely the statute of limitations hasn ’ t run out on that one yet .
It ’ s a hot mess to be sure .
And Kansas Democrats will have a lot of uncomfortable press conferences coming up next year if Coleman winds up in office .
But on the plus side , his dishwashing gig will probably be open for anybody else in need of a job .

We normally wouldn’t pay much attention to a Democratic primary race for a safe Democratic state House seat in Kansas, but this one has enough twists and turns to make for an interesting weekend read. Out in Kansas City, Kansas, the 37th district is represented by state Rep. Stan Frownfelter. He’s in his seventh term in a district that is so safe for Democrats that he hasn’t even faced a GOP opponent in five general elections. But this year he drew a primary challenge from a 19-year-old community college student.
On paper, Aaron Coleman looks like the sort of candidate who makes for a great American political story. He’s a dishwasher by trade and ran a campaign with no money, going through all of the neighborhoods and knocking on doors. He promised a platform of very liberal objectives. And when the votes were counted after the primary last Tuesday, Coleman held a five-vote lead over the incumbent. This week they’ll be looking at provisional ballots to see if that will change. The catch is that Coleman has a bit of a dark past for someone so young. (NBC News)
Democrats are scrambling to deal with the strong possibility that a 19-year-old candidate for a Kansas House seat in Kansas City will unseat a veteran lawmaker despite making incendiary comments on social media and acknowledging abusive behavior online toward girls in middle school. Aaron Coleman, a dishwasher and community college student, holds a five-vote lead over seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter, a 69-year-old small business owner. Officials in their home of Wyandotte County are scheduled to meet Monday to review provisional ballots and decide whether to count them, potentially altering Coleman’s 807-802 lead in voting. Coleman is running a liberal platform that includes universal health coverage, eliminating college tuition, defunding the police and legalizing marijuana.
So what’s the problem with Coleman? He was apparently so much of a dark horse candidate that nobody bothered vetting him very much during the primary campaign. If they had, they would have learned sooner about his social media history, which includes a claim that he would “giggle” if a former GOP state lawmaker died of COVID-19. He also obtained a nude picture of one of his female, underage middle school classmates and threatened to send it around the school if she didn’t send him more naked pictures. When she refused, he indeed sent it to all his friends. He was also credibly accused of online bullying.
So now the state Democrats find themselves in a bit of a quandary. Only 1,609 people bothered to show up and vote in the Dem primary for that district, likely opening the door for Coleman’s long-shot campaign. But if the provisional ballots don’t tip the scales back in Frownfelter’s favor, Coleman could be on the way to the legislature in January. Given how much Democrats talk about Me Too and empowering women, somebody who engaged in an attempted revenge porn scheme isn’t exactly going to be their poster boy, is he?
For his part, Coleman isn’t denying any of it. He writes off those actions as the deeds of “a sick and troubled 14-year-old.” Claiming that he was diagnosed with PTSD at the age of 15, Coleman says that he’s “grown a great deal since then.”
On the one hand, if he’s owned up to his past misdeeds and claims to have grown up since then, shouldn’t he get the seat if he won the election fairly? At that same time, that’s a lot for people to forgive. And if he really was in possession of and distributing a naked picture of a middle-school girl, how was that case not at least taken to juvenile court under child pornography laws? Surely the statute of limitations hasn’t run out on that one yet.
It’s a hot mess to be sure. And Kansas Democrats will have a lot of uncomfortable press conferences coming up next year if Coleman winds up in office. But on the plus side, his dishwashing gig will probably be open for anybody else in need of a job.


hotair--2020-08-16--Hillary Clinton: Trump will not "go silently into the night if he loses"

Beware , fellow Americans .
That wily Bad Orange Man is about to confuse us all so much about the November presidential election that he won ’ t even leave the White House if he loses , or something .
At least that is Hillary Clinton ’ s story and she ’ s sticking to it .
The utter lack of self-awareness that plagues Hillary Clinton pops up once again to remind us all of what a Trump-deranged basketcase she has become .
Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election and it broke her .
Ever since the election was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get off the stage .
She may be convinced that Trump won ’ t go silently into the night if he loses the election but has she not noticed that she refused to do the very same thing herself ?
Granted , she didn ’ t have to be dragged out of the White House but she not only refused to gracefully concede to Trump until about 2:30 a.m. , she denied her supporters a speech that night .
Normally , a losing candidate addresses his or her supporters , thanking them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t pull herself together enough to do that so she privately phoned Trump to concede and called it a night .
The next day she finally delivered a speech to publicly concede .
Now Hillary is promoting the conspiracy that many of Trump ’ s critics are , which is that he will have to be forcefully removed from the White House .
It ’ s quite a popular opinion on the left ( and the Never Trump right ) these days .
We ’ ve all read stories of everyone from military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump won ’ t leave on his own .
It ’ s crazy but this is 2020 and that is the kind of conversation we can expect from now until Election Day .
Trump rightfully said he ’ ll concede when he is able to determine the loss is legit – if he loses the election – but if it is close , he ’ ll have the same questions other presidential candidates have had .
2000 , anyone ?
The 2016 election wasn ’ t even close in the Electoral College count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hillary is out there spreading doubt and apprehension to loyal Democrat voters .
Democrats are trying to convince voters that if Trump wins , it is because he cheated with the help of cronies .
She participated in “ a conversation ” with a reporter during The 19th 2020 Virtual Summit .
The 19th is a recently launched nonprofit , nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender , politics , and policy – their description , not mine .
Lots of women speakers participated to commemorate the suffrage centennial .
There were only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described as conservative .
All the others were liberal women , including Hillary Clinton , Kamala Harris , Meghan , The Duchess of Sussex , and Meryl Streep .
In the conversation , part of The 19th Represents Summit , Clinton said she will continue to fundraise for Democratic candidates , both virtually and in person , and support organizations that strengthen the country ’ s voting infrastructure and increase voter turnout .
She is especially focused on defending vote-by-mail and combating what she called a “ hostile takeover ” of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The mail has been slowed down , and there are reports of people not receiving medication , bills or Social Security checks on time , she said .
In addition , postal workers ’ hours have been cut and the cost of sending bulk mail — including ballots — has increased , she added .
“ I have every reason to believe that Trump is not going to go silently into the night if he loses , ” Clinton said .
“ He ’ s going to try to confuse us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring all kinds of lawsuits.
” It is as though the post office has always been crucial for elections .
It ’ s all so ridiculous .
Trump is using funding for the USPS as leverage in dealing with greedy Democrats who want every fever dream of theirs to be included in coronavirus relief .
The postal service , while vital for many Americans , has been one hot mess for years .
It ’ s been poorly managed , to put it kindly .
Trump replaced the Postmaster General and the lumbering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no way , however , that the USPS can handle an election where everyone votes by mail because of the coronavirus .
Most states aren ’ t set up for it and the postal service is already struggling to keep up with the increased volume of mail and packages due to an increase in online purchasing by Americans locked down at home .
Hillary ’ s Twitter feed is full of dire warnings about how Trump is trying to do away with the postal service .
Also during her softball “ conversation ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure , she ’ ll be happy to serve in the Biden administration .
When asked if she would take a role in a potential Biden administration , former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton didn ’ t entirely rule it out .
But for now , she ’ s focused on getting Joe Biden and his running mate , Kamala Harris , elected .
“ I ’ m ready to help in any way I can because I think this will be a moment where every American — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are , I don ’ t care what age , race , gender , I don ’ t care — every American should want to fix our country , ” Clinton said in a conversation with 19th Washington correspondent Amanda Becker .
“ So if you ’ re asked to serve , you should certainly consider that.
” If that answer isn ’ t a strong enough reason for Republican voters and conservative-leaning Independents to run , not walk , to their polling place on November 3 , I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never going anywhere but at least we have to hope she doesn ’ t get back into the White House and a position of power again .

Beware, fellow Americans. That wily Bad Orange Man is about to confuse us all so much about the November presidential election that he won’t even leave the White House if he loses, or something. At least that is Hillary Clinton’s story and she’s sticking to it.
The utter lack of self-awareness that plagues Hillary Clinton pops up once again to remind us all of what a Trump-deranged basketcase she has become. Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election and it broke her. Ever since the election was called for Trump, Hillary has refused to get off the stage. She may be convinced that Trump won’t go silently into the night if he loses the election but has she not noticed that she refused to do the very same thing herself? Granted, she didn’t have to be dragged out of the White House but she not only refused to gracefully concede to Trump until about 2:30 a.m., she denied her supporters a speech that night. Normally, a losing candidate addresses his or her supporters, thanking them for their support. Hillary couldn’t pull herself together enough to do that so she privately phoned Trump to concede and called it a night. The next day she finally delivered a speech to publicly concede.
Now Hillary is promoting the conspiracy that many of Trump’s critics are, which is that he will have to be forcefully removed from the White House. It’s quite a popular opinion on the left (and the Never Trump right) these days. We’ve all read stories of everyone from military officers to Democrat pundits expressing concern that Trump won’t leave on his own. It’s crazy but this is 2020 and that is the kind of conversation we can expect from now until Election Day. Trump rightfully said he’ll concede when he is able to determine the loss is legit – if he loses the election – but if it is close, he’ll have the same questions other presidential candidates have had. 2000, anyone? The 2016 election wasn’t even close in the Electoral College count and look how Hillary behaved.
Nonetheless, Hillary is out there spreading doubt and apprehension to loyal Democrat voters. Democrats are trying to convince voters that if Trump wins, it is because he cheated with the help of cronies. She participated in “a conversation” with a reporter during The 19th 2020 Virtual Summit. The 19th is a recently launched nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics, and policy – their description, not mine. Lots of women speakers participated to commemorate the suffrage centennial. There were only a handful of women speakers who could be described as conservative. All the others were liberal women, including Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, and Meryl Streep.
In the conversation, part of The 19th Represents Summit, Clinton said she will continue to fundraise for Democratic candidates, both virtually and in person, and support organizations that strengthen the country’s voting infrastructure and increase voter turnout. She is especially focused on defending vote-by-mail and combating what she called a “hostile takeover” of the United States Postal Service by the Trump administration. The mail has been slowed down, and there are reports of people not receiving medication, bills or Social Security checks on time, she said. In addition, postal workers’ hours have been cut and the cost of sending bulk mail — including ballots — has increased, she added. “I have every reason to believe that Trump is not going to go silently into the night if he loses,” Clinton said. “He’s going to try to confuse us. He’s going to try to bring all kinds of lawsuits.”
It is as though the post office has always been crucial for elections. It’s all so ridiculous. Trump is using funding for the USPS as leverage in dealing with greedy Democrats who want every fever dream of theirs to be included in coronavirus relief. The postal service, while vital for many Americans, has been one hot mess for years. It’s been poorly managed, to put it kindly. Trump replaced the Postmaster General and the lumbering behemoth is undergoing reform. There is no way, however, that the USPS can handle an election where everyone votes by mail because of the coronavirus. Most states aren’t set up for it and the postal service is already struggling to keep up with the increased volume of mail and packages due to an increase in online purchasing by Americans locked down at home.
Hillary’s Twitter feed is full of dire warnings about how Trump is trying to do away with the postal service.
I fear Republican sabotage of the USPS, including slowing mail delivery, is a Trump strategy to make voting by mail more difficult this fall. Request your ballots and return them as early as you can. https://t.co/LZONq8EPKE — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 4, 2020
Trump admitted this morning that he is sabotaging the USPS to stop people from voting safely by mail during a deadly pandemic. https://t.co/T2bFuGtjgE — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 13, 2020
Trump and Republicans aren't just trying to dismantle the USPS—a crucial American institution. They're trying to dismantle American democracy, and using a deadly pandemic they made even deadlier to do it. We have to fight back and we have to win. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 14, 2020
Also during her softball “conversation” at the summit, Hillary acknowledged that sure, she’ll be happy to serve in the Biden administration.
When asked if she would take a role in a potential Biden administration, former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton didn’t entirely rule it out. But for now, she’s focused on getting Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, elected. “I’m ready to help in any way I can because I think this will be a moment where every American — I don’t care what party you are, I don’t care what age, race, gender, I don’t care — every American should want to fix our country,” Clinton said in a conversation with 19th Washington correspondent Amanda Becker. “So if you’re asked to serve, you should certainly consider that.”
If that answer isn’t a strong enough reason for Republican voters and conservative-leaning Independents to run, not walk, to their polling place on November 3, I don’t know what is. She’s never going anywhere but at least we have to hope she doesn’t get back into the White House and a position of power again.


hotair--2020-08-16--Chicago police seek federal prosecutions for looters, rioters

Following the destruction and looting of the Magnificent Mile in Chicago , there ’ s been a curious lack of interest in prosecuting the offenders on the part of the Cook County State ’ s Attorney .
That would be Kim Foxx , who many of you are likely familiar with from her involvement in the Jussie Smollett fiasco .
With few signs that her office is taking the charges seriously or has any intention of holding many of the rioters accountable , the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police sent a letter to U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .
But even assuming that the U.S. Attorney ’ s office has the resources to handle all of these cases , it ’ s not yet clear precisely what federal charges would be applicable .
( CBS Chicago ) Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara issued a letter to U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. Wednesday , calling for federal prosecutions for people arrested in looting during civil unrest .
In the letter , which the FOP said would be hand-delivered Thursday morning , Catanzara accused Cook County State ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action against such defendants at the state level .
Catanzara noted that Chicago Police officers who belong to the FOP were on the front lines during civil unrest and looting back in late May , as well as early this past Monday morning .
In their letter , the FOP noted that Foxx ’ s office has instituted a ‘ presumption of dismissal ’ for all but the most serious violent crimes , opting not to prosecute the vast majority of them .
Given the danger that the Chicago PD faced , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they attempted to protect the business district , Catanzara claims that the feds need to step in and send a serious message to the rioters .
That last statement seemed to relate to comments made by Mayor Lori Lightfoot earlier this week .
When addressing the media , she noted that “ the people involved in the looting did not seem to be worried about any consequences.
” Lightfoot wouldn ’ t go so far as to directly criticize Foxx by name , but she ’ s obviously grown concerned ( finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rioters .
So does Foxx have an explanation for her inaction ?
During a presser on Monday , she described herself as being “ heartbroken , angry and confused ” over how the situation has deteriorated so seriously .
She pointed out that Chicago had seen a drop in some types of crime throughout 2017 through 2019 .
But she then described 2020 as “ a year unlike any other.
” That doesn ’ t sound like much of an explanation to me .
Yes , there is civil unrest sweeping the major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a lot of crime taking place .
But an increase in crime is not some sort of excuse for the prosecutor ’ s office to throw up their hands and tell us that we ’ re going to need to do some soul-searching rather than moving forward to trial .
As mentioned above , Foxx has already come under plenty of scrutiny for her mishandling of the Jussie Smollett case .
That issue was brought up repeatedly as she faced a primary challenge earlier this year , but in a crowded field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet again .
But now , if she continues to sit on her hands when it comes to the rioters , I can ’ t imagine the voters being willing to continue to tolerate this type of behavior .
If Foxx doesn ’ t want to prosecute people , why did she run for the office ?

Following the destruction and looting of the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, there’s been a curious lack of interest in prosecuting the offenders on the part of the Cook County State’s Attorney. That would be Kim Foxx, who many of you are likely familiar with from her involvement in the Jussie Smollett fiasco. With few signs that her office is taking the charges seriously or has any intention of holding many of the rioters accountable, the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police sent a letter to U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. to request prosecution of the rioters on federal charges. But even assuming that the U.S. Attorney’s office has the resources to handle all of these cases, it’s not yet clear precisely what federal charges would be applicable. (CBS Chicago)
Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara issued a letter to U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. Wednesday, calling for federal prosecutions for people arrested in looting during civil unrest. In the letter, which the FOP said would be hand-delivered Thursday morning, Catanzara accused Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx of failing to take action against such defendants at the state level. Catanzara noted that Chicago Police officers who belong to the FOP were on the front lines during civil unrest and looting back in late May, as well as early this past Monday morning.
In their letter, the FOP noted that Foxx’s office has instituted a ‘presumption of dismissal’ for all but the most serious violent crimes, opting not to prosecute the vast majority of them. Given the danger that the Chicago PD faced, having bricks and bottles hurled at them as they attempted to protect the business district, Catanzara claims that the feds need to step in and send a serious message to the rioters.
That last statement seemed to relate to comments made by Mayor Lori Lightfoot earlier this week. When addressing the media, she noted that “the people involved in the looting did not seem to be worried about any consequences.” Lightfoot wouldn’t go so far as to directly criticize Foxx by name, but she’s obviously grown concerned (finally) over the brazen nature of the rioters.
So does Foxx have an explanation for her inaction? During a presser on Monday, she described herself as being “heartbroken, angry and confused” over how the situation has deteriorated so seriously. She pointed out that Chicago had seen a drop in some types of crime throughout 2017 through 2019. But she then described 2020 as “a year unlike any other.”
That doesn’t sound like much of an explanation to me. Yes, there is civil unrest sweeping the major cities of our nation and there’s a lot of crime taking place. But an increase in crime is not some sort of excuse for the prosecutor’s office to throw up their hands and tell us that we’re going to need to do some soul-searching rather than moving forward to trial.
As mentioned above, Foxx has already come under plenty of scrutiny for her mishandling of the Jussie Smollett case. That issue was brought up repeatedly as she faced a primary challenge earlier this year, but in a crowded field of contenders she fended off the competition yet again. But now, if she continues to sit on her hands when it comes to the rioters, I can’t imagine the voters being willing to continue to tolerate this type of behavior. If Foxx doesn’t want to prosecute people, why did she run for the office?


hotair--2020-08-17--Airlines are still refusing to pay cash refunds

A frustrating and infuriating report from the Wall Street Journal this week ( subscription required ) reveals that travelers are still losing out on thousands of dollars in ticket refunds for flights that were canceled due to the pandemic .
When the pandemic first broke out , the Transportation Department warned every airline operating in the U.S. that they had to offer cash refunds for tickets for flights that were canceled if the airline couldn ’ t offer an alternative without imposing a “ substantial schedule change.
” But based on what the WSJ found when investigating many customer complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carriers have been dodging that requirement as much as possible , only offering a cash refund if the government or the media intervened .
Refunds delayed and denied .
Vouchers worth thousands of dollars that have already expired , or are so rule-bound they ’ re useless .
Interminable telephone holds , unanswered emails and complaints ignored .
Consumers continue to battle airlines over canceled tickets .
At stake are literally billions of dollars—and likely lasting animosity toward airlines over punitive policies .
U.S. travel agencies have already handled more than $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Airlines Reporting Corp. , which processes tickets .
That doesn ’ t count refunds issued directly by airlines , which likely more than doubles that total .
Then there ’ s the far more common outcome of a voucher issued instead of a refund , allowing the airline to hang on to a customer ’ s cash .
Several of the airlines are clearly dealing from the bottom of the deck as is demonstrated in the linked article .
And they ’ re doing this despite the fact that they all lined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are currently implementing buyout programs to leverage workers out the door before they are allowed to have actual layoffs next month .
As usual , it ’ s the taxpayers who will be left paying the bill when this is all over .
One California traveler named Gerald Brown requested a refund on two business-class tickets between San Francisco and London that cost him $ 5,354 .
United Airlines refused , saying he would have to take a voucher instead .
But when Brown took his case to the press and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had “ made a mistake ” and refunded his money .
Another traveler spent more than $ 10,000 on tickets for his whole family to fly to St. Thomas on American Airlines .
After the flight was canceled , American insisted on issuing vouchers to everyone ( including the minor children ) rather than refunding the cost back to the purchaser ’ s credit card .
After his complaints went public , the airline allowed him a cash credit for one of the 14 tickets he purchased .
How generous .
The airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into taking vouchers instead of refunds before “ officially ” canceling the flights .
In some cases , these vouchers have an expiration date of 90 days .
But with most people canceling their travel plans until the pandemic ends , a large percentage of the vouchers are expiring unused and the airlines simply pocket the cash anyway .
This looks like a problem without a ready solution unless it comes in the form of a class-action lawsuit or an in-depth congressional investigation .
The airlines are clearly bending the rules in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations in individual cases after they are called out on it .
How many complaints don ’ t receive any attention from either the government or the media ?
We ’ re talking about tens of millions of dollars here , if not hundreds of millions .
And yet this story has been getting buried under all of the election and pandemic news and is flying under the radar .

A frustrating and infuriating report from the Wall Street Journal this week (subscription required) reveals that travelers are still losing out on thousands of dollars in ticket refunds for flights that were canceled due to the pandemic. When the pandemic first broke out, the Transportation Department warned every airline operating in the U.S. that they had to offer cash refunds for tickets for flights that were canceled if the airline couldn’t offer an alternative without imposing a “substantial schedule change.” But based on what the WSJ found when investigating many customer complaints, almost all of the major U.S. carriers have been dodging that requirement as much as possible, only offering a cash refund if the government or the media intervened.
Refunds delayed and denied. Vouchers worth thousands of dollars that have already expired, or are so rule-bound they’re useless. Interminable telephone holds, unanswered emails and complaints ignored. Consumers continue to battle airlines over canceled tickets. At stake are literally billions of dollars—and likely lasting animosity toward airlines over punitive policies. U.S. travel agencies have already handled more than $1 billion in airline cash refunds, according to Airlines Reporting Corp., which processes tickets. That doesn’t count refunds issued directly by airlines, which likely more than doubles that total. Then there’s the far more common outcome of a voucher issued instead of a refund, allowing the airline to hang on to a customer’s cash.
Several of the airlines are clearly dealing from the bottom of the deck as is demonstrated in the linked article. And they’re doing this despite the fact that they all lined up at the trough for federal bailouts and are currently implementing buyout programs to leverage workers out the door before they are allowed to have actual layoffs next month. As usual, it’s the taxpayers who will be left paying the bill when this is all over.
One California traveler named Gerald Brown requested a refund on two business-class tickets between San Francisco and London that cost him $5,354. United Airlines refused, saying he would have to take a voucher instead. But when Brown took his case to the press and they called United, they suddenly realized they had “made a mistake” and refunded his money. Another traveler spent more than $10,000 on tickets for his whole family to fly to St. Thomas on American Airlines. After the flight was canceled, American insisted on issuing vouchers to everyone (including the minor children) rather than refunding the cost back to the purchaser’s credit card. After his complaints went public, the airline allowed him a cash credit for one of the 14 tickets he purchased. How generous.
The airlines have successfully pressured a number of travelers into taking vouchers instead of refunds before “officially” canceling the flights. In some cases, these vouchers have an expiration date of 90 days. But with most people canceling their travel plans until the pandemic ends, a large percentage of the vouchers are expiring unused and the airlines simply pocket the cash anyway.
This looks like a problem without a ready solution unless it comes in the form of a class-action lawsuit or an in-depth congressional investigation. The airlines are clearly bending the rules in their own favor and only complying with the regulations in individual cases after they are called out on it. How many complaints don’t receive any attention from either the government or the media? We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars here, if not hundreds of millions. And yet this story has been getting buried under all of the election and pandemic news and is flying under the radar.


hotair--2020-08-17--Heckled by factory workers, President Lukashenko says there won't be new elections 'until you kill m

Heckled by factory workers, President Lukashenko says there won't be new elections 'until you kill me'

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko spoke to a crowd of factory workers today as protests against his rule continued in the capital .
At one point during his speech he was interrupted by workers chanting “ Go away !
” But Lukashenko implied nothing was going to change until he was dead : Lukashenko made the comments while visiting a Minsk factory Monday , where he was booed and a group of workers chanted “ Leave !
” in unison .
It ’ s yet another sign that the strongman ’ s traditional support base is crumbling after he claimed victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You talk about dishonest elections and want to hold new elections , ” Lukashenko told the crowd .
“ My response to this — we held the elections and until you kill me , there won ’ t be any new elections.
” In response to his remarks the crowd chanted : “ Yes , yes without you.
” There ’ s video of the incident .
Lukashenko doesn ’ t look too happy but then he never does : This guy has been in office since 1994 , so the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s dead isn ’ t that far-fetched .
Later in the same speech , Lukashenko suggested it was time for a new constitution .
Lukashenko told the throng of displeased factory workers : “ Even if you shoot me tomorrow there are already other people who are going to work.
” The President said that he would be willing to share power and to change the constitution but won ’ t do so under pressure from “ the streets , ” in a reference to the mass protests .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
“ Two options were offered to me .
I rejected them because they are not very different from the current one .
Work is underway on a third version .
Come , sit down and work on the constitution and I will transfer you the powers according to the constitution .
But not under pressure from the streets !
” We ’ ve seen this gambit before in Venezuela .
First Hugo Chavez revised the constitution when his rule was under pressure .
Then his successor Nicolas Maduro did the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of new elections .
After the speech Lukashenko approached a group of workers and promised not to beat them unless he was provoked .
One guy apparently provoked him by filming the interaction .
He was later detained : Meanwhile , there are massive protests taking place in Minsk as people are going on strike in order to protest the election results .
Today the workers at the largest state TV station walked out and for a time the channel was broadcasting an empty set .
Opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has offered to be an interim leader until new elections can be held .
But Lukashenko seems to be reaching out in a different direction .
Over the weekend he had to phone discussions with President Putin : In telephone calls to the Kremlin on Saturday and Sunday , he sought confirmation that Russia would provide military assistance against external threats , while warning supporters that the country was under foreign pressure .
“ Lithuania , Latvia , Poland and our native Ukraine , their leadership are ordering us to hold new elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If we follow their lead , we will go into a tailspin … we will perish as a people , as a state , as a nation.
” … But Putin has stopped short of offering support or an endorsement of Lukashenko , who is facing the gravest crisis of his career .
It is likely that Moscow will wait and see whether Lukashenko can survive the next weeks or even days , as protests and labour strikes grow and pressure mounts on him to leave office .
The BBC ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is some concern we ’ re about to see a repeat of what happened in Ukraine : Russian TV news bulletins have been making ominous parallels between Belarus 2020 and Ukraine 2014 .
Ukraine ’ s pro-Western revolution led to Moscow sending in its special operations forces to annex Crimea and Russian military intervention in eastern Ukraine .
Six years on , could Russia ’ s military intervene in Belarus ?
On paper , at least , such a move would appear counter-productive .
The opposition movement in Belarus is not anti-Russia/pro-Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to send in troops to shore up the Belarusian leader , it risks alienating the Belarusian people and creating anti-Moscow sentiment .
So the future of Lukashenko and Belarus seems to be in flux at the moment .
There are clearly a lot of people eager for Lukashenko to go but he ’ s saying it will take his death to make change happen .
If he ’ s serious then even very large protests like the one yesterday are no guarantee that he ’ s on his way out .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point he may be forced into changing his tune .

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko spoke to a crowd of factory workers today as protests against his rule continued in the capital. At one point during his speech he was interrupted by workers chanting “Go away!” But Lukashenko implied nothing was going to change until he was dead:
Lukashenko made the comments while visiting a Minsk factory Monday, where he was booed and a group of workers chanted “Leave!” in unison. It’s yet another sign that the strongman’s traditional support base is crumbling after he claimed victory in disputed elections earlier this month. “You talk about dishonest elections and want to hold new elections,” Lukashenko told the crowd. “My response to this — we held the elections and until you kill me, there won’t be any new elections.” In response to his remarks the crowd chanted: “Yes, yes without you.”
There’s video of the incident. Lukashenko doesn’t look too happy but then he never does:
Just look at him while workers are chanting: "Go Away! Go Away" pic.twitter.com/zEiXTjlITZ — Franak Viačorka (@franakviacorka) August 17, 2020
Another angle:
Lukashenko to the factory workers:
– You want fair elections?
– Yes!
– We've already held the election. Until you kill me, there won't be another one! Who's escalating now? — Tadeusz Giczan (@TadeuszGiczan) August 17, 2020
This guy has been in office since 1994, so the idea that he’ll be there until he’s dead isn’t that far-fetched. Later in the same speech, Lukashenko suggested it was time for a new constitution.
Lukashenko told the throng of displeased factory workers: “Even if you shoot me tomorrow there are already other people who are going to work.”
The President said that he would be willing to share power and to change the constitution but won’t do so under pressure from “the streets,” in a reference to the mass protests. “A new constitution is needed,” he added. “Two options were offered to me. I rejected them because they are not very different from the current one. Work is underway on a third version. Come, sit down and work on the constitution and I will transfer you the powers according to the constitution. But not under pressure from the streets!”
We’ve seen this gambit before in Venezuela. First Hugo Chavez revised the constitution when his rule was under pressure. Then his successor Nicolas Maduro did the same thing as a way to deflect the issue of new elections.
After the speech Lukashenko approached a group of workers and promised not to beat them unless he was provoked. One guy apparently provoked him by filming the interaction. He was later detained:
All you need to know about Lukashenko's regime. Andrei Sudam, the MZKT worker who dared to argue with Lukashenko on this video, has been detained. — Tadeusz Giczan (@TadeuszGiczan) August 17, 2020
Meanwhile, there are massive protests taking place in Minsk as people are going on strike in order to protest the election results. Today the workers at the largest state TV station walked out and for a time the channel was broadcasting an empty set.
Рабочие БТ(основного гос канала) вышли на страйк. В итоге в эфире просто играла музыка, а в последствии и вообще был выключен свет. Нереальный респект рабочим БТ за их гражданскую позицию. pic.twitter.com/DHENRw1Gpf — РБ головного мозга (@belamova) August 17, 2020
Opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who fled to Lithuania after the results, has offered to be an interim leader until new elections can be held. But Lukashenko seems to be reaching out in a different direction. Over the weekend he had to phone discussions with President Putin:
In telephone calls to the Kremlin on Saturday and Sunday, he sought confirmation that Russia would provide military assistance against external threats, while warning supporters that the country was under foreign pressure. “Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and our native Ukraine, their leadership are ordering us to hold new elections,” Lukashenko said in a speech. “If we follow their lead, we will go into a tailspin … we will perish as a people, as a state, as a nation.”… But Putin has stopped short of offering support or an endorsement of Lukashenko, who is facing the gravest crisis of his career. It is likely that Moscow will wait and see whether Lukashenko can survive the next weeks or even days, as protests and labour strikes grow and pressure mounts on him to leave office.
The BBC’s Moscow correspondent wrote an analysis saying there is some concern we’re about to see a repeat of what happened in Ukraine:
Russian TV news bulletins have been making ominous parallels between Belarus 2020 and Ukraine 2014. Ukraine’s pro-Western revolution led to Moscow sending in its special operations forces to annex Crimea and Russian military intervention in eastern Ukraine. Six years on, could Russia’s military intervene in Belarus? On paper, at least, such a move would appear counter-productive. The opposition movement in Belarus is not anti-Russia/pro-Europe – it is anti-Lukashenko. If Russia were to send in troops to shore up the Belarusian leader, it risks alienating the Belarusian people and creating anti-Moscow sentiment.
So the future of Lukashenko and Belarus seems to be in flux at the moment. There are clearly a lot of people eager for Lukashenko to go but he’s saying it will take his death to make change happen. If he’s serious then even very large protests like the one yesterday are no guarantee that he’s on his way out. But if enough people strike, at some point he may be forced into changing his tune.


hotair--2020-08-17--<span class='red'>Dem convention, night one: Bernie, Whitmer, Michelle Obama -- and <i>Kasichmania</

Dem convention, night one: Bernie, Whitmer, Michelle Obama -- and Kasichmania

Remember when there used to be like five hours of programming on each night of a convention , with the Z-listers speaking mid-afternoon , then the Y-listers , and on up until the A-listers arrived in primetime ?
Not this year .
Pandemic America gets just two tight hours of TV coverage each night ( maybe the first good thing to come out of COVID-19 ) starting at 9 p.m .
ET .
CNN and MSNBC will carry both hours live but the broadcast networks and Fox News will carry only the second hour , when the heavy-hitters show up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you like in the window embedded below .
Read on… What should we expect ?
Outside the DNC ’ s inner circle , no one really knows : Over four nights starting Monday , a behind-the-scenes crew of about 400 with operation centers in New York , Milwaukee , Los Angeles and Wilmington , Del.
, plans to broadcast to the nation hundreds of live video feeds from living rooms , national monuments and stages around the country , according to interviews with three people involved in planning the event .
That includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video-production kits , with basic equipment such as microphones , lighting and advanced routers , so they can produce and transmit their own shots .
Other homebound delegates will be dialed in to quick feeds of the live speeches , so their real-time reactions can be broadcast to the country as if they were in the same room as the speakers .
In two-hour nightly chunks , only one hour of which the broadcast networks have vowed to air , the live footage will be mixed in real time with a roughly equal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speeches .
Artists such as Billie Eilish , Prince Royce and the band formerly known as the Dixie Chicks — now simply the Chicks — have already filed video of their acts .
Voters picked to excite key demographic targets — a Florida paramedic who emigrated from Mexico City and a former Trump voter from Pennsylvania , for example — have also cut video testimonials .
It ’ s gon na be awkward , but it ’ s unlikely to be boring if only because of the pace : Democrats are promising that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes ( ! )
.
Bernie Sanders , one of the evening ’ s A-listers , was given just eight minutes .
“ With all the one- and two-minute speeches , this is basically the Quibi convention , ” quipped Josh Barro .
It ’ s true — with many of the speeches short and pre-recorded and the format seemingly ideal for viewing on mobile devices , there ’ s a distinct Quibi vibe to it .
Which is a bad omen for Democrats , one would think .
Tonight ’ s schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one or two speakers , namely Bernie and Michelle Obama , who ’ ll actually draw an audience .
MObama was a smart choice for night one since she has a huge following ; having her on the program is a way to get Americans to pay attention to the convention from the start .
There are also officials whom the party either wants to show off or needs to show off to flatter swing-state voters .
Amy Klobuchar is speaking in order to woo Minnesotans , who have been trending red .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gretchen Whitmer , whom Biden needs to deliver Michigan .
There ’ ll also be a special appearance by pandemic hero Andrew Cuomo , who ’ ll discuss his strategy of how to kill coronavirus by feeding it senior citizens until it dies .
This is also the night to showcase members of the other party who are switching sides this year .
John Kasich is the headliner among that group , and yes , rest assured , he ’ ll be reminding us all again that his dad was a mailman as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going on with the Postal Service .
Yesterday Kasich teased that another former Republican member of Congress of some renown would be speaking as well .
That set off a burst of speculation .
Was it … Justin Amash ?
No , it turns out .
Amash was insulted by the suggestion .
Was it … John Boehner ?
Please .
Boehner wants nothing to do with politics anymore .
Was it … Paul Ryan ?
That would be a true bombshell , but highly unlikely since Ryan ’ s still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high name recognition .
In a few years , in a post-Trump GOP , he might be viable for statewide office in Wisconsin .
Endorsing Biden tonight would foreclose that possibility .
So who is it ?
Turns out that Kasich apparently meant Susan Molinari , who left Congress more than 20 years ago after delivering the keynote at the 1996 GOP convention .
Christine Todd Whitman and Meg Whitman ( the CEO of Quibi ! )
will also speak before Kasich .
That line-up is underwhelming , but Molinari and the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disenchanted with the GOP , exactly the sort of voter whom Biden is counting on in the suburbs .
All he wants from them and from Kasich is a “ permission structure ” for moderate Republicans who are watching to give in to that nagging feeling they ’ re having that maybe Trump isn ’ t the lesser of two evils this year .
Really , they should cancel all of them and just have this dude on instead .
He ’ s way more effective : One other interesting addition to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Normally you ’ d expect the most endangered Democrat in the Senate , who ’ s facing nearly certain defeat this fall , to stay away from his party and run as a quasi-independent .
The fact that Jones is instead showing up to speak on TV makes me think he ’ s already given up on his race and is looking towards an appointment in Biden ’ s administration .
He ’ s a former U.S. Attorney ; now that Harris is out of the running for Biden ’ s AG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here ’ s your thread to comment .
Embedded below I ’ ve included a smattering of Twitter users worth following during the proceedings .
Their commentary will appear in this window live as the night rolls on .
Exit question : Do the Dems have something bigger planned than Kasich by way of surprise endorsements ?
Maybe not tonight , but I ’ m thinking that they must be begging the likes of James Mattis and John Kelly to endorse .
If they could get one of Trump ’ s own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ he ’ s unfit ” a la Miles Taylor above , that would be genuine news .
Kasich ’ s support isn ’ t new .

Remember when there used to be like five hours of programming on each night of a convention, with the Z-listers speaking mid-afternoon, then the Y-listers, and on up until the A-listers arrived in primetime? Not this year. Pandemic America gets just two tight hours of TV coverage each night (maybe the first good thing to come out of COVID-19) starting at 9 p.m. ET. CNN and MSNBC will carry both hours live but the broadcast networks and Fox News will carry only the second hour, when the heavy-hitters show up. You can watch right here if you like in the window embedded below. Read on…
What should we expect? Outside the DNC’s inner circle, no one really knows:
Over four nights starting Monday, a behind-the-scenes crew of about 400 with operation centers in New York, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Wilmington, Del., plans to broadcast to the nation hundreds of live video feeds from living rooms, national monuments and stages around the country, according to interviews with three people involved in planning the event. That includes dozens of speakers who have been mailed video-production kits, with basic equipment such as microphones, lighting and advanced routers, so they can produce and transmit their own shots. Other homebound delegates will be dialed in to quick feeds of the live speeches, so their real-time reactions can be broadcast to the country as if they were in the same room as the speakers. In two-hour nightly chunks, only one hour of which the broadcast networks have vowed to air, the live footage will be mixed in real time with a roughly equal share of prerecorded performances, mini-documentaries and speeches. Artists such as Billie Eilish, Prince Royce and the band formerly known as the Dixie Chicks — now simply the Chicks — have already filed video of their acts. Voters picked to excite key demographic targets — a Florida paramedic who emigrated from Mexico City and a former Trump voter from Pennsylvania, for example — have also cut video testimonials.
It’s gonna be awkward, but it’s unlikely to be boring if only because of the pace: Democrats are promising that speeches will last an average of two minutes(!). Bernie Sanders, one of the evening’s A-listers, was given just eight minutes. “With all the one- and two-minute speeches, this is basically the Quibi convention,” quipped Josh Barro. It’s true — with many of the speeches short and pre-recorded and the format seemingly ideal for viewing on mobile devices, there’s a distinct Quibi vibe to it.
Which is a bad omen for Democrats, one would think.
Tonight’s schedule is the usual blend. There are one or two speakers, namely Bernie and Michelle Obama, who’ll actually draw an audience. MObama was a smart choice for night one since she has a huge following; having her on the program is a way to get Americans to pay attention to the convention from the start. There are also officials whom the party either wants to show off or needs to show off to flatter swing-state voters. Amy Klobuchar is speaking in order to woo Minnesotans, who have been trending red. So is “Governor Karen,” Gretchen Whitmer, whom Biden needs to deliver Michigan. There’ll also be a special appearance by pandemic hero Andrew Cuomo, who’ll discuss his strategy of how to kill coronavirus by feeding it senior citizens until it dies.
This is also the night to showcase members of the other party who are switching sides this year. John Kasich is the headliner among that group, and yes, rest assured, he’ll be reminding us all again that his dad was a mailman as a segue into criticizing Trump for what’s going on with the Postal Service. Yesterday Kasich teased that another former Republican member of Congress of some renown would be speaking as well. That set off a burst of speculation. Was it … Justin Amash? No, it turns out. Amash was insulted by the suggestion. Was it … John Boehner? Please. Boehner wants nothing to do with politics anymore. Was it … Paul Ryan? That would be a true bombshell, but highly unlikely since Ryan’s still a young man of 50 with exceedingly high name recognition. In a few years, in a post-Trump GOP, he might be viable for statewide office in Wisconsin. Endorsing Biden tonight would foreclose that possibility.
So who is it? Turns out that Kasich apparently meant Susan Molinari, who left Congress more than 20 years ago after delivering the keynote at the 1996 GOP convention. Christine Todd Whitman and Meg Whitman (the CEO of Quibi!) will also speak before Kasich. That line-up is underwhelming, but Molinari and the two Whitmans are all well-educated centrist professional women disenchanted with the GOP, exactly the sort of voter whom Biden is counting on in the suburbs. All he wants from them and from Kasich is a “permission structure” for moderate Republicans who are watching to give in to that nagging feeling they’re having that maybe Trump isn’t the lesser of two evils this year.
Really, they should cancel all of them and just have this dude on instead. He’s way more effective:
NEW: Testimonial ad from Trump's Former DHS Chief of Staff @MilesTaylorUSA, declaring his support for Joe Biden and describing Trump's presidency as "terrifying" and "actively doing damage to our security." WATCH & go to https://t.co/Nz2NiSCquN for more. pic.twitter.com/iChqOdIIew — The Republican Accountability Project (@AccountableGOP) August 17, 2020
One other interesting addition to the schedule tonight: Doug Jones of Alabama. Normally you’d expect the most endangered Democrat in the Senate, who’s facing nearly certain defeat this fall, to stay away from his party and run as a quasi-independent. The fact that Jones is instead showing up to speak on TV makes me think he’s already given up on his race and is looking towards an appointment in Biden’s administration. He’s a former U.S. Attorney; now that Harris is out of the running for Biden’s AG, maybe Jones is in the picture.
Here’s your thread to comment. Embedded below I’ve included a smattering of Twitter users worth following during the proceedings. Their commentary will appear in this window live as the night rolls on. Exit question: Do the Dems have something bigger planned than Kasich by way of surprise endorsements? Maybe not tonight, but I’m thinking that they must be begging the likes of James Mattis and John Kelly to endorse. If they could get one of Trump’s own top appointees to come out and say “he’s unfit” a la Miles Taylor above, that would be genuine news. Kasich’s support isn’t new.
A Twitter List by allahpundit


hotair--2020-08-17--AOC: What say we help fund the Postal Service by setting up a "progressive pen pal" program?

She sounds like a high-school kid who gave up on having a bake sale to fund the agency because she ’ s suddenly hit on an even better idea .
Even on its own terms this makes no sense .
If you ’ re worried about the Postal Service not delivering important parcels like votes and medicine on time , why the hell would you give them more mail to deliver ?
Why not just ask everyone to , say , buy a few books of stamps and then hold on to them for future use as needed ?
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreary duties one must perform in a leftist utopia to keep the state functioning , taking time out to write letters to comrades purely to keep the postman employed would be among the dreariest .
I can ’ t imagine ( and am too lazy to calculate ) how many progressives would need to participate in this scheme , and how many letters they ’ d each need to send , to make a meaningful impact on the agency ’ s bottom line .
How would they fill the pages ?
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the latest episode of Chapo Trap House .
It feels like an epitaph for the USPS and really for the entire concept of snail mail that sending written letters is conceived of here as a form of charity to the Postal Service itself .
No one would think of a cockamamie idea like a political pen-pal scheme on the merits ; if you want to connect with other progressives nowadays , that ’ s what social media and message boards and even email are for .
You come up with something like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to funnel some cash to the agency and need an excuse .
But at least she ’ s on-brand : Propping up inefficient government agencies with wasteful spending is what socialism is all about .
It ’ s what Republican government is all about too , of course .
But at least Republicans half-heartedly pretend to feel bad about it .
Now that we ’ ve had a laugh at AOC ’ s expense , go look at this new YouGov poll .
Trump is in a lot of trouble potentially from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the survey , which was conducted August 14 and 15 , 61 percent of voters disapprove of Trump ’ s USPS gambit , with a full 50 percent disapproving “ strongly.
” Less than half that many ( 28 percent ) approve… There are signs Trump has already hurt himself with persuadable voters by seeking to undermine mail-in voting and the legitimacy of the election .
Not only do nearly a quarter of Republicans ( 23 percent ) disapprove of the president ’ s effort to block USPS funding , but independents disapprove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 29 percent ) .
Among non-leaning independents — that is , independents who don ’ t yet express even a slight preference for Joe Biden or Trump — that margin is larger ( 65 percent to 21 percent ) .
And voters who say they are undecided or could still change their minds oppose Trump ’ s stance on the USPS by a staggering 51 percentage points ( 68 percent to 17 percent ) … In fact , Trump is on the wrong side of every issue related to the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postal Service should be provided with funding to ensure there are no delays in mail delivery during the election .
Only 21 percent say it should not get such funding .
A mere 15 percent of registered voters say it was appropriate for Trump to suggest delaying the 2020 election ; 68 percent say the opposite .
And 80 percent of registered voters think it is more important to wait for mail-in ballots to be counted so we are sure which candidate won , even if the process drags on for some time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more important to determine the outcome of the election quickly , even if many mail-in ballots have not been counted — Trump ’ s preferred scenario .
The Times had a story this morning about Trump “ outrage fatigue , ” in which things he says or does that would draw days of brutal coverage if said or done by any other president now pass off the collective radar screen in hours or minutes .
People are inured to it — and in most cases , the latest outrage only confirms for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yesterday when he retweeted someone who said that Democratic cities should be left to rot , there was barely a murmur beyond media Twitter .
That ’ s who he is and we all understand it and we ’ ll render our collective verdict about whether it ’ s acceptable or not on November 3 .
What he said last week about blocking funding for the Postal Service to prevent universal mail-in voting is different , though .
It ’ s not that it was a surprise that he felt that way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of the latest outrage having an unusually direct effect on people ’ s lives .
Trump being a jerk is priced into his stock but Trump being enough of a jerk that he might not lift a finger to help you get your ballot in or your medication delivered on time hits home .
He needs to back off from that immediately , and he needs to get the postmaster general to postpone the reorganization that ’ s producing mail delays .
It ’ s political malpractice if he doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , never mind his own chances .

She sounds like a high-school kid who gave up on having a bake sale to fund the agency because she’s suddenly hit on an even better idea.
Even on its own terms this makes no sense. If you’re worried about the Postal Service not delivering important parcels like votes and medicine on time, why the hell would you give them more mail to deliver? Why not just ask everyone to, say, buy a few books of stamps and then hold on to them for future use as needed?
How is this real?
In a bid to revitalize the USPS, @aoc proposes a “national progressive penpal program” to boost stamp sales. pic.twitter.com/UzTNdz2Moq — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) August 17, 2020
Of all the dreary duties one must perform in a leftist utopia to keep the state functioning, taking time out to write letters to comrades purely to keep the postman employed would be among the dreariest. I can’t imagine (and am too lazy to calculate) how many progressives would need to participate in this scheme, and how many letters they’d each need to send, to make a meaningful impact on the agency’s bottom line. How would they fill the pages?
There’s only so much one can say about the latest episode of Chapo Trap House.
It feels like an epitaph for the USPS and really for the entire concept of snail mail that sending written letters is conceived of here as a form of charity to the Postal Service itself. No one would think of a cockamamie idea like a political pen-pal scheme on the merits; if you want to connect with other progressives nowadays, that’s what social media and message boards and even email are for. You come up with something like this only if you’re looking to funnel some cash to the agency and need an excuse. But at least she’s on-brand: Propping up inefficient government agencies with wasteful spending is what socialism is all about.
It’s what Republican government is all about too, of course. But at least Republicans half-heartedly pretend to feel bad about it.
Now that we’ve had a laugh at AOC’s expense, go look at this new YouGov poll. Trump is in a lot of trouble potentially from this developing Postal Service scandal.
According to the survey, which was conducted August 14 and 15, 61 percent of voters disapprove of Trump’s USPS gambit, with a full 50 percent disapproving “strongly.” Less than half that many (28 percent) approve… There are signs Trump has already hurt himself with persuadable voters by seeking to undermine mail-in voting and the legitimacy of the election. Not only do nearly a quarter of Republicans (23 percent) disapprove of the president’s effort to block USPS funding, but independents disapprove by a 2-1 margin (58 percent to 29 percent). Among non-leaning independents — that is, independents who don’t yet express even a slight preference for Joe Biden or Trump — that margin is larger (65 percent to 21 percent). And voters who say they are undecided or could still change their minds oppose Trump’s stance on the USPS by a staggering 51 percentage points (68 percent to 17 percent)… In fact, Trump is on the wrong side of every issue related to the election. Sixty-four percent of registered voters say the Postal Service should be provided with funding to ensure there are no delays in mail delivery during the election. Only 21 percent say it should not get such funding. A mere 15 percent of registered voters say it was appropriate for Trump to suggest delaying the 2020 election; 68 percent say the opposite. And 80 percent of registered voters think it is more important to wait for mail-in ballots to be counted so we are sure which candidate won, even if the process drags on for some time. Just 20 percent think it’s more important to determine the outcome of the election quickly, even if many mail-in ballots have not been counted — Trump’s preferred scenario.
The Times had a story this morning about Trump “outrage fatigue,” in which things he says or does that would draw days of brutal coverage if said or done by any other president now pass off the collective radar screen in hours or minutes. People are inured to it — and in most cases, the latest outrage only confirms for them something about Trump they already knew. Yesterday when he retweeted someone who said that Democratic cities should be left to rot, there was barely a murmur beyond media Twitter. That’s who he is and we all understand it and we’ll render our collective verdict about whether it’s acceptable or not on November 3. What he said last week about blocking funding for the Postal Service to prevent universal mail-in voting is different, though. It’s not that it was a surprise that he felt that way, but it’s a rare case of the latest outrage having an unusually direct effect on people’s lives. Trump being a jerk is priced into his stock but Trump being enough of a jerk that he might not lift a finger to help you get your ballot in or your medication delivered on time hits home. He needs to back off from that immediately, and he needs to get the postmaster general to postpone the reorganization that’s producing mail delays. It’s political malpractice if he doesn’t. The Senate may depend on it, never mind his own chances.


hotair--2020-08-17--Seattle police officer to BLM activist: 'I’m leaving. You guys won!' (plus weekend violence roundup)

This exchange was apparently filmed on Saturday .
A Seattle cop pulled up to someone on the street and had an exchange with a BLM activist .
From the New York Post : “ Having a good day , bud ?
” the officer asks the man from the passenger side window after pulling up in his patrol car .
“ I ’ m sorry for that , but don ’ t worry , man , because guess what ?
I ’ m leaving .
You guys won !
Two months , baby .
I ’ m out !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I ’ m f**kin gone , bro.
” When the activist asked how he was feeling the officer replied “ I ’ m feeling great.
” The activist asks if he ’ s leaving because he ’ s “ tired of police brutality.
” The officer replies that it ’ s because of BLM .
Something happens in the road and the officer pulls up and then gets out to talk to someone but we don ’ t see what is happening because the camera never pans over to show us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his car the activists yells to fellow activists what the officer has just told him .
At this point , the guy filming asks , “ Are you triggered boy ?
Oink , oink.
” The officer responds sarcastically , ” I like you .
Let ’ s be friends.
” The activist shouts that they ’ ll never be friends as the officer starts to pull away .
If you ’ re wondering why this officer is resigning all you have to do is look at what happened in Seattle over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same day in the area of Cal Anderson Park near the former CHAZ/CHOP .
On Saturday , at around 4:30 PM , officers responded to a report of a man breaking the windows of a business and church near 11th Avenue and East Olive Street .
The man used a rock to break the windows , and the damage was extensive .
Officers arrived , spoke with the complainant , and located the male suspect nearby in Cal Anderson Park .
As officers contacted the man , a large crowd surrounded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park .
The suspect then collapsed on the ground .
Officers attempted to render medical aid and Seattle Fire was called to the scene .
As this was occurring , a man who was known to officers from previous contacts began assaulting officers and inciting the crowd .
The crowd then converged on officers .
Officers requested additional units to the scene and eventually a “ Help the Officer ” call was broadcast over the radio .
Additional officers responded to the scene until order was restored… A total of four officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle Police Department continues to investigate this incident .
Some of the incident Saturday was caught on video ( lots of NSFW language in these ) .
That was Saturday .
On Sunday , police declared a riot and eighteen people were arrested .
Several more officers were injured .
Police said the march , which began in Seattle ’ s International District around 7 p.m. , started peacefully with about 100 protesters accompanied by vehicles following behind with the group , which was headed toward Seattle ’ s police officer union building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , someone in the crowd set off a large explosive and attempted to break out a police vehicle window , ” police said .
Protesters then began throwing rocks , bottles , and explosives at officers , police said .
Video from CNN affiliate KIRO shows what appears to be fireworks exploding near officers as police attempted to disperse the crowd .
Officers used pepper spray and blast balls to disperse the demonstrators , police said .
KIRO reported that the protest ended around 11:30 p.m. At least three officers were injured , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police said .
Here ’ s some video of Sunday night ’ s riot .
Note that the focus of this riot was the Seattle Police Officer ’ s Guild so it ’ s being referred to as an anti-SPOG rally : Finally , here ’ s a local news report on last night ’ s violence .
Who can blame police for wanting to leave .

This exchange was apparently filmed on Saturday. A Seattle cop pulled up to someone on the street and had an exchange with a BLM activist. From the New York Post:
“Having a good day, bud?” the officer asks the man from the passenger side window after pulling up in his patrol car. “Not really, you’re around,” the activist replies. “I’m sorry for that, but don’t worry, man, because guess what? I’m leaving. You guys won! Two months, baby. I’m out!” the officer says.
The officer added, “I’m f**kin gone, bro.” When the activist asked how he was feeling the officer replied “I’m feeling great.” The activist asks if he’s leaving because he’s “tired of police brutality.” The officer replies that it’s because of BLM.
Something happens in the road and the officer pulls up and then gets out to talk to someone but we don’t see what is happening because the camera never pans over to show us. While the officer is out of his car the activists yells to fellow activists what the officer has just told him.
At this point, the guy filming asks, “Are you triggered boy? Oink, oink.”
The officer responds sarcastically,”I like you. Let’s be friends.” The activist shouts that they’ll never be friends as the officer starts to pull away.
Police officer said screw this, I'm done, congratulations to BLM I'm resigning, caught on camera 😬 pic.twitter.com/C2ELs75cEO — Ray Garcia 🇺🇸 (@RayGarciahawaii) August 15, 2020
If you’re wondering why this officer is resigning all you have to do is look at what happened in Seattle over the weekend. Several police officers were injured the same day in the area of Cal Anderson Park near the former CHAZ/CHOP.
On Saturday, at around 4:30 PM, officers responded to a report of a man breaking the windows of a business and church near 11th Avenue and East Olive Street. The man used a rock to break the windows, and the damage was extensive. Officers arrived, spoke with the complainant, and located the male suspect nearby in Cal Anderson Park. As officers contacted the man, a large crowd surrounded the officers as they escorted him out of the park. The suspect then collapsed on the ground. Officers attempted to render medical aid and Seattle Fire was called to the scene. As this was occurring, a man who was known to officers from previous contacts began assaulting officers and inciting the crowd. The crowd then converged on officers. Officers requested additional units to the scene and eventually a “Help the Officer” call was broadcast over the radio. Additional officers responded to the scene until order was restored… A total of four officers were assaulted during the incident. The Seattle Police Department continues to investigate this incident.
Some of the incident Saturday was caught on video (lots of NSFW language in these).
https://twitter.com/KittyLists/status/1294819940428443648
https://twitter.com/KittyLists/status/1294844994268798977
https://twitter.com/KittyLists/status/1294845543311527938
That was Saturday. On Sunday, police declared a riot and eighteen people were arrested. Several more officers were injured.
Police said the march, which began in Seattle’s International District around 7 p.m., started peacefully with about 100 protesters accompanied by vehicles following behind with the group, which was headed toward Seattle’s police officer union building. Then “shortly after 10 p.m., someone in the crowd set off a large explosive and attempted to break out a police vehicle window,” police said. Protesters then began throwing rocks, bottles, and explosives at officers, police said. Video from CNN affiliate KIRO shows what appears to be fireworks exploding near officers as police attempted to disperse the crowd. Officers used pepper spray and blast balls to disperse the demonstrators, police said. KIRO reported that the protest ended around 11:30 p.m. At least three officers were injured, some struck with explosives and rocks, police said.
Here’s some video of Sunday night’s riot. Note that the focus of this riot was the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild so it’s being referred to as an anti-SPOG rally:
People pulled out of a van as police move group up 4th Ave. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/v8w8mZVtZF — Michael Spears (@MichaelKIRO7) August 17, 2020
Breaking update: Seattle police say at least 10 people have been arrested, 3 officers injured (1 with serious eye injury — taken to Harborview). This video is from earlier. Group has cleared the area. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/F8uXx6PvHL — Michael Spears (@MichaelKIRO7) August 17, 2020
Finally, here’s a local news report on last night’s violence. Who can blame police for wanting to leave.