dailykos--2020-02-02--Let’s take a deep breath, and (cringe) admit that Ross Douthat is right - just defeat Trump.

Actually , the NYT ’ s Ross Douthat is one of the least objectionable “ conservative ” columnists and someone generally worth giving a listen to .
His last column , “ The Only Way to Remove Trump , ” is entirely right in its simplicity .
As he frames the point , through repetition : All you have to do is beat him .
This is obviously true .
Before I add anything , let me quote Douthat : Donald Trump is not a Caesar ; he does not bestride our narrow world like a colossus , undefeatable save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an instinct-driven chancer who has exploited the decadence of his party and the larger system to grasp and hold a certain kind of power .
But he is also a reckless and distracted figure , a serial squanderer of opportunities , who barely won the presidency and whose coalition is united only in partisan solidarity and fear of liberalism .
He may not be removable by the impeachment process , but is not a king ; he is a widely hated , legislatively constrained president facing a difficult re-election .
All you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes .
And it ’ s true that the Republican Senate revealed itself to be — no surprise here — utterly juvenile , corrupt and a real threat to the country .
That is reason though to win back the Senate .
Yes , we have a larger problem than just Trump , but that doesn ’ t mean that Trump is stronger than he was a month or year ago .
As Ross rightly says : The mix of expedience and cravenness with which the institutional G.O.P .
approached impeachment is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
behaved during Trump ’ s initial ascent , and it leaves Trump ’ s opposition no worse off than before .
A failed impeachment doesn ’ t give him new powers or new popularity ; it just shows that the normal way to be rid of an unpopular president is the way that Democrats must take .
All you have to do is beat him .
Democrats retook the House .
The Senate presents a different , ingrained challenge ( yet remember : we had a 60 vote majority ( ! )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Trump ?
We have to be able to electorally defeat this fool , we can do so , and it is on us if somehow we fail .
The answer was never going to be through impeachment and removal — and I don ’ t know any serious observer who thought otherwise .
We know what we have to do , it is eminently doable , and we can ’ t take it for granted .
Ross is right : It is very likely that [ Trump ] will lose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose in 2016 as well .
One essential lesson of the Trump era is that likelihoods are not enough ; if you want to end the Trump era only one thing will suffice .

Actually, the NYT’s Ross Douthat is one of the least objectionable “conservative” columnists and someone generally worth giving a listen to. His last column, “The Only Way to Remove Trump,” is entirely right in its simplicity. As he frames the point, through repetition:
All you have to do is beat him.
This is obviously true. Before I add anything, let me quote Douthat:
Donald Trump is not a Caesar; he does not bestride our narrow world like a colossus, undefeatable save by desperate or underhanded means. He is an instinct-driven chancer who has exploited the decadence of his party and the larger system to grasp and hold a certain kind of power. But he is also a reckless and distracted figure, a serial squanderer of opportunities, who barely won the presidency and whose coalition is united only in partisan solidarity and fear of liberalism. He may not be removable by the impeachment process, but is not a king; he is a widely hated, legislatively constrained president facing a difficult re-election. All you have to do is beat him.
Yes. And it’s true that the Republican Senate revealed itself to be — no surprise here — utterly juvenile, corrupt and a real threat to the country. That is reason though to win back the Senate. Yes, we have a larger problem than just Trump, but that doesn’t mean that Trump is stronger than he was a month or year ago. As Ross rightly says:
The mix of expedience and cravenness with which the institutional G.O.P. approached impeachment is no different than the way the institutional G.O.P. behaved during Trump’s initial ascent, and it leaves Trump’s opposition no worse off than before. A failed impeachment doesn’t give him new powers or new popularity; it just shows that the normal way to be rid of an unpopular president is the way that Democrats must take. All you have to do is beat him.
Democrats retook the House. The Senate presents a different, ingrained challenge (yet remember: we had a 60 vote majority (!) as recently as under President Obama). But Trump? We have to be able to electorally defeat this fool, we can do so, and it is on us if somehow we fail. The answer was never going to be through impeachment and removal — and I don’t know any serious observer who thought otherwise. We know what we have to do, it is eminently doable, and we can’t take it for granted. Ross is right:


dailykos--2020-02-01--Taylor Swift releases beautiful new anti-GOP song inspired by 2018 election, encouraging youth vote

Swift has huge influence , especially with youth .
She started out as a Christian country singer from Tennessee , and has retained much of her fan base in red and purple states .
I ’ m glad she is on our side and increasingly eager to use her influence to help defeat Republicans .
Taylor Swift has been voting for Democrats since she first turned 18 ; she voted for Obama twice , and in 2016 she supported Hillary Clinton but kept quiet about it and just focused on encouraging youth to vote without saying who they should vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political backlash while she was dealing with difficult personal , professional , and emotional issues , and because she was afraid that her music world enemies ( foremost among them Trump supporter Kanye West ) who were calling her a “ snake ” and their fans would transfer their hatred to Hillary Clinton if she endorsed Clinton .
Swift says she now regrets not endorsing Hillary .
In 2018 , when she tried to help Democratic nominee Phil Bredesen defeat Republican Marsha Blackburn in Swift ’ s home state of Tennessee and tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election in her home district of Nashville , Tennessee ; voter registration nationwide spiked almost immediately after Swift posted her endorsement on her Instagram account , which had 112 million followers .
Some of Swift ’ s Republican fans turned against her for that , but many of them stayed with her , which means she will be very valuable for helping to win swing voters .
Prior to 2018 , she carefully avoided revealing her political leanings .
There are rumors that she was a Republican as a child , which wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a white Christian country singer in Tennessee , but this background only makes her a more convincing and influential campaigner for Democrats , especially in red and purple states .
According to Variety , “ Only the Young ” was inspired by the 2018 election : “ I wrote it after the midterm elections , when there were so many young people who rallied for their candidate , whether it was a senator or congressman or congresswoman , ” Swift tells Variety .
“ It was hard to see so many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything and tried so hard .
I saw a lot of young people ’ s hopes dashed .
And I found that to be particularly tragic , because young people are the people who feel the worst effects of gun violence , and student loans and trying to figure out how to start their lives and how to pay their bills , and climate change , and are we going to war — all these horrific situations that we find ourselves facing right now.
” It won ’ t be any secret to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was when the senatorial candidate Swift had declared stood in opposition to women ’ s issues and gay rights lost .
“ I was really upset about Tennessee going the way that it did , obviously .
And so I just wanted to write a song about it .
I didn ’ t know where it would end up .
But I did think that it would be better for it to come out at a time that it could maybe hopefully stoke some fires politically and maybe engage younger people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the pack , and not feel like they need to vote exactly the same way that people in their town are voting.
” It keeps me awake , the look on your face The moment you heard the news You 're screaming inside and frozen in time You did all that you could do The game was rigged , the ref got tricked The wrong ones think they ’ re right You were outnumbered this time But only the young , only the young Only the young , only the young Can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , and run So every day now You brace for the sound you 've only heard on TV You go to class , scared Wondering where the best hiding spot would be And the big bad man and his big bad clan Their hands are stained with red Oh , how quickly they forget They are n't gon na help us Too busy helping themselves They are n't gon na change this We got ta do it ourselves They think that it 's over But it 's just begun Only one thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Only the young ) Only the young ( Only the young ) Only the young ( Only the young ) Only the young Only the young ( Only the young ) Only the young ( Only the young ) Only the young ( Only the young ) Only the young Only the young ( Only the young ; Do n't say you 're too tired to fight ) Only the young ( Only the young ; It 's just a matter of time ) Only the young ( Only the young ; Up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the young Can run Do n't say you 're too tired to fight It 's just a matter of time ( Can run ) Up there 's the finish line ( So run , and run , and run ) Do n't say you 're too tired to fight It 's just a matter of time ( So run ) Up there 's the finish line ( And run , and run , and run ) Only the young Only the young Only the young The video ends with the best line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swift to write a song comparing Republicans to high school bullies and herself and other Democrats to young women who are bullied in high school : According to her interview with Rolling Stone : How did you come to use high school metaphors to touch on politics with “ Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince ” ?
There are so many influences that go into that particular song .
I wrote it a couple of months after midterm elections , and I wanted to take the idea of politics and pick a metaphorical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I was thinking about a traditional American high school , where there ’ s all these kinds of social events that could make someone feel completely alienated .
And I think a lot of people in our political landscape are just feeling like we need to huddle up under the bleachers and figure out a plan to make things better .
You sing about “ American stories burning before me.
” Do you mean the illusions of what America is ?
It ’ s about the illusions of what I thought America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn , and that naivete that we used to have about it .
And it ’ s also the idea of people who live in America , who just want to live their lives , make a living , have a family , love who they love , and watching those people lose their rights , or watching those people feel not at home in their home .
I have that line “ I see the high-fives between the bad guys ” because not only are some really racist , horrific undertones now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the people who are representing those concepts and that way of looking at the world are celebrating loudly , and it ’ s horrific .
Below are the lyrics .
“ Miss Americana ” represents Taylor Swift and young Democrats like her , and “ The Heartbreak Prince ” represents the America that she loves but let her down by electing Trump : You know I adore you , I 'm crazier for you Than I was at 16 , lost in a film scene Waving homecoming queens , marching band playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glory faded before me Now I 'm feeling hopeless , ripped up my prom dress Running through rose thorns , I saw the scoreboard And ran for my life ( Ah ) No cameras catch my pageant smile I counted days , I counted miles To see you there , to see you there It 's been a long time coming , but It 's you and me , that 's my whole world They whisper in the hallway , `` She 's a bad , bad girl '' ( Okay ) The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play stupid games , you win stupid prizes It 's you and me , there 's nothing like this Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince ( Okay ) We 're so sad , we paint the town blue Voted most likely to run away with you My team is losing , battered and bruising I see the high fives between the bad guys Leave with my head hung , you are the only one Who seems to care American stories burning before me I 'm feeling helpless , the damsels are depressed Boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wise men ?
Darling , I 'm scared ( Ah ) No cameras catch my muffled cries I counted days , I counted miles To see you there , to see you there And now the storm is coming , but It 's you and me , that 's my whole world They whisper in the hallway , `` She 's a bad , bad girl '' ( Okay ) The whole school is rolling fake dice You play stupid games , you win stupid prizes It 's you and me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and The Heartbreak Prince ( Okay ) We 're so sad , we paint the town blue Voted most likely to run away with you And I do n't want you to ( Go ) , I do n't really wan na ( Fight ) 'Cause nobody 's gon na ( Win ) , I think you should come home And I do n't want you to ( Go ) , I do n't really wan na ( Fight ) 'Cause nobody 's gon na ( Win ) , I think you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to ( Go ) , I do n't really wan na ( Fight ) 'Cause nobody 's gon na ( Win ) , just thought you should know And I 'll never let you ( Go ) 'cause I know this is a ( Fight ) That someday we 're gon na ( Win ) It 's you and me , that 's my whole world They whisper in the hallway , `` She 's a bad , bad girl '' Oh , I just thought you should know ( You should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there 's nothing like this ( Like this ) Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince ( Okay ) We 're so sad , we paint the town blue ( Paint it blue ) Voted most likely to run away with you And I do n't want you to ( Go ) , I do n't really wan na ( Fight ) 'Cause nobody 's gon na ( Win ) , I think you should come home And I 'll never let you ( Go ) 'cause I know this is a ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ na ( Win ) , just thought you should know It 's you and me , that 's my whole world They whisper in the hallway , `` She 's a bad , bad girl '' `` She 's a bad , bad girl '' Swift has also supported LGBTQ rights with “ You Need to Calm Down , ” You are somebody that I do n't know But you 're takin ' shots at me like it 's Patrón And I 'm just like , damn , it 's 7 AM Say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a knock-out But you say it in a Tweet , that 's a cop-out And I 'm just like , `` Hey , are you okay ? ''
And I ai n't tryna mess with your self-expression But I 've learned a lesson that stressin ' and obsessin ' 'bout somebody else is no fun And snakes and stones never broke my boned So oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh You need to calm down , you 're being too loud And I 'm just like oh-oh , oh-oh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) You need to just stop , like can you just not step on my gown ?
You need to calm down You are somebody that we do n't know But you 're comin ' at my friends like a missile Why are you mad when you could be GLAAD ?
( You could be GLAAD ) Sunshine on the street at the parade But you would rather be in the dark ages Makin ' that sign must 've taken all night You just need to take several seats and then try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to scream about all the people you hate 'Cause shade never made anybody less gay So oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh You need to calm down , you 're being too loud And I 'm just like oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh ( Oh ) You need to just stop , like can you just not step on his gown ?
You need to calm down And we see you over there on the internet Comparing all the girls who are killing it But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we all got crowns You need to calm down Oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh You need to calm down ( You need to calm down ) You 're being too loud ( You 're being too loud ) And I 'm just like oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh , oh-oh ( Oh ) You need to just stop ( Can you stop ? )
Like can you just not step on our gowns ?
You need to calm down I love Swift ’ s political turn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see her drop some more songs that will help Democrats win before November 2020 .

Swift has huge influence, especially with youth. She started out as a Christian country singer from Tennessee, and has retained much of her fan base in red and purple states. I’m glad she is on our side and increasingly eager to use her influence to help defeat Republicans.
Taylor Swift has been voting for Democrats since she first turned 18; she voted for Obama twice, and in 2016 she supported Hillary Clinton but kept quiet about it and just focused on encouraging youth to vote without saying who they should vote for, because she scared of the political backlash while she was dealing with difficult personal, professional, and emotional issues, and because she was afraid that her music world enemies (foremost among them Trump supporter Kanye West) who were calling her a “snake” and their fans would transfer their hatred to Hillary Clinton if she endorsed Clinton. Swift says she now regrets not endorsing Hillary.
In 2018, when she tried to help Democratic nominee Phil Bredesen defeat Republican Marsha Blackburn in Swift’s home state of Tennessee and tried to help Democratic nominee Jim Cooper win re-election in her home district of Nashville, Tennessee; voter registration nationwide spiked almost immediately after Swift posted her endorsement on her Instagram account, which had 112 million followers. Some of Swift’s Republican fans turned against her for that, but many of them stayed with her, which means she will be very valuable for helping to win swing voters. Prior to 2018, she carefully avoided revealing her political leanings. There are rumors that she was a Republican as a child, which wouldn’t be surprising given that she was a white Christian country singer in Tennessee, but this background only makes her a more convincing and influential campaigner for Democrats, especially in red and purple states.
According to Variety, “Only the Young” was inspired by the 2018 election:
“I wrote it after the midterm elections, when there were so many young people who rallied for their candidate, whether it was a senator or congressman or congresswoman,” Swift tells Variety. “It was hard to see so many people feel like they had canvassed and done everything and tried so hard. I saw a lot of young people’s hopes dashed. And I found that to be particularly tragic, because young people are the people who feel the worst effects of gun violence, and student loans and trying to figure out how to start their lives and how to pay their bills, and climate change, and are we going to war — all these horrific situations that we find ourselves facing right now.” It won’t be any secret to anyone watching the documentary just how crestfallen she was when the senatorial candidate Swift had declared stood in opposition to women’s issues and gay rights lost. “I was really upset about Tennessee going the way that it did, obviously. And so I just wanted to write a song about it. I didn’t know where it would end up. But I did think that it would be better for it to come out at a time that it could maybe hopefully stoke some fires politically and maybe engage younger people to form their own views, break away from the pack, and not feel like they need to vote exactly the same way that people in their town are voting.”
Lyrics:
It keeps me awake, the look on your face
The moment you heard the news
You're screaming inside and frozen in time
You did all that you could do
The game was rigged, the ref got tricked
The wrong ones think they’re right
You were outnumbered this time But only the young, only the young
Only the young, only the young
Can run
Can run
So run, and run, and run So every day now
You brace for the sound you've only heard on TV
You go to class, scared
Wondering where the best hiding spot would be
And the big bad man and his big bad clan
Their hands are stained with red
Oh, how quickly they forget They aren't gonna help us
Too busy helping themselves
They aren't gonna change this
We gotta do it ourselves
They think that it's over
But it's just begun Only one thing can save us
Only the young (Only the young)
Only the young (Only the young)
Only the young (Only the young)
Only the young
Only the young (Only the young)
Only the young (Only the young)
Only the young (Only the young)
Only the young
Only the young (Only the young; Don't say you're too tired to fight)
Only the young (Only the young; It's just a matter of time)
Only the young (Only the young; Up there's the finish line)
Only the young
Can run Don't say you're too tired to fight
It's just a matter of time (Can run)
Up there's the finish line (So run, and run, and run)
Don't say you're too tired to fight
It's just a matter of time (So run)
Up there's the finish line (And run, and run, and run) Only the young
Only the young
Only the young
The video ends with the best line of all:
Register to vote and get election reminders. Go to VOTE.org to learn more.
The 2018 election also inspired Swift to write a song comparing Republicans to high school bullies and herself and other Democrats to young women who are bullied in high school:
According to her interview with Rolling Stone:
How did you come to use high school metaphors to touch on politics with “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince”?
There are so many influences that go into that particular song. I wrote it a couple of months after midterm elections, and I wanted to take the idea of politics and pick a metaphorical place for that to exist. And so I was thinking about a traditional American high school, where there’s all these kinds of social events that could make someone feel completely alienated. And I think a lot of people in our political landscape are just feeling like we need to huddle up under the bleachers and figure out a plan to make things better. You sing about “American stories burning before me.” Do you mean the illusions of what America is?
It’s about the illusions of what I thought America was before our political landscape took this turn, and that naivete that we used to have about it. And it’s also the idea of people who live in America, who just want to live their lives, make a living, have a family, love who they love, and watching those people lose their rights, or watching those people feel not at home in their home. I have that line “I see the high-fives between the bad guys” because not only are some really racist, horrific undertones now becoming overtones in our political climate, but the people who are representing those concepts and that way of looking at the world are celebrating loudly, and it’s horrific.
Below are the lyrics. “Miss Americana” represents Taylor Swift and young Democrats like her, and “The Heartbreak Prince” represents the America that she loves but let her down by electing Trump:
You know I adore you, I'm crazier for you
Than I was at 16, lost in a film scene
Waving homecoming queens, marching band playing
I'm lost in the lights
American glory faded before me
Now I'm feeling hopeless, ripped up my prom dress
Running through rose thorns, I saw the scoreboard
And ran for my life (Ah) No cameras catch my pageant smile
I counted days, I counted miles
To see you there, to see you there
It's been a long time coming, but It's you and me, that's my whole world
They whisper in the hallway, "She's a bad, bad girl" (Okay)
The whole school is rolling fake dice
You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes
It's you and me, there's nothing like this
Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince (Okay)
We're so sad, we paint the town blue
Voted most likely to run away with you My team is losing, battered and bruising
I see the high fives between the bad guys
Leave with my head hung, you are the only one
Who seems to care
American stories burning before me
I'm feeling helpless, the damsels are depressed
Boys will be boys then, where are the wise men?
Darling, I'm scared (Ah) No cameras catch my muffled cries
I counted days, I counted miles
To see you there, to see you there
And now the storm is coming, but It's you and me, that's my whole world
They whisper in the hallway, "She's a bad, bad girl" (Okay)
The whole school is rolling fake dice
You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes
It's you and me, there's nothing like this
Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince (Okay)
We're so sad, we paint the town blue
Voted most likely to run away with you And I don't want you to (Go), I don't really wanna (Fight)
'Cause nobody's gonna (Win), I think you should come home
And I don't want you to (Go), I don't really wanna (Fight)
'Cause nobody's gonna (Win), I think you should come home
And I don't want you to (Go), I don't really wanna (Fight)
'Cause nobody's gonna (Win), just thought you should know
And I'll never let you (Go) 'cause I know this is a (Fight)
That someday we're gonna (Win) It's you and me, that's my whole world
They whisper in the hallway, "She's a bad, bad girl"
Oh, I just thought you should know (You should know)
It's you and me, there's nothing like this (Like this)
Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince (Okay)
We're so sad, we paint the town blue (Paint it blue)
Voted most likely to run away with you
And I don't want you to (Go), I don't really wanna (Fight)
'Cause nobody's gonna (Win), I think you should come home
And I'll never let you (Go) 'cause I know this is a (Fight)
That someday we're gonna (Win), just thought you should know It's you and me, that's my whole world
They whisper in the hallway, "She's a bad, bad girl"
"She's a bad, bad girl"
Swift has also supported LGBTQ rights with “You Need to Calm Down,”
Lyrics: You are somebody that I don't know
But you're takin' shots at me like it's Patrón
And I'm just like, damn, it's 7 AM
Say it in the street, that's a knock-out
But you say it in a Tweet, that's a cop-out
And I'm just like, "Hey, are you okay?"
And I ain't tryna mess with your self-expression
But I've learned a lesson that stressin' and obsessin' 'bout somebody else is no fun
And snakes and stones never broke my boned
So oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
You need to calm down, you're being too loud
And I'm just like oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh (Oh)
You need to just stop, like can you just not step on my gown?
You need to calm down You are somebody that we don't know
But you're comin' at my friends like a missile
Why are you mad when you could be GLAAD? (You could be GLAAD)
Sunshine on the street at the parade
But you would rather be in the dark ages
Makin' that sign must've taken all night You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace
And control your urges to scream about all the people you hate
'Cause shade never made anybody less gay So oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
You need to calm down, you're being too loud
And I'm just like oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh (Oh)
You need to just stop, like can you just not step on his gown?
You need to calm down
And we see you over there on the internet
Comparing all the girls who are killing it
But we figured you out
We all know now we all got crowns
You need to calm down
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
You need to calm down (You need to calm down)
You're being too loud (You're being too loud)
And I'm just like oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh (Oh)
You need to just stop (Can you stop?)
Like can you just not step on our gowns?
You need to calm down
I love Swift’s political turn. I suspect we’re going to see her drop some more songs that will help Democrats win before November 2020.


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dailykos--2020-02-01--The two questions that Republican Senators and House members must answer from now on

It has been shocking to watch Republican House members and Senators uniformly condone President Trump ’ s act of seeking foreign interference in our election to his benefit .
An obvious explanation , yet somehow undiscussed , is that many of the same Republican House members and Senators themselves have also sought or participated in foreign interference in our elections .
That is such an obvious explanation that I think it would be in the forefront of the discussion in most other major Western democracies .
( And one concrete example may concern the corruption and take over of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US , absent outside pressure , some sense of politeness and timidity will prevent this obvious question from being asked and investigated .
And , even if you think this scenario unlikely , the Republicans ’ conclusion that what President Trump did was acceptable plainly requires that all Republicans ( not just Trump ) repeatedly be asked the following two questions : 1 .
Have you , or anyone on your staff , ever discussed receiving information or assistance from a foreign state or foreign actor for possible use in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledge now that you will report to the FBI any instance that you or your staff become aware of a foreign state or foreign actor offering assistance or information for possible use in a US election ?
These two questions are the necessary and logical consequence of the position taken by the Republican President , Senators and House members .
Republicans must be forced to own and live with the consequences of their stated position .
And they really do not like shaming .
I am not suggesting that these two questions will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ gotcha “ question .
No , asking these two questions to Republicans is the necessary step to fight back and make sure that they are not successful in establishing a new norm of misconduct .
Republicans can only do that if we let them — with silence and acquiescence being the biggest culprit These two questions must not only be repeatedly asked of Republicans by journalists , cable TV show hosts and editorial boards , but also by their Democratic opponents and their constituents at Townhall meetings .
It will make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is the logical , unavoidable consequence of their own position and votes .
Don ’ t let them escape that .
Btw , if you want to see this principle in action , watch the foreign press .
In the clip below of the press conference following Trump ’ s meeting with the President of Finland , the Finnish reporter ’ s first question to her President was : “ I have to ask you .
What kind of favors has President Trump asked from you ?
” Perfect , responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face .

It has been shocking to watch Republican House members and Senators uniformly condone President Trump’s act of seeking foreign interference in our election to his benefit.
An obvious explanation, yet somehow undiscussed, is that many of the same Republican House members and Senators themselves have also sought or participated in foreign interference in our elections.
That is such an obvious explanation that I think it would be in the forefront of the discussion in most other major Western democracies. (And one concrete example may concern the corruption and take over of the NRA with Russian money.) But in the US, absent outside pressure, some sense of politeness and timidity will prevent this obvious question from being asked and investigated.
And, even if you think this scenario unlikely, the Republicans’ conclusion that what President Trump did was acceptable plainly requires that all Republicans (not just Trump) repeatedly be asked the following two questions:
1. Have you, or anyone on your staff, ever discussed receiving information or assistance from a foreign state or foreign actor for possible use in a US election? 2. Will you pledge now that you will report to the FBI any instance that you or your staff become aware of a foreign state or foreign actor offering assistance or information for possible use in a US election?
These two questions are the necessary and logical consequence of the position taken by the Republican President, Senators and House members. Republicans must be forced to own and live with the consequences of their stated position. And they really do not like shaming.
I am not suggesting that these two questions will somehow lead to confessions or be a “gotcha“ question. No, asking these two questions to Republicans is the necessary step to fight back and make sure that they are not successful in establishing a new norm of misconduct. Republicans can only do that if we let them — with silence and acquiescence being the biggest culprit
These two questions must not only be repeatedly asked of Republicans by journalists, cable TV show hosts and editorial boards, but also by their Democratic opponents and their constituents at Townhall meetings. It will make the Republicans mad (trust me), but it is the logical, unavoidable consequence of their own position and votes. Don’t let them escape that.
Btw, if you want to see this principle in action, watch the foreign press. In the clip below of the press conference following Trump’s meeting with the President of Finland, the Finnish reporter’s first question to her President was: “I have to ask you. What kind of favors has President Trump asked from you?” Perfect, responsible, and look at Trump’s face.


dailykos--2020-01-31--This Week We Learned That For The Next 10 Months America Is An Authoritarian Regime

With the certain acquittal of President Donald Trump by the United States Senate for obvious abuse of power and crimes against the Constitution , the result is for all purposes America temporarily has the same kind of government found in both Russia and Turkey .
Both are autocratic regimes with only the illusion of the rule of law .
Like them , our most important agencies , the State and Justice Departments , now serve the interests of one man .
The Federal courts are packed with by Trump appointed judges and he has the title of Commander and Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful military ever assembled .
In these countries there is the appearance of a Democratic process , but the reality is that their president maintains complete control over a rubber stamp legislature that bends to his will as he is synonymous with the state itself .
Just like what we are witnessing in the Republican controlled Senate With Republican ’ s vote today or tomorrow , they are essentially agreeing with President Trump that he can do anything he wants and is not bound by any of the constraints that we used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become that quaint document , the United States Constitution .
The remedy for this is for the electorate to remove Trump and for Congress to enact specific laws to shore up the weaknesses Trump exposed in the rule of law .
In the meantime America is in a most precarious situation .

With the certain acquittal of President Donald Trump by the United States Senate for obvious abuse of power and crimes against the Constitution, the result is for all purposes America temporarily has the same kind of government found in both Russia and Turkey. Both are autocratic regimes with only the illusion of the rule of law. Like them, our most important agencies, the State and Justice Departments, now serve the interests of one man. The Federal courts are packed with by Trump appointed judges and he has the title of Commander and Chief, controlling with few constraints the most powerful military ever assembled.
In these countries there is the appearance of a Democratic process, but the reality is that their president maintains complete control over a rubber stamp legislature that bends to his will as he is synonymous with the state itself. Just like what we are witnessing in the Republican controlled Senate
With Republican’s vote today or tomorrow, they are essentially agreeing with President Trump that he can do anything he wants and is not bound by any of the constraints that we used to believe were part of what has now become that quaint document, the United States Constitution.
The remedy for this is for the electorate to remove Trump and for Congress to enact specific laws to shore up the weaknesses Trump exposed in the rule of law. In the meantime America is in a most precarious situation.


dailykos--2020-02-03--It Ends As It Began. But The Middle Is What Matters

The impeachment trial of Donald Trump is ending exactly the way that it began .
The Trump defense began the day , and their arguments were the same pathetic , thin gruel that they led off with .
They blamed the Democrats for a purely partisan impeachment , claimed that they failed to prove their case , and trotted out a literal plethora of phony , nonsensical reasons why the presidents power was all encompassing enough to allow him to abuse it .
The Democrats response has been superb , and it ’ s because of their delivery and attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time retrying the case against Trump in their closing arguments , from their point of view , they have already convicted Trump , on all charges .
When they refer to their case , they ’ ve referred to it only generally , using words like proven , and guilty .
Instead , they are drawing references to Alexander Hamilton , Nixon .
morality , fairness , truth .
and the constitution .
And they are tying the GOP Senate caucus to Donald Trump , with barbed wire .
They are remind every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to Trump for all of history , making them accessories to his crimes .
And so , it ends the same way that it began .
But the arguments , while almost identical in content are different this time around .
It ’ s different this time around .
It ’ s different because of context .
And in any serious argument , or critical decision , context is everything .
Here ’ s how it ’ s different this time .
When the two sides gave the same basic opening arguments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bunch of lawyers bickering back and forth .
Because , when they made those arguments , the jury , and in this case I ’ m referring to the American people , there was no context .
It was just an argument , empty words with nothing to back them up .
But now there is context to those arguments , and a ton of it .
The Democrats spent 24 hours presenting a powerful , compelling , blow-the-doors-off indictment of Donald Trump , rich with documents , testimony , people , places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t replay their case in their closing arguments because they didn ’ t have to , people got it the first time .
And in response , the Trump defense spent less than half of their allotted time presenting their case .
And in their case , they never touched a single piece of evidence , never contested a single fact laid forward .
Instead , they whined about the process , and blamed the Democrats for being a bunch of partisan hacks .
And their closing argument was only more of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American people was manifest , simply because the fix was in .
Adam Schiff ’ s closing summation was a tour de force , one likely to be played in future law classes on how closing summations should be done .
But Schiff ’ s closing argument was actually geared as much , if not more for the jury of the American people than the GOP Senate .
Schiff hammered at justice , he hammered at fairness , he hammered at decency , he hammered at the rule of law , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Schiff hammered the GOP Senate for their expected upcoming votes , making them co=conspirators in Trump ’ s crimes .
And he came right out and said it , Trump is a bad guy who cheats , and he ’ ll cheat again .
Schiff ’ s argument was aimed at the American jury , not the GOP Senate jury , and it was pitch perfect .
Because the American jury already largely agrees with Schiff and the Democratic prosecutors .
Trump ’ s poll numbers are in the low 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted witnesses and documents , the majority agree that Trump broke the law , and even before the completion of the case presentations , half the country wanted Trump removed .
The Senate Republicans are going to acquit Trump , but Schiff and the Democratic case managers were speaking to the American jury , the ones with the ultimate power .
over everything .
It doesn ’ t take a political savant to figure this out .
Following the vote to acquit Trump , the Democrats are going to hammer the sham trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegitimate faux acquittal .
The Democrats will feed and fuel the anger and outrage at the GOP for the trial and result , and I ’ ll be amazed if multiple polls don ’ t ask if the American people feel that Trump ’ s acquittal in the Senate is legitimate .
And if they do , Trump is not going yo like the outcome .
With their case presentation , and especially their closings , the Democratic case managers gave the eventual Democratic nominee for president , along with every Democratic challenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 60 second spots .
The Democratic presidential nominee can feed the anger and hammer the GOP Senate for their vote , and call Trump ’ s acquittal illegitimate , which will drive him insane .
Every Democratic Senate challenger can feed the anger , and hammer the GOP incumbent for his vote .
And because this is the gift that keeps on giving , even Democratic Senate incumbents can hammer their challengers with this , demanding that they tell the voters how they would have voted as Senators , a demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican voters .
So it ends as it began .
And while it was irrelevant what was said at the beginning , what was said in the middle was critical , because it gave context and definition to what was said at the end .
And while the Democrats can ’ t control the GOP Senate vote to acquit Trump later this week , they sure as hell can try to influence the bote of the American jurors this coming November .
And that ’ s the jury that can change history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ To know the future , look to the past.before the insanity of the 2020 election , relive the insanity of the 2016 GOP primary campaign , and the general election , to see how we got to where we are .
Copies of President Evil , and the sequel , President Evil II , A Clodwork Orange are available as e-books on Amazon , at the links above .
Catch up before the upcoming release of the third book in the trilogy , President Evil III : All The Presidents Fen

The impeachment trial of Donald Trump is ending exactly the way that it began. The Trump defense began the day, and their arguments were the same pathetic, thin gruel that they led off with. They blamed the Democrats for a purely partisan impeachment, claimed that they failed to prove their case, and trotted out a literal plethora of phony, nonsensical reasons why the presidents power was all encompassing enough to allow him to abuse it.
The Democrats response has been superb, and it’s because of their delivery and attitude. The Democrats are not wasting their time retrying the case against Trump in their closing arguments, from their point of view, they have already convicted Trump, on all charges. When they refer to their case, they’ve referred to it only generally, using words like proven, and guilty. Instead, they are drawing references to Alexander Hamilton, Nixon. morality, fairness, truth. and the constitution. And they are tying the GOP Senate caucus to Donald Trump, with barbed wire. They are remind every GOP Senator that their vote will tie them to Trump for all of history, making them accessories to his crimes.
And so, it ends the same way that it began. But the arguments, while almost identical in content are different this time around. It’s different this time around. It’s different because of context. And in any serious argument, or critical decision, context is everything.
Here’s how it’s different this time. When the two sides gave the same basic opening arguments, they were nothing more than a bunch of lawyers bickering back and forth. Because, when they made those arguments, the jury, and in this case I’m referring to the American people, there was no context. It was just an argument, empty words with nothing to back them up.
But now there is context to those arguments, and a ton of it. The Democrats spent 24 hours presenting a powerful, compelling, blow-the-doors-off indictment of Donald Trump, rich with documents, testimony, people, places, and times. They didn’t replay their case in their closing arguments because they didn’t have to, people got it the first time. And in response, the Trump defense spent less than half of their allotted time presenting their case. And in their case, they never touched a single piece of evidence, never contested a single fact laid forward. Instead, they whined about the process, and blamed the Democrats for being a bunch of partisan hacks. And their closing argument was only more of the same. And their contempt for the American people was manifest, simply because the fix was in.
Adam Schiff’s closing summation was a tour de force, one likely to be played in future law classes on how closing summations should be done. But Schiff’s closing argument was actually geared as much, if not more for the jury of the American people than the GOP Senate. Schiff hammered at justice, he hammered at fairness, he hammered at decency, he hammered at the rule of law, and he excoriated Trump as lacking in all of them. Schiff hammered the GOP Senate for their expected upcoming votes, making them co=conspirators in Trump’s crimes. And he came right out and said it, Trump is a bad guy who cheats, and he’ll cheat again.
Schiff’s argument was aimed at the American jury, not the GOP Senate jury, and it was pitch perfect. Because the American jury already largely agrees with Schiff and the Democratic prosecutors. Trump’s poll numbers are in the low 40’s, the majority of Americans wanted witnesses and documents, the majority agree that Trump broke the law, and even before the completion of the case presentations, half the country wanted Trump removed. The Senate Republicans are going to acquit Trump, but Schiff and the Democratic case managers were speaking to the American jury, the ones with the ultimate power. over everything.
It doesn’t take a political savant to figure this out. Following the vote to acquit Trump, the Democrats are going to hammer the sham trial without witnesses and documents, and the illegitimate faux acquittal. The Democrats will feed and fuel the anger and outrage at the GOP for the trial and result, and I’ll be amazed if multiple polls don’t ask if the American people feel that Trump’s acquittal in the Senate is legitimate. And if they do, Trump is not going yo like the outcome.
With their case presentation, and especially their closings, the Democratic case managers gave the eventual Democratic nominee for president, along with every Democratic challenger for Senate an unending source of 30 and 60 second spots. The Democratic presidential nominee can feed the anger and hammer the GOP Senate for their vote, and call Trump’s acquittal illegitimate, which will drive him insane. Every Democratic Senate challenger can feed the anger, and hammer the GOP incumbent for his vote. And because this is the gift that keeps on giving, even Democratic Senate incumbents can hammer their challengers with this, demanding that they tell the voters how they would have voted as Senators, a demand for which there is no right answer for Republican voters.
So it ends as it began. And while it was irrelevant what was said at the beginning, what was said in the middle was critical, because it gave context and definition to what was said at the end. And while the Democrats can’t control the GOP Senate vote to acquit Trump later this week, they sure as hell can try to influence the bote of the American jurors this coming November. And that’s the jury that can change history. Don’t touch that dial.
To know the future, look to the past.before the insanity of the 2020 election, relive the insanity of the 2016 GOP primary campaign, and the general election, to see how we got to where we are. Copies of President Evil, and the sequel, President Evil II, A Clodwork Orange are available as e-books on Amazon, at the links above. Catch up before the upcoming release of the third book in the trilogy, President Evil III: All The Presidents Fen
Politizoom.com


dailykos--2020-02-03--What’s On My Mind Heading Into The Iowa Caucuses

All eyes are on Iowa .
For many , this night has taken months and months ( if not years ) of planning and preparation , fueling debates about electability , cross-over appeal , experience , fresh faces , and historic candidacies .
And in the build up to Monday night ’ s caucuses , the questions that keep popping up from my family , Iowans , and the media are 1 ) Who are you going to endorse ?
2 ) Which candidate would be the best at the top of the ticket to help in your congressional race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my work with an antipoverty non-profit , Working Hero Iowa , or in my campaign to serve Iowa ’ s 4th congressional district , I ’ ve proudly stood alongside any presidential hopeful that has asked me to do so .
Some campaigns were more eager than others in sharing their plans for rural America , asking questions about rural organizing and outreach , and doing events together .
We didn ’ t play favorites ; in fact , I was more than happy to work with any campaign to ensure that my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be left behind in the Democratic party once the Iowa Caucuses are over .
I pushed them — and will keep pushing them — on the importance of revitalizing rural America .
This is the reality of my district : Iowa ’ s 4th congressional district is the 2nd most agriculture producing district in America ; we ’ re very rural and proud of it .
There are areas that are doing ok , but for the most part , it ’ s getting harder and harder to live in rural Iowa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but making less than 15 cents of the consumer dollar — a record low .
Farm bankruptcies , loan delinquency rates , and suicides are all going up while the CEOs of agribusinesses are making record profits .
In other parts of the economy , closures and consolidation are the norm .
Everything from grocery stores and hospitals to OB/GYN units , farms , banks , and schools are closing , consolidating , or offering fewer services so folks have to drive further for food , health care , education , financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe the government can help provide solutions to these systemic issues .
That ’ s why I ’ m a Democrat , but one who lives in a district that Trump won by 27 % and understands that it ’ s up to us to show up , prove that we ’ re trustworthy , and prove that we ’ re going to fight for our constituents .
I hear and see a lot of people having a hard time deciding on who they want to get behind on caucus night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning here in Iowa will help , here they are ( in alphabetical order by last name ) : Joe Biden – I am grateful to his campaign for bringing John Kerry and Bob Kerrey as surrogates to Iowa .
I haven ’ t heard the Vice President speak about his rural policy plan or help create it , but I was impressed with what I read , especially the part about antitrust .
Our schedules haven ’ t been compatible , so I haven ’ t seen his campaign as up close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last week , his campaign has pulled 300 people in Carroll and over 200 people in New Hampton .
I know what it is like to hold town halls there and I ’ d give anything for half those numbers .
Also , it was impressive to get at least one person from all 99 counties to the Liberty and Justice Dinner last fall .
I wouldn ’ t be shocked if they have a bigger night than predicted .
Amy Klobuchar – The biggest revolt against Trump from Trump voters here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved 31 small refinery waivers , putting big oil over Midwest farmers and immediately resulting in a drop of corn prices by 10 % — the largest drop ever recorded in August .
No one in the field gets this issue like she does and I see Republicans in the agriculture industry crossing over to support her .
Also , I respect the hustle of going to all 99 counties — that ’ s not easy .
As we like to say , “ You can ’ t fake showing up.
” Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me in Sioux City , Fort Dodge , and Ames in 2018 when no one else would .
I will always be grateful for that .
His campaign pulls new faces into the party and gives the working class a megaphone .
If he ’ s the nominee , I am here for Bernie-palooza with all of the amazing bands he ’ s brought to Iowa in the last few weeks .
Their campaign continues to poll well and bring out large crowds .
The big question everyone wants to know is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegates on caucus night .
Tom Steyer – I respect his work to address climate change .
A huge part of our success in 2018 was getting Iowa State students to vote .
His organization , NextGen , did a phenomenal job registering college students to vote .
Elizabeth Warren – You ’ ve probably heard me talk about one of my political heroes , Berkley Bedell .
The last time I saw him in person was when I introduced him on stage , right before he introduced and endorsed Senator Warren .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a rural outreach program .
Outside of Berk ’ s endorsement , my favorite endorsements have been the list of Republicans that have crossed over to support her .
She has a plan for everything !
I am very grateful for all of her help in 2018 .
With 50 % of caucus goers still undecided , a lot of it will come down to well-trained precinct captains and I see that as a big advantage for her campaign .
Andrew Yang – It doesn ’ t matter what happens on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner .
No campaign has grown as much from when they started .
Putting the Freedom Dividend aside , Andrew has been a much-needed voice in the Democratic Party by addressing the reality of the 4th Industrial Revolution .
I remember stopping at a run-down gas station off of I-80 and seeing a “ Yang Gang ” sticker…respect .
During every phone call or meeting with these presidential candidates , I have pushed them all on one thing : ENFORCING OUR ANTITRUST LAWS IN AGRICULTURE .
This is the first step to rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their land and make a dime , and combating climate change .
This will give our rural communities a seat at the table .
Currently , multinational corporations dictate the policies , the inputs , the markets , and how we farm .
We need to level the playing field and give our rural communities a chance .
When it comes to an endorsement , a lot of people on social media hit us up to endorse their candidate .
Sorry to disappoint , but the reality is that only two candidates have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am not endorsing one specific candidate just one specific policy : enforcing our antitrust laws .
This is something very few people were talking about before this cycle even though it ’ s at the heart of the rural economy .
Which candidate would be the best top of the ticket for us in Iowa ’ s 4th ?
It doesn ’ t matter .
They are ALL electable .
They may have different paths , but I believe each of them can beat Trump if the Democratic Party rallies behind him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work hard to attract new coalitions ( like rural America !
! )
Don ’ t let the pundits fool you that only one certain type of Democrat is the answer .
In Iowa , we pride ourselves on being independent thinkers and I urge you all to caucus for who inspires you the most .

All eyes are on Iowa. For many, this night has taken months and months (if not years) of planning and preparation, fueling debates about electability, cross-over appeal, experience, fresh faces, and historic candidacies. And in the build up to Monday night’s caucuses, the questions that keep popping up from my family, Iowans, and the media are 1) Who are you going to endorse? 2) Which candidate would be the best at the top of the ticket to help in your congressional race?
In the last year, through my work with an antipoverty non-profit, Working Hero Iowa, or in my campaign to serve Iowa’s 4th congressional district, I’ve proudly stood alongside any presidential hopeful that has asked me to do so. Some campaigns were more eager than others in sharing their plans for rural America, asking questions about rural organizing and outreach, and doing events together. We didn’t play favorites; in fact, I was more than happy to work with any campaign to ensure that my district and rural Americans won’t be left behind in the Democratic party once the Iowa Caucuses are over. I pushed them — and will keep pushing them — on the importance of revitalizing rural America.
This is the reality of my district: Iowa’s 4th congressional district is the 2nd most agriculture producing district in America; we’re very rural and proud of it. There are areas that are doing ok, but for the most part, it’s getting harder and harder to live in rural Iowa. Farmers are working harder than ever before, but making less than 15 cents of the consumer dollar — a record low. Farm bankruptcies, loan delinquency rates, and suicides are all going up while the CEOs of agribusinesses are making record profits.
In other parts of the economy, closures and consolidation are the norm. Everything from grocery stores and hospitals to OB/GYN units, farms, banks, and schools are closing, consolidating, or offering fewer services so folks have to drive further for food, health care, education, financial services, and more. Yes, I believe the government can help provide solutions to these systemic issues. That’s why I’m a Democrat, but one who lives in a district that Trump won by 27% and understands that it’s up to us to show up, prove that we’re trustworthy, and prove that we’re going to fight for our constituents.
I hear and see a lot of people having a hard time deciding on who they want to get behind on caucus night, so if my thoughts on the candidates campaigning here in Iowa will help, here they are (in alphabetical order by last name):
Joe Biden – I am grateful to his campaign for bringing John Kerry and Bob Kerrey as surrogates to Iowa. I haven’t heard the Vice President speak about his rural policy plan or help create it, but I was impressed with what I read, especially the part about antitrust. Our schedules haven’t been compatible, so I haven’t seen his campaign as up close as others.
Pete Buttigieg – In the last week, his campaign has pulled 300 people in Carroll and over 200 people in New Hampton. I know what it is like to hold town halls there and I’d give anything for half those numbers. Also, it was impressive to get at least one person from all 99 counties to the Liberty and Justice Dinner last fall. I wouldn’t be shocked if they have a bigger night than predicted.
Amy Klobuchar – The biggest revolt against Trump from Trump voters here was after August 9th when his Administration approved 31 small refinery waivers, putting big oil over Midwest farmers and immediately resulting in a drop of corn prices by 10% — the largest drop ever recorded in August. No one in the field gets this issue like she does and I see Republicans in the agriculture industry crossing over to support her. Also, I respect the hustle of going to all 99 counties — that’s not easy. As we like to say, “You can’t fake showing up.”
Bernie Sanders – Senator Sanders came to campaign for me in Sioux City, Fort Dodge, and Ames in 2018 when no one else would. I will always be grateful for that. His campaign pulls new faces into the party and gives the working class a megaphone. If he’s the nominee, I am here for Bernie-palooza with all of the amazing bands he’s brought to Iowa in the last few weeks. Their campaign continues to poll well and bring out large crowds. The big question everyone wants to know is how much of that energy translates into delegates on caucus night.
Tom Steyer – I respect his work to address climate change. A huge part of our success in 2018 was getting Iowa State students to vote. His organization, NextGen, did a phenomenal job registering college students to vote.
Elizabeth Warren – You’ve probably heard me talk about one of my political heroes, Berkley Bedell. The last time I saw him in person was when I introduced him on stage, right before he introduced and endorsed Senator Warren. She was also the first campaign to have a rural outreach program. Outside of Berk’s endorsement, my favorite endorsements have been the list of Republicans that have crossed over to support her. She has a plan for everything! I am very grateful for all of her help in 2018. With 50% of caucus goers still undecided, a lot of it will come down to well-trained precinct captains and I see that as a big advantage for her campaign.
Andrew Yang – It doesn’t matter what happens on Monday night, Andrew Yang is already a winner. No campaign has grown as much from when they started. Putting the Freedom Dividend aside, Andrew has been a much-needed voice in the Democratic Party by addressing the reality of the 4th Industrial Revolution. I remember stopping at a run-down gas station off of I-80 and seeing a “Yang Gang” sticker…respect.
During every phone call or meeting with these presidential candidates, I have pushed them all on one thing: ENFORCING OUR ANTITRUST LAWS IN AGRICULTURE.
This is the first step to rural revitalization, allowing farmers to stay on their land and make a dime, and combating climate change. This will give our rural communities a seat at the table. Currently, multinational corporations dictate the policies, the inputs, the markets, and how we farm. We need to level the playing field and give our rural communities a chance.
When it comes to an endorsement, a lot of people on social media hit us up to endorse their candidate. Sorry to disappoint, but the reality is that only two candidates have personally asked me to endorse them.
I am not endorsing one specific candidate just one specific policy: enforcing our antitrust laws. This is something very few people were talking about before this cycle even though it’s at the heart of the rural economy.
Which candidate would be the best top of the ticket for us in Iowa’s 4th? It doesn’t matter. They are ALL electable. They may have different paths, but I believe each of them can beat Trump if the Democratic Party rallies behind him or her — and if we continue to work hard to attract new coalitions (like rural America!!)
Don’t let the pundits fool you that only one certain type of Democrat is the answer. In Iowa, we pride ourselves on being independent thinkers and I urge you all to caucus for who inspires you the most.


dailykos--2020-02-03--Bloomberg As a Democrat?

Bloomberg As a Democrat?

It might be called “ A Tale of Two New Yorkers.
” One , a successful entrepreneur who built a multi-billion dollar company based on technology ; the other a blowhard fabulist who started with his daddy ’ s money and has compiled wealth in what can only be called suspicious circumstances , with a briefcase full of bankruptcies , threats , cheating his suppliers and clients , and who has never uttered a truthful word in his life .
One a thrice elected mayor of America ’ s most important city and familiar with the ways of practical politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wit and his demonstrated understanding of what a public servant is .
The other is a puerile , humorless bully whose mission in life is self-aggrandizement , self-promotion , and self-enrichment and who has salted the West Wing with an ever rotating core of inept boot lickers .
Yes , I ’ m looking at Michael Bloomberg .
It seems to me his track record as both an eminently successful businessman and politician , and who has the wherewithal to fund his own candidacy for President ( unlike the incumbent , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , that he is a extremely well qualified person to run the executive branch of the federal government .
He obviously has a Rolodex of talent to choose from which would make the oval office into a citizen-centered presidency .
Moreover , most of what he ’ s worked on like common sense gun safety legislation , turning deficits into surpluses in NYC , and is for tree trade and against protectionism .
For me it ’ s also notable the Bloomberg isn ’ t afraid to be wrong , as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war in Iraq .
Bloomberg is very active in creating a post-fossil fuel world , he contribute heavily to The Sierra Club In short , Bloomberg is a non-dogmatic centrist who could pull votes from the left all the way over to the right-of-center voters , many of whom are Independents .
And even though he ’ s been accused of trying to split the Democratic Party , he has stated that he will unequivocally endorse the Democratic Party nominee whomever he or she is .
He ’ s worth a look .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy who can appeal to most reasonable voters .

It might be called “A Tale of Two New Yorkers.” One, a successful entrepreneur who built a multi-billion dollar company based on technology; the other a blowhard fabulist who started with his daddy’s money and has compiled wealth in what can only be called suspicious circumstances, with a briefcase full of bankruptcies, threats, cheating his suppliers and clients, and who has never uttered a truthful word in his life. One a thrice elected mayor of America’s most important city and familiar with the ways of practical politics; who is known for his candor, wit and his demonstrated understanding of what a public servant is. The other is a puerile, humorless bully whose mission in life is self-aggrandizement, self-promotion, and self-enrichment and who has salted the West Wing with an ever rotating core of inept boot lickers.
Yes, I’m looking at Michael Bloomberg. It seems to me his track record as both an eminently successful businessman and politician, and who has the wherewithal to fund his own candidacy for President (unlike the incumbent, who said he would but didn’t), that he is a extremely well qualified person to run the executive branch of the federal government. He obviously has a Rolodex of talent to choose from which would make the oval office into a citizen-centered presidency.
Moreover, most of what he’s worked on like common sense gun safety legislation, turning deficits into surpluses in NYC, and is for tree trade and against protectionism. For me it’s also notable the Bloomberg isn’t afraid to be wrong, as he admitted on his initial backing for the war in Iraq. Bloomberg is very active in creating a post-fossil fuel world, he contribute heavily to The Sierra Club
In short, Bloomberg is a non-dogmatic centrist who could pull votes from the left all the way over to the right-of-center voters, many of whom are Independents. And even though he’s been accused of trying to split the Democratic Party, he has stated that he will unequivocally endorse the Democratic Party nominee whomever he or she is.
He’s worth a look. A close look. This is one guy who can appeal to most reasonable voters.


dailykos--2020-02-04--Politics/Money and the new American Oligarchy

Well it 's no surprise that McConnell 's Impeachment Show Trial will feature neither evidence nor witnesses.When you 're in a hurry to get something done ( in this case an acquittal ) there 's no time for niceties and after allThe King of Us is due to tell us that the State of The Union is fantastic/terrific/the best it 's ever been .
In the long run the whole circus is likely to backfire .
It 's possible it could cost McConnell his Senate majorityby imperiling the seats of Gardner , Collins , McSally , Burr and ( some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ POV are not so sure , in fact some Talking Heads think it 's a sign that America is no longer really a representative democracy .
On his TV show Bill Maher was heard to say something like `` Democracy died this week . ''
Oh my dear Bill , America went from a democratic republic to an oligarchy on Aug. 21 , 2010 when the SCOTUS decided Citizens United v. F.E.C .
and threw out most restrictions on political spending .
They reasoned that such restrictions were an impediment to the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling IMO that ignored the fact that some speech is much louder if voices can be magnified by insane levels of media spending .
Can we have a real democracy if one side has a much louder voice than the other ?
Here we are 10 years later and every day the Adelsons , Kochs , Mercers , Murdochs etc .
and their helpers in the corporate hierarchies are closer to gaining full control of both the political and media worlds as well as the financial ones .
The oligarchs are doing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the open , we know their names , but we have n't yet grasped the fact that the Trumps , Kushners and their ilk are minor players , just the elves in this factory of financial concentration .
Make no mistake we are in a long , hard fight .
The Blue Wave of 2018 was a good start but the elections of 2020are the D-Day of this campaign to retake the country and the world from the plunderers and the oligarchs .
If we lose next year we could lose it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll be hearing The Great Exaggerator taking his `` victory '' laps bellowing about his total exoneration .
The only surprise will be if he knows how to spell exoneration .
Oy !
It turns out there are a few oligarchs that want presumably to share power , or at least say they do .
I 'll have more to say about Messrs. Steyer , Yang and Bloomberg but first I have to figure out who to vote for in the NH Primary.If you have any thoughts or suggestions better email me soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to analyze the Iowa results and email my absentee ballot .
I do n't often agree with Ross Douthat , the Times ' in-house Catholic conservative but there were some good points in Sunday 's op ed .

Well it's no surprise that McConnell's Impeachment Show Trial will feature neither evidence nor witnesses.When you're in a hurry to get something done (in this case an acquittal) there's no time for niceties and after allThe King of Us is due to tell us that the State of The Union is fantastic/terrific/the best it's ever been.
In the long run the whole circus is likely to backfire. It's possible it could cost McConnell his Senate majorityby imperiling the seats of Gardner, Collins, McSally, Burr and (some think)Ernst
Naturally dissenters from this POV are not so sure, in fact some Talking Heads think it's a sign that America is no longer really a representative democracy. On his TV show Bill Maher was heard to say something like "Democracy died this week."
Oh my dear Bill, America went from a democratic republic to an oligarchy on Aug. 21, 2010 when the SCOTUS decided Citizens United v. F.E.C. and threw out most restrictions on political spending. They reasoned that such restrictions were an impediment to the First Amendment guarantee of free speech, a ruling IMO that ignored the fact that some speech is much louder if voices can be magnified by insane levels of media spending. Can we have a real democracy if one side has a much louder voice than the other?
Here we are 10 years later and every day the Adelsons, Kochs, Mercers, Murdochs etc. and their helpers in the corporate hierarchies are closer to gaining full control of both the political and media worlds as well as the financial ones. The oligarchs are doing it and they're doing it out in the open, we know their names, but we haven't yet grasped the fact that the Trumps, Kushners and their ilk are minor players, just the elves in this factory of financial concentration.
Make no mistake we are in a long, hard fight. The Blue Wave of 2018 was a good start but the elections of 2020are the D-Day of this campaign to retake the country and the world from the plunderers and the oligarchs. If we lose next year we could lose it all.
For the next few weeks we'll be hearing The Great Exaggerator taking his "victory" laps bellowing about his total exoneration. The only surprise will be if he knows how to spell exoneration. Oy!
It turns out there are a few oligarchs that want presumably to share power, or at least say they do. I'll have more to say about Messrs. Steyer, Yang and Bloomberg but first I have to figure out who to vote for in the NH Primary.If you have any thoughts or suggestions better email me soon. I have only a few days to analyze the Iowa results and email my absentee ballot.
I don't often agree with Ross Douthat, the Times' in-house Catholic conservative but there were some good points in Sunday's op ed.


dailykos--2020-02-04--IAN: Tuesday, February 4, 2020: Photos to Comfort

My friends , wasn ’ t last week both grueling and inspiring ?
But aren ’ t we also a @ @ @ @ @ Iowa Caucuses upon us this week .
And some weird , mean , even vicious @ @ @ @ @ the Union speech lurks very close .
I don ’ t know if I ’ @ @ @ @ @ pessimist by nature , but I have learned to try to move on , in @ @ @ @ @ an occasional leap ahead ! )
February is here and in Northern CA the tiny @ @ @ @ @ More birds active ; some budding trees here and there .
But more rain to @ @ @ @ @ bring it on : we have such a loon dry season for way too much @ @ @ @ @ And , of course , more IAN Seekrit Hideouts to e-visit with all of you @ @ @ @ @ for all of us , hope .

Tuesday: A day to move ahead bravely.
As you can see by Itzl's concerned look, this group gives Kossacks a safe place to check in, a daily diary where we can let people know we are alive, doing OK, and not affected by such things as heat, blizzards, floods, wild fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages, earthquakes, or other such things that could keep us off DKos. It also allows us to find other Kossacks nearby for in-person checks when other methods of communication fail - a buddy system. If you're not here, or anywhere else on DKos, and there are adverse conditions in your area (floods, heatwaves, hurricanes, earthquakes etc.), we and your buddy are going to check up on you. If you are going to be away from your computer for a day or a week, let us know here. We care!
IAN is a great group to join, and a good place to learn to write diaries. Drop one of us a Kosmail and ask to be added to the Itzl Alert Network anytime! We all share the publishing duties, and we welcome everyone who reads IAN to write diaries for the group! Every member is an editor, so anyone can take a turn when they have something to say, photos and music to share, a cause to promote or news!
We do have a diary schedule. But, when you are ready to write that diary, either post in thread or send FloridaSNMOM a Kosmail with the date. If you need someone to fill in, ditto. FloridaSNMOM is here on and off through the day usually from around 9:30 or 10 am eastern to around 11 pm eastern.
My friends, wasn’t last week both grueling and inspiring? But aren’t we also a bit shell-shocked this week? Iowa Caucuses upon us this week. And some weird, mean, even vicious version of the State of the Union speech lurks very close.
I don’t know if I’m an optimist or a pessimist by nature, but I have learned to try to move on, in little hopeful increments (with an occasional leap ahead!)
February is here and in Northern CA the tiny signs of spring approach. More birds active; some budding trees here and there. But more rain to be hoped for (and bring it on: we have such a loon dry season for way too much of the year!)
More local field trips ahead.
Market St. SF
And, of course, more IAN Seekrit Hideouts to e-visit with all of you.
The very newest additional to our Hideouts!
And, I hope for all of us, hope.
Amen.


dailykos--2020-02-04--CNN has headlines of doom and gloom

CNN has headlines of doom and gloom

The Iowa caucuses are an embarrassment What is going on in Iowa ?
Local officials raise concerns The Delay : How the Democrat 's night crumbled And the list goes on .
And that ’ s not the only news outlet doing this .
It ’ s almost as if several so called independent news outlets are trying to sabotage the elections for Democrats .
This kind of reporting does more damage to our sacred elections than Trumps big mouth and the GOP put together .
CNN you need to get your journalists opinions in check and stick to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinions to yourself .
This election is for the whole ball of wax .
It ’ s not a game of who gets the best ratings or press or trying to win favor with certain politicians and Trump for an article it ’ s about our democracy and the fate of the entire nation going forward .
I ’ d say fine , go n with your bad self and your op-eds if this were a normal election but it ’ s not .
This is an election to determine the future of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a corrupt dictatorship and quite possible a third world nation or if we are going to be the free and wonderful nation we have always been .
All I ’ m saying is cool it and let ’ s get our nation back .
Be more positive about the nation rather cutting down its only hope for survival .
Without the Democrats ousting Trump we are sunk .
ALL TRUE AMERICAN MEDIA OUTLETS , STOP THE ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AND THE OPPOSITION RHETORIC and get on with the facts and just the facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the GOP declare our nation a full blown dictatorship you might find yourselves having been one of the biggest instigators and allies to the coup .
How would that sit with your ratings and your almighty get the story at all cost ideology ?
Get a grip is all America asks .
The least you can do is help and not hinder .

CNN is reporting thusly…
Iowa meltdown hands opening to Trump
The Iowa caucuses are an embarrassment
Viable? Not viable? Iowa voters navigate tumultuous caucus
What is going on in Iowa? Local officials raise concerns
The Delay: How the Democrat's night crumbled
And the list goes on. And that’s not the only news outlet doing this. It’s almost as if several so called independent news outlets are trying to sabotage the elections for Democrats. This kind of reporting does more damage to our sacred elections than Trumps big mouth and the GOP put together.
CNN you need to get your journalists opinions in check and stick to the facts and leave the high and mighty opinions to yourself. This election is for the whole ball of wax. It’s not a game of who gets the best ratings or press or trying to win favor with certain politicians and Trump for an article it’s about our democracy and the fate of the entire nation going forward. I’d say fine, go n with your bad self and your op-eds if this were a normal election but it’s not. This is an election to determine the future of America and whether we are going to be a corrupt dictatorship and quite possible a third world nation or if we are going to be the free and wonderful nation we have always been.
All I’m saying is cool it and let’s get our nation back. Be more positive about the nation rather cutting down its only hope for survival. Without the Democrats ousting Trump we are sunk.
ALL TRUE AMERICAN MEDIA OUTLETS, STOP THE ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AND THE OPPOSITION RHETORIC and get on with the facts and just the facts or when the time comes that Trump and the GOP declare our nation a full blown dictatorship you might find yourselves having been one of the biggest instigators and allies to the coup. How would that sit with your ratings and your almighty get the story at all cost ideology?
Get a grip is all America asks. The least you can do is help and not hinder.


dailykos--2020-02-04--Iowa results, 62% in! Buttigieg 26.9%, Sanders 25.1%, Warren 18.3%, Biden 15.6%, Klobuchar 12.6%

They say there won ’ t be any more updates till tomorrow .
Anyway , here ’ s what we @ @ @ @ @ 62 % of precincts reporting : Final round count of voters ’ choices after supporters @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg 26.9 % , Sanders 25.1 % , Warren 18.3 % , Biden 15.6 % @ @ @ @ @ Yang 1.1 % , Steyer 0.3 % .
No one else got delegates .
Thanks @ @ @ @ @ comments for link to the Guardian liveblog of what ’ s going on in Iowa @ @ @ @ @ Snow for some more detailed look at the Iowa caucus data reported so far :

They say there won’t be any more updates till tomorrow.
Anyway, here’s what we have so far, with 62% of precincts reporting:
First round count of voters’ top choices:
www.cnn.com/…
Sanders 27,088
Buttigieg 23,666
Warren 20,838
Biden 16,179
Klobuchar 14,032
Yang: 5,760
Steyer: 1,879
Final round count of voters’ choices after supporters of nonviable candidates switched :
www.cnn.com/...
Sanders 28,220
Buttigieg 27,030
Warren 22,254
Biden 14,176
Klobuchar 13,357
Yang: 1,124
Steyer: 222
State Delegates share:
Buttigieg 26.9%, Sanders 25.1%, Warren 18.3%, Biden 15.6%, Klobuchar 12.6%, Yang 1.1%, Steyer 0.3%. No one else got delegates.
www.cnn.com/…
Thanks to Rikon Snow in the comments for link to the Guardian liveblog of what’s going on in Iowa:
www.theguardian.com/...
Also thanks to Rikon Snow for some more detailed look at the Iowa caucus data reported so far:
www.desmoinesregister.com/...