msnbc--2020-01-23--Sen. Murphy: 'I don't support bringing in Joe Biden or Hunter Biden'


msnbc--2020-01-23--Poll: Sanders jumps to lead nationally among non-white voters

Is it time for 'President Pence ' ?
New ad says yes

"If Sanders is going to win the nomination, that's where he's gotta build support," Steve Kornacki says. "You see in that poll what happens when he does."Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--County to County: Voters in Beaver County, Pa. talk to Stephanie Ruhle about impeachment

Voters in Beaver County, Pa. tell Stephanie Ruhle that impeachment is not on the top of everyone’s mind in their community. Ruhle said, “It’s not that they don’t believe impeachment should happen, they’re saying they don’t have the luxury to think about it.”Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Ari Melber: 'It's legal to lie on the Internet'

Ari Melber: 'It's legal to lie on the Internet'
Ari Melber points out the contrast of President Trump keeping staff, his best communicators, back from testifying in the impeachment trial but treating the Internet as free game.Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Poll: GOP voters acknowledge, dismiss Trump's law-breaking

As his Senate impeachment trial continues , Donald Trump would probably like to have the kind of broad public support Bill Clinton had during his impeachment trial , but he clearly does not .
CNN ’ s poll found most Americans want to see Trump removed from office .
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll found a plurality reaching the same conclusion , echoing the latest findings from Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research .
And then there ’ s the latest report from the Pew Research Center .
As the Senate impeachment trial gets underway , slightly more Americans say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office than say he should stay in office , with these views starkly divided along partisan lines .
Roughly half of U.S. adults ( 51 % ) say the outcome of the Senate trial should be Trump ’ s removal from office , while 46 % say the result should lead to Trump remaining in office .
Making matters slightly worse for the president , the same report found that 63 % of Americans believe the Republican either has definitely or probably done illegal things , while 70 % believe Trump has definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which suggests the public does not hold their president in the highest regard .
That said , there was one easy-to-miss gem in the Pew Research Center ’ s findings : Among the two-thirds of Republicans who say Trump has definitely or probably not done things that are illegal , nearly all ( 97 % ) say that he should remain in office following the Senate trial .
While a majority of the 32 % of Republicans who say Trump has likely done illegal things either during the campaign or while in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office ( 59 % ) , about four-in-ten ( 38 % ) say the president should be removed from office .
Or as the Washington Post ’ s Greg Sargent put it , “ A solid majority of Republicans who say Trump has probably done illegal things say he should remain in office.
” And that ’ s a tough hurdle to clear .
As the impeachment proceedings continue , and House managers make meticulous presentations detailing the president ’ s abuses , corruption , and illegalities , there ’ s a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to concede that Trump appears to be a criminal , but they nevertheless want him in office .
For these GOP voters , the president ’ s violations of the law simply aren ’ t a deal-breaker .
Their approval of Trump is detached from their assumptions about Trump ’ s illegalities .
Aaron Blake added , “ It ’ s a notable commentary on the moment we find ourselves in today .
It ’ s one thing for views of the Ukraine scandal to have hardened ; it ’ s another thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done illegal things to shrug their shoulders , oppose his removal and even approve of him as president .
It suggests that there is a very large portion of Trump ’ s base that simply can ’ t be peeled away , even if he was proved to have committed a crime .
It seems unlikely they ’ ll then be swayed by an ‘ abuse of power ’ or ‘ obstruction of Congress ’ – the two impeachment articles Democrats have offered – almost no matter the evidence.
” To understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump with such irrational and unshakable vigor , look no further than the Pew results .

As his Senate impeachment trial continues, Donald Trump would probably like to have the kind of broad public support Bill Clinton had during his impeachment trial, but he clearly does not.
CNN's poll found most Americans want to see Trump removed from office. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll found a plurality reaching the same conclusion, echoing the latest findings from Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
And then there's the latest report from the Pew Research Center.
As the Senate impeachment trial gets underway, slightly more Americans say that Donald Trump should be removed from office than say he should stay in office, with these views starkly divided along partisan lines.Roughly half of U.S. adults (51%) say the outcome of the Senate trial should be Trump's removal from office, while 46% say the result should lead to Trump remaining in office.
Making matters slightly worse for the president, the same report found that 63% of Americans believe the Republican either has definitely or probably done illegal things, while 70% believe Trump has definitely or probably done unethical things. All of which suggests the public does not hold their president in the highest regard.
That said, there was one easy-to-miss gem in the Pew Research Center's findings:
Among the two-thirds of Republicans who say Trump has definitely or probably not done things that are illegal, nearly all (97%) say that he should remain in office following the Senate trial. While a majority of the 32% of Republicans who say Trump has likely done illegal things either during the campaign or while in office also say he should remain in office (59%), about four-in-ten (38%) say the president should be removed from office.
Or as the Washington Post's Greg Sargent put it, "A solid majority of Republicans who say Trump has probably done illegal things say he should remain in office."
And that's a tough hurdle to clear. As the impeachment proceedings continue, and House managers make meticulous presentations detailing the president's abuses, corruption, and illegalities, there's a large group of Republican voters who are willing to concede that Trump appears to be a criminal, but they nevertheless want him in office.
For these GOP voters, the president's violations of the law simply aren't a deal-breaker. Their approval of Trump is detached from their assumptions about Trump's illegalities.
Aaron Blake added, "It's a notable commentary on the moment we find ourselves in today. It's one thing for views of the Ukraine scandal to have hardened; it's another thing for a sizable chunk who think Trump has done illegal things to shrug their shoulders, oppose his removal and even approve of him as president. It suggests that there is a very large portion of Trump's base that simply can't be peeled away, even if he was proved to have committed a crime. It seems unlikely they'll then be swayed by an 'abuse of power' or 'obstruction of Congress' -- the two impeachment articles Democrats have offered -- almost no matter the evidence."
To understand why so many congressional Republicans have embraced Trump with such irrational and unshakable vigor, look no further than the Pew results.


msnbc--2020-01-23--Vulnerable senators still 'blindly following' Trump

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it 08:18


msnbc--2020-01-23--Chief Justice Roberts gives senators a 'homework assignment'

Discussing The Possible Release Of The Affidavit FBI Used To Get A Search Warrant For Mar-a-Lago 09:32


msnbc--2020-01-23--Lawrence O’Donnell: Trump defense team ‘don’t have facts to argue’

Maya Wiley : This trial is a murder conspiracy , and the victim is the constitution

On Trump’s defense team not using much time compared to the House Managers during the impeachment trial, Lawrence O’Donnell says the legal team “don’t have the facts to argue … They want this to be over fast.”Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--'C'mon... Everyone understands the president wasn't acting in good faith': Hayes

The panel - Ari Melber, Chris Hayes, Chris Matthews, Jason Johnson and Claire McCaskill - discuss the president's actions and why Rudy Giuliani and his associates even had to be involved if the Ukraine plot was truly above board and "nothing wrong."Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--With White House defense going last, House managers prepare for pre-buttal

With White House defense going last, House managers prepare for pre-buttal
MSNBC analyst and former Sen. Claire McCaskill discuss how the House managers and senators are preparing for the White House defense team being able to end opening arguments, by going last.Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Harris: Giuliani's involvement in Ukraine policy points to personal political benefit for Trump

Sen. Kamala Harris says House impeachment managers are doing a good job emphasizing the point that President Trump was using a political operative, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, to try and achieve his goals in Ukraine.Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--'Truth  Hurts': Dems try shaming Trump's jurors in Senate trial showdown

In this “The Beat Breakdown: Trump on Trial”, the second day of opening arguments from the prosecution, MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber breaks down the key moments, escalating tensions and one Democratic Senator’s challenge to her colleagues, which overlaps with Lizzo’s 2019 hit. (MSNBC Digital Exclusive.)Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Chris Hayes in front of a live studio audience

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Thursday's Mini-Report, 1.23.20

* Opening arguments continue : “ House impeachment managers , led by Rep. Adam B. Schiff ( D-Calif. ) , began the second day of their opening arguments against President Trump by focusing on alleged abuse of power , one of the two articles of impeachment approved last month by the House.
” * WHO sees an emergency , but not a global health emergency : “ Spread of the new coronavirus that originated in China has not yet reached a level that would deem it a global public health emergency , the World Health Organization said on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , and 17 have died.
” * Water pollution : “ The Trump administration on Thursday finalized a rule to strip away environmental protections for streams , wetlands and groundwater , handing a victory to farmers , fossil fuel producers and real estate developers who said Obama-era rules had shackled them with onerous and unnecessary burdens.
” * Visa restrictions : “ The Trump administration is coming out with new visa restrictions aimed at restricting ‘ birth tourism , ’ in which women travel to the U.S. to give birth so their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” * Carter Page surveillance : “ The Justice Department secretly acknowledged last month that it had ‘ insufficient predication ’ to continue monitoring a former Trump campaign adviser during the FBI ’ s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election , according to records made public Thursday – a notable admission likely to fuel continued criticism over how the bureau handled the high-profile case.
” * Keep expectations low : “ Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel would travel to the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival and opposition leader , Benny Gantz , to discuss the ‘ prospect ’ of peace in the Middle East.
” * National Archives : “ Four days after apologizing for altering a photo of the 2017 Women ’ s March , the National Archives replaced it with an unaltered copy of the original , according to an announcement on the agency ’ s website Wednesday.
” * A giant exits the stage : “ Jim Lehrer , the venerable journalist who co-founded the PBS ’ nightly newscast , died peacefully in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was 85 .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* Opening arguments continue: "House impeachment managers, led by Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), began the second day of their opening arguments against President Trump by focusing on alleged abuse of power, one of the two articles of impeachment approved last month by the House."
* WHO sees an emergency, but not a global health emergency: "Spread of the new coronavirus that originated in China has not yet reached a level that would deem it a global public health emergency, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. The virus has sickened more than 600 people, and 17 have died."
* Water pollution: "The Trump administration on Thursday finalized a rule to strip away environmental protections for streams, wetlands and groundwater, handing a victory to farmers, fossil fuel producers and real estate developers who said Obama-era rules had shackled them with onerous and unnecessary burdens."
* Visa restrictions: "The Trump administration is coming out with new visa restrictions aimed at restricting 'birth tourism,' in which women travel to the U.S. to give birth so their children can have a coveted U.S. passport."
* Carter Page surveillance: "The Justice Department secretly acknowledged last month that it had 'insufficient predication' to continue monitoring a former Trump campaign adviser during the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, according to records made public Thursday -- a notable admission likely to fuel continued criticism over how the bureau handled the high-profile case."
* Keep expectations low: "Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel would travel to the White House next week along with his chief election rival and opposition leader, Benny Gantz, to discuss the 'prospect' of peace in the Middle East."
* National Archives: "Four days after apologizing for altering a photo of the 2017 Women's March, the National Archives replaced it with an unaltered copy of the original, according to an announcement on the agency's website Wednesday."
* A giant exits the stage: "Jim Lehrer, the venerable journalist who co-founded the PBS' nightly newscast, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday, the network said. He was 85."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-23--Gillibrand: GOP colleagues are being 'duplicitious' on evidence

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand talks about the most outrageous thing she heard today from her Republican colleagues, when they say they aren't hearing anything "new" after they've refused to allow for more testimony and evidence.Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Fidget spinners, sketching, books: How senators entertain themselves during impeachment trial

MSNBC Capitol Hill correspondent Garrett Haake gives an inside look at how senators are entertaining themselves on the Senate floor during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Several are using fidget spinners, Sen. Rand Paul is working on sketching a "very nice picture of the U.S. Capitol," and Sen. Marcia Blackburn is reading a book, which Haake "does not think was impeachment related."Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Chris Matthews: It's a 'LOL' that Trump didn't abuse power

Chris Matthews notes that Republicans and the president’s defenders have rarely brought up the argument that Trump didn’t abuse power: "That's a LOL. Everyone knows this is what Donald Trump would do."Jan. 23, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Joe: It matters Trump said he wouldn't touch entitlements

Chris Coons : How will history remember GOP if they shrug off what Trump did ?


msnbc--2020-01-24--What happens today? What's the plan for the weekend?


msnbc--2020-01-24--The biggest Senate moments from Thursday


msnbc--2020-01-24--Watch MSNBC live: Senate impeachment trial of President Trump

Joy Reid of MSNBC hosts "The ReidOut" with interviews with politicians and newsmakers. Joy Reid shares the news with experience on race, justice & culture.


msnbc--2020-01-24--Remembering Jim Lehrer: Fair and balanced before it was a slogan

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it


msnbc--2020-01-24--Claire McCaskill to Marsha Blackburn: I think you meant to criticize Trump


msnbc--2020-01-24--Chris Coons: How will history remember GOP if they shrug off what Trump did?

Chris Coons: How will history remember GOP if they shrug off what Trump did?
Delaware Democrat Sen. Chris Coons reacts to his Republican colleagues and how they will ultimately choose to vote in the Trump impeachment trial in the Senate.Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Angus King on Trump impeachment: This is more serious than I thought


msnbc--2020-01-23--Amy Klobuchar to GOP: You're supposed to protect our Constitution

After two days of thorough and emotional arguments in the Trump impeachment trial in the Senate from House Democrats, Sen. Amy Klobuchar says Republicans face a difficult choice.Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--Chuck Schumer: Republicans were fixated on Schiff during powerful close

Senate Minority leader says he's more 'optimistic' after the second day of arguments in Trump's Senate impeachment trial noting many Republicans were keyed into Rep. Adam Schiff during his emotional close.Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Maya Wiley: Trump's actions like 'you bind the hands and feet of the Constitution'

Rosenberg : The only class of people who speak like Trump are mobsters

Maya Wiley: Trump's actions like 'you bind the hands and feet of the Constitution'
On Trump's actions regarding obstruction of Congress, Maya Wiley says it's like "you bind the hands and feet of the Constitution."Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Chris Matthews on message to GOP senators: 'Not only did [Trump] do this... he will keep doing it'

Chris Matthews on message to GOP senators: 'Not only did [Trump] do this... he will keep doing it'
Chris Matthews says Democratic impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff is arguing that Pres. Trump's actions are part of a pattern that will only stop if he is removed from office. Matthews says Schiff is telling Republicans, "Not only did he do this and you guys know he did it...He will keep doing it 'til the last dog dies."Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--'Toxic mess': Clash at impeachment trial over what Trump knew

In this “The Beat Breakdown: Trump on Trial”, MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber reports the key moments from the Democrats case against Trump, including showing key evidence that aligns with Rep. Adam Schiff’s dramatic closing. Melber also shows how Democrats are arguing Trump obstructed Congress, and the limits of a new Trump defense from Sen. Graham that carries echoes of the sitcom “Seinfeld.” (MSNBC Digital Exclusive.)Jan. 24, 2020


Friday's Mini-Report, 1.24.20

* Turkish earthquake : “ At least eight people have died after an earthquake struck eastern Turkey , officials told local media .
The tremblor , with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck at around 8:55 p.m. local time ( 12:55 p.m .
ET ) in eastern Elazig province , the country ’ s emergency management agency said.
” * Coronavirus : “ A second case of the new coronavirus has been confirmed in the United States , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday morning .
The CDC is also investigating another 61 potential cases from 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and results from the rest are pending.
” * Mike Flynn case : “ Federal District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan made clear Friday that Michael Flynn , who served briefly as President Donald Trump ’ s national security adviser , has a high hurdle to overcome in persuading the judge to let Flynn withdraw his guilty plea.
” * Given his willingness to pander , coupled with his love of the word “ first , ” I ’ m surprised this took him three years : “ President Donald Trump on Friday became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual anti-abortion March for Life rally in Washington , presenting himself as an unwavering advocate for limiting abortion access.
” * It ’ s a fine-tuned machine : “ For nine days , the nation ’ s opioid crisis was no longer considered a ‘ public health emergency ’ after the Trump administration failed to renew a two-year-old declaration that expired last week.
” * In case anyone was inclined to believe the administration ’ s trade claims : “ Perhaps distracted by the beauty and billionaires of Davos , Switzerland , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an embarrassing admission : President Trump ’ s justification for his trade wars is hogwash.
” * I feel like we ’ ve reached the point at which unhinged images like these are now expected , which weakens their impact : “ Donald Trump has tweeted a photoshopped image of Barack Obama scaling the walls of Trump Tower with suction cups and holding binoculars .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* Turkish earthquake: "At least eight people have died after an earthquake struck eastern Turkey, officials told local media. The tremblor, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck at around 8:55 p.m. local time (12:55 p.m. ET) in eastern Elazig province, the country's emergency management agency said."
* Coronavirus: "A second case of the new coronavirus has been confirmed in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday morning. The CDC is also investigating another 61 potential cases from 22 states. Eleven have tested negative, and results from the rest are pending."
* Mike Flynn case: "Federal District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan made clear Friday that Michael Flynn, who served briefly as President Donald Trump's national security adviser, has a high hurdle to overcome in persuading the judge to let Flynn withdraw his guilty plea."
* Given his willingness to pander, coupled with his love of the word "first," I'm surprised this took him three years: "President Donald Trump on Friday became the first sitting president to attend the annual anti-abortion March for Life rally in Washington, presenting himself as an unwavering advocate for limiting abortion access."
* It's a fine-tuned machine: "For nine days, the nation's opioid crisis was no longer considered a 'public health emergency' after the Trump administration failed to renew a two-year-old declaration that expired last week."
* In case anyone was inclined to believe the administration's trade claims: "Perhaps distracted by the beauty and billionaires of Davos, Switzerland, this week Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin let slip an embarrassing admission: President Trump's justification for his trade wars is hogwash."
* I feel like we've reached the point at which unhinged images like these are now expected, which weakens their impact: "Donald Trump has tweeted a photoshopped image of Barack Obama scaling the walls of Trump Tower with suction cups and holding binoculars."
Enjoy the weekend.


msnbc--2020-01-24--Senate GOP confident effort to shut down calls for witnesses, evidence will be 'victorious'

Senate GOP confident effort to shut down calls for witnesses, evidence will be 'victorious'
NBC News' Geoff Bennett shares reporting from Capitol Hill, saying that Senate Republicans are expressing "growing confidence" that the Democrats effort to call for new witnesses and testimony will be thwarted.Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Pompeo confronts simple questions he just...

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sat down today with NPR ’ s Mary Louise Kelly , who asked whether he owes former U.S .
Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch an apology .
Given the latest revelations , and the way in which Pompeo ’ s State Department forced Yovanovitch from her post under scandalous circumstances , the question was more than fair .
The nation ’ s chief diplomat didn ’ t seem to agree , however .
He complained about the line of inquiry and complained about the Obama administration for a while , before the host narrowed the focus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve resigned because of Pompeo ’ s refusal to stand up for American diplomats .
He balked , attributing the concerns to “ unnamed sources.
” Kelly wasted little time in reminding the Kansas Republican that the sources aren ’ t unnamed at all : his own State Department senior adviser , Michael McKinley , a career Foreign Service officer with four decades experience , testified under oath about the department ’ s failures in this area .
Pompeo said he wouldn ’ t comment on McKinley ’ s assessment , either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ defended every State Department official ” since taking the reins at the cabinet agency .
The NPR host , likely realizing that this claim wasn ’ t true , pressed further on this specific point : KELLY : Respectfully , where have you defended Marie Yovanovich ?
POMPEO : I ’ ve defended every single person on this team I ’ ve done what ’ s right for every person on this team .
KELLY : Can you point me towards your remarks ?
POMPEO : I ’ ve said all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the one hand , I ’ m glad to see Pompeo sit down for interviews with outlets outside the conservative media bubble .
On the other hand , when the secretary of State does sit down for these interviews , they don ’ t seem to go well .
Pompeo appeared hopelessly lost when WSMV ’ s Nancy Amon was far better prepared for an interview than he was .
Soon after , the cabinet secretary ’ s interview with ABC News ’ George Stephanopoulos was every bit as cringe-worthy .
Reflecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MSNBC ’ s Nicole Wallace told viewers , “ That was the worst appearance by an executive branch official I ’ ve ever seen in my career.
” Soon after , the secretary sat down with KMUV in Wichita and threw a minor tantrum when asked to defend State Department employees against Donald Trump ’ s attacks .
Pompeo also spoke with the Wichita Eagle in November , and that interview turned messy , too : when asked about the impact on U.S. credibility when the White House fails to honor its partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ The whole predicate of your question is insane.
” ( It was actually quite sane . )
As we discussed at the time , if Pompeo can ’ t handle some of these basic questions , why does he keep agreeing to interviews ?

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sat down today with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, who asked whether he owes former U.S. Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch an apology. Given the latest revelations, and the way in which Pompeo's State Department forced Yovanovitch from her post under scandalous circumstances, the question was more than fair.
The nation's chief diplomat didn't seem to agree, however. He complained about the line of inquiry and complained about the Obama administration for a while, before the host narrowed the focus, asking about the State Department personnel who've resigned because of Pompeo's refusal to stand up for American diplomats. He balked, attributing the concerns to "unnamed sources."
Kelly wasted little time in reminding the Kansas Republican that the sources aren't unnamed at all: his own State Department senior adviser, Michael McKinley, a career Foreign Service officer with four decades experience, testified under oath about the department's failures in this area.
Pompeo said he wouldn't comment on McKinley's assessment, either, though he insisted that he's "defended every State Department official" since taking the reins at the cabinet agency. The NPR host, likely realizing that this claim wasn't true, pressed further on this specific point:
KELLY: Respectfully, where have you defended Marie Yovanovich?POMPEO: I've defended every single person on this team I've done what's right for every person on this team.KELLY: Can you point me towards your remarks?POMPEO: I've said all I'm going to say.
On the one hand, I'm glad to see Pompeo sit down for interviews with outlets outside the conservative media bubble. On the other hand, when the secretary of State does sit down for these interviews, they don't seem to go well.
Pompeo appeared hopelessly lost when WSMV’s Nancy Amon was far better prepared for an interview than he was. Soon after, the cabinet secretary’s interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos was every bit as cringe-worthy. Reflecting on Pompeo’s on-air comments, MSNBC’s Nicole Wallace told viewers, “That was the worst appearance by an executive branch official I’ve ever seen in my career.”
Soon after, the secretary sat down with KMUV in Wichita and threw a minor tantrum when asked to defend State Department employees against Donald Trump's attacks.
Pompeo also spoke with the Wichita Eagle in November, and that interview turned messy, too: when asked about the impact on U.S. credibility when the White House fails to honor its partnership with the Kurds, the secretary replied, "The whole predicate of your question is insane." (It was actually quite sane.)
As we discussed at the time, if Pompeo can’t handle some of these basic questions, why does he keep agreeing to interviews?


msnbc--2020-01-24--Rosenberg: The only class of people who speak like Trump are mobsters

Discussing The Possible Release Of The Affidavit FBI Used To Get A Search Warrant For Mar-a-Lago 09:32


msnbc--2020-01-24--'Take her out': Voice appearing to be Trump's heard on tape demanding Yovanovitch firing

A voice that appears to be that of President Donald Trump ordered aides to "get rid" of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch after two now-indicted Rudy Giuliani associates told him she had been badmouthing him, according to an audiotape reviewed by ABC News. Jeremy Bash discusses with Nicolle Wallace.Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--In final day of their opening arguments, House managers paint picture of cover-up that began on July

In final day of their opening arguments, House managers paint picture of cover-up that began on July 25
MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace reviews the third day, so far, of opening arguments for the Democrats in their case for removal of President Trump.Jan. 24, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--In odd defense of Trump, GOP senator says there's 'new evidence' daily

New reporting from ABC News jolted the political world this afternoon , with news of a purported recording in which Donald Trump told associates , in reference to then-U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch , “ Get rid of her !
Get her out tomorrow .
I don ’ t care .
Get her out tomorrow .
Take her out .
Okay ?
Do it.
” Among other things , if the reporting is accurate , it shows Trump targeting an anti-corruption crusader , barking orders to a controversial Rudy Giuliani associate he claims not to know .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
about today ’ s revelations and whether it might affect the Senate ’ s willingness to consider new information that ’ s relevant to the president ’ s impeachment trial .
The Wyoming Republican , who serves as chair of the Senate Republican Conference , replied : Barrasso ’ s point seemed to be that the House impeachment managers have said they already have a mountain of evidence pointing to the president ’ s guilt , so there ’ s no need for senators to consider the latest revelations , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the degree to which they may shed light on Trump ’ s culpability .
There are , however , two rather important flaws in Barrasso ’ s argument .
First , when a member of the Senate Republican leadership concedes that there ’ s “ new evidence ” related to Trump ’ s controversy “ every day , ” it doesn ’ t exactly reinforce the GOP ’ s posture that the president is innocent ; the Senate should quickly exonerate him ; and there ’ s no need for senators to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if there ’ s “ new evidence ” that comes out daily , that should give the president ’ s Republican allies – who seem a little too eager to help cover up the scandal – a fair amount of pause .
Barrasso effectively seemed to argue , “ We ’ re constantly confronted with potentially incriminating evidence against the White House , so there ’ s really no point in stopping to consider it , since there ’ s likely to be more of it tomorrow.
” Indeed , Barrasso ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing we might expect to hear from one of Trump ’ s progressive detractors , not one of his far-right supporters .
Complicating matters , as Vox ’ s Aaron Rupar noted , the Senate GOP leader who complained this afternoon about being confronted with “ new evidence ” on a daily basis is the same Senate GOP leader who complained this morning and yesterday about not receiving enough new evidence .
In fact , just hours earlier on Friday morning , Barrasso was on both CNN and Fox Business pushing that talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate is going to be Groundhog Day again – the same thing we heard yesterday , and the day before , and the day before that , ” Barrasso said on Fox Business , adding on CNN : “ In some ways it ’ s like Groundhog Day – about every hour and a half , they start over again.
” Those comments echo how Barrasso downplayed the trial on Wednesday , when he told reporters , “ Six hours of testimony so far today since I didn ’ t hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after complaining about the lack of new evidence , Barrasso is suddenly indifferent to the steady flow of new evidence ?

New reporting from ABC News jolted the political world this afternoon, with news of a purported recording in which Donald Trump told associates, in reference to then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, "Get rid of her! Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. Okay? Do it."
Among other things, if the reporting is accurate, it shows Trump targeting an anti-corruption crusader, barking orders to a controversial Rudy Giuliani associate he claims not to know.
A reporter asked Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) about today's revelations and whether it might affect the Senate's willingness to consider new information that's relevant to the president's impeachment trial. The Wyoming Republican, who serves as chair of the Senate Republican Conference, replied:
"There will be new evidence every day. There will be something new that comes out every day."
Barrasso's point seemed to be that the House impeachment managers have said they already have a mountain of evidence pointing to the president's guilt, so there's no need for senators to consider the latest revelations, no matter their relevance, and no matter the degree to which they may shed light on Trump's culpability.
There are, however, two rather important flaws in Barrasso's argument. First, when a member of the Senate Republican leadership concedes that there's "new evidence" related to Trump's controversy "every day," it doesn't exactly reinforce the GOP's posture that the president is innocent; the Senate should quickly exonerate him; and there's no need for senators to take the scandal seriously.
On the contrary, if there's "new evidence" that comes out daily, that should give the president's Republican allies -- who seem a little too eager to help cover up the scandal -- a fair amount of pause. Barrasso effectively seemed to argue, "We're constantly confronted with potentially incriminating evidence against the White House, so there's really no point in stopping to consider it, since there's likely to be more of it tomorrow."
Indeed, Barrasso's line seems like the sort of thing we might expect to hear from one of Trump's progressive detractors, not one of his far-right supporters.
Complicating matters, as Vox's Aaron Rupar noted, the Senate GOP leader who complained this afternoon about being confronted with "new evidence" on a daily basis is the same Senate GOP leader who complained this morning and yesterday about not receiving enough new evidence.
In fact, just hours earlier on Friday morning, Barrasso was on both CNN and Fox Business pushing that talking point. "So I think today in the Senate is going to be Groundhog Day again -- the same thing we heard yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that," Barrasso said on Fox Business, adding on CNN: "In some ways it's like Groundhog Day -- about every hour and a half, they start over again."Those comments echo how Barrasso downplayed the trial on Wednesday, when he told reporters, "Six hours of testimony so far today since I didn't hear anything new, at all."
So, after complaining about the lack of new evidence, Barrasso is suddenly indifferent to the steady flow of new evidence?


msnbc--2020-01-24--NPR: Mike Pompeo berated reporter after questions on Ukraine

What does audio of Trump seeming to order Yovanovitch 's firing change ?

NPR's Mary Louise Parker pushed Secy. of State Mike Pompeo repeatedly on Ukraine, and he reportedly berated her using curse words and demanding she find Ukraine on an unmarked map (which she did).Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--What does audio of Trump seeming to order Yovanovitch's firing change?

What does audio of Trump seeming to order Yovanovitch's firing change?
After reports emerged of the existence of an audio tape that appears to include Trump ordering aides to "get rid" of Amb. to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, ABC published the audio online.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Day 1,100: House Dems close arguments with explicit call for Trump's removal

House managers finished up their opening arguments in their case against Trump, but it's unclear whether they'll be able to present any new evidence.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Listen to recording that appears  to show Pres. Trump ordering removal of Ukraine ambassador

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it


msnbc--2020-01-24--Audio appears to show Trump ordering removal of Amb. Yovanovitch

Rachel Maddow shares audio first published by ABC News that appears to show Donald Trump ordering the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch as part of an exchange with Lev Parnas. Joseph Bondy, attorney for Parnas, joins an MSNBC panel to discuss where the idea of firing Yovanovitch came from.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Recording appears to show Trump interest in value of Ukraine aid


msnbc--2020-01-24--Audio appears to bolster Parnas claims about dinner with Trump


msnbc--2020-01-24--Lawrence: Dems have done great job outlining specifics of evidence against Trump

Lawrence O’Donnell says that Democrats “have done a great job … of outlining the specifics of the evidence and outlining the general principles.” Lawrence also brings up the challenges Democrats face during the impeachment trial on Saturday.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Chris Matthews: Trump setting precedent that presidents can get away with anything

Chris Matthews: Trump setting precedent that presidents can get away with anything
Chris Matthews thinks that Trump has set a precedent on his abuse of power with Ukraine shortly after the Mueller Report’s release.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-24--Chris Matthews: Trump’s crowd is running the govt, they’re a mob

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msnbc--2020-01-25--Al Sharpton: Parnas tape 'very bad' for Trump

Romney : ' I think it 's very likely I 'll be in favor of witnesses '

Rev. Al Sharpton notes that the recently released Lev Parnas tape shows that the president did know who Parnas was despite his previous statements. Sharpton says it’s “very bad for the president.”Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Full audio: Lev Parnas audio of alleged 2018 Trump conversation

'Have your ducks in a row': What to know about the judge in the Trump 2020 case 05:04


msnbc--2020-01-25--Trump appears to show briefly on camera in Parnas recording

President Trump appears to be seen briefly on cell phone video NBC News has obtained from Lev Parnas via his attorney. After the video appears to briefly capture the president on camera at a small donor dinner, the audio, which is over an hour long, appears to show Trump ordering the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--NBC News obtains audio appearing to show Trump ordering firing of U.S. ambassador

NBC News has obtained audio released by Lev Parnas through his attorney that appears to show President Trump ordering the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. NBC News national political reporter Josh Lederman reveals what else is heard on the audio recording.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Romney: 'I think it's very likely I'll be in favor of witnesses'

Sen. Mitt Romney indicated Saturday that he is "likely" to vote to call witnesses in Trump's impeachment trial, but would not commit to doing so just yet. "I think it's very likely I'll be in favor of witnesses but I haven’t made a decision finally yet and I won't until" arguments on both sides are done, Romney told reporters. Steve Kornacki breaks down the number of Republicans who could potentially vote for witnesses and evidence in the Trump impeachment trial.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--GOP senator: New audio tape 'not really relevant'

Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and MSNBC's Chris Matthews talk to Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., about how he received the three days of arguments from the House managers, and the points of the defense team that are resonating with him.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--After days of fidget spinners, GOP senators ‘attentive’ during team Trump presentation

Garrett Haake reports on the state of the Senate chamber during the presentation by President Donald Trump's legal team in the impeachment trial, saying they were "more alert and attentive" and were "taking cues" from the White House legal team.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Williams: Can GOP really vote against witnesses because Schiff hurt their feelings?

Brian Williams, former Sen. Claire McCaskill and former Rep. Carlos Curbello discuss how some GOP senators said Rep. Adam Schiff insulted them during the trial on Friday night by repeating an anonymously sourced report that the White House had threatened to put the “head on a pike” of Republicans who vote against President Donald Trump, and how those feelings could affect the trial.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--'False flag': Brian Williams, Sen. King call out Sekulow for saying Ukraine could have interfered wi

'False flag': Brian Williams, Sen. King call out Sekulow for saying Ukraine could have interfered with elections
MSNBC's Brian Williams and Sen. Angus King discuss defense attorney Jay Sekulow saying Ukraine, aside from Russia, could have interfered with the U.S. elections.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Schumer: Trump's defense team 'can't directly address the issues'

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he believed Trump's defense team "can't directly address the issues" during the impeachment trial in an interview with NBC News' Brian Williams.Jan. 25, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Never Trumper asserts GOP ‘lives in abject terror of Trump’

Never Trumper asserts GOP ‘lives in abject terror of Trump’
Donald Trump supporter Steve Cortes and Never Trumper Rick Wilson debate the president’s impact on the GOP, and more. Watch Joy Reid moderate their intense discussion.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Opinion columnist: president calls Never Trumpers human scum

Donald Trump supporter Steve Cortes debates the impeachment trial, Lev Parnas, and the president’s tweets with current and former Republicans who are now Never Trumpers. Writer Rick Wilson, former congressman David Jolly, and opinion columnist Tom Nichols also join Joy Reid to discuss.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Julián Castro on Warren’s outreach to people of color, more

2020 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren has a plan to connect with voters of color in key states according to Warren campaign surrogate Julián Castro. Castro joins Joy Reid to discuss this and more regarding Warren’s potential campaign strategies.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--The Des Moines Register executive editor on why it endorsed Warren

2020 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren has received The Des Moines Register’s endorsement for the Iowa caucuses. Carol Hunter, executive editor of The Des Moines Register tells Joy Reid why her paper endorsed Warren saying, ‘We really based it on the boldness of her ideas, and her philosophies that we think are the right direction for the country.’Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Sen. Merkley: I absolutely want Lev Parnas to testify in Senate

The Donald Trump Senate impeachment trial, Lev Parnas, and the president’s treatment of former United States Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch are discussed by Sen. Jeff Merkley, who tells Joy Reid, ‘I would like to hope [Senate Republicans] are being persuaded[.]’Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-25--Lawrence O’Donnell  on Warren’s Des Moines Register endorsement

2020 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s Des Moines Register endorsement for the Iowa caucuses is analysed by MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell who tells Joy Reid, ‘There’s such an interesting component to this Iowa caucus.’Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--An emotional Metta World Peace reflects on his relationship with Kobe Bryant

Metta World Peace, at different times in his career both a competitor and teammate of Kobe Bryant, reflects on their relationship on and off the court. After apologizing that we would not be able to speak easily, Peace said, "I wish I could have spent more time... he was teaching me some things, and I wanted to show him what I was doing when it came to fruition. I thought we'd have time."Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna also killed in helicopter crash

Kobe Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was among the victims of a helicopter crash that also killed her father and three other people on Sunday, according to Calabasas councilman David Shapiro.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--NBC Sports' Mike Tirico remembers the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant

NBA legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash in the Los Angeles area, NBC News has confirmed. The helicopter crash also killed four others. NBC Sports host Mike Tirico comments on Bryant’s life and legacy.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--Schiff calls Trump 'vindictive' after president's Twitter attacks

Donald Trump stands accused of attacking Democrats and the impeachment trial following the initial evidence presented by Rep. Adam Schiff, whom the president called in a tweet, ‘conman Adam Schiff.’ Joy Reid and her panel discuss.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--NBA legend Kobe Bryant among 5 killed in helicopter crash in Los Angeles county

Former Los Angeles Laker and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter crash in the Los Angeles area, David Shapiro, a Former mayor of Calabasas and currently a city councilman, confirmed to NBC News. Four other people were also killed.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--What is Trump thinking? Two men who’ve worked for him weigh in

What is Trump thinking? Two men who’ve worked for him weigh in
Donald Trump’s possible mental state during the impeachment trial is illuminated by two men who worked for Trump in the past, as presidential onlookers assert that he is becoming dissatisfied by his Republican supporters. Joy Reid and her panel discuss.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--NBA legend Kobe Bryant reportedly dead in LA-area helicopter crash

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was reportedly killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning. He was 41. Four other people on board died and there were no survivors, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. Both the Los Angeles Times and ESPN reported that Bryant, widely regarded to be one of the best players of his generation, was among the dead.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--Schiff praised for presentation of evidence at impeachment trial

The Donald Trump impeachment trial evidence presentation by Rep. Adam Schiff is praised by politics experts, who negatively critique the defense arguments made by the president’s attorneys, and the possible aftermath of the Senate vote. Joy Reid and her panel discuss.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--Journo alleges Trump admin. is ‘taking gaslighting to new level’

Donald Trump impeachment trial observers are calling for witnesses in the Senate proceedings; but, while many Republicans want to call Democrats, they apparently do not want Democrats to call witnesses of their own. Journalist Mehdi Hasan of The Intercept and former congressman Jack Kingston join Joy Reid to debate.Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--Senate candidate for SC Jaime Harrison takes on Lindsey Graham

Donald Trump supporter Lindsey Graham is critiqued by U.S. Senate candidate for South Carolina Jaime Harrison, who tells Joy Reid, ‘People ask me each and every day: what has happened to Lindsey Graham?’Jan. 26, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Trump denies explosive Bolton claims

Trump denies explosive Bolton claims

In his new book, former national security adviser John Bolton writes that the president personally tied aid to Ukraine to investigation of Democrats, including the Bidens, according to new NYT reporting.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--'Everybody felt like they knew Kobe Bryant'

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it 08:18


msnbc--2020-01-27--From Kobe to Bolton, a weekend of major news

From the shocking, surprise passing of legend Kobe Bryant to the Grammys to revelations from John Bolton's book, it was a weekend of major news. Mika Brzezinski has the headlines.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--Sen. Stabenow: 'John Bolton ought to be coming before the United States Senate'

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) reacts to breaking news from the New York Times on an unpublished manuscript from John Bolton, in which he claims the president told him last August that he wanted to continue to freeze security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--NYT Reporter who broke story on Bolton’s manuscript joins Kasie DC

The New York Times reports that former national security adviser John Bolton has written in his as-of-yet unpublished book that President Donald Trump personally tied aid to Ukraine to investigation of Democrats, including the Bidens. The New York Times' Michael Schmidt speaks with Kasie Hunt about his reporting.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--‘Women win:’ Elizabeth Warren on the success of female candidates in Trump’s America

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msnbc--2020-01-26--Kasie Hunt’s exclusive interview with first-ever female impeachment managers

Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Val Demmings, and Sylvia Garcia sit down with Kasie Hunt to talk about how they see their moment in history as the first women to serve as House managers in an impeachment trial.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-26--Chris Hayes on Kobe Bryant's life and legacy


msnbc--2020-01-26--Sen. Braun noncommittal on Bolton testifying after book revelations

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) won’t commit to calling on John Bolton to testify before the Senate, even after the New York Times reported that in a forthcoming book, Bolton claims the president told him he wanted to freeze security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Wiley: Republicans have put the Constitution on trial

Melber : 'We just watched Ken Starr punch himself in the face '

Legal analyst Maya Wiley says Senate Republicans "have put the Constitution itself on trial" by arguing government power can be used to solicit the help of a foreign government to damage a political rival.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Trump trial 'disaster': See Ken Starr 'punch himself in the face' on Senate floor

In this “The Beat Breakdown: Trump on Trial”, MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber reports on Trump's first full day presenting the President’s defense against allegations of “high crimes” for the Ukraine plot. Melber breaks down the key moments, including why defense attorney Ken Starr was a “disaster” on his “abuse of power argument, what happened when Rudy Giuliani was name-checked and the high stakes over John Bolton possibly being called to testify. (MSNBC Digital Exclusive.)Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Report: Sen. Toomey proposing 'one-for-one' witness swap at impeachment trial

Sen. Pat Toomey is "floating" a one-for-one witness swap with Democrats, according to the Washington Post. Reporter Robert Costa says Toomey floated the idea that Republicans would vote for John Bolton to testify at the impeachment trial if Hunter Biden would also be called to testify.Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Hayes: 'We do not sic foreign systems of justice on American citizens'

Chris Hayes says that even if Hunter Biden was suspected of wrongdoing in his relationship with Burisma, as Trump's defense team is alleging, there's no reason for Trump to deal with that by requiring Ukraine to investigate it in exchange for aid. "We do not sic foreign systems of justice on American citizens... . if there is an actual predicate for some sort of investigation, there are processes by which that is pursued."Jan. 27, 2020


Monday's Mini-Report, 1.27.20

* An important 5-4 ruling : “ The Supreme Court issued an order Monday allowing the Trump administration to begin enforcing new limits on immigrants who are considered likely to become overly dependent on government benefit programs.
” * To date , there are five people in the U.S. have been hospitalized with confirmed cases of the coronavirus : “ As the coronavirus outbreak rages on in China , at least 110 people in the United States are undergoing testing for the new respiratory illness , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday.
” * Related jitters on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world economy appeared to emerge from the uncertainty of the trade war , the spread of the dangerous coronavirus in China has pierced the calm that had settled over financial markets.
” * Joe Biden has an op-ed in USA Today on the virus , arguing , “ Trump ’ s demonstrated failures of judgment and his repeated rejection of science make him the worst possible person to lead our country through a global health challenge.
” * I ’ ll look forward to Team Trump arguing that the president barely knows Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s defense lawyers , opened her argument by accusing the House impeachment managers of resorting to using Giuliani as a ‘ colorful distraction ’ to take away from the idea that ‘ both the law and the facts ’ were not on their side.
” * The team of impeachment managers will soon be one person short : “ Rep .
Jerry Nadler ( D-N.Y. ) said on Sunday that he would miss part of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump to be with his wife , Joyce Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer.
” * The pastor in question is televangelist Paula White , who recently took on a new role in the White House Office of Public Liaison : “ A Florida pastor and longtime spiritual adviser to President Trump says she was speaking in metaphor when she recently prayed in a sermon for all ‘ satanic pregnancies ’ to end in miscarriage .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* An important 5-4 ruling: "The Supreme Court issued an order Monday allowing the Trump administration to begin enforcing new limits on immigrants who are considered likely to become overly dependent on government benefit programs."
* To date, there are five people in the U.S. who've been hospitalized with confirmed cases of the coronavirus: "As the coronavirus outbreak rages on in China, at least 110 people in the United States are undergoing testing for the new respiratory illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday."
* Related jitters on Wall Street: "Just as the world economy appeared to emerge from the uncertainty of the trade war, the spread of the dangerous coronavirus in China has pierced the calm that had settled over financial markets."
* Joe Biden has an op-ed in USA Today on the virus, arguing, "Trump's demonstrated failures of judgment and his repeated rejection of science make him the worst possible person to lead our country through a global health challenge."
* I'll look forward to Team Trump arguing that the president barely knows Giuliani: "Jane Raskin, one of Trump's defense lawyers, opened her argument by accusing the House impeachment managers of resorting to using Giuliani as a 'colorful distraction' to take away from the idea that 'both the law and the facts' were not on their side."
* The team of impeachment managers will soon be one person short: "Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday that he would miss part of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump to be with his wife, Joyce Miller, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer."
* The pastor in question is televangelist Paula White, who recently took on a new role in the White House Office of Public Liaison: "A Florida pastor and longtime spiritual adviser to President Trump says she was speaking in metaphor when she recently prayed in a sermon for all 'satanic pregnancies' to end in miscarriage."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-27--Trump faces pushback from veterans for...

Following the recent Iranian missile strike , which targeted U.S. forces in Iraq , Donald Trump assured the public that “ no Americans were harmed ” in the attack .
Weeks later , we learned that 34 U.S. servicemembers were diagnosed with concussions and traumatic brain injuries following the Iranian strike , and many of them were transported to out-of-theater hospitals for treatment .
Pressed for some kind of explanation , the president – who has an unfortunate history in this area , despite his own controversial record avoiding military service – told reporters that he ’ d heard that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced “ headaches , ” but he didn ’ t “ consider them very serious injuries.
” The comments were not well received by some in the veterans ’ community .
The Washington Post reported over the weekend : The Veterans of Foreign Wars , the oldest major U.S. veterans group , appears to be the first large veterans organization to publicly chastise the president for dismissing the injuries as “ headaches ” and “ not very serious.
” Trump “ minimized these troops ’ injuries , ” VFW National Commander-in-Chief William “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , after a Pentagon announcement that the number of injured troops had risen to 34 .
Schmitz added that the VFW “ expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks.
” The Post also spoke to Jeremy Butler , chief executive of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America , who said traumatic brain injury is “ the signature injury coming out of ” those two conflicts .
Butler added , “ We were definitely troubled and disappointed to read and hear about the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apology is the first step that ’ s needed here.
” There ’ s no reason to assume we ’ ll ever hear any expressions of presidential regret – Trump hasn ’ t apologized for other offensive rhetoric targeting American prisoners of war or Gold Star families – and the Republican can take some comfort in the fact that his partisan allies remain eager to cover for him .
Republican Senator Tom Cotton defended President Trump for saying soldiers who suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq had “ headaches , ” arguing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries .
“ He ’ s not dismissing their injuries .
He ’ s describing their injuries , ” said the Arkansas senator , an Army veteran who served in Iraq .
“ If they are , in fact , if all these injuries are not serious , if they ’ re all on the less serious side of the scale than the severe traumatic side of the scale , the president is just describing what happened there .
He was not dismissing them.
” I guess from the far-right senator ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America are just too sensitive ?

Following the recent Iranian missile strike, which targeted U.S. forces in Iraq, Donald Trump assured the public that "no Americans were harmed" in the attack. Weeks later, we learned that 34 U.S. servicemembers were diagnosed with concussions and traumatic brain injuries following the Iranian strike, and many of them were transported to out-of-theater hospitals for treatment.
Pressed for some kind of explanation, the president -- who has an unfortunate history in this area, despite his own controversial record avoiding military service -- told reporters that he'd heard that some of the servicemen and women had experienced "headaches," but he didn't "consider them very serious injuries."
The comments were not well received by some in the veterans' community. The Washington Post reported over the weekend:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the oldest major U.S. veterans group, appears to be the first large veterans organization to publicly chastise the president for dismissing the injuries as "headaches" and "not very serious."Trump "minimized these troops' injuries," VFW National Commander-in-Chief William "Doc" Schmitz said in a statement Friday, after a Pentagon announcement that the number of injured troops had risen to 34.
Schmitz added that the VFW "expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks."
The Post also spoke to Jeremy Butler, chief executive of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, who said traumatic brain injury is "the signature injury coming out of" those two conflicts. Butler added, "We were definitely troubled and disappointed to read and hear about the president's comments. I think an apology is the first step that's needed here."
There's no reason to assume we'll ever hear any expressions of presidential regret -- Trump hasn't apologized for other offensive rhetoric targeting American prisoners of war or Gold Star families -- and the Republican can take some comfort in the fact that his partisan allies remain eager to cover for him.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton defended President Trump for saying soldiers who suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq had "headaches," arguing the president was simply "describing" their injuries."He's not dismissing their injuries. He's describing their injuries," said the Arkansas senator, an Army veteran who served in Iraq. "If they are, in fact, if all these injuries are not serious, if they're all on the less serious side of the scale than the severe traumatic side of the scale, the president is just describing what happened there. He was not dismissing them."
I guess from the far-right senator's perspective, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America are just too sensitive?


msnbc--2020-01-27--On impeachment, polling points to some...

During his opening statement this afternoon , Ken Starr complained that there ’ s “ no national consensus ” when it comes to Donald Trump ’ s impeachment .
If memory serves , Starr had no similar concerns during his impeachment effort in the late 1990s – a sizable majority of Americans had no use for Starr ’ s crusade – but perhaps he ’ s changed his mind about the importance of public attitudes .
Whatever the explanation , there ’ s some truth to the assertion .
Most Americans support Trump ’ s impeachment , conviction , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by three major national polls released just over the last several days – but it ’ d be a stretch to characterize a narrow national majority as a “ consensus.
” There is one area , however , in which a consensus emerges .
Consider this tidbit from the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll : Despite divisions over the preferred outcome , 66 percent of Americans overall say the Senate should call new witnesses to testify at the impeachment trial , a question that has been fiercely fought among senators .
[ … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 6 in 10 independents support calling new witnesses , while Republicans are split about evenly , with 45 percent saying new witnesses should be called and 43 percent saying they should not .
There ’ s more data along these lines .
In the latest national Associated Press poll , 68 % supported calls for new witnesses during the Senate proceedings .
A CNN poll put the figure at 69 % .
Sure , “ consensus ” is a subjective term , and there ’ s no mathematical formula to determine the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s probably fair to say that when two-thirds of the public consistently share the same opinion on a contentious point , there ’ s a national consensus .
The question is whether Republicans are so eager to participate in a cover-up for Trump that they ignore this consensus .
There ’ s reason to believe this is a distinct possibility .

During his opening statement this afternoon, Ken Starr complained that there's "no national consensus" when it comes to Donald Trump's impeachment. If memory serves, Starr had no similar concerns during his impeachment effort in the late 1990s -- a sizable majority of Americans had no use for Starr's crusade -- but perhaps he's changed his mind about the importance of public attitudes.
Whatever the explanation, there's some truth to the assertion. A majority of Americans support Trump's impeachment, conviction, and removal from office -- a point bolstered by three major national polls released just over the last several days -- but it'd be a stretch to characterize a narrow national majority as a "consensus."
There is one area, however, in which a consensus emerges. Consider this tidbit from the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll:
Despite divisions over the preferred outcome, 66 percent of Americans overall say the Senate should call new witnesses to testify at the impeachment trial, a question that has been fiercely fought among senators. [...]Nearly 9 in 10 Democrats and over 6 in 10 independents support calling new witnesses, while Republicans are split about evenly, with 45 percent saying new witnesses should be called and 43 percent saying they should not.
There's more data along these lines. In the latest national Associated Press poll, 68% supported calls for new witnesses during the Senate proceedings. A CNN poll put the figure at 69%.
Sure, "consensus" is a subjective term, and there's no mathematical formula to determine the exact threshold. But I think it's probably fair to say that when two-thirds of the public consistently share the same opinion on a contentious point, there's a national consensus.
The question is whether Republicans are so eager to participate in a cover-up for Trump that they ignore this consensus. There's reason to believe this is a distinct possibility.


msnbc--2020-01-27--Melber: 'We just watched Ken Starr punch himself in the face'

MSNBC chief legal analyst Ari Melber shares his take on Kenneth Starr's testimony during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, calling it a "total, unmitigated legal and constitutional disaster," and that "Ken Starr was out there shadowboxing with himself... and constitutionally, we just watched Ken Starr punch himself in the face and then walk off the floor."Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Figliuzzi: The only way to combat Bolton testimony would be to put Trump on the stand

Figliuzzi: The only way to combat Bolton testimony would be to put Trump on the stand
Frank Figliuzzi shares his take on why putting John Bolton on the stand is "scaring" senate Republicans: "The only way you can refute Bolton is putting Trump on the stand."Jan. 27, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Indifferent to irony, Ken Starr laments...

About a year and a half ago , before Donald Trump launched an illegal extortion scheme , Ken Starr was promoting a book and sat down with CNN ’ s Jake Tapper .
The host asked whether he believed the current president would ever be impeached .
“ I hope not , because one of the lessons in the book is , impeachment is hell , ” Starr replied .
“ The country should not be taken through that… .
Unless there is a growing national consensus that impeachment is proper , it ’ s doomed to fail and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
The irony was staggering : Starr led an impeachment crusade against Bill Clinton 22 years ago , and there was no “ national consensus ” about the propriety of the special prosecutor ’ s pursuit .
On the contrary , most Americans opposed Clinton ’ s impeachment , a detail Starr was comfortable ignoring .
Ken Starr , a member of Trump ’ s legal team who served as the independent counsel investigating former President Bill Clinton , lamented that the U.S. is now in the “ age of impeachment.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s history , the Senate is being called to sit as the high court of impeachment all too frequently , ” Starr said .
“ Indeed , we are living in what I think can aptly be described as the ‘ age of impeachment.
’ ” “ How did we get here , with presidential impeachment invoked frequently in its inherently destabilizing as well as acrimonious way ?
” he asked .
Starr went on to call for a “ return to our country ’ s traditions , ” when presidential impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort.
” The hypocrisy , of course , is breathtaking .
When Starr was hunting Clinton , he had none of these concerns .
It was only when a Republican president started abusing his power in the hopes of cheating an election that Starr decided that he ’ d like to see the process used far less frequently .
But that ’ s not the only problem with his pitch .
Note , for example , that his new posture is inherently dismissive of the underlying allegations and their seriousness .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s traditions , ” and the importance of not using the congressional impeachment power in a careless or routine fashion , but I also think it ’ s fair to say that most objective scholars see Trump ’ s radical abuse of power as exactly the kind of dangerous misconduct that warrants such action .
Indeed , it was just last month when more than 2,000 historians – including well known scholars such as Ken Burns , Robert Caro , Ron Chernow , Jon Meacham , Sean Wilentz , and Brenda Wineapple – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s misconduct as “ a clear and present danger to the Constitution.
” It came on the heels of a related effort from nearly 900 legal scholars who concluded that Trump is guilty of “ impeachable conduct , ” and who added , “ His conduct is precisely the type of threat to our democracy that the Founders feared when they included the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution.
” What ’ s more , the idea that presidential impeachments occur “ all too frequently ” seems excessive .
There have been three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s been around for nearly a quarter of a millennium .
Yes , having two such experiences in one generation skews our perspective , but that is not a prima facia argument against the practice .
If Starr believes either of the two impeachments lacked merit , he ’ s welcome to make his case , but the fact that there have been two trials in 21 years isn ’ t a substantive argument .
Finally , I imagine Starr ’ s “ age of impeachment ” line will be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t help but wonder if it was a warning about how his party intends to operate in the future .
Or put another way , perhaps Starr ’ s “ age of impeachment ” phrasing was more of a declaration than a lament : he was sending a signal about how he and other Republicans perceive the era , and the degree to which , in their minds , impeachment may now be seen as a “ normal ” tool in the wake of Trump ’ s presidency .

About a year and a half ago, before Donald Trump launched an illegal extortion scheme, Ken Starr was promoting a book and sat down with CNN's Jake Tapper. The host asked whether he believed the current president would ever be impeached.
"I hope not, because one of the lessons in the book is, impeachment is hell," Starr replied. "The country should not be taken through that.... Unless there is a growing national consensus that impeachment is proper, it's doomed to fail and it's just the wrong way to go.
The irony was staggering: Starr led an impeachment crusade against Bill Clinton 22 years ago, and there was no "national consensus" about the propriety of the special prosecutor's pursuit. On the contrary, most Americans opposed Clinton's impeachment, a detail Starr was comfortable ignoring.
The Republican lawyer's indifference toward irony apparently hasn't changed.
Ken Starr, a member of Trump's legal team who served as the independent counsel investigating former President Bill Clinton, lamented that the U.S. is now in the "age of impeachment.""In this particular juncture in America's history, the Senate is being called to sit as the high court of impeachment all too frequently," Starr said. "Indeed, we are living in what I think can aptly be described as the 'age of impeachment.'""How did we get here, with presidential impeachment invoked frequently in its inherently destabilizing as well as acrimonious way?" he asked.
Starr went on to call for a "return to our country's traditions," when presidential impeachment was truly "a measure of last resort."
The hypocrisy, of course, is breathtaking. When Starr was hunting Clinton, he had none of these concerns. It was only when a Republican president started abusing his power in the hopes of cheating an election that Starr decided that he'd like to see the process used far less frequently.
But that's not the only problem with his pitch.
Note, for example, that his new posture is inherently dismissive of the underlying allegations and their seriousness. I'm mindful of "our country's traditions," and the importance of not using the congressional impeachment power in a careless or routine fashion, but I also think it's fair to say that most objective scholars see Trump's radical abuse of power as exactly the kind of dangerous misconduct that warrants such action.
Indeed, it was just last month when more than 2,000 historians -- including well known scholars such as Ken Burns, Robert Caro, Ron Chernow, Jon Meacham, Sean Wilentz, and Brenda Wineapple -- signed a joint statement describing Trump's misconduct as "a clear and present danger to the Constitution."
It came on the heels of a related effort from nearly 900 legal scholars who concluded that Trump is guilty of "impeachable conduct," and who added, "His conduct is precisely the type of threat to our democracy that the Founders feared when they included the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution."
What's more, the idea that presidential impeachments occur "all too frequently" seems excessive. There have been three such Senate trials in a constitutional system that's been around for nearly a quarter of a millennium. Yes, having two such experiences in one generation skews our perspective, but that is not a prima facia argument against the practice.
If Starr believes either of the two impeachments lacked merit, he's welcome to make his case, but the fact that there have been two trials in 21 years isn't a substantive argument.
Finally, I imagine Starr's "age of impeachment" line will be seen as a complaint, but I also can't help but wonder if it was a warning about how his party intends to operate in the future.
Or put another way, perhaps Starr's "age of impeachment" phrasing was more of a declaration than a lament: he was sending a signal about how he and other Republicans perceive the era, and the degree to which, in their minds, impeachment may now be seen as a "normal" tool in the wake of Trump's presidency.


msnbc--2020-01-28--Trump’s team presents defense amid new Bolton revelations

How Ken Starr 'dragged the corpse of irony out of the grave '

President Donald Trump's defense lawyers continued to attack the impeachment proceedings, arguing a lack of due process and accusing House managers of trying to interfere in the 2020 election. An explosive report from the New York Times alleges former national security adviser John Bolton says in his unpublished book that the president personally tied aid for Ukraine to an investigation into the Bidens.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Joe: Confederacy of dunces defended Trump

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it 08:18


msnbc--2020-01-28--Joe: Where do we begin with Ken Starr?

Joe: Where do we begin with Ken Starr?

Joe: Where do we begin with Ken Starr?
The panel breaks down the defense from Trump's legal team and GOP defense from the sixth full day of the Senate impeachment trial, including a presentation from Ken Starr, the independent counsel who investigated Bill Clinton's affair with a White House intern.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--'A Very Stable Genius' details history as it happened in Trump White House

Meacham: Pence probably saved the republic, but I don't always want to count on one person to do it


msnbc--2020-01-27--Trump's deteriorating relationship with John Bolton


msnbc--2020-01-27--NYT: Bolton was worried Trump was doing favors for autocratic leaders

NYT: Bolton was worried Trump was doing favors for autocratic leaders
The New York Times is reporting John Bolton writes in his upcoming book that he was concerned Trump was doing favors for autocratic leaders. Michael Schmidt and Philip Rucker discuss.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Day 1,103: Bolton bombshells overshadow Team Trump's impeachment defense


msnbc--2020-01-27--Rep. Crow: Trump's legal team 'peddled Russian propaganda', 'made points for us'

Discussing The Possible Release Of The Affidavit FBI Used To Get A Search Warrant For Mar-a-Lago 09:32


msnbc--2020-01-27--Pence chief of staff makes unprompted statement on Ukraine scheme

Robert Costa, national political reporter for the Washington Post, talks with Rachel Maddow about an apparently unprompted statement from Marc Short, Mike Pence's chief of staff, about Donald Trump's Ukraine scheme and the questions it raises about Pence's role.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-27--Sen. Coons shoots down impeachment witness quid pro quo with GOP

Senator Chris Coons talks with former Senator Clair McCaskill and Lawrence O'Donnell about Donald Trump's impeachment defense and the lack of Democratic support for making some kind of one-for-one deal with Republicans on impeachment witnesses.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Trial bombshell: Trump insider sides with Bolton on Ukraine, implying Trump is lying

Wallace : As Trump 's defense rests , it 's 'remarkable how beaten down they seem '

As Trump’s impeachment defense team wraps up their arguments, Sen. Mitch McConnell huddles with his caucus over witnesses. MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber reports on a pivotal day in the Trump Trial, the “complications”, the drama over John Bolton and why some GOP senators appear to be breaking from Trump.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Sen. Coons on Democratic goal for impeachment trial question process

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msnbc--2020-01-28--Can the Senate subpoena the manuscript for Bolton's unpublished book?


msnbc--2020-01-28--Kaine: White House impeachment lawyers avoid making an argument on witnesses


Tuesday's Mini-Report, 1.28.20

* In light of Trump ’ s purported passion for combating corruption abroad , should we assume he ’ ll care about this ?
“ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was formally indicted in court on Tuesday on corruption charges hours after he withdrew his request for parliamentary immunity from prosecution.
” * And speaking of Israel : “ President Donald Trump on Tuesday released a long-promised Middle East peace plan that , if implemented , would create a conditional path to statehood for Palestinians while recognizing Israeli sovereignty over a significant portion of the West Bank.
” * Opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans will meet Tuesday afternoon after President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial adjourns – and the question of whether to call witnesses in the trial is expected to be discussed , four GOP aides told NBC News.
” * For those wondering what might happen next , Sen. Lisa Murkowski ( R-Alaska ) told reporters this afternoon , in reference to possible John Bolton testimony , “ I ’ ve said that I think that Mr. Bolton probably has some things that would be helpful for us .
We ’ ll figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn that.
” * Today ’ s earthquake : “ A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica on Tuesday , the U.S. Geological Survey said .
The quake was felt in Miami , and police said some buildings were being evacuated in the city.
” * Gallagher targets some of his former SEAL teammates : “ Chief Special Operator Edward Gallagher , 40 , referred to some members of his former platoon as ‘ cowards ’ and highlighted names , photos and – for those still on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current units , something former SEALs say places those men – and the Navy ’ s mission – in jeopardy.
” * The social-media giant ’ s recent hiring decisions seem to point in a specific political direction .
Williams , for example , helped helm Fox & Friends : “ Facebook has tapped former Fox News executive producer Jennifer Williams to head video strategy for Facebook News , the dedicated news tab that will launch wide later this year , a source familiar with the move who was not authorized to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of media news : “ Ben Smith , editor in chief of BuzzFeed News , who built a respected news organization alongside the website ’ s lighter content , will leave the company and join The New York Times as the newspaper ’ s top media columnist , according to sources familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* In light of Trump's purported passion for combating corruption abroad, should we assume he'll care about this? "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was formally indicted in court on Tuesday on corruption charges hours after he withdrew his request for parliamentary immunity from prosecution."
* And speaking of Israel: "President Donald Trump on Tuesday released a long-promised Middle East peace plan that, if implemented, would create a conditional path to statehood for Palestinians while recognizing Israeli sovereignty over a significant portion of the West Bank."
* Opening arguments are now done: "Senate Republicans will meet Tuesday afternoon after President Donald Trump's impeachment trial adjourns -- and the question of whether to call witnesses in the trial is expected to be discussed, four GOP aides told NBC News."
* For those wondering what might happen next, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told reporters this afternoon, in reference to possible John Bolton testimony, "I've said that I think that Mr. Bolton probably has some things that would be helpful for us. We'll figure out how we might be able to learn that."
* Today's earthquake: "A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake was felt in Miami, and police said some buildings were being evacuated in the city."
* Gallagher targets some of his former SEAL teammates: "Chief Special Operator Edward Gallagher, 40, referred to some members of his former platoon as 'cowards' and highlighted names, photos and -- for those still on active duty -- their duty status and current units, something former SEALs say places those men -- and the Navy's mission -- in jeopardy."
* The social-media giant's recent hiring decisions seem to point in a specific political direction. Williams, for example, helped helm Fox & Friends: "Facebook has tapped former Fox News executive producer Jennifer Williams to head video strategy for Facebook News, the dedicated news tab that will launch wide later this year, a source familiar with the move who was not authorized to speak publicly tells us."
* And speaking of media news: "Ben Smith, editor in chief of BuzzFeed News, who built a respected news organization alongside the website's lighter content, will leave the company and join The New York Times as the newspaper's top media columnist, according to sources familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-28--Republican senators mull over witnesses after Trump defense team wraps up opening statements


msnbc--2020-01-28--Sen. King: It's 'bizarre' if Bolton is not brought in to testify

Sen. King: It's 'bizarre' if Bolton is not brought in to testify
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, thinks it would be "bizarre" if John Bolton and other witnesses were not brought in to testify for the impeachment trial of President Trump.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Schiff: House 'should have forced' Bolton to testify, but Trump's team blocked them

Schiff: House 'should have forced' Bolton to testify, but Trump's team blocked them
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said that the House should have tried to have John Bolton testify in the impeachment inquiry, but President Trump's team would have blocked their attempts.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Schumer on Trump defense team: 'Their whole argument is diversion'


msnbc--2020-01-28--McCaskill: Given Trump kids and 'grift,' Trump team's attack on Bidens unbelievable

Former Sen. Claire McCaskill and MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace discuss Trump defense lawyer Jay Sekulow's attacks on the Bidens and criticisms of corruption, given the reporting around how Trump and family are profiting off the Trump name.Jan. 28, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-29--In battle over Bolton testimony, does Mitch McConnell have the votes?

In battle over Bolton testimony , does Mitch McConnell have the votes ?

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged to Republican senators during a private meeting Tuesday that he did not currently have the votes to avoid calling witnesses in the Impeachment of Donald J Trump. A pair of moderate Republican senators — Mitt Romney and Susan Collins — said earlier that the report of major revelations in former National Security Adviser John Bolton’s soon-to-be-released book strengthens the case for calling witnesses. The White House defense rested Tuesday.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-29--Why Trump might not fight on executive privilege

Why Trump might not fight on executive privilege
Professor and legal analyst Ryan Goodman discusses why the president might not fight on executive privilege should John Bolton or other national security officials be called to testify in the impeachment trial.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-29--What a look into the political crystal ball says about GOP

What a look into the political crystal ball says about GOP
A majority is in favor of witnesses testifying at the Senate impeachment trial of the president, according to new polling. Will enough Republican senators back witnesses? The panel discusses.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-29--Tribe: Dershowitz defense of Trump ‘extreme’ and ‘dangerous’

Harvard Law School Professor Laurence Tribe tells Lawrence O’Donnell that senators must vote for witnesses to ensure a fair trial, and that to acquit Trump on the Dershowitz defense would set a terrible precedent for future presidents and the country.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Trump impeachment trial opening arguments in two minutes

We take an abbreviated look back at the must-see moments from the opening arguments in the Trump Senate impeachment trial from both the Democrats and Trump's defense team.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Sen. Warren: Impeachment is about ‘corruption’

Elizabeth Warren tells Lawrence O’Donnell that impeachment is so connected to the 2020 election because, at a base level, impeachment is about corruption and not serving the national interest. The sharpest possible contrast to be made with Trump is against his corrupt ways, according to Warren.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Trump allies talk up Bernie Sanders as his numbers surge in Iowa

Trump allies talk up Bernie Sanders as his numbers surge in Iowa
Loyalists to the president are making a lot of noise as Bernie Sanders’s poll numbers in Iowa rise ahead of the Democratic caucuses. We discuss that with Katy Turn and Shaquille Brewster.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Sen. Warren: McConnell doesn't want a fair trial

New reports suggest that Mitch McConnell doesn't have enough votes to block witnesses from testifying in the Senate impeachment trial. Elizabeth Warren tells Lawrence O’Donnell that it's no wonder McConnell never had the votes, because he shouldn't have had them to begin with if senators wanted a fair trial.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--How dangerous could John Bolton possibly be for Trump?

How dangerous could John Bolton possibly be for Trump?
If former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton ends up testifying in the Trump Senate impeachment trial, how damning could his testimony be for the president? Kimberly Atkins, Ashley Parker, and Jeremy Bash react.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-28--Day 1,104: Huge push for impeachment witnesses as Team Trump wraps up defense

Mitch McConnell reportedly does not have the votes to stop witnesses from being called in the Trump impeachment trial in the Senate as the president's defense team ends arguments.Jan. 29, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-29--Trump lawyer echoes infamous Nixon defense at trial: Whatever Trump does to win is not impeachable

Trump lawyer echoes infamous Nixon defense at trial : Whatever Trump does to win is not impeachable

In this “The Beat Breakdown: Trump on Trial”, MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber reports on a new phase in the Trump impeachment trial, the senate jurors posing their questions to both sides. Melber breaks down the key questions, fact-checks a new Trump defense by Alan Dershowitz, gets Trump lawyer Robert Ray to break from Dershowitz and analyzes a bombshell new claim about John Bolton as intrigue swirls over whether he will get to testify. (MSNBC Digital Exclusive.)Jan. 29, 2020


Wednesday's Mini-Report, 1.29.20

* The White House has a problem with Bolton ’ s book : “ In a letter to former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s attorney , the White House said Bolton ’ s upcoming book contains classified information that must be removed before it can be published.
” * On a related note , this was interesting : “ Rep .
Eliot Engel pushed back on President Donald Trump ’ s claims that John Bolton didn ’ t complain about the president ’ s conduct toward Ukraine as the Foreign Affairs Committee chairman revealed a September call with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser told him to examine the ouster of the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.
” * Coronavirus : “ The World Health Organization will reconvene its emergency committee Thursday to determine whether the coronavirus outbreak amounts to a public health emergency of international concern , as the total number of people infected in mainland China surpassed those infected with SARS during the 2002-2003 epidemic.
” * What a mess : “ The President just keeps contradicting his own DOJ , the House of Representatives ’ top lawyer said in yet another court filing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s clashing positions.
” * No way to treat an ally : “ The U.S. military said it began notifying nearly 9,000 South Korean contract workers that they will be out of work starting in April if the Trump administration and South Korean negotiators fail to reach a cost-sharing deal on the upkeep of 28,500 U.S. soldiers stationed in that country.
” * Remember when the White House seemed to care about infrastructure ?
“ House Democratic leaders are set to roll out their vision for a $ 760 billion , five-year infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change , seizing on an issue that has become a growing concern for their party ’ s activists and presidential hopefuls.
” * The Fed : “ In his press conference following the Federal Reserve ’ s January meeting , which wrapped up on Wednesday , Chairman Jerome Powell said the Chinese coronavirus is a situation that bears watching , even as he stressed that the Fed ’ s mandate would remain focused on U.S. economic growth .
He also once again emphasized the many ways in which trade uncertainty has trickled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policymakers , even as he sounded a reassuring town about the overall economic outlook .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* The White House has a problem with Bolton's book: "In a letter to former national security adviser John Bolton's attorney, the White House said Bolton's upcoming book contains classified information that must be removed before it can be published."
* On a related note, this was interesting: "Rep. Eliot Engel pushed back on President Donald Trump's claims that John Bolton didn't complain about the president's conduct toward Ukraine as the Foreign Affairs Committee chairman revealed a September call with Bolton in which the former national security adviser told him to examine the ouster of the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine."
* Coronavirus: "The World Health Organization will reconvene its emergency committee Thursday to determine whether the coronavirus outbreak amounts to a public health emergency of international concern, as the total number of people infected in mainland China surpassed those infected with SARS during the 2002-2003 epidemic."
* What a mess: "The President just keeps contradicting his own DOJ, the House of Representatives' top lawyer said in yet another court filing Tuesday pointing out the Trump administration's clashing positions."
* No way to treat an ally: "The U.S. military said it began notifying nearly 9,000 South Korean contract workers that they will be out of work starting in April if the Trump administration and South Korean negotiators fail to reach a cost-sharing deal on the upkeep of 28,500 U.S. soldiers stationed in that country."
* Remember when the White House seemed to care about infrastructure? "House Democratic leaders are set to roll out their vision for a $760 billion, five-year infrastructure proposal that places a major emphasis on climate change, seizing on an issue that has become a growing concern for their party's activists and presidential hopefuls."
* The Fed: "In his press conference following the Federal Reserve's January meeting, which wrapped up on Wednesday, Chairman Jerome Powell said the Chinese coronavirus is a situation that bears watching, even as he stressed that the Fed's mandate would remain focused on U.S. economic growth. He also once again emphasized the many ways in which trade uncertainty has trickled into decisions made by both executives and policymakers, even as he sounded a reassuring town about the overall economic outlook."
See you tomorrow.