msnbc--2020-04-15--DC Mayor Bowser: We need to be ‘treated as a state in federal funding’

'We 're doing this basically on our own ' : Teaneck , NJ mayor on opening a testing site

Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser says more needs to be done to flatten the curve and is asking the federal government for Washington, DC “to be treated as a state in federal funding just like in everything else.”April 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan protesters were ‘endangering lives’

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer discusses extending stay-at-home orders with MSNBC’s Joy Reid following protests in Michigan: “I know there’s a log of angst and people are feeling it and they want to direct it at me, that’s fine. I can take it. But showing up and being this irresponsible is not just endangering their own lives, it’s endangering our first responders and our ability to meet the needs of the people of the state who are all trying to do the right thing.”April 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Trump threatens to 'adjourn both chambers of Congress' over nominations

President Trump says he might "exercise my constitutional authority to adjourn both chambers of Congress" if his nominations aren't approved. This power has never before been used by a president.April 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Dr. Birx: Reported coronavirus cases declined over past 5 days

Dr. Birx said that the number of reported coronavirus cases in the U.S. declined over the past five days, showing the success of social distancing measures.April 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Virus patients face mass hospital bills

Virus patients face mass hospital bills

What does Covid-19 mean for those without insurance, or those with plans that don't cover much? Former VP of Comms for Cigna turned whistle-blower Wendell Potter joins Katy Tur and Brian Williams to discuss.April 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Rep. Tim Ryan proposes plan featuring $2,000 check per month

'To the right of this government, is only a wall' Impact of new judicial law in Israel 05:32


msnbc--2020-04-15--Smithfield Foods closing two additional midwest plants

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msnbc--2020-04-15--'We're doing this basically on our own': Teaneck, NJ mayor on opening a testing site

'We're doing this basically on our own': Teaneck, NJ mayor on opening a testing site
Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin discusses how he's had to go to the private sector for help opening a test site.April 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Gupta: Federal guidance, Singapore-developed tech needed to fight COVID-19


msnbc--2020-04-15--'Significant risk of resurgence of the virus' in CDC, FEMA plan

Washington Post health reporter Lena Sun says the CDC, FEMA plan to re-open the economy lists "all these conditions that have to be met before you can even start about a phased opening."April 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-16--Trump's remarks from downplaying to blame shifting

The Recount looks at Trump 's remarks on coronavirus

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


msnbc--2020-04-16--Paycheck protection program set to run out of funding

A new federal program to help small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic is running out of money and falling short in the industries and states most battered by the crisis, according to a report. Stephanie Ruhle discusses.April 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-16--What prompted Trump's threats to adjourn Congress?

The president threatened Wednesday to adjourn Congress so he can unilaterally install nominees to federal positions that he said are pertinent to the coronavirus crisis. The Morning Joe panel discusses what would be an unprecedented move.April 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-16--Amid building economic anxieties, state leaders pressured to reopen - ready or not

Reopening plans drafted by the Centers for Disease Control and Federal Emergency Management Agency find that even a phased reopening of the economy poses a significant risk of resurgence for coronavirus. And any reopening requires a level of testing and control of the virus that isn’t yet present. But President Trump is continuing to push a May 1 reopening date, and in a few states his supporters launched protests against stay-at-home orders and other social distancing measures.April 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-16--Trump set to announce reopening guidelines

As the president is set to announce Thursday his plans to reopen parts of the economy by May 1, Republicans including Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana are publicly discussing the need to reopen despite the consequences. The panel discusses.April 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-16--Michigan health care worker blasts 'idiots' protesting stay-home order

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


msnbc--2020-04-15--'We need them!' ER Doc blasts Trump halting W.H.O. funds amid pandemic


msnbc--2020-04-15--Sean Penn helping bring free COVID-19 testing to CA

Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), founded by Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn, is fighting the coronavirus pandemic through testing. Sean tells Lawrence O’Donnell that a "herculean effort" needs to be taken by the federal government for the production of coronavirus testing and PPE supplies. To learn more about helping COVID-19 relief efforts, visit COREresponse.org/covid19April 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Krugman: ‘We really are talking about a depression level event’

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman tells Lawrence O’Donnell that Trump and his allies in Congress are "balking” at the things that need to be done to support parts of the economy that need the most help, like small businesses, hospitals and local governments.April 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-04-15--Rural ER Doc: Trump needs to listen to scientists and ignore noise

Dr. Stephen Sample, an emergency physician in Jasper, Indiana, pleads with the president to stop listening to political advisers and focus on what the scientists around him are saying about the COVID-19 pandemic.April 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-07--On impeachment, a head-in-the-sand caucus...

When former White House National Security Adviser John Bolton announced yesterday that he ’ s willing to testify during Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial , it quickly jolted the political debate .
Indeed , it created a challenge Senate Republicans would have preferred to avoid : how would they justify excluding voluntary testimony from an important witness with first-hand information about the president ’ s culpability ?
The responses from GOP senators were predictably varied yesterday , with some so-called “ moderates ” expressing interest in hearing from Bolton , though they tended to endorse Senate Majority Leader Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of starting the impeachment trial first , and then making a decision on witnesses later .
But one senator stood out by making a spirited argument in defense of ignoring relevant information .
Sen. Marco Rubio , a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee , told CNN he would not vote for a subpoena of former White House national security adviser John Bolton because he said that it was the House of Representative ’ s job to get his testimony .
“ I wouldn ’ t because… I believe you should be constrained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on , ” he said .
“ If the House wants to start a new impeachment inquiry or pull it back and add additional elements to it , that ’ s their choice to make.
” The Florida Republican had made related comments last week , suggesting the Senate shouldn ’ t hear new testimony , but that was before Bolton volunteered to provide members with important information they don ’ t currently have .
Rubio , evidently , doesn ’ t care .
The GOP senator added on Twitter soon after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence considered in a Senate impeachment trial should be the same testimony [ and ] evidence the House relied upon when they passed the Articles of Impeachment .
Our job is to vote on what the House passed , not to conduct an open-ended inquiry.
” It ’ s important to understand why this doesn ’ t make sense .
In the impeachment process , the U.S. House effectively plays the role of a grand jury .
It considers the available evidence , weighs the seriousness of the allegations , and makes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If a majority of the House votes to impeach , that creates an indictment , which heads to the U.S. Senate for a trial .
As Rubio – who graduated from law school – sees it , after the House votes on whether to bring charges , the search for truth ends .
Even if the case against the accused gets stronger , as is true in the current controversy , it doesn ’ t matter .
If the grand jury didn ’ t have access to certain facts , then those facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial .
Why ?
Because March Rubio says so .
There ’ s nothing in the American system of justice to support such a position .
Imagine a hypothetical scenario in which a person is suspected of bank fraud .
Prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury , which decides the evidence is sufficient for an indictment .
The accused is charged and the case heads to trial .
Then imagine , during this hypothetical trial , investigators uncover an email from the defendant in which he told a business partner , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope to get away with it .
Please don ’ t tell anyone.
” Under Rubio ’ s approach to justice , that email should have no role in the accused fraudster ’ s trial .
As the senator put it , the “ testimony and evidence considered ” by the grand jury is all that matters .
Nothing else .
It ’ s as if a “ heads-in-the-sand ” caucus is taking shape in the Senate , and the Florida Republican is eager to be its leader .
As the Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the senator envisions a trial “ in which you can only use information gleaned from the investigation phase.
” Republicans can support a fair trial and a search for the whole truth , or they can choose to exclude relevant facts .
They can not do both .

When former White House National Security Adviser John Bolton announced yesterday that he's willing to testify during Donald Trump's impeachment trial, it quickly jolted the political debate. Indeed, it created a challenge Senate Republicans would have preferred to avoid: how would they justify excluding voluntary testimony from an important witness with first-hand information about the president's culpability?
The responses from GOP senators were predictably varied yesterday, with some so-called "moderates" expressing interest in hearing from Bolton, though they tended to endorse Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) plan of starting the impeachment trial first, and then making a decision on witnesses later.
But one senator stood out by making a spirited argument in defense of ignoring relevant information.
Sen. Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN he would not vote for a subpoena of former White House national security adviser John Bolton because he said that it was the House of Representative's job to get his testimony."I wouldn't because... I believe you should be constrained by the information that those articles are based on," he said. "If the House wants to start a new impeachment inquiry or pull it back and add additional elements to it, that's their choice to make."
The Florida Republican had made related comments last week, suggesting the Senate shouldn't hear new testimony, but that was before Bolton volunteered to provide members with important information they don't currently have. Rubio, evidently, doesn't care.
The GOP senator added on Twitter soon after, "The testimony [and] evidence considered in a Senate impeachment trial should be the same testimony [and] evidence the House relied upon when they passed the Articles of Impeachment. Our job is to vote on what the House passed, not to conduct an open-ended inquiry."
It's important to understand why this doesn't make sense.
In the impeachment process, the U.S. House effectively plays the role of a grand jury. It considers the available evidence, weighs the seriousness of the allegations, and makes a decision whether to charge the accused. If a majority of the House votes to impeach, that creates an indictment, which heads to the U.S. Senate for a trial.
As Rubio -- who graduated from law school -- sees it, after the House votes on whether to bring charges, the search for truth ends. Even if the case against the accused gets stronger, as is true in the current controversy, it doesn't matter. If the grand jury didn't have access to certain facts, then those facts have to be excluded from the subsequent trial.
Why? Because March Rubio says so.
There's nothing in the American system of justice to support such a position. Imagine a hypothetical scenario in which a person is suspected of bank fraud. Prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury, which decides the evidence is sufficient for an indictment. The accused is charged and the case heads to trial.
Then imagine, during this hypothetical trial, investigators uncover an email from the defendant in which he told a business partner, "I totally committed bank fraud, and I hope to get away with it. Please don't tell anyone."
Under Rubio's approach to justice, that email should have no role in the accused fraudster's trial. As the senator put it, the "testimony and evidence considered" by the grand jury is all that matters. Nothing else.
It's as if a "heads-in-the-sand" caucus is taking shape in the Senate, and the Florida Republican is eager to be its leader.
As the Washington Post's Aaron Blake put it, the senator envisions a trial "in which you can only use information gleaned from the investigation phase."
Republicans can support a fair trial and a search for the whole truth, or they can choose to exclude relevant facts. They cannot do both.


msnbc--2020-01-07--Threats to the US still exist despite Soleimani killing, says senator

Threats to the US still exist despite Soleimani killing , says senator


msnbc--2020-01-07--Pentagon contradicts Trump on targeting...

On Saturday , Donald Trump declared via Twitter that he ’ d identified a series of Iranian targets , which the president said he ’ s prepared to attack if Iran retaliates for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
Some of the targets , the Republican added , are “ important to … Iranian culture.
” Perhaps aware that targeting cultural sites is a war crime , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted on Sunday morning , “ The American people should know that every target that we strike will be a lawful target.
” Later in the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , telling reporters he ’ s prepared to go after Iranian cultural sites .
Of course , such an offensive would require the participation of the U.S. military , and as the New York Times reported , the Pentagon apparently has no use for the president ’ s misguided intentions .
Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper sought to douse an international outcry on Monday by ruling out military attacks on cultural sites in Iran if the conflict with Tehran escalates further , despite President Trump ’ s threat to destroy some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Esper acknowledged that striking cultural sites with no military value would be a war crime , putting him at odds with the president , who insisted such places would be legitimate targets .
Mr. Trump ’ s threats generated condemnation at home and abroad while deeply discomfiting American military leaders who have made a career of upholding the laws of war .
Asked if the president was correct about possible targeting of cultural sites , Esper told reporters , “ We will follow the laws of armed conflict.
” Pressed to clarify whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given that targeting cultural sites is a war crime , the president ’ s Defense secretary added , “ That ’ s the laws of armed conflict.
” In other words , the Pentagon has no intention of implementing Trump ’ s plan .
The president ’ s tweets may make him feel better – Trump is fond of pointless chest-thumping exercises – but there ’ s no reason anyone should perceive his rhetoric as an accurate reflection of what may happen in reality .
It matters that Trump seems to like war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll struggle to actually commit war crimes .
Stepping back , though , one of the notable things about yesterday was the Pentagon ’ s willingness to publicly contradict the president .
It wasn ’ t the first time .
Indeed , it was just a couple of months ago when Trump boasted that the United States has “ taken ” Syrian oil , and he intends to partner with the private sector to extract even more .
Soon after , the Pentagon ’ s top spokesperson insisted that the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian oil .
A few months earlier , the president tried to defend his ban on allowing transgender Americans to serve in the military , arguing that in the military , servicemembers are “ not allowed to take any drugs , ” which in his mind , necessarily means there could be no transgender troops .
This was wrong for all kinds of reasons , including the fact that Trump was misstating DOD policy on medications .
A Pentagon spokesperson explained , “ The Military Health System covers all approved medically necessary treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member has a hormone deficiency for any reason ( such as hypogonadism , hypothyroidism , menopause , etc . )
, he or she would be prescribed hormones.
” Has any government agency been more willing to publicly contradict Trump than the Department of Defense ?

On Saturday, Donald Trump declared via Twitter that he'd identified a series of Iranian targets, which the president said he's prepared to attack if Iran retaliates for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Some of the targets, the Republican added, are "important to ... Iranian culture."
Perhaps aware that targeting cultural sites is a war crime, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted on Sunday morning, "The American people should know that every target that we strike will be a lawful target." Later in the day, however, Trump said the opposite, telling reporters he's prepared to go after Iranian cultural sites.
Of course, such an offensive would require the participation of the U.S. military, and as the New York Times reported, the Pentagon apparently has no use for the president's misguided intentions.
Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper sought to douse an international outcry on Monday by ruling out military attacks on cultural sites in Iran if the conflict with Tehran escalates further, despite President Trump's threat to destroy some of the country's treasured icons.Mr. Esper acknowledged that striking cultural sites with no military value would be a war crime, putting him at odds with the president, who insisted such places would be legitimate targets. Mr. Trump's threats generated condemnation at home and abroad while deeply discomfiting American military leaders who have made a career of upholding the laws of war.
Asked if the president was correct about possible targeting of cultural sites, Esper told reporters, "We will follow the laws of armed conflict." Pressed to clarify whether that was a "no," given that targeting cultural sites is a war crime, the president's Defense secretary added, "That's the laws of armed conflict."
In other words, the Pentagon has no intention of implementing Trump's plan. The president's tweets may make him feel better -- Trump is fond of pointless chest-thumping exercises -- but there's no reason anyone should perceive his rhetoric as an accurate reflection of what may happen in reality.
It matters that Trump seems to like war crimes, but it also matters that he'll struggle to actually commit war crimes.
Stepping back, though, one of the notable things about yesterday was the Pentagon's willingness to publicly contradict the president. It wasn't the first time.
Indeed, it was just a couple of months ago when Trump boasted that the United States has "taken" Syrian oil, and he intends to partner with the private sector to extract even more. Soon after, the Pentagon's top spokesperson insisted that the United States would absolutely not be taking any Syrian oil.
A few months earlier, the president tried to defend his ban on allowing transgender Americans to serve in the military, arguing that in the military, servicemembers are "not allowed to take any drugs," which in his mind, necessarily means there could be no transgender troops.
This was wrong for all kinds of reasons, including the fact that Trump was misstating DOD policy on medications. A Pentagon spokesperson explained, "The Military Health System covers all approved medically necessary treatments and prescription medications. If a service member has a hormone deficiency for any reason (such as hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, menopause, etc.), he or she would be prescribed hormones."
Has any government agency been more willing to publicly contradict Trump than the Department of Defense?


msnbc--2020-01-07--Lindsey Graham felt different about witnesses in 1999

As John Bolton has now said he would testify in the Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed, Sen. Lindsey Graham said Bolton should have testified in the House hearing. Observe how then Rep. Graham felt about witnesses in 1999.Jan. 7, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-07--Morning Joe welcomes the return of Kasie Hunt


msnbc--2020-01-07--Trump admin accidentally says it's withdrawing troops from Iraq

For part of the afternoon yesterday , it appeared those hoping to see U.S. troops out of Iraq would actually get their wish .
The New York Times reported : An official letter from the Defense Department informing Iraq that the United States was “ repositioning forces ” for “ movement out of Iraq ” produced headlines around the world that an American withdrawal had begun .
But the letter , drafted by the United States military command in Baghdad , was sent out by mistake .
Yes , we ’ ve apparently reached the stage at which the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfolding crisis in the Middle East , accidentally said it was withdrawing American troops from Iraq .
Gen. Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , and Defense Secretary Mark Esper called a hastily arranged press conference to insist there ’ d been an “ honest mistake.
” Milley told reporters , “ That letter is a draft , it was a mistake , it was unsigned , it should not have been released.
” He added that the missive was “ poorly worded.
” Perhaps , but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a typo or an example of sloppy prose .
The correspondence , which appeared to come from Marine Brig .
Gen. William Seely , who commends Task Force Iraq , included specific and detailed information , not only declaring the U.S. withdrawal , but explaining how it would occur .
In apparent reference to the Iraqi parliament ’ s vote , the letter said , “ We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure.
” We ’ ve grown accustomed to the routine , everyday dysfunction surrounding Donald Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are cringe-worthy examples that stand out .
It ’ s not just the president who doesn ’ t appear to know what he ’ s doing ; it ’ s everything he touches , too .

The Iranian general who replaced Qassem Soleimani announced yesterday that he has a specific goal. "We promise to continue down martyr Soleimani's path as firmly as before with help of God, and in return for his martyrdom we aim to get rid of America from the region," Esmail Ghaani said. The statement came on the heels of the Iraqi parliament voting unanimously to expel American forces from Iraqi soil.
For part of the afternoon yesterday, it appeared those hoping to see U.S. troops out of Iraq would actually get their wish. The New York Times reported:
An official letter from the Defense Department informing Iraq that the United States was "repositioning forces" for "movement out of Iraq" produced headlines around the world that an American withdrawal had begun.But the letter, drafted by the United States military command in Baghdad, was sent out by mistake.
Yes, we've apparently reached the stage at which the Trump administration, in the midst of an unfolding crisis in the Middle East, accidentally said it was withdrawing American troops from Iraq.
Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper called a hastily arranged press conference to insist there'd been an "honest mistake." Milley told reporters, "That letter is a draft, it was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released." He added that the missive was "poorly worded."
Perhaps, but as missteps go, this was more than just a typo or an example of sloppy prose. The correspondence, which appeared to come from Marine Brig. Gen. William Seely, who commands Task Force Iraq, included specific and detailed information, not only declaring the U.S. withdrawal, but explaining how it would occur.
In apparent reference to the Iraqi parliament's vote, the letter said, "We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure."
We've grown accustomed to the routine, everyday dysfunction surrounding Donald Trump and his team, but once in a while, there are cringe-worthy examples that stand out.
It's not just the president who doesn't appear to know what he's doing; it's everything he touches, too.


msnbc--2020-01-07--Sanders looks to Iowa, NH for early primary wins


msnbc--2020-01-07--Joe: Trump's ignorance makes for international crisis

'With his audacious attack, Trump has further isolated the United States from its allies, provided a lifeline to Iran’s terrorist regime and broken yet another of his campaign promises,' Joe Scarborough writes in a new WaPo column.Jan. 7, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-07--Republicans divided on possibility of Bolton testimony

John Bolton, the former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, said Monday he is willing to testify in the Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed. The Morning Joe panel discusses Bolton and the GOP response to his announcement.Jan. 7, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-07--Bolton upends impeachment debate, offers to testify

John Bolton, the former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, said Monday he is willing to testify in the Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed. Will Bolton's decision put pressure on some moderate Senate Republicans-- or Sen. Mitch McConnell to bring in witness?Jan. 7, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-07--Iran claims credit for launching strikes against Iraqi base housing US troops

Rep. Ro Khanna : ‘ There is no argument for why [ John Bolton ] should n't testify in front @ @ @ @

Iran claimed credit for launching strikes on Iraqi base that houses US troops. Richard Engel says, “They want the world to know Iran did this.”Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-07--Rocket attack on Iraqi base housing US troops

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msnbc--2020-01-07--Breaking: Rocket attack on Iraqi base housing U.S. troops


msnbc--2020-01-07--Joe Biden on Trump's decision to target Soleimani in airstrike


msnbc--2020-01-07--Sen. Angus King: Soleimani strike 'not worth the risk'


msnbc--2020-01-07--The new normal in presidential politics: Trolling through Super Bowl ads


msnbc--2020-01-07--US prepares for potential Iran retaliation


Tuesday's Mini-Report, 1.7.20

* Impeachment politics : “ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Tuesday he has enough Republican votes to start the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump without the support of Democrats , who have been demanding witness testimony.
” * Flynn case : “ The Justice Department , in a reversal of its original position , said Tuesday it no longer supports a lenient sentence for Michael Flynn , President Donald Trump ’ s former national security adviser .
Flynn should be sentenced for up to six months , in line with federal guidelines , prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of probation as they had originally proposed.
” * Puerto Rico : “ A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico early Tuesday , killing at least one person and causing a power outage across the island , as well as structural damage to roads and bridges especially in the southwestern region.
” * Iran : “ Dozens of people died in a stampede Tuesday during the funeral procession for Qassem Soleimani , the top Iranian commander killed in an American airstrike last week , emergency service officials told state media.
” * Cell phones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 82nd Airborne Division will not be allowed to bring personal cellphones or any electronic devices that could reveal their locations due to what the Army calls ‘ operational security , ’ according to division spokesperson Lt. Col. Michael Burns.
” * The pre-emption of state regulations appears to be the key : “ The Trump administration on Monday took its first step toward tighter pollution controls on trucks , an anomalous move for a government known for weakening environmental policies but one that would pre-empt tougher state rules.
” * The latest trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they are conducting an ‘ open and active criminal investigation ’ at Mar-a-Lago , President Donald Trump ’ s South Florida estate , following an unspecified incident Monday night .
The Secret Service is leading the investigation and no arrest has yet been made , according to the Palm Beach Police Department.
” * When Paul Gosar is making news , chances are pretty good it ’ s for unfortunate reasons : “ Rep .
Paul A. Gosar , an Arizona Republican whose history of inflammatory social media posts has made him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of President Barack Obama shaking hands with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in an apparent effort to criticize the former U.S. leader ’ s Iran policy .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* Impeachment politics: "Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday he has enough Republican votes to start the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump without the support of Democrats, who have been demanding witness testimony."
* Flynn case: "The Justice Department, in a reversal of its original position, said Tuesday it no longer supports a lenient sentence for Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser. Flynn should be sentenced for up to six months, in line with federal guidelines, prosecutors said in a new court filing, instead of probation as they had originally proposed."
* Puerto Rico: "A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico early Tuesday, killing at least one person and causing a power outage across the island, as well as structural damage to roads and bridges especially in the southwestern region."
* Iran: "Dozens of people died in a stampede Tuesday during the funeral procession for Qassem Soleimani, the top Iranian commander killed in an American airstrike last week, emergency service officials told state media."
* Cell phones: "Soldiers deploying overseas with the 82nd Airborne Division will not be allowed to bring personal cellphones or any electronic devices that could reveal their locations due to what the Army calls 'operational security,' according to division spokesperson Lt. Col. Michael Burns."
* The pre-emption of state regulations appears to be the key: "The Trump administration on Monday took its first step toward tighter pollution controls on trucks, an anomalous move for a government known for weakening environmental policies but one that would pre-empt tougher state rules."
* The latest trouble at Mar-a-Lago: "Palm Beach police say they are conducting an 'open and active criminal investigation' at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's South Florida estate, following an unspecified incident Monday night. The Secret Service is leading the investigation and no arrest has yet been made, according to the Palm Beach Police Department."
* When Paul Gosar is making news, chances are pretty good it's for unfortunate reasons: "Rep. Paul A. Gosar, an Arizona Republican whose history of inflammatory social media posts has made him Internet infamous, tweeted a doctored picture of President Barack Obama shaking hands with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in an apparent effort to criticize the former U.S. leader's Iran policy."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-07--Sen. Blumenthal:  'The House or the Senate should compel' Bolton's testimony

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


msnbc--2020-01-07--Rep. Speier talks Esper's update on Iran


msnbc--2020-01-08--US and Iran at 'last exit before the tunnel', says admiral

US and Iran at 'last exit before the tunnel ' , says admiral

U.S. and Iran at 'last exit before the tunnel', says admiral
Adm. James Stavridis discusses Iran's firing of more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi air bases housing U.S. forces and why he says is Iran is neither reckless nor suicidal.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Iran retaliates, fires missiles at US bases in Iraq

After hitting an Iraqi base housing U.S. forces, Iran is telling the United States that there will be no further hostilities if America doesn’t strike back. The White House has offered little comment so far, and earlier provided shifting explanations around bombing Iran's cultural sites, troop withdrawals, and the intelligence leading up to the strike that killed Gen. Soleimani.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Iran fires missiles; Trump tweets 'All is well!', will make Weds. statement

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


msnbc--2020-01-08--Despite Trump's 'All is well!' tweet, situation with Iran remains very tense

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


msnbc--2020-01-08--Gen. Barry McCaffrey: Trump threats to Iran showed 'appalling' judgment


msnbc--2020-01-08--Rep. Crow: Trump does not comprehend impact on troops

Representative Jason Crow (D-CO), who has served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, says President Trump's tweet that "all is well" shows he does not understand or care about what troops and their families are experiencing as Iran targets two U.S. bases in Iraq.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Wendy Sherman on the intent and impact of Trump’s tweet

Wendy Sherman on the intent and impact of Trump’s tweet
Former Amb. Wendy Sherman, lead negotiator on the Iran nuclear deal, analyzes the latest rhetoric of Donald Trump and Iran – and who it serves.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Sen. Amy Klobuchar: ‘All is not well’ with Iran, despite President Trump's tweet

Lawrence: Trump's lawyers are too cowardly to quit or to tell Trump to shut up 08:15


msnbc--2020-01-08--House Intel member Himes reacts to Iran strike


msnbc--2020-01-08--Trump tweets 'All is well!' instead of addressing the nation after Iran strikes

Trump tweets 'All is well!' instead of addressing the nation after Iran strikes
After hours of uncharacteristic silence, Trump tweeted 'All is well!' and 'So far, so good!' after U.S. forces were targeted by Iran while serving in Iraq.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Panetta: Killing Soleimani 'wasn't debated' during my time at CIA or Defense Dept.

Panetta : U.S. has 'dropped the ball ' in the Middle East

"There was understandable concern that if you try and go after and kill a high-ranking general in a country like Iran that you're going to increase the risk of war," former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Panetta: U.S. has 'dropped the ball' in the Middle East


msnbc--2020-01-08--Menendez: Too early to judge whether killing Soleimani has restored 'deterrence'

Menendez: Too early to judge whether killing Soleimani has restored 'deterrence'
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) says "we'll have to see" if the proxy groups in Iraq "act or don't act."Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--U.S. and Iran each appear to step back from further military escalation


msnbc--2020-01-08--Rhodes on Trump’s accusation the Obama administration funded the Iranian missiles: ‘We’re better tha

Rhodes on Trump’s accusation the Obama administration funded the Iranian missiles: ‘We’re better than this, our politics should be better than this’
Former deputy national security adviser for President Obama and former Senator Claire McCaskill on Trump using his an announcement on Iran to accuse his predecessor of funding the missiles launched by the IraniansJan. 8, 2020


Wednesday's Mini-Report, 1.8.20

* Plane crash in Iran : “ A Ukrainian airplane carrying 176 people crashed after takeoff in Tehran on Wednesday , killing all on board the Boeing 737-800 , according to Ukrainian officials… .
It is unclear how the plane went down , but video from the crash site showed what appeared to be pieces of an aircraft fuselage , an engine and other debris on the outskirts of Iran ’ s capital.
” * This isn ’ t quite the way Trump described it earlier today : “ The Iranian missile strike on American locations in Iraq on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimal American casualties , give the Iranians a face-saving measure and provide an opportunity for both sides to step back from the brink of war , according to senior U.S. officials in Washington and the Middle East.
” * A big vote tomorrow : “ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , announced Wednesday that the House will vote Thursday on a war powers resolution to limit the Trump administration ’ s military actions against Iran.
” * The Treasury Department apparently doesn ’ t want this information to emerge until after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking to delay a Democratic effort to require the Secret Service to disclose how much it spends protecting President Trump and his family when they travel – until after the 2020 election , according to people familiar with the discussions.
” * The latest in a series of controversies surrounding Trump ’ s inaugural committee : “ A major donor to President Trump ’ s inaugural committee intends to plead guilty to obstruction of justice , the man ’ s attorney said Tuesday , after federal prosecutors filed a new charge alleging that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deleted emails to hinder an investigation into where he got the money he ultimately gave the committee.
” * The second sentence in this paragraph probably matters more than the first : “ Facebook says it is banning ‘ deepfake ’ videos , the false but realistic clips created with artificial intelligence and sophisticated tools , as it steps up efforts to fight online manipulation .
But the policy leaves plenty of loopholes.
” * Disability benefits : “ Some Americans could lose Social Security Disability Insurance benefits under a recent Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of people but that has received little attention since it was first floated in November .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* Plane crash in Iran: "A Ukrainian airplane carrying 176 people crashed after takeoff in Tehran on Wednesday, killing all on board the Boeing 737-800, according to Ukrainian officials.... It is unclear how the plane went down, but video from the crash site showed what appeared to be pieces of an aircraft fuselage, an engine and other debris on the outskirts of Iran's capital."
* This isn't quite the way Trump described it earlier today: "The Iranian missile strike on American locations in Iraq on Tuesday was a calibrated event intended to cause minimal American casualties, give the Iranians a face-saving measure and provide an opportunity for both sides to step back from the brink of war, according to senior U.S. officials in Washington and the Middle East."
* A big vote tomorrow: "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced Wednesday that the House will vote Thursday on a war powers resolution to limit the Trump administration's military actions against Iran."
* The Treasury Department apparently doesn't want this information to emerge until after the election: "The Trump administration is seeking to delay a Democratic effort to require the Secret Service to disclose how much it spends protecting President Trump and his family when they travel -- until after the 2020 election, according to people familiar with the discussions."
* The latest in a series of controversies surrounding Trump's inaugural committee: "A major donor to President Trump's inaugural committee intends to plead guilty to obstruction of justice, the man's attorney said Tuesday, after federal prosecutors filed a new charge alleging that the wealthy investor backdated a check and deleted emails to hinder an investigation into where he got the money he ultimately gave the committee."
* The second sentence in this paragraph probably matters more than the first: "Facebook says it is banning 'deepfake' videos, the false but realistic clips created with artificial intelligence and sophisticated tools, as it steps up efforts to fight online manipulation. But the policy leaves plenty of loopholes."
* Disability benefits: "Some Americans could lose Social Security Disability Insurance benefits under a recent Trump administration proposal -- a change that could affect thousands of people but that has received little attention since it was first floated in November."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-08--Mike Lee slams Trump administration briefing on Iran

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) calls the Iran briefing "the worst" he's ever seen in his nine years in the Senate.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Nicolle Wallace astonished after GOP Senator breaks from Trump 'zombies,' criticizes Iran briefing

GOP Senator Mike Lee expresses his displeasure with the briefing about the Iran missile attack, calling it the "worst briefing I've seen, at least on a military issue, in the nine years I've served in the United States Senate." Nicolle Wallace, responding to his comments, calls the moment a "huge deal," as "Republicans in the Senate are. by and large, zombies, walking along as Donald Trump obliterates things like truth, the rule of law, and respect for our institutions."Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--What was the White House strategy on Iran?

While President Trump seems to be standing down on further military action against Iran, the question of ‘why’ the White House isn’t retaliating remains. Deputy Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security, Loren Dejonge Schulman, and Hagar Chemali, Nonresident Senior Fellow on the Atlantic Council, join Ali Velshi to discuss what the road ahead looks like for the U.S. relationship with Iran.Jan. 8, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Top Trump aides briefing Congress on Iran as Tehran retaliates

'To the right of this government, is only a wall' Impact of new judicial law in Israel 05:32


msnbc--2020-01-09--Sen. Graham compares Trump to Reagan; Morning Joe reacts

Is Trump 's fight with Iran over for good ... or just for now ?


msnbc--2020-01-09--Pres. Trump, advisers face mounting pressure to justify Soleimani attack intel

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that no lives were lost after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. and coalition forces overnight. Trump said the U.S. would add new sanctions on Iran, but seemed to seek de-escalation. Meanwhile, Trump and his advisers are facing more pressure to provide justification for the airstrike that assassinated Iranian Gen. Soleimani. Senators and congressmembers found a Wednesday intelligence briefing to be wholly insufficient.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--Trump remains 'relentlessly obsessed' with Obama

During his Wednesday announcement about the situation with Iran, President Trump criticized the Obama administration over the 2015 Iran deal, saying Iran got '$150 billion', a claim that outraged many Democrats. The panel discusses.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--Sen. Graham likens Trump's Iran speech to Reagan's 'tear down this wall' speech


msnbc--2020-01-08--Is Trump's fight with Iran over for good... or just for now?


msnbc--2020-01-08--Speaker Pelosi Not Backing Down on Impeachment


msnbc--2020-01-08--Katyal: McConnell trying to hide the truth

Katyal: McConnell trying to hide the truth
Former Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal tells Lawrence O’Donnell that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is afraid of what Former National Security Adviser John Bolton could say about President Trump during the impeachment trial.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--How many Republicans will vote to limit Trump's war-making powers against Iran?


msnbc--2020-01-08--Day 1,084: Lawmakers split over intel as Trump backs away from fight with Iran

Day 1,084: Lawmakers split over intel as Trump backs away from fight with Iran
Some Republicans are blasting the intelligence briefing they got over Soleimani's assassination as Trump seems to walk back from more violence with Tehran.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-08--John Kerry fact checks Trump's lies about the Iran deal

Trump continues to repeat false claims about the Iran nuclear deal, including his oft-told lie that Iran received $150 billion from the U.S. in that deal. John Kerry tells Lawrence "it is an outright lie by the president."Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--On Trump trial, Sen. McConnell gets fact-check by sis of his Senate colleagues at once

On Trump trial , Sen. McConnell gets fact-check by sis of his Senate colleagues at once

As the Senate marches towards putting Pres. Trump on trial, six former senators who served as jurors in the Senate trial of Pres. Clinton weigh in on the process in this rare joint interview with MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber. The senators fact-check McConnell’s recent claims that he is following the same precedent as the Clinton trial; share their insights on who the key witnesses would be; and reflect on how Sen. Lindsey Graham went from advocating witnesses at this kind of trial and condemning then-candidate Trump to contradicting his past positions.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) on his favorite musicians, Chappelle & new art | Full Interview

Artist Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) talks to MSNBC anchor Ari Melber in this extended interview from inside Bey's new installation at the Brooklyn Museum, where Bey explains his approach to making music and art today, why Dave Chappelle is one of “his dearest friends for life,” and his reflections on verses from Bey's classic album “Black on Both Sides.” Bey also lists some of his favorite artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Earl Sweatshirt, Blu, JPEGMafia, Kelsey Lu, Blood Orange, Robert Glasper, Eubie Blake, The Tony Williams Lifetime, and Emahoy Maryam. (On Dec. 20, 2019, an edited version of this interview aired on MSNBC’s “The Beat with Ari Melber,” http://thebeatwithari.com).Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--Chuck Todd is obsessed with #BigIfTrue

Chuck Todd is obsessed with #BigIfTrue

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msnbc--2020-01-09--Rep. Gabbard: This was an 'assassination'


msnbc--2020-01-09--Eric Swalwell talks war powers resolution


msnbc--2020-01-09--NBC News Correspondent Tom Costello: What was that Ukrainian airline thinking?

"Every single aviation source I talked to … said ‘There was no indication this was mechanical. This appears to have been a catastrophic, external event,'" Tom Costello says.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--Escalating Iran tensions spill into the 2020 race

The Iowa caucuses are just 25 days away, but the ongoing crisis between the U.S. and Iran may have changed the entire state of the race. Democratic Strategist Basil Smikle and Canary CEO Dan Eberhart join Stephanie Ruhle to discuss the effects of Iran on 2020.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--FT: Only 37% say they're better off since Trump took office

FT: Only 37% say they're better off since Trump took office
A majority of Americans are saying President Trump's policies have helped the economy, but the poll isn't exactly a win for the president. Financial Times U.S. Editor Peter Spiegel joins Stephanie Ruhle to break it down.Jan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--Rep. Lieu on War Powers Resolution: 'This is going to be a bipartisan vote'

Rep. Lieu on War Powers Resolution: 'This is going to be a bipartisan vote'
Congressman Ted Lieu of California speaks with Nicolle Wallace about the House vote on the War Powers Resolution and what’s next for the impeachment trialJan. 9, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Buttigieg takes the lead in New Hampshire

Another Clinton investigation championed by Trump comes up empty

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


msnbc--2020-01-10--Shot down? Evidence suggests Iran struck Ukrainian plane by mistake


msnbc--2020-01-10--Trump, GOP attempt to re-frame Democratic criticism

As the president now says he ordered the killing of Gen. Soleimani because he was plotting to blow up U.S. embassies, Trump and some GOP allies are trying to claim Dems who question the killing are somehow supportive of Soleimani.Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--Should billionaires be able to buy their way into presidential campaigns?

Lawrence: Trump's lawyers are too cowardly to quit or to tell Trump to shut up 08:15


msnbc--2020-01-09--What happens when Trump goes off prompter

What happens when Trump goes off prompter
Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the “insanity” of President Trump saying he wants NATO expanded to include the Middle East and renamed "NATO-ME.”Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--The future of the Trump ‘cult’

The future of the Trump ‘cult’

The future of the Trump ‘cult’
NY Magazine writer-at-large Frank Rich tells Lawrence O'Donnell that history shows Republicans working for, enabling and defending Donald Trump will pay a reputation price because “with time, everything will come out - it always does.”Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--What Tom Steyer saw early on about impeaching Donald Trump


msnbc--2020-01-09--Trump offers new defense for strike on Iranian general

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


msnbc--2020-01-09--Shifting explanations raises questions about trump admin Intel on Iran

As the White House offers the latest reason for killing Soleimani, there are new concerns Iran may not be done retaliating against the U.S. Susan Page, Jeremy Bash, and Jonathan Lemire join.Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-09--Dem Rep. Kaptur: Impeachment must have process ‘whereby the truth can be known.’

Dem Rep. Kaptur: Impeachment must have process ‘whereby the truth can be known.’
Rep. Marcy Kaptur praises Nancy Pelosi for holding the articles of impeachment, saying that new Ukraine information has come to light before the Senate trial has begun thanks to that move. She tells Lawrence O’Donnell that what Pelosi is doing is "very proper."Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Trump trial nightmare? Senate hears Giuliani's Ukraine trip 'baggage'

'My faith is in people , ' says 'Two Popes ' co-star

Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani recently returned to Ukraine to meet with figures caught up in the story that led to Pres. Trump’s impeachment — and Giuliani brought cameras. He took the trip in coordination with conservative outlet OAN, which Trump has praised, and released new footage and comments that could be of interest at Trump’s looming Senate trial.Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Bloomberg outpaces all Democrats in ad spending

NBC's Stephanie Ruhle on the latest from the Bloomberg campaign and if they regret skipping early states.Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's nostalgic attempt to capture his 2020 agenda


msnbc--2020-01-10--A 'sober, joyless moment': Fmr. Sen. Byron Dorgan describes Clinton impeachment trial


Friday's Mini-Report, 1.10.20

* Impeachment : “ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said in a letter to Democratic lawmakers on Friday that she will consult with them Tuesday as she announced steps to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
” * Pointless cruelty : “ The Texas governor said that his state will reject the resettling of new refugees , making Texas the first state to do so following a Trump administration order granting local governments the authority to do so.
” * Looks like they came up with some sanctions after all : “ The Trump administration on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against Iran in response to the regime ’ s missile attacks on Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. and coalition forces.
” * Trump can ’ t ask Putin to stop doing this ?
“ A Russian naval ship ‘ aggressively approached ’ a U.S. Navy destroyer in the North Arabian Sea on Thursday , in a dangerous near-collision , authorities said Friday.
” * Not a good look for the troubled company : “ Boeing on Thursday released hundreds of emails and communications that appear to show employees criticizing the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was grounded after two crashes killed 346 people.
” * In case you missed this last night : “ The House adopted a war powers resolution Thursday with the aim of limiting President Donald Trump ’ s military actions against Iran .
The adoption of the measure on a largely party-line vote of 224-194 came amid heightened tension between the two countries after the United States killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iran retaliated with a ballistic missile attack against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. forces.
” * Speaking of the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday passed legislation to broadly regulate a cancer-linked chemical over objections from the White House that Congress is sidestepping agencies .
The bill , which passed 247 to 159 , targets a class of chemicals abbreviated as PFAS that have been leaching into the water supply across the country , causing health problems in communities where water has been contaminated.
” * Border barriers : “ The White House on Thursday celebrated a federal court ruling that will allow $ 3.6 billion in military construction funds to be used for the construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court on Thursday lifted a restraining order on a private group allied with President Trump that wants to build its own barriers on private land.
” * Rep. Doug Collins ( R-Colo. ) this week told a national television audience that his Democratic colleagues are “ in love terrorists.
” This morning on Fox News , he defended his own rhetoric , but two hours later , he apologized .

Today's edition of quick hits:
* Impeachment: "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a letter to Democratic lawmakers on Friday that she will consult with them Tuesday as she announced steps to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate."
* Pointless cruelty: "The Texas governor said that his state will reject the resettling of new refugees, making Texas the first state to do so following a Trump administration order granting local governments the authority to do so."
* Looks like they came up with some sanctions after all: "The Trump administration on Friday announced a new round of economic sanctions against Iran in response to the regime’s missile attacks on Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. and coalition forces."
* Trump can't ask Putin to stop doing this? "A Russian naval ship 'aggressively approached' a U.S. Navy destroyer in the North Arabian Sea on Thursday, in a dangerous near-collision, authorities said Friday."
* Not a good look for the troubled company: "Boeing on Thursday released hundreds of emails and communications that appear to show employees criticizing the company’s troubled 737 Max jet, which was grounded after two crashes killed 346 people."
* In case you missed this last night: "The House adopted a war powers resolution Thursday with the aim of limiting President Donald Trump's military actions against Iran. The adoption of the measure on a largely party-line vote of 224-194 came amid heightened tension between the two countries after the United States killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iran retaliated with a ballistic missile attack against Iraqi air bases housing U.S. forces."
* Speaking of the House doing important stuff: "The House on Friday passed legislation to broadly regulate a cancer-linked chemical over objections from the White House that Congress is sidestepping agencies. The bill, which passed 247 to 159, targets a class of chemicals abbreviated as PFAS that have been leaching into the water supply across the country, causing health problems in communities where water has been contaminated."
* Border barriers: "The White House on Thursday celebrated a federal court ruling that will allow $3.6 billion in military construction funds to be used for the construction of the border wall. A separate court on Thursday lifted a restraining order on a private group allied with President Trump that wants to build its own barriers on private land."
* Rep. Doug Collins (R-Colo.) this week told a national television audience that his Democratic colleagues are "in love terrorists." This morning on Fox News, he defended his own rhetoric, but two hours later, he apologized.
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-10--Trump offers new explanation for Soleimani killing

Trump defends order to kill Iranian general, now saying Soleimani was targeting ‘four embassies,’ as lawmakers say they were never briefed on that intelJan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Mike Bloomberg’s campaign to troll Trump until election day

Mike Bloomberg vows to keep his campaign apparatus in place even if he doesn’t win the nomination, to help whoever is taking on TrumpJan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--When would the Senate impeachment trial begin?

NBC News Correspondent Geoff Bennett joins MTP Daily to discuss the latest from the Hill today and what to expect next in the impeachment trial.Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Speaker Pelosi to send articles of impeachment to the Senate next week

Speaker Pelosi to send articles of impeachment to the Senate next week
A look at the updates from today - Speaker Nancy Pelosi tells Democratic caucus to prepare to transmit articles of impeachment as soon as next week.Jan. 10, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Trump moves to roll back landmark environmental law


msnbc--2020-01-10--Pelosi clears way for Trump’s impeachment trial to begin

Is Trump trying to silence his former National Security Adviser ?

Speaker Pelosi says she plans to send articles of impeachment to Senate early next week, as Trump faces new controversy about his decision to kill an Iranian general.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Is Trump trying to silence his former National Security Adviser?


msnbc--2020-01-10--Michael Moore: Bolton may be GOP's turning point


msnbc--2020-01-10--Expert says Australia wildfires are a direct ‘impact of human caused climate change’

Wildfires continue to tear through Australia, displacing more than 1 billion animals in one of the world's most unique ecosystems. Michael Mann, a distinguished professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State University, tells Ali Velshi that unless humans stop "worsening the problem with fossil fuels," these fires will soon become common place around the globe.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Pelosi gets results by withholding impeachment articles

Nancy Pelosi is ready to move forward with transmitting the articles of impeachment. Her strategy of holding the articles seems to have produced results as John Bolton offered to testify and now Susan Collins says she's working with other Republicans to get witnesses before the Senate. Ali Velshi discusses Pelosi's gambit with Zerlina Maxwell and Rick Wilson.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Steyer spending suggests explanation for surprise polls in NV, SC

Rachel Maddow points out that in South Carolina and Nevada, where Tom Steyer's surprisingly strong performance in recent polls secured him a last minute spot in the next debate, Steyer was single-handedly responsible for a huge portion of the ad money spent in those states.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Cory Booker ‘feels some kind of way’ about billionaires buying onto debate stage

Cory Booker ‘feels some kind of way’ about billionaires buying onto debate stage
Cory Booker talks about the frustration he and his campaign feel about the wild scale of campaign ad spending.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Another vindication for Clinton as probe reportedly hits dead end

Rachel Maddow relays reporting from the Washington Post and CNN that a federal investigation into Hillary Clinton, the Clinton Foundation, Uranium One, and other pet right-wing narratives has found nothing worthy of criminal investigation, and reviews the other such investigations and suggestive media reports that have previously failed to incriminate Clinton.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-10--Will some GOP senators vote to hear impeachment witnesses? 'I've had hope before that has been dashe

Will some GOP senators vote to hear impeachment witnesses? 'I've had hope before that has been dashed,' says Booker


msnbc--2020-01-11--Trump should be held accountable for war crimes faith leader says

New Iowa poll with Sanders leading questioned by politics expert

Donald Trump and the U.S. should be held accountable for war crimes for the U.S. strike against Iran, according to the Poor People’s Campaign, which has sent a letter requesting a meeting with the United Nations high commissioner for human rights to address this assertion. Bishop William Barber discusses with Joy Reid saying, ‘We were perilously close the other night to the beginning of a world war.’Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Iran strike could irreparably harm U.S.-Iraq relations

The U.S. strike against Iran that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani could irreparably harm U.S.-Iraq relations, in part because an Iran-U.S. war would deeply impact Iraqis, experts say. Joy Reid and her panel discuss.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Presidential historian on most Republicans sticking with Trump

Donald Trump has widespread support among Republican leaders and more for a very interesting reason according to presidential historian Allan Lichtman, who has successfully predicted who would win the presidency for decades. Lichtman joins Joy Reid to discuss Trump, Iran, and the state of the GOP.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Is Trump fixated on Obama? This expert thinks so

Is Trump fixated on Obama? This expert thinks so
Is Donald Trump fixated on former president Barack Obama? Jonathan Capehart joins Joy Reid to discuss the allegation that the current U.S. president is trying to undo the Obama legacy.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Experts blast Iran strike as foolish, perhaps illegal

Donald Trump continues to slam the Iran nuclear deal, yet a U.S. strike killing Iranian general Qasem Soleimani could worsen tensions with Iran, and may have been illegal, experts say. Joy Reid and her panel discuss.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Is new Iowa poll with Sanders first accurate? This expert objects

Is new Iowa poll with Sanders first accurate? This expert objects
The Des Moines Register has partnered on a new poll that places Bernie Sanders first, and Elizabeth Warren second. Politics expert Jimmy Williams joins Joy Reid to discuss whether this poll is 100% accurate.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Protests break out in Iran after government admits it shot down passenger jet

Iran now says its military shot down a Ukrainian Airlines passenger plane near Tehran after mistaking it for incoming fire. Cal Perry reports from Qatar that protesters in Iran have been heard shouting "Death to Soleimani" and "Down with the regime" in response.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Pelosi is playing impeachment ‘chess’ vs. Trump expert says

Donald Trump’s pending impeachment trial in the Senate has prompted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to tweet, ‘Every Senator will have to vote: is their loyalty to the President or the Constitution?’ Joy Reid and her panel debate whether sending both impeachment articles to the Senate simultaneously is wise.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Major aftershock hits Puerto Rico after Tuesday’s earthquake

Puerto Rico has suffered another 6.0 earthquake, one of many major aftershocks after Tuesday’s 6.4 magnitude earthquake, which left more than 2,000 people homeless. Former journalist and current resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Yaro Ralph, joins Joy Reid to discuss.Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Retired colonel slams Trump admin. for shifting Iran strike basis

Iran has admitted to unintentionally shooting down a Ukrainian plane amid increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, retired, joins Joy Reid to discuss, saying of the ongoing conflict between America and Iran, 'Let's wash away all the lies and all the cheating and all the stupidity and incompetence... And let's just look at what we did.'Jan. 11, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-11--Trump should be held accountable for war crimes, faith leader says


msnbc--2020-01-11--Pelosi is playing impeachment ‘chess’ vs. Trump, expert says


msnbc--2020-01-12--Fugitive former Nissan CEO flees Japan, vows to clear his name

Black police officers in South Bend say Buttigieg never addressed racial issues when he was mayor

Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn fled to Lebanon last Monday from Japan where he was out on bail and awaiting trial on charges of financial misconduct, including the concealment of millions in income. Ghosn, speaking publicly for the first time since fleeing Japan and arriving in Lebanon, said he would clear his name.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Sen. Cardin: 'The United States has been isolated from our allies'

Sen. Cardin: 'The United States has been isolated from our allies'
Sen. Ben Cardin joins Alex Witt to discuss tensions with Iran and says that the U.S. has been isolated from its allies when it comes to foreign policy.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Thousands protest in Iran after government admits it shot down passenger plane

Protestors gathered in Iran for the second straight day, chanting "down with the regime", after the government reversed course and admitting it shot down a passenger plane, killing all 176 people aboard. Cal Perry breaks down the situation, including Pres. Trump tweeting support for the protestors.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won the week for their decision to step back from roles with royal fa

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won the week for their decision to step back from roles with royal family
On this week's 'Who Won the Week,' Joy forgoes the panel and selects Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their decision to step back from their senior roles as members of the British royal family.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--New poll shows Biden with wide lead among black voters

A new poll from The Washington Post and Ipsos aimed at Democratic-leaning black voters shows former Vice President Joe Biden with a significant lead over other candidates, with 48% of black voters expressing a preference for him as a candidate. Senator Bernie Sanders was second with 20%. In the same poll, 57% of black voters listed "most likely to beat Trump" as their most important trait in a candidate.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Rep. Lee: Trump is 'selling our soldiers as mercenaries,' he 'does not deserve to be the commander i

Rep. Lee: Trump is 'selling our soldiers as mercenaries,' he 'does not deserve to be the commander in chief'


msnbc--2020-01-12--Foreign policy analyst: United States only cares 'about human rights violations when the enemy commi

Foreign policy analyst: United States only cares 'about human rights violations when the enemy commits them'
Rula Jebreal, foreign policy analyst and visiting professor at the University of Miami, joins Joy Reid to discuss the Trump administration's recent actions in Iran and how it pertains to other nations in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Black police officers in South Bend say Buttigieg never addressed racial issues when he was mayor

Black police officers in South Bend say Buttigieg never addressed racial issues when he was mayor
The Root's Michael Harriot discusses his reporting on the South Bend police department, where black police officers say complaints about racial issues were not addressed under Pete Buttigieg.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--‘Art of the Deal’ co-author: Everyone feels the ‘contagious’ anxiety Trump spreads

Tony Schwartz, co-author of Pres. Trump's 1987 book 'Art of the Deal',joins Joy Reid to discuss a poll from the American Psychiatry Association that Americans are more anxious this year. Schwartz says that Pres. Trump's anxiety is "contagious" and is felt by his supporters and antagonists.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Warren ‘disappointed’ Sanders is trashing her on campaign trail

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has been taking some attacks from fellow Sen. Bernie Sanders’ campaign. Warren said she is “disappointed” he is “sending volunteers out to trash me” on the campaign trail.Jan. 12, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-13--Defense secretary refuses to endorse Trump's claims on Iran

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that he 'didn't see' specific evidence that Iran was readying to attack four U.S. embassies, as the president claimed last week.Jan. 13, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Rep. Houlahan: No regrets about impeachment vote

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) tells NBC’s Kasie Hunt she has no regrets about her impeachment vote, but calls it 'one of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing' she’s ever had to do.Jan. 13, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Sen. Merkley: 'The whole ‘imminent’ argument is basically made up'

Sen. Merkley: 'The whole ‘imminent’ argument is basically made up'
Sen Jeff Merkley, (D-OR), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, says members of the Trump Administration are now trying to 'backfill' the narrative they created about General Qassem Soleimani plotting an 'imminent attack.'Jan. 13, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Rep. Crenshaw: 'When we talk about all the intel out there, I was the guy collecting that intel'

Rep. Crenshaw: 'When we talk about all the intel out there, I was the guy collecting that intel'
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), a former Navy SEAL and a member of the Homeland Security Committee, weighs in on the Iran conflict, telling NBC’s Kasie Hunt that his past experience taught him, 'If you're going to have a strategy, you have to do something first, you have to establish red lines.'Jan. 13, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-12--Lawmaker on Soleimani strike briefing: 'I can't share anything that was in it, but the point is, the

Lawmaker on Soleimani strike briefing: 'I can't share anything that was in it, but the point is, there was nothing in it'


msnbc--2020-01-14--Polls show sizable public support for...

To hear Donald Trump tell it , his congressional detractors are committing political suicide by pursuing impeachment against him .
The president recently published tweets arguing , “ [ T ] he American people have had it with this , ” and , “ The more people learn about impeachment , the less people want impeachment.
” I guess it depends on which “ people ” we ’ re referring to .
Consider the latest Quinnipiac poll , released yesterday afternoon : A slight majority of voters , 51 - 46 percent , approve of the House of Representatives ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … ] Similar to the opinion on the House vote to impeach President Trump , a majority of voters , 52 - 45 percent , say they are troubled by President Trump ’ s actions involving Ukraine .
Two thirds , 66 percent , would like to see John Bolton , the former National Security Advisor to President Trump , testify in the Senate impeachment trial , including 39 percent of Republicans , 71 percent of independents , and 91 percent of Democrats .
In fairness , the results were slightly better on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be removed from office by the Senate , with the public more closely divided : 48 % believe senators should not bring Trump ’ s term to a premature end , while 46 % believe senators should kick him out .
But given the circumstances , it ’ s awfully tough for Republicans to argue that only 46 % of Americans – effectively the same percentage of Americans who actually voted for Trump in 2016 – want to see their president removed from office as a result of his misdeeds .
What ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all polling , and as of this morning , it showed public support for Trump ’ s impeachment at 50.4 % – its highest point to date .
This isn ’ t just a piece of political trivia .
It ’ s obvious , for example , that Trump hopes to intimidate members of Congress into steering clear of holding him accountable , telling them the public is on his side .
The evidence suggests otherwise , which should help stiffen the spines of wavering lawmakers .
What ’ s more , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind : in late July 1974 , Gallup released a poll just 11 days before Richard Nixon was forced to announce he would resign in disgrace .
The survey found at the time that 46 % of Americans wanted to see the corrupt Republican removed from office .
That ’ s the same number that want to see Trump ousted now .

To hear Donald Trump tell it, his congressional detractors are committing political suicide by pursuing impeachment against him. The president recently published tweets arguing, "[T]he American people have had it with this," and, "The more people learn about impeachment, the less people want impeachment."
I guess it depends on which "people" we're referring to. Consider the latest Quinnipiac poll, released yesterday afternoon:
A slight majority of voters, 51 - 46 percent, approve of the House of Representatives' vote to impeach President Trump. [...]Similar to the opinion on the House vote to impeach President Trump, a majority of voters, 52 - 45 percent, say they are troubled by President Trump's actions involving Ukraine. Two thirds, 66 percent, would like to see John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Trump, testify in the Senate impeachment trial, including 39 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of independents, and 91 percent of Democrats.
In fairness, the results were slightly better on the question of whether the president should be removed from office by the Senate, with the public more closely divided: 48% believe senators should not bring Trump's term to a premature end, while 46% believe senators should kick him out.
But given the circumstances, it's awfully tough for Republicans to argue that only 46% of Americans -- effectively the same percentage of Americans who actually voted for Trump in 2016 -- want to see their president removed from office as a result of his misdeeds.
What's more, FiveThirtyEight maintains averages across all polling, and as of this morning, it showed public support for Trump's impeachment at 50.4% -- its highest point to date.
This isn't just a piece of political trivia.
It's obvious, for example, that Trump hopes to intimidate members of Congress into steering clear of holding him accountable, telling them the public is on his side. The evidence suggests otherwise, which should help stiffen the spines of wavering lawmakers.
What's more, there's historical parallel to keep in mind: in late July 1974, Gallup released a poll just 11 days before Richard Nixon was forced to announce he would resign in disgrace. The survey found at the time that 46% of Americans wanted to see the corrupt Republican removed from office.
That's the same number that want to see Trump ousted now.


msnbc--2020-01-14--Sources: Pelosi to call House vote to send impeachment articles to Senate on Wednesday

New questions about Russia and Trump as he faces trial in the Senate

Sources in the House Caucus meeting tell NBC News that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told members that the House will likely vote Wednesday to send the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate. Pelosi on Wednesday will also name the House “managers” who will prosecute the case against Trump in the Senate.Jan. 14, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--How one Oregon town embodies America’s working-class crisis

The rural, working class town of Yamhill, Oregon is facing its own humanitarian crisis, much like other small towns in the United States. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn discuss their findings in the new book 'Tightrope'.Jan. 14, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Analysis: Yang's message connecting with men who feel forgotten

Pfizer Covid vaccine for children under the age of five could be available by end of Feb. 01:25


msnbc--2020-01-14--Trump: 'It doesn't really matter' whether...

Nearly two weeks ago , Donald Trump authorized an airstrike in Iraq that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , risking a war , creating new threats , and bringing new instability to Middle East .
The rational for the military offensive has been … complicated .
The official line was that killing the Quds Force general was necessary to prevent an imminent attack .
Or maybe it was a retaliatory measure in response to an attack that killed an American contractor .
Or perhaps Soleimani had to be executed because he was targeting an embassy .
Maybe the U.S. embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than one embassy .
Perhaps even four embassies .
Asked yesterday about the intelligence that might bolster his ever-changing rationale , Trump told reporters the White House ’ s line has been “ totally consistent ” – a line he somehow delivered with a straight face .
The president then quickly changed the subject .
But that ’ s not all the Republican had to say on the subject .
The New York Times reported : I suppose this was inevitable .
As Team Trump ’ s rationale changed nearly every day for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood to reason that the president would eventually give up and declare that he considers the truth to be irrelevant .
Except the truth isn ’ t the sort of thing a president has the power to veto .
I realize I ’ ve been banging this drum quite a bit lately , but we ’ re dealing with a dynamic in which the president risked a war for reasons that now appear illegitimate .
Pressed for an explanation , Team Trump has gone from shifting and contradictory claims about the motivation behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself “ doesn ’ t really matter.
” And while his most sycophantic followers may find that satisfactory , the rest of the political world need not accept politically motivated lies about national security so casually .
As a Washington Post report added yesterday , “ The result is a credibility crisis for an administration that has long struggled to communicate factual information to the public .
At a perilous moment for the nation ’ s security , with the United States at the brink of war with Iran , Trump is unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to take out Soleimani , both because of his lengthy record of exaggerations and lies and because of his ever-shifting rationales .
”

Nearly two weeks ago, Donald Trump authorized an airstrike in Iraq that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, risking a war, creating new threats, and bringing new instability to the Middle East. The rational for the military offensive has been ... complicated.
The official line was that killing the Quds Force general was necessary to prevent an imminent attack. Or maybe it was a retaliatory measure in response to an attack that killed an American contractor. Or perhaps Soleimani had to be executed because he was targeting an embassy. Maybe the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. Maybe there was more than one embassy. Perhaps even four embassies.
Asked yesterday about the intelligence that might bolster his ever-changing rationale, Trump told reporters the White House's line has been "totally consistent" -- a line he somehow delivered with a straight face. The president then quickly changed the subject.
But that's not all the Republican had to say on the subject. The New York Times reported:
In the 10 days since it carried out the drone strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, the Trump administration has been struggling to draft an after-the-fact narrative to justify it. On Monday, President Trump put an end to that hash of explanations. "It doesn't really matter," he tweeted, "because of his horrible past."
I suppose this was inevitable. As Team Trump's rationale changed nearly every day for a week and a half, it stood to reason that the president would eventually give up and declare that he considers the truth to be irrelevant.
Except the truth isn't the sort of thing a president has the power to veto.
I realize I've been banging this drum quite a bit lately, but we're dealing with a dynamic in which the president risked a war for reasons that now appear illegitimate. Pressed for an explanation, Team Trump has gone from shifting and contradictory claims about the motivation behind the airstrike to arguing that the motivation itself "doesn't really matter."
And while his most sycophantic followers may find that satisfactory, the rest of the political world need not accept politically motivated lies about national security so casually.
As a Washington Post report added yesterday, "The result is a credibility crisis for an administration that has long struggled to communicate factual information to the public. At a perilous moment for the nation's security, with the United States at the brink of war with Iran, Trump is unable to rely on trustworthiness to justify his decision to take out Soleimani, both because of his lengthy record of exaggerations and lies and because of his ever-shifting rationales."


msnbc--2020-01-14--What wage data says about the economy

What wage data says about the economy

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


msnbc--2020-01-14--Why Trump's demonstrable lies about...

Why Trump's demonstrable lies about...

Donald Trump caused a bit of a stir yesterday , falsely claiming on Twitter , “ I was the person who saved Pre-Existing Conditions in your Healthcare.
” He added , “ I will always protect your Pre-Existing Conditions , the Dems will not !
” As we discussed soon after , it was as brazen a lie as Trump has ever told .
In reality , Trump didn ’ t “ save ” protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions – protections created by Barack Obama ’ s Affordable Care Act – the Republican fought to take those protections away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he couldn ’ t get through a Congress led by his own party .
Trump , of course , is also helping champion an ongoing federal lawsuit that would strip protections from Americans with pre-existing conditions .
When the president ’ s lie generated some public discussion , he did what he usually does after getting caught trying to deceive the public : Trump published another tweet repeating the lie .
On the latter sentence , the individual mandate wasn ’ t “ very unfair ” – it enjoyed bipartisan support as recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t especially “ costly.
” In fact , more than a few health care policy experts have argued that the policy would ’ ve been even more effective if the penalty cost more , not less .
But it ’ s the repetition of the lie about protections for those with pre-existing conditions that stands out .
In this case , it ’ s worth appreciating not just the extent to which Trump is lying , but also why he ’ s so committed to this specific lie .
NBC News ’ Benjy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a realistic scenario that may very well unfold in the coming months .
The scenario involves Trump and his team urging the courts to end protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions , falsely telling voters that Trump actually wants to save those protections , winning re-election in part thanks to his transparent lie , and then waiting for Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices to eliminate those protections in the Republican ’ s second term .
Could that happen ?
Of course it could .
And that , in a nutshell , helps capture the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his health care agenda is wildly unpopular , just as he knows there ’ s broad , bipartisan support for some of the core benefits in “ Obamacare.
” The president doesn ’ t want to give up his crusade against the popular reform law , and he doesn ’ t want to lose .
The result is a dynamic in which Trump feels he has no choice but to play Americans for fools , hoping they won ’ t know the difference .

Donald Trump caused a bit of a stir yesterday, falsely claiming on Twitter, "I was the person who saved Pre-Existing Conditions in your Healthcare." He added, "I will always protect your Pre-Existing Conditions, the Dems will not!"
As we discussed soon after, it was as brazen a lie as Trump has ever told. In reality, Trump didn't "save" protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions -- protections created by Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act -- the Republican fought to take those protections away through a series of far-right repeal-and-replace proposals he couldn't get through a Congress led by his own party.
Trump, of course, is also helping champion an ongoing federal lawsuit that would strip protections from Americans with pre-existing conditions.
When the president's lie generated some public discussion, he did what he usually does after getting caught trying to deceive the public: Trump published another tweet repeating the lie.
"I stand stronger than anyone in protecting your Healthcare with Pre-Existing Conditions. I am honored to have terminated the very unfair, costly and unpopular individual mandate for you!"
On the latter sentence, the individual mandate wasn't "very unfair" -- it enjoyed bipartisan support as recently as 2009 -- and it wasn't especially "costly." In fact, more than a few health care policy experts have argued that the policy would've been even more effective if the penalty cost more, not less.
But it's the repetition of the lie about protections for those with pre-existing conditions that stands out. In this case, it's worth appreciating not just the extent to which Trump is lying, but also why he's so committed to this specific lie.
NBC News' Benjy Sarlin did a nice job yesterday explaining a realistic scenario that may very well unfold in the coming months. The scenario involves Trump and his team urging the courts to end protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions, falsely telling voters that Trump actually wants to save those protections, winning re-election in part thanks to his transparent lie, and then waiting for Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices to eliminate those protections in the Republican's second term.
Could that happen? Of course it could.
And that, in a nutshell, helps capture the rationale behind the deception. Trump knows his health care agenda is wildly unpopular, just as he knows there's broad, bipartisan support for some of the core benefits in "Obamacare." The president doesn't want to give up his crusade against the popular reform law, and he doesn't want to lose.
The result is a dynamic in which Trump feels he has no choice but to play Americans for fools, hoping they won't know the difference.


msnbc--2020-01-14--Congressman lays out Dems meeting with Pelosi


msnbc--2020-01-14--Joe: GOP still refuses to protect U.S. from Russian interference


msnbc--2020-01-14--Rick Scott picks the wrong adjective to defend Trump on scandal

When Donald Trump ’ s Ukraine scandal first started coming into focus in the fall , the public learned of an abusive scheme in which the president extorted a vulnerable ally in the hopes of receiving domestic political assistance .
Republicans experimented with a variety of underwhelming talking points , but Sen. Rick Scott ( R-Fla. ) seemed fond of one in particular .
Assessing the controversy , the Florida Republican told Fox News in October , “ [ T ] he only person that ’ s been transparent so far is President Trump.
” A month later , Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was “ the only person in this who ’ s been transparent.
” Yesterday , the GOP senator appeared on Hugh Hewitt ’ s conservative talk show and once again repeated a familiar line .
HEWITT : [ I ] f I was [ a senator ] right now , based on everything I have read and seen , I would vote to dismiss the articles [ of impeachment ] .
If you had to vote only on the basis of what you have seen and read produced by the House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
SCOTT : Absolutely .
I mean , the Democrats have proven the guy ’ s , Trump ’ s innocence .
The only guy that ’ s been transparent during this is Trump .
To paraphrase The Princess Bride , Rick Scott keeps using that word , transparent , but I don ’ t think it means what he thinks it means .
Just for the sake of conversation , let ’ s put aside the broader questions about whether senators should value the rule of law and have a problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an election that they extort allies .
That ’ s obviously the fundamental concern at the heart of the scandal , but it appears Rick Scott is unfazed by the core allegations .
Let ’ s instead consider the Florida Republican ’ s argument on the merits .
If there ’ s one thing that ’ s become clear in the Ukraine scandal , Scott has suggested , it ’ s that Trump deserves praise for having been “ transparent.
” There is , however , another way to examine what ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hold on military assistance to Ukraine , for example , the White House made a point to hide the decision and keep the information from Congress .
When Trump ’ s extortion scheme came to light , he lied about it , hoping to hide the truth .
Once the investigation into the scandal was underway , Trump blocked witness testimony , withheld documents from investigators , directed officials to ignore subpoenas , and refused to participate in any way with congressional proceedings .
Putting aside questions of propriety , how exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfold and decide Trump ’ s commitment to “ transparency ” is worthy of incessant praise ?

When Donald Trump's Ukraine scandal first started coming into focus in the fall, the public learned of an abusive scheme in which the president extorted a vulnerable ally in the hopes of receiving domestic political assistance. Republicans experimented with a variety of underwhelming talking points, but Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) seemed fond of one in particular.
Assessing the controversy, the Florida Republican told Fox News in October, "[T]he only person that's been transparent so far is President Trump." A month later, Scott appeared on Fox Business to claim that Trump was "the only person in this who's been transparent."
Yesterday, the GOP senator appeared on Hugh Hewitt's conservative talk show and once again repeated a familiar line.
HEWITT: [I]f I was [a senator] right now, based on everything I have read and seen, I would vote to dismiss the articles [of impeachment]. If you had to vote only on the basis of what you have seen and read produced by the House, will you vote to acquit President Trump?SCOTT: Absolutely. I mean, the Democrats have proven the guy's, Trump's innocence. The only guy that's been transparent during this is Trump.
To paraphrase The Princess Bride, Rick Scott keeps using that word, transparent, but I don't think it means what he thinks it means.
Just for the sake of conversation, let's put aside the broader questions about whether senators should value the rule of law and have a problem with presidents who are so eager to cheat in an election that they extort allies. That's obviously the fundamental concern at the heart of the scandal, but it appears Rick Scott is unfazed by the core allegations.
Let's instead consider the Florida Republican's argument on the merits.
If there's one thing that's become clear in the Ukraine scandal, Scott has suggested, it's that Trump deserves praise for having been "transparent."
There is, however, another way to examine what's transpired. When the president ordered a hold on military assistance to Ukraine, for example, the White House made a point to hide the decision and keep the information from Congress. When Trump's extortion scheme came to light, he lied about it, hoping to hide the truth.
Once the investigation into the scandal was underway, Trump blocked witness testimony, withheld documents from investigators, directed officials to ignore subpoenas, and refused to participate in any way with congressional proceedings.
Putting aside questions of propriety, how exactly would any credible observer watch these developments unfold and decide Trump's commitment to "transparency" is worthy of incessant praise?


msnbc--2020-01-14--House Democrats release additional evidence in impeachment case

AG Barr is the president 's sword and shield , say the New Yorker

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msnbc--2020-01-14--Fmr. Obama campaign manager: Tonight 'most important debate so far'

Fmr. Obama campaign manager: Tonight 'most important debate so far'
Former Obama campaign manager and MSNBC contributor David Plouffe on what to expect from tonight's Iowa debate and what the Democratic strategy should be.Jan. 14, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Rep. Katie Porter on Warren, Sanders clash: They both want to be 'focusing on moving on'


msnbc--2020-01-14--Sanders campaign 'done talking about' clash with Warren

Sanders campaign 'done talking about' clash with Warren
Bernie Sanders campaign senior adviser Jeff Weaver responds to the clash with Elizabeth Warren over her claim he said a woman couldn't win the presidency.Jan. 14, 2020


Tuesday's Mini-Report, 1.14.20

* Mark your calendars : “ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Tuesday that the Senate ’ s trial of President Donald Trump will likely begin Tuesday.
” * It looks like Tim Kaine has 51 votes for this : “ A resolution to curb President Trump ’ s military authority in Iran has enough votes to pass the Senate , leading Democrats announced Tuesday , stating that Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins will join three other members of the GOP who had previously announced their support for the measure to invoke Congress ’ war powers.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Times has verified security camera footage on Tuesday that shows , for the first time , that two missiles hit Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on Jan. 8 .
The missiles were launched from an Iranian military site around eight miles from the plane .
The new video fills a gap about why the plane ’ s transponder stopped working , seconds before it was hit by a second missile.
” * If only Barr had any kind of credibility : “ Attorney General Bill Barr said on Monday that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requiring the FBI to obtain his permission before opening an investigation into a presidential campaign.
” * I hope you caught Rachel ’ s coverage of this last night : “ With President Trump facing an impeachment trial over his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden , Russian military hackers have been boring into the Ukrainian gas company at the center of the affair , according to security experts.
” * Remember this one ?
“ Most of the justices on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the federal government ’ s case in the infamous ‘ Bridgegate ’ scandal , several of them peppering a Justice Department lawyer with questions as former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie watched from the front row.
” * A deeply flawed process : “ For the first time ever , the United States is shipping asylum seekers who arrive at its border to a ‘ safe third country ’ to seek refuge there .
The Trump administration hopes the program will serve as a model for others in the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seekers and human rights advocates say , migrants have been put on planes without being told where they were headed , and left here without being given basic instruction about what to do next.
” * An ethics complaint worth keeping an eye on : “ The House Democratic campaign arm filed a complaint Monday against its Republican counterpart , taking issue with its alleged use of GOP “ trackers ” who film members of Congress and pepper them with questions as they make their way through the hallways of the House office @ @ @

Today's edition of quick hits:
* Mark your calendars: "Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday that the Senate's trial of President Donald Trump will likely begin Tuesday."
* It looks like Tim Kaine has 51 votes for this: "A resolution to curb President Trump's military authority in Iran has enough votes to pass the Senate, leading Democrats announced Tuesday, stating that Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins will join three other members of the GOP who had previously announced their support for the measure to invoke Congress' war powers."
* Speaking of Iran: "The New York Times has verified security camera footage on Tuesday that shows, for the first time, that two missiles hit Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on Jan. 8. The missiles were launched from an Iranian military site around eight miles from the plane. The new video fills a gap about why the plane's transponder stopped working, seconds before it was hit by a second missile."
* If only Barr had any kind of credibility: "Attorney General Bill Barr said on Monday that the Justice Department is considering establishing a rule requiring the FBI to obtain his permission before opening an investigation into a presidential campaign."
* I hope you caught Rachel's coverage of this last night: "With President Trump facing an impeachment trial over his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden, Russian military hackers have been boring into the Ukrainian gas company at the center of the affair, according to security experts."
* Remember this one? "Most of the justices on the U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism Tuesday about the federal government's case in the infamous 'Bridgegate' scandal, several of them peppering a Justice Department lawyer with questions as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie watched from the front row."
* A deeply flawed process: "For the first time ever, the United States is shipping asylum seekers who arrive at its border to a 'safe third country' to seek refuge there. The Trump administration hopes the program will serve as a model for others in the region. But during its first weeks, asylum seekers and human rights advocates say, migrants have been put on planes without being told where they were headed, and left here without being given basic instruction about what to do next."
* An ethics complaint worth keeping an eye on: "The House Democratic campaign arm filed a complaint Monday against its Republican counterpart, taking issue with its alleged use of GOP "trackers" who film members of Congress and pepper them with questions as they make their way through the hallways of the House office buildings."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-14--Sanders, Warren clash ahead of tonight's 2020 Democratic debate in Iowa


msnbc--2020-01-14--Sen. Chris Coons: Witnesses in Senate trial 'should be relevant'


msnbc--2020-01-14--Pelosi to name Democratic impeachment managers tomorrow

Speaker Pelosi sets up a House vote on a resolution to name the impeachment managers for the Senate trial of President Trump.Jan. 14, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Democrats face off in last debate before Iowa Caucuses

The non-aggression pact between Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders appears to be over for now as the two clash over a conversation they had in 2018, ahead of the final Democratic debate before the Iowa CaucusesJan. 14, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--House votes tomorrow on sending impeachment articles

'To the right of this government, is only a wall' Impact of new judicial law in Israel 05:32