msnbc--2020-01-15--Shocking new evidence released in Trump impeachment case

At final debate before first votes are cast , Biden and Warren remove their gloves

House impeachment investigators turned over shocking evidence from Lev Parnas, the Rudy Giuliani associate who is awaiting trial on campaign finance charges. The emails, text messages and documents appear to show the president’s connection to Parnas and the general Ukraine plot.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--'A dull and plodding' Democratic debate

'A dull and plodding' Democratic debate

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


msnbc--2020-01-15--Menendez: Debate should remind everyone of what's at stake

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msnbc--2020-01-15--Pete Buttigieg: Congress needs to be part of conversations on military strikes

Pete Buttigieg: Congress needs to be part of conversations on military strikes
Mayor Pete Buttigieg joins Chris Matthews from the spin room. On military strike authorizations by the president, Buttigieg wants Congress and the American people to play a larger role.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Amy Klobuchar: Trump has run up the debt

Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Chris Matthews from the spin room. On fiscal responsibility, Klobuchar says that Trump ‘has just made things worse’ when it comes to the national debt.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Sheryl WuDunn: Why all Americans should care about inequality

Sheryl WuDunn: Why all Americans should care about inequality
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Sheryl WuDunn, co-author with her husband Nicholas Kristof of the new book "Tightrope," tells Ali Velshi that the narrative of personal responsibility over systematic inequality is fraught. WuDunn says we should all take social responsibility because inequality prevents the U.S. to compete against other countries.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Sanders, Warren decline to shake hands after sparring during Iowa debate

Brian WIlliams and Claire McCaskill take a look at a handshake that didn't happen and the tense interaction between Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren following the debate.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Nicholas Kristof: Inequality killed many childhood friends

Pulitzer Prize-Winning journalists and married couple Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn discuss their new book, "Tightrope," which looks at the impact of inequality on Kristof’s hometown in Oregon. Kristof tells Ali Velshi about how one quarter of the children with whom he rode the school bus growing up are now dead.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--Tom Steyer: Trump started obstructing justice almost from first day in office

Tom Steyer: Trump started obstructing justice almost from first day in office
Tom Steyer joins Chris Matthews from the spin room. On new revelations in the impeachment trial, Steyer says the president has been obstructing justice ‘from day one.’Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-14--The elephant in the room: Why didn't candidates discuss new impeachment evidence?

The elephant in the room: Why didn't candidates discuss new impeachment evidence?
Brian Williams, Lawrence O'Donnell, Alicia Menendez and MSNBC contributors former Sen. Claire McCaskill and Obama campaign manager David Plouffe discuss the elephant on the impeachment stage: Why didn't the candidates discuss the new evidence released Tuesday night in the impeachment of President Donald Trump?Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--'Betrayal': See House prosecutor preview Trump's impeachment trial

New York Times looks at Rudy Giuliani then and now

House impeachment manager Congressman Jerry Nadler joins “The Beat” after Speaker Pelosi tapped him to prosecute the case against Trump. Previewing the historic trial, Nadler says Trump is guilty of high crimes beyond “any reasonable doubt” with “overwhelming evidence” Trump “betrayed the country.” On prosecuting the case, Nadler says Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the GOP senators are also “on trial,” adding blocking of witnesses and documents would be a “sham” because “any jury would convict in three minutes flat.”Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--Lev Parnas tells Maddow ‘Trump knew exactly what was going on’

Lev Parnas is breaking his silence in an exclusive interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. He says, “President Trump knew exactly what was going on. He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the President. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials.” The full interview airs on Rachel Maddow Show, 9p.m. Et on MSNBC.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--Durbin: Change in 'air of seriousness' as impeachment articles delivered to Senate


msnbc--2020-01-15--House impeachment managers walk articles to Senate

The seven impeachment managers chosen by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who will guide the trial, deliver the articles to the Senate in a historic moment.Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--House sends impeachment articles to Senate

“When the speaker walks out of the room, that’ll be the end of her formal role in this process," News Correspondent Garrett Haake explains.Jan. 15, 2020


Wednesday's Mini-Report, 1.15.20

* Today ’ s vote was 228 to 193 : “ The House voted on Wednesday to send the impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Senate , and Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the seven House Democrats who will serve as the ‘ managers ’ in the trial , which is set to start next week.
” * I ’ ll have more on this tomorrow : “ President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed phase one of a hard-fought trade deal Wednesday , capping a bitter 18-month battle between the world ’ s two largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic growth worldwide.
” * An important court order : “ A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that allowed state and local governments to refuse the resettling of refugees , finding the policy likely ‘ unlawful.
’ ” * Shake-up in Moscow : “ Russia ’ s prime minister and its entire government resigned Wednesday as part of sweeping constitutional changes that could see President Vladimir Putin extend his hold on power.
” * Hmm : “ The State Department abruptly canceled two classified congressional briefings Wednesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U.S. relationship with Iran , Capitol Hill aides said , infuriating lawmakers and staffers seeking answers on the fallout from President Donald Trump ’ s decision to kill a senior Iranian general.
” * Puerto Rico : “ The Department of Housing and Urban Development will allow Puerto Rico to access more than $ 8 billion in blocked disaster aid funding , ending a months-long hold by the Trump administration , according to people familiar with the matter.
” * New evidence for Trump to ignore : “ The past decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planet , driven by an acceleration of temperature increases in the past five years , according to data released Wednesday .
The findings , released jointly by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , detail a troubling trajectory : 2019 was the second-hottest year on record , trailing only 2016 .
The past five years each rank among the five hottest since record-keeping began .
And 19 of the hottest 20 years have occurred during the past two decades.
” * Epstein is gone , the revelations are not : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women and girls , some as young as 13 , on his two private islands in the Caribbean over nearly two decades , the top law enforcement official in the Virgin Islands announced at a news conference Wednesday.
” * Esper faces criticism for telling the truth : “ Fox Business ’ Lou Dobbs swiped at Defense Secretary Mark Esper tonight for saying he has not seen any direct intel backing up what President Donald Trump claimed about threats to four embassies if they didn ’ t take out Qasem Soleimani .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* Today's vote was 228 to 193: "The House voted on Wednesday to send the impeachment articles against President Donald Trump to the Senate, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the seven House Democrats who will serve as the 'managers' in the trial, which is set to start next week."
* I'll have more on this tomorrow: "President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed phase one of a hard-fought trade deal Wednesday, capping a bitter 18-month battle between the world's two largest economies that has roiled markets and slowed economic growth worldwide."
* An important court order: "A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that allowed state and local governments to refuse the resettling of refugees, finding the policy likely 'unlawful.'"
* Shake-up in Moscow: "Russia's prime minister and its entire government resigned Wednesday as part of sweeping constitutional changes that could see President Vladimir Putin extend his hold on power."
* Hmm: "The State Department abruptly canceled two classified congressional briefings Wednesday that were supposed to focus on embassy security and the U.S. relationship with Iran, Capitol Hill aides said, infuriating lawmakers and staffers seeking answers on the fallout from President Donald Trump's decision to kill a senior Iranian general."
* Puerto Rico: "The Department of Housing and Urban Development will allow Puerto Rico to access more than $8 billion in blocked disaster aid funding, ending a months-long hold by the Trump administration, according to people familiar with the matter."
* New evidence for Trump to ignore: "The past decade was the hottest ever recorded on the planet, driven by an acceleration of temperature increases in the past five years, according to data released Wednesday. The findings, released jointly by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, detail a troubling trajectory: 2019 was the second-hottest year on record, trailing only 2016. The past five years each rank among the five hottest since record-keeping began. And 19 of the hottest 20 years have occurred during the past two decades."
* Epstein is gone, the revelations are not: "Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused and trafficked young women and girls, some as young as 13, on his two private islands in the Caribbean over nearly two decades, the top law enforcement official in the Virgin Islands announced at a news conference Wednesday."
* Esper faces criticism for telling the truth: "Fox Business' Lou Dobbs swiped at Defense Secretary Mark Esper tonight for saying he has not seen any direct intel backing up what President Donald Trump claimed about threats to four embassies if they didn't take out Qasem Soleimani."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-15--New incriminating evidence against the president comes to light as House votes to send impeachment a

New incriminating evidence against the president comes to light as House votes to send impeachment articles to Senate
The House of Representatives votes to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate as new evidence reveals more about Trump’s involvement in the pressure campaign against UkraineJan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--Pelosi speaks before delivering articles of impeachment to the Senate

Pelosi speaks before delivering articles of impeachment to the Senate
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) says when she and her seven chosen managers of impeachment walk down the hall, they will "cross a threshold in history."Jan. 15, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--What to expect from a Trump Senate impeachment trial

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


msnbc--2020-01-16--'We do know how history writes this'

'We do know how history writes this'

Why would Parnas agree to an interview ?
'He 's worried , ' says Maddow to Lawrence

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


msnbc--2020-01-16--Joe: Breathtaking what was revealed in Parnas interview

In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, indicted associate of the president's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, said Trump 'knew exactly what was going on' about alleged attempt to pressure the Ukrainian government to dig up dirt on Joe Biden.Jan. 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-16--Key player in Ukraine scandal opens up about Ukraine & Trump

Indicted Giuliani associate Lev Parnas tells Rachel Maddow Trump was fully aware of his effort to dig up dirt on Joe Biden. Meanwhile, the pressure to call witnesses at the impeachment trial grows. Robert Costa, Anita Kumar, and Joyce Vance join.Jan. 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--House Dems send impeachment charges to Senate

Speaker Pelosi sends charges against Trump to the Senate, paving the way for a trial. At the same time, House investigators release more evidence in the impeachment case.Jan. 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--Ben Rhodes: Giuliani associate shows ‘abnormal corruption’ of Trump admin.

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


msnbc--2020-01-15--Katyal: Parnas' interview & new evidence is ‘damning’ for Trump


msnbc--2020-01-15--Why would Parnas agree to an interview? 'He's worried,' says Maddow to Lawrence

Why would Parnas agree to an interview? 'He's worried,' says Maddow to Lawrence
Rachel Maddow sat down with Lev Parnas for an exclusive interview on MSNBC. In breaking down the interview with Lawrence O’Donnell, Rachel explains that she feels Parnas is coming forward because "he's worried" about going to jail and he wants to make it clear "that he wants to cooperate, he wants to testify with congressional investigators in the impeachment investigation."Jan. 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--Lev Parnas remarks on role of Devin Nunes in Trump Ukraine Scheme

Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, talks with Rachel Maddow in an exclusive interview about his interactions with Rep. Devin Nunes and his assistant Derek Harvey and his surprise at seeing Nunes in the House Intel impeachment hearings given his role in Donald Trump's Ukraine scheme.Jan. 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-15--Lev Parnas: 'Attorney General Barr was basically on the team.'

Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, talks with Rachel Maddow in an exclusive interview about his belief that Attorney General William Barr was in the loop on Donald Trump's scheme to get Ukraine to generate dirt about Joe Biden and his son. "Mr. Barr had to have known everything. I mean, it’s impossible."Jan. 16, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Why it's so hard to believe Trump's...

Why it's so hard to believe Trump's...

The president added that he released a call summary of his July phone meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Democrats “ had done these fraudulent acts.
” That was wrong , too .
But at the same event , the Republican took some time to comment on his knowledge of Lev Parnas , a Rudy Giuliani associate involved with executing the Ukraine scheme .
“ Well , I don ’ t know him .
I don ’ t know Parnas , other than I guess I had pictures taken , which I do with thousands of people , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet .
But – just met them .
I don ’ t know him at all .
Don ’ t know what he ’ s about .
Don ’ t know where he comes from .
Know nothing about him .
[ … ] “ It doesn ’ t matter what he says .
He ’ s trying to probably make a deal for himself .
I don ’ t even know who this man is , other than I guess he attended fundraisers , so I take a picture with him… .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
Perhaps he ’ s a fine man ; perhaps he ’ s not .
I know nothing about him… .
I don ’ t know him .
I don ’ t believe I ’ ve ever spoken with him .
I don ’ t believe I ’ ve ever spoken to him… .
But I don ’ t know him .
I had never had a conversation that I remember with him.
” The phrase “ doth protest too much ” kept coming to mind .
The latest Trump denial came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week about the president previously claiming he didn ’ t know him .
Parnas was unequivocal in reference Trump , insisting , “ He lied.
” After conceding that the two aren ’ t close personal friends , he added , “ [ Trump ] knew exactly who we were .
He knew exactly who I was , especially… .
I had a lot of one-on-one conversations with him at gatherings.
” The trouble for Trump is , his denials about Parnas are hard to believe .
It ’ s not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record of lying about a wide of range of issues , though that certainly doesn ’ t help .
It ’ s also problematic that Trump has a long record of pretending not to know his associates the moment they become politically inconvenient .
In this case , however , the photographic evidence is especially unhelpful to the president ’ s case .
There ’ s video , too : Parnas ’ lawyer used social media to promote a clip of Trump and Parnas together at Mar-a-Lago .
Complicating matters further , MSNBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s personal attorney , Rudy Giuliani , “ wrote an email telling Parnas ’ attorney that the president personally consented to Parnas ’ lawyer saying Parnas was part of the president ’ s legal team.
” Or put another way , we ’ re well past the point at which Trump can credibly claim he “ doesn ’ t know ” Parnas and knows “ nothing about him.
” The question Senate Republicans might want to consider is why , exactly , the president would repeatedly make a claim that @ @ @ @

At a White House event yesterday on school prayer, of all things, Donald Trump said in reference to the Ukraine scandal, "You had a fake whistleblower that wrote a report that bore no relationship to what was said. Everything was false." That wasn't true, and the whistleblower report has held up quite nicely.
The president added that he released a call summary of his July phone meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Democrats "had done these fraudulent acts." That was wrong, too.
But at the same event, the Republican took some time to comment on his knowledge of Lev Parnas, a Rudy Giuliani associate involved with executing the Ukraine scheme.
"Well, I don't know him. I don't know Parnas, other than I guess I had pictures taken, which I do with thousands of people, including people today that I didn't meet. But -- just met them. I don't know him at all. Don't know what he's about. Don't know where he comes from. Know nothing about him. [...]"It doesn't matter what he says. He's trying to probably make a deal for himself. I don't even know who this man is, other than I guess he attended fundraisers, so I take a picture with him.... No, I don't know him. Perhaps he's a fine man; perhaps he's not. I know nothing about him.... I don't know him. I don't believe I've ever spoken with him. I don't believe I've ever spoken to him.... But I don't know him. I had never had a conversation that I remember with him."
The phrase "doth protest too much" kept coming to mind.
The latest Trump denial came on the heels of Rachel asking Parnas this week about the president previously claiming he didn't know him. Parnas was unequivocal in reference Trump, insisting, "He lied."
After conceding that the two aren't close personal friends, he added, "[Trump] knew exactly who we were. He knew exactly who I was, especially.... I had a lot of one-on-one conversations with him at gatherings."
The trouble for Trump is, his denials about Parnas are hard to believe.
It's not just because the president has an unfortunate track record of lying about a wide of range of issues, though that certainly doesn't help. It's also problematic that Trump has a long record of pretending not to know his associates the moment they become politically inconvenient.
In this case, however, the photographic evidence is especially unhelpful to the president's case. There's video, too: Parnas' lawyer used social media to promote a clip of Trump and Parnas together at Mar-a-Lago.
Complicating matters further, MSNBC's Chris Hayes noted yesterday that one of the president's personal attorneys "wrote an email telling Parnas' attorney that the president personally consented to Parnas' lawyer saying Parnas was part of the president's legal team."
Or put another way, we're well past the point at which Trump can credibly claim he "doesn't know" Parnas and knows "nothing about him." The question Senate Republicans might want to consider is why, exactly, the president would repeatedly make a claim that seems literally unbelievable.


msnbc--2020-01-17--'They don't care about truth': Pelosi slams Facebook

Joe : Trump is talking to himself when he says impeachment a hoax

House Speaker Pelosi rebuked Facebook on Thursday, referring to the social media site as a 'shameful' company and saying the platform cared more about 'tax cuts and no antitrust action against them.'Jan. 17, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Senate trial kicks off with standoff over witnesses

Democratic House Managers and the White House Legal Team are now in heavy preparation mode, getting ready to make their case to the American people. Chris Jansing breaks down what to expect in the historic Senate trial ahead. Weighing in: the Washington Post's Anne Gearan, Ethics Public Policy Center Senior Fellow Peter Wehner, Democratic Strategist Julian Epstein, and MSNBC Political Analyst Elise Jordan.Jan. 17, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Watch live: Senate impeachment trial of President Trump

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


msnbc--2020-01-17--White House hopes to derail Congress'...

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence ( ODNI ) is responsible for producing an annual report on global security threats , which is soon followed by a congressional hearing in which top security officials brief lawmakers on the report ’ s findings .
In theory , it need not be especially political or partisan .
But in practice , it ’ s a different story .
A year ago , then-Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats was joined by FBI Director Chris Wray and CIA Director Gina Haspel for a Senate hearing in which they completely contradicted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of key issues , including Iran , North Korea , Russia , border security , and climate change .
It quickly became clear that when it came to global threats , Trump and his national security team had very little in common .
As regular readers may recall , that ’ s when things got a little weird .
The president ’ s initial reaction was to mock U.S. intelligence professionals , calling them “ passive , ” “ naïve , ” and in need of additional schooling .
Trump kept the offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the information he received from Haspel and Coats .
Soon after , the president reversed course and boasted that everyone on his team actually agrees with him , and the whole mess was the media ’ s fault .
A year later , it ’ s time for the annual Worldwide Threat Assessment to be released again , to be followed by another Capitol Hill hearing .
Politico reported that administration officials have a plan , however , to prevent last year ’ s fiasco from happening again .
The U.S. intelligence community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers to drop the public portion of an annual briefing on the globe ’ s greatest security threats — a move compelled by last year ’ s session that provoked an angry outburst from President Donald Trump , multiple sources told POLITICO .
Officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence , on behalf of the larger clandestine community , don ’ t want agency chiefs to be seen on-camera as disagreeing with the president on big issues such as Iran , Russia or North Korea , according to three people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s known as the Worldwide Threats hearing .
It ’ s worth pausing to appreciate the absurdity of the circumstances .
If the congressional intelligence committees hold public hearings on global threat assessments , the president ’ s national security team will tell lawmakers the truth .
But in the process , they ’ ll also contradict Trump ’ s strange and baseless beliefs , which will infuriate the president .
The solution , then , isn ’ t to have a president who ’ s comfortable with reality .
The solution intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would trigger the president prone to tantrums .
On MSNBC yesterday , Andrea Mitchell confirmed the reporting , adding , “ This is a signal moment .
”

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is responsible for producing an annual report on global security threats, which is soon followed by a congressional hearing in which top security officials brief lawmakers on the report's findings. In theory, it need not be especially political or partisan.
But in practice, it's a different story. A year ago, then-Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats was joined by FBI Director Chris Wray and CIA Director Gina Haspel for a Senate hearing in which they completely contradicted the president's position on a wide range of key issues, including Iran, North Korea, Russia, border security, and climate change. It quickly became clear that when it came to global threats, Trump and his national security team had very little in common.
As regular readers may recall, that's when things got a little weird. The president's initial reaction was to mock U.S. intelligence professionals, calling them “passive,” “naïve,” and in need of additional schooling. Trump kept the offensive going, suggesting he lacked confidence in the information he received from Haspel and Coats. Soon after, the president reversed course and boasted that everyone on his team actually agrees with him, and the whole mess was the media's fault.
A year later, it's time for the annual Worldwide Threat Assessment to be released again, to be followed by another Capitol Hill hearing. Politico reported that administration officials have a plan, however, to prevent last year's fiasco from happening again.
The U.S. intelligence community is trying to persuade House and Senate lawmakers to drop the public portion of an annual briefing on the globe's greatest security threats — a move compelled by last year's session that provoked an angry outburst from President Donald Trump, multiple sources told POLITICO.Officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, on behalf of the larger clandestine community, don't want agency chiefs to be seen on-camera as disagreeing with the president on big issues such as Iran, Russia or North Korea, according to three people familiar with preliminary negotiations over what's known as the Worldwide Threats hearing.
It's worth pausing to appreciate the absurdity of the circumstances.
If the congressional intelligence committees hold public hearings on global threat assessments, the president's national security team will tell lawmakers the truth. But in the process, they'll also contradict Trump's strange and baseless beliefs, which will infuriate the president.
The solution, then, isn't to have a president who's comfortable with reality. The solution intelligence officials prefer is to scrap the hearings that would trigger the president prone to tantrums.
On MSNBC yesterday, Andrea Mitchell confirmed the reporting, adding, "This is a signal moment."


msnbc--2020-01-17--How McSally, others in GOP respond to...

In a Capitol Hill hallway yesterday , CNN ’ s Manu Raju asked appointed Sen. Martha McSally ( R-Ariz. ) if she ’ d consider examining fresh evidence as part of Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial .
As you ’ ve probably heard , the Arizona Republican did not handle the question well .
“ You ’ re a liberal hack , ” McSally told a respected congressional journalist .
“ I ’ m not talking to you .
You ’ re a liberal hack.
” Republican politics being what it is in the Trump era , McSally ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost immediately after the incident .
Soon after , the GOP senator asked donors to reward her outburst with campaign contributions .
Last night , the Arizonan celebrated the incident on Fox News , as “ You ’ re a liberal hack , buddy ” t-shirts went on sale online .
It was hardly a moment of pride for those concerned about the toxicity of our struggling political system , but the Washington Post ’ s Greg Sargent took note of the larger context : Trump ’ s GOP defenders in the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest evidence against the president ] is incriminating , and that it doesn ’ t oblige them in the least to hear from the most direct witnesses to Trump ’ s motives in freezing that money .
Indeed , McSally was snidely brushing off a reporter who dared to ask whether , in light of all this new information , senators have any such obligation .
Quite right .
McSally ’ s over-the-top reaction was notable , but let ’ s not lose sight of the question that sparked her outburst : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole truth about Trump ’ s Ukraine scandal or not ?
The appointed senator ’ s response was emblematic of a GOP that realizes the case against their party ’ s president continues to grow stronger , and Republicans are increasingly uncomfortable with the circumstances .
Indeed , this is hardly limited to Martha McSally .
Sen. Joni Ernst ( R-Iowa ) argued yesterday , “ [ House members ] obviously felt they had enough information to impeach the president with what they had .
Let ’ s take a look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( R-Ga. ) added that senators should “ absolutely not ” consider the latest revelations .
Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-Fla. ) has echoed the sentiment in recent weeks .
It ’ s an argument rooted in the deliberate embrace of willful ignorance .
Considerable evidence has emerged over the last month that ’ s directly related to the president ’ s case , and Lev Parnas ’ perspective this week has only added to the mountain of incriminating information .
But for too many Senate Republicans , the process should effectively be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House impeached Donald Trump , the search for truth ended , and any relevant information that came to light in the days and weeks that followed must be ignored .
Why ?
Because GOP senators say so .
They ’ ve effectively made up a rule that does not exist .

In a Capitol Hill hallway yesterday, CNN's Manu Raju asked appointed Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) if she'd consider examining fresh evidence as part of Donald Trump's impeachment trial. As you've probably heard, the Arizona Republican did not handle the question well.
"You're a liberal hack," McSally told a respected congressional journalist. "I'm not talking to you. You're a liberal hack."
Republican politics being what it is in the Trump era, McSally's office registered the domain name LiberalHack.com almost immediately after the incident. Soon after, the GOP senator asked donors to reward her outburst with campaign contributions. Last night, the Arizonan celebrated the incident on Fox News, as "You're a liberal hack, buddy" t-shirts went on sale online.
It was hardly a moment of pride for those concerned about the toxicity of our struggling political system, but the Washington Post's Greg Sargent took note of the larger context:
Trump's GOP defenders in the Senate continue to pretend that none of [the latest evidence against the president] is incriminating, and that it doesn't oblige them in the least to hear from the most direct witnesses to Trump's motives in freezing that money. Indeed, McSally was snidely brushing off a reporter who dared to ask whether, in light of all this new information, senators have any such obligation.
Quite right. McSally's over-the-top reaction was notable, but let's not lose sight of the question that sparked her outburst: will she and her Senate colleagues consider the whole truth about Trump's Ukraine scandal or not? The appointed senator's response was emblematic of a GOP that realizes the case against their party's president continues to grow stronger, and Republicans are increasingly uncomfortable with the circumstances.
Indeed, this is hardly limited to Martha McSally.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) argued yesterday, "[House members] obviously felt they had enough information to impeach the president with what they had. Let's take a look at what they had." Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) added that senators should "absolutely not" consider the latest revelations. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has echoed the sentiment in recent weeks.
It's an argument rooted in the deliberate embrace of willful ignorance. Considerable evidence has emerged over the last month that's directly related to the president's case, and Lev Parnas' perspective this week has only added to the mountain of incriminating information.
But for too many Senate Republicans, the process should effectively be frozen in time: the moment the House impeached Donald Trump, the search for truth ended, and any relevant information that came to light in the days and weeks that followed must be ignored.
Why? Because GOP senators say so. They've effectively made up a rule that does not exist.


msnbc--2020-01-17--Sen. McSally not thinking long term, says fmr. RNC chair

Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., referred to reporter Manu Raju as a 'liberal hack' when asked about considering new evidence for the president's Senate impeachment trial. Sen. McSally is now fundraising off the moment. The panel discusses.Jan. 17, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Ken Starr, Alan Dershowitz expected to join Trump impeachment defense team

Ken Starr, who worked on the Clinton impeachment, and Alan Dershowitz are expected to join President Trump's legal defense team for the Senate impeachment trial. NBC News' Hans Nichols reports form the White House.Jan. 17, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--The one underwhelming thing Trump's trade...

By most measures , Donald Trump ’ s first meaningful trade agreement came together in September 2018 , when the president signed a deal with South Korea alongside Moon Jae-in .
“ I ’ m very excited about our new trade agreement , ” the American president said at the time .
“ And this is a brand-new agreement .
This is not an old one , rewritten .
This is a brand-new agreement.
” It was not a brand-new agreement .
Negotiators tweaked and revised an existing policy , but Trump found that unsatisfying , so he hyped it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and a half later , he ’ s doing the same thing with even more enthusiasm .
On China , for example , Trump and his team tried to negotiate a sweeping new trade agreement , failed spectacularly , and settled on a modest “ phase one ” deal .
Formalizing the agreement this week , the Republican declared , “ It really just doesn ’ t get any bigger than this.
” That wasn ’ t even close to being true .
The new deal is vague , incomplete , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ underwhelming.
” Politico quoted Trump confidants who “ privately admit ” the president is “ hyping ” a deal that doesn ’ t do much .
He ’ ll soon do the same thing with NAFTA 2.0 , a.k.a .
the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement ( USMCA ) .
The Washington Post ’ s Catherine Rampell drove the point home nicely : Trade was supposed to be President Trump ’ s signature issue .
He was going to get us the best , biggest , America-First-iest trade deals ever .
We ’ re now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ve fractured our international alliances , imposed tens of billions of dollars of new taxes on Americans , resulted in two expensive agricultural bailouts , multiplied farmer bankruptcies and landed the manufacturing sector in a recession .
Today , we ’ re left to ask : Is that all there is ?
She concluded that the best one can say about Trump ’ s allegedly “ historic ” deals is that they won ’ t make his unnecessary trade wars worse , which isn ’ t exactly the basis for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that Trump ’ s trade breakthroughs are ultimately “ a triumph of the trivial.
” So why bother with them ?
Because Trump , who ’ s never demonstrated any meaningful familiarity with the substance of trade policy , is vastly principally focused on saying , “ Look , I ’ m doing some stuff !
” He ’ s also desperate to distract attention from the impeachment crisis that ’ s rocked his presidency .
Trump told reporters yesterday , “ This is a hoax .
It ’ s a sham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in the history of our country yesterday in terms of trade – and probably other things too , if you think about it : the deal with China .
And that was the second story to a total hoax.
” None of this made factual sense – the Ukraine scandal is very real ; he didn ’ t come close to negotiating “ the biggest deal ever done in the history of our country ” ; etc .
– but his whining reinforced the fact that he ’ s desperate to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The trouble is , for those who take the substance seriously , the one thing Trump ’ s trade deals have in common is that they ’ re simply not the sweeping breakthroughs he wants and needs them to be .

By most measures, Donald Trump's first meaningful trade agreement came together in September 2018, when the president signed a deal with South Korea alongside Moon Jae-in. "I'm very excited about our new trade agreement," the American president said at the time. "And this is a brand-new agreement. This is not an old one, rewritten. This is a brand-new agreement."
It was not a brand-new agreement. Negotiators tweaked and revised an existing policy, but Trump found that unsatisfying, so he hyped it in ways that defied reason.
A year and a half later, he's doing the same thing with even more enthusiasm.
On China, for example, Trump and his team tried to negotiate a sweeping new trade agreement, failed spectacularly, and settled on a modest "phase one" deal. Formalizing the agreement this week, the Republican declared, "It really just doesn't get any bigger than this."
That wasn't even close to being true. The new deal is vague, incomplete, and according to a variety of experts, "underwhelming." Politico quoted Trump confidants who "privately admit" the president is "hyping" a deal that doesn't do much.
He'll soon do the same thing with NAFTA 2.0, a.k.a. the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Washington Post's Catherine Rampell drove the point home nicely:
Trade was supposed to be President Trump's signature issue. He was going to get us the best, biggest, America-First-iest trade deals ever.We're now two years into his multifront trade wars. They've fractured our international alliances, imposed tens of billions of dollars of new taxes on Americans, resulted in two expensive agricultural bailouts, multiplied farmer bankruptcies and landed the manufacturing sector in a recession.Today, we're left to ask: Is that all there is?
She concluded that the best one can say about Trump's allegedly "historic" deals is that they won't make his unnecessary trade wars worse, which isn't exactly the basis for an impressive boast.
Heather Hurlburt recently added that Trump's trade breakthroughs are ultimately "a triumph of the trivial."
So why bother with them? Because Trump, who's never demonstrated any meaningful familiarity with the substance of trade policy, is almost totally focused on saying, "Look, I'm doing some stuff!"
He's also desperate to distract attention from the impeachment crisis that's rocked his presidency. Trump told reporters yesterday, "This is a hoax. It's a sham. I did the biggest deal ever done in the history of our country yesterday in terms of trade -- and probably other things too, if you think about it: the deal with China. And that was the second story to a total hoax."
None of this made factual sense -- the Ukraine scandal is very real; he didn't come close to negotiating "the biggest deal ever done in the history of our country"; etc. -- but his whining reinforced the fact that he's desperate to put his supposed victories in the foreground.
The trouble is, for those who take the substance seriously, the one thing Trump's trade deals have in common is that they're simply not the sweeping breakthroughs he wants and needs them to be.


msnbc--2020-01-17--NPR host pens book on America's first political couple

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


msnbc--2020-01-17--Alan Dershowitz claims abuse of power isn’t an impeachable offense

Watch : New Trump lawyer Dershowitz reveals plan for Trump trial defense on live TV

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msnbc--2020-01-17--Watch: New Trump lawyer Dershowitz reveals plan for Trump trial defense on live TV

On the day he was named as a new member of Pres. Trump’s impeachment defense team, lawyer Alan Dershowitz joined MSNBC’s Ari Melber for a wide ranging interview about the looming Senate trial. Dershowitz broke news by revealing he plans to argue that “abuse of power” is not an impeachable act – going on offense against House Democrats who picked that offense over Constitutional terms like “bribery” – and arguing he is prepared to wage an assertive historical and Constitutional battle against those with other views at Trump’s Senate trial. Pressed by Melber about his past remarks and current role, Dershowitz acknowledged he is now a lawyer representing the President.Jan. 17, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Sen. Whitehouse on Senate impeachment trial: 'Partisanship, partisanship and more partisanship'

Sen. Whitehouse on Senate impeachment trial: 'Partisanship, partisanship and more partisanship'
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) on how the Senate is preparing for the impeachment trial after swearing their oath yesterday.Jan. 17, 2020


Friday's Mini-Report, 1.17.20

* I wonder if Team Trump waited specifically for Michelle Obama ’ s birthday to make this announcement : “ The Trump administration moved on Friday to roll back school nutrition standards championed by Michelle Obama , an effort long sought by food manufacturers and some school districts that have chafed at the cost of Mrs. Obama ’ s prescriptions for fresh fruit and vegetables.
” * Pompeo speaks : “ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday he ‘ never heard ’ that his top envoy to Ukraine , Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch , might have been under surveillance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of being disloyal to President Trump.
” * Faithless electors matter : “ The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up an issue that could change a key element of the system America uses to elect its president , with a decision likely in the spring just as the campaign heats up.
” * And speaking of SCOTUS : “ The Supreme Court said Friday it will take up a the fate of a Trump administration rule , now on hold , that would grant employers an exemption , on religious or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement to provide health insurance coverage for birth control.
” * Climate lawsuit : “ A federal appeals court on Friday threw out a 2015 lawsuit by nearly two dozen young people to force the U.S. government to take more aggressive action on climate change , saying that the children did not have legal standing to bring the landmark case.
” * The Labor Department made it official , declaring yesterday that “ technology upgrades will allow it to exclusively release high-profile economic data directly to the public , ending the news media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment data is released.
” * Facebook faces political fire again : “ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today blasted Facebook for putting profits over the well-being of its users and for cozying up to the Trump administration as it faces antitrust scrutiny from federal regulators , offering a scathing and public rebuke of the social media giant.
” * Leonard Leo ’ s newest plans : “ Conservative powerhouse Leonard Leo tells Axios that he ’ ll step aside from the daily running of the Federalist Society to focus on a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left – that will funnel big money and expertise across the conservative movement .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* I wonder if Team Trump waited specifically for Michelle Obama's birthday to make this announcement: "The Trump administration moved on Friday to roll back school nutrition standards championed by Michelle Obama, an effort long sought by food manufacturers and some school districts that have chafed at the cost of Mrs. Obama's prescriptions for fresh fruit and vegetables."
* Pompeo speaks: "Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday he 'never heard' that his top envoy to Ukraine, Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch, might have been under surveillance before she was recalled to Washington, accused of being disloyal to President Trump."
* Faithless electors matter: "The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up an issue that could change a key element of the system America uses to elect its president, with a decision likely in the spring just as the campaign heats up."
* And speaking of SCOTUS: "The Supreme Court said Friday it will take up a the fate of a Trump administration rule, now on hold, that would grant employers an exemption, on religious or moral grounds, from Obamacare's requirement to provide health insurance coverage for birth control."
* Climate lawsuit: "A federal appeals court on Friday threw out a 2015 lawsuit by nearly two dozen young people to force the U.S. government to take more aggressive action on climate change, saying that the children did not have legal standing to bring the landmark case."
* The Labor Department made it official, declaring yesterday that "technology upgrades will allow it to exclusively release high-profile economic data directly to the public, ending the news media's practice of transmitting economic stories the moment data is released."
* Facebook faces political fire again: "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today blasted Facebook for putting profits over the well-being of its users and for cozying up to the Trump administration as it faces antitrust scrutiny from federal regulators, offering a scathing and public rebuke of the social media giant."
* Leonard Leo's newest plans: "Conservative powerhouse Leonard Leo tells Axios that he'll step aside from the daily running of the Federalist Society to focus on a new venture -- inspired by Arabella Advisers on the left -- that will funnel big money and expertise across the conservative movement."
Enjoy the weekend.


msnbc--2020-01-17--Neal Katyal on Ken Starr: 'It is an unusual choice' for Pres. Trump's legal defense team


msnbc--2020-01-17--What happens if the House impeachment managers invoke Lev Parnas evidence?


msnbc--2020-01-17--Senate impeachment trial described as 'a chess game'

Leigh Ann Caldwell brings the latest from Capitol Hill on what to expect as the Senate impeachment trial begins on Tuesday.Jan. 17, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Rep. Dingell: the Democratic caucus wants a “fair trial”

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


msnbc--2020-01-17--2020 Democratic senators leave the trail for trial

The dilemma facing the four senators running for president who will also need to serve as jurors in the impeachment trial as the Iowa Caucuses nearJan. 17, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Trump reportedly called generals 'dopes and babies' while berating them

Trump reportedly called generals 'dopes and babies ' while berating them


msnbc--2020-01-17--Trump assembles made-for-TV legal team for Senate impeachment trial


msnbc--2020-01-17--Weld: Trump is a ‘recipe for disaster’ for GOP

Weld: Trump is a ‘recipe for disaster’ for GOP
Fmr. Gov. of Massachusetts Bill Weld, who's running for the GOP nomination against President Trump, tells Ali Velshi that Republican Senators must allow witnesses and evidence or it will be a "recipe for disaster" for the Republican Party.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--New book: Bannon called Pelosi ‘an assassin’ after she challenged Trump

The new book "A Very Stable Genius" details how Steve Bannon called Nancy Pelosi "an assassin" after she checked Trump for lying in their first meeting after his inauguration. Zerlina Maxwell tells Ali Velshi that Pelosi is "on a different level than Donald Trump and I'm not surprised that it started immediately in the administration." Jennifer Rubin discusses the two superpowers that Pelosi has over Trump.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Rep. Himes: Trump trial without evidence ‘irresponsible’

Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) tells Ali Velshi that if Republican Senators do not consider new evidence or witnesses during the impeachment trial, "it will be one of the most irresponsible moments in American history."Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Dems drop new evidence tightening Trump's link to Lev Parnas

Just hours before the Senate is due to hear opening arguments in the Trump impeachment trial, House Democrats release new Lev Parnas evidence further complicating the president's case. Josh Lederman joins to explain.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Prohibition's repeal shows America can correct its mistakes

Rachel Maddow points to the 100th anniversary of prohibition, and the fact that Americans were able to realize what a bad idea it was and undo the damage it caused, as the Best New Thing in the World Today, an encouraging example that we are capable of growth and learning as a country.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--GAO busts Trump 'no crime' claim with regard to Ukraine scheme

Rep. John Yarmuth, chair of the House Budget Committee, talks with Rachel Maddow about the G.A.O. finding that Donald Trump broke the law when he withheld money appropriated by Congress for Ukraine aid, and why the evidence suggests that more people than Donald Trump are guilty of wrongdoing in the Ukraine scheme.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--Flood of new impeachment evidence shaping views ahead of trial

Senator Mazie Hirono, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, talks with Rachel Maddow about how the flood of new evidence about Donald Trump's Ukraine scheme is already shaping expectations of the Senate impeachment trial and what would be necessary for a fair trial.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-17--New evidence calls for answer on cancelled Pence Ukraine trip


msnbc--2020-01-18--Gotcha: Are your votes in good hands?

Gotcha: Are your votes in good hands?

Simmons on Harry and Meghan 's departure : 'Royal family will be poorer for it '

Jones: "What the Republicans attempted to do here in Tennessee was crucify democracy and is that what they have done is resurrect the movement" 09:56


msnbc--2020-01-18--Teachers’ pay in Florida

Teachers’ pay in Florida


msnbc--2020-01-18--Trump lawyers: Impeachment is 'attack' on Americans right to choose their president

President Trump’s lawyers filed an official response to the impeachment summons. Sources close to Trump’s legal team say they will claim the president did not commit any crime, and that the articles of impeachment are an “attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president.”Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-18--Simmons on Harry and Meghan's departure: 'Royal family will be poorer for it'

Simmons on Harry and Meghan's departure: 'Royal family will be poorer for it'
NBC's Keir Simmons provides analysis following the news that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will no longer use "royal highness" titles, won't receive public money for their royal duties, and will no longer "full-time working members of the royal family."Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-18--FBI arrests alleged white supremacists ahead of Virginia gun rally

Days before a guns rights rally in Virginia's capital, the FBI arrested alleged white supremacists. On Wednesday, Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency after receiving "credible intelligence" that armed militias and hate groups are expected to be present.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-18--US military says 11 troops injured, treated for concussions after Iranian missile attack

The US military has updated the status of troops following the Iranian air strike on Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base. After initially reporting no injuries, the US is now saying that 11 troops are being treated for concussions.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-18--Author says 'Trump has a long, storied history of denying knowing people' despite evidence

As more photos of Pres. Donald Trump and Lev Parnas come out, Yahoo Chief Investigative Correspondent Michael Isikoff details the president's long history of denying knowing people if it would be politically inconvenient, even if the evidence is contradictory.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-18--Sanders vs. Warren clash and its aftermath for 2020 analyzed

Elizabeth Warren accusing Bernie Sanders of calling her a liar is analyzed by experts, including what the aftermath for the 2020 presidential race for the Democratic nomination may be. Joy Reid and her panel discuss.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-18--Parnas’ links to Florida politicians questioned by area reporter

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was named in a report by The Wall Street Journal as being among a group of people with whom Lev Parnas, who stands indicted of funneling foreign money to U.S. candidates, exchanged text messages. Political editor for the Tampa Bay Times joins Joy Reid to discuss.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-18--Experts scrutinize Trump legal team, status of impeachment trial

Donald Trump’s impeachment trial legal team puzzles many politics experts, while it remains unclear whether the president’s impeachment trial in the Senate will call the critical witnesses many see as essential. Joy Reid and her panel discuss.Jan. 18, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--Rev. Al Sharpton on the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr Day

Trump reportedly picked his defense team based on how they will perform on TV


msnbc--2020-01-19--Martin Luther King III: 'Never address hostility with hostility'

Martin Luther King III reflects on his father’s legacy on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, advising: “It’s not just turning the other cheek though, but it is showing there is a better way to do things.”Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--Shooting in Hawaii leaves multiple officers dead

Multiple police officers have been shot dead in Honolulu, Hawaii. Authorities were responding to reports of a stabbing at a residence when the shooting occurred. Fire crews are also on the scene battling a fire at the same address.Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--Richmond in state of emergency ahead of gun rally, residents fear another Charlotteville

As gun rights activists, white nationalists and militia groups prepare to rally in Virginia on Monday, a state of emergency has been declared by Gov. Ralph Northam in anticipation of the event. NBC's Cal Perry explains what prompted the emergency declaration.Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--White House's top Russia official put on leave pending security-related investigation

The top White House official responsible for Russia and Europe, Andrew Peek, has been put on administrative leave indefinitely amid a security-related investigation, two U.S. officials and a former U.S. official tell NBC News. Leek took over the Russia portfolio at the White House National Security Council in November.Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--Omarosa: Pres. Trump 'doesn't grasp' that 'his ignorance is destroying our country'

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msnbc--2020-01-19--MSNBC analyst argues why ‘abuse of power’ is 100% impeachable

Donald Trump’s impeachment for abuse of power has apparently been disputed by attorney Alan Dershowitz. MSNBC analyst David Corn discusses why he believes impeaching the president for abuse of power is fully supported by the Federalist Papers.Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--Media expert: The GOP has divorced itself from reality

The Donald Trump impeachment trial is being covered very differently by conservative media. Joy Reid and her panel discuss the media biases that are apparent in the coverage of Trump’s impeachment in the House, and the coming Senate trial.Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--Trump reportedly picked his defense team based on how they will perform on TV

Trump reportedly picked his defense team based on how they will perform on TV
According to a report from Business Insider, President Donald Trump picked his impeachment defense team based on how well they will perform on TV. Business Insider political correspondent Sonam Sheth joins Alex Witt to discuss.Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--What does ‘Megxit’ hold for Duke and Duchess of Sussex?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are leaving their positions as official members of the British royal family, but what are the conditions? We now know some of the parameters of ‘Megxit,’ the term being used to describe their massive break with tradition, a move many believe was sparked by the relentless and often racist attacks on the couple, particularly Meghan, by British tabloids.Jan. 19, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Remembering the life and legacy of Dr. King

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


msnbc--2020-01-19--The Astros strike out and now congress may investigate MLB again

Fmr. Rep Hill: No plans to run for office, but ‘Literally everything has been exposed, including my naked pictures, not through my choice’ 05:31


msnbc--2020-01-19--A 'Made-for-TV' legal team for former a reality show star president


msnbc--2020-01-19--Former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi says Parnas is unlikely to be a witness in Senate impe

Former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi says Parnas is unlikely to be a witness in Senate impeachment trial
Former FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence and MSNBC National Security Analyst Frank Figliuzzi says to expect impeachment managers to work in the new information and documentation from Lev Parnas but not to see him on the witness standJan. 20, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-19--Hirono blasts Trump over report he spilled details of Soleimani strike with donors at Mar-A-Lago


msnbc--2020-01-19--The Curious Case of Mr. Hyde

The Curious Case of Mr. Hyde


msnbc--2020-01-19--Inspiring revelations from Ayanna Pressley and Evelyn Yang are a sign of change for women


msnbc--2020-01-19--Asa Hutchinson: 'That’s not an ideal call.'

Former Clinton impeachment trial manager and current Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (R–AR) tells NBC’s Kasie Hunt the call at the center of Trump’s impeachment trial 'should have been handled by the attorney general' but isn’t a high crime or misdemeanorJan. 20, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Mitch McConnell lays out rules, schedule for Trump’s impeachment

Joe : Rep. Nunes keeps getting caught in one clumsy lie after another

According to Sen. Mitch McConnell’s resolution, McConnell intends to cram 24 hours of arguments into two days per side, rather than three days as was done during Bill Clinton's impeachment. In another break with precedent, the evidence collected by the House won't be entered into the record until after that vote.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Rejected: See Trump snub Giuliani as impeachment trial begins

Pres. Trump just snubbed his outspoken personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, keeping him from joining his growing defense team for the impeachment trial. Giuliani has reportedly proven too large a liability, including his links to indicted businessman Lev Parnas, and this report tracks Giuliani’s history of questionable business judgment, including another major figure who was indicted after running the NYPD, a business alliance Giuliani later admitted was a “mistake.”Jan. 20, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell releases organizing resolution for Senate impeachment trial


msnbc--2020-01-20--2020 Democrats campaign on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On the final day before the Senate impeachment trial begins, 2020 Democrats make their case to African-American and Latino voters in Iowa.Jan. 20, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Sen. Mazie Hirono: 'Let's have real witnesses, relevant witnesses'


Monday's Mini-Report, 1.20.20

* On the eve of the impeachment trial ’ s first day : “ President Donald Trump did ‘ absolutely nothing wrong , ’ is the victim of a partisan plot to take him down and should be swiftly acquitted in a Senate trial , his legal team argued in a brief Monday.
” * Fortunately , there was no violence : “ Thousands of gun-rights activists , banned from carrying their weapons out of fear of violence , crammed into the Virginia Capitol on Monday to urge state lawmakers to reject sweeping measures to limit the spread of firearms.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t agree : “ Lev Parnas , the indicted associate of President Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani , has sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr requesting that he recuse himself from the investigation and appoint a special prosecutor , according to a new court filing.
” * Keep an eye on this one : “ A long-simmering conflict between the National Security Agency and the House Intelligence Committee broke into the open on Sunday when the committee ’ s chairman , Representative Adam B. Schiff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his panel , including some that might be useful in the impeachment trial of President Trump.
” * This one ’ s shaping up to be interesting , too : “ Andrew Peek , the senior director for European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council , has been placed on administrative leave pending a security-related investigation , people familiar with the situation tell Axios.
” * Trump used to think very little of Ken Starr , who ’ s now part of his team : “ President Trump on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him at his impeachment trial .
And one of them is ‘ a lunatic ’ who was ‘ a disaster ’ during the last impeachment of a president , according to Trump himself.
” * The same goes for Dershowitz : “ Politics makes strange bedfellows , but perhaps none have ever been stranger than the two celebrity lawyers just announced as part of Donald Trump ’ s impeachment defense team : Kenneth Starr and Alan Dershowitz.
” * I ’ m curious if Trump has learned what immigration judges are : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal unions to a new level .
For the first time , the Trump administration is seeking to bust a union , the National Association of Immigration Judges , by declaring that its members are managers ineligible for labor organization membership .
It ’ s tantamount to decertification.
” * I ’ m glad Doris Miller is getting an aircraft carrier named after him : “ Doris Miller was working as a mess attendant on the battleship West Virginia the morning of Dec. 7 , 1941 , when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ship drew heavy fire , Mr. Miller raced to assist the West Virginia ’ s fatally wounded commanding officer .
He also fired a machine gun against enemy planes .
For his bravery and ‘ distinguished devotion to duty ’ that day , Mr. Miller was awarded the prestigious Navy Cross , the second-highest military decoration , in 1942 , making him the first African-American to receive the medal .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* On the eve of the impeachment trial's first day: "President Donald Trump did 'absolutely nothing wrong,' is the victim of a partisan plot to take him down and should be swiftly acquitted in a Senate trial, his legal team argued in a brief Monday."
* Fortunately, there was no violence: "Thousands of gun-rights activists, banned from carrying their weapons out of fear of violence, crammed into the Virginia Capitol on Monday to urge state lawmakers to reject sweeping measures to limit the spread of firearms."
* I have a hunch Barr won't agree: "Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of President Donald Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, has sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr requesting that he recuse himself from the investigation and appoint a special prosecutor, according to a new court filing."
* Keep an eye on this one: "A long-simmering conflict between the National Security Agency and the House Intelligence Committee broke into the open on Sunday when the committee's chairman, Representative Adam B. Schiff, accused the agency of withholding critical intelligence from his panel, including some that might be useful in the impeachment trial of President Trump."
* This one's shaping up to be interesting, too: "Andrew Peek, the senior director for European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, has been placed on administrative leave pending a security-related investigation, people familiar with the situation tell Axios."
* Trump used to think very little of Ken Starr, who's now part of his team: "President Trump on Friday chose the people who will be defending him at his impeachment trial. And one of them is 'a lunatic' who was 'a disaster' during the last impeachment of a president, according to Trump himself."
* The same goes for Dershowitz: "Politics makes strange bedfellows, but perhaps none have ever been stranger than the two celebrity lawyers just announced as part of Donald Trump's impeachment defense team: Kenneth Starr and Alan Dershowitz."
* I'm curious if Trump has learned what immigration judges are: "President Trump is escalating his attacks on federal unions to a new level. For the first time, the Trump administration is seeking to bust a union, the National Association of Immigration Judges, by declaring that its members are managers ineligible for labor organization membership. It's tantamount to decertification."
* I'm glad Doris Miller is getting an aircraft carrier named after him: "Doris Miller was working as a mess attendant on the battleship West Virginia the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. An alarm sounded, and as the ship drew heavy fire, Mr. Miller raced to assist the West Virginia's fatally wounded commanding officer. He also fired a machine gun against enemy planes. For his bravery and 'distinguished devotion to duty' that day, Mr. Miller was awarded the prestigious Navy Cross, the second-highest military decoration, in 1942, making him the first African-American to receive the medal."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-20--New York Times Editorial Board breaks with convention and endorses two candidates


msnbc--2020-01-20--Donald Trump’s legal defense team will not deny Trump’s actions, just say they are not impeachable

Donald Trump’s legal defense team will not deny Trump’s actions, just say they are not impeachable
Trump’s lawyers will argue that the actions being debated in the Senate impeachment trial are not impeachable, instead of engaging in a legal battle over the factsJan. 20, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--How long will the Senate impeachment trial take?


msnbc--2020-01-21--Trump in Davos as impeachment trial gets underway

Moderate Republicans will be under pressure during impeachment trial


msnbc--2020-01-21--Moderate Republicans will be under pressure during impeachment trial

Moderate Republicans will be under pressure during impeachment trial
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will allot each side a total of 24 hours to present their arguments in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, but the time must be confined to two working days. Leigh Ann Caldwell discusses.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Majority says Senate should vote to convict, remove Trump


msnbc--2020-01-20--Rick Wilson: Trump attracts the worst grifters and scumbags

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


msnbc--2020-01-20--Experts reject Trump lawyer Dershowitz's claim abuse of power isn't impeachable

One member of Trump's legal team is arguing that abuse of power is not an impeachable offense, but many legal experts are roundly rejecting that claim.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Questions swirl around AG Barr as Trump impeachment trial begins

Lev Parnas's attorney requested that Attorney General William Barr recuse himself from the federal campaign finance case against Parnas. We discuss how it all ties into Trump's impeachment trial.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Lawrence on 'high crimes and misdemeanors'

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


msnbc--2020-01-20--Day 1,096: Democrats and GOP fight over Trump impeachment rules


msnbc--2020-01-20--Blumenthal: McConnell's 'shameful' rules are a 'cover up'

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), an impeachment juror, tells Lawrence O'Donnell that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's proposed rules for the impeachment trial show that McConnell has "a race against the clock" as more evidence against President Trump emerges.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-20--Impeachment trial is a 'dynamic' situation for GOP senators

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is hoping for a fast acquittal of President Trump during the upcoming impeachment trial, but David Frum from The Atlantic tells Lawrence O'Donnell that being so blatant about his desires is "also a sign of vulnerability."Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--‘Caught bluffing’: See Trump trial begin as GOP Sen. McConnell backs down on rules

'No eating , no drinking , no caffeine ' : What it 's like on the Senate floor during impeachment @

In this report on Day 1 of Pres. Trump’s impeachment trial, MSNBC Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber breaks down the key moments, the high stakes wrangling over the rules, and the top clips of both sides making their historic arguments on the Senate floor. Melber notes that for the first time today, a President who boycotted the entire house process made contact with the debate over his fitness for office, and Melber fact-checks some of the key claims. He also reports that the Democratic House Managers’ argument boiled down to some famous lines from the iconic courtroom film “A Few Good Men,” and whether everyone involved in the trial can “handle the truth.” (MSNBC Digital Exclusive.)Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Sen. Harris: Republicans are bogging down trial by handing out lies that must be corrected

Sen. Harris: Republicans are bogging down trial by handing out lies that must be corrected
Sen. Kamala Harris says that Republican senators and President Trump's defense team are strategically bogging down the proceedings by throwing out "all these misleading statements, these lies" that Democrats then have their speaking time to correct before getting to arguments about the amendments and resolutions.Jan. 21, 2020


Tuesday's Mini-Report, 1.21.20

* The votes on Democratic amendments in the impeachment trial are underway : “ The Senate voted on party lines to kill the first Schumer amendment , which would have subpoenaed the White House for documents related to Ukraine.
” * Given how Trump responded to Ebola in 2014 , I shudder to think what he ’ ll do with this : “ Federal health officials confirmed Tuesday that a case of the new coronavirus has been diagnosed in Washington state , just north of Seattle.
” * He seems to enjoy threatening traditional U.S. allies : “ President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposing tariffs on European automobiles if he can ’ t strike a trade agreement with the European Union .
‘ They know that I ’ m going to put tariffs on them if they don ’ t make a deal that ’ s a fair deal , ’ Mr. Trump said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
” * An important church-state case : “ The Supreme Court takes up the sensitive issue of religion in public life Wednesday , considering whether states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups from receiving some state benefits.
” * Hmm : “ Documents apparently generated by Cambridge Analytica suggest that the political consulting firm had a contractual relationship with Kenneth Braithwaite in the year before he was nominated to be U.S .
Ambassador to Norway in 2017 .
Braithwaite , who President Trump has said will be his nominee for Secretary of the Navy , made no mention of an agreement in his required government disclosure form , and says he never entered one.
” * A good look at presidential corruption : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Donald Trump has accomplished something no president before him has done : fusing his private business interests with America ’ s highest public office.
” * Guantanamo : “ James Mitchell will be the first witness to describe the torture of detainees in the secret prisons – some at his own hands – in the trial of the men accused of plotting the Sept. 11 attacks.
” * The American College of Physicians : “ With health care an election-year priority , a major doctors ’ organization on Monday called for sweeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reduce costs and improve the basic well-being of Americans.
” * Putting aside concerns about Glenn Greenwald ’ s work , this appears to be an autocratic government trying to intimidate and shut down a journalist , and it ’ s inexcusable : “ Federal prosecutors in Brazil on Tuesday charged the American journalist Glenn Greenwald with cybercrimes for his role in bringing to light cellphone messages that have embarrassed prosecutors and tarnished the image of an anti-corruption task force .
”

Today's edition of quick hits:
* The votes on Democratic amendments in the impeachment trial are underway: "The Senate voted on party lines to kill the first Schumer amendment, which would have subpoenaed the White House for documents related to Ukraine."
* Given how Trump responded to Ebola in 2014, I shudder to think what he'll do with this: "Federal health officials confirmed Tuesday that a case of the new coronavirus has been diagnosed in Washington state, just north of Seattle."
* He seems to enjoy threatening traditional U.S. allies: "President Trump said Tuesday that he is serious about imposing tariffs on European automobiles if he can't strike a trade agreement with the European Union. 'They know that I'm going to put tariffs on them if they don't make a deal that's a fair deal,' Mr. Trump said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum."
* An important church-state case: "The Supreme Court takes up the sensitive issue of religion in public life Wednesday, considering whether states violate the Constitution if they prevent religious groups from receiving some state benefits."
* Hmm: "Documents apparently generated by Cambridge Analytica suggest that the political consulting firm had a contractual relationship with Kenneth Braithwaite in the year before he was nominated to be U.S. Ambassador to Norway in 2017. Braithwaite, who President Trump has said will be his nominee for Secretary of the Navy, made no mention of an agreement in his required government disclosure form, and says he never entered one."
* A good look at presidential corruption: "In three years in the White House, Donald Trump has accomplished something no president before him has done: fusing his private business interests with America's highest public office."
* Guantanamo: "James Mitchell will be the first witness to describe the torture of detainees in the secret prisons -- some at his own hands -- in the trial of the men accused of plotting the Sept. 11 attacks."
* The American College of Physicians: "With health care an election-year priority, a major doctors' organization on Monday called for sweeping government action to guarantee coverage for all, reduce costs and improve the basic well-being of Americans."
* Putting aside concerns about Glenn Greenwald's work, this appears to be an autocratic government trying to intimidate and shut down a journalist, and it's inexcusable: "Federal prosecutors in Brazil on Tuesday charged the American journalist Glenn Greenwald with cybercrimes for his role in bringing to light cellphone messages that have embarrassed prosecutors and tarnished the image of an anti-corruption task force."
See you tomorrow.


msnbc--2020-01-21--Steele: Impeachment process 'dumbed down to the lowest pitiful common denominator of ugly and stupid

Steele: Impeachment process 'dumbed down to the lowest pitiful common denominator of ugly and stupid'

Michael Steele and Nicolle Wallace discuss the votes on amendments to the rules proposed by Sen. Chuck Schumer, and how the lack of evidence and witnesses will "strain" the bonds between the GOP and their voters.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Weissmann: GOP playing 'hear no evil, see no evil' because they don't want to find it

Weissmann: GOP playing 'hear no evil, see no evil' because they don't want to find it
Former Justice Department prosecutor Andrew Weissman, Chuck Rosenberg and Nicolle Walalce discuss the fact that GOP senators seem set to vote to hold the impeachment trial without witnesses or evidence. Chuck Rosenberg refers to the votes as "predictable, yet disappointing."Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--McConnell changes direction (at least a bit) on impeachment trial

When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) unveiled his blueprint for Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial last night , it landed with a thud .
Under the GOP leader ’ s vision , for example , both sides would present their cases over just two days – opening the door to late-night proceedings that few Americans would see .
McConnell ’ s plan also did not automatically admit evidence collected as part of the House ’ s impeachment inquiry as part of the Senate proceedings .
Senate Democrats howled , pointing to the Republican leadership ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a sharp departure from the rules during the Clinton impeachment trial in 1999 .
This afternoon , to the surprise of many , McConnell shifted his posture .
The last-minute changes – which were written by hand on the resolution , with other lines crossed out – were revealed on Tuesday as the organizing resolution for President Donald Trump ’ s Senate trial was being read into the record on the Senate floor .
The new version gives both side 24 hours to make their case over three days , instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday… .
The change means the trial days , which start at 1 p.m .
ET , will likely now conclude around 9 pm .
[ … ] McConnell also tweaked another controversial provision that could have barred all the evidence against Trump gathered by the House Democrats ’ inquiry from being entered into the Senate record .
To be sure , these changes in direction do not entirely resolve the partisan conflict .
The revised resolution still offers no guarantees on witness testimony and no assurances that senators will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an unexpected step all the same – which naturally raises questions about why McConnell , after weeks of planning , changed his mind .
After all , as recently as last night , the Republican leader said he had the votes to pass his original blueprint , as-is .
Was McConnell fibbing ?
Did he count to 51 poorly ?
Or did some members balk as the public debate proceeded throughout the morning ?
Don ’ t discount that third possibility too quickly : the fact that the changes were written by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the process .
There was a Senate GOP conference meeting in the late morning , and it ’ s easy to imagine some of McConnell ’ s members expressing reservations about his game plan prompting some 11th-hour edits to the resolution .
Whatever the reasoning , McConnell found it necessary to retreat – which he does not often do .
Keep this in mind as the process moves forward , because if the Kentucky Republican has less control than he expects to have , the trial may very well include elements he @ @ @ @ @ @ @

When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) unveiled his blueprint for Donald Trump's impeachment trial last night, it landed with a thud.
Under the GOP leader's vision, for example, both sides would present their cases over just two days -- opening the door to late-night proceedings that few Americans would see. McConnell's plan also did not automatically admit evidence collected as part of the House's impeachment inquiry as part of the Senate proceedings.
Senate Democrats howled, pointing to the Republican leadership's approach as evidence of a rigged trial, and a sharp departure from the rules during the Clinton impeachment trial in 1999. This afternoon, to the surprise of many, McConnell shifted his posture.
The last-minute changes -- which were written by hand on the resolution, with other lines crossed out -- were revealed on Tuesday as the organizing resolution for President Donald Trump's Senate trial was being read into the record on the Senate floor. The new version gives both side 24 hours to make their case over three days, instead of the two initially proposed by McConnell on Monday.... The change means the trial days, which start at 1 p.m. ET, will likely now conclude around 9 pm. [...]McConnell also tweaked another controversial provision that could have barred all the evidence against Trump gathered by the House Democrats' inquiry from being entered into the Senate record.
To be sure, these changes in direction do not entirely resolve the partisan conflict. The revised resolution still offers no guarantees on witness testimony and no assurances that senators will be able to consider new evidence.
But it was an unexpected step all the same -- which naturally raises questions about why McConnell, after weeks of planning, changed his mind.
After all, as recently as last night, the Republican leader said he had the votes to pass his original blueprint, as-is. Was McConnell fibbing? Did he count to 51 poorly? Or did some members balk as the public debate proceeded throughout the morning?
Don't discount that third possibility too quickly: the fact that the changes were written by hand suggests they were made rather late in the process. There was a Senate GOP conference meeting in the late morning, and it's easy to imagine some of McConnell's members expressing reservations about his game plan prompting some 11th-hour edits to the resolution.
Whatever the reasoning, McConnell found it necessary to retreat -- which he does not often do. Keep this in mind as the process moves forward, because if the Kentucky Republican has less control than he expects to have, the trial may very well include elements he'd prefer to leave out.


msnbc--2020-01-21--McCaskill: Trump's lawyer just stood in front of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and lied

McCaskill: Trump's lawyer just stood in front of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and lied
Claire McCaskill, Chuck Rosenberg and Michael Steele discuss several things Trump attorneys Jay Sekulow and Pat Cipollone said that were, according to McCaskill, were either "flat lies" or "just ignorant." Chuck Rosenberg explains how these moments are why fair trial is necessary.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--McConnell already loses grip on GOP, softens rules after caucus 'ate his lunch'

Nicolle Wallace, Claire McCaskill and Michael Steele discuss the last-minute, handwritten changes made to the Trump impeachment trial rules he released Monday night, and what those changes could mean for the future of the trial.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--'No eating, no drinking, no caffeine': What it's like on the Senate floor during impeachment trial

'No eating, no drinking, no caffeine': What it's like on the Senate floor during impeachment trial
Former Senator Claire McCaskill takes Nicolle Wallace and Brian Williams through the restrictions placed on senators while on the floor during the impeachment trial, and shares the only beverage allowed besides water: Surprisingly, milk.Jan. 21, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Wallace: GOP treatment of impeachment trial is 'positively Russian'

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


msnbc--2020-01-22--Day 1 of impeachment trial ends after 13 hours

Biden for Bolton ?
Will Dems and GOP each get a Trump impeachment witness ?

The first day of the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump came to a close after 13 hours of debate. NBC News’ Geoff Bennett looks at the various amendments that were debated throughout the evening.Jan. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-22--Barbara Boxer: Trump's legal team seems unprepared

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


msnbc--2020-01-21--NBC News: Trump White House may bring forward motion to dismiss


msnbc--2020-01-21--Jeremy Bash: Will Republicans allow a real Trump impeachment trial?

Former chief of staff at the CIA and the Pentagon Jeremy Bash reacts to the first day of the Trump Senate impeachment trial questioning whether the proceedings would provide a robust trial or not.Jan. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Claire McCaskill: House Dems are making a better case than team Trump so far

Claire McCaskill: House Dems are making a better case than team Trump so far
Fmr. U.S. Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill reacts to how each side is doing as the first day of the Trump Senate impeachment trial nears a close.Jan. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Biden for Bolton? Will Dems and GOP each get a Trump impeachment witness?

Biden for Bolton? Will Dems and GOP each get a Trump impeachment witness?
Will Republicans and Democrats each get to include at least one witness during Trump's Senate impeachment trial? Robert Costa shares the latest reporting from Capitol Hill.Jan. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Sen. Klobuchar: Why would GOP senators attend trial 'if they're not gonna protect the Constitution'

During a break in the Senate impeachment proceedings, Sen. Amy Klobuchar expressed frustration at the continued opposition to witnesses from Republicans and Trump's defense. Of senators who appeared to be sleeping or looking away during proceedings, Klobuchar said, "I just don’t know why they would have this job and come here if they’re not gonna protect the Constitution."Jan. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Wiley: Dems 'brought the receipts, threw them on the table, and asked them to be paid'

Wiley: Dems 'brought the receipts, threw them on the table, and asked them to be paid'
Legal analyst Maya Wiley says the Democrats' impeachment managers are trying to use the Senate trial's rules process to deliver evidence, but Mitch McConnell is trying to use the rules to advantage the White House's defense.Jan. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-21--Klobuchar on Republican colleagues: 'To me they look embarrassed'

Senator Amy Klobuchar talks with Rachel Maddow and an MSNBC panel during a break in the Donald Trump impeachment trial, and remarks on how her Republican colleagues, who she's known to make a priority of national security and support for Ukraine, appear ashamed as House managers outline the factual details of Donald Trump's Ukraine scheme.Jan. 22, 2020


msnbc--2020-01-23--On Ukraine scandal, GOP tries to revive...

The basic contours of Donald Trump ’ s Ukraine scandal are straightforward : he delayed military aid to a vulnerable ally because he hoped to extort foreign officials into helping him cheat in his re-election campaign .
The president and his allies , however , have periodically flirted with alternative story : yes , Trump delayed the aid , the story goes , but only because of his deep and abiding concerns about corruption .
The fanciful talking point has fallen in and out of favor in recent months , but it ’ s apparently making a comeback .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his decision to block congressionally approved aid , “ [ T ] he other thing I wanted to check very carefully – and it ’ s very important – is corruption.
” Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) added on Twitter yesterday afternoon : “ A reminder of what this is all about : any president – any administration – is justified in investigating corruption.
” Trump helped promote the missive soon after .
Do we really have to do this again ?
Hasn ’ t the argument already been discredited enough ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about corruption we could shine a light on his efforts to make international bribery easier .
We could also note the many instances in which the president has faced credible allegations of corruption since he took office .
We could even note how difficult it is to see the president as an anti-corruption crusader given the number of close Trump associates who ’ ve recently ended up in prison .
But let ’ s instead focus specifically on the subject at hand , highlighting a point House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s impeachment trial about why Trump ’ s claim is impossible to take seriously .
“ If the president was fighting corruption … why would he hide it from us ?
” Schiff said .
“ Why would he hide it from the Ukrainians ?
Why would he hide it from the rest of the world ?
… Why wouldn ’ t he be proud to tell the Congress of the United States , ‘ I ’ m holding up this aid , and I ’ m holding it up because I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Why wouldn ’ t he ?
Because of course it wasn ’ t true , ” Schiff said .
That ’ s a devastatingly good point , but there ’ s no reason to stop there .
If Trump ’ s interest in Ukrainian corruption was sincere , why didn ’ t he broach the subject during his July phone meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ?
For that matter , why did Trump also fail to broach the subject in his April phone meeting with Zelensky ?
Why is it that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff to bring up corruption when speaking with Zelensky , only to have the Republican ignore the advice ?
If Trump was serious about corruption concerns , why did he rely on a private attorney – Rudy Giuliani – and his controversial associates , rather than turning to official channels ?
If Trump “ wanted to check very carefully ” about corruption in Kyiv , where is there literally no evidence of any such Trump administration investigation ?
Why has Trump been tripped up by questions like these ?
To hear President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get foreign governments like Ukraine and China to open investigations into the Biden family is all about principled corruption concerns , not politics… .
But all it took was one question from CNBC ’ s Eamon Javers to destroy his talking point .
“ Have you asked foreign leaders for any corruption investigations that don ’ t involve your political opponents ?
” Javers asked .
The answer , it quickly became apparent , was no – even if Trump didn ’ t want to admit it .
I can appreciate the jam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
The president got caught engaging in an illegal extortion scheme , which sparked an intense effort to come up with a credible excuse .
But this talking point has been discredited .
They ’ ll have to look elsewhere .

The basic contours of Donald Trump's Ukraine scandal are straightforward: he delayed military aid to a vulnerable ally because he hoped to extort foreign officials into helping him cheat in his re-election campaign. The president and his allies, however, have periodically flirted with an alternative story: yes, Trump delayed the aid, the story goes, but only because of his deep and abiding concerns about corruption.
The fanciful talking point has fallen in and out of favor in recent months, but it's apparently making a comeback. The president claimed yesterday, in reference to his decision to block congressionally approved aid, "[T]he other thing I wanted to check very carefully -- and it's very important -- is corruption."
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) added on Twitter yesterday afternoon: "A reminder of what this is all about: any president -- any administration -- is justified in investigating corruption." Trump helped promote the missive soon after.
Do we really have to do this again? Hasn't the argument already been discredited enough?
To show that Trump has no genuine concerns about corruption we could shine a light on his efforts to make international bribery easier. We could also note the many instances in which the president has faced credible allegations of corruption since he took office. We could even note how difficult it is to see the president as an anti-corruption crusader given the number of close Trump associates who've recently ended up in prison.
But let's instead focus specifically on the subject at hand, highlighting a point House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) made during yesterday's impeachment trial about why Trump's claim is impossible to take seriously.
"If the president was fighting corruption ... why would he hide it from us?" Schiff said. "Why would he hide it from the Ukrainians? Why would he hide it from the rest of the world? ... Why wouldn't he be proud to tell the Congress of the United States, 'I'm holding up this aid, and I'm holding it up because I'm worried about corruption'?""Why wouldn't he? Because of course it wasn't true," Schiff said.
That's a devastatingly good point, but there's no reason to stop there.
If Trump's interest in Ukrainian corruption was sincere, why didn't he broach the subject during his July phone meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky? For that matter, why did Trump also fail to broach the subject in his April phone meeting with Zelensky?
Why is it that Trump was specifically urged by his own staff to bring up corruption when speaking with Zelensky, only to have the Republican ignore the advice?
If Trump was serious about corruption concerns, why did he rely on a private attorney -- Rudy Giuliani -- and his controversial associates, rather than turning to official channels?
If Trump "wanted to check very carefully" about corruption in Kyiv, why is there literally no evidence of any such Trump administration investigation?
Why has Trump been tripped up by questions like these?
To hear President Donald Trump tell it, his desire to get foreign governments like Ukraine and China to open investigations into the Biden family is all about principled corruption concerns, not politics.... But all it took was one question from CNBC's Eamon Javers to destroy his talking point."Have you asked foreign leaders for any corruption investigations that don't involve your political opponents?" Javers asked.The answer, it quickly became apparent, was no -- even if Trump didn't want to admit it.
I can appreciate the jam the White House and its allies are in. The president got caught engaging in an illegal extortion scheme, which sparked an intense effort to come up with a credible excuse.
But this talking point has been discredited. They'll have to look elsewhere.


msnbc--2020-01-23--Is it time for 'President Pence'? New ad says yes

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

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


msnbc--2020-01-23--When Trump says something's 'ahead of...

At a White House event a couple of weeks ago , Donald Trump commented on the military aid package to Ukraine – the one he blocked as part of an illegal extortion scheme – and used a familiar phrase .
“ [ B ] y the way , in terms of the money , it got there two or three weeks ahead of schedule – long before it was supposed to be there , ” the president claimed .
“ There was absolutely nothing done wrong.
” He echoed the point again yesterday , telling reporters , in reference to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their money long before schedule.
” There are a couple of key elements to this that are worth keeping in mind .
The first is that Trump ’ s claims are ridiculously untrue .
As the New York Times recently explained : The 2019 federal fiscal year ended on Sept. 30 , the date by which all appropriated aid to Ukraine was supposed to be disbursed .
But because of the freeze ordered by Mr. Trump , not all of the aid was spent before the deadline .
Congress had appropriated $ 391 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 250 million from the Pentagon and $ 141 million from the State Department – meant to be spent by the end of September .
Though the Pentagon announced its plans to provide the aid in June , White House officials blocked its release in July .
It remained frozen until mid-September , when Mr. Trump relented after pressure from lawmakers and administration officials .
The second angle of note is that whenever Trump says something – anything , really – is “ ahead of schedule , ” it ’ s a near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As regular readers may recall , it ’ s become a curious staple of his presidency .
Roughly a year into his term , Trump spoke at a religious right gathering where he boasted , “ I didn ’ t have a schedule , but if I did have a schedule , I would say we are substantially ahead of schedule.
” It ’ s a phrase he embraced with great enthusiasm and without regard for accuracy .
Before adding an inch of border barriers , for example , Trump told supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall… .
Way ahead of schedule , way ahead of schedule .
Way , way , way ahead of schedule.
” The president added that his plans to overhaul veterans ’ care were “ ahead of schedule.
” He insisted that his proposed changes to U.S. education policy were “ ahead of schedule.
” Before the Republican tax plain even existed , Trump assured the public that his plan was “ actually ahead of schedule.
” None of these claims were true , but they seemed to make him feel better .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells stories about unnamed crying men , calling him “ sir , ” and expressing their undying love for him : when we hear the phrase “ ahead of schedule , ” it ’ s best to be skeptical .

At a White House event a couple of weeks ago, Donald Trump commented on the military aid package to Ukraine -- the one he blocked as part of an illegal extortion scheme -- and used a familiar phrase.
"[B]y the way, in terms of the money, it got there two or three weeks ahead of schedule -- long before it was supposed to be there," the president claimed. "There was absolutely nothing done wrong." He echoed the point again yesterday, telling reporters, in reference to officials in Kyiv, "They got their money long before schedule."
There are a couple of key elements to this that are worth keeping in mind. The first is that Trump's claims are ridiculously untrue. As the New York Times recently explained:
The 2019 federal fiscal year ended on Sept. 30, the date by which all appropriated aid to Ukraine was supposed to be disbursed. But because of the freeze ordered by Mr. Trump, not all of the aid was spent before the deadline.Congress had appropriated $391 million in military assistance to Ukraine -- $250 million from the Pentagon and $141 million from the State Department -- meant to be spent by the end of September. Though the Pentagon announced its plans to provide the aid in June, White House officials blocked its release in July. It remained frozen until mid-September, when Mr. Trump relented after pressure from lawmakers and administration officials.
The second angle of note is that whenever Trump says something -- anything, really -- is "ahead of schedule," it's a near certainty he's making stuff up.
As regular readers may recall, it's become a curious staple of his presidency. Roughly a year into his term, Trump spoke at a religious right gathering where he boasted, "I didn't have a schedule, but if I did have a schedule, I would say we are substantially ahead of schedule."
It's a phrase he embraced with great enthusiasm and without regard for accuracy. Before adding an inch of border barriers, for example, Trump told supporters, "We're building the wall.... Way ahead of schedule, way ahead of schedule. Way, way, way ahead of schedule."
The president added that his plans to overhaul veterans' care were "ahead of schedule." He insisted that his proposed changes to U.S. education policy were "ahead of schedule." Before the Republican tax plan even existed, Trump assured the public that his plan was "actually ahead of schedule."
None of these claims were true, but they seemed to make him feel better.
It's a bit like when Trump tells stories about unnamed crying men, calling him "sir," and expressing their undying love for him: when we hear the phrase "ahead of schedule," it's best to be skeptical.