thestream--2020-09-30--Biden and Wallace Team Up Against Trump for Un-Presidential Debate

Tonight , there was supposed to be a debate .
Instead we were sullied with a gut-churning free-for-all .
CNN called the night a more vulgar version of a “ feces festival.
” And for once , CNN had it right .
Thank you , Chris Wallace Moderator Wallace said before the debate he wanted to be invisible during the debate .
He lied .
Chris Wallace spent the 96 minutes working for Team Biden .
From the opening gun , he would interrupt Trump , repeatedly he would stop Trump when Trump was scoring points .
For long stretches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not Biden .
He lost total control of the debate .
Most shamefully , he allowed Joe Biden to go unchallenged on a series of slurs and lies , and blocked Trump from responding .
Very literally , Donald Trump was fighting on that stage one against two .
And to some degree , against his own pugilist nature .
Opponent One : Joe Did What He Needed to Do So who won ?
It ’ s hard to say .
It ’ s like deciding who won in a train wreck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened to what I wrote that each needed to do , Joe Biden gets the advantage .
I said Joe Biden ’ s real opponent was Father Time .
Could he physically go the 90 minutes without any horrific gaffes , mental lapses or other obvious signs of dementia ?
He did .
Joe remained energetic throughout the whole debate ( thanks perhaps to the breaks Wallace would give him by engaging in debate with Trump . )
There were no strange outbursts or talk of his “ 180 years ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed on track .
Perhaps because Trump repeatedly interrupted him , so he didn ’ t get much opportunity to ramble his way into trouble .
Yet , If You Look Closely at What He Said However , Joe said some things that may cause problems when people actually analyze what he said .
First , he declared Antifa is “ an idea , not an organization.
” Tell that to those who have suffered from Antifa violence .
Ideas don ’ t show up at an appointed time and destroy property and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get military style training .
Ideas don ’ t have uniforms .
It is a terror group out to tear down America , and Joe Biden has no problem with them .
Second , Biden basically told Bernie Bros and AOC his outreach to them was for show .
First , he denied the existence of his policy pact with Bernie Sanders .
He declared “ My party is me !
I am the Democratic Party !
” ( “ Not according to Harris , ” Trump replied . )
Hear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You going to spend the next five weeks helping Joe win ?
Biden claimed “ I do not support the Green New Deal .
… It ’ s not my plan.
” Yet , his own website says he does support it .
His running mate Kamala Harris co-sponsored it .
Do you think AOC is happy to hear Biden ’ s really not on board ?
Third , Joe Biden refused to answer whether he supported ending the filibuster or packing the Supreme Court .
That is a question of crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we voters don ’ t deserve an answer ?
Fourth , Wallace challenged Biden once .
Once .
And his answer was pathetic .
Biden was asked if he ever called the Democrat mayor of Portland or the governor of Oregon and told them to stop the days and months of violence .
Biden said no because he ’ s currently not in office .
Joe had just got done saying “ I am the Democratic party.
” He ’ s the most recent Democratic Vice President .
Yet he couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic governor ?
Either Joe is incredibly weak or secretly happy with the violence .
Fifth , Biden might have ticked off some voters in places like Ohio , Pennsylvania and West Virginia .
He vowed , “ Nobody ’ s going to build another coal-fired plant in America .
No one is going to build another oil-fired plant in America.
” Sixth , remember how Joe Biden is supposed to be the nice one ?
The night was filled with nasty Biden asides , “ Will you shut up , man ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The “ worst president America has ever had.
” And a thoroughly awful slander : “ He and his friends look their nose down on people , people of different faiths or colors.
” Nothing Trump said came close to that level of nasty .
Most hypocritically , Biden told Trump to “ get out of the bunker and off the golf course.
” Bizarre from a man who has spent six months hiding in his basement .
Speaking of which : Yeah , Joe got through the 90 minutes .
The question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of him ?
Will he be on the campaign trail Wednesday ?
Let ’ s keep an eye on what kind of shape he ’ s in after the fight .
The Presidency is not one day on , one day off .
Chris Wallace ’ s obvious efforts to thwart Trump and prop up Biden weren ’ t the only ways Wallace put his fingers on the scale .
As The Stream ‘ s Jay Richards pointed out on Twitter , each of Wallace ’ s questions was framed in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently ended the poisonous “ critical race theory ” training within the government .
It is racist and destructive , as Trump pointed out .
However , Chris Wallace didn ’ t ask about “ Critical Race Theory , ” which is the basis for the training .
He used the much more nice sounding “ racial sensitivity training.
” When talking about voter fraud , Wallace did not distinguish between universal mail-in ballots and requested absentee ballots .
Wallace blurring the lines for the election is reading the Democratic script .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examples of trouble was yet another gift to Biden .
But Trump gave a gift to Biden too .
President Trump missed many opportunities and was denied many others .
My advice to Trump had been to give short answers , stick to his accomplishments versus Biden ’ s failures , keep the pressure firm .
Give Joe the rope to hang himself .
However , Trump came out of the gate determined to rumble .
And once he realized Chris Wallace was going to tag-team him , all bets were off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ And with Biden throwing blatant lies at him , Trump wasn ’ t about to let it go unchallenged .
Yet , repeatedly , when Trump was in the process of scoring punches on Biden , Wallace stepped in .
Like when Trump said , “ Name one law enforcement support that supports you , Joe.
” Joe did not have an answer .
Trump prompted him to come up with one .
And Wallace interjected , sparing Biden the embarrassment .
When Trump brought up Joe ’ s response to the Swine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a disaster , Wallace did not push Biden for an answer .
Wallace again intervened when Trump starting hitting Joe on the $ 1.5 billion his son got from China when Biden was in charge of China policy , and the $ 3.5 million he got from a Russian woman close to Putin .
“ Why did he deserve to get $ 3.5 million from Moscow ?
” Trump kept asking .
Again Wallace threw a block and Biden didn ’ t have to answer fully .
He could get away with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debunked.
” Fact check : The $ 3.5 million wire transfer was recorded by the Treasury Dept .
Trump did have an answer for the obvious question about taxes .
Wallace tried to make it a yes or no .
Did you pay $ 750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017 ?
Trump answered that he paid millions .
Wallace insisted on the yes or no about the $ 750 .
He wanted Trump to confirm the $ 750 to score political points — even as he accepted the reality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and depreciations .
As for the election , Trump stated the obvious .
The election is shaping up to be a mess .
Already ballots are being misprinted , military votes for him were tossed in a trash .
And just today , his poll watchers were tossed out of Philadelphia area polling centers .
He didn ’ t even mention the ballot harvesting operation of Rep. Ilhan Omar .
Trump rightly said he will not accept a fraudulent election .
A fair election , yes .
Biden , of course , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results of the election .
( When factually , he was party to the effort to undermine the results of the 2016 election .
Trump did manage to point that out . )
Joe Biden threw every made up meme about Trump at Trump and Wallace did nothing .
Joe Biden repeated the demonstrable lie that Trump called white supremacists at Charlottesville “ very fine people.
” He lied about Trump wanting people to fight COVID by injecting bleach .
He repeated the debunked story that Trump had called World War I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ironically , when Trump countered that Biden had called military members “ stupid bastards , ” Biden lied , saying he never said that .
Of course , it is on tape .
All told , it would have been nice had President Trump not started the night by interrupting , trying to throw Biden off balance .
Had he not come in guns blazing .
But clearly the Wallace strategy was to not challenge Biden and to confront Trump .
If it was going to be a mud fight , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

Tonight, there was supposed to be a debate. Instead we were sullied with a gut-churning free-for-all. CNN called the night a more vulgar version of a “feces festival.” And for once, CNN had it right. Thank you, Chris Wallace
Moderator Wallace said before the debate he wanted to be invisible during the debate. He lied. Chris Wallace spent the 96 minutes working for Team Biden. From the opening gun, he would interrupt Trump, repeatedly he would stop Trump when Trump was scoring points. For long stretches, Wallace was the one debating Trump, not Biden. He lost total control of the debate. Most shamefully, he allowed Joe Biden to go unchallenged on a series of slurs and lies, and blocked Trump from responding.
Very literally, Donald Trump was fighting on that stage one against two. And to some degree, against his own pugilist nature.
Opponent One: Joe Did What He Needed to Do
So who won? It’s hard to say. It’s like deciding who won in a train wreck. However, if we compare what happened to what I wrote that each needed to do, Joe Biden gets the advantage. I said Joe Biden’s real opponent was Father Time. Could he physically go the 90 minutes without any horrific gaffes, mental lapses or other obvious signs of dementia? He did.
Joe remained energetic throughout the whole debate (thanks perhaps to the breaks Wallace would give him by engaging in debate with Trump.) There were no strange outbursts or talk of his “180 years” in the Senate. His train of thought generally stayed on track. Perhaps because Trump repeatedly interrupted him, so he didn’t get much opportunity to ramble his way into trouble.
Yet, If You Look Closely at What He Said
However, Joe said some things that may cause problems when people actually analyze what he said.
First, he declared Antifa is “an idea, not an organization.” Tell that to those who have suffered from Antifa violence. Ideas don’t show up at an appointed time and destroy property and attack innocent people. Ideas don’t get military style training. Ideas don’t have uniforms. It is a terror group out to tear down America, and Joe Biden has no problem with them.
Second, Biden basically told Bernie Bros and AOC his outreach to them was for show. First, he denied the existence of his policy pact with Bernie Sanders. He declared “My party is me! I am the Democratic Party!” (“Not according to Harris,” Trump replied.) Hear that, Bernie Bros? You got played. You going to spend the next five weeks helping Joe win?
Biden claimed “I do not support the Green New Deal. … It’s not my plan.” Yet, his own website says he does support it. His running mate Kamala Harris co-sponsored it. Do you think AOC is happy to hear Biden’s really not on board?
Third, Joe Biden refused to answer whether he supported ending the filibuster or packing the Supreme Court. That is a question of crucial importance to the future of the country and we voters don’t deserve an answer?
Fourth, Wallace challenged Biden once. Once. And his answer was pathetic. Biden was asked if he ever called the Democrat mayor of Portland or the governor of Oregon and told them to stop the days and months of violence. Biden said no because he’s currently not in office.
Joe had just got done saying “I am the Democratic party.” He’s the most recent Democratic Vice President. Yet he couldn’t call the Democratic mayor or the Democratic governor? Either Joe is incredibly weak or secretly happy with the violence.
Fifth, Biden might have ticked off some voters in places like Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He vowed, “Nobody’s going to build another coal-fired plant in America. No one is going to build another oil-fired plant in America.”
Sixth, remember how Joe Biden is supposed to be the nice one? The night was filled with nasty Biden asides, “Will you shut up, man?” Calling Trump a “clown.” The “worst president America has ever had.” And a thoroughly awful slander: “He and his friends look their nose down on people, people of different faiths or colors.” Nothing Trump said came close to that level of nasty.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Most hypocritically, Biden told Trump to “get out of the bunker and off the golf course.” Bizarre from a man who has spent six months hiding in his basement.
Speaking of which: Yeah, Joe got through the 90 minutes. The question is, how much did it take out of him? Will he be on the campaign trail Wednesday? Let’s keep an eye on what kind of shape he’s in after the fight. The Presidency is not one day on, one day off.
Opponent Two: Chris Wallace Was Wretched
Chris Wallace’s obvious efforts to thwart Trump and prop up Biden weren’t the only ways Wallace put his fingers on the scale.
As The Stream‘s Jay Richards pointed out on Twitter, each of Wallace’s questions was framed in a Biden-friendly manner. For example, Trump recently ended the poisonous “critical race theory” training within the government. It is racist and destructive, as Trump pointed out.
However, Chris Wallace didn’t ask about “Critical Race Theory,” which is the basis for the training. He used the much more nice sounding “racial sensitivity training.”
When talking about voter fraud, Wallace did not distinguish between universal mail-in ballots and requested absentee ballots. Wallace blurring the lines for the election is reading the Democratic script. Not asking Joe Biden about the already emerging examples of trouble was yet another gift to Biden.
But Trump gave a gift to Biden too.
Trump Didn’t Give Joe Enough Rope
President Trump missed many opportunities and was denied many others.
My advice to Trump had been to give short answers, stick to his accomplishments versus Biden’s failures, keep the pressure firm. Give Joe the rope to hang himself.
However, Trump came out of the gate determined to rumble. And once he realized Chris Wallace was going to tag-team him, all bets were off. He was in a gutter fight. And with Biden throwing blatant lies at him, Trump wasn’t about to let it go unchallenged.
Yet, repeatedly, when Trump was in the process of scoring punches on Biden, Wallace stepped in. Like when Trump said, “Name one law enforcement support that supports you, Joe.” Joe did not have an answer. Trump prompted him to come up with one. And Wallace interjected, sparing Biden the embarrassment.
When Trump brought up Joe’s response to the Swine Flu, which his own chief-of-staff said was a disaster, Wallace did not push Biden for an answer.
Wallace again intervened when Trump starting hitting Joe on the $1.5 billion his son got from China when Biden was in charge of China policy, and the $3.5 million he got from a Russian woman close to Putin.
“Why did he deserve to get $3.5 million from Moscow?” Trump kept asking. Again Wallace threw a block and Biden didn’t have to answer fully. He could get away with simply calling the allegations lies and “debunked.” Fact check: The $3.5 million wire transfer was recorded by the Treasury Dept.
Taxes and Election
Trump did have an answer for the obvious question about taxes. Wallace tried to make it a yes or no. Did you pay $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017? Trump answered that he paid millions. Wallace insisted on the yes or no about the $750. He wanted Trump to confirm the $750 to score political points — even as he accepted the reality of Trump’s ability to use credits and depreciations.
As for the election, Trump stated the obvious. The election is shaping up to be a mess. Already ballots are being misprinted, military votes for him were tossed in a trash. And just today, his poll watchers were tossed out of Philadelphia area polling centers.
He didn’t even mention the ballot harvesting operation of Rep. Ilhan Omar. Trump rightly said he will not accept a fraudulent election. A fair election, yes.
Biden, of course, said “Yes,” he would accept the results of the election. (When factually, he was party to the effort to undermine the results of the 2016 election. Trump did manage to point that out.)
Repeating the Charlottesville Hoax
Joe Biden threw every made up meme about Trump at Trump and Wallace did nothing. Joe Biden repeated the demonstrable lie that Trump called white supremacists at Charlottesville “very fine people.” He lied about Trump wanting people to fight COVID by injecting bleach. He repeated the debunked story that Trump had called World War I casualties “losers” and “suckers.”
Ironically, when Trump countered that Biden had called military members “stupid bastards,” Biden lied, saying he never said that. Of course, it is on tape.
All told, it would have been nice had President Trump not started the night by interrupting, trying to throw Biden off balance. Had he not come in guns blazing. But clearly the Wallace strategy was to not challenge Biden and to confront Trump.
If it was going to be a mud fight, at least the moderator should have stayed clean.
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-09-30--Trump Haters Gaslighting Trump Supporters

It ’ s getting scary out there , people .
Everywhere you turn , Trump haters are venting their wrath against Trump supporters , as if supporting President Trump is an unforgivable sin .
They ’ re projecting and gaslighting — blaming Trump and his supporters for everything they ’ re doing .
It ’ s madness , but at long last , they might have awakened the sleeping giant they ’ re trying to hunt down and destroy .
MSNBC ’ s Joy Reid tweeted , “ Genuine question : what will be the relationship between the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , national nightmare ends — and it will eventually end — do people anticipate simply letting bygones ( be ) bygones with people who joined the Trump personality cult ?
” What bygones ?
Who ’ s doing what to whom ?
What are we Trump supporters doing to you Trump haters , Joy ?
We are trying to mind our own business and stay safe .
Are you and yours ?
MSNBC ’ s Donny Deutsch likened a Trump rally to a Hitler rally from the early ’ 30s : “ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the belief in the free press .
You had a blurring between the executive branch and the Justice Department .
You have creating an other , whether it ’ s Muslims , whether it ’ s Mexicans , whether it ’ s congressmen who weren ’ t born in this country .
And then you have the destruction of free elections .
And we ’ re here.
” This is screaming insanity .
Trump supporters aren ’ t censoring people on social media .
They aren ’ t threatening their opponents ’ civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the separation of powers , which leftists routinely do , including through their activist courts and lawless executive orders ( under former President Barack Obama ) .
They ’ re not demonizing other races , as you maliciously accuse .
Quit belching that vicious slander .
And they are not the ones threatening the integrity of the electoral process .
The left , on the other hand , has promised to stack the Supreme Court ; add territories to the union to increase its electoral prospects ; circumvent the Electoral College ; obliterate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rampant unverifiable mail-in ballots and the elimination of voter ID rules ; and lower the voting age to 16 .
Republicans aren ’ t the ones threatening to lawlessly invoke impeachment to block Trump ’ s lawful Supreme Court nominee .
Increasingly deranged , intolerant , hateful and unhinged actor-turned-artist Jim Carrey said , “ Too many Americans support Trump because he appeals to their basest and most primitive urges.
” This is a direct indictment of millions of Trump supporters — many of whom have been your fans .
Tell me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do you mean ?
Our commitment to the Constitution , law and order , equal protection under the law for everyone , liberty , prosperity and a strong national defense ?
Protecting the borders to ensure orderly and legal immigration ?
Are these commitments racist and sexist to you , Jim ?
If you really believe that , you are obviously blinded into irrationality by your hatred and need of therapy and prayer .
Please get the tree trunk out of your own eye .
In the meantime , sketch a picture of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the now-famous Leo Guinan , who publicly bragged that he told his parents neither he nor his children would visit them because they had placed Trump signs in their yard .
After receiving blowback for this self-indulgent and heartless act , he publicly apologized .
We have obnoxious leftist “ protestors ” in St. Petersburg , Florida , taking over peaceful diners ’ tables from restaurant to restaurant , ratcheting up the despicable practice they began a few years ago to harass Trump supporters .
And , once again , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisville , where two policemen were shot trying to keep the peace .
The Left is Projecting Its Own Darkness How can things be more surreal ?
I ’ ll say it again : The left is projecting its own darkness onto Trump and his supporters .
Countless leftists accuse Trump of inciting violence and hate while displaying their own intolerance and hatred and committing violence .
Trump is trying to stop the violence , while Democratic governors and mayors are fanning the flames .
Fair-minded Democrats , please don ’ t fool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening equally on both sides of the aisle .
It simply is not true .
And don ’ t fall into the insidious trap of Trump Derangement Syndrome , which now possesses large swaths of Americans because of the left ’ s concerted effort to smear Trump and his supporters as racists for political gain .
How many Trump supporters are burning down cities , murdering cops , threatening mayhem if Joe Biden is elected , bullying Biden supporters out of restaurants , accosting people with Biden caps or yard signs , threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents and stirring up racial disharmony throughout the nation ?
When have Republican lawmakers ever tried to destroy the character of a Democratic president ’ s Supreme Court nominee ?
Yes , Republicans say they ’ re ready to defend themselves , but I know of none who are threatening to commit violence and mayhem if Trump loses .
The Last Best Hope I don ’ t know how people can be so warped as to condemn Trump for allegedly inspiring violence simply because they don ’ t like him , when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are .
I don ’ t know how they can rage against Trump as a dictator when he is doing nothing but exercising his lawful authority in office and appointing justices who will uphold the Constitution and rule of law , and when they are openly promising to thwart the Constitution in countless ways if they regain power .
Notwithstanding the planted trick question , Trump will not resist the peaceable transition of power , but he might legally contest a stolen election .
Meanwhile , prominent Democrats are promising not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they never accepted his 2016 victory .
No , Joy Reid , we Trump supporters are not part of a cult , no matter how much Trump haters have convinced themselves otherwise .
But we do see him as the last best hope to restore America ’ s greatness — and that includes liberty , peace and security for all , not just for those who agree with us , unlike many on your side believe .
We are relying on him to lawfully prevent the left ’ s destruction of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its abolition of liberty .
David Limbaugh is a writer , author and attorney .
His latest book is Guilty by Reason of Insanity : Why the Democrats Must Not Win .
Follow him on Twitter @ davidlimbaugh and his website at www.davidlimbaugh.com .

It’s getting scary out there, people. Everywhere you turn, Trump haters are venting their wrath against Trump supporters, as if supporting President Trump is an unforgivable sin.
They’re projecting and gaslighting — blaming Trump and his supporters for everything they’re doing. It’s madness, but at long last, they might have awakened the sleeping giant they’re trying to hunt down and destroy.
The Trump Haters
MSNBC’s Joy Reid tweeted, “Genuine question: what will be the relationship between the majority of Americans, and Trumpists after this long, national nightmare ends — and it will eventually end — do people anticipate simply letting bygones (be) bygones with people who joined the Trump personality cult?”
What bygones? Who’s doing what to whom? What are we Trump supporters doing to you Trump haters, Joy? We are trying to mind our own business and stay safe. Are you and yours?
MSNBC’s Donny Deutsch likened a Trump rally to a Hitler rally from the early ’30s: “Well, basically you had a destruction of the belief in the free press. You had a blurring between the executive branch and the Justice Department. You have creating an other, whether it’s Muslims, whether it’s Mexicans, whether it’s congressmen who weren’t born in this country. And then you have the destruction of free elections. And we’re here.”
Vicious Slander
This is screaming insanity. Trump supporters aren’t censoring people on social media. They aren’t threatening their opponents’ civil liberties. They aren’t violating the separation of powers, which leftists routinely do, including through their activist courts and lawless executive orders (under former President Barack Obama). They’re not demonizing other races, as you maliciously accuse. Quit belching that vicious slander. And they are not the ones threatening the integrity of the electoral process.
The left, on the other hand, has promised to stack the Supreme Court; add territories to the union to increase its electoral prospects; circumvent the Electoral College; obliterate the integrity of the voting process through rampant unverifiable mail-in ballots and the elimination of voter ID rules; and lower the voting age to 16. Republicans aren’t the ones threatening to lawlessly invoke impeachment to block Trump’s lawful Supreme Court nominee.
Base and Primitive Urges?
Increasingly deranged, intolerant, hateful and unhinged actor-turned-artist Jim Carrey said, “Too many Americans support Trump because he appeals to their basest and most primitive urges.” This is a direct indictment of millions of Trump supporters — many of whom have been your fans.
Tell me, Jim: What base and primitive urges do you mean? Our commitment to the Constitution, law and order, equal protection under the law for everyone, liberty, prosperity and a strong national defense? Protecting the borders to ensure orderly and legal immigration? Are these commitments racist and sexist to you, Jim? If you really believe that, you are obviously blinded into irrationality by your hatred and need of therapy and prayer. Please get the tree trunk out of your own eye. In the meantime, sketch a picture of your own dark heart.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
And how about the now-famous Leo Guinan, who publicly bragged that he told his parents neither he nor his children would visit them because they had placed Trump signs in their yard. After receiving blowback for this self-indulgent and heartless act, he publicly apologized.
We have obnoxious leftist “protestors” in St. Petersburg, Florida, taking over peaceful diners’ tables from restaurant to restaurant, ratcheting up the despicable practice they began a few years ago to harass Trump supporters.
And, once again, we have violent leftists rioting in the streets of Louisville, where two policemen were shot trying to keep the peace.
The Left is Projecting Its Own Darkness
How can things be more surreal? I’ll say it again: The left is projecting its own darkness onto Trump and his supporters. Countless leftists accuse Trump of inciting violence and hate while displaying their own intolerance and hatred and committing violence. Trump is trying to stop the violence, while Democratic governors and mayors are fanning the flames.
Fair-minded Democrats, please don’t fool yourself into rationalizing that these things are happening equally on both sides of the aisle. It simply is not true. And don’t fall into the insidious trap of Trump Derangement Syndrome, which now possesses large swaths of Americans because of the left’s concerted effort to smear Trump and his supporters as racists for political gain.
How many Trump supporters are burning down cities, murdering cops, threatening mayhem if Joe Biden is elected, bullying Biden supporters out of restaurants, accosting people with Biden caps or yard signs, threatening to withhold their children from their Biden-supporting parents and stirring up racial disharmony throughout the nation? When have Republican lawmakers ever tried to destroy the character of a Democratic president’s Supreme Court nominee?
Yes, Republicans say they’re ready to defend themselves, but I know of none who are threatening to commit violence and mayhem if Trump loses.
The Last Best Hope
I don’t know how people can be so warped as to condemn Trump for allegedly inspiring violence simply because they don’t like him, when they themselves are actually committing violence or enabling those who are. I don’t know how they can rage against Trump as a dictator when he is doing nothing but exercising his lawful authority in office and appointing justices who will uphold the Constitution and rule of law, and when they are openly promising to thwart the Constitution in countless ways if they regain power.
Notwithstanding the planted trick question, Trump will not resist the peaceable transition of power, but he might legally contest a stolen election. Meanwhile, prominent Democrats are promising not to accept a Trump victory — just like they never accepted his 2016 victory.
No, Joy Reid, we Trump supporters are not part of a cult, no matter how much Trump haters have convinced themselves otherwise. But we do see him as the last best hope to restore America’s greatness — and that includes liberty, peace and security for all, not just for those who agree with us, unlike many on your side believe. We are relying on him to lawfully prevent the left’s destruction of the nation, its violence and lawlessness, and its abolition of liberty.
God save the republic.
David Limbaugh is a writer, author and attorney. His latest book is Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Why the Democrats Must Not Win. Follow him on Twitter @davidlimbaugh and his website at www.davidlimbaugh.com.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM


thestream--2020-09-30--6 Highlights From Trump-Biden Debate

6 Highlights From Trump-Biden Debate

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden squared off for the first of three debates Tuesday night .
Here ’ s six matters the two discussed in the debate , which was moderated by Fox News anchor Chris Wallace .
With COVID-19 prompting significant mail-in or absentee voting , election integrity has become a major topic of discussion .
“ There are going to be millions of people , because of COVID , that are going to be voting by mail-in ballots , ” Biden said .
“ We ’ re going to make sure the people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that because enough poll watchers are there to make sure they can socially distance.
” He added , referring to Trump , “ This is all about trying to dissuade people from voting because he ’ s trying to scare people into thinking that it ’ s not going to be legitimate.
” The former vice president stressed that he would accept the results either way .
“ If I win , that will be accepted .
If I lose , that will be accepted , ” Biden said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s not sure what he ’ s going to accept , let me tell you something , it doesn ’ t matter .
If we get the votes , it ’ s going to be all over , He ’ s going to go.
” Trump warned of fraud , bringing up numerous examples of primaries earlier this year where mail-in balloting was a problem .
Trump made a distinction between absentee ballots–or what he called solicited ballots–and mass mail-in ballots .
“ As far as the ballots are concerned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solicited ballot is OK. You ’ re asking .
They send it , you send it back .
I did that , ” Trump said .
“ They are sending millions of unsolicited ballots across the country .
There is fraud .
They found them in creeks .
They found some with the name Trump in a wastepaper basket .
They are being sent all over the place .
They sent two in a Democrat area .
This is going to be fraud like you ’ ve never seen.
” Trump later added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months because these ballots are going to be all over .
Take a look at what happened in Manhattan .
Take a look at what happened in New Jersey .
Take a look at what happened in Virginia and other places .
They ’ re not losing 2 % or 1 % .
They are losing 30 % and 40 % .
It ’ s a fraud and a shame.
” As for the final results , Trump said , “ I am urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a fair election , “ I am 100 % on board.
” Trump argued that “ forest management ” was key to preventing the wildfires scouring California .
“ You need forest management … the forest floors are loaded up with trees , dead trees that are years old and they ’ re like tinder , and leaves and everything else— you drop a cigarette in there , and the whole forest burns down .
You ’ ve got to have forest management , ” Trump said .
Later he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the call , California ’ s burning , California ’ s burning … if you had forest management , good forest management , you wouldn ’ t be getting those calls.
” Asked by Wallace if human pollution and greenhouse gas emissions were contributing to global warming , Trump said , “ To an extent , yes.
” Biden spoke of weatherizing buildings , and increased use of electric-powered vehicles .
“ We can get to net zero in terms of energy production by 2035 , ” the former vice president said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created .
He also attributed the dramatic weather in recent years to climate change , saying : If the United States had stayed in the Paris Agreement , an international treaty , the nation would have had to make significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions , After Trump brought up the Green New Deal , an environmental plan released by Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , Biden said , “ I don ’ t support the Green New Deal.
” “ Your party wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Biden responded that his Democratic primary opponents attacked him for not supporting a Medicare for All plan .
“ The platform of the Democratic Party is what I , in fact , approved of , ” Biden said .
Wallace suggested Trump had no plan to replace Obamacare .
“ Of course I have , ” Trump responded .
“ We got rid of the individual mandate.
” Biden said that voters should “ have a right ” to determine who fills the Supreme Court seat vacated after the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should wait and see what the outcome of this election is , ” the former vice president said , adding , “ It ’ s just not appropriate to do this before the election.
” He did make it clear that it wasn ’ t personal .
“ She seems like a very fine person , but she has written before she went on the bench that she thinks that the Affordable Care Act is not constitutional , ” Biden said , referring to Amy Coney Barrett , who currently serves as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 7th Circuit .
When asked about the appropriateness of appointing Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court before the election , Trump stated , “ Elections have consequences.
” “ A president is elected for four years , ” Trump said .
“ We are not elected for three years .
I ’ m not elected for three years.
” Trump also said of Barrett , “ She is going to be as good as anybody that has served on that court.
” Some Democrats have called for ending the filibuster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal justices , if Democrats win the presidency and the Senate .
Wallace asked Biden , “ Are you willing to tell the American people tonight whether or not you will support ending the filibuster or packing the court ?
” Biden said he wasn ’ t going to answer the question .
“ Whatever position I take on that , that will become the issue , ” Biden said .
“ The American people should speak .
You should go out and vote .
… Vote and let your senators know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not going to answer the question because the question is … ” Trump kept interrupting before Biden finished his point about why he wouldn ’ t answer .
Wallace asked the two candidates to address race , and asked Trump about his executive order to stop Critical Race Theory training in the federal government .
The theory promotes the belief that a person is automatically advantaged or disadvantaged based on race .
“ I ended it because it ’ s racist .
I ended it because a lot of people were being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insane , ” Trump said , adding , “ It was a radical revolution taking place in our military , in our schools , all over the place .
You know it and so does everybody else.
” Biden claimed Trump has walked away from the goal of equity .
“ He ’ s the racist , ” Biden said of Trump .
“ The fact is there is racial insensitivity .
People need to be made aware of what other people feel like , what insults them , what is demeaning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to know .
Many people don ’ t want to hurt other people ’ s feelings .
It makes a gigantic difference in how a child is able to grow up and have a sense of self esteem.
” Trump talked about the riots in numerous cities across the country .
“ The people of this country want and demand law and order and you ’ re afraid to even say it , ” Trump said .
When Trump pressed him , Biden said he was for law and order .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an idea , not an organization.
” Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “ The Right Side of History ” podcast .
Lucas is also the author of “ Tainted by Suspicion : The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed Presidential Elections.
” Send an email to Fred .

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden squared off for the first of three debates Tuesday night.
Here’s six matters the two discussed in the debate, which was moderated by Fox News anchor Chris Wallace.
1. Election Integrity
With COVID-19 prompting significant mail-in or absentee voting, election integrity has become a major topic of discussion.
Biden suggested it’s not a concern.
“There are going to be millions of people, because of COVID, that are going to be voting by mail-in ballots,” Biden said. “We’re going to make sure the people who want to vote in person are able to do that because enough poll watchers are there to make sure they can socially distance.”
He added, referring to Trump, “This is all about trying to dissuade people from voting because he’s trying to scare people into thinking that it’s not going to be legitimate.”
The former vice president stressed that he would accept the results either way.
“If I win, that will be accepted. If I lose, that will be accepted,” Biden said. “By the way, if he says he’s not sure what he’s going to accept, let me tell you something, it doesn’t matter. If we get the votes, it’s going to be all over, He’s going to go.”
Trump warned of fraud, bringing up numerous examples of primaries earlier this year where mail-in balloting was a problem. Trump made a distinction between absentee ballots–or what he called solicited ballots–and mass mail-in ballots.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“As far as the ballots are concerned, it’s a disaster. A solicited ballot is OK. You’re asking. They send it, you send it back. I did that,” Trump said. “They are sending millions of unsolicited ballots across the country. There is fraud. They found them in creeks. They found some with the name Trump in a wastepaper basket. They are being sent all over the place. They sent two in a Democrat area. This is going to be fraud like you’ve never seen.”
Trump later added, “We might not know for months because these ballots are going to be all over. Take a look at what happened in Manhattan. Take a look at what happened in New Jersey. Take a look at what happened in Virginia and other places. They’re not losing 2% or 1%. They are losing 30% and 40%. It’s a fraud and a shame.”
As for the final results, Trump said, “I am urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully.” He said if it’s a fair election, “I am 100% on board.”
2. Forest Fires and Green New Deal
Trump argued that “forest management” was key to preventing the wildfires scouring California.
“You need forest management … the forest floors are loaded up with trees, dead trees that are years old and they’re like tinder, and leaves and everything else— you drop a cigarette in there, and the whole forest burns down. You’ve got to have forest management,” Trump said.
Later he added, “Every year, I get the call, California’s burning, California’s burning … if you had forest management, good forest management, you wouldn’t be getting those calls.”
Asked by Wallace if human pollution and greenhouse gas emissions were contributing to global warming, Trump said, “To an extent, yes.”
Biden spoke of weatherizing buildings, and increased use of electric-powered vehicles. “We can get to net zero in terms of energy production by 2035,” the former vice president said, adding that millions of jobs would be created.
He also attributed the dramatic weather in recent years to climate change, saying:
We spend billions of dollars now … on floods, hurricanes, rising seas. We’re in real trouble. Look what’s happened just in the Midwest with these storms that come through and wipe out entire sections and counties in Iowa. They didn’t happen before. They’re because of global warming. We make up 15% of the world’s problem … but the rest of the world, we got to get them to come along. That’s why we have to get back into … the Paris Accord.
If the United States had stayed in the Paris Agreement, an international treaty, the nation would have had to make significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
After Trump brought up the Green New Deal, an environmental plan released by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Biden said, “I don’t support the Green New Deal.”
3. Health Care
Trump asserted that Biden would back socialized medicine.
“Your party wants to go socialist medicine,” the president said.
Biden responded that his Democratic primary opponents attacked him for not supporting a Medicare for All plan.
“The platform of the Democratic Party is what I, in fact, approved of,” Biden said.
Wallace suggested Trump had no plan to replace Obamacare.
“Of course I have,” Trump responded. “We got rid of the individual mandate.”
4. Confirming Barrett and Court Packing
Biden said that voters should “have a right” to determine who fills the Supreme Court seat vacated after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“We should wait and see what the outcome of this election is,” the former vice president said, adding, “It’s just not appropriate to do this before the election.”
He did make it clear that it wasn’t personal.
“She seems like a very fine person, but she has written before she went on the bench that she thinks that the Affordable Care Act is not constitutional,” Biden said, referring to Amy Coney Barrett, who currently serves as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
When asked about the appropriateness of appointing Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court before the election, Trump stated, “Elections have consequences.”
“A president is elected for four years,” Trump said. “We are not elected for three years. I’m not elected for three years.”
Trump also said of Barrett, “She is going to be as good as anybody that has served on that court.”
Some Democrats have called for ending the filibuster and filling the Supreme Court with additional liberal justices, if Democrats win the presidency and the Senate.
Wallace asked Biden, “Are you willing to tell the American people tonight whether or not you will support ending the filibuster or packing the court?”
Biden said he wasn’t going to answer the question.
“Whatever position I take on that, that will become the issue,” Biden said. “The American people should speak. You should go out and vote. … Vote and let your senators know how you feel about this. I’m not going to answer the question because the question is …”
Trump kept interrupting before Biden finished his point about why he wouldn’t answer.
5. Racism and Critical Race Theory
Wallace asked the two candidates to address race, and asked Trump about his executive order to stop Critical Race Theory training in the federal government. The theory promotes the belief that a person is automatically advantaged or disadvantaged based on race.
“I ended it because it’s racist. I ended it because a lot of people were being asked to do things that were absolutely insane,” Trump said, adding, “It was a radical revolution taking place in our military, in our schools, all over the place. You know it and so does everybody else.”
The president continued:
If you were a certain person, you had no status in life. We were paying people hundreds of thousands of dollars to teach really bad ideas and really very sick ideas. Really, they were teaching people that our country is a horrible place, it’s a racist place, and they were teaching people to hate our country and I’m not going to allow that to happen.
Biden claimed Trump has walked away from the goal of equity.
“He’s the racist,” Biden said of Trump. “The fact is there is racial insensitivity. People need to be made aware of what other people feel like, what insults them, what is demeaning to them. It’s important to them to know. Many people don’t want to hurt other people’s feelings. It makes a gigantic difference in how a child is able to grow up and have a sense of self esteem.”
6. Law and Order
Trump talked about the riots in numerous cities across the country.
“The people of this country want and demand law and order and you’re afraid to even say it,” Trump said.
When Trump pressed him, Biden said he was for law and order.
However, later Biden said, “Antifa is an idea, not an organization.”
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “The Right Side of History” podcast. Lucas is also the author of “Tainted by Suspicion: The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed Presidential Elections.” Send an email to Fred.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-09-30--Is The Church Embracing Lawlessness? Civil Disobedience Versus Rebellion to Authority

“ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities .
For there is no authority except from God , and those that exist have been instituted by God .
Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed , and those who resist will incur judgment.
” ( Romans 13:1–2 , ESV ) 2020 has given the church an unusual opportunity to learn a critical end-time lesson .
When is it time to defy authority , and when should we remain submitted ?
Choosing correctly can launch the church forward in the face of tyranny and persecution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing judgment against the church .
There seems to be a misconception among many believers that God is cheer-leading a spirit of rebellion as we fight against the very authority that he put into position .
News flash : We are mandated by Scripture to honor and obey all authority , be they good or evil , just or unjust .
Yes , there are exceptions , but we don ’ t start there .
The exceptions are not the norm .
By default , we submit .
“ Servants , be subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust .
For this is a gracious thing , when , mindful of God , one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
” ( 1 Peter 2:18–19 , ESV ) I ’ m confident many will argue this point .
That ’ s okay , but I want to challenge you .
Argue it with Scripture , not with your own emotions , intellect , common sense or ego .
The Word of God is the authority , no matter if it makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , God requires us to obey both good and evil authorities , both good and bad laws .
The Bible couldn ’ t be more clear .
Every person is required to subject themselves to ( submit to ) governmental authorities .
Why ?
Because God placed them in position and granted them authority .
Further , if we resist the authorities that God has empowered , we will ( not may ) incur judgment .
It ’ s easy to accuse rioters , for example , of operating from a spirit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s obvious to all that they are boldly breaking laws .
I propose it ’ s the same spirit of lawlessness that is driving the rebellion in many Christians who refuse to follow state and local mask and social distancing mandates .
We don ’ t have the option to reject an ordinance simply because we disagree with it .
We are required by Scripture to be subject to governing authorities , and if they require masks in certain situations , we as representatives of Christ must respond with integrity and wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of masks ( though I must admit they may be beneficial in certain circumstances ) and I believe there are some nefarious influences behind all that the coronavirus has unleashed .
However , I also realize I am not authorized by God to defy the mandates .
I ’ d be in rebellion both to man and God if I did .
It ’ s disturbing to see pastors breaking the law by allowing meetings , small groups and other events to take place without adhering to local mask and distancing ordinances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even if we are convinced the masks are unnecessary or that the government is attempting to implement freedom threatening controls .
By all means , do what ’ s appropriate to have the laws overturned .
Attend city council meetings , vote politicians and policy makers in or out of office and sound all of the alarms you can in hopes of drawing attention to the cause .
But until the laws are overturned the laws must be obeyed .
If we truly fear God , we won ’ t play games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resist those he put into position .
The exception to all I have written above is simple : If the Word of God would be violated by us obeying an earthly authority , then , and only then , do we refuse to submit .
We honor God and not men in this scenario .
So , if the government mandates that churches remain closed and that Christians don ’ t gather to worship , we can ’ t comply .
“ And let us consider how to stir up one another to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet together , as is the habit of some , but encouraging one another , and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
” ( Hebrews 10:24–25 , ESV ) The Bible clearly requires us to meet .
If the government allows the church to meet , but demands we not sing , again , we refuse to obey that order .
“ Praise the LORD !
Sing to the LORD a new song , his praise in the assembly of the godly !
” ( Psalm 149:1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time comes that we are told by lawmakers that we can not preach certain truths of Scripture , we boldly reject their mandate .
“ And when they had brought them , they set them before the council .
And the high priest questioned them , saying , “ We strictly charged you not to teach in this name , yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching , and you intend to bring this man ’ s blood upon us.
” But Peter and the apostles answered , “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Acts 5:27–29 , ESV ) The principle should be quite clear and simple .
If the Word of God would be violated should we submit to a governmental decree , we do not submit .
If the Bible wouldn ’ t be violated , we do submit .
One response results in the favor of God and another the judgment of God .
It ’ s not about being a champion of what is right ( in your own eyes ) .
It ’ s about aligning with God ’ s commands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in selfish arrogance simply because the government is requiring them to submit to laws that are merely inconvenient and that in no way violate Scripture .
We see this truth played out in the Book of Daniel : “ He changes times and seasons ; he removes kings and sets up kings ; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding ; ” ( Daniel 2:21 , ESV ) “ If this be so , our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver us out of your hand , O king .
But if not , be it known to you , O king , that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
” ( Daniel 3:17–18 , ESV ) God put the king in position , and then the king gives an unrighteous decree .
The king was to be honored until he mandated worship to an idol .
At that moment , the three Hebrews had no option but to refuse the command .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ church should obey the laws of the land unless those laws are clearly unscriptural .
Gathering together and worshiping as believers has been instituted by God .
So , gather , with masks on if the local ordinance requires that .
In my city of Branson , Missouri we are required to wear masks in any public setting unless we are able to remain six feet away from others .
Since this is a theater town , the law allows us to remove our masks when seated in an auditorium as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , singers and performers can remove their masks when on stage .
The same rule applies to the church .
So , this means masks must be on at all times except when socially distanced in the sanctuary or speaking , singing on the platform .
Prayer lines , altar time , greeting time and other times would require masks to be worn .
Small groups and other gatherings should adhere to the same guidelines .
We need to be wise and carefully choose our battles .
Again , favor or judgment hang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard all sorts of extreme arguments in opposition to what I ’ m addressing here .
“ What about Anne Frank ?
Are you suggesting she should have obeyed her government and turned Jews over to the Nazis ?
” Several people have angrily blasted that argument my direction .
Of course the the answer is no .
Why ?
We ’ d be complicit in murder , and murder is forbidden in Scripture .
“ What about Rahab who lied to protect Israeli spies ?
” Rahab was commended for giving lodging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her lie .
I find it disturbing that Christians are becoming more enthralled with their own wisdom while at the same time looking for loopholes in the Bible so they can do what they desire .
Many don ’ t consider the Bible to be the final authority on a matter or to be the infallible Word of God .
We are most certainly in the end times .
I don ’ t want this point to be missed .
No matter how convinced of how right you are or how righteous your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s established authority , God ’ s judgment rests on you .
However , if you honor authority in every instance except when they would require you disobey Scripture , God ’ s favor rests on you .
Oh , and by the way , understand that the written Word of God is the final authority , not your own prophetic revelation .
We can ’ t use the God card here .
If your local government requires you to wear a mask or a seat-belt or to pay your taxes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think God told you something different , you can know it ’ s not God ’ s voice you are hearing .
As I close , I want to encourage you to read an article that will give strategies to resisting tyrannical and wicked human governments .
I understand the arguments about masks and lock-downs and control .
Greater persecution ( by far ) was experienced in Egypt under the rule of Pharaoh .
The strategy there wasn ’ t to defy Pharaoh ’ s authority , as God placed him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a messenger and immense pressure to Pharaoh .
The goal ?
For Pharaoh , the Hebrew ’ s legitimate authority , to make the decree that they may go .
He released them .
It was at that moment in time that the authority over the Hebrews shifted from Pharaoh to Moses .
This is why we must be living , walking and praying in the Spirit .
Prayer movements and prophetic decrees will bring down unrighteous human systems .
Pride , arrogance , anger and rebellion however will only strengthen them as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us all .
John is a sought out teacher , prophetic messenger and revivalist .
He has authored ten books , is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine , and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer ( IHOP ) in Kansas City .
He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry .

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1–2, ESV)
2020 has given the church an unusual opportunity to learn a critical end-time lesson. When is it time to defy authority, and when should we remain submitted?
Choosing correctly can launch the church forward in the face of tyranny and persecution.
Choosing incorrectly can result in God himself bringing judgment against the church.
There seems to be a misconception among many believers that God is cheer-leading a spirit of rebellion as we fight against the very authority that he put into position.
News flash: We are mandated by Scripture to honor and obey all authority, be they good or evil, just or unjust. Yes, there are exceptions, but we don’t start there. The exceptions are not the norm. By default, we submit.
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.” (1 Peter 2:18–19, ESV)
I’m confident many will argue this point. That’s okay, but I want to challenge you. Argue it with Scripture, not with your own emotions, intellect, common sense or ego. The Word of God is the authority, no matter if it makes sense to us or not.
Remember, God requires us to obey both good and evil authorities, both good and bad laws.
The Bible couldn’t be more clear. Every person is required to subject themselves to (submit to) governmental authorities. Why? Because God placed them in position and granted them authority. Further, if we resist the authorities that God has empowered, we will (not may) incur judgment.
A Spirit of Lawlessness
It’s easy to accuse rioters, for example, of operating from a spirit of lawlessness. After all, it’s obvious to all that they are boldly breaking laws.
I propose it’s the same spirit of lawlessness that is driving the rebellion in many Christians who refuse to follow state and local mask and social distancing mandates. We don’t have the option to reject an ordinance simply because we disagree with it. We are required by Scripture to be subject to governing authorities, and if they require masks in certain situations, we as representatives of Christ must respond with integrity and wear masks.
I am personally not a fan of masks (though I must admit they may be beneficial in certain circumstances) and I believe there are some nefarious influences behind all that the coronavirus has unleashed. However, I also realize I am not authorized by God to defy the mandates. I’d be in rebellion both to man and God if I did.
It’s disturbing to see pastors breaking the law by allowing meetings, small groups and other events to take place without adhering to local mask and distancing ordinances. This rebellion invites God’s judgment, even if we are convinced the masks are unnecessary or that the government is attempting to implement freedom threatening controls.
By all means, do what’s appropriate to have the laws overturned. Attend city council meetings, vote politicians and policy makers in or out of office and sound all of the alarms you can in hopes of drawing attention to the cause. But until the laws are overturned the laws must be obeyed.
If we truly fear God, we won’t play games, rise up in pride or arrogantly resist those he put into position.
The Exceptions
The exception to all I have written above is simple: If the Word of God would be violated by us obeying an earthly authority, then, and only then, do we refuse to submit. We honor God and not men in this scenario.
So, if the government mandates that churches remain closed and that Christians don’t gather to worship, we can’t comply.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV)
The Bible clearly requires us to meet.
If the government allows the church to meet, but demands we not sing, again, we refuse to obey that order.
“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!” (Psalm 149:1, ESV)
When (not if) the time comes that we are told by lawmakers that we cannot preach certain truths of Scripture, we boldly reject their mandate.
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:27–29, ESV)
The principle should be quite clear and simple. If the Word of God would be violated should we submit to a governmental decree, we do not submit. If the Bible wouldn’t be violated, we do submit.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
One response results in the favor of God and another the judgment of God. It’s not about being a champion of what is right (in your own eyes). It’s about aligning with God’s commands. Many are shouting “Persecution!” in selfish arrogance simply because the government is requiring them to submit to laws that are merely inconvenient and that in no way violate Scripture.
We see this truth played out in the Book of Daniel:
“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” (Daniel 2:21, ESV)
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17–18, ESV)
God put the king in position, and then the king gives an unrighteous decree. The king was to be honored until he mandated worship to an idol. At that moment, the three Hebrews had no option but to refuse the command.
What Should the Church Do?
The church should obey the laws of the land unless those laws are clearly unscriptural. Gathering together and worshiping as believers has been instituted by God. So, gather, with masks on if the local ordinance requires that.
In my city of Branson, Missouri we are required to wear masks in any public setting unless we are able to remain six feet away from others. Since this is a theater town, the law allows us to remove our masks when seated in an auditorium as long as we maintain social distancing. Public speakers, singers and performers can remove their masks when on stage.
The same rule applies to the church. So, this means masks must be on at all times except when socially distanced in the sanctuary or speaking, singing on the platform. Prayer lines, altar time, greeting time and other times would require masks to be worn. Small groups and other gatherings should adhere to the same guidelines.
We need to be wise and carefully choose our battles. Again, favor or judgment hang in the balance.
The Arguments
I’ve heard all sorts of extreme arguments in opposition to what I’m addressing here.
“What about Anne Frank? Are you suggesting she should have obeyed her government and turned Jews over to the Nazis?”
Several people have angrily blasted that argument my direction. Of course the the answer is no. Why? We’d be complicit in murder, and murder is forbidden in Scripture.
“What about Rahab who lied to protect Israeli spies?”
Rahab was commended for giving lodging to the spies, but not for her lie.
I find it disturbing that Christians are becoming more enthralled with their own wisdom while at the same time looking for loopholes in the Bible so they can do what they desire. Many don’t consider the Bible to be the final authority on a matter or to be the infallible Word of God. We are most certainly in the end times.
Favor or Judgment
I don’t want this point to be missed.
No matter how convinced of how right you are or how righteous your position is, if you defy God’s established authority, God’s judgment rests on you.
However, if you honor authority in every instance except when they would require you disobey Scripture, God’s favor rests on you.
Oh, and by the way, understand that the written Word of God is the final authority, not your own prophetic revelation. We can’t use the God card here. If your local government requires you to wear a mask or a seat-belt or to pay your taxes or to wear pants in public, and you think God told you something different, you can know it’s not God’s voice you are hearing.
Pharaoh in the Church
As I close, I want to encourage you to read an article that will give strategies to resisting tyrannical and wicked human governments. I understand the arguments about masks and lock-downs and control. Greater persecution (by far) was experienced in Egypt under the rule of Pharaoh. The strategy there wasn’t to defy Pharaoh’s authority, as God placed him in that place of ruler-ship.
God sent a messenger and immense pressure to Pharaoh. The goal? For Pharaoh, the Hebrew’s legitimate authority, to make the decree that they may go. He released them. It was at that moment in time that the authority over the Hebrews shifted from Pharaoh to Moses.
This is why we must be living, walking and praying in the Spirit. Prayer movements and prophetic decrees will bring down unrighteous human systems. Pride, arrogance, anger and rebellion however will only strengthen them as God’s fury rains down on us all.
John Burton is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. He has authored ten books, is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine, and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry.


thestream--2020-09-30--Is President Trump a Racist? My Interview With Bishop Harry Jackson

Bishop Harry Jackson is the Pastor of Hope Christian Church in the Greater DC area and co-founder of The Reconciled @ @ @ @ @ s also my very dear friend .
Today I ask him directly for his thoughts @ @ @ @ @ character and policies , the importance of justice reform for racial equality , and the @ @ @ @ @ providing moral clarity to the nation .
Learn more about Bishop Jackson here .
And @ @ @ @ @ : Christian America ’ s Contract with Minorities here .
You can view all the @ @ @ @ @ here .
James Robison is The Stream ’ s founder and publisher .
He is @ @ @ @ @ and co-host of LIFE Today .
He ’ s the author of many books , @ @ @ @ @ Richards ) and Living Amazed .

My wonderful friend, Bishop Harry Jackson Jr., transitioned to Heaven yesterday. He was a fierce champion of truth, freedom and racial reconciliation. It was a privilege to stand at his side to help launch criminal justice reform at the Potter’s House with T.D. Jakes in 2015. This very important program ultimately passed into law in 2017. Bishop Jackson was the Pastor of Hope Christian Church in the Greater D.C. area and co-founder of The Reconciled Church Initiative. His book A Manifesto: Christian America’s Contract with Minorities lays out a biblical agenda for how to bring about social change in our nation.
In this, our last interview, I asked him directly for his thoughts on President Trump’s character and policies, the importance of justice reform for racial equality, and the role of the Church in providing moral clarity to the nation.
My prayers are with Bishop Jackson’s family and Hope Christian Church. I pray God raises up many more church and national leaders who will stand for truth and freedom as courageously and compassionately as Harry Jackson.
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.


thestream--2020-09-30--The Presidential Debate Was a Snapshot of America

Things got ugly fast and they stayed ugly until the end .
That ’ s why headlines from both the left and right spoke of “ chaos ” and a “ circus ” and a “ bitter shouting match.
” As I tweeted early on , “ I have heard family arguments that were more mature and civil than this .
Unreal.
” And then later , “ There ’ s so much dirt flying it ’ s hard not to feel dirty just watching.
” Over at Red State , Joe Cunningham put it like this : “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Time and again , this debate proved to me that this is a terrifying time to be alive .
Two old men shouting at each other while a third old man tries to get them to stop shouting at each other ?
Watching this debate was a type of self-destructive behavior that I ’ ll be recovering from for a while , I think.
” Howard Kurtz on Fox News said : “ It was the presidential debate as barroom brawl , as television shoutfest , as exhausting insult derby.
” Over on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was , without question , the single worst debate I have ever covered in my two decades of doing this job.
” The sad thing , though , is that the debate was a microcosm of the state of America .
We are gravely divided .
We are nasty .
We burn bridges rather than build them .
We don ’ t trust anyone that is not in our camp .
We are deeply suspicious .
Everyone seems biased .
And are there any national , unifying voices ?
Sadly , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself , there were clear misses on each side ( and I say this as someone with decades of experience in public debates ) .
When you refuse to answer a head-on question ( like Biden refusing to answer whether he would pack the Supreme Court if elected ) , you lose .
When you do not expose a blatant lie told about you ( like Trump failing to refute the “ very fine people ” Charlottesville lie ) , you lose .
When you constantly interrupt , you lose ( Trump started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added to the confusion ) .
But in the end , regardless of who you think won or lost the debate , we all lost .
Many of my Twitter followers agreed , as indicated by the responses to a post-debate poll which asked , “ Who won the debate tonight in your opinion ?
” As of this writing , about two hours after the conclusion of the debate , the responses were : Biden , 8.6 percent ; Trump , 37.2 percent ; Neither , 20.1 percent ; America lost , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a largely conservative Christian voting base ( meaning , those following me on Twitter ) , almost as many said that “ America lost ” as said that Trump won .
The overall conduct of both candidates was inappropriate , unnecessary , and at times disgraceful .
And again , I say this as public debater myself .
You do not need to retaliate and break the rules .
In fact , the lower your opponent goes , the higher ground you should take .
It makes you look better and your opponent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mud together , you lose your dignity in the process .
It ’ s true that Trump had more “ gotcha ” moments than Biden — as documented here — but still , this was a tough debate to watch , especially when all three were talking at the same time .
( When I asked on Twitter , “ Who is being more civil in the debate ?
, ” the answers were : Trump , 18.9 percent ; Biden , 21.7 percent ; Neither , 57.9 percent ; Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being said , there are many issues from the debate that need to be unpacked .
What of Biden ’ s attacks on Amy Coney Barrett ?
What of Trump ’ s response to the question about white supremacist militias ?
Will Biden ’ s renunciation of the Green New Deal and the defunding of the police hurt him with the radical left ?
Will Trump ’ s touting of his handling of COVID-19 turn undecided voters off ?
These are just a sampling of the questions that must be asked .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debate , while he definitely had to combat Trump ’ s interruptions more than Biden ’ s , he did seem to scold Trump like a child while also failing to challenge Biden for his evasive answers the way he challenged Trump .
On a certain level , his reputation might end up taking the biggest hit of them all .
As for how Wallace could have done a better job of keeping control , that is easier said than done .
What Really Mattered Got Lost When it came to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt Trump did much better than Biden .
When it came to behavior , while Biden may have been nastier in terms of name-calling ( “ racist ” ; “ clown ” ; “ liar ” ; “ shut up ” ) , I felt that Trump ’ s incessant interrupting made him look worse .
Even the way Biden answered the final question about accepting the outcome of the elections made him seem more reasonable .
Yet Trump has good reason for questioning whether he can expect fair play in the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Tonight ’ s debate reminded me again that there is a LOT I don ’ t like about the way @ realDonaldTrump handles himself , but hands down , he gets my vote for policies — as well as gets my vote against the Democratic policies.
” Unfortunately , with the name calling and insult flinging , what really mattered most got lost , namely , the diametrically opposed policies of these two candidates and parties .
Hopefully , that will be the greater focus in the days ahead .
As for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve lost my appetite right now .
As for reflecting on this debate as being a snapshot of America today , that ’ s what grieves me the most .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

Things got ugly fast and they stayed ugly until the end. That’s why headlines from both the left and right spoke of “chaos” and a “circus” and a “bitter shouting match.” As I tweeted early on, “I have heard family arguments that were more mature and civil than this. Unreal.” And then later, “There’s so much dirt flying it’s hard not to feel dirty just watching.”
Over at Red State, Joe Cunningham put it like this: “This is a hard one, folks. Time and again, this debate proved to me that this is a terrifying time to be alive. Two old men shouting at each other while a third old man tries to get them to stop shouting at each other? Watching this debate was a type of self-destructive behavior that I’ll be recovering from for a while, I think.”
Howard Kurtz on Fox News said: “It was the presidential debate as barroom brawl, as television shoutfest, as exhausting insult derby.” Over on CNN, Chris Cillizza stated: “It was, without question, the single worst debate I have ever covered in my two decades of doing this job.”
The sad thing, though, is that the debate was a microcosm of the state of America. We are gravely divided. We are nasty. We burn bridges rather than build them. We don’t trust anyone that is not in our camp. We are deeply suspicious. Everyone seems biased.
We All Lost
And are there any national, unifying voices? Sadly, there are not.
As for the debate itself, there were clear misses on each side (and I say this as someone with decades of experience in public debates).
When you refuse to answer a head-on question (like Biden refusing to answer whether he would pack the Supreme Court if elected), you lose. When you do not expose a blatant lie told about you (like Trump failing to refute the “very fine people” Charlottesville lie), you lose. When you constantly interrupt, you lose (Trump started it, Biden joined in, Wallace added to the confusion).
But in the end, regardless of who you think won or lost the debate, we all lost.
Many of my Twitter followers agreed, as indicated by the responses to a post-debate poll which asked, “Who won the debate tonight in your opinion?”
As of this writing, about two hours after the conclusion of the debate, the responses were: Biden, 8.6 percent; Trump, 37.2 percent; Neither, 20.1 percent; America lost, 34.1 percent.
So, even among a largely conservative Christian voting base (meaning, those following me on Twitter), almost as many said that “America lost” as said that Trump won.
Inappropriate Conduct
The overall conduct of both candidates was inappropriate, unnecessary, and at times disgraceful.
And again, I say this as public debater myself. You do not need to retaliate and break the rules. In fact, the lower your opponent goes, the higher ground you should take. It makes you look better and your opponent look worse. When you get down in the mud together, you lose your dignity in the process.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
It’s true that Trump had more “gotcha” moments than Biden — as documented here — but still, this was a tough debate to watch, especially when all three were talking at the same time. (When I asked on Twitter, “Who is being more civil in the debate?,” the answers were: Trump, 18.9 percent; Biden, 21.7 percent; Neither, 57.9 percent; Both, 1.4 percent.)
Important Issues
All that being said, there are many issues from the debate that need to be unpacked.
What of Biden’s attacks on Amy Coney Barrett? What of Trump’s response to the question about white supremacist militias? Will Biden’s renunciation of the Green New Deal and the defunding of the police hurt him with the radical left? Will Trump’s touting of his handling of COVID-19 turn undecided voters off? These are just a sampling of the questions that must be asked.
Chris Wallace’s Moderating
As for Chris Wallace’s handling of the debate, while he definitely had to combat Trump’s interruptions more than Biden’s, he did seem to scold Trump like a child while also failing to challenge Biden for his evasive answers the way he challenged Trump. On a certain level, his reputation might end up taking the biggest hit of them all. As for how Wallace could have done a better job of keeping control, that is easier said than done.
What Really Mattered Got Lost
When it came to the actual substance of the answers, I felt Trump did much better than Biden. When it came to behavior, while Biden may have been nastier in terms of name-calling (“racist”; “clown”; “liar”; “shut up”), I felt that Trump’s incessant interrupting made him look worse. Even the way Biden answered the final question about accepting the outcome of the elections made him seem more reasonable. Yet Trump has good reason for questioning whether he can expect fair play in the days ahead.
Ultimately, I tweeted, “Tonight’s debate reminded me again that there is a LOT I don’t like about the way @realDonaldTrump handles himself, but hands down, he gets my vote for policies — as well as gets my vote against the Democratic policies.”
Unfortunately, with the name calling and insult flinging, what really mattered most got lost, namely, the diametrically opposed policies of these two candidates and parties. Hopefully, that will be the greater focus in the days ahead.
As for watching two more debates, I’ve lost my appetite right now. As for reflecting on this debate as being a snapshot of America today, that’s what grieves me the most.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-10-01--#Election2020: Clean Your Ears! Media Refuses to Report on Trump’s Rejection of Racists, or Question

#Election2020: Clean Your Ears! Media Refuses to Report on Trump’s Rejection of Racists, or Question Biden’s Record

Media goes deaf , debates may go mute , and Biden campaign thinks COVID now cured .
So are things in Election 2020 , just 33 days out from the election that will determine … or potentially seal … America ’ s fate .
And now the details : Media Refuses to Accept Yes as an Answer How do you know internal polling is showing support for Trump soaring among black American voters ?
The media simply will not stop hounding President Trump and the White House to do exactly what he ’ s repeatedly done since even before his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Namely , condemn genuine white supremacists .
For some idea — and great for sharing with your liberal friends — is this montage from 2019 .
Yet , despite Trump ’ s repeated , vocal statements , it ’ s never enough .
It ’ s never enough .
And thanks to debate moderator Chris Wallace , we have to go through this cruel , divisive nonsense again .
Thursday saw a contemptible display by the White House Press Corps .
Repeatedly , press secretary Kayleigh McEnery was asked to clearly state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McEnery quoted the President ’ s numerous , categorical statements .
For that , reporters accused her of “ dancing around ” the question .
We expect that kind of nonsense from CNN , MSNBC or CBS News .
However , to see Fox News ’ John Roberts join the rabid media mob was very dispiriting .
Fortunately , McEnany completely leveled Roberts after the press conference with a tweet .
She remind him that his very own wife , ABC News reporter Krya Phillips , had reported Wednesday she had asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White Supremacists .
Perhaps in addition to COVID testing , the White House has to offer hearing testing as well .
The White House has every reason to be frustrated .
Start with the fact that Joe Biden is endorsed by white supremacists David Duke and Richard B. Spencer this election .
Nobody hounds him about that everywhere he goes .
Not that he goes anywhere .
More crucially , Biden and Harris are refusing to condemn the left wing riot groups responsible for this summer ’ s violence .
Harris again celebrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant ” and “ essential.
” Just this weekend , a BLM organizer in Yorba Linda , California tried to kill a bunch of Trump supporters by ramming her vehicle into them .
BLM is the same group that shouted “ We hope they die ” and blocked a hospital entrance after two cops were ambushed in Compton .
Maybe it ’ s just me , but I don ’ t find cop killers and would be mass political murderers “ essential.
” Has Biden or Harris been pressed on this ?
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s look at some history .
When Donald Trump was being hailed by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton , Biden was celebrating former Klansman Robert Byrd , bragging about working with segregationists , and boasting about being from a slave state .
While Trump was creating jobs for Americans of all colors , Biden was sending jobs overseas and supporting legal and illegal immigration policies that stagnated urban black wages for a generation .
And we can not forget that Biden and his “ super predators ” crime bill put countless black men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it imprisoned them for the very same drug that his son Hunter should have been busted for .
( He got barely a slap on the wrist . )
Donald Trump got that law changed with his prison reform efforts .
Just recently , Biden asked a black journalist if he was a “ junkie.
” And of course , it is Joe Biden that doesn ’ t think you are black if you think for yourself politically .
He also claimed that there is no diversity within the black community .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re Sorry Wouldn ’ t it be nice if Biden during this whole campaign can be asked about any of this ?
Ever ?
Imagine he had to answer for it as much as Trump has been asked about white supremacists the past 48 hours .
One more point on whole faux outrage .
If you do not believe Chris Wallace ’ s question was set up precisely to cause the reaction it has , consider he asked Trump very same question in 2016 .
And Trump was emphatic : Friends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this media concoction , know that you are being played for a fool .
The Commission on Presidential Debates wants to change things for the next presidential debates to avoid the chaos of that first debate .
They want to “ ensure a more orderly discussion.
” Here ’ s a tip : Don ’ t use moderators who favor one candidate , run interference for that candidate , and decide they want to be the one debating .
In the next debate , one of the moderators is Steve Scully .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And in 2016 , he wrote an editorial called “ No , Not Trump , Not Ever.
” What could possibly go wrong there ?
If Trump has to compete against two people again , should he get paid double for his appearance ?
Or just laugh it off as , “ just like a golf handicap.
” President Trump suggests he will not “ allow ” changes to the format for the next debate .
McEnany also weighed in .
“ He wants to debate , he plans on being at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ but he wants the rules to be fair and wants a fair exchange and doesn ’ t want rules that cover for a certain candidate ’ s inability to perform well.
” One of the changes the Biden camp wants is for moderators to have the ability to mute a candidate .
Biden said Wednesday he wanted a way “ the debate commission can control the ability of us to answer the question without interruption.
” Sounds nice .
Except we know how this works .
Biden could then , say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d falsely accuse the President of calling white supremacists “ very good people.
” Trump ’ s mic gets turned off .
Biden finishes .
Before Trump can respond , the moderator says , “ Moving onto another topic … .
” If you don ’ t think that won ’ t happen to a Republican candidate , you haven ’ t watched any presidential debate the past few cycles .
Also , if Joe Biden starts going off the rails again and starts speaking gibberish , do I trust any of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Deny viewers the chance to hear what he ’ s saying ?
Wallace on Tuesday night interjected when Trump was scoring points on Biden and when Biden was blanking out .
Imagine the power of a mute button .
Still , maybe there ’ s something to be said about a muting function .
But only muting both if there is unintelligible cross talk .
Biden Team Crawls Out of its Burrow Just two weeks ago , Biden ’ s campaign poo-pooed the campaign tradition of going door-to-door .
( While Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klacik have been working up a sweat . )
Some Democratic officials expressed worry that the lack of ground game was going to hurt Biden in the long run .
Biden ’ s people dismissed the significance and cited COVID , saying they wouldn ’ t “ put people in harm ’ s way.
” Suddenly , Biden ’ s team has changed their tune and is frantically recruiting people to go door-to-door .
And Finally , From Our “ Sure the Election ’ s Going to Be Peachy ” File A contractor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devices were stolen from Philadelphia ’ s election warehouse Wednesday .
Then this morning , Philly reporter Max Marin paid a visit to the warehouse and found security so lax , he was able to just walk inside via an open door and wander around for several minutes , alone .
The footage of Marin with easy access to voting machines is shocking .
Officials in Philadelphia insist they are boosting security .
I feel so reassured .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

Media goes deaf, debates may go mute, and Biden campaign thinks COVID now cured. So are things in Election 2020, just 33 days out from the election that will determine … or potentially seal … America’s fate.
And now the details:
Media Refuses to Accept Yes as an Answer
How do you know internal polling is showing support for Trump soaring among black American voters? The media simply will not stop hounding President Trump and the White House to do exactly what he’s repeatedly done since even before his first election and did so just yesterday. Namely, condemn genuine white supremacists.
For some idea — and great for sharing with your liberal friends — is this montage from 2019.
Montage: Trump condemns racism, hatred, & white nationalism throughout his first term pic.twitter.com/aqP1IYYN5t — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) August 11, 2019
Yet, despite Trump’s repeated, vocal statements, it’s never enough. It’s never enough. And thanks to debate moderator Chris Wallace, we have to go through this cruel, divisive nonsense again.
Stop Dancing Around with … Facts
Thursday saw a contemptible display by the White House Press Corps. Repeatedly, press secretary Kayleigh McEnery was asked to clearly state the president renounces white supremacists. Repeatedly, McEnery quoted the President’s numerous, categorical statements. For that, reporters accused her of “dancing around” the question.
We expect that kind of nonsense from CNN, MSNBC or CBS News. However, to see Fox News’ John Roberts join the rabid media mob was very dispiriting. Fortunately, McEnany completely leveled Roberts after the press conference with a tweet. She remind him that his very own wife, ABC News reporter Krya Phillips, had reported Wednesday she had asked Trump directly and he “denounces” White Supremacists.
.@johnrobertsFox I would refer you to your wife’s reporting from 21 hours ago… accurate reporting I cited in the White House Press Briefing. https://t.co/dV3Hzp1UaI — Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) October 1, 2020
Perhaps in addition to COVID testing, the White House has to offer hearing testing as well.
David Duke’s Choice: Joe Biden
The White House has every reason to be frustrated. Start with the fact that Joe Biden is endorsed by white supremacists David Duke and Richard B. Spencer this election. Nobody hounds him about that everywhere he goes. Not that he goes anywhere.
More crucially, Biden and Harris are refusing to condemn the left wing riot groups responsible for this summer’s violence. Harris again celebrated BLM the other day for being “brilliant” and “essential.” Just this weekend, a BLM organizer in Yorba Linda, California tried to kill a bunch of Trump supporters by ramming her vehicle into them. BLM is the same group that shouted “We hope they die” and blocked a hospital entrance after two cops were ambushed in Compton. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t find cop killers and would be mass political murderers “essential.”
Has Biden or Harris been pressed on this? Of course not.
Biden’s Old Klan Pals
Further, let’s look at some history. When Donald Trump was being hailed by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, Biden was celebrating former Klansman Robert Byrd, bragging about working with segregationists, and boasting about being from a slave state. While Trump was creating jobs for Americans of all colors, Biden was sending jobs overseas and supporting legal and illegal immigration policies that stagnated urban black wages for a generation.
And we cannot forget that Biden and his “super predators” crime bill put countless black men and women in prison. Not incidentally, it imprisoned them for the very same drug that his son Hunter should have been busted for. (He got barely a slap on the wrist.) Donald Trump got that law changed with his prison reform efforts.
Just recently, Biden asked a black journalist if he was a “junkie.” And of course, it is Joe Biden that doesn’t think you are black if you think for yourself politically. He also claimed that there is no diversity within the black community.
Biden Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry
Wouldn’t it be nice if Biden during this whole campaign can be asked about any of this? Ever? Imagine he had to answer for it as much as Trump has been asked about white supremacists the past 48 hours.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
One more point on whole faux outrage. If you do not believe Chris Wallace’s question was set up precisely to cause the reaction it has, consider he asked Trump very same question in 2016. And Trump was emphatic:
Wow, this is Chris Wallace asking Trump the same question in 2016. Any “journalists” wanna share this? pic.twitter.com/mEghsVGvIo — Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) October 1, 2020
Friends, if you are buying even any of this media concoction, know that you are being played for a fool.
Muting Trump’s Microphone?
The Commission on Presidential Debates wants to change things for the next presidential debates to avoid the chaos of that first debate. They want to “ensure a more orderly discussion.”
Here’s a tip: Don’t use moderators who favor one candidate, run interference for that candidate, and decide they want to be the one debating.
In the next debate, one of the moderators is Steve Scully. He’s a former Biden intern. And in 2016, he wrote an editorial called “No, Not Trump, Not Ever.” What could possibly go wrong there? If Trump has to compete against two people again, should he get paid double for his appearance? Or just laugh it off as, “just like a golf handicap.”
President Trump suggests he will not “allow” changes to the format for the next debate.
Why would I allow the Debate Commission to change the rules for the second and third Debates when I easily won last time? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 1, 2020
McEnany also weighed in. “He wants to debate, he plans on being at the debate,” she said Thursday, “but he wants the rules to be fair and wants a fair exchange and doesn’t want rules that cover for a certain candidate’s inability to perform well.”
One of the changes the Biden camp wants is for moderators to have the ability to mute a candidate. Biden said Wednesday he wanted a way “the debate commission can control the ability of us to answer the question without interruption.”
Sounds nice. Except we know how this works. Biden could then, say, repeat the Charlottesville libel. He’d falsely accuse the President of calling white supremacists “very good people.” Trump’s mic gets turned off. Biden finishes. Before Trump can respond, the moderator says, “Moving onto another topic … .” If you don’t think that won’t happen to a Republican candidate, you haven’t watched any presidential debate the past few cycles.
Also, if Joe Biden starts going off the rails again and starts speaking gibberish, do I trust any of these moderators to not trying to help him? Deny viewers the chance to hear what he’s saying? Wallace on Tuesday night interjected when Trump was scoring points on Biden and when Biden was blanking out. Imagine the power of a mute button.
Still, maybe there’s something to be said about a muting function. But only muting both if there is unintelligible cross talk.
Biden Team Crawls Out of its Burrow
Just two weeks ago, Biden’s campaign poo-pooed the campaign tradition of going door-to-door. (While Trump volunteers and staffers and candidates like Kim Klacik have been working up a sweat.) Some Democratic officials expressed worry that the lack of ground game was going to hurt Biden in the long run. Biden’s people dismissed the significance and cited COVID, saying they wouldn’t “put people in harm’s way.”
Suddenly, Biden’s team has changed their tune and is frantically recruiting people to go door-to-door.
Yay! COVID IS CURED!!!!
And Finally, From Our “Sure the Election’s Going to Be Peachy” File
A contractor’s laptop and several encrypted USB devices were stolen from Philadelphia’s election warehouse Wednesday. Then this morning, Philly reporter Max Marin paid a visit to the warehouse and found security so lax, he was able to just walk inside via an open door and wander around for several minutes, alone. The footage of Marin with easy access to voting machines is shocking. Officials in Philadelphia insist they are boosting security. I feel so reassured.
A laptop and USB devices were stolen sometime this week from the Philadelphia’s elections storage warehouse. I went over this morning to check out the security situation. I was able to walk right into the voting machine storage unit, alone, for several minutes. pic.twitter.com/N0SpMMKP6T — Max M. Marin (@MaxMMarin) October 1, 2020
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.