Thursday, June 29, 2017
NPR: OBAMA MORE EFFECTIVE THAN TRUMP 58%-34%
Leaving on a jet plane,don't know when I'll be here again. So I say goodbye until Tuesday.
PHIL JACKSON NO LONGER PRESIDENT OF KNICKS
Trump still obsessed by women's blood. Tweets after Mika that she was badly bleeding from a facelift when she went to Mar-A-Lago. That's your President.
POST: MERKEL EXPECTS SHOWDOWN WITH US OVER CLIMATE AT G-20 SUMMIT
Merkel also outlined a German-France led EU.
Trump has been developing concessions for his meeting with Putin at G-20 in Hamburg.
Trump has been developing concessions for his meeting with Putin at G-20 in Hamburg.
NYT: WH CLAIMS TRUMP'S WARNINGS PREVENTED SYRIAN CHEMICAL ATTACKS.
Yet at the time the Pentagon didn't know what he was talking about.
Watch this space because you will hear more about our plans for war while I am away in Paris.
Watch this space because you will hear more about our plans for war while I am away in Paris.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow warns that the Senate Judiciary under Senator Grassley and Lindsey Gram are trying to sabotage the Russia investigation. Both men have sent a joint letter to the FBI requesting all warrants issued in the investigation and all the responses to the FISA court.
In addition they emphasize the Sinclair Dossier, which Trump is obsessed by because it alludes to the Pee-pee tapes. The Senators assert that the Sinclair Dossier has been debunked. Actually two thirds has been confirmed. And they argue that this served as the basis for the Russian-Trump collusion investigation in the first place. Therefore it is illegitimate.
Maddow makes a good point that the rightwing media and my rightwing emailers are attacking the FBI at every step--Mueller hiring 4 lawyers who donated to Democratic causes (out of 13) and have gone after Comey. Now they are going after McCabe, Comey's replacement.
Whether this tactic will succeed is still up in the air. My friends believe Trump has to fire Mueller because he knows he's doomed. Today the USA Today wrote a piece about the army of lawyers Trump has hired on the Russia case.
Rachel did a public service reminding people of how Nixon's people under Watergate tried to discredit the investigation,how W tried to discredit Hans Blix, the UN Arms Control Inspector in Iraq, and Patrick Fitzgerald,the special prosecutor on the Valerie Plame case.So it is part of their playbook.
In addition they emphasize the Sinclair Dossier, which Trump is obsessed by because it alludes to the Pee-pee tapes. The Senators assert that the Sinclair Dossier has been debunked. Actually two thirds has been confirmed. And they argue that this served as the basis for the Russian-Trump collusion investigation in the first place. Therefore it is illegitimate.
Maddow makes a good point that the rightwing media and my rightwing emailers are attacking the FBI at every step--Mueller hiring 4 lawyers who donated to Democratic causes (out of 13) and have gone after Comey. Now they are going after McCabe, Comey's replacement.
Whether this tactic will succeed is still up in the air. My friends believe Trump has to fire Mueller because he knows he's doomed. Today the USA Today wrote a piece about the army of lawyers Trump has hired on the Russia case.
Rachel did a public service reminding people of how Nixon's people under Watergate tried to discredit the investigation,how W tried to discredit Hans Blix, the UN Arms Control Inspector in Iraq, and Patrick Fitzgerald,the special prosecutor on the Valerie Plame case.So it is part of their playbook.
THE HILL.
Mike Rogers,the head of the NSA, is very frustrated that Trump doesn't seem to accept that Russia interfered with the election. The frustration is that no steps have been taken to prevent happening again.
WILL IT PASS? MCCAIN SAYS "WHEN PIGS FLY."
The GOP dissenters including McCain say they think they should work with Republicans. Susan Collins wants to work with "moderate" Democrats. Tim Kaine says that Trump should realize that his promises during the campaign are slaughtered by the House and Senate bills.
There is a merging bipartisan view that you can't "kill" Medicaid and reduce premiums or cost of the individual market. Mary Cantwell thinks the viable route is to handle the individual market and stabilize the exchanges. Lamar Alexander believes the same.
Mary Caputo has been very forthright that 30% of West Virginia depends on Medicaid and that she didn't come to Washington to hurt the American people.
Tom Kaine says let the Senate be the Senate and allow for hearings and Democratic amendments. But Kaine says this might not be possible if the GOP is hung up on tax cuts.
There is a merging bipartisan view that you can't "kill" Medicaid and reduce premiums or cost of the individual market. Mary Cantwell thinks the viable route is to handle the individual market and stabilize the exchanges. Lamar Alexander believes the same.
Mary Caputo has been very forthright that 30% of West Virginia depends on Medicaid and that she didn't come to Washington to hurt the American people.
Tom Kaine says let the Senate be the Senate and allow for hearings and Democratic amendments. But Kaine says this might not be possible if the GOP is hung up on tax cuts.
BRAD OF BRADCAST SAYS BILL WILL PASS
The Washington Post says no tonight. They are looking at Heller,Bill Cassidy, Rand Paul, Susan Collins and Mary Caputo. The post analyses their arguments why no tinkering can't change the bill and gain their votes.
BRAD however feels that there is over $10O billion to play around with and that the deal sweeteners will be offered by Mitch. That is,if really wants a bill.
Brad mentioned that Susan Collins raised with Trump the horrible image of the millionaires getting huge tax breaks while millions are thrown off their plan. Trump responded," No, that's not my tax reform bill", clearly oblivious to the bill's contents.
BRAD however feels that there is over $10O billion to play around with and that the deal sweeteners will be offered by Mitch. That is,if really wants a bill.
Brad mentioned that Susan Collins raised with Trump the horrible image of the millionaires getting huge tax breaks while millions are thrown off their plan. Trump responded," No, that's not my tax reform bill", clearly oblivious to the bill's contents.
YOU KNOW IT IS REALLY BAD WHEN...
Torture enthusiast Marc Thiessen says that the bill is "morally reprehensible".
BIG NEWS: MAYORS OF 7,400 CITIES TO MEET OBAMA'S CLIMATE COMMITMENTS
This initiative is called the Global Covenant of Mayors.
BLOOMBERG REPORTS GOP THINK OF SCALING BACK TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY TO WIN MODERATES.
My take is that the current tax cuts jeopardize McConnell's tax reform.
THE HILL: REPUBLICAN LUNCH JUST GABFEST THAT WENT NOWHERE.
Ted Cruz argued for the Consumer Freedom option which would allow insurers to sell anything that doesn't have Obama's patient protections. Sounds to me like Paul Ryan's "Freedom means you don't have to have insurance."
Susan Collins argued against Cruz, saying that his idea would make America sicker and she would not approve of getting rid of these protections.
Susan Collins argued against Cruz, saying that his idea would make America sicker and she would not approve of getting rid of these protections.
DAILYBEAST; A DOZEN WH AIDES SAY TRUMP DOESN'T KNOW OR CARE ABOUT HEALTH POLICY.
A number of writers have commented on how Mitch McConnell hates health policy issues and here's a president whose attitude is that it is not his top priority. It actually has to be a President's policy as we have seen in the past with LBJ, CLINTON and BARACK OBAMA. If the president really doesn't care, then his party on the hill can end up voting anyway they want.
So far only Paul Ryan wants a bill.
So far only Paul Ryan wants a bill.
QUINNIPIAC POLL
Background Checks On Gun Purchasers
94% Approve to 5% Disapprove
The Senate Healthcare bill:
58% DISAPPROVE 16% APPROVE.
94% Approve to 5% Disapprove
The Senate Healthcare bill:
58% DISAPPROVE 16% APPROVE.
RUSSIA SCANDAL
I have received ZERO emails from the right-wingers on healthcare. I just receive emails on the Russia investigation--now championing Van Jones saying it is a nothing burger,and repeating Trump's attacks on CNN.
Politico today says that Mueller may try to wrap it up by the mid-terms. They cite his reputation as impatient and that he works his staff 24/7. Waldman at the Post says Mueller investigation will follow all the grifters attached to Trump from Manafort to the recent sales of Trump buildings to the Russian mob. He says it will cover way more than the interference into the election.
The Senate Intelligence Committee is looking to close the Russian election investigation by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, CNN reports that Trump is literally doing nothing about Russia's continued interference into America's politics. His staff says he just doesn't care even though the intelligence community has raised alarms it is still going on.
Politico today says that Mueller may try to wrap it up by the mid-terms. They cite his reputation as impatient and that he works his staff 24/7. Waldman at the Post says Mueller investigation will follow all the grifters attached to Trump from Manafort to the recent sales of Trump buildings to the Russian mob. He says it will cover way more than the interference into the election.
The Senate Intelligence Committee is looking to close the Russian election investigation by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, CNN reports that Trump is literally doing nothing about Russia's continued interference into America's politics. His staff says he just doesn't care even though the intelligence community has raised alarms it is still going on.
THE POST REPORTS McCONNELL HOPING NEW BILL BY SATURDAY
The Post reports that McConnell is hoping to use the billions from the Medicaid cuts to make separate deals with "moderates".
But he has also warned that if the bill doesn't past he will have to negotiate with the Democrats on improving Obamacare.
George Will's column that this will all end in a Tweak and then move on may influence McConnell. McConnell never wanted to negotiate the healthcare bill and just wanted to go straight to Tax Reforms or Tax cuts. that is jeopardized if you just gave the rich the largest tax cuts in history and threw 23 million off healthcare.
Will, who has a disabled child, noted that there is a new consensus in the country that pre-existing conditions should not penalized people and there is a wide consensus that the poor, disabled and elderly should get healthcare. That's why Will argued that the Senate will eventually just slightly alter Obamacare instead of passing the current monstrosity.
But he has also warned that if the bill doesn't past he will have to negotiate with the Democrats on improving Obamacare.
George Will's column that this will all end in a Tweak and then move on may influence McConnell. McConnell never wanted to negotiate the healthcare bill and just wanted to go straight to Tax Reforms or Tax cuts. that is jeopardized if you just gave the rich the largest tax cuts in history and threw 23 million off healthcare.
Will, who has a disabled child, noted that there is a new consensus in the country that pre-existing conditions should not penalized people and there is a wide consensus that the poor, disabled and elderly should get healthcare. That's why Will argued that the Senate will eventually just slightly alter Obamacare instead of passing the current monstrosity.
TRUMP WON'T FILE COMPLAINT WITH DOJ AGAINST COMEY
The Senate intel committee will receive Comey's memos on Trump.
OFF TO PARIS.
My computer is so screwed up, so I say Goodby now and I will return on Tuesday.
I'm going to see Macron about Trump's visit on Bastile day. A guillotine would be nice.
And no Obamacare is not collapsing despite the best efforts of Trump to paralyze it. Remember it is called Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The patient protection is crucial in any debate here on out.
I'm going to see Macron about Trump's visit on Bastile day. A guillotine would be nice.
And no Obamacare is not collapsing despite the best efforts of Trump to paralyze it. Remember it is called Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The patient protection is crucial in any debate here on out.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
DAILY BEAST: TRUMP TOTALLY OUT OF IT ON SYRIA
Rex Tillerson warned the Russian foreign minister about the "supposed" chemical attack by Syria. Tillerson said that Bannon and Kushner had been consulted about the American response but Trump was too preoccupied by the Russian investigation and CNN news to give it any thought.
So your government might escalate the war in Syria on Bannon and Kushner's say-so without the alleged Commander-in-chief totally unaware.
So your government might escalate the war in Syria on Bannon and Kushner's say-so without the alleged Commander-in-chief totally unaware.
PAUL MANAFORT RETROACTIVELY REGISTERS AS FOREIGN AGENT
Cleaning up the record before going state's witness?
AT THE MEETING WITH TRUMP.
Mary Caputo of West Virginia told him three basic conditions before she would consider.
Lisa Murkowski told him she would work with the Democrats on a new healthcare bill.
Susan Collins said that there was no way the bill could meet her criteria.
Senator Moran from Kansas ,who politics are right, said it does not meet the criteria of those in Kansas. Remember Kathy Sebelius the first Obamacare health director was the governor of the state.
Really looks rocky now for Mitch, even though he offered up stadiums from Medicaid money.
Lisa Murkowski told him she would work with the Democrats on a new healthcare bill.
Susan Collins said that there was no way the bill could meet her criteria.
Senator Moran from Kansas ,who politics are right, said it does not meet the criteria of those in Kansas. Remember Kathy Sebelius the first Obamacare health director was the governor of the state.
Really looks rocky now for Mitch, even though he offered up stadiums from Medicaid money.
LET'S MOVE TO THE SYRIAN WAR.
Nikki Haley warned that the American statements on Syria are also aimed at Iran and Russia.
By late this afternoon a Pentagon official said that the chemical attacks being prepared at a Syrian airbase. No one else seems to know anything about it.
Russia not content with their puppet said this was all nonsense.
I expect this issue to blow up this week. And remember there is no declaration of war on anything we are doing anyway.
The White House contingent is aching for a war with Iran. But the US will go against a regimen with a very developed missile capability,a sophisticated air force and a huge standing army. And it is no Iraq, whose army had been seriously depleted in the first Gulf War and whose battlefields were desert.
Iran is mountainous and as much as Iranians detest their government any attack will galvanize a fierce nationalist response.
By late this afternoon a Pentagon official said that the chemical attacks being prepared at a Syrian airbase. No one else seems to know anything about it.
Russia not content with their puppet said this was all nonsense.
I expect this issue to blow up this week. And remember there is no declaration of war on anything we are doing anyway.
The White House contingent is aching for a war with Iran. But the US will go against a regimen with a very developed missile capability,a sophisticated air force and a huge standing army. And it is no Iraq, whose army had been seriously depleted in the first Gulf War and whose battlefields were desert.
Iran is mountainous and as much as Iranians detest their government any attack will galvanize a fierce nationalist response.
McCONNELL WANTS NEW BILL AND NEW CBO SCORE.
Threatened his caucus that if they fail they will have to talk to Democrats.
THE PENTAGON AND STATE DEPT. BAFFLED BY TRUMP'S RED LINE ON SYRIA
No one knows what the WH is talking about.
This comes after Sy Hersh published yesterday that the attack which provoked Trump's missile attack on Syria was not Sarin gas as Trump claimed.
This comes after Sy Hersh published yesterday that the attack which provoked Trump's missile attack on Syria was not Sarin gas as Trump claimed.
5 GOP SENATORS OPPOSE
Now the pitch is that states can use Medicaid for funding infrastructure and education. This blog wrote about the use of block grants from Medicaid and how the GOP envisages them to cover budget shortfalls in states not medical care. Now they are just making it overt.
Monday, June 26, 2017
DONORS AT KOCH RETREAT TELL GOP NOTHING UNTIL HEALTHCARE REPEAL AND TAX REFORM
They argue the GOP has the Senate,the House and the Supreme Court so "just get it done". The Koch brothers felt that 2018 will bring reaction that wipe out all their right-wing gains.
BLOOMBERG: IVANKA AND DON,Jr. TARGETS OF MUELLER INVESTIGATION
The article written By Trump biographer Tim O'Brian says that Bayrock is the focus of Muller's investigation and the real estate deals brokered by Ivanka and Don,Jr. because they laundered Russian mob money.The article is detailed in how this was done.
THE OTHER CBO FINDING
As the Washington Post noted in today's editorial, the CBO said Obamacare is fine and will retain the gains it has made. It just needs a few tweaks to make better. The CBO actually recommends keeping it rather than allow 23 million lose health care and millions others to lose benefits. Remember the CBO is run by John Boehner's pick,a Republican.
WH WARNS OF POSSIBLE CHEMICAL ATTACK BY ASSAD IN SYRIA.
But CENTCOM has no idea what they are talking about. They haven't seen evidence. The news was broadcast on Rachel Maddow but also with no information backing it up.
JENNIFER RUBIN IN THE POST ON THE DREADFUL BILL.
Jennifer writes that premiums will explode and deductibles will be impossible. Rubin analyzes the effect on older citizens like me and the poor. She agrees with the basic thrust that this is all about tax breaks too the rich. She notes that eliminating the employer mandate,corporations will drop their employees from the insurance rolls.
And she notes that the CBO says the markets for the ACA are stable.
And she notes that the CBO says the markets for the ACA are stable.
COLLINS WANTS TO WORK WITH HER GOP AND DEM COLLEAGUES TO FIX THE ACA
Collins tweeted that 1/3rd of Mainers are on Medicaid and the rural hospitals are overflowing. She says the ACA has problems in Maine but she can't go along with the GOP bill. The hardest I've heard her. She had said she was waiting on the CBO score before making up her mind. Doesn't look like there is any wiggly room.
RESPONSE TO THE PEW POLL FROM RETIRED MILITARY MAN AND TRUMP VOTER
I don't care a f**k about the global community.
PEW REPORTS WORLD HAS NO CONFIDENCE IN TRUMP'S AMERICA
PEW conducted poll of 37 countries. For your reference, the world had 64% confidence in Barack Obama.
Less than 75% of the world has little or no confidence in Trump's global leadership with support collapsing fastest among out traditional allies. The confidence level is lower than in Bush after the invasion of Iraq.
Only Russia and Israel have confidence in Trump.
22% have some or a great deal of confidence in Trump.
74% have no confidence in Trump or his policies.
Less than 75% of the world has little or no confidence in Trump's global leadership with support collapsing fastest among out traditional allies. The confidence level is lower than in Bush after the invasion of Iraq.
Only Russia and Israel have confidence in Trump.
22% have some or a great deal of confidence in Trump.
74% have no confidence in Trump or his policies.
CBO: 4 million will lose employer health insurance.
The Association of State Medicaid Directors issued a statement this afternoon that the Medicaid cuts proposed are "unworkable'.
SLIGHTLY LESS HORRIBLE BUT FASTER.
Josh Marshall writes that today's CBO has 15 million losing health insurance next year.
SUPREME COURT
Will hear travel ban in the Fall . Will allow some of it to proceed now.
Allows California concealed carry law to stand.
Reverses Arkansas law preventing gay couple's names on birth certificates.
Will hear the baker's refusing to bake gay wedding cake in the fall.
And, no, Anthony Kennedy hasn't retired yet.
Allows California concealed carry law to stand.
Reverses Arkansas law preventing gay couple's names on birth certificates.
Will hear the baker's refusing to bake gay wedding cake in the fall.
And, no, Anthony Kennedy hasn't retired yet.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
PRO-TRUMP GROUP AIRS ATTACK ADS AGAINST MUELLER
Mueller is a registered Republican. The attack ad is on 5 Muller aides having donated to the Democratic Party,one having given to both. The attack is that he is friends with James Comey.
A STAGGERING FINDING BY KAISER
The Kaiser Foundation has created a chart to compare the ACA with the Senate Bill. The finding for 55-65, who don't qualify for Medicare,is that under the ACA they pay 10% of their income for insurance, and under Trumpcare 40% of their income.
The Senate Heallthcare Bill
The country's newspapers did not lead with the healthcare bill and its problems. The television coverage was by Republicans an orchestration of lies. Yes,people will be thrown out of nursing homes. Deductibles will be huge and preexisting conditions will become the lay of the land once more. People ages 55-65 will get royally screwed. Their premiums will soar.
This week we should get a CBO score. I hope they throw in what defunding Planned Parenthood would do.
Several senior GOP Senators didn't believe the bill could be voted on this week. The White House claimed no one would be thrown off Medicaid and Kellyanne Conway said that any adult could find work if they were. Employment status is not the basic reason people are on Medicaid but poverty is.
Senator Manchin of West Virginia says that the Senate bill is worse than the House's. His Republican counterpart in West Virginia Senator Caputo is showing slight signs of courage in her criticism of the cuts to Medicaid which will devastate the already devastated state.
Rob Portman of Ohio is caught in a real bind because his signature issue during his re-election was the opiod epidemic in Ohio--which my visiting musicians have told me is brutal.
Maine's Senator Collins tries to lull us into thinking she will do the right thing declares she doesn't see how this can be voted on this week as she says more needs to be done.
The ACA was debated for 24 consecutive days before the final vote. This will debated all of 10 hours.
An intense media campaign is being waged against the GOP "No's". Chuck Schumer told CBS this morning that he says it is 50-50 the bill will pass.
The good news if it doesn't pass Mitch McConnell wants nothing more to do with healthcare. Let's make sure this week he fails.
This week we should get a CBO score. I hope they throw in what defunding Planned Parenthood would do.
Several senior GOP Senators didn't believe the bill could be voted on this week. The White House claimed no one would be thrown off Medicaid and Kellyanne Conway said that any adult could find work if they were. Employment status is not the basic reason people are on Medicaid but poverty is.
Senator Manchin of West Virginia says that the Senate bill is worse than the House's. His Republican counterpart in West Virginia Senator Caputo is showing slight signs of courage in her criticism of the cuts to Medicaid which will devastate the already devastated state.
Rob Portman of Ohio is caught in a real bind because his signature issue during his re-election was the opiod epidemic in Ohio--which my visiting musicians have told me is brutal.
Maine's Senator Collins tries to lull us into thinking she will do the right thing declares she doesn't see how this can be voted on this week as she says more needs to be done.
The ACA was debated for 24 consecutive days before the final vote. This will debated all of 10 hours.
An intense media campaign is being waged against the GOP "No's". Chuck Schumer told CBS this morning that he says it is 50-50 the bill will pass.
The good news if it doesn't pass Mitch McConnell wants nothing more to do with healthcare. Let's make sure this week he fails.
TRUMP WANTS THE FBI TO INVESTIGATE OBAMA IN RUSSIA MESS.
I received this morning right-wing e-mails trying to suggest the Democrats made up the story of the Sinclair Dossier and that the DNC didn't cooperate with the FBI because their IT people were linked to George Soros. Yes, it all doesn't make sense.
Then Brit Hume said that while the GOP colluding with Russia wasn't appropriate ,it wasn't illegal.
Trump response to the Washington Post revelations on Obama's secret struggle against the Russian interference and Adam Schiff said Obama's response wasn't enough.
It is quite clear that a 9-11 Commission is called for as the core issues in this matter have fallen through the cracks. Let's create a bipartisan panel so that it doesn't happen again. (Of course, unless Steven Colbert runs for President in 2020. He'll need Russian help.)
And we bid farewell to Ambassador Kislyak who has been recalled to Moscow. Let's hope he doesn't meet the fate of others involved in this plot.
I look forward to the probe into Obama because I would like to see a real President for a change.
Then Brit Hume said that while the GOP colluding with Russia wasn't appropriate ,it wasn't illegal.
Trump response to the Washington Post revelations on Obama's secret struggle against the Russian interference and Adam Schiff said Obama's response wasn't enough.
It is quite clear that a 9-11 Commission is called for as the core issues in this matter have fallen through the cracks. Let's create a bipartisan panel so that it doesn't happen again. (Of course, unless Steven Colbert runs for President in 2020. He'll need Russian help.)
And we bid farewell to Ambassador Kislyak who has been recalled to Moscow. Let's hope he doesn't meet the fate of others involved in this plot.
I look forward to the probe into Obama because I would like to see a real President for a change.
JUDGE ORDERS IVANKA TO TESTIFY IN SHOES' CASE
This appears to be natural but Ivanka claimed she could not testify because she is a "high-ranking government official".
Saturday, June 24, 2017
POST REPORTS HOSPITAL ISSUE THREATENS "MODERATE""S SUPPORT
The dilemma for these Senator is that the GOP has never attacked traditional Medicare head-in and Caputo,Murkowski,Collins, and Portman have used this program to satisfy their poorer constituents. And the Hospital Associations have pointed out that numerous hospitals will have to close in their states because of lack of payment.
A DAILYKOS BLOGGER SUGGESTS
Using the subject of rural hospitals in the debate on the Senate bill because the cuts to Medicaid will force many rural hospitals to close and along with it countless jobs and lives. The GOP is trying to stem this with an OPOID Amendment to put more money into the plague hurting Red states. But the overall cuts will neutralize whatever good the amendment will do. The blogger plans on sending this idea to Oregon and Maine in order to affect Susan Collins.
On Heller's dissent. Just remember Adelson gets a $40 million tax break on this bill and his business is located in Nevada. Also Pence came out today to attack him.
Pence met yesterday with the Koch brothers who admired Trump's position on deregulation and the justices he is appointing to the courts.
On Heller's dissent. Just remember Adelson gets a $40 million tax break on this bill and his business is located in Nevada. Also Pence came out today to attack him.
Pence met yesterday with the Koch brothers who admired Trump's position on deregulation and the justices he is appointing to the courts.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SENATE HEALTHCARE BILL.
The word "women" does not appear once in 142 pages.
NOW TRUMP ADMITS RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE AND BLAMES OBAMA FOR NO ACTION
Naturally he doesn't acknowledge Putin was working for his victory. Trump has his Obama Jones.
Democracyunderground has two clips--1. the Rachel Maddow show on Friday and 2. Hayes on the Washingtonpost piece on Obama's secret struggle against the Russian interference
The point of these pieces was that the CIA had someone placed very close to Putin who saw Putin direct the whole-ranging operation against America. The intelligence was "silo-ed" so that it took a little longer to gain consensus. Obama tried to get a bipartisan statement warning about Russian interference but Republican leadership in Congress nixed it. The Obama administration offered assistance to the states but many Republican states refused.
The Obama White House was walking a tightrope because Trump had made a pitch that the election was rigged and making a unilaterally pitch would be seen as tipping the scales for Clinton and fueling the perception that the election was rigged and that it could not be trusted.
John Brennen called his counterpart in the VSB to knock it off and Obama used the red phone to Putin to say not to tamper with the results on election day.
The Obama administration was preparing for the worse and a fifty state effort by the Russians. Obama authorized a covert action to detonate digital bombs on Russia infrastructure but left its implementation to the Trump administration.
What has transpired is that not only were we hacked from abroad but also that Russian national were active in the States. Both the State Department and the FBI were alarmed by the number of Russians with IT skills applying for temporary visas.
The tensions between the two countries reached the stage of red alert. And yes out voting machines can be hacked as the Senate intelligence committee found out this week from academic computer scientists who actually hack machines for their studies.
Trump has pure gall to go after Obama on this issue since his campaign fed the Russians the voter lists. It was Obama who had to walk the tightrope so we did not move into a hot war. The full story is becoming public with the excellent reporting of the Washington Post, new York Times and Rachel Maddow.
Democracyunderground has two clips--1. the Rachel Maddow show on Friday and 2. Hayes on the Washingtonpost piece on Obama's secret struggle against the Russian interference
The point of these pieces was that the CIA had someone placed very close to Putin who saw Putin direct the whole-ranging operation against America. The intelligence was "silo-ed" so that it took a little longer to gain consensus. Obama tried to get a bipartisan statement warning about Russian interference but Republican leadership in Congress nixed it. The Obama administration offered assistance to the states but many Republican states refused.
The Obama White House was walking a tightrope because Trump had made a pitch that the election was rigged and making a unilaterally pitch would be seen as tipping the scales for Clinton and fueling the perception that the election was rigged and that it could not be trusted.
John Brennen called his counterpart in the VSB to knock it off and Obama used the red phone to Putin to say not to tamper with the results on election day.
The Obama administration was preparing for the worse and a fifty state effort by the Russians. Obama authorized a covert action to detonate digital bombs on Russia infrastructure but left its implementation to the Trump administration.
What has transpired is that not only were we hacked from abroad but also that Russian national were active in the States. Both the State Department and the FBI were alarmed by the number of Russians with IT skills applying for temporary visas.
The tensions between the two countries reached the stage of red alert. And yes out voting machines can be hacked as the Senate intelligence committee found out this week from academic computer scientists who actually hack machines for their studies.
Trump has pure gall to go after Obama on this issue since his campaign fed the Russians the voter lists. It was Obama who had to walk the tightrope so we did not move into a hot war. The full story is becoming public with the excellent reporting of the Washington Post, new York Times and Rachel Maddow.
ANOTHER BENEFIT OF OBAMACARE
One of the real pleasures of my life is to listen to all the musicians who practice and record in my cellar. Musicians often crash mid-tour at my house.
During the recent years this has occurred I always ask about healthcare. At least a dozen have told me that they first got health insurance under Obama and it takes care of their kids.
This is the portability that Igor Volsky talks about.
What will happen now? I don't know unless these fine talents have to buy junk insurance.
During the recent years this has occurred I always ask about healthcare. At least a dozen have told me that they first got health insurance under Obama and it takes care of their kids.
This is the portability that Igor Volsky talks about.
What will happen now? I don't know unless these fine talents have to buy junk insurance.
THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA
My family has benefited from Obamacare. We have managed to carry my son three years after college on our insurance. The first year we received a substantial rebate from then Blue Cross since their profit exceeded the designated percentage in the ACA.
The whole family have had free annual checkups. I have had two colonscopiesfor free. I have a stress test,two lung x-rays,and a heart exam. No charge. Over the past two years I have had to visit neurologists several times. I think the total cost $100. I had physical therapy three days a week for 5 weeks. Zero charge.
And my medicine for Parkinson's cost a YUGE $10 per month. Did the GOP open the drug donut whole in this bill?
Now,I am merging into Medicare. But for the past 7 years, despite health alerts,my family has had "health security", knowing every doctor's visit doesn't end up like my dentist visits, which run $600-1,200 over the last 4.
Thanks Obama. But then he had a big heart.
The whole family have had free annual checkups. I have had two colonscopiesfor free. I have a stress test,two lung x-rays,and a heart exam. No charge. Over the past two years I have had to visit neurologists several times. I think the total cost $100. I had physical therapy three days a week for 5 weeks. Zero charge.
And my medicine for Parkinson's cost a YUGE $10 per month. Did the GOP open the drug donut whole in this bill?
Now,I am merging into Medicare. But for the past 7 years, despite health alerts,my family has had "health security", knowing every doctor's visit doesn't end up like my dentist visits, which run $600-1,200 over the last 4.
Thanks Obama. But then he had a big heart.
IT IS EVEN WORSE THAN YOU THINK
Trump spent the day attacking Obamacare,complaining of rising premiums and deductibles. Senator Grassley's former health aide complained that the Republicanplan calls for some insurance policy as having $10,000 deductibles and some premiums as being over $20,000. Give me Obamacare. Here in Virginia, this year increase is 7%--hardly the 110% mentioned.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
Orrin Hatch has complained that Bernie Sanders accused supporters of the Senate health bill as murderers. It's a true statement.
DAVID FRUM: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PRESIDENCY LOSES IT LEGITIMACY
David Frum writes in the Atlantic about how this White House is acting in ways to get around the basic incompetence of Trump and that these workarounds are dangerous. He also points to Congress' votes on Russian sanctions as a way to box the President in.Frum argues this reduces the President to a post of impotent emperor and the GOP Congress acting on their own agenda.
OH GOODY,SENATE GOP WANT TO ADD PUNISHMENTS FOR THE UNINSURED
First, if you are on Medicaid, you have to renew it every six months.
Second, if you re uninsured by failure to pay or being fired or your insurance lapses,you have to wait six months before applying.
Third, the New York Times today has a one-page article on how this bill increases health costs across the board, including raises in premiums.
Second, if you re uninsured by failure to pay or being fired or your insurance lapses,you have to wait six months before applying.
Third, the New York Times today has a one-page article on how this bill increases health costs across the board, including raises in premiums.
MICHAEL HITZIK of the LA TIMES REPORTS
Hitzik has been one of the best mainstream reporters on Health Reform. Today's column finds all the mean elements in the Senate bill.
The surprises for me are that the tax cuts are retroactive and only apply to people earning over $259,000.
Hitzik nails how pre-existing conditions found their way back into the legislation and notes that deep in the bill is the notion that states can waive out of the basic guarantees of Obamacare.
And yes, healthcare CEOs no longer face caps on their salaries but all of us face caps on coverage.
What struck me was that the bill didn't target Medicaid expansion as it did the traditional Medicaid, which has been around 50 years.
No wonder Hillary Clinton said yesterday that the Republicans are the "party of death".
I wonder how defunding Planned Parenthood affects the CBO score because Planned Parenthood serves millions of women and is often the prime caregiver to women.
The surprises for me are that the tax cuts are retroactive and only apply to people earning over $259,000.
Hitzik nails how pre-existing conditions found their way back into the legislation and notes that deep in the bill is the notion that states can waive out of the basic guarantees of Obamacare.
And yes, healthcare CEOs no longer face caps on their salaries but all of us face caps on coverage.
What struck me was that the bill didn't target Medicaid expansion as it did the traditional Medicaid, which has been around 50 years.
No wonder Hillary Clinton said yesterday that the Republicans are the "party of death".
I wonder how defunding Planned Parenthood affects the CBO score because Planned Parenthood serves millions of women and is often the prime caregiver to women.
Friday, June 23, 2017
AMERICA CARNAGE
Igor Volsky of the Ceneter for American Progress noted on the Bradcast that there literally is no constituency for the Senate health bill. He said it is as if Republicans feel they will never be in free election ever again.
Just some of the organizations that have opposed the Senate bill:
League of Women Voters blasted it as worse than the House bill.
AARP says it will hold all 100 Senators responsible for it.
AHA--The American Hospital Associationthat represents 5,000 hospitals blasted the Medicare cuts.
The American Essential Hospitals Group, which represents 300 hospitals in poorer places lamented the negative effects on the ovoid crisis.
The Federation of American Hospitals urged the Senate to hit reset.
The Association of Medical College ,which represents all medical colleges,says the bill only allows bare bones plans that will not provide Obamacare coverage.
So let's go to the videotape:
The elimination of the hospital payroll tax shortens Medicare by 3 years.
27 million are covered by employer policies that will be affected by an end of annual and lifetime caps. Wilfred and Watson group says that 20% of large employers want to put caps on medical expenses. As a Result,they will choose to have all their benefits in a state that waives all of the Obamacare benefits.
The bill takes $1 trillion out of Medicare. 74 million Americans receive Medicare. 49% of birth are paid by Medicaid,64% of all nursing homes,76% of all poor children have healthcare from Medicaid, 29% of all middle class kids.
Now The bill changes the way Medicaid is paid for and the formula would mean it would rise at a slower rate.In essence this is the block grant idea I have written about before. States will receive less federal money to fund their Medicaid programs and have to tighten eligibility and force more people off the program.
Volsky also talked about "Job Block" that existed before Obamacare. In other word you want to work in some other occupation but you stay in a job you hate just for the health insurance. With the elimination of basic benefits ,then you mate be placed in high-risk pools as in the past, which are always underfunded and cost an exorbitant rate to get insurances.
Volsky sees only one "benefit" that if you ar younger and healthy you can buy "supreme policies" that are insurance in name only and don't pay benefits when you are sick. But since there is no mandatory insurance,what is the incentive of the young and healthy to buy insurance.
DEATH RATE: The Center for American Progress measured deaths using the the pro and after of the Massachusetts Plan. If the original house plan left 23 million uninsured, 27,700 would die, If 19 million without insurance,23,000 annually,if only 15 million without insurance 18,000.
They estimate the Senate bill will kill 217,000 over 10 years--4 times the deaths in the Vietnam War. All for some tax breaks.
Senator Heller from Nevada who said he opposed the Senate bill blasted the legislation by saying it did not lower premiums,it rolled back essential befits, and its cut to Medicaid were unacceptable.
Just some of the organizations that have opposed the Senate bill:
League of Women Voters blasted it as worse than the House bill.
AARP says it will hold all 100 Senators responsible for it.
AHA--The American Hospital Associationthat represents 5,000 hospitals blasted the Medicare cuts.
The American Essential Hospitals Group, which represents 300 hospitals in poorer places lamented the negative effects on the ovoid crisis.
The Federation of American Hospitals urged the Senate to hit reset.
The Association of Medical College ,which represents all medical colleges,says the bill only allows bare bones plans that will not provide Obamacare coverage.
So let's go to the videotape:
The elimination of the hospital payroll tax shortens Medicare by 3 years.
27 million are covered by employer policies that will be affected by an end of annual and lifetime caps. Wilfred and Watson group says that 20% of large employers want to put caps on medical expenses. As a Result,they will choose to have all their benefits in a state that waives all of the Obamacare benefits.
The bill takes $1 trillion out of Medicare. 74 million Americans receive Medicare. 49% of birth are paid by Medicaid,64% of all nursing homes,76% of all poor children have healthcare from Medicaid, 29% of all middle class kids.
Now The bill changes the way Medicaid is paid for and the formula would mean it would rise at a slower rate.In essence this is the block grant idea I have written about before. States will receive less federal money to fund their Medicaid programs and have to tighten eligibility and force more people off the program.
Volsky also talked about "Job Block" that existed before Obamacare. In other word you want to work in some other occupation but you stay in a job you hate just for the health insurance. With the elimination of basic benefits ,then you mate be placed in high-risk pools as in the past, which are always underfunded and cost an exorbitant rate to get insurances.
Volsky sees only one "benefit" that if you ar younger and healthy you can buy "supreme policies" that are insurance in name only and don't pay benefits when you are sick. But since there is no mandatory insurance,what is the incentive of the young and healthy to buy insurance.
DEATH RATE: The Center for American Progress measured deaths using the the pro and after of the Massachusetts Plan. If the original house plan left 23 million uninsured, 27,700 would die, If 19 million without insurance,23,000 annually,if only 15 million without insurance 18,000.
They estimate the Senate bill will kill 217,000 over 10 years--4 times the deaths in the Vietnam War. All for some tax breaks.
Senator Heller from Nevada who said he opposed the Senate bill blasted the legislation by saying it did not lower premiums,it rolled back essential befits, and its cut to Medicaid were unacceptable.
THE SENATE INTEL CMTE WILL INVESTIGATE….
LORETTA LYNCH.
The basis of this strange move is the piece of disinformation fed into our system about Loretta Lynch trying to stall the investigation into Hillary Clinton and meeting with Bill Clinton. This is the Republican roundabout way of damaging James Comey. What is strange that this item was shown to be disinformation created by the Russians as reported two weeks ago.
The basis of this strange move is the piece of disinformation fed into our system about Loretta Lynch trying to stall the investigation into Hillary Clinton and meeting with Bill Clinton. This is the Republican roundabout way of damaging James Comey. What is strange that this item was shown to be disinformation created by the Russians as reported two weeks ago.
ABOUT THOSE DEMONSTRATORS OUTSIDE MITCH MCCONNELL'S OFFICE
The disabled American protesting the GOP's healthcare bill emphasized the draconian cuts to Medicaid but also exposed alarm about the American Disabilities Act, which passed some three decades ago and sought to integrate the disabled within the community. In the interviews with the protestors , they said these Medicaid cuts would force them into nursing homes where they will die.
One woman said that she had own home and pets and was employed but that would change if deprived of her treatment. She said even though the disabled might be imperfect they can be produce members of society.
Medicaid is the only lifeline these people have to leading a productive life.
One woman said that she had own home and pets and was employed but that would change if deprived of her treatment. She said even though the disabled might be imperfect they can be produce members of society.
Medicaid is the only lifeline these people have to leading a productive life.
RACHEL MADDOW REPORTS
Judge Antony Kennedy might retire Monday, which will open the Supreme Court to complete rightwing turnover.
ROLLING STONE REPORTS
Following up on the Post's bombshell about Obama's secret effort to stop the Russian efforts to interfere with the elections, Rollin Stone spells out how the Republican Party down to secretaries of States refuse to cooperate in these efforts and in fact gave Russia a green light for their efforts.
Rolling Stone documents how the Obama administration offered election assistance to states to prevent hacking and voter manipulation but were turned down.
Rolling Stone documents how the Obama administration offered election assistance to states to prevent hacking and voter manipulation but were turned down.
TIME REPORTS
Election hackers altered voter rolls more extensively than previously reported. Congress is looking in whether the Trump campaign used the data in their election effort.
US ENDS PROTECTION FOR GRIZZLEY BEAR IN YELLOW STONE.
What is it with this administration and bears? The Grizzley has been protected for 50 years. The first bill Trump signed was to allow hunters to kill bears while they are hibernating.
TRUMP STARTS HIS DAY WITH THE RUSSIA PROBE.
WH staff reports he meets with his lawyers in the morning. This morning he blasted the WH counsel for not stopping the Russia probe. His WH lawyer is a campaign finance lawyer and would have no clue.
TRUMP AND RUSSIA PROBE
This morning's Washington Post has several articles on the Russian interference. Key is the article about how President Obama tried to cope with Putin's interference. Naturally,Mitch McConnell nixed a bipartisan statement blasting Russia. Nifty secret memos and the fact that the CIA had a source deep inside the Kremlin that could report that Putin had made a shift to Trump.
Tump this morning asserted that all of Muller's aides are all Clinton supporters. Trump throated to fire Mueller and has started the campaign against Mueller's integrity.
Fox News had a reporter for the Daily Mail on that asserted Comey went to the New York Times with his story. (FALSE)
Dan Coats, National Intelligence Director ,said that Trump was obsessed with the Russia probe.
The FBI has opened another investigation into Manafort and his brother-in-law.
The House Intelligence Committee said they are investigating whether the Trump campaign used voter lists stolen by Russia.
And-YES!,RexTillerson has opened an investigation into Hillary's e-mail server and whether Hillary should be stripped of her security clearance.
Tump this morning asserted that all of Muller's aides are all Clinton supporters. Trump throated to fire Mueller and has started the campaign against Mueller's integrity.
Fox News had a reporter for the Daily Mail on that asserted Comey went to the New York Times with his story. (FALSE)
Dan Coats, National Intelligence Director ,said that Trump was obsessed with the Russia probe.
The FBI has opened another investigation into Manafort and his brother-in-law.
The House Intelligence Committee said they are investigating whether the Trump campaign used voter lists stolen by Russia.
And-YES!,RexTillerson has opened an investigation into Hillary's e-mail server and whether Hillary should be stripped of her security clearance.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION TELLS SENATE TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD,
Trumpcare would close rural hospitals and kill the employment they provide and kill healthcare for rural Americans.
CA.SENATE PASSED THE HEALTHY CALIFORNIA ACT.
70% of the state supports single-payer healthcare. The initial budget reports say it is very doable.
HOWARD DEAN: NANCY PELOSI WAS THE BEST SPEAKER SINCE TIP O'NEILL
If you want to go after Nancy Pelosi,please take back the House first. One thing Nancy has going for her,she never missed a count.
OBAMA WEIGHS IN ON TRUMPCARE ON FACEBOOK
President Obama reminds us that thousands worked for the ACA not because of political party but that health security was above politics. Obma stresses that ACA can be improved but that its essential goal would be undermined by the Senate bill and that all progress would be erased. He says that 90% of Americans enjoy "health security" knowing they can start a new job or occupation and know that their health care needs would be covered.
He urged Republican Senators to step ahead from this bill and work with Democrats to improve our healthcare system. He says that this bill is a massive wealth giveaway to the richest and makes all of vulnerable.
He urged Republican Senators to step ahead from this bill and work with Democrats to improve our healthcare system. He says that this bill is a massive wealth giveaway to the richest and makes all of vulnerable.
BOB CASEY (PA) SAYS BILL REVOKES ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF OBAMACARE.
My point exactly. These benefits are guaranteed even in you employer-based health insurance.
CRUZ,PAUL,JOHNSON,LEE OPPOSE TRUMPCARE
Because it doesn't repeal Obamacare enough. But they are open to negotiate.
TRUMPCARE
So my whole family has no healthcare. My son is off the family plan because he is now over 25. Without the Medicare taxes,Medicare will have a shorter lifespan by about ten years, which will hit Ann and I when we are 70.
Planned Parenthood loses all federal funding within a year.
Medicaid is savaged and will probably go extinct by 2020.
Let's make it personal: nursing homes cost at least $100,000 a year. When your money runs out, then in the past Medicaid would cover expenses. Not so anymore.
This is a devastating bill to all Americans.
Planned Parenthood loses all federal funding within a year.
Medicaid is savaged and will probably go extinct by 2020.
Let's make it personal: nursing homes cost at least $100,000 a year. When your money runs out, then in the past Medicaid would cover expenses. Not so anymore.
This is a devastating bill to all Americans.
HOWARD DEAN SAYS DEMS EASILY TAKE BACK THE HOUSE In 2018
Dean says the margins that GOP have won so far indicate Dems should pick up at least 50 seats.
The Dailykos showed there are 68 seats where the margin Ossof lost (gaining 19.5% on the Democrat from the previous election).
Oh, by the way, where are the 40,000 missing African American registrations in Ossof's district?
The Dailykos showed there are 68 seats where the margin Ossof lost (gaining 19.5% on the Democrat from the previous election).
Oh, by the way, where are the 40,000 missing African American registrations in Ossof's district?
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
RACHEL MADDOW SHOW
Rachel is going into all the ways the election was hacked in precise geographical locations. The actual intrusions in voting machines were in heavily democratic precincts. North Carolina, Florida and areas in Texas where Democratic votes are clustered.
With the bots targeting swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin,the tragic story of the 2016 election is becoming clearer.
As Mark Warner said The russians needed help from Americans.
With the bots targeting swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin,the tragic story of the 2016 election is becoming clearer.
As Mark Warner said The russians needed help from Americans.
COOK REPORT
I know Democrats are 0 for 4 in special elections. But Cook Report has Democrats outperforming the past in red districts that they write the House really is in play. If Democrats keep performing this way, Cook writes that Dems pick up 80 seats!
There is an axiom if the President has an approval rate below 50% in a by-election,the opposition picks up at least 36 seats in the House. Even if over, lose some seats.
There is an axiom if the President has an approval rate below 50% in a by-election,the opposition picks up at least 36 seats in the House. Even if over, lose some seats.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
CORKER AND CARDIN WANT CONGRESS TO AUTHORIZE MILITARY ACTIONS IN SYRIA.
Both men think the AUMF of 9/11 vintage doesn't adequately cover our multiple wars in the Middle East. So they want congressional approval of these acts.
To actually fight against the Syrian government requires congressional approval or it is an impeachable offense. Obama felt this way on Syria --the impeachable matter.
To actually fight against the Syrian government requires congressional approval or it is an impeachable offense. Obama felt this way on Syria --the impeachable matter.
WIN OR LOSE,WE WILL NOT KNOW THE REAL COUNT IN THE OSSOFF ELECTION
As last night's Bradcast let us know that Georgia only has touch screens and that they are run out of Kennesaw State College which allowed the state's electoral system to be downloaded without passwords. Politico alerted us to this in March and in the first election--a suspicious glitch in one county--stalled Ossoff at 48.5%.
Then we have the dirty tricks. How about the GOP running ads with Obama's voice to encourage African-Americans to vote Republican?
The turnout should be huge for a special election. Whether it provides Ossoff with the edge or creepy Trumpsters coming out.
In any event there is really no way to check the system.
Then we have the dirty tricks. How about the GOP running ads with Obama's voice to encourage African-Americans to vote Republican?
The turnout should be huge for a special election. Whether it provides Ossoff with the edge or creepy Trumpsters coming out.
In any event there is really no way to check the system.
Monday, June 19, 2017
AL FRANKEN ON TRUMPCARE
Franken's points:
Only 9% of the American people want the Senate bill to pass.
Under the ACA; there were over 100 bipartisan hearings. Under the new Senate Plan--0.
The ACA held 24 consecutive days of debate in the Senate.
There were 160 Republican amendments accepted under the ACA. ZERO Democratic amendments for the New Senate bill.
Only 9% of the American people want the Senate bill to pass.
Under the ACA; there were over 100 bipartisan hearings. Under the new Senate Plan--0.
The ACA held 24 consecutive days of debate in the Senate.
There were 160 Republican amendments accepted under the ACA. ZERO Democratic amendments for the New Senate bill.
DEMOCRATS' TALK-A-THON
The Democrats have tried to get a public debate on the Trumpcare bill. Remember Obamacare was debated in over 50 Senate hearings and several Republican amendments were accepted, even though none of them voted for it. Remember Sen. Grassley's whining over the Affordable Care Act. Senator Hatch said today that it would silly to share with the public because it is so bad.
Bloggers have complained that this should be front-page news. Remember none of the TV pundits or even the press are negatively impacted because they have their insurance covered by the newsoutlets and television personalities will probably receive a tax refund. No need to disturb the people.
This is alot like the tax cut proposed by Dick Cheney after 9-11. Passed only with 50 votes and helped trigger the global recession.
We only had Obamacare because he was committed to rectify a situation which his mother went through when she had cancer. That was the personal story behind him pressing for this when Axelrod was against it.
Obama became the first American president since TR, who thought of a national system, to ever get one through.
What is to transpire is a national and a personal tragedy for so many people . People over 50 with pre-existing conditions will have to pay a small new car every year for their coverage. People like my son probably will not be able to afford health insurance.
The Senate Democrats are right in bringing the Senate to a halt but instead we get the Washington Post pontificating that a single-payer is to costly.
With Obama out of office it is not likely we will have any major social reform in this country until a second term of a Democratic president. Somewhere around 2024.
Public polling shows the Republicans are highly vulnerable--today--on the healthcare issue.But the strategy is to make it so demoralizing one can't run on major social reform.
Bloggers have complained that this should be front-page news. Remember none of the TV pundits or even the press are negatively impacted because they have their insurance covered by the newsoutlets and television personalities will probably receive a tax refund. No need to disturb the people.
This is alot like the tax cut proposed by Dick Cheney after 9-11. Passed only with 50 votes and helped trigger the global recession.
We only had Obamacare because he was committed to rectify a situation which his mother went through when she had cancer. That was the personal story behind him pressing for this when Axelrod was against it.
Obama became the first American president since TR, who thought of a national system, to ever get one through.
What is to transpire is a national and a personal tragedy for so many people . People over 50 with pre-existing conditions will have to pay a small new car every year for their coverage. People like my son probably will not be able to afford health insurance.
The Senate Democrats are right in bringing the Senate to a halt but instead we get the Washington Post pontificating that a single-payer is to costly.
With Obama out of office it is not likely we will have any major social reform in this country until a second term of a Democratic president. Somewhere around 2024.
Public polling shows the Republicans are highly vulnerable--today--on the healthcare issue.But the strategy is to make it so demoralizing one can't run on major social reform.
NEWSWEEK: TRUMP, FELIX SATER AND THE MOB.
Newsweek's story deals with today's case in Brooklyn which searches to unseal the case on real estate purchases by Sater and the mob from Trump. The lawyer,Michael Lerner, argues that the case is germane because Trump now is president and if it turns out that he knew the mob bought the real estate than Trump had committed fraud.
DARRYL ISSA SAYS THE RESISTANCE DIED
He told his Republican colleagues that the demonstrators at his office have dwindled every week and that they are reduced to acting out with plays like Julius Caesar. Time for the people of California to deep-six this guy.
WAR,WHT IS GOOD FOR,ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
Josh Marshall had a little inside The Beltway piece about the off between the Pentagon and the Bannonites over Syria. The holdovers from Flynn have advocated an expansion of the Syrian war beyond destroying ISIS and want to go after Iran.
The Pentagon gets to determine the strategy for the Afghanistan War,the longest in American history, the yahoos Syria and the rest.
Like it or not,American ground troops are in Syria,Iraq,Yemen, Somalia and ,of course, Afghanistan.
I complained about Obama's strategy having too many moving parts. What is unfolding is insane.
500,000 Yemenis have Cholera. The United Nations reports the Middle Eastern situation has created more displaced people than at any time since WWII. The United States is eliminating funding for humanitarian aid. In the United States, even Franklin Graham has expressed disappointment with the deportation of Iraqi Christians.
Bannon had said he was a Leninist but I think he's like Che Guevara who promised to create one,two,three Vietnams for America. Bannon wants to move the war to the Iranian border.
Today, the United States shot down a Syrian airplane over its airspace. Remember President Obama submitted a request to declare war on ISIS in 2014. We are still waiting. The Russians, for their part, say they will not maintain the regional hot line to coordinate conflicting operations.
Throw in the Philippines where we are on the ground with Duterte's troops, North Korea where we have naval exercises, the United States is now in more hot wars than in my lifetime with only dreary results to be expected.
The Pentagon gets to determine the strategy for the Afghanistan War,the longest in American history, the yahoos Syria and the rest.
Like it or not,American ground troops are in Syria,Iraq,Yemen, Somalia and ,of course, Afghanistan.
I complained about Obama's strategy having too many moving parts. What is unfolding is insane.
500,000 Yemenis have Cholera. The United Nations reports the Middle Eastern situation has created more displaced people than at any time since WWII. The United States is eliminating funding for humanitarian aid. In the United States, even Franklin Graham has expressed disappointment with the deportation of Iraqi Christians.
Bannon had said he was a Leninist but I think he's like Che Guevara who promised to create one,two,three Vietnams for America. Bannon wants to move the war to the Iranian border.
Today, the United States shot down a Syrian airplane over its airspace. Remember President Obama submitted a request to declare war on ISIS in 2014. We are still waiting. The Russians, for their part, say they will not maintain the regional hot line to coordinate conflicting operations.
Throw in the Philippines where we are on the ground with Duterte's troops, North Korea where we have naval exercises, the United States is now in more hot wars than in my lifetime with only dreary results to be expected.
McCONNELL WILL VOTE ON TRUMPCARE NEXT WEEK.
He says he will not release the bill until 10 hours before the vote. A stunning repudiation of democratic processes. Not since the Democrats under Wilson prepared tariffs in secret has this been done.
Millions of peoples' fate and 20% of our economy rests on this bill. When asked why the GOP hasn't consulted anyone involved in healthcare,McConnell said " We've been all over that."
The bill will weigh heavily on blue states. Medicaid will go extinct earlier than 2020. (A note: millions use Medicaid to support aged parents in nursing homes. In effect, the bill creates a feudal system where the millennials deep in educational debt will forego health insurance then move into a part of their life where they must support their parents.
Rumors have it that the GOP will return to pre-Obamacare where pre-existing conditions affect premiums and there will be a lifetime cap on medical expenses. Those with employer insurance will forego the guarantees from Obamacare and the preventive care.
HIV/AIDS, opioid treatment, and all of women's healthcare will disappear.
In short it is the most regressive legislation in
American history.
It is estimated that 1 million jobs will be lost in the first ten years of its life.
The benefit of Obamacare to support entrepreneurs and those working in the gig-economy will disappear. You will have to seek employment that gives health insurance.
It will be absolutely devastating to Trump's core constituency and the whole Appalachia region. But I am convinced they could care less.
Millions of peoples' fate and 20% of our economy rests on this bill. When asked why the GOP hasn't consulted anyone involved in healthcare,McConnell said " We've been all over that."
The bill will weigh heavily on blue states. Medicaid will go extinct earlier than 2020. (A note: millions use Medicaid to support aged parents in nursing homes. In effect, the bill creates a feudal system where the millennials deep in educational debt will forego health insurance then move into a part of their life where they must support their parents.
Rumors have it that the GOP will return to pre-Obamacare where pre-existing conditions affect premiums and there will be a lifetime cap on medical expenses. Those with employer insurance will forego the guarantees from Obamacare and the preventive care.
HIV/AIDS, opioid treatment, and all of women's healthcare will disappear.
In short it is the most regressive legislation in
American history.
It is estimated that 1 million jobs will be lost in the first ten years of its life.
The benefit of Obamacare to support entrepreneurs and those working in the gig-economy will disappear. You will have to seek employment that gives health insurance.
It will be absolutely devastating to Trump's core constituency and the whole Appalachia region. But I am convinced they could care less.
POLITICO: SENATOR WHITEHOUSE SAYS FLYNN SINGING LIKE A CANARY.
Whitehouse says he is connecting the dots and noting a whole slew of subpoenas that could only come from witness who turned. Whitehouse sad that as one of the most talkative Trump people, Flynn has been resolutely quiet.
POLITICO: ALL SOCIAL MEDIA AGAINST OSSOFF FROM A SINGLE SOURCE LINKED TO TRUMP
The last three days of the Ossoff-Handal race has gotten vicious. The GOP played ads using Obama' voice to suppress the black turnout. The Republicans have run ads linking Ossoff to the shooter here in Alexandria. The GOP and their candidate are running against Nancy Pelosi.
Ossoff in the last poll had a very small lead and early voting gave the Republicans a large lead. Also there is news that new voters are registeringin the way they didn't before. We don't know if they are Trumpsters.
Ossoff in the last poll had a very small lead and early voting gave the Republicans a large lead. Also there is news that new voters are registeringin the way they didn't before. We don't know if they are Trumpsters.
SENATE SUBMITS TRUMPCARE TO CBO. LOOKS WORSE THAN THE HOUSE BILL.
Senate Democrats are slowing the work of the Senate because GOP will not show the healthcare bill, even to their full caucus.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
JAY SEKULOW SAYS TRUMP NEVER HAS BEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION.
Another Trump lawyer who knows nothing about this type of law. He only has litigated freedom of religion cases for the Right. Talking on "Face The Nation", he flatly contradicts Trump's own tweets about being under investigation.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
AP: WH STAFF SAY TRUMP SCREAMING AT TV IN ANGER OVER RUSSIA PROBE.
Eugene Robinson said that these are the last days of Nixon when Nixon would yell at the paintings on the wall.
Trump is now at Camp David for three days because of the criticism about the cost of staying at his properties.
Richard Painter, W's ethics guy, says Pence will be president in three months if Trump fires Mueller.
Trump is now at Camp David for three days because of the criticism about the cost of staying at his properties.
Richard Painter, W's ethics guy, says Pence will be president in three months if Trump fires Mueller.
NEWT SAYS PEOPLE ARE GOING TO JAIL IN KREMLINGATE.
Of course, this is the Deep State trying to wound and paralyze the Trump administration.
Meanwhile Trump himself is fixated by Nixon's fate. According to Politico, he doesn't want to be seen as trying and failing. Politico writes Trump doesn't want to be the second President to resign.
Meanwhile Trump himself is fixated by Nixon's fate. According to Politico, he doesn't want to be seen as trying and failing. Politico writes Trump doesn't want to be the second President to resign.
Friday, June 16, 2017
CLAUDE LONG
Says Eastern Virginia Court Brought down incitement against Steve Bannon for obstruction of justice. Witness said he physically threatened WH staff.
HOUSE INVESTIGATORS TO BRING IN BRAD PASCALE,DIGITAL DIRECTOR OF TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN
Key witness for testifying on the coordination of Trump campaign and Russia.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
THE VAST LAVA FLOW HEADING TO TRUMP
Josh Marshall writes a follow-up on his piece yesterday when the Washington Post story broke. The Wall Street Journal writes about how Trump was still belittling the intelligence community's assessment to his own NSA director and trying to persuade him that he had nothing to do with Russia.
Marshall refers to the lava flow of financial investigations that are based on a presumption that money was laundered to shell companies as a quid pro quo. Josh writes that most of the characters involved wouldn't pass the first legal smell taste if push comes to shove. If not collusion, what they have done is basically illegal.
Muller today told the Senate Intel Cmte he will handle obstruction of justice anad they can stay out of it. It should be noted that the obstruction of justice wouldn't have started without Trump accepting the advice of Jared Kushner to fire Comey.
Putin today trolled Trump by saying he would offer Comey political asylum likening him to Edward Snowden.
Believe it or not Paul Manafort is still doing business,advertising his excellent links to the Trump administration.
Marshall refers to the lava flow of financial investigations that are based on a presumption that money was laundered to shell companies as a quid pro quo. Josh writes that most of the characters involved wouldn't pass the first legal smell taste if push comes to shove. If not collusion, what they have done is basically illegal.
Muller today told the Senate Intel Cmte he will handle obstruction of justice anad they can stay out of it. It should be noted that the obstruction of justice wouldn't have started without Trump accepting the advice of Jared Kushner to fire Comey.
Putin today trolled Trump by saying he would offer Comey political asylum likening him to Edward Snowden.
Believe it or not Paul Manafort is still doing business,advertising his excellent links to the Trump administration.
GUARDIAN: RICHARD BURT SAYS ATTENDED DINNERS SESSIONS PUT ON TO DISCUSS RUSSIAN INTERESTS
Richard Burt, a former ambassador since a lobbyists for Russia, says he attended dinners given by Sessions to discuss Russian interests with numerous Republican foreign policy experts.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
ABOUT TODAY'S SHOOTING.
Has anyone ever thought that these shootings are ways by which white men get their story told? So we learn everything about the shooter's Facebook page, his volunteering with Bernie Sanders, his revulsion at Trump's election, his stay here in Alexandria at the Y, his political concerns over income inequality, his frustrations, his target practice back in his Illinois home. Basically more media time than your average obit and more extensive.
Like white males who ry to commit suicide after 55,he was calm while he fired at the congressmen and staff and the Capitol Police.
There was no mention on the Hill today about mental illness or gun control. In fact one of the few pieces of legislation passed by the Trump administration was to make it easier for the mentally ill to get fire arms.
There may be more stories in the days ahead because this is a very self-absorbed politics community. There is already discussion about beefing up security for members when they are in their districts. The Republicans were in hyperventilating mode.
My right-wing emailers tried to lay the blame on the Left--which is what they always do. But I found Paul Ryan's speech to the House rather strange. It sounded less reassuring than he is scared.
Josh Marshall reminds us this is a very violent country and I want to remind the readers that I feared everyday for Obama's life. With over 30,000 gun deaths per year, we will see more such incidents because we do not want to examine ourselves and why people--men--want to act out their frustration.
Like white males who ry to commit suicide after 55,he was calm while he fired at the congressmen and staff and the Capitol Police.
There was no mention on the Hill today about mental illness or gun control. In fact one of the few pieces of legislation passed by the Trump administration was to make it easier for the mentally ill to get fire arms.
There may be more stories in the days ahead because this is a very self-absorbed politics community. There is already discussion about beefing up security for members when they are in their districts. The Republicans were in hyperventilating mode.
My right-wing emailers tried to lay the blame on the Left--which is what they always do. But I found Paul Ryan's speech to the House rather strange. It sounded less reassuring than he is scared.
Josh Marshall reminds us this is a very violent country and I want to remind the readers that I feared everyday for Obama's life. With over 30,000 gun deaths per year, we will see more such incidents because we do not want to examine ourselves and why people--men--want to act out their frustration.
PRESIDENT OBAMA REACHED OUT TO SENATOR FLAKE ON THE SHOOTING TODAY.
Senator Flake was at the practice here in Alexandria when the shooting started. Flake said Obama called him to convey his prayers and best wishes to all shot and wounded. As Flake said,"He's been through this many times himself."
JOSH MARSHALL ON THE WORLD OF HURT THAT IS TO COME
Josh examines the Washington Post's breaking story on Mueller's investigation into Trump's obstruction of justice. Josh has an interesting take on when that began--probably before Mueller was appointed.
Marshall outlines the timeframe when it became openly obvious that Trump fired Comey to stop the Russia probe. He recalls Rosenstein's saying, 'I think I saw a crime.'
But the world of hurt that is to come are the "multiple investigations" under Mueller's purview. If you wants some idea of the A-team he has hired, WIRED has a piece today about the talent Muller has assembled for the "financial investigations" .
Marshall writes about how this financial web brings in Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort, Mike Flynn in others into the realm of quid pro quos.
Marshall notes that the Post piece says Mueller is going into the administration and into the ring of Trump friends like Chris Ruddy who seemed to have the ear of Trump and shared confidences. These people are now witnesses.
John Dean on NPR commented that it took some 977 days before Watergate started to break and now for Trump less than 150 days. As Dean said,"this is happening so fast."
Marshall outlines the timeframe when it became openly obvious that Trump fired Comey to stop the Russia probe. He recalls Rosenstein's saying, 'I think I saw a crime.'
But the world of hurt that is to come are the "multiple investigations" under Mueller's purview. If you wants some idea of the A-team he has hired, WIRED has a piece today about the talent Muller has assembled for the "financial investigations" .
Marshall writes about how this financial web brings in Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort, Mike Flynn in others into the realm of quid pro quos.
Marshall notes that the Post piece says Mueller is going into the administration and into the ring of Trump friends like Chris Ruddy who seemed to have the ear of Trump and shared confidences. These people are now witnesses.
John Dean on NPR commented that it took some 977 days before Watergate started to break and now for Trump less than 150 days. As Dean said,"this is happening so fast."
WSJ&WASH POST CONFIRM TRUMP'S ATTEMPT TO HAVE ROGERS AND COATS TO INTERCEDE ON RUSSIA PROBE.
Both papers quote a memo by Rick Ledgatt on documenting phone calls from Trump to Rogers and Coats about the Russia investigation and asking them whether they couldn't stop it.
THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ETHICS--THE HILL.
The OGE told Congress that the ethics waiver for Steve Bannon by the White House was extremely problematic.
STANDING ROCK ON THE DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE
A federal judge ruled today that the approval of the pipeline was illegal. The Standing Sioux had brought the suit but the approval had gone ahead anyway.
REMEMBER JOB-KILLING OBAMACARE?
The Milliken Institute estimates Trumpcare will kill 1 million jobs after an initial spurt of growth for the 1% through tax cuts.
WHAT THE SENATE DIDN'T ASK JEFFERSON BEAUREGARD SESSIONS III
They did not ask him how he first met Carter Paige,whom the Russians wanted to recruit as a spy. Why did he introduce Carter to the Trump Team? Did he know Carter was mentioned as flying to Moscow to make a deal that if Russia helped Trump would lift sanctions.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
PATRICIA ESPINOSA OF THE UNFCC SAYS THERE IS ROOM FOR AMERICAN STATES AND CITIES
to join the Paris Accords. She particularly mentioned New York City and State and California.
SESSIONS:" NOT ENOUGH AMERICANS ARE IN JAIL."
It is tempting to watch but he's just a sniveling toad,I declare. Dailykos has blow-by-blow analysis.
WISE UP.
I highly recommend Josh Marshall's piece at TPM on how the Republicans are planning to pass their health bill in the dead of night. They know it is highly unpopular and are going to slam it through once the CBO numbers are released. Josh writes that this is corrupt and wrong when it comes to any major policy, not to have open debate. He urges everyone to make sure that the GOP knows that it will affect one's vote in the next election.
CHARLES PIERCE WRITES TODAY THAT THE EVIDENCE IS SLOWLY EMERGING
that Russian hackers really did affect vote totals in the 2016 election and could again.
SESSIONS WANTS TO PROSECUTE USERS AND DISTRIBUTERS FOR MEDICAL MARiJUANA.
My recently deceased mother-in-law used medical marijuana as she died from liver cancer. My niece uses medical marijuana for Crohn's disease. This is one sick dude.
CNN: CHUCK GRASSLEY CONSIDERING INVESTIGATING TRUMP FOR OBSTRUCTION FOR JUSTICE
Deputy AG Rosenstein will not consider firing Mueller except for "just cause".
TRUMP'S PERSONAL LAWYER BRAGGING THIS MORNING HE GOT PREET BAHARA FIRED.
Remember Marc Kasowitz represents the SVB Bank, which Preet was investigating for money laundering.
GRINKE'S BEARS EARS FULL REPORT IN 72 DAYS.
Obviously Interior doesn't have the inclination to engage this nonsense and wants to give opponents' the chance to set off legal action.
YOUR TWEETER IS BONKERS.
The Orange Wazoo was at it this morning. One tweet attacked the media for their "agenda of hate".
Another attacked Loretta Lynch for making decisions on a political basis and letting Hillary off.
Which means I guess Sessions is going to be a problem today.
Another attacked Loretta Lynch for making decisions on a political basis and letting Hillary off.
Which means I guess Sessions is going to be a problem today.
BLOOMBERG: RUSSIA BREACHED 39 STATES VOTER SYSTEMS.
Good story about how far the Russian penetration into our electoral system went including into voter software, voting rolls and voting machines. It was so serious Obama talked to Putin on the red phone and also talked about avoiding border wars. In this case, the Obama administration established a back channel to avoid conflict in October of 2016.
Monday, June 12, 2017
ROLL CALL: MOST GOP SENATORS HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S IN THE HEALTHCARE BILL.
Roll Call raises doubts that this could be done before the July 4th recess. They haven't drafted the legislation yet and are just floating proposals by the CBO.
WITH SESSIONS' RECUSAL,ONLY ROSENSTEIN CAN FIRE MUELLER.
Funny since he hired him and managed to recoup some of his destroyed reputation.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
CANADA TO INCREASE DEFENSE SPENdING 70% OVER 10 YEARS
I don't know whether I agree with this. But this is in line with the Canadian Foreign Minister's speech this week that Canada will no longer look to the United States for global leadership.
The erosion of American leadership could be seen by Angela Merkel's trip to Mexico where she attacked the idea of a Wall,a Trump idea.
The erosion of American leadership could be seen by Angela Merkel's trip to Mexico where she attacked the idea of a Wall,a Trump idea.
NYT WARNS ABOUT MARC KASOWITZ.
Kasowitz has been a Trump personal lawyer for years and knows absolutely nothing about any of the legal issues coming out of the Comey hearings.
The New York Times warned about Kasowitz' telling WH staff they don't have to lawyer up. The Times points out that if WH personnel hire lawyers then Kasowitz can not talk to that staffer without his or her lawyer being present. And Kasowitz does not represent the White House or the presidency. He only represents Donald J. Trump.
Actually staff exposes themselves if they talk to him.
Interestingly he represents the SVB Bank,the Russian entity favored by Vladimir Putin.
The New York Times warned about Kasowitz' telling WH staff they don't have to lawyer up. The Times points out that if WH personnel hire lawyers then Kasowitz can not talk to that staffer without his or her lawyer being present. And Kasowitz does not represent the White House or the presidency. He only represents Donald J. Trump.
Actually staff exposes themselves if they talk to him.
Interestingly he represents the SVB Bank,the Russian entity favored by Vladimir Putin.
THE WEEK AHEAD.
Wasn't "Infrastructure Week" fun? So Trump wants to privatize the Air Traffic Controllers and sell off the Washington water supply.
This week is "Apprentice" Week.
By Friday, we are supposed to have a new policy toward Cuba.
The Interior Department is to unveil their stance to Bear's Ears National monument, which Grinke says will be a new model for public lands.
Don't know if the Senate Republicans will sneak a midnight vote to repeal Obamacare and change 20% of our economy overnight.
Sessions will testify Tuesday but secretly.
Virginia voting is Tuesday and Georgia the same day.
Forget about the GOP's calls for the release of Trump's tapes. They don't mean it.
Expect more attempts by the White House to diminish Comey's testimony.
This week is "Apprentice" Week.
By Friday, we are supposed to have a new policy toward Cuba.
The Interior Department is to unveil their stance to Bear's Ears National monument, which Grinke says will be a new model for public lands.
Don't know if the Senate Republicans will sneak a midnight vote to repeal Obamacare and change 20% of our economy overnight.
Sessions will testify Tuesday but secretly.
Virginia voting is Tuesday and Georgia the same day.
Forget about the GOP's calls for the release of Trump's tapes. They don't mean it.
Expect more attempts by the White House to diminish Comey's testimony.
WAS IT THIS THAT HAD TRUMP CANCEL VISIT TO THE UK
The Brits planned to moon Trump. The campaign was "Show YourRump to Trump" with clever posters.
REMEMBER THE PUERTO RICAN REFERENDUM OBAMA PROMISED?
500,000 Statehood
7,600 Independence
6,700 Territory.
Don't hold your breath. Only 23% voted and major parties boycotted.
7,600 Independence
6,700 Territory.
Don't hold your breath. Only 23% voted and major parties boycotted.
TRUMP TRIP TO UK POSTPONED AGAIN.
Jeremy Corbyn said just as well after Trump attacked the Mayor of London.
The actual problem is that Teresa May is having problems forming a new government. The only takers for her coalition is a small Northern Ireland Protestant party which is "creationists" and violently anti-gay.
The actual problem is that Teresa May is having problems forming a new government. The only takers for her coalition is a small Northern Ireland Protestant party which is "creationists" and violently anti-gay.
FIRST WARNING:
Newt Gingrich is sounding the alarm for the Republicans . Special counsel Mueller is not neutral--he's bringing in "dangerous people"--meaning the Deputy Solicitor General who is one of our nation's preeminent lawyers against Money laundering.In other words,the "dangerous people" have a record of catching criminals.
I've heard others complaining about Mueller as not being sufficiently "republican" enough.
Watch this space for Mueller to be fired. They are trying to build a case.
I've heard others complaining about Mueller as not being sufficiently "republican" enough.
Watch this space for Mueller to be fired. They are trying to build a case.
GOOD DEED OF THE DAY:
John Oliver bought $15 million in medical debt and immediately forgave it.
A reminder of the stakes in the Obamacare repeal. So far the GOP is fighting below doors over this and have yet had an open hearing on this. Repeal will escalate the number of medical bankruptcies and the explosion in personal medical debt. RESIST!
A reminder of the stakes in the Obamacare repeal. So far the GOP is fighting below doors over this and have yet had an open hearing on this. Repeal will escalate the number of medical bankruptcies and the explosion in personal medical debt. RESIST!
ABC: INTERVIEW WITH PREET BAHARA.
The interview goes over the Comey testimony and his own experience with Trump, who also called him 3 times before finally firing him.
Bahara tries to explain why the Justice Department is different from just any old type of government agency because of the stakes. He would not speculate on whether Trump was concerned with his jurisdiction over the Trump Organization and Trump Tower.
He also explained that it is not a better of he said-the other guys said. He says you have to evaluate both people's track record in telling the truth as well as the context for their various actions. He says there is at least the appearance of obstruction of justice and that will probably be part of Mueller's investigation.
He also noted that Paul Ryan's explanation is nonsense. He said Trump openly campaigned on the impropriety of Clinton meeting with Loretta Lynch so Trump knew at least the optics of such a meeting could be construed as obstruction of justice. So Trump is aware of the issue.
Bahara tries to explain why the Justice Department is different from just any old type of government agency because of the stakes. He would not speculate on whether Trump was concerned with his jurisdiction over the Trump Organization and Trump Tower.
He also explained that it is not a better of he said-the other guys said. He says you have to evaluate both people's track record in telling the truth as well as the context for their various actions. He says there is at least the appearance of obstruction of justice and that will probably be part of Mueller's investigation.
He also noted that Paul Ryan's explanation is nonsense. He said Trump openly campaigned on the impropriety of Clinton meeting with Loretta Lynch so Trump knew at least the optics of such a meeting could be construed as obstruction of justice. So Trump is aware of the issue.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
DANA ROHRABACHER (CALIF-R.PUTIN)
Dana Rohrabacher is one of the most vocal supporters of Vladimir Putin after a lifetime as a Reagan Republican. When it was announced that Daesh bombed the Iranian parliament and the tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini, he said ,"Maybe the United States should work with ISIS."
IMPORTANT POINT: NO SENATORS CHALLENGED COMEY WHEN HE SAID TRUMP LIED.
Virtually no Republicans have come forward taking about the veracity of any of Trump's statements.
David Brooks discussed the Comey testimony last night. Brooks was disturbing because he showed how Trump is getting normalized. Brooks said we had to understand Comey as believing in our legal institutions , while Trump believes in tribal and family loyalties. He said it as if it's a natural divide--a sort of cultural war about how to judge reality.
Brooks said the average American doesn't care but this will eventually leach down into the country and cause Trump problems. He said it was only a Washington problem as of now.
Brooks said Trump wasn't hurt by Comey's testimony and that the issue of obstruction of justice is still ambiguous.
Good news--In Virginia , Trump has a 3% approval rating among Democrats.
David Brooks discussed the Comey testimony last night. Brooks was disturbing because he showed how Trump is getting normalized. Brooks said we had to understand Comey as believing in our legal institutions , while Trump believes in tribal and family loyalties. He said it as if it's a natural divide--a sort of cultural war about how to judge reality.
Brooks said the average American doesn't care but this will eventually leach down into the country and cause Trump problems. He said it was only a Washington problem as of now.
Brooks said Trump wasn't hurt by Comey's testimony and that the issue of obstruction of justice is still ambiguous.
Good news--In Virginia , Trump has a 3% approval rating among Democrats.
DOJ ISSUES A FINDING THAT CONTRARY TO THE CONSTITUTION TRUMP CAN RECEIVE FOREIGN MONEY.
This comes as over two dozen Democratic Senators and House members are suing Trump on the emoluments clause of the constitution.
The DOJ move reminds me of W's "pre-emptive war " doctrine.
The DOJ move reminds me of W's "pre-emptive war " doctrine.
NY AG INVESTIGATES ERIC TRUMP'S FOUNDATION
Little Trump was raising money for children with cancer. But news stories broke that the money raised went to the Trump organization and not the kids.
MOVE-ON.ORG CALLS FOR IMPEACHMENT OF TRUMP
Move-On. Org quotes Allan Lichtman that there is now more evidence against Trump than against Clinton.
Probably more importantly,Politico says the Comey testimony simply exhausted any political capital Trump ever had.
Probably more importantly,Politico says the Comey testimony simply exhausted any political capital Trump ever had.
Friday, June 9, 2017
BEFORE GOING OFF FOR ANOTHER WEEKEND OF GOLFING
TRUMP PROMISED TO ANSWERS ABPUT COMEY UNDER OATH--100%. Ted Lieu says he is opening to this.
Dianne Feinstein submitted to the Judiciary Committee that the Comey incident should be looked at as obstruction of Justice.
Trump's lawyer--keep watching this guy--accused Robert Mueller of suborning perjury by Comey.
FOX NEWS accused Comey as being a partisan hack.
Trump gave a press conference where he said he didn't obstruct justice, never colluded with the Russians. And so forth.
Dianne Feinstein submitted to the Judiciary Committee that the Comey incident should be looked at as obstruction of Justice.
Trump's lawyer--keep watching this guy--accused Robert Mueller of suborning perjury by Comey.
FOX NEWS accused Comey as being a partisan hack.
Trump gave a press conference where he said he didn't obstruct justice, never colluded with the Russians. And so forth.
THIS MORNING TRUMP TWEETS "TOTALL VINDICATED"
His personal lawyer is filing a complaint against Comey with the Justice Department on the manner of "leaking".
HERE'S WHO THE ALT-RIGHT CALL LIBERALS
DAVID FRUM
RICK WILSON
JENNIFER RUBIN
JOHN PODHORETZ
THINK ABOUT IT.
RICK WILSON
JENNIFER RUBIN
JOHN PODHORETZ
THINK ABOUT IT.
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