74) Much has been made of #JoeBiden’s verbal gaffes and supposed age related confusion in the #NewsMedia

Given #DonaldTrump’s rambling, non sequitor style of speaking, he appears to have been given a free pass

Today, the #NYTimes decided to call attention to Trump’s recent confusions

#Politics #USPolitics #Election2024

🔑 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/30/us/politics/trump-biden-age.html

Trump’s Verbal Slips Could Weaken His Attacks on Biden’s Age

Donald Trump, 77, has relentlessly attacked President Biden, 80, as too old for office. But the former president himself has had a series of gaffes that go beyond his usual freewheeling style.

The New York Times

75) File this one under remedial geographic education needed for presidential candidate

In 1976, Gerald Ford got slated for an absurd statement on the nature of of Soviet influence in Eastern Block countries. The response was appropriate. Expectations for a president should be higher.

Yet when #DonaldTrump gaffes on the location of #Hungary, it is mostly unnoticed.

What does that say about the #Newsmedia ecosystem in the United States?

#USPolitics

https://www.politico.eu/article/us-donald-trump-hungary-orban-borders-russia-map-again/

Donald Trump (still) can’t find Hungary on a map

Former US president thinks Hungary has a border with Russia.

POLITICO

76) One year from today, Americans will vote for the next President in #Election2024.

It’s virtually certain that #JoeBiden and #DonaldTrump will go face off again.

Today, the #NYTimes and #SiennaCollege published a battleground state poll containing sobering cross tabs for the #Biden campaign

A lot can happen in a year, but will Americans opt for the return of #Trump despite the multiple indictments faced by the former president?

#USPolitics #Politics

https://scri.siena.edu/2023/11/05/among-registered-voters-trump-tops-biden-in-nevada-by-11-points-georgia-by-7-arizona-by-5-pennsylvania-by-4-michigan-by-3-biden-up-in-wisconsin-by-3-points/

77) Yesterday's polling results for the #DemocraticParty provided a relieving counterweight to the recent polling of next year's expected #Trump - #Biden showdown

Clearly it was a good night for the Democrats, but will the results of an off-year election carry forward to #Election2024?

Is polling conducted primarily by phone still a reliable indicator of public sentiment? In an age of caller id, who is answering these polling phone calls?

#USPolitics #Politics

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/08/election-day-2023-results-takeaways-00126035

Democrats romp, Youngkin flops: 4 takeaways from Tuesday’s election

Joe Biden’s party has had a very strong year at the ballot box. Whether it extends to the president in 2024 is another matter.

POLITICO

78) What will the impact be of #DonaldTrump's #VerminSpeech?

It seems to me that #Election2024 will be a campaign of thirds. One third of the country loves #Trump and another third loathes him.If both of these voting blocks turn out in force, they will cancel each other out.

That leaves the middle third who can swing either way. Will they be encouraged to fall in line on the back of increased hatre speech?

#Politics #USPolitics

https://newrepublic.com/article/176877/trump-vermin-speech-nazi-language

It’s Official: With “Vermin,” Trump Is Now Using Straight-up Nazi Talk

He’s telling us what he will do to his political enemies if he’s president again. Is anyone listening?

The New Republic

79) I’m wary about tossing around the word #Fascist and drawing #Hitler comparisons when talking about #DonaldTrump. His Veteran’s Day #VerminSpeech has removed any misgivings.

While #Trump has yet to achieve the level of power accrued by #AdolphHitler, it’s clear that both he and his enablers intend to establish an authoritarian state where those who he does not like, or who oppose him will rightfully fear for their lives

Good piece ⬇️ from NYMag

#USPolitics

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/trump-vermin-hitler.html

80) In November 1923, Adolph Hitler attempted to seize power in what is now referred to as the Beer Hall Putsch. There are eerie similarities playing out in #USPolitics right now with #DonaldTrump going full #Fascist. I’m reminded of the #MarkTwain quote

“History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes”

If you’re not familiar with Hitler’s 1923 abortive grab for power, here’s an excellent conversation with historian Mark Jones on the #DavidMcWilliams #podcast

https://overcast.fm/+SE4zcnbPo

Why 1923 still Matters — The David McWilliams Podcast

Anti-semitism, inflation, threats to democracy, despotic leaders and fragile governments, if you thought it was today, its is - but hold on. It’s happened before… This very month 100 years ago, German hyperinflation peaked, Adolf Hitler announced himself with a putsch and anti-semitism was rife. History is repeating itself, or is it? Join us on this epic journey back in time to see what we can learn and whether we can apply any historical remedies to today’s global problems. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

81) in a bizarre twist to the #Jan6 insurrection case, #DonaldTrump’s lawyers are now citing Russian election interference in 2016 as a reason for #Trump’s distrust of the 2020 election result

Trump has long denied, Russia’s efforts as a contributing factor in his 2016 election victory. Expecting factual consistency from the former president and his lawyers is not to be expected if a legal advantage is possible

#USPolitics #Election2024

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/trump-touts-intel-community-hes-long-besmirched-in-bid-to-defend-jan-6-charges

Trump Touts Intel Community He’s Long Besmirched In Bid To Defend Jan. 6 Charges

Throughout the past seven years, Trump has cast the intelligence community as one of his main opponents. He's falsely accused the country's spooks of lying about him, trying to undermine his…

TPM – Talking Points Memo

82) There is nothing much left of the man known as #DonaldTrump, just a shell dreaming of revenge and the opportunity to vent his anger.

There are reasons for the way he is, it is sad to see somebody so broken. There is no joy in his life he is a pitiable creature

His Thanksgiving message ⬇️ is just one example of how he can never miss an opportunity to rage

To build, joy is needed in the heart, to destroy utterly requires only rage

https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4324656-trump-thanksgiving-prosecutor-radical-left-lunatics

#USPolitics #Election2024

Trump knocks prosecutor, ‘Radical Left Lunatics’ in Thanksgiving message

Former President Trump wished his supporters a happy Thanksgiving in a Truth Social post early Thursday while slamming New York’s attorney general, the judge overseeing his civil fraud case, President Biden and the “Radical Left Lunatics.” “Happy Thanksgiving to ALL, including the Racist & Incompetent Attorney General of New York State, Letitia ‘Peekaboo’ James, who…

The Hill

83) Much of the ugly anger that currently swirls through #USPolitics is directed at the #LGBTQI community. A significant portion of that rage is based on an interpretation of Biblical verses translated into English.

What if that post war translation was wrong?

This is a #film that needs to be supported as it attacks religious bigotry at its root

#Homophobia #Religion #Bible #Documentary #Movie

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/dec/01/christian-homophobia-bible-mistranslation-1946-documentary

Did Christian homophobia come from a mistranslation of the Bible?

A new documentary challenges an alleged 1946 mistranslation that helped lead to a justification for Christian anti-gayness

The Guardian

84) Funding for the #UkraineWar is now tied up in the #Senate by the #GOP who want #border policy changes

Seems like the #RepublicanParty are now willing to sacrifice geopolitical stability unless they get their way on border priorities

#USPolitics

https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2023/12/06/congress/senate-gop-blocks-foreign-aid-ukraine-border-00130387

Senate GOP blocks Biden's $100B foreign aid plan

Congressional leaders are still hoping they can reach a deal, but Republicans won't allow it to pass without significant border policy changes.

POLITICO

85) Good piece featuring #KevinMcCarthy from the folks at #CBSSundayMorning.

Make sure you watch to the end where the former speaker is called out for kissing #DonaldTrump’s ring at Mar-A-Lago only weeks after condemning Trump for fomenting the attempted #Jan6 coup

Reporter Robert Costa does not pull any punches when he accuses McCarthy of ignoring #Trump’s incipient #Fascism and thirst for retribution. There is no core to McCarthy, just an empty suit

#USPolitics

https://youtu.be/ClzkKXh9lxs?si=13PLgmdiMhLvKjhs

Kevin McCarthy: The exit interview

YouTube

86) Today we’ll witness the sad spectacle of President #Zelensky lobbying #MikeJohnson for #UkraineWar support.

That request will fall on deaf ears

Let’s be clear what is going on here. It is not about budgetary prudence nor is it about the #SouthernBorder.

It is about what #Trump wants and #DonaldTrump loves #Putin. The continuation of European democracy is irrelevant to the Trumpist #GOP who care for nothing except for what #garchs desire

#USPolitics

https://thehill.com/newsletters/morning-report/4355200-zelensky-lobbies-speaker-for-ukraine-aid/

Morning Report — Zelensky lobbies Speaker for Ukraine aid 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet President Biden today and make a personal appeal to senators and the Speaker in an effort to salvage U.S. support for additional military assistance this year.  Zelensky and the Ukrainian military are simultaneously fighting Russia, working to keep European allies united behind a war seemingly caught in a stalemate…

The Hill

87) Lets be clear here. the GOP congressional concern on the security of the #SouthernBorder is simply a convenient blocking deflection

Congressional #Republicans are busy tugging their forelocks before #DonaldTrump. Republican Senators don't care about geopolitical stability, they just want to keep #Trump happy who in turn wants to keep his friend #Putin happy, so no funding from the US for the #UkraineWar

#USPolitics #Politics #Ukraine #UkraineRussiaWar

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/us/politics/republicans-zelensky-border-ukraine-aid.html

Republicans Sideline Zelensky With Border Demands, Imperiling Aid Package

The Ukrainian president delivered an urgent plea for more help for his country in its fight against Russia, only to be told by Republicans that his challenges were not their focus.

The New York Times

88) Oh dear, file this one under when bad things happen to bad people.

Naturally this will be appealed and recent news articles indicate the #RudyGiuliani’s personal finances are in poor shape. Bankruptcy looms as part of the final humiliation for #NYC’s former mayor

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/15/1219048410/giuliani-defamation-trial-money-georgia-election-workers

#Republicans #DonaldTrump #Trump #USPolitics #Politics #Ukraine

89) Hard as it is to believe the word #Fascist is being used to describe the #GOP candidate for Preident. Even harder to belieft, that description is entirely apt.

I was reluctant to use the word until #DonaldTrump started trotting out his #vermin and #PoisoningTheBlood stump speech usages. The show is fitting all too well

We have a Fascist running for President, he deserves the moniker

#USPolitics #FarRight #Election2024

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/16/biden-trump-remarks-immigration-00132161

Biden campaign: Trump ‘parroted Adolf Hitler’ in remarks targeting immigrants

Trump ratcheted up his already inflammatory rhetoric on immigrants at a rally Saturday.

POLITICO

90) File this one under not surprising. I have my doubts as to whether #DonaldTrump has ever read any book

I'm guessing #StephenMiller has Mein Kampf committed to memory and whispered a Cliffs Notes version into #Donald's ear. I'm sure they both find it soothing

#Election2024 #USPolitics

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/us/politics/trump-immigrants-hitler-mein-kampf.html

Trump, Attacked for Echoing Hitler, Says He Never Read ‘Mein Kampf’

The former president’s comments on migrants have been widely criticized as racist and xenophobic.

The New York Times

91) #DonaldTrump ruled ineligible to run for president in #Colorado. Clearly this is heading to the #SupremeCourt

I've seen some hairsplitting around the 14th ammedment which is the basis for this ruling. Specifically whether the oath taken by #Trump makes him subject to the provision. Interesting that the arguments don't focus on the notion of an insurrection on #Jan6.

#USPolitics #Election2024

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/19/colorado-disqualify-donald-trump-00132578

Colorado Supreme Court says Trump is ineligible to run again

It ruled that Trump engaged in an insurrection by stoking the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

POLITICO

92) In an unsurprising development, #RudyGiuliani has filed for bankruptcy and will spend the rest of his life in an endless appeal cycle as he tries to evade his legal debts etc

One wonders how a single individual can run up debts in excess of $100 - 500 million. While we know, he owes $148 on the #Georgia case, is that all that it is the bucket or is there more?

That said, filing will not protect him from collection on the judgement

#Jan6 #USPolitics #Election2024

https://www.reuters.com/legal/giuliani-seeks-bankruptcy-after-148-mln-judgment-defamation-case-filing-2023-12-21/

93) I’d suggest that it is a good idea to keep #DonaldTrump talking about Hitler comparisons

He’s made his bed with Nazi rhetoric, let’s keep him tucked in there and busy defending himself.

His attempts, to wriggle away and pretend he wasn’t referencing one of the most murdeous regimes of human history, just doesn’t pass the most elementary of sniff tests

#USPolitics #Election2024 #Fascism

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4373704-trump-im-not-a-student-of-hitler

Trump: ‘I’m not a student of Hitler’

Former President Trump on Friday said he is not a “student of Hitler” as he once again asserted immigrants were “poisoning the blood of our country,” a phrase critics have said is parroting the Nazi leader’s past remarks about Jews. Trump called into conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt’s show, where Hewitt pressed Trump multiple times…

The Hill

94) I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that the #SupremeCourt decided to avoid taking a position on #DonaldTrump’s assertion of extraordinary presidential immunity.

Likely they’re hoping that the case will be strung out past the election

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/scotus-rejects-jack-smiths-request-to-expedite-trump-appeal

#USPolitics #Election2024

SCOTUS Rejects Jack Smith’s Request To Expedite Trump Appeal

The Supreme Court denied a petition from Special Prosecutor Jack Smith to expedite Donald Trump's appeal of the presidential immunity issues in his Jan. 6 case. An order issued by the Supreme Court…

TPM – Talking Points Memo

95) What does #NikkiHaley’s flub of the most basic of #CivilWar questions tell us about the state of the #GOP?

Simply put, the #RepublicanParty is committed to pandering to #racism both overt and subterranean.

#Haley’s choice to avoid acknowledging slavery is the worst kind of pandering to retrograde types who would have us pretend that the disgusting, “peculiar institution” was not central to America’s great conflict

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/12/28/nikki-haley-civil-war-slavery-history-00133281

#USPolitics #Election2024

Opinion | Why Was It So Hard for Nikki Haley to Say ‘Slavery’? History Has the Answer

The presidential candidate’s recent (and swiftly qualified) comments about the Civil War helped spread a myth that has warped American history for over a century.

POLITICO

96) Sadly we are faced with yet another bad mob movie sequel for 2024

A brilliant set of portraits of America’s most loathsome family from the wonderful #AnnTelnaes

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/03/ann-telnaes-cartoon-trump-family-legal-issues/

#USPolitics #Election2024 #Cartoon #DonaldTrump #Trump

Portrait of a family

Ann Telnaes cartoon on the legal issues surrounding the Trump family

The Washington Post
Cartoon: Disqualified voters

A cartoon by Clay Jones.

Daily Kos

98) Can anyone say skinflint #billionaire?

Amusing to hear on #NPR this morning, that #Trump had raised a whole $10,000 on behalf of #Jan6 rioters

The former narcissist-in-chief, is not known for going out of his way to aid supporters who have done his bidding

https://www.npr.org/2024/01/04/1218672628/the-trump-campaign-embraces-jan-6-rioters-with-money-and-pardon-promises

#USPolitics #Election2024 #Trump

99) Feb 8 is now a big date on the #Trump calendar

#SCOTUS has decided to hear the #Colorado ballot exclusion case and whether the 14th ammendment excludes #DonaldTrump from running for President

The Colorado #GOP primary is scheduled for Mar 5

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/us/trump-supreme-court-colorado-ballot.html

Supreme Court to Decide Whether Trump Is Eligible for Colorado Ballot

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled last month that the former president could not appear on the state’s Republican primary ballot because he had engaged in insurrection.

The New York Times

100) Good speech from #Biden yesterday. Delivered with plenty of passion.

Great idea to launch his re-election campaign on the day before this ugly anniversary that is #Jan6th.

It framed the stakes effectively for the election and dominated the news media yesterday and this morning

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/05/biden-democracy-speech-00134118

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Biden blasts Trump as a ‘despicable’ danger to democracy

Invoking Jan. 6, the president provided his strongest takedown to date of his predecessor.

POLITICO

101) This should not be a surprise to any casual observer of #Trump.

Cruelty is a feature of his personna and a function of unresolved childhood development difficulties.

Mocking the challenges, limitations and difficulties of others, soothes Trumps deeply unacknowledged psychological problems

Clearly #Biden’s Valley Forge speech hit hard, the Pavlovian response was predictable from Trump’s stunted psyche

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/01/06/trump-biden-stutter

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Trump mocks Biden over stutter

Trump falsely said that Biden had stumbled over the word ‘democracy’ during a speech, and mocked him for a speech impediment.

The Washington Post

101) Good piece on #Biden and his drive to retain electoral success in the PA, MI and WI #SwingStates

Article makes the point that #POTUS has crafted a populist industrial policy which diverges from that of his Democratic predecessors

What say you, do you agree?

🔑 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-01-08/will-trump-s-or-biden-s-brand-of-populism-convince-voters-in-the-2024-election

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Will Trump’s or Biden’s Brand of Populism Convince Voters in the 2024 Election?

Whichever version wins in November will have lasting effects on the country, according to an exclusive excerpt from The Rebels .

Bloomberg

102) What does it mean to be an #evangelical Christian in America today?

Church attendance is declining. Does that mean that cultural identity as an EC has become more important than doctrinal matters?

How has #DonaldTrump and his dubious adherence to Christianity persuaded ECs to support his candidacy?

Is a sense of persecution more important than #abortion?

Good profile piece at #NYT ⬇️

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/donald-trump-evangelicals-iowa.html

Donald Trump Is Connecting With a Different Type of Evangelical Voter

They are not just the churchgoing, conservative activists who once dominated the G.O.P.

The New York Times

103) A big moment in #DonaldTrump’s #jan6th legal travails

At stake is whether #Trump has presidential immunity. Should the court rule against the former President, he will likely request a ruling from a full panel of the DC Circuit Court

Trump’s strategy is to slow down the legal process hoping that electoral victory will enable him to avoid prosecution

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/09/trump-returns-to-court-in-pivotal-immunity-showdown-00134445

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Trump returns to court in pivotal immunity showdown

The outcome of the immunity appeal could determine whether Trump stands trial on federal charges of election interference.

POLITICO

104) Disappointing, but not surprising to see such lame legislation being proposed to counter the use of AI in political advertising. Far more can be done then requiring a disclosure of the use of #AI in political ads

I’d suggest the unapproved use of a person’s voice or likeness to create fake video or audio, should be prohibited

Will #Election2024 be a barrage of AI enhanced untruths being blasted at us?

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/us/ai-election-ads-state-legislators.htm

#USPolitics #Politics

105) A reminder of how divorced from reality #Trumpism is from facts.

#Brexit has proven to be a train wreck yet Donald #Trump is parading #NigelFarage around the #IowaCaucus as some kind of hero

🔑 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-14/trump-with-nigel-farage-in-tow-pleads-for-votes-in-iowa-caucus

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics

Iowa Caucus 2024: Donald Trump With Nigel Farage in Tow Pleads for Votes

Donald Trump pleaded with his Iowa Republican supporters to brave the frigid weather Monday and turn out in droves to gift him a dominant victory in the state’s caucus and push him closer to a rematch with Joe Biden for the White House.

Bloomberg

106)This chart is likely making the #Biden campaign smile.

Despite #GOP purveyors of of economic doom and gloom, Americans are realizing that the #economy is improving.

It's taken a while for this story to break through, but the steady reduction of #inflation and strong #JobGrowth numbers eventually swamp #RightWing propaganda

The James Carville adage applies: "It's the economy stupid" and the economy is looking better

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024 #Bidenomics

107) #Trump mental confusion makes another appearance on the campaign trail.

Apparently #NikkiHaley and #NancyPelosi have melded into one person.

Heck both their names begin with “N” and they’re also members of the ever growing enemy list, why not roll em up together in one big ball of hatred?

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2024/01/20/donald-trump-appears-to-confuse-haley-with-pelosi-cnntmwk-vpx.cnn

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

108) Good piece from HCR on the Far Right’s attack on American institutions

What is missing from is a theory on what effort the attack serves. Can’t say we look to Trump for a rational explanation. The man has little space for such thinking being incapable of understanding of his own mind and rarely controlled impulses

This is a not criticism of the piece, more pointing to the impound developing a narrative for persuadable voters

https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/january-20-2024

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

January 20, 2024

Last night at a rally in New Hampshire, former president Trump repeatedly confused former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who is running against him for the Republican presidential nomination, with Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the former speaker of the House.

Letters from an American

109) The inevitable has happened and a little earlier than expected.

The #DeSantis campaign is no more and the chastened Governor of #Florida is now genuflecting and tugging his forelock before #DonaldTrump

Apparently, a suposedly gussied up version of #Trumpism doesn't fly. That notion has been cast upon the ash heap of history. It is either #Fascism #Trump style or nothing else for the majority of the #GOP faithful

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/01/21/ron-desantis-drops-out/

Ron DeSantis ends presidential campaign, endorses Trump

The Florida governor’s once promising bid came to an end Sunday.

The Washington Post

110) As the #GOP primary race draws to a close before it has barely started, the only question left is, can #NikkiHaley make any kind of dint in #Trump's dominance of the #Republican Party.

We'll know on Tuesday when the #NewHampshire primary takes place. Unless former Governor Haley is within an ass’s roar of Trump, that will be curtains for the #Republican primary

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/01/20/new-hampshire-primary-independents-haley-trump/

New Hampshire’s independents could drive Republican primary outcome

Independent voters, who can cast a ballot in either party’s primary, are seen as key to the outcome in Tuesday’s GOP contest. But their political leanings are complex.

The Washington Post

111) After today’s #NewHampshire primary, we’ll likely see the end of #NikkiHaley’s quest for the presidency

While Ms. Haley might be a more palatable than the #facist candidate known as #Trump, her campaign shone a bright light on the absurd historical fact avoidance engaged in by many #GOP types

https://open.substack.com/pub/davidpepper/p/cartoon-tuesday-nik-haley-history

#Republican #Primary #Republican #USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Cartoon Tuesday: “Nik Haley History White Out”

Continuing A Too-Long Tradition of Censoring Our Past

Pepperspectives

112) Today’s parlor game features the punditry class yammering about whether #NikkiHaley will remain in the #GOP Primary race following an 11% defeat by #DonaldTrump in #NewHampshire

While Governor Haley outperformed expectations, many polls had her down >20%, a route to victory is minuscule with the exception of judicial rulings derailing #Trump

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/24/trump-5-takeaways-new-hampshire-00137511

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Trump's New Hampshire win had some bright red warning signs

After New Hampshire, the primary will turn to the courts.

POLITICO
Fox News and guest imply Taylor Swift is a part of a psy-op campaign to 'swing voters'

YouTube

114) The #Trump #Republican Party is not in the business of solutions, unless a positive outcome can be claimed to the exclusion all others.

Come to think of it, the #GOP is not in the business of possitivity, their activities might be better described as being deeply invested in the cultivation of fear and anger, particularly directed at people with darker skin

#MittRomney is calling it correctly:

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/romney-trump-immigration-border-senate

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024 #Migration

Romney: Trump Killing Immigration Deal To Keep Using Border Against Biden ‘Appalling’

Romney, armed with the candor of a politician nearing the end of his career, on Thursday denounced Trump’s efforts to wave Republican senators off an immigration deal so the former president can keep using the border as a cudgel against Biden.

TPM – Talking Points Memo

115) What needs to be done this election year when #democracy is under threat?

The need to organize and take action is imperative. A good place to start is getting involved with @indivisibleteam which has groups all across America gearing up to persuade the persuadable

Visit their site and signup for your local group => https://www.indivisible.org

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Homepage

Indivisible
Cartoon: Swifty Bowl

A cartoon by Clay Jones.

Daily Kos

116) I've been thinking a lot about the structural issues that plague Western democracies. My particular focus is on #USPolitics as I live in #NYC and am staring down the barrel of a nasty presidential election

Job 1 is to make sure #Trump is not relected.

Job 2 is to reduced the malaign influence of extreme wealth on democracy - this is a #Garch" problem which I go into on this #podcast episode. More to come in the next few weeks

https://www.nuttyinnyc.com/13-garchs-aint-good

#Politics #Oligarchs #Election2024

13: Garchs Ain't Good

I call then Garchs - types who have unconscionable wealth, wiling to subvert democracy to accumulate more. The word oligarch is used by academics, but th…

Nutty In NYC

117) The #RightWing media sphere is going all sorts of bonkers with #TaylorSwift conspiracy theories

If takes a special type of paranoia to suggest that #SuperBowlLVIII is rigged. Apparently a #KansasCityChiefs victory featuring the pop star’s boyfriend #TravisKelce’s will be used to announce a #Biden endorsement

Madness, but that’s where we’re at

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/taylor-swift-targeted-conspiracies-chiefs-super-bowl-1234955940

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Right-Wingers Say Super Bowl Is Rigged So Taylor Swift Can Endorse Biden

Right-wing conspiracy theorists are claiming the NFL Super Bowl has been rigged to facilitate a Taylor Swift endorsement of Joe Biden.

Rolling Stone

118) a good piece here from Todd Belton on #RagePolitics and why it works for #Trump particular during the primary season when polarized and partisan #FarRight voters are at their most influential

Trumpist voters crave binary and simple messaging. They abhor notions of uncertainty. General election voters are more accepting of the laws of probability where outcomes are not certain. Call it grown up thinking

https://open.substack.com/pub/thinkbigpicture/p/trump-2024-campaign-rage-conservatives

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

The Roots Of Trump's 2024 Campaign Of Rage

Donald Trump is winning over MAGA primary voters with his brand of rage politics, but it will be a much harder sell in November

The Big Picture

119) The good news on the #Bidenomics economy has been coming for months. Most voters are not regular traders of economic news, the stuff is too dry and subtle for most

Eventually the flood of good economic registers and is it continues, as recognition slowly takes hold. Yesterdays impressive job numbers will have registered favorably with more voters and #Trump claims of a poor #economy are becoming increasingly less credible

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/02/trump-and-his-allies-adjust-their-messaging-on-the-economy-as-it-steadily-improves-00139447

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Biden’s economy keeps messing up Trump’s message

“You can’t blame the president when policies go wrong, and then say he’s not responsible if things are going right.”

POLITICO

120) To the surprise of no one, the House #GOP and #MikeJohnson are not the slightest bit interested in doing a deal on #border #migration. They’re busily engaged in forelock tugging mode before Dear Leader aka #Trump and his master, Czar #Putin

#Republican politics are only about one thing, tax breaks for the #garchs in #Russia, #America, and all other geographies

Want to fix something for the other 99.9%. Look elsewhere

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-05/trump-house-gop-leaders-reject-senate-border-ukraine-aid-deal

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Trump, House Republican Leaders Reject Senate Border-Ukraine Aid Deal

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump and House Republican leaders denounced a bipartisan Senate deal to impose new US border restrictions and unlock billions of dollars in Ukraine aid, endangering its prospects for passage.

Bloomberg

121) Throughout his life #DonaldTrump, has fought legal actions directed at him through frivolous appeals and delaying tactics

The big question now is whether the absurdity of the total presidential immunity appeal process will resolve for #Jan6 insurrection trial to take place before #Election2024?

Will the #SupremeCourt accept the appeal or will other strategems be deployed to delay the case beyond the election?

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/06/trump-criminal-immunity-supreme-court-00140027

#USPolitics #Politics

Trump’s last chance to stave off election-subversion trial: The Supreme Court

Here are three scenarios for how the Supreme Court could handle Trump’s imminent appeal.

POLITICO

122) Some have posited that #Election2024 will be the first #AI #Election

Looks like a certain #Texas based corporation by the name of Life Corporation and its owner Walter Monk can expect to experience some deep law enforecement scrutiny for deceptively impersonating Pres #JoeBiden's voice

Hopefuly this will pursued agressively to dissaude other dirty trick types

#USPolitics #Politics

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/06/us/politics/biden-robocall-new-hampshire.html

Texas Company Was Behind Voter Robocalls That Impersonated Biden, N.H. Says

The state attorney general said the calls, which used a voice that sounded like President Biden’s to discourage voting, originated with a company called Life Corporation.

The New York Times

123) Excellent piece from #HCR on the #NewsMedia, Pres #Biden is losing it campaign. Required reading for thoughtful types

Let’s be clear, there is a perverse incentive faced by many for-profit #journalism outfits. A close race, increases clicks, reads, views, listens.

The owners of many of these corporations are also likely fond of billionaire friendly tax policies that #Trump will support

https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/february-9-2024

#Election2024 #JoeBiden #USPolitics #Politics

February 9, 2024

Yesterday, Special Counsel Robert Hur, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in January 2023 to investigate President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents before he was president, released his report. It begins: “We conclude that no criminal charges are warranted in this matter. We would reach the same conclusion even if Department of Justice policy did not foreclose criminal charges against a sitting president.” The Department of Justice closed a similar case against former Vice President Mike Pence on June 1, 2023, days before Pence announced his presidential bid, with a brief, one-page letter.

Letters from an American

124) As sure as day follows night, #Trump dusts off his #Putin loving playbook

Just par for the course for a man who has more contempt than understanding of the world order established through the sacrifice of the greatest generation 80 years ago

As #NancyPelosi said of #DonaldTrump back in 2019 :

“With him, all roads lead to Putin”

🔑 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/11/us/politics/trump-nato.html

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics

Favoring Foes Over Friends, Trump Threatens to Upend International Order

Former President Donald J. Trump suggested that he would incite Russia to attack “delinquent” U.S. allies, foreshadowing potentially far-reaching changes in the world order if he wins the White House again.

The New York Times

125) It’s more than troubling that #NikkiHaley has to advise voters that #Trump’s anti-NATO #Putin hugging utterances are a problem

Why #DonaldTrump is so quick to to embrace the geopolitical goal’s of #Russia’s arch murderer is a matter of speculation

Maybe it’s #Kompromat, maybe if a love of #petrogarch oil money or just #autocracy fan boy stuff

Whatever, it’s hugely dangerous to world peace

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-12/haley-says-trump-mistaken-to-side-with-thug-putin-over-nato

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics

Nikki Haley Says Trump Mistaken to Side with ‘Thug’ Putin Over NATO

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said it was a mistake for former President Donald Trump to say he would abandon NATO members to a Russian incursion if the allies failed to meet defense-spending commitments.

Bloomberg

126) Sometimes i agree with even the most obnoxious of Republicans

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics #GOP

https://youtu.be/lsww1Nu01gc?si=9plmBl_L58OEJ8mA

Rep. Chip Roy Attacks Republican Colleagues for Political Inaction

YouTube

127) There is more blood on the hands of #VladimirPutin with the death of #Aleksei Navalny today in a remote Russian prison

Sadly #Putin’s regime of enablers is not confined to #Russia. Far too many #GOP types are obediently following #Trump’s autocratic loving “leadership” and betraying #Ukraine by withholding financial support for the #UkraineRussiaWar

An ugly day for freedom and democracy. RIP #Navalny

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/world/europe/aleksei-navalny-dead-russia.html

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics

Aleksei Navalny, Putin Critic, Dies in Prison, Russian Authorities Say

The opposition leader, who was poisoned in 2020, had spent months in isolation.

The New York Times

128) I'm rarely aligned with #MikePence. Frankly his #politics are pretty much diametrically oppoed to mine.

However today we're in agreement, on the this saddest of days ,when a brave man has died far from friends and family in a Russian penal colony

Those #GOP politicians that equivocate and waffle when it comes to supporting #Ukraine in #Congress are aiding and abetting #Putin. #Democracy and geopolitical stability are at stake

#Navalny #USPolitics

https://thehill.com/policy/international/4472262-pence-gop-putin-apologists-navalny-death

Pence says no room in GOP for Putin ‘apologists’ after reported Navalny death

Former Vice President Mike Pence said Friday is no room in the Republican party for “apologists” for President Vladimir Putin after Russian authorities reported the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Pence issued a strong rebuke of the Russian leader in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Putin is a…

The Hill

129) Cash is getting a little tight in #Trump world. Apparently inflating one’s net worth to the size of a bull frog is not a winning business strategy.

The #Engoron ruling requires the posting of a bond or actual cash within 30 days.

Given the former president’s has filched much of the cash from those foolish enough to donate his collection of PACs, I imagine his current crop of attorneys must be wondering if they’ll be paid

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/nyregion/trump-civil-fraud-trial-ruling.html

#politics #USPolitics

Trump Ordered to Pay $355 Million in NY Civil Fraud Trial Ruling

The ruling in Donald J. Trump’s civil fraud case could cost him all his available cash. The judge said that the former president’s “complete lack of contrition” bordered on pathological.

The New York Times

130) Central to #Trumpist politics is the stoking and packaging of fear which produces and reinforces a radicalized #FarRight.

Few produce fear based #TV better than #Sinclair broadcasting and that fear and its ugly stepchildren, anger and revenge, are the fuel for #Trump’s election campaign. Nothing else is being offered beyond vengeance

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/16/sinclair-broadcasting-conservative-media-trump

#politics #USPolitics #Election2024

Sinclair’s recipe for TV news: Crime, homelessness, illegal drugs

The local news powerhouse, whose chairman recently bought the Baltimore Sun, focuses on fear in broadcasts that often align with Donald Trump’s view of cities.

The Washington Post

131) I've watched this scene before from the #WestWing. It still speaks powerfully to me especially when I hear some awful unctous biblical reference to justify something reprehensible

The #Bible is filled with contradictions and peculiarities and for politicians, who like to use"Tthe Good Book" as justification, #Shakespeare in the Merchant of Venice reminds us that "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose" likely based on his reading of Luke 4:9-13

#Politics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77lEqpAz1KM

Classic 'West Wing' Scene Resurfaces After Mike Johnson Says He's A 'Bible-Believing Christian'

YouTube

132) The tortured #GOP efforts to conflate #HunterBiden's troubles into a Joe #Biden corruption story continues to be confronted by embarassing realities and truths

Sadly the smear, rather than the truth, aided and abetted by the velocity of #SociaMedia and a variety of #GOP useful idiots continues their contribution to the deterioration of American #democracy

There will be no shameful admissions nor acknowledgement of error. This is the #RepublicanParty

#Politics

https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-burisma-fbi-informant-lying-6969656f6012780a23a4b8841ce2689b

FBI informant charged with lying about the Biden's ties to Ukrainian business

An FBI informant has been charged with lying to authorities about a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme between President Joe Biden, his son Hunter and a Ukrainian energy company. The claim is central to a Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress. Prosecutors say Alexander Smirnov falsely told FBI agents in June 2020 that executives associated with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid Hunter and Joe Biden $5 million each in 2015 or 2016. The allegations became a flashpoint in Congress over the summer as Republicans demanded the FBI release the unredacted form documenting the allegations as they pursued investigations of President Biden and his family. An attorney for Smirnov declined to comment on the allegations.

AP News
@mnutty I fantasize about this type of White House a lot.

@mnutty Aaron sorkin can write and Martin sheen can deliver.

I found myself alarmed as I rewatched much #westwing during trumps governance. Nothing had changed in those 20 years and nothing has changed since.

@mnutty all hail the unrestrained private sector. The way to deal with this is to tax, regulate & break up regional monopolies to force competition, so these pricks can’t spend their time playing propagandists

@voron

In the American news environment, with a modicum of effort, quality news is available.

My choices are PBS and NPR which are NOT ruled by profit imperatives which seem to generate the worst type of #NewsMedia

The problem is, #Sinclair’s production of cheap programming in #NewsDeserts locales, unless viewers are curious, alternatives are not readily available

#Journalism #Politics #USPolitics

Trump Ordered to Pay $355 Million in NY Civil Fraud Trial Ruling

The ruling in Donald J. Trump’s civil fraud case could cost him all his available cash. The judge said that the former president’s “complete lack of contrition” bordered on pathological.

The New York Times
@mnutty The appearance of wealth is the goal. It's peacocking to attract a financial mate (bankers).

@aka_quant_noir

I think the “appearance of wealth” is likely an apt description for #Trump’s opaque finances

I recall when #Hillary debated him, she questioned whether there was really any there, there when it came to actual $$$

I remember the look of anger on Trump’s face when she raised the possibility that his fortune might be fictitious. Maybe far too close to the truth?

@mnutty At this point, any Trump attorney STILL WONDERING whether they will be paid deserves all they get.

@zakalwe

I believe some are requiring cash up front. There is of course the issue of reputational damage in representing a skeeze back, never mind the grinned of dealing with his tantrums

@mnutty Putin is Trump's sugar daddy. He has been funding the whole Trump "Organization" for over a decade.

@andytiedye

Yup o think that’s about right and of course there is MBS in Saudi. #Trump is rather fond of killer #petrogarch money

@mnutty Wow, bold move for NYT to actually imply Russia is a foe.

@mnutty
To your second paragraph: yes
To your third paragraph:
no

#newsjunkie #VoteBlue2024 #scotus #Jan6

@janrif

I’m somewhat optimistic that things will play out as you indicate. It has however, been a tortured path. Fingers crossed that #Trump’s day in court will come before #Election2024

@janrif

#Trump still filing motions to avert the #HushMoney trial. I don’t think he’s going to wriggle out of this day in court

The #SCOTUS hearing on presidential immunity is scheduled for the 25th

#TrumpCrimes #USPolitics #Politics

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-lawyers-ask-new-york-appeals-court-delay-weeks-criminal-trial-rcna146867

Trump lawyers ask New York appeals court to delay next week's criminal trial

Attorneys for Donald Trump made an 11th-hour appeal to try to delay his impending criminal trial on charges he falsified business records related to hush money payments.

NBC News
@mnutty The makeup is getting worse.

@mnutty

The Defeat of the Republican Attack on Women Will Be Swift.

We Will All Register To Vote [ x ]

#Young #TaylorSwift #Dems #Register #vote #freedom #rights #women #girls

@mnutty

In response republican leaders aere flooding xitter with AI 'photo-shopping' of porn about Taylor.

Sign -Up EACH each friend, basic and bold, wannabe, chosen and each grrrl, every sister, every and all cheer and drum, everyone, EVERYONE.

Register seventeen year old girls and your grandmother.

#Register #Taylor #Swifties #Swift #Porn #AIPorn #Vote #body #women #period #pregnancy #skirt #police #harassment #Dems