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

133) I watched the #Oscar nominated “20 Days in Mariupol” last night. It is not for the faint of heart.

It depicts the horror of the #RussiaUkraineWar and its devastating impact on civilian populations

Should be required viewing for #GOP types withholding their support for #Ukraine and think geopolitical stability is to be sacrificed on the altar of #Trump’s slavish fanboy love of #Putin

https://youtu.be/gvAyykRvPBo?si=2flYASDckj-t3BWo

20 Days in Mariupol (full documentary) | FRONTLINE + @AssociatedPress

YouTube

134) Nobody was surprised by the outcome of the #SouthCarolina primary.

The word “trounce” is being used by the #NewsMedia in describing #Trump’s victory, but 40% of #SC’s voters preferred #NikkiHaley which in #RedState land ain’t exactly a glowing endorsement

Will these disgruntled voters show up for #DonaldTrump in November? What does that presage for Independent voters?

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/24/south-carolina-takeaways-trump-haley-00143177

Hidden in Trump's big South Carolina win: A not-so-small problem for him in November

Trump drew closer to the nomination but showed signs of potential weakness.

POLITICO

135) Some interesting data from the #SouthCarolina exit poll conducted by the @washingtonpost

When it comes to voters motivated primarily by concerns over temperament (16% of the total), 95% voted for #NikkiHaley

36% of #SC #GOP voters indicate that #Trump criminal conviction woukd render him unfit the presidency

https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/02/24/south-carolina-exit-polls/

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

How different groups voted in the South Carolina primary, according to exit polls

See how different groups voted for a presidential nominee during the South Carolina primary by reviewing data from the network exit poll conducted by Edison Research.

The Washington Post

136) it seems that the #SupremeCourt has decided to slow-walk #DonaldTrump’s date with justice.

What tortured reasoning is behind the court’s reasoning in taking a case deciding whether Trump’s expectation of eternal presidential immunity remains to be seen.

The certainty that #Trump will face trial on #Jan6 charges prior to the #Election2024 is now in serious doubt. It’s up to voters to end Trump’s drive for autocracy

#Politics #USPolitics
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/29/1235017841/supreme-court-trump-immunity-hearing

137) Like many folks who abhor #DonaldTrump, I was disappointed that the #SupremeCourt decided to take Trump’s presidential immunity case.

The notion that #POTUS is immune from prosecution in a republic which champions the rule of law is patently absurd.

But this blog post makes the case that rather than slow walking multiple #Trump cases, it may ultimately speed things up

Worth a read 👇

https://blog.stephaniejones.com

#Jan6 #Election2024 #Politics #USPolitics

Stephanie Says

What is she saying NOW?

Stephanie Says

138) For months I’ve read a variety of news stories positing alternatives to the #Biden vs #Trump match up. My political calculus leaned heavily in favor of the that likelihood

It is not that I would have wished otherwise. The persistence of #DonaldTrump in American political life is sad testimony to the degradation of #USPolitics

Despite #JoeBiden’s political successes, I wish he was 10 years younger, but he is not and he will have my unqualified support

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/us/politics/trump-biden-rematch-election.html

#Politics

With Haley’s Departure, the Rematch Between Biden and Trump Is Now Set

The contest that many Americans had long hoped to avoid — the 2024 sequel of Biden vs. Trump — is now an inescapable reality.

The New York Times

139) Clearly I’m late realizing there is a term for the odd voice used by Senator #KatieBritt of #Alabama in her state of the union response.

I was trying to put my finger on the tone which seemed to vacillate between someone fearful of an off camera kidnapper and a fervent supporter of #Torquemada

With thanks to #JessPiper for introducing #BabyFundieVoice to my vocabulary.

Now, if only I could unhear Senator Britt

https://open.substack.com/pub/jesspiper/p/the-fundie-baby-voice

#USPolitics #JoeBiden #Politics

The Fundie Baby Voice

As soon as Senator Katie Britt started speaking, I knew exactly who she is. She is so many of the pastor's wives and Sunday School teachers I knew growing up in an Evangelical church. Be sweet. Obey.

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper

140) Of course #KatieBritt Senator from #Alabama has now been caught in a lie about the awful sex trafficking story she recounted in her #SOTU response

The case she describes did not happen in the USA and did not happen during the #Biden administration. Apparently the case dates back to Bush II 2004 - 2008

The #Trumpist #GOP modus operandi: fear mongering, lying and BSing is all they have

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/09/us/politics/katie-britt-republican-response-sotu-border.html

#USPolitics #JoeBiden #Politics

Questions Arise About Katie Britt’s State of the Union Response

The Alabama senator used a story about sex trafficking to criticize the Biden administration’s border policies. But the events occurred in Mexico years ago.

The New York Times

141) Sometimes one has to step back, take a moment, and laugh.

The madhouse that is American #politics reached a whole new pitch with Senator #KatieBritt’s #SOTU response

Unsurprisingly the junior Senator from #Alabama provided rich fodder for #SNL delivered pitch perfect #ScarlettJohanson

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2024/03/saturday-night-live-scarlett-johansson-katie-britt/677709/

#Alabama #GOP #USPolitics

Scarlett Johansson’s Pitch-Perfect Impersonation on 'SNL'

The actor surprised and delighted on last night’s <em>SNL</em> with her impression of Senator Katie Britt.

The Atlantic

142) Sometimes a single panel #cartoon does more to capture an important truism than a 1,000 words.

Will the #SupremeCourt act as a guardian of American #democracy or will they provide #Trump with an #autocracy imprimatur?

#politics #USPolitics #Election2024

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/3/9/2228532/-Cartoon-Royal-court

Cartoon: Royal court

The Royal Supreme might crown its king, Donald the First, by continuing to help delay his numerous trials, and by ruling in his favor regarding Presidential immunity. Trump has told us openly that he wants to be a dictator. Vote accordingly.

Daily Kos

143) #Election2024 will be driven by turning out the base for both #Biden and #Trump respectively

While the #Trump fan base continues to be motivated, the support for #NikkiHaley during the #GOP primaries reveals fault lines which are being exploited by conservative #NeverTrump types

Cracking #Republican turnout is one of many factors which will yield a #JoeBiden win on Election Day

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/12/us/politics/republican-voters-against-trump.html

#politics #USPolitics

Republican Voters Against Trump Plans $50 Million Ad Campaign

The group, Republican Voters Against Trump, will run a series of homemade videos of Americans who voted for him in the past but say they can no longer do so in 2024.

The New York Times

144) We all have #liberal friends who have expressed misgivings about the upcoming election #Biden is too old etc.

#Democracy will only be preserved in #Election2024 if the #Democratic base turns out in big numbers and we manage to persuade enough of the middle 1/3 of the country to see things our way

So when you see a liberal friend vacillating about #voting, have them watch this viedo from @DavidPepper

RINSE AND REPEAT!

#Politics #USPolitics

https://davidpepper.substack.com/p/its-trump-vs-you

It’s Trump vs.…. YOU

Which Freedoms Are You Willing to Give Up?

Pepperspectives

145) I’ve long ceased attempts to divine exactly what #Trump means in his rambling incoherent speeches.

Frankly the #GOP nominee may not really understand what he is saying himself beyond his craven need for the adulation he receives when he uses words like “bloodbath” and the vilification of #immigrants.

Anger and revulsion seem core to Trump’s essence and something he seeks to stoke in his #Trumpist fan base

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/16/trump-immigrants-not-people/

Trump says some undocumented immigrants are ‘not people’

The presumptive Republican nominee’s comment at a rally Saturday represents an escalation of his long-harsh language about migrants.

The Washington Post
What Trump Supporters Think When He Mocks People With Disabilities

Trump fans don’t like how he demeans people. They’ll vote for him anyway.

The Atlantic

147) Good piece this morning on the recent #bloodbath #Trump rally. Much has been made of the use of that word which was used in reference to the auto industry. A case could be made that many #NewsMedia orgs ran with stories without context

Far more important was the bizarre lionization of #Jan6 insurrectionists. Give this story a listen

https://www.npr.org/2024/03/25/1240640452/what-does-trump-s-rhetoric-tell-us-about-his-plans-for-a-return-to-the-white-hou

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

147) Good article on #Bloomberg on how tax policy can be used by #JoeBiden in #Election2024

Clearly #TaxTheRich polls well. I'd add branding the #GOP as the party of rapacious #billionaires is a good idea

#USPolitics #Politics #Biden

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-26/swing-state-voters-favor-tax-the-rich-movement-election-poll

Swing State Voters Favor 'Tax the Rich' Movement: Election Poll

Swing-state voters also like tax hikes on those earning $400,000 and more

Bloomberg

148) #ReproductiveRights will be a keystone issue in #Election2024, but it is also an issue in #Alabama tomorrow where a comptitive state house election will take place.

Keep an eye on this election as it will be an important indication on how energized voters are on this issue, particularly #WomenRights voters

#Politics #USPolitics #Abortion #Women

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG8-batu7UE&t=29s

Marilyn for Alabama | Two Decades Video

YouTube

149) #ReproductiveRights has not gone away as a key issue in #Election2024

This special statehouse election in #Alabama today has reminded just how potent that issue is and that the #GOP cannot slide away from the consequences of their regressive judicial appointments and anti-abortion legislation.

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/26/abortion-winning-strategy-alabama-democrat-00149205

#WomenRights #Politics #USPolitics #Abortion #Women

150) #KariLake admits she’s a liar and defamed #GOP election official, Stephen Richer with false claims of election rigging following her defeat in the #Arizona 2022 governor’s race.

Lake is a typical GOP American #fascist with no regard for the truth and will pay the electoral price when she loses in her quest for the open #AZ senate seat

https://tucson.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/kari-lake-defamation-admission-damages-hearing-stephen-richer-2020-election/article_b9f48480-ebb1-11ee-902b-bfdf8fa20c64.html

#Politics #USPolitics #Election2024 #AmericanFascism

Kari Lake admits she defamed Republican election official

Lake admits in court filing she knew it was false when she accused Maricopa County recorder of sabotaging election. She wants a court to decide how much she owes him.

Arizona Daily Star

151) Almost all the American veterans who fought in WWII are gone. They are no longer here to tell us about the price paid in defeating #facism in Europe

Those very few left must shudder when they hear the #fascist language used by #Trump and the sycophantic support chorus that is the #GOP

#Election2024 will be about preserving the #democracy that they saved 80 years ago.

#Politics #USPolitics #Election2024 #AmericanFascism

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/3/30/2232110/-Cartoon-Fighting-fascism

Cartoon: Fighting fascism

A cartoon by Mike Luckovich.

Daily Kos

152) The latest #Trump grift in the form of #TruthSocial was floated on the #StockMarket last week. The fan base cluelessly piled into the stock. Bidding up the value of the company to about $8 billion. Today gravity made itself known as the value slid south.

Here’s the thing, #DJT has 1 million monthly users, when #ElonMusk bought #Twitter with more than 200 million users he paid $44 billion. #Musk overpaid by 50%

Math tells me train wreck is a certainty. LOL

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2024/04/01/truth-social-linked-stock-falls-13-donald-trumps-stake-down-2-billion-from-peak

Truth Social-Linked Stock Falls 25%—Donald Trump’s Stake Down Over $2.5 Billion From Peak

Trump still holds a cool $3.6 billion stake in Trump Media, the publicly traded entity behind his Truth Social platform.

Forbes

153) On the two candidates running for the Presidency in #Election2024, I couldn't put it more succinctly:

#Biden is aging. #Trump is dementing.”

#USPolitics #Politics

"https://thehill.com/opinion/4568794-press-top-psychologist-says-trump-likely-to-fall-off-mental-cliff

Press: Top psychologist says Trump likely to fall off mental cliff

A top psychologist says that Donald Trump will be “cognitively incapacitated” in less than four years. Maybe Nikki Haley was right in calling for all candidates over 75 to a mental competency test.

The Hill

154) Now here’s a huge surprise #Trump’s new grift in the stock market only made it to #IPO with #Russian money.

I’m guessing this investment channeled through the island of #Domnica is on the up and up 🙄

#Putin wouldn’t have anything to do with this. All roads on #DonaldTrump’s world lead to Moscow

https://theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/03/trump-media-es-family-trust-2022-loans

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics #DJT

Trump Media saved in 2022 by Russian-American under criminal investigation

Exclusive: Trump’s social media company went public relying partly on loans from trust managed by person of interest to prosecutors

The Guardian

155) Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote:

“Taxes are what we pay for civilized society”

Thanks @rbreich for reminding us that a properly funded #IRS insures that the #garchs pay their fair share

The #GOP bitterly opposes the fair payment of taxes. If you want to live in a fairer country #VoteBlue

https://youtu.be/wF3OsZf_hto?si=0Q6tIvP8BKiir74Q

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics

This is Why Rich People Hate the IRS | Robert Reich

YouTube

156) Excellent piece from #NYTimes on the financing of #TrumpMedia aka #DJT

Unsurprisingly #Trump put very little of his own money in the venture. He relied on other #garchs who wanted to curry favor with him to get the company afloat.

Now #DonaldTrump will rely on his base to prop up the stock until he can cash out

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/05/business/trump-media-backers-investors.html

Some of Trump’s Biggest Political Backers Also Threw Trump Media a Lifeline

Two billionaires, a wealthy election denier and a mysterious Russia-linked trust invested in the Trump company long before it went public.

The New York Times

157) Glad to see some consistency out of the #Trump campaign - no #billionaires left behind. Crumbs for the rest of us if it’s convenient

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-tells-billionaires-ll-keep-taxes-low-50-million-fundraising-gala-rcna146748

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Trump tells billionaires he'll keep their taxes low at $50 million fundraising gala

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of extending his signature tax cuts to some of the nation’s wealthiest political donors, according to a readout of his private remarks Saturday night provided by a Trump campaign official.

NBC News

158) As #Trump’s NYC #HushMoney trial draws nearer, there is a whiff of desperation revealed by the failure of three frantic appeals to delay the proceeding set for Mon Apr 15.

There will, no doubt, be more legal maneuvers and attempted delaying tactics, but escaping the sordid details of the case no longer appears to be an option for #DonaldTrump.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/nyregion/trump-trial-appeal-judge-merchan.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&ugrp=c&pvid=6C17F86B-0378-4DF1-84C8-0E5771AE693D

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

Trump Makes Third Attempt to Delay Hush Money Trial

Donald J. Trump was turned down when he asked an appeals court — again — to stave off his prosecution on charges that he faked business records to cover up a sex scandal.

The New York Times

159) The #StockMarket appears to do a far better job of evaluating #DonaldTrump’s abilities than many American voters

#Trump is a mediocre businessman at best and this price chart depicts what happens when a less than mediocre company is offered on the public stock exchange.

A truly terrible #investment

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

160) After months of #HardRight GOP obstruction, funding for #Ukraine is on the way.

This is a notable defeat for #Putin fan #DonaldTrump and a victory for those who believe defending democracy against Russian aggression is critical. Chalk one up for the #Biden administration.

101 #GOP members joined Democrats to pass the bill, what price they will pay for their #Trump defiance remains to be seen

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.npr.org/2024/04/20/1245993370/house-ukraine-israel-aid-bills

Former Tabloid Exec David Pecker Back On Stand After Trump Contempt Hearing

Tuesday began with a hearing on whether to hold former President Donald Trump in contempt for alleged violations of the case's gag order. The trial then resumed with witnesses taking the stand.

TPM – Talking Points Memo

162) The Southern #border will be a significant issue in #Election2024.

Up till #DonaldTrump's torpedoing of the bipartisan negotiated border bill led by Sen #JamesLankford (R), the issue of undocumented migration had been a potent campaign issue for the #GOP

Now the Issue is one Pres #Biden and the #Democrats can campaign on as outlined in this video featuring a Sec. #PeteButtigied apearance on #CNBC ⬇️

#Politics #USPolitics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH0IOJXvz3A

Pete Buttigieg DESTROYS Visibly-Angry News Host in EPIC Interview!

YouTube

163) I was disturbed by the willingness of #SCOTUS's conservative wing to trip over themselves worrying about the conduct of future Presidents rather than the criminal behavior of #Trump while in office.

Kate Riga of #TalkingPointsMemo puts it best

Full article => https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/trump-supreme-court-immunity

#USPolitics #Politics #Immunity

Trump Will Be Happy With Supreme Court Arguments On Immunity

The Supreme Court conservatives seemed to solidify around a middle-ground position on Trump’s claims of absolute presidential immunity Thursday, a win by another name for the former president as it would add months of delay to the Jan. 6 case.

TPM – Talking Points Memo

164) I’m more than a little skeptical of polling. The ability to find a representative sample in the age of caller ID is pretty questionable in my view

That said when a poll shows 31% of Anericans are concerned by the rise of #Fascism, I pay attention. That notion would have been absurd 10 years ago, but this is where we are and the fact that a significant tranche of Americans have realized the threat is good news for #democracy

https://www.npr.org/2024/05/01/1248249250/election-poll-trump-biden-voters

#USPolitics #Politics

165) Now there's a surprise!

I guess #Trump feels most confortable with an #AttorneyGeneral who has been impeached just like him

Yup #KenPaxton, a guy who jiust might make #MichaelCohen blush

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/20/donald-trump-ken-paxton-attorney-general

Donald Trump says he’d consider Ken Paxton for U.S. attorney general

Trump told a reporter in Texas this weekend that Paxton is “a very talented guy.”

The Texas Tribune

166) I continue to be an admirer of #PeteButtigieg and his razor sharp analysis of the political times we live in

Here he reminds us that the #GOP has no answers for many of the pressing issues Americans face. Rather than coming up with new proposals about how to move the country forward, that would require thinking, the #RepublicanParty has put all its eggs in the #CultureWars basket, doubling down on hate for minorities, immigrants and the #LGBTQ community
#USPolitics

https://youtu.be/HQMgeasXjLs?si=wXv_Dw2hAefCpVzY

Watch Pete Buttigieg PERFECTLY Articulate Why Republicans Behave The Way That They Do

YouTube

167) How or why a “Unified Reich” video was posted on #DonaldTrump’s Truth Social, may remain unclear. An anonymous staffer has been conveniently blamed. Perplexing how that keeps happening

Was #Trump playing footsie with Neo Nazis or is this simply an example of a sloppy campaign consistent with the chaos experienced during the wannabe strongman’s occupation of the #WhiteHouse?

A #Fascist will do what #Fascists do

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/21/trump-unified-reich-truth-social/

Trump’s Truth Social account shares video referencing ‘unified Reich’

The Biden campaign said text in the video foreshadowing a Trump victory echoes Nazi Germany. The Trump campaign said this was not a campaign video.

The Washington Post

168) Apparently #Libertarian folks aren't big fans of #Trump. His attempt to secure the support and nomination of #Libertarians at their national convention was met with a barrage of boos.

The Trump campaign, showing its usual organizational chops, failed to submit paperwork for the nomination ballot. A write-in vote failed abysmally in the first round of balloting

#DonaldTrump #USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8gkY1k-Fz0

Trump Gets MERCILESSLY BOOED at Speech

YouTube

169) The Blueprint poll reported on by Semaphore below focuses on young people and gathers data via an online poll and should be treated cautiously.

I’m not surprised by the poll sentiment. Since the Reagan era, the #GOP has sewed distrust in government and been aided and abetted by a #RightWing #NewsMedia ecoystem.

All this to insure #garchs lower their tax bill, if #democracy is sacrificed, so be it

https://www.semafor.com/article/05/28/2024/a-dying-empire-led-by-bad-people-poll-finds-young-voters-despairing-over-us-politics

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

‘A dying empire led by bad people’: Poll finds young voters despairing over US politics | Semafor

A new survey may help explain Joe Biden’s recent struggles with the under-30 set.

170) #Trump’s support by the wealthy is in many respect far more disappointing than those #MAGA redcaps of modest means

Usually, the rich have had the benefit of a good education and should understand that democracy is at stake in #Election2024. I can only conclude that many wealthy types care more about promised tax reductions and deregulation than the obvious threat of #fascism

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-06/san-francisco-fetes-trump-on-post-conviction-fundraising-tour

#garchs #USPolitics #Politics

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

171) David French is a political columnist with whom I disagree on many issues

That said, this column is a disturbing account of how the political right has shifted so dramatically. The pulpit and pews of many “churches” are now dominated by voices of hatred, bigotry and #ChristianNationalism

#Trump #MAGA #Election2024 #fascism #USPolitics #Politics

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/opinion/presbyterian-church-evangelical-canceled.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb

Opinion | The Day My Old Church Canceled Me Was a Very Sad Day

There is a difference between peace and capitulation.

The New York Times

173) Trumpists wanted voters to believe that a criminal conviction would make #Trump more popular. That appears to have been a failure.

While #GOP voters polled some months back asserted a conviction would give them pause in voting for a convicted felon, the pause has passed, and the #DonaldTrump cult is lining up for their #DearLeader.

The same however cannot be said for independents - see article below 👇

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4725329-trump-conviction-impact-independents

174) Does the rule of law apply to all Americans or is there a carve out for Presidents?

The #Biden campaign clearly has decided to make the #Trump conviction a key issue in #Election2024. It will not be the only issue, but for those that appreciate that American democracy is under threat, it will be by far, the most important issue

This ad does a good job in reminding people of what’s at stake

https://youtu.be/MOEMX6_A8MM?si=k2C19z-knxEPB8vP

#USPolitics #Politics

Character Matters | Biden-Harris 2024

Follow Joe!Joe’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/joebidenJoe’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joebidenJoe’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joebidenJoe...

YouTube

175) In an unsurprising development, some #billionaire types are lining up to support #Trump. These types care little for democracy and would likely opt for #authoritarianism should it yield a 1% tax cut

While #TimothyMellon is likely the largest donor/briber of #Election2024, I’m sure other types are lining up with their checkbooks to subvert America

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9eed9g3vlyo.amp

#USPolitics #Politics

Who is Donald Trump's reclusive new mega-donor, Timothy Mellon?

The scion of one of America's wealthiest families is so far the Trump 2024 campaign's largest donor.

176) There are painful lessons from history when certain business types choose their narrow interests before democracy

This article 👇 written back in 2016 before #Trump was elected, warns of the dire consequences of the #authoritarian tilt of some businessesmen.

Might the world have avoided Hitler and his Nazis if it wasn’t for Krups?

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-big-business-bailed-out-nazis

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics

How Big Business Bailed Out the Nazis

A tragic tale of what can go wrong when profits are entangled with politics.

Brennan Center for Justice

177) Tomorrow night #JoeBiden faces off against #DonaldTrump in the first presidential debate of #Election2024

Given that American #democracy is on the line, it’s the most consequential debate of my lifetimes me

This #NYTimes lays out what each candidate must do to be considered successful.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/26/opinion/trump-biden-debate.html

#Trump #Biden #USPolitics #Politics

Opinion | How Can Biden Win the Debate? Trump? Five Tips for Each Candidate.

Two political experts weigh in on what it might take to succeed.

The New York Times

178) That was most depressing debate performance I’ve seen. I wish that it was otherwise. #JoeBiden is a good and decent man, but if he doest’t withdraw, #DonaldTrump will be the next President of the United States.

#Trump lied at an unprecedented clip. He’s a nut job but he will win this election unless #Biden withdraws

#Election2024 #democracy #USPolitics #Politics

179) I think the interest of #democracy and geopolitical stability would best be served if #JoeBiden withdrew from #Election2024.

We are fortunate that the #PresidentialDebate took place 4 months before Election Day and a change can certainly be made to insure that the country is saved from a reprise of the #Trump presidency.

Will #Biden drop out? I don’t know, but I think it would be wise

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-06-28/biden-allies-detail-democrats-private-reaction-after-debate-loss

#democracy #USPolitics #Politics

180) Was it a cold or jet lag which explained #JoeBiden’s disastrous performance at last week’s debate? The President was back from his travels for more than a week so jet lag does not seem plausible.

It might be that travel fatigue is more pronounced in an 80 year old but the inability to respond effectively or at all to #Trump raises questions about fitness for office and ability to win #Election2024

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-02/biden-to-meet-democratic-governors-as-he-looks-to-close-ranks

#Election2024 #USPolitics #Politics

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

@mnutty What about the lying felon?
@mnutty He won’t withdraw unless Jill convinces him that it is the only way to preserve his legacy.
@mnutty Biden is not going to withdraw and Trump is not going to win.
@urbanfoxe From your lips to God’s ears. @mnutty

@urbanfoxe

I loathe #DonaldTrump. I hate to even have to consider the possibility that he might be back in the #WhiteHouse, but that will happen now without #Biden’s withdrawal

#USPolitics #Politics

@mnutty It's effing insane that this should even be happening. The world looks aghast at the USA's failure to imprison major criminals.

@davidpnice

I’ve been embarrassed by the cut of American #politics for decades now. That said, the rise of #Trumpism has brought us to levels of ignorance and bigotry that are hard to credit. I’m scarlet

#USPolitics #Election2024

@mnutty quite pointed article indeed.

@derekbrauders

I think I might have found that article to be a little over the top 8 years ago. There has been a shift in my thinking in the intervening years.

@mnutty I would not give that much credit to their educations. Seriously, I would not.

For one thing, they have MBAs, not PhDs in Philosophy.

If they are like Zuck and Jack (and Bill Gates, though I doubt he supports Trump), they are college DROPOUTS.

@chemoelectric

LOL, I have an MBA. I like to think it doesn’t preclude me from thought or a conscience. I think these guys are knowingly opting to support #Trump for their own selfish purpose without regard for the commonweal. Ignorance is to some degree understandable, these types have no excuse

@mnutty It doesn't account for your thought and conscience, either, does it? One cannot attribute those things to this kind of education.
@mnutty I could go on to do the same for the PhD in Philosophy but it gets harder to do, then. :) Really it is autodidacts who have good ethics, not products of our universities.
@mnutty I make it no secret I have a VERY low opinion of academia.

@mnutty Academia are people who make a career writing about "Moby Dick" without realizing it is one big, fabricated fish tale about the big one that got away.

Didn't they wonder why "Ishmael" (the son cast out for playful mocking) insisted that a whale be considered a fish? There is nothing deep about the book. It is a wonderfully comic fish tale. :)

@mnutty Academia is like that. They purposely obfuscate things because they are rewarded for doing that.

Including doing the right thing. It is obfuscated.

@mnutty Interesting that Social media isn't in the poll. That's the algorithms that target the younger generations to lean right. The wealthy Oligarchy is what is ruining this country along with social media
@mnutty fascinating that a "staffer" managed to post this on their own! Testimony this month in NY was that all posts were run by "the boss" for approval. All.

@deborahh

Seems to be a lot of problematic staffers in #Trump HQ

@mnutty

Is it still called a Freudian slip if it is a product of a group's collective consciousness?

@HikerGeek

Some thoughts that there may not have been a banana peel anywhere in sight

@mnutty

Maybe we should go further and say that Democrats MUST campaign on the southern border issue. It is among the clearest examples of the duplicity of the Trump Party (formerly the GOP). An easy majority of "Republicans" lied about border security for years and then they scuttled the best offer currently available ..... all to help the political aspirations of their party's Weasel in Chief, Felony Don.

:

#bordersecurity #darthtraitor #democrats #deviousdon #donaldtrump #felonydon #immigration #jameslankford #petebuttigieg #southernborder #traitortrump #trump #trumpisweak #trumpparty #trumptraitor

:::

@tribeofjesse

For years the #GOP has been beating the Dems with the #SouthernBorder stick.

I agree that it’s time to return the favor and remind voters that the #Republican party only governs to one end, tax breaks for #garchs.

The GOP dreams of world of Darwinian savagery, a hunger games survival of the fittest spectacle, where none receive compassion or help and only those born to wealth have the right to succeed

#USPolitics #Politics #Election2024 #immigration #migration

@mnutty
I read something earlier that said he has been cashing out of TS.
So it was basically just a way to funnel money to him.
Probably Russian money.
@mnutty How many of the 'investors' are true believers who bought some shares and won't trade them anytime?

@sv1

I think there are lightly quite a few of those, but the recent price movement indicates that many are no longer embracing #DJT with anything close to ardor.

The #WashingtonPost had a good article on #Trump supporters who invested in the stock

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/14/truth-social-investors-faith-trump/

Small-time investors in Trump’s Truth Social reckon with stock collapse

Trump Media shareholders have voiced doubt and fury over the company’s plunging price. Some said they had invested thousands to show Trump their faith and support.

The Washington Post
@mnutty @StillIRise1963 I think it is a conspiracy, the democrates bought all the shares and now they are selling again to make Trump look bad.

@ericschutte @StillIRise1963

LOL. No Need for Democrats to waste their money taking down #DJT, it willl implode of its own according.

Benjamin Graham's old aphorism applies:

“In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.”

Looks like things are gewtting weighed up pretty quickly at the moment

#USPolitics #Politics