http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/31/3803591/trump-ukraine-putin/
"Trump’s line on Crimea is essentially the same one being pushed by Russian media."
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Trump Is Already Trying To Find An Excuse To Skip The Debates
Trump Is Already Trying To Find An Excuse To Skip The Debates
"To bolster his argument that this was a bad idea, he told George Stephanopoulos on This Week the following: “Well, I'll tell you what I don't like. It's against two NFL games. I got a letter from the NFL saying, "This is ridiculous. Why are the debates against--" 'cause the NFL doesn't wanna go against the debates.” Except, that is a lie. Red State is reporting that the NFL has publicly come out stating that they never sent Trump a letter. That was quick."
"To bolster his argument that this was a bad idea, he told George Stephanopoulos on This Week the following: “Well, I'll tell you what I don't like. It's against two NFL games. I got a letter from the NFL saying, "This is ridiculous. Why are the debates against--" 'cause the NFL doesn't wanna go against the debates.” Except, that is a lie. Red State is reporting that the NFL has publicly come out stating that they never sent Trump a letter. That was quick."
Analysts Say Clinton Proposals Would Strengthen The Economy
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/07/29/3803308/clinton-economy-moodys/
"The analysis stands in stark contrast to what Moody’s found would happen if Republican nominee Donald Trump wins the election. Last month it released an analysis that concluded that his policies would plunge the country back into a recession, cost millions of jobs, fail to improve Americans’ incomes, and increase the deficit by $1 trillion. In response, an adviser to Trump’s campaign released a report saying that the nominee’s plans wouldn’t increase the deficit because he has said they won’t."
"The analysis stands in stark contrast to what Moody’s found would happen if Republican nominee Donald Trump wins the election. Last month it released an analysis that concluded that his policies would plunge the country back into a recession, cost millions of jobs, fail to improve Americans’ incomes, and increase the deficit by $1 trillion. In response, an adviser to Trump’s campaign released a report saying that the nominee’s plans wouldn’t increase the deficit because he has said they won’t."
Holy wow! Gen. John Allen's incredible DNC speech will make your heart burst with patriotic pride
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/7/28/1553959/-Holy-wow-Gen-John-Allen-s-incredible-DNC-speech-will-make-your-heart-burst-with-patriotic-pride
"And his speech didn’t just excite Democrats—it blew away Republicans, too"
"And his speech didn’t just excite Democrats—it blew away Republicans, too"
Riding Trump's Wave, Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke Runs for Senate @alternet
Riding Trump's Wave, Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke Runs for Senate @alternet:
"Duke said he is "overjoyed to see Donald Trump and most Americans embrace most of the issues that I've championed for years." And declared that his "slogan remains 'America first'," a slogan that Trump has borrowed."
"Duke said he is "overjoyed to see Donald Trump and most Americans embrace most of the issues that I've championed for years." And declared that his "slogan remains 'America first'," a slogan that Trump has borrowed."
Moody’s: Clinton’s economic plan would create 10.4 million jobs in four years
Moody’s: Clinton’s economic plan would create 10.4 million jobs in four years
"Low- and middle-income households would benefit if Hillary Clinton's economic plans are put into effect"
"Low- and middle-income households would benefit if Hillary Clinton's economic plans are put into effect"
Trump Is Getting A Free Pass On His Tax Returns. These Numbers Prove It.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/29/3803432/trump-getting-free-pass-tax-returns-numbers-prove/
"Trump clearly has a lot to gain from not releasing his tax returns. His explicit calculation is, based on the amount of media scrutiny he’s receiving, why bother?"
"Trump clearly has a lot to gain from not releasing his tax returns. His explicit calculation is, based on the amount of media scrutiny he’s receiving, why bother?"
Pence: Elect Trump and Roe v. Wade will be 'consigned to the ash heap of history'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/29/1554074/-Pence-Elect-Trump-and-Roe-v-Wade-will-be-consigned-to-the-ash-heap-of-history
"Pence is right about one thing: This next president will shape the Supreme Court for a generation."
"Pence is right about one thing: This next president will shape the Supreme Court for a generation."
Mike Pence Set To Strengthen Ties To ALEC And Corporate-Driven Education Reform
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/07/28/mike-pence-set-strengthen-ties-alec-and-corporate-driven-education-reform/211995
"ALEC is funded by several philanthropic organizations founded or supported by the oil billionaires David and Charles Koch -- including the Charles Koch Foundation, “dark money ATM" DonorsTrust, and Donors Capital Fund -- as well as several other staunchly right-wing private foundations. It boasts having “nearly 300 corporate and private foundation members,” who pay for memberships in order to influence the proposed model policies, and lists partnerships with several right-wing education privatization groups."
"ALEC is funded by several philanthropic organizations founded or supported by the oil billionaires David and Charles Koch -- including the Charles Koch Foundation, “dark money ATM" DonorsTrust, and Donors Capital Fund -- as well as several other staunchly right-wing private foundations. It boasts having “nearly 300 corporate and private foundation members,” who pay for memberships in order to influence the proposed model policies, and lists partnerships with several right-wing education privatization groups."
Donald Trump really hopes that Putin likes him, offers up a peninsula to be pals
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/28/1553584/-Donald-Trump-really-hopes-that-Putin-likes-him-offers-up-a-penisular-to-be-pals
"Trump wants Putin to like him soooo much that he offered up a little gift. Donald Trump said Wednesday he would consider recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and lifting the sanctions against the country if he’s elected president."
"Trump wants Putin to like him soooo much that he offered up a little gift. Donald Trump said Wednesday he would consider recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and lifting the sanctions against the country if he’s elected president."
Ashley Judd Knows From Experience That Donald Trump Is A Perverted Creep And He’s ‘Revolting’
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/28/ashley-judd-knows-from-experience-that-donald-trump-is-a-perverted-creep-and-hes-revolting/
"And it’s not like Trump hasn’t publicly displayed his creepiness. On multiple occasions, Trump has fantasized about his own daughter. During a 2006 appearance on “The View,” Trump said this about Ivanka Trump when asked if she would ever pose for Playboy: “It would be really disappointing — not really — but it would depend on what’s inside the magazine. I don’t think Ivanka would do that, although she does have a very nice figure. I’ve said if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her.” And that was just in 2006. Here’s what he told Rolling Stone for an article in 2015. At 69, he can still carry on like the teen who was yanked out of prep school and delivered to Col. Dobias, the take-no-shit instructor at the military academy. After I met Ivanka and praised her to her father, he said, “Yeah, she’s really something, and what a beauty, that one. If I weren’t happily married and, ya know, her father . . . ” So yeah, Donald Trump treats all women, even his own daughter, as sexual objects. He’s disgusting. And he’s the person the Republican Party chose as their leader. If that’s how they thought they could reach out to women voters they were sorely mistaken."
"And it’s not like Trump hasn’t publicly displayed his creepiness. On multiple occasions, Trump has fantasized about his own daughter. During a 2006 appearance on “The View,” Trump said this about Ivanka Trump when asked if she would ever pose for Playboy: “It would be really disappointing — not really — but it would depend on what’s inside the magazine. I don’t think Ivanka would do that, although she does have a very nice figure. I’ve said if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her.” And that was just in 2006. Here’s what he told Rolling Stone for an article in 2015. At 69, he can still carry on like the teen who was yanked out of prep school and delivered to Col. Dobias, the take-no-shit instructor at the military academy. After I met Ivanka and praised her to her father, he said, “Yeah, she’s really something, and what a beauty, that one. If I weren’t happily married and, ya know, her father . . . ” So yeah, Donald Trump treats all women, even his own daughter, as sexual objects. He’s disgusting. And he’s the person the Republican Party chose as their leader. If that’s how they thought they could reach out to women voters they were sorely mistaken."
NC Gop Gets Tim Kaine's Flag Pin Horribly Wrong [UPDATED]
NC Gop Gets Tim Kaine's Flag Pin Horribly Wrong [UPDATED]
"The July 28 Observer article noted that the North Carolina GOP inaccurately tweeted that Kaine was wearing a “Honduras flag pin on his jacket but no American flag.” However, WNYT reporter Ben Amey was quick to point out that Kaine’s pin was a “Blue Star Service pin for his son, who’s a deployed Marine.” The North Carolina GOP account replied, thanking Amey “for letting us correct our mistake,” but failed to apologize to Kaine for the error. Because they are jerks."
"The July 28 Observer article noted that the North Carolina GOP inaccurately tweeted that Kaine was wearing a “Honduras flag pin on his jacket but no American flag.” However, WNYT reporter Ben Amey was quick to point out that Kaine’s pin was a “Blue Star Service pin for his son, who’s a deployed Marine.” The North Carolina GOP account replied, thanking Amey “for letting us correct our mistake,” but failed to apologize to Kaine for the error. Because they are jerks."
Thursday, July 28, 2016
The DNC Is Empowering Millions Of People Normally Treated As Invisible
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/07/27/3802400/dnc-disability-rights/
"The number of speeches centered on disability rights — and given by people with disabilities — is a stark contrast to last week's Republican convention in Cleveland, where disability wasn't mentioned once."
"The number of speeches centered on disability rights — and given by people with disabilities — is a stark contrast to last week's Republican convention in Cleveland, where disability wasn't mentioned once."
For Spanish language media, the difference between Cleveland and Philly like 'night and day'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/27/1553258/-For-Spanish-language-media-the-difference-between-Cleveland-and-Philly-like-night-and-day
"Team Clinton reportedly has about two dozen spokespeople on the ground in Philly doing interviews, outreach, and translations in Spanish, while Trump didn't have a single dedicated staffer."
"Team Clinton reportedly has about two dozen spokespeople on the ground in Philly doing interviews, outreach, and translations in Spanish, while Trump didn't have a single dedicated staffer."
Incensed by Spotlight on Hillary, Trump Vies for Attention With Act of Near-Treason @alternet
Incensed by Spotlight on Hillary, Trump Vies for Attention With Act of Near-Treason @alternet:
"At a press conference, the Republican standard-bearer invited Russian spies to hack State Department email, and said he hopes Putin likes him."
"At a press conference, the Republican standard-bearer invited Russian spies to hack State Department email, and said he hopes Putin likes him."
The Next President Will Likely Appoint 4 Supreme Court Justices: Which President Do You Want Picking Them? @alternet
The Next President Will Likely Appoint 4 Supreme Court Justices: Which President Do You Want Picking Them? @alternet:
"This election is all about the Supreme Court that will shape our lives for the next 30 years."
"This election is all about the Supreme Court that will shape our lives for the next 30 years."
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Putin’s Buddy Trump Is About To Get National Security Briefings. Intel Officers Are Worried.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/putin-trump-national-security-briefings_us_57963cd6e4b02d5d5ed2476b
"Members of the intelligence community are worried that Donald Trump ― who has deep ties to Russia and is apparently the preferred presidential candidate of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ― could have access to highly classified national security briefings as early as Friday."
"Members of the intelligence community are worried that Donald Trump ― who has deep ties to Russia and is apparently the preferred presidential candidate of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ― could have access to highly classified national security briefings as early as Friday."
The DNC Hack Is Watergate, but Worse
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2016/07/the_dnc_hack_is_watergate_but_worse.html
"It’s a foreign power attempting to swing an election for its favored candidate."
"It’s a foreign power attempting to swing an election for its favored candidate."
Connect the following 7 dots. Do you see a pattern? Robert Reich
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/26/1552604/-Connect-the-following-7-dots-Do-you-see-a-pattern-Robert-Reich
"1. Trump's debt load has grown dramatically over the last year, from $350 million to $630 million. At the same time, he’s been blackballed by all major US banks. 2. Post-bankruptcy, Trump has become highly reliant on money from Russia -- most of which has over the years become increasingly concentrated among oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin. 3. Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign manager and top advisor, spent most of the last decade as top campaign and communications advisor to Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian Ukrainian Prime Minister and then President whose ouster in 2014 led to the on-going crisis and proxy war in Ukraine. Yanukovych was and remains a close ally of Putin. 4. Trump's foreign policy advisor on Russia and Europe is Carter Page, a man whose entire professional career has revolved around investments in Russia and who has deep and continuing financial and employment ties to Gazprom, which, in turn, is part of Putin’s financial empire. 5. Over the course of the last year, Putin has aligned all Russian state controlled media behind Trump."
"1. Trump's debt load has grown dramatically over the last year, from $350 million to $630 million. At the same time, he’s been blackballed by all major US banks. 2. Post-bankruptcy, Trump has become highly reliant on money from Russia -- most of which has over the years become increasingly concentrated among oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin. 3. Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign manager and top advisor, spent most of the last decade as top campaign and communications advisor to Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian Ukrainian Prime Minister and then President whose ouster in 2014 led to the on-going crisis and proxy war in Ukraine. Yanukovych was and remains a close ally of Putin. 4. Trump's foreign policy advisor on Russia and Europe is Carter Page, a man whose entire professional career has revolved around investments in Russia and who has deep and continuing financial and employment ties to Gazprom, which, in turn, is part of Putin’s financial empire. 5. Over the course of the last year, Putin has aligned all Russian state controlled media behind Trump."
More Details Continue to Support the Idea that Vladimir Putin is Trying to Help Elect Donald Trump
More Details Continue to Support the Idea that Vladimir Putin is Trying to Help Elect Donald Trump
"So, here we have Trump with links to some rather shady Russian investors, with a pro-Putin/pro-Russia campaign manager, and a foreign policy advisor who has deep ties to Russia — to go along with the “bromance” that seems to exist between the GOP presidential nominee and the Russian president. Oh — but there’s even more. During the RNC convention, the Trump campaign made sure that the Republican platform wouldn’t include a push to supply Ukraine to fight against Russian forces. By the way, removing the anti-Putin rhetoric was the only thing the Trump campaign pushed to have removed from the GOP’s platform."
"So, here we have Trump with links to some rather shady Russian investors, with a pro-Putin/pro-Russia campaign manager, and a foreign policy advisor who has deep ties to Russia — to go along with the “bromance” that seems to exist between the GOP presidential nominee and the Russian president. Oh — but there’s even more. During the RNC convention, the Trump campaign made sure that the Republican platform wouldn’t include a push to supply Ukraine to fight against Russian forces. By the way, removing the anti-Putin rhetoric was the only thing the Trump campaign pushed to have removed from the GOP’s platform."
Paul Krugman Dismantles the Entire Premise of Trump's Candidacy @alternet
Paul Krugman Dismantles the Entire Premise of Trump's Candidacy @alternet:
"The heads of fact-checkers throughout the land exploded last week, as speakers at the RNC in Cleveland piled lie upon lie upon piles of lies. The favorite of all these lies is the one about crime running rampant and Americans in general being so very unsafe. It's just not true."
"The heads of fact-checkers throughout the land exploded last week, as speakers at the RNC in Cleveland piled lie upon lie upon piles of lies. The favorite of all these lies is the one about crime running rampant and Americans in general being so very unsafe. It's just not true."
Cecile Richards to Trump: ‘Women are going to be the reason’ you lose in November
Cecile Richards to Trump: ‘Women are going to be the reason’ you lose in November
"The Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s president Cecile Richards addressed the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday and gave a ringing endorsement to Hillary Clinton."
"The Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s president Cecile Richards addressed the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday and gave a ringing endorsement to Hillary Clinton."
Bernie Sanders tells Texas delegates: ‘Trump is the worst candidate in modern history’
Bernie Sanders tells Texas delegates: ‘Trump is the worst candidate in modern history’
"Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders on Wednesday morning used a thank-you speech to Texas delegates to sound the alarm about the Republican foe his party’s nominee now faces: Donald Trump."
"Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders on Wednesday morning used a thank-you speech to Texas delegates to sound the alarm about the Republican foe his party’s nominee now faces: Donald Trump."
Al Franken Tells MSNBC On Air Talent To 'Make Lies Matter'
Al Franken Tells MSNBC On Air Talent To 'Make Lies Matter'
"On MSNBC last night, the Senator sat down with Andrea Mitchell and several of the convention floor warriors to talk about Donald Trump. Franken noted that Trump got his political "career" started with birtherism and moved on to fake "investigations in Hawaii" along with lying about Muslims celebrating in New Jersey after 9/11. Then Andrea Mitchell says this: But facts don't seem to matter in this campaign"
"On MSNBC last night, the Senator sat down with Andrea Mitchell and several of the convention floor warriors to talk about Donald Trump. Franken noted that Trump got his political "career" started with birtherism and moved on to fake "investigations in Hawaii" along with lying about Muslims celebrating in New Jersey after 9/11. Then Andrea Mitchell says this: But facts don't seem to matter in this campaign"
Watch Cory Booker Smack Down Fox & Friends Trump Cheerleading And Minimum Wage Propaganda
Watch Cory Booker Smack Down Fox & Friends Trump Cheerleading And Minimum Wage Propaganda
"Despite Megyn Kelly’s best efforts to slime Cory Booker Monday night, he visited Fox & Friends the following morning and blew away their Donald Trump trumpeting."
"Despite Megyn Kelly’s best efforts to slime Cory Booker Monday night, he visited Fox & Friends the following morning and blew away their Donald Trump trumpeting."
Warren Eviscerates Trump (Again)
Warren Eviscerates Trump (Again)
"First up - nailing him on the hate speech and fearmongering, the literal theme of the RNC"
"First up - nailing him on the hate speech and fearmongering, the literal theme of the RNC"
Elizabeth Warren’s Devastating Trump Hit: She Drew a Straight Line from Jim Crow to Donald Trump @alternet
Elizabeth Warren’s Devastating Trump Hit: She Drew a Straight Line from Jim Crow to Donald Trump @alternet:
"Elizabeth Warren's DNC speech made a crucial point about Trumpism's racial hatred: nobody benefits except the rich."
"Elizabeth Warren's DNC speech made a crucial point about Trumpism's racial hatred: nobody benefits except the rich."
Jimmy Carter's Big DNC Revelation @alternet
Jimmy Carter's Big DNC Revelation @alternet:
"The former president pointed out that Hillary Clinton broke another glass ceiling 40 years ago."
"The former president pointed out that Hillary Clinton broke another glass ceiling 40 years ago."
Fighting for Our Freedom: What this Election Shows Us About Why Critical Literacy Still Matters @alternet
Fighting for Our Freedom: What this Election Shows Us About Why Critical Literacy Still Matters @alternet:
"Despite being economically and militarily powerful, the U.S. remains stagnated, when compared to other democracies, in a belief culture—stubbornly clinging to unwarranted beliefs despite an abundance of evidence easily accessible to anyone."
"Despite being economically and militarily powerful, the U.S. remains stagnated, when compared to other democracies, in a belief culture—stubbornly clinging to unwarranted beliefs despite an abundance of evidence easily accessible to anyone."
Teachers Unions Mean Better Teachers, New Study Says @alternet
Teachers Unions Mean Better Teachers, New Study Says @alternet:
"All that stuff you hear about how teachers unions protect bad teachers through the evils of due process and their general uniony badness? A new study for the National Bureau of Economic Research says nuh-uh. EduShyster interviews the study’s author, Eunice Han"
"All that stuff you hear about how teachers unions protect bad teachers through the evils of due process and their general uniony badness? A new study for the National Bureau of Economic Research says nuh-uh. EduShyster interviews the study’s author, Eunice Han"
Donald Trump: Superhero to Billionaires @alternet
Donald Trump: Superhero to Billionaires @alternet:
"Trump’s tax plan, his refusal to raise the minimum wage, his insistence that American workers make too much money, his anti-union stances, all endear him to his fellow 1 percenters."
"Trump’s tax plan, his refusal to raise the minimum wage, his insistence that American workers make too much money, his anti-union stances, all endear him to his fellow 1 percenters."
Donald Trump Is Casting a Dark Shadow Over Voters @alternet
Donald Trump Is Casting a Dark Shadow Over Voters @alternet:
"His convention was designed to frighten. It was stoked by hate, rancor, loathing, and condemnation."
"His convention was designed to frighten. It was stoked by hate, rancor, loathing, and condemnation."
Mike Pence Is a Loyal Friend to Polluters @alternet
Mike Pence Is a Loyal Friend to Polluters @alternet:
"In Mike Pence, Donald Trump has picked a running mate who could be relied on to take a chainsaw to President Obama’s signature environmental policy."
"In Mike Pence, Donald Trump has picked a running mate who could be relied on to take a chainsaw to President Obama’s signature environmental policy."
Our Sustainability Challenge: What Does It Take for Us to Thrive Within Earth's Finite Resources? @alternet
Our Sustainability Challenge: What Does It Take for Us to Thrive Within Earth's Finite Resources? @alternet:
"Practicing sustainability involves expanding our focus to consider the long term and the whole system. But our current culture pushes us to do just the opposite."
"Practicing sustainability involves expanding our focus to consider the long term and the whole system. But our current culture pushes us to do just the opposite."
Taxpayer Groups, Environmentalists, Students Call on Congress to End $4 Billion Annual Oil Industry Subsidies @alternet
Taxpayer Groups, Environmentalists, Students Call on Congress to End $4 Billion Annual Oil Industry Subsidies @alternet:
"The coalition of 40 groups lambasted Congress for subsidizing activities that will make climate change worse."
"The coalition of 40 groups lambasted Congress for subsidizing activities that will make climate change worse."
First Half of 2016 Blows Away Temperature Records @alternet
First Half of 2016 Blows Away Temperature Records @alternet:
"The first half of 2016 has blown away temperature records, capped off by a record hot June, once again bumping up the odds that 2016 will be the hottest year on record globally, according to data released Tuesday."
"The first half of 2016 has blown away temperature records, capped off by a record hot June, once again bumping up the odds that 2016 will be the hottest year on record globally, according to data released Tuesday."
Groundbreaking Study Shows Cannabis Can Counter Alzheimer's Disease @alternet
Groundbreaking Study Shows Cannabis Can Counter Alzheimer's Disease @alternet:
"This promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is yet another way that the miraculous cannabis plant provides medical benefits to a host of human ailments."
"This promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is yet another way that the miraculous cannabis plant provides medical benefits to a host of human ailments."
Trump has put us at DEFCON 1. We cannot shrug at 'Never Again'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/26/1552519/-Trump-has-put-us-at-DEFCON-1-We-cannot-shrug-at-Never-Again
"Donald Trump is a genuine fascist who has no regard whatsoever for democratic governance. He has taken savage pleasure in fomenting violence at his own rallies, lamenting that “nobody wants to hurt each other anymore.” He has heaped praise on the world’s most ruthless tyrants, like Vladimir Putin, Saddam Hussein, and Kim Jong Un. And he has the full-throated backing of modern-day Nazis whose support he has not only refused to disavow, but instead proactively cultivated. The threat he poses to the future of this republic and the safety of the world is unknowable and may be without limit. These are not conclusions I draw lightly."
"Donald Trump is a genuine fascist who has no regard whatsoever for democratic governance. He has taken savage pleasure in fomenting violence at his own rallies, lamenting that “nobody wants to hurt each other anymore.” He has heaped praise on the world’s most ruthless tyrants, like Vladimir Putin, Saddam Hussein, and Kim Jong Un. And he has the full-throated backing of modern-day Nazis whose support he has not only refused to disavow, but instead proactively cultivated. The threat he poses to the future of this republic and the safety of the world is unknowable and may be without limit. These are not conclusions I draw lightly."
George Will: Trump Won't Release Tax Returns 'Deeply Involved With Russian Oligarchs'
George Will: Trump Won't Release Tax Returns 'Deeply Involved With Russian Oligarchs'
"And let's not forget what Trump said about Putin."
"And let's not forget what Trump said about Putin."
Putin Is Not F*cking Around, American Democracy Is Under Attack
http://reverbpress.com/world/putin-is-not-fcking-around-american-democracy-is-under-attack/
"Given all this information, it is now more important than ever that Donald Trump releases his tax returns. It is no longer a matter of showing the public that his business is aboveboard. Trump needs to prove that he is not effectively committing treason by colluding with Russia to undermine American democracy and US foreign policy in exchange for massive debt relief. If he will not release his tax returns, the Republican party has a historic responsibility to the United States to sabotage Donald Trump."
"Given all this information, it is now more important than ever that Donald Trump releases his tax returns. It is no longer a matter of showing the public that his business is aboveboard. Trump needs to prove that he is not effectively committing treason by colluding with Russia to undermine American democracy and US foreign policy in exchange for massive debt relief. If he will not release his tax returns, the Republican party has a historic responsibility to the United States to sabotage Donald Trump."
Read This Extraordinary GOP Resignation Letter @alternet
Read This Extraordinary GOP Resignation Letter @alternet:
"A party willing to lend its collective capital to Donald Trump has entered a compromise beyond any credible threshold of legitimacy. There is no redemption in being one of the “good Nazis.” I hereby resign my position as a York Township Republican committeeman. My thirty-year tenure as a Republican is over."
"A party willing to lend its collective capital to Donald Trump has entered a compromise beyond any credible threshold of legitimacy. There is no redemption in being one of the “good Nazis.” I hereby resign my position as a York Township Republican committeeman. My thirty-year tenure as a Republican is over."
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Donald Trump doesn’t want to make America great. He wants to make it afraid.
http://www.vox.com/2016/7/21/12253638/republican-convention-trump-speech
"Donald Trump is not a candidate the American people would turn to in normal times. He’s too inexperienced, too eccentric, too volatile, too risky. Voting Trump is burning down the house to collect the insurance money — you don’t do it unless things are really, really bad. Here is Trump’s problem: Things are not really, really bad. In fact, things are doing much better than when President Obama came into office. Unemployment is 4.9 percent nationally — a number Trump knows is far from a crisis, because it’s lower than the unemployment rate Mike Pence is presiding over in Indiana, and Trump keeps bragging about his running mate’s economic record. The deficit has gone down in recent years, and the stock market has gone up. The end of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars mean fewer Americans are dying abroad. A plurality approve of the job Obama is doing. So Trump needs to convince voters that things are bad, even if they’re not. He needs to make Americans afraid again. And tonight, he tried."
"Donald Trump is not a candidate the American people would turn to in normal times. He’s too inexperienced, too eccentric, too volatile, too risky. Voting Trump is burning down the house to collect the insurance money — you don’t do it unless things are really, really bad. Here is Trump’s problem: Things are not really, really bad. In fact, things are doing much better than when President Obama came into office. Unemployment is 4.9 percent nationally — a number Trump knows is far from a crisis, because it’s lower than the unemployment rate Mike Pence is presiding over in Indiana, and Trump keeps bragging about his running mate’s economic record. The deficit has gone down in recent years, and the stock market has gone up. The end of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars mean fewer Americans are dying abroad. A plurality approve of the job Obama is doing. So Trump needs to convince voters that things are bad, even if they’re not. He needs to make Americans afraid again. And tonight, he tried."
Mike Pence's 0 percent rating on Social Security, Medicare
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/22/1549416/-Mike-Pence-s-0-percent-rating-on-Social-Security-Medicare
"That would be privatizing Social Security, just to be clear. In fact, he thought Bush's plan didn't go far enough or wouldn’t happen fast enough, "calling for an even larger private accounts scheme to be implemented sooner, putting Americans at even greater fiscal risk than the President's doomed plan." This deficit peacock was so serious about privatizing Social Security, he wanted to do it with increased deficit spending. Oh, but that's not all! He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Paul Ryan budget that first proposed making Medicare a voucher program. Raising the retirement age? You betcha. Cutting Medicaid? No problem. "I think everything has to be on the table … I think it's absolutely imperative, whether it's Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid," he said in 2010. "With regard to entitlements we're going to have to take some deep cuts in domestic spending." All of that led the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare to score Pence at 0 percent on issues important to seniors during the 2011-2012 Congress. Just one more bad record to add to the Pence pile—and one more group of voters the Republican ticket is going to alienate."
"That would be privatizing Social Security, just to be clear. In fact, he thought Bush's plan didn't go far enough or wouldn’t happen fast enough, "calling for an even larger private accounts scheme to be implemented sooner, putting Americans at even greater fiscal risk than the President's doomed plan." This deficit peacock was so serious about privatizing Social Security, he wanted to do it with increased deficit spending. Oh, but that's not all! He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Paul Ryan budget that first proposed making Medicare a voucher program. Raising the retirement age? You betcha. Cutting Medicaid? No problem. "I think everything has to be on the table … I think it's absolutely imperative, whether it's Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid," he said in 2010. "With regard to entitlements we're going to have to take some deep cuts in domestic spending." All of that led the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare to score Pence at 0 percent on issues important to seniors during the 2011-2012 Congress. Just one more bad record to add to the Pence pile—and one more group of voters the Republican ticket is going to alienate."
Trump & Putin. Yes, It's Really a Thing
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-putin-yes-it-s-really-a-thing
"Let's start with the basic facts. There is a lot of Russian money flowing into Trump's coffers and he is conspicuously solicitous of Russian foreign policy priorities. I'll list off some facts. 1. All the other discussions of Trump's finances aside, his debt load has grown dramatically over the last year, from $350 million to $630 million. This is in just one year while his liquid assets have also decreased. Trump has been blackballed by all major US banks. 2. Post-bankruptcy Trump has been highly reliant on money from Russia, most of which has over the years become increasingly concentrated among oligarchs and sub-garchs close to Vladimir Putin. Here's a good overview from The Washington Post, with one morsel for illustration ... Since the 1980s, Trump and his family members have made numerous trips to Moscow in search of business opportunities, and they have relied on Russian investors to buy their properties around the world. “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets,” Trump’s son, Donald Jr., told a real estate conference in 2008, according to an account posted on the website of eTurboNews, a trade publication. “We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.” 3. One example of this is the Trump Soho development in Manhattan, one of Trump's largest recent endeavors. The project was the hit with a series of lawsuits in response to some typically Trumpian efforts to defraud investors by making fraudulent claims about the financial health of the project. Emerging out of that litigation however was news about secret financing for the project from Russia and Kazakhstan. Most attention about the project has focused on the presence of a twice imprisoned Russian immigrant with extensive ties to the Russian criminal underworld. But that's not the most salient part of the story."
"Let's start with the basic facts. There is a lot of Russian money flowing into Trump's coffers and he is conspicuously solicitous of Russian foreign policy priorities. I'll list off some facts. 1. All the other discussions of Trump's finances aside, his debt load has grown dramatically over the last year, from $350 million to $630 million. This is in just one year while his liquid assets have also decreased. Trump has been blackballed by all major US banks. 2. Post-bankruptcy Trump has been highly reliant on money from Russia, most of which has over the years become increasingly concentrated among oligarchs and sub-garchs close to Vladimir Putin. Here's a good overview from The Washington Post, with one morsel for illustration ... Since the 1980s, Trump and his family members have made numerous trips to Moscow in search of business opportunities, and they have relied on Russian investors to buy their properties around the world. “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets,” Trump’s son, Donald Jr., told a real estate conference in 2008, according to an account posted on the website of eTurboNews, a trade publication. “We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.” 3. One example of this is the Trump Soho development in Manhattan, one of Trump's largest recent endeavors. The project was the hit with a series of lawsuits in response to some typically Trumpian efforts to defraud investors by making fraudulent claims about the financial health of the project. Emerging out of that litigation however was news about secret financing for the project from Russia and Kazakhstan. Most attention about the project has focused on the presence of a twice imprisoned Russian immigrant with extensive ties to the Russian criminal underworld. But that's not the most salient part of the story."
Putin’s Puppet
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/cover_story/2016/07/vladimir_putin_has_a_plan_for_destroying_the_west_and_it_looks_a_lot_like.html
"On Wednesday, Donald Trump told the New York Times that he would not necessarily come to the aid of NATO states threatened by Russia and would make his decision to defend them from an attack after reviewing whether they “have fulfilled their obligations to us.” It was the latest statement from Trump that was likely greeted with delight in the Kremlin. Earlier this month, Franklin Foer wrote on the frightening ways in which Trump seems to be playing right into Vladimir Putin's plans for destabilizing the West. Vladimir Putin has a plan for destroying the West—and that plan looks a lot like Donald Trump. Over the past decade, Russia has boosted right-wing populists across Europe. It loaned money to Marine Le Pen in France, well-documented transfusions of cash to keep her presidential campaign alive. Such largesse also wended its way to the former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who profited “personally and handsomely” from Russian energy deals, as an American ambassador to Rome once put it. (Berlusconi also shared a 240-year-old bottle of Crimean wine with Putin and apparently makes ample use of a bed gifted to him by the Russian president.) There’s a clear pattern: Putin runs stealth efforts on behalf of politicians who rail against the European Union and want to push away from NATO. He’s been a patron of Golden Dawn in Greece, Ataka in Bulgaria, and Jobbik in Hungary. Joe Biden warned about this effort last year in a speech at the Brookings Institution: “President Putin sees such political forces as useful tools to be manipulated, to create cracks in the European body politic which he can then exploit.” Ruptures that will likely multiply after Brexit—a campaign Russia’s many propaganda organs bombastically promoted. The destruction of Europe is a grandiose objective; so is the weakening of the United States. Until recently, Putin has only focused glancing attention on American elections. Then along came the presumptive Republican nominee."
"On Wednesday, Donald Trump told the New York Times that he would not necessarily come to the aid of NATO states threatened by Russia and would make his decision to defend them from an attack after reviewing whether they “have fulfilled their obligations to us.” It was the latest statement from Trump that was likely greeted with delight in the Kremlin. Earlier this month, Franklin Foer wrote on the frightening ways in which Trump seems to be playing right into Vladimir Putin's plans for destabilizing the West. Vladimir Putin has a plan for destroying the West—and that plan looks a lot like Donald Trump. Over the past decade, Russia has boosted right-wing populists across Europe. It loaned money to Marine Le Pen in France, well-documented transfusions of cash to keep her presidential campaign alive. Such largesse also wended its way to the former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who profited “personally and handsomely” from Russian energy deals, as an American ambassador to Rome once put it. (Berlusconi also shared a 240-year-old bottle of Crimean wine with Putin and apparently makes ample use of a bed gifted to him by the Russian president.) There’s a clear pattern: Putin runs stealth efforts on behalf of politicians who rail against the European Union and want to push away from NATO. He’s been a patron of Golden Dawn in Greece, Ataka in Bulgaria, and Jobbik in Hungary. Joe Biden warned about this effort last year in a speech at the Brookings Institution: “President Putin sees such political forces as useful tools to be manipulated, to create cracks in the European body politic which he can then exploit.” Ruptures that will likely multiply after Brexit—a campaign Russia’s many propaganda organs bombastically promoted. The destruction of Europe is a grandiose objective; so is the weakening of the United States. Until recently, Putin has only focused glancing attention on American elections. Then along came the presumptive Republican nominee."
Paul Manafort made a career out of stealthily reinventing the world’s nastiest tyrants as noble defenders of freedom. Getting Donald Trump elected will be a cinch.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2016/04/paul_manafort_isn_t_a_gop_retread_he_s_made_a_career_of_reinventing_tyrants.html
"Although his client list has included chunks of the Fortune 500, he has also built a booming business working with dictators. As Roger Stone has boasted about their now-disbanded firm: “Black, Manafort, Stone, and Kelly, lined up most of the dictators of the world we could find. … Dictators are in the eye of the beholder.” Manafort had a special gift for changing how dictators are beheld by American eyes. He would recast them as noble heroes—venerated by Washington think tanks, deluged with money from Congress. Playing tennis with Yanukovych at Mezhyhirya might have been the culmination of Manafort’s long career. He spent nearly seven years commuting to Kiev. Over that stretch, he remade Ukrainian politics and helped shift the country into Vladimir Putin’s sphere of influence. It was an impressive achievement, at least according to the ethical calculus that governs Manafort’s world. But then along came Donald Trump—another oligarch in desperate need of his services."
"Although his client list has included chunks of the Fortune 500, he has also built a booming business working with dictators. As Roger Stone has boasted about their now-disbanded firm: “Black, Manafort, Stone, and Kelly, lined up most of the dictators of the world we could find. … Dictators are in the eye of the beholder.” Manafort had a special gift for changing how dictators are beheld by American eyes. He would recast them as noble heroes—venerated by Washington think tanks, deluged with money from Congress. Playing tennis with Yanukovych at Mezhyhirya might have been the culmination of Manafort’s long career. He spent nearly seven years commuting to Kiev. Over that stretch, he remade Ukrainian politics and helped shift the country into Vladimir Putin’s sphere of influence. It was an impressive achievement, at least according to the ethical calculus that governs Manafort’s world. But then along came Donald Trump—another oligarch in desperate need of his services."
Trump Adviser’s Ties Raise Security Questions
https://www.buzzfeed.com/bensmith/manafort-russia?utm_term=.qcZLz0XVL#.ijkp9dgJp
"Trump’s top adviser, Paul Manafort, has spent much of his recent career working for pro-Russian forces in Ukraine, and doing complex deals for an oligarch with close ties to Putin. And while a Democratic senator has already charged Trump is not responsible enough to receive secret information, Manafort’s deep relationships with top pro-Russian figures raise special concerns. Manafort may be best known for managing the 2010 campaign of Viktor Yanukovych, the Ukrainian politician whose ouster as president prompted a Russian invasion of the country. He has, according to court documents, managed tens of millions of dollars for Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch denied entry to the U.S. reportedly for ties to organized crime, but so close to Vladimir Putin that top Russian officials fought (unsuccessfully) to get him a visa."
"Trump’s top adviser, Paul Manafort, has spent much of his recent career working for pro-Russian forces in Ukraine, and doing complex deals for an oligarch with close ties to Putin. And while a Democratic senator has already charged Trump is not responsible enough to receive secret information, Manafort’s deep relationships with top pro-Russian figures raise special concerns. Manafort may be best known for managing the 2010 campaign of Viktor Yanukovych, the Ukrainian politician whose ouster as president prompted a Russian invasion of the country. He has, according to court documents, managed tens of millions of dollars for Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch denied entry to the U.S. reportedly for ties to organized crime, but so close to Vladimir Putin that top Russian officials fought (unsuccessfully) to get him a visa."
Trump Spent A Lot Of His Speech Fear-Mongering About Crime. These 3 Charts Prove Him Wrong.
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/07/21/3800968/trump-spent-lot-speech-fear-mongering-crime-3-charts-prove-wrong/
"Donald Trump wants you to think that America is a scary, scary place. In his speech accepting the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, Trump claims that “decades of progress made in bringing down crime are now being reversed by this Administration’s rollback of criminal enforcement.” He unleashes a blizzard of cherry-picked statistics all directed at one purpose — convincing you that crime has run amok and that he is the only thing that can save you. Don’t believe him. The reality is that crime isn’t just on a downward trend, but it has been for a very long time."
"Donald Trump wants you to think that America is a scary, scary place. In his speech accepting the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, Trump claims that “decades of progress made in bringing down crime are now being reversed by this Administration’s rollback of criminal enforcement.” He unleashes a blizzard of cherry-picked statistics all directed at one purpose — convincing you that crime has run amok and that he is the only thing that can save you. Don’t believe him. The reality is that crime isn’t just on a downward trend, but it has been for a very long time."
AP Fact Check: Donald Trump’s RNC acceptance speech
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/ap-fact-check-donald-trumps-rnc-speech/
"Here's a look at some of the Republican presidential candidate's claims and how they compare with the facts."
"Here's a look at some of the Republican presidential candidate's claims and how they compare with the facts."
4 Things That Trump Got Wrong
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/07/4-things-trump-got-wrong
"There was, however, one section that dealt hazily with energy policy. Unfortunately, it was filled with falsehoods."
"There was, however, one section that dealt hazily with energy policy. Unfortunately, it was filled with falsehoods."
No, Cable News People, Trump's Speech Wasn't Politics-as-Usual, So Stop Soft-Pedaling It
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/no-cable-news-people-trumps-speech-wasnt-politics-as-usual/
"I've been hesitant to trample all over Godwin's Law by emphatically comparing Trump to a dictator, or even Hitler, but as I watched Trump screaming at the world in lieu of an actual acceptance speech, I couldn't help but to recall that, historically, this is how tyrants rise to power. This is exactly how it happens: an eccentric loud-mouth with a knack for pandering to the whimsy of the people, ranting for what seems like hours and using an over-modulated tone about how he alone can implement law and order. I hasten to qualify the following by noting that it's not meant as a compliment. Nevertheless, Trump's speech was a truly masterful convergence of populist outrage and tyrannical ranting unlike anything we've ever seen in a major party convention speech. That's because even despots like George W. Bush or Richard Nixon stopped short of tossing aside decorum and going full Third-World-Strongman as Trump did Thursday night in Cleveland. Yes, of course Trump lied a lot, despite his early declaration that his speech wouldn't contain any lies -- "believe me!" The lies weren't the most horrifying aspects of the speech. Trump, with way too much ease, expertly dovetailed a laundry list of horror stories with lofty promises about how he plans to fix literally everything, and he did it all by shouting and gesticulating wildly as if he just stepped out of a How To Become A Dictator In Three Easy Moves seminar. It was a textbook performance that included loudness patented by Hitler, who used electronic amplification and feedback to stir his throngs of sycophants into googly-eyed, white-faced frenzies. One of my conservative friends, Tom Nichols, a professor at the Naval War College, five-time Jeopardy! champion and proud Trump critic, tweeted perhaps the most salient reaction to Trump's address: "To use the precise political science terminology, that will go down as one of the most deeply f*cked up speeches in US history"."
"I've been hesitant to trample all over Godwin's Law by emphatically comparing Trump to a dictator, or even Hitler, but as I watched Trump screaming at the world in lieu of an actual acceptance speech, I couldn't help but to recall that, historically, this is how tyrants rise to power. This is exactly how it happens: an eccentric loud-mouth with a knack for pandering to the whimsy of the people, ranting for what seems like hours and using an over-modulated tone about how he alone can implement law and order. I hasten to qualify the following by noting that it's not meant as a compliment. Nevertheless, Trump's speech was a truly masterful convergence of populist outrage and tyrannical ranting unlike anything we've ever seen in a major party convention speech. That's because even despots like George W. Bush or Richard Nixon stopped short of tossing aside decorum and going full Third-World-Strongman as Trump did Thursday night in Cleveland. Yes, of course Trump lied a lot, despite his early declaration that his speech wouldn't contain any lies -- "believe me!" The lies weren't the most horrifying aspects of the speech. Trump, with way too much ease, expertly dovetailed a laundry list of horror stories with lofty promises about how he plans to fix literally everything, and he did it all by shouting and gesticulating wildly as if he just stepped out of a How To Become A Dictator In Three Easy Moves seminar. It was a textbook performance that included loudness patented by Hitler, who used electronic amplification and feedback to stir his throngs of sycophants into googly-eyed, white-faced frenzies. One of my conservative friends, Tom Nichols, a professor at the Naval War College, five-time Jeopardy! champion and proud Trump critic, tweeted perhaps the most salient reaction to Trump's address: "To use the precise political science terminology, that will go down as one of the most deeply f*cked up speeches in US history"."
Riding The Trump Tide, Former KKK Leader Announces Bid For U.S. Senate
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/22/3801155/david-duke-senate-bid/
"Duke reiterated his excitement that Donald Trump and the mainstream Republican Party is spreading his message."
"Duke reiterated his excitement that Donald Trump and the mainstream Republican Party is spreading his message."
Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke Declares Senate Candidacy
Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke Declares Senate Candidacy
"Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke on Friday announced he will run for U.S. Senate, linking his decision to Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency. Saying he was “overjoyed” at Trump’s successful campaign to be the Republican party’s presidential nominee, Duke said he will advocate for the “rights and heritage of European Americans” in Congress."
"Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke on Friday announced he will run for U.S. Senate, linking his decision to Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency. Saying he was “overjoyed” at Trump’s successful campaign to be the Republican party’s presidential nominee, Duke said he will advocate for the “rights and heritage of European Americans” in Congress."
The RNC Was Not the End of the GOP, it Was its Rebirth as a Fascist Party
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/gop-rebirth-as-a-fascist-party/
"Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the GOP convention last night was a predictable mixture of outright lies and rampant fear mongering designed to appeal to the worst of America's instincts. Much of the speech was nothing out of the ordinary given the general tone of Republican rhetoric in recent years -- but there were a couple of stark differences that had much of the blogosphere up in arms -- and rightly so. It wasn't Trump's lies, his bombast or his nastiness -- it was dictatorial strongman act that he alone can fix America's problems, and the bleak fact that his presence in American politics is no longer a joke. What was once unthinkable is now real, and Trump is officially the Republican nominee for president. This was not the end of the Republican Party as many have claimed -- it was its transformation into something completely different. As Trump delivered his lie-filled, nonsensical stream of paeans to himself read badly off of a teleprompter, the blogosphere reacted in real time, debunking much of the garbage he promised his audience was the unvarnished truth. “Here at our convention, there will be no lies,” said Trump. Of course this was utter, utter bullsh*t. After it was done, sane commenters reacted in horror to the spectacle that had more in common with a Nuremberg Rally than a political convention in a modern democracy."
"Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the GOP convention last night was a predictable mixture of outright lies and rampant fear mongering designed to appeal to the worst of America's instincts. Much of the speech was nothing out of the ordinary given the general tone of Republican rhetoric in recent years -- but there were a couple of stark differences that had much of the blogosphere up in arms -- and rightly so. It wasn't Trump's lies, his bombast or his nastiness -- it was dictatorial strongman act that he alone can fix America's problems, and the bleak fact that his presence in American politics is no longer a joke. What was once unthinkable is now real, and Trump is officially the Republican nominee for president. This was not the end of the Republican Party as many have claimed -- it was its transformation into something completely different. As Trump delivered his lie-filled, nonsensical stream of paeans to himself read badly off of a teleprompter, the blogosphere reacted in real time, debunking much of the garbage he promised his audience was the unvarnished truth. “Here at our convention, there will be no lies,” said Trump. Of course this was utter, utter bullsh*t. After it was done, sane commenters reacted in horror to the spectacle that had more in common with a Nuremberg Rally than a political convention in a modern democracy."
White Nationalists Love Trump’s RNC Speech: “Couldn't Have Said It Better,” “Couldn’t Be Happier”
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/07/22/white-nationalists-love-trump-s-rnc-speech-couldnt-have-said-it-better-couldn-t-be-happier/211828
"White nationalists leaders are heavily praising Republican nominee Donald Trump’s “awesome” convention speech. The pro-white racists said they “couldn't have said it better” and “couldn’t be happier.” They also praised Trump for focusing on the “negative effects” of immigration and using “codewords” that appeal to whites."
"White nationalists leaders are heavily praising Republican nominee Donald Trump’s “awesome” convention speech. The pro-white racists said they “couldn't have said it better” and “couldn’t be happier.” They also praised Trump for focusing on the “negative effects” of immigration and using “codewords” that appeal to whites."
Donald Trump's Acceptance Speech Reconfirmed His Fascist Authoritarianism
Donald Trump's Acceptance Speech Reconfirmed His Fascist Authoritarianism:
"Trump has been masterful at exploiting this visceral racism and intolerance into a festering, hateful following. Last night, he told them that he is the only person who can protect them from the fears that he has so mercilessly exploited. He is their strongman, their unilateral leader, their authoritarian great white hope."
"Trump has been masterful at exploiting this visceral racism and intolerance into a festering, hateful following. Last night, he told them that he is the only person who can protect them from the fears that he has so mercilessly exploited. He is their strongman, their unilateral leader, their authoritarian great white hope."
Facing Down Trump's Demagoguery: Lessons From Weimar Germany
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/36938-facing-down-trump-s-demagoguery-lessons-from-weimar-germany
"The Nazis were one of many far-right movements in Weimar -- and Hitler was only one of many hyper-nationalist demagogues stoking the flames of economic discontent and promising to restore Aryan racial supremacy and make Germany great again."
"The Nazis were one of many far-right movements in Weimar -- and Hitler was only one of many hyper-nationalist demagogues stoking the flames of economic discontent and promising to restore Aryan racial supremacy and make Germany great again."
Texas GOP ‘lifer’ resigns from party over Trump: ‘No redemption in being one of the good Nazis’
Texas GOP ‘lifer’ resigns from party over Trump: ‘No redemption in being one of the good Nazis’
"Three decades after becoming a Republican Party activist, a member of the York Township Republican Committeemen’s Organization resigned from the party citing the rise of Donald Trump as GOP’s choice for president in the November election."
"Three decades after becoming a Republican Party activist, a member of the York Township Republican Committeemen’s Organization resigned from the party citing the rise of Donald Trump as GOP’s choice for president in the November election."
WATCH: Trump pivots to the general election by questioning whether Cruz’s dad killed JFK — again
WATCH: Trump pivots to the general election by questioning whether Cruz’s dad killed JFK — again
"For the record, there is absolutely, positively zero evidence linking Rafael Cruz to JFK’s assassination."
"For the record, there is absolutely, positively zero evidence linking Rafael Cruz to JFK’s assassination."
This One Image From The RNC Is All You Need To See
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/21/this-one-image-from-the-rnc-is-all-you-need-to-see/
"Trump regularly retweets white supremacists, including their propaganda about African-Americans, throws out antisemitic imagery, and attracts the KKK and other white supremacist groups in droves. Unfortunately, the Republican Party proved themselves to be utterly without principles when they officially adopted many of Trump’s ridiculous ideas into their official platform, and even continued his tradition of courting white supremacists by blowing up a tweet from one on a giant f*cking marquee. Nothing can sum up what the Republican Party has become under Trump better than a scene from right-wing propagandist Laura Ingraham’s speech at the RNC Wednesday. The content of Ingraham’s mindless babbling that vaguely passes for a speech is unimportant — it’s how she ended it that is. In the background was an image of Donald Trump with his arm and palm outstretched — one that matches a familiar gesture commonly associated with a man whose name rhymes with “Schmadoff Schmittler.” Ingraham turned to that photo and returned the gesture, then waved to the crowd."
"Trump regularly retweets white supremacists, including their propaganda about African-Americans, throws out antisemitic imagery, and attracts the KKK and other white supremacist groups in droves. Unfortunately, the Republican Party proved themselves to be utterly without principles when they officially adopted many of Trump’s ridiculous ideas into their official platform, and even continued his tradition of courting white supremacists by blowing up a tweet from one on a giant f*cking marquee. Nothing can sum up what the Republican Party has become under Trump better than a scene from right-wing propagandist Laura Ingraham’s speech at the RNC Wednesday. The content of Ingraham’s mindless babbling that vaguely passes for a speech is unimportant — it’s how she ended it that is. In the background was an image of Donald Trump with his arm and palm outstretched — one that matches a familiar gesture commonly associated with a man whose name rhymes with “Schmadoff Schmittler.” Ingraham turned to that photo and returned the gesture, then waved to the crowd."
Trump: 'laziness is a trait in blacks ... I believe that'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/20/1550251/-Trump-laziness-is-a-trait-in-blacks-I-believe-that
"The “laziness” statement came after Donald Trump started having financial difficulties at his casinos in Atlantic City. Trump’s response? He had black accountants. And he managed to squeeze two forms of racism into a single statement."
"The “laziness” statement came after Donald Trump started having financial difficulties at his casinos in Atlantic City. Trump’s response? He had black accountants. And he managed to squeeze two forms of racism into a single statement."
Friday, July 22, 2016
9 Lies In Donald Trump’s Big Speech To The Republican Convention
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/21/3800972/trump-speech-factcheck/
"Trump’s speech was much more scripted than his typically ad-libbed rally performances, which are riddled with falsehoods. But his formal acceptance of the nomination was also full of deception."
"Trump’s speech was much more scripted than his typically ad-libbed rally performances, which are riddled with falsehoods. But his formal acceptance of the nomination was also full of deception."
Donald Trump Promises Not To Lie, Right Before Lying A Bunch Of Times
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-acceptance-speech-lies_us_579173eae4b00c9876cedfcd
"Trump gave a speech of lies based on Republican conspiracies, conservative media tall tales, and Fox News"
"Trump gave a speech of lies based on Republican conspiracies, conservative media tall tales, and Fox News"
Donald Told No Less Than 21 Fact Checked Proven Lies During His Acceptance Speech
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/21/donald-told-21-fact-checked-proven-lies-acceptance-speech.html
"Trump gave a speech of lies based on Republican conspiracies, conservative media tall tales, and Fox News"
"Trump gave a speech of lies based on Republican conspiracies, conservative media tall tales, and Fox News"
The Biggest Lies From Donald Trump's GOP Convention (So Far)
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/07/craziest-lies-republican-convention
"many of the other speeches and media interviews have been marked by falsehoods, exaggerations, and straight-out lies."
"many of the other speeches and media interviews have been marked by falsehoods, exaggerations, and straight-out lies."
Donald Trump Tries To Trick Americans Into Believing Crime Is Spiking
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-crime-stats_us_579153cae4b00c9876ced6e8?section
"every full year Obama has been in office has been safer than any year under President George W. Bush"
"every full year Obama has been in office has been safer than any year under President George W. Bush"
Roger Ailes Has Left The (Fox News) Building [UPDATED]
Roger Ailes Has Left The (Fox News) Building [UPDATED]
"Roger Ailes has been the most toxic influence on our politics over the 20 years he has run Fox News and Fox Business. The damage is inestimable, the poison now in the bloodstream of our body politic. It will take decades to undo his destruction, if it even can be undone."
"Roger Ailes has been the most toxic influence on our politics over the 20 years he has run Fox News and Fox Business. The damage is inestimable, the poison now in the bloodstream of our body politic. It will take decades to undo his destruction, if it even can be undone."
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Trump To Pay Thousands For Retaliating Against Workers On Day He Accepts The GOP Nomination
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/21/3800770/trump-settlement-vegas/
"Just a few hours before he officially accepts the presidential nomination of the Republican party, Donald Trump agreed to pay a $11,200 federal settlement for retaliating against workers who voted to unionize at his eponymous Las Vegas hotel."
"Just a few hours before he officially accepts the presidential nomination of the Republican party, Donald Trump agreed to pay a $11,200 federal settlement for retaliating against workers who voted to unionize at his eponymous Las Vegas hotel."
Trump’s tax plan would mean a $7.1 billion reward for his family — and cost taxpayers $10 trillion
Trump’s tax plan would mean a $7.1 billion reward for his family — and cost taxpayers $10 trillion
"Trump’s plan would benefit mostly the wealthy and add $9.5 trillion to the national debt in 10 years."
"Trump’s plan would benefit mostly the wealthy and add $9.5 trillion to the national debt in 10 years."
It's Time We Stop Being Polite About It.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/21/1550508/-It-s-Time-We-Stop-Being-Polite-About-It
"We can no longer deny that Donald J. Trump is running a fascist, hate-filled campaign based on absolutely nothing but fear and hate."
"We can no longer deny that Donald J. Trump is running a fascist, hate-filled campaign based on absolutely nothing but fear and hate."
Trump Accused Of A Federal Crime On Same Day He Accepts The Republican Nomination
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/21/trump-faces-complaint-broke-federal-day-accepts-gop-nomination.html
"The Trump campaign has already announced that they plan to allow corporations to take over the federal government if Trump wins the election. According to Chris Christie, Trump is already making a list of civil servants to fire who he will replace with corporate employees, that will be allowed to keep their corporate jobs, and also work for the government. Donald Trump sees no line between the public and private sectors. His presidential campaign and his business interests have been mashed together in a way that should deeply concern the American people. Trump doesn’t believe in the public good."
"The Trump campaign has already announced that they plan to allow corporations to take over the federal government if Trump wins the election. According to Chris Christie, Trump is already making a list of civil servants to fire who he will replace with corporate employees, that will be allowed to keep their corporate jobs, and also work for the government. Donald Trump sees no line between the public and private sectors. His presidential campaign and his business interests have been mashed together in a way that should deeply concern the American people. Trump doesn’t believe in the public good."
This One Image From The RNC Is All You Need To See
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/21/this-one-image-from-the-rnc-is-all-you-need-to-see/
"Trump regularly retweets white supremacists, including their propaganda about African-Americans, throws out antisemitic imagery, and attracts the KKK and other white supremacist groups in droves. Unfortunately, the Republican Party proved themselves to be utterly without principles when they officially adopted many of Trump’s ridiculous ideas into their official platform, and even continued his tradition of courting white supremacists by blowing up a tweet from one on a giant f*cking marquee. Nothing can sum up what the Republican Party has become under Trump better than a scene from right-wing propagandist Laura Ingraham’s speech at the RNC Wednesday. The content of Ingraham’s mindless babbling that vaguely passes for a speech is unimportant — it’s how she ended it that is. In the background was an image of Donald Trump with his arm and palm outstretched — one that matches a familiar gesture commonly associated with a man whose name rhymes with “Schmadoff Schmittler.” Ingraham turned to that photo and returned the gesture, then waved to the crowd."
"Trump regularly retweets white supremacists, including their propaganda about African-Americans, throws out antisemitic imagery, and attracts the KKK and other white supremacist groups in droves. Unfortunately, the Republican Party proved themselves to be utterly without principles when they officially adopted many of Trump’s ridiculous ideas into their official platform, and even continued his tradition of courting white supremacists by blowing up a tweet from one on a giant f*cking marquee. Nothing can sum up what the Republican Party has become under Trump better than a scene from right-wing propagandist Laura Ingraham’s speech at the RNC Wednesday. The content of Ingraham’s mindless babbling that vaguely passes for a speech is unimportant — it’s how she ended it that is. In the background was an image of Donald Trump with his arm and palm outstretched — one that matches a familiar gesture commonly associated with a man whose name rhymes with “Schmadoff Schmittler.” Ingraham turned to that photo and returned the gesture, then waved to the crowd."
White Nationalists Love Trump’s Convention: “GOP Is Becoming The De Facto White Party”
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/07/20/white-nationalists-love-trump-s-convention-gop-becoming-de-facto-white-party/211757
"White nationalists are praising Republican nominee Donald Trump and the 2016 Republican National Convention. Pro-white racists celebrated that their tweets were featured in the convention hall, defended Melania Trump’s plagiarism from attacks by “the filthy Jews,” and hailed that the Republican Party “is becoming the de facto white party"."
"White nationalists are praising Republican nominee Donald Trump and the 2016 Republican National Convention. Pro-white racists celebrated that their tweets were featured in the convention hall, defended Melania Trump’s plagiarism from attacks by “the filthy Jews,” and hailed that the Republican Party “is becoming the de facto white party"."
Donald Trump Planning To Just Let Mike Pence Run The Country, Apparently
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-mike-pence_us_578fa289e4b0f180da63defd?section
"Really, who would have guessed that Donald Trump, in seeking the presidency, wants to claim all of the trappings of the office and none of the responsibility?"
"Really, who would have guessed that Donald Trump, in seeking the presidency, wants to claim all of the trappings of the office and none of the responsibility?"
Report: Trump Won’t Be Handling Foreign Or Domestic Tasks As President
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/20/report-trump-wont-be-handling-foreign-or-domestic-tasks-as-president/
"Congratulations, Republicans, you really picked a winner. He hadn’t even decided on who his Vice President would be when he figured out he doesn’t want to put in the work to be President. Mike Pence is now poised to become the most powerful V.P. in American history."
"Congratulations, Republicans, you really picked a winner. He hadn’t even decided on who his Vice President would be when he figured out he doesn’t want to put in the work to be President. Mike Pence is now poised to become the most powerful V.P. in American history."
The Republican Convention Will Display the Ugliness In Their Hearts
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/republican-convention-display-ugliness-hearts/
"the majority of Republicans felt Donald Trump -- a racist, extremist of inherited wealth who made a career out of exploiting poor and middle income Americans, relied on bankruptcy laws to bail out his negligent behavior, and preyed on people’s dreams with his scam university -- was their best choice."
"the majority of Republicans felt Donald Trump -- a racist, extremist of inherited wealth who made a career out of exploiting poor and middle income Americans, relied on bankruptcy laws to bail out his negligent behavior, and preyed on people’s dreams with his scam university -- was their best choice."
Trump Proves He Has Putin’s Back By Gutting Pro-Ukraine Provision In Republican Platform
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/19/trump-proves-putins-gutting-pro-ukraine-provision-republican-platform.html
"Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort has ties to both Vladimir Putin and former President (who is pro-Russian) Viktor Yanukovych. Manafort worked for Yanukovych for years. Reportedly, Manafort’s friends describe their relationship as a “political love connection"."
"Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort has ties to both Vladimir Putin and former President (who is pro-Russian) Viktor Yanukovych. Manafort worked for Yanukovych for years. Reportedly, Manafort’s friends describe their relationship as a “political love connection"."
Report: George W. Bush Told Inner Circle He Worries About Being 'Last GOP Prez'
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/george-w-bush-worried-last-gop-president
"Former President George W. Bush confided to his closest ex-aides that he fears Donald Trump's nomination could hasten the downfall of the Republican Party, according to a Politico story out Tuesday. "I'm worried that I will be the last Republican President," Bush told former aides and advisers at an April reunion in Dallas."
"Former President George W. Bush confided to his closest ex-aides that he fears Donald Trump's nomination could hasten the downfall of the Republican Party, according to a Politico story out Tuesday. "I'm worried that I will be the last Republican President," Bush told former aides and advisers at an April reunion in Dallas."
Who Better Than Laura Ingraham To Fly The Nazi Salute At The RNC?
Who Better Than Laura Ingraham To Fly The Nazi Salute At The RNC?
'Laura Ingraham flew the Nazi salute in honor of her hero, Führer Drumpf."
'Laura Ingraham flew the Nazi salute in honor of her hero, Führer Drumpf."
Dictator Trump Wants A Special Law To Purge All Obama Appointees If He Wins White House
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/20/dictator-trump-special-law-purge-obama-appointees-wins-white-house.html
"Chris Christie is telling Republicans that if Donald Trump wins the White House, he will demand that a special law is passed that allows him to purge all Obama appointees from the government if he wins the White House."
"Chris Christie is telling Republicans that if Donald Trump wins the White House, he will demand that a special law is passed that allows him to purge all Obama appointees from the government if he wins the White House."
Donald Trump is so invested in outrageous lies that any attempt to ‘pivot’ to normal is just pretend
Donald Trump is so invested in outrageous lies that any attempt to ‘pivot’ to normal is just pretend
"Trump revels in falsehood. He may or may not know, if “knowledge” is the sort of thing he has, but his indifference to the truth or falsity of what comes out of his mouth is notorious, career-long and pathological. Indeed, it might be the most consistent thing about him."
"Trump revels in falsehood. He may or may not know, if “knowledge” is the sort of thing he has, but his indifference to the truth or falsity of what comes out of his mouth is notorious, career-long and pathological. Indeed, it might be the most consistent thing about him."
GOP Official Was Just ‘Emotional’ When He Said Clinton ‘Should Be Hanging From A Tree’
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/20/gop-official-was-just-emotional-when-he-said-clinton-should-be-hanging-from-a-tree/
"Unfortunately, contrary to these assertions, this sort of thing is normal for Republicans and the remarks are typically meant for the world to hear. They use statements like this to energize their rage-fueled base, to bring in votes, to keep the divide between Americans going as much as possible. Because the reality is that they depend on this sort of thing to get elected."
"Unfortunately, contrary to these assertions, this sort of thing is normal for Republicans and the remarks are typically meant for the world to hear. They use statements like this to energize their rage-fueled base, to bring in votes, to keep the divide between Americans going as much as possible. Because the reality is that they depend on this sort of thing to get elected."
We Are Officially in Pre-Nazi Germany After Trump Advisor Advocates Shooting Hillary Clinton
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/we-are-officially-in-pre-nazi-germany/
"Put aside the fact that Clinton was exonerated from any wrongdoing in Benghazi by a Republican led investigation, and at least 13 other Benghazi type attacks occurred on George W. Bush's watch without any outrage from the Right -- this statement from an official adviser to the Trump campaign has put this election into a league of its own. The Republican National Convention is already a freak show run by incompetent halfwits who can't be bothered to give Trump's own wife an original speech, invite failed reality tv stars onto primetime slots and have former underwear models declaring president Obama is a secret Muslim. But the presence of Baldasaro -- a violent minded simpleton who would no doubt be handing over Jews to the Nazi authorities in 1940's Germany -- makes the convention a horrifyingly sinister affair. An official adviser advocating the murder of Hillary Clinton should be taken very, very seriously by not only Americans, but law enforcement and the FBI. Baldasaro's comments will certainly incite more vitriol against the former Secretary of State (already on display at the RNC), and quite possibly an act of violence. If the past few months have taught us anything, it is that the average Donald Trump supporters is incredibly stupid and also incredibly prone to aggressive behavior. With the likes of Baldasaro validating their anger and aggression with a call to shoot Hillary Clinton, it is truly open season in America."
"Put aside the fact that Clinton was exonerated from any wrongdoing in Benghazi by a Republican led investigation, and at least 13 other Benghazi type attacks occurred on George W. Bush's watch without any outrage from the Right -- this statement from an official adviser to the Trump campaign has put this election into a league of its own. The Republican National Convention is already a freak show run by incompetent halfwits who can't be bothered to give Trump's own wife an original speech, invite failed reality tv stars onto primetime slots and have former underwear models declaring president Obama is a secret Muslim. But the presence of Baldasaro -- a violent minded simpleton who would no doubt be handing over Jews to the Nazi authorities in 1940's Germany -- makes the convention a horrifyingly sinister affair. An official adviser advocating the murder of Hillary Clinton should be taken very, very seriously by not only Americans, but law enforcement and the FBI. Baldasaro's comments will certainly incite more vitriol against the former Secretary of State (already on display at the RNC), and quite possibly an act of violence. If the past few months have taught us anything, it is that the average Donald Trump supporters is incredibly stupid and also incredibly prone to aggressive behavior. With the likes of Baldasaro validating their anger and aggression with a call to shoot Hillary Clinton, it is truly open season in America."
Report From the NYT Confirms What Many Have Suspected About Donald Trump All Along
Report From the NYT Confirms What Many Have Suspected About Donald Trump All Along
"he doesn’t really want to be president, he just wants the title. He wants to be called “President Trump,” while enjoying all the attention and fanfare that comes along with being president, but he doesn’t actually want to do the job — he wants his VP to handle most of that. He doesn’t want the 24/7, 365 days a year responsibilities that are required of anyone who holds that office. He just wants to be the “face” of the White House and the nation, letting everyone else do all the work, while he takes the credit for it — and probably none of the blame. This makes perfect sense considering the type of person Trump is. He’s 70-years-old, rich, arrogant and has had people doing most of the work for him nearly his entire life. All he’s really ever been is a face of the “Trump brand.” The truth is, Donald Trump is nothing more than a sleazy salesman who’s spent his entire campaign pandering to millions of fools who are ignorant enough to buy the con he’s trying to sell."
"he doesn’t really want to be president, he just wants the title. He wants to be called “President Trump,” while enjoying all the attention and fanfare that comes along with being president, but he doesn’t actually want to do the job — he wants his VP to handle most of that. He doesn’t want the 24/7, 365 days a year responsibilities that are required of anyone who holds that office. He just wants to be the “face” of the White House and the nation, letting everyone else do all the work, while he takes the credit for it — and probably none of the blame. This makes perfect sense considering the type of person Trump is. He’s 70-years-old, rich, arrogant and has had people doing most of the work for him nearly his entire life. All he’s really ever been is a face of the “Trump brand.” The truth is, Donald Trump is nothing more than a sleazy salesman who’s spent his entire campaign pandering to millions of fools who are ignorant enough to buy the con he’s trying to sell."
Mitch McConnell: Donald Trump Must Have The Honor Of Filling The Supreme Court Vacancy
Mitch McConnell: Donald Trump Must Have The Honor Of Filling The Supreme Court Vacancy:
"Trump, for his part, has pledged to pick anti-choice justices from lists compiled by right-wing groups like the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society."
"Trump, for his part, has pledged to pick anti-choice justices from lists compiled by right-wing groups like the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society."
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
50 Shockingly Extreme Right Wing Proposals in the 2016 Republican Party Platform @alternet
50 Shockingly Extreme Right Wing Proposals in the 2016 Republican Party Platform @alternet:
"1. Tax Cuts for the Rich: Wherever tax rates penalize thrift or discourage investment, they must be lowered. Wherever current provisions of the code are disincentives for economic growth, they must be changed… We propose to level the international playing field by lowering the corporate tax rate to be on a par with, or below, the rates of other industrial nations. 2. Deregulate The Banks: The Republican vision for American banking calls for establishing transparent, efficient markets where consumers can obtain loans they need at reasonable rates based on market conditions. Unfortunately, in response to the financial institutions crisis of 2008-2009, the Democratic-controlled Congress enacted the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, otherwise known as Dodd-Frank. 3. Stop Consumer Protection: The worst of Dodd-Frank is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, deliberately designed to be a rogue agency. It answers to neither Congress nor the executive, has its own guaranteed funding outside the appropriations process… If the Bureau is not abolished, it should be subjected to congressional appropriation. 4. Start Repealing Environmental Laws: We call for a comprehensive review of federal regulations, especially those dealing with the environment, that make it harder and more costly for Americans to rent, buy, or sell homes. 5. Start shrinking unions and union labor: We renew our call for repeal of the Davis-Bacon law, which limits employment and drives up construction and maintenance costs for the benefit of unions… Although unionization has never been permitted in any government agency concerned with national security, the current Administration has reversed that policy for the Transportation Security Administration. We will correct that mistake… We support the right of states to enact Right-to-Work laws and call for a national law to protect the economic liberty of the modern workforce."
"1. Tax Cuts for the Rich: Wherever tax rates penalize thrift or discourage investment, they must be lowered. Wherever current provisions of the code are disincentives for economic growth, they must be changed… We propose to level the international playing field by lowering the corporate tax rate to be on a par with, or below, the rates of other industrial nations. 2. Deregulate The Banks: The Republican vision for American banking calls for establishing transparent, efficient markets where consumers can obtain loans they need at reasonable rates based on market conditions. Unfortunately, in response to the financial institutions crisis of 2008-2009, the Democratic-controlled Congress enacted the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, otherwise known as Dodd-Frank. 3. Stop Consumer Protection: The worst of Dodd-Frank is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, deliberately designed to be a rogue agency. It answers to neither Congress nor the executive, has its own guaranteed funding outside the appropriations process… If the Bureau is not abolished, it should be subjected to congressional appropriation. 4. Start Repealing Environmental Laws: We call for a comprehensive review of federal regulations, especially those dealing with the environment, that make it harder and more costly for Americans to rent, buy, or sell homes. 5. Start shrinking unions and union labor: We renew our call for repeal of the Davis-Bacon law, which limits employment and drives up construction and maintenance costs for the benefit of unions… Although unionization has never been permitted in any government agency concerned with national security, the current Administration has reversed that policy for the Transportation Security Administration. We will correct that mistake… We support the right of states to enact Right-to-Work laws and call for a national law to protect the economic liberty of the modern workforce."
The Single Most Radical Line In The Republican Party Platform
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/07/19/3799596/single-radical-line-republican-party-platform/
"The Constitution, by its own terms, is the “supreme law of the land.” All judges are bound by the words of the Constitution, and all laws made by legislatures within the United States must yield to the Constitution’s provisions. This is the central insight of the American republic — the idea that the structure and limits of government are laid out in a written document, and that document is binding on all government actors subject to its terms. The Republican Party’s 2016 Platform rejects this concept outright."
"The Constitution, by its own terms, is the “supreme law of the land.” All judges are bound by the words of the Constitution, and all laws made by legislatures within the United States must yield to the Constitution’s provisions. This is the central insight of the American republic — the idea that the structure and limits of government are laid out in a written document, and that document is binding on all government actors subject to its terms. The Republican Party’s 2016 Platform rejects this concept outright."
Trump VP Pick Mike Pence Is Bad News on Pot, Drug Policy @alternet
Trump VP Pick Mike Pence Is Bad News on Pot, Drug Policy @alternet:
"Pence has been handsomely compensated by tobacco companies for his advocacy against anti-smoking public health campaigns, even though they have proven wildly successful in driving down smoking rates. Mike Pence is a man who rejects proven public health interventions for one dangerous substance while insisting on failed punitive, prohibitionist policies for another, less dangerous, substance. That's so last century."
"Pence has been handsomely compensated by tobacco companies for his advocacy against anti-smoking public health campaigns, even though they have proven wildly successful in driving down smoking rates. Mike Pence is a man who rejects proven public health interventions for one dangerous substance while insisting on failed punitive, prohibitionist policies for another, less dangerous, substance. That's so last century."
Donald Trump’s Ghostwriter Tells All
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/07/25/donald-trumps-ghostwriter-tells-all
"he felt that he had to speak up before it was too late. As for Trump’s anger toward him, he said, “I don’t take it personally, because the truth is he didn’t mean it personally. People are dispensable and disposable in Trump’s world.” If Trump is elected President, he warned, “the millions of people who voted for him and believe that he represents their interests will learn what anyone who deals closely with him already knows—that he couldn’t care less about them"."
"he felt that he had to speak up before it was too late. As for Trump’s anger toward him, he said, “I don’t take it personally, because the truth is he didn’t mean it personally. People are dispensable and disposable in Trump’s world.” If Trump is elected President, he warned, “the millions of people who voted for him and believe that he represents their interests will learn what anyone who deals closely with him already knows—that he couldn’t care less about them"."
Mike Pence Argued For Criminalization Of Adultery Before Joining Trump Ticket
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/18/3799426/mike-pence-criminalize-adultery/
"Before his career as an elected official, Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) hosted both a radio and television show in the 1990s, with the name, “The Mike Pence Show.” While his commentaries from that time in defense of cigarettes and in opposition to the feminist message in Disney’s Mulan have made news, one less noticed piece suggested that adultery should be a crime in the United States. It appeared on the website for his television show on WNDY, retrieved through the Internet Archive WayBack Machine."
"Before his career as an elected official, Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) hosted both a radio and television show in the 1990s, with the name, “The Mike Pence Show.” While his commentaries from that time in defense of cigarettes and in opposition to the feminist message in Disney’s Mulan have made news, one less noticed piece suggested that adultery should be a crime in the United States. It appeared on the website for his television show on WNDY, retrieved through the Internet Archive WayBack Machine."
Trump’s RNC Claims Melania Plagiarized Speech From My Little Pony Not Michelle Obama
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/19/trumps-rnc-claims-wife-plagiarized-speech-pony-michelle-obama.html
"There are some problems with this latest excuse: 1). Michelle Obama gave her speech in 2008. The latest My Little Pony series debuted in 2010. 2). It is being reported that part of the speechwriting process for the Trump convention is to go through stacks of old convention speeches."
"There are some problems with this latest excuse: 1). Michelle Obama gave her speech in 2008. The latest My Little Pony series debuted in 2010. 2). It is being reported that part of the speechwriting process for the Trump convention is to go through stacks of old convention speeches."
GOP Leans In To Misogyny During Convention
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/19/3799867/rnc-war-on-women-hillary-clinton/
"For many decades, Trump has attacked other women who disagree with him, be they conservative or liberal. Last summer, for example, he attacked Fox News host Megyn Kelly for asking him a question about his history of sexist statements, implying she was menstruating at the time. Trump’s campaign manager Paul Manafort attempted this week to deflect criticism of Melania Trump’s apparent plagiarism by blaming Hillary Clinton, though Clinton had yet to comment publicly on the episode."
"For many decades, Trump has attacked other women who disagree with him, be they conservative or liberal. Last summer, for example, he attacked Fox News host Megyn Kelly for asking him a question about his history of sexist statements, implying she was menstruating at the time. Trump’s campaign manager Paul Manafort attempted this week to deflect criticism of Melania Trump’s apparent plagiarism by blaming Hillary Clinton, though Clinton had yet to comment publicly on the episode."
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
The Republican Convention Will Display the Ugliness In Their Hearts
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/republican-convention-display-ugliness-hearts/
"the majority of Republicans felt Donald Trump -- a racist, extremist of inherited wealth who made a career out of exploiting poor and middle income Americans, relied on bankruptcy laws to bail out his negligent behavior, and preyed on people’s dreams with his scam university -- was their best choice."
"the majority of Republicans felt Donald Trump -- a racist, extremist of inherited wealth who made a career out of exploiting poor and middle income Americans, relied on bankruptcy laws to bail out his negligent behavior, and preyed on people’s dreams with his scam university -- was their best choice."
Trump’s Grand Entrance To The RNC Is Getting The Brutal Mockery It Deserves (TWEETS)
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/19/trumps-grand-entrance-to-the-rnc-is-getting-the-brutal-mockery-it-deserves-tweets/
"reminiscent of how a WWE wrestler would enter before a performance."
"reminiscent of how a WWE wrestler would enter before a performance."
Trump Campaign says Melania Trump is not a plagiarist, which means she is
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/19/1549630/-Trump-Campaign-says-Melania-Trump-is-not-a-plagiarist-which-means-she-is
"Here's the thing: Melania Trump said publicly she wrote her own speech with little help. Campaign watchers have said, in contrast, that she did not write it and that a staff speechwriter must have plagiarized the First Lady and should be immediately fired. Manafort's statement, however, makes it clear that she did write the speech. That is why the campaign is not taking any responsibility for it because this is her fault. Which leads me to one final conclusion: Melania Trump is a dumb ass. Pundits are right that someone needs to be fired. Problem is, it is the candidate's spouse. Then again, Trump has had no problem firing his previous wives."
"Here's the thing: Melania Trump said publicly she wrote her own speech with little help. Campaign watchers have said, in contrast, that she did not write it and that a staff speechwriter must have plagiarized the First Lady and should be immediately fired. Manafort's statement, however, makes it clear that she did write the speech. That is why the campaign is not taking any responsibility for it because this is her fault. Which leads me to one final conclusion: Melania Trump is a dumb ass. Pundits are right that someone needs to be fired. Problem is, it is the candidate's spouse. Then again, Trump has had no problem firing his previous wives."
Melania Trump is a liar like her husband, objectively
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/19/1549704/-Melania-Trump-is-a-liar-like-her-husband-objectively
"Melania Trump is a plagiarizer, which Republicans suddenly don’t think is a terrible thing anymore. But aside from pretending to have lived Michele Obama’s childhood, there were other clues proving that yes, Melania shares the same … let’s call them “values” … as her husband. First there was the pretense that she had written the speech herself. Asked if she was nervous about delivering it, she said: I read it once over, and that's all because I wrote it with as little help as possible. Now anyone that has ever delivered a major speech knows that writing it yourself doesn’t negate having to review it again, and again, and again. Look at the speeches on the podium of many orators and you’ll see printed paper scribbled with edits and cross outs. So right off the bat we knew she was full of sh*t, because the entire Trump clan is full of sh*t, but little did we know that Trump’s very own campaign would call her a liar less than 24 hours later: [[Manafort] told ABC News’ “Good Morning America”:] "In writing her beautiful speech, Melania's team of writers took notes on her life’s inspirations, and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking.” So from “I wrote it” to “Melania’s team of writers"."
"Melania Trump is a plagiarizer, which Republicans suddenly don’t think is a terrible thing anymore. But aside from pretending to have lived Michele Obama’s childhood, there were other clues proving that yes, Melania shares the same … let’s call them “values” … as her husband. First there was the pretense that she had written the speech herself. Asked if she was nervous about delivering it, she said: I read it once over, and that's all because I wrote it with as little help as possible. Now anyone that has ever delivered a major speech knows that writing it yourself doesn’t negate having to review it again, and again, and again. Look at the speeches on the podium of many orators and you’ll see printed paper scribbled with edits and cross outs. So right off the bat we knew she was full of sh*t, because the entire Trump clan is full of sh*t, but little did we know that Trump’s very own campaign would call her a liar less than 24 hours later: [[Manafort] told ABC News’ “Good Morning America”:] "In writing her beautiful speech, Melania's team of writers took notes on her life’s inspirations, and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking.” So from “I wrote it” to “Melania’s team of writers"."
Trump’s Most Inconsequential Lie Is Also The Most Telling
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/19/3799709/trump-cleveland-rnc-facts/
"Last night on the O’Reilly Factor, Trump suggested he played a role in choosing the location for the 2016 Republican National Convention. “I wanted it to be here. And, we had lots of choices,” he said. “I wanted it to be in Ohio. I recommended Ohio.” In reality, the Republican National Committee’s site selection committee chose Cleveland for the convention back in 2014, without any input from Trump. At that time, the businessman was busy ruminating over whether or not he should own the Buffalo Bills. Trump had absolutely no reason to lie about his role in the selection of Cleveland as the site of the Republican convention. There was no reason for him to be involved and the fact that he was not involved is completely inconsequential. But Trump chose to lie about it anyway and that’s important in understanding Trump’s relationship with the truth."
"Last night on the O’Reilly Factor, Trump suggested he played a role in choosing the location for the 2016 Republican National Convention. “I wanted it to be here. And, we had lots of choices,” he said. “I wanted it to be in Ohio. I recommended Ohio.” In reality, the Republican National Committee’s site selection committee chose Cleveland for the convention back in 2014, without any input from Trump. At that time, the businessman was busy ruminating over whether or not he should own the Buffalo Bills. Trump had absolutely no reason to lie about his role in the selection of Cleveland as the site of the Republican convention. There was no reason for him to be involved and the fact that he was not involved is completely inconsequential. But Trump chose to lie about it anyway and that’s important in understanding Trump’s relationship with the truth."
Trump Campaign Blames Hillary For Melania's Plagiarized Speech Because of Course
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/trump-blames-hillary-melanias-plagiarized-speech/
"Yes. This was actually a big Hillary Clinton smear campaign orchestrated to take down Melania because the former Secretary of State, former New York Senator and former First Lady finds the Slovenian ex-lingerie model "threatening". This type of flagrant nonsense could only come from Donald Trump's campaign team -- an unsophisticated mob of bullsh*tters who seem incapable of controlling any aspect of their client's behavior, or limiting the enormous damage they do themselves. Instead of following the well trodden path of crisis management and firing whoever was responsible for the unbelievably amateurish gaffe, Manafort did the exact opposite and lied about it. And not only did he lie about what anyone with functioning ears knows to be bullsh*t, he astonishingly blamed someone else for it -- a move so transparently dumb one wonders how he manages to feed himself let alone run a professional presidential campaign."
"Yes. This was actually a big Hillary Clinton smear campaign orchestrated to take down Melania because the former Secretary of State, former New York Senator and former First Lady finds the Slovenian ex-lingerie model "threatening". This type of flagrant nonsense could only come from Donald Trump's campaign team -- an unsophisticated mob of bullsh*tters who seem incapable of controlling any aspect of their client's behavior, or limiting the enormous damage they do themselves. Instead of following the well trodden path of crisis management and firing whoever was responsible for the unbelievably amateurish gaffe, Manafort did the exact opposite and lied about it. And not only did he lie about what anyone with functioning ears knows to be bullsh*t, he astonishingly blamed someone else for it -- a move so transparently dumb one wonders how he manages to feed himself let alone run a professional presidential campaign."
Melania Trump's plagiarism matters because it exposes Donald Trump's profound laziness
http://www.vox.com/2016/7/19/12225272/melania-trump-plagiarism-matters
"Because at the end of the day, Trump is lazy. He was too lazy to diligently rebuild his credit and his real estate empire, too lazy to get into the food business in a way that would enhance his brand rather than run it down, too lazy to develop menswear that meets his own standards, too lazy to develop a real curriculum for Trump University, and too lazy to run a real presidential campaign."
"Because at the end of the day, Trump is lazy. He was too lazy to diligently rebuild his credit and his real estate empire, too lazy to get into the food business in a way that would enhance his brand rather than run it down, too lazy to develop menswear that meets his own standards, too lazy to develop a real curriculum for Trump University, and too lazy to run a real presidential campaign."
David Duke Inspired By Trump To Run For Congress To Stop 'Ethnic Cleansing' Of White People
David Duke Inspired By Trump To Run For Congress To Stop 'Ethnic Cleansing' Of White People:
"On Saturday, white nationalist leader and Donald Trump booster David Duke promoted his potential run for Congress on “The Political Cesspool,” the “pro-White” radio program that once hosted Donald Trump Jr. Duke said that if he decides to run for Congress in Louisiana, it will be to warn people that “European-Americans” are “headed toward an ethnic cleansing, and that’s the only way to put it, in the nation that our forefathers created” and to combat policies that are “destroying our people.” He repeated his belief that Trump, who has notoriously shared the Twitter messages of white supremacists, include one with the handle @WhiteGenocideTM, has given white nationalists an opportunity to go “on the offensive"."
"On Saturday, white nationalist leader and Donald Trump booster David Duke promoted his potential run for Congress on “The Political Cesspool,” the “pro-White” radio program that once hosted Donald Trump Jr. Duke said that if he decides to run for Congress in Louisiana, it will be to warn people that “European-Americans” are “headed toward an ethnic cleansing, and that’s the only way to put it, in the nation that our forefathers created” and to combat policies that are “destroying our people.” He repeated his belief that Trump, who has notoriously shared the Twitter messages of white supremacists, include one with the handle @WhiteGenocideTM, has given white nationalists an opportunity to go “on the offensive"."
American anti-Semitism is nothing new — but Donald Trump gave the Jew-haters newfound courage
American anti-Semitism is nothing new — but Donald Trump gave the Jew-haters newfound courage
"Americans who were surprised by the anti-Semitic vitriol that was directed at former Hawaii governor Linda Lingle during her speech before the Republican National Convention on Monday shouldn’t have been: American anti-Semitism has a long history. Monday’s explosion of Jew-baiting and racist trolling that took place on the Republicans’ official YouTube page shocked the RNC into closing down the comments section, but it is unlikely to have had an impact on diminishing the anti-Semitism that its presumptive nominee has been actively courting."
"Americans who were surprised by the anti-Semitic vitriol that was directed at former Hawaii governor Linda Lingle during her speech before the Republican National Convention on Monday shouldn’t have been: American anti-Semitism has a long history. Monday’s explosion of Jew-baiting and racist trolling that took place on the Republicans’ official YouTube page shocked the RNC into closing down the comments section, but it is unlikely to have had an impact on diminishing the anti-Semitism that its presumptive nominee has been actively courting."
The ghouls have won: The first night of Donald Trump’s RNC was a political death cult
The ghouls have won: The first night of Donald Trump’s RNC was a political death cult
"Donald Trump is a very dangerous presidential candidate for a number of reasons. Most importantly, he is a proto-fascist. Trump is also extremely unqualified in terms of the emotional temperament, intellectual curiosity, and policy knowledge necessary to be an effective president of the United States. But Trump’s real power (and thus, danger to American politics) comes from how the so-called smart people in the commentariat have tried to make sense of a campaign that is, on a fundamental level, just a celebration of buffoonery, stupidity, and bigotry. Unfortunately, there is no singular voice such as that of Walter Cronkite or Edward R. Murrow with the courage to publicly and plainly state that Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is an exercise in bovine scatology. Donald Trump is one step away from being President of the United States of America because of this fact. The American corporate news media has elevated Donald Trump to the level of being a serious presidential candidate when they should have instead thrown him into the political dustbin many months ago."
"Donald Trump is a very dangerous presidential candidate for a number of reasons. Most importantly, he is a proto-fascist. Trump is also extremely unqualified in terms of the emotional temperament, intellectual curiosity, and policy knowledge necessary to be an effective president of the United States. But Trump’s real power (and thus, danger to American politics) comes from how the so-called smart people in the commentariat have tried to make sense of a campaign that is, on a fundamental level, just a celebration of buffoonery, stupidity, and bigotry. Unfortunately, there is no singular voice such as that of Walter Cronkite or Edward R. Murrow with the courage to publicly and plainly state that Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is an exercise in bovine scatology. Donald Trump is one step away from being President of the United States of America because of this fact. The American corporate news media has elevated Donald Trump to the level of being a serious presidential candidate when they should have instead thrown him into the political dustbin many months ago."
Chris Christie tells donors Trump would ‘purge’ Obama-appointed federal officials: report
Chris Christie tells donors Trump would ‘purge’ Obama-appointed federal officials: report
"If he wins the presidency, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump would seek to purge the federal government of officials appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama and could ask Congress to pass legislation making it easier to fire public workers, Trump ally, Chris Christie, said on Tuesday."
"If he wins the presidency, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump would seek to purge the federal government of officials appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama and could ask Congress to pass legislation making it easier to fire public workers, Trump ally, Chris Christie, said on Tuesday."
Melania Trump Lifted Part Of RNC Speech Nearly Word-For-Word From Michelle Obama
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/19/3799582/melania-trump-rnc-speech-michelle-obama/
"a part of it was lifted almost word-for-word from Michelle Obama’s 2008 address to the Democratic National Convention."
"a part of it was lifted almost word-for-word from Michelle Obama’s 2008 address to the Democratic National Convention."
Donald Trump brags that he reads even less than Sarah Palin
Donald Trump brags that he reads even less than Sarah Palin
"Donald Trump doesn’t read. While the GOP nominee for president admitted he gets most of his news from “the shows,” meaning the Sunday morning talk shows, Trump doesn’t read about the news or the world the way other presidents or candidates for president have."
"Donald Trump doesn’t read. While the GOP nominee for president admitted he gets most of his news from “the shows,” meaning the Sunday morning talk shows, Trump doesn’t read about the news or the world the way other presidents or candidates for president have."
How the media’s low expectations are helping Trump’s presidential campaign
How the media’s low expectations are helping Trump’s presidential campaign
"Low expectations help more than high expectations do. By stringing two sentences together in a debate when there was some doubt as to whether he had mastered the English language, the media anointed George W. Bush the second coming of William Jennings Bryan. Just remember that when Trump’s preposterous pronouncements and behavior are reported as just “Trump being Trump,” or as the media begin to adore him for not seeming to be as racist as he had purported to be. That is what we may be encountering in Election 2016: a media gift of low expectations to The Donald."
"Low expectations help more than high expectations do. By stringing two sentences together in a debate when there was some doubt as to whether he had mastered the English language, the media anointed George W. Bush the second coming of William Jennings Bryan. Just remember that when Trump’s preposterous pronouncements and behavior are reported as just “Trump being Trump,” or as the media begin to adore him for not seeming to be as racist as he had purported to be. That is what we may be encountering in Election 2016: a media gift of low expectations to The Donald."
Trump Ghostwriter: 'I Put Lipstick On A Pig'
Trump Ghostwriter: 'I Put Lipstick On A Pig'
"Tony Schwartz, the writer who ghost-wrote Trump's Art of the Deal. It is a chilling, devastating and revealing interview. Here's a taste, but just read the whole thing. “I put lipstick on a pig,” he said. “I feel a deep sense of remorse that I contributed to presenting Trump in a way that brought him wider attention and made him more appealing than he is.” He went on, “I genuinely believe that if Trump wins and gets the nuclear codes there is an excellent possibility it will lead to the end of civilization.” If he were writing “The Art of the Deal” today, Schwartz said, it would be a very different book with a very different title. Asked what he would call it, he answered, “The Sociopath"."
"Tony Schwartz, the writer who ghost-wrote Trump's Art of the Deal. It is a chilling, devastating and revealing interview. Here's a taste, but just read the whole thing. “I put lipstick on a pig,” he said. “I feel a deep sense of remorse that I contributed to presenting Trump in a way that brought him wider attention and made him more appealing than he is.” He went on, “I genuinely believe that if Trump wins and gets the nuclear codes there is an excellent possibility it will lead to the end of civilization.” If he were writing “The Art of the Deal” today, Schwartz said, it would be a very different book with a very different title. Asked what he would call it, he answered, “The Sociopath"."
Mike Pence May Be a Friend to Trump, But He’s No Friend to Workers @alternet
Mike Pence May Be a Friend to Trump, But He’s No Friend to Workers @alternet:
"Pence has also taken a stand against raising the minimum wage to livable levels, opposing a bill that would have raised Indiana’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25. Instead,Pence signed into law a bill prohibiting local governments from forcing businesses to raise minimum wages unless mandated by the state or federal government. Pence also signed a law repealing Indiana’s common construction wage, leaving wages on publicly-funded construction projects at the mercy of free-market pay scales rather than in the hands of local boards composed of taxpayers or contractors."
"Pence has also taken a stand against raising the minimum wage to livable levels, opposing a bill that would have raised Indiana’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25. Instead,Pence signed into law a bill prohibiting local governments from forcing businesses to raise minimum wages unless mandated by the state or federal government. Pence also signed a law repealing Indiana’s common construction wage, leaving wages on publicly-funded construction projects at the mercy of free-market pay scales rather than in the hands of local boards composed of taxpayers or contractors."
Trump literally tells Pence ‘you could say yes’ on John McCain question
Trump literally tells Pence ‘you could say yes’ on John McCain question
“Do you think John McCain is not a hero because he was captured?” Stahl asked the governor, referring back to Trump’s disparaging comments about the former Vietnam prisoner of war last July. “I have a great deal of respect for John McCain,” Pence said before Stahl cut in and motioned toward Trump while asking, “Do you think he went too far?” Pence is then seen leaning toward Trump, who waves his hand and tells him, “You could say yes. That’s OK. On that one you could say yes. It’s fine"."
“Do you think John McCain is not a hero because he was captured?” Stahl asked the governor, referring back to Trump’s disparaging comments about the former Vietnam prisoner of war last July. “I have a great deal of respect for John McCain,” Pence said before Stahl cut in and motioned toward Trump while asking, “Do you think he went too far?” Pence is then seen leaning toward Trump, who waves his hand and tells him, “You could say yes. That’s OK. On that one you could say yes. It’s fine"."
‘He’s a living black hole’: Here are 11 horrifying revelations about Trump by his former ghostwriter
‘He’s a living black hole’: Here are 11 horrifying revelations about Trump by his former ghostwriter
"Donald Trump announced his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination by saying the United States needed a leader who had written “The Art of the Deal” — but his ghostwriter said he’s uniquely and disastrously unqualified for the job. Tony Schwartz, who earned a joint byline and half the bestselling 1987 memoir’s advance and royalties, spent 18 months with the real estate developer and future reality TV star, and he got to know Trump better than almost anyone outside his family."
"Donald Trump announced his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination by saying the United States needed a leader who had written “The Art of the Deal” — but his ghostwriter said he’s uniquely and disastrously unqualified for the job. Tony Schwartz, who earned a joint byline and half the bestselling 1987 memoir’s advance and royalties, spent 18 months with the real estate developer and future reality TV star, and he got to know Trump better than almost anyone outside his family."
Mike Pence's Comical Attempt To Turn Trump's Flailings Into Great 'Leadership'
Mike Pence's Comical Attempt To Turn Trump's Flailings Into Great 'Leadership'
"Just repeating over and over again that we're going to have "unbelievable intelligence" once he's president is dangerous at worst and sophomoric at best."
"Just repeating over and over again that we're going to have "unbelievable intelligence" once he's president is dangerous at worst and sophomoric at best."
Ex-Trump aide laments that his former boss has ‘turned into Mussolini’
Ex-Trump aide laments that his former boss has ‘turned into Mussolini’
"he’s been horrified watching at how Trump has turned increasingly authoritarian during his presidential campaign. Specifically, he cites Trump’s encouragement of violence at his rallies as particularly troubling."
"he’s been horrified watching at how Trump has turned increasingly authoritarian during his presidential campaign. Specifically, he cites Trump’s encouragement of violence at his rallies as particularly troubling."
5 Facts Donald Trump Hopes His Supporters Never Realize
5 Facts Donald Trump Hopes His Supporters Never Realize
"5. Almost nothing he says is true: Trump and his supporters can spin it however they like, but he is, by far, the most dishonest presidential candidate I’ve ever seen. It’s not just that he lies (all politicians lie) it’s that he simply makes things up. His go-to “source” is “what I’m hearing,” though he never provides anyone with any credible source to back up all of this idiocy that he claims to hear. But because he’s telling people what they want to hear, they never question him. It’s why he’s the first one to accuse others of being liars. He figures if he’s out there calling everyone else the liar, playing himself up as the “victim” of people who are out to get him, it makes his supporters actually believe that there’s this big “anti-Trump” conspiracy. Even though the truth is just that he lies so damn much; the only option most people have is to constantly call him out for his endless stream of bullsh*t."
"5. Almost nothing he says is true: Trump and his supporters can spin it however they like, but he is, by far, the most dishonest presidential candidate I’ve ever seen. It’s not just that he lies (all politicians lie) it’s that he simply makes things up. His go-to “source” is “what I’m hearing,” though he never provides anyone with any credible source to back up all of this idiocy that he claims to hear. But because he’s telling people what they want to hear, they never question him. It’s why he’s the first one to accuse others of being liars. He figures if he’s out there calling everyone else the liar, playing himself up as the “victim” of people who are out to get him, it makes his supporters actually believe that there’s this big “anti-Trump” conspiracy. Even though the truth is just that he lies so damn much; the only option most people have is to constantly call him out for his endless stream of bullsh*t."
Mike Pence Said Martin Luther King Jr. Was His Hero Growing Up. Here’s Why That Sounds Absurd.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/16/3799095/mike-pence-and-mlk/
"The fact that Pence is referencing King as an inspiration may seem ludicrous when you look at Pence’s record. King stood with President Lyndon B. Johnson as the 1965 Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Yet, when it comes to voting rights, an issue that King fought hard for, you see that Indiana doesn’t make it easy for voters to get to the polls. The state only kept polling places open until 6 p.m. during the May primary, although most states keep their polls open to 8 p.m. or even later. Indiana doesn’t have any laws that require employers to allow workers to leave work to go vote. In contrast, King said in his 1957 speech called “Give Us The Ballot,” “So long as I do not firmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote I do not possess myself. I cannot make up my mind. It is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen, observing the laws I have helped to enact. I can only submit to the edict of others.” King was also an important leader for labor rights. The day before he was assassinated, he gave a speech to support sanitation workers who were on strike in Memphis. Those sanitation workers were trying to get union recognition. King spoke often about growing economic inequality and said social reforms should not be attacked as being “communist,” according to a collection of speeches that were recently discovered by historians. Pence, however, hasn’t been a friend to workers during his time as governor of Indiana. Although Indiana did not become a right-to-work state under his leadership, he fought to keep the law in place when two judges ruled that it violated the state’s constitution. Pence has also opposed raising the minimum wage and signed a law repealing the state’s common construction wage, which would allow workers for publicly-funded projects to earn a higher wage. Pence also supported cutting food stamps for tens of thousands of people"
"The fact that Pence is referencing King as an inspiration may seem ludicrous when you look at Pence’s record. King stood with President Lyndon B. Johnson as the 1965 Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Yet, when it comes to voting rights, an issue that King fought hard for, you see that Indiana doesn’t make it easy for voters to get to the polls. The state only kept polling places open until 6 p.m. during the May primary, although most states keep their polls open to 8 p.m. or even later. Indiana doesn’t have any laws that require employers to allow workers to leave work to go vote. In contrast, King said in his 1957 speech called “Give Us The Ballot,” “So long as I do not firmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote I do not possess myself. I cannot make up my mind. It is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen, observing the laws I have helped to enact. I can only submit to the edict of others.” King was also an important leader for labor rights. The day before he was assassinated, he gave a speech to support sanitation workers who were on strike in Memphis. Those sanitation workers were trying to get union recognition. King spoke often about growing economic inequality and said social reforms should not be attacked as being “communist,” according to a collection of speeches that were recently discovered by historians. Pence, however, hasn’t been a friend to workers during his time as governor of Indiana. Although Indiana did not become a right-to-work state under his leadership, he fought to keep the law in place when two judges ruled that it violated the state’s constitution. Pence has also opposed raising the minimum wage and signed a law repealing the state’s common construction wage, which would allow workers for publicly-funded projects to earn a higher wage. Pence also supported cutting food stamps for tens of thousands of people"
Donald Trump Tried to Dump Mike Pence, Who Previously Tried to Dump Trump
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/07/trump-pence-have-both-tried-to-dump-each-other.html#
"Trump had actually reconsidered his decision and was working the phones as late as midnight trying to see if he could get out of his choice of Pence."
"Trump had actually reconsidered his decision and was working the phones as late as midnight trying to see if he could get out of his choice of Pence."
Too Reckless to Be Commander in Chief
https://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/security/report/2016/06/29/140639/too-reckless-to-be-commander-in-chief/
"The U.S. military is an incredibly powerful fighting force, present across the globe with hundreds of foreign military bases, warships, and aircraft. Much of its nuclear arsenal can be launched in a matter of minutes. Should Trump become president, all of this power would be at the fingertips of a man with no government or national security experience who has an impulsive temperament and has boasted of his ability to get the military to follow his orders no matter how heedless and rash. Bluntly put, Donald J. Trump is far too reckless and dangerous to be commander in chief."
"The U.S. military is an incredibly powerful fighting force, present across the globe with hundreds of foreign military bases, warships, and aircraft. Much of its nuclear arsenal can be launched in a matter of minutes. Should Trump become president, all of this power would be at the fingertips of a man with no government or national security experience who has an impulsive temperament and has boasted of his ability to get the military to follow his orders no matter how heedless and rash. Bluntly put, Donald J. Trump is far too reckless and dangerous to be commander in chief."
#LogoFail: Trump/Pence campaign scrubs “screw you” branding after one day of massive ridicule
#LogoFail: Trump/Pence campaign scrubs “screw you” branding after one day of massive ridicule
"After a day of ridicule for a poorly designed Trump/Pence campaign logo that launched a thousand memes, the Trump campaign disappeared the design from their official website overnight."
"After a day of ridicule for a poorly designed Trump/Pence campaign logo that launched a thousand memes, the Trump campaign disappeared the design from their official website overnight."
Reports: Trump Considered Reneging On Pence Veep Offer
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/trump-midnight-calls-pence-change-mind
"Late Thursday night, Donald Trump asked aides if it was too late for him to back out of his decision to make Indiana Gov. Mike Pence his vice presidential running mate"
"Late Thursday night, Donald Trump asked aides if it was too late for him to back out of his decision to make Indiana Gov. Mike Pence his vice presidential running mate"
Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson says she was fired for refusing to have sex with Roger Ailes
Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson says she was fired for refusing to have sex with Roger Ailes
"Longtime Fox News personality Gretchen Carlson has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her former boss, CEO Roger Ailes."
"Longtime Fox News personality Gretchen Carlson has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her former boss, CEO Roger Ailes."
Fox News employees saw Steve Doocy sexually harass Gretchen Carlson: report
Fox News employees saw Steve Doocy sexually harass Gretchen Carlson: report
"When Gretchen Carlson announced her lawsuit against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, the employees at the network “were aware of some of the things” she was alleging in her suit because they “knew about or saw” her Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy make unseemly comments, Politico reports."
"When Gretchen Carlson announced her lawsuit against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, the employees at the network “were aware of some of the things” she was alleging in her suit because they “knew about or saw” her Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy make unseemly comments, Politico reports."
Bombshell report: Megyn Kelly has told Murdoch lawyers she was sexually harassed by Roger Ailes
Bombshell report: Megyn Kelly has told Murdoch lawyers she was sexually harassed by Roger Ailes
"According to New York Magazine’s Gabriel Sherman, Fox News star anchor Megyn Kelly has told investigators hired by the Murdoch family that she has been sexually harassed by Fox News CEO Roger Ailes"
"According to New York Magazine’s Gabriel Sherman, Fox News star anchor Megyn Kelly has told investigators hired by the Murdoch family that she has been sexually harassed by Fox News CEO Roger Ailes"
Fox News ‘Expert’ Will Now Be A Prison Expert For The Next Three Years
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/15/fox-news-expert-will-now-be-a-prison-expert-for-the-next-three-years/
"On Friday, Simmons was sentenced to serve 33 months behind bars portraying himself as an “Outside Paramilitary Special Operations Officer” for the CIA for nearly 30 years to get jobs within and outside of the government, which included his stint on Fox News and being sent to Afghanistan as an intelligence adviser."
"On Friday, Simmons was sentenced to serve 33 months behind bars portraying himself as an “Outside Paramilitary Special Operations Officer” for the CIA for nearly 30 years to get jobs within and outside of the government, which included his stint on Fox News and being sent to Afghanistan as an intelligence adviser."
The Republican platform hates gays, puts women back in the kitchen, and insists on religious law
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/13/1547874/-The-Republican-platform-hates-gays-puts-women-back-in-the-kitchen-and-insists-on-religious-law
"The Republican platform even has a statement against “cohabitation,” a fight that was lost some time while the Smothers Brothers was in its initial run."
"The Republican platform even has a statement against “cohabitation,” a fight that was lost some time while the Smothers Brothers was in its initial run."
Former Fox News commentator sentenced to prison for faking CIA ties
Former Fox News commentator sentenced to prison for faking CIA ties
"A man who has appeared on Fox News as a guest “terrorism analyst” was sentenced to 33 months in prison on Friday on charges that he fraudulently claimed to have been a CIA agent for decades, U.S. prosecutors said."
"A man who has appeared on Fox News as a guest “terrorism analyst” was sentenced to 33 months in prison on Friday on charges that he fraudulently claimed to have been a CIA agent for decades, U.S. prosecutors said."
Friday, July 15, 2016
Mitch McConnell: A Legacy of Obstruction
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/civil-liberties/news/2016/07/14/141210/mitch-mcconnell-a-legacy-of-obstruction/
"The Senate under Sen. McConnell has confirmed judicial nominees at the lowest rate in 30 years."
"The Senate under Sen. McConnell has confirmed judicial nominees at the lowest rate in 30 years."
Koch Brothers' Congressman Seeks to Block Efforts to Prevent Chemical Catastrophe
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/36811-koch-brothers-congressman-seeks-to-block-efforts-to-prevent-chemical-catastrophe
"Republican congressman Mike Pompeo of Kansas, who represents Wichita, seems to be doing the bidding of the Koch Brothers once again: He has introduced legislation to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing or enforcing a rule to improve the safety of America's most dangerous chemical plants. Wichita is the home of Koch Industries, which has been the most aggressive opponent of efforts to make these plants safer."
"Republican congressman Mike Pompeo of Kansas, who represents Wichita, seems to be doing the bidding of the Koch Brothers once again: He has introduced legislation to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing or enforcing a rule to improve the safety of America's most dangerous chemical plants. Wichita is the home of Koch Industries, which has been the most aggressive opponent of efforts to make these plants safer."
How Republicans celebrate the National Park Service's 100th anniversary
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/10/1545059/-How-Republicans-celebrate-the-National-Park-Service-s-100th-anniversary
"Paul Cook is one of 20 Republican representatives and senators, known as the Anti-Parks Caucus, who actively work to sell off public lands to private parties for exploitation. The American Legislative Council (ALEC) has led the charge in western states, and broken ground for action on a federal level. Most of the members of the anti-parks caucus are members of the tea party, have been challenged by a tea party candidate, or are in uncompetitive districts where they have little to fear from their failure to represent their constituents. As a result: A Center for American Progress analysis found that between January 2013 and March 2016 members of Congress filed at least 44 bills or amendments that attempted to remove or undercut protections for parks and public lands—making the 114th Congress the most anti-conservation Congress in recent history. The American people love the National Park Service. According to the Center for American Progress, 83 percent of them want their representatives to support the national parks. A Pew Research survey done last fall showed that the Park Service had favorability ratings second only to the U.S Postal Service among all federal agencies. Its unfavorability rating was the lowest among all agencies, at only 11 percent. Congress meanwhile, was rated 69 percent unfavorable and 27 percent favorable."
"Paul Cook is one of 20 Republican representatives and senators, known as the Anti-Parks Caucus, who actively work to sell off public lands to private parties for exploitation. The American Legislative Council (ALEC) has led the charge in western states, and broken ground for action on a federal level. Most of the members of the anti-parks caucus are members of the tea party, have been challenged by a tea party candidate, or are in uncompetitive districts where they have little to fear from their failure to represent their constituents. As a result: A Center for American Progress analysis found that between January 2013 and March 2016 members of Congress filed at least 44 bills or amendments that attempted to remove or undercut protections for parks and public lands—making the 114th Congress the most anti-conservation Congress in recent history. The American people love the National Park Service. According to the Center for American Progress, 83 percent of them want their representatives to support the national parks. A Pew Research survey done last fall showed that the Park Service had favorability ratings second only to the U.S Postal Service among all federal agencies. Its unfavorability rating was the lowest among all agencies, at only 11 percent. Congress meanwhile, was rated 69 percent unfavorable and 27 percent favorable."
Republicans Draft Platform Plank To Take Public Lands Away From The People
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/14/republicans-draft-platform-plank-to-take-public-lands-away-from-the-people/
"Allowing these wilderness areas to fall into private ownership would mean Americans would lose access to these lands. Any private corporation that buys up this land will just put up signs that say “No Trespassing” and would proceed to cut down all the trees and strip mine the mountains and lands. Companies like Nestle could easily suck up all the water it wants. It would take generations for the forests to grow back and the area would never be the same. It would be devastated by private industry. That is why it is so important to vote in November. Republicans literally want to take our heritage away from us. They are bowing down to the demands of domestic terrorists. We can’t let that happen if we want future generations to enjoy the natural wonders that past generations fought so hard to protect."
"Allowing these wilderness areas to fall into private ownership would mean Americans would lose access to these lands. Any private corporation that buys up this land will just put up signs that say “No Trespassing” and would proceed to cut down all the trees and strip mine the mountains and lands. Companies like Nestle could easily suck up all the water it wants. It would take generations for the forests to grow back and the area would never be the same. It would be devastated by private industry. That is why it is so important to vote in November. Republicans literally want to take our heritage away from us. They are bowing down to the demands of domestic terrorists. We can’t let that happen if we want future generations to enjoy the natural wonders that past generations fought so hard to protect."
What Media Should Know About Trump’s Reported VP Pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/07/14/what-media-should-know-about-trump-s-reported-vp-pick-indiana-gov-mike-pence/211528
"Pence Signed Tax Cuts For Corporations, High-Income Individuals That Already Failed In Other Red States. In March 2014, Pence followed the lead of other Republican governors around the country by passing a package of supply-side corporate and income tax cuts that he claimed would increase business activity and economic growth in the state. Similar trickle-down economic models “collapsed” after being implemented by Govs. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Bobby Jindal (R-LA) and failed to produce discernible results for Gov. John Kasich in neighboring Ohio. As was the case in Ohio and elsewhere, Pence’s tax cuts effectively redistributed the state’s tax burden onto local governments that were stripped of nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. An additional manufacturing tax cut pushed by the governor in 2015 was projected to cost the state between $35 million and $240 million annually."
"Pence Signed Tax Cuts For Corporations, High-Income Individuals That Already Failed In Other Red States. In March 2014, Pence followed the lead of other Republican governors around the country by passing a package of supply-side corporate and income tax cuts that he claimed would increase business activity and economic growth in the state. Similar trickle-down economic models “collapsed” after being implemented by Govs. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Bobby Jindal (R-LA) and failed to produce discernible results for Gov. John Kasich in neighboring Ohio. As was the case in Ohio and elsewhere, Pence’s tax cuts effectively redistributed the state’s tax burden onto local governments that were stripped of nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. An additional manufacturing tax cut pushed by the governor in 2015 was projected to cost the state between $35 million and $240 million annually."
Here’s Why Donald Trump Is Horrifying, According To Historians
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/historians-donald-trump_us_578644dee4b03fc3ee4e9da7?section
"McCullough contacted Burns to organize the effort after he saw Burns’ commencement speech at Stanford this year, which was highly critical of Trump. The page was created Wednesday morning. McCullough, who received the Pulitzer Prize for books on presidents John Adams and Harry Truman, told The New York Times that he does not usually weigh in on contemporary political issues. But the historian, who said he is registered independent, was so disturbed by the possibility of a Trump presidency that he felt compelled to speak out, he told the outlet."
"McCullough contacted Burns to organize the effort after he saw Burns’ commencement speech at Stanford this year, which was highly critical of Trump. The page was created Wednesday morning. McCullough, who received the Pulitzer Prize for books on presidents John Adams and Harry Truman, told The New York Times that he does not usually weigh in on contemporary political issues. But the historian, who said he is registered independent, was so disturbed by the possibility of a Trump presidency that he felt compelled to speak out, he told the outlet."
Trump admits he's hiding his taxes because they could be used against him
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/14/1548213/-Trump-admits-he-s-hiding-his-taxes-because-they-could-be-used-against-him
"And hey, are you ready for a moment of actual irony? Trump was among the choir of those urging Romney in 2012 to release his tax returns more quickly to get those headlines out of the way. Now, it’s Romney who is arguing that Trump is hiding some sort of shocking revelation in his own returns. We’ve seen the evidence that Trump gave nothing to charity, and the last time the public got a peek at his taxes he paid $0. It would also be interesting to see how Trump reported using a charity to give big gifts to himself."
"And hey, are you ready for a moment of actual irony? Trump was among the choir of those urging Romney in 2012 to release his tax returns more quickly to get those headlines out of the way. Now, it’s Romney who is arguing that Trump is hiding some sort of shocking revelation in his own returns. We’ve seen the evidence that Trump gave nothing to charity, and the last time the public got a peek at his taxes he paid $0. It would also be interesting to see how Trump reported using a charity to give big gifts to himself."
Mike Pence, Cigarette Truther
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/14/3798417/mike-pence-tobacco-money/
"Over his political career Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) has consistently carried the tobacco industry’s water, denying the dangers of cigarettes, opposing government regulation, and slashing smoking cessation efforts. In return, they rewarded him with more than $100,000 in campaign donations."
"Over his political career Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) has consistently carried the tobacco industry’s water, denying the dangers of cigarettes, opposing government regulation, and slashing smoking cessation efforts. In return, they rewarded him with more than $100,000 in campaign donations."
Regretful Trump tried to back out of Pence pick during midnight phone call to aides: report
Regretful Trump tried to back out of Pence pick during midnight phone call to aides: report
"GOP candidate Donald Trump was uncertain about his selection for vice presidential running mate — so much so that he asked his aides at midnight whether there was any way to avoid it."
"GOP candidate Donald Trump was uncertain about his selection for vice presidential running mate — so much so that he asked his aides at midnight whether there was any way to avoid it."
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