http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/06/30/3794729/scott-walker-mac-tax-break-for-rich-not-working-for-everyone-else/
"In 2011 — the same year Scott Walker became governor — Wisconsin enacted a Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit (MAC) meant to stimulate the state economy by providing tax relief for those who use property for productive purposes. A new study indicates it’s providing lots of tax relief for the rich but not much economic stimulus for anybody else. The Wisconsin Budget Project study finds that MAC is taking a much greater toll on the state budget than lawmakers envisioned. Though it was initially estimated that the credit would reduce tax collections by $129 million in fiscal year 2017, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue now estimates it’ll cost $284 million next year. That’s roughly $30 million more than the amount Walker and the Republican-controlled legislature cut from the University of Wisconsin System in 2015."
July 4, 2016
Slate Highlights How Trickle-Down Economics Wreaked Havoc In Kansas
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/07/01/slate-highlights-how-trickle-down-economics-wreaked-havoc-kansas/211329
"In 2012, Republican Kansas lawmakers led by Gov. Sam Brownback enacted a series of tax cuts -- described by the Star editorial board as “disastrous” and the Times editorial board as “ruinous” -- that deeply cut revenue streams without generating the strong economic growth conservatives promised would follow. Instead, the state has fallen into financial crisis leading to a painful credit downgrade, a massive budget shortfall, and a “negative” credit outlook for the future. Brownback’s tax cut policies were nonetheless endorsed by right-wing media personalities and created a model for other conservative politicians to follow."
"In 2012, Republican Kansas lawmakers led by Gov. Sam Brownback enacted a series of tax cuts -- described by the Star editorial board as “disastrous” and the Times editorial board as “ruinous” -- that deeply cut revenue streams without generating the strong economic growth conservatives promised would follow. Instead, the state has fallen into financial crisis leading to a painful credit downgrade, a massive budget shortfall, and a “negative” credit outlook for the future. Brownback’s tax cut policies were nonetheless endorsed by right-wing media personalities and created a model for other conservative politicians to follow."
Bill Maher Crushes Republican BS, Proves Liberal Economic Policies Work: 'Scoreboard, B*tches!' (Video)
Bill Maher Crushes Republican BS, Proves Liberal Economic Policies Work: 'Scoreboard, B*tches!' (Video)
"Well, on Friday night, Bill Maher absolutely shredded trickle-down economics by pointing out that California’s economy is thriving following raising taxes on the rich, while two “red states” that massively cut taxes (Louisiana and Kansas) are in massive debt and are both an economic mess. Heck, a Democrat just became governor in very “red” Louisiana following eight years of Bobby Jindal running the state into the ground. Meanwhile, despite conservatives claiming that California raising taxes on the rich would make their economic problems worse, the state’s economy is one of the strongest in the country. “We did all the stuff conservatives warned us would make things even worse,” Maher quipped. “But the sky didn’t fall, unemployment did; and growth shot up to over four percent; and a 26 billion dollar deficit became an 11 billion dollar surplus.” Maher also brought up how the state’s economic mess from a few years ago followed years of Republican leadership, led by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “After Arnold left office, we eliminated what scientists would call variables, in this case, the Republicans,” Maher stated. “Democrats from governor on down control every office and voting body in this state. So we can really study what happens when liberal policies are tried unimpeded. And the only thing I have to say to Republicans about that is: Scoreboard, b*tches.” And he’s absolutely right. Recently, Gov. Jerry Brown championed his state’s economic successes after raising taxes on the rich. Meanwhile, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is leading a state that’s seen nothing but economic turmoil since he passed his Republican-cheered tax cuts. Sound familiar? It should, because that’s basically the same promise George W. Bush made when he passed his tax cuts — and we all saw how that turned out. This notion that “tax cuts create jobs” is nothing but a scam perpetuated by the rich where, no matter if the economic is doing great or poorly, their answer to improve the economy will always be more tax cuts."
"Well, on Friday night, Bill Maher absolutely shredded trickle-down economics by pointing out that California’s economy is thriving following raising taxes on the rich, while two “red states” that massively cut taxes (Louisiana and Kansas) are in massive debt and are both an economic mess. Heck, a Democrat just became governor in very “red” Louisiana following eight years of Bobby Jindal running the state into the ground. Meanwhile, despite conservatives claiming that California raising taxes on the rich would make their economic problems worse, the state’s economy is one of the strongest in the country. “We did all the stuff conservatives warned us would make things even worse,” Maher quipped. “But the sky didn’t fall, unemployment did; and growth shot up to over four percent; and a 26 billion dollar deficit became an 11 billion dollar surplus.” Maher also brought up how the state’s economic mess from a few years ago followed years of Republican leadership, led by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “After Arnold left office, we eliminated what scientists would call variables, in this case, the Republicans,” Maher stated. “Democrats from governor on down control every office and voting body in this state. So we can really study what happens when liberal policies are tried unimpeded. And the only thing I have to say to Republicans about that is: Scoreboard, b*tches.” And he’s absolutely right. Recently, Gov. Jerry Brown championed his state’s economic successes after raising taxes on the rich. Meanwhile, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is leading a state that’s seen nothing but economic turmoil since he passed his Republican-cheered tax cuts. Sound familiar? It should, because that’s basically the same promise George W. Bush made when he passed his tax cuts — and we all saw how that turned out. This notion that “tax cuts create jobs” is nothing but a scam perpetuated by the rich where, no matter if the economic is doing great or poorly, their answer to improve the economy will always be more tax cuts."
The Tax Debate Is Over, And Progressives Won
The Tax Debate Is Over, And Progressives Won
"The Washington Post recently highlighted the economic divergence between California and Kansas. California is tied, with Oregon, for the fastest growth in the nation with 4.1 percent gross domestic product growth in 2015. Kansas was flat, at 0.2 percent, and the second half of the year recorded negative growth, placing the state in recession. Only West Virginia, Alaska and North Dakota performed worse. These diametrically opposite economic numbers came three years after each state took a different path on taxes: In 2012, voters in California approved a measure to raise taxes on millionaires, bringing their top state income tax rate to 13.3 percent, the highest in the nation … Also that year, the governor of Kansas signed a series of changes to the state’s tax code, including reducing income and sales tax rates. The Post noted that the Kansas tax cuts “were meant to spur entrepreneurship,” or to put it more bluntly, “[Gov. Sam] Brownback’s policies modestly increased taxes for the poor and working class, who pay more in sales taxes than income taxes, while reducing taxes drastically for the rich.” The economy of tax-raising California took off, while Kansas’s quintessentially right-wing tax cuts flopped."
"The Washington Post recently highlighted the economic divergence between California and Kansas. California is tied, with Oregon, for the fastest growth in the nation with 4.1 percent gross domestic product growth in 2015. Kansas was flat, at 0.2 percent, and the second half of the year recorded negative growth, placing the state in recession. Only West Virginia, Alaska and North Dakota performed worse. These diametrically opposite economic numbers came three years after each state took a different path on taxes: In 2012, voters in California approved a measure to raise taxes on millionaires, bringing their top state income tax rate to 13.3 percent, the highest in the nation … Also that year, the governor of Kansas signed a series of changes to the state’s tax code, including reducing income and sales tax rates. The Post noted that the Kansas tax cuts “were meant to spur entrepreneurship,” or to put it more bluntly, “[Gov. Sam] Brownback’s policies modestly increased taxes for the poor and working class, who pay more in sales taxes than income taxes, while reducing taxes drastically for the rich.” The economy of tax-raising California took off, while Kansas’s quintessentially right-wing tax cuts flopped."
WATCH: Lewandowski defends Trump spamming foreign MPs for cash — and has another epic flameout
WATCH: Lewandowski defends Trump spamming foreign MPs for cash — and has another epic flameout
"In a segment on CNN’s New Day on Friday, Lewandowski tried to defend his former boss’s campaign after it repeatedly — and perhaps illegally — sent out fundraising emails to members of parliament in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Iceland and Australia. Specifically, Lewandowski tried to claim that the campaign sent out fundraising emails to anyone who had opted to receive emails from the Trump campaign. However, CNN’s Alisyn Camerota then pointed out that the MPs who received emails are angry because they never opted to get any messages from Trump’s campaign. While Lewandowski tried to keep repeating his talking points that the MPs must have opted to get messages from the Trump campaign, Camerota forcefully shot him down by reminding him that these MPs didn’t opt in at all. At that point, Lewandowski stammered as a classic “deer in the headlights” look washed over his face."
"In a segment on CNN’s New Day on Friday, Lewandowski tried to defend his former boss’s campaign after it repeatedly — and perhaps illegally — sent out fundraising emails to members of parliament in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Iceland and Australia. Specifically, Lewandowski tried to claim that the campaign sent out fundraising emails to anyone who had opted to receive emails from the Trump campaign. However, CNN’s Alisyn Camerota then pointed out that the MPs who received emails are angry because they never opted to get any messages from Trump’s campaign. While Lewandowski tried to keep repeating his talking points that the MPs must have opted to get messages from the Trump campaign, Camerota forcefully shot him down by reminding him that these MPs didn’t opt in at all. At that point, Lewandowski stammered as a classic “deer in the headlights” look washed over his face."
Twitter trashes Trump over anti-Semitic tweet: ‘Remember when Hitler made 6 million Jews sheriffs?’
Twitter trashes Trump over anti-Semitic tweet: ‘Remember when Hitler made 6 million Jews sheriffs?’
"Trump’s team had mined the image from a racist and anti-Semitic message board, Mic reported. A watermark on the image lead to a Twitter account known for violent, racist memes. Trump deleted the tweet and has been trying to fend off criticism by saying it was not a Star of David in the image."
"Trump’s team had mined the image from a racist and anti-Semitic message board, Mic reported. A watermark on the image lead to a Twitter account known for violent, racist memes. Trump deleted the tweet and has been trying to fend off criticism by saying it was not a Star of David in the image."
3 White Supremacists On Twitter That Inspire Donald Trump
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/03/3795294/3-white-supremacists-twitter-inspire-donald-trump/
"Trump has repeatedly taken cues from white supremicists on Twitter, tweeting their memes, racist arguments and praise for his candidacy."
"Trump has repeatedly taken cues from white supremicists on Twitter, tweeting their memes, racist arguments and praise for his candidacy."
Watch Trump’s Former Campaign Manager Get Paid To Defend White Supremacist Meme
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/03/3795279/trumps-former-campaign-manager-defends-tweet-white-supremacist-meme-gets-paid-cnn/
"the image originated a few days ago on the white supremacist message board /pol/. Trump later deleted the tweet"
"the image originated a few days ago on the white supremacist message board /pol/. Trump later deleted the tweet"
His Racism Is No Accident: Trump Has Retweeted White Supremacists 75 Times
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/07/03/proof-racism-accidenttrump-retweeted-white-supremacists-75-times.html
"Donald Trump’s campaign is courting racists, and members of the Republican Party who think that they are being good party loyalists by supporting Trump are enabling his racist campaign. Trump’s retweets of white supremacists are no accident. There have been too many retweets for the pattern to be a mistake. This is a strategy by Trump to mobilize the racists to vote for him."
"Donald Trump’s campaign is courting racists, and members of the Republican Party who think that they are being good party loyalists by supporting Trump are enabling his racist campaign. Trump’s retweets of white supremacists are no accident. There have been too many retweets for the pattern to be a mistake. This is a strategy by Trump to mobilize the racists to vote for him."
Bradley Foundation Gives $250,000 To Racist Charles Murray
Bradley Foundation Gives $250,000 To Racist Charles Murray
"Back in the 1980s and 1990s, the Bradley Foundation gave a million dollars to Charles Murray to research and write "The Bell Curve." This book argued that African Americans are genetically inferior to whites and thus are not as smart. It further argued that for this reason, it didn't pay to spend a lot of money to try to educate black children"
"Back in the 1980s and 1990s, the Bradley Foundation gave a million dollars to Charles Murray to research and write "The Bell Curve." This book argued that African Americans are genetically inferior to whites and thus are not as smart. It further argued that for this reason, it didn't pay to spend a lot of money to try to educate black children"
Terror from the Right
https://www.splcenter.org/20100126/terror-right
"A synopsis of radical-right terrorist plots, conspiracies and racist rampages since the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. It includes a roster of murdered law enforcement officials."
"A synopsis of radical-right terrorist plots, conspiracies and racist rampages since the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. It includes a roster of murdered law enforcement officials."
The Media Is Finally Calling Out Trump's Toxic Demagoguery
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-media-is-finally-calling-out-trumps-toxic-demagoguery-20160620
"A recent Harvard study of Trump coverage in eight major outlets, including Fox News, concluded that the media basically propelled Trump to the nomination."
"A recent Harvard study of Trump coverage in eight major outlets, including Fox News, concluded that the media basically propelled Trump to the nomination."
Rule of Law Project Breaks the Law While Backing Wisconsin AG Schimel, Complaint Alleges
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/06/13118/schimel-rule-of-law-project-complaint
"Back in October 2014, Republican Wisconsin attorney general candidate Brad Schimel was neck in neck with Susan Happ when a mysterious dark money group, with the phony name "Rule of Law Project," dropped into the race with a huge ad buy backing Schimel. Now it appears the Rule of Law Project (ROLP) may have broken a few laws in its eagerness to elect an attorney general of its choosing. Yesterday, the Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and the IRS urging an investigation and alleging that the dark money group made false representations to the IRS. The complaint also sheds some light on who might be bankrolling the phony issue-ad group. The Center for Media and Democracy was the first to link the group to the Washington D.C. law firm of Boyden Gray and Associates. A founder of the Federalist Society and former White House Counsel, Gray is the chief architect of the 40-year attack on regulations protecting public health and the environment."
"Back in October 2014, Republican Wisconsin attorney general candidate Brad Schimel was neck in neck with Susan Happ when a mysterious dark money group, with the phony name "Rule of Law Project," dropped into the race with a huge ad buy backing Schimel. Now it appears the Rule of Law Project (ROLP) may have broken a few laws in its eagerness to elect an attorney general of its choosing. Yesterday, the Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and the IRS urging an investigation and alleging that the dark money group made false representations to the IRS. The complaint also sheds some light on who might be bankrolling the phony issue-ad group. The Center for Media and Democracy was the first to link the group to the Washington D.C. law firm of Boyden Gray and Associates. A founder of the Federalist Society and former White House Counsel, Gray is the chief architect of the 40-year attack on regulations protecting public health and the environment."
Family Research Council Tries To Stop Bill Helping Vets Access Fertility Services
Family Research Council Tries To Stop Bill Helping Vets Access Fertility Services:
"The Family Research Council, which routinely maligns gay military service members, is now attacking a bill that would make it easier for veterans to access fertility services if they have been wounded in combat, claiming that it undermines “pro-life” principles."
"The Family Research Council, which routinely maligns gay military service members, is now attacking a bill that would make it easier for veterans to access fertility services if they have been wounded in combat, claiming that it undermines “pro-life” principles."
The Most Overrated Intellect In Washington
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/06/22/3791105/paul-ryan-the-most-overrated-intellect-in-washington/
"Remember 2009? Glenn Beck was a ratings bonanza for Fox News. Sarah Palin, with her false warnings of looming “death panels,” was a thought leader in conservative circles. Groups opposed to the Affordable Care Act poured angry supporters into lawmakers’ town halls, arming them with advice like “be disruptive early and often,” “try to ‘rattle him,’ not have an intelligent debate,” and “watch for an opportunity to yell.” It was not a high point for intellectual discourse within the American right. Amidst this cacophony, Paul Ryan appeared like a beacon of light. Personable and soft-spoken, capable of stringing together numbers in a way that sounds impressive, Ryan was the yin to a movement drunk on its own yang. And he soon milked his own novelty — a tea partier! who is also a policy wonk! — to become the toast of the political commentariat. Conservative writer Bill Kristol touted Ryan as the GOP’s ideal presidential candidate — asking his readers “Why not the best?” Liberal wonkblogger-turned-voxsplainer Ezra Klein touted the “virtues of Ryan’s roadmap,” the future speaker’s aggressive plan to shrink entitlements. After Ryan’s election to the speakership seemed inevitable, the Christian Science Monitor profiled him under the fawning title “Paul Ryan: Budget wonk to Congress’s rescue?” As Alec MacGillis wrote in a piece that was far more skeptical of Ryan’s policy chops, “Paul Ryan stands as the Republican Party’s big thinker, its philosopher prince.” But Speaker Ryan’s reputation for wonkitude is not deserved. Indeed, his proposals typical follow a familiar pattern — a pattern Ryan repeated on Wednesday with a package of health reforms Jonathan Cohn and Jeffrey Young described as a plan to “replace 20 million people’s health insurance with 37 pages of talking points"."
"Remember 2009? Glenn Beck was a ratings bonanza for Fox News. Sarah Palin, with her false warnings of looming “death panels,” was a thought leader in conservative circles. Groups opposed to the Affordable Care Act poured angry supporters into lawmakers’ town halls, arming them with advice like “be disruptive early and often,” “try to ‘rattle him,’ not have an intelligent debate,” and “watch for an opportunity to yell.” It was not a high point for intellectual discourse within the American right. Amidst this cacophony, Paul Ryan appeared like a beacon of light. Personable and soft-spoken, capable of stringing together numbers in a way that sounds impressive, Ryan was the yin to a movement drunk on its own yang. And he soon milked his own novelty — a tea partier! who is also a policy wonk! — to become the toast of the political commentariat. Conservative writer Bill Kristol touted Ryan as the GOP’s ideal presidential candidate — asking his readers “Why not the best?” Liberal wonkblogger-turned-voxsplainer Ezra Klein touted the “virtues of Ryan’s roadmap,” the future speaker’s aggressive plan to shrink entitlements. After Ryan’s election to the speakership seemed inevitable, the Christian Science Monitor profiled him under the fawning title “Paul Ryan: Budget wonk to Congress’s rescue?” As Alec MacGillis wrote in a piece that was far more skeptical of Ryan’s policy chops, “Paul Ryan stands as the Republican Party’s big thinker, its philosopher prince.” But Speaker Ryan’s reputation for wonkitude is not deserved. Indeed, his proposals typical follow a familiar pattern — a pattern Ryan repeated on Wednesday with a package of health reforms Jonathan Cohn and Jeffrey Young described as a plan to “replace 20 million people’s health insurance with 37 pages of talking points"."
Sister of Slain Ambassador: Hillary Isn’t To Blame For Benghazi, REPUBLICANS Are
http://occupydemocrats.com/2016/06/29/sister-slain-ambassador-hillary-isnt-blame-benghazi-republicans/
"In 2009, the House of Representatives cut $1.2 billion dollars from the State Department budget. In 2011, Secretary Clinton warned Congress that continued cuts to the State Department security budget would be placing Americans at risk across the world – and she was promptly ignored by House Republicans, who slashed security funding by $128 million in 2011 and $331 million in 2012."
"In 2009, the House of Representatives cut $1.2 billion dollars from the State Department budget. In 2011, Secretary Clinton warned Congress that continued cuts to the State Department security budget would be placing Americans at risk across the world – and she was promptly ignored by House Republicans, who slashed security funding by $128 million in 2011 and $331 million in 2012."
Family of Ambassador Chris Stevens does not blame Hillary for what happened in Benghazi
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/6/29/1543572/-Family-of-Ambassador-Chris-Stevens-does-not-blame-Hillary-for-what-happened-in-Benghazi
"Now that we have Benghazi report No. 8 in hand, it’s clear that, despite Republican fuming and speculating, the allegations made over the years are utterly unfounded. There never was a "stand down order" from Hillary—or anyone else."
"Now that we have Benghazi report No. 8 in hand, it’s clear that, despite Republican fuming and speculating, the allegations made over the years are utterly unfounded. There never was a "stand down order" from Hillary—or anyone else."
Farewell To Fox News’ Benghazi Hoax
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/06/28/farewell-fox-news-benghazi-hoax/211242
"The whole mindless, partisan endeavor shines a light on what’s gone completely wrong with the Republican Party and the right-wing media. It’s about how shallow, endlessly debunked conspiracies and money-sucking investigations have replaced any attempt to govern and legislate."
"The whole mindless, partisan endeavor shines a light on what’s gone completely wrong with the Republican Party and the right-wing media. It’s about how shallow, endlessly debunked conspiracies and money-sucking investigations have replaced any attempt to govern and legislate."
Fox Pushes Benghazi Lies After Congressional Report Shows No Wrongdoing By Clinton
http://mediamatters.org/video/2016/06/27/fox-pushes-benghazi-lies-after-congressional-report-shows-no-wrongdoing-clinton/211220
"Fox News' Catherine Herridge alleged that it is "largely unknown" what President Obama was doing the night of the Benghazi terrorist attacks, and Melissa Francis pushed the debunked falsehood that then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "went home that night and went to bed." In fact, news reports and congressional testimony have both shown that both Obama and Clinton were active and engaged while the Benghazi attack was taking place."
"Fox News' Catherine Herridge alleged that it is "largely unknown" what President Obama was doing the night of the Benghazi terrorist attacks, and Melissa Francis pushed the debunked falsehood that then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "went home that night and went to bed." In fact, news reports and congressional testimony have both shown that both Obama and Clinton were active and engaged while the Benghazi attack was taking place."
A Comprehensive Guide To Benghazi Myths And Facts
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/06/28/comprehensive-guide-benghazi-myths-and-facts/211240
"Republicans On House Benghazi Committee Issue 800-Page Report That Second Guesses Generals, Focuses On Talking Points."
"Republicans On House Benghazi Committee Issue 800-Page Report That Second Guesses Generals, Focuses On Talking Points."
Republicans Despondent After Final Benghazi Report Finds NO EVIDENCE Hillary Clinton Wrongdoing
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/06/28/republicans-despondent-after-final-benghazi-report-finds-no-evidence-hillary-clinton-wrongdoing/
"When Republicans announced that they would be abruptly releasing the conclusions to their exhaustive, five-year Benghazi witch hunt this week, political strategists were stumped. Either this meant they had something explosive and wanted to unload it, or it meant they had absolutely nothing and wanted to bury the wasted energy, money and time spent on this anti-Hillary Clinton hit job long before the election rolled around. Upon releasing the document, it became instantly clear which option this was: Even after five years, the Republican-led Benghazi investigation found absolutely zero evidence that Hillary Clinton did anything wrong. Nor did they find a single way Clinton could have saved any of the victims. In short, the investigation was a complete and total dud. As the New York Times summed up: Ending one of the longest, costliest and most bitterly partisan congressional investigations in history, the House Select Committee on Benghazi issued its final report on Tuesday, finding no new evidence of culpability or wrongdoing by Hillary Clinton in the 2012 attacks in Libya that left four Americans dead. Not that Republicans didn’t try their hardest. The investigation cost a truly staggering $7 million and took years to conduct. At every turn, the evidence suggested Clinton was not irresponsible with her actions while Secretary of State, and at every turn that evidence was ignored in the hopes that there was a bombshell just around the corner."
"When Republicans announced that they would be abruptly releasing the conclusions to their exhaustive, five-year Benghazi witch hunt this week, political strategists were stumped. Either this meant they had something explosive and wanted to unload it, or it meant they had absolutely nothing and wanted to bury the wasted energy, money and time spent on this anti-Hillary Clinton hit job long before the election rolled around. Upon releasing the document, it became instantly clear which option this was: Even after five years, the Republican-led Benghazi investigation found absolutely zero evidence that Hillary Clinton did anything wrong. Nor did they find a single way Clinton could have saved any of the victims. In short, the investigation was a complete and total dud. As the New York Times summed up: Ending one of the longest, costliest and most bitterly partisan congressional investigations in history, the House Select Committee on Benghazi issued its final report on Tuesday, finding no new evidence of culpability or wrongdoing by Hillary Clinton in the 2012 attacks in Libya that left four Americans dead. Not that Republicans didn’t try their hardest. The investigation cost a truly staggering $7 million and took years to conduct. At every turn, the evidence suggested Clinton was not irresponsible with her actions while Secretary of State, and at every turn that evidence was ignored in the hopes that there was a bombshell just around the corner."
Social media mocks GOP’s endless failed probe: ‘The 2020 Benghazi report will be even more stinging’
Social media mocks GOP’s endless failed probe: ‘The 2020 Benghazi report will be even more stinging’
"The committee, led by South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy, has been heavily criticized for perceived partisanship and for setting records in length of investigation and amount of money spent. Democrats had accused Republicans of convening the committee with the unethical purpose of damaging Clinton’s presidential hopes. Those accusations have been bolstered by members of the GOP admitting they are true."
"The committee, led by South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy, has been heavily criticized for perceived partisanship and for setting records in length of investigation and amount of money spent. Democrats had accused Republicans of convening the committee with the unethical purpose of damaging Clinton’s presidential hopes. Those accusations have been bolstered by members of the GOP admitting they are true."
Benghazi Ambassador Chris Stevens' Family Just Made Donald Trump Look Like an Even Bigger Fool
Benghazi Ambassador Chris Stevens' Family Just Made Donald Trump Look Like an Even Bigger Fool
"She basically destroyed every idiotic talking point Republicans have been trying to use for years to go after Clinton. Sadly, I’m sure her words won’t matter one bit to most on the right, especially Trump. Republicans will simply say and do whatever they want, all while claiming this is about honoring the families of the victims, while blatantly ignoring the words spoken by the de facto Stevens family spokesperson, Chris’s sister, Dr. Anne Stevens. So, when Donald Trump instructs people to ask the family of Ambassador Stevens about Hillary Clinton’s judgement, he’s right – they should."
"She basically destroyed every idiotic talking point Republicans have been trying to use for years to go after Clinton. Sadly, I’m sure her words won’t matter one bit to most on the right, especially Trump. Republicans will simply say and do whatever they want, all while claiming this is about honoring the families of the victims, while blatantly ignoring the words spoken by the de facto Stevens family spokesperson, Chris’s sister, Dr. Anne Stevens. So, when Donald Trump instructs people to ask the family of Ambassador Stevens about Hillary Clinton’s judgement, he’s right – they should."
The Sad And Expected End Of The Benghazi Select Committee
The Sad And Expected End Of The Benghazi Select Committee:
"Whitewater, Travelgate, Vince Foster and now Benghazi. These investigations in total have cost American taxpayers well in excess of $100,000,000, yet produced none of the results that were promised at their outsets. Yet conservatives seem destined to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Rather than being guided by facts, they allow themselves to be driven by the most extreme and conspiracy-oriented members of their party."
"Whitewater, Travelgate, Vince Foster and now Benghazi. These investigations in total have cost American taxpayers well in excess of $100,000,000, yet produced none of the results that were promised at their outsets. Yet conservatives seem destined to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Rather than being guided by facts, they allow themselves to be driven by the most extreme and conspiracy-oriented members of their party."
Republicans Released Their Benghazi Report and It's an Absolute Joke
Republicans Released Their Benghazi Report and It's an Absolute Joke
"After spending years and millions of taxpayer dollars on these multiple Benghazi “investigations,” the report can ultimately be summarized by the following: While we found no actual evidence or proof of deliberate wrongdoing, or even anything specific that would have alerted President Obama or Secretary Clinton that an attack was imminent, we feel that, based on our own subjective and partisan opinions, more could have been done to possibly prevent this attack. No, seriously, that’s essentially what this more than 800-page report says. Here’s a key passage to prove it: It is not clear what additional intelligence would have satisfied either Kennedy or the Secretary in understanding the Benghazi mission compound was at risk — short of an attack. Not that there was any real, concrete evidence that there was going to be an actual attack, just that, based on the opinions of these Republicans, they feel that something could have been done to prevent what happened. Of course, that’s not what the expert Republicans specifically brought in to investigate this, former three-star Lt. General Dana K. Chipman, concluded. In fact, his exact words were that he didn’t believe “anything could have been done differently to affect the outcome in Benghazi.” So, when Republicans basically say that, despite all evidence to the contrary, they feel more could have been done, that’s completely absurd considering their own hand-picked expert said there wasn’t anything more that could have been done. This whole circus has been an absolute embarrassment for this country. Republicans literally wasted millions of dollars trying to manipulate millions of people, including the friends and families of the victims, to exploit this tragedy for nothing more than a petty and disgraceful attempt to hurt Hillary Clinton’s chances at becoming our next president."
"After spending years and millions of taxpayer dollars on these multiple Benghazi “investigations,” the report can ultimately be summarized by the following: While we found no actual evidence or proof of deliberate wrongdoing, or even anything specific that would have alerted President Obama or Secretary Clinton that an attack was imminent, we feel that, based on our own subjective and partisan opinions, more could have been done to possibly prevent this attack. No, seriously, that’s essentially what this more than 800-page report says. Here’s a key passage to prove it: It is not clear what additional intelligence would have satisfied either Kennedy or the Secretary in understanding the Benghazi mission compound was at risk — short of an attack. Not that there was any real, concrete evidence that there was going to be an actual attack, just that, based on the opinions of these Republicans, they feel that something could have been done to prevent what happened. Of course, that’s not what the expert Republicans specifically brought in to investigate this, former three-star Lt. General Dana K. Chipman, concluded. In fact, his exact words were that he didn’t believe “anything could have been done differently to affect the outcome in Benghazi.” So, when Republicans basically say that, despite all evidence to the contrary, they feel more could have been done, that’s completely absurd considering their own hand-picked expert said there wasn’t anything more that could have been done. This whole circus has been an absolute embarrassment for this country. Republicans literally wasted millions of dollars trying to manipulate millions of people, including the friends and families of the victims, to exploit this tragedy for nothing more than a petty and disgraceful attempt to hurt Hillary Clinton’s chances at becoming our next president."
Ambassador Stevens' Sister Responds To Benghazi Report: ' I Don't Blame Hillary Clinton'
Ambassador Stevens' Sister Responds To Benghazi Report: ' I Don't Blame Hillary Clinton'
"The politicization of the Benghazi attacks has been a low point for American politics and for Republicans in Congress overall and the Chris Stevens family sees it for what it was."
"The politicization of the Benghazi attacks has been a low point for American politics and for Republicans in Congress overall and the Chris Stevens family sees it for what it was."
After Final Benghazi Report, It's Time We Demand Corrupt Republicans are Investigated
After Final Benghazi Report, It's Time We Demand Corrupt Republicans are Investigated
"We’ve had Rep. Trey Gowdy recently admit that the investigation was pointless; an ex-investigator (who was picked by the GOP) said that this was a “partisan investigation” specifically meant to slander Clinton; Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NV) publicly stated that the investigation was “designed to go after people and an individual, Hillary Clinton; while Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) flat-out admitted that it was meant to hurt Clinton’s polling numbers. So, with all of this evidence clearly indicating that this was a partisan witch hunt, I think it’s abundantly clear that the GOP just wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on absolutely nothing. Could you imagine what Republicans would be saying if Democrats were being accused of wasting nearly four years and millions of taxpayer dollars on investigations meant to do nothing more than attack one of their presidential candidates? They would be absolutely losing their minds. And just for the record, we’ve already had seven investigations into Benghazi (not including this last one) – five that have been led by Republicans – which have all essentially concluded that there was some level of fault on all sides, including embassy officials, though it’s unlikely anything could have prevented what happened. The most recent House Select Committee on Benghazi that released this report is actually just a follow-up to the last Republican-led investigation that concluded around Thanksgiving of 2014 which found no wrongdoing linked to Clinton. Nearly as soon as that investigation was completed, John Boehner, who was Speaker of the House at the time, announced that another committee would be put together at the start of this year to do the same damn thing they had just done. This has all been so completely ridiculous. In my opinion, the American people have the right to demand answers for why millions of their tax dollars were wasted on what was ultimately nothing more than a partisan attack exploiting the deaths of four Americans"
"We’ve had Rep. Trey Gowdy recently admit that the investigation was pointless; an ex-investigator (who was picked by the GOP) said that this was a “partisan investigation” specifically meant to slander Clinton; Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NV) publicly stated that the investigation was “designed to go after people and an individual, Hillary Clinton; while Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) flat-out admitted that it was meant to hurt Clinton’s polling numbers. So, with all of this evidence clearly indicating that this was a partisan witch hunt, I think it’s abundantly clear that the GOP just wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on absolutely nothing. Could you imagine what Republicans would be saying if Democrats were being accused of wasting nearly four years and millions of taxpayer dollars on investigations meant to do nothing more than attack one of their presidential candidates? They would be absolutely losing their minds. And just for the record, we’ve already had seven investigations into Benghazi (not including this last one) – five that have been led by Republicans – which have all essentially concluded that there was some level of fault on all sides, including embassy officials, though it’s unlikely anything could have prevented what happened. The most recent House Select Committee on Benghazi that released this report is actually just a follow-up to the last Republican-led investigation that concluded around Thanksgiving of 2014 which found no wrongdoing linked to Clinton. Nearly as soon as that investigation was completed, John Boehner, who was Speaker of the House at the time, announced that another committee would be put together at the start of this year to do the same damn thing they had just done. This has all been so completely ridiculous. In my opinion, the American people have the right to demand answers for why millions of their tax dollars were wasted on what was ultimately nothing more than a partisan attack exploiting the deaths of four Americans"
Trump’s get-rich-quick seminar grift was run by fraudsters who plagiarized lesson plans
Trump’s get-rich-quick seminar grift was run by fraudsters who plagiarized lesson plans
"Give this much to Donald Trump: The man knows how to grift."
"Give this much to Donald Trump: The man knows how to grift."
Trump ‘violating black-letter federal law’ by spamming foreign politicians for money: watchdog
Trump ‘violating black-letter federal law’ by spamming foreign politicians for money: watchdog
"Trump’s campaign sent the solicitation emails to the politicians’ official government accounts, and he continued sending them even after foreign reports revealed the requests for campaign donation. For example, his campaign asked Scottish members of parliament to “make America great again” while he was visiting Scotland to promote his golf course there."
"Trump’s campaign sent the solicitation emails to the politicians’ official government accounts, and he continued sending them even after foreign reports revealed the requests for campaign donation. For example, his campaign asked Scottish members of parliament to “make America great again” while he was visiting Scotland to promote his golf course there."
Watchdog Groups File FEC Complaint Over Trump Emails To Foreign Pols
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/fec-complaint-trump-emails-foreign-fundraising
"Members of parliament in Denmark and Finland also say they have received the fundraising pleas."
"Members of parliament in Denmark and Finland also say they have received the fundraising pleas."
Trump Camp Sending Fundraising Emails To Elected Officials In Multiple Countries
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/trump-fundraising-emails-foreign-members-parliament
"Since members of the British Parliament have complained about receiving several fundraising emails from Donald Trump, politicians in several other foreign countries have revealed that they've also been flooded with email requests for donations from Trump. Members of parliament in Australia, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland have all received the emails, according to news reports and tweets from the politicians."
"Since members of the British Parliament have complained about receiving several fundraising emails from Donald Trump, politicians in several other foreign countries have revealed that they've also been flooded with email requests for donations from Trump. Members of parliament in Australia, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland have all received the emails, according to news reports and tweets from the politicians."
Trump Slammed With FEC Complaint for 'Knowingly and Illegally' Soliciting Foreign Donations @alternet
Trump Slammed With FEC Complaint for 'Knowingly and Illegally' Soliciting Foreign Donations @alternet:
"Icelandic and Australian parliament members also reported receiving emails from Trump. In his email to Australian MPs, Trump even touted the UK’s historic vote to leave the European Union, writing in the subject line of his donation, “They took their country back"."
"Icelandic and Australian parliament members also reported receiving emails from Trump. In his email to Australian MPs, Trump even touted the UK’s historic vote to leave the European Union, writing in the subject line of his donation, “They took their country back"."
Boston Radio Host Intros Trump With War Whoops For Warren
Boston Radio Host Intros Trump With War Whoops For Warren
"I think it's hilarious that Drumpf is so bothered by Warren that he dredges up this crap. It didn't work for Scott Brown, and it's not going to work for Trump. But it does fire up the white supremacist crowd, so there's that."
"I think it's hilarious that Drumpf is so bothered by Warren that he dredges up this crap. It didn't work for Scott Brown, and it's not going to work for Trump. But it does fire up the white supremacist crowd, so there's that."
Sorry, George Will: The GOP became the party of Trump long before he became the nominee
Sorry, George Will: The GOP became the party of Trump long before he became the nominee
"Over the past 40 or so years, the Republican party’s dominant ideology has gone from being the elite and snobbish conservatism of William F. Buckley (and George Will) to the delusional and paranoid extremism of the John Birch Society (and Donald Trump). Though there are a variety of different factions within the GOP, the loudest and most prominent members of the party are now either Tea Party extremists — half Christian theocrat, half libertarian (with none of the good aspects) — or fact-free demagogues running on a platform of political nihilism, eager to burn down the RINO establishment without any due consideration for those in the crossfire. Moderate Republicans — those who were once called Rockefeller Republicans — have grown ever so rare in recent years (and even those who are considered somewhat moderate, e.g. John McCain and Lindsay Graham, are belligerent war-hawks). After the election of President Obama, the spread of right-wing extremism and political nihilism, which had been slowly taking hold of the Republican party for decades, began to accelerate. The election of a black man with an unusual (and foreign-sounding) name triggered a massive reactionary backlash, and with the success of Trump, there can no longer be any doubt that the president’s race was a significant factor. If the president was a white man named Barry O’Brien, for instance, it is unlikely that conspiracy theorists would be professing him to be a closet Muslim who wasn’t born in America — and even more doubtful that the opposing party’s presidential nominee would be the most prominent popularizer of these ridiculous conspiracy theories. But alas, Obama is an African American, his middle name is Hussein, and Donald Trump is the GOP nominee."
"Over the past 40 or so years, the Republican party’s dominant ideology has gone from being the elite and snobbish conservatism of William F. Buckley (and George Will) to the delusional and paranoid extremism of the John Birch Society (and Donald Trump). Though there are a variety of different factions within the GOP, the loudest and most prominent members of the party are now either Tea Party extremists — half Christian theocrat, half libertarian (with none of the good aspects) — or fact-free demagogues running on a platform of political nihilism, eager to burn down the RINO establishment without any due consideration for those in the crossfire. Moderate Republicans — those who were once called Rockefeller Republicans — have grown ever so rare in recent years (and even those who are considered somewhat moderate, e.g. John McCain and Lindsay Graham, are belligerent war-hawks). After the election of President Obama, the spread of right-wing extremism and political nihilism, which had been slowly taking hold of the Republican party for decades, began to accelerate. The election of a black man with an unusual (and foreign-sounding) name triggered a massive reactionary backlash, and with the success of Trump, there can no longer be any doubt that the president’s race was a significant factor. If the president was a white man named Barry O’Brien, for instance, it is unlikely that conspiracy theorists would be professing him to be a closet Muslim who wasn’t born in America — and even more doubtful that the opposing party’s presidential nominee would be the most prominent popularizer of these ridiculous conspiracy theories. But alas, Obama is an African American, his middle name is Hussein, and Donald Trump is the GOP nominee."
July 1, 2016
The Media Keeps Legitimizing the GOP—Regardless of Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Gun Addiction, and Now Fascism @alternet
The Media Keeps Legitimizing the GOP—Regardless of Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Gun Addiction, and Now Fascism @alternet:
"Today’s GOP is closer to a religious cult than a political institution. It operates on dogma, sees compromise as a moral failing, views enemies as pagans who must be vanquished, and considers every policy skirmish another Götterdämmerung. That isn’t politics; it’s a modern version of the medieval Crusades, and as the ancient Crusades did to Europe, it has inflicted untold damage on our country. Because it is deep in the bones of the Republicans, it won’t end with Trump, who is a non-believer himself when it comes to conservative orthodoxy. It can only end with the extinction of the party itself as presently constituted—Cruz, Ryan, Rubio, McConnell, et al.—and the rise of a new conservative party, not a cult. You won’t hear that in the MSM, in large part because, partisan organs like Fox News and MSNBC aside, it tries to maintain that deadly and deadening balance so often discussed and decried by media critics like me. This is a practice that requires a tit for every tat, so that blame can never be leveled against one party unless the media immediately level it against the other as well. Political equipoise, as it were. Part of this is laziness. Part is fear. The press knows that if it were to come right out and criticize the GOP for its denial of climate change, its campaign to deny the LGBT community its civil rights, its efforts to strip food stamps from children and health insurance from the poor, its systematic attempts to suppress minority voters, its recent howl to protect the Second-Amendment rights of suspected terrorists while at the same time calling for greater surveillance of us all, there would be hell to pay from the right wing, which would invoke the mythical and dreaded “liberal media.” The historian and columnist Eric Alterman calls this “working the refs,” and the MSM fall for it every time."
"Today’s GOP is closer to a religious cult than a political institution. It operates on dogma, sees compromise as a moral failing, views enemies as pagans who must be vanquished, and considers every policy skirmish another Götterdämmerung. That isn’t politics; it’s a modern version of the medieval Crusades, and as the ancient Crusades did to Europe, it has inflicted untold damage on our country. Because it is deep in the bones of the Republicans, it won’t end with Trump, who is a non-believer himself when it comes to conservative orthodoxy. It can only end with the extinction of the party itself as presently constituted—Cruz, Ryan, Rubio, McConnell, et al.—and the rise of a new conservative party, not a cult. You won’t hear that in the MSM, in large part because, partisan organs like Fox News and MSNBC aside, it tries to maintain that deadly and deadening balance so often discussed and decried by media critics like me. This is a practice that requires a tit for every tat, so that blame can never be leveled against one party unless the media immediately level it against the other as well. Political equipoise, as it were. Part of this is laziness. Part is fear. The press knows that if it were to come right out and criticize the GOP for its denial of climate change, its campaign to deny the LGBT community its civil rights, its efforts to strip food stamps from children and health insurance from the poor, its systematic attempts to suppress minority voters, its recent howl to protect the Second-Amendment rights of suspected terrorists while at the same time calling for greater surveillance of us all, there would be hell to pay from the right wing, which would invoke the mythical and dreaded “liberal media.” The historian and columnist Eric Alterman calls this “working the refs,” and the MSM fall for it every time."
Donald 'You’re Fired!' Trump, Kills Jobs @alternet
Donald 'You’re Fired!' Trump, Kills Jobs @alternet:
"He manufactures Trump Collection products overseas. He makes Trump ties in China. He stiches Trump suits in Vietnam and Mexico. He produces Trump furniture in Turkey. He fabricates Trump picture frames in India. He constructs Trump barware in Slovenia. That’s more money for Trump, true. But it’s not creating American jobs. Trump doesn’t care about the slave-wage workers producing his products overseas or the minimum-wage workers unable to scrape by in the United States. When asked if the federal minimum wage of $7.25 should be raised because nobody can live on that little money, Trump said no. Trump was born with a silver gaffe in his mouth, raised in luxury, set up in business by his father and bailed out by his daddy when he stumbled. He has no idea what living on the minimum wage of $290 a week means. He once had to live on a strict budget of $112,500 a week. That occurred as he neared bankruptcy 26 years ago. Not only that, the billionaire said Americans’ wages, which have been stagnant for decades, are too high. Trump thinks the truck driver or mechanic or welder who earns $52,000 a year in 2016 is making too much money. But, of course, Trump knows what scrimping is. He once had to live on $112,500 a week."
"He manufactures Trump Collection products overseas. He makes Trump ties in China. He stiches Trump suits in Vietnam and Mexico. He produces Trump furniture in Turkey. He fabricates Trump picture frames in India. He constructs Trump barware in Slovenia. That’s more money for Trump, true. But it’s not creating American jobs. Trump doesn’t care about the slave-wage workers producing his products overseas or the minimum-wage workers unable to scrape by in the United States. When asked if the federal minimum wage of $7.25 should be raised because nobody can live on that little money, Trump said no. Trump was born with a silver gaffe in his mouth, raised in luxury, set up in business by his father and bailed out by his daddy when he stumbled. He has no idea what living on the minimum wage of $290 a week means. He once had to live on a strict budget of $112,500 a week. That occurred as he neared bankruptcy 26 years ago. Not only that, the billionaire said Americans’ wages, which have been stagnant for decades, are too high. Trump thinks the truck driver or mechanic or welder who earns $52,000 a year in 2016 is making too much money. But, of course, Trump knows what scrimping is. He once had to live on $112,500 a week."
They Gave Their Life Savings to Trump, and Got Nothing @alternet
They Gave Their Life Savings to Trump, and Got Nothing @alternet:
"What Trump took was $500,000 pay day for schmoozing and luring investors with stock photos and canned quotes. Then he washed his orange hands of the whole deal, claiming no responsibility when the developer neither built a single unit nor offered a penny in refunds."
"What Trump took was $500,000 pay day for schmoozing and luring investors with stock photos and canned quotes. Then he washed his orange hands of the whole deal, claiming no responsibility when the developer neither built a single unit nor offered a penny in refunds."
Trey Gowdy Admits To Reporters The 'Clinton Lied, People Died' Bumper Stickers Were Wrong
Trey Gowdy Admits To Reporters The 'Clinton Lied, People Died' Bumper Stickers Were Wrong
"During a press conference today by the Republican committee members, Trey Gowdy was flustered into admitting that she was not responsible for the four tragic deaths on that horrible night. The reporter said, "..there are bumper stickers here are bumper stickers and t-shirts all over this country that say ‘Hillary Clinton lied, people died’ - is that true?" That question goes to the heart of why we've had so many investigations on the attack. It was all about destroying a political rival for the presidency. Rep. Gowdy replied, "You don’t see that t-shirt on me, and you've never seen that bumper sticker on any of my vehicles and you’ve never heard me comment on that"."
"During a press conference today by the Republican committee members, Trey Gowdy was flustered into admitting that she was not responsible for the four tragic deaths on that horrible night. The reporter said, "..there are bumper stickers here are bumper stickers and t-shirts all over this country that say ‘Hillary Clinton lied, people died’ - is that true?" That question goes to the heart of why we've had so many investigations on the attack. It was all about destroying a political rival for the presidency. Rep. Gowdy replied, "You don’t see that t-shirt on me, and you've never seen that bumper sticker on any of my vehicles and you’ve never heard me comment on that"."
WATCH: Fox News’ Brit Hume can’t believe Trump is already whining about ‘rigged’ polls
WATCH: Fox News’ Brit Hume can’t believe Trump is already whining about ‘rigged’ polls
"Remember back in 2012 when some conservatives “unskewed” polls to convince themselves that Mitt Romney was really winning the presidential election against Barack Obama? Well it looks like they’ve learned nothing from this past debacle"
"Remember back in 2012 when some conservatives “unskewed” polls to convince themselves that Mitt Romney was really winning the presidential election against Barack Obama? Well it looks like they’ve learned nothing from this past debacle"
‘As toxic as we’ve seen’: Top Republicans are avoiding Trump’s convention like the plague
‘As toxic as we’ve seen’: Top Republicans are avoiding Trump’s convention like the plague
"For Republicans in the year of Trump, however, speaking at the 2016 RNC looks a lot more like a career death sentence."
"For Republicans in the year of Trump, however, speaking at the 2016 RNC looks a lot more like a career death sentence."
Even Trump's Homeland Of Scotland Can't Stand Him
Even Trump's Homeland Of Scotland Can't Stand Him
"Donald "I have the best brain" Trump continued to prove how uneducated and uninformed he is with his latest set of tweets, this time regarding the Brexit news on Thursday. He seems utterly perplexed by the ripple effect this exit will cause, but even worse, he seems to think the vote was about Scotland, a whole different country. Mind you, Scotland voted to stay in the EU, by a margin of 62 percent to 38 percent. Math is not his strong suit. Or geography. Or money. Or logic."
"Donald "I have the best brain" Trump continued to prove how uneducated and uninformed he is with his latest set of tweets, this time regarding the Brexit news on Thursday. He seems utterly perplexed by the ripple effect this exit will cause, but even worse, he seems to think the vote was about Scotland, a whole different country. Mind you, Scotland voted to stay in the EU, by a margin of 62 percent to 38 percent. Math is not his strong suit. Or geography. Or money. Or logic."
Scant Evidence Exists of 'Millions' Trump Claims He's Donated to Charity (Video) @alternet
Scant Evidence Exists of 'Millions' Trump Claims He's Donated to Charity (Video) @alternet:
"Following the not-so-shocking revelation last month that Donald Trump failed to give a promised $1 million to a veterans group (until he was shamed into cutting a check by this Washington Post exposé) the presumptive Republican nominee is once again facing scrutiny over inflated claims of charitable donations."
"Following the not-so-shocking revelation last month that Donald Trump failed to give a promised $1 million to a veterans group (until he was shamed into cutting a check by this Washington Post exposé) the presumptive Republican nominee is once again facing scrutiny over inflated claims of charitable donations."
Fox News' Chris Wallace Fact-Checks Trump And Asks Gingrich: Why Doesn't He 'Stick To The Facts?'
Fox News' Chris Wallace Fact-Checks Trump And Asks Gingrich: Why Doesn't He 'Stick To The Facts?'
"This forced Newt to use the "some people say" defense of Trump"
"This forced Newt to use the "some people say" defense of Trump"
Trump’s Speech of Lies: 30 Gigantic Lies in 40 Minutes
http://trumplies.com/icymi-trumps-speech-of-lies-30-gigantic-lies-in-40-minutes/
"In case you missed it, Donald Trump lied at least thirty times during his 40-minute speech attacking Hillary Clinton."
"In case you missed it, Donald Trump lied at least thirty times during his 40-minute speech attacking Hillary Clinton."
Here are 7 of Donald Trump's Biggest Lies During Ridiculous Anti-Hillary Clinton Speech
Here are 7 of Donald Trump's Biggest Lies During Ridiculous Anti-Hillary Clinton Speech
"The only thing Donald Trump seems to care about is telling his supporters exactly what they want to hear — facts, truth or reality be damned."
"The only thing Donald Trump seems to care about is telling his supporters exactly what they want to hear — facts, truth or reality be damned."
Racism and the Rise of Trump
Racism and the Rise of Trump:
"Over time, the GOP’s all-white identity and racial conservatism have only become more pronounced. Ninety percent of those who voted for Romney in 2012 were white, as compared with 60 percent for Obama. And scholars have found that two recently rising GOP forces, Tea Party Republicans and other extreme conservatives, tend to hold even more jaundiced views of blacks, Latinos and immigrants than Republicans as a whole."
"Over time, the GOP’s all-white identity and racial conservatism have only become more pronounced. Ninety percent of those who voted for Romney in 2012 were white, as compared with 60 percent for Obama. And scholars have found that two recently rising GOP forces, Tea Party Republicans and other extreme conservatives, tend to hold even more jaundiced views of blacks, Latinos and immigrants than Republicans as a whole."
Fact-checking Trump’s garbage truck of lies: His speech accusing Clinton of corruption is riddled with fiction and conspiracies
Fact-checking Trump’s garbage truck of lies: His speech accusing Clinton of corruption is riddled with fiction and conspiracies
"Donald Trump’s long-awaited speech Wednesday supposedly detailing the dirt he has on Hillary Clinton turned out to be exactly what critics expected: A diatribe of right-wing paranoia seemingly cribbed off all-caps email forwards sent to you by your grandfather. Much of it assumed an audience that already has spent years poring over anti-Clinton urban legends and that gets almost all its news from the Drudge Report. It is also a fact-checking nightmare, a garbage truck of lies, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. It’s as if Trump is trying to overwhelm the fact-checkers with so many lies they simply give up."
"Donald Trump’s long-awaited speech Wednesday supposedly detailing the dirt he has on Hillary Clinton turned out to be exactly what critics expected: A diatribe of right-wing paranoia seemingly cribbed off all-caps email forwards sent to you by your grandfather. Much of it assumed an audience that already has spent years poring over anti-Clinton urban legends and that gets almost all its news from the Drudge Report. It is also a fact-checking nightmare, a garbage truck of lies, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. It’s as if Trump is trying to overwhelm the fact-checkers with so many lies they simply give up."
Fifty Shades Of Tinfoil Hat: Trump Goes Full Conspiracy Theory Again
Fifty Shades Of Tinfoil Hat: Trump Goes Full Conspiracy Theory Again
"Don't forget that Trump has been a birther. Brought up Vince Foster's death this year. Wondered allowed if Antonin Scalia was murrrrderrred. And of course, Lee Harvey Oswald couldn't have acted alone because Ted Cruz's dad helped him from his Cuban lair in Canada, after he received a vaccine that gave him autism!"
"Don't forget that Trump has been a birther. Brought up Vince Foster's death this year. Wondered allowed if Antonin Scalia was murrrrderrred. And of course, Lee Harvey Oswald couldn't have acted alone because Ted Cruz's dad helped him from his Cuban lair in Canada, after he received a vaccine that gave him autism!"
The Discredited Books At The Heart Of Trump's Speech
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/06/22/discredited-books-heart-trumps-speech/211103
"Clinton Cash is filled with errors and sloppy research, while Crisis of Character has been strongly denounced by Secret Service veterans as implausible."
"Clinton Cash is filled with errors and sloppy research, while Crisis of Character has been strongly denounced by Secret Service veterans as implausible."
Paul Krugman Nails the GOP for Being the Party of Con Men—Just Like Trump @alternet
Paul Krugman Nails the GOP for Being the Party of Con Men—Just Like Trump @alternet:
"Trump's pile of frauds and schemes, all of which were fully evident before the GOP primary began, so why did no one bring them up? Trump University, his history of failing to pay contractors, and how he personally profited while running his casinos into the ground. Of course there is also the fact that he is not even as rich as he claims to be, nor as successful since he mostly inherited his wealth. None of this has been hard to dig up, but Trump's GOP rivals just didn't."
"Trump's pile of frauds and schemes, all of which were fully evident before the GOP primary began, so why did no one bring them up? Trump University, his history of failing to pay contractors, and how he personally profited while running his casinos into the ground. Of course there is also the fact that he is not even as rich as he claims to be, nor as successful since he mostly inherited his wealth. None of this has been hard to dig up, but Trump's GOP rivals just didn't."
What would Trump fascism look like? A look at a dystopian future
What would Trump fascism look like? A look at a dystopian future
"10. There will be a permanent US fascist movement, whether it calls itself that or not. Drumpf Fascism may become the permanent face of the Republican Party. The party’s own leaders such as Lindsay Graham publicly worry so. So do stalwart conservative publications like the National Review. Even Glen Beck worries Drumpf is too crazy. The Republican Party could well become America’s own version of the National Front."
"10. There will be a permanent US fascist movement, whether it calls itself that or not. Drumpf Fascism may become the permanent face of the Republican Party. The party’s own leaders such as Lindsay Graham publicly worry so. So do stalwart conservative publications like the National Review. Even Glen Beck worries Drumpf is too crazy. The Republican Party could well become America’s own version of the National Front."
Real estate lawyer perfectly explains how Trump built his campaign like a crappy condo-mall project
Real estate lawyer perfectly explains how Trump built his campaign like a crappy condo-mall project
"Evidence has been mounting that Trump’s entire presidential campaign is a self-dealing con job, and now one attorney who has experience representing developers has laid out for us how his campaign is structured exactly like a failed real estate investment."
"Evidence has been mounting that Trump’s entire presidential campaign is a self-dealing con job, and now one attorney who has experience representing developers has laid out for us how his campaign is structured exactly like a failed real estate investment."
The huge Donald Trump story the media is ignoring
The huge Donald Trump story the media is ignoring
"Donald Trump has done business with major organized-crime figures and performed favors for their associates"
"Donald Trump has done business with major organized-crime figures and performed favors for their associates"
Here are 5 bald-faced lies Trump just told in his major anti-Hillary speech
Here are 5 bald-faced lies Trump just told in his major anti-Hillary speech
"It was also loaded with bald-faced lies."
"It was also loaded with bald-faced lies."
Donald Trump Taps Michele Bachmann, James Dobson & Other Far-Right Leaders For Advisory Board
Donald Trump Taps Michele Bachmann, James Dobson & Other Far-Right Leaders For Advisory Board: "Donald Trump’s campaign announced the formation of his Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, which includes right-wing figures ranging from ex-Rep. Michele Bachmann to Focus on the Family founder James Dobson. After retiring from Congress on the heels of a campaign scandal, Bachmann has not let up in her radical preaching. According to Bachmann, the September 11 attacks represented God’s judgment on America; President Obama and gay rights advocates are bringing about the End Times; homosexuality is “personal enslavement” and “part of Satan”; gay people want to change laws “so that adults will be able to freely prey on little children sexually”; and Obamacare death panels will literally kill people any day now. Texas-based televangelist Kenneth Copeland is also on the advisory board even though God told him that Ted Cruz would be the next president. Like Trump, Copeland has been implicated in financial scandals and preaches against vaccines, which may have been a reason that one of his churches suffered a measles outbreak. Copeland also claims the ability to cure PTSD and Ebola. Dobson, who once said that he could not support Trump, has a long history with the anti-LGBT Right, warning that gay marriage will lead to a second civil war and pastors going to prison, as well as ushering in the destruction of religious freedom, God’s judgment on America and the transformation of the U.S. into Nazi Germany. He even linked same-sex marriage to the Sandy Hook shooting. Other board members include Richard Land, who claims gay people are satanic and once lost a radio show after making racist, plagiarized statements, and Harry Jackson, a Maryland pastor who preaches about gay people trying to recruit children and prays against the demons behind same-sex marriage"
Trump, His Virus and the Dark Age of Unreason
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/6/21/1541077/-Trump-His-Virus-and-the-Dark-Age-of-Unreason
"There’s a virus infecting our politics and right now it’s flourishing with a scarlet heat. It feeds on fear, paranoia and bigotry. All that was required for it to spread was a timely opportunity — and an opportunist with no scruples. There have been stretches of history when this virus lay dormant. Sometimes it would flare up here and there, then fade away after a brief but fierce burst of fever. At other moments, it has spread with the speed of a firestorm, a pandemic consuming everything in its path, sucking away the oxygen of democracy and freedom. Today its carrier is Donald Trump, but others came before him: narcissistic demagogues who lie and distort in pursuit of power and self-promotion. Bullies all, swaggering across the landscape with fistfuls of false promises, smears, innuendo and hatred for others, spite and spittle for anyone of a different race, faith, gender or nationality."
"There’s a virus infecting our politics and right now it’s flourishing with a scarlet heat. It feeds on fear, paranoia and bigotry. All that was required for it to spread was a timely opportunity — and an opportunist with no scruples. There have been stretches of history when this virus lay dormant. Sometimes it would flare up here and there, then fade away after a brief but fierce burst of fever. At other moments, it has spread with the speed of a firestorm, a pandemic consuming everything in its path, sucking away the oxygen of democracy and freedom. Today its carrier is Donald Trump, but others came before him: narcissistic demagogues who lie and distort in pursuit of power and self-promotion. Bullies all, swaggering across the landscape with fistfuls of false promises, smears, innuendo and hatred for others, spite and spittle for anyone of a different race, faith, gender or nationality."
‘Go f*cking make my tortilla’: Unhinged Trump supporter goes batsh*t insane on Hispanic protester
‘Go f*cking make my tortilla’: Unhinged Trump supporter goes batsh*t insane on Hispanic protester
"The musclebound man, who hasn’t been identified, had a tattoo of the Arizona state flag across his back and the number “43,” which is associated with the Supreme White Alliance hate group"
"The musclebound man, who hasn’t been identified, had a tattoo of the Arizona state flag across his back and the number “43,” which is associated with the Supreme White Alliance hate group"
‘Make America White Again’: Tennessee candidate faces boycott over Trump-inspired racist billboard
‘Make America White Again’: Tennessee candidate faces boycott over Trump-inspired racist billboard
"A second sign used words from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech along with an illustration of the Confederate flag surrounding the White House."
"A second sign used words from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech along with an illustration of the Confederate flag surrounding the White House."
Family Research Council Tries To Stop Bill Helping Vets Access Fertility Services
Family Research Council Tries To Stop Bill Helping Vets Access Fertility Services:
"The Family Research Council, which routinely maligns gay military service members, is now attacking a bill that would make it easier for veterans to access fertility services if they have been wounded in combat, claiming that it undermines “pro-life” principles."
"The Family Research Council, which routinely maligns gay military service members, is now attacking a bill that would make it easier for veterans to access fertility services if they have been wounded in combat, claiming that it undermines “pro-life” principles."
O’Reilly Can’t Remember The Last Time An Abortion Clinic Was Attacked: Here Are A Few Examples
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/06/21/o-reilly-can-t-remember-last-time-abortion-clinic-was-attacked-here-are-few-examples/211091
"From 1977-2014, 6,948 incidents of violence have been reported at abortion clinics, including the Nov. 27 deadly shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic that was inspired by false claims that alleged the network of clinics illegally sold “baby parts.” Reproductive health clinics have faced a surge of violent threats following conservative media’s wave of anti-abortion attacks that tailed the release of the deceptive video that inspired the Colorado shooter."
"From 1977-2014, 6,948 incidents of violence have been reported at abortion clinics, including the Nov. 27 deadly shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic that was inspired by false claims that alleged the network of clinics illegally sold “baby parts.” Reproductive health clinics have faced a surge of violent threats following conservative media’s wave of anti-abortion attacks that tailed the release of the deceptive video that inspired the Colorado shooter."
Radical Islamists And The American Far Right: Cousins Of The Terrorist Kind
Radical Islamists And The American Far Right: Cousins Of The Terrorist Kind
"That is because even though the nominal wellsprings of their ideology may differ widely – i.e., either white-supremacist/neo-Nazi ideology or far-right Christianist ideology, or extreme Islamic fundamentalism – the cores of their respective appeals, as well as the psychological profiles of the people they attract as followers, is remarkably similar in nature as well as outcomes. They have the same enemies, and the same targets, because they think and behave in remarkably similar ways. As one of Rudolph’s victims recently told a reporter: “I always thought Rudolph was like ISIS,” McMahon said. “He comes from the same core.” In the end, both a religious and cultural variations of right-wing extremism. And what they share in common is much more substantial than the differences of their nominal religions."
"That is because even though the nominal wellsprings of their ideology may differ widely – i.e., either white-supremacist/neo-Nazi ideology or far-right Christianist ideology, or extreme Islamic fundamentalism – the cores of their respective appeals, as well as the psychological profiles of the people they attract as followers, is remarkably similar in nature as well as outcomes. They have the same enemies, and the same targets, because they think and behave in remarkably similar ways. As one of Rudolph’s victims recently told a reporter: “I always thought Rudolph was like ISIS,” McMahon said. “He comes from the same core.” In the end, both a religious and cultural variations of right-wing extremism. And what they share in common is much more substantial than the differences of their nominal religions."
Two simple sentences humiliate GOP senator who accused Afghan war veteran of being soft on terror
Two simple sentences humiliate GOP senator who accused Afghan war veteran of being soft on terror
"The problem with Blunt’s Twitter attack, however, is that Kandar is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Kander brilliantly laid the smack down in his Twitter response, shaming Blunt to think before he tweets. Blunt received three draft deferments for the Vietnam War as a college student in the late 1960s, according to the Kansas City Star. However, Blunt’s office didn’t disclose the information until 2015."
"The problem with Blunt’s Twitter attack, however, is that Kandar is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Kander brilliantly laid the smack down in his Twitter response, shaming Blunt to think before he tweets. Blunt received three draft deferments for the Vietnam War as a college student in the late 1960s, according to the Kansas City Star. However, Blunt’s office didn’t disclose the information until 2015."
WTF?! Is Trump's campaign paying him a salary to be the candidate?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/6/21/1540973/-WTF-Is-Trump-s-campaign-paying-him-a-salary-to-be-the-candidate
"Then we find out 20% of the paltry funds he has been spending have been going to himself or his family members."
"Then we find out 20% of the paltry funds he has been spending have been going to himself or his family members."
The consequences of an election in Louisiana: 200,000-plus people now have Medicaid
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/6/20/1539922/-The-consequences-of-an-election-in-Louisiana-200-000-plus-people-now-have-Medicaid
"New Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is justifiably taking a victory lap after 204,000 people have signed up for the expanded Medicaid he enacted, since June 1—yes, just this month. He sees an upcoming trend."
"New Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is justifiably taking a victory lap after 204,000 people have signed up for the expanded Medicaid he enacted, since June 1—yes, just this month. He sees an upcoming trend."
Right-wing broadcaster who wants Christian martyrs urges Trump fans to use AR-15s against protesters
Right-wing broadcaster who wants Christian martyrs urges Trump fans to use AR-15s against protesters
"A religious broadcaster who encouraged Christians to “prepare for martyrdom” over marriage equality is urging Donald Trump supporters to take up arms against their opponents."
"A religious broadcaster who encouraged Christians to “prepare for martyrdom” over marriage equality is urging Donald Trump supporters to take up arms against their opponents."
Trump's Plan Would Implode the U.S. Economy @alternet
Trump's Plan Would Implode the U.S. Economy @alternet:
"This is hardly making America great, as Trump likes to bellow. It is a template to run the federal government like one of his Atlantic City casinos where grandiose plans, other people’s money and vast overpromises collide in a maelstrom where the economic harms still echo. And it is giving license to a GOP-majority Congress to start dismantling domestic safety nets stretching back 75 years to Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal."
"This is hardly making America great, as Trump likes to bellow. It is a template to run the federal government like one of his Atlantic City casinos where grandiose plans, other people’s money and vast overpromises collide in a maelstrom where the economic harms still echo. And it is giving license to a GOP-majority Congress to start dismantling domestic safety nets stretching back 75 years to Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal."
Trump FEC report is why taxes must be released (he may be bankrupt again)
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/6/21/1540889/-Trump-FEC-report-is-why-taxes-must-be-released-he-may-be-bankrupt-again
"If he runs his personal finances the way he runs his campaign, then Trump is insolvent and absolutely disqualified from being president. We need to see the tax returns. Pronto."
"If he runs his personal finances the way he runs his campaign, then Trump is insolvent and absolutely disqualified from being president. We need to see the tax returns. Pronto."
Wait—is the Trump presidential campaign just an over-elaborate bank heist?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/6/20/1539947/-Wait-is-the-Trump-presidential-campaign-just-an-over-elaborate-bank-heist
"This look back at Donald Trump's one attempt at managing a publicly traded company raises yet another question about the presumptive Republican nominee's sudden political ambitions: Could it be that Donald Trump's presidential campaign is just an elaborate bank heist? Trump was the chairman of Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts in Atlantic City from 1995 to 2009, his only outing as the head of a major public company. During that time, the company lost more than $1 billion, financial records show. He also was chief executive from 2000 to 2005, during which time share prices plunged from a high of $35 to as low as 17 cents. Trump may have helmed the company bearing his name to penny-stock status, but he himself did exceedingly well. He got $44 million in salary. He charged the company additional "fees" for his services. The company paid for the $2 million care and feeding of his personal jet, and so on, and so on. To say Trump has no remorse about the cratering of the company he helmed would be, if anything, an understatement: He expounded: “They say, ‘Why don’t you take the casinos public or something?’ You know, if you take them public, you make money on that. All I can say is I wasn’t representing the country. I wasn’t representing the banks. I wasn’t representing anybody but myself.” All right, so Trump created a public company and then charged it exuberantly for his every involvement. That's not terribly surprising. But the Washington Post piece hints at the serious possibility that the public company became a dumping ground for Trump's other debt: Trump offloaded his failing efforts onto the stockholders, while he himself basked in stockholder-provided cash and perks."
"This look back at Donald Trump's one attempt at managing a publicly traded company raises yet another question about the presumptive Republican nominee's sudden political ambitions: Could it be that Donald Trump's presidential campaign is just an elaborate bank heist? Trump was the chairman of Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts in Atlantic City from 1995 to 2009, his only outing as the head of a major public company. During that time, the company lost more than $1 billion, financial records show. He also was chief executive from 2000 to 2005, during which time share prices plunged from a high of $35 to as low as 17 cents. Trump may have helmed the company bearing his name to penny-stock status, but he himself did exceedingly well. He got $44 million in salary. He charged the company additional "fees" for his services. The company paid for the $2 million care and feeding of his personal jet, and so on, and so on. To say Trump has no remorse about the cratering of the company he helmed would be, if anything, an understatement: He expounded: “They say, ‘Why don’t you take the casinos public or something?’ You know, if you take them public, you make money on that. All I can say is I wasn’t representing the country. I wasn’t representing the banks. I wasn’t representing anybody but myself.” All right, so Trump created a public company and then charged it exuberantly for his every involvement. That's not terribly surprising. But the Washington Post piece hints at the serious possibility that the public company became a dumping ground for Trump's other debt: Trump offloaded his failing efforts onto the stockholders, while he himself basked in stockholder-provided cash and perks."
GOP Leaders Try Insane New Line of Attack, Pretending to Be Champions for LGBT Community @alternet
GOP Leaders Try Insane New Line of Attack, Pretending to Be Champions for LGBT Community @alternet:
"That’s right, the same political thinkers who vehemently opposed gay marriage, argued against extending federal anti-discrimination laws to the LGBT community, and (in the case of Georgia Representative Rick Allen) cite Bible verses to suggest “they which commit such things are worthy of death,” claim they’re the real champions for gay Americans."
"That’s right, the same political thinkers who vehemently opposed gay marriage, argued against extending federal anti-discrimination laws to the LGBT community, and (in the case of Georgia Representative Rick Allen) cite Bible verses to suggest “they which commit such things are worthy of death,” claim they’re the real champions for gay Americans."
Donald Trump vs. the First Amendment
Donald Trump vs. the First Amendment:
"Trump follows the practices of Richard Nixon, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney."
"Trump follows the practices of Richard Nixon, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney."
The degenerate gambler: Trump runs his campaign like he ran his casinos — right into the ground
The degenerate gambler: Trump runs his campaign like he ran his casinos — right into the ground
"This is how he operates his businesses so it shouldn’t be too surprising that he’s running the same scams on his campaign. His May FEC reports show that 20% of the nearly 7 million spent in May went to Trump-owned businesses or family members. The campaign pays for his sons and daughter to travel for appearances. It “rented” Trump’s Palm beach club Mar-a-Lago and paid for Trump’s private 767. According to Market Watch, “the filing suggests that Trump himself is drawing a salary from the campaign, which would be highly unusual.” That would be unusual for a normal candidate, it’s standard operating procedure for Trump."
"This is how he operates his businesses so it shouldn’t be too surprising that he’s running the same scams on his campaign. His May FEC reports show that 20% of the nearly 7 million spent in May went to Trump-owned businesses or family members. The campaign pays for his sons and daughter to travel for appearances. It “rented” Trump’s Palm beach club Mar-a-Lago and paid for Trump’s private 767. According to Market Watch, “the filing suggests that Trump himself is drawing a salary from the campaign, which would be highly unusual.” That would be unusual for a normal candidate, it’s standard operating procedure for Trump."
Donald Trump Teams Up With Anti-LGBT Activists…Again
Donald Trump Teams Up With Anti-LGBT Activists…Again:
"Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed hero of the LGBT community, is slated to unveil a religious advisory board filled with outspoken opponents of LGBT rights this week, coinciding with his meeting tomorrow with hundreds of Religious Right leaders. According to the Wall Street Journal, the group is likely to include longtime supporters such as televangelist Paula White, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr., and Southern Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress. Others expected to join the board include Ralph Reed, who recently introduced Trump at an event hosted by his Faith and Freedom Coalition, Ronnie Floyd and Jack Graham, the current and past presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention, respectively, and Jay Strack of the Orlando-based Student Leadership University. The choice of these activists as campaign advisers would further undermine Trump’s attempts — bolstered by some in the media — to portray himself as either supportive of gay rights or at least distanced from the GOP’s anti-LGBT politics."
"Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed hero of the LGBT community, is slated to unveil a religious advisory board filled with outspoken opponents of LGBT rights this week, coinciding with his meeting tomorrow with hundreds of Religious Right leaders. According to the Wall Street Journal, the group is likely to include longtime supporters such as televangelist Paula White, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr., and Southern Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress. Others expected to join the board include Ralph Reed, who recently introduced Trump at an event hosted by his Faith and Freedom Coalition, Ronnie Floyd and Jack Graham, the current and past presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention, respectively, and Jay Strack of the Orlando-based Student Leadership University. The choice of these activists as campaign advisers would further undermine Trump’s attempts — bolstered by some in the media — to portray himself as either supportive of gay rights or at least distanced from the GOP’s anti-LGBT politics."
This Is How Trump Reportedly Decides To Ban Journalists From His Events
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/how-trump-reportedly-decides-press-ban
"A GQ profile of Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks published Monday detailed just how Trump goes about catching up on the news about his campaign—and how one article can get a writer banned from attending his events. “She sees the tantrums, and there are tantrums,” an anonymous source who's been with both Trump and Hicks told GQ. “He reads something he doesn't like by a reporter, and it's like, ‘This motherfucker! All right, fine. Hope?’ He circles it. ‘This guy's banned! He's banned for a while.’ That's exactly how it works.” According to the GQ report, each morning staffers print 30 to 50 Google News results for “Donald J. Trump” so he can peruse the articles. Trump then circles and annotates things he does and does not like so that scans of the marked-up reports can be sent back to the journalist. Oddly enough, the GQ profile did not feature a single quote from Hicks herself; instead, the campaign elected to have Trump speak about Hicks while the press secretary sat in the room silently."
"A GQ profile of Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks published Monday detailed just how Trump goes about catching up on the news about his campaign—and how one article can get a writer banned from attending his events. “She sees the tantrums, and there are tantrums,” an anonymous source who's been with both Trump and Hicks told GQ. “He reads something he doesn't like by a reporter, and it's like, ‘This motherfucker! All right, fine. Hope?’ He circles it. ‘This guy's banned! He's banned for a while.’ That's exactly how it works.” According to the GQ report, each morning staffers print 30 to 50 Google News results for “Donald J. Trump” so he can peruse the articles. Trump then circles and annotates things he does and does not like so that scans of the marked-up reports can be sent back to the journalist. Oddly enough, the GQ profile did not feature a single quote from Hicks herself; instead, the campaign elected to have Trump speak about Hicks while the press secretary sat in the room silently."
Samantha Bee Gives GOP a Racism Reality Check @alternet
Samantha Bee Gives GOP a Racism Reality Check @alternet:
"Bee then laid down the facts with a quick History of Modern American Racism to point out how the GOP has been benefitting from dog whistle hate for a long time. Fiscal Republican conservatives have used resentful whites to get into office, only now the white supremacists are taking over the asylum, so to speak. Trump isn’t new, as Bee points out; he’s just the final result of everything Republicans have been saying and voting for over decades."
"Bee then laid down the facts with a quick History of Modern American Racism to point out how the GOP has been benefitting from dog whistle hate for a long time. Fiscal Republican conservatives have used resentful whites to get into office, only now the white supremacists are taking over the asylum, so to speak. Trump isn’t new, as Bee points out; he’s just the final result of everything Republicans have been saying and voting for over decades."
Trump courts the homophobes: He says he stands with LGBTs, but now he’s meeting with anti-gay Christian leaders
Trump courts the homophobes: He says he stands with LGBTs, but now he’s meeting with anti-gay Christian leaders
"it’s a veritable who’s who of the nation’s sex police and LGBT haters"
"it’s a veritable who’s who of the nation’s sex police and LGBT haters"
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