Congrats, MP! The Senate is trying to ram through their ACA repeal right now. Call your Senators and demand they #ProtectOurCare. #CareNotChaos. President Obama still needs us to act, and this is timely.
Missed the opportunity to reply to BobFr on the previous thread, who said “All we have to do is watch what is ‘leaked’ in the coming hours, days …. because learning that any of those hypotheses is true subsequent to Trump being Inaugurated will be way to late to matter to humanity.” https://theobamadiary.com/2017/01/11/our-ability-to-create-change/#comment-1622114
Does this planet’s humanity hinge on DJT not being inaugurated president?
(MSM continue to jovially treat DJT in an unserious matter.)
This is big. Dramatically increases the number of people who can leak classified details from the report. https://t.co/SfZLJDD4nn
— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) January 11, 2025
House Intel Committee voted to allow ALL House members access to classified hacking report, briefing by CIA, FBI, DNI, NSA chiefs on Friday
— Deirdre Walsh (@deirdrewalshcnn) January 11, 2025
“Does this planet’s humanity hinge on DJT not being inaugurated president?”
In my opinion Arapaho, which I’m sure is no surprise to you or anyone at TOD, is - Yes.
For a little joviality ….
The guy who works with Neo-Nazis, and said Muslims should carry special religious ID cards asked, Are We Living in Nazi Germany? pic.twitter.com/vqh114OqnI
— California Liberal (@California_Lib) January 11, 2025
Take care everyone … back to work …. may be too late to return tonight ….
Maybe you TOD Californians could have your ‘winter getaway’ to this park on #MLKDay? I have to admit I’m envious of a ‘winter’ view like this one at this time of year. 😉
A gorgeous winter getaway: Channel Islands National Park by George H.H. Huey #California pic.twitter.com/16cNQBbRJT
Part 2 of my Transcendent moments with President Obama. Going through these has helped me emotionally. Hope they help some others too.
One classification of transcendent moments are the times when PBO had to be Mourner-in-Chief after our gun massacres. The first one I remember was Gabby Giffords. Of course POTUS went to Arizona, and comforted people. And I remember the moment in his speech when he smiled and looked up and said: “Gabby opened her eyes. Gabby opened her eyes.” That was exciting. He ALWAYS found the positive to encourage us. I remember the sad, sad, sad pictures of him at Newtown, and the picture of him watching Sasha’s ballet rehearsal, writing his speech, because he had to miss the recital the next day. His speech at Fort Hood, his marvelous speech in Boston…..he and Deval Patrick were quite the tag team. All the times he rallied us and comforted us. His wells of compassion seem never to run dry. God bless him.
The last comforter time I remember he mentioned last night: “I found grace in a Charleston church.” That was the last event my husband and I were able to watch together. We watched the entire event. Other people spoke, and then POTUS sang Amazing Grace. I still get tears thinking of that. That time is special, because it also comforted us, knowing what was probably coming for us.
The 2012 election night. He made this low key…..always sensitive. We all knew the 2008 night could not be replicated, and he didn’t try to. Remember Sasha asking him to look behind him at the people? His second inaugural. I watched that one with as much anticipation, joy and pride as the first one. He had overcome so much by then.
Every international summit…..all the other leaders wanted to stand by him. You could tell…..he was the magnet. The Paris Climate Agreement, the Arctic agreement he and PM Trudeau signed…..I’ll probably think of more, but it is so good to have these images and memories to hold on to.
Last night was another transcendent moment. I was so glad he detailed the progress made and gave us the way forward. His inner resources are quite amazing. Complimenting US???? What a person. Seeing once again the love between the family members, seeing sweet Malia cry at his tribute to Michelle, and then at his tribute to her and Sasha. They definitely have not become hardened and cynical. Amazing Grace.
Remember this foolish Peter Thiel comment these next 4 years. Even he's going to be begging for "too boring."https://t.co/4wWhyLoiPC pic.twitter.com/u7gtwQ979k
— Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) January 12, 2025
I also heard they have footage of him being a great dad and husband.
But hey, these are just "unverified claims."https://t.co/YUHloiAQ19
— Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) January 12, 2025
My child: "who became president after Obama? Me: pic.twitter.com/0GRGT5Qhcu
Hello Wonder Woman! A couple of weeks ago I sent you an email at the TOD email address. Do you check that? Is there a better way to get in touch? I literally just set up a twitter account and am being followed by an old friend and one of my nephews, so I don’t think that will help. :))
What I heard on the radio today is that DJT plans on building the wall by taxing remittances from the US to Mexico.
So his plan is to screw hard-working people here, doing jobs that few would care to do — breaking your back picking vegetables from low plants in 100F heat with unrelenting sun (Central Valley CA, Arizona, etc.) or slaughtering animals and packaging them for sale in supermarkets.
All of this! He made it plain and covered all of the basis. The Deplorable One ran for office to increase his coffers, now he will be forced to loose money if he wants to keep it (unless the gutless, sycophantic GOP guts more watchdog entities and come up with ways to let DT keep his businesses that indicate a conflict of interest; anything is possible with this group, even the unimaginable). The beautiful irony.
I hope that Director Shaub lawyers up and get protection because you know that the Crook-in-Chief and his minions will be coming for him.
Well said. And, yes, I’m sure Director Shaub (whose original tweets on Trump’s conflicts of interest were fabulous) is in Trump’s sights. And - good for him - he does not care, since it appears he’s a REAL American.
Nice idea— 60 DC restaurants, shops will donate part of profits over inauguration wknd to orgs like @PPact + @HRC https://t.co/TFo9xnmFH9 pic.twitter.com/VdMVD55MmC
Did any of you hear the ethics lawyers on PBS and also Chris Hayes earlier tonight? The segment on PBS was rather long segment. Naturally, they said the same things on both shows. They are livid, well, beyond that, I think. I believe it was on CH’s show that at the end one of them INSISTED that “We are not going to let this happen.” (The Constitution being ignored.) I think he said it twice. I’m wondering, wondering, wondering………Bob, if you see this, think there’s anything ‘in the works’ along these lines?
Rachel Maddox had an opening segment about Russia, Exon, and Tillerson. Quite detailed explaining the incredible conflict of interest Tillerson represents.
Oh yes that was so special, wasn’t it? I am to be honest, I know that day is coming but I try not to think about it. I am going to miss the Obamas so much. So much.
Apparently, the President and First Lady will make an appearance on the show …
“Hailing the crowd at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Oprah Winfrey looked joyous — and fittingly so. The spirit inside the center — the site for ABC’s Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America special, airing Thursday (9 ET/PT) — was one of affirmation. Taped last September in honor of the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture, the two-hour special reflects on our nation’s history through the lens of the black experience, paying homage to African Americans’ cultural impact through dance, spoken word and musical performances.”
ABC's 'Taking the Stage' special marks a tribute to black art https://t.co/gn69ce4VRN via @usatoday
Good morning, bella. Our First Lady has changed the lives of so many Americans for the better. It’s such a huge treat to see her acknowledged in this way.
Senate #Republicans just voted 51-48 to double the deficit & raise the debt ceiling by $9 trillion, but it's all about repealing #Obamacare? pic.twitter.com/ocHtB993Eo
To those who thought Hillary Clinton was so terrible, they didn’t vote for her, or didn’t vote, what did you think were going to happen by allowing the Republicans to get control of the House, Senate, WH? These are the same people who claim to care so much for children, no wait a minute they don’t give a dam about children they just want the fetus to be born, after that they don’t care.
This story is better than the photo. Back in 2011, the President invited Bono and Alicia Keys to lunch in his private dining room adjacent to the Oval Office. Bono asks where he should sit. Potus says sit wherever there's a chair. Bono sees a guitar case in the corner, a campaign memento from Rock The Vote event. Bono quickly tunes the guitar and starts playing/singing Norwegian Wood by the Beatles. Why? Because the second verse goes like this: "She asked me to stay And she told me to sit anywhere So I looked around And I noticed there wasn't a chair" In the midst of this, the President looks back at me and says, "How cool is this?"
They can NEVER claim to be “pro life” again!! People will DIE and DIE SOONER for what they are trying to do.
But those richest 400 Americans will be SO HEALTHY that their health will trickle down the the 8.4 million kids the GOP voted to uninsure. https://t.co/sfmBUC7q8X
Second, the Constitution exists to create effective governance for the nation. The Preamble states that the Constitution exists “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, [and] promote the general Welfare.” The emphasis on establishing a “Union” and a successful government for it is not surprising because the Constitution was created in response to the failures of the Articles of Confederation which was a compact among the states where there was a weak national government with little power. Throughout American history there have been battles over federalism and the authority of the federal government to take actions of unquestionable desirability: limiting slavery, banning child labor, prohibiting race discrimination, protecting the environment. The guidance of the Preamble has been overlooked: the Constitution exists to ensure that the national government has the authority to do all of these things which are part of a “more perfect Union” and “the general Welfare.”
Republicans NEVER do ANYTHING to promote the general welfare of the American people. That is why they can do the work of corporations and ignore that we need clean air and water, and safety rules and regulations etc.
this is why they have to lie to the American people…this is why they always have use smoke and mirrors…because if the American People…namely some white voters knew what was really taking place…they would not be so easy to fool
These are some of the several amendments presented by Democrats that were voted down by @SenateGOP in the middle of the night, one by one: pic.twitter.com/6uo8zO0Ibq
I just finished making my first calls of today to my US Senator’s local & DC offices. I have one Dem & one gop. The Dem, I thanked. The gop, I cussed out! Told the gop’s assistant that we didn’t elect him to destroy people by taking away their Obamacare. Reminded him that we are watching ALL the votes he is casting - even when he does so in the dead of night. Told him that if he is proud of that vote then he should take it in broad day light when everyone is watching not in the dead of night like the thief & coward he is. Told him that we know what the budget vote exactly meant & that I would be on the phone again. Now off to send email & letter
How the Trump dossier came to light: secret sources, a retired spy and John McCain
What began as opposition research during the Republican primary slowly grew from a covert investigation into an extraordinary but unverified global story
The extraordinary but unverified documents published on Tuesday on Donald Trump’s ties with Moscow began life as a piece of opposition research, which has become as much a part of US politics as yard signs and coloured balloons.
There is a small industry of research and investigative firms in Washington, typically staffed by a mix of former journalists and security officials, adept at finding information about politicians that the politicians would rather stay hidden. The firms often do not know who exactly is hiring them; the request could come from a law firm acting on behalf of a client from one of the parties.
In this case, the request for opposition research on Donald Trump came from one of his Republican opponents in the primary campaign. The research firm then hired one of its sub-contractors who it used regularly on all things Russian: a retired western European former counter-intelligence official, with a long history of dealing with the shadow world of Moscow’s spooks and siloviki (securocrats).
By the time the contractor had started his research, however, the Republican primary was over. The original client had dropped out, but the firm that had hired him had found a new, Democratic client. This was not necessarily the Hillary Clinton campaign or the Democratic National Committee. Opposition research is frequently financed by wealthy individuals who have donated all they can and are looking for other ways to help.
By July, the counter-intelligence contractor had collected a significant amount of material based on Russian sources who he had grown to trust over the years – not just in Moscow, but also among oligarchs living in the west. He delivered his reports, but the gravity of their contents weighed on him. If the allegations were real, their implications were overwhelming.
Trump’s trainwreck press conference ushers in a shambolic presidency
Richard Wolffe
It’s safe to say that the Trump administration already looks clueless – and it hasn’t even started yet
Donald Trump is not what he seems. The supposed master of media manipulation stumbled so often at his first press conference, it is hard to recall why anyone thought the TV star was good at this stuff in the first place.
If the potentially explosive story embroiling him weren’t so salacious, you might say this is a case of the emperor’s new clothes. Instead, it’s safe to say the Trump presidency is already in shambles. And it has yet to reach its official start.
For a showman who promised to restore the Reagan era – and even ripped off Reagan’s slogan – this is just one of the most surprising revelations of the past few days.
Reagan and his advisers knew how to project a sunny image that kept the presidency separate from whatever the pesky media wanted to focus on, such as high unemployment or secret gun-running to enemy states.
Judging from Wednesday’s trainwreck press conference – the first since July – Trump and his handlers have no self-discipline and no strategy to deal with the Russian crisis that has been simmering for the best part of the past year.
In light of the allegations that the Trump campaign had direct ties to Russian officials, Steve Benen reminds us of something important today. Back in November, this was pretty widely reported in the press:
Russian government officials conferred with members of Donald Trump’s campaign team, a senior Russian diplomat said Thursday, a disclosure that could reopen scrutiny of the Kremlin’s role in the president-elect’s bitter race against Hillary Clinton.
The statement came from Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who said in an interview with the state-run Interfax news agency that “there were contacts” with the Trump team.
“Obviously, we know most of the people from his entourage,” Ryabkov said.
“We have just begun to consider ways of building dialogue with the future Donald Trump administration and channels we will be using for those purposes,” Ryabkov was quoted as saying.
Ryabkov provided no further details, and his remarks drew a swift denial from Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks, who said the campaign had “no contact with Russian officials” before Tuesday’s election.
As an aside, I’ll point out that this might be the one and only time that Trump and/or his spokesperson has ever contradicted something a Russian official said. Nevertheless, it is important to keep this statement from Rybakov in mind when they categorically deny any contact with Russia prior to the election.
The documents released by Buzzfeed name three Trump staff/advisors who held meetings with top-level Russian officials on behalf of the campaign: Paul Manafort, Carter Page and Michael Cohen. At the news conference this morning, it was alarming that Sean Spicer said this about Carter Page:
Mornin’. Couple thoughts on all the Senate hearings today. First, we see two-time-presidential-campaign-loser McCain, bringing all his bitterness and “I could have done it better” with him, had to mute him, then the nice William Cohen and the throwback Sam Nunn, the latter of which may or may not still be a Democrat … then in another hearing, Bob Dole comes in to endorse …
I checked the calendar, and it still says “21st Century.” Hmmm. #WhyICantGiveUpChocolateDonutsJustYet
Congressional GOP has a (health care) bridge it wants to sell you
01/12/17 08:43 AM—UPDATED 01/12/17 08:51 AM
By Steve Benen
Senate Republicans did not vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act overnight, but they did take the first important step down that road. If you’re wondering what’s at the end of that road, you’re not alone.
Following the so-called “vote-a-rama,” in which senators considered a series of amendments in rapid secession, the chamber voted 51 to 48* in support of something called a budget resolution. How does this affect “Obamacare”? Substantively, it doesn’t. Last night’s vote was largely about process: the Senate got the ball rolling on giving itself the ability to use reconciliation to repeal key parts of the ACA with 50 votes instead of 60.
The bill now heads to the Republican-led House, which will almost certainly approve it tomorrow. Because it’s a legislative blueprint, the bill does not go to the White House for a signature. (This is effectively an outline Congress is creating for itself.)
Of course, for the GOP, this was the easy part. The party still has no health care blueprint, despite seven years of effort, and Republicans remain divided over their legislative strategy. In an instantly memorable line, Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.) said overnight, ”We’re loading a gun here. I want to know where it’s pointed before we start the process.”
But at least for now, most Republicans are content to worry about where the bullet will end up later.
Republicans say the 2016 elections gave them a mandate to roll back the health care law. “The Obamacare bridge is collapsing, and we’re sending in a rescue team,” said Senator Michael B. Enzi, Republican of Wyoming and the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. “Then we’ll build new bridges to better health care, and finally, when these new bridges are finished, we’ll close the old bridge.”
Congratulations, America. You’ve elected a Congress that actually has a bridge it wants to sell you.
We're looking back at this photo we cherish of @mavisstaples at Kennedy Center Honors. You can see @POTUS smiling proudly in the background. pic.twitter.com/HseDyQZfe4
White House.gov
Okay
Yep.
Congrats, MP! The Senate is trying to ram through their ACA repeal right now. Call your Senators and demand they #ProtectOurCare. #CareNotChaos. President Obama still needs us to act, and this is timely.
Yes!
GE TODville, congrats on #1, MP.
Missed the opportunity to reply to BobFr on the previous thread, who said “All we have to do is watch what is ‘leaked’ in the coming hours, days …. because learning that any of those hypotheses is true subsequent to Trump being Inaugurated will be way to late to matter to humanity.”
https://theobamadiary.com/2017/01/11/our-ability-to-create-change/#comment-1622114
Does this planet’s humanity hinge on DJT not being inaugurated president?
(MSM continue to jovially treat DJT in an unserious matter.)
“Does this planet’s humanity hinge on DJT not being inaugurated president?”
In my opinion Arapaho, which I’m sure is no surprise to you or anyone at TOD, is - Yes.
For a little joviality ….
Take care everyone … back to work …. may be too late to return tonight ….
Unequivocally, yes
Evidently there is a webinar from OFA NOW…re: Protecting Obamacare
check your email:)
Maybe you TOD Californians could have your ‘winter getaway’ to this park on #MLKDay? I have to admit I’m envious of a ‘winter’ view like this one at this time of year. 😉
Part 2 of my Transcendent moments with President Obama. Going through these has helped me emotionally. Hope they help some others too.
One classification of transcendent moments are the times when PBO had to be Mourner-in-Chief after our gun massacres. The first one I remember was Gabby Giffords. Of course POTUS went to Arizona, and comforted people. And I remember the moment in his speech when he smiled and looked up and said: “Gabby opened her eyes. Gabby opened her eyes.” That was exciting. He ALWAYS found the positive to encourage us. I remember the sad, sad, sad pictures of him at Newtown, and the picture of him watching Sasha’s ballet rehearsal, writing his speech, because he had to miss the recital the next day. His speech at Fort Hood, his marvelous speech in Boston…..he and Deval Patrick were quite the tag team. All the times he rallied us and comforted us. His wells of compassion seem never to run dry. God bless him.
The last comforter time I remember he mentioned last night: “I found grace in a Charleston church.” That was the last event my husband and I were able to watch together. We watched the entire event. Other people spoke, and then POTUS sang Amazing Grace. I still get tears thinking of that. That time is special, because it also comforted us, knowing what was probably coming for us.
The 2012 election night. He made this low key…..always sensitive. We all knew the 2008 night could not be replicated, and he didn’t try to. Remember Sasha asking him to look behind him at the people? His second inaugural. I watched that one with as much anticipation, joy and pride as the first one. He had overcome so much by then.
Every international summit…..all the other leaders wanted to stand by him. You could tell…..he was the magnet. The Paris Climate Agreement, the Arctic agreement he and PM Trudeau signed…..I’ll probably think of more, but it is so good to have these images and memories to hold on to.
Last night was another transcendent moment. I was so glad he detailed the progress made and gave us the way forward. His inner resources are quite amazing. Complimenting US???? What a person. Seeing once again the love between the family members, seeing sweet Malia cry at his tribute to Michelle, and then at his tribute to her and Sasha. They definitely have not become hardened and cynical. Amazing Grace.
Thank you jb. Your poem on Joe Biden was wonderful. Captured him beautifully.
Thanks so much, carolyn!
Amazing Grace indeed {{{Carolyn}}}
i have loved your remembrances…carolyn….
Hello Wonder Woman! A couple of weeks ago I sent you an email at the TOD email address. Do you check that? Is there a better way to get in touch? I literally just set up a twitter account and am being followed by an old friend and one of my nephews, so I don’t think that will help. :))
Betsey - what is your Twitter handle? I will follow you!
That will be great! Though I have no idea what to do with it so far. It’s @betsey_crawford. I’ll follow back.
Not quite there yet! It’s @crawford_betsey.
i’m sure they know how to do this..they would tag team the President all the time..each trying to get their Gotcha moment
Good Evening TODVille.
I am going to buy me a small piece of land along the south border to watch the “build the wall Mexico will pay for” program.
GM NCLB.
What I heard on the radio today is that DJT plans on building the wall by taxing remittances from the US to Mexico.
So his plan is to screw hard-working people here, doing jobs that few would care to do — breaking your back picking vegetables from low plants in 100F heat with unrelenting sun (Central Valley CA, Arizona, etc.) or slaughtering animals and packaging them for sale in supermarkets.
Evening TOD folks! Still breathing deeply, hoping it was all a dream and Barack Obama is still president for four more years.
This guy - Walter Shaub, Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics - is a hero.
All of this! He made it plain and covered all of the basis. The Deplorable One ran for office to increase his coffers, now he will be forced to loose money if he wants to keep it (unless the gutless, sycophantic GOP guts more watchdog entities and come up with ways to let DT keep his businesses that indicate a conflict of interest; anything is possible with this group, even the unimaginable). The beautiful irony.
I hope that Director Shaub lawyers up and get protection because you know that the Crook-in-Chief and his minions will be coming for him.
Well said. And, yes, I’m sure Director Shaub (whose original tweets on Trump’s conflicts of interest were fabulous) is in Trump’s sights. And - good for him - he does not care, since it appears he’s a REAL American.
Not sure if this is “news,” but will check it out.
Trump is an embarrassment to this country. That press conference was terrible.
Military aides carry the nuclear football as they walk to Marine One to travel with President Obama from the White House, on January 10, 2017.
Dear Lord, Save us!
Lord Help Us.
Good evening everyone,
Did any of you hear the ethics lawyers on PBS and also Chris Hayes earlier tonight? The segment on PBS was rather long segment. Naturally, they said the same things on both shows. They are livid, well, beyond that, I think. I believe it was on CH’s show that at the end one of them INSISTED that “We are not going to let this happen.” (The Constitution being ignored.) I think he said it twice. I’m wondering, wondering, wondering………Bob, if you see this, think there’s anything ‘in the works’ along these lines?
Rachel Maddox had an opening segment about Russia, Exon, and Tillerson. Quite detailed explaining the incredible conflict of interest Tillerson represents.
Rachel Maddow not Maddox. I hate when spell check changes something after you already looked at it.
The Tonight Show … with FLOTUS and Stevie Wonder … coming up …
Getting ready to watch FLOTUS.
Me, too! We’ll watch together!
Well, I’m crying already - are you, bella? ❤
Right now I’m smiling, because FLOTUS is a joy. That day will come though, I know it will.
I cried when the women and men were talking about what she meant to them at the beginning - but, yes, it’s all a joy!
Oh yes that was so special, wasn’t it? I am to be honest, I know that day is coming but I try not to think about it. I am going to miss the Obamas so much. So much.
Stevie Wonder is singing a tribute to our FLOTUS. So nice.
Thank you Notes, Jimmy told FLOTUS that since you like exercising so much how about running for President 2020.
Wonderful tribute! And goodnight to you, bella, and TODville.
Apparently, the President and First Lady will make an appearance on the show …
“Hailing the crowd at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Oprah Winfrey looked joyous — and fittingly so. The spirit inside the center — the site for ABC’s Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America special, airing Thursday (9 ET/PT) — was one of affirmation. Taped last September in honor of the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture, the two-hour special reflects on our nation’s history through the lens of the black experience, paying homage to African Americans’ cultural impact through dance, spoken word and musical performances.”
8 days and counting ….
goodnight TOD ….
PISSONUS. Fixed it
OMG, this is incredibly beautiful. ENJOY!!
It was worth watching, I s enjoyed the tribute to our wonderful First Lady.
I so enjoyed
Good morning, bella. Our First Lady has changed the lives of so many Americans for the better. It’s such a huge treat to see her acknowledged in this way.
This is such a horror show:
To those who thought Hillary Clinton was so terrible, they didn’t vote for her, or didn’t vote, what did you think were going to happen by allowing the Republicans to get control of the House, Senate, WH? These are the same people who claim to care so much for children, no wait a minute they don’t give a dam about children they just want the fetus to be born, after that they don’t care.
FUN!!
Morning (mourning) everyone. Just spent the last 1/2 hour writing to both my senators…
They can NEVER claim to be “pro life” again!! People will DIE and DIE SOONER for what they are trying to do.
Nice idea but Trump will never have the integrity or the impulse to do the honorable thing:
Worth a read.
https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/preamble/giving-meaning-to-the-preamble-by-erwin-chemerinsky/interp/37
Second, the Constitution exists to create effective governance for the nation. The Preamble states that the Constitution exists “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, [and] promote the general Welfare.” The emphasis on establishing a “Union” and a successful government for it is not surprising because the Constitution was created in response to the failures of the Articles of Confederation which was a compact among the states where there was a weak national government with little power. Throughout American history there have been battles over federalism and the authority of the federal government to take actions of unquestionable desirability: limiting slavery, banning child labor, prohibiting race discrimination, protecting the environment. The guidance of the Preamble has been overlooked: the Constitution exists to ensure that the national government has the authority to do all of these things which are part of a “more perfect Union” and “the general Welfare.”
Republicans NEVER do ANYTHING to promote the general welfare of the American people. That is why they can do the work of corporations and ignore that we need clean air and water, and safety rules and regulations etc.
this is why they have to lie to the American people…this is why they always have use smoke and mirrors…because if the American People…namely some white voters knew what was really taking place…they would not be so easy to fool
Good Morning Everyone!
Good Morning Everybody.
Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, will appear on The View Friday January 13 2017.
I love Stevie Wonder tribute to FLOTUS. He sung “Isn’t Sh Lovely” and he sung My Cherie Amour, but he change the words to My Michelle, it was lovely.
I just finished making my first calls of today to my US Senator’s local & DC offices. I have one Dem & one gop. The Dem, I thanked. The gop, I cussed out! Told the gop’s assistant that we didn’t elect him to destroy people by taking away their Obamacare. Reminded him that we are watching ALL the votes he is casting - even when he does so in the dead of night. Told him that if he is proud of that vote then he should take it in broad day light when everyone is watching not in the dead of night like the thief & coward he is. Told him that we know what the budget vote exactly meant & that I would be on the phone again. Now off to send email & letter
” The Dem, I thanked. The gop, I cussed out!”
LOL, woman after my own heart.
Go, Linda!
How the Trump dossier came to light: secret sources, a retired spy and John McCain
What began as opposition research during the Republican primary slowly grew from a covert investigation into an extraordinary but unverified global story
The extraordinary but unverified documents published on Tuesday on Donald Trump’s ties with Moscow began life as a piece of opposition research, which has become as much a part of US politics as yard signs and coloured balloons.
There is a small industry of research and investigative firms in Washington, typically staffed by a mix of former journalists and security officials, adept at finding information about politicians that the politicians would rather stay hidden. The firms often do not know who exactly is hiring them; the request could come from a law firm acting on behalf of a client from one of the parties.
In this case, the request for opposition research on Donald Trump came from one of his Republican opponents in the primary campaign. The research firm then hired one of its sub-contractors who it used regularly on all things Russian: a retired western European former counter-intelligence official, with a long history of dealing with the shadow world of Moscow’s spooks and siloviki (securocrats).
By the time the contractor had started his research, however, the Republican primary was over. The original client had dropped out, but the firm that had hired him had found a new, Democratic client. This was not necessarily the Hillary Clinton campaign or the Democratic National Committee. Opposition research is frequently financed by wealthy individuals who have donated all they can and are looking for other ways to help.
By July, the counter-intelligence contractor had collected a significant amount of material based on Russian sources who he had grown to trust over the years – not just in Moscow, but also among oligarchs living in the west. He delivered his reports, but the gravity of their contents weighed on him. If the allegations were real, their implications were overwhelming.
Trump’s trainwreck press conference ushers in a shambolic presidency
Richard Wolffe
It’s safe to say that the Trump administration already looks clueless – and it hasn’t even started yet
Donald Trump is not what he seems. The supposed master of media manipulation stumbled so often at his first press conference, it is hard to recall why anyone thought the TV star was good at this stuff in the first place.
If the potentially explosive story embroiling him weren’t so salacious, you might say this is a case of the emperor’s new clothes. Instead, it’s safe to say the Trump presidency is already in shambles. And it has yet to reach its official start.
For a showman who promised to restore the Reagan era – and even ripped off Reagan’s slogan – this is just one of the most surprising revelations of the past few days.
Reagan and his advisers knew how to project a sunny image that kept the presidency separate from whatever the pesky media wanted to focus on, such as high unemployment or secret gun-running to enemy states.
Judging from Wednesday’s trainwreck press conference – the first since July – Trump and his handlers have no self-discipline and no strategy to deal with the Russian crisis that has been simmering for the best part of the past year.
About Those Meetings Between the Trump Campaign and Russian Officials
by Nancy LeTourneau
January 11, 2025 3:59 PM
In light of the allegations that the Trump campaign had direct ties to Russian officials, Steve Benen reminds us of something important today. Back in November, this was pretty widely reported in the press:
As an aside, I’ll point out that this might be the one and only time that Trump and/or his spokesperson has ever contradicted something a Russian official said. Nevertheless, it is important to keep this statement from Rybakov in mind when they categorically deny any contact with Russia prior to the election.
The documents released by Buzzfeed name three Trump staff/advisors who held meetings with top-level Russian officials on behalf of the campaign: Paul Manafort, Carter Page and Michael Cohen. At the news conference this morning, it was alarming that Sean Spicer said this about Carter Page:
Mornin’. Couple thoughts on all the Senate hearings today. First, we see two-time-presidential-campaign-loser McCain, bringing all his bitterness and “I could have done it better” with him, had to mute him, then the nice William Cohen and the throwback Sam Nunn, the latter of which may or may not still be a Democrat … then in another hearing, Bob Dole comes in to endorse …
I checked the calendar, and it still says “21st Century.” Hmmm. #WhyICantGiveUpChocolateDonutsJustYet
Sorry I missed that, live!
Good morning, good friend. Hope all is well in Boomsville.
Congressional GOP has a (health care) bridge it wants to sell you
01/12/17 08:43 AM—UPDATED 01/12/17 08:51 AM
By Steve Benen
Senate Republicans did not vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act overnight, but they did take the first important step down that road. If you’re wondering what’s at the end of that road, you’re not alone.
Following the so-called “vote-a-rama,” in which senators considered a series of amendments in rapid secession, the chamber voted 51 to 48* in support of something called a budget resolution. How does this affect “Obamacare”? Substantively, it doesn’t. Last night’s vote was largely about process: the Senate got the ball rolling on giving itself the ability to use reconciliation to repeal key parts of the ACA with 50 votes instead of 60.
The bill now heads to the Republican-led House, which will almost certainly approve it tomorrow. Because it’s a legislative blueprint, the bill does not go to the White House for a signature. (This is effectively an outline Congress is creating for itself.)
Of course, for the GOP, this was the easy part. The party still has no health care blueprint, despite seven years of effort, and Republicans remain divided over their legislative strategy. In an instantly memorable line, Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.) said overnight, ”We’re loading a gun here. I want to know where it’s pointed before we start the process.”
But at least for now, most Republicans are content to worry about where the bullet will end up later.
Congratulations, America. You’ve elected a Congress that actually has a bridge it wants to sell you.
*a Congress that actually has a bridge it wants to sell you
Yep. And Chris Christie’s living under it.