Putin-linked businessman who Trump claims he can’t recognize showed up at his invite-only election party: report
"Felix Sater, a Russian-American businessman with ties to both organized crime and Russian President Vladimir Putin, attended Trump’s November 8, 2016 party. According to GQ’s reporting, he also gave interviews to news crews there, though it’s unclear if those interviews ever aired. In 2015, Sater emailed Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen to propose a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it,” Sater wrote to Cohen. “I will get all of Putin’s team to buy in on this, I will manage this process.” Sater has become a tense figure for Trump, and he once walked out of an interview when someone asked him about the colorful Russian-American businessman."
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Carter Page's testimony provides more bombshells than the Battle of Britain, and more insanity
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/7/1713438/-Carter-Page-s-testimony-provides-more-bombshells-than-the-Battle-of-Britain-and-more-insanity
"The entire 243-page transcript contains slightly fewer Russian names than The Brothers Karamazov. Slightly."
"The entire 243-page transcript contains slightly fewer Russian names than The Brothers Karamazov. Slightly."
Carter Page transcript sheds new light on Trump-Russia scandal
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/carter-page-transcript-sheds-new-light-trump-russia-scandal
"And while we’re all still scrutinizing the transcript for additional details of note, Business Insider’s report added that in mid-July 2016, Page also congratulated members of the Trump campaign’s foreign policy team on July 14 for their “excellent work” on the “Ukraine amendment” – referring to the Trump campaign’s quiet decision to alter the Republican Party’s national platform on U.S. policy towards Ukraine in a direction Russia preferred."
"And while we’re all still scrutinizing the transcript for additional details of note, Business Insider’s report added that in mid-July 2016, Page also congratulated members of the Trump campaign’s foreign policy team on July 14 for their “excellent work” on the “Ukraine amendment” – referring to the Trump campaign’s quiet decision to alter the Republican Party’s national platform on U.S. policy towards Ukraine in a direction Russia preferred."
Multi-bombshells: Carter Page tries hilariously not to sing like a canary but does anyway
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/7/1713411/-Multi-bombshells-Carter-Page-tries-hilariously-not-to-sing-like-a-canary-but-does-anyway
"In other words, he basically confirmed the dodgy lying slanderous dossier’s claim that he was key in carrying collusiony messages to and from Moscow."
"In other words, he basically confirmed the dodgy lying slanderous dossier’s claim that he was key in carrying collusiony messages to and from Moscow."
Don Lemon Humiliates Trump-Supporting Guest Spinning Fake News @alternet
Don Lemon Humiliates Trump-Supporting Guest Spinning Fake News @alternet:
"Right-wing political commentator Mike Shields tried to deflect from President Donald Trump being "frustrated" about his separation from independent investigations by deflecting to the debunked conspiracy theory about Hillary Clinton and the Uranium One deal."
"Right-wing political commentator Mike Shields tried to deflect from President Donald Trump being "frustrated" about his separation from independent investigations by deflecting to the debunked conspiracy theory about Hillary Clinton and the Uranium One deal."
Russian Propaganda on Social Media in 2016 Has Forever Changed How U.S. Candidates Will Campaign @alternet
Russian Propaganda on Social Media in 2016 Has Forever Changed How U.S. Candidates Will Campaign @alternet: The genie is out of the bottle. The trolling of social media platforms by propagandists who preyed on Americans' deep distrust of their political opponents was unprecedented in 2016, and it isn’t going away, according to analysts with deep ties to the political consulting industry.
Russia launched social media support for Trump almost immediately after he announced his campaign
Russia launched social media support for Trump almost immediately after he announced his campaign
"The Wall Street Journal reports that “Russian Twitter accounts posing as Americans began lavishing praise on Mr. Trump and attacking his rivals” in the summer of 2015. In contrast, a U.S. intelligence analysis released earlier this year claimed that Russian Twitter bots began spamming out messages in favor of Trump starting in December 2015. “In the three months after Mr. Trump announced his presidential candidacy on June 16, 2015, tweets from Russian accounts reviewed by the Journal offered far more praise for the real-estate businessman than criticism — by nearly a 10-to-1 margin,” the Journal reports. “At the same time, the accounts generally were hostile to Mrs. Clinton and the early GOP front-runner, Jeb Bush, by equal or greater margins.” The Journal also reports that many of the Russian accounts sent out virtually identical messages within minutes of each other, which suggests a highly coordinated campaign on behalf of Trump’s candidacy."
"The Wall Street Journal reports that “Russian Twitter accounts posing as Americans began lavishing praise on Mr. Trump and attacking his rivals” in the summer of 2015. In contrast, a U.S. intelligence analysis released earlier this year claimed that Russian Twitter bots began spamming out messages in favor of Trump starting in December 2015. “In the three months after Mr. Trump announced his presidential candidacy on June 16, 2015, tweets from Russian accounts reviewed by the Journal offered far more praise for the real-estate businessman than criticism — by nearly a 10-to-1 margin,” the Journal reports. “At the same time, the accounts generally were hostile to Mrs. Clinton and the early GOP front-runner, Jeb Bush, by equal or greater margins.” The Journal also reports that many of the Russian accounts sent out virtually identical messages within minutes of each other, which suggests a highly coordinated campaign on behalf of Trump’s candidacy."
Why George Papadopoulos Is Trump’s New Nightmare
http://billmoyers.com/story/why-george-papadopoulos-is-trumps-new-nightmare/
"Team Trump lied repeatedly about pre-election contacts between the campaign and Russia."
"Team Trump lied repeatedly about pre-election contacts between the campaign and Russia."
A Trump Cabinet official has direct business ties to Putin's inner circle
https://www.vox.com/world/2017/11/6/16612242/ross-russia-putin-business-navigator-sibur
"Ross failed to disclose the extent of his Navigator investment when he submitted paperwork to the government as part of his Senate confirmation process."
"Ross failed to disclose the extent of his Navigator investment when he submitted paperwork to the government as part of his Senate confirmation process."
Massive Leak Reveals New Ties Between Trump Administration and Russia, Implicating Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Jared Kushner
https://www.thedailybeast.com/massive-leak-reveals-new-ties-between-trump-administration-and-russia-implicating-commerce-secretary-wilbur-ross-and-jared-kushner
"The documents show that many of the wealthy individuals Trump brought into his administration have worked to legally store their money in offshore havens where they would be free from taxation in the United States. Trump has promised repeatedly to “drain the swamp,” in condemning the idea that well-connected individuals in Washington, D.C., preserve their own interests at the expense of the rest of the country. Among the Trump administration officials implicated in the leaks is Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who according to the documents concealed his ties to a Russian energy company that is partly owned by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s judo partner Gennady Timchenko and Putin’s son-in-law, Kirill Shamalov. Through offshore investments, Ross held a stake in Navigator Holdings, which had a close business relationship with the Russian firm. Ross did not disclose that connection during his confirmation process on Capitol Hill. “In concealing his interest in these shipping companies—and his ongoing financial relationship with Russian oligarchs—Secretary Ross misled me, the Senate Commerce Committee, and the American people,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said in a statement on Sunday. He characterized Ross’ financial disclosures as a “Russian nesting doll, with blatant conflicts of interest carefully hidden within seemingly innocuous companies.” Ross has been linked to Russian interests before; in 2014, he poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the Bank of Cyprus, an institution regarded by financial watchdogs as a haven for Russian money laundering. Ross' fellow investors included a pair of Russian oligarchs, including Dmitry Rybolovlev, the man who bought a Trump property in Palm Beach for $95 million, even though it was valued at less than $60 million. Ross became a vice chair of the bank, along with a reported former KGB officer. Former Deutsche Bank executive Josef Ackermann was installed as chairman."
"The documents show that many of the wealthy individuals Trump brought into his administration have worked to legally store their money in offshore havens where they would be free from taxation in the United States. Trump has promised repeatedly to “drain the swamp,” in condemning the idea that well-connected individuals in Washington, D.C., preserve their own interests at the expense of the rest of the country. Among the Trump administration officials implicated in the leaks is Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who according to the documents concealed his ties to a Russian energy company that is partly owned by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s judo partner Gennady Timchenko and Putin’s son-in-law, Kirill Shamalov. Through offshore investments, Ross held a stake in Navigator Holdings, which had a close business relationship with the Russian firm. Ross did not disclose that connection during his confirmation process on Capitol Hill. “In concealing his interest in these shipping companies—and his ongoing financial relationship with Russian oligarchs—Secretary Ross misled me, the Senate Commerce Committee, and the American people,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said in a statement on Sunday. He characterized Ross’ financial disclosures as a “Russian nesting doll, with blatant conflicts of interest carefully hidden within seemingly innocuous companies.” Ross has been linked to Russian interests before; in 2014, he poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the Bank of Cyprus, an institution regarded by financial watchdogs as a haven for Russian money laundering. Ross' fellow investors included a pair of Russian oligarchs, including Dmitry Rybolovlev, the man who bought a Trump property in Palm Beach for $95 million, even though it was valued at less than $60 million. Ross became a vice chair of the bank, along with a reported former KGB officer. Former Deutsche Bank executive Josef Ackermann was installed as chairman."
Obamacare enrollment for 2018 reaches all time high
Obamacare enrollment for 2018 reaches all time high
"There are three ways in which people can apply for Obamacare. People can either visit the site healthcare.gov to self-enroll or pick up the phone and call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325), which is open 24 hours in a day. If people require further information regarding the process of enrollment or more details about the healthcare offered under the plan, they can call toll free 844-644-5443 with their queries."
"There are three ways in which people can apply for Obamacare. People can either visit the site healthcare.gov to self-enroll or pick up the phone and call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325), which is open 24 hours in a day. If people require further information regarding the process of enrollment or more details about the healthcare offered under the plan, they can call toll free 844-644-5443 with their queries."
Kansas ‘Real Live Experiment’ in Trickle-Down Tax Cuts
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/reports/2017/11/02/441822/kansas-real-live-experiment-trickle-tax-cuts/
"This should come as no surprise since Stephen Moore, Larry Kudlow and Arthur Laffer—all of whom consulted with Trump on his campaign tax plan—helped to design the 2012 Kansas tax plan. And when Brownback was in Congress, Paul Ryan—now the speaker of the House—served as his legislative director. In addition to the same fairytale claims of economic and job growth, which are illustrated by the quotes above, the actual tax plan passed by the Kansas Legislature looked similar to what Trump and congressional GOP leaders now propose."
"This should come as no surprise since Stephen Moore, Larry Kudlow and Arthur Laffer—all of whom consulted with Trump on his campaign tax plan—helped to design the 2012 Kansas tax plan. And when Brownback was in Congress, Paul Ryan—now the speaker of the House—served as his legislative director. In addition to the same fairytale claims of economic and job growth, which are illustrated by the quotes above, the actual tax plan passed by the Kansas Legislature looked similar to what Trump and congressional GOP leaders now propose."
Trump attempted to sabotage ACA open enrollment. 4 days in, sign-ups have soared.
https://thinkprogress.org/aca-enrollment-start-trump-d4add1c9fe84/
"Additionally, in Virginia, a survey of voters found that health care was top of mind for many people. According to the poll, health care was the most important or a very important issue for 67 percent of voters. Those who said health care was most or very important to them voted for winning Democratic candidate Ralph Northam, who has promised to protect the health care law, by a margin of 62 to 32."
"Additionally, in Virginia, a survey of voters found that health care was top of mind for many people. According to the poll, health care was the most important or a very important issue for 67 percent of voters. Those who said health care was most or very important to them voted for winning Democratic candidate Ralph Northam, who has promised to protect the health care law, by a margin of 62 to 32."
We Are Now One State Closer to Having a Corporate-Dominated Constitutional Convention @alternet
We Are Now One State Closer to Having a Corporate-Dominated Constitutional Convention @alternet:
"Republicans have done many things to rig the rules of elections this decade, from gerrymandering to a deep catalog of voter suppression tactics. While Democrats and Independents were voting Tuesday to reject Trumpism, the GOP in Wisconsin intentionally ignored the public and moved to rewrite the Constitution. Take heed."
"Republicans have done many things to rig the rules of elections this decade, from gerrymandering to a deep catalog of voter suppression tactics. While Democrats and Independents were voting Tuesday to reject Trumpism, the GOP in Wisconsin intentionally ignored the public and moved to rewrite the Constitution. Take heed."
Here’s a rundown of the Trump donors keeping their money offshore
https://thinkprogress.org/heres-a-rundown-of-the-trump-donors-keeping-their-money-offshore-7ddcc3466835/
"The leaked papers show that a number of Trump’s biggest financial backers were the same billionaire globalists that Trump decried at rallies across the country — and that’s in addition to the tax-dodging globalists currently sitting in his cabinet. The leaks reveal that these men stashed away parts of their fortunes, valued in the tens of billions, to avoid public scrutiny. From there, they could funnel more than $60 million into super PACs supporting Trump’s presidency."
"The leaked papers show that a number of Trump’s biggest financial backers were the same billionaire globalists that Trump decried at rallies across the country — and that’s in addition to the tax-dodging globalists currently sitting in his cabinet. The leaks reveal that these men stashed away parts of their fortunes, valued in the tens of billions, to avoid public scrutiny. From there, they could funnel more than $60 million into super PACs supporting Trump’s presidency."
The Endangered Species Act Is Endangered
The Endangered Species Act Is Endangered:
"When a bill signed into law by Richard Nixon is under assault in the Trump administration, it is clear how radical this administration and many of its supporters in Congress are. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created in December of 1970, during the first Nixon administration. That should give you an idea of just how extreme the current administration has become on environmental matters. Under Trump, the EPA has evolved into the "unprotecting the environment" agency. It is being dismembered by Director Scott Pruitt."
"When a bill signed into law by Richard Nixon is under assault in the Trump administration, it is clear how radical this administration and many of its supporters in Congress are. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created in December of 1970, during the first Nixon administration. That should give you an idea of just how extreme the current administration has become on environmental matters. Under Trump, the EPA has evolved into the "unprotecting the environment" agency. It is being dismembered by Director Scott Pruitt."
Senate confirms lobbyist with ‘astounding’ number of conflicts of interest to head EPA air office
https://thinkprogress.org/wehrum-epa-conflicts-198ffbc0f46e/
"William Wehrum, an industry lawyer and lobbyist, has represented companies who regularly filed legal challenges to the Environmental Protection Agency’s clean air regulations. Nonetheless, President Donald Trump nominated him to head the office at the EPA responsible for ensuring Americans have clean air."
"William Wehrum, an industry lawyer and lobbyist, has represented companies who regularly filed legal challenges to the Environmental Protection Agency’s clean air regulations. Nonetheless, President Donald Trump nominated him to head the office at the EPA responsible for ensuring Americans have clean air."
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Robert Reich: Trump Is Lying to Middle Class Americans Right to Their Faces @alternet
Robert Reich: Trump Is Lying to Middle Class Americans Right to Their Faces @alternet:
"Using the promise of middle-class tax cuts as a Trojan horse for a tax windfall for the rich and deep spending cuts is a tactic dating back to the Reagan administration."
"Using the promise of middle-class tax cuts as a Trojan horse for a tax windfall for the rich and deep spending cuts is a tactic dating back to the Reagan administration."
“I don't believe it”: Republicans are unfazed that corporate tax cuts poll really badly
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/11/2/16593620/republicans-unfazed-corporate-tax-cut-polls
"Republicans really want to cut the corporate tax rate. It’s the centerpiece of every plan they have released, and they’ve spent weeks floating wildly unpopular ways to pay for it. There’s just one problem: It’s really unpopular — even among Republican voters. Sixty percent of registered voters think corporations pay “too little” in taxes, according to a September poll from Morning Consult and Politico, surveying a little under 2,000 Americans. A more recent Morning Consult and Politico survey from October found only 39 percent of Americans think it should be part of the tax plan — with 59 percent of Republican voters supporting it. Another poll from Pew Research Center showed that 53 percent of Republicans think corporate tax rates should either be raised or stay the same. But confronted with these numbers, House and Senate Republicans seemed unfazed. “Who cares?” Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) said before I had a chance to say what the polls showed."
"Republicans really want to cut the corporate tax rate. It’s the centerpiece of every plan they have released, and they’ve spent weeks floating wildly unpopular ways to pay for it. There’s just one problem: It’s really unpopular — even among Republican voters. Sixty percent of registered voters think corporations pay “too little” in taxes, according to a September poll from Morning Consult and Politico, surveying a little under 2,000 Americans. A more recent Morning Consult and Politico survey from October found only 39 percent of Americans think it should be part of the tax plan — with 59 percent of Republican voters supporting it. Another poll from Pew Research Center showed that 53 percent of Republicans think corporate tax rates should either be raised or stay the same. But confronted with these numbers, House and Senate Republicans seemed unfazed. “Who cares?” Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) said before I had a chance to say what the polls showed."
Children paid for the failed Kansas tax cuts and they’ll pay for the GOP tax cuts, too
https://thinkprogress.org/children-pay-for-gop-tax-cuts-76f4801c74aa/
"Congressional Republicans unveiled a plan Thursday to cut taxes for large corporations and wealthy individuals, transferring $1.2 trillion in benefits to corporations and estates over the next 10 years. The scheme looks a lot like the disastrous Kansas tax experiment pushed through by Gov. Sam Brownback (R) in 2012. And, like the Kansas plan, it’ll likely be paid for on the backs of children."
"Congressional Republicans unveiled a plan Thursday to cut taxes for large corporations and wealthy individuals, transferring $1.2 trillion in benefits to corporations and estates over the next 10 years. The scheme looks a lot like the disastrous Kansas tax experiment pushed through by Gov. Sam Brownback (R) in 2012. And, like the Kansas plan, it’ll likely be paid for on the backs of children."
The GOP Is Proposing a 250 Percent Tax Hike on Millions of Americans @alternet
The GOP Is Proposing a 250 Percent Tax Hike on Millions of Americans @alternet:
"No wonder the GOP developed the nearly 500-page tax bill in secret"
"No wonder the GOP developed the nearly 500-page tax bill in secret"
House Republicans claim an annual salary of $450,000 is middle class
http://www.newsweek.com/tax-cuts-republicans-middle-class-trump-701094
"That's rich! Republicans suddenly believe that one percenters are barely struggling to be in the middle class, party officials revealed. On Thursday, House Republicans issued a fact sheet about their new tax cut plan that referred to Americans earning $450,000 a year as “low- and middle-income” — even though that income level would put those taxpayers in the top 0.05% of all individual Americans. The median household income in the United States is $59,039, after all."
"That's rich! Republicans suddenly believe that one percenters are barely struggling to be in the middle class, party officials revealed. On Thursday, House Republicans issued a fact sheet about their new tax cut plan that referred to Americans earning $450,000 a year as “low- and middle-income” — even though that income level would put those taxpayers in the top 0.05% of all individual Americans. The median household income in the United States is $59,039, after all."
Ex-federal prosecutor: Funny how a federal investigation suddenly sharpened Jeff Sessions’ memory
Ex-federal prosecutor: Funny how a federal investigation suddenly sharpened Jeff Sessions’ memory
"Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti told MSNBC on Thursday that he’s not entirely surprised that Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions suddenly was able to recall a forgotten meeting he took with President Donald Trump and arrested Trump 2016 adviser George Papadopoulos."
"Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti told MSNBC on Thursday that he’s not entirely surprised that Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions suddenly was able to recall a forgotten meeting he took with President Donald Trump and arrested Trump 2016 adviser George Papadopoulos."
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago is hiring 70 foreign workers this winter — a 9 percent boost from last year
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago is hiring 70 foreign workers this winter — a 9 percent boost from last year
"The Palm Beach Post reports that Mar-a-Lago will import 70 maids, cooks and servers from overseas this winter, a 9 percent increase from the 64 foreign workers it employed last year."
"The Palm Beach Post reports that Mar-a-Lago will import 70 maids, cooks and servers from overseas this winter, a 9 percent increase from the 64 foreign workers it employed last year."
Nicolle Wallace To Trump Surrogate: 'I Hope They're Paying You A Lot'
Nicolle Wallace To Trump Surrogate: 'I Hope They're Paying You A Lot':
"Her takedown of his lies in defense of Donald Trump was a thing of beauty."
"Her takedown of his lies in defense of Donald Trump was a thing of beauty."
Ex-CIA director asked Republicans to condemn Russian sabotage before election — and they refused
Ex-CIA director asked Republicans to condemn Russian sabotage before election — and they refused
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) refused and threatened to turn any White House efforts to publicly challenge Russia into “an act of partisan politics"."
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) refused and threatened to turn any White House efforts to publicly challenge Russia into “an act of partisan politics"."
Paul Manafort's role in the Republicans' notorious 'Southern Strategy'
https://www.facingsouth.org/2017/11/paul-manaforts-role-republicans-notorious-southern-strategy
"before he was advocating for human rights abusers on the world stage, Manafort was helping the Republican Party gain advantage by embracing the politics of racism at home."
"before he was advocating for human rights abusers on the world stage, Manafort was helping the Republican Party gain advantage by embracing the politics of racism at home."
New investigation reveals Russia’s worldwide digital hit list — beyond the US election
New investigation reveals Russia’s worldwide digital hit list — beyond the US election
"The hackers who interfered with the U.S. presidential election targeted a variety of targets worldwide, according to a newly revealed digital hit list. The Associated Press obtained the list — which includes U.S. defense contractors, Russian opposition figures and Ukrainian officers — collected by the cybersecurity firm Secureworks. The list shows detailed evidence of how closely the Russian government worked with hackers to further the Kremlin’s interests."
"The hackers who interfered with the U.S. presidential election targeted a variety of targets worldwide, according to a newly revealed digital hit list. The Associated Press obtained the list — which includes U.S. defense contractors, Russian opposition figures and Ukrainian officers — collected by the cybersecurity firm Secureworks. The list shows detailed evidence of how closely the Russian government worked with hackers to further the Kremlin’s interests."
Mueller Reveals New Manafort Link to Organized Crime
https://www.thedailybeast.com/mueller-reveals-new-manafort-link-to-organized-crime
"The indictment (PDF), unsealed on Monday, includes an extensive look into Paul Manafort’s byzantine financial dealings. In particular, it details how he used a company called Lucicle Consultants Limited to wire millions of dollars into the United States."
"The indictment (PDF), unsealed on Monday, includes an extensive look into Paul Manafort’s byzantine financial dealings. In particular, it details how he used a company called Lucicle Consultants Limited to wire millions of dollars into the United States."
Russia revelations reveal new push for California secession
https://thinkprogress.org/russia-california-twitter-secession-cfea1e2ed0be/
"For the past two months, it appeared that the fake social media accounts run out of Russia only supported breaking off one state from the US: Texas. But that wasn’t true. As we learned yesterday, at least one of these fraudulent accounts pushed for the simultaneous secession of California, known colloquially as #CalExit."
"For the past two months, it appeared that the fake social media accounts run out of Russia only supported breaking off one state from the US: Texas. But that wasn’t true. As we learned yesterday, at least one of these fraudulent accounts pushed for the simultaneous secession of California, known colloquially as #CalExit."
Here Are Some Of The Ads Russia Paid To Promote On Facebook
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/russian-facebook-ads-examples-election_us_59fa16d1e4b01b474047d7a5?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009
"Two months after Facebook first acknowledged it was paid to promote 3,000 divisive Russian-backed ads during the 2016 election, we’re finally getting a look at some of the ads themselves."
"Two months after Facebook first acknowledged it was paid to promote 3,000 divisive Russian-backed ads during the 2016 election, we’re finally getting a look at some of the ads themselves."
‘Different level of crazy’: WSJ reporters furious that pro-Trump editorial page is ‘living in some alternate universe’
‘Different level of crazy’: WSJ reporters furious that pro-Trump editorial page is ‘living in some alternate universe’
"Reporters at the Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal spoke to Vanity Fair about the newspaper’s declining credibility one day after staff at the Murdoch-owned Fox News spoke to CNN to air similar gripes."
"Reporters at the Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal spoke to Vanity Fair about the newspaper’s declining credibility one day after staff at the Murdoch-owned Fox News spoke to CNN to air similar gripes."
Trump conveniently forgets everything about meeting that could implicate him in Russia probe
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-conveniently-forgets-everything-about-meeting-that-could-implicate-him-in-russia-probe-9093a81af59b/
"I have “one of the greatest memories of all time,” President Trump said just a few days ago. But, according to the White House, he has no recollection of a critical campaign meeting that could implicate him in the Russia probe, despite previously tweeting about it and posting a photo to Instagram."
"I have “one of the greatest memories of all time,” President Trump said just a few days ago. But, according to the White House, he has no recollection of a critical campaign meeting that could implicate him in the Russia probe, despite previously tweeting about it and posting a photo to Instagram."
“You Can’t Go Any Lower”: Inside the West Wing, Trump Is Apoplectic as Allies Fear Impeachment After Monday’s indictments
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/11/the-west-wing-trump-is-apoplectic-as-allies-fear-impeachment
"Until now, Robert Mueller has haunted Donald Trump’s White House as a hovering, mostly unseen menace. But by securing indictments of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, and a surprise guilty plea from foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos, Mueller announced loudly that the Russia investigation poses an existential threat to the president. “Here’s what Manafort’s indictment tells me: Mueller is going to go over every financial dealing of Jared Kushner and the Trump Organization,” said former Trump campaign aide Sam Nunberg. “Trump is at 33 percent in Gallup. You can’t go any lower. He’s f**ked"."
"Until now, Robert Mueller has haunted Donald Trump’s White House as a hovering, mostly unseen menace. But by securing indictments of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, and a surprise guilty plea from foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos, Mueller announced loudly that the Russia investigation poses an existential threat to the president. “Here’s what Manafort’s indictment tells me: Mueller is going to go over every financial dealing of Jared Kushner and the Trump Organization,” said former Trump campaign aide Sam Nunberg. “Trump is at 33 percent in Gallup. You can’t go any lower. He’s f**ked"."
Paul Manafort’s Daughter Texted Friends About How Tight Her Dad Was With Trump
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/paul-manafort-daughter-trump-texts_us_59f748b6e4b03cd20b832fe0
"AMS: It’s just weird. Like [my dad] doesn’t seem that smart. Like he is smart. But I know I’m smarter than him. Friend: I don’t doubt that, he’s a master manipulator. Which seems pretty key. AMS: He is very manipulative. I did inherit that ability. But I don’t exploit it like he does. I know all his tactics. They aren’t that brilliant but they do work. Friend: But yes you’re right, you have a moral conscious [sic]. AMS: Like he just tells you the sky is green over and over. And eventually you are like is it? I don’t possess the ability to just lie like he does. Friend: Yea he works his charm. AMS: It’s confidence. When you say something unwaveringly, people start to believe it. Friend: I mean yea that got Trump where he is today. AMS: Yup. Perfect allies. Trump probably has more morals than my dad. Which is really just saying something about my dad. My dad is a psycho!!! At least trump let his wives leave him. Plus, Trump has been a good father. AMS: Trump waited a little too long in my opinion, but I can attest to the fact that he has now hired one of the world’s greatest manipulators. I hope my dad pulls it off. Then I can sell my memoir with all his dirty secrets for a pretty penny."
"AMS: It’s just weird. Like [my dad] doesn’t seem that smart. Like he is smart. But I know I’m smarter than him. Friend: I don’t doubt that, he’s a master manipulator. Which seems pretty key. AMS: He is very manipulative. I did inherit that ability. But I don’t exploit it like he does. I know all his tactics. They aren’t that brilliant but they do work. Friend: But yes you’re right, you have a moral conscious [sic]. AMS: Like he just tells you the sky is green over and over. And eventually you are like is it? I don’t possess the ability to just lie like he does. Friend: Yea he works his charm. AMS: It’s confidence. When you say something unwaveringly, people start to believe it. Friend: I mean yea that got Trump where he is today. AMS: Yup. Perfect allies. Trump probably has more morals than my dad. Which is really just saying something about my dad. My dad is a psycho!!! At least trump let his wives leave him. Plus, Trump has been a good father. AMS: Trump waited a little too long in my opinion, but I can attest to the fact that he has now hired one of the world’s greatest manipulators. I hope my dad pulls it off. Then I can sell my memoir with all his dirty secrets for a pretty penny."
Don Lemon Humiliates Trump-Supporting Guest Spinning Fake News @alternet
Don Lemon Humiliates Trump-Supporting Guest Spinning Fake News @alternet:
"Right-wing political commentator Mike Shields tried to deflect from President Donald Trump being "frustrated" about his separation from independent investigations by deflecting to the debunked conspiracy theory about Hillary Clinton and the Uranium One deal."
"Right-wing political commentator Mike Shields tried to deflect from President Donald Trump being "frustrated" about his separation from independent investigations by deflecting to the debunked conspiracy theory about Hillary Clinton and the Uranium One deal."
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Robert Reich: Trump's Gang Is Plotting the Biggest Heist in American History @alternet
Robert Reich: Trump's Gang Is Plotting the Biggest Heist in American History @alternet:
"You know the plot: The bank robbers set off a bomb down the street from the bank, and while everyone’s distracted they get away with the loot. In the reality TV show we’re now suffering through, Donald Trump is the bomb. The robbers are the American oligarchs who bankroll the Republican Party, and who are plotting the biggest heist in American history – a massive tax cut estimated to be up to 5.8 trillion dollars."
"You know the plot: The bank robbers set off a bomb down the street from the bank, and while everyone’s distracted they get away with the loot. In the reality TV show we’re now suffering through, Donald Trump is the bomb. The robbers are the American oligarchs who bankroll the Republican Party, and who are plotting the biggest heist in American history – a massive tax cut estimated to be up to 5.8 trillion dollars."
Ali Velshi Explains Manafort's Money Laundering In 2 Minutes
http://crooksandliars.com/2017/10/manaforts-money-laundering-ali-velshi
"Ali Velshi explains money laundering in two minutes. The bottom line? It's making money that comes from illegal activities look like it's legal."
"Ali Velshi explains money laundering in two minutes. The bottom line? It's making money that comes from illegal activities look like it's legal."
Judge Napolitano: Paul Manafort Was Still Engaged In Massive Fraud While Working For Trump
Judge Napolitano: Paul Manafort Was Still Engaged In Massive Fraud While Working For Trump:
"When asked by Fox News' Sandra Smith about "what does this tell you overall about the Mueller probe?" Napolitano said, "That this is the first of many dominoes to fall"."
"When asked by Fox News' Sandra Smith about "what does this tell you overall about the Mueller probe?" Napolitano said, "That this is the first of many dominoes to fall"."
Could Wilbur Ross Be the Next Trump Official Targeted in the Mueller Probe? @alternet
Could Wilbur Ross Be the Next Trump Official Targeted in the Mueller Probe? @alternet:
"Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s indictment against international lobbyist and Trump campaign chief, Paul Manafort, and pleading by Trump campaign foreign policy aide, George Papadopoulos, cast long shadows over other top Trump administration officials—starting with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross—whose previous financial deals involved the European money-laundering hub of Cyprus. The banking sector of that small island nation in the Mediterranean appear to a crossroads where top Trump campaign associates, such as Manafort and Papadopoulos, and senior administration officials like Commerce Secretary Ross, crossed paths and had layered financial and political dealings with Kremlin-tied Russian oligarchs."
"Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s indictment against international lobbyist and Trump campaign chief, Paul Manafort, and pleading by Trump campaign foreign policy aide, George Papadopoulos, cast long shadows over other top Trump administration officials—starting with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross—whose previous financial deals involved the European money-laundering hub of Cyprus. The banking sector of that small island nation in the Mediterranean appear to a crossroads where top Trump campaign associates, such as Manafort and Papadopoulos, and senior administration officials like Commerce Secretary Ross, crossed paths and had layered financial and political dealings with Kremlin-tied Russian oligarchs."
George Papadopoulos’s Plea Deal Is Very, Very Bad News for Attorney General Jeff Sessions
https://theintercept.com/2017/10/30/jeff-sessions-indictment-bad-news-for-attorney-general/
"THE BIGGEST NEWS of Mueller Monday — the rollout of a money-laundering indictment against Donald Trump’s former campaign adviser, Paul Manafort and campaign aide Rick Gates, and the unsealing of a false-statements plea deal by another campaign volunteer, George Papadopoulos — may involve someone not named explicitly in either indictment: Attorney General Jeff Sessions. That’s because Sessions has repeatedly testified to the Senate that he knows nothing about any collusion with the Russians. (Though in his most recent appearance, he categorized that narrowly by saying he did not “conspire with Russia or an agent of the Russian government to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.”) But the Papadopoulos plea shows that Sessions — then acting as Trump’s top foreign policy adviser — was in a March 31, 2016, meeting with Trump, at which Papadopoulos explained “he had connections that could help arrange a meeting between then-candidate Trump and President Putin.” It also shows that Papadopoulos kept a number of campaign officials in the loop on his efforts to set up a meeting between Trump and Putin, though they secretly determined that the meeting “should be someone low level in the campaign so as not to send any signal,” itself a sign the campaign was trying to hide its efforts to make nice with the Russians."
"THE BIGGEST NEWS of Mueller Monday — the rollout of a money-laundering indictment against Donald Trump’s former campaign adviser, Paul Manafort and campaign aide Rick Gates, and the unsealing of a false-statements plea deal by another campaign volunteer, George Papadopoulos — may involve someone not named explicitly in either indictment: Attorney General Jeff Sessions. That’s because Sessions has repeatedly testified to the Senate that he knows nothing about any collusion with the Russians. (Though in his most recent appearance, he categorized that narrowly by saying he did not “conspire with Russia or an agent of the Russian government to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.”) But the Papadopoulos plea shows that Sessions — then acting as Trump’s top foreign policy adviser — was in a March 31, 2016, meeting with Trump, at which Papadopoulos explained “he had connections that could help arrange a meeting between then-candidate Trump and President Putin.” It also shows that Papadopoulos kept a number of campaign officials in the loop on his efforts to set up a meeting between Trump and Putin, though they secretly determined that the meeting “should be someone low level in the campaign so as not to send any signal,” itself a sign the campaign was trying to hide its efforts to make nice with the Russians."
Robert Mueller’s Show of Strength: A Quick and Dirty Analysis
https://www.lawfareblog.com/robert-muellers-show-strength-quick-and-dirty-analysis
"Mueller’s opening bid is a remarkable show of strength. He has a cooperating witness from inside the campaign’s interactions with the Russians. And he is alleging not mere technical infractions of law but astonishing criminality on the part of Trump’s campaign manager, a man who also attended the Trump Tower meeting."
"Mueller’s opening bid is a remarkable show of strength. He has a cooperating witness from inside the campaign’s interactions with the Russians. And he is alleging not mere technical infractions of law but astonishing criminality on the part of Trump’s campaign manager, a man who also attended the Trump Tower meeting."
Facebook Says Russian-Backed Election Content Reached 126 Million Americans
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/russian-backed-election-content-reached-126-million-americans-facebook-says-n815791
"An estimated 126 million Americans, roughly one-third of the nation’s population, received Russian-backed content on Facebook during the 2016 campaign, according to prepared testimony the company submitted Monday to the Senate Judiciary Committee and obtained by NBC News."
"An estimated 126 million Americans, roughly one-third of the nation’s population, received Russian-backed content on Facebook during the 2016 campaign, according to prepared testimony the company submitted Monday to the Senate Judiciary Committee and obtained by NBC News."
Team Trump’s pre-election Russian contacts draw new scrutiny
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/team-trumps-pre-election-russian-contacts-draw-new-scrutiny
"Top members of the president’s team really were in communications with Russian nationals during Russia’s election scheme, and the categorical denials from Trump, Pence, and others were, at a minimum, wrong. To date, there’s been no explanation from Trump or anyone from his team about why they issued bogus denials about pre-election Russian contacts."
"Top members of the president’s team really were in communications with Russian nationals during Russia’s election scheme, and the categorical denials from Trump, Pence, and others were, at a minimum, wrong. To date, there’s been no explanation from Trump or anyone from his team about why they issued bogus denials about pre-election Russian contacts."
This is how Fox News is downplaying and ignoring Mueller’s legal actions
https://thinkprogress.org/all-the-things-fox-news-has-been-talking-about-instead-of-robert-mueller-1673b115817a/
"Fox News has spent most of Monday downplaying the significance of the legal action — or avoiding the topic all together."
"Fox News has spent most of Monday downplaying the significance of the legal action — or avoiding the topic all together."
Ex-Watergate prosecutor guarantees Papadopoulos has been ‘wearing a wire for months’ and playing ‘dial-a-crook’
Ex-Watergate prosecutor guarantees Papadopoulos has been ‘wearing a wire for months’ and playing ‘dial-a-crook’
"a former Watergate prosecutor explained that a very thorough Special Counsel Robert Mueller has an “ironclad case” against ex-Trump campaign manager, and that the White House should be concerned that former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos has been wearing a wire for months. Speaking with host Ali Velshi, attorney Nick Akerman said he had looked at the indictment against Manafort and said that he had no doubt that Trump associate would be found guilty. “Now this it’s not like a witch hunt where there is nothing,” Akerman began.”Now you have got something that is real.” Following a break to listen to a press conference held by Manafort’s attorney, Akerman picked up on the deal that Papadopoulos made with investigators, saying, if Mueller has done his job properly, the former Trump associate has been wearing a wire for months as part of a deal. “It’s quite obvious that Mueller is playing this out very skillfully,” Akerman explained. “First of all that [Manafort] indictment is a slam-dunk, as I said before, it’s proven by documents. But then you look at the Papadopoulos one that they put under seal all of this time.” “He’s pled guilty, pled guilty to a felony, lying to the FBI,” Akerman continued. “He’s basically, if you looked through his allocution, you have allocute. They don’t name names, it’s against Justice Department policy to do that. But he refers to campaign officials, other officials — it’s very obvious he has information on lots of people and on top of that, he’s been cooperating since July. “If I were the prosecutor, and I guarantee you Robert Mueller has done this, he’s had him out there wearing a body wire, playing dial-a-crook on the phone, trying to get recorded conversations to use as evidence against other people,” he asserted. “If I were the other people, and they know who they are in that information, I’d be extremely nervous right now"."
"a former Watergate prosecutor explained that a very thorough Special Counsel Robert Mueller has an “ironclad case” against ex-Trump campaign manager, and that the White House should be concerned that former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos has been wearing a wire for months. Speaking with host Ali Velshi, attorney Nick Akerman said he had looked at the indictment against Manafort and said that he had no doubt that Trump associate would be found guilty. “Now this it’s not like a witch hunt where there is nothing,” Akerman began.”Now you have got something that is real.” Following a break to listen to a press conference held by Manafort’s attorney, Akerman picked up on the deal that Papadopoulos made with investigators, saying, if Mueller has done his job properly, the former Trump associate has been wearing a wire for months as part of a deal. “It’s quite obvious that Mueller is playing this out very skillfully,” Akerman explained. “First of all that [Manafort] indictment is a slam-dunk, as I said before, it’s proven by documents. But then you look at the Papadopoulos one that they put under seal all of this time.” “He’s pled guilty, pled guilty to a felony, lying to the FBI,” Akerman continued. “He’s basically, if you looked through his allocution, you have allocute. They don’t name names, it’s against Justice Department policy to do that. But he refers to campaign officials, other officials — it’s very obvious he has information on lots of people and on top of that, he’s been cooperating since July. “If I were the prosecutor, and I guarantee you Robert Mueller has done this, he’s had him out there wearing a body wire, playing dial-a-crook on the phone, trying to get recorded conversations to use as evidence against other people,” he asserted. “If I were the other people, and they know who they are in that information, I’d be extremely nervous right now"."
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