http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/02/17/3750335/all-the-arguments-against-obama-nominating-the-next-supreme-court-justice-debunked/
"Republicans have advanced a number of arguments to defend their position. None of them hold up to scrutiny."
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
How Republicans Are Trying To Nullify The 2012 Election
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/02/16/3749862/election-2012-referendum-on-supreme-court/
"Most importantly, polling indicates that voters took these questions seriously. An August 2012 survey found that 63 percent of all voters (and a majority of independent voters and presidential “swing” voters) said Supreme Court nominations were “an important consideration” in their vote. The same survey found that 54 percent worried that Romney would nominate justices who would “consistently favor corporations over ordinary Americans.” President Obama has not appointed a single Supreme Court justice yet in this term — but, after seeing his two nominations in the first term and hearing clearly divergent visions from his campaign and Romney’s, nearly 5 million more Americans voted for Obama than voted for his opponent."
"Most importantly, polling indicates that voters took these questions seriously. An August 2012 survey found that 63 percent of all voters (and a majority of independent voters and presidential “swing” voters) said Supreme Court nominations were “an important consideration” in their vote. The same survey found that 54 percent worried that Romney would nominate justices who would “consistently favor corporations over ordinary Americans.” President Obama has not appointed a single Supreme Court justice yet in this term — but, after seeing his two nominations in the first term and hearing clearly divergent visions from his campaign and Romney’s, nearly 5 million more Americans voted for Obama than voted for his opponent."
Paul Ryan, who has no Supreme Court say, says Republicans should block an Obama nominee
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/2/16/1486207/-Paul-Ryan-who-has-no-Supreme-Court-say-says-Republicans-should-block-an-Obama-nominee
"Let's rework that a bit: The Republican Congress has tried everything it could to cripple every branch of government, including the judiciary, because destroying government is the only unifying issue in the party."
"Let's rework that a bit: The Republican Congress has tried everything it could to cripple every branch of government, including the judiciary, because destroying government is the only unifying issue in the party."
20,776,265 Reasons Why The GOP Should Confirm Obama’s Supreme Court Nominee
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/02/17/3750223/here-are-20776265-reasons-why-the-gop-should-shut-up-and-confirm-obamas-supreme-court-nominee/
"Using this methodology, 170,761,428.5 people are represented by Democratic senators, while only 149,985,163.5 are represented by Republicans. You can check our work here. An alternative method of measuring how much Senate malapportionment advantages Republicans is to look at the total number of votes cast in the last three election cycles (each cycle, one-third of the Senate stands for election, so the current Senate was assembled from the results of these three elections). According to the voting reform group FairVote, “the 46 Democratic caucus members in the 114th Congress received a total of 67.8 million votes in winning their seats, while the 54 Republican caucus members received 47.1 million votes." So the United States Senate is only marginally more democratic than the British House of Lords. The most populous state, California, has 39,144,818 residents and two Democratic senators. Meanwhile, the least populous state, Wyoming, has 586,107 residents and two Republican senators. That means that a voter in Wyoming has nearly 67 times as much input in the makeup of the United States Senate as a voter from California. So much for one person/one vote."
"Using this methodology, 170,761,428.5 people are represented by Democratic senators, while only 149,985,163.5 are represented by Republicans. You can check our work here. An alternative method of measuring how much Senate malapportionment advantages Republicans is to look at the total number of votes cast in the last three election cycles (each cycle, one-third of the Senate stands for election, so the current Senate was assembled from the results of these three elections). According to the voting reform group FairVote, “the 46 Democratic caucus members in the 114th Congress received a total of 67.8 million votes in winning their seats, while the 54 Republican caucus members received 47.1 million votes." So the United States Senate is only marginally more democratic than the British House of Lords. The most populous state, California, has 39,144,818 residents and two Democratic senators. Meanwhile, the least populous state, Wyoming, has 586,107 residents and two Republican senators. That means that a voter in Wyoming has nearly 67 times as much input in the makeup of the United States Senate as a voter from California. So much for one person/one vote."
A historian sets Ted Cruz straight after he makes ridiculous claims about the Supreme Court
A historian sets Ted Cruz straight after he makes ridiculous claims about the Supreme Court
"If he honestly believes it is not legitimate to nominate and confirm a justice in an election year, Ted Cruz must hate the appointment of Chief Justice John Marshall. John Adams nominated him in January 1801, after he lost his re-election bid to Thomas Jefferson in the election of 1800. Adams was a lame duck in the truest sense of the term—he was serving out the remainder of his term after being repudiated by the voters. Yet he did not hesitate to fill the vacancy in the Supreme Court, and Marshall was confirmed by a lame duck Senate. Perhaps the most striking irony of Cruz’s position (and increasingly the position of the entire Republican Party) is that this absurd debate is taking place over the replacement of Antonin Scalia. If there is one thing Scalia was known for, it is his originalist interpretation of the Constitution: it means what the founding generation said it meant. So it seems appropriate to ask: what did the Founders actually do in such circumstances? In the final year of his presidency, George Washington had two nominations to the Supreme Court approved by the Senate. It was an election year and he was not running for reelection. It doesn’t get more “original intent” than that. Adams could easily have left the Supreme Court vacancy for Jefferson—who had already been elected, after all, and would take office in a matter of weeks—and didn’t. That seems as clear as it could be. The founders saw no impediment to a president in the final year–or even in the final weeks–of the presidency successfully appointing new justices to the Supreme Court. What about Cruz’s contention about the last 80 years? Even that does not hold up."
"If he honestly believes it is not legitimate to nominate and confirm a justice in an election year, Ted Cruz must hate the appointment of Chief Justice John Marshall. John Adams nominated him in January 1801, after he lost his re-election bid to Thomas Jefferson in the election of 1800. Adams was a lame duck in the truest sense of the term—he was serving out the remainder of his term after being repudiated by the voters. Yet he did not hesitate to fill the vacancy in the Supreme Court, and Marshall was confirmed by a lame duck Senate. Perhaps the most striking irony of Cruz’s position (and increasingly the position of the entire Republican Party) is that this absurd debate is taking place over the replacement of Antonin Scalia. If there is one thing Scalia was known for, it is his originalist interpretation of the Constitution: it means what the founding generation said it meant. So it seems appropriate to ask: what did the Founders actually do in such circumstances? In the final year of his presidency, George Washington had two nominations to the Supreme Court approved by the Senate. It was an election year and he was not running for reelection. It doesn’t get more “original intent” than that. Adams could easily have left the Supreme Court vacancy for Jefferson—who had already been elected, after all, and would take office in a matter of weeks—and didn’t. That seems as clear as it could be. The founders saw no impediment to a president in the final year–or even in the final weeks–of the presidency successfully appointing new justices to the Supreme Court. What about Cruz’s contention about the last 80 years? Even that does not hold up."
Former Bush AG Smacks Down GOP for Obstructing Obama on Scalia's Replacement (Video)
Former Bush AG Smacks Down GOP for Obstructing Obama on Scalia's Replacement (Video)
"During an interview Monday morning, Gonzales told CNN’s Chris Cuomo that it’s the president’s job to fill the vacancy and Senate Republicans should do their job by not trying to delay doing so for almost a year."
"During an interview Monday morning, Gonzales told CNN’s Chris Cuomo that it’s the president’s job to fill the vacancy and Senate Republicans should do their job by not trying to delay doing so for almost a year."
It Takes A Special Kind Of Stupid To Be A Modern Day Republican
It Takes A Special Kind Of Stupid To Be A Modern Day Republican
"Republicans tell lie after lie after lie, with practically none of them coming true, and Republican voters never seem to realize that they're being lied to and manipulated. Then again, in a rather odd phenomenon, these people seem to believe in a reality where all of these lies are true – even if there's no credible evidence outside of right-wing blogs and memes to "prove" any of it. While I know there are sane, moderate Republicans still left out there, they really no longer have a party. Long gone are the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower. Now it's a party built on fear, hate, bigotry, racism, religious fanaticism and the myth of Ronald Reagan. It's supported by people whose own politicians treat them like mindless idiots – and they absolutely love every minute of it."
"Republicans tell lie after lie after lie, with practically none of them coming true, and Republican voters never seem to realize that they're being lied to and manipulated. Then again, in a rather odd phenomenon, these people seem to believe in a reality where all of these lies are true – even if there's no credible evidence outside of right-wing blogs and memes to "prove" any of it. While I know there are sane, moderate Republicans still left out there, they really no longer have a party. Long gone are the days of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower. Now it's a party built on fear, hate, bigotry, racism, religious fanaticism and the myth of Ronald Reagan. It's supported by people whose own politicians treat them like mindless idiots – and they absolutely love every minute of it."
Glenn Beck: God Allowed Scalia To Die In Order To Highlight The Importance Of Electing Ted Cruz
Glenn Beck: God Allowed Scalia To Die In Order To Highlight The Importance Of Electing Ted Cruz: "Glenn Beck was on the road today and unable to host his radio program, but he did find time to call in and offer his theory about why God allowed Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia to die so close to the next presidential election. After Beck's co-host Pat Gray wondered why God simply didn't allow Scalia to live until after the election, Beck called in to assert that God had allowed Scalia to die at this time in an effort to wake up America up to the fact that his nation is on the verge of totally losing its liberty unless it elects Ted Cruz as president."
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Media's Complicity In GOP Obstruction: Scalia Replacement Edition
Media's Complicity In GOP Obstruction: Scalia Replacement Edition
"This is the only story that should be printed or broadcast: President Obama is duty-bound under the Constitution to appoint a successor, and he will do that. The Senate is duty-bound under the Constitution to advise and consent. Advise and consent is not obstruction. Advise and consent means having a hearing and taking a vote on Obama's choice to succeed Justice Scalia. That is the only narrative that should be in play here. Period. Media needs to stop enabling the tantrums and start telling the country the truth. President Obama can and shall appoint a successor to Justice Scalia, because it is his duty to do so. When we elected him in 2012, the US Supreme Court was very much on everyone's mind. Nothing has changed -- it's still very much an issue in this cycle. But we also did not elect him for a 3-year term, and so Republicans just need to get over it and move on."
"This is the only story that should be printed or broadcast: President Obama is duty-bound under the Constitution to appoint a successor, and he will do that. The Senate is duty-bound under the Constitution to advise and consent. Advise and consent is not obstruction. Advise and consent means having a hearing and taking a vote on Obama's choice to succeed Justice Scalia. That is the only narrative that should be in play here. Period. Media needs to stop enabling the tantrums and start telling the country the truth. President Obama can and shall appoint a successor to Justice Scalia, because it is his duty to do so. When we elected him in 2012, the US Supreme Court was very much on everyone's mind. Nothing has changed -- it's still very much an issue in this cycle. But we also did not elect him for a 3-year term, and so Republicans just need to get over it and move on."
Senator Who Once Railed Against Delaying SCOTUS Confirmations Says He’ll Delay SCOTUS Confirmation
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/02/15/3749669/grassley-delay-supreme-court-nomination/
"The last justice to be confirmed during a presidential election was Justice Anthony Kennedy, who was nominated by President Reagan in 1987, was confirmed by a vote of 97-to-0 in February 1988. Grassley, who was then a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted to confirm Kennedy."
"The last justice to be confirmed during a presidential election was Justice Anthony Kennedy, who was nominated by President Reagan in 1987, was confirmed by a vote of 97-to-0 in February 1988. Grassley, who was then a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted to confirm Kennedy."
Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are lying about Supreme Court nominations. Go figure.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/2/15/1485627/-Ted-Cruz-and-Marco-Rubio-are-lying-about-Supreme-Court-nominations-Go-figure
"Cruz repeated it on ABC's This Week, with a slight, extremely oily tweak, when George Stephanopoulos reminded him that Kennedy was confirmed in February 1988. An election year."
"Cruz repeated it on ABC's This Week, with a slight, extremely oily tweak, when George Stephanopoulos reminded him that Kennedy was confirmed in February 1988. An election year."
Media Is Playing a Dangerous Game to Go Along With GOP's Plot to Prevent Obama From Naming Scalia's Replacement @alternet
Media Is Playing a Dangerous Game to Go Along With GOP's Plot to Prevent Obama From Naming Scalia's Replacement @alternet:
"the press continued its habit of looking away from the GOP's stunning record of institutional obstructionism since 2009."
"the press continued its habit of looking away from the GOP's stunning record of institutional obstructionism since 2009."
Debunking the Absurd Republican Reasons for Blocking Obama from Naming Scalia's Replacement
Debunking the Absurd Republican Reasons for Blocking Obama from Naming Scalia's Replacement
"Republicans are literally trying to argue that a president should ignore their duties for nearly 25 percent of their second term as president."
"Republicans are literally trying to argue that a president should ignore their duties for nearly 25 percent of their second term as president."
Samantha Bee slams Mitch McConnell for wiping his ‘obstructionist a**’ on the document Scalia held dear
Samantha Bee slams Mitch McConnell for wiping his ‘obstructionist a**’ on the document Scalia held dear
"Bee ran a clip of Fox News talking about the Thurmond Rule derived from former Senator Strom Thurmond who decided that the summer before an election all appointments should be held up. The thing is, The Thurmond Rule isn’t actually a rule or a law, it’s just something he did back in 1968. Also, it isn’t the summer, it isn’t even spring."
"Bee ran a clip of Fox News talking about the Thurmond Rule derived from former Senator Strom Thurmond who decided that the summer before an election all appointments should be held up. The thing is, The Thurmond Rule isn’t actually a rule or a law, it’s just something he did back in 1968. Also, it isn’t the summer, it isn’t even spring."
Seth Meyers destroys GOP Scalia hypocrisy
Seth Meyers destroys GOP Scalia hypocrisy
"Seth Meyers took “A Closer Look” ay Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s passing."
"Seth Meyers took “A Closer Look” ay Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s passing."
Bush AG Alberto Gonzales: ‘No question’ Obama has ‘obligation’ to fill Supreme Court vacancy
Bush AG Alberto Gonzales: ‘No question’ Obama has ‘obligation’ to fill Supreme Court vacancy
"According to SCOTUSblog, there is no tradition of leaving a Supreme Court seat vacant because of an election year."
"According to SCOTUSblog, there is no tradition of leaving a Supreme Court seat vacant because of an election year."
Ted Cruz doesn't think the black president gets a full four year term
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/2/15/1485698/-Ted-Cruz-doesn-t-think-the-black-president-gets-a-full-four-year-term
"So we're really having the conversation, then, about whether to keep the Supreme Court in effective limbo for an entire session because Senate Republicans simply don't want Barack Obama to execute that particular duty. It's going to be a thing. The Republicans are unanimous—the sitting president, the one that they subjected to birtherism, to "You Lie!" outbursts by southern politicians, to constant public suppositions that he was secretly working for the benefit of Kenya and/or Muslims, the president who has supposedly been just about to take everyone's guns and/or let the furriners take over each and every month from his inauguration onwards, and not a bit of it having anything to do with the president being black, we are told, those same folks are now quite insistent that the president must simply give up this power, too, because of a brand-new but deeply held tradition that says he just should, that's why. And at least two thirds of the pundit corps are going to run with this like it's a serious argument, because they are stupid, stupid people who simply repeat whatever their preferred candidates say and don't give a damn if it makes a lick of sense. Sure, why not. Presidential terms only last three years now. Everybody knows that."
"So we're really having the conversation, then, about whether to keep the Supreme Court in effective limbo for an entire session because Senate Republicans simply don't want Barack Obama to execute that particular duty. It's going to be a thing. The Republicans are unanimous—the sitting president, the one that they subjected to birtherism, to "You Lie!" outbursts by southern politicians, to constant public suppositions that he was secretly working for the benefit of Kenya and/or Muslims, the president who has supposedly been just about to take everyone's guns and/or let the furriners take over each and every month from his inauguration onwards, and not a bit of it having anything to do with the president being black, we are told, those same folks are now quite insistent that the president must simply give up this power, too, because of a brand-new but deeply held tradition that says he just should, that's why. And at least two thirds of the pundit corps are going to run with this like it's a serious argument, because they are stupid, stupid people who simply repeat whatever their preferred candidates say and don't give a damn if it makes a lick of sense. Sure, why not. Presidential terms only last three years now. Everybody knows that."
Eric Cantor, Paul Ryan & Kevin McCarthy: Plot To Sabotage US Economy with Frank Luntz
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/08/1098434/-Eric-Cantor-Paul-Ryan-Kevin-McCarthy-Plot-To-Sabotage-US-Economy-with-Frank-Luntz
A reminder that the republican plan for obstruction goes back to inauguration night 2009. Remember republicans don't deny this, in fact they bragged about it. "During the four hour meeting: The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation. These Republican members of Congress were not simply airing their complaints regarding the other party's political platform for four long hours. No, these Republican Congressional Policymakers, who were elected to do 'the People's work' were literally plotting to sabotage, undermine and destroy the U.S. Economy."
A reminder that the republican plan for obstruction goes back to inauguration night 2009. Remember republicans don't deny this, in fact they bragged about it. "During the four hour meeting: The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation. These Republican members of Congress were not simply airing their complaints regarding the other party's political platform for four long hours. No, these Republican Congressional Policymakers, who were elected to do 'the People's work' were literally plotting to sabotage, undermine and destroy the U.S. Economy."
Watch Reagan’s Ghost Scold Congress: It’s Your “Constitutional Obligation” To Fill Supreme Court Vacancy
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/2016/02/15/watch-reagans-ghost-scold-congress-its-your-constitutional-obligation-to-fill-supreme-court-vacancy/
"In this clip from the C-SPAN archives, President Reagan implores his Congress and the American people to fulfill their “constitutional obligation” and restore the Supreme Court to its full strength following the 1987 retirement of Justice Lewis F. Powell, whom he replaced with Justice Anthony Kennedy. Reagan had 13 months left in his term."
"In this clip from the C-SPAN archives, President Reagan implores his Congress and the American people to fulfill their “constitutional obligation” and restore the Supreme Court to its full strength following the 1987 retirement of Justice Lewis F. Powell, whom he replaced with Justice Anthony Kennedy. Reagan had 13 months left in his term."
There's no precedent for blocking a judiciary nominee in an election year, and Republicans know it
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/2/15/1485586/-There-s-no-precedent-for-blocking-a-judiciary-nominee-in-an-election-year-and-Republicans-know-it
"Boy, Republicans sure do have short memories. And selective interpretations of how things work."
"Boy, Republicans sure do have short memories. And selective interpretations of how things work."
As Obama Moves To Replace Scalia, The Press Enables Radical GOP Obstruction
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/02/15/as-obama-moves-to-replace-scalia-the-press-enab/208599
"For years under Obama, Republicans have systematically destroyed Beltway norms and protocols, denying the president his traditional latitude to govern and make appointments. It's sad that in Obama's final year in office, the press is still turning a blind eye to the GOP's radical nature."
"For years under Obama, Republicans have systematically destroyed Beltway norms and protocols, denying the president his traditional latitude to govern and make appointments. It's sad that in Obama's final year in office, the press is still turning a blind eye to the GOP's radical nature."
PROOF Republicans Claiming Obama Shouldn’t Pick Supreme Court Justice Are Hypocrites (QUOTES)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/02/14/proof-republicans-claiming-obama-shouldnt-pick-supreme-court-justice-are-hypocrites-quotes/
"Here’s the thing about history, though — it will come back to bite you when you least expect it, and prove that you may, in fact, be a huge hypocrite."
"Here’s the thing about history, though — it will come back to bite you when you least expect it, and prove that you may, in fact, be a huge hypocrite."
Mitch McConnell In 2005 Disagrees With Mitch McConnell Now On Obama Replacing Scalia
Mitch McConnell In 2005 Disagrees With Mitch McConnell Now On Obama Replacing Scalia
"Republicans and Conservatives have made it clear. They will block anyone Obama nominates to replace Scalia – even if they agreed that that person is a good choice to sit on the highest court in the land. In other words, nothing has changed with the GOP. Obstruct, obstruct, obstruct."
"Republicans and Conservatives have made it clear. They will block anyone Obama nominates to replace Scalia – even if they agreed that that person is a good choice to sit on the highest court in the land. In other words, nothing has changed with the GOP. Obstruct, obstruct, obstruct."
Elizabeth Warren Rips Into Republicans For Pledging To Block Supreme Court Process
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/14/3749556/warren-slams-gop/
"In the wake of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s unexpected death on Saturday, Senate Republicans have promised to block any of president Obama’s nominations to the Supreme Court."
"In the wake of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s unexpected death on Saturday, Senate Republicans have promised to block any of president Obama’s nominations to the Supreme Court."
Ted Cruz Repeats Lie About SCOTUS Nominations, Vows To Block Anyone Obama Chooses (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/02/14/ted-cruz-repeats-lie-about-scotus-nominations-vows-to-block-anyone-obama-chooses-video/
"After being embarrassed on live television Saturday night when John Dickerson fact-checked his lie about Supreme Court history, Ted Cruz showed no shame as he repeated the same line on Sunday."
"After being embarrassed on live television Saturday night when John Dickerson fact-checked his lie about Supreme Court history, Ted Cruz showed no shame as he repeated the same line on Sunday."
Why Republicans Have Only Themselves to Blame If Trump Wins the Nomination
Why Republicans Have Only Themselves to Blame If Trump Wins the Nomination:
"More importantly, back in 2010, it was the so-called conservatives who claimed that letting corporations and billionaires spend unlimited amounts of cash in our election cycle was a great win for free speech. That infamous Citizens United ruling has a lot to do with why the Grand Old Party has no grand plan to defeat the bombastic billionaire."
"More importantly, back in 2010, it was the so-called conservatives who claimed that letting corporations and billionaires spend unlimited amounts of cash in our election cycle was a great win for free speech. That infamous Citizens United ruling has a lot to do with why the Grand Old Party has no grand plan to defeat the bombastic billionaire."
WATCH: Donald Trump just attacked ‘unstable ‘liar’ Ted Cruz and ‘choke artist’ Marco Rubio
WATCH: Donald Trump just attacked ‘unstable ‘liar’ Ted Cruz and ‘choke artist’ Marco Rubio
"Donald Trump reinvigorated his attacks on Ted Cruz’s “lies” during his South Carolina press conference on Monday. “I have never, ever met a person that lies more than Ted Cruz,” Trump told reporters."
"Donald Trump reinvigorated his attacks on Ted Cruz’s “lies” during his South Carolina press conference on Monday. “I have never, ever met a person that lies more than Ted Cruz,” Trump told reporters."
Trump Threatens Birther Lawsuit Against Ted Cruz
Trump Threatens Birther Lawsuit Against Ted Cruz
"Donald Trump is pulling out all the stops against Ted Cruz after Saturday night's debate. In a press conference today, Trump threatened to file a birther lawsuit against Cruz if he doesn't apologize for his lies about Trump."
"Donald Trump is pulling out all the stops against Ted Cruz after Saturday night's debate. In a press conference today, Trump threatened to file a birther lawsuit against Cruz if he doesn't apologize for his lies about Trump."
Trump Threatens Independent Run If RNC Doesn’t Condemn Cruz’s Attacks
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/15/3749709/trump-hints-at-independent-run-again/
"Donald Trump is again hinting at a possible independent run for president if the Republican National Committee (RNC) doesn’t condemn Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) for his recent barrage of political attacks against the billionaire."
"Donald Trump is again hinting at a possible independent run for president if the Republican National Committee (RNC) doesn’t condemn Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) for his recent barrage of political attacks against the billionaire."
Trump Booed for Reminding GOP of Bush's 9/11 Failure and Iraq War Lies
Trump Booed for Reminding GOP of Bush's 9/11 Failure and Iraq War Lies
"The loudest boos of the Republican presidential debate in South Carolina on Saturday night came as billionaire real estate mogul and media personality Donald Trump reminded the audience that President George W. Bush, in fact, did not "keep us safe" on 9/11 and that when talking about the 2003 invasion of Iraq it's important to remember that the central premise used by his administration was a lie."
"The loudest boos of the Republican presidential debate in South Carolina on Saturday night came as billionaire real estate mogul and media personality Donald Trump reminded the audience that President George W. Bush, in fact, did not "keep us safe" on 9/11 and that when talking about the 2003 invasion of Iraq it's important to remember that the central premise used by his administration was a lie."
Republican Hopefuls Utterly Implode in Most Entertaining Debate Yet
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/republican-hopefuls-utterly-implode-in-most-entertaining-debate-yet-20160214
"On a night that began on a somber note with the death of conservative hero and unrepentant bigot Antonin Scalia, the debate quickly descended into a six-car train wreck. John Kasich summed the night up elegantly after a particularly childish Trump-Bush exchange: "I think we're fixing to lose the election to Hillary Clinton if we don't stop this." Indeed. There's no doubt that Clinton and Bernie Sanders were the big winners of the night; this was by far the ugliest debate the Republicans have put on."
"On a night that began on a somber note with the death of conservative hero and unrepentant bigot Antonin Scalia, the debate quickly descended into a six-car train wreck. John Kasich summed the night up elegantly after a particularly childish Trump-Bush exchange: "I think we're fixing to lose the election to Hillary Clinton if we don't stop this." Indeed. There's no doubt that Clinton and Bernie Sanders were the big winners of the night; this was by far the ugliest debate the Republicans have put on."
Ted Cruz Gets Called Out By Debate Moderator For Making Up Facts About The Supreme Court
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/13/3749502/ted-cruz-gets-called-out-by-debate-moderator-for-making-up-facts-about-the-supreme-court/
"Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) declared that President Obama should not nominate a successor this year and that the decision should be left for the next president. “We have 80 years of precedent of not confirming Supreme Court Justices in an election year,” he said. CBS’ John Dickerson then pressed Cruz on whether anyone has been confirmed in an election year, pointing to current Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s confirmation in 1988. Cruz appeared confused."
"Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) declared that President Obama should not nominate a successor this year and that the decision should be left for the next president. “We have 80 years of precedent of not confirming Supreme Court Justices in an election year,” he said. CBS’ John Dickerson then pressed Cruz on whether anyone has been confirmed in an election year, pointing to current Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s confirmation in 1988. Cruz appeared confused."
One Chart Obliterates The Republican Argument For Obstructing Obama’s SCOTUS Nominee
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/14/hard-republicans-jobs.html
"Let it be clear from this point on that there is one party to blame for the “divide”, and that party is not in the White House. The party to blame for the “divide” is the same party that is on record as making obstruction their only goal during Obama’s presidency."
"Let it be clear from this point on that there is one party to blame for the “divide”, and that party is not in the White House. The party to blame for the “divide” is the same party that is on record as making obstruction their only goal during Obama’s presidency."
Hillary Clinton Schools Republicans with a SCOTUS Confirmation History Lesson
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/14/hillary-clinton-schools-republicans-scotus-confirmation-history-lesson.html
"Sure, Republicans can blame the fact that they don’t plan on working this year, but that might not play well in an election year. So at some point in the next 340 days, they ought to be able to show up to work and take a vote to confirm President Obama’s nominee."
"Sure, Republicans can blame the fact that they don’t plan on working this year, but that might not play well in an election year. So at some point in the next 340 days, they ought to be able to show up to work and take a vote to confirm President Obama’s nominee."
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Found Dead at West Texas Ranch @alternet
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Found Dead at West Texas Ranch @alternet:
"The supreme court justice Antonin Scalia has died. He was 79."
"The supreme court justice Antonin Scalia has died. He was 79."
Karl Rove's Dark Money Gets IRS Non-Profit Status
Karl Rove's Dark Money Gets IRS Non-Profit Status
"Crossroads had been the most active of the nonprofits that are funneling cash into politics — often called dark money because the original source of the funds may be kept secret if the organizations have social welfare as their primary purpose. During the 2012 cycle, Crossroads reported spending almost twice as much on political ads as the next most-active nonprofit, Americans for Prosperity, which is backed by conservative billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch."
"Crossroads had been the most active of the nonprofits that are funneling cash into politics — often called dark money because the original source of the funds may be kept secret if the organizations have social welfare as their primary purpose. During the 2012 cycle, Crossroads reported spending almost twice as much on political ads as the next most-active nonprofit, Americans for Prosperity, which is backed by conservative billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch."
John Kasich is a right-wing Trojan Horse: Why the GOP establishment’s newest pick should make everybody worried
John Kasich is a right-wing Trojan Horse: Why the GOP establishment’s newest pick should make everybody worried
"Like so many right-wingers he seems confused about how government works."
"Like so many right-wingers he seems confused about how government works."
Donald Trump Celebrates New Hampshire Win By Retweeting White Supremacist
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/10/donald-trump-celebrates-new-hampshire-win-by-retweeting-white-supremacist.html
"There really is no low too low for Republican Donald Trump."
"There really is no low too low for Republican Donald Trump."
Donald Trump’s white America is revolting: New numbers show just how noxious the GOP front-runner’s coalition is
Donald Trump’s white America is revolting: New numbers show just how noxious the GOP front-runner’s coalition is
"In a Herrenvolk society, the racial in-group is fully enfranchised while the racial out-group is marked as an “anti-citizen” that is not worthy of full democratic rights."
"In a Herrenvolk society, the racial in-group is fully enfranchised while the racial out-group is marked as an “anti-citizen” that is not worthy of full democratic rights."
Cruz Campaign Defends Controversial Pastor Who Says God Sent Hitler To Hunt Jews
Cruz Campaign Defends Controversial Pastor Who Says God Sent Hitler To Hunt Jews:
"Among Bickle's more radical views is his prophecy that as the End Times approach, all Jews will be given a chance to accept Jesus, warning that if they do not accept "the grace" of Christ, God will then "raise up a hunter" who will kill two-thirds of them "and the most famous hunter in recent history is a man named Adolf Hitler"."
"Among Bickle's more radical views is his prophecy that as the End Times approach, all Jews will be given a chance to accept Jesus, warning that if they do not accept "the grace" of Christ, God will then "raise up a hunter" who will kill two-thirds of them "and the most famous hunter in recent history is a man named Adolf Hitler"."
Pro-Trump Alex Jones Threatens Violence Against Supporters Of "Inhuman, Parasitical Maggot," "Hitler" Bernie Sanders
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/02/11/pro-trump-alex-jones-threatens-violence-against/208537
"Conspiracy theorist radio host Alex Jones, who is being courted by Donald Trump's presidential campaign, is smearing Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as "a dangerous, evil," man comparable to Hitler and Lenin, and falsely claiming he wants to put people in "forced relocation" camps. Jones has also launched unhinged attacks against "stupid" and "self-propelled trash" Sanders supporters, suggesting they need to have their "jaws broken" and their "moron heads" slapped."
"Conspiracy theorist radio host Alex Jones, who is being courted by Donald Trump's presidential campaign, is smearing Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as "a dangerous, evil," man comparable to Hitler and Lenin, and falsely claiming he wants to put people in "forced relocation" camps. Jones has also launched unhinged attacks against "stupid" and "self-propelled trash" Sanders supporters, suggesting they need to have their "jaws broken" and their "moron heads" slapped."
Busted: Kochs Funding Bundy Militia, Rancher Extremists So They Can Drill On Public Land
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/2016/02/11/busted-kochs-funding-bundy-militia-rancher-extremists-so-they-can-drill-on-public-land/
"Both the ALC and FIA are part of a dizzying array of shadowy groups that channel money from big-ticket conservative donors like the Kochs to anti-government terrorists like the Bundys."
"Both the ALC and FIA are part of a dizzying array of shadowy groups that channel money from big-ticket conservative donors like the Kochs to anti-government terrorists like the Bundys."
Cliven Bundy's Indictment Charges Massive Conspiracy - UPDATED
Cliven Bundy's Indictment Charges Massive Conspiracy - UPDATED
"He'll be in the clink for the rest of his life after this trial, alongside his sons."
"He'll be in the clink for the rest of his life after this trial, alongside his sons."
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Emails Indicate Flint Lead Tests Withheld from Public at Snyder's Command
Emails Indicate Flint Lead Tests Withheld from Public at Snyder's Command
"redacted emails released last month by the governor indicate that his administration was informed of problems with Flint's water many months before, as early as Feb. 2015"
"redacted emails released last month by the governor indicate that his administration was informed of problems with Flint's water many months before, as early as Feb. 2015"
Ted Cruz is in Big Trouble With Jewish Groups Over Highly Controversial Endorsement
Ted Cruz is in Big Trouble With Jewish Groups Over Highly Controversial Endorsement
"You essentially lose any right to call yourself remotely pro-Israel or pro the Jewish community when you refer to Hitler as a “hunter” that was sent by God to eradicate Jewish people."
"You essentially lose any right to call yourself remotely pro-Israel or pro the Jewish community when you refer to Hitler as a “hunter” that was sent by God to eradicate Jewish people."
Ted Cruz Defends Endorsement From Pastor Who Believes Hitler Was ‘Hunter’ Sent By God
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/02/11/3748743/ted-cruz-defends-endorsement-from-pastor-who-believes-hitler-was-hunter-sent-by-god/
"Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz isn’t backing away from the endorsement of Mike Bickle, a controversial evangelical pastor who once characterized Hitler as “a hunter” sent by God to go after Jews who don’t to convert to Christianity."
"Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz isn’t backing away from the endorsement of Mike Bickle, a controversial evangelical pastor who once characterized Hitler as “a hunter” sent by God to go after Jews who don’t to convert to Christianity."
The Koch Brothers' Dirty War on Solar Power
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-koch-brothers-dirty-war-on-solar-power-20160211
"investor-owned utilities, together with Koch-brothers-funded front groups like American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), are mounting a fierce, rear-guard resistance at the state level – pushing rate hikes and punishing fees for homeowners who turn to solar power. Their efforts have darkened green-energy prospects in could-be solar superpowers like Arizona and Nevada. But nowhere has the solar industry been more eclipsed than in Florida, where the utilities' powers of obstruction are unrivaled.
"investor-owned utilities, together with Koch-brothers-funded front groups like American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), are mounting a fierce, rear-guard resistance at the state level – pushing rate hikes and punishing fees for homeowners who turn to solar power. Their efforts have darkened green-energy prospects in could-be solar superpowers like Arizona and Nevada. But nowhere has the solar industry been more eclipsed than in Florida, where the utilities' powers of obstruction are unrivaled.
The Kochs Are Ghostwriting the United States' Story
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/34772-the-kochs-are-ghostwriting-the-united-states-story
"In other words, Koch and his brother David and the extraordinary machine they have built in cahoots with fellow billionaires and others, have spent hundreds and hundreds of millions to get their way - "the great wealth grab" in the words of Richard Eskow - all part of one long story told in pursuit of a specific end: to make the needs of the very, very few our nation's top priority and to thwart or destroy any group effort among the poor and middle class to do or say otherwise."
"In other words, Koch and his brother David and the extraordinary machine they have built in cahoots with fellow billionaires and others, have spent hundreds and hundreds of millions to get their way - "the great wealth grab" in the words of Richard Eskow - all part of one long story told in pursuit of a specific end: to make the needs of the very, very few our nation's top priority and to thwart or destroy any group effort among the poor and middle class to do or say otherwise."
Corporations Killed Medicine. Here's How to Take It Back
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/34784-corporations-killed-medicine-here-s-how-to-take-it-back
"Playing the role of modern-day lords of the manor are pharmaceutical corporations, which have taken a good that was once considered off-limits for private profiteering and turned it into an expensive commodity."
"Playing the role of modern-day lords of the manor are pharmaceutical corporations, which have taken a good that was once considered off-limits for private profiteering and turned it into an expensive commodity."
Maine Joins the Growing List of States to Vote on Marijuana Legalization This Year @alternet
Maine Joins the Growing List of States to Vote on Marijuana Legalization This Year @alternet:
"It looks like Mainers will be voting on legalization in November."
"It looks like Mainers will be voting on legalization in November."
5 New Discoveries That Will Shake Up Our Understanding of Marijuana @alternet
5 New Discoveries That Will Shake Up Our Understanding of Marijuana @alternet:
"New research shows marijuana may have more uses (and benefits) than we thought."
"New research shows marijuana may have more uses (and benefits) than we thought."
WI Supreme Court Again Tries Thwarting SCOTUS Review of Its Conflicts of Interest
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/02/13040/JohnDoe_order_Wisconsin
"Last week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's majority took another step to insulate itself from review by the U.S. Supreme Court, the latest twist in the long-running "John Doe" legal saga that has brought national attention to dysfunction on the state's highest court."
"Last week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's majority took another step to insulate itself from review by the U.S. Supreme Court, the latest twist in the long-running "John Doe" legal saga that has brought national attention to dysfunction on the state's highest court."
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Inequality Against Democracy: 10 Facts About the 1 Percent
Inequality Against Democracy: 10 Facts About the 1 Percent
"Political choices are shaping a new class of super-wealthy Americans. And, conversely, the super-wealthy are shaping our political choices. A Princeton study by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page concluded that “economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while mass-based interest groups and average citizens have little or no independent influence.” A government controlled by wealthy individuals and large corporations will be much more likely to harm the environment and subvert democratic processes. It will cater to the defense industry abroad and the for-profit prison industry at home. It will hamper racial justice, because true equality cannot be achieved without effort and cost. Its policies are likely to foster growing instability at home and abroad, affecting virtually every aspect of foreign and domestic policy. That is why runaway inequality is the central issue of our time. It stifles democracy and leads to a more dangerous world. We should, of course, demand that political candidates advocate the right social, foreign policy, and environmental decisions. But even the best candidates will find it impossible to consistently carry out the best policies in a society where so few have so much and so many have so little. Here’s the good news: Today’s inequality was created by choice, which means we can make different choices. We can end the great wealth grab – by strengthening collective bargaining rights, regulating Wall Street and large corporations, fixing our tax system, and renegotiating bad deals like NAFTA while blocking such deals in the future. Ending the great wealth grab will improve life for most Americans, and will make it easier to reclaim our democracy."
"Political choices are shaping a new class of super-wealthy Americans. And, conversely, the super-wealthy are shaping our political choices. A Princeton study by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page concluded that “economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while mass-based interest groups and average citizens have little or no independent influence.” A government controlled by wealthy individuals and large corporations will be much more likely to harm the environment and subvert democratic processes. It will cater to the defense industry abroad and the for-profit prison industry at home. It will hamper racial justice, because true equality cannot be achieved without effort and cost. Its policies are likely to foster growing instability at home and abroad, affecting virtually every aspect of foreign and domestic policy. That is why runaway inequality is the central issue of our time. It stifles democracy and leads to a more dangerous world. We should, of course, demand that political candidates advocate the right social, foreign policy, and environmental decisions. But even the best candidates will find it impossible to consistently carry out the best policies in a society where so few have so much and so many have so little. Here’s the good news: Today’s inequality was created by choice, which means we can make different choices. We can end the great wealth grab – by strengthening collective bargaining rights, regulating Wall Street and large corporations, fixing our tax system, and renegotiating bad deals like NAFTA while blocking such deals in the future. Ending the great wealth grab will improve life for most Americans, and will make it easier to reclaim our democracy."
Jeb Bush Unveils Sneaky New Plan To Make Citizens United Even Worse
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/02/08/3747327/jeb-bush-citizens-united/
"Simply put, Bush would permit a level of corruption that even the Roberts Court views as intolerable."
"Simply put, Bush would permit a level of corruption that even the Roberts Court views as intolerable."
A majority of low-wage workers earn so little they must rely on public assistance to make ends meet
A majority of low-wage workers earn so little they must rely on public assistance to make ends meet:
"When corporations pay wages so low that working people must rely on public assistance, taxpayers are effectively subsidizing these companies to make up the difference between what workers make and what they need to support themselves and their families. Meanwhile, corporations continue to post extraordinarily high profits and CEOs’ salaries continue to climb. Of the many policies that would lift wages, raising the minimum wage is the simplest way to help millions of low-paid workers pay the bills and ensure that businesses are doing their fair share to provide working families with the means to a decent life. Higher wages would also free up billions of dollars that could be used to strengthen anti-poverty programs, fund new education initiatives, or make economy-boosting investments."
"When corporations pay wages so low that working people must rely on public assistance, taxpayers are effectively subsidizing these companies to make up the difference between what workers make and what they need to support themselves and their families. Meanwhile, corporations continue to post extraordinarily high profits and CEOs’ salaries continue to climb. Of the many policies that would lift wages, raising the minimum wage is the simplest way to help millions of low-paid workers pay the bills and ensure that businesses are doing their fair share to provide working families with the means to a decent life. Higher wages would also free up billions of dollars that could be used to strengthen anti-poverty programs, fund new education initiatives, or make economy-boosting investments."
IRS Gives Up, Grants Karl Rove's Dark Money Group "Social Welfare" Certification
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/02/13039/irs-gives-grants-karl-roves-dark-money-group-social-welfare-certification
"The IRS has granted nonprofit status to Karl Rove's dark money political operation, Crossroads GPS, which for the past five years has pushed the legal envelope in order to influence elections but keep its donors secret. Formed in the wake of Citizens United, Crossroads GPS has been one of the biggest secretly-funded political players, raising and spending $330 million on election-related ads attacking Democratic candidates or praising Republicans, but without doing anything that might be described as advancing "social welfare." Although the majority opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision endorsed disclosure of donors, in the five years following the decision, spending by secretly-funded 501(c)(4) nonprofits has exploded."
"The IRS has granted nonprofit status to Karl Rove's dark money political operation, Crossroads GPS, which for the past five years has pushed the legal envelope in order to influence elections but keep its donors secret. Formed in the wake of Citizens United, Crossroads GPS has been one of the biggest secretly-funded political players, raising and spending $330 million on election-related ads attacking Democratic candidates or praising Republicans, but without doing anything that might be described as advancing "social welfare." Although the majority opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision endorsed disclosure of donors, in the five years following the decision, spending by secretly-funded 501(c)(4) nonprofits has exploded."
The Conservative Playbook for Keeping ‘Dark Money’ Dark
The Conservative Playbook for Keeping ‘Dark Money’ Dark
"In internal memos, groups opposing tighter state campaign finance rules coach their local supporters on how to battle disclosure of political donors."
"In internal memos, groups opposing tighter state campaign finance rules coach their local supporters on how to battle disclosure of political donors."
Federal Court Says North Carolina’s Racially Motivated Gerrymandering Is Unconstitutional
Federal Court Says North Carolina’s Racially Motivated Gerrymandering Is Unconstitutional
"Shortly after North Carolina Republicans took over the state legislature in 2010, they drew up new district maps to determine the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts, carving them up to their partisan advantage. On Friday, a federal court declared that two of those congressional districts were gerrymandered in a way that was racially discriminatory, deliberately clustering many black voters — who often vote Democratic — into large, oddly shaped districts in violation of their constitutional rights."
"Shortly after North Carolina Republicans took over the state legislature in 2010, they drew up new district maps to determine the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts, carving them up to their partisan advantage. On Friday, a federal court declared that two of those congressional districts were gerrymandered in a way that was racially discriminatory, deliberately clustering many black voters — who often vote Democratic — into large, oddly shaped districts in violation of their constitutional rights."
Federal Court Says North Carolina’s Gerrymandered Maps Are Unconstitutional
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/02/08/3746987/federal-court-says-north-carolinas-gerrymandered-maps-are-unconstitutional/
"No state has done more in the post-Jim Crow era to restrict voting rights than North Carolina. Just weeks after the Supreme Court gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, the state enacted a comprehensive voter suppression law that pulled together many different provisions used to restrict voting in other states. Meanwhile, its congressional maps offer only the illusion of a democracy. During the last presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney received just over 50 percent of the popular vote in North Carolina. Nevertheless, Republicans won 9 of the state’s 13 seats in the U.S. House under North Carolina’s gerrymandered maps."
"No state has done more in the post-Jim Crow era to restrict voting rights than North Carolina. Just weeks after the Supreme Court gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, the state enacted a comprehensive voter suppression law that pulled together many different provisions used to restrict voting in other states. Meanwhile, its congressional maps offer only the illusion of a democracy. During the last presidential election, Republican candidate Mitt Romney received just over 50 percent of the popular vote in North Carolina. Nevertheless, Republicans won 9 of the state’s 13 seats in the U.S. House under North Carolina’s gerrymandered maps."
An Astonishing Breakdown Showing How Much of a Liar Donald Trump Really Is
An Astonishing Breakdown Showing How Much of a Liar Donald Trump Really Is
"Only 7 percent of Trump’s statements have been deemed honest while a whopping 77 percent have been deemed dishonest."
"Only 7 percent of Trump’s statements have been deemed honest while a whopping 77 percent have been deemed dishonest."
Marco Rubio is no moderate
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/2/7/1479673/-Marco-Rubio-is-no-moderate
"As it turns out, there's only one problem with the Marco the Moderate Myth: It simply isn't true. As a quick glance at his past record and proposals for the future shows, Marco Rubio is a reactionary ideologue whose extremism has only increased during his short tenure in the Senate."
"As it turns out, there's only one problem with the Marco the Moderate Myth: It simply isn't true. As a quick glance at his past record and proposals for the future shows, Marco Rubio is a reactionary ideologue whose extremism has only increased during his short tenure in the Senate."
Krugman: Not Failure, Not Even Reality Will Stop the Republicans From Dropping Their Canned Talking Points
http://www.alternet.org/economy/krugman-weirdness-watching-republicans-canned-talking-points-which-have-been-discredited
"Think about the doctrines every Republican politician now needs to endorse, on pain of excommunication. First, there’s the ritual denunciation of Obamacare as a terrible, very bad, no good, job-killing law. Did I mention that it kills jobs? Strange to say, this line hasn’t changed at all despite the fact that we’ve gained 5.7 million private-sector jobs since January 2014, which is when the Affordable Care Act went into full effect. Then there’s the assertion that taxing the rich has terrible effects on economic growth, and conversely that tax cuts at the top can be counted on to produce an economic miracle. This doctrine was tested more than two decades ago, when Bill Clinton raised tax rates on high incomes; Republicans predicted disaster, but what we got was the economy’s best run since the 1960s. It was tested again when George W. Bush cut taxes on the wealthy; Republicans predicted a “Bush boom,” but actually got a lackluster expansion followed by the worst slump since the Great Depression. And it got tested a third time after President Obama won re-election, and tax rates at the top went up substantially; since then we’ve gained eight million private-sector jobs. Oh, and there’s also the spectacular failure of the Kansas experiment, where huge tax cuts have created a budget crisis without delivering any hint of the promised economic miracle. But Republican faith in tax cuts as a universal economic elixir has, if anything, grown stronger, with Mr. Rubio, in particular, going even further than the other candidates by promising to eliminate all taxes on capital gains."
"Think about the doctrines every Republican politician now needs to endorse, on pain of excommunication. First, there’s the ritual denunciation of Obamacare as a terrible, very bad, no good, job-killing law. Did I mention that it kills jobs? Strange to say, this line hasn’t changed at all despite the fact that we’ve gained 5.7 million private-sector jobs since January 2014, which is when the Affordable Care Act went into full effect. Then there’s the assertion that taxing the rich has terrible effects on economic growth, and conversely that tax cuts at the top can be counted on to produce an economic miracle. This doctrine was tested more than two decades ago, when Bill Clinton raised tax rates on high incomes; Republicans predicted disaster, but what we got was the economy’s best run since the 1960s. It was tested again when George W. Bush cut taxes on the wealthy; Republicans predicted a “Bush boom,” but actually got a lackluster expansion followed by the worst slump since the Great Depression. And it got tested a third time after President Obama won re-election, and tax rates at the top went up substantially; since then we’ve gained eight million private-sector jobs. Oh, and there’s also the spectacular failure of the Kansas experiment, where huge tax cuts have created a budget crisis without delivering any hint of the promised economic miracle. But Republican faith in tax cuts as a universal economic elixir has, if anything, grown stronger, with Mr. Rubio, in particular, going even further than the other candidates by promising to eliminate all taxes on capital gains."
Chris Christie and Marco Rubio Unwittingly Exposed Default Republican Position on Literally Everything
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/02/marco-rubio-unwittingly-exposed-default-republican-position-on-literally-everything/
"The fact is, the GOP has been running on the same platform for 30 years — cut taxes for the rich, privatize everything, dismantle worker’s rights and gut the government. These policies are getting harder and harder to justify given they haven’t worked for the vast majority of the population, and nearly turned the country into a banana republic under the stewardship of George W. Bush. The Republicans can’t run a presidential election on their bold new ideas, because they have no new bold ideas."
"The fact is, the GOP has been running on the same platform for 30 years — cut taxes for the rich, privatize everything, dismantle worker’s rights and gut the government. These policies are getting harder and harder to justify given they haven’t worked for the vast majority of the population, and nearly turned the country into a banana republic under the stewardship of George W. Bush. The Republicans can’t run a presidential election on their bold new ideas, because they have no new bold ideas."
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