Now is the time to pile on in defense of the idea that journalism requires a commitment to truth
"If ever there was a need to pile on in defense of the old-fashioned idea that journalism requires a commitment to truth (not equal time for flat-earthers but truth), this was the time."
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Wash. Post's Dave Weigel Explains How Trump's Extraordinarily Brief Policy Statements Exploit A Media Vulnerability
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/09/15/wash-posts-dave-weigel-explains-how-trumps-extraordinarily-brief-policy-statements-exploit-media/213106
"The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel pointed to a massive media vulnerability that Donald Trump regularly exploits, writing that even though the Republican nominee for president “has offered less policy detail than any candidate for president in my lifetime,” Trump is able to game the media because he “has never failed to offer enough detail to fit in a headline or cable news chyron"."
"The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel pointed to a massive media vulnerability that Donald Trump regularly exploits, writing that even though the Republican nominee for president “has offered less policy detail than any candidate for president in my lifetime,” Trump is able to game the media because he “has never failed to offer enough detail to fit in a headline or cable news chyron"."
Trump's 'family friendly' policies have holes you could drive a yacht through
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/14/1570150/-Trump-s-family-friendly-policies-have-holes-you-could-drive-a-yacht-through
"This isn’t a plan really meant to pass—it’s a plan meant to help Trump appeal to Republican women who’d been turned off by his insults and vicious policies. But if it did become law, it would be a good fit for Trump, helping well-to-do families and leaving low-income families out."
"This isn’t a plan really meant to pass—it’s a plan meant to help Trump appeal to Republican women who’d been turned off by his insults and vicious policies. But if it did become law, it would be a good fit for Trump, helping well-to-do families and leaving low-income families out."
WATCH: Keith Olbermann takes Trump’s deplorable campaign to the woodshed — and it’s awesome
WATCH: Keith Olbermann takes Trump’s deplorable campaign to the woodshed — and it’s awesome
"In a new video posted on Thursday, Olbermann names names when listing off all the ways that both Trump’s campaign and his official surrogates are truly deplorable."
"In a new video posted on Thursday, Olbermann names names when listing off all the ways that both Trump’s campaign and his official surrogates are truly deplorable."
Donald Trump Jr.: releasing the taxes would lead to too many questions
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/15/1570415/-Donald-Trump-Jr-releasing-the-taxes-would-lead-to-too-many-questions
"Remember when Eric Trump said people are too ignorant to understand his dad's taxes?"
"Remember when Eric Trump said people are too ignorant to understand his dad's taxes?"
NPR reporter says Trump 'misstates key facts' (he lied) about Flint church visit
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/15/1570432/-NPR-reporter-says-Trump-misstates-key-facts-he-lied-about-Flint-church-visit
"The Donald did NOT like being interrupted and he ran to Fox News this morning to say Pastor Timmons was a "nervous mess" and essentially said he thought it was planned sabotage. NPR reporter Scott Detrow was at the event and says Donald Trump "misstated key facts" about the visit: "The audience was saying let him speak, let him speak," Trump told Fox and Friends. That isn't true. In fact, several audience members began to heckle Trump, asking pointed questions about whether he racially discriminated against black tenants as a landlord. And that's when Timmons — who Trump said Thursday had planned to ambush him — stepped in to defend Trump, saying the Republican nominee was "a guest of my church, and you will respect him." "Thank you. Thank you, pastor," Trump responded. The pointed questions for Trump continued as Trump wrapped up his remarks, though — and that's the moment when the press traveling with Trump was hastily escorted out of the room. Although the questions being shouted from the crowd are difficult to make out in the video below, you can clearly see Pastor Timmons step out from the curtain to chastise audience members and ask them to be respectful. Never mind that though, Trump has already lied to his core audience at Fox News ... and who are you going to believe anyway? Donald Trump or your lying eyes?"
"The Donald did NOT like being interrupted and he ran to Fox News this morning to say Pastor Timmons was a "nervous mess" and essentially said he thought it was planned sabotage. NPR reporter Scott Detrow was at the event and says Donald Trump "misstated key facts" about the visit: "The audience was saying let him speak, let him speak," Trump told Fox and Friends. That isn't true. In fact, several audience members began to heckle Trump, asking pointed questions about whether he racially discriminated against black tenants as a landlord. And that's when Timmons — who Trump said Thursday had planned to ambush him — stepped in to defend Trump, saying the Republican nominee was "a guest of my church, and you will respect him." "Thank you. Thank you, pastor," Trump responded. The pointed questions for Trump continued as Trump wrapped up his remarks, though — and that's the moment when the press traveling with Trump was hastily escorted out of the room. Although the questions being shouted from the crowd are difficult to make out in the video below, you can clearly see Pastor Timmons step out from the curtain to chastise audience members and ask them to be respectful. Never mind that though, Trump has already lied to his core audience at Fox News ... and who are you going to believe anyway? Donald Trump or your lying eyes?"
Watch: Pastor at Black Church Interrupts Trump's Clinton Bashing @alternet
Watch: Pastor at Black Church Interrupts Trump's Clinton Bashing @alternet:
"Trump was heckled by several members of the small crowd before being chided by Rev. Faith Green Timmons for turning his policy speech into a political attack on his opponent Hillary Clinton."
"Trump was heckled by several members of the small crowd before being chided by Rev. Faith Green Timmons for turning his policy speech into a political attack on his opponent Hillary Clinton."
‘Bull f*cking sh*t’: Trump gets a taste of his own fat-shaming as Twitter rips claim he’s 236 lbs
‘Bull f*cking sh*t’: Trump gets a taste of his own fat-shaming as Twitter rips claim he’s 236 lbs
"Twitter users savagely mocked Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump this week after he released a letter from his doctor claiming he weighed 236 pounds."
"Twitter users savagely mocked Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump this week after he released a letter from his doctor claiming he weighed 236 pounds."
White Nationalist Wonders If Trump Will Drive Jews Out Of Power
White Nationalist Wonders If Trump Will Drive Jews Out Of Power:
"The Traditionalist Youth Network is led by Matthew Heimbach, who believes the United States should be divided into ethnically homogenous regions. Heimbach has praised Donald Trump for “speaking to white interests” and celebrated the way Trump’s campaign has provided fertile ground for his group’s recruiting. Trump, says Heimbach, “has opened this floodgate that I don’t think can be restrained regardless of what happens in the 2016 elections"."
"The Traditionalist Youth Network is led by Matthew Heimbach, who believes the United States should be divided into ethnically homogenous regions. Heimbach has praised Donald Trump for “speaking to white interests” and celebrated the way Trump’s campaign has provided fertile ground for his group’s recruiting. Trump, says Heimbach, “has opened this floodgate that I don’t think can be restrained regardless of what happens in the 2016 elections"."
Chuck Grassley tries to pin blame for SCOTUS obstruction on Iowa voters
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/14/1569832/-Chuck-Grassley-tries-to-pin-blame-for-SCOTUS-obstruction-on-Iowa-voters
"Sen. Chuck Grassley is not impressing the local media either with his behavior in blockading Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, or with his excuses for that behavior."
"Sen. Chuck Grassley is not impressing the local media either with his behavior in blockading Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, or with his excuses for that behavior."
The Small Business Owners Trump Stiffed Issue Blistering Revelations (VIDEO)
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/09/14/the-small-business-owners-trump-stiffed-issue-blistering-revelations-video/
"thanks to a group of creditors that Trump stiffed while he was busy destroying Atlantic City’s economy we are now privy to a very different story than the one Trump’s been peddling on the campaign trail."
"thanks to a group of creditors that Trump stiffed while he was busy destroying Atlantic City’s economy we are now privy to a very different story than the one Trump’s been peddling on the campaign trail."
‘Normalizing’ Trump
https://www.thenation.com/article/normalizing-trump/
"The media deserve a good deal of blame here, not only because of the billions of dollars’ worth of free airtime television networks have given to Trump but also because of their insistence—against all evidence—that he is someone other than the person he clearly presents himself to be."
"The media deserve a good deal of blame here, not only because of the billions of dollars’ worth of free airtime television networks have given to Trump but also because of their insistence—against all evidence—that he is someone other than the person he clearly presents himself to be."
Why the Government's Top Campaign Finance Watchdogs Have No Teeth
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/37582-why-the-government-s-top-campaign-finance-watchdogs-have-no-teeth
"To this day, all of these questions remain unanswered, and the commission is currently facing lawsuits from independent watchdog groups demanding action on complaints over dark money and other campaign finance violations dating as far back as 2010. Almost every time a potentially precedent-setting case comes before the FEC, voting ends with a 3-3 split, leaving the commission paralyzed in deadlock."
"To this day, all of these questions remain unanswered, and the commission is currently facing lawsuits from independent watchdog groups demanding action on complaints over dark money and other campaign finance violations dating as far back as 2010. Almost every time a potentially precedent-setting case comes before the FEC, voting ends with a 3-3 split, leaving the commission paralyzed in deadlock."
Jeffrey Lord: Fact Checkers 'Don't Count' Because 'They Are Basically Liberal'
Jeffrey Lord: Fact Checkers 'Don't Count' Because 'They Are Basically Liberal'
"Trump-backing CNN contributor Jeffrey Lord on Monday doubled down on his candidate's call to ban moderators and fact checking from upcoming debates."
"Trump-backing CNN contributor Jeffrey Lord on Monday doubled down on his candidate's call to ban moderators and fact checking from upcoming debates."
America's Religious Right's Cult-Like Attraction to Vladimir Putin @alternet
America's Religious Right's Cult-Like Attraction to Vladimir Putin @alternet:
"It seems even more remarkable that the Republican Party’s presidential nominee has been lavishing praise on Putin even as Russia maneuvers to diminish America’s influence in the world. As president, Putin has consolidated his power through attacks on the independent media, the persecution of political opponents, and restrictions on civil society. He has annexed Crimea, supported violent separatists in Ukraine, fostered anti-democratic right-wing forces in Europe, and made the weakening of NATO a major strategic imperative. None of that has kept Donald Trump from praising Putin and welcoming Putin’s praise for him."
"It seems even more remarkable that the Republican Party’s presidential nominee has been lavishing praise on Putin even as Russia maneuvers to diminish America’s influence in the world. As president, Putin has consolidated his power through attacks on the independent media, the persecution of political opponents, and restrictions on civil society. He has annexed Crimea, supported violent separatists in Ukraine, fostered anti-democratic right-wing forces in Europe, and made the weakening of NATO a major strategic imperative. None of that has kept Donald Trump from praising Putin and welcoming Putin’s praise for him."
On Monday, Donald Trump Cemented His Status as the Biggest Coward in All of Politics (Video)
On Monday, Donald Trump Cemented His Status as the Biggest Coward in All of Politics (Video)
"What this really boils down to is Trump is terrified that his lies are going to be fact-checked to a huge, national audience with direct quotes and/or video proving what he’s saying is untrue. It makes absolutely no sense to have a presidential debate without moderators. What also makes this so ridiculous is we’ve never seen a candidate whine about this stuff like Trump has."
"What this really boils down to is Trump is terrified that his lies are going to be fact-checked to a huge, national audience with direct quotes and/or video proving what he’s saying is untrue. It makes absolutely no sense to have a presidential debate without moderators. What also makes this so ridiculous is we’ve never seen a candidate whine about this stuff like Trump has."
Friday, September 16, 2016
Donald Trump’s new economic policy plan would be devastating to the climate
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-economic-plan-climate-dangers-4b685b8bb576#.dpxbu3bie
"It includes things like completely eliminating the Clean Power Plan, the United States’ most robust attempt at curbing dangerous greenhouse gas emissions from power sources. It would also eliminate the Waters of the United States rule, a rule that would protect millions of Americans from water pollution. Trump would also slash the EPA’s new standards for ground-level ozone, meant to combat public health issues like asthma"
"It includes things like completely eliminating the Clean Power Plan, the United States’ most robust attempt at curbing dangerous greenhouse gas emissions from power sources. It would also eliminate the Waters of the United States rule, a rule that would protect millions of Americans from water pollution. Trump would also slash the EPA’s new standards for ground-level ozone, meant to combat public health issues like asthma"
Donald Trump filled out a survey about science and it is amazing
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-science-survey-fe56662669ea#.3r7svn16b
"Science is hard. At least, it seems to be for Donald Trump, who this week gave contradictory, off-topic, and sometimes garbled answers to a science questionnaire distributed by Science Debate, a non-profit that urges scientific literacy and accountability from political candidates."
"Science is hard. At least, it seems to be for Donald Trump, who this week gave contradictory, off-topic, and sometimes garbled answers to a science questionnaire distributed by Science Debate, a non-profit that urges scientific literacy and accountability from political candidates."
'Full Frontal' Takes On False Equivalence And Trumpites' Racism
'Full Frontal' Takes On False Equivalence And Trumpites' Racism
"Samantha Bee returned from hiatus last night to this remarkable diatribe against false equivalency in cable news coverage of the election."
"Samantha Bee returned from hiatus last night to this remarkable diatribe against false equivalency in cable news coverage of the election."
Keith Olbermann Is Back!
Keith Olbermann Is Back!
"In the debut episode of his new series, "The Closer," GQ's Keith Olbermann tallies the most outrageous of Donald Trump's offenses in what is now his 15-month assault on American democracy. It's called "176 Reasons Donald Trump Shouldn't Be President"."
"In the debut episode of his new series, "The Closer," GQ's Keith Olbermann tallies the most outrageous of Donald Trump's offenses in what is now his 15-month assault on American democracy. It's called "176 Reasons Donald Trump Shouldn't Be President"."
Huge Trump Supporter Makes Fool Out of Himself Defending Call to Ban Debate Moderators (Video)
Huge Trump Supporter Makes Fool Out of Himself Defending Call to Ban Debate Moderators (Video)
"We’ve seen conspiracies go from an underlying theme believed by many on the right, to becoming “legitimate news stories” for tens of millions of conservative voters. I really never thought I’d see the day where a site like InfoWars, a conspiracy organization that claimed Sandy Hook never happened, would become a go-to “news” site for a Republican presidential candidate and his followers. It’s actually quite terrifying. A great example of what I mean happened on Monday when I saw CNN contributor (and huge Trump supporter) Jeffrey Lord make an absolute fool out of himself when he literally advocated for letting Trump lie during the presidential debates. “You know, some of these fact checking — quote, unquote — sites are basically liberal,” Lord said. “And they have a bias going into it. So, I really don’t count them much as fact checkers.” Again, that’s rhetoric directly from the conspiracy theory handbook. If the truth debunks your lies, claim that the truth is “part of the conspiracy"."
"We’ve seen conspiracies go from an underlying theme believed by many on the right, to becoming “legitimate news stories” for tens of millions of conservative voters. I really never thought I’d see the day where a site like InfoWars, a conspiracy organization that claimed Sandy Hook never happened, would become a go-to “news” site for a Republican presidential candidate and his followers. It’s actually quite terrifying. A great example of what I mean happened on Monday when I saw CNN contributor (and huge Trump supporter) Jeffrey Lord make an absolute fool out of himself when he literally advocated for letting Trump lie during the presidential debates. “You know, some of these fact checking — quote, unquote — sites are basically liberal,” Lord said. “And they have a bias going into it. So, I really don’t count them much as fact checkers.” Again, that’s rhetoric directly from the conspiracy theory handbook. If the truth debunks your lies, claim that the truth is “part of the conspiracy"."
Republicans Warn Trump: 'Putin Is Not Our Friend'
Republicans Warn Trump: 'Putin Is Not Our Friend'
"I don't know what is more frightening, that a vicious foreign leader is trying to undermine our election process, or that one of the candidates is so stupid and vain that he welcomes our new Russian overlord."
"I don't know what is more frightening, that a vicious foreign leader is trying to undermine our election process, or that one of the candidates is so stupid and vain that he welcomes our new Russian overlord."
Here's Proof that Hillary Clinton was 100% Right About "Deplorable" Trump Supporters
Here's Proof that Hillary Clinton was 100% Right About "Deplorable" Trump Supporters
"Let’s run down some of the facts, shall we? The categories she listed in that comment were: Racist, Sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic. Here’s a poll from back in February showing that 37 percent of Trump supporters either disapproved of, or weren’t sure if they supported Abraham Lincoln freeing over three million slaves. Now, that’s not “half” – it’s only nearly 4 out of every 10. Then there’s always this poll where two-thirds of people backing Donald Trump think President Obama is a Muslim. I would say that falls into the categories of racist, xenophobic and Islamophobic. But that wasn’t all. In that very same poll, 61 percent of people supporting Trump didn’t believe President Obama was an American citizen. A poll from March showed that 84 percent of his supporters backed banning Muslims from entering the United States Here’s this Reuters poll that found: Just over 30 percent of Trump supporters viewed blacks as “less intelligent” than whites. 40 percent of Trump supporters viewed blacks as “more lazy” than whites. Nearly 45 percent of Trump supporters viewed blacks as “more rude” than whites. 48 percent of Trump supporters view blacks as “more violent” than whites. 46 percent of Trump supporters view blacks as “more criminal” than whites. For the record, supporters for Ted Cruz and John Kasich were also included in that poll and those supporting Trump were found to be much more racist than both of the other Republican candidates — and it wasn’t even close. Then there’s this eye-opening PPP poll from South Carolina that found among Trump supporters: 38 percent wished the South had won the Civil War. 76 percent either wished the South had won or weren’t sure if they would have rather seen the North or South win. 31 percent supported banning homosexuals from the United States, while 16 percent weren’t sure if they support banning homosexuals from coming to this country."
"Let’s run down some of the facts, shall we? The categories she listed in that comment were: Racist, Sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic. Here’s a poll from back in February showing that 37 percent of Trump supporters either disapproved of, or weren’t sure if they supported Abraham Lincoln freeing over three million slaves. Now, that’s not “half” – it’s only nearly 4 out of every 10. Then there’s always this poll where two-thirds of people backing Donald Trump think President Obama is a Muslim. I would say that falls into the categories of racist, xenophobic and Islamophobic. But that wasn’t all. In that very same poll, 61 percent of people supporting Trump didn’t believe President Obama was an American citizen. A poll from March showed that 84 percent of his supporters backed banning Muslims from entering the United States Here’s this Reuters poll that found: Just over 30 percent of Trump supporters viewed blacks as “less intelligent” than whites. 40 percent of Trump supporters viewed blacks as “more lazy” than whites. Nearly 45 percent of Trump supporters viewed blacks as “more rude” than whites. 48 percent of Trump supporters view blacks as “more violent” than whites. 46 percent of Trump supporters view blacks as “more criminal” than whites. For the record, supporters for Ted Cruz and John Kasich were also included in that poll and those supporting Trump were found to be much more racist than both of the other Republican candidates — and it wasn’t even close. Then there’s this eye-opening PPP poll from South Carolina that found among Trump supporters: 38 percent wished the South had won the Civil War. 76 percent either wished the South had won or weren’t sure if they would have rather seen the North or South win. 31 percent supported banning homosexuals from the United States, while 16 percent weren’t sure if they support banning homosexuals from coming to this country."
Donald Trump Jr. Has Got A White Supremacist Problem
Donald Trump Jr. Has Got A White Supremacist Problem:
"This isn’t Trump Jr.’s first, second or even third time associating himself with white supremacists. In March, he appeared on a radio show with James Edwards, host of the white supremacist radio show Political Cesspool. In July, it was noted he followed several white supremacists on Twitter. Less than two weeks ago, he retweeted a prominent white supremacist. And that wasn’t even the first time he’s done so: Trump Jr. once retweeted a white supremacist’s false claim that a Trump supporter pictured giving the Nazi salute was actually a Bernie Sanders fan in disguise. Any of these individual instances can be explained away. However, the most charitable interpretation of this pattern of behavior is that it once again demonstrates that the Trump family and campaign have no qualms about associating with known and prolific racists."
"This isn’t Trump Jr.’s first, second or even third time associating himself with white supremacists. In March, he appeared on a radio show with James Edwards, host of the white supremacist radio show Political Cesspool. In July, it was noted he followed several white supremacists on Twitter. Less than two weeks ago, he retweeted a prominent white supremacist. And that wasn’t even the first time he’s done so: Trump Jr. once retweeted a white supremacist’s false claim that a Trump supporter pictured giving the Nazi salute was actually a Bernie Sanders fan in disguise. Any of these individual instances can be explained away. However, the most charitable interpretation of this pattern of behavior is that it once again demonstrates that the Trump family and campaign have no qualms about associating with known and prolific racists."
Ohio reporter shares ‘deplorable’ messages some of Trump’s basket-case fans have sent him
Ohio reporter shares ‘deplorable’ messages some of Trump’s basket-case fans have sent him
"In particular, Gomez notes that many Trump supporters who email him point to his Hispanic heritage as a major reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to report on Trump’s campaign."
"In particular, Gomez notes that many Trump supporters who email him point to his Hispanic heritage as a major reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to report on Trump’s campaign."
Donald Trump lays out his education plan: Gut public schools
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/9/1568374/-Donald-Trump-lays-out-his-education-plan-Gut-public-schools
"Donald Trump believes in private profit and in destroying public education as a public good."
"Donald Trump believes in private profit and in destroying public education as a public good."
The New, Old Authoritarianism of Donald Trump @alternet
The New, Old Authoritarianism of Donald Trump @alternet:
"a glimpse of what Trump has in common with the new authoritarianism and its deeply racist, anti-immigration, and neo-Nazi tendencies."
"a glimpse of what Trump has in common with the new authoritarianism and its deeply racist, anti-immigration, and neo-Nazi tendencies."
Trump and the Truth: The Unemployment-Rate Hoax - The New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/trump-and-the-truth-the-unemployment-rate-hoax
"That, within a six-month span, Trump’s estimates ranged from twenty, or “close to twenty,” per cent all the way up to forty-two per cent suggest he’s not using an overly rigorous model. His are statistics verified by gut feeling and bold, bald assertion."
"That, within a six-month span, Trump’s estimates ranged from twenty, or “close to twenty,” per cent all the way up to forty-two per cent suggest he’s not using an overly rigorous model. His are statistics verified by gut feeling and bold, bald assertion."
Alt-Right Movement Presents Its Vision for an All-White Society With Trump Paving the Way
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/09/alt-right-makes-its-main-stream-debut
"The alt-right movement, reveling in the spotlight cast upon it by the Donald Trump campaign, made its debut to the mainstream media on Friday with a press conference to lay out its goal of an all-white society and its love for Trump."
"The alt-right movement, reveling in the spotlight cast upon it by the Donald Trump campaign, made its debut to the mainstream media on Friday with a press conference to lay out its goal of an all-white society and its love for Trump."
Grand Old Putin: Donald Trump delivers the Republican Party to the Russian Federation
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/9/1568307/-Grand-Old-Putin-Donald-Trump-delivers-the-Republican-Party-to-the-Russian-Federation
"Despite being frequently reminded that Putin is a murderous, dictatorial ruler who holds the singular dishonor of being the first leader to invade a European country since Adolph Hitler, Donald Trump just can't stop praising him."
"Despite being frequently reminded that Putin is a murderous, dictatorial ruler who holds the singular dishonor of being the first leader to invade a European country since Adolph Hitler, Donald Trump just can't stop praising him."
John Birch Society Ascendant in Trump’s Speech to Evangelical Christians @alternet
John Birch Society Ascendant in Trump’s Speech to Evangelical Christians @alternet:
"Today, after years of exile for its extremist teachings and opposition to civil rights legislation, John Birch Society is back in the fold, with an exhibit booth at the annual gathering of right-wing evangelicals, and a speech delivered by Republican standard-bearer Donald J. Trump that echoed many of the society’s ideas."
"Today, after years of exile for its extremist teachings and opposition to civil rights legislation, John Birch Society is back in the fold, with an exhibit booth at the annual gathering of right-wing evangelicals, and a speech delivered by Republican standard-bearer Donald J. Trump that echoed many of the society’s ideas."
GOP Strategist Calls Donald Trump ‘The Most Dangerous Politician I’ve Ever Encountered’
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/09/09/gop-strategist-calls-donald-trump-the-dangerous-politician-encountered.html
"Donald Trump is not a thinking man. He is a dangerous demagogue who cares more about how he looks and the praise he seeks than he does anything else, including this country– a fact he’s made obvious by letting Putin play him for a fool."
"Donald Trump is not a thinking man. He is a dangerous demagogue who cares more about how he looks and the praise he seeks than he does anything else, including this country– a fact he’s made obvious by letting Putin play him for a fool."
Forget the ‘Aleppo’ gaffe: What’s really wrong with Gary Johnson is his Ayn Randian worldview
Forget the ‘Aleppo’ gaffe: What’s really wrong with Gary Johnson is his Ayn Randian worldview
"The reality of fiscal conservatism in the United States is not cautious, evidence-based attention to which government programs do and don’t work."
"The reality of fiscal conservatism in the United States is not cautious, evidence-based attention to which government programs do and don’t work."
Roger Ailes is Donald Trump's new wingman—er, debate coach
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/8/1567995/-Roger-Ailes-is-Donald-Trump-s-new-wingman-er-debate-coach
"Ailes is an old hand at Republican debate prep, having served in similar capacities for multiple past candidates. He also has an inside track into the third and most crucial debate moderator, Fox News host Chris Wallace, who stuck up for the longtime perv during the perv's darkest days."
"Ailes is an old hand at Republican debate prep, having served in similar capacities for multiple past candidates. He also has an inside track into the third and most crucial debate moderator, Fox News host Chris Wallace, who stuck up for the longtime perv during the perv's darkest days."
Donald Trump Says He Supports Chris Wallace Not Fact Checking Him
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/09/09/donald-trump-supports-chris-wallace-fact-checking.html
"Chris Wallace is a professional propagandist, not a journalist, as he himself has admitted by saying it’s not his role to fact check when in fact, that is precisely his role."
"Chris Wallace is a professional propagandist, not a journalist, as he himself has admitted by saying it’s not his role to fact check when in fact, that is precisely his role."
Donald Trump will not stop lying about his Iraq record
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/9/1568303/-Donald-Trump-will-not-stop-lying-about-his-Iraq-record
"Matt Lauer may not have pushed back when Donald Trump claimed that a 2004 quote criticizing the Iraq war showed that he had been opposed to the war before it started in 2003, but Lauer’s failure has nonetheless put the spotlight on Trump’s lie. With the media finally talking about how Trump habitually lies on this subject—and Esquire magazine having added an editor's note to the 2004 story Trump likes to point to—Trump is trying to find new ways to claim he opposed invading Iraq before it happened."
"Matt Lauer may not have pushed back when Donald Trump claimed that a 2004 quote criticizing the Iraq war showed that he had been opposed to the war before it started in 2003, but Lauer’s failure has nonetheless put the spotlight on Trump’s lie. With the media finally talking about how Trump habitually lies on this subject—and Esquire magazine having added an editor's note to the 2004 story Trump likes to point to—Trump is trying to find new ways to claim he opposed invading Iraq before it happened."
Dear U.S. media: Do you WANT a President Trump?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/7/1567576/-Dear-U-S-media-Do-you-WANT-a-President-Trump
"George W. Bush received easy media treatment and thus graced us with Iraq, Katrina, and an economic meltdown. In my opinion, the eight years of an awful Bush presidency would pale in comparison to the disaster a Trump presidency would bring. Is that what you in the media really want? Have you thought outside your hermetic bubble in the Beltway about how a Trump presidency would affect the rest of us in not only the U.S., but the world at large? The lives of real people—actual mothers, fathers, children, families, workers, working poor, unemployed, your own neighbors—could and most certainly will be ruined as a result of your malfeasance, intentional or unintentional. Yes, I’m laying the blame for a potential Trump presidency—and the certain and colossal ruin that it would leave in its wake—squarely on YOU."
"George W. Bush received easy media treatment and thus graced us with Iraq, Katrina, and an economic meltdown. In my opinion, the eight years of an awful Bush presidency would pale in comparison to the disaster a Trump presidency would bring. Is that what you in the media really want? Have you thought outside your hermetic bubble in the Beltway about how a Trump presidency would affect the rest of us in not only the U.S., but the world at large? The lives of real people—actual mothers, fathers, children, families, workers, working poor, unemployed, your own neighbors—could and most certainly will be ruined as a result of your malfeasance, intentional or unintentional. Yes, I’m laying the blame for a potential Trump presidency—and the certain and colossal ruin that it would leave in its wake—squarely on YOU."
Dozens of North Carolina counties slash early voting weeks before Election Day
https://thinkprogress.org/dozens-of-north-carolina-counties-slash-early-voting-weeks-before-election-day-d0fe1b54da38#.ll3llpjjm
"Lenoir County near North Carolina’s eastern shore is more than 40 percent black, and there are more than double the number of registered Democrats than Republicans. But its Board of Elections is controlled by white Republicans, who recently voted to slash the number of early voting sites from four to one, and only open that location during weekday businesses hours and a couple of hours on Saturday morning. The Republican board members said cutting the number of early voting hours by more than three-quarters would save the county money and allow them to “monitor voter fraud more effectively,” though extensive studies in North Carolina and across the country have found in-person voter fraud to be nearly non-existent. Lenoir County is one of dozens of Republican-controlled counties effectively defying a July court ruling that blocked North Carolina’s plan to cut early voting on the grounds the move intentionally targeted black voters — who depend on early voting — with “surgical precision"."
"Lenoir County near North Carolina’s eastern shore is more than 40 percent black, and there are more than double the number of registered Democrats than Republicans. But its Board of Elections is controlled by white Republicans, who recently voted to slash the number of early voting sites from four to one, and only open that location during weekday businesses hours and a couple of hours on Saturday morning. The Republican board members said cutting the number of early voting hours by more than three-quarters would save the county money and allow them to “monitor voter fraud more effectively,” though extensive studies in North Carolina and across the country have found in-person voter fraud to be nearly non-existent. Lenoir County is one of dozens of Republican-controlled counties effectively defying a July court ruling that blocked North Carolina’s plan to cut early voting on the grounds the move intentionally targeted black voters — who depend on early voting — with “surgical precision"."
Republican State AGs Met With Coal, Electricity Companies Before Filing Against The EPA’s Carbon Rule
https://thinkprogress.org/republican-ags-coal-companies-epas-carbon-rule-de76ac047edf#.v6o44siik
"Coal and electricity companies paid to meet with Republican state attorneys general just weeks before those top law enforcement officials joined in suing the federal government over the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, new documents show."
"Coal and electricity companies paid to meet with Republican state attorneys general just weeks before those top law enforcement officials joined in suing the federal government over the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, new documents show."
Obama Finally Calls Out The Real Problem With Trump: The Press
Obama Finally Calls Out The Real Problem With Trump: The Press
"We are finally to the point where "folks are noticing" to paraphase the President, that the political media in the United States has taken it upon themselves to legitimize Donald Trump's candidacy for the Presidency. This, in spite of all evidence pointing to Trump's total inability to understand policy, his disqualifying lack of temperament, and his constant lying. Constant, constant, lying."
"We are finally to the point where "folks are noticing" to paraphase the President, that the political media in the United States has taken it upon themselves to legitimize Donald Trump's candidacy for the Presidency. This, in spite of all evidence pointing to Trump's total inability to understand policy, his disqualifying lack of temperament, and his constant lying. Constant, constant, lying."
Donald Trump Keeps Saying Things That Would Destroy Any Other Presidential Candidate
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-veterans_us_57d16e09e4b03d2d4598a87f?auxtdibl9qqia4i
"expectations for Donald Trump have been set so exceedingly low that there is virtually nothing he could do to imperil his candidacy."
"expectations for Donald Trump have been set so exceedingly low that there is virtually nothing he could do to imperil his candidacy."
Why is the New York Times political section massively altering articles after release?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/8/1567913/-Why-is-the-New-York-Times-political-section-massively-altering-articles-after-release
"The level of Trump-praise in the articles included painting the Republican candidate as audacious, bold, and a risk-taker while still being measured, diplomatic."
"The level of Trump-praise in the articles included painting the Republican candidate as audacious, bold, and a risk-taker while still being measured, diplomatic."
Matt Lauer Ignores Trump’s Lies
https://thinkprogress.org/lauer-trump-lies-6be9af21fee0#.kemu7d4kw
"By not holding Trump accountable for his past statements, Lauer left millions of potential voters who tuned in with the impression that the Republican nominee had prescient judgment with regard to American involvement in both Iraq and Libya
"By not holding Trump accountable for his past statements, Lauer left millions of potential voters who tuned in with the impression that the Republican nominee had prescient judgment with regard to American involvement in both Iraq and Libya
Thursday, September 15, 2016
The Trump Organization’s Secretive Global Financial Web
The Trump Organization’s Secretive Global Financial Web
"Never before has an American candidate for president had so many financial ties with American allies and enemies, and never before has a business posed such a threat to the United States."
"Never before has an American candidate for president had so many financial ties with American allies and enemies, and never before has a business posed such a threat to the United States."
Police hunt for Trump supporter who sucker-punched 69-year-old woman outside NC rally
Police hunt for Trump supporter who sucker-punched 69-year-old woman outside NC rally
"Police in Asheville, North Carolina have issued a warrant for a South Carolina man after he allegedly sucker-punched a 69-year-old woman outside GOP nominee Donald Trump’s rally Monday night, reports WLOS. Police state that they arrested five people outside of the rally, and have issued a warrant for Richard Campbell of Edisto Island, South Carolina for assault on the woman."
"Police in Asheville, North Carolina have issued a warrant for a South Carolina man after he allegedly sucker-punched a 69-year-old woman outside GOP nominee Donald Trump’s rally Monday night, reports WLOS. Police state that they arrested five people outside of the rally, and have issued a warrant for Richard Campbell of Edisto Island, South Carolina for assault on the woman."
Here’s why it’s not surprising Trump wants to put the tycoon who killed Gawker on the Supreme Court
Here’s why it’s not surprising Trump wants to put the tycoon who killed Gawker on the Supreme Court
"Donald Trump, who has threatened to loosen libel laws to intimidate reporters, is reportedly considering appointing the billionaire who killed Gawker to the U.S. Supreme Court. Peter Thiel, the venture capitalist who founded PayPal and the CIA-backed data analysis firm Palantir, has been telling friends that Trump plans to nominate him to fill the vacancy left when Justice Antonin Scalia died in February"
"Donald Trump, who has threatened to loosen libel laws to intimidate reporters, is reportedly considering appointing the billionaire who killed Gawker to the U.S. Supreme Court. Peter Thiel, the venture capitalist who founded PayPal and the CIA-backed data analysis firm Palantir, has been telling friends that Trump plans to nominate him to fill the vacancy left when Justice Antonin Scalia died in February"
The B.S. I Witnessed on Wednesday is Exactly Why Trump Might Become Our Next President
The B.S. I Witnessed on Wednesday is Exactly Why Trump Might Become Our Next President
"The media is doing its best to make the 2016 presidential election as close as possible because they need drama to drive ratings. And with Hillary Clinton approaching double-digit leads over Donald Trump just a few weeks ago, I knew the media was going to desperately try to bring these polling results closer together."
"The media is doing its best to make the 2016 presidential election as close as possible because they need drama to drive ratings. And with Hillary Clinton approaching double-digit leads over Donald Trump just a few weeks ago, I knew the media was going to desperately try to bring these polling results closer together."
Obama Warns Media To Stop Covering Election Like A Reality Show
Obama Warns Media To Stop Covering Election Like A Reality Show
"During his rally in Philadelphia earlier today, President Obama took a few minutes to give the press hell for the way they've covered this campaign."
"During his rally in Philadelphia earlier today, President Obama took a few minutes to give the press hell for the way they've covered this campaign."
The Normalization of Evil in American Politics @alternet
The Normalization of Evil in American Politics @alternet:
"The racist, misogynist, authoritarian strain has always been there, but Trump’s candidacy has brought it into the mainstream. And media have helped."
"The racist, misogynist, authoritarian strain has always been there, but Trump’s candidacy has brought it into the mainstream. And media have helped."
176 Reasons Donald Trump Shouldn't Be President
http://www.gq.com/story/176-reasons-donald-trump-shouldnt-be-president-olbermann
"Every few generations, we Americans are called upon to defend our country. To defend it not so much from foreign dictators or war or terrorism, but from those here who have no commitment to progress or democracy or representative government—no commitment to anything except their own out-of-control minds and the bottomless pits of their egos. Our society has thrown up these people before: Joseph McCarthy. George Wallace. Father Coughlin. Jefferson Davis. Aaron Burr. The Know-Nothings. The Blacklisters. The America-Firsters. And we have always thrown them out. And now our generation has its own: the most dangerous individual ever nominated by a major party for the highest office in this country. His base wants few details and fewer facts; they just want to burn it down and blame their failures on the collective other. And Donald John Trump is their demonic messiah in Oompa Loompa's clothing. We must stop him. It is not pleasant. It is not fair that we have to do this. But it is our turn."
"Every few generations, we Americans are called upon to defend our country. To defend it not so much from foreign dictators or war or terrorism, but from those here who have no commitment to progress or democracy or representative government—no commitment to anything except their own out-of-control minds and the bottomless pits of their egos. Our society has thrown up these people before: Joseph McCarthy. George Wallace. Father Coughlin. Jefferson Davis. Aaron Burr. The Know-Nothings. The Blacklisters. The America-Firsters. And we have always thrown them out. And now our generation has its own: the most dangerous individual ever nominated by a major party for the highest office in this country. His base wants few details and fewer facts; they just want to burn it down and blame their failures on the collective other. And Donald John Trump is their demonic messiah in Oompa Loompa's clothing. We must stop him. It is not pleasant. It is not fair that we have to do this. But it is our turn."
He’s back: Keith Olbermann’s premiere episode absolutely eviscerates ‘demonic messiah’ Donald Trump
He’s back: Keith Olbermann’s premiere episode absolutely eviscerates ‘demonic messiah’ Donald Trump
"the 176 most egregious things Trumps had done since his campaign began last year."
"the 176 most egregious things Trumps had done since his campaign began last year."
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Dallas Morning News Endorses Dem Candidate For First Time Since WWII
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/dallas-morning-news-endorse-clinton-serious-candidate
"The endorsement marks the first time since World War II that the conservative-leaning newspaper has backed a Democratic candidate for commander in chief."
"The endorsement marks the first time since World War II that the conservative-leaning newspaper has backed a Democratic candidate for commander in chief."
Secret Meeting Reveals Trump Camp’s REAL Economic Plan, And It’s NOTHING Like What We’ve Heard
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/09/07/secret-meeting-reveals-trump-camps-real-economic-plan-and-its-nothing-like-what-weve-heard/
"Eliminating the entire department will probably cost us every national laboratory we have that deals with energy research and development. This includes the famous Los Alamos National Laboratory"
"Eliminating the entire department will probably cost us every national laboratory we have that deals with energy research and development. This includes the famous Los Alamos National Laboratory"
Trump's Insane Nondisclosure Agreement Forbids All Volunteers From Saying Anything Bad About Him, Ever @alternet
Trump's Insane Nondisclosure Agreement Forbids All Volunteers From Saying Anything Bad About Him, Ever @alternet:
"The Trump campaign now requires online volunteers who want to just make phone calls on behalf of the candidate to sign a wide-ranging 2,271 word non-disclosure agreement promising not to say anything disparaging about Trump, his family, or any related company, “and to prevent [their] employees from doing so.” The non-disparagement clause covers the duration of the volunteers’ service “and all times thereafter"."
"The Trump campaign now requires online volunteers who want to just make phone calls on behalf of the candidate to sign a wide-ranging 2,271 word non-disclosure agreement promising not to say anything disparaging about Trump, his family, or any related company, “and to prevent [their] employees from doing so.” The non-disparagement clause covers the duration of the volunteers’ service “and all times thereafter"."
Donald Trump's Senior Economic Adviser is a F*cking Idiot
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/09/trumps-senior-economic-adviser-is-a-fcking-idiot/
"Despite being a Fox News personality, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, and Wall St Journal columnist, Moore appears to know absolutely nothing about how real economies work -- a fact not lost on other real economists."
"Despite being a Fox News personality, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, and Wall St Journal columnist, Moore appears to know absolutely nothing about how real economies work -- a fact not lost on other real economists."
Trump Legally Prohibits Volunteers From Saying Anything Bad About Him — Forever
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-requires-volunteers-sign-nondisclosure-agreement-bb240eb080f6#.k1xc2oey9
"Corey Lewandowski is a CNN contributor even though he’s subject to a nondisclosure agreement legally prohibiting him from criticizing Trump, his family, or any of his businesses. Suffice it to say Trump’s former campaign manager has lived up to his end of the bargain — Lewandowski basically serves as a paid Trump campaign source during his CNN appearances. On the other side of the spectrum, Trump recently filed a $10 million lawsuit against former senior campaign consultant Sam Nunberg for allegedly violating that same NDA."
"Corey Lewandowski is a CNN contributor even though he’s subject to a nondisclosure agreement legally prohibiting him from criticizing Trump, his family, or any of his businesses. Suffice it to say Trump’s former campaign manager has lived up to his end of the bargain — Lewandowski basically serves as a paid Trump campaign source during his CNN appearances. On the other side of the spectrum, Trump recently filed a $10 million lawsuit against former senior campaign consultant Sam Nunberg for allegedly violating that same NDA."
CNN's Corey Lewandowski Flat-Out Lies About Trump's History Of Using Undocumented Workers
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/09/07/cnns-corey-lewandowski-flat-out-lies-about-trumps-history-using-undocumented-workers/212892
"Lewandowski has received criticism recently for his continued ties to the Trump campaign including prepping Trump for the debates and travelling with the candidate to campaign stops while continuing to being paid to shill for Trump on CNN."
"Lewandowski has received criticism recently for his continued ties to the Trump campaign including prepping Trump for the debates and travelling with the candidate to campaign stops while continuing to being paid to shill for Trump on CNN."
Texas official: Donald Trump a 'scam artist' who was 'protected by politics' in Trump U scandal
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/6/1567191/-Texas-official-Donald-Trump-a-scam-artist-who-was-protected-by-politics-in-Trump-U-scandal
"The Trump University case would seem to have all the ingredients of not just a media sensation, but a genuine someone-goes-to-jail scandal. It includes defrauding people down on their luck, a fake “university” using cheaply produced plagiarized materials, and high-pressure sales techniques from “instructors” who were actually salesmen. Their job was to tease that the real secrets were just ahead, so that students would keep paying. The case even includes Donald Trump’s numerous racist attacks on a judge because of his Mexican heritage."
"The Trump University case would seem to have all the ingredients of not just a media sensation, but a genuine someone-goes-to-jail scandal. It includes defrauding people down on their luck, a fake “university” using cheaply produced plagiarized materials, and high-pressure sales techniques from “instructors” who were actually salesmen. Their job was to tease that the real secrets were just ahead, so that students would keep paying. The case even includes Donald Trump’s numerous racist attacks on a judge because of his Mexican heritage."
Today In Trump Supporters Behaving Badly - Candidate Wishes Rape On Reporter
Today In Trump Supporters Behaving Badly - Candidate Wishes Rape On Reporter
"Mike had a disagreement with Daily Beast reporter Olivia Nuzzi and like any reasonable intelligent person.... Oh wait, he's a Trump supporter!"
"Mike had a disagreement with Daily Beast reporter Olivia Nuzzi and like any reasonable intelligent person.... Oh wait, he's a Trump supporter!"
Rudy Giuliani Fixed Trump's Little Mob Problem
Rudy Giuliani Fixed Trump's Little Mob Problem
"Rudy and Donald first got together in the late 1980s shortly before Donald became a co-chair of Giuliani's first fundraiser for his 1989 mayoral campaign, sitting on the Waldorf dais and steering $41,000 to the campaign. A year earlier, Tony Lombardi, the federal agent closest to then-U.S. Attorney Giuliani, opened a probe of Trump's role in the suspect sale of two Trump Tower apartments to Robert Hopkins, the mob-connected head of the city's largest gambling ring."
"Rudy and Donald first got together in the late 1980s shortly before Donald became a co-chair of Giuliani's first fundraiser for his 1989 mayoral campaign, sitting on the Waldorf dais and steering $41,000 to the campaign. A year earlier, Tony Lombardi, the federal agent closest to then-U.S. Attorney Giuliani, opened a probe of Trump's role in the suspect sale of two Trump Tower apartments to Robert Hopkins, the mob-connected head of the city's largest gambling ring."
Donald Trump’s Connections To Florida’s Attorney General Just Got Shadier (Updated)
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-bondi-gets-shadier-902eba59e15b#.uy3i4ux3v
"Bondi dropped her state’s investigation into the now-defunct Trump University in October 2013, shortly after Trump made the sizable and likely illegal donation to her campaign."
"Bondi dropped her state’s investigation into the now-defunct Trump University in October 2013, shortly after Trump made the sizable and likely illegal donation to her campaign."
Seth Meyers Hilariously Lambasts Trump's Attempt to Capture the Black Vote @alternet
Seth Meyers Hilariously Lambasts Trump's Attempt to Capture the Black Vote @alternet:
"Among Trump's biggest problems in recuiting black voters is his persistence as a birther. After publicly doubting for years that President Obama was born in America and repeatedly questioning the legitimacy of his Hawaiian birth certificate, Trump's new position that he "doesn't talk about it anymore," just isn't going to cut it."
"Among Trump's biggest problems in recuiting black voters is his persistence as a birther. After publicly doubting for years that President Obama was born in America and repeatedly questioning the legitimacy of his Hawaiian birth certificate, Trump's new position that he "doesn't talk about it anymore," just isn't going to cut it."
Trump says his tax plan is 'going to cost me a fortune'—and he’s lying
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/08/14/1558971/-Trump-says-his-tax-plan-is-going-to-cost-me-a-fortune-and-he-s-lying
"President Trump would give himself and his children a massive tax cut now, and a huge windfall later. Last year, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimated Donald Trump's tax plan (table above) would blow a $9.5 trillion hole in federal revenue between 2017 and 2026. While his revised August 8, 2016 scheme would lower than price tag somewhat (due to his higher 12/25/33 income tax rates), the overall impact is little changed. The rich would reap the lion's share of the tax cuts. Trump's plan is going to cost Uncle Sam a fortune. But Donald Trump? Not so much."
"President Trump would give himself and his children a massive tax cut now, and a huge windfall later. Last year, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimated Donald Trump's tax plan (table above) would blow a $9.5 trillion hole in federal revenue between 2017 and 2026. While his revised August 8, 2016 scheme would lower than price tag somewhat (due to his higher 12/25/33 income tax rates), the overall impact is little changed. The rich would reap the lion's share of the tax cuts. Trump's plan is going to cost Uncle Sam a fortune. But Donald Trump? Not so much."
Hillary Clinton leads among business economists, Trump comes in third
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/8/23/1562820/-Hillary-Clinton-leads-among-business-economists-Trump-comes-in-third
"Six out of 10 of the business economists surveyed say that his presence in the election and uncertainty surrounding it "is holding back economic growth at least somewhat." There goes the Republican brand."
"Six out of 10 of the business economists surveyed say that his presence in the election and uncertainty surrounding it "is holding back economic growth at least somewhat." There goes the Republican brand."
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