Good thing we'll still be a couple years away from deficits mattering then.

I think "them" actually refers to the 21 states, and technically it could be 0 states penetrated - which would qualify as an exceptionally small number! It's definitely not what they mean, but I miss the grammar thread. ;)

Okay, we are officially in correction territory. Time to stop Dow.

I got 25 years. The economy means much more than the Dow. Let it run, it's been beyond hot. 10% is fine. Even 20% is probably fine looking and the year over year for the last 10.

So Rand Paul is trying to block the funding bill and shutdown the government. If only more congressman were fiscal hawks.

Although it be pointed out that Paul voted for the Tax Bill that added a lot to the deficit.

This is why I have a love/hate attitude towards Paul.

I'd put a big bet on Paul stopping before a late vote. He's all about the show.

He can go until 2am where there will be a vote unless Lee or Cruz want to talk. So technically, the government will be shut down for a few hours

I have to say I think the media is way over covering this. No one outside Washington would have known who this guy is or what his job was. He's not a policy maker, or adviser on any subject to Trump. So why then are they non-stop on this I have to ask.

The allegations are pretty horrible, and he never should have got a job in the White House in the first place. I really hope he's not abusing his current girlfriend Hope Hicks or any woman for that matter. But in terms of influence in the White House, I would rate him a 1 or 2, not the 8 or 9 like the media is covering this.

I mean apparently the one with the most influence is the last one in the room with El Trumpo, so I'm sure at times he's an 8 or 9.

Seriously, you're underselling the role a bit, maybe a lot. It controls paper flow to the President and is usually someone who is an insider on the President's team. People like John Podesta, David Gergen and Harriet Miers have held the job in previous administrations before taking on different roles.

He worked on the SOTU and recently was working on trade policy. He handled all the documents that go to the President, and he was unable to get a security clearance.

But more than him, the scandal is that the WH knew about this for months and did nothing.

"Guy who works in White House accused of beating spouses" might be a 1 or 2 story. You could make that case.

"Everyone in the White House has known about the accusations forever and nobody seemed to think it was a problem" is the 8 or 9 story.

Good point.

Apparently, dozens of WH staff are unable to get a permanent security clearance.

But that's nowhere near as bad as a private email server.

There are also WH staff that would have had their interim suspended anywhere else in the federal government. Zero chance Kushner is still employed at any other job that required a clearance.

Outside of Kelly and Mattis, most of Trump’s sphere of influence, to include Trump, wouldn’t normally have a security clearance. Too much foreign interaction (not even talking about the possible Russian scandal) and too much potential for financial compromise based off most of their histories.

So is this a fair description of the two parties:

Democrats: Wanted tax money spent on the drug crisis, disaster relief and child heath services.

Republicans: Wanted tax money spent on the military industrial complex?

This seems so crazy that it suggests that really the military spending is more about buying votes than doing good. The democrat issues, on average, help people who vote at a much lower rate than pro military people. Am I missing something?

More accurate.

The military parade is obviously going to be used to frame how unpatriotic libtards are and how they hate the troops. I'm sure it'll be scheduled close to the election so all of the proud conservatives are reminded about how the commie anti American pieces of shit mock the troops and don't want a display of just how great our military is!

(Don't really like Rand Paul but at least he was suggesting that we should bring home everyone from Afghanistan and then have the totally unnecessary parade)

Fact--Obama does not read his intelligence briefings nor does he get briefed in person by the CIA or DOD. Too busy I guess!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2014

Though if Paul cared about the debt why didn't he demand the tax cuts to be paid for before he voted for it.

Wonder what the difference in Rob Porter and Chris Brown are. Hmmmmmm

If @rihanna is dating @chrisbrown again then she has a death wish. A beater is always a beater--just watch!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2012

Rachel Brand, No. 3 at DOJ, resigned to take a job at Walmart.

I don't blame her - thanks to the tax cut, they're starting new hires at $11/hour!

You'll be shocked to find out that companies just pocketed the tax cut.

Forget the rhetorical argument about “crumbs” for a moment, let’s talk math:

• The corporate tax cuts will cost $100 billion this year
• Businesses have spent about $88 billion on stock buybacks
• Businesses have spent about $3 billion on bonuseshttps://t.co/6iz54mVnCM pic.twitter.com/NOqmSO6zmP

— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) February 9, 2018

Of course they did; the tax cut was only going to spur corporate investment in the edge case of low liquidity and tight lending practices. With interest rates fairly low and record cash holdings, anybody that could make more money investing rather than hoarding had ample opportunity to do so without the cut.

Surprise, surprise, Trump says the Schiff memo can't be declassified.

trump says nyet?

shocking!

If NK is sincere about reconciliation with SK that is great. However, I think they have done a great job in out-maneuvering us and bought themselves more time in perfecting their nuclear capabilities as they continue "dialog" with SK after the breakthrough at the Olympics.

TBF, I think they are asking for some redaction of sensitive stuff. Not an unreasonable request if true.

So yeah, there may be differences of opinion on what is "sensitive" but do think it'll eventually be released (or leaked).

Which would be fine if they did the same with the Nunes memo. However, those concerns were just brushed aside because Trump’s ego cares about one thing...himself. Country be damned.

It isn't sincere.

North Korea marched with South Korea after Bush's "axis of evil" speech during the Asian Games in 2002 and sporadic events through 2006. Motive was to draw sympathy and support from those in the South in hoping that they would turn on the Americans in case of an invasion. U.S. popularity in S.K. In 2002 was at around 33% due to those comments, some issues with US contractors running over children, and the Apollo Ohno incident where he took out the Korean skater during the Olympics (Koreans take speed skating very seriously). Eventually, that animosity dissipated as our military helps their economy tremendously.

North is going back to that well to try and avoid any kind of conflict. If they can con the South into believing them, it only makes our situation over there that much tougher.

The NK are doing great in PR (and buying more time).

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/09/asia/...ntl/index.html

I actually agree with the stance Pence took during the opening ceremonies. Until North Korea begins showing that they are making changes, we shouldn’t believe anything they say. The hard-line stance this administration is taking is a good one...just need Trump to stop tweeting about it.

Again, as much as I don’t like Pence, he would be worlds better as president than what we have now.

Pence is basically Bush2, pretty bad, but not a threat to the republic.

My problem with the handling of N. Korea is the unclear goals of the admin. We should be working to make sure no war or mass casualty attack takes place. That's the only victory for us. If we're measuring victory on their submission, we're much more likely to end up in a war. All their bluster can't hurt us. Strengthen alliances, deescalate the rhetoric and make sure Seoul isn't leveled.

I didn't like how disrespectful he was refusing to stand, especially when protests have no place in sports.

:D

I agree with the harder line stance with NK. Especially when we're talking nukes in play.

Didn't agree with the sitting. The athletes have nothing to do with the regime and if anything, we should be showing our support for the citizens in hope they'll uprise against their repressive regime.

The US has done a great job in the past couple decades in supporting the ousting of dictators and bringing in democracy. And they've done it by supporting the people in the country and bashing the leadership.

Excellent work.


edit: Trump's budget is forecasting a deficit of 450 billion in 2027. Another way to look at that, in 2027, under rosy assumptions, the deficit will be what it was in 2015.

In all fairness, with hyperinflation that will be only $2500 in real terms

Probably mail order cocaine...

Beginning of the end for Israel's Netanyahu?

Netanyahu Should Be Charged With Bribery and Fraud, Israeli Police Say - The New York Times

I tthink John Kelly should resign for botching this Rob Porter situation. Eric will then be named Chief of Staff.

Mulvaney tells Congress he would vote against the Trump budget if he were still in the House! https://t.co/evZTyACeMq

— David Wessel (@davidmwessel) February 13, 2018

Maybe we could explore a merger of the Trump organization with the US government and just pay our taxes directly to the house. Would go a long way in feeding Don Jr.'s five kids.

I hear you can get an extra 10% on your tax refund if you get it in Trump gift certificates.

This feels like it should be a bigger story.

JUST IN: US jet destroys Russian T-72 battle tank in E Syria in 'self-defense' Saturday after 'pro-regime forces' fired on US special ops and allied Syrian fighters near same location of last week's attack, officials say. No US or allied casualties. 3 inside tank killed.

— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) February 13, 2018

So now Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen says he paid Stormy Daniels out of his own pocket the $130,000 to keep her quiet. of course he won't say why he did this...

Trump's lawyer says he paid adult film star out of his own pocket | TheHill

While he claims not to have been reimbursed for the payment, I'm sure that by some coincidence he's getting $130,000 more in salary/retainer somewhere along the line for his work on totally separate issues.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features...d-combination/

Of course, totally above board and legal-he's a lawyer you can trust him right?

Doesn't this go against the Trump is in bed with the Soviets line of thought?

The "Russian" ground troops are actually Russian mercenaries fighting for Assad. The only support that the Russian military is providing is air cover.

Probably why this isn't bigger news than it is.

I think everyone knows Trump is just a passenger at this point. He’s not for or against anything, other than being for whatever feeds his ego in the next five minutes. The US government is on autopilot, we’re just left to hope it doesn’t fly us into a mountain before 2020.

I don't think they are mutually inclusive. If you remember there was information released that he warned Russia about impending strikes after the gas attacks over there so they could, in theory, ensure their troops were not present. Knowing that rebels are using Russian equipment I really doubt that we would avoid destroying anything Russian on the chance that there may be a Russian crew manning it. (And second what BBT posted)

Syria absolutely should be getting more attention. In addition to this, over the last week the Israelis shot down an Iranian drone, the Syrians shot down an Israeli f-16, the Kurds shot down a Turkish helicopter, Erdogan has threatened the U.S., and France has threatened strikes.

No.

I know the NYPost is a rag piece of shit for a paper, but this former Army officer sees what happened in Syria a little differently.

https://nypost.com/2018/02/13/russia...putins-orders/

And by admitting this he may have invalidated the NDA agreement.

Porn star who alleged Trump sexual encounter: I can now tell my story

:popcorn:

I just hope she tells it before Cohen/Trump get her to shut up again.

LOL. Sign me up for some of that free money too.

This might be the greatest spin attempt of all time:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Environmental Protection Agency has broken months of silence about his frequent premium-class flights at taxpayer expense, saying he needs to fly first class because of unpleasant interactions with other travelers.

— David Eggert (@DavidEggert00) February 14, 2018

He only hires the best people:

VA audit: Aide expensed Shulkin wife’s European travel under false pretense - POLITICO

And Erdogan moving against the faction of kurds doing much of the ground work in battling ISIS. Now, that group isn't a bunch of lovable underdogs fighting the good fight out of the pureness of their heart, but the way they were used by the Western powers as human shields and now (when they are no longer needed) being left to die a slow death is pretty disgusting.

Dude needs his safe space.

It will be fun if she really did sleep with Trump and details trickled out.

Trump, a Week After Porter Resigned, Says He’s ‘Totally Opposed’ to Spousal Abuse

Trump would later add, "There are some very fine people on both sides of domestic abuse."

Well after all this publicity around her, glad to see Stormy Daniels is using her new found fame to build herself and woman up. Made the front page of the local newspaper...because she will be appearing in a strip club in North Myrtle Beach in March.

::: insert Picard's facepalm gif here :::

Here's her story from years ago.

Stormy Daniels' Full Interview: Inside Her Affair With Donald Trump - In Touch Weekly

The clincher to confirm is Trump's then bodyguard. I think he has already spoken to Mueller but it was on the Russia interference and not infidelity.

Don't think its illegal (?) but certainly embarrassing and a distraction. Bottom line, I don't think it adds any significant "hurt" to Trump as the GOP is already (currently) aligned with Trump.

The only consequence is Melania but think she already knows as she was likely the other woman back then.

Even worse, I'm sure it'll really pour out.

Trump’s Inaugural Committee Paid $26 Million to Firm of First Lady’s Adviser - The New York Times


Again - all a con.

Sounds like Gates has flipped.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/15/polit...ion/index.html

And the next domino to fall might be Bannon-after stiff-arming the House Intelligence committee by refusing to answer all but a selected number of questions, he was downright chatty with Mueller-spent something like 20 hours with him this week.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/15/polit...ler/index.html

Why would Bannon work with Mueller but not with the House Intelligence Committee? From what I read, it sounds like he is still taking orders from the White House.

Perhaps because he doesnt want what he says getting back to the WH? Nunes will just facetime DT in.

Perhaps because the House committee can't, or at least won't, send him to jail while Mueller very likely will if he has the evidence.

Exactly. Dems on the House commitee want to charge him with contempt, but Repubs likely won't go along. If he hadn't cooperate with Mueller, he'd likely be in jail right now.

One can jail him forever, the other can "hold him in contempt".

You and I apparently have different definitions of the word fun.

A Playboy Playmate says she had an affair with Trump as well (back in 2006) and details the way he would hide his affairs:

Donald Trump, the Playboy Model Karen McDougal, and a System for Concealing Infidelity | The New Yorker

Don't worry though. He's been saved by God and a changed man, nothing he did prior to 2016 matters anymore. This is simply a witch hunt by the fake news now. The only truth is the Donald's truth. So sayeth he.

We know you've got Pee Tape taped in your browser.

dola

Interesting development.

I'm still not convinced Trump (vs subordinates) did collude but this will help bring out the facts.

Personally, I'm *still* waiting to see the benefits of this allegedly great economy.

This from a new plea deal is interesting:


Who is he and what does he know that's of interest to Mueller?

More detail-wondering how Trump will respond to this now:

Mueller indicts 13 Russians for interfering in US election | TheHill

Don't you work in higher education? We never see the money. ;)

Haha, yeah... academia is it's own world. Though I'm guessing you are seeing a (small) bump in take home pay unless the accounting department is withholding more than most seem to be doing.

The kid could just be remarkably stupid but this doesn't bode well.

Just gonna drop this here pic.twitter.com/uqjFbUmpAH

— Zeddy (@Zeddary) February 16, 2018

Unemployed since May. Got contract non-renewed. Unemployment runs out this week. No extensions available. I figure I've got about 3-4 months left in savings before I'm either out on the street or have to move back in with my parents in the Midwest.

Sorry to hear that, Izulde. I'm on the administration side of things rather than the academic side, but I hear from my friends who are academics-in-administration how challenging it is to get a solid foothold in that world. I hope something turns up for you soon.

So Trump completely glosses over that indictments were handed out against numerous Russians for interfering in our elections to gloat that since this started in 2014 before he had announced he was running for President, that this completely exonerates him. So I guess the investigation is over and no more indictments are coming...Well at least he finally had to admit it wasn't a hoax.

Started in 2014 you say?

I wonder if I run for PRESIDENT, will the haters and losers vote for me knowing that I will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN? I say they will!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2014

He got the losers, congrats on that.