The Trump Presidency – 2016

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by cartman

Now he is saying he will ELIMINATE, not reduce the entire federal debt by the end of a second term.

That’s his MO isn’t it? He’s just gonna declare the US bankrupt, start up the same thing with a different name but without the debts.

Hey presto, federal debt eliminated!

[Edward64]

Pretty funny how they are all parroting the same thing.

Reading thru the transcripts I don't see anything wrong with what was said (vs. maybe the method to make the anchors say it). It doesn't say left-leaning fake news, reading it on face value I agree with it.

I guess because its Sinclair Group (?), we can assume/infer they are saying its the left spewing all the fake news?

https://theconcourse.deadspin.com/ho...anc-1824233490

Earlier this month, CNN’s Brian Stelter broke the news that Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner or operator of nearly 200 television stations in the U.S., would be forcing its news anchors to record a promo about “the troubling trend of irresponsible, one sided news stories plaguing our country.” The script, which parrots Donald Trump’s oft-declarations of developments negative to his presidency as “fake news,” brought upheaval to newsrooms already dismayed with Sinclair’s consistent interference to bring right-wing propaganda to local television broadcasts.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by AlexB

Apparently posted just after a Fox & Friends story about a caravan of 1000 people crossing over. Definitely not influenced by TV!

I had seen it on Drudge and figured someone read it to him. But same diff.

[bronconick]

China adds $3 billion in tariffs.

China hits the United States with tariffs on $3 billion of exports - Apr. 2, 2018

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Pretty funny how they are all parroting the same thing.

Reading thru the transcripts I don't see anything wrong with what was said (vs. maybe the method to make the anchors say it). It doesn't say left-leaning fake news, reading it on face value I agree with it.

I guess because its Sinclair Group (?), we can assume/infer they are saying its the left spewing all the fake news?

https://theconcourse.deadspin.com/ho...anc-1824233490

Remember that Kushner and Sinclair struck a deal for more access/better coverage during the campaign.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Pretty funny how they are all parroting the same thing.

Reading thru the transcripts I don't see anything wrong with what was said (vs. maybe the method to make the anchors say it). It doesn't say left-leaning fake news, reading it on face value I agree with it.

I guess because its Sinclair Group (?), we can assume/infer they are saying its the left spewing all the fake news?

https://theconcourse.deadspin.com/ho...anc-1824233490

Watch the John Oliver segment linked in the story to get a better (and funnier) view of what Sinclair is trying to do here. Fake news is an invention of Donald Trump, used to strike fear and conspiracy for his base. If Breibart was the one behind all these segments would you feel the same way about this story? Need to go beyond face value to see what's going on behind it. Local news should be just that-local and not discuss politics of the left or the right unless is something with a local slant.

[Thomkal]

And now Trump has commented on the Sinclair story:

Donald J. Trump‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump 4h4 hours ago




So funny to watch Fake News Networks, among the most dishonest groups of people I have ever dealt with, criticize Sinclair Broadcasting for being biased. Sinclair is far superior to CNN and even more Fake NBC, which is a total joke

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Pretty funny how they are all parroting the same thing.

Reading thru the transcripts I don't see anything wrong with what was said (vs. maybe the method to make the anchors say it). It doesn't say left-leaning fake news, reading it on face value I agree with it.

I think the concern with Sinclair is they are being given specific advantages by the government that other companies don't get. They are in turn running propaganda for the government for that treatment. More or less creating a state-run media.

As for the message, it's not bad but it's clearly trying to ramp up the "fake news" hysteria that Trump uses when the news catches him in a lie. It's also kind of funny coming from a broadcasting company that was putting a Russian asset on TV every week to push agendas.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Remember that Kushner and Sinclair struck a deal for more access/better coverage during the campaign.

The FCC approved rules specifically for Sinclair so they could buy Tribune Media.

It's pretty simple shit. Sinclair runs propaganda for the government, the government lets them have a monopoly on local media.

The cool thing about the Trump administration is they don't really hide this stuff well like previous administrations. They're pretty blatant in the corruption. At least when Clinton and legislators pushed through the disastrous Telecommunications Act in 95, they made up some bullshit reasons as to why it would be good for the public.

[AlexB]

really?

White House criticises China for $3bn tariffs on US imports - BBC News

[Kodos]

Really!

[Thomkal]

wife of fired FBI director sets the story straight on Trump's constant tweets about her and her husband:

Jill McCabe breaks silence - POLITICO

[Thomkal]

https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/03/us/yo...ing/index.html

shooter was a woman and now dead.

[larrymcg421]

It's too bad we didn't arm teachers in time to stop this.

[Edward64]

Uncertainty will likely cause the market to falter and I think, if escalation continues, economy will dip into a recession. I'm not sure how I feel about this specific situation of US starting it and imposing tariffs on $50B but I don't disagree that something needs to be done about China.

If short term pain is needed to "rectify" the situation with China, I'm all for it. However, my guess if that China is holding the winning cards.

I would feel more comfortable if it was still Gary Cohn vs Larry Kudlow as economic adviser though.

China fires back, announcing tariffs on US planes, cars and soybeans

China is punching back in the escalating trade dispute with the United States, announcing plans for heavy new tariffs on dozens more US goods including aircraft and autos.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday said it plans to impose a 25% tariff on $50 billion worth of US exports. The 106 affected products will also include soybeans and chemicals.

China's announcement is a direct response to the Trump administration's publication Tuesday of a list of about 1,300 Chinese exports -- also worth about $50 billion annually -- that it intends to target with 25% tariffs.

The quick-fire exchange of threats is intensifying fears of a full-blown trade war between the world's two largest economies. Markets dipped sharply as news of China's plans emerged.

Experts said Beijing's latest announcement could be an effort to push the United States into negotiating a deal to defuse the trade spat.

"The true purpose is not to escalate it to a trade war, but to demonstrate no weakness," said Aidan Yao, an economist at fund management firm Axa Investment Managers.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/03/us/yo...ing/index.html

shooter was a woman and now dead.

Is it my imagination but didn't early reports say motive was because of a dispute with a boyfriend?

The reports now are saying crazed vegan who thought YouTube was cheating and screwing her channel?

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Is it my imagination but didn't early reports say motive was because of a dispute with a boyfriend?

The reports now are saying crazed vegan who thought YouTube was cheating and screwing her channel?

Yeah like most initial reports on shootings, they got a lot wrong. I posted in the school shooting thread about what they know of her. Appears to be Asian (maybe Middle Eastern?). Had an ongoing dispute with YouTube with how they changed how they pay their "contributors". Father had reported her missing yesterday-police found her asleep in her car-did not think she was a danger. Father told them she hated YouTube and might be a threat to them. The people she shot appear to be random, not connected to her.

[jeff061]

I think people jumped to conclusions on the first report. Reporter's heads exploded at the thought of a woman shooter.

[mckerney]

From How to go Bankrupt Running a Casino 1001:

[QuikSand]

Maybe trade war not your game

[lungs]

I'm getting quite a laugh at these pro-Trump farmers that he is now screwing over with this trade war. According to them, it's all just short term pain for long term MAGA.

Ok then.....

[cuervo72]

If you lose one farm bet two next hand.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by lungs

I'm getting quite a laugh at these pro-Trump farmers that he is now screwing over with this trade war. According to them, it's all just short term pain for long term MAGA.

Ok then.....

Trump voter and Iowa hog farmer Tim Schmidt tells me Chinese tariffs will cost him $35k/year. 3,700 jobs at risk in his county alone. If tariffs don’t change, says his vote at risk.

— Erin Burnett (@ErinBurnett) April 3, 2018

Losing $35k a year is enough to put his vote, "at risk."

[lungs]

Originally Posted by mckerney

Trump voter and Iowa hog farmer Tim Schmidt tells me Chinese tariffs will cost him $35k/year. 3,700 jobs at risk in his county alone. If tariffs don’t change, says his vote at risk.

— Erin Burnett (@ErinBurnett) April 3, 2018

Losing $35k a year is enough to put his vote, "at risk."

Still holding out hope that Trump's brilliant negotiating tactics will yield $50k in the long run.

[BishopMVP]

I'm heartened that China responded with an equal amount of tariffs instead of going over the top. That indicates to me they don't want a trade war and will work to maintain the status quo.

[AENeuman]

I used Santorum's CPR for gun shot victims as an analogy for the Smoot-Hawley traffic today in my US History class. And of course, just for my amusement, I threw in a couple "Raised or Lowered, anyone, anyone..."

[Thomkal]

Trump might have just blown his case against Stormy Daniels:

Trump says he didn't know about $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels - POLITICO

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

Trump might have just blown his case against Stormy Daniels:

Trump says he didn't know about $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels - POLITICO

How did he blow his case? Not saying you're wrong but as a keyboard lawyer I don't understand why this statement is being made into a big deal.

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by AENeuman

I used Santorum's CPR for gun shot victims as an analogy for the Smoot-Hawley traffic today in my US History class. And of course, just for my amusement, I threw in a couple "Raised or Lowered, anyone, anyone..."

There's always terrible traffic at Smoot-Hawley

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

How did he blow his case? Not saying you're wrong but as a keyboard lawyer I don't understand why this statement is being made into a big deal.

From what I heard the legal experts say, Trump made a big mistake just talking to reporters about Stormy Daniels. Then denying knowing about the payment from his lawyer Michael Cohen. court documents have already shown him to be the David Dennison that has a NDA with Stormy. Check out lawyer Ari Melber's twitter feed for the two videos of his show where they are discussing it. Explains it much better than I could:

Ari Melber Retweeted TheBeat w/Ari Melber‏Verified account @TheBeatWithAri 3h3 hours ago






"They are setting Michael Cohen up to be the fall guy... I don't think he has the metal to withstand it" - Stormy Daniels lawyer @MichaelAvenatti

[cuervo72]

The "metal?"

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

How did he blow his case? Not saying you're wrong but as a keyboard lawyer I don't understand why this statement is being made into a big deal.

Trump's attorney, on behalf of Trump, negotiates a NDA. Daniels' attorney says the NDA isn't valid because Trump didn't sign it. They still try to keep Daniels silent with legal threats. Trump now says he has no knowledge of a payment to Daniels which backs their claim that the NDA isn't valid.

Trump is leaving Cohen on an island here. It increases the likelihood that he's investigated for misconduct.

[PilotMan]

I think that this was obvious from the very, very beginning. Cohen was always going to be set up to be the fall guy. Trump never goes down, the mob boss always has guys who are willing to take the fall. Cohen may never be able to work ever again. He's going to be disbarred in the process and will never get hired, but I'm guessing he'll always have that steady paycheck from the boss.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

If you lose one farm bet two next hand.

Basically what Trump is doing now

[NobodyHere]

Well I'm sure this will never be misused

Homeland Security to compile database of journalists, media influencers

[Edward64]

Article said it was a "rusty" barrier/wall which implies its not the prototype of the new to-be wall. But the picture reminds me of sample prototypes ... so not sure.

Kinda funny but nevertheless, a wall just by itself won't work, it also needs the human and technology components also.

Hopping the wall into Trump's US, in under 2 minutes

Ciudad Juárez (Mexico) (AFP) - President Donald Trump's orders to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to secure the US frontier with Mexico did not stop one determined migrant from hopping the border wall on Friday.

With the help of three other men -- two to give him a boost and one to stand as a lookout -- the young man jumped the rusty metal barrier that separates Ciudad Juarez from Sunland Park, New Mexico.

The whole operation took less than two minutes.

[digamma]

This is honestly the classic example of fighting the last battle. Trump has created an enemy that doesn't exist (border crossing at a half century low). He's basically a monorail huckster.

[BBT]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

Well I'm sure this will never be misused

Homeland Security to compile database of journalists, media influencers

Extremely disturbing.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

I'm heartened that China responded with an equal amount of tariffs instead of going over the top. That indicates to me they don't want a trade war and will work to maintain the status quo.

They likely have a basic understanding of economics which is why they don't want a trade war. It'll just be tit-for-tat until someone is in power who understand the basics.

[Thomkal]

http://thehill.com/homenews/administ...t-month-report

Kelly threatened to quit last week.

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by digamma

He's basically a monorail huckster.

Couldn't let this one go without saying nice job.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by PilotMan

Couldn't let this one go without saying nice job.

Yea but it's nothing without a video link:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...NKv2R52QAfgdM6

[AENeuman]

Trying to follow the Syria stuff. Is the US the only country considering military force against Syria? If so, why are other countries not joining?

[whomario]

Originally Posted by AENeuman

Trying to follow the Syria stuff. Is the US the only country considering military force against Syria? If so, why are other countries not joining?

A few days ago the US President, after aready having backed down from the "Assad has to go" stance a year ago and withdrawing funds to arm and train rebell groups, was boasting about soon being out of Syria.

There is no basis for making it out to be the one decicive country in a pool of thumb twiddlers.

It's a shit situation with no obvious good solutions, with a lot of interests attached by a lot of countries. I mean, what's the plan ? Bomb Damascus ? Most of the countries (that oppose Assad) quite frankly don't have the luxury of having the atlantic ocean sitting between themselves and any nations with opposing interests (like Russia and Turkey), nor the wherewithal to spend more on their military than all other western nations combined.

And yes, other countries could be spending more if they wanted to but as of right now the fact is the US has been spending insane amounts on their military for decades and operations that are no big deal for them would pretty much bancrupt other countries. Many of whome are currently also having to spend huge amounts of money to deal with the refugee crisis that has resulted largely from the conflict in Syria. Which again is not nearly as big an issue for the US.

[cartman]

So... The FBI just raided the office of Trump's attorney Michael Cohen.

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by cartman

So... The FBI just raided the office of Trump's attorney Michael Cohen.

Yup. F.B.I. Raids Office of Trump’s Longtime Lawyer Michael Cohen - The New York Times

I wonder what exactly the justification was. If this is anything Trump related, wouldn't there have to be a pretty good reason for the raid in order to avoid violating client-attorney privilege?

[bronconick]

MAGA

Making Attorneys Get Attorneys.

[BBT]

Guessing it may be related to the Stormy Daniels issue. Cohen’s payment may have violated the Federal Election law since he was associated with the Trump campaign when he made that payment.

[digamma]

Originally Posted by BBT

Guessing it may be related to the Stormy Daniels issue. Cohen’s payment may have violated the Federal Election law since he was associated with the Trump campaign when he made that payment.

From the NYT (so obv fake):

The payments to Ms. Clifford are only one of many topics being investigated, according to a person briefed on the search. The F.B.I. also seized emails, tax documents and business records, the person said.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by BBT

Guessing it may be related to the Stormy Daniels issue. Cohen’s payment may have violated the Federal Election law since he was associated with the Trump campaign when he made that payment.

The odds of that being the only questionable work he did for Trump is slim to none.