The Biden Presidency - 2020

[Lathum]

The hypocrisy of this is staggering. we watched Trump for 4 years charge the secret service outrageous amounts to stay at his properties not to mention his daughter getting Chinese patents, etc... and now all these complicit GOP fucks are clutching their pearls because Joe may have helped Hunter, not a civil servant, based on the testimony of a convicted felon.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I believe Joe participating in phone calls is a new disclosure? I don't remember reading about it and not the 20 times.

I get Joe may not have formally discussed business dealings (e.g. contractual details etc.) but participation in actual calls increases the odds that he did listen in and was a party to some details (and not just niceties as mentioned below).

Still not a smoking gun though (e.g. show me the money trail to Joe, show me the relevant text, emails etc. to Joe). Unless Joe received some $, this is still a nothing burger and, at best, a blind spot for his frakking son.

Devon Archer debate focuses on Hunter Biden ‘illusion of access’ | The Hill

It was already out there that Joe talked to him, but all indications were it was friendly nice to meet you stuff. No business deals discussed. Democrats at the meeting want the transcript of the meeting because it shows. Republicans just want to say he's corrupt because he was talking a corrupt businessman. If they ever did up email or phone conversations that show otherwise they have absolutely nothing on him

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

It was already out there that Joe talked to him, but all indications were it was friendly nice to meet you stuff. No business deals discussed. Democrats at the meeting want the transcript of the meeting because it shows. Republicans just want to say he's corrupt because he was talking a corrupt businessman. If they ever did up email or phone conversations that show otherwise they have absolutely nothing on him

It may well be no business deals discussed but I can easily see Joe being aware of the players in the room, the reason for the meeting, and Hunter prepping him with some key details & stuff to say or not to say (normal stuff in any big meeting).

I'd be surprised if there are actual transcripts but an email summary/recap is probably more likely. Yes, I'd like to see those come out if not already.

[Edward64]

Joe should get a handle on this. I assume Adams went so public because things weren't getting done through regular channels. I don't know why Joe isn't helping, I think its reasonable for NY to get more $.

NYC Mayor Adams warns Biden about spiraling migrant crisis - POLITICO

Images of migrants forced to sleep on Manhattan sidewalks in recent days are hammering home a point New York City Mayor Eric Adams has long been trying to make to President Joe Biden.

“We need help,” Adams said Monday. “And it’s not going to get any better. From this moment on, it’s downhill.”

Photos, videos and interviews from the street outside the midtown Manhattan hotel doubling as an intake center are circulating online and in the national media. Groups of newly arrived men resigned to sleeping on cardboard boxes have found that, as Adams has repeatedly warned the White House, there is no room for them.

I agree Congress should fix this but if it does get fixed, it probably won't happen before the elections. Heck, GOP will be enjoying watching a Blue state struggle with illegal immigration. So Joe should fix or put a bandaid on it somehow.

The images are stark, but they’re unlikely to prompt Biden and his top aides to take immediate action as they’ve said the national immigration problem requires a congressional solution.

Adams has blamed the White House for not sending enough financial aid or acting on requests like expedited work authorization. More than 93,000 migrants have come to the city since last spring. More than half remain in its care.

[Ksyrup]

Posting this not for the content but more for the fact that it just struck me watching this that it's been 2.5 years since this video but Mitch has aged about 20 years. Wow.

Sen. McConnell immediately after Trump’s Jan 6 Impeachment trial:

“[Trump] didn't get away with anything yet. We have a criminal justice system in this country...And former presidents are not immune from being accountable by either one.” pic.twitter.com/SMQQEGZmkS

— Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) August 2, 2023

[Edward64]

Mitch - 81
Bernie - 81
Joe - 80
Trump - 77

I have to believe all of them are experiencing some level of cognitive decline. The question is how significant/quickly for each. Maybe Mitch drew the short straw.

People may experience a slow and gradual decline in cognitive abilities, while others may experience a more rapid progression. In general, the progression of cognitive impairment is faster in the later stages (moderate and severe) compared to the earlier stages (no impairment and mild).

[RainMaker]

Eric Adam's is great. He just complains about how shitty his city is and wonders if there is anyone in charge of that city who might be able to help.

[Ksyrup]

Falling a few times surely accelerates the decline.

[JPhillips]

No surprise that the GOP has been lying about what's been said about Biden,

Of course https://t.co/Mt1TuNtRfA pic.twitter.com/K5ZEpwR92l

— EastRiverCroc (@AlligatorEast) August 3, 2023

[RainMaker]

I guess it's been reported that Feinstein's daughter has power of attorney over her. Not sure there is any precedent for that in the Senate but not very encouraging to have a United States Senator who can't make decisions for herself.

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

No surprise that the GOP has been lying about what's been said about Biden,

But it's not their responsibility to be correct. It's your fault if you believe it, they can say whatever they want, cos first amendment!

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I guess it's been reported that Feinstein's daughter has power of attorney over her. Not sure there is any precedent for that in the Senate but not very encouraging to have a United States Senator who can't make decisions for herself.

Probably a stupid question, but is the daughter allowed to vote in the Senate in her mother's name? Assuming the report is true.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

No surprise that the GOP has been lying about what's been said about Biden,

Of course https://t.co/Mt1TuNtRfA pic.twitter.com/K5ZEpwR92l

— EastRiverCroc (@AlligatorEast) August 3, 2023

The goalposts constantly shift with these MAGA idiots. Since there is no testimony claiming any wrongdoing they will just say it was implied and Joe obviously knew what was happening.

[Brian Swartz]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

is the daughter allowed to vote in the Senate in her mother's name? Assuming the report is true.

No. That's not what power of attorney does.

Originally Posted by PilotMan

But it's not their responsibility to be correct. It's your fault if you believe it, they can say whatever they want, cos first amendment!

Sure beats the snot out of the alternative of people being criminally liable for not believing the official line (in general, not on any one specific issue).

[JPhillips]

Everybody over sixty should have a trusted child with power of attorney. It's a guard against chaos if a sudden illness or injury occurs. I've always heard it recommended as you get older.

[Lathum]

Biden is putting his name on economic progress, but will voters just drive right by? | CNN Politics

I love this. Fuck these assholes who take credit for jobs and projects they voted against. There should be some provision that states if they take the money they have to publicly admit they voted against it.

[Lathum]

dola- I would be fine if there was a rule that if your rep votes against funding their district doesn't get any of it.

[Lathum]

BREAKING: 90-year-old California Senator Dianne Feinstein has been hospitalized after falling, according to TMZ.

This comes after reports were put out last week that she has given her daughter power of attorney.

Please send your thoughts, prayers and positive energy, and let’s… pic.twitter.com/u1hfdTMOgF

— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) August 9, 2023

[RainMaker]

Better hope it's not serious or no more judges get confirmed till 2025.

[Thomkal]

FBI announced today that they shot and killed a man in Utah today that they were trying to serve a search warrant on after he made various threats against the President, VP, and several people involved in the Trump indictments

[Ghost Econ]

Somewhere, an overweight balding guy in sunglasses, a Jason Aldean shirt and a miscolored American Flag hat is yelling something about Ruby Ridge in front of his freezer chest in the garage.

[Lathum]

These people are such fucking ghouls

The FBI just raided the home of someone who posted anti-Joe Biden comments on social media. When the FBI raided the man’s home, they shot him to death. #Gestapo https://t.co/Ykq3Pmw8xm

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) August 9, 2023

[RainMaker]

Anything to keep the grift going.

[PilotMan]

Just wait until the "say his name" banter starts up

[RainMaker]

Gravy Seals

Utah man Craig Robertson shot dead during FBI raid of his residence after he posted messages threatening the lives of President Biden and NY DA Alvin Bragg. Just two days ago Robertson posted, “Hey FBI, you still monitoring my social media? Checking so I can be sure to have a… pic.twitter.com/72epEeKvzA

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) August 9, 2023

[GrantDawg]

Seems like a reasonable guy. I hear that it is ok to do crimes as long as you really believe deep in your heart the other side stole an election.

[RainMaker]

Reading through the warrant, it was Truth Social that turned him in to the FBI.

[BYU 14]

Well, at least we got a couple dozen weapons out of the hands of an irresponsible gun owner, fucking Clown, how did he think that would any other way than what he asked for?

Now on to martyrdom on Fox

[Lathum]

The spin on this is already amazing. Is it really so hard for these people to say, yeah, this guy was on our side but he was a looney who put horrible shit on social media and we disavow his actions.

This is why we will never find common ground with these people. The refuse to budge an inch regardless of how obvious the situation.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Well, at least we got a couple dozen weapons out of the hands of an irresponsible gun owner, fucking Clown, how did he think that would any other way than what he asked for?

Now on to martyrdom on Fox

Suicide by FBI

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Lathum

The spin on this is already amazing. Is it really so hard for these people to say, yeah, this guy was on our side but he was a looney who put horrible shit on social media and we disavow his actions.

This is why we will never find common ground with these people. The refuse to budge an inch regardless of how obvious the situation.

They can't, because too many of their supporters identify with him.

[Brian Swartz]

In just over two years, credit card debt has increased from 770B to break the 1 trillion mark for the first time. I'd say that's an unsustainable problem.

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by Brian Swartz

In just over two years, credit card debt has increased from 770B to break the 1 trillion mark for the first time. I'd say that's an unsustainable problem.

Yeah, but both my youngest kids just got credit cards, so that alone probably accounts for it.

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by Lathum

The spin on this is already amazing. Is it really so hard for these people to say, yeah, this guy was on our side but he was a looney who put horrible shit on social media and we disavow his actions.

This is why we will never find common ground with these people. The refuse to budge an inch regardless of how obvious the situation.

The headline I saw was "Man Killed During FBI Raid After Allegedly Threatening Biden."


Pretty sure my Massie (R)-KY sold my information to get on this particular mailing list. I usually get on all the freaky lists after I've sent something to my reps.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Brian Swartz

In just over two years, credit card debt has increased from 770B to break the 1 trillion mark for the first time. I'd say that's an unsustainable problem.

I'm pretty sure you underestimate our ability to sustain financial gluttony.

US National Debt by Year

2000 - $5.67T
2004 - $7.37T
2008 - $10.02T
2012 - $16.06T
2016 - $19.57T
2020 - $27.74T
:
2022 - $30.82T

Nice to have national debt 5x in 22 years.

[Brian Swartz]

There's a huge difference between national debt and consumer debt. I would say both are bad in general, but the consequences of them are not the same.

[bronconick]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Gravy Seals

Utah man Craig Robertson shot dead during FBI raid of his residence after he posted messages threatening the lives of President Biden and NY DA Alvin Bragg. Just two days ago Robertson posted, “Hey FBI, you still monitoring my social media? Checking so I can be sure to have a… pic.twitter.com/72epEeKvzA

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) August 9, 2023

Well, at least he walked the walk, I guess and didn't live long enough to cry at his court appearance like all the "manly" 1/6 MAGAs.

[Edward64]

It was nice while it lasted, but here comes another funding battle.

House GOP weighs government shutdown escape hatch: A deal with Dems - POLITICO

If Speaker Kevin McCarthy has any hope of avoiding a shutdown this fall, he’ll probably need help from Democrats.

But he’s not guaranteed to get it — at least not yet.

By Sept. 30, House GOP leaders have to pass a major bipartisan spending deal or a short-term patch to keep the government open

Article is basically about Dems possibly helping out McCarthy

On each of those items, senior Republicans widely acknowledge the difficulty of corralling their hard-right wing. Some of them also worry that Democrats won’t be in any mood to help them out of a bind on rules for debate, even if it means a shutdown.

Privately, senior Democrats aren’t ruling out such a bailout ... they’re waiting to see what the GOP puts forward or can get over the finish line themselves next month, according to two Democrats granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations.

Yeah, let the moderate factions do some traditional horsetrading.

“At some point we’ll have to deal with the reality that America is a two-party system. If we can’t do it on our own, there may come a point in time when you want to have to deal with Democrats,” said Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), who leads the centrist Republican Governance Group and has been part of GOP spending talks.

“Life is about horse trading. It’s about give and take, and I’m always willing to do that,” said Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), a member of the centrist New Democrat Coalition.

Schneider was one of roughly 50 Democrats who voted with Republicans the last time that the GOP needed an assist to manage their own floor. He and others helped advance a must-pass debt deal between President Joe Biden and McCarthy in May as dozens of conservatives revolted.

I'm guessing fair chance we'll end up with this ...

Still, many acknowledge that their party will probably help support a stopgap funding bill — as long as McCarthy keeps it free of conservative poison pills, such as abortion and diversity-related measures, that the GOP has packed into several major pieces of legislation this year.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Brian Swartz

In just over two years, credit card debt has increased from 770B to break the 1 trillion mark for the first time. I'd say that's an unsustainable problem.

I don't think they view that as a problem. It's a benefit.

[Edward64]

Good, dig deeper. Fair odds there's more dirt hidden away (or ignored) somewhere.

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-ne...ba2e28844093bb

Attorney General Merrick Garland said Friday that “extraordinary circumstances” surrounding the federal criminal investigation into Hunter Biden contributed to his decision to give the top prosecutor in the probe special counsel status.
:
Garland said that Weiss will continue to serve as the US Attorney for the District of Delaware as he takes on this new post. And he noted that in the special counsel position, Weiss will “not be subject to the day-to-day supervision of any official of the department.”

Good this also. Let's have an eager prosecutor/team bring out everything in court and just play it out.

Hunter Biden criminal case appears to be headed to trial weeks after judge pushed back on proposed plea deal

Bad day for Hunter.

[GrantDawg]

Why hadn't that been done? They drag this stuff out forever, and this is going to be right in the middle of the election season. Jack Smith and David Weiss should have gotten these appointments 2-3 years ago. None of this stuff just happened yesterday.

[PilotMan]

So Hunter offered up access for 5M, while his dad was VP, but his dad had nothing to do with it. And that alone is impeachable for Joe.

But, Kushner, who was actually working in the WH, was the main point of contact for the ME and Saudi's and had a direct line to the president, gets 2B directly from the Saudi's and they bought his albatross of a building and Kushner PROFITED while he worked in the WH, but he's now out of office, so it's all ok? Like he doesn't have any sort of connections or contact anymore? Really? That's the line of demarcation?

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Why hadn't that been done? They drag this stuff out forever, and this is going to be right in the middle of the election season. Jack Smith and David Weiss should have gotten these appointments 2-3 years ago. None of this stuff just happened yesterday.

Re: dragging it out

For the trial, I'm going to guess the "deal" that blew up was the reason why not earlier. Probably took a while to agree to and then the judge had some questions, and the attorneys didn't seem to be initially aligned. BTW how the heck does something like below happen? Isn't it all written down and all the important questions asked & answered?

The judge asked the parties to hammer out the agreement and return later, leaving Hunter Biden to enter a not-guilty plea while it's litigated.

Lawyers for Hunter Biden had also indicated they believed that the plea agreement would settle all matters facing the president's son, but prosecutors said that other investigations continued.

"After the hearing, the parties continued negotiating but reached an impasse. A trial is therefore in order," prosecutors said in their Friday filing.

I really don't know if it was a sweetheart deal. I read some that said yes, I read some that said no (so no surprise there wasn't a consensus). But I am glad it's going to trial and see it play out.

The special prosecutor thing was apparently a surprise and quick. Weiss asked on Tue and Garland okayed today. I do wonder if there was some "new evidence" that escalated his role ... dunno.

Looks like 2024 is going to be full of Trump/Hunter trial stuff.

[Thomkal]

So now Republicans who begged for the Special Counsel are unhappy because its the same guy who made the plea deal with Hunter

[JPhillips]

Josh Marshall has a good thread on how the legal system is tilted towards GOP expectations. On the one hand a Dem admin investigates and will take Hunter to trial. On the other, everyone just assumes Trump will end all investigations if he wins.

[RainMaker]

Human traffickers might have killed a 3 year old. Cross country bus trips in this heat are not a good idea for little kids.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/11/u...bbott-bus.html

[Atocep]

Texas: What about the unborn child's rights?

Also Texas: An unborn child doesn't have rights under the US Constitution

Texas questions rights of a fetus after a prison guard who had a stillborn baby sues | AP News

[Edward64]

There's a chance they'll get away with that specific argument on a technicality. But yeah, poor defense strategy.

Texas fights compensation for prison worker who lost her baby | The Texas Tribune

The state’s argument relies largely — but not exclusively — on the timing of the tragedy. Issa lost her unborn child seven months before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the famous Dobbs decision.

“This Court need not weigh into the difficult question of whether, post-Dobbs, an unborn child possesses constitutional rights under the Fourteenth Amendment,” wrote Benjamin Dower, with the attorney general’s special litigation office, in a January filing. “Even if he or she does, that right was not clearly established on November 15, 2021.”

The change in tune when it’s the state accused of wrongdoing is striking, said Mary Ziegler, a legal historian focused on abortion and fetal rights at University of California, Davis. She said she didn’t understand why the state opted to fight the lawsuit instead of taking the opportunity to say, “We don’t treat unborn children like this in the state of Texas.”

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by Brian Swartz

There's a huge difference between national debt and consumer debt. I would say both are bad in general, but the consequences of them are not the same.

And anyone who equates them at any other than a wholly superficial level does nothing but betray their financial illiteracy.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Timely article that provides more details on the impetus. Lots to unpack in the article. The article made it sound that Caribbean leaders were reluctant to support a prior intervention but is okay with one now (no real details on the politics).

re: Haiti

Glad UN & US could find a country that will (likely) accept the assignment. It's evident there isn't a lot of "will" here so I predict failure.

The US wants Kenya to lead a force in Haiti with 1,000 police. Watchdogs say they'll export abuse | AP News

Now the U.S., as this month’s president of the U.N. Security Council, is preparing to put forward a resolution to authorize a mission in Haiti led by Kenyan police, who have relatively little overseas experience in such large numbers and don’t speak French, which is used in Haiti.
:
Kenya’s interest was announced on Saturday, with its foreign minister saying his government has “accepted to positively consider” leading a force in Haiti and sending 1,000 police officers to train the Haitian National Police, “restore normalcy” and protect strategic installations.

Article said the Kenyan police don't have a great reputation at home. I'm sure Kenya isn't doing without some $. Wonder what they are getting.

For more than nine months, the U.N. had appealed unsuccessfully for a country to lead an effort to restore order to the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

I wish Haiti had a lot of oil or rare earth metals. Whole different story then.