After Another Week of Chaos, Trump Repairs to Palm Beach. No One Knows What Comes Next. from the New York Times
"The decisions attested to a president riled up by cable news and unbound. Mr. Trump appeared heedless of his staff, unconcerned about Washington decorum, or the latest stock market dive, and confident of his instincts. He seemed determined to set the agenda himself, even if that agenda looked like a White House in disarray. Inside the West Wing, aides described an atmosphere of bewildered resignation as they grappled with the all-too-familiar task of predicting and reacting in real time to Mr. Trump’s shifting moods."
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Targeting Putin
Putin Has Overplayed His Hand (William Burns) from the New York Times
"Mr. Putin’s muscular revanchism can camouflage his weakness, but it cannot erase it. He remains reliant on a one-dimensional economy, constrained by sanctions, mired in the reckless adventures he’s pursued in Ukraine and Syria, and increasingly subordinate to China and its growing ambitions. An effective diplomatic response needs to expose Mr. Putin’s vulnerabilities as effectively as he has sought to exploit ours."
"Mr. Putin’s muscular revanchism can camouflage his weakness, but it cannot erase it. He remains reliant on a one-dimensional economy, constrained by sanctions, mired in the reckless adventures he’s pursued in Ukraine and Syria, and increasingly subordinate to China and its growing ambitions. An effective diplomatic response needs to expose Mr. Putin’s vulnerabilities as effectively as he has sought to exploit ours."
How Long Can Republican Lawmakers Hide From Voters?
Gun reform activists demand town halls. Many Republicans have ducked them since 2017 from McClatchy News Service
"“This is not an unreasonable thing to expect. If they can meet with donors every recess they can take an hour to talk to constituents – it is called ‘district work period,’” said Nathan Williams, managing director of the Town Hall Project, which is helping out March for Our Lives organizers on the issue. ... The town hall on gun violence hosted by CNN in February after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 people in Parkland, Florida, was a “red flag” for many Republicans, according to Scott Jennings, a Republican political strategist and special assistant to former President George W. Bush."
"“This is not an unreasonable thing to expect. If they can meet with donors every recess they can take an hour to talk to constituents – it is called ‘district work period,’” said Nathan Williams, managing director of the Town Hall Project, which is helping out March for Our Lives organizers on the issue. ... The town hall on gun violence hosted by CNN in February after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 people in Parkland, Florida, was a “red flag” for many Republicans, according to Scott Jennings, a Republican political strategist and special assistant to former President George W. Bush."
The Fading of Christianity in Europe and the US
The Barely-Beating Heart Of Christendom (Rod Dreher) from the American Conservative
"The report’s findings aren’t surprising, exactly, but they are shocking. They confirm that Europe’s is a post-Christian civilization, and they make clear the stark challenges facing the churches there going forward. For American Christian readers, the report may serve as a portrait of our own civilization in the future, if we don’t take strong measures now to prevent that fate."
Dreher, a sane voice of Christian conservatism, may be whistling past the graveyard here. I have long felt that evangelical Christians pulled their faith into the gutter when they (a) became so politically tied to the GOP back in Reagan's time; and (b) when, more recently, they have merged evangelicalism with white nationalism. It is now commonplace for them to take positions completely antithetical to the core principles of their faith and to embrace policies that not only alienate moderates and most young people -- but they come off as just ... NUTTY! See the last post from today's nuggets. Nuggetsman
"The report’s findings aren’t surprising, exactly, but they are shocking. They confirm that Europe’s is a post-Christian civilization, and they make clear the stark challenges facing the churches there going forward. For American Christian readers, the report may serve as a portrait of our own civilization in the future, if we don’t take strong measures now to prevent that fate."
Dreher, a sane voice of Christian conservatism, may be whistling past the graveyard here. I have long felt that evangelical Christians pulled their faith into the gutter when they (a) became so politically tied to the GOP back in Reagan's time; and (b) when, more recently, they have merged evangelicalism with white nationalism. It is now commonplace for them to take positions completely antithetical to the core principles of their faith and to embrace policies that not only alienate moderates and most young people -- but they come off as just ... NUTTY! See the last post from today's nuggets. Nuggetsman
The GOP Controls Most Branches of Gov't -- But All their Attention is on One Thing
The Republicans Are Clinging Frantically to Power (Joy-Ann Reid) from the Daily Beast
"The GOP is desperately seeking to build a wall around its power, fearing its imminent erosion as a host of forces—demographic, cultural, and political—come barreling its way."
"The GOP is desperately seeking to build a wall around its power, fearing its imminent erosion as a host of forces—demographic, cultural, and political—come barreling its way."
The Crisis of Conscience Facing Real Conservatives
This madness will pass. Conservatives can’t give up (Michael Gerson) from the Washington Post
"So how do we split the political difference on this one? Shall we talk about Mexican migrants as rapists on every other day? Shall we provide rhetorical cover for alt-right bigots only on special occasions, such as after a racist rally and murder? ... While some Republicans have criticized media bias, Trump has attempted to systematically delegitimize all critical information as “fake news” and referred to the media as “the enemy of the people.” While other politicians have pushed back against investigations, Trump has attempted to discredit federal law enforcement as part of a “deep state” plot against him."
Gerson, a conservative columnist, is spot on with how untenable the current situation is with Trump. It is impossible to be a principled conservative under his tenure. Sadly, i think he is wrong about where this will all end up. When the dust settles, all that will be left will be revanchist white nationalism completely unmoored from reality. -- Nuggetsman
"So how do we split the political difference on this one? Shall we talk about Mexican migrants as rapists on every other day? Shall we provide rhetorical cover for alt-right bigots only on special occasions, such as after a racist rally and murder? ... While some Republicans have criticized media bias, Trump has attempted to systematically delegitimize all critical information as “fake news” and referred to the media as “the enemy of the people.” While other politicians have pushed back against investigations, Trump has attempted to discredit federal law enforcement as part of a “deep state” plot against him."
Gerson, a conservative columnist, is spot on with how untenable the current situation is with Trump. It is impossible to be a principled conservative under his tenure. Sadly, i think he is wrong about where this will all end up. When the dust settles, all that will be left will be revanchist white nationalism completely unmoored from reality. -- Nuggetsman
Right Wing Nuttiness Nugget!
Rep. Mary Franson compares 'March for Our Lives' kids to Hitler Youth from City Pages
"Back in December, the state representative from Alexandria refused to meet with a group of politically active high school students, kids who live in her district, because the small outfit was made up of Democrats. ... This past weekend, Franson offered a clearer understanding of why she might be afraid to interact with young progressives. She fears they might be Nazis."
"Back in December, the state representative from Alexandria refused to meet with a group of politically active high school students, kids who live in her district, because the small outfit was made up of Democrats. ... This past weekend, Franson offered a clearer understanding of why she might be afraid to interact with young progressives. She fears they might be Nazis."
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: The "Who Called It" Nugget!!
Karen McDougal is the woman with the best chance of bringing down Trump from Think Progress
".... Daniels and McDougal have sued, asking the court to formally invalidate their agreements and let them speak freely. But the nature of the agreements signed by Daniels and McDougal are quite different. From a legal perspective, the structure of McDougal’s contract appears to be worse for Trump and his associates."
See the Daniels story from News Nuggets 1568! To quote myself from March 11: "ALL of the women who have signed NDAs with Trump will go back and find that he didn't sign their agreements either -- and thus they would be free to speak. It is my sense that some of those cases go way beyond consensual affairs but deal with sexual harassment, rape, and worse." And here we are just 10 days later! I thought I was going out on a limb with my prediction. I am going to follow on here with another prediction: it is now not a question as to if any more will come forward. The question is how many? I feel like I should start a pool! Now, the second issue I raised in my last post was "It seems to me that law abiding people sign an NDA. More nefarious folks simply blackmail. I suspect Trump has had to deal with both types many times." What could this look like? See the following nugget! -- Nuggetsman
".... Daniels and McDougal have sued, asking the court to formally invalidate their agreements and let them speak freely. But the nature of the agreements signed by Daniels and McDougal are quite different. From a legal perspective, the structure of McDougal’s contract appears to be worse for Trump and his associates."
See the Daniels story from News Nuggets 1568! To quote myself from March 11: "ALL of the women who have signed NDAs with Trump will go back and find that he didn't sign their agreements either -- and thus they would be free to speak. It is my sense that some of those cases go way beyond consensual affairs but deal with sexual harassment, rape, and worse." And here we are just 10 days later! I thought I was going out on a limb with my prediction. I am going to follow on here with another prediction: it is now not a question as to if any more will come forward. The question is how many? I feel like I should start a pool! Now, the second issue I raised in my last post was "It seems to me that law abiding people sign an NDA. More nefarious folks simply blackmail. I suspect Trump has had to deal with both types many times." What could this look like? See the following nugget! -- Nuggetsman
Why Have Security Clearance? The Trump Example
The Stormy Daniels Saga Shows How Vulnerable Trump Is To Blackmail from the Huffington Post
"I mention the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes things we had to deal with not to be a martyr or because any of us felt the intensity of the questioning was unfair or inappropriate. I tell you this because it was a job to complete this form, and it was a job we all — senior advisers and junior assistants alike — took seriously. We knew that the security of the United States could be compromised if we screwed up the SF86. ... We are talking about the president. With every passing news cycle, the current administration is learning this lesson, about the importance of telling the truth, an even harder way. The total failure to follow protocol, to tell the truth about staffers’ backgrounds, is biting them in the ass."
"I mention the nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes things we had to deal with not to be a martyr or because any of us felt the intensity of the questioning was unfair or inappropriate. I tell you this because it was a job to complete this form, and it was a job we all — senior advisers and junior assistants alike — took seriously. We knew that the security of the United States could be compromised if we screwed up the SF86. ... We are talking about the president. With every passing news cycle, the current administration is learning this lesson, about the importance of telling the truth, an even harder way. The total failure to follow protocol, to tell the truth about staffers’ backgrounds, is biting them in the ass."
A GREAT DETAILED PRIMER on Firing or Not Firing
Trump would love to fire Mueller. But here’s why he’s been afraid to so far. from Vox
"It is certainly possible that Trump could change his mind and decide that, despite all this, Mueller’s probe is so dangerous that it’s worth casting caution to the wind and firing him. But he’s been afraid to take that step so far — and for some very good reasons."
"It is certainly possible that Trump could change his mind and decide that, despite all this, Mueller’s probe is so dangerous that it’s worth casting caution to the wind and firing him. But he’s been afraid to take that step so far — and for some very good reasons."
Assessing Trump's Young Presidency: Check out the Superlatives!
Trump’s presidency is unravelling. But he won’t fall without a push (Gary Younge) from the Guardian (of the UK)
"Witnessing Trump’s presidency unravel so spectacularly provokes a perverse joy. The venality is so baroque, the vulgarity so ostentatious, the inconsistencies so stark, the incompetence so epic and the lies so brazen, it leaves you speechless. His vanity is without guile and the scandals that embroil him without end. Almost everything he says and does has been publicly contradicted, by himself, usually on Twitter. "
"Witnessing Trump’s presidency unravel so spectacularly provokes a perverse joy. The venality is so baroque, the vulgarity so ostentatious, the inconsistencies so stark, the incompetence so epic and the lies so brazen, it leaves you speechless. His vanity is without guile and the scandals that embroil him without end. Almost everything he says and does has been publicly contradicted, by himself, usually on Twitter. "
Trump "growing into his Presidency"
White House shakeup shows Trump tired of hearing 'no' for an answer from Reuters
" Almost 14 months into Donald Trump’s turbulent White House tenure, loyalists are in, dissenters are out and the president himself is acting on his own instincts more swiftly than ever to make decisions on policies from trade to North Korea."
Oh happy day!
" Almost 14 months into Donald Trump’s turbulent White House tenure, loyalists are in, dissenters are out and the president himself is acting on his own instincts more swiftly than ever to make decisions on policies from trade to North Korea."
Oh happy day!
On Trump's New Cabinet: There's Madness to His Method
Trump is systematically removing the guardrails in his cabinet from the New Republic
"These changes suggest a president who is convinced that he has grown into the job and, more troublingly, has come to resent the numerous guardrails that were erected around him to protect the country (and the world) from his erratic instincts. Trump is remaking his cabinet—filling it with hawks and cable news pundits—into his own image."
"These changes suggest a president who is convinced that he has grown into the job and, more troublingly, has come to resent the numerous guardrails that were erected around him to protect the country (and the world) from his erratic instincts. Trump is remaking his cabinet—filling it with hawks and cable news pundits—into his own image."
The Politics of Sophistry and Cynicism
Trump's maximal tribalism (Damon Linker) from The Week
"Without fully grasping the consequences of his words and deeds, President Trump has done more than any previous president to advance a politics of sophistry and cynicism. It's a politics defined by the unrelenting effort to prove that every apparent act of virtue is in fact an example of something lower — of the very tribalism that motivates Trump's every public utterance and act."
"Without fully grasping the consequences of his words and deeds, President Trump has done more than any previous president to advance a politics of sophistry and cynicism. It's a politics defined by the unrelenting effort to prove that every apparent act of virtue is in fact an example of something lower — of the very tribalism that motivates Trump's every public utterance and act."
2018 House Election Prediction Nugget!
Insiders See Democratic House Gains of 30-45 seats from Roll Call
"Seven and a half months before the midterm elections, the combination of attitudinal and behavioral evidence leads to a single conclusion: The Democrats are very likely to win control of the House in November. Just as important, Republican and Democratic campaign strategists also agree that an electoral wave has already formed. The attitudinal evidence begins with national polling."
I think this analysis is VERY CONSERVATIVE! If Dems do as well in November as they have done on average in the special elections from last year and this year, the GOP actually has close to 110 House seats in danger. Now -- I think there is no way the Dems will get anything close to 110. I am predicting more like a 65-70 seat pickup. No one else is predicting this. You heard it here first. One caveat: I fully expect Russian hackers will be targeting election outcomes by finding ways to actually alter vote totals. If this happens on anything like a meaningful scale, all bets are off.
"Seven and a half months before the midterm elections, the combination of attitudinal and behavioral evidence leads to a single conclusion: The Democrats are very likely to win control of the House in November. Just as important, Republican and Democratic campaign strategists also agree that an electoral wave has already formed. The attitudinal evidence begins with national polling."
I think this analysis is VERY CONSERVATIVE! If Dems do as well in November as they have done on average in the special elections from last year and this year, the GOP actually has close to 110 House seats in danger. Now -- I think there is no way the Dems will get anything close to 110. I am predicting more like a 65-70 seat pickup. No one else is predicting this. You heard it here first. One caveat: I fully expect Russian hackers will be targeting election outcomes by finding ways to actually alter vote totals. If this happens on anything like a meaningful scale, all bets are off.
The Bigger Picture on Russian Poisoning in the UK
Poisoning of Russian ex-spy puts spotlight on Moscow’s secret military labs from the Washington Post
"During his last run for the presidency, in 2012, Russian leader Vladimir Putin startled U.S. military experts with a mysterious pledge to develop novel kinds of weapons to counter the West’s technological edge. Armies of the future, he said, would need weapons “based on new physical principles” including “genetic” and “psychophysical” science."
There is every indication that Putin has been investing A LOT in unconventional forms of weaponry. We are now somewhat privy to the kind of cyber warfare he will wage. Russia has long been the leader in chem-bio WMDs. This seems like a clear extension of that. If you want to see the bigger historical picture, see David Hoffman's Pulitzer prize winning book, The Dead Hand.
"During his last run for the presidency, in 2012, Russian leader Vladimir Putin startled U.S. military experts with a mysterious pledge to develop novel kinds of weapons to counter the West’s technological edge. Armies of the future, he said, would need weapons “based on new physical principles” including “genetic” and “psychophysical” science."
There is every indication that Putin has been investing A LOT in unconventional forms of weaponry. We are now somewhat privy to the kind of cyber warfare he will wage. Russia has long been the leader in chem-bio WMDs. This seems like a clear extension of that. If you want to see the bigger historical picture, see David Hoffman's Pulitzer prize winning book, The Dead Hand.
On the McCabe Firing
I stand with Andrew McCabe (Ronald Klain) from the Washington Post
"A president who doesn’t respect the rule of law will always have the upper hand over imperfect but fundamentally decent civil servants."
"A president who doesn’t respect the rule of law will always have the upper hand over imperfect but fundamentally decent civil servants."
Immigration Nugget
Is it still worth trying to come to America as an asylum seeker? I don't think so (Luis Mancheno) from the Guardian (of the UK)
"I know you will come because I am a refugee living in the United States and I know what it means to escape death. I am so ashamed that we will do this to you and I am angry because my new country has betrayed me and every other person who believed in it. This place is not what it used to be. Just know that."
"I know you will come because I am a refugee living in the United States and I know what it means to escape death. I am so ashamed that we will do this to you and I am angry because my new country has betrayed me and every other person who believed in it. This place is not what it used to be. Just know that."
Gun Control Reform Nugget!
Maher panel proposes a new way of taking down the NRA — and the gun organization should be afraid from Raw Story
"“Why does the NRA get a tax exemption and how to do we take it away?” host Bill Maher proposed as his audience applauded. “They would like to say that they don’t run a political action committee, but they do have that wing, saying they are a grassroots non-profit organization,” Sirius radio host Nayyera Haq explained as comedian Pete Dominick interjected, “Elect Democrats.”"
"“Why does the NRA get a tax exemption and how to do we take it away?” host Bill Maher proposed as his audience applauded. “They would like to say that they don’t run a political action committee, but they do have that wing, saying they are a grassroots non-profit organization,” Sirius radio host Nayyera Haq explained as comedian Pete Dominick interjected, “Elect Democrats.”"
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