PalmerReport: On Monday it became clear that the only option left for Jeff Sessions would be to play the obliviousness defense. On Tuesday it became clear that even that defense won’t have any chance of working. Sessions now finds himself in cascading levels of trouble, thanks to the guilty plea and confession of his campaign subordinate George Papadopoulos, and the relationship Sessions had with Papadopoulos.
Papadopoulos claimed in his confession that before he conspired with the Russian government to try to obtain emails stolen from Hillary Clinton, he got the explicit approval of Paul Manafort and Sam Clovis. Papadopoulos also claimed that Jeff Sessions was in the meeting and was fully aware of the discussion. Others were also in the room, so Sessions won’t be able to argue that he wasn’t there. His only defense would be to claim that he wasn’t following the discussion because he didn’t know who Papadopoulos was, or didn’t consider him important enough to be worth listening to. But that just went out the window.
When Jeff Sessions held a dinner for a number of Trump campaign advisers, he had George Papadopoulos sit right next to him, according to a Washington Post report (link). This makes clear that Sessions not only knew Papadopoulos, but considered him to be one of the most important Trump campaign advisers. It means Sessions would have been fully engaged during the meeting where Papadopoulos sought clearance for his Russian conspiracy meeting.
So there’s no question that Jeff Sessions knew full well that his campaign subordinate was seeking approval to conspire with the Russian government to procure stolen emails – and at the least, he tacitly let it happen by not objecting. This makes him guilty of conspiracy to receive stolen property, or some other similar variation of the law. That’s in addition to the perjury he committed by claiming under oath not to be aware of any Trump advisers meeting with Russia. Robert Mueller can – and will – indict Sessions on a smorgasbord of charges unless he flips on Trump first.
https://twitter.com/ABC/status/925877674488328199
I’m going to say this again..
THEY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS!!!
Y’ALL!!!
The US COMFORT – that huge floating hospital…
UNTIL LAST WEEK- the boat WAS NOT IN PORT.
Let me repeat that.
THE BOAT WAS NOT IN PORT!!!
DA EVERLOVING PHUCK?!?!?!
And no news coverage. Like it’s not happening. And we know it is.
Rikyrah, Amy Goodman often goes where there is silence (or tries to). Here’s what she’s got on Puerto Rico:
https://www.democracynow.org/topics/puerto_rico
https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/925811251464343552
https://twitter.com/RedTRaccoon/status/925838541766062083
https://twitter.com/battletested5/status/925809726071459840
THREAD
https://twitter.com/TexasTribune/status/925861609628676096
https://twitter.com/KhaledBeydoun/status/925900272223883265
Rachel M says that the #2 lawyer in the Marines has been put in prison at Guantanamo Bay.
Because, he doesn’t believe that one of the prisoners is getting fair representation and stood up to correct it.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2017
WARN
“Do Something!” Trump’s Threats of Violence and Chaos From the White House
Speculation has now yielded to fact. On Monday, the grand jury impaneled by special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election issued its first indictments. Several of Trump’s closest advisers have been charged with breaking the law. This is the clearest evidence yet that Russia was able to penetrate and gain influence at the highest levels of Trump’s presidential campaign.
http://www.chaunceydevega.com/2017/10/do-something-trumps-threats-of-violence.html
Notre Dame takes advantage of Trump rule, drops birth control coverage
11/01/17 12:40 PM
By Steve Benen
It’s about a month since the Trump administration dramatically altered the Affordable Care Act’s approach to birth control, opening the door to practically every U.S. employer refusing to cover their workers’ contraception. All it takes it showing “sincerely held” religious or moral objections.
Once the policy was made official, one of the obvious questions was just how many employers would take advantage of the shift. Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services suggested the number would be quite modest, and most Americans wouldn’t notice any change, but once the door was open, it was difficult to guess how many would walk through.
Slate noted that one rather high-profile employer wasted little time in embracing Trump’s policy.
Following New York attack, Trump flunks another leadership test
11/01/17 09:29 AM—UPDATED 11/01/17 09:40 AM
By Steve Benen
In the immediate aftermath of the suspected terrorist incident in New York yesterday afternoon, Donald Trump tweeted a series of clumsy but inoffensive messages. “My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack,” the president said at one point. “God and your country are with you!”
Trump did not, however, wait long before following his worst instincts.
…………………
But the more disheartening takeaway is Trump’s apparent inability to deal responsibly with terrorist violence. This morning’s tantrum was ugly, but as regular readers know, it was not out of character for this president.
https://twitter.com/3ChicsPolitico/status/925786912916430848
Oh what a TANGLED WEB, THEY WEAVE…
https://twitter.com/oregonvt/status/925785450291388421
https://twitter.com/3ChicsPolitico/status/925782373714857987
https://twitter.com/taxmarch/status/925738030601850881
https://twitter.com/RVAwonk/status/925779394051952641
The terrorist came into our country through what is called the “Diversity Visa Lottery Program,” a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
Actually, the Gang of 8, including @SenSchumer, did away with the Diversity Visa Program as part of broader reforms. I know, I was there https://t.co/QQFJzPyRzC— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 1, 2017
In fact, had the Senate Gang of 8 bill passed the House, it would have ended the Visa Lottery Program AND increased merit based visas. https://t.co/o3qJHHAv1C— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 1, 2017
Ain’t no way!
https://www.facebook.com/julio.aguilera.18/posts/1391282784304386
Reminder…
https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/925710762894680064
https://twitter.com/oregonvt/status/925773056362020867
A new GIF
BWA HA HA HA HAH A HA HA HA AH AH
Which means Mueller made sure he had Clovis on record BEFORE letting the world know Clovis’s underling was a cooperating witness.
— Zedward Tweeterhands (@ZeddRebel) October 31, 2017
So, *this* Sam Clovis that Trump named last month to USDA despite any qualifications other than being a campaign “supervisor”? pic.twitter.com/FD5hl5q8Zg
— Harry Godwyn (@harrygod) October 30, 2017
White House: We won’t withdraw Trump USDA pick despite report he told ex-Trump aide to meet with Russians https://t.co/83MMWjfetX pic.twitter.com/87tkJExujs
— The Hill (@thehill) October 31, 2017
Papadopoulos’ unnamed “supervisor” is Sam Clovis, and the “high-ranking” official is Manafort, source tells @Isikoff https://t.co/DHpQdXxqeL pic.twitter.com/0IOvUcdHjl
— Colin Campbell (@colincampbell) October 30, 2017
Another comment from BJ:
My theory on Papadopoulos, based solely on common sense, is this. He didn’t expect Trump to win and took the exciting job. I think this might be true of other Trump associates as well. If you’re on what you think is a losing team, just take the money, the trips, the excitement, etc…and it’s over when it’s over. I doubt they gave much thought to wrongdoing, investigations, arrests, etc… Why would they have loyalty?
@tobie:
I think he lied too. Sitting there, lying like a muthaphucka, all the while, Bobby Three Sticks has all the answers to the questions he’s being asked.
man…oh man….oh man….
But NYC though!
Why I Hate When People Stay In Other People’s Pockets
Amanda Seales’ latest tweets shook the table and sparked an ongoing debate that needs to literally die.
OOPS!
2017 has already been divisive AF. There isn’t a need whatsoever to spark a debate on how we spend our black a$$ dollars. If you’re not trying to help, inspire or educate, please sit down.
https://blavity.com/why-i-hate-when-people-stay-in-other-peoples-pockets?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Blavity%20Daily%20Newsletter%2011117&utm_content=Blavity%20Daily%20Newsletter%2011117+CID_d0eec0f9114959c953865828869847b4&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=stay%20in%20other%20peoples%20pockets
THE LAST WORD WITH LAWRENCE O’DONNELL 10/31/17
Ex-US Attorney: Trump team should worry as new aide testifies
Barbara McQuade, fmr. US Attorney, says the White House should be “very concerned” about Sam Clovis’ cooperation with Mueller’s probe. It suggests others may soon be targeted for interviews. Ezra Klein, Barbara McQuade & Jonathan Capehart join Lawrence O’Donnell.
Will only point out that the ‘terrorist’ in NYC was shot and lived long enough to get to surgery.
Kills 8, and lives to get to surgery.
Uh huh
Uh huh
UH HUH
UH HUH
The UNTOLD STORY?
Republicans miss their own deadline on tax plan unveiling
11/01/17 08:41 AM—UPDATED 11/01/17 08:45 AM
By Steve Benen
Today was supposed to be the day. After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations and behind-closed-doors legislating, House Republicans recently boasted that their tax plan would be unveiled on Wednesday, November 1.
This wouldn’t just be an outline or a vague blueprint; GOP leaders assured everyone that this would be actual legislative text, ready for committee scrutiny. Everyone involved in the debate was ready to see what Republicans had finally come up with.
The wait, however, will continue a little longer.
It’s too late for Trump World to balk at ‘racially charged’ label
11/01/17 08:00 AM
By Steve Benen
………………………………………..
I’m afraid it’s a little late from Trump World to express discomfort with the “racially charged” label.
This is, after all, a rather unique presidency. Donald Trump’s rise to political power was fueled in large part by his role championing a racist conspiracy theory about the nation’s first black president. As a candidate for public office, Trump went after Judge Gonzalo Curiel because of his ethnicity, hesitated when asked to denounce David Duke, and equated Mexican immigrants with rapists.
As a president, Trump has pushed several versions of a Muslim ban, defended some racist activists as “very fine people,” and launched a prolonged feud with athletes engaged in a silent civil-rights protest.
Now, the president’s chief of staff is describing the cause of the Civil War in a decidedly ahistorical way.
If there’s a “racially charged” narrative surrounding this White House, it isn’t “the media” that created it.
Six women have come out against Brett Ratner, saying he harrassed them.
http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-brett-ratner-allegations-20171101-htmlstory.html
Be sure to let your normal friends on Facebook know that 80% of us can get covered for $75 or less a month at https://t.co/Rrgcdi5TY8. https://t.co/wBq7Xh2dQd
— LOLGOP (@LOLGOP) November 1, 2017
THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 10/31/17
Multiple passports cited in Manafort flight risk concerns
Joyce Vance, former federal prosecutor, talks with Rachel Maddow about the concerns raised by federal investigators that Paul Manafort is a flight risk, including his history of using multiple passports and aliases.
THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW 10/31/17
Newly unsealed court documents tie Manafort, Gates to Russia
Rachel Maddow reports on newly unsealed court documents in the cases of Donald Trump campaign workers Paul Manafort and Rick Gates which detail their terms of release and connections abroad.
Today’s Schedule for the Obama Foundation Summit.
I’m glad to see Bryan Stevenson included. I think this is his first connection with the Obamas, I’m not sure.
I’m wrong. Mr. Stevenson was on this task force in 2014. I’m glad to see a continuing relationship.
President Obama Creates the Task Force on 21st Century Policing
DECEMBER 18, 2014 AT 5:28 PM ET BY DAVID HUDSON
Summary: President Obama signs an Executive Order to create the Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and announces the members of the new task force.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2014/12/18/president-obama-creates-task-force-21st-century-policing
One of the reasons why I actually do like Twitter.
The clapback to this muthaphucka was hilarious.
Donald Trump Jr.’s Bizarre Halloween ‘Lesson’ Backfires Spectacularly
That didn’t go over well.
By Ed Mazza
Trump Jr. doesn’t seem to know how Halloween works.
The whole point of trick-or-treating, of course, is that children get candy ― free ― from friendly neighbors.
But in a tweet Tuesday, the eldest son of President Donald Trump indicated that he would take half of his daughter’s Halloween haul and give it away to teach her about socialism.
The tweet quickly backfired, with more than 30,000 comments. Many of them looked a lot like these:
“Can’t even get them to show up for free food”: in part out of faith in Trump, some coal miners resist retraining: https://t.co/H9RhOPBhZM
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) November 1, 2017
Establishment Republicans Will Lose Their Civil War With the Insurgents
by Nancy LeTourneau
November 1, 2017 PM
As we draw closer to the 2018 midterm primaries, one of the most fascinating things to watch will be what I’ve described as the battle of the oligarchs. It pits Steve Bannon as the proxy warrior for the Mercers against Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell as the proxy warrior for the Koch brothers. In terms we’ve been throwing around a lot over the last couple of years, it’s all about the insurgents taking on the establishment.
But the truth is, this really isn’t much of a contest. The establishment might come out ahead occasionally in a specific skirmish, but when it comes to the soul of the Republican Party, the insurgents took over a while ago. Recently I pointed to an article by David Drucker titled, “Trump has won the civil war where it counts—with voters.” But as David Hopkins points out, that is the result of a victory that was realized a while ago.
No such thing as a moderate Republican…..
JMO
Where Moderate Republicans Are Wildly Popular
by Martin Longman October 31, 2017
Morning Consult has updated their popularity ratings for the nation’s fifty governors. Some of the results aren’t too surprising. The least popular governor in the country is Chris Christie of New Jersey. He’s followed by Connecticut governor, Dan Malloy. Also trailing the pack are Republican governors Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Sam Brownback of Kansas, and Bruce Rauner of Illinois.
What’s less predictable is the profile of the most popular governors.
The two most best-rated are Larry Hogan of Maryland and Charlie Baker of Massachusetts. Not far behind them are Phil Scott and Chris Sununu of Vermont and New Hampshire, respectively.
What they all have in common is that they are Republicans serving their first term in states Hillary Clinton won. In fact, Vermont, Maryland, and Massachusetts were some of her strongest states.
Quick Takes: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Excels at Gaslighting
A roundup of news that caught my eye today.
by Nancy LeTourneau
October 31, 2017
* During today’s press briefing, this is what Sarah Huckabee Sanders said about the plea agreement the Mueller team reached with George Papadopolous:
Here is how Wikipedia defines gaslighting: “a form of manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt…in members of a targeted group, hoping to make them question their own memory, perception, and sanity. Using persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and lying, it attempts to destabilize the target and delegitimize the target’s belief.” In other words, it goes beyond lying and becomes a form of manipulation.
Sanders wants us to believe that the Trump campaign should get credit for the arrest of Papadopoulos. She also suggests that his crime was to lie—something that had nothing to do with the campaign. Of course she didn’t mention that he lied to cover up his conversations with campaign officials about setting up meetings with Russian operatives, which actually has everything to do with the Trump campaign. Also, there’s this:
I would so love to see a Jeff Sessions perp walk.
Me reading the title of this post😄😄😄
Good Morning, Everyone 😐😐😐
HAPPY HUMP DAY, 3 CHICS FAMILY!