American Politics thread: No Nazis Allowed

genocyber

https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5a332a8de4b0ff955ad17c4b?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009

But, see, the real enemy of a living wage is Hillary.

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Lots of hints and rumors that Trump is gearing up to fire Mueller and purge a bunch of people at the FBI. Potentially as soon as Congress goes on break.

Most important is how many Republicans are casting aspersions at him and the FBI over the past few days with not much defending statements from the DoJ.

Is there nothing that can be done to bar him from attempting this?

onemoment

@White:

It would be funny if Pence's downfall happened before Trump's

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/365278-trump-lawyer-says-mueller-obtained-transition-emails-illegally

I love the idea that Mueller has all these e-mails, after all the drama there's been about Hilary's emails, and Trump berating his enemies about their emails. Also, all signs seem to point that Trump's lawyer is an idiot and that this is all legal.

That said, isn't Rosenstein the only guy who can fire Muller? While I don't doubt Trump is stupid enough to try this, there's a few steps he has to take to fire the guy. It sounds like he needs to fire Rosenstein, then get someone who will do it. I get the impression that if he does it, then people will see it coming.

Johnny B. Decent

This post is deleted!

Kaiolino

@genocyber:

Is there nothing that can be done to bar him from attempting this?

AGES AGO, in May 2017, Republicans were still grandstanding that if Trump ever fired the special counsel, they'd just rehire him. They also floated legislation that prevents the president from firing the special counsel.

So yes, something can be done.

But they won't.

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Failing NYT:

Insider2000

@Kaiolino:

AGES AGO, in May 2017, Republicans were still grandstanding that if Trump ever fired the special counsel, they'd just rehire him. They also floated legislation that prevents the president from firing the special counsel.

So yes, something can be done.

But they won't.

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Failing NYT:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DRLAmmMXkAEDtPz.jpg

They won't… fire Mueller? Or they won't take the actions to prevent Trump from doing this?

Kaiolino

@Insider2000:

They won't… fire Mueller? Or they won't take the actions to prevent Trump from doing this?

They won't take action. They'll probably say something about Mueller taking too long, that it was a witch hunt and the people support Trump because he won the election,

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https://www.axios.com/scoop-mueller-obtains-tens-of-thousands-of-trump-transition-emails-2517994590.html
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-transition/trump-allies-say-mueller-unlawfully-obtained-thousands-of-emails-idUSKBN1EA0QF

The fact that this is all going to come down to email server management is quite beautiful.

genocyber

@Kaiolino:

They won't take action. They'll probably say something about Mueller taking too long, that it was a witch hunt and the people support Trump because he won the election,

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https://www.axios.com/scoop-mueller-obtains-tens-of-thousands-of-trump-transition-emails-2517994590.html
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-transition/trump-allies-say-mueller-unlawfully-obtained-thousands-of-emails-idUSKBN1EA0QF

The fact that this is all going to come down to email server management is quite beautiful.

Considering things are escelating quicker than the Watergate Nixon case, I don't see how they could complain on the investigation taking so long. Theirs already a list of people who've been fingered out close to him.

Johnny B. Decent

I would take this as a sign Trump is getting desperate.

AfroSamurai

@genocyber:

Considering things are escelating quicker than the Watergate Nixon case, I don't see how they could complain on the investigation taking so long. Theirs already a list of people who've been fingered out close to him.

Oof that did not paint a pretty picture in my mind when I first read it

Kaiolino

@genocyber:

Considering things are escelating quicker than the Watergate Nixon case, I don't see how they could complain on the investigation taking so long. Theirs already a list of people who've been fingered out close to him.

These are the same people who complain about the deficit 24/7. Or that Democrats ram through legislation.

Cyan D. Funk

@genocyber:

Considering things are escelating quicker than the Watergate Nixon case, I don't see how they could complain on the investigation taking so long. Theirs already a list of people who've been fingered out close to him.

Welcome to Republican Orthodox 2017: lol fuck the dems

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@Kaiolino:

https://www.axios.com/scoop-mueller-obtains-tens-of-thousands-of-trump-transition-emails-2517994590.html
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-transition/trump-allies-say-mueller-unlawfully-obtained-thousands-of-emails-idUSKBN1EA0QF

The fact that this is all going to come down to email server management is quite beautiful.

Chris Cillizza's brain short-circuits as he tries to reconcile bad email server management and someone other than Hillary doing it.

Robby

Best guess is Muller has subpeonas and stockpiled evidence ready to go in the event of firing, the same way he has a whole bunch of state crimes set up to get around pardons. He's already gotten the number 3 guy to flip and several guilty confessions.

Right now they've been building their case to make it iron clad and get as much as they can, but they can presumably showcase something pretty damning whenever they want.

If they DO fire him next week though, all hell is going to break loose.
https://twitter.com/SethAbramson/status/942146451026608128
https://www.thenation.com/article/if-trump-fires-mueller-we-must-impeach/

Also,those emails its just now being reported Mueller has that Trump's lawyers are making a fuss about? Mueller has had them for months, before he did any interviews. Trump team thought they had a guy locking this stuff down…. but he kind of... died.
https://twitter.com/HoarseWisperer/status/942221228483469312

Kaiolino

Today in Democrats Will Never Learn: Despite winning a landslide, Northam wants bipartisanship, won't do anything to create a Democratic majority and refuses to expand medicaid despite campaigning on it, because "the deficit!!11!" and is relying on Republicans to come up with something good.

Robby

I'm all for bipartisanship in theory.

But it stops working when one side is being obstructionist purely for the sake of being obstructionist, and with no actual interest in what it's voters wanted. To be bipartisan both sides have to actually be trying and working in good faith.

sgamer82

So, according to the FCC, one Barack Obama of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington DC 20500, favors the repeal of Net Neutrality.

To paraphrase other reactions I've seen: they aren't even trying…

"The unprecedented regulatory power the Obama Administration imposed on the internet is smothering innovation, damaging the American economy and obstructing job creation. I urge the Federal Communications Commission to end the bureaucratic regulatory overreach of the internet known as Title II and restore the bipartisan light-touch regulatory consensus that enabled the internet to flourish for more than 20 years. The plan currently under consideration at the FCC to repeal Obama's Title II power grab is a positive step forward and will help to promote a truly free and open internet for everyone."

https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filing/1051157755251

Green_vs_Red

@sgamer82:

So, according to the FCC, one Barack Obama of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington DC 20500, favors the repeal of Net Neutrality.

To paraphrase other reactions I've seen: they aren't even trying…

When you use such arguments as insisting (as usual) that regulations are stiffling innovation and job creation. And insisting laughably that the Internet was great 20 years ago (which it wasn't) you know you're not trying to be different or new with your bullshitting.

Jabberwok

McCain is heading to Arizona for health reasons and won't be available for the tax vote. Not sure who this helps but I think it's Democrats.

sgamer82

@Green_vs_Red:

When you use such arguments as insisting (as usual) that regulations are stiffling innovation and job creation. And insisting laughably that the Internet was great 20 years ago (which it wasn't) you know you're not trying to be different or new with your bullshitting.

I think the bigger issue is the fact that the claims they're using to justify removing net neutrality is allegedly being provided by the very person whose regulations they're opposing.

Green_vs_Red

@sgamer82:

I think the bigger issue is the fact that the claims they're using to justify removing net neutrality is allegedly being provided by the very person whose regulations they're opposing.

Well it is a bit too obvious.

Cyan D. Funk

@Jabberwok:

McCain is heading to Arizona for health reasons and won't be available for the tax vote. Not sure who this helps but I think it's Democrats.

A single tear falls from McCain's eye as he thinks of how this may have been his last chance to be Maverick.

Kaiolino

All 51 other senators already said they’re voting for it, so it doesn’t matter.

onemoment

I assume if they didn't have the votes, then McCain would jet himself in to get the final vote. Something like that. While I'm sure his health is a major factor, I've seen senator's come in injured to vote before now. Heck, I think McCain was the last one, having had brain surgery earlier.

Also, I think Trump and Mnuchin have been quoted that they're " not firing Mueller," so that means there's still as much of a chance that they'll do it as yesterday. As in, we're just waiting on Trump's whims here.

Bugs

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/law-firm-demands-102g-jared-kushner-real-estate-company-article-1.3704780

Geez, I wonder where he got that idea from.

Also Ted Cruz is arguing with Mark Hamill about Star Wars.

Robby

They only need 50 votes because then they get a VP tie breaker. So McCain isn't needed to get to 51 for, he IS needed to vote it to make it 51 against.

And even that is assuming two other republicans also vote against it, which seems like isn't going to be the case. They're so desperate for a win they've all fallen in line.

Even the ones that voted against the Obamacare repeal earlier, even though this tax bill does the same thing and is going to screw everyone for decades to come unless it gets undone as soon as dems have a president and majority again. Except I don't think they'll be able to do the same insane 50 vote not-actually-a-majority vote thing.

Robby

[hide][/hide]

Wow, that image was bigger than I thought it would be.

Just read somewhere an interesting theory. Mostly fanciful daydream but it would be so sweet.

Mueller will hand over the investigation to Preet Bharara the state attorney who Trump fired.
Bharara will file RICO charges against Trump based on 2 predicates of RICO. (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act )
Obstruction of justice and money laundering. Under state law Bharara will start by using asset forfeiture which will happen immediately after charges are filed.
He will then charge Kushner Trump jr Sessions and Pence with collusion and obstruction.
The asset forfeiture continues to be in effect until the trial is over.
It wont take long for the banks that hold his loans and the forfeiture to ruin bioth Trump and Kushners business enterprises.
This is Muellers and Bhararas end game. No pardons. No impeachment votes. This is exactly what brought down Gambino and Gotti.

They will go this route because it doesnt matter what Congress or anyone in the Republican party say or do. The longer the trial lasts the more financial ruin will happen.

Sounds like something too good, straight out of a movie. But then, this whole year has been insane.

Ekila

@Robby:

Just read somewhere an interesting theory. Mostly fanciful daydream but it would be so sweet.

Sounds like something too good, straight out of a movie. But then, this whole year has been insane.

Yes, that would be pretty cool if that happened! -crosses fingers-

Green_vs_Red

https://www.rawstory.com/2017/12/unemployment-up-in-midwest-despite-trump-promises/

B-B-But he was supposed to save our jobs.

y2kyle89

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/12/there-will-be-a-senate-vote-to-reinstate-net-neutrality-schumer-says/ Dare we hope?

DemonX

For those still interested in the Senate seating procedure: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/dec/18/verified-politics/seating-doug-jones-does-delay-break-senate-rules/

onemoment

@Green_vs_Red:

https://www.rawstory.com/2017/12/unemployment-up-in-midwest-despite-trump-promises/

B-B-But he was supposed to save our jobs.

The USDA Rolled Back Protections For Small Farmers. Now The Farmers Are Suing

Also the farmers are mad and betrayed. I know most rational people expected this, but I'm shocked how Trump's gotten away with campaigning like a populist and leading like a plutocrat. I think at this point only the cultists, Evangelicals, KKK, and corporations are happy.

I only hope that the Robby's theory happens. I'm sure Trump won't go down that easy, but it's a rich dream regardless.

Cyan D. Funk

Meanwhile in the "lol fuck the green party" plotline, The Senate's Russia investigation is now looking into Jill Stein's campaign.

But clearly it is the Democrats who are greater evil and most corrupt.

Robby

https://www.facebook.com/TheSimpsons/videos/10155214776788697/

Cyclone_Baroness

@Robby:

https://www.facebook.com/TheSimpsons/videos/10155214776788697/

Wow…I'm always confused when Fox's non news programs go in like this.

Kaiolino

@Cyclone_Baroness:

Wow…I'm always confused when Fox's non news programs go in like this.

Different division of the mega company (Fox News is part of the NewsCorp half, The Simpsons is part of the 20th Century Fox half).

Nobodyman

@Kaiolino:

Different division of the mega company (Fox News is part of the NewsCorp half, The Simpsons is part of the 20th Century Fox half).

Also, they have an agreement where The Simpsons can write basically whatever they want.

MDL

"Russians Welcome"

It's the little details in The Simpsons that I always find the funniest.
The things you see going on in the background, or the things you read on signs and notices.

AfroSamurai

Is futurama still on in any shape or form? I'd like to see their take on Trump, it was always my favourite of the Matt Groening shows (even moreso than the Simpsons)

Robby

@AfroSamurai:

Is futurama still on in any shape or form? I'd like to see their take on Trump, it was always my favourite of the Matt Groening shows (even moreso than the Simpsons)

No, Futurama ended a while back (again). Probably permanently this time. WHich is fine, it was starting to wear thin near the end of it's run.

Nobodyman

@AfroSamurai:

Is futurama still on in any shape or form? I'd like to see their take on Trump, it was always my favourite of the Matt Groening shows (even moreso than the Simpsons)

Nope. Aside from a crossover episode with The Simpsons, Futarama hasn't been on the air since 2013. Apparently though, there was an audio-only "episode" on the Nerdist podcast earlier this year.

Sparsebeard

@AfroSamurai:

Is futurama still on in any shape or form? I'd like to see their take on Trump, it was always my favourite of the Matt Groening shows (even moreso than the Simpsons)

Well, there is always that…

AfroSamurai

@Sparsebeard:

Well, there is always that…

Ahahahah, thanks for this, beautiful, beautiful I say!! And his hair fits Trump so wonderfully too! Everything I wanted and more is in that videoclip, ahahaha, brilliant!

Lucky Dragon

Republicans representatives are making the media rounds in an attempt to sell their tax bill to the public. My personal favorite is the sales pitch made by Peter Roskam. According to him, if you have a problem with the bill that's okay because you already have low expectations, which means the bill will pleasantly surprise you. A compelling argument. Honorable mention to Fox News discussing the tax bill with Anthony Scaramucci.

Roy Moore is now fundraising for a voter fraud investigation.

Kaiolino

Tax bill passed the House 227-203. Journalists praising Ryan for being such a prodigy.

Lucky Dragon

Some important points about the tax bill to keep in mind.

America’s health care system will also take a devastating blow thanks to the bill. The individual mandate, a provision of the Affordable Care Act that required individuals be covered by heath insurance or face a tax, is repealed in the bill. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this will result in 13 million more uninsured Americans. Cuts to Medicare and Social Security be soon on the horizon as well.

Middle-class Americans, who Trump and his administration have repeatedly stated will stand to benefit the most from the GOP tax plan, will likely see a tax hike or little-to-no difference in their taxes.

Just in time for Christmas. How festive.

Kaiolino

The House will have to re-vote on the bill tomorrow because it failed Byrd provisions. They're now fixing it so they can still ram it through the Senate tonight.

The GOP is as bad at governing as the president.

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Democrats end Republican majority in the Virginia House through one single vote.

Monkey King

@Cyan:

Meanwhile in the "lol fuck the green party" plotline, The Senate's Russia investigation is now looking into Jill Stein's campaign.

But clearly it is the Democrats who are greater evil and most corrupt.

hahaha, a delightful side mint to our main course

Kaiolino

CHIP won't be renewed this year, which means 9 million kids will lose their health care, but at least corporations and millionares are cashing in.

Nobodyman

@Kaiolino:

CHIP won't be renewed this year, which means 9 million kids will lose their health care, but at least corporations and millionares are cashing in.

What do kids need health insurance for? They're young and healthy and never get sick…......

Outerspec

Well, the tax bill has cleared 99% of the hurdles. It's now headed to Trump' s desk which he will definitely sign

Kaiolino

Maybe he will walk out again in the middle of the signing ceremony.

(#HealthiestPresidentEver)