Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
Wed May 13, 2020, 09:30 AM May 2020

Kushner draws fierce criticism after saying he's 'not sure' he can commit to date for 2020 U.S. elec

Source: New York Times


ANNIE KARNI AND MAGGIE HABERMAN
WASHINGTON
THE NEW YORK TIMES
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO

Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and a senior White House adviser, refused Tuesday to rule out postponing the presidential election in November, a comment that fed directly into Democratic concerns that President Donald Trump might use the coronavirus crisis to delay or delegitimize the contest and one that contradicted Trump himself.

“I’m not sure I can commit one way or the other, but right now that’s the plan,” Kushner told Time magazine in response to a question about whether the election could be postponed because of the pandemic.

The opinion of a White House staff member has no bearing on when the election is held. Even the president himself does not have the authority to unilaterally postpone Election Day, which by law takes place the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

But Kushner’s comment raised alarms both because of the expansive power Trump has conferred on members of his family who serve in his administration and because it played into the worst anxieties of Trump’s detractors – that the president would begin to question the validity of the election if he feared he was going to lose.

Read more: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-politics/article-kushner-draws-fierce-criticism-after-saying-hes-not-sure-he-can/

73 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Kushner draws fierce criticism after saying he's 'not sure' he can commit to date for 2020 U.S. elec (Original Post) Judi Lynn May 2020 OP
Instead of getting freaked out, just called the prick a liar to his face, better yet laugh in it. Thomas Hurt May 2020 #1
Exactly. How is this not just an ignorant turd being ignorant? Squinch May 2020 #2
It's not just ignorance. It's arrogant and Greed Over People. It's evil to block democracy. . . . n Bernardo de La Paz May 2020 #8
+ agree. nt iluvtennis May 2020 #27
So ask the follow up question sarisataka May 2020 #3
+1 geardaddy May 2020 #16
Kushner gave away the end of the show...Kushner is gone, so is Trump. off to the garbage dump Stuart G May 2020 #4
IMHO, it was a stupid question to ask. luvtheGWN May 2020 #37
Naw, not a stupid question. intheflow May 2020 #41
Exactly;and they've got all their conspiracy sights saying that the liberals are planning a takeover BComplex May 2020 #63
no mechanism to "postpone" a federal election per constitution beachbumbob May 2020 #5
I'm going to have to show his full quote muriel_volestrangler May 2020 #6
Thank you pnwest May 2020 #9
+1 ChiTownDenny May 2020 #18
+1 This is a nothing burger. He stated it was not his decision to make. End of story. cayugafalls May 2020 #36
Why do people twist his statement around so it's sound the exact opposite of what he's saying? robbob May 2020 #40
Thank you. Silver Gaia May 2020 #44
That Changes Nothing, Sir The Magistrate May 2020 #55
I think it does (as do some other DUers replying here) muriel_volestrangler May 2020 #62
It Never Bothers Me If People Disagree, Sir: They Have The Right To Be Wrong The Magistrate May 2020 #67
thank you...amazing how that changes things... stillcool May 2020 #58
Thanks. he actually got it right: 'that's not my decision to make.' elleng May 2020 #61
Why ask him that question? treestar May 2020 #71
"Open up" the economy but close down elections? Nope. Mail in ballots. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz May 2020 #7
Even Hinting a delay would cause GOP backlash SmartVoter22 May 2020 #10
I have some follow-up questions to Jared: CaptYossarian May 2020 #11
Please add to that list the following- pazzyanne May 2020 #21
Jared isn't even the Florida Secretary of State. CaptYossarian May 2020 #23
Gotcha! nt pazzyanne May 2020 #24
His qualifications? justgamma May 2020 #38
I'd still like to hear him formulate an answer. CaptYossarian May 2020 #39
Who does he think he is? Lulu KC May 2020 #12
Turd-In-Law doesn't get to "commit" or "not commit" to anything. lagomorph777 May 2020 #13
So how does this weenie son of a felon get to weigh in (in any way) on US elections? Evolve Dammit May 2020 #14
It simply doesn't matter... brooklynite May 2020 #15
And again, Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #20
So you're saying he'll cancel the Election? Like in 2018? brooklynite May 2020 #42
Trump wasn't running in 2018 Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #54
Called it Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #17
We've had elections during wars. CaptYossarian May 2020 #28
But we have never had an election Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #51
That's why he's had so much free coverage. CaptYossarian May 2020 #64
Trump/Pence terms end at noon on Jan 20, 2021, per the Constitution. CaptainTruth May 2020 #43
Actually, Patric Leahy Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #53
Well, there will be NO Representatives and the Senate will have only 66/67 Senators Stonepounder May 2020 #59
Correct, the majority would be Dems Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #65
postpone all he wants. come Jan 20th he's no longer prez but Patrick Leahy will be. Javaman May 2020 #47
By law, you are correct Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #52
While it is possible the orange asshole will try to claw into power Javaman May 2020 #57
And there are also a significant number Miguelito Loveless May 2020 #66
I honestly don't think it's a many as people think... Javaman May 2020 #73
Why the hell was he even asked the question? Chakaconcarne May 2020 #19
Let's clear this up for you Mr. Kushner-Asshole: hadEnuf May 2020 #22
Nobody needs his committment to hold an election. Jim__ May 2020 #25
Ducks in a row if it comes up over the coming weeks/months. captain jack May 2020 #26
Why is any journalist asking this question in the first place? Lonestarblue May 2020 #29
It's not up to the feds, it's up to the states. roamer65 May 2020 #30
Is there anyone in that administration who has read the Constitution? EllieBC May 2020 #31
It seems that the US Supreme Court set a precedent for this issue on April 6th, 2020. 33taw May 2020 #32
Apparently Kushner was not allowed to watch "Sesame Street" as a child... MrModerate May 2020 #33
"Everything's fine, just the flu, open the nation up!!!" Grokenstein May 2020 #34
Dictatorship is a coming! UCmeNdc May 2020 #35
I am shcked about how blase' he is about it. The worst fascists are the ones in gray flannel ... marble falls May 2020 #45
This message was self-deleted by its author snort May 2020 #46
A postponement of the election will end horribly for anyone involved. nt Progressive Jones May 2020 #48
Why in the hell was Time even asking him that question, giving it credence? niyad May 2020 #49
Who asked this creepy little gnat? RhodeIslandOne May 2020 #50
In what reality does the press Retrograde May 2020 #56
Exactly! LiberalLovinLug May 2020 #68
+10000 treestar May 2020 #72
Sorry, little man, it's not your decision; he got it right: elleng May 2020 #60
Yeah FO son in law of the FAKE potus & nasty Assface. Cha May 2020 #69
Why is he there at all? NameAlreadyTaken May 2020 #70

sarisataka

(18,216 posts)
3. So ask the follow up question
Wed May 13, 2020, 09:48 AM
May 2020

What makes you think your opinion has the slightest input on when the election is held?

Stuart G

(38,359 posts)
4. Kushner gave away the end of the show...Kushner is gone, so is Trump. off to the garbage dump
Wed May 13, 2020, 09:50 AM
May 2020

..No one messes with the date of elections. The fact that he refuses to rule out a change in the date,
shows who he is and what he thinks. Kushner may think that he has that authority, but he doesn't.
This was the stupidest answer to a question, even stupider than Trump. (wait, did I say that?)


intheflow

(28,407 posts)
41. Naw, not a stupid question.
Wed May 13, 2020, 11:23 AM
May 2020

It was a great question because it confirmed they’re plotting what many of us have suspected they would try. It underscores both their plan to permanently seize power and Kushner’s complete idiocy by confirming their plans out loud, to the press.

BComplex

(7,982 posts)
63. Exactly;and they've got all their conspiracy sights saying that the liberals are planning a takeover
Wed May 13, 2020, 02:50 PM
May 2020

which is exactly what they have planned. Republicans project everything they do onto the liberals.

 

beachbumbob

(9,263 posts)
5. no mechanism to "postpone" a federal election per constitution
Wed May 13, 2020, 09:50 AM
May 2020

as far fetch as it comes like Obama is coming for your guns

muriel_volestrangler

(101,152 posts)
6. I'm going to have to show his full quote
Wed May 13, 2020, 09:51 AM
May 2020

because the weasel was asked a question about it, and he started the reply with "that's not my decision to make, so I'm not sure I can commit...":




TIME: Is there any scenario, including a second outbreak in the fall, where the elections move past November 3?

Weasel: That's too far in the future to tell. Nothing that I'm aware of right now, but again our focus right now is just on getting the country -

TIME: Well, will you commit that the elections will happen on November 3?

Weasel: It's not my decision to make, so I'm not sure I can commit one way or the other, but right now, that's the plan, and again, hopefully, by the time we get to September, October, November, we've done enough work with testing and with all the different things we're trying to do to prevent a future outbreak of the magnitude that would make us shut down again.

For once, I don't think this is about "the expansive power Trump has conferred on members of his family"; Kushner's reply was it's not up to him, and he was saying "I haven't heard anything about postponing".
 

ChiTownDenny

(747 posts)
18. +1
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:19 AM
May 2020

I hold no water for any Trump-kin but this OP states it's a NYT article but links a different news source. Additionally, the quote that has all of us unnerved is taken out of context. There's plenty wrong with this White House; we don't need to make shit up. Judi Lynn, you might reconsider this OP.

cayugafalls

(5,631 posts)
36. +1 This is a nothing burger. He stated it was not his decision to make. End of story.
Wed May 13, 2020, 11:07 AM
May 2020

Thank you for clarity!

robbob

(3,514 posts)
40. Why do people twist his statement around so it's sound the exact opposite of what he's saying?
Wed May 13, 2020, 11:16 AM
May 2020

That’s what rethugs do. And it makes us look foolish when we take a quote out of context to twist the meaning. Why not go with “JK, when asked if we were going to let the virus run it’s course and hopefully kill off the surplus population of elderly and poor answered “well right now that’s the plan””???

The question was, are you committed to holding the election on Nov 3rd, and the answer (with some waffling) was “well right now that’s the plan”. The original framing makes it appear that the “plan” is to postpone the election.

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
55. That Changes Nothing, Sir
Wed May 13, 2020, 01:22 PM
May 2020

There is only one correct answer to that question:

"Of course the election will go on as the Constitution directs."

Nothing in excess of the portion quoted as the 'money shot' does anything to mitigate that he was willing to suggest there might be some attempt made by the cheap thug's regime to postpone or even cancel the election in November. His equivocation can certainly be taken as indicating the idea is being bruited about behind the scenes by members of this regime.

We on the left have to get over this reflex of trying to be fair to our enemies, and to the enemies of democracy. It gains us nothing, and often costs us a good deal. We are better then they are because our goals are better, not because we try and play by Queensbury rules in a street fight. When we place a high value of 'fighting fair', we betray our goals because we clearly lack the will to do everything necessary to ensure we triumph, and are in a position to realize our goals.


"Defeat of a dangerous enemy is something to be for."


muriel_volestrangler

(101,152 posts)
62. I think it does (as do some other DUers replying here)
Wed May 13, 2020, 02:25 PM
May 2020

What you give would be the best answer. But his "it's not up to me" is both correct, and corrects the reporter's impression that he could have a say in it; and he does at least state he knows nothing about any proposed interference. Kushner didn't suggest this; the reporter did, and we might take his reply as meaning the idea is being put about by someone, but that's because he's already a known weasel. Those words from someone trustworthy could be taken to be more reassuring.

The point is this is not some outrage; it's just another Trump regime member not rising to the level of integrity you'd hope for in a government. I don't think it's a question of being fair; it's more that it's not worth crying wolf when there is no lupine danger. The NYT's misinterpretation is fairly easy for a Republican to show wrong, and people should be aware of that before they try to use it to persuade anyone.

The Magistrate

(95,237 posts)
67. It Never Bothers Me If People Disagree, Sir: They Have The Right To Be Wrong
Wed May 13, 2020, 03:47 PM
May 2020

It is useful to cultivate outrage against the cheap thug and his regime. The election will turn on just how angry people are with the wretched cabal of grifters and sadists. The interview is a useful tool for inculcating outrage --- very few people would support the idea of postponing or canceling the election. Nor is this outrage based on an untruth, there is little doubt the idea is contemplated by the cheap thug and his retainers, and no doubt this will become more evident as the realization he is unlikely to prevail percolates through the delusionary cushion between him and reality.

It hardly matters if someone from the other side starts crying 'That's wrong".
The proper response is to insist it isn't, and call them traitors for defending the idea of canceling the election. Insist that's what they're doing, and tell them to fuck off and go to hell. Treat people like people, treat shit like shit.

Never, ever play fair with an enemy. Never apologize, never explain. Attack.


"Defeat of a dangerous enemy is something to be for."



treestar

(82,383 posts)
71. Why ask him that question?
Wed May 13, 2020, 06:37 PM
May 2020

Just asking makes it sound possible. There's no reason to ask about something unchangeable.

SmartVoter22

(639 posts)
10. Even Hinting a delay would cause GOP backlash
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:03 AM
May 2020

The GOP thinks it can distance itself, in November, from the idea of delaying the election.
Do we hear any GOP's disagreeing with that possibility? Nope. they are silent ad can be... maybe because 'they have the best people on it."
Just hinting at a possible delay of the Nov election would cause many voters to turn on any Republican candidate... "the likes that nobody's ever seen."

CaptYossarian

(6,448 posts)
11. I have some follow-up questions to Jared:
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:03 AM
May 2020

1) Who are you again?

2) What is your title?

3) What's your salary?

4) What are your qualifications?

5) Do you have time in your obviously busy day to go f*** yourself?

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
13. Turd-In-Law doesn't get to "commit" or "not commit" to anything.
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:10 AM
May 2020

The Turd Administration has no say in whether or not elections are held. The mental illness is really setting in deep.

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
20. And again,
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:21 AM
May 2020

laws and rules mean nothing to him. He also has the military at his beck and call. He can declare the election a fraud, then order the military to "put down the insurrection".

Historically speaking, the military follows orders.

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
54. Trump wasn't running in 2018
Wed May 13, 2020, 01:12 PM
May 2020

so he didn't care who won. This time he is, so he will interfere.

Also, he may not manage to cancel the election, but the idea will be floated to cause controversy (already happening), then he will interfere overtly, and covertly in the election, with the help of his Russian masters.

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
17. Called it
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:15 AM
May 2020

I've been predicting this for two years now. Trump would find some "emergency" and postpone the election. People would lecture me about how silly I was because Trump does not have the legal authority. I keep pointing out that Trump and the GOP did not give a rat's ass about the law. They will do as they please, as they have always done.

CaptYossarian

(6,448 posts)
28. We've had elections during wars.
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:39 AM
May 2020

To paraphrase Dickens, during the best of times and the worst of times.

This insane clown p*ssygrabber thinks Constitution is when you can't "go potty".

A son-in law isn't even on the list of successors for when that final hamberder kicks in.

Trump thinks the entire population is as stupid and ignorant as his methed up base.

The media needs to include a few things to their coverage: Enough delay to fact-check, add the appropriate chyron, and maybe a laugh track. (The green screen showing a cemetery behind him is optional.)

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
51. But we have never had an election
Wed May 13, 2020, 01:02 PM
May 2020

with a certified psychopath in the power.

The corporate media, from my observation, is following the same playbook as 2016. Trump is good for business, so they are not really in a hurry to see him out.

CaptainTruth

(6,546 posts)
43. Trump/Pence terms end at noon on Jan 20, 2021, per the Constitution.
Wed May 13, 2020, 11:29 AM
May 2020

If they haven't been re-elected by then (postponed election) they become private citizens at that moment & we go down the list of presidential succession, which means the Speaker of the House (Nancy Pelosi) becomes president.

So yea Trump, PLEASE postpone or cancel the election, I dare you.

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
53. Actually, Patric Leahy
Wed May 13, 2020, 01:09 PM
May 2020

since if there is no election, Pelosi cannot be re-elected, thus would not be Speaker. The next in line is the senior senator not standing for re-election .

And one more, time. Trump does NOT obey the law. The courts (including the SCOTUS) are not likely to force him to obey the law, and even if they do, who will enforce their order? The DOJ, run by Barr? Also, the GOP will back him no matter what as he is the only way they retain power and stay out of prison.

Stonepounder

(4,033 posts)
59. Well, there will be NO Representatives and the Senate will have only 66/67 Senators
Wed May 13, 2020, 02:03 PM
May 2020

since 1/3 of the Senate comes up for election every two years and in the coming election enough Republicans are up for reelection so, with no election, a majority of the Senators remaining will be Democrats (and just as an added bonus Moscow Mitch will be out, since he is up for election this year). Barr will be fired in a heartbeat and I suspect that SCOTUS will stand behind the Constitution and the Law, not the Orange Shitgibbon.

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
65. Correct, the majority would be Dems
Wed May 13, 2020, 03:33 PM
May 2020

thus Leahy would be the president.

However, Trump is already signaling he is pulling out the stops to de-legitimize the election. If He and Barr have there way, they will be charging Biden with a crime by October. He will then claim votes for Biden don't count, then will issue an executive order that he is "in charge" since he got the most votes, or because of "election fraud". He will recognize no law which removes him, and as he has replaced pretty much everyone in the cabinet with loyalists who will stop him? The GOP leadership in the House and Senate will back this.

None of this will be legal in any rational definition of the the word, but then Trump and the GOP are not rational. Any attempt or discussion to force Trump out on January 20th will result in Trump calling in armed supporters to "defend" him from a "coup". He will also order the military to protect him, and some will comply, as will various law enforcement agencies.

This is called a civil war, and it is what happens when you try to remove a dictator who 40%+ of the voters support (if we are to believe polls).

Javaman

(62,439 posts)
47. postpone all he wants. come Jan 20th he's no longer prez but Patrick Leahy will be.
Wed May 13, 2020, 12:14 PM
May 2020

so I'm just fine with him "postponing" the election.

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
52. By law, you are correct
Wed May 13, 2020, 01:02 PM
May 2020

Should I list all of things that "by law" should have ended Trump before he even entered office?

Javaman

(62,439 posts)
57. While it is possible the orange asshole will try to claw into power
Wed May 13, 2020, 01:45 PM
May 2020

To save his own skin from the massive lawsuits that will hit him after he’s out, there are still politicians and military people of all political beliefs that won’t stand for him flagrantly violating the constitution in this matter.

He will be out or physically removed

Miguelito Loveless

(4,438 posts)
66. And there are also a significant number
Wed May 13, 2020, 03:38 PM
May 2020

of people in politics, the military, and law enforcement who will back Trump, with force. And let's not forget the legions of loonies with guns he will whistle up on Twitter to "defend" him from a "coup".

Trump wants a violent confrontation. He wants to see people out there killing at his behest. Trump's mental health has steadily declined over the last 4 years and the media has looked the other way, as have most Americans. He will not become less crazy in January.

Javaman

(62,439 posts)
73. I honestly don't think it's a many as people think...
Wed May 13, 2020, 07:41 PM
May 2020

when it comes down to the nut cutting, there will be that small vocal minority of morons that will go crazy, but I think for the majority of the nation, people are fucking tired and want the idiot out.

if there is an "insurrection" it will be small and short lived.

hadEnuf

(2,150 posts)
22. Let's clear this up for you Mr. Kushner-Asshole:
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:27 AM
May 2020

You and your master just try to cancel the election. Then sit back and see what fucking happens.

The people have had enough of Trump and his gangster administration who employs little gutter rats like you.







Jim__

(14,045 posts)
25. Nobody needs his committment to hold an election.
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:34 AM
May 2020

Commit to whatever you want Jared, your opinion doesn't matter.

captain jack

(316 posts)
26. Ducks in a row if it comes up over the coming weeks/months.
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:35 AM
May 2020

He can only win if everyone else is taken out of the race.

Lonestarblue

(9,880 posts)
29. Why is any journalist asking this question in the first place?
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:39 AM
May 2020

Our media is committing malpractice. What has happened to serious questions. Kushner doesn’t determine the timing of federal elections, as he acknowledged, so there was no need to ask his opinion.

EllieBC

(2,961 posts)
31. Is there anyone in that administration who has read the Constitution?
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:45 AM
May 2020

No? Didn’t think so.

No one needs your permission or commitment, Jared.

33taw

(2,420 posts)
32. It seems that the US Supreme Court set a precedent for this issue on April 6th, 2020.
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:46 AM
May 2020

They forced the Primary to go forward on the 7th.

 

MrModerate

(9,753 posts)
33. Apparently Kushner was not allowed to watch "Sesame Street" as a child...
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:49 AM
May 2020

Because I'm pretty sure that "how government works" was covered.

Grokenstein

(5,707 posts)
34. "Everything's fine, just the flu, open the nation up!!!"
Wed May 13, 2020, 10:51 AM
May 2020

"...And the election?"
"Oooooooo, yeah, might have to do away with those pesky things. Don't want to change horses midstream and all that."

marble falls

(56,358 posts)
45. I am shcked about how blase' he is about it. The worst fascists are the ones in gray flannel ...
Wed May 13, 2020, 12:09 PM
May 2020

and relentless hair cutting.

Response to Judi Lynn (Original post)

 

RhodeIslandOne

(5,042 posts)
50. Who asked this creepy little gnat?
Wed May 13, 2020, 12:53 PM
May 2020

I cannot wait until he and his entire family are fucking imprisoned.

LiberalLovinLug

(14,154 posts)
68. Exactly!
Wed May 13, 2020, 05:40 PM
May 2020

Sometimes I think that it is a mistake to project the worst deeds that Republicans MIGHT do and air them as a concern.

It opens the door. It gets into the national psyche, especially for Trump cultists as some kind of possibility. It can evolve into the "some people are saying we should....." which can be used by both Trump and his Pravda Fox News to build on it.

I hate when Bill Maher goes on about Trump staying in power no matter what. I already fear this, him using some excuse about a rigged election etc...NO NEED TO NORMALIZE IT. Trump could start another civil war by simply saying he will have to be dragged out of the White House, and if they dare do that, look out. They have a lot of guns saved up for this exact purpose. And many in the police and military support Trump as well. If Trump encourages it, I can see all kinds of actions across the country like the Michigan confrontation only this time they'd actually push their way in by force with semi-auto weapons. Take over news stations etc.

Which is why IF we win in November, especially if we also win the House and Senate, maybe a long shot. But if that happens, immediately go on the attack to snuff out all pockets, and go further to charge Fox and RW radio outlets with incitement, begin prosecuting Trump and his criminal peers. Obama took the easy (well easier) road of "look forward" How'd that work out?

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Kushner draws fierce crit...