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 presidents 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.
Im not sure I can commit one way or the other, but right now thats 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 Kushners 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 Trumps 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/
Thomas Hurt
(13,903 posts)Squinch
(50,773 posts)We should all be Green Shirt Guy.
Bernardo de La Paz
(48,788 posts)iluvtennis
(19,757 posts)sarisataka
(18,216 posts)What makes you think your opinion has the slightest input on when the election is held?
Stuart G
(38,359 posts)..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?)
luvtheGWN
(1,336 posts)intheflow
(28,407 posts)It was a great question because it confirmed theyre plotting what many of us have suspected they would try. It underscores both their plan to permanently seize power and Kushners complete idiocy by confirming their plans out loud, to the press.
BComplex
(7,982 posts)which is exactly what they have planned. Republicans project everything they do onto the liberals.
beachbumbob
(9,263 posts)as far fetch as it comes like Obama is coming for your guns
muriel_volestrangler
(101,152 posts)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...":
Link to tweet
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".
pnwest
(3,265 posts)ChiTownDenny
(747 posts)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)Thank you for clarity!
robbob
(3,514 posts)Thats 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 its course and hopefully kill off the surplus population of elderly and poor answered well right now thats 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 thats the plan. The original framing makes it appear that the plan is to postpone the election.
Silver Gaia
(4,514 posts)Truth matters!
The Magistrate
(95,237 posts)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)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)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."
stillcool
(32,626 posts)it's like I got out of hell, before it even got hot.
elleng
(130,137 posts)treestar
(82,383 posts)Just asking makes it sound possible. There's no reason to ask about something unchangeable.
Bernardo de La Paz
(48,788 posts)SmartVoter22
(639 posts)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)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?
pazzyanne
(6,518 posts)6) Who elected you president of the USA?
CaptYossarian
(6,448 posts)(Think Bush 2000.)
pazzyanne
(6,518 posts)justgamma
(3,660 posts)He allegedly diddled the Chumps daughter a couple of times.
CaptYossarian
(6,448 posts)Especially since he's fixed the Middle East.
Lulu KC
(2,547 posts)Oh, yeah, Master of the Universe. I forgot.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)The Turd Administration has no say in whether or not elections are held. The mental illness is really setting in deep.
Evolve Dammit
(16,632 posts)brooklynite
(93,851 posts)Per the Constitution, Trump's term ends on January 20.
Miguelito Loveless
(4,438 posts)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.
brooklynite
(93,851 posts)Miguelito Loveless
(4,438 posts)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)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)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)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.
CaptYossarian
(6,448 posts)He's the epitome of infotainment.
CaptainTruth
(6,546 posts)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)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)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)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)so I'm just fine with him "postponing" the election.
Miguelito Loveless
(4,438 posts)Should I list all of things that "by law" should have ended Trump before he even entered office?
Javaman
(62,439 posts)To save his own skin from the massive lawsuits that will hit him after hes out, there are still politicians and military people of all political beliefs that wont stand for him flagrantly violating the constitution in this matter.
He will be out or physically removed
Miguelito Loveless
(4,438 posts)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)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.
Chakaconcarne
(2,387 posts)hadEnuf
(2,150 posts)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)Commit to whatever you want Jared, your opinion doesn't matter.
captain jack
(316 posts)He can only win if everyone else is taken out of the race.
Lonestarblue
(9,880 posts)Our media is committing malpractice. What has happened to serious questions. Kushner doesnt determine the timing of federal elections, as he acknowledged, so there was no need to ask his opinion.
roamer65
(36,739 posts)Dump leaves office on January 20. Period.
EllieBC
(2,961 posts)No? Didnt think so.
No one needs your permission or commitment, Jared.
33taw
(2,420 posts)They forced the Primary to go forward on the 7th.
MrModerate
(9,753 posts)Because I'm pretty sure that "how government works" was covered.
Grokenstein
(5,707 posts)"...And the election?"
"Oooooooo, yeah, might have to do away with those pesky things. Don't want to change horses midstream and all that."
UCmeNdc
(9,589 posts)Trump is testing the water.............
Never trust Trump! Never!
marble falls
(56,358 posts)and relentless hair cutting.
Response to Judi Lynn (Original post)
snort This message was self-deleted by its author.
Progressive Jones
(6,011 posts)niyad
(112,434 posts)RhodeIslandOne
(5,042 posts)I cannot wait until he and his entire family are fucking imprisoned.
Retrograde
(10,069 posts)think this is even a question worth asking?
LiberalLovinLug
(14,154 posts)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?
treestar
(82,383 posts)elleng
(130,137 posts)'that's not my decision to make'