January 29, 2020

Smells to me like the Republicans are smearing Bolton

John Bolton was accused of harassing a government contractor by chasing her through a hotel, 'hinting' she was a lesbian, commenting on her weight and banging on her door to shout threats

From the Daily Fail (unreliable source), but it shows what they are cooking up.

January 29, 2020

GOP senators believe they have the votes to block witnesses

Source: The Hill

It was clear to Senate Republicans on Wednesday after a morning meeting between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that the question of having additional witnesses is settled, and the Senate will vote Friday to wrap up the impeachment trial of President Trump.

There was no discussion of witnesses at a Senate GOP lunch meeting Wednesday, which was held a couple hours after McConnell and Murkowski met for about 20 to 30 minutes.

That was seen as a sign by several senators that Democrats will fail to convince four Republicans to join them in calling for witnesses. Without a vote to hear from witnesses, the trial could end as soon as Friday.

“We’re going to get it done by Friday, hopefully,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said following the meeting.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/480526-gop-senators-believe-they-have-the-votes-to-block-witnesses

January 28, 2020

Feinstein says she's a maybe on acquitting Trump as his defense team ends impeachment arguments

Feinstein says she’s a maybe on acquitting Trump as his defense team ends impeachment arguments
Los Angeles Times

Just after President Trump’s defense lawyers ended arguments in their Senate trial Tuesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein suggested she could vote to acquit him, despite serious concerns about his character.

“Nine months left to go, the people should judge. We are a republic, we are based on the will of the people — the people should judge,” Feinstein said Tuesday, after the president’s team finished a three-day presentation in his defense. “That was my view and it still is my view.”

Still, she indicated that arguments in the trial about Trump’s character and fitness for office had left her undecided. “What changed my opinion as this went on,” she said, is a realization that “impeachment isn’t about one offense. It’s really about the character and ability and physical and mental fitness of the individual to serve the people, not themselves.”

Asked whether she would ultimately vote to acquit, she demurred, saying, “We’re not finished.”

After those remarks were published, Feinstein issued a statement saying she had been misunderstood.

...

I wonder what is really going on.

January 27, 2020

Trump's white, male team is a bad look for America and bad for national security, too (USA Today)

Trump's white, male team is a bad look for America and bad for national security, too
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/01/13/women-minorities-missing-from-trump-national-security-team-column/4447800002/

When President Donald Trump strode to the podium last week to tell America what would happen next with Iran, he clearly wanted to project his vision of American strength. He stood amid top members of his national security team, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military officers. All men and all white.

While it was a clear display of U.S. military might, as well as Trump signaling that he had the full support of his team (something that can never be taken for granted in this administration), this carefully choreographed moment sent another message: The only people who can handle this national security crisis are white men.

...

January 26, 2020

NY Times/Siena College Poll of Likely Iowa Democratic Caucus Participants

NY Times/Siena College Poll of Likely Iowa Democratic Caucus Participants
Siena College Research Institute

Be skeptical of polls especially when they seem to tell you what you want to hear, but considering the source I'd say this one is more credible than most.




Personally, I like that Bernie came in first. I'm a bit surprised though not unhappy that Mayor Pete came in second.

Mayor Pete might be my first choice if I though he could win.