Regretful Trump tried to back out of Pence pick during midnight phone call to aides: report
"GOP candidate Donald Trump was uncertain about his selection for vice presidential running mate — so much so that he asked his aides at midnight whether there was any way to avoid it."
Friday, July 15, 2016
Eleven Troubling Facts About Trump's VP, Mike Pence
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/36844-eleven-troubling-facts-about-trump-s-vp-mike-pence
"Choosing Pence is pretty much Trump's way of doubling down on the intolerance and far-right ideology that has characterized his campaign thus far. Heck, fellow governors have labeled Pence a "bigot," meaning we've got an all-bigot ticket on our hands!"
"Choosing Pence is pretty much Trump's way of doubling down on the intolerance and far-right ideology that has characterized his campaign thus far. Heck, fellow governors have labeled Pence a "bigot," meaning we've got an all-bigot ticket on our hands!"
GOP Convention In CHAOS: Party Bosses Admit They’re Running Out Of Cash As Trump Scares Sponsors
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/14/gop-convention-in-chaos-party-bosses-admit-theyre-running-out-of-cash-as-trump-scares-sponsors/
"the party needs money to cover the bills for the event because sponsors they were relying on have pulled out as a result of Donald Trump’s bigoted comments and policies."
"the party needs money to cover the bills for the event because sponsors they were relying on have pulled out as a result of Donald Trump’s bigoted comments and policies."
140 Silicon Valley Leaders Pen Open Letter Protesting Donald Trump Nomination @alternet
140 Silicon Valley Leaders Pen Open Letter Protesting Donald Trump Nomination @alternet:
"A cadre of over 140 technology sector leaders from Silicon Valley published an open letter decrying “Donald Trump’s divisive candidacy” and demanding “a candidate who embraces the ideals that built America’s infrastructure"."
"A cadre of over 140 technology sector leaders from Silicon Valley published an open letter decrying “Donald Trump’s divisive candidacy” and demanding “a candidate who embraces the ideals that built America’s infrastructure"."
Mike Pence gained national attention hating gays, but became governor attacking Planned Parenthood
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/14/1548324/-Mike-Pence-gained-national-attention-hating-gays-but-became-governor-attacking-Planned-Parenthood
"Mike Pence might have reached the national stage by signing a bill making it legal to discriminate against gays, then gone on to pass a “clarification” that didn’t, made numerous press appearances that were at best mealymouthed, and ultimately left himself in a position where his “Up and coming GOP star” label was replaced with “Next!” But it was another piece of right-wing social extremism that secured Pence the mansion where Team Trump came calling on Wednesday. Discriminating against gays is a sideline for Pence. His main focus, back when he was merely Representative Pence, was destroying Planned Parenthood."
"Mike Pence might have reached the national stage by signing a bill making it legal to discriminate against gays, then gone on to pass a “clarification” that didn’t, made numerous press appearances that were at best mealymouthed, and ultimately left himself in a position where his “Up and coming GOP star” label was replaced with “Next!” But it was another piece of right-wing social extremism that secured Pence the mansion where Team Trump came calling on Wednesday. Discriminating against gays is a sideline for Pence. His main focus, back when he was merely Representative Pence, was destroying Planned Parenthood."
Anti-Women, Anti-Immigrant, Anti-LGBTQ Crusader: Trump Finds 'Perfect Match' in Pence for VP
Anti-Women, Anti-Immigrant, Anti-LGBTQ Crusader: Trump Finds 'Perfect Match' in Pence for VP
"In 2005, [Pence] was the leader of a group of House Republicans who criticized George W. Bush’s Social Security privatization plan for not being extreme enough!"
"In 2005, [Pence] was the leader of a group of House Republicans who criticized George W. Bush’s Social Security privatization plan for not being extreme enough!"
If Donald Trump Becomes President, The U.S. Will Stand Alone In One Depressing Way
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/07/12/3797335/the-donald-stands-alone-on-climate/
"A report released Tuesday shows that, if elected, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump would be the only national leader to deny the science of climate change. The Sierra Club tallied statements from every single country leader from all 195 countries officially recognized by the U.S. State Department."
"A report released Tuesday shows that, if elected, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump would be the only national leader to deny the science of climate change. The Sierra Club tallied statements from every single country leader from all 195 countries officially recognized by the U.S. State Department."
On CBS, Filmmaker And Historian Ken Burns Slams Trump As "Temperamentally Unsuited" To Be President
http://mediamatters.org/video/2016/07/14/cbs-filmmaker-and-historian-ken-burns-slams-trump-temperamentally-unsuited-be-president/211564
"Burns: "If He Does Half The Thing's He's Promised" For The Economy "We're Going To Make The Recession Of 2008, 2009 Look Like Child's Play"."
"Burns: "If He Does Half The Thing's He's Promised" For The Economy "We're Going To Make The Recession Of 2008, 2009 Look Like Child's Play"."
Donald Trump Has Nice Things to Say About Megalomaniac Autocrats
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/07/trump-campaign-really-loves-brutal-dictators-apparently
"His top political operative, Paul Manafort, a veteran Republican lobbyist and consultant, has made millions of dollars working the system on behalf of corporations seeking government favors as well as Third World strongmen and kleptocrats. In fact, the two men have been involved with an unusual number of the world's autocrats and despots. Here are a few whom Trump has praised or for whom Manafort has worked, and some of their most notable abuses of power."
"His top political operative, Paul Manafort, a veteran Republican lobbyist and consultant, has made millions of dollars working the system on behalf of corporations seeking government favors as well as Third World strongmen and kleptocrats. In fact, the two men have been involved with an unusual number of the world's autocrats and despots. Here are a few whom Trump has praised or for whom Manafort has worked, and some of their most notable abuses of power."
With One Answer To a Question About Trump, Paul Ryan Makes It Clear the GOP Is Morally Bankrupt
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/paul-ryan-defends-support-trump/
"Never mind that Trump is a thin-skinned, narcissistic bully who lies pathologically and who couldn't, even for a moment, curb his racism, misogyny and xenophobia if you promised him you'd emblazon his name in gold neon across the moon. Never mind that a Trump presidency would destabilize not only the country but the world and would very likely permanently damage the United States by ruining its standing on the global stage. Never mind that the rise of Trump within the Republican party is an unqualified embarrassment that, if not repudiated by the GOP establishment, represents an extinction level event for it. All Ryan cares about is Republicans returning to their rightful place within the White House -- where they can f*ck things up all over again, as they've done most times they've had the opportunity in recent history."
"Never mind that Trump is a thin-skinned, narcissistic bully who lies pathologically and who couldn't, even for a moment, curb his racism, misogyny and xenophobia if you promised him you'd emblazon his name in gold neon across the moon. Never mind that a Trump presidency would destabilize not only the country but the world and would very likely permanently damage the United States by ruining its standing on the global stage. Never mind that the rise of Trump within the Republican party is an unqualified embarrassment that, if not repudiated by the GOP establishment, represents an extinction level event for it. All Ryan cares about is Republicans returning to their rightful place within the White House -- where they can f*ck things up all over again, as they've done most times they've had the opportunity in recent history."
Rebranding public education to make it more hateable
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/11/1547183/-Rebranding-public-education-to-make-it-more-hateable
"Kansas has been engaged in a great project for the last two decades—one of running the clock backwards to tear down every institution, every fragment of infrastructure, every symbol of community, and every aspect of a functioning society. Under Governor Sam Brownback, the state has been rabidly tearing away all those nasty regulations and taxes that kept things running in favor of a glorious capitalist paradise. One that’s arriving any minute now. Any minute now. Any minute … In the meantime, the state’s indebtedness has soared and funding for schools has collapsed. When the Kansas Supreme Court ordered that schools be properly funded, a vote to strip the constitutional power of the Supreme Court failed by a single vote before an agreement was made to fund schools one more year by selling off state assets and scraping funds from all around the budget. It’s a “solution” that’s decidedly temporary, and which leaves next year completely up in the air. The state is broke. Republicans are still dead set on their march to destruction. There’s nothing left to sell."
"Kansas has been engaged in a great project for the last two decades—one of running the clock backwards to tear down every institution, every fragment of infrastructure, every symbol of community, and every aspect of a functioning society. Under Governor Sam Brownback, the state has been rabidly tearing away all those nasty regulations and taxes that kept things running in favor of a glorious capitalist paradise. One that’s arriving any minute now. Any minute now. Any minute … In the meantime, the state’s indebtedness has soared and funding for schools has collapsed. When the Kansas Supreme Court ordered that schools be properly funded, a vote to strip the constitutional power of the Supreme Court failed by a single vote before an agreement was made to fund schools one more year by selling off state assets and scraping funds from all around the budget. It’s a “solution” that’s decidedly temporary, and which leaves next year completely up in the air. The state is broke. Republicans are still dead set on their march to destruction. There’s nothing left to sell."
Congress’ Response To Orlando Shooting Is To Try To Legalize Discrimination
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/07/11/3796693/congress-first-lgbt-rights-hearing-since-orlando-bill-legalize-discrimination/
"House Republicans plan to mark this milestone with a hearing on a bill that would enable widespread discrimination against LGBT people. The legislation, ironically named the “First Amendment Defense Act” (FADA) rests on the idea that discrimination should be excused when it is justified by religion."
"House Republicans plan to mark this milestone with a hearing on a bill that would enable widespread discrimination against LGBT people. The legislation, ironically named the “First Amendment Defense Act” (FADA) rests on the idea that discrimination should be excused when it is justified by religion."
Here are 5 disturbing things you should know about Trump’s likely VP pick Mike Pence
Here are 5 disturbing things you should know about Trump’s likely VP pick Mike Pence
"In the end, when your own party doesn’t want you and your own state is happy to see you go, chances are, you’re not the best option for a VP spot, but Trump has a small list of people willing to do the job."
"In the end, when your own party doesn’t want you and your own state is happy to see you go, chances are, you’re not the best option for a VP spot, but Trump has a small list of people willing to do the job."
Plenty Of Anti-LGBT Speakers At Trump's Convention
Plenty Of Anti-LGBT Speakers At Trump's Convention:
"Along with the many businessmen and celebrity buddies of Trump who appear on the speakers list are a number of activists and politicians who have long records of anti-LGBT activism."
"Along with the many businessmen and celebrity buddies of Trump who appear on the speakers list are a number of activists and politicians who have long records of anti-LGBT activism."
The GOP won’t fight Zika: Anti-woman agenda makes it hard for conservatives to combat the disease’s birth defects
The GOP won’t fight Zika: Anti-woman agenda makes it hard for conservatives to combat the disease’s birth defects
"That’s why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the CDC both recommend contraception as the primary way to avoid Zika-related complications. But instead, Republicans are looking for every way they can to reduce contraception access, and thereby increase the number of women who catch Zika while pregnant."
"That’s why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the CDC both recommend contraception as the primary way to avoid Zika-related complications. But instead, Republicans are looking for every way they can to reduce contraception access, and thereby increase the number of women who catch Zika while pregnant."
Michele Bachmann: Trump longs for days when ‘even my Jews would say Merry Christmas’
Michele Bachmann: Trump longs for days when ‘even my Jews would say Merry Christmas’
"GOP congresswoman Michele Bachmann made a pitch for Trump to evangelical voters during an interview with Christian broadcaster Jan Markell where she praised Trump for having “1950s sensibilities” and said he longed for the days when people of all religions said “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays.” “He gets and understands religious liberty,” Bachmann gushed about Trump while describing his recent meeting with evangelical leaders in New York. “He even said… ‘When I was growing up everybody said Merry Christmas. Even my Jews would say Merry Christmas'."
"GOP congresswoman Michele Bachmann made a pitch for Trump to evangelical voters during an interview with Christian broadcaster Jan Markell where she praised Trump for having “1950s sensibilities” and said he longed for the days when people of all religions said “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays.” “He gets and understands religious liberty,” Bachmann gushed about Trump while describing his recent meeting with evangelical leaders in New York. “He even said… ‘When I was growing up everybody said Merry Christmas. Even my Jews would say Merry Christmas'."
Trump University: Scamming For Dollars, One Senior Citizen At A Time
Trump University: Scamming For Dollars, One Senior Citizen At A Time
"The news cycle has driven right past Trump University, but it's time for it to take a right turn and look far more closely at what Donald Trump did to unsuspecting people who paid money from their retirement plans, savings and credit cards to line Trump's pockets while giving them nothing in return."
"The news cycle has driven right past Trump University, but it's time for it to take a right turn and look far more closely at what Donald Trump did to unsuspecting people who paid money from their retirement plans, savings and credit cards to line Trump's pockets while giving them nothing in return."
Secret recording reveals what Newt Gingrich really thinks of Donald Trump
Secret recording reveals what Newt Gingrich really thinks of Donald Trump
"Gingrich suggested Trump’s move from campaigning to governing would be challenging: “How we make the transition from, you know, language for fourth graders to real policy, I don’t know"."
"Gingrich suggested Trump’s move from campaigning to governing would be challenging: “How we make the transition from, you know, language for fourth graders to real policy, I don’t know"."
Over 2,000 from Trump's alma mater send scathing open letter: 'You don't represent us'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/7/11/1547227/-Over-2-000-from-Trump-s-alma-mater-send-scathing-open-letter-You-don-t-represent-us
"The alumni, faculty and students of Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania just sent the GOP hatemonger an open letter—and it’s not a “Missing you, Donald.” The trouble started after Trump mentioned the school in a recent speech in Arizona: “I went to the Wharton School of Finance. I’m, like, a really smart person.” No words. But the folks at Wharton had words. Rather than being honored to have a presidential candidate mention their school, the folks at Wharton feel quite the opposite."
"The alumni, faculty and students of Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania just sent the GOP hatemonger an open letter—and it’s not a “Missing you, Donald.” The trouble started after Trump mentioned the school in a recent speech in Arizona: “I went to the Wharton School of Finance. I’m, like, a really smart person.” No words. But the folks at Wharton had words. Rather than being honored to have a presidential candidate mention their school, the folks at Wharton feel quite the opposite."
Conservatives Just Lost Their Battle To Privatize The VA
Conservatives Just Lost Their Battle To Privatize The VA
"a Congress-appointed commission has come out with findings that will disappoint privatization fetishists who want to dismantle the VA hospital system. The outlook for that Commission wasn't great. Congress appointed two Koch Brothers types to the panel, as well as hospital executives who stand to profit from moving veteran's healthcare to the private sector. The problem for conservatives in Congress is that the commission actually talked to veterans, and looked at the real data on how healthcare is delivered within the VA structure. Veterans overwhelmingly like VA hospitals and the care they receive at those facilities. In some cases, yes, wait-times for appointments are too long, and specialists in certain areas of the country are hard to come by. The process for being deemed eligible for care is still onerous, and needs a fix. And of course, VA hospitals deliver care at a lower cost than private hospitals."
"a Congress-appointed commission has come out with findings that will disappoint privatization fetishists who want to dismantle the VA hospital system. The outlook for that Commission wasn't great. Congress appointed two Koch Brothers types to the panel, as well as hospital executives who stand to profit from moving veteran's healthcare to the private sector. The problem for conservatives in Congress is that the commission actually talked to veterans, and looked at the real data on how healthcare is delivered within the VA structure. Veterans overwhelmingly like VA hospitals and the care they receive at those facilities. In some cases, yes, wait-times for appointments are too long, and specialists in certain areas of the country are hard to come by. The process for being deemed eligible for care is still onerous, and needs a fix. And of course, VA hospitals deliver care at a lower cost than private hospitals."
Clinton, Feeling the Bern of Young Voters, Unveils Tuition-Free College Plan
Clinton, Feeling the Bern of Young Voters, Unveils Tuition-Free College Plan:
"As part of her platform for the Democratic Party, Clinton says she will propose free tuition at public colleges and universities for families currently earning less than $85,000 a year."
"As part of her platform for the Democratic Party, Clinton says she will propose free tuition at public colleges and universities for families currently earning less than $85,000 a year."
College-Educated White People Put Hole In Trump Coalition
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/college-educated-white-people-trump
"Romney drew support from 56 percent of white voters with college degrees, according to 2012 exit polls. Obama notched just 42 percent, but still cruised to a second term. A Washington Post-ABC News poll taken in June found Clinton leading Trump among college-educated whites 50 percent to 42 percent. Polling from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center pointed to particularly stark numbers among white women with at least a bachelor's degree. At this point in 2008 and 2012, that group of voters was almost evenly divided between Obama and the Republican nominee. This June, Pew found Clinton with a 62-31 advantage. Conversely, Pew found Trump still leads, albeit by a slightly narrower margin than did Romney at this point, among white women with less than a bachelor's degree. Should Trump fail to even replicate Romney's coalition, he has little hope of flipping many of the most contested states that Obama won twice, particularly Florida, Colorado and Virginia. Trump's struggles among college whites have Democrats eyeing North Carolina, which Obama won in 2008 before it reverted back to Republicans, and even GOP-leaning Arizona and Georgia."
"Romney drew support from 56 percent of white voters with college degrees, according to 2012 exit polls. Obama notched just 42 percent, but still cruised to a second term. A Washington Post-ABC News poll taken in June found Clinton leading Trump among college-educated whites 50 percent to 42 percent. Polling from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center pointed to particularly stark numbers among white women with at least a bachelor's degree. At this point in 2008 and 2012, that group of voters was almost evenly divided between Obama and the Republican nominee. This June, Pew found Clinton with a 62-31 advantage. Conversely, Pew found Trump still leads, albeit by a slightly narrower margin than did Romney at this point, among white women with less than a bachelor's degree. Should Trump fail to even replicate Romney's coalition, he has little hope of flipping many of the most contested states that Obama won twice, particularly Florida, Colorado and Virginia. Trump's struggles among college whites have Democrats eyeing North Carolina, which Obama won in 2008 before it reverted back to Republicans, and even GOP-leaning Arizona and Georgia."
Wharton Students Write Open Letter To Donald Trump: ‘You Do Not Represent Us’
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/09/3796901/wharton-students-dump-trump/
"Wharton students expressed their disappointment and “outrage” at Trump’s candidacy and rhetoric. “We, proud students, alumni, and faculty of Wharton, are outraged that an affiliation with our school is being used to legitimize prejudice and intolerance,” the letter reads."
"Wharton students expressed their disappointment and “outrage” at Trump’s candidacy and rhetoric. “We, proud students, alumni, and faculty of Wharton, are outraged that an affiliation with our school is being used to legitimize prejudice and intolerance,” the letter reads."
Republican senators have better things to do than attend the Republican convention
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/11/1547198/-Republican-Senators-have-better-things-to-do-than-attend-the-Republican-convention
"Those GOP senators up for re-election this year seem to have discovered a collective need to wash their hair two weeks from now. For at least three nights. On the other hand, Republican Senators willing to share a convention hall with Donald Trump are pretty much guaranteed to be those who hope that two or so years from now, their voters will have forgotten all about this unfortunate interlude."
"Those GOP senators up for re-election this year seem to have discovered a collective need to wash their hair two weeks from now. For at least three nights. On the other hand, Republican Senators willing to share a convention hall with Donald Trump are pretty much guaranteed to be those who hope that two or so years from now, their voters will have forgotten all about this unfortunate interlude."
Donald Trump’s Alma Mater Just Told Him To Go F*ck Himself
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/07/09/donald-trumps-alma-mater-just-told-him-to-go-fck-himself/
"In an open letter, students and faculty both past and present condemned Trump for his hateful and bigoted rhetoric and expressed outrage that he is humiliating the school by associating it with his ignorance and intolerance and rejected his use of the school name in his campaign."
"In an open letter, students and faculty both past and present condemned Trump for his hateful and bigoted rhetoric and expressed outrage that he is humiliating the school by associating it with his ignorance and intolerance and rejected his use of the school name in his campaign."
FBI Director Admits That ZERO Hillary Clinton Emails Were 'Marked Classified'
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/07/fbi-director-admits-that-zero-hillary-clinton-emails-were-marked-classified/
"Well, today, he admitted that none of those three emails were properly marked classified, and that any reasonable person with knowledge of classification markings would have concluded that these were not classified. Let's see how much that clip gets played on the news."
"Well, today, he admitted that none of those three emails were properly marked classified, and that any reasonable person with knowledge of classification markings would have concluded that these were not classified. Let's see how much that clip gets played on the news."
Republican Mark Kirk insists he's really not a Republican
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/5/1545256/-Republican-Mark-Kirk-insists-he-s-really-not-a-Republican
"Never mind his anti-Obamacare vote, or his participation in all those Republican filibusters before they regained control of the Senate. Or how, just last year, he remained in lockstep with Republicans to allow the Department of Homeland Security to shut down over a fight with President Obama on immigration. You remember that, when he famously said: "The Republicans—if there is a successful attack during a DHS shutdown—we should build a number of coffins outside each Democratic office and say, 'You are responsible for these dead Americans.'" No, nothing Republican about saying that. Of course, within days of that inflammatory statement there was new polling out on the issue, and Kirk swung wildly around to the conclusion that "I generally agree with the Democratic position here." So what are Illinois voters to believe? Nothing that comes out of Mark Kirk's mouth."
"Never mind his anti-Obamacare vote, or his participation in all those Republican filibusters before they regained control of the Senate. Or how, just last year, he remained in lockstep with Republicans to allow the Department of Homeland Security to shut down over a fight with President Obama on immigration. You remember that, when he famously said: "The Republicans—if there is a successful attack during a DHS shutdown—we should build a number of coffins outside each Democratic office and say, 'You are responsible for these dead Americans.'" No, nothing Republican about saying that. Of course, within days of that inflammatory statement there was new polling out on the issue, and Kirk swung wildly around to the conclusion that "I generally agree with the Democratic position here." So what are Illinois voters to believe? Nothing that comes out of Mark Kirk's mouth."
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Party Poopers! GOP Senators Are Skipping Trump's Convention In Droves
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/here-are-all-the-gop-senators-skipping-their-convention
"Of the 54 Republican senators, 16 have announced they won't be going to Cleveland and six more have yet to make a final decision. It's a highly unusual year with more than a dozen lawmakers missing out on what is typically a major event for incumbent senator."
"Of the 54 Republican senators, 16 have announced they won't be going to Cleveland and six more have yet to make a final decision. It's a highly unusual year with more than a dozen lawmakers missing out on what is typically a major event for incumbent senator."
The Disturbing Data on Republicans and Racism: Trump Backers Are the Most Bigoted Within the GOP @alternet
The Disturbing Data on Republicans and Racism: Trump Backers Are the Most Bigoted Within the GOP @alternet:
"The Republican Party nurtures and cultivates hostility towards non-whites among its voters for the purpose of electoral gain. What is known as “The Southern Strategy” of racist “coded appeals” against African-Americans and other people of color has dominated Republican politics since (at least) the end of the civil rights movement."
"The Republican Party nurtures and cultivates hostility towards non-whites among its voters for the purpose of electoral gain. What is known as “The Southern Strategy” of racist “coded appeals” against African-Americans and other people of color has dominated Republican politics since (at least) the end of the civil rights movement."
Oh Noes! Trump Cut Off By Bulk Email Vendor for Epic Spamming
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/oh-nos-trump-cut-off-by-bulk-email-sender-for-epic-spamming
"Who could have imagined this? As we noted a week ago, the Trump camp's massive fundraising blitz ending up hitting legislators in numerous foreign countries as well as spamming a seemingly limitless number of victims around the world. According to ReturnPath, 79% of Trump fundraising emails were caught in spam filters, an extremely high rate by industry standards, seemingly because Trump was using purchased or rented lists rather than ones the campaign had grown organically through campaign-related supporter sign ups. In any case, this led to problems. At least one of the bulk email platforms Trump's campaign was using to send between 50 and 60 million emails moved rapidly to suspend his access because the "email in question has raised serious security and legal concerns among Adestra and other industry leaders"."
"Who could have imagined this? As we noted a week ago, the Trump camp's massive fundraising blitz ending up hitting legislators in numerous foreign countries as well as spamming a seemingly limitless number of victims around the world. According to ReturnPath, 79% of Trump fundraising emails were caught in spam filters, an extremely high rate by industry standards, seemingly because Trump was using purchased or rented lists rather than ones the campaign had grown organically through campaign-related supporter sign ups. In any case, this led to problems. At least one of the bulk email platforms Trump's campaign was using to send between 50 and 60 million emails moved rapidly to suspend his access because the "email in question has raised serious security and legal concerns among Adestra and other industry leaders"."
Paranoid politics: Donald Trump’s style perfectly embodies the theories of renowned historian
Paranoid politics: Donald Trump’s style perfectly embodies the theories of renowned historian
"As with all paranoid style politicians, Trump is a demagogue and a charlatan; he lies incessantly (even when he’s not peddling conspiracy theories) and exploits the worst prejudices and impulses of the populace. Though still unlikely to win in November, Trump has brought to the mainstream a kind of politics that will undoubtedly dumb down the already vapid discourse in America; and if it isn’t curbed by the ever-shrinking moderate and conservative factions in the GOP, it could also end up mainstreaming authoritarianism."
"As with all paranoid style politicians, Trump is a demagogue and a charlatan; he lies incessantly (even when he’s not peddling conspiracy theories) and exploits the worst prejudices and impulses of the populace. Though still unlikely to win in November, Trump has brought to the mainstream a kind of politics that will undoubtedly dumb down the already vapid discourse in America; and if it isn’t curbed by the ever-shrinking moderate and conservative factions in the GOP, it could also end up mainstreaming authoritarianism."
How Donald Trump’s Campaign Collapsed Into An Anti-Semitic Vacuum
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/07/3796417/donald-trump-anti-semitism-history/
"The combined impact of these incidents has rattled many in the Jewish community. Bend the Arc, a Jewish social justice organization, has launched a petition asking the Republican Jewish Coalition to reject Trump. In addition, the ADL has completely reversed from its original tepid defense of Trump, and now repeatedly calls on Trump to speak out against the vitriol spewed by some of his supporters, arguing that doing so could help stifle their fervor."
"The combined impact of these incidents has rattled many in the Jewish community. Bend the Arc, a Jewish social justice organization, has launched a petition asking the Republican Jewish Coalition to reject Trump. In addition, the ADL has completely reversed from its original tepid defense of Trump, and now repeatedly calls on Trump to speak out against the vitriol spewed by some of his supporters, arguing that doing so could help stifle their fervor."
GOP senators literally snuck out of a back alley behind a gas station to avoid talking about Trump
GOP senators literally snuck out of a back alley behind a gas station to avoid talking about Trump
"It seems that the National Republican Senatorial Committee HQ building where the senators met Trump has a back alley that’s located behind a gas station that makes it a perfect place for a sneaky exit. Lesniewski figured some senators would try to escape the building using this route and caught Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and others doing just that."
"It seems that the National Republican Senatorial Committee HQ building where the senators met Trump has a back alley that’s located behind a gas station that makes it a perfect place for a sneaky exit. Lesniewski figured some senators would try to escape the building using this route and caught Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and others doing just that."
How Donald Trump Is Using Bigotry as a Campaign Strategy @alternet
How Donald Trump Is Using Bigotry as a Campaign Strategy @alternet:
"Donald Trump may be a bigot, but he’s a bigot with a strategy. The strategy is bigotry."
"Donald Trump may be a bigot, but he’s a bigot with a strategy. The strategy is bigotry."
Donald Trump’s ‘spiritual advisor’ sells eternal life for $1,144 by stealing from Harry Potter
Donald Trump’s ‘spiritual advisor’ sells eternal life for $1,144 by stealing from Harry Potter
"Every president and presidential candidate boasts of having spiritual leaders in their lives, but Donald Trump’s is making money selling desperate Christians eternal life for the bargain price of $1,144."
"Every president and presidential candidate boasts of having spiritual leaders in their lives, but Donald Trump’s is making money selling desperate Christians eternal life for the bargain price of $1,144."
Maine conservatives admit removing LGBT protections is the first step to making homosexuality a crime again
Maine conservatives admit removing LGBT protections is the first step to making homosexuality a crime again
"A right-wing Christian activist group is pushing a ballot measure that would strip LGBT protections from the voter-approved Maine Human Rights Act — but they actually have another goal in mind. Michael Heath, former head of the Christian Civic League of Maine, is promoting an initiative to remove “sexual orientation” from the measure passed 11 years ago by voters, but he admits his true aim is to legally ban homosexuality"
"A right-wing Christian activist group is pushing a ballot measure that would strip LGBT protections from the voter-approved Maine Human Rights Act — but they actually have another goal in mind. Michael Heath, former head of the Christian Civic League of Maine, is promoting an initiative to remove “sexual orientation” from the measure passed 11 years ago by voters, but he admits his true aim is to legally ban homosexuality"
After Orlando, House GOP moves from silence to action: pressing to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/11/1547274/-After-Orlando-House-GOP-moves-from-silence-to-action-pressing-to-legalize-anti-LGBT-discrimination
"The First Amendment, btw, was never meant to guarantee the right to discriminate against certain groups in the name of religion."
"The First Amendment, btw, was never meant to guarantee the right to discriminate against certain groups in the name of religion."
House Republicans just can't stop dreaming up ways to discriminate against LGBT Americans
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/7/1546108/-House-Republicans-just-can-t-stop-dreaming-up-ways-to-discriminate-against-LGBT-Americans
"For the past two months, GOP lawmakers in the House haven’t missed an opportunity to slip anti-LGBT provisions into bills."
"For the past two months, GOP lawmakers in the House haven’t missed an opportunity to slip anti-LGBT provisions into bills."
Here are 5 ridiculous right-wing Christian predictions about same-sex marriage that still haven’t come true
Here are 5 ridiculous right-wing Christian predictions about same-sex marriage that still haven’t come true
"Sunday marked the first anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark marriage equality decision, which, if Religious Right activists were to be believed, was to usher in a horrible tyranny that would lead to mass deaths and war. Of course, the Right’s doomsday predictions about what would happen if same-sex marriage became legal nationwide were totally unfounded, and only a tiny contingent of conservatives came to a protest the ruling in Washington, D.C., this weekend. While the conservative movement certainly hasn’t given up on the fight against LGBT rights and is thrilled by Donald Trump’s promise to appoint anti-LGBT judges who would oppose the marriage ruling, many activists have once again shown that they are more interested in stirring up fears about the LGBT community than in the facts."
"Sunday marked the first anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark marriage equality decision, which, if Religious Right activists were to be believed, was to usher in a horrible tyranny that would lead to mass deaths and war. Of course, the Right’s doomsday predictions about what would happen if same-sex marriage became legal nationwide were totally unfounded, and only a tiny contingent of conservatives came to a protest the ruling in Washington, D.C., this weekend. While the conservative movement certainly hasn’t given up on the fight against LGBT rights and is thrilled by Donald Trump’s promise to appoint anti-LGBT judges who would oppose the marriage ruling, many activists have once again shown that they are more interested in stirring up fears about the LGBT community than in the facts."
Senate Republicans continue anti-Planned Parenthood political games with Zika funding
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/5/1545312/-Senate-Republicans-continue-anti-Planned-Parenthood-political-games-with-Zika-funding
"Planned Parenthood is not a "special interest." It's a first-tier health care provider for millions of men and women, and in particular low-income women. Which makes it a first-line defender in a disease like this one. We've seen all the arguments before in the Republicans' jihad against Planned Parenthood—if the federal funds don't go to it, they'll just go to other providers, like community health clinics. And we'll see community health clinics, again, say that they aren't going to have the capacity to take on an influx of new patients. This means, as usual, there's one population that Republicans are punishing. Peter Shin, a public health professor at George Washington University, nails it: "When they're taking money away from Planned Parenthood, they're basically taking it away from young, high-risk women." Young, high-risk women who now could be giving birth to fatally and tragically deformed babies. So there's John Thune's special interest: Young, poor, high-risk women who are in no position to deal with having profoundly disabled children."
"Planned Parenthood is not a "special interest." It's a first-tier health care provider for millions of men and women, and in particular low-income women. Which makes it a first-line defender in a disease like this one. We've seen all the arguments before in the Republicans' jihad against Planned Parenthood—if the federal funds don't go to it, they'll just go to other providers, like community health clinics. And we'll see community health clinics, again, say that they aren't going to have the capacity to take on an influx of new patients. This means, as usual, there's one population that Republicans are punishing. Peter Shin, a public health professor at George Washington University, nails it: "When they're taking money away from Planned Parenthood, they're basically taking it away from young, high-risk women." Young, high-risk women who now could be giving birth to fatally and tragically deformed babies. So there's John Thune's special interest: Young, poor, high-risk women who are in no position to deal with having profoundly disabled children."
GOP Set To Spend 80% Of House Budget On More Stupid Abortion Hearings
GOP Set To Spend 80% Of House Budget On More Stupid Abortion Hearings
"Rewire reports that Blackburn's House committee will wind up spending $790,000 on this political witch hunt, using nearly 80 percent of the House’s available supplemental funding for the one investigation. Meanwhile, Zika funding is on hold in the Republican Senate, and House Speaker Paul Ryan actually bragged that his body's inaction on Zika (which forced the Obama adminstration to transfer money for Ebola to Zika) meant that "not a single taxpayer dollar is used to fund abortions.” Holding back funding for a rapidly spreading virus that causes severe birth defects, forcing poor women with this virus to give birth to a severely deformed child, and instead spending three quarters of a million dollars on a clearly partisan vote-getter witch hunt against the number one provider of health care for women: that's the Republican Congress. War on women? Ya think?"
"Rewire reports that Blackburn's House committee will wind up spending $790,000 on this political witch hunt, using nearly 80 percent of the House’s available supplemental funding for the one investigation. Meanwhile, Zika funding is on hold in the Republican Senate, and House Speaker Paul Ryan actually bragged that his body's inaction on Zika (which forced the Obama adminstration to transfer money for Ebola to Zika) meant that "not a single taxpayer dollar is used to fund abortions.” Holding back funding for a rapidly spreading virus that causes severe birth defects, forcing poor women with this virus to give birth to a severely deformed child, and instead spending three quarters of a million dollars on a clearly partisan vote-getter witch hunt against the number one provider of health care for women: that's the Republican Congress. War on women? Ya think?"
Trump finally has an opinion on the Supreme Court's abortion ruling, and it is satisfyingly stupid
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/6/30/1544050/-Trump-finally-has-an-opinion-on-the-Supreme-Court-s-abortion-ruling-and-it-is-satisfyingly-stupid
"So to sum up, Donald Trump's opinion on the Supreme Court ruling—and mind you, there was nothing in this entire exchange to suggest that Donald Trump knows what the ruling was, or what it was about, or even the slightest bit of information beyond the vague understanding that conservatives didn't like it—is that it would have happened differently under President Trump because magic, and if it didn't happen differently it wouldn't be his fault because you can't trust them darn judges anyway. You could have asked him to voice an opinion on any other Supreme Court ruling, including ones you just made up to see if he was paying attention, and I'd wager the response would be the exact same generic words arranged in the exact same generic way. What did you think of the court's decision in Godzilla v. Larry’s Diner & Rib Shack et al, Mr. Trump?"
"So to sum up, Donald Trump's opinion on the Supreme Court ruling—and mind you, there was nothing in this entire exchange to suggest that Donald Trump knows what the ruling was, or what it was about, or even the slightest bit of information beyond the vague understanding that conservatives didn't like it—is that it would have happened differently under President Trump because magic, and if it didn't happen differently it wouldn't be his fault because you can't trust them darn judges anyway. You could have asked him to voice an opinion on any other Supreme Court ruling, including ones you just made up to see if he was paying attention, and I'd wager the response would be the exact same generic words arranged in the exact same generic way. What did you think of the court's decision in Godzilla v. Larry’s Diner & Rib Shack et al, Mr. Trump?"
Protesters, White Nationalists and Armed Delegates: What Could Possibly Go Wrong at the GOP Convention? @alternet
Protesters, White Nationalists and Armed Delegates: What Could Possibly Go Wrong at the GOP Convention? @alternet:
"the truth is that the white supremacists making their presence felt, and the failure of GOP leaders to nip it in the bud decades ago, is a failure of moral cowardice. It is the natural end result of decades of Rush Limbaugh’s racist gibberish. It is the natural end result of the William F. Buckley and the National Review, no matter how much the old boy tried to gussy up his racism in high-flown language. It is the natural result of making a hero of Andrew Breitbart, whose namesake website is a snakepit of racist sludge… and not coincidentally, practically a public-relations outfit for the greatness that is Donald Trump. Trumpism is the natural fusion of decades of tolerating this racist rhetoric on the fringes until those fringes suddenly became the center of the party, combined with a candidate who not only is unafraid to repeat it, but seems genuinely clueless as to how toxic and degrading his words are. Republicans have done nothing about it, which has only served to normalize it. So now the entire party is going to wear this millstone around its neck for generations. The occasional party hack resigning his delegate slot in protest of nominating Trump is not going to counter that."
"the truth is that the white supremacists making their presence felt, and the failure of GOP leaders to nip it in the bud decades ago, is a failure of moral cowardice. It is the natural end result of decades of Rush Limbaugh’s racist gibberish. It is the natural end result of the William F. Buckley and the National Review, no matter how much the old boy tried to gussy up his racism in high-flown language. It is the natural result of making a hero of Andrew Breitbart, whose namesake website is a snakepit of racist sludge… and not coincidentally, practically a public-relations outfit for the greatness that is Donald Trump. Trumpism is the natural fusion of decades of tolerating this racist rhetoric on the fringes until those fringes suddenly became the center of the party, combined with a candidate who not only is unafraid to repeat it, but seems genuinely clueless as to how toxic and degrading his words are. Republicans have done nothing about it, which has only served to normalize it. So now the entire party is going to wear this millstone around its neck for generations. The occasional party hack resigning his delegate slot in protest of nominating Trump is not going to counter that."
Paul Ryan's Tax Plan Is Just a Shift toward Less Obvious Tax Breaks for the Rich @alternet
Paul Ryan's Tax Plan Is Just a Shift toward Less Obvious Tax Breaks for the Rich @alternet:
"Have Republicans realized that slashing taxes on the rich won’t lead to booming growth and hence be self-financing? Or have they realized that they shouldn’t exacerbate inequality by continuing to fight tooth and nail for enormous tax cuts for the rich? Sadly, no, they are still fighting for enormous tax cuts for the rich—they’re just being a bit more subtle about it now."
"Have Republicans realized that slashing taxes on the rich won’t lead to booming growth and hence be self-financing? Or have they realized that they shouldn’t exacerbate inequality by continuing to fight tooth and nail for enormous tax cuts for the rich? Sadly, no, they are still fighting for enormous tax cuts for the rich—they’re just being a bit more subtle about it now."
How a Trump University 'Coach' Ripped off a Student for $230,000 as Part of a Massive Ponzi Scheme @alternet
How a Trump University 'Coach' Ripped off a Student for $230,000 as Part of a Massive Ponzi Scheme @alternet:
"We haven’t heard much about Trump University lately—mostly because it’s been overshadowed by other Trump scandals and controversies—but it’s not going away anytime soon. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that a Pittsburgh woman named Melissa Norris fell prey to a Ponzi schemer and convicted criminal who also just happened to be a “coach” at—you guessed it—Trump University. Norris, who is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Trump University, paid $17,000 to attend a seminar where she met a “coach” named Cary Beagley who was supposed to help her find investment opportunities, but who instead guided her money into a Ponzi scheme where she ended up losing $230,000. As local Pittsburgh station WTAE reported, Norris says that she told her coach that she wanted to invest in local properties in Pittsburgh, but he insisted that she park her investment in properties in Spain via a company called Safevest. This set off some alarm bells, but she nonetheless heeded his advice and made the investment. Six months later, the Securities and Exchange Commission successfully got Safevest shut down in court after it accused the company of being an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Norris, sadly, never recovered her money."
"We haven’t heard much about Trump University lately—mostly because it’s been overshadowed by other Trump scandals and controversies—but it’s not going away anytime soon. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that a Pittsburgh woman named Melissa Norris fell prey to a Ponzi schemer and convicted criminal who also just happened to be a “coach” at—you guessed it—Trump University. Norris, who is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Trump University, paid $17,000 to attend a seminar where she met a “coach” named Cary Beagley who was supposed to help her find investment opportunities, but who instead guided her money into a Ponzi scheme where she ended up losing $230,000. As local Pittsburgh station WTAE reported, Norris says that she told her coach that she wanted to invest in local properties in Pittsburgh, but he insisted that she park her investment in properties in Spain via a company called Safevest. This set off some alarm bells, but she nonetheless heeded his advice and made the investment. Six months later, the Securities and Exchange Commission successfully got Safevest shut down in court after it accused the company of being an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Norris, sadly, never recovered her money."
Kansas politicians use taxpayer money for private use of plane while state is in economic free fall
Kansas politicians use taxpayer money for private use of plane while state is in economic free fall
"Republican Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, launched an “experiment” when he was elected in 2010 that has bankrupted the state’s economy. Applying the principles of Reaganomics or “trickle-down economics,” Brownback cut income taxes to historic lows, effectively slashing revenue to fund critical state services like schools and infrastructure. The result has been disastrous with a $1.1 billion budget hole. While Kansas families were struggling, schools were failing and the state was kicking people off food stamps, politicians were using taxpayer money for personal travel and to fly to see University of Kansas basketball games. According to the Associated Press, the state-owned executive aircraft, a Raytheon King Air 350, has been used by Brownback as well as Republican state senators, House members and agency heads."
"Republican Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, launched an “experiment” when he was elected in 2010 that has bankrupted the state’s economy. Applying the principles of Reaganomics or “trickle-down economics,” Brownback cut income taxes to historic lows, effectively slashing revenue to fund critical state services like schools and infrastructure. The result has been disastrous with a $1.1 billion budget hole. While Kansas families were struggling, schools were failing and the state was kicking people off food stamps, politicians were using taxpayer money for personal travel and to fly to see University of Kansas basketball games. According to the Associated Press, the state-owned executive aircraft, a Raytheon King Air 350, has been used by Brownback as well as Republican state senators, House members and agency heads."
'A Trump Speech Is Just a Story Starring Trump': Science Proves the Donald Is a Textbook Narcissist @alternet
'A Trump Speech Is Just a Story Starring Trump': Science Proves the Donald Is a Textbook Narcissist @alternet:
"It's as if psychologists decided on the definition for "unprincipled narcissist" from within a Trump rally."
"It's as if psychologists decided on the definition for "unprincipled narcissist" from within a Trump rally."
Friday, July 8, 2016
Oh Look, White Nationalists Co-Sponsor A Trump Rally
Oh Look, White Nationalists Co-Sponsor A Trump Rally
"And of course they are a White supremacist group decrying the Jewish! International! Conspiracy! Trump 2016!"
"And of course they are a White supremacist group decrying the Jewish! International! Conspiracy! Trump 2016!"
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
The disturbing data on Republicans and racism: Trump backers are the most bigoted within the GOP
The disturbing data on Republicans and racism: Trump backers are the most bigoted within the GOP
"At present, the Republican Party is the United States’ largest white identity organization. There is a mountain of evidence in support of this claim. The Republican Party nurtures and cultivates hostility towards non-whites among its voters for the purpose of electoral gain. What is known as “The Southern Strategy” of racist “coded appeals” against African-Americans and other people of color has dominated Republican politics since (at least) the end of the civil rights movement. And during the Age of Obama, American politics has been poisoned by racist conspiracy theories such as “Birtherism,” lies that Barack Obama is a type of Manchurian candidate who actually hates America and wants to destroy it from within, efforts to rollback the won in blood gains of the Black Freedom Struggle, as well as unprecedented efforts by the Republican Party to abandon its basic responsibilities of governance in order to delegitimize the country’s first black president. Donald Trump is not an outlier or aberration. In many ways, he perfectly embodies the racist attitudes and beliefs of the Republican Party in the post civil rights era."
"At present, the Republican Party is the United States’ largest white identity organization. There is a mountain of evidence in support of this claim. The Republican Party nurtures and cultivates hostility towards non-whites among its voters for the purpose of electoral gain. What is known as “The Southern Strategy” of racist “coded appeals” against African-Americans and other people of color has dominated Republican politics since (at least) the end of the civil rights movement. And during the Age of Obama, American politics has been poisoned by racist conspiracy theories such as “Birtherism,” lies that Barack Obama is a type of Manchurian candidate who actually hates America and wants to destroy it from within, efforts to rollback the won in blood gains of the Black Freedom Struggle, as well as unprecedented efforts by the Republican Party to abandon its basic responsibilities of governance in order to delegitimize the country’s first black president. Donald Trump is not an outlier or aberration. In many ways, he perfectly embodies the racist attitudes and beliefs of the Republican Party in the post civil rights era."
Stop whatever it is you are doing and watch this message from veterans about Donald Trump
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/7/6/1545582/-Stop-whatever-it-is-you-are-doing-and-watch-this-message-from-veterans-about-Donald-Trump
"Retired United States Army Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton is featured in the short, powerful, must-watch ad about why he is speaking out against Trump"
"Retired United States Army Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton is featured in the short, powerful, must-watch ad about why he is speaking out against Trump"
Donald Trump's Other Fake Real Estate School Was Even Worse Than Trump University @alternet
Donald Trump's Other Fake Real Estate School Was Even Worse Than Trump University @alternet:
"There was his Trump University with it’s boiler-room tactics to extract maximum dollars out of people, even when—especially when—they didn’t have enough for everyday expenses. But for all the lies about hand-selecting instructors and inside information, Trump U was actually the upscale version of Trump’s "soak the suckers” plan."
"There was his Trump University with it’s boiler-room tactics to extract maximum dollars out of people, even when—especially when—they didn’t have enough for everyday expenses. But for all the lies about hand-selecting instructors and inside information, Trump U was actually the upscale version of Trump’s "soak the suckers” plan."
How the rich and powerful are shutting down free speech
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/6/27/1541828/-How-the-rich-and-powerful-are-shutting-down-free-speech
"Trump is excessive in his litigiousness, filing lawsuits on a hair-trigger. He seems to consider this thirst for lawsuits to be an innate part of his character—not just what he does, but who he is. But there is something he likes more than suing people. And that's winning. More than anything, he likes victory. The defamation claim against Makaeff, however, was one he couldn't win. Because the law is generally structured to protect free speech, winning a defamation claim is not easy. And because Trump is a public figure, winning this case would be even more difficult. It wouldn't be enough for Trump to simply establish that Makaeff made a false statement of fact that negatively impacted Trump's reputation. Trump would also have to prove that Makaeff knowingly lied—or, at the very least, recklessly disregarded the truth. In other words, the likelihood of him prevailing on a defamation claim was very, very slim. But Trump wasn't trying to win. He was just trying to shut her up. Trump has (or had?) plenty of resources, and could fight both the defamation lawsuit and the class action in court. Makaeff, on the other hand, was struggling. By suing her, he could tie up her limited funds, time, and energy, and intimidate her into dropping her suit. Trump’s countersuit was a textbook example of a SLAPP, which are used “to silence and harass critics by forcing them to spend money to defend baseless suits," reports the Public Participation Project. "SLAPP filers don’t go to court to seek justice. Rather, SLAPPS are intended to intimidate those who disagree with them or their activities by draining the target’s financial resources." Trump fought against her right to speak about her experience. In other words, he fought against her right to free speech. This certainly wasn't Donald Trump's first time filing a SLAPP, and such lawsuits are generally not unusual. "[SLAPPS] are a sadly familiar sight in courthouses around the country," the Los Angeles Times said in an editorial last year."
"Trump is excessive in his litigiousness, filing lawsuits on a hair-trigger. He seems to consider this thirst for lawsuits to be an innate part of his character—not just what he does, but who he is. But there is something he likes more than suing people. And that's winning. More than anything, he likes victory. The defamation claim against Makaeff, however, was one he couldn't win. Because the law is generally structured to protect free speech, winning a defamation claim is not easy. And because Trump is a public figure, winning this case would be even more difficult. It wouldn't be enough for Trump to simply establish that Makaeff made a false statement of fact that negatively impacted Trump's reputation. Trump would also have to prove that Makaeff knowingly lied—or, at the very least, recklessly disregarded the truth. In other words, the likelihood of him prevailing on a defamation claim was very, very slim. But Trump wasn't trying to win. He was just trying to shut her up. Trump has (or had?) plenty of resources, and could fight both the defamation lawsuit and the class action in court. Makaeff, on the other hand, was struggling. By suing her, he could tie up her limited funds, time, and energy, and intimidate her into dropping her suit. Trump’s countersuit was a textbook example of a SLAPP, which are used “to silence and harass critics by forcing them to spend money to defend baseless suits," reports the Public Participation Project. "SLAPP filers don’t go to court to seek justice. Rather, SLAPPS are intended to intimidate those who disagree with them or their activities by draining the target’s financial resources." Trump fought against her right to speak about her experience. In other words, he fought against her right to free speech. This certainly wasn't Donald Trump's first time filing a SLAPP, and such lawsuits are generally not unusual. "[SLAPPS] are a sadly familiar sight in courthouses around the country," the Los Angeles Times said in an editorial last year."
Ron Johnson Says Employers Should Be Allowed To Deny Coverage To Cancer Patients
Ron Johnson Says Employers Should Be Allowed To Deny Coverage To Cancer Patients
"Alan Grayson was right when he said Republicans want everyone to die, and die quickly. Here's a shining example of it for all to see."
"Alan Grayson was right when he said Republicans want everyone to die, and die quickly. Here's a shining example of it for all to see."
Trump taps consultant accused of defrauding PAC to lead Colorado campaign
Trump taps consultant accused of defrauding PAC to lead Colorado campaign
"Donald Trump’s choice to run his campaign in Colorado, a key battleground state, is a veteran political consultant who was accused in the last election cycle of defrauding a top conservative super PAC."
"Donald Trump’s choice to run his campaign in Colorado, a key battleground state, is a veteran political consultant who was accused in the last election cycle of defrauding a top conservative super PAC."
Hilarious video exposes the tortured excuses of Republicans who are skipping the GOP convention
Hilarious video exposes the tortured excuses of Republicans who are skipping the GOP convention
"More and more Republicans have decided to skip the party’s national convention in Cleveland this year."
"More and more Republicans have decided to skip the party’s national convention in Cleveland this year."
Florida’s AG Is Tied Up In The Trump University Scandal. And Things Just Got Worse.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/06/3795722/pam-bondi-trump-complaint/
"Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is in a bit of hot water. The trouble started in June, when the Associated Press reported that Bondi “personally solicited a political contribution from Donald Trump” in 2013 — right around the time she was deciding whether or not to investigate alleged fraud at Trump University. Trump University, of course, is the controversial for-profit school owned by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. It was only four days after Bondi announced she might join an investigation into Trump University when a Trump family foundation gave $25,000 to a political group supporting Bondi’s re-election. After that money came in, Bondi said she would not pursue a lawsuit against Trump University. Two years later — one day before Florida’s crucial primary election — Bondi endorsed Trump for president."
"Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is in a bit of hot water. The trouble started in June, when the Associated Press reported that Bondi “personally solicited a political contribution from Donald Trump” in 2013 — right around the time she was deciding whether or not to investigate alleged fraud at Trump University. Trump University, of course, is the controversial for-profit school owned by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. It was only four days after Bondi announced she might join an investigation into Trump University when a Trump family foundation gave $25,000 to a political group supporting Bondi’s re-election. After that money came in, Bondi said she would not pursue a lawsuit against Trump University. Two years later — one day before Florida’s crucial primary election — Bondi endorsed Trump for president."
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