Russian Disinformation?

Even if Russia was behind the Wikileaks dump on Hillary, I always figured it was to embarrass her and the US process, not to aid Trump specifically.

So were the Russians in contact with the Trump campaign, as a Russian diplomat claims?

If this is an ongoing disinformation campaign intended to tie the US in knots, its working. And since the Russians have switched sided and are now hand-in-glove with the American Left, this is an alliance with legs.

And is it true? At this point, what difference does it make?

TROLL LEVEL: SCARY:

OK, the Russians have game here. I do love this:

There were no further details given [by the Russian side] on the claimed contacts, including names in the Trump campaign or other specifics.

Asked for clarification about the meetings, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova countered: “Are you paranoid?”

“It seems to me that you’re not far from having your own 1937,” she wrote in an electronic message, in a reference to the height of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin’s purges. “They’ll be putting people in prison as Russian spies.”

Scaring people who want to be scared will be a layup drill for them.

Comments

[pagar, a bacon, ham and sausage supporter]

Is this thing on?

[Matt - deplore me if you must]

first! C'mon people, gotta be quick.

[Matt - deplore me if you must]

lol.....

So this morning's fish wrap reports that the precious flowers all over Orange County were protesting Trump last night. In Santa Ana the illegals were throwing rocks and bottles.

The chants were the usual "F Trump" etc, and one of the most precious of snowflakes told a reporter that they were very fearful of hate speech from Trump supporters.

A safe space crisis team intervened and got him his blanket and binkie. ( i made the last part up)

You can't make this up.

[Sue]

You can't make this up.

The problem is you don't have to make it up. I was thinking this morning that psychiatrists are probably having a booming business.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

I was afraid a guy would say something hateful like "illegal alien" so I hit him with a rock.

[henry]

Ig, I hope the rock was unharmed.

[Appalled]

When the going gets wierd, the wierd turn pro.

Hunter Thompson

[Dave (in MA)]

Ha, Iggy.

At work, we have several online discussion groups but since around 2003 or so, the HR guidelines strongly recommend against bringing up any political and religious topics. That didn't stop people from asking whether we have/should open a Canadian office yesterday.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

PowerLine is cataloging lefty freak outs over the rise of Emperor Trump the Terrible.
The latest one is supposed conservative Michael Gerson.
Embarrassing.

[Cecil Turner]

This didn't matter back when President Hillary was a shoe-in, but now . . . Remember back in the debates when Hillary said Russia was off side in the war on ISIS? I expected a quick pithy response like "You're coming a little late to the party Hil. I remember when you thought mean ol' W was picking on Putin and you brought 'em a reset (or overcharge) button as a present, and followed up with a nuclear limitation treaty that let 'em update their warheads while we mothballed a third of ours, and only now got affronted since they leaked your mail"; or something similar. Instead we got this :

In a totally erroneous comment, Trump said that “Assad is killing ISIS, Russia is killing ISIS, Iran is killing ISIS.”

Although Iran-backed militias in Iraq have fought against the Islamic State, and the Syrian army has skirmished with them in the eastern part of the country, Assad has by and large steered well clear of the militants in Syria, as has Iran. Russia has launched some airstrikes against them in Syria, but the vast majority of its bombardment there has been against U.S.-backed opposition forces and civilians.

That's right, and Trump was wrong. Russia is not our friend. The good news is that he probably already knows that, and if not will certainly twig to it soon as he gets immersed in the job.

As to Russian involvement in the election, I think what happened is they (like most of us) were convinced Hillary would win and were trying to weaken her in advance. That turned out to be a major mistake. My brother and I talked about this yesterday and he said: "now we have the crazy on our side." I think that's right, and Putin is kicking some of his hackers (and himself) in the a$$.

[Sue]

I think Trump has the right advisors around him. Especially Rudy and Newt. I hope he listens to them.

[Dave (in MA)]

Can we stop referring to "Anti-Trump" protests?

They're anti-Democracy protests.

[Dave (in MA)]

Do the right click thing.

[Buford Gooch]

I doubt that Trump wants to be a "hands on" President. He is used to being the executive, and relying on his staff for recommendations, making a few final decisions that disregard those recommendations. Look to see who his chief of staff will be, and who he puts in his cabinet. Those will be the determining factors as to how his administration will go.

[Dave (in MA)]

I thought this was pretty funny.

.

[Matt - deplore me if you must]

It amazes me that the media still refuse to get the problem. Drudge links an excellent examination of the hubris and arrogance of our progressive media, which can be extended to most "right thinking" people.

They were wrong!wrong! wrong!They beclowned themselves and are now throwing stones (almost literally). They blame everyone but themselves for the abortion that was the Clinton onslaught.

The lack of self awareness is scary.

Trump just pulled off an amazing accomplishment, greater in scale than any of his business deals. He did at 20% of the cost that Clinton did. He connected with regular people day after day after day.

For the first time, a Republican fought back hard and while his ad hominems were demeaning to him he focused on key issues for the most part. The message wasn't muddled.

From all of the mockery about being bush league and incompetent the media again underestimated him. The last 6 weeks of the campaign were blitzkrieg. Kellyanne Conway just became a superstar, but Trump is one sharp cookie for finding and hiring the right talent. Up yours, Rove!

[Cecil Turner]

Ah carp, that's priceless. Especially the look on Roberts's face.

I think Trump has the right advisors around him. Especially Rudy and Newt. I hope he listens to them.

Neither are any great shakes on defense policy. His senior military guy was listed as Mike Flynn (who from what I've seen is pretty sharp, and the fact Colin Powell doesn't like him might be a recommendation). I suspect they're still in a bit of flux.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

You don't understand Matt.
WE were wrong.

[Jim Eagle]

CT,

Who'd you like to see at Defense? At National Security?

[Sue]

Cecil,

Neither are any great shakes on defense policy.

I wasn't really thinking of them as defense people. Just advisors in general.

[Sue]

Who'd you like to see at Defense?

Dick Cheney. ::grin:: I really want liberal heads to explode.

[Sue]

I have seen Jeff Sessions and Duncan Hunter mentioned as Sec of Def.

[Porchlight]

Video of the Trump Force One water cannon salute.

https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/796743386887811072

Very nice.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

That's funny, Dave.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

big surprise that the media, all of whom got the election wrong, are now claiming "the Russians" were in "contact" with the Trump campaign.

Give me a shot of vodka and I can put on a fake Russian accent and start trolling the Washington press corps too.

[Porchlight]

Livestream of Trump's visit to check out the new digs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUxHd0yqJYA

[Cecil Turner]

Who'd you like to see at Defense? At National Security?

I don't know and really am not qualified to opine, but I'm not shy, so: Flynn is an intel weenie, and I don't like them being in charge of operations, so I probably wouldn't pick him, but he's got the best resume (e.g., DIA director) of the names I've seen bandied about. Stephen Hadley has a wide and varied career but no direct operational leadership positions (AFAICT). Jeff Sessions is impressive but his direct military experience is all low level. Keith Kellogg hasn't been publicly touted and with his thin resume probably shouldn't be. All those guys are borderline too old except for Flynn. I don't think Jim Talent is qualified.

There are plenty of other guys out there who'd be fine, either from think tanks or out of the 88 flag officers who publicly supported him, if that's a criteria. But the relationship with the President is critical, so if he goes with a military guy I expect he'll go with Flynn, and there's nothing really wrong with that. National security could be any of the above (esp. Flynn if they don't want him as SecDef) or possibly somebody like John Bolton if they don't want him at State.

[Jane]

Idiot Obama is once again screwing up my day. I'm sure Trump is dying to get outside to tell us "hello" and tell us that the place needs remodeling, but Noooooo Obama is inside bragging about he destroyed the country.

I have things to do!

[Beasts of England]

Please appoint Cheney to some position somewhere! Please, please, please!!

[Dave (in MA)]

I would like to see Flynn, Bolton, and Hunter in his cabinet. Anything beyond that is gravy.

[glasater]

Cheney in three administrations..or four would be truly historic and wonderful.

My guess is that Cheney will play an advisory role of some kind. I hope.

[Beasts of England]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Cheney called in to advise the transition team. He's probably unparalleled in that expertise. :)

[Sue]

I know I'll sleep better at night once the adults are back in charge.

[Matt - deplore me if you must]

James Mattis -SecDef

"Be polite. Be professional. But always have a plan to kill everyone you meet."

Gingrich - SoS
Giuliani - DoJ
Carson - Surgeon General - it would nice to have a real surgeon
Herman Cain - Commerce
Christie - Department of Transportation

Beyond that I would have to look for the best and brightest.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

there is a lot of ruin in a nation ...

https://www.ft.com/content/eeb8fce8-a3b9-11e6-8b69-02899e8bd9d1

[Old Lurker]

Is it my imagination, or did Soros stop paying our trolls?

[Tom R]

All the pundits are claiming Trump won thanks to the support of the Silent Majority and Reagan Democrats. Safe to assume a good chunk of them did not support Romney in 2012 allowing Obama to win. The NeverTrumpers obviously supported Romney in 2012 but sat out the 2016 election or even worse voted for Hillary.

The key issue is how does the GOP and conservative movement convince all those factions to put aside their differences and permanently join together to defeat the leftwing progressive social justice warriors?

[Old Lurker]

Gingrich should be Speaker.

Bolton can be SoS.

Carson is wasted as SG but should run run whoever runs all health care.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

Matt-

Not sure where Allen West was during the campaign but I think he could be good somewhere.

I think Giuliani would be better at DHS. Not sure who would want to take the task of cleaning out the DoJ.

[maryrose]

Tom R.
I am very hopeful for the future and for all Republicans working together to achieve wonderful changes.

[maryrose]

Rich:
Giuliani would be perfect to clean out the DOJ.
He would be ruthless.
DHS would be a step down for him.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

Posted by: Tom R | November 10, 2016 at 12:31 PM

I think the neverTrumpers are going to their natural home with the Democrats ... maybe they can sand down some of the more kooky edges of that party.

Ace probably had it best that this election win or lose was going to break the GOP in half and it wasn't going to get put back together again.

[Old Lurker]

I agree with maryrose, Rich.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

DHS's writ extends from the crappy TSA to the Coast Guard ... it needs as much a clean out as DOJ.

[Porchlight]

I like Ben Carson but I have seen no evidence of executive ability.

[Cecil Turner]

James Mattis -SecDef

Another birthday boy. I thought about him and Jones, but thought his COIN chops and Jones's NSA stint for BHO probably mark them as too far away from Trump philosophically to work together effectively. (Jones is also too old.) But who knows.

[Porchlight]

Hmmm. Still no sign of Trump and Obama. I am watching a proud Marine guard the West Wing door.

Rush said Obama canceled the photo op. Anyone else hearing anything?

[Gentlejim]

OL,
I believe they are currently squatting on the ledge since we got evicted.

[Porchlight]

The Marine sentry just went inside. Maybe they're coming out.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

I thought that a number of the flag officers being talked about would be barred from serving as Secretary of Defense by virtue of their rank. Is that only for Chairman and Vice Chairman?

[Frau Wódka]

OMG The Russians, rich?

[Buckeye]

Trump probably getting tired of saying "you can go f*** yourself" to Zippy.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

Porchlight-

Drudge had it flagged up that the photo-op was canceled.

[henry]

Porch, from the WSJ: The Obamas canceled a photo-op of the current and future first couples outside the south entrance of the White House.

followed by agreeing with Obama that Trump is unfit, but what ya gonna do?

[Frau Wódka]

OL sez "Is it my imagination, or did Soros stop paying our trolls?"

The beatings will continue until the morale improves.

[Porchlight]

Thanks. Figures.

[Captain Hate]

Does Trump have the ability to tell all the Joint Chiefs who put up with Ass Carter to take a hike?

[Porchlight]

Okay, now they're showing Obama and Trump in Oval Office. Zippy speaking.

It is so hard for Obama to say "President-elect Trump."

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

haaa Frau. classic.

the media went overdrive all through the campaign about Russian hackers and whatnot. Then after the dust clears the WaPo has a front page story with no names all rumor ... "it was the Russians all along".

Yeah. Or I would not be shocked in the least if every major country in the world had sent high level people to each campaign to gauge where each campaign was at on the issues that concerned them. IIRC Germany had a high level diplomat talking to both from reporting a few weeks back.

[Porchlight]

Sounds like the meeting went well.

Actually I have to say I applaud Obama for telling the press just now (who immediately all started yelling questions) that there will be no questions.

OMG Steffy now saying it's amazing that the meeting could be cordial since Trump claimed Obama wasn't born in the United States.

They just cannot get over it.

[Captain Hate]

Allen West deserves a lot better than the back of the hand the GOPe gave him.

[Cecil Turner]

Shoulda mentioned that I watched O'Reilly last night and he had Giuliani on for the cabinet stuff:

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was firmly in Donald Trump's corner for many months, looked ahead to a Trump presidency. "I see Newt Gingrich as a possible national security adviser," he surmised, "but I haven't even talked to Donald about this. Ben Carson could have a role and Chris Christie would be fabulous at Homeland Security. Every president needs a lot of help - Donald Trump didn't build his own buildings and golf courses, he got the best architects and carpenters and plumbers." Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor, hinted that he could serve as Attorney General.

They also mentioned Kelly Ann Conway as chief of staff, Sessions and Bolton at State, and Newt as domestic security advisor (the blurb above is wrong), Carson at HHS and a few others.

[Porchlight]

Although he did condescend to Trump, telling him how you have to handle reporters during these situations.

Like Trump has never had a flipping press conference before.

[the generalisticly deplorable rich]

yikes ... it was the Germans.

[Beasts of England]

FYI: Just talked to a buddy who is very tight with Sessions. He said don't be surprised if he stays in the Senate, for two reasons: Trump could use an excellent source and fighter in that chamber, and there's no obvious choice to replace him from Alabama. Don't place any financial wagers on that info, but he's a first-hand source.

[Captain Hate]

Zippy is lucky that Trump respects the office too much to tell him what he's really thinking.

[Beasts of England]

We also need a ruthless bastard at HUD...

[Beasts of England]

He appoints all the Joint Chiefs, Captain, so yes.

[cindyk]

Reposted from last thread:

Seeing Dick Cheney on the "winners" list, it was great to see his daughter, Liz, elected as Congresswoman at large for the State of Wyoming (GO POKES😃❗️)

[lurkersusie]

Only family member with Trump today.
Jared is ruthless.

Is Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner going to be White House chief of staff? He has one-on-one talks with Obama's top aide as Trump meets president | Daily Mail Online

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3924520/Is-Trump-s-son-law-Jared-Kushner-going-White-House-chief-staff-one-one-talks-Obama-s-aide-Trump-meets-president.html

[Frau Wódka]

Soros puppet MoveOn needs to be neutralized. The battle is really beginning *now* and we must not let these miscreants derail the election results. Are the 'pedes up and armed?
MAGA needs us.

As often as the Koch Bros are mentioned, how often is the putrid Nazi collaborator Soros mentioned? Pfui!

[Cecil Turner]

Is that only for Chairman and Vice Chairman?

I'm not sure who all it applies to, but I've read that Flynn would need a waiver from Congress. Can't imagine that'd be a show-stopper, though.

[Porchlight]

I also think we need Sessions in the Senate.

I don't know jack about cabinet picks, honestly. I just hope Trump can keep the vipers out. Even Reagan made some big mistakes in that department.

[Cecil Turner]

I also think moving Sessions would be a mistake, unless they were absolutely certain of getting a good replacement.

[Captain Hate]

It's amazing, Frau; he sold out his fellow Jews and nobody says a (redacted) thing about it.

[Frau Wódka]

Porch - [redacted] rat fink Steffy can stuff it. I guess he was busy on the phone with the Clintons when Obama called Trump a "carnival barker."
Femall

VDH is on Dennis Prager and points out anti-Trumpers who lost in the election.

[Porchlight]

Femall indeed, Frau.

[henry]

OH boy, Yale Prof explains election. From the usual alumni email blast thing.

I think the parties need to be more elitist.

Oh, and Trump voters are poor white undereducated racists.

Send me this and ask for a donation? where is nelson munz when I need him?

[Neo]

What Obama’s pen-and-phone giveth, Trump’s Sharpie-and-Twitter will taketh away.

[Beasts of England]

Updated for your pleasure. :)

~ Winners and Losers of Election 2016 ~

(category winners in bold)

Politicians and Politicos:
Winners:
- Donald Trump (tie)
- Mike Pence (tie)
- Jeff Sessions
- Newt Gingrich
- Rudy Giuliani
- Kellyanne Conway
- Reince Preibus
- Chris Christie

Honorable Mention:
- Mike Huckabee
- Dick Cheney
- Sarah Palin
- Liz Cheney
- Ben Carson

Losers:
- Mike Lee
- Ted Cruz
- John Kasich*
- Mitt Romney
- Paul Ryan
- Mitch McConnell
- George H. W. Bush et fils
- Rick Wilson

Television and Radio:
Winners:
- Sean Hannity
- Rush Limbaugh
- Laura Ingraham
- Ann Coulter
- Tammy Bruce
- Dennis Prager

Honorable Mention:
- Bill O'Reilly

Losers:
- Fox News
- Glenn Beck
- Shep Smith
- MeAgain Kelly
- The Five
- Charles Krauthammer
- Michael Medved
- Mark Levin

Print and Internet:
Winners:

- Breitbart
- Ace of Spades HQ
- The Gateway Pundit
- Drudge Report

Honorable Mention:
- Zero Hedge
- Weasel Zippers

Losers:
- Patterico
- RedState
- National Review in toto
- iowahawk
- George Will
- Bill Kristol

*Kasich is the Supreme Loser of 2016

~Trump is the Supreme Winner of 2016~

[Porchlight]

Very nice, Beasts. Maybe add Right Side Broadcasting Network, Bill Mitchell and Conservative Treehouse to your Print and Internet winners.

And Evan McMuffin to the Politicians Losers.

[Porchlight]

And of course, r/The_Donald to the Print and Internet winners as wll. :)

[Old Lurker]

Perhaps in a gesture of goodwill, Trump could agree to not prosecute any of the three Clinton Criminals (Yes, Chelsea, that includes you) in return for: 1) Disbanding the Foundation and all of its offshoots and forfeiting every dollar the foundation has toward the National Debt; forfeiture of all Clinton family assets against the national debt except for those they owned before assuming their first public office (he can have his El Camino with the astroturf), and an agreement that Chelsea will never run for public office. No such deal will apply to any employee or associate of the CCF, all of whom will be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law.

Just off the top of my head.

[lyle]

Well, if you're going to repost that, I'm going to repost this:

Beasts, you left JOM off your list of winners?!? ;)

Posted by: lyle | November 10, 2016 at 01:06 PM

[Old Lurker]

Should Mormons get on the list somewhere?

[Cecil Turner]

I suspect most of those Senators are a lot happier still being in charge of something than being able to claim they were right from the peanut gallery. (Maybe not Kasich, if he had some grand plan of parleying it into a future WH run, but that's delusional.)

It probably hurts a bit to have to thank Donald Trump for his coattails, but power (and the concomitant opportunities for graft) assuages many pains.

[henry]

OL, its not clear mormons fell for the McMuffin rouse as a group.

[Cecil Turner]

. . . Trump could agree to not prosecute any of the three Clinton Criminals . . .

Interesting little vignette on O'Reilly last night where Bill brought up a possible pardon and Rudy said it's cement BHO as the worst president ever. Bill disagreed, and I think he's right. It wouldn't surprise me a bit.

[Beasts of England]

We know we're winners, lyle!! ;)

[henry]

Trumps coattails are documented in the state legislature gains in WI (Rs picked up seats in normal Dem safe districts -- as in drawn to be safe Dem in the last redistricting), while a depressed vote and Trump lagging Johnson in SE WI (70,000 votes less) show that #NeverTrump had an impact too. So a mixed bag, but clear coattails in some areas.

[Beasts of England]

Thanks, Porch!! Those are worthy adds. I'll continue to scour for suggestions and maybe post the consensus-JOM list tomorrow! :)

[Kevin B]

"Soros puppet MoveOn needs to be neutralized."

Declare any organisation that is seen to be involved in the rioting, burning, looting and general mayhem that is occuring to be a terrorist organisation.

Then go after the funders, (cough Soros Cough), freeze their assets and then confiscate them, then distribute those assets among the people who have had their property and livelihood destroyed by the likes of BLM & co.

[James D]

CT, you disagree that Obama would do it, or that it would mark him as the worst president ever?

I think both of those statements are true.

[sbw]

I think you leave McMuffin off the list to show how much a loser he really is.

[Captain Hate]

The Omen will never run for elected office; she'd make Sandra Fluke look like Miss Popularity.

[Dave (in MA)]

Iowahawk is a national treasure, and both Jim Hoft & Conservative Treehouse need to figure out how do a few seconds of vetting before posting bogus crap that makes our side look bad.

[Texas Liberty Gal]

So the photo op with the 2 couples was cancelled. I wonder if Michelle did that after seeing how she would look next to Melania-

[Beasts of England]

I agree, sbw - adding Egg McMuffin to the JOM list would elevate him in stature, and we can't have that!! lol

[Frau Wódka]

henry, yep! no more than Catholics fell for the Ryan betrayal. The Mormons I know do not think much of Reid's interpretation of Mormonism. I'd like to see his family's pantry for starters.

[Porchlight]

After 300+ Trump = clown jokes, I think Iowahawk's status has been significantly downgraded IMO.