Jason Leopold, now performing at Buzzfeed, had Trump in handcuffs, with a story that garnered huge attention and sparked a denial from Mueller.
Those with hearts of stone will remember Jason Leopold from his days as a "Rove to be indicted" fantasist back in May 2006. Yeah, it all went to hell for Leopold and the only detail I remember was their changing of Rove's imminent arrest from "24 hours" to "24 business hours". I've never seen that term before or since, but it was a fun marker in the "Is there anything a hopeless partisan won't believe?" debate.
I actually have a laughably simple explanation for how we arrived at this train wreck that does not involve wilful lying by anyone. Suppose Cohen imagined the ongoing Moscow project as a big payday for himself and was Keeping Hope Alive while Trump, who had been chasing this for decades, had mentally written it off.
Then, somewhere in the course of a two hour meeting on other things, or during an elevator ride, Cohen gets two minutes on Moscow, which Trump tunes out.
Now, months later, Cohen has to testify to Congress. He has a clear memory of discussing Moscow with Trump, so he asks Trump what he should say. Trump has a clear non-memory (if that is even possible) of the topic being raised, so he instructs Cohen to say it was never discussed after January.
Trump is sincere but wrong-ish. Is it a "discussion" if he is not listening and gives utterly distracted answers such as "Yeah, yeah, sounds great"? Is there other evidence of his engagement, such as emails he clearly wrote or approved?. However, Cohen sincerely believes Trump was engaged in these discussions, so he interprets Trump's directive as an order to lie and testifies to that effect to Mueller.
Obviously, the theory that this is a misunderstanding rests in large part on the actual emails. Is Trump crazy enough to have written an email to Cohen with something like "It is important that you lie in your testimony to Congress"? That would be harder to spin.
But if Trump wrote "You should testify that I don't remember any discussions about Moscow after January", is that an order to lie? Cohen may think so since he believed it to be false. However it would take more evidence to prove that Trump was aware that his statement was false (or made in reckless disregard of the truth) rather than simply an example of a memory lapse.
BTW, I blame sports talk radio for this word usage problem - callers, reporters, players and coaches routinely use "lie" when "misremember" would be more appropriate.
Nancy is left no negotiating room. Not even with her own party.
Perhaps the real reason she wants to stay out of the country, surrounded by her toadies.
Posted by: Buckeye | January 19, 2019 at 03:10 PM
Nancy is left no negotiating room. Not even with her own party.
Perhaps the real reason she wants to stay out of the country, surrounded by her toadies.
Posted by: Buckeye | January 19, 2019 at 03:10 PM
Weissman should definitely be brought down.
He knew the dossier and all of it was fake and funded by Hillary according to testimony by Bruce Ohr.
According to Sidney Powell on Hannity last night, this kind of withholding of evidence or prosecuting made up crimes is his signature move.
Posted by: D | January 19, 2019 at 03:12 PM
Only 45 minutes before we find out if I placed my bet on Beetlebomb.
Posted by: sbwaters | January 19, 2019 at 03:13 PM
pretty certain it's against the law to leak grand jury testimony. Mueller was in full CYA mode.
some detail on the problem of leaked testimony. written by loyas in lingo a non-loya can comprehend.
https://www.schiffhardin.com/insights/publications/2017/a-stacked-deck-getting-justice-for-grand-jury-leaks
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 03:14 PM
I Believe: The Best She Can Be? | Gillette (Response Film)
https://youtu.be/QtmPg_WQakI
*Brutal*
Posted by: Pinandpuller | January 19, 2019 at 03:14 PM
the barbs go something like this: "Anyone who would *believe* THAT is stupid etc etc etc."
I’m about 99% certain anytime I have used that statement it has always been explicitly referring to leftwingers, SJWs, Progressives, Democrats, etc.
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 03:15 PM
Buckeye:
So true.
But the optics of Pelosi being “ missing in action” is terrible for her and her party.
Posted by: D | January 19, 2019 at 03:16 PM
If Trump peeled away enough Dems to pass the wall under Pelosi’s botoxed nose, have them in the room at 4:00, then tell Nancy to let them vote on Monday. Otherwise, don’t crawl back to that which you rightly walked away from.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 03:19 PM
Fun clip that just popped up on Twitter. Video at link.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 03:19 PM
I didn’t read the Buzzfeed article because I am not going to go to their website and generate ad revenue for them. Did they state they got their information from leaked grand jury testimony? I had just assumed they fabricated everything from the start.
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 03:20 PM
The Rex article is worth reading. Thnx, MM.
Posted by: clarice | January 19, 2019 at 03:20 PM
Link to axios at link.... this may be an EO at 4:00:
Ryan Saavedra
BREAKING: Democrats Reject Trump's Offer To End Shutdown
https://twitter.com/realsaavedra/status/1086710483049009152?s=21
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 03:23 PM
Tom R: that was a simple rendition of the many variations on the theme by which you elevate yourself over others when discussing your positions. it's your blind spot. that's all.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 03:23 PM
sbw,
In Re Pelosi stubbornness - Power corrupts and it’s mostly the mind.
Hers is long gone.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 19, 2019 at 03:24 PM
"Did they state they got their information from leaked grand jury testimony?"
they didn't. but with Cohen going rogue, or Buzzkill making things up, it implies somebody leaked. Mueller needed to stay out in front of that is my take.
the point you made was that it was only a crime if the information was classified. not true.
what is said in a grand jury proceeding is sacrosanct due to the potentially destructive impact a leak can have on court proceedings down the road.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 03:27 PM
Mario Andretti ....
"If everything is under control, you're not going fast enough"
Posted by: Art in Newport | January 19, 2019 at 03:27 PM
Art in Newport,
I remember Mario from way back in his days at the Indy 500. Thanks for that quote!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 03:29 PM
I'm hoping the speech is more than threatening words. He closes border crossings and starts plucking and deporting visa holders from Mexico and central America until they do they stop the caravan nonsense, build the wall on their side, and/or hand us a fat check for $5billion.
If it is more empty threats, I hope my yawn is large enough and long enough to keep me from seeing or hearing the same-old same-old.
Posted by: Threadkiller | January 19, 2019 at 03:30 PM
Make Action Great Again
Posted by: Threadkiller | January 19, 2019 at 03:31 PM
time to powerwash after these storms. later on.
hope everyone has a nice weekend.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 03:31 PM
...until they stop...
Posted by: Threadkiller | January 19, 2019 at 03:32 PM
Thread
Conversation
Axios
Axios
@axios
·
4h
Exclusive: Trump is expected to propose an immigration compromise today that includes protections for DACA and TPS holders in exchange for $5.7 billion for his border wall.
Exclusive: Trump expected to propose DACA-TPS immigration compromise
Officials say Jared Kushner and Mike Pence have led the crafting of this deal.
axios.com
289
202
325
Axios
Axios
@axios
·
4h
Update: President Trump has moved his speech to 4 p.m. ET.
Exclusive: Trump expected to propose DACA-TPS immigration compromise
Officials say Jared Kushner and Mike Pence have led the crafting of this deal.
axios.com
19
40
32
Jonathan Swan Retweeted
Axios
MORE: McConnell told Trump that Pelosi would and could not negotiate on border funding because of her caucus, and Trump needed to be the one to put something forward he would sign so that McConnell would have backing to bring it to the Senate floor.
Exclusive: Trump expected to propose DACA-TPS immigration compromise
Officials say Jared Kushner and Mike Pence have led the crafting of this deal.
axios.com
Posted by: lurkersusie | January 19, 2019 at 03:38 PM
Sorry, didn’t mean to post the whole thread.
Posted by: lurkersusie | January 19, 2019 at 03:39 PM
Lurkersusie, that sounds like McTurtle is rolling Trump. Not a good sign.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 03:42 PM
Before I forget, thanks sbw for the PG Wodehouse snip! Definitely brightened my day :) :)
Posted by: JimNorCal | January 19, 2019 at 03:43 PM
@whitehouse
.@realDonaldTrump: The beauty and majesty of citizenship is that draws no distinctions of race, or class, or faith, or gender or background. No matter where our story begins – whether we are 1st generation or 10th generation – we are all equal!
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 03:43 PM
The Very Stable Genius just conducted a naturalization ceremony in the Oval Office. Best POTUS ever.
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 03:44 PM
@whitehouse:
.@realDonaldTrump: As Americans Citizens, we are bound together in love, loyalty, friendship and affection. We must look out for each other, care for each other, and always act in the best interests of our nation – and all citizens living here today.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 03:45 PM
The last 24 hours for Buzzfeed.
https://twitter.com/numbersmuncher/status/1086460715647545345?s=21
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 03:49 PM
Thanks for grabbing those, henry. I have been folding laundry and checking the chili prior to the speech.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 03:50 PM
Tomorrow there's a Super Blood Wolf Moon so I suspect Bela Pelosi will be out for blood.
Posted by: Rocco | January 19, 2019 at 03:52 PM
This is the youtube live stream link for the speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LMKwsayAZE
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 03:54 PM
My SWAG is he initiates his emergency powers.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 19, 2019 at 03:59 PM
For Beasts:
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 03:59 PM
Pic attached to a Tweet responding to @PETA's veggie tweet:
"Nah. I'm good!"
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:01 PM
Thanks Lurkersusie!
Posted by: D | January 19, 2019 at 04:06 PM
OK, I am now getting errors on both C-Span and youtube and cannot get video.
Spidey senses engaged!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 04:07 PM
Happy Birthday 2nd Lt. Edgar Allen Poe, USMA 1834.
https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/01/happy-birthday-edgar-allan-poe.html
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 19, 2019 at 04:10 PM
The 'feminist dad' in this link is my neighbor.(the guy standing on a wall)
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/19/photos-womens-march-protesters-call-for-trump-to-drop-dead-his-children-to-be-caged/
He was also in a picture at Daily Mail not long ago about a protest at Invanka's house.
It said they were the neighbors protesting, but he lives here in Arlington, not DC.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5944767/Ivanka-Jareds-neighbors-hold-silent-protest-outside-Washington-DC-home.html
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:11 PM
Hopelessly behind, as usual....
From dead thread:
Momto2,
I haven’t heard of the Fruity Knitters - they interview a lot of stalwarts in the knitting community! I’ll have to listen. A cowl is a great novice project. I’m knitting a pullover sweater called Granito with a luscious yarn I bought in Maine last summer. I also have a fair isle tunic on the needles... and two shawls....and a linen top. I am not a monogamous knitter.
Anonamom, most of my knitting happens in meetings and social gatherings, plus an hour every night while we watch an episode of whatever show we’re powering through. I’m rarely caught up with JOM enough to comment.
Posted by: Robin, eff 'em all | January 19, 2019 at 04:12 PM
Miss M, the RSBN YouTube feed is good... no Trump yet though, just podium.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 04:12 PM
major networks covering ncaa basketball. PBS local is showing some kind of nature documentary set to classical music.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:15 PM
speech well underway....describing the nature of the "barrier."
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:17 PM
I believe the person who throws the first punch should be held accountable for their actions. You and a couple other people here never hold your friends, especially if they are a “popular” poster, accountable when they throw the first punch.
Come on, are we in middle school now?
Fight today!! Behind school after the last class!
Really--what is with the circling the wagons and firing in lately??
If you missed clarice's post, my take, short version:
Stop the name calling. It doesn't advance your position.
(i.e. GROW UP)
I'll second that.
Maybe Keyboard Kommandos need to get Thermomixes and totally take over daily feeding responsibility for their household.
Or go scrub bathroom floors or straighten out pantries or clean a closet or the gutters or straighten the garage or something useful to dissipate all that Keyboard Kommando Energy.
(Loved KK from when CH first used it.)
Posted by: anonamom | January 19, 2019 at 04:20 PM
ball is in Felosi's court.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:22 PM
“‘The larger message that a lot of people are going to take from this story is that the news media are a bunch of leftist liars who are dying to get the president, and they’re willing to lie to do it,’ [CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin says of BuzzFeed]. ‘And I don’t think that’s true.’”
It’s gonna take a boatload if lipstick and it still won’t make this look good
Posted by: Neo | January 19, 2019 at 04:22 PM
Mrs. Kid offered to power wash the deck so i could watch POTUS. "it's almost over!" LOL
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:23 PM
Finally got the speech on C-SPAN.
I thought it was pretty good. Pelosi got a zinger "walls are not immoral" and he has boxed her into looking like a supporter of drugs, crime, and child abuse if she refuses to negotiate.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 04:24 PM
Was that the best delivered speech he's given?
I thought he did a great job.
I missed the particulars at the end.
I think the polling must be in his favor, as we are hearing nothing about it. If it wasn't, NPR would be blasting that every hour on the hour, and my local paper would have it on the front page, above the fold.
Posted by: anonamom | January 19, 2019 at 04:26 PM
Ok for a $5.7 billion wall installment, the left gets 3 more years of DACA, 3 more years of TPS, and open government. McTurtle to vote next week.
Pelosi and Schumer rejected this deal earlier today. Can we start permanent rid of Pelosi’s voters yet?
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 04:26 PM
Rif
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 04:26 PM
Unfortunately, a real nothingburger. The Dems will not accept his proposals which means he did this to permit a national emergency and shut it down.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 19, 2019 at 04:26 PM
https://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/deep-state-fbi-justice-criminality/
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:27 PM
CNBC:
Trump offers a border wall for 'Dreamer' protection deal — and Democrats quickly reject it
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 04:28 PM
Fox this afternoon (1/18) reported that President Trump’s popularity has risen 19% since the Shutdown – among Latinos. To 50%. (ttp.com)
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:29 PM
SalenaZito
Verified account @SalenaZito
5m5 minutes ago
Good speech. If you sitting at home outside of DC—& not rabidly political & not connect via IV to Twitter this comes across as within norms of what a POTUS would do-Pelosi does new members no good calling this a non-starter before speech even started.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 04:29 PM
Think about how useless Arab culture is.
They can't even not eff up camels. Camels!
Posted by: The Infamous Ignatz | January 19, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Too many first cousin sires and dams.
Posted by: Pinandpuller | January 19, 2019 at 04:31 PM
Trump looked reasonable, and sounded reasonable.
If I was a furloughed Gummint worker, I'd say ball is in Felosi's court.
She continues her hard line, and Trump will EO the wall and spend the next 2 years making her life hell.
Posted by: Buckeye | January 19, 2019 at 04:32 PM
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2019-january-21
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:32 PM
anonamom,
I thought it was an excellent speech. He has gotten really good at serious speeches reading from a teleprompter.
DACA only gets 3 years of protected status while Congress works on a solution. NOT amnesty.
75 more judges to work on the backlog of 900,000 cases.
Minors can apply for amnesty in their own countries.
More money for border agents and more border agents, I think I heard 2700.
I will see if I can find more details.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 04:33 PM
1. Dems refuse to negotiate; govt. goes into a 28 day and counting shutdown.
2. Dems refuse again to negotiate ("non-starter") and we proceed to a "state of emergency."
strike 3 ought to be epic.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:34 PM
anonamom,
More details I picked up on Twitter:
-$5.7B for physical barrier
-$800M in humanitarian assistance
-$805M for drug-detection
-2750 border agents
-75 new immigration judges
-3 year extension of DACA & TPS protections
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 04:38 PM
Rep. Pete King
Verified account @RepPeteKing
46s47 seconds ago
Congress must act now. Time to deal. POTUS immigration proposal offers real compromise. Border barriers & increased border agents. Humanitarian funds. Dreamer & TPS protections. Freedom Caucus and Progressives can’t control debate. Let’s reach compromise ASAP.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 04:39 PM
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 04:40 PM
Miss M, plus Senate vote next week. That is the other Pelosi complaint, now removed.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 04:40 PM
Damn, forgot Chris Mullin was still coach at St. John's. CH can hit me with an emoji.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 19, 2019 at 04:41 PM
Saul Montez-Bradley:
Trump just drove a donkey schlong of a wedge up Nancy P.'s dilapidated sphincter.
All the wailing in the world will not stop her bullcrap on immigration from crumbling.
Checkmate in three moves.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 04:44 PM
the tactical retreat said Cohen was being "less than accurate."
Posted by: Kevlar Kid | January 19, 2019 at 01:24 PM
Michael Cohen's no Bugs Bunny:
"He don't know me very well, do he?"
Posted by: Pinandpuller | January 19, 2019 at 04:44 PM
I've been posting on this blog since the Plame days. I view it as a great dinner/cocktail party with lots of fascinating (and some not so fascinating) conversations going on. Sometimes it gets a little rowdy and sometimes voices get raised. All to the good. Healthy debate and sharp humor.
Punching, or punching back twice as hard, is not good, as it pretty much guarantees an end to the party.
Trump punches back twice as hard because he is engaged in a political war. It is effective, and much needed, in that realm.
If you like JoM as a political war zone, that's what you are going to get. Kind of ruins the party, though. And its not why I am here.
A little basic courtesy, even when (or maybe especially when) tempers are high, goes a long way.
My two cents.
Posted by: boatbuilder | January 19, 2019 at 04:45 PM
Dems want to put the cart before the horse and call that "compromise."
or, you do what we say and compromise your position. see? now let us go boozing on AF1.
"She’s infamous for using taxpayer-paid US military planes as “Air Pelosi” – her weekly personal travel to her district DC-SFO with over $1,000 of expensive booze consumed per flight. It’s common knowledge among Capitol Hill staffers that she’s an alkie." (ttp.com)
about "air pelosi": (fr 2010) https://www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/weekly-updates/04-pelosi-party-planes/
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:46 PM
If you missed clarice's post, my take, short version:
Stop the name calling. It doesn't advance your position.
(i.e. GROW UP)
I'll second that.
I want to make sure I understand your position.
If you state an opinion on something, I call you an idiot, and you take exception to it and rip me a new one, who should get the blame for the drama? Do you classify your counterpunch as juvenile/immature?
If you turn the cheek and don’t counterpunch but I keep calling you an idiot, at some point would you expect other posters here to tell me to STFU?
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 04:47 PM
stop digging, Tom R. :D
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 04:48 PM
Here's why: between CH and OL and me in the same foxhole i'd have to say our enemies would be facing a level of diabolical menace they could never foresee.
:D
Posted by: Kevlar Kid | January 19, 2019 at 01:29 PM
Well you could wish with one hand and dig the foxhole with the other and see which one happens first.
Posted by: Pinandpuller | January 19, 2019 at 04:48 PM
🏀
Against all odds, Janet has a worse neighbor than I do.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 19, 2019 at 04:49 PM
It’s common knowledge among Capitol Hill staffers that she’s an alkie.
That's a better explanation than loose dentures.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 19, 2019 at 04:51 PM
speaking of which, is Bezos continuing Whole Foods practice of importing "organic" produce from Communist China?
Posted by: Kevlar Kid | January 19, 2019 at 01:36 PM
If I were his wife I'd get tested for baby formula.
Posted by: Pinandpuller | January 19, 2019 at 04:51 PM
is Bezos continuing Whole Foods practice of importing "organic" produce from Communist China?
Natural lead poisoning.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 19, 2019 at 04:55 PM
Last week I had dinner with a couple of my golfing/pool buddies, one of whom is an NPR/NYT liberal (we agree to disagree) whose daughter and son-in law are both State Department employees. He was bemoaning the shutdown and how Trump was being a jerk and his daughter and SIL and lots of other deserving people were suffering for it.
I said that I felt sorry for his family members (I was being polite--their "hardship" moves me not at all), but that the ball was in Nancy's court, put there by Trump--all Nancy and Chuck have to do is give him the $5 Billion, which is sofa change, but they are being pigheaded and are going to lose politically.
The two other guys, who are not Trump fans but are more or less politically uncommitted, agreed with me--even though they buy in to the MSM caricature of Trump.
MAGA.
Posted by: boatbuilder | January 19, 2019 at 04:57 PM
For the part of the border that already has some form of barrier but it’s ineffective because it’s easy to climb over, is it safe to assume that upgrading those areas with the 30+ feet steel slats won’t require invoking the eminent domain process?
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 05:01 PM
The thing that puzzles me is why debunk this particular story? If you are a "hidden white hat" why not remain under cover? If you are a white hat but not a hidden white hat, why not debunk other stories that have come up?
Posted by: Jim,SunnyvaleCA,USA | January 19, 2019 at 02:29 PM
Who was the actual liar, Cohen or Buzzfeed? I know, it was collusion. Who owns Buzzfeed?
Posted by: Pinandpuller | January 19, 2019 at 05:01 PM
i see boatbuilder's point.
what's weird to me though, is that with seniority comes the privilege of being a complete moronic asshole *with impunity* at the drop of a hat, complete with epithets and vulgar invective directed at me personally and others i care about.
that always ruins a party especially when the effects of drunken, rude, or wet-brained behavior turns those in attendance into whispering children. it is why i contest those individuals with vigor, party or not.
hey, i have my warts-- which have been vigorously pointed out to me on a number of occasions by the conscience of the blog--- but i have NEVER called a JOMer a vulgar name or told them to "Fck Off!"
lamentations and gentle caution are all well and good--- but on me they are wasted b/c the worst instances of the last 2 years have been brought here not by trolls or warring viewpoints...in my newb opinion.
what i've just said accounts for about 3% of my total experience of this blog.
couldn't be happier.
if anyone has an interest to pursue this further with me in private, henry has my email.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 05:04 PM
JiB, it wasn't a nothing burger.
It was impressive use of the medium he is master of.
He first gets us to watch the swearing in ceremony that he has his cutest Secretary, Neilsen of Homeland Security lead, by saying 3 oh no 4---so tons of us tuned in early, and cute Kirstin caught our attention.
So we watched that, heard the great things he said about the new citizens, and without uttering the word IMMIGRANTS, he makes it perfectly clear that he doesn't have a problem w IMMIGRANTS--it's the ILLEGALS that are the problem that must be addressed.
Then he gives his oh so reasonable proposal, noting we've had a problem for DECADES that politicians have promised to solve and haven't.
Noting that he ran on remedying the situation, and intends to do so.
No threats, no drama.
Who looks unreasonable? Maybe the people who said no 45 minutes before he made his offer???
Now he can declare a National Emergency after the Speaker refuses to vote and get these people paid before they miss their second paycheck, and not just save face, but look like the grown up.
Outstanding use of the bully pulpit.
Posted by: anonamom | January 19, 2019 at 05:04 PM
i'm a two-handed digger, Pin. wishin never gets it done. :D hell you know me.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 05:05 PM
good call, anonamom.
and there was no "equal time given" to Felosi and company.
it was shrewd to pitch the Dems first then speak.
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 05:08 PM
Ronna McDaniel:
.@realDonaldTrump has shown strong leadership with this bold plan to re-open the government and fund border security.
What are Democrats offering? Nothing.
Their baseless opposition has gone on long enough.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 05:09 PM
Pence:
Today @POTUS proposed a common sense plan to secure our border, reopen our government, and KEEP AMERICANS SAFE. Now it’s time for Congress to work together to solve the crisis on our Southern Border and end the shutdown. Let’s get to work!
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 05:10 PM
wiki - "the US Supreme Court and the controversial 5-4 decision in Kelo vs. City of New London gave government officials the power to bulldoze a neighborhood for the benefit of a multibillion-dollar corporation."
They took 'the little pink house' for NOTHING, so if govt. has to use eminent domain to build The Wall for the sovereignty & safety of our entire nation....DO IT.
This guy WANTS the wall - http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/border-rancher-ready-to-give-up-land-for-wall
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 19, 2019 at 05:13 PM
Trump just posted this vid:
https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1086736152059625473?s=21
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 05:13 PM
hey, i have my warts-- which have been vigorously pointed out to me on a number of occasions by the conscience of the blog--- but i have NEVER called a JOMer a vulgar name or told them to "Fck Off!"
If I ever say anything to you similar to what Gus said to me a few months back you have my full permission to tell me to fuck off.
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 05:13 PM
anonamom,
I agree with your assessment 100%. The media have been portraying him as an ignoramus and blowhard. He looked every bit the "very stable genius" in this and also didnn't exaggerate the danger but made it clear that it is a serious crisis.
I thought it was excellent, and I now expect Pelosi to double down on her opposition on the SOTU speech which has to be scaring her to death after seeing the Oval Office speech and now this.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 05:14 PM
Since Tom R’s theory seems to be “anything that happens fits perfectly” I’m not surprised he claims the latest kerfluffle fit perfectly.
Posted by: henry | January 19, 2019 at 02:35 PM
So his answer to "What would you have patented" is "Confirmation Bias."
Posted by: Pinandpuller | January 19, 2019 at 05:15 PM
I suspect he surveyed the landscape and thinks he has enough Dem vots to get this thru the House. It helped that he first absolutely destroyed Pelosi and her marvelous, all expense paid tour during the crisis.
Posted by: clarice | January 19, 2019 at 05:16 PM
clarice,
Yes. A side benefit of that was that people didn't really know the amount of money spent on those trips and that relatives get to tag along for free. Also the amount of liquor consumed on her weekly trips back to California and the fact it is the high-end brands.
This is a well-thought out campaign and I look forward to more of this. Best. President. Ever!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 05:20 PM
Trump’s compromise offer to the Democrats has the perfect counterpoint when they come back and say they won’t make a deal unless the DACA kids get a path to citizenship. Trump can say the current deal only funds part of the wall thus the DACA solution is short term. He will sign DACA into law when full funding for the other $15-20 billion is included in the 2020/2021 budgets.
Posted by: Tom R | January 19, 2019 at 05:27 PM
Add to the possibilities. Cohen initially said one thing to the Mueller Team. He subsequently said something contradictory to the Buzzfeed team. As a perjurer, he was probably lying both times.
Posted by: Comanche Voter | January 19, 2019 at 05:28 PM
Picture at link.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | January 19, 2019 at 05:34 PM
Mike Meyers:
Good point.
President Trump has done a good job of communicating with all Americans about his common sense to resolving both the border emergency and the shutdown.
Posted by: D | January 19, 2019 at 05:35 PM
New demands
Ted Lieu
@tedlieu
Dear @realDonaldTrump: Thank you for your concessions. Democrats look forward to working with you on a comprehensive immigration bill that includes DACA. But we can't do that in a shutdown. We will never allow a shutdown as a negotiating tactic. Need to reopen government first. (link: https://twitter.com/scottwongDC/status/1086704895183458304) twitter.com/scottwongDC/st…
Posted by: lurkersusie | January 19, 2019 at 05:39 PM
He sounded reasonable to me, bending over backwards to be the adult in the room while everyone knows $5.7B is a drop in the bucket. When the radical left forces him to do it by EO (announced during the SOTU), most people will be in support. Then, when the courts try to stop it, those same people will be livid.
Posted by: Extraneus | January 19, 2019 at 05:40 PM