The NY Times explains that the "focus" of the Whistleblower scandal is whether Trump abused Presidential power for political purposes in 2019. Trump wants to "deflect" from that by alleging that Obama/Biden abused Presidential power for political purposes by pressuring the Ukraine in 2016. Hmm.
The controversy has focused on whether Mr. Trump manipulated foreign policy — a military aid package to Ukraine had been delayed at the time of the phone call — to pressure the country’s newly elected president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to take action to damage Mr. Biden’s election bid.
On Saturday, Mr. Trump sought to deflect attention from that question by accusing Mr. Biden of acting improperly as vice president in calling for the ouster of a Ukranian prosecutor who had overseen an inquiry into corruption related to the oligarch whose company employed Hunter Biden.
Trump's supporters also wonder whether the Ukrainian dirt that was dished on Manafort in 2016 was put forward as a favor to Team Obama in a bid to hit Trump and boost Hillary.
As to Biden:
No evidence has surfaced to support Mr. Trump’s claim that the former vice president intentionally tried to help his son by pressing for the prosecutor general’s dismissal. But some State Department officials had expressed concern that Hunter Biden’s work in Ukraine could complicate his father’s diplomacy there.
No evidence has emerged, which might be a predictable consequence of a quashed investigation. Then again, proving there is no evidence offers the usual challenge of proving a negative. Fun for everyone!
Well. If the media can take down Trump *and* Biden its a win-win for their most engaged readership/viewership. TBF, it also creates a huge opening in the Sane Center, if there is any viable candidate left to fill it.
The manegerie reminds of cranially expansive characters like tom perez.
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:05 PM
I award Catsmeat the trophy of the week for the name "Dippi Longstocking." LOL!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:09 PM
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/462659-mcconnell-says-gop-intelligence-chairman-wants-to-hold-closed-door-briefing
I wouldn't tell Richard Burr a damn thing.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:12 PM
Sincerest condolences, Dr. J.
Posted by: peter | September 23, 2019 at 10:14 PM
good luck, Clarice.
Posted by: peter | September 23, 2019 at 10:14 PM
https://www.theepochtimes.com/department-of-homeland-security-announces-end-to-catch-and-release_3092861.html
Probably an injunction will be filed via the Ninth Circuit.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:15 PM
clarice,
Prayers for a quick and safe procedure.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:16 PM
Boris, old friend!
Dippi Longstockings, a JOM classic.
Posted by: clarice | September 23, 2019 at 10:16 PM
Thanks again for all the good wishes.
Posted by: clarice | September 23, 2019 at 10:18 PM
Cocaine mitch, shoves this in the circular file, and then burn it.
Come to think of it, this sounds a lot like joe wilsons tea in niger, except we dont know which rat was involved was it sue gordon or one of her underlings
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:18 PM
Speaking of the moniker Catsmeat gave Firestarter (close runner up prize for narc), the Underground Garage insists on imposing that dreck from that poofter Donovan, Epistle to Dippy, on me. Uggggh.
You can't like everything.
Posted by: Captain Hate | September 23, 2019 at 10:19 PM
Ig, “This Side of Paradise”? That episode came close to ruining Spock’s reputation for me. The others were great fun.
I was also partial to “Mirror, Mirror” where you’ll find one reference that’s been used often right here at JOM.
Posted by: Another Bob | September 23, 2019 at 10:23 PM
https://apnews.com/3d62ca31898f4ecfbcfddf52878fe514
After a decade of booming enrollment, US universities see a steep decline in Chinese student enrollment (and most importantly, REVENUE).
And thus, yet another explanation for anti-Trump sentiment amongst academia.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:23 PM
Oh good grief was he more high rhan usual when he wrote that?
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:24 PM
isabella steger
@stegersaurus
United, Delta and American received letters last year from Chinese aviation officials saying their social credit score could be hit unless their websites labeled Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan as part of China.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/22/business/china-social-credit-business.html
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:26 PM
This is the kind of exhibit that was in the file fusion probably handed out
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/eu-hails-sacking-of-ukraine-s-prosecutor-viktor-shokin-1.2591190?mode=amp
Note how there are no names of cases that he supposedly obstructed.
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:27 PM
Prayers for you, Clarice. I hope all is boring and routine.
Posted by: Melinda | September 23, 2019 at 10:28 PM
Link goes to screen cap of Reuters article excerpt.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:28 PM
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | September 23, 2019 at 10:29 PM
https://thefederalist.com/2019/09/23/like-russian-collusion-ukraine-hysteria-is-pure-projection-by-media-and-democrats/
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:33 PM
Firestarter is the nicer name i had for her, the Horde was not as charitable
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:33 PM
Dave (in MA),
Saw that with my son. Her big song was "I Want it NOW."
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:34 PM
The original film was charming, the one wirh johnny depp, yikes.
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:35 PM
Wasn't the Trickers of Treskalian(sp) one the one that introduced the chick with baked taters for titties?
Posted by: Stephanie Nene Not Your Normal Granma | September 23, 2019 at 10:39 PM
Narciso,
You know, the original seems to have disappeared. Maybe because it taught responsibility and kindness.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:40 PM
Oh, my. If you guys want all the background on Hunter Biden, this is the thread for you!
https://twitter.com/BenKTallmadge/status/1146358516392660993
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:41 PM
Would that be these Steph?
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708466/mediaviewer/rm3629617409
Posted by: Another Bob | September 23, 2019 at 10:42 PM
Yes we cant have that, there are some films there was no reason to remake.
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:42 PM
Ha, yes it looks familiar
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:43 PM
LOL Yep those.
Posted by: Stephanie Nene Not Your Normal Granma | September 23, 2019 at 10:45 PM
For those who keep track of football:
https://www.wishtv.com/nfl/roethlisberger-undergoes-elbow-surgery-plans-2020-return/
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 10:46 PM
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/09/breaking-joe-biden-set-up-meeting-between-ukrainian-officials-and-investment-with-his-son-hunter-biden/
Posted by: clarice | September 23, 2019 at 10:52 PM
Correction the long extended spanish inquisitio n sketch thar ends in the courtroom is what weld reminded me off, dialimg to eleven
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:53 PM
DJT leaving no tranche of potential voters behind:https://globalnews.ca/news/5942509/gop-trump-campus-voters-pizza-college/
Posted by: clarice | September 23, 2019 at 10:55 PM
This fits in, with vlochevskys own connection with porochenko? The ukrainian willy wonka
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 10:55 PM
It’s the Russian/Ukrainian oligarchic overlap that makes it interesting.
Posted by: Melinda | September 23, 2019 at 10:59 PM
"I've got a Golden Ticket..."
And I am heading to bed.
Nytol!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 23, 2019 at 11:05 PM
This in microcosm was went wromg in the east bloc, with sachs and summers playing their little games, v for short was an environmemt and energy minister then he set up his own shop, they relied on the krysha of janukovich who was backed by the kremlin, mamafort tried to negotiate a deal with the eu, but y was criminally stupid, so the former found it was better to makr tracks. But burisma like theranos attracted people with contacts like mr k and ellis (as ive dubbed him)
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 11:08 PM
One two week ban by the loon prosecutor.
Posted by: Captain Hate | September 23, 2019 at 11:12 PM
Cutest car ever?
Nissan Figaro
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | September 23, 2019 at 11:17 PM
Spuds;

Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | September 23, 2019 at 11:20 PM
Ah lol. Desoite that i found it kind of dreery,
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 11:22 PM
--That episode came close to ruining Spock’s reputation for me.--
I enjoyed Kirk's reaction to Spocko acting all fruity; regardless this short scene toward the end makes it all worthwhile. :)
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | September 23, 2019 at 11:28 PM
It was a pretty subpar episode IMO too, narc.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | September 23, 2019 at 11:29 PM
That had to have been one of the worst acting episodes Shatner ever did. And that is saying something. And he couldn't wear his famous girdle in it, either. Dad bod before dad bod was cool.
Posted by: Stephanie Nene Not Your Normal Granma | September 23, 2019 at 11:33 PM
Yes he overexagerated .every. word. Well you get the point, but he was the new frontiersman the captain aubrey in apace, or horatip hornblower
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 11:38 PM
Iggy,
The Figaro is a neat looking little car. The gray is my favorite color option by far. I’ve always thought the frogeye Sprite was a cute car.
Posted by: Gentlejim | September 23, 2019 at 11:43 PM
Can't let a Shatner mention go by without posting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG-0V-85H_0
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | September 23, 2019 at 11:53 PM
Ot i think ed snowden is a robot, there is no senze of a human being that comes out of this apologia his russian handlers proffered for him
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 23, 2019 at 11:57 PM
Oh guess who else is on the board of burisna, cofer black fmr company head of ctc and vp at blackwater see why they took inordinate interest.
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 24, 2019 at 12:39 AM
Someone finally figured out how to so it:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/09/23/five-women-botched-notre-dame-car-bomb-terror-plot-using-wrong/?li_source=LI&li_medium=li-recommendation-widget
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 24, 2019 at 12:47 AM
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-meeting/five-eu-states-agree-migration-deal-look-for-broader-backing-idUSKBN1W81W5
Italy is on board.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 12:50 AM
Yes they have their poodle pm, in conte,
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 24, 2019 at 12:52 AM
Discussing the 2016 MI recount in the comments at BJG, these numbers were posted by a resident:
"In the recount 39% of Detroit precincts registered more votes than ballots were cast. The worst registered 306 votes on 50 ballots. That’s why an Obama-appointed judge ordered an end to the Michigan recount."
Wow. Just wow.
Posted by: JimNorCal | September 24, 2019 at 12:55 AM
Hmm:
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/09/exclusive-deep-state-deacon-father-alex-karloutsos-connected-to-obama-and-hillary-invited-papadopoulos-to-cyprus-in-december-2016/
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 24, 2019 at 12:56 AM
https://www.foxnews.com/world/britain-france-germany-blame-iran-for-attacks-on-key-oil-facilities-in-saudi-arabia
That's 3 out of 5 of the countries that still adhere to the Iran deal. China and Russia being the other two.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9983177/boris-johnson-troops-gulf-iran/
UK willing to send forces into the area.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 01:18 AM
Well thar wscalated quickly
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/23/haiti-shooting-senator-gun-parliament-photojournalist
Posted by: Narciso79 | September 24, 2019 at 01:19 AM
https://pix11.com/2019/09/23/a-lost-continent-has-been-found-under-europe/
I didn't even know that one was missing.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 01:45 AM
Two takes on Iran:
https://www.dailysabah.com/columns/duran-burhanettin/2019/09/23/has-the-iran-war-already-begun
https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/23/iran-is-already-losing/
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 01:51 AM
Some links I found in that second article.
https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Saudis-Israel-attack-pro-Iran-militias-on-Syria-Iraq-border-report-602210
https://www.timesofisrael.com/airstrikes-said-to-target-iran-backed-militia-base-in-iraq/
from a month ago
https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/drone-attack-suspected-iraqi-shiite-ammunition-depot
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 02:12 AM
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/nolan-finley/2019/09/24/finley-union-not-gm-exploiting-uaw-strikers/2418655001/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/opinion-the-strike-against-gm-is-likely-to-fail/ar-AAHJr10
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 02:20 AM
This is getting weirder with each passing day,
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27685104/back-school-ab-reenrolls-central-michigan
Antonio Brown Has returned to his alma mater.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 02:28 AM
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3440556/a-new-internet-explorer-bug-can-take-over-your-entire-pc-so-stop-using-it.html
Stop using Internet Explorer if you haven't already done so.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 02:35 AM
https://www.scottadamssays.com/2019/09/23/a-message-for-children-about-climate-change/
Worth reading.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 02:55 AM
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/helen-raleigh-china-lost-trade-war
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 03:00 AM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-09-23/xi-s-communists-under-pressure-as-high-prices-hit-china-workers
Life in China Is Getting Harder, and Xi Jinping Should Worry
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 03:14 AM
Greetings my fellow Americans!
the Eagle has landed. it's just beyond midnite. finally settled in back home. out of the hospital. minimal pain. DJT is still Presidente. MAGA keeps winnin!
i didn't die. haven't felt this energized in 40 years. glad to be a part of this.
CH! it's not Chuckie---- Derek Carr is playing scared.
Posted by: KevlarKid | September 24, 2019 at 03:26 AM
Enjoy some classic entertaining video and commentary here.
MEMES ONLY [UPDATED]
Posted by: hoyden | September 24, 2019 at 03:29 AM
KK, welcome back. I'm happy to hear you are well and back.
Posted by: hoyden | September 24, 2019 at 03:38 AM
jim nj, I enjoyed your Scott Adams link. Scott makes his point with poise and grace. I'm off to fold some clothes and work.
https://www.scottadamssays.com/2019/09/23/a-message-for-children-about-climate-change/
Worth reading.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 02:55 AM
Posted by: hoyden | September 24, 2019 at 03:41 AM
Kevlar,
So happy to see you back here with a good attitude and outlook.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 03:49 AM
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2019/09/23/whoa-text-messages-reveal-nyt-reporter-told-kavanaugh-source-what-to-say-n2553543
This just keeps getting worse. Ventriloquist journalism. Would you say that... can I quote you on that?
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 03:55 AM
https://nypost.com/2019/09/21/maspeth-cheating-expose-opens-floodgates-for-other-examples-of-academic-fraud/
This seems to be a recurring theme over the years in many locations.
And a link to the blog mentioned in the story.
http://chaz11.blogspot.com/
Disgusting. If you can't teach children properly, don't fudge the numbers to make it look otherwise. And the teacher's union doesn't fight this?
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 04:10 AM
https://deadline.com/2019/09/emmys-ratings-fall-game-of-thrones-sunday-night-football-los-angeles-rams-1202742225/
Emmy Viewership Falls Under 7 Million For First Time To All-Time Low – Update
The Enemy Awards were on Sunday night? Missed it.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 04:17 AM
Spit balling here.
The earlier attacks on Iranian allied militias or Quds forces in Iraq and Syria were covert, as detailed in my posts above. Probably Israeli, maybe not, in origin, but were those munitions that were destroyed meant to be used in the ARAMCO attack?
Was it supposed to be a disguised attack with missiles launched outside of Iranian territory and the IRGC had to change their plans, by launching from Iranian territory after those munitions were destroyed?
That might make sense, that the IRGC was hell-bent on an attack on ARAMCO and had to change their plans.
So was this an IRGC strategy, or an Iranian government strategy?
IOW, is the IRGC doing what it wants, regardless of what Iran wants? Who, if anybody, is in control here? Is the Iranian government in control of the IRGC, or just reacting to what they do?
I still think that the greatest threat from Iran to Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states are Iranian missiles, but the covert action seems more appropriate.
Keep doing whatever it is that someone is doing to take out the Iraq land-bridge the Iranians have and hit their forces in Syria.
Hold off on a direct strike on Iran, but find a way to anonymously and covertly hit them.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 06:19 AM
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/uk-supreme-court-rules-bojos-suspension-parliament-was-unlawful-pound-climbs
So much for staying out of the political. Where's an Edward Coke when you need one.
Posted by: rse | September 24, 2019 at 06:31 AM
Everytime I see Emmy my mind reads it as Enemy.
Posted by: hoyden | September 24, 2019 at 06:34 AM
jim nj, I see we see the same.
Posted by: hoyden | September 24, 2019 at 06:35 AM
rse, global deep state strikes back.
Posted by: henry | September 24, 2019 at 06:36 AM
Welcome back, kk, glad you're doing well.
Posted by: jimmyk | September 24, 2019 at 06:46 AM
The Enemy Awards were on Sunday night?
I wouldn't watch them anyway, but I presume there was lots of Trump bashing.
Posted by: jimmyk | September 24, 2019 at 06:47 AM
Hoyden,
All these award shows should disappear in favor of nationally televised spelling bees.
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 06:49 AM
nytol
Posted by: jim nj | September 24, 2019 at 06:51 AM
jim nj,
Just missed you, but thanks for all of the overnight links, particularly the one about the lost continent under Europe..
Geology being my major and an interest since childhood, I am particularly fascinated by continental drift. So, thanks!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:12 AM
Kev,
Welcome home and so glad things went well for you! Hope you will now be able to participate more here!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:13 AM
Link goes to a quote and video of Dippi Longstocking. LOL!
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:15 AM
Retweeted by the President. Link goes to a picture.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:17 AM
This article was retweeted by the President, with the comment "True. A wonderful meeting!"
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm
It has a detailed account by the New Zealand PM, who had never met the President and came out of the meeting very smiley with nice things to say. It also has video of her comments to the press.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:22 AM
Retweeted by the President. Video at the link.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:24 AM
Retweeted by the President. 3-minute video at the link.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:25 AM
Speaking of Greta, I just read a thoughtful discussion on an anonymous docs' site on this enormous burst of transgendered kids, and how they should be cared for.
(That's what I am going to call it from now on--caring, not treating.)
Posted by: anonamom | September 24, 2019 at 07:26 AM
Retweeted by the President:
Senator Rand Paul
@RandPaul
·
Sep 20
.@realDonaldTrump
is showing that real strength and statesmanship can coexist with restraint. America is unquestionably the mightiest military power in the world and can win any military conflict. President Trump is wise to evaluate what is and is not in our national interest.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:27 AM
henry-
I am about to explain the reinvention of the vision of how government should serve as a 'tutor' of its 'citizenry' to get at the inner motivations of their future action.
That kind of ruling or mitt romney acting like the very mention of the name trump smells like san francisco's sidewalks reminds me of the 'governing class' insisting we have not properly learned our lessons and do not yet have the desired attitudes, values, and mores.
Whatever is blooming in atl had me up at 4:30 for mucinex D, but condolences to dr j, congrats to kk, and thoughts are with steph on tomorrow's consultation.
Hopefully back to writing today before lunch duty with my dad.
Momto 2 will appreciate my mom has made a water bottle to spray her kitten when he does something inappropriate and labeled it "Bad Boomer Bottle'. He flees now when she merely picks it up.
Posted by: rse | September 24, 2019 at 07:27 AM
Rudy's tweets and comments on Fox had a lot of people up speculating and discussing. Here is Stu (not a fabulist) quoting Harold Finch, another guy I respect:
Stu Cvrk
@STUinSD
·
8h
Harold Finch: The Nephew of infamous Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger was partner w Hunter Biden in the payoffs from #ukraine - is this why Whitey Bulger was murdered in prison? To protect Joe & Hunter Biden? And Joe’s aspirations to run for President?
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:38 AM
Short video at the link.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:41 AM
https://dailycaller.com/2019/09/23/fox-news-apologizes-michael-knowles-greta-thunberg-mentally-ill/
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:45 AM
Video at the link.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 07:47 AM
rse, French royalty used to have that opinion... before they lost their heads.
Posted by: henry | September 24, 2019 at 07:48 AM
Welcome back KK. good luck Steph, Clarice, get back here soon as the consequence of not doing so will be dire!
Posted by: Jane | September 24, 2019 at 08:04 AM
John Cardillo
@johncardillo
·
21m
IMO @realDonaldTrump
knows the transcript of the Zelensky call completely exonerates him as does the media.
The bigger issue might just be that the ‘whistleblower’ embellished the complaint, then leaked those embellishments.
If that’s the case, they must be prosecuted.
Posted by: MissMarple2 | September 24, 2019 at 08:11 AM