We Interrupt Comey's Victory Lap...

The music stopped, the cheers died down, and former FBI chief James Comey saw his victory lap come to an end.

Withering Criticism of F.B.I. as Watchdog Presents Russia Inquiry Findings

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, the Justice Department’s inspector general recounted egregious problems with wiretap files.

While Democrats emphasized that the inspector general, Michael E. Horowitz, had debunked President Trump’s accusations that the F.B.I. conspired to overthrow his presidency, Mr. Horowitz insisted that his report was no exoneration, citing the serious errors, omissions and misleading statements he found in court wiretap filings.

“It doesn’t vindicate anybody at the F.B.I. who touched this, including the leadership,” Mr. Horowitz told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Truer words.

 

Comments

[Threadkiller]

Comey is a non-vindicated White Hat . The rarest of the White Hats.

[Pinandpuller]

I’m not sure about Andrew Yang’s new slogan:

Whipped Cream in Every Mouth.

[henry]

And the poor widdle agents earn their "special butterfly" status by being butthurt that violating the Constitution is not allowed.

[Jim Eagle]

Wasn't Comey allowed to read the sections that refers to him and his actions? Wouldn't he thererfore know he was subject of the refferall of the FBI leadership or did the buck stop at his desk. I find that unpossible.

[Texas Liberty Gal]

Finally a new thread!!

I’m subbing for 3rd grade today. We are reading the book ‘Detectives in Togas’. It’s a hilarious Whodunit in Ancient Rome. I recommend it If you have any nieces and nephews or grandsons and granddaughters that age. What I’ve read so far is very entertaining

[henry]

CNBC Now @CNBCnow
2m

BREAKING: US has a phase one trade deal with China in principle pending Trump’s approval cnbc.com/2019/12/12/tru…

https://twitter.com/CNBCnow/status/1205214810817908736

[henry]

welfare state gets bigly boost.

CNBC @CNBC
4m

Medicare recipients would get vision, dental benefits under new House bill cnb.cx/2t4GavF

[henry]

latest Marquette poll.

MULawPoll
@MULawPoll

In December, 40 percent think President Donald Trump should be impeached and removed from office, while 52 percent do not think so and 6 percent say they do not know.

https://twitter.com/MULawPoll/status/1205209378749648896

[Stephanie Nene Not Your Normal Granma]

Medicare is NOT medicaid. Welfare is medicaid.

[Tom R]

Willowed from the last thread:

mac @ 1:57

You also need to include Captain Hate and I think Clarice and Porchlight as other posters who think Rosenstein was always an ally of Trump.

I'll add on to your main point. I assume (keyword assume) that Graham routinely discusses political strategy with Trump. As the chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee, I also assume Graham routinely communicates with AG Barr as part of his oversight duties. I am fairly certain Graham's statement about calling Rosenstein to testify was fully blessed (and perhaps even directed) by Trump and Barr. I am also pretty confident Rosenstein is eager to testify. IMO if Trump or Barr did not want Rosenstein to testify then Graham would not have called for him to testify.

[Narciso]

They keep dialing to eleven, of course once youve dispensed with the principle of the thing, thats only the beginning of the problem, if you subsidize it, it gets more expensive not less and then theres the quality issue.

[Tom R]

Wasn't Comey allowed to read the sections that refers to him and his actions?

That is supposed to be the policy but there were reports Comey refused to get his security clearance updated (or something to that effect) and that prevented Horowitz from interviewing him so who knows.

[Narciso]

Then you come to the auestion of unfumded liability we cant ever afford to pay for the current plan so embiggen it.

[D]

I saw the show( Ingraham) where Graham stated he wanted Rosenstein to testify.
His tone was not a friendly one.He currently wants to see much more action from Wray in terms of fixing the abuses.
TM: Good topic. Comey took his victory lap too soon.
Great news about the China Trade deal.

[Tom R]

The Horde is conservative and opposes the expansion of the nanny state as do I.

I agree with that policy from an ideal world perspective but what is more important? Winning that ideological battle or winning the overall culture war against the Communist/Progressives?

[henry]

Social Security and Medicare are transfer payments (however disguised) and a such they are keystones to the welfare state.

[Narciso]

Like medicare part d, which drew dowm the surplus (ha) even faster.

http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=384743

[mike in houston]

OK, I want to see more of this in the US.

Dogs at Polling Stations during the 2019 General Election, in pictures

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/12/12/dogs-polling-stations-2019-general-election-pictures/

[Narciso]

Now we shall see:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/12/12/general-election-2019-latest-results-headline-news-means/

[Narciso]

Still kicking thst dead horse

https://mobile.twitter.com/SchmidtSue1/status/1205195926907883526

[Narciso]

Crawling from under a rock

https://mobile.twitter.com/seanmdav/status/1205185687517040646

[MissMarple2]

I still say we don't know what is IN the Family Leave Bill so arguing about it is pointless.

We don't have any control over the Federal Family Leave Plan, and we don't even know the requirements for that one, let alone the one for private businesses which has yet to be agreed upon.

Also, Jared and Ivanka are working without pay and for a long time were only 2 out of a handful of people that could be trusted in the White House, plus they work without pay. I choose to cut them some slack and wait and see. People who are concerned might think about contacting the administration and asking what's up.

[Narciso]

The first concerms shane harris, the secomd 'frog march' leopold.

[Narciso]

Just par for the course:

https://mobile.twitter.com/aaronjmate/status/1205162364175302656

[Robin, eff 'em all]

How will the Phase one trade bill affect Hong Kong? And what's the scoop with HSBC? Is Melinda working today?

[Threadkiller]

I still say we don't know what is IN the Family Leave Bill so arguing about it is pointless.

Should those who wish to discuss it go to the previous thread to share their thoughts?

[MissMarple2]

Video at link.

MUST WATCH: PATRIOTIC AMERICANS READY TO DEFEND OUR PRESIDENT! 🇺🇸

‘If you remove our President it would be Civil War “

pic.twitter.com/Nz2NyuvosG

— Girl♥️Bot (@AMErikaNGIRLLL) December 12, 2019

[Jim Eagle]

LOL. The 3:18 link reveals two WaPo reporters at odds with each other over the FISA report. So, it is splitting the progs apart.

[Narciso]

Schmidt was simpsons partner in the first gig. I vaguely temember her angst habimg to cover the clinton unpleasantness

[MissMarple2]

Threadkiller,

Ha! No, of course not! It's just that I don't know how bad or good it is until I actually see something!

[Narciso]

As usual the narrative pornstachw made shamrani shoot his colleagies was bunkum.

[Tom R]

Until today did anyone know there was a "R" word?

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28285061/giants-janoris-jenkins-says-using-r-word-hood-thing

[Narciso]

You have to go to montana to get aclue:

https://www.kxlh.com/news/national/pensacola-shooting-suspects-apparent-social-media-accounts-include-radical-sentiments

[clarice]

IIRC--and I may not have--RR signed the March 2017 FISA warrant shortly after he was confirmed. If so, it is entirely possible he was hoodwinked.

[MissMarple2]

https://amgreatness.com/2019/12/11/james-comeys-war-on-america/

He definitely has something to answer for. This is an article by Julie Kelly.

[peter]

That pornstache story sure was Orwellian.

[Threadkiller]

it is entirely possible he was hoodwinked.

After watching staff run the congressional hearings and the elected figureheads follow their lead, it isn't unimaginable that RR said, "is everything legit?"to he staff and they said "you betcha."

#RubberStamp

Foghorn Recusehorn asked those same staffers some questions that created quite a rift between him and Trump. Sessions might still be there if he wasn't hoodwinked as well.

RR had more to bargain with.

[jimmyk]

Perhaps throwing good money after bad, but "No" on "Trump impeached in first term" is down to 8 cents predictit.org. So an $80 investment will pay off $1000 if the vote fails. Really more like $900 after the fees. So I put some down. At this point I think the odds are more like 50-50, so that makes it a good bet. Same as when I bet on Trump to win in 2016.

[jimmyk]

I should add that after Uncle Sam and Governor Cuomo get their take, it might be more like $500. :(

[MissMarple2]

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1204932063507304448.html

Thread by Kimberly Strassel about how Steele "stumbled" on the Russian conspiracy story.

[Jim Eagle]

RR is a wet forefinger in the air to see which way the wind blows. Simple as that.

OT: Here is my challenge, finding the best way to pick Frederick up at 1:00 to 1:30pm at Canterbury (New Milford, CT) and do at least 8 hours of travel by car, him helping, avoiding NYC metro area and getting down the road as far as possible without giving up a dinner and a good night's sleep, that gives us the cleanest and clearest route the next day to Florida.

Right now I am looking at crossing over the Tappan Zee and keeping on 287 to 78 then merge into 81 at Harrisburg and try to get to Roanoke to overnight. Then feed it down to 95 the next morning and cruise into Florida. Home by 7pm.

Frederick can help with the driving once out of the heaviest of the NE congestion. Any other viable travel routing ideas?

[Neo]

Why the shortened time table for impeachment ?

Bloomberg: U.S. Reaches Terms of Deal With China, Awaits Trump's Signoff
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-12/u-s-reaches-deal-in-principle-with-china-awaits-trump-sign-off

[sbwaters]

Makes sense, Jack.

[Tom R]

Democrats are big fans of democracy until identity politics loses out to democracy.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/elections-2020/nevada-demoralized-by-all-white-democratic-top-tier/ar-AAK1Vb8?ocid=ientp

[Captain Hate]

what is more important? Winning that ideological battle or winning the overall culture war against the Communist/Progressives?

I don't think it's an either/or situation. In fact this sounds like the crap the GOP hits me with to support their squish candidates. Fortunately for DJT it's you and not him making the argument. In fact this might be one of his misdirection things that gets people's hair on fire for nothing.

[Robin, eff 'em all]

Winchester, VA on 81 has this place called Throx Market with really good sandwiches, burgers, FRIED CHICKEN, drinks and chips. It's a glorified convenience store/gas station, but might make for a good watering stop en route to Roanoke.

[matt - deplore me if you must]

What interests me is that Steele is right smack dab in the middle of this travesty again.

A report generated as oppo research for the Clinton Campaign is used without question to obtain fraudulent FISA warrants. If that ain't dirty I don't know what is.

This dirties the hands of Ohr, Strozk, Comey,Page, McCabe and others. It all happened on Lynch's watch as well. That then, the Australians used a weak conversation with a junior campaign advisor that was almost certainly transmitted via Brennan and Clapper's dirty Intel network sets them up for the hot seat.

The Flynn and Manafort cases are tied in as well. Someone wiretapped Flynn illegally and there is a significant possibility that Manafort was set up. He's guilty as hell of his crimes, but the evidence is almost certainly tainted.

I would say that Horowitz just handed Durham a smoking gun. And we don't know the half of the rest yet. I do believe that these folks will wish they'd never been born when this all shakes out.

[Marlene]

Jack,how about I-81,connect on I-64E below Harrisonburg,VA to Richmond,where you can catch 95? Just a thought. I'm the queen of the overland route. :) The Shenandoah Valley is beautiful,probably my favorite part of the trip south.

[Jim Eagle]

I should note the travel dates are 12/19-12/20. This is the time people take their Christmas break and travel to relatives, or friends for the big day. Christmas is on a Wednesday this year and I want to get to Florida, actually outside the crowded NE which to me runs from Boston to Richmond.

If Trump is worried or passive on impeachment he doesn't show it. I wonder how Nixon or Clenis would have shown their nerves if they had the same social platforms available like Twitter or Facebook? Clinton would have Carville around to attack, and he would utilize social media like a Gorilla.

[peter]

I think you have the right route, JIB.,Safe travels.

[MissMarple2]

https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/lori-arnold/christian-singer-kari-jobe-says-seeing-what-gods-doing-in-our-white-house-left-her-in-tears-all-day.html

[Captain Hate]

Diamond Merchants?

http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=384746

[henry]

The new paid parental leave policy applies to federal workers across the government, giving all federal employees 12 weeks of leave for both mothers and fathers of newborns, newly adopted children or foster children.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/11/politics/ndaa-defense-bill-passes-space-force/index.html

Ivanka is quoted earlier as saying this is the start, all Americans are next. She is working with the same bipartisan congressman to get that done pronto.

It sucks. It is expensive to provide. efemall

[Threadkiller]

The three-named dem broad from Florida looks like she could be hawt with just a minor amount of touch up work. Apparently ber sister teaches yoga. Mmmmm

[Marlene]

Jack,Richmond isn't too bad except for commute times.

[henry]

Note 52 weeks in a year. After holidays and vacation, 46-48 weeks of labor are available. 12 weeks is one quarter of that. Thus any employee taking such leave costs me 33% just so Ivanka can feel good. That is not cheap, which is why nobody does that without a government gun to their head.

[Stephanie Nene Not Your Normal Granma]

I'll be on @seanhannity 2nite @FoxNews
at 9pm ET and will explain how @realDonaldTrump
will be eligible for a 3rd term due to the illegal attempts by Comey, Dems, and media , et al attempting to oust him as @POTUS so that's why I was named to head up the 2024 re-election.

- Governor Mike Huckabee

and yes the progs on twitter's heads are exploding.

[henry]

That is “costs me 33% extra”

[Jim Eagle]

Marlene,

I considered that but I want to stay west then south of Richmond. Last year with the Beagles was a nightmare on I-95 because of the snowfall conditions. Barely made it to Raliegh for the overnight kennel. Never again will I go from Southampton to The Hammock on 95 until I am outside of Richmond. Getting through DC and the commute down to Fredericksburg is a waste of energy.

Robin, thanks for that tip on Throx Market. It might be the best place to stop for food before we get to Roanoke. Don't like eating too late.

[JM Hanes]

JiB:

How are you planning to get from Roanoke to 95? IIRC that's a lot a traveling on secondary roads, but the last time I did the east/west trek in Virginia was years ago.

Don't take my word for it, but I wonder if you wouldn't be better to take 64 over to Richmond and pick up 95 there? Just a thought.

[JM Hanes]

JiB:

Meaning picking up 64 around Staunton Va. toward Charlottesville/Richmond.

[Jim Eagle]

Under 3 minutes to close of the UK polls. Then we get the exit polls.

Heavy turnout. Sky News has the disgusting narcissist John Bercow as their expert. Vomit.

More evidence that Sky and Fox have turned left under the Murdoch kids.

[henry]

@repMikeJohnson

SPOTTED: While we were on the House floor voting, @CNN's live feed caught press photographing documents on @JudiciaryGOP desks #impeachmentDebate

https://twitter.com/repmikejohnson/status/1205217433969147906

Vid at link

[Jim Eagle]

Exit poll: Conservatives 368 seats, Labor 191 seats, Lib Dems 191, SNP 55. Nothing for Brexit party (that be Firage). Big majority. Burys Labour.

This is a result to put fear into the Peach Mint Dems here. I see a mirror result for Trump next year.

[Jane]

Rosenstien is, and has always been on both sides of the aisle. It depends on what benefits him at the time.

Jib, what time does golf start? do you know the results from yesterday?

[henry]

Also,reports Trump signed the first phase trade deal withChina.

[Threadkiller]

@JenniferJJacobs
40m40 minutes ago
More
LATEST: The deal Trump's trade negotiators presented to the president includes a delay in the Dec. 15 new round of tariffs, sources tell me. The trade meeting is over, and the president has signed off

[Jim Eagle]

86 seat Majority. Not even our Dems could pull that off in the off year election of 2018. This means a triumph for Brexit.

Tories winning historic Labour seats in Industrial Midlands.

BTW, the chairman of the Conservatice party is a black man. Another mirror of what Trump is recruiting to his side politically.

[Jane]

I've watched these impeachment hearings nearly all day. What a bloody waste of time. These elected people think they are so important, and the dems, at least, lie like rugs. And they do it with a sense of importance which is truly ridiculous. They are fools.

[Jim Eagle]

Those are all exit poll number not true counts. Caution in order. But the Brits are not as devious as we are in lying to exit pollsters. Their media is not as toxic as our is except for El-Gaurdian. No need to lie and confuse them.

[Threadkiller]

Have the republicans run out of speaking time, Jane?

[Barbara]

Ivanka is quoted earlier as saying this is the start, all Americans are next. She is working with the same bipartisan congressman to get that done pronto.

It sucks. It is expensive to provide. efemall

Posted by: henry | December 12, 2019 at 04:52 PM

Everyone has an Achilles heel. Ivanka is DJT's. I believe that she envisioned a greater, more public role in her father's administration. Then Melania arrived in Washington. Thank God!

[Jim Eagle]

Jane,

7:00pm tonight. Internationals are up 4-1. The only win on our side was Tiger:)

You may need an extra bottle of champagne or Vodka to watch tonight.

/snark

[Tom R]

Rosenstien is, and has always been on both sides of the aisle. It depends on what benefits him at the time.

Can anyone provide documented examples of Rosenstein aiding and abetting the Democrats because it benefitted him in some manner? I am genuinely not aware of any.

I do know Rosenstein worked under Ken Starr in the Whitewater investigation so I'll go out on a limb and bet RR was not on the side of the Democrats for those 3 years.

[JM Hanes]

JiB:

From Roanoke, you might consider continuing on down 81 (about an hour, I think) to Interstate 77 going south to Columbia SC and heading over to 95 from there on I26.

[Jim Eagle]

BTW, the Labour spokesperson is admitting that the election was all about Brexit. If that is the case then the citizen's of the UK have said, "Get it Done".

[JimNorCal]

"I still say we don't know what is IN the Family Leave Bill so arguing about it is pointless."

"Should those who wish to discuss it go to the previous thread to share their thoughts?"

Good point TK.
Instead of one of the arguers suggesting to move to a back thread, it's better to have one of the onlookers. Then they can be properly thrashed if they're out of line or hindering discussion. Makes them have some skin in the game.

[Threadkiller]

I like that version of the rules, Jim. :-)

[Jim Eagle]

In the UK, Conservatives are Blue and Labour is Red unlike here.

[Jim Eagle]

How bad is it for Labour?

A seat in Leeds has been Labour since 1922. Now it is Tory:)

[Marlene]

Yes,JMH is correct Jack. If you go all the way to Roanoke,you need to go into NC. Raleigh-Durham and especially Charlotte both have heavy traffic.

[Barbara]

Jack,

I've always associated Red with the Left. I wonder how the Republicans were tagged with Red.

[Threadkiller]

Can the repukes keep offering amendments for days on end? Or is there a specific timeframe to offer amendments?

I believe I used to know the answer.

[Jane]

Jib,

I gave up vodka the day my depression lifted. But I still have pinot noir once a week - today. So I'll be fine.

TK nothing has expired - it's an endless pile of bullshit.

[Thomas Collins]

Re your 5:03 PM post, henry: Were those members of the Patriots' film crew moonlighting? :-)

[Marlene]

Jack,you have two votes for taking I-64. :) I think you can catch 95 just below Richmond.

[MissMarple2]

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/most-rewarding-job-on-earth-ivanka-trump-goes-to-bat-for-working-mothers

[Robin, eff 'em all]

From Roanoke, you might consider continuing on down 81 (about an hour, I think) to Interstate 77 going south to Columbia SC and heading over to 95 from there on I26.

Posted by: JM Hanes | December 12, 2019 at 05:16 PM

I second this. 77 is a quick drive to Columbia from VA and very pretty. Not so much truck traffic.

Also, at the same exit as the Throx Market is a really nice La Qinta hotel that lets you stay with dogs. FYI.

[Jim Eagle]

Thanks, JMH and marlene on travel suggestions.

When I lived in London under Red Ken Livingston, I had he pleasure to meet Boris Johnson. He is an incredibly brillant and engaging guy. Not a Trump, much more Oxbridge manners and projection but very disarming. He and Trump will be a perfect set of foils for the media while they change the fortunes of their respective countries.

[JimNorCal]

Tks for the early exit results.
I think you copied the Labour result for Lib Dems. They aren't even to 3 digits. I think

[Threadkiller]

That is a good summary, Jane.

[Jim Eagle]

Did I JimS?

Labour is 191, Tories are still 368.

Also, SNP picks up just 1 seat less than 2015 at 55. If it was up to me, I would let Scotland leave the UK and let them see how they fare on the world stage as an independent country. The UK oilfields will be subject to litigation on who owns them. Can a country survive on Golf and Whiskey tourism?

I think it is interesting that the SNP spokesman is a Muzzie. No wonder they want to divorce. Plus they are naive. Tories control that vote. Will never happen.

[MissMarple2]

The color switch came when W ran. It had to do with who was in control of the White House. It used to switch all the time, but the dems were in control and wanted blue, so they got it and then it has stayed that way ever since.

No one has ever tried to switch it back, and now that we are used to it, most people don't want to switch.

[Thomas Collins]

Re the exit poll results: Good news for Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. This will emphasize to US Dems that the obviously leftist candidates won't cut it. Better to go with a leftist candidate Oligarch Media can better spin as "moderate".

I still would be stunned if the House doesn't vote out articles next week. However, I suspect the Brit results will have a few more Dems in Trump districts begging San Fran Nan for a pass on the House impeachment vote.

[Marlene]

Jack,you could take I-85 below Richmond,get to Raleigh,pick up 40 and get on 95 above Fayetteville.

[Tom R]

How many House Democrats are actually eager to be on the losing end of the impending ass kicking?

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-impeachment-inquiry/inside-jockeying-prosecute-donald-trump-s-impeachment-n1100506

[John S]

the results from UK are terrific. Thanks Jack. It seems the re-alignment in the UK is very similar to what is going on here. What do the Dems offer to working people? Mostly higher taxes concealed in their green mandates. Here in California we pay 50% more for electricity (when it is turned on) because of green mandates and other restrictions. We pay $1.50 more for gas because of green mandates . Trump offers jobs and higher wages. Plus more control over illegal immigration. the UK has the same situation. the EU was strangling them with regulation and green mandates. they are freezing in their beds because the windmills don't generate enough electricity. Saying goodbye to the EU will be the best thing Britain has done in several generations.

[Jim Eagle]

Marlene,

Exactly the way I went last year but I had the Beagles and they got kenneled in Raliegh. Long story:)

[Jim Eagle]

It is amazing to watch these minor parties who have run on things like Reamin v. Brexit making excuses that the Tories lie to people to get their vote. Unbelievable. And that snake Bercow will agree with them.

Guys? What the hell does an 86 majority tell you if the election was Brexit?

They are more delusional than our Democrats.

[Threadkiller]

The three named broad from Florida has been handed an iPad and she is speechifying straight from it. What a puppet.