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Monthly Archives: January 2020

A Fascist kakistocracy, if you can keep it

31 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Josh Hawley, Roy Blunt, US Senate

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, impeachment, John Bolton, Josh Hawley, missouri, quid pro quo, Roy Blunt, sycophant, toady, trial, witnesses

This afternoon:

Trump’s lead attorney in the impeachment trial could also be a witness, according to Bolton’s book
John Haltiwanger
…Cipollone was at this meeting, the manuscript said, suggesting he witnessed Trump order a top adviser to get involved in the coordinated effort to pressure Ukraine. This raises ethical questions about whether it was appropriate for Cipollone to lead Trump’s defense in a trial pertaining to matters he’s said to have firsthand knowledge of…

Claire McCaskill @clairecmc
1) Bolton is telling the truth
2) Cipollone was in the meeting
3) Cipollone is a fact witness and has misled the tribunal
4) Cipollone has violated the ABA Rules of Professionall Conduct
5) Cipollone should be disciplined by the Bar and potentially lose his bar license.
2:15 PM · Jan 31, 2020

And, now:

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

Josh Hawley (r) on allowing witnesses: No

Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].

Roy Blunt (r) on allowing witnesses: No

Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

A trial without witnesses or documents in evidence. Really.

So their cult leader can take a victory lap before a sporting event?

Rest in peace.

Previously:

Impeachment Trial: “No” witnesses, “No” documents, “No” impartiality (January 22, 2020)

John Delaney (D): out of the 2020 presidential race

31 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

campaign, John Delaney, president

Former Congressman John Delaney (D) [2019 file photo].

John Delaney Announces Decision to Withdraw From 2020 Race
Posted by Team Delaney on January 31, 2020

DES MOINES, IA – Today, 2020 Presidential candidate John Delaney announces his decision to withdraw from the 2020 race. This decision is informed by internal analyses indicating John’s support is not sufficient to meet the 15% viability in a material number of caucus precincts, but sufficient enough to cause other moderate candidates to not to make the viability threshold, especially in rural areas where John has campaigned harder than anyone. He strongly believes the Democratic Party should advance candidates with progressive values on the big issues of our time, but who are committed to governing with pragmatic, fact-based, bipartisan solutions. This approach – which is what successfully won back the House in 2018 – beats Trump, unifies our nation and gets things done. We have many candidates in the 2020 race, running in Iowa and otherwise, who meet these criteria. John does not want the good work of his campaign to make it harder for those like-minded candidates on the bubble of viability in many Iowa precincts to advance in the Iowa caucuses and garner delegates.

John’s statement:

“It has been a privilege to campaign for the Democratic nomination for President, but it is clear that God has a different purpose for me at this moment in time. I leave this race with a profound sense of gratitude to the voters who shared with me their hopes and concerns for our magnificent country, in admiration for the other contenders for the nomination and proud of the work we did to change the debate.

I want to thank my team members, particularly those who loyally stood with me these last few months, our volunteers, supporters and friends for their incredible work, encouragement and support during our campaign. It was a privilege to work with you on this journey, I will be grateful for you until my last days and I look forward to our work ahead. Most importantly, I want to thank my extraordinary wife, April, and my amazing daughters, Summer, Brooke, Lily and Grace, for their love and encouragement. I thank God, every day, for the love and blessing of my family.

We need to provide workable solutions to the economic issues facing hardworking Americans, create opportunity for young people in all communities, restore a sense of unity and common purpose to our nation, and re-establish the United States as an engaged global leader. I believe our campaign was unique in its consistent focus on these four themes. Our economic, environmental and technological future is dependent upon the choices we make and the actions we take. For too long we have made bad choices and failed to act; we must change course.

This race was never about me, but about ideas and doing what’s right for our nation. The unique and data-driven ideas that our campaign generated – on how to create a functional universal health care system, price carbon, advance trade, invest in rural America, cure disease, help workers, launch negative emissions technologies, reform education, and expand national service – are now ideas for the party and I will continue to advocate for them in my next chapter. In addition, I encourage the party to sharpen its focus on the growing opportunity inequality that exists in both rural America and struggling urban communities. The concentration of start-ups and investment capital in a small number of areas is troubling and smart public policy is needed to encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses everywhere. Smart public-private partnerships can encourage entrepreneurs to locate in small-town America and struggling inner cities.

Never bet against the United States of America. This is a remarkable nation full of wonderful and patriotic people. People who love their country, their neighbors and their families. People who work tirelessly, who innovate, and who give of their time and resources. People who care, deeply, about the character and decency of this nation. Because of them, we have every advantage any nation could possibly want to have in 2020, except for one problem: we are a deeply divided nation. The good news is that we can fix that problem, but we have to fix it together. Step one is to beat Donald Trump and restore decency to the Office of the President. In many ways, this is all that matters and I am fully committed to supporting our nominee and fulfilling that mission. Step two is to get our government working for the American people again. Step three is to focus on the future and leave the world better than we found it. The Democratic party must respond to this calling.

Let’s stop the nonsense of unrealistic and divisive campaign promises and be the party the American people need – a decent, unifying, future-focused and common-sense party. And please don’t listen to the cynics, the naysayers and the dividers; while we have significant challenges and too many Americans are struggling, the world gets better every year and the United States of America has driven much of this progress – let’s keep it that way.

Onward and upward and God Bless America.”

###

Previously:

Progress Iowa Corn Feed – Cedar Rapids, Iowa – July 14, 2019 (July 14, 2019)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): a foolish consistency…

31 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Josh Hawley, social media, US Senate

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, impeachment, Josh Hawley, missouri, quid pro quo, social media, sycophant, toady, Twitter, witnesses

Hopeless sycophant.

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

Last night:

Josh Hawley @HawleyMO
As their case unravels, today Dems gave us a tour of leftwing conspiracy theories. Schiff said @realDonaldTrump stole 2016 election, said Trump has rigged 2020, berated senators for questions he didn’t like, & repeatedly used the word “coup.” They’ve lost it. Let’s vote
9:58 PM · Jan 30, 2020

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

People aren’t buying it. Some of the comments:

Josh, you aren’t fit to carry Adam Schiff’s briefcase.

I thought Adam Schiff was remarkable. You could only wish to be half the man/lawyer/Senator that he is!!!!

Ashamed of you, Senator.

I loathe the premise of you being a senator, much less one from my state.

I am ashamed that you represent me.

The American people want witnesses. You work for us. Do your job.

How can a case unravel if you can’t even bring in witnesses to assess the facts? You’re a bad lawyer and a worse senator.

this is the death by suicide of the republican party that we are witnessing. No longer can there be any respect for republicans’ stances, deplorable display! -from a voting republican.

GOP doesn’t believe in the truth or the rule of law or the constitution. A trial without witnesses is a sham. GOP dishonors our country with their cowardice. They now own all of the President’s crimes and corruption. Vote them all out.

history will record your shittiness in this crucial moment for our nation, senator.

Ridiculous Josh. You cant have a trial, especially one against a president, without witnesses or evidence. I’ll remember your actions in 2022.

You choose to be blind to the facts that show your president is deserving of removal. There is no gray area here, it’s right versus wrong and you know it. We won’t forget this betrayal to the Constitution and the people you represent. #OneTermJosh

You’re the dishonest one, Josh. This constituent will not forget your shameful behavior. I’m only sad that I have to wait so long before I can vote against you

The White House ignored all the subpoenas and obstructed Congress
Please do your job!

Josh sit down

It’s in his nature.

“The most dangerous place to stand in Washington D.C. is any place between Senator Josh Hawley and a live microphone” – Charles P. Pierce

Around 3/4 of Americans think that you should hear from witnesses at this trial. Do your job.

Josh equates the oath he took to some graffiti near a bar urinal

COWARD.

I don’t think it would be humanly possible for someone to suck as much as you do Josh.

Senate Republicans will be remembered for continuing Trump’s obstruction in admitting no documents or evidence.

Their case was fine. The final nail in the country’s coffin was when Senator Alexander admitted they proved their case without the need for witnesses but that being completely corrupt and tampering with elections is now ok. The case was airtight; our country’s soul was leaking.

Hack.

Cool story, bro. Needs more dragons and shit.

The coup is trump’s, he has hijacked the Constitution. I am so ashamed of you.

The first senate trial with no witnesses. Sham.

Your legacy is sealed and it is not good.

Quisling says what?

Apparently, you don’t even acknowledge letters, phone calls, and replies to your tweets, demanding witnesses and a fair trial.

You’re only performing for the audience of one, Trump, by tagging him in your tweets.

There’s that.

And Josh Hawley gives us a tour of the GOP-issued talking points that show the GOP coverup.

GOP is now totally the party of grifters and corruption.

Josh, what’s it feel like to be the answer to the question, “What if Trump, but more weasel-like?”

Okay.

You’re a smug one-term Senator who has decided to be a tyrant’s accomplice.
Shame on you for supporting corruption over democracy and country.
By standing with Trump, you are committing political suicide.
The people will remember your choice.

You are a coward and I question your ability as an attorney. An attorney who doesn’t call witnesses. #OneTermJosh

“…he went to Yale, I think, or Harvard, one of those, one of those fancy ones…”

Heh.

Wow, you’re a full on Trumpist. Do you ever think about the harm President Trump has done to your party? Do you think your party will be able to survive after the cancerous Trumpism that has infected every level of it?

They have a lot of money.

Bolton says he has relevant info

Republicans have decried lack of witnesses

Why have your balls shrunk so quickly?

We don’t have a photo for that.

What’s it like to be a complete moron every day?

Heh. Maroon.

How is abusing presidential power to get a foreign country to make up fake investigations not rigging an election?

How is lying to the American people about illegal Russian election interference *in the middle of an election* acceptable conduct by a president?

Their case didn’t unravel, you and the rest of the Republicans simply decided you are happy with a president seeking foreign interference in our elections.

Coward

What an insult to your voters that you think they are dumb enough to fall for this brazen lie

“ A civilization is not destroyed by wicked by wicked people. It is not necessary that they be wicked, only that they be spineless.” The current GOP whose historical legacy will be trash. You did your country no good service.#VoteBlueToSaveAmerica

No, wicked people are doing their part.

You’re a lawyer???

That’s what we thought. “…he went to Yale, I think, or Harvard, one of those, one of those fancy ones…”

You’re too stupid to understand, Josh. But you’re right about voting, at least. Voters will have quite a lot to say.

You are such an incredibly poor excuse for an elected official. You’ve completely given up your country to protect your dear leader. How are you going explain this to your children?

Your constituents can see how fake you are and we will work harder than ever to ensure you don’t get a senate seat again. Your lack of values and integrity will haunt you.

You’re a hack. Pander on, #senatorflatbed

Voters remember.

The Ivy League vision of a flatbed truck.

The current Republican senators are a disgrace to what the Republican party is supposed to be. You have driven hundreds of thousands of people away from the party. You will find out in November that you have destroyed the Republican party..

The case didn’t unravel. You are covering for a corrupt president and there are many of us in Missouri that won’t forget your cowardice and lack of impartiality in this process.

Previously:

Impeachment Trial: “No” witnesses, “No” documents, “No” impartiality (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Famous! (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): How would you know if you weren’t in your seat paying attention the whole time? (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): “The logic of a twelve year old with something to hide…” (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Is it ethical to throw an elbow so you can be first in line for The Faux News Channel camera? (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): royalist toady (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Ooh, ooh, me, call on me… (January 25, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): * (January 27, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): John Bolton (r) as The Witness ** (January 28, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): You’ve got to stop Tweeting like this… *** (January 29, 2020)

Coward

31 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, coward, extortion, impeachment, Lamar Alexander, obstruction, quid pro quo, sycophant, Tennessee, toady

“…There is no need for more evidence to prove that the president asked Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter; he said this on television on October 3, 2019, and during his July 25, 2019, telephone call with the president of Ukraine. There is no need for more evidence to conclude that the president withheld United States aid, at least in part, to pressure Ukraine to investigate the Bidens; the House managers have proved this with what they call a ‘mountain of overwhelming evidence…’”

“…If this shallow, hurried and wholly partisan impeachment were to succeed, it would rip the country apart, pouring gasoline on the fire of cultural divisions that already exist…”

One or the other. It can’t be both.

Lamar Alexander (r):

Alexander Statement on Impeachment Witness Vote
Posted on January 30, 2020
[….]
Washington, D.C., January 30, 2020 — United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on his vote regarding additional evidence in the impeachment proceedings:
“I worked with other senators to make sure that we have the right to ask for more documents and witnesses, but there is no need for more evidence to prove something that has already been proven and that does not meet the United States Constitution’s high bar for an impeachable offense.
“There is no need for more evidence to prove that the president asked Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter; he said this on television on October 3, 2019, and during his July 25, 2019, telephone call with the president of Ukraine. There is no need for more evidence to conclude that the president withheld United States aid, at least in part, to pressure Ukraine to investigate the Bidens; the House managers have proved this with what they call a ‘mountain of overwhelming evidence.’ There is no need to consider further the frivolous second article of impeachment that would remove the president for asserting his constitutional prerogative to protect confidential conversations with his close advisers.
“It was inappropriate for the president to ask a foreign leader to investigate his political opponent and to withhold United States aid to encourage that investigation. When elected officials inappropriately interfere with such investigations, it undermines the principle of equal justice under the law. But the Constitution does not give the Senate the power to remove the president from office and ban him from this year’s ballot simply for actions that are inappropriate.
“The question then is not whether the president did it, but whether the United States Senate or the American people should decide what to do about what he did. I believe that the Constitution provides that the people should make that decision in the presidential election that begins in Iowa on Monday.
“The Senate has spent nine long days considering this ‘mountain’ of evidence, the arguments of the House managers and the president’s lawyers, their answers to senators’ questions and the House record. Even if the House charges were true, they do not meet the Constitution’s ‘treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors’ standard for an impeachable offense.
“The framers believed that there should never, ever be a partisan impeachment. That is why the Constitution requires a 2/3 vote of the Senate for conviction. Yet not one House Republican voted for these articles. If this shallow, hurried and wholly partisan impeachment were to succeed, it would rip the country apart, pouring gasoline on the fire of cultural divisions that already exist. It would create the weapon of perpetual impeachment to be used against future presidents whenever the House of Representatives is of a different political party.
“Our founding documents provide for duly elected presidents who serve with ‘the consent of the governed,’ not at the pleasure of the United States Congress. Let the people decide.”

###

Coward.

Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

Monarch Butterflies

30 Thursday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

butterflies, Conservation, environment, Mexico, Monarch Butterflies

Monarch. F 6.3, 1/1000, ISO 800, 200 mm, 25 mm extension tube.

Bad news:

Mexico: defender of monarch butterflies found dead two weeks after he vanished
Homero Gómez González was found floating in a well
Activists say death could be over illegal logging disputes

A Mexican environmental activist who fought to protect the wintering grounds of the monarch butterfly has been found dead in the western state of Michoacán, two weeks after he disappeared.

Homero Gómez González, a former logger who managed El Rosario butterfly reserve, vanished on 13 January. His body was found floating in a well on Wednesday, reportedly showing signs of torture…

Monarch. F 8.0, 1/1000, ISO 800, 145 mm, 25 mm extension tube.

Sen. Roy Blunt (r): You want to try those lines at an open public town hall in Missouri?

30 Thursday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Roy Blunt, social media, US Senate

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, impeachment, quid pro quo, Roy Blunt, social media, sycophant, toady, trial, Twitter, U.S. Senate

Probability approaching zero.

Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].

Today, from Roy Blunt (r):

Senator Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
House Democrats can’t bring a half-baked case to the Senate and expect us to make something of it. These are two of the weakest articles of impeachment you could possibly have.
[….]
10:52 AM · Jan 30, 2020

There was much hilarity in the comments:

So why don’t you allow witnesses to debunk their case? What should we not hear from the national security advisor Bolton under oath?

Then that just means you’re willing to sell your soul for a very low price, Rubles Roy.

82% of the public demand witnesses. We won’t be quiet about it.

I am your constituent, and I want witnesses. In fact, 75% of Americans want witnesses. You know who doesn’t? Trump. Innocent people want eye witnesses to clear their name. The guilty want them gagged.

Witnesses Roy. Your constituents are demanding witnesses! Why are you ignoring your constituents?

You have to wave a fistful of $100 bills to get Roy’s attention.

It’s really pretty simple, Roy. You, Josh, and Donnie think its okay for the POTUS to have a foreign country (widely seen as corrupt) to interfere in US elections and to investigate American citizens. Hope that Helps. We’ll remember you in 2022. [….]

I saw that you got a shout out from Trump yesterday. Good for you. And all you had to do was lick his testicles.

There’s not enough bleach in the world.

Good Ol’ Cash n’ Carry Blunt, the perfect lackey for Trump and Moscow Mitch. He can’t carry an honest tune but he warbles like a canary to make his masters happy. Blunt is bad for Missouri, bad for the nation.

Of course! Deny them access to the relevant information/testimony then cite lack of relevant information/testimony as justification for a glaringly obvious, partisan conclusion.

It’s not a trial if there aren’t witnesses

You corrupt, covering up sycophant. Those who cover up crimes are criminals too. I am a constituent and I will do everything in my power to see you voted out.

I want to hear from the witnesses! This president must not be allowed to be a dictator!

Call witnesses and let America decide then.
#CallTheWitnesses

Roy Blunt has chosen to work to protect trump 24/7 over working for MO.He will spend the rest of trump’s Presidency working and lying for trump. Every day more will come out and new scandals and Roy will spend all of his time working to defend trump.
#CorruptGOP
#GOPCoverup

I disapprove of the job you are doing. I am your constituent.

Call the witness and vote to release the documents. Call for Trump to testify.
So you are going to vote no on both to spite the House Democrats? The majority of Americans want to hear the witnesses. You represent the people of Missouri. Not Trump

80 percent of Americans want to hear Bolton testify. This is a trial. All trials have witnesses. This what Americans want. Let Bolton testify!

It’s not half-baked when it’s all true and you’re unwilling or scared of Trump to do the right thing. Vote for witnesses and stop fucking around.

I have been on a jury. There were witness. There was evidence. Do you work for the people of Missouri or the President’s defense team? The President is accused of misusing our tax dollars. Why don’t you want to know the truth? #ShowMeWitnesses

Think of it this way: Trump has been impeached. A healthy majority think he abused power and obstructed Congress. The trial is about whether Republican Senators want to be accomplices. It is you who are on trial. #Coverup #ObstructionOfCongress #WeWantWitnesess
@senatemajldr

And you are the weakest Senator… sadly, I voted for you in 2016, but I can do something about that in 2022. Trust me, you vote to acquit and MO voters will remember !!

I am in your constituency and want witnesses and documents anything less is a coverup by you.

You’ve failed, Senator.

You’re planning to endorse illegally impounding military aid to a vulnerable ally to coerce them to announce a sham investigation to interfere in our elections and then deny congressional authority to investigate?

Sooo… you’re all in on unaccountable dictatorship, then.

Weaker than lying about a blow job? When 75% of Americans want witnesses, I guess that really doesn’t matter. Don’t worry, the truth is going to come out and you and your complicit and corrupt GOP ilk will be standing on the wrong side of history.

you’ve done your best to keep it impossible to bring the facts to light. But just remember, you’re setting precedent.

And the information is still going to come out. They can fool themselves into believing if they don’t allow Bolton to testify, they will have buried the evidence but that’s just not reality.

It’s shameful and the greatest betrayal that you are choosing to fight for a criminal to have unlimited and unchecked power instead of fighting for our sovereignty. What a disgrace.

So you do want witnesses in the Senate? Good to know! Let’s see you get on board with calling some to testify, Roy!

Sarcasm, eh.

Senator, you & fellow GOP senators are the real risk to democracy, not the corrupt & guilty President. When you vote to acquit, you destroy the ability of Congress to be a co-equal branch of govt and elevate Trump to King. #CorruptGOP

Yeah, except for all the times he and his staff admitted it. On television. In front of millions. Except for that, right, #RublesRoy?

You’re being delusional Senator Blunt. The evidence is there to support it, how can you sit back and allow this to happen? I mean if a democrat did half the stuff Trump has done you a the GOP would be screaming impeach or “lock her up”.

So calling out traitorous acts is half baked? Grow a spine, Roy. Do the right thing! #WeWantDocuments #WeWantWitness

How long do you think you’ll be able to get away with gaslighting the country?

You can’t participate in a whole sale coverup without consequences
Not only are the @SenateGOP choking the life out of a 243 year democracy, they have managed to mortally wound their own party.@GOP @HouseGOP @senatemajldr @GOPLeader

Putin is very proud of your loyalty to trump, Roy.

Trials have witnesses. Period. Anything else will be seen as a cover-up and Republicans will be remembered for it forever.

The State of Missouri deserves better. #CountryOverParty

Democracy is over in the United States. The Republicans have sold out the country to Trump and Putin. Democracy is over.

You’re embarrassing us, Roy. The only thing half-baked are the excuses the GOP keeps trying to run past us about why you’re going to acquit no matter what evidence you block to the contrary.

I don’t agree with your assessment. You have not been paying close attention to the facts. Witnesses and documents are needed regardless of which political party it helps.

Without witnesses you are participating in a cover-up.

And on and on.

Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

Campaign Finance: the wildwood flower

30 Thursday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in campaign finance

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

campaign finance, initiative, marijuana legalization, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, PAC

Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission:

C190985 01/30/2020 Missourians for a New Approach Craig Taylor 1825 Shiloh Valley Drive Wildwood MO 63005 Requested Requested 1/28/2020 $25,000.00

C190985 01/30/2020 Missourians for a New Approach Beleaf Medical, LLC 13378 Lakefront Drive Earth City MO 63045 1/28/2020 $25,000.00

C190985 01/30/2020 Missourians for a New Approach New Approach PAC PO Box 190201 St Louis MO 63119 1/30/2020 $30,000.00

[emphasis added]

Yesterday:

C161165 01/29/2020 New Approach PAC New Approach PAC PO Box 33601 Washington DC 20033 1/28/2020 $150,000.00

[emphasis added]

The day before that:

190985 01/28/2020 Missourians for a New Approach Seven Points, LLC 2310 W. 75th Street Overland Park KS 66208 1/27/2020 $10,000.00

[emphasis added]

A few weeks ago:

C161165 01/15/2020 New Approach PAC New Approach PAC PO Box 33601 Washington DC 20033 1/14/2020 $67,000.00

[emphasis added]

C190985 01/15/2020 Missourians for a New Approach New Approach PAC PO Box 190201 St Louis MO 63119 1/15/2020 $30,000.00

C190985 01/15/2020 Missourians for a New Approach New Approach PAC PO Box 190201 St Louis MO 63119 1/15/2020 $10,500.00

[emphasis added]

“…We just smiled and waved, sitting there on that sack of seeds.”

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): You’ve got to stop Tweeting like this… ***

29 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Josh Hawley, social media, US Senate

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, impeachment, John Bolton, Josh Hawley, missouri, quid pro quo, royalist toady, social media, sycophant, trial, Twitter, U.S. Senate, witnesses

“The most dangerous place to stand in Washington D.C. is any place between Senator Josh Hawley and a live microphone” – Charles P. Pierce

*** We cannot assure anyone that no pedestrians were trampled in the hurry to issue this Tweet or in the efforts of Josh Hawley (r) to get in front of a microphone.

This evening:

Josh Hawley @HawleyMO
Questioning for 5 hours so far in the Senate. Adam Schiff just said House Dems’ case is about bribery. But they didn’t allege bribery in the Articles! Or extortion. Or any unlawful conduct of any kind. But we should overturn an election? Schiff & Co getting desperate
5:46 PM · Jan 29, 2020

Josh Hawley [2016 file photo].

As always, there’s much hilarity in the responses:

You’re dishonest and should resign because you very clearly do not plan to follow through on the oath you swore.

I’ve never been a Hawley fan, but I didn’t expect him to this blatantly show his corruption to the world

Josh we want witnesses. I’ll remember this in 2024.

IT IS NOT OVERTURNING AN ELECTION. Because the bribe was not accepted does not negate the bribery. Please call witnesses!

Senator, you do realize that we have TV &/or radio & can listen in real time, right? Because….that is so not what he said.

Impeachment is NOT overturning an election. It’s in the Constitution

How did trump cheat in an election? He won fair and square. This impeachment has nothing to do with crimes or misconduct and everything to do with the Democrats trying to alter the course of the 2020 election. This is a coup. Fuck the dem pieces of shit.

Obvious satire.

He’s making it up as he goes.

Hey Josh, I’m a Missouri resident and I will be voting against every Republican on the ballet from now until the day I die!!
The shit show that you’re party has brought to our national politics is nauseating to say the least. Witnesses and documents or it’s a cover up…

Sure they alleged bribery in the Articles.
Here’s the text.

Impeachment doesn’t overturn the election. It replaces Trump with Pence. It’s in the Constitution. Read it.

Hey Josh just so u know, the “Constitution” (mentioned above) is the founding document of the American govt. I actually feel like u took an oath to it at some point, might be relevant here IMO. I heard it’s widely available online if you want to check it out.

Good luck buddy!

The description of Trump’s crimes by Democrats includes the solicitation of a bribe by Trump, when he asked Ukraine for a “favor”.

We want witnesses and documents.

Those silly Democrats trying to protect the sanctity of our elections and our constitution!!

Okay, that one’s sarcasm.

Are you a Senator or a Trump’s defense attorney? They aren’t the same.

It’s hard to tell. Either way the quality of the work is just as bad.

Remember the oath you took.

I am so disappointed in you Josh! Your allegiance to this virale, corrupt President is going to come back and bite you so badly!

There is no overturned election. This is a lie that Republicans perpetuate. The election stands but Pence becomes POTUS. If it were overturned there would either be a new election or Clinton would become POTUS. #RemoveTrumpNow

Ask if Josh is under oath! Ah wait he is! He just doesn’t seem to show it.

I’m a constituent and would like to see the Senate call for Witnesses and documents. It is then I think we will know the truth and there will be no doubts one way or another! Otherwise there will be a SHADOW over the Republican Senators as a coverup! Truth!

Your lack of knowledge is overwhelming.

We want witnesses and documents and a vote to remove. He is guilty Josh.

If you want to call Hunter Biden, go ahead. You have the majority. But it’s all a sham isn’t it? You guys would rather just smear someone than actually hear from them. You can’t ignore Bolton and think this will be a real trial. An overwhelming number of citizens want witnesses.

Are you sure you’re a lawyer? Abuse of Power by bribing a foreign official, (I will release the aid if you help me), to help with an election. Does that help. Your very disappointed constituent.

“…Now I know he went to Yale, I think, or Harvard, one of those, one of those fancy ones…”

Heh.

Your email to me was absolutely horrendous! Blunt emailed me back, and he was considerate and talked about how my views were justified; However, you just slammed my views and said they were unfounded and ridiculous! I’m insulted by this display! Expect another call!!!

Or, a sternly worded memo might work.

Article 1 describes bribery. We’re not that stupid.

He is.

You could not be more wrong.

Overturn an election=Not doing my job of holding a president accountable to the constitution.

Who said anything about overturning an election? Besides you.

Smart move to say the Democrats can only remove Trump after catching him in ALL his crimes since he’s proven he can commit them at break-neck speed.

Bribery IS Abuse of Power.

This isn’t overturning an election, that election is long over. Impeachment is removal of a President that abuses his power, in this case, by bribery.

That’s covered under abuse of power Sparky. Find a better lie than overturning the election.

This too… right in the Articles

“President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election.”

Previously:

Impeachment Trial: “No” witnesses, “No” documents, “No” impartiality (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Famous! (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): How would you know if you weren’t in your seat paying attention the whole time? (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): “The logic of a twelve year old with something to hide…” (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Is it ethical to throw an elbow so you can be first in line for The Faux News Channel camera? (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): royalist toady (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Ooh, ooh, me, call on me… (January 25, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): * (January 27, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): John Bolton (r) as The Witness ** (January 28, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): John Bolton (r) as The Witness **

28 Tuesday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Josh Hawley, social media, US Senate

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

"one of those fancy ones", abuse of power, bribery, corruption, Donald Trump, extortion, impeachment, John Bolton, Josh Hawley, missouri, quid pro quo, social media, sycophant, toady, U.S. Senate, witnesses

“The most dangerous place to stand in Washington D.C. is any place between Senator Josh Hawley and a live microphone” – Charles P. Pierce

** We cannot assure anyone that no pedestrians were trampled in the hurry to issue this Tweet or in the efforts of Josh Hawley (r) to get in front of a microphone.

This afternoon:

Josh Hawley @HawleyMO
After listening to the Dems’ 20+ hours of argument and the rebuttal arguments from @realDonaldTrump, I’ve got lots of questions for the Dems. Like this one: Why did Schiff lie about his contact with the “whistleblower”? More to come!
1:33 PM · Jan 28, 2020

As always, there is much hilarity in the responses. They ain’t buying it:

But you don’t have any questions for Bolton, or Pompeo, or Trump? You’re the worst senator, and that’s a hard title to earn.

I’ve got questions:
Q1: Why did Trump ask Ukraine to do him a favor – check into Biden, when that was old news & already resolved?
Q2: Why was he ONLY interested in them announcing an investigation?
Q3: Why did he withhold the $ from Ukraine?
Huh, Josh?!!!

Why are we not asking the president why he illegally withheld aide from Ukraine in order to benefit his campaign? #politicalhack

@HawleyMO, I’m sorry, what exactly was the defense? All I’ve heard so far.. Bidens, Bidens, Bidens, oh, they threw in Obama, a lecture on impeachment and all the half truths and selective testimony taken out of context. BUT, I have heard no defense for #trumpIsACorruptLiar

What are you even talking about? Focus on the trial and stop the whataboutism

You’re worried about fiction instead of facts. Typical of republicans these days.

Mostly, we’d like to have some genuine first-hand information about the conversation. Bolton was there. He knows more than anyone we’ve heard from. It sure would be helpful to hear his side of the story.
#BoltonTestify

You are missing the point and just parroting the last few whitehouse points that were written on a map with a sharpie.. the oath needs to be replaced. New idea attach 50k Volts to each bollock and swear on that instead. If you lie you get a shock .. how to sort out politicians

Oh, FFS. This isn’t hard. Come to Kansas City and let your constituents ask questions of you, Senator. I’d say more to come, but you only show up on Fox News.

Have you tried using a bank of microphones as bait?

Call the witnesses; produce the documents. We deserve to know the whole truth. Doesn’t sound to me like Schiff did have contact. But does it matter? The whistleblower was just a tip; the facts have supported those claims.

@HawleyMO, where you sitting in on the trial? Do they have a little box in the senate room that the impeachment trial is playing on while Hannity gives his views? I’m thinking you didn’t see the first half of the trial. IGNORANCE is no excuse for the law!!!!

That would be funny if there actually was a little senators’ table.

Why did @realDonaldTrump lie about knowing Parnas? Why did @realDonaldTrump say to “take her out” about Yavonovitch? And why was the State Dept worried about her safety when they wisked her out Ukraine in the middle of the night?

This is performance art right? Like a bad Andy Kauffman/Tony Clifton thing. There is no way you could be this craven and devoid of integrity.

Tony Clifton had a better haircut.

Knock yourself out. By the way, Americans want to hear from John Bolton.

More to come = waiting for #MoscowMitch to tell me what to say.

Missouri deserves so much better. Impeach and Remove.

Better question, what is trump hiding?

I have a question… who is the hackiest hack, you or @SenJoniErnst?

Let Bolton Speak

Resign

Witnesses.

Yes, and what is the current market price of tea in China?

Call the witnesses. Produce the documents.

Do you have any questions about the President illegally impounding military aid to a vulnerable ally to coerce them into announcing a fake investigation to interfere in our elections on his behalf?

Why don’t you care about Trump’s abuse, betrayal, and corruption? #DoYourJob

How about, “Why did #ImpeachedForever #FakePresident think it was ok to bully a foreign government desperate for funds already allocated by congress, and then lie about it?” The good thing is that you are actually young enough to find another job when you are voted out of office.

Let’s call this exactly what it is: a cover-up.

What a ridiculously fraudulent partisan sham whitewash cover-up being executed by Trump and GOP.

Nobody believes you, Joshie. You’ve lied to us too many times.

#HucksterHawley who wants to be president in 2024 panders to the Trump base keeping their conspiracies and hocum alive. #GOPCorruptionOverCountry

You are a disgusting excuse for an American. You do not deserve the job of Senator. You should resign in shame.
You took an oath to defend the Constitution, and now when your defense is needed, you join the assault on our most sacred document. Why don’t you care what trump did?

Distract. Distract. Distract. Flashing objects at your base isn’t respectful. Cluttering the discussion can only hurt your cause. Schiff isn’t being impeached. Trump is. Lead or leave. And, stop having high school sophomores managing your messaging.
@realDonaldTrump

Not high school sophomores, a middle school dance decorating committee (volunteer). High school sophomores would be doing a much better job.

Great….now, how about you answer some questions for your constituents? You clearly have the time judging by your appearances on Fox News and your tweets yet we never get a response.

Why would you vote not to see witnesses when 70% of Americans would like to see testimony?

You’re lying and it the whistleblower is irrelevant. The Biden’s are irrelevant. The only thing that matters here is what Trump did and he’s guilty. If you don’t vote to remove, I hope you’ll be a one term senator.

He’ll have all the money he needs in 2024.

Where’s your moral compass? It seems to be MIA.

#OneTermJosh #OneTermHawley

I can’t believe there are enough gullible voters here for you to have a job. You’re a liar and a shill for your dear leader.

Deflection is such a played out tactic, Josh – is your case THAT weak?

Have you noticed @RoyBlunt is not tweeting? Maybe he’s at least trying to appear impartial.

You should just stop. It’s making you look dumb.

Look?

Dude, you like the tweaker who steals tools out of your garage and then comes back to help you look for it…shameless.

You’re a special kind of stupid, aren’t you? #RemoveandIndictTrumpNOW

You’re such a fucking liar it isn’t even funny.

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

Previously:

Impeachment Trial: “No” witnesses, “No” documents, “No” impartiality (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Famous! (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): How would you know if you weren’t in your seat paying attention the whole time? (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): “The logic of a twelve year old with something to hide…” (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Is it ethical to throw an elbow so you can be first in line for The Faux News Channel camera? (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): royalist toady (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Ooh, ooh, me, call on me… (January 25, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): * (January 27, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): *

27 Monday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in Josh Hawley, social media, US Senate

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, gaslighting, impeachment, Josh Hawley, missouri, quid pro quo, social media, sycophant, toady, trial, Twitter

* We cannot assure anyone that no pedestrians were trampled in the hurry to issue this Tweet or in the efforts of Josh Hawley (r) to get in front of a microphone.

“The most dangerous place to stand in Washington D.C. is any place between Senator Josh Hawley and a live microphone.” – Charles P. Pierce

Tonight:

Josh Hawley @HawleyMO
Dershowitz eviscerates the Dems’ case tonight. They have not charged an impeachable offense or alleged impeachable conduct. Period. Let’s vote
8:32 PM · Jan 27, 2020

As usual, there was much hilarity in the responses:

You know this because of your extensive Courtroom experience…….Oh wait.

That one was from a retired Missouri Circuit Court Judge.

…didn’t you want to hear from Hunter Biden and Schiff earlier today?

I’m just trying to keep track—are they important or nah?

He’s kind of shakey at this sycophant thing, so they cut him a little slack.

Here’s what’s changed. The NYT dropped another leak from Bolton’s book tonight. They have to get things wrapped up before anymore facts come out. Drip. Drip. Drip.

No, as a Show Me State resident, I want witnesses. Start with Bolton. Let’s get testimony

And now you know why josh had to quickly get a different job than being a lawyer

Ouch. That one left a mark.

Then let’s bring in Bolton and get the word straight from the horses mouth.

How can you vote when you haven’t heard from any witnesses? Why are you pushing this through? Is it because you are afraid of what else may surface publicly? Because you know it will.

How can abuse of power not be impeachable? It is by definition not proper conduct! And obstruction of Congress is denial of the Congress’s enumerated power to impeach and try impeachments. If that’s not impeachable, nothing is.

We’re Americans. We’re not children and we’re not afraid of the truth. Bring it.

Let loose the witnesses!

Yes, but they’re republican senators…

Dersh is a criminal defense lawyer. 1 of his students who became a constitutional lawyer said he was glad he didn’t have Dersh for constitutional law b/c his arguments are laughable. Explain how Trump was legally able to withhold aid already approved without notifying Congress.

Maybe the self described “constitutional lawyer” needs to ask for his law school tuition back.

The impeachable offense is listed in the articles. Once this bs grandstanding of parading republicans to defend their religious values is over… and the real trial begins… then you’ll have the proof for the impeachment.

But I understand dumb voters don’t research.

Dunning-Kruger Effect.

Dershowitz treated the Constitution today like a square of toilet paper. He has no conscience and will do anything to give Republicans an out. To Dumb down the Constitution like trump has dumbed down America. This is a direct assault on the Law and the US Constitution.

Yep, a vendetta against Republican attempts to have a trial without witnesses or documents – especially when new facts are coming out every day.

Republicans are delusional if they think acquitting trump w/o witnesses won’t come back & nite them in the a$$.

Obstruction is an impeachable offense, Senator. I know you’re focused on bootlicking, but have a bit of objective decency. Once again, feel free to come to KC and face your constituents!

Is it just me or does-
Trump’s attorneys sounds like they are doing an oral book report on a book they never read. Hours of nothing.

As my elected representative I urge you to stop being a sycophant and use that fancy Yale Law degree to think seriously about the danger this president poses to us all and our constitutional republic. You must vote to hear witnesses and to remove him from office.

Pro tip: cheating to win an election is always impeachable

Yeah Hunter Biden withheld military aide. He also told his personal attorney and the AG to go find dirt on his political opponents.

Are you really a constitutional lawyer? Did you get your degree in a gumball machine?

So I’m other words you failed logic and critical thinking in 8th grade.
#AmericansDemandWitnesses

“eviscerates”? Now that’s certainly creative. Seems more like he said no other ‘constitutional’ attorney agrees with me but that’s my opinion. Period. Let’s call witnesses.

Dershowitz is a prima facia case of “opinions money can buy”.

“The subjects of its jurisdiction are those offenses which proceed from the misconduct of public men, or, in other words, from the abuse or violation of some public trust.“ I’ll take Alexander Hamilton‘s version over Dershowitz’s.

Dersh said himself that his opinion on this does not match the consensus of nearly all constitutional scholars. He is the outlier here.

Wait… aren’t you the one that said human trafficking is the result of the American sexual revolution in the 1960s? And ripping kids from their parents was a matter of upholding law and order?

Well, now that you ask, yes.

Why are you attempting to GASLIGHT Americans?

Wow Hawley. Now I know just where you stand. Against Justice, against the will of the People, hearing the witnesses & viewing documentation to complete the trial with full information. Missouri voting is easier everyday. Show your colors MO politicians. We’re watching.

And every constitutional scholar says Dershowitz is totally wrong. If you can find even one reputable person to agree with him, you might have a case, but the only person who used to agree with him wrote an op-ed today about why offenses were impeachable.

Whoa there, Joshy. Captain Underpants spoke in contradictions and has even less credibility than Ken Starr. But I can see you’re in a hurry to acquit before Bolton has a chance to testify. He’s a first hand witness. Isn’t that what you say is missing?

Feeling the rush to vote before Parnas drops another 2 -3 videos?

He didn’t eviscerate anything.
It was so unwatchable and nonsensical I had to turn it off.

Did you have to use your fidget spinner to make it through that mess?

#CallTheWitnesses #LetBoltonTestify

Dershowitz has a pretty obscure take on the matter. Seems like you maybe should call other Constitutional scholars since most say his arguments is utter BS. But you already know that, don’t you. So tired of GOP dishonesty.

I am so disappointed in you. I look forward to supporting whoever runs against you. I just wish I could vote against you sooner. You have shown time and again that you have no character. Such a disgrace.

The president’s defense is still just lies and misdirection, just like his life.

And on and on…

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

Previously:

Impeachment Trial: “No” witnesses, “No” documents, “No” impartiality (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Famous! (January 22, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): How would you know if you weren’t in your seat paying attention the whole time? (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): “The logic of a twelve year old with something to hide…” (January 23, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Is it ethical to throw an elbow so you can be first in line for The Faux News Channel camera? (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): royalist toady (January 24, 2020)

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): Ooh, ooh, me, call on me… (January 25, 2020)

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