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Tag Archives: obstruction

Calling out Joe Manchin

19 Sunday Dec 2021

Posted by Michael Bersin in US Senate

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Build Back Better, Faux News Channel, Jen Psaki, Joe Biden, Joe Manchin, obstruction

“…Senator Manchin’s comments this morning on FOX are at odds with his discussions this week with the President, with White House staff, and with his own public utterances…”

Tristan Snell @TristanSnell
BREAKING – Man with Maserati and yacht against child tax credit, maternity leave, child care, and $35 insulin.
9:44 AM · Dec 19, 2021

From the White House:

Statement from Press Secretary Jen Psaki
DECEMBER 19, 2021

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Senator Manchin’s comments this morning on FOX are at odds with his discussions this week with the President, with White House staff, and with his own public utterances. Weeks ago, Senator Manchin committed to the President, at his home in Wilmington, to support the Build Back Better framework that the President then subsequently announced. Senator Manchin pledged repeatedly to negotiate on finalizing that framework “in good faith.”

On Tuesday of this week, Senator Manchin came to the White House and submitted—to the President, in person, directly—a written outline for a Build Back Better bill that was the same size and scope as the President’s framework, and covered many of the same priorities. While that framework was missing key priorities, we believed it could lead to a compromise acceptable to all. Senator Manchin promised to continue conversations in the days ahead, and to work with us to reach that common ground. If his comments on FOX and written statement indicate an end to that effort, they represent a sudden and inexplicable reversal in his position, and a breach of his commitments to the President and the Senator’s colleagues in the House and Senate.

Senator Manchin claims that this change of position is related to inflation, but the think tank he often cites on Build Back Better—the Penn Wharton Budget Institute—issued a report less than 48 hours ago that noted the Build Back Better Act will have virtually no impact on inflation in the short term, and, in the long run, the policies it includes will ease inflationary pressures. Many leading economists with whom Senator Manchin frequently consults also support Build Back Better.

Build Back Better lowers costs that families pay. It will reduce what families pay for child care. It will reduce what they pay for prescription drugs. It will lower health care premiums. And it puts a tax cut in the pockets of families with kids. If someone is concerned about the impact that higher prices are having on families, this bill gives them a break.

Senator Manchin cited deficit concerns in his statement. But the plan is fully paid for, is the most fiscally responsible major bill that Congress has considered in years, and reduces the deficit in the long run. The Congressional Budget Office report that the Senator cites analyzed an unfunded extension of Build Back Better. That’s not what the President has proposed, not the bill the Senate would vote on, and not what the President would support. Senator Manchin knows that: The President has told him that repeatedly, including this week, face to face.

Likewise, Senator Manchin’s statement about the climate provisions in Build Back Better are wrong. Build Back Better will produce a job-creating clean energy future for this country—including West Virginia.

Just as Senator Manchin reversed his position on Build Back Better this morning, we will continue to press him to see if he will reverse his position yet again, to honor his prior commitments and be true to his word.

In the meantime, Senator Manchin will have to explain to those families paying $1,000 a month for insulin why they need to keep paying that, instead of $35 for that vital medicine. He will have to explain to the nearly two million women who would get the affordable day care they need to return to work why he opposes a plan to get them the help they need. Maybe Senator Manchin can explain to the millions of children who have been lifted out of poverty, in part due to the Child Tax Credit, why he wants to end a program that is helping achieve this milestone—we cannot.

We are proud of what we have gotten done in 2021: the American Rescue Plan, the fastest decrease in unemployment in U.S. history, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, over 200 million Americans vaccinated, schools reopened, the fastest rollout of vaccines to children anywhere in the world, and historic appointments to the Federal judiciary.

But we will not relent in the fight to help Americans with their child care, health care, prescription drug costs, and elder care—and to combat climate change. The fight for Build Back Better is too important to give up. We will find a way to move forward next year.

###

“…Senator Manchin’s comments this morning on FOX are at odds with his discussions…”

Of course he did. And they are.

“Faux News channel, fascist groupies” – protest sign, circa 2003- 2004.

Roy (r) the obstructionist has an opinion

21 Sunday Mar 2021

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

chutzpah, gaslighting, missouri, obstruction, Roy Blunt, social media, Twitter, U.S. Senate

Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].

Chutzpah.

Senator Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
A democracy is a diverse group of people coming together and trying to reach the solution – it’s a give-and-take. I hope we get back to that.
[….]
12:30 PM · Mar 21, 2021

It’s one of two things. Either Roy Blunt (r) believes we’re all that stupid, or he is. It’s kind of hard to tell the difference these days.

As always, there is much hilarity in the responses:

Is this your apology for not standing up for our democracy when Trump lost?

Or for refusing to meet with Garland?

Or for jamming Barrett through?

Or for refusing to hold Trump accountable for his crimes?

Or is this just “Democrats should unilaterally surrender”?

Bro, remember when you acquitted the guy who tried to overturn an election?

It looks like ticket sales for Roy’s farewell tour are not selling well. It’s not a surprise given the material he’s been part of over the last few years.

The old tactic of revisionism isn’t working. Read the room, get off the stage!

Though true, your words ring hollow considering behavior the last several years. I hope in the time you have remaining as a Senator, you can be what all the people of Missouri need and not just representing a select few.

From Roy Blunt (r)? Not gonna happen.

What you talkin’ about, mister? “Get back to that?” The @gop has never about ‘coming together’ and ‘give-and-take’.

Uhh you didn’t seem to care about coming together when @LeaderMcConnell was ramming through Supreme Court justices

This was not the song you were singing while Trump was in the WH. Then it was ‘cram it through’ or ‘block anything proposed by Democrats.’ So soon you forget. Glad you’ll be gone in 2022.

Where were you during the last four years!?!?!? You’re one of the enablers.

Well, before then, too.

Dude. Your side did nothing but TAKE for years and years and years. Spare us the sanctimony now.

Good idea.
When will you start practicing this?

You go first. Tired of the things the GOP does and then tries to play the victim.

Arsonist laments the prevalence of fire.

Hahahahaha—-you slay me!

Your words are hollow. You’ve already sowed your legacy. You sold out your country to make a buck.

Your party’s at fault, insurrectionist.

Talk is cheap and in your case, worthless. You sold your soul to the Party and the Party is really nothing but everyone for themselves….#YouFailedMissourians #YouFailedThisCountry

You’ve got to be kidding me? Resign.

Empty words.

Do you think we are stupid? That we don’t remember the last 4 years of you doing whatever you wanted with no input from democrats? Fuck off

And what have you done to move us back towards that? The answer is nothing in case you are still searching for it. You’ve shown nothing but cowardice over the last four years and we as Missourians are lucky you’re quiting. Tool

What a hypocrisy – what group and what solution – you were ennobling this con Trump over the constitution and democracy and the country and you wanted to destroy a fair election so this con Trump can say in office and you are talking about coming together- you are evil and fake

Just leave already!

Previously:

There won’t be any noticeable difference (March 8, 2021)

Roy Blunt (r): ure awl stoopit (March 18, 2021)

Give it a rest, at this point you’re just sounding more desperate

10 Wednesday Mar 2021

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

4th Congressional District, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Corona virus, COVID-19 relief, gaslighting, obstruction, pandemic, Roy Blunt, social media, Twitter, Vicky Hartzler

Vicky Hartzler (r) [2016 file photo].

On Monday Roy Blunt (r) announced that he would not seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2022.

This afternoon:

Pre-packaged right wingnut spin.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler @RepHartzler
When 91% of a bill is designed to appease special interests, it’s not COVID “relief.”

Let’s be clear: This $1,900,000,000,000 bill is a partisan payoff.
[….]
2:36 PM · Mar 10, 2021

“…a partisan payoff..” Says the individual that got how much from the previous relief bill(s)?

Some of the responses:

Dear Vicky’s New Social Media Person—

You’re citing information that isn’t true. You’re trying to incite outrage to further divide a torn nation. And you’re parroting talking points that have been fact-checked + called false earlier today.

Be better than Vicky. Tell the truth.

Guess I won’t be buying anything at Heartland Tractor with that attitude.

Bipartisan: involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other’s policies.

Bipartisan dosen’t mean the GOP complains about a bill, that is supported by the majority, until they get their way of screwing over the American people.

Hartzler is lying. That’s why she is in the minority.

Big Poverty finally gets a win.
Thanks for assuring your constituents that you oppose the general will of the people.

Yeah…special interest in helping people, healthcare, arts and humanities, prisoners are humans that will need to build a life after prison…none of the things in this list are bad…Why are you like this, what is wrong with you?

So you voted No to not provide relief to Americans who need help now. Instead you would much rather take more time debating as the American people continue to struggle to pay for food/rent/mortgage. Makes perfect sense… The Majority of Americans support this bill.

Absolute hogwash, Vic. Stop lying.

Would you just shut the hell up. Americans are getting help in spite of you and all other Republicans obstructing it. Your only option now is to continue spinning your lies. You failed the American people at a time when they most needed help. Resign.

Previously:

Anyone think Vicky Hartzler (r) wants to see if it’s easier to grift from a U.S. Senate seat? (March 9, 2021)

Home every night

07 Sunday Mar 2021

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Corona virus, COVID-19 relief, Josh Hawley, missouri, obstruction, pandemic, social media, Twitter, Virginia

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

Yesterday, from the third Senator from Virginia:

Josh Hawley @HawleyMO
.@mogop_jasper have been looking forward for many days to being with you tonight for Lincoln Days. But the Senate has stayed in session and I’m still in DC representing our state. I’ll keep on standing up for what we believe – unafraid – and hope to see you soon
11:24 AM · Mar 6, 2021

As usual, there was hilarity in most of the rsponses:

You voted against COVID-19 relief.

You don’t represent Missourians.

Josh, we here in Missouri are so very proud of what you are doing for us. Standings up for what us right and just and fair.We voted for you and have been very proud of you.

And the folks in Virginia?

Most of the people in Missouri I know didn’t, and the ones who did say they feel duped. They especially don’t like they found out he was lying about supporting pre-existing conditions, and conned them about even living here.

Who’s surprised that the party responsible for a violent insurrection that left 7 Americans dead, hundreds injured, ended a 232-year peaceful transition of power and whose own members are now currently under investigation by the DOJ wouldn’t vote for a plan to help Americans?

Personally I’m glad bill passed as I NEED the help! But, I totally agree with the reasons the Republicans are voting against it. It’s not the helping Americans part they object to, it’s the 90% of the bill going to things thst are not covid or people related.

Think about that for just a second.

I got mine, screw you (February 27, 2021)

except for you voted against the relief package after WEEKS of virtue signaling when it was politically convenient. Woj said it best. Resign.

Josh expressed a degree of concern;
about Wray’s probe he tried more to learn.
His hands fairly twitched; his
voice wavered & pitched. Maybe
Josh felt a tinge of heartburn?
Why focus on the metadata?
We very well may find out later.

Senators Hawley & Cruz have repeatedly expressed concern about the idea of the FBI looking into phone records of those in Congress, on & leading up to Jan 6. Hawley in particular has fumed about this “violation of privacy” in multiple hearings.

Mmm… Wonder why…

You voted against raising the minimum, guess you guys really aren’t the party of the working class.

The guy who instigated an attempt at political assassination — is going to celebrate “Lincoln Days.”

This shit writes itself.

This person won the Internets yesterday.

Wait…was Josh Hawley really planning to come back to Missouri?? Guess his sister was going to make up the spare bedroom for him at his “home” in Missouri.

You don’t represent us – we wanted the Covid relief bill & you voted against it. Thankful for the Democrats who passed it. They care. You don’t.

Maybe, and I’m just spit balling, don’t let your party waste 10 hours reading a bill just to be obstinate.

“Unafraid” is an odd word to throw in there…

Unafraid of what? The FBI gathering data on terrorists? Donors abondoning you as fast as they can?

At least you won’t have to pay for a hotel in Missouri, since you don’t have a house to stay at while there.

Here, let me fix this for ya: “Don’t worry, I’ll keep lying for you, and can’t wait to be thanked for it.”

Its your party’s fault it took this long.

Yeah, where is that vote for raising the minimum wage? Anyway, you support insurrection. Just stay at your Virginia home.

You don’t even live in Missouri, Josh

The very last place you represent is Missouri.

Unafraid? To represent a state you don’t live in?

Josh is busy trying to prevent financial help from reaching middle class families so that there will more $ to send to his billionaire donors.

So good to know Joshie cares so deeply for the people he used to live among! He clearly deeply connected! #JoshLies

You don’t represent me. (A Missouri resident.)

Pretty confident most Missourians oppose insurrection.

It’s close though.

Which state? The one where you live?

For what “we believe.” Maybe represent your entire state not just “we.”

There’s that.

Give it up. One termer.

You voted AGAINST the American people

He just tweeted this to another girl, dont believe him

You sure about that?

What are you afraid of? Hmm…

If you were truly unafraid you would not constantly say you are unafraid. #Traitor

“standing up for what we believe”. Is “what we believe” just limited to treason, insurrection, and sedition, or is there more to it than that?

The more you say you’re unafraid, the more we get the impression you’re trying to convince yourself otherwise.

Josh…what is it “exactly” that you believe in…

CERTAINLY NOT the working class. So rich people rejoice, the other hundreds of millions of you go F-yourself

Signed – j hawley

Biden COVID bill passed by Senate.

100% of Democrats supported it.
100% of Republicans who voted opposed it.

77% of all American voters support it and are relieved it passed.

Relief is coming, no thanks to Republicans!

@HawleyMO, are you able to help your constituents understand which parts of this you oppose? Be specific.

Another canned tweet from a deadbeat Senator.

Your no vote on the American Rescue Plan proves you have been lying all the times you swore to fight for $2000 stimulus checks. You and your obstructionist comrades don’t care a damn bit about working families struggling to keep their families fed and a roof over their head.

Y’all voted against the stimulus package so please tell your constituents to return their 1400.00

Yep.

Previously:

Senator Claire McCaskill (D) – town hall in Warrensburg – Press Q and A – August 17, 2017 (August 17, 2017)

What passes for a flatbed truck at “…Yale, I think, or Harvard, one of those, one of those fancy ones…” (August 16, 2018)

Josh Hawley (r): throwing shit against the wall to see if anything sticks (December 30, 2020)

Josh Hawley (r): ladders and rakes (December 30, 2020)

Ladder Climbing 101: by the book (December 31, 2020)

Burning bridges (December 31, 2020)

Sedition, sedition…sedition (January 2, 2021)

What it is, is sedition… (January 3, 2021)

If you can’t stand the heat, trample people on your way to a live mic (January 3, 2021)

Nothing much going on. Why do you ask? (January 3, 2021)

The third Senator from Virginia (January 5, 2021)

Fascist pig (January 6, 2021)

What hath Josh Hawley (r) wrought? (January 6, 2021)

Josh Hawley (r): Dumbass (January 7, 2021)

Sedition is bad for business (January 11, 2021)

HCR 10 and HCR 11 (January 12, 2021)

Josh Hawley (r): “I no mye misoori constitutents our reely stoopit.” (January 14, 2021)

Ignite (January 15, 2021)

Campaign Finance: Dayam (January 16, 2021)

Penrose on Politics: Taps Closed to Insurrectionists (January 17, 2021)

Josh Hawley (r): Why not add “obstructionist asshole” to the list, it’s just one more thing, right? (January 21, 2021)

Penrose on Politics: Hawley’s Hallmark Moment (January 23, 2021)

Josh Hawley (r): looking ahead to 2024 (January 23, 2021)

After 17 days of silence (January 24, 2021)

Yeah, but those seven Senators didn’t pump their fists at insurrectionists immediately before the breach of the Capitol (January 25, 2021)

A shooting star elbow drop from the ropes (January 28, 2021)

Josh Hawley (r): you got your wish (January 31, 2021)

If Josh Hawley (r) steps in front of a microphone today we get six more weeks of sedition. (February 2, 2021)

On the wrong side of everything (February 3, 2021)

Penrose On Politics: Hawley’s Crybaby Tour (February 6, 2021)

You got that one right (February 8, 2021)

Senator “Raise My Fist in Sedition” (r) has an opinion (February 10, 2021)

Working on the galley proofs for that right wingnut welfare vanity press book? (February 10, 2021)

Penrose On Politics: Hawley’s Indifference (February 13, 2021)

Eric Greitens (r) is on line one… (February 13, 2021)

Penrose On Politics: Hawley’s Mail (February 20, 2021)

What is Josh Hawley’s (r) favorite whine? (February 23, 2021)

Again, we already knew that (February 26, 2021)

Offered without comment (March 2, 2021)

The people you pay $174,000.00 a year believe that all billionaires are in desperate need of their help and that you haven’t suffered enough (March 6, 2021)

The people you pay $174,000.00 a year believe that all billionaires are in desperate need of their help and that you haven’t suffered enough

06 Saturday Mar 2021

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

American Rescue Plan Act 0f 2021, Corona virus, COVID-19 relief, Josh Hawley. Roy Blunt, obstruction, pandemic, U.S. Senate

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

Today, finally, relief for working families:

Roll Call Vote 117th Congress – 1st Session
Vote Summary
Question: On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 1319, As Amended )
Vote Number: 110
Vote Date: March 6, 2021, 12:12 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Bill Passed
Measure Number: H.R. 1319 (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021)
Measure Title: A bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 5.

Vote Counts:
YEAs 50
NAYs 49
Not Voting 1

Missouri:
Blunt (R-MO), Nay
Hawley (R-MO), Nay

[emphasis added]

Thanks for nothing.

Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].

Back then, looking after all those billionaires:

Roll Call Vote 115th Congress – 1st Session
Vote Summary
Question: On the Motion (Motion to Recede from the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1 and Concur with Further Amendment)
Vote Number: 323
Vote Date: December 20, 2017, 12:31 AM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Motion Agreed to
Measure Number: H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act)
Measure Title: To provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

Vote Counts:
YEAs 51
NAYs 48
Not Voting 1

Missouri:
Blunt (R-MO), Yea
McCaskill (D-MO), Nay

There is a difference.

Josh Hawley (r) is an idiot’s version of a “populist”.

“Inciteful”

01 Monday Mar 2021

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Corona virus, COVID-19, missouri, obstruction, pandemic, relief, Roy Blunt, social media, Twitter

It’s their world, the rest of us have to live in it.

Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].

Obstructionist, too.

Senator Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
Democrats claim additional funding is needed to get kids safely back in school.

Congress has already provided $67.5 billion to do just that.
So far, states have only spent about $5 billion of that money.

There are no excuses: it’s time to get kids back to in-person learning.
5:34 PM · Mar 1, 2021

Missouri School Districts and schools got that money? You sure about that? Show your work.

As usual, the responses are insightful:

Senator Blunt, your concern about schools opening is well-taken. Why don’t you go teach for a week in a school with inadequate ventilation and tell us what it was like?

Hey, Roy. Remember when you voted to acquit the guy who encouraged a violent mob to storm the capitol to execute your colleagues in an attempt to overturn the election? You’re a traitor and should resign.

There’s that, too.

It’s amazing how much the GOP is complaining about the American Rescue plan… not enough tax breaks or money for the wealthy in it for you? All the GOP is doing is complaining and trying to spread misinformation, but they never offer an alternative… why, why is that?

It’s in their nature.

How many different “stimulus bad” messages are you going to test?

The stimulus has a 70% approval making it the most bipartisan bill in a long, long time. You should get on board before it’s too late.

Narrator [in the future]: “It was too late.”

Roy,
@GovParsonMO is sending Missouri’s COVID relief funds to a “consultant” in Virginia to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars per month. It’s doing schools here a lot of good that way, right? MO schools aren’t seeing any of this yet! Protect teachers & kids.

If this is true, I suggest you investigate why this money has not been spent. Otherwise support the American Rescue Plan and stop holding the American people hostage.

The money for schools last until 2023. After that the money will be re-appropriated. If it’s too much we get it back. Do you not want schools to have assistance? Our schools in Missouri are struggling, so where is that magic $67.5 billion?

Senator, what percentage of MO schools are already open? What percentage of MO teachers are vaccinated? This information affects the validity of your complaints.

Hey @RoyBlunt – riddle me this; how many schools are open in Missouri? How many are closed? Why aren’t teachers in tier 1 group A? Seems as if you know Jack [Pile of poo] about your state.

I just wanted to thank you for putting up an inciteful argument based on policy and not “Dems are Evil and Trump is good (Which he is not)” language

Uh…

You first.
volunteer to be school janitor for first week of school

Vaccinate teachers. Update filtration systems. Make it as safe as possible.

Talk to Parson. Why did he hold onto $$. Don’t blame schools

Vaccinate our teachers first.

Twitter is not working for you lol

Better than Josh. Heh.

Call the Governor of MO and tell him to actually start working, if teachers have the vaccine, schools can open. Roy you are either clueless or you are just lying

So, it’s the Democrat’s fault that states haven’t spent that money?
Missouri is a red state.
C’mon Roy!!!

You ignored COVID all last year because it was inconvenient to your party, and now you want to act like _you_ in Washington know what’s best for all schools?

You have no credibility at all. You know that, right?

Narrator [in the future]: “He was hoping no one noticed. They did.”

Why do you have to lie?

How Much COVID Relief Money Is Left?
JAN 27, 2021

[….]

Excluding the recently-passed Response & Relief Act, about $220 billion (17 percent) of the remaining funds are policies that are meant to pay out over time, $235 billion (18 percent) are policies that the funding has simply not been disbursed yet, and $90 billion (7 percent) are from policies where little or no data is available.

As an example of policies that pay out over time, higher Medicaid matching payments to states will have ongoing costs so long as the public health emergency remains, so it will likely disburse over a multi-year period. We estimate the federal government has disbursed $55 billion in additional Medicaid funds so far, while CBO estimates they will ultimately disburse $165 billion. As an example of money yet to be disbursed, there are approximately $170 billion of EIDL loans available — out of $366 billion — for small businesses to apply for.

A final way to look at the funds remaining is by support category. We estimate the vast majority of allowed direct payments (recovery rebates) and 2020 tax breaks has been disbursed or committed, along with most income support spending such as unemployment benefits. More will be claimed as people file their 2020 tax returns and are paid expanded unemployment benefits into March.

[….]

This tweet is as tone deaf as you are blind. All but 1% of MO’s schools are back to in-person learning. You hail from a party that blames teachers for all this countries problems and disrespect us, yet expect us to ‘suck it up’ when called upon like this past year. #bebetter

Who in MO is not back in school? MO does not consider teachers as essential workers, starting teacher pay in MO is 49th. Republicans never support money for education. In Springfield we are having school. You Don’t support education.

There’s that.

Previously:

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): you first, asshole (April 15, 2021)

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…

Living rent free

17 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by Michael Bersin in social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, impeacment, maroon, obstruction, quid pro quo, social media, Twitter

Yesterday:

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
I JUST GOT IMPEACHED FOR MAKING A PERFECT PHONE CALL!
2:39 PM · Jan 16, 2020

Actually: Articles of Impeachment [pdf]

What a maroon.

The best response:

Three Year Letterman @3YearLetterman
Well, they tried to impeach Ben Franklin when he was president for inventing electricity. They’ll stoop to anything. Still, America is the oldest and greatest country ever
2:41 PM · Jan 16, 2020

Is this a great country, or what?

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

Moms

26 Thursday Dec 2019

Posted by Michael Bersin in social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, impeachment, Nancy Pelosi, obstruction, quid pro quo, social media, Twitter

They’re like that.

Christine Pelosi @sfpelosi
Like many moms, mine is a master multi-tasker who can be many places at once. For instance, this Christmas she is cuddling with her youngest granddaughter in beautiful California – while apparently living rent-free in someone’s rage-tweeting head. #HappyHolidays
11:29 AM · Dec 26, 2019

Heh.

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

Yep: “We’re on an express elevator to hell, going down!”

Yep:

Public support for Trump impeachment at all-time high: Poll
Public support for Donald Trump’s removal from office is the highest it has ever been, according to a new poll. Fifty-five percent of those asked said they were in favor of the president’s conviction by the Senate, a figure that shot up from 48 percent the week before.

Sen. Roy Blunt (r): can’t see the forest because of all those trees

22 Sunday Dec 2019

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

abuse of power, bribery, Donald Trump, extortion, impeachment, missouri, obstruction, quid pro quo, Roy Blunt, social media, Twitter

Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].

This afternoon, via Twitter:

Senator Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
Since day one, the Democrats’ efforts to impeach the president have been completely driven by politics.
via @FaceTheNation
[….]
2:14 PM · Dec 22, 2019

Some of the responses:

“Since day one” is not really a very good refutation of the FACTS that Trump extorted an ally fighting Russia to start an investigation on one of Trump’s political opponents. The only reason Trump’s scheme didn’t work is that he was caught. Do you disagree with these FACTS?

Vote to convict, Senator. You know it’s the right thing to do.

Missourian here. It’s not political, he broke his oath. The only ones playing politics here is the right. Whipping votes in the house and now making it clear they will not be impartial in the senate. You have no integrity.

And your reticence to debate legislation is too.

You could ask #MoscowMitch about that.

Merrick Garland. The Constitution. Congressional Oath. #IMPOTUS

I think they were driven by the president breaking the law.

No. They’ve been driven by Trump’s continual invitations to foreign nations to interfere in our elections on his own behalf.

Liar

I can’t believe how far you have fallen, and all this to protect the type of man we teach children to avoid.

Nope! Driven solely by his corrupt and illegal behavior. Most corrupt president in history.

Uh, no. He is impeached because he violated his oath of office and obstructed a legitimate congressional investigation

Pretty much the same way you carry yourself. Always political not what’s best for MO.

No. Bringing charges against a POTUS who bribes or attempts to bribe a foreign leader to interfere in a U.S. election is NOT political act.

No, but your protection of Trump has been entirely driven by politics and cowardice. Vote to convict and remove when the articles get to the Senate.

Furthermore, considering what you treasonous pack of racists did to Barack Obama’s nominees you have no room to talk.

how about a town hall to discuss? if you are SO confident he did nothing wrong, you shouldn’t have a problem explaining it to us in person.

Not gonna happen. Ever.

Missourian here. Respectfully, the Dems are honoring the facts. The president needs to be removed from office.
Country over party.
Dignity over dollars.

Pot? Oh, Pot? Do you hear the kettle calling you black?

You suck.

You would be factually incorrect. Many communities offer free/low-cost adult ed courses in subjects like American Gov’t, Civcs, etc.. Might want to look into it.

The odds of sounding like an uneducated fool, as you do here, would decrease dramatically.

Ouch.

You have turned your back on the Constitution and the country in order to protect a criminal potus and your corrupt party

No Sweetie, I want him impeached because he’s an unethical putz.

Senator you are tarnishing you’re reputation and I’m so ashamed of my state.

Bullshit! The guy is corrupt as hell! Aren’t you from the show me state? Show us the witnesses. You dishonor the process!

He has worked himself into impeachment like a lemming on a cliff.The Russian back channel, firing Comey & guessing giving more secrets to Putin than just Israeli information.
You are covering bc he has done far worse than we know at this time. But, you know.

Still waiting for an actual town hall meeting by you.

Senator, I live in Missouri. And you are full of crap.

Driven by the fact that he’s an unrepentant criminal. That makes you an accomplice.

You’re a liar

That was blunt.

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

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