Maybe Nancy was right
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- Date published:
8:43 am, November 10th, 2019 - 81 comments
Categories: corruption, Deep stuff, Donald Trump, Politics, us politics -
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There is a very good chance that the upcoming impeachment trial of
President Donald Trump will turn into one massive campaign launch –
one which significantly increases his chances of winning a second
term.
Let’s move past the Democratic-dominated hearings coming in the next
few weeks. It’s a free hit for the Dems, but guess what’s coming?
Because once it gets to the Senate, the Republicans have a firm
majority. They are well practiced at using it. This is their chance to
really turn the tide against the Democratic surge.
Here’s why.
First, don’t expect any sense out of it. While an impeachment trial
has several trappings of a court trial including lawyers, evidence,
jurors, and a verdict, don’t be confusing this with a courtroom, or
any result with justice.
So for example, Republicans can go full Sandy Hook conspiracy on the
witnesses’ ass. There is nothing stopping them, in reality. They can
trot out any conspiracy they like. They can call the Bidens – both
father and son – and roast them until they are good and done.
Essentially do Trump’s Ukraine hit-job for him.
As long as President Trump’s fans remain loyal, Republicans will be
motivated to turn this trial into a full-blown circus airing every
nut-job theory, and bring in any beyond-Bolton cranky extremist, with
the net result being to allow Trump’s team to play to his massive
rhetorical strengths and communicative power by wielding
heavy-but-improbable fiction upon fiction to the public.
The Republican Senators are aware that these proceedings and the
judgement are fundamentally political. A removed official has no
appeal. There are no set rules of evidence. There’s no due process
requirement. Of course there’s no gag rule for jurors outside the
“courtroom”. This is what President Trump is so good at: politics as
World Wrestling Federation theatre.
The Republicans will dominate the media, because their majority Chair
leader will go each night straight from trial to tv talkshow. He and
his party get to frame it all. The media dominance from lower house
hearings to the Senate trial is going to mean that no other policy
issue will get any airtime until about Easter 2020 – if then.
And of course all the Democratic candidates who are Senators will
attend – how could they not do their Constitutional duty since it
calls them? That takes Sanders, Warren, and Biden out of their
campaigns and fully within the theatre-command of the Republican
Senate, when they have every reason to ensure that only Biden ever
gets to speak. There is simply no Democrat response possible to this
control of political oxygen. With Republican oxygen-control goes
Republican-directed political fire.
Sure as eggs no one will give a damn about Democratic primaries in
flyover states – not in this election now. Nor will there be room for
non-players who are not already Senators, the likes of Buttegieg or
whatever. Nor any room for any policy debate outside it. Even Frank
Underwood would marvel at this set of plays.
McConnell has downplayed how much Republicans can control the process,
saying that once the trial begins, rulings will be made by Supreme
Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. — not by a majority of the
Senate. “This is not something that the majority can kind of
micromanage like it can on almost any other issue,” he said Tuesday.
Justice Roberts however has been clear that he’s just bringing the
popcorn.
The Senate trial will give the president and his lawyers a
high-profile opportunity to make their case to the American public. In
theory, Republicans will have a chance to call witnesses who could
undermine the Democrats’ case. During Clinton’s impeachment trial, the
bipartisan agreement limited witnesses and determined that video of a
private deposition of Monica Lewinsky would be aired instead of
allowing a House prosecutor to question her in the well of the Senate.
But be assured there won’t be any bipartisan rules on this one.
Republican Senators are locked hard and solid as a Roman shield-wall,
loyal and impervious to facts. Republicans appear to be staying almost
universally supportive of the president, so there is near-zero chance
Trump will be convicted.
That means we already know President Trump will survive this, and
continue to the public with universal media profile and a raging
grudge that will at very least electrify his base. Few thought he
could win last time, remember?
Nancy Pelosi resisted impeaching the President for most of this year.
This is why.
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- Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford UnionHon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...1 week ago
- Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscationsGreen Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...1 week ago
- TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...1 week ago
- Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgradeThe Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be releasedMinisters must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...1 week ago
- Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal payNational has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under NationalThe Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cutsWith Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert MartinThe Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live exportLabour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...2 weeks ago
- Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fireToday’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...2 weeks ago
- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New ZealandersWeekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...2 weeks ago
- Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle downThe Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationship
New Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...3 hours ago - New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...5 hours ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...6 hours ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...7 hours ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...11 hours ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...16 hours ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...1 day ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...1 day ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...1 day ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...1 day ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...1 day ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...2 days ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...2 days ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...2 days ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...2 days ago
- New Chief of Defence Force appointedAir Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...2 days ago
- Government puts children first by repealing 7AALegislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...2 days ago
- Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, ItalyDefence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...2 days ago
- Charter schools to lift educational outcomesThe upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...2 days ago
- COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received“The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...3 days ago
- The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlookForeign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...3 days ago
- NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely togetherHealth, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...3 days ago
- Driving ahead with Roads of Regional SignificanceThe coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...3 days ago
- New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands governmentA high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office. “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...4 days ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolutionNew Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...6 days ago
- Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...6 days ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...6 days ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...6 days ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...1 week ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...1 week ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...1 week ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...1 week ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...1 week ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...1 week ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...1 week ago
- Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs lessAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...1 week ago
- Report provides insights into marine recoveryNew research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...1 week ago
- NZ to send political delegation to the PacificDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...1 week ago
- Low gas production threatens energy securityThere has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...1 week ago
- Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...1 week ago
- Operation Burnham: Defence Force failed to share info crucial to investigation
Peter Boshier says the information gap undermined his initial investigation, and meant the NZDF avoided being accountable. ...2 hours ago - It’s time to give Labor’s first term a scorecard – have we actually seen any transformative vi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland This week’s budget was Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ third and – for practical purposes – final for the current parliamentary term. Even if the 2025 election is delayed long enough to give ...2 hours ago - Rally Condemns Zionism And The State Of Israel For Ongoing Genocide
They held a noisy but peaceful demonstration against the ongoing genocide being carried out by the State of Israel, condemning the Israeli ambassador who was hosting an invitation-only event to celebrate the establishment of the State of Israel. ...3 hours ago - Winston Peters expresses concern over New Caledonia unrestThe Minister of Foreign Affairs says the escalating situation is of serious concern across the Pacific region. ...4 hours ago
- PrEP was earmarked $26m in the budget. What is it? Will it stop me getting HIV?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridget Haire, Senior lecturer, public health ethics, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Bowonpat Sakaew/Shutterstock HIV prevention was allocated A$43.9 million over three years in this week’s federal budget. Some $26m of this is for “PrEP” for people without access to ...4 hours ago
- Children's Minister wants to work with Māori – despite working to scrap Treaty obligatio...Karen Chhour wants Oranga Tamiriki to establish more partnerships with Māori, despite introducing a bill to Parliament removing their obligation to do so. ...4 hours ago
- What is PrEP for HIV? Will it stop me getting infected?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridget Haire, Senior lecturer, public health ethics, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Bowonpat Sakaew/Shutterstock HIV prevention was allocated A$43.9 million over three years in this week’s federal budget. Some $26m of this is for “PrEP” for people without access to ...4 hours ago
- Why is New Caledonia on fire? According to local women, the deadly riots are about more than voting ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole George, Associate Professor in Peace and Conflict Studies, The University of Queensland New Caledonia’s capital city, Noumea, has endured widespread violent rioting over the past 48 hours. This crisis intensified rapidly, taking local authorities by surprise. Peaceful protests had been ...5 hours ago
- Suspended Green MP Darleen Tana on full pay misses half Parliament's 2024 sitting daysDarleen Tana was stood down in March after Stuff reported allegations of migrant exploitation relating to her husband's e-bike company. ...5 hours ago
- Mayor calls for 'slow down' of fast-track lawAlthough his council supports the intent of the legislation, it's called on the government to reconsider its approach. ...5 hours ago
- Risk of ‘genetic discrimination’ by insurance companies is ruining people’s trust in vital med...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brad Elphinstone, Lecturer in psychology., Swinburne University of Technology A DNA sequence. Gio.tto/Shutterstock Should you be denied life insurance or have to pay extra if you have a genetic risk for certain diseases? Should insurance companies even have access to your genetic ...6 hours ago
- Investigating social media harm is a good idea, but parliament is about to see how complicated it is...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Nicholls, Senior research associate, University of Sydney Barely a day has gone by this month without politicians or commentators talking about online harms. There have been multiple high-profile examples spurring on the conversation. There was the circulation of videos of Bishop ...6 hours ago
- Popeyes battle shows how big businesses protect their trademarks – even when they have no plans to...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexandra Allen-Franks, Lecturer and Co-director of the New Zealand Centre for Human Rights Law, Policy and Practice, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Robert Gauthier/Getty Images At first sight, the battle between a Manawatū fish-and-chip shop and a Louisiana-based chicken joint ...6 hours ago
- Trump vs Biden round two: The 2024 US presidential election, explained
With less than six months to go, it’s time to start paying attention to what could be the most consequential election of our lifetimes. It’s less than half a year until election day in the United States, which makes this a good opportunity to review what’s happened thus far in ...7 hours ago - Sports are supposed to be for all – but new research reveals just how few LGBTQI+ people play spor...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ryan Storr, Research fellow, Swinburne University of Technology The topic of homophobia in sport has recently made headlines in Australia, with a series of homophobic incidents involving men’s AFL players. These homophobic incidents are usually well-reported in news media, but research ...7 hours ago
- ‘Too difficult to work out’ – new research reveals just how few LGBTQI+ people play sportSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ryan Storr, Research fellow, Swinburne University of Technology The topic of homophobia in sport has recently made headlines in Australia, with a series of homophobic incidents involving men’s AFL players. These homophobic incidents are usually well-reported in news media, but research ...7 hours ago
- Explainer: What sparked New Caledonia's deadly civil unrest?At least four people are dead and hundreds are injured amid widespread fires, armed clashes with police and mass looting. ...7 hours ago
- Nouméa ‘was on fire’ – New Zealander in New Caledonia tells of unrestRNZ News A New Zealand man has described scenes of chaos in the New Caledonia capital of Nouméa during the escalating civil unrest. Four people have died and hundreds have been injured during rioting by pro-independence supporters over electoral changes. French president Emmanuel Macron has declared a 12-day state of ...8 hours ago
- France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia – four die in riotsAsia Pacific Report France has declared a state of emergency on the Pacific territory of New Caledonia — New Zealand’s closest neighbour — after four people, including a police officer, have been killed in pro-independence riots over voting changes that further marginalise indigenous Kanaks, news agencies report. The move came ...8 hours ago
- MPI slashes 10% of workforce in response to Govt spending cutsThe agency charged with safeguarding and growing our key primary exports has today confirmed it is cutting 10% of its nationwide workforce. ...9 hours ago
- A conversation with Emily Perkins the morning after winning big at the OckhamsThe biggest winner from the 2024 Ockham book awards talks to Madeleine Chapman about her fascination with stages of life, advocating for the arts, and what’s next. Last night, at a not-as-long-as-expected ceremony at Q Theatre in downtown Auckland, Emily Perkins won the Big Prize for the second time. Her ...9 hours ago
- NZTA to cut more than 120 jobs, as MPI confirms 391 roles goingThe transport agency is axing more than a hundred extra jobs, as the Ministry for Primary Industry looks to lose 10 percent of the work force. ...9 hours ago
- ‘All our rabbits are dead’: 10 moments of national insignificance from the NZ ArchivesWith funding ending for Archives New Zealand’s digitisation programme, Hera Lindsay Bird shares a taste of what’s being lost – because history isn’t just about the big-ticket items. On Tuesday morning the PSA held a snap protest outside the National Library in Wellington, urging the government to continue funding the ...10 hours ago
- Hollow Words From Winston Peters“North Korea would better serve its people by meaningfully re-engaging with the international community through diplomacy rather than threats” says Mr Peters. ...10 hours ago
- NEW POLL: Luxon Wants Tax Bracket Indexation, So Do KiwisFollowing comments from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in yesterday’s pre-budget speech that not adjusting tax brackets for inflation each year is “lazy”, the Taxpayers’ Union is releasing a new poll that reveals that the vast majority of ...11 hours ago
- What is allyship? A brief history, present and futureSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Marie Cumming-Potvin, Associate Professor/ Director of Research (School of Education), Murdoch University Shutterstock Despite social change, LGBTQI+ people still face discrimination at school and in the community. Language for diverse genders and sexualities is continually changing. LGBTQI+ allyship is part ...11 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: I want to switch hairdressers but I feel sooo guilty about itShould I tell her before I see someone else? Invent a story about being stuck overseas? Grow my hair long? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Hello Hera, I’ve been seeing my hairdresser for about 12 years, making this one of the longest relationships of my adult life (longer than my ...12 hours ago
- Government Held Accountable By A Broad Coalition In Herald Ad To Protect Te Tiriti O Waitangi And Te...More than 25 environmental and community groups have published an Open Letter calling on Parliament to honour Te Tiriti and protect the environment. ...12 hours ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jakob Weis, Postdoctoral research associate, University of Tasmania Dust storm blowing off the Australian east coast over the South Pacific. Jeff Schmaltz/NASA GSFC, Author provided The Southern Ocean, a region critical to Earth’s climate, hosts vast blooms of microscopic ocean plants known ...12 hours ago
- Cancer is increasingly survivable – but it shouldn’t depend on your ability to ‘wrangle’ the...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Dew, Professor of Sociology, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images One in three of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives. But survival rates have improved to the point that two-thirds of those ...12 hours ago
- Choice and control: what can the ACCC do to stop NDIS price gouging and reduce costs?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mona Nikidehaghani, Senior Lecturer in Accounting, University of Wollongong Many Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late last year. Now a draft NDIS reform ...12 hours ago
- Stirring films made the Snowy scheme a nationbuilding project. Could the troubled Snowy 2.0 do the s...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Belinda Smaill, Professor of Film and Screen Studies, Monash University National Archives of Australia In 2017, then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull alighted from a helicopter to announce a grand plan: Snowy Hydro 2.0. It would turn the famous hydroelectric scheme into a ...12 hours ago
- Living across the road from Loafers LodgeIn some ways, I couldn’t have been closer to the tragedy. In others, I was a whole universe away. This essay was first published on 3 March, 2024. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Had you been trying to market a suburb in ...12 hours ago
- WorkSafe not to prosecute FENZ over Muriwai landslide deaths, despite shortcomingsWorkSafe has found shortcomings at Fire and Emergency (FENZ) over how two volunteer firefighters died in a landslide in Cyclone Gabrielle. But it will not prosecute FENZ, nor release its ...12 hours ago
- Like being ‘slapped’ or ‘kicked’: judicial bullying is a problem in Australian courtroomsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ray Nickson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle Bullying by judges, magistrates and other judicial officers is a factor in many lawyers leaving the profession. This month is the first anniversary of the Judicial Commission of Victoria’s ...12 hours ago
- Auckland Council set to approve 10-year budget planAuckland Council will go over the final proposal for the city's 10-year-budget two days after it was revised by the mayor. ...13 hours ago
- With two weeks to go, what do we know about Budget 2024?The prime minister has made it clear this is a no frills budget in all but name, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...14 hours ago
- Government's invite list shows fast-track process is flawed – Forest & BirdThe group has also raised concerns about the power that ministers could have after it was revealed Shane Jones failed to report a dinner with a company deputy chair. ...14 hours ago
- Hamilton councillor Melaina Huaki quit after being queried about regular absencesMelaina Huaki attended only two-thirds of the meetings she was scheduled to be at, and resigned after RNZ asked why. ...14 hours ago
- Diary cock-up heaps pressure on fast-track ministers
Minister Shane Jones’ failure to declare a dinner with mining interests is just one red flag of many about the Government’s proposed fast-track legislation, Transparency International says. Earlier this week, Newsroom revealed Jones, the Resources Minister, at a dinner on the West Coast on February 16, encouraged a mining company ...14 hours ago - Deadnaming, insults and harassment: trans Corrections officer brings landmark human rights case agai...Exclusive: A transgender man is bringing an unprecedented human rights case against the Department of Corrections. He tells Alex Casey about his experience at work and what he’s fighting for. This story contains transphobic language and references to self-harm. Take care. A trans Corrections officer is taking a case against ...16 hours ago
- Time to rebalance our food system towards cheap healthy foodOpinion: New Zealand is a country of food producers. We may be a small, isolated nation at the end of the world, but we create an outsized amount of kai, most of it bound for faraway shores. Each year New Zealand exports enough food to feed 39 million people their ...16 hours ago
- The unsung heroes keeping our lights onWhen households and businesses pulled the country back from the brink of painful power cuts on the coldest day of the year, there was no reward for the sacrifices they made in turning off their heat pumps and lights. Matt Ward, SolarZero CEO Photo: Supplied Consumers saved the day ...16 hours ago
- Health negotiators told to put sovereignty ahead of stopping pandemicsDiplomats have been tasked with ensuring New Zealand can opt out of health rules rather than focusing on strong new pandemic prevention measures The post Health negotiators told to put sovereignty ahead of stopping pandemics appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- Are best-before dates a waste of time – and a waste of food?16 hours ago
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Some polling results on the topic of a president abusing his power and what the consequences should be.
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/11/9/20955441/impeachment-trump-poll-ukraine-2020-democrats-republicans
As a result of the trial, which states do you think would be put in play for the Democratic candidate that weren't beforehand?
My reckons at the moment are I can't think of good reasons for an impeachment trial moving any particular states more than others (except maybe Utah, but not enough to put it in play). Good governance considerations just aren't that high among voter concerns.
Nor do I see any likely way turning the trial into a circus in the senate will actually lift Fuckface von Clownstick's popularity. Trying to play the victim card won't change any voter minds, he's already got the deep-state conspiracy theorists and middle finger voters locked down solid.
I reckon the likeliest effect is simply adding to the general sense of "Trump fatigue". If you're a leftie optimist, that will contribute to depressing turnout among soft Repug supporters, and energise those who look at 2018 and 2019 results to go out and actually vote to throw the bums out. If you're a leftie pessimist, then you'll reckon the whole circus just further proves the pointlessness and dysfunction in Washington, further fueling disengagement and lowering overall turnout. Personally I'm more on the optimist side, in that I think "Trump fatigue" depressing turnout will have similar effects that "Clinton fatigue" probably had in 2016.
As far as states in play for the Electoral College, of the states with the closest margins, I can't think of any them getting any reasons to become more favourable to the Tangerine Toddler, and most of them have been given reasons to be less favourable.
Cronyn(R) from Texas, Graham(R) South Carolina, McConnell(R) KY, Ernst(R) Iowa, McSally(R) Arizona, definitely Collins(R) Maine…all in play. If the House locks down an airtight case, you'll see R senators bail 'cos these craven creeps will be loyal until it jeopardises their own re-election.
Theres the (unlikely) possibility the Senate will use a secret ballot
"A straw in the wind was provided by former senator [Jeff] Flake of Arizona recently when he said if there was a secret ballot, there would be 30 to 35 [republican] votes to convict. Well, all you need is 20."
Guardian
Did you leave out Cory Gardner (Colorado) coz you think he's goneburger no matter what? (and Graham doesn't come up until 2022, you might be thinking of Thom Tillis of North Carolina)
Thing is, all those senators have to first consider their primary prospects before even thinking about what their impeachment vote might do to their November chances. Every single one of them knows Hair Furor has a massive can of whoopass with their name on it that he's just itching to open on them, in the form of a horde of angry Drumpfkins that'll try to primary anyone that votes against their cult leader.
But yeah, Cornyn must be sweating about what hispanics are thinking.
McConnell knows Kentuckians absolutely hate him (and he probably loves it) but probably not enough to vote Dem (but he's gotta be less sure of that after Bevin lost).
Ernst will have to be awfully persuasive to angry corn, soybean, and hog farmers hurt by the trade war with China
Collins has nothing but hope that goodwill from her long service to Maine will overcome anger about her Kavanaugh vote and general anger about Drumpf
McSally has nothing but hope there's enough residual republicanism to overcome general anger about Drumpf, especially among hispanics.
Tillis has to worry that with new district maps that will be less gerrymandered, Dem turnout will increase because there will be more chance their vote will make a difference in down-ballot races.
“If you fight you may lose, but if you do not fight you will definitely lose”…
The stinking pile of Trump’s personal corruption and his enabling the erosion of US democracy and process, became too high even for Ms Pelosi to ignore any longer despite the risks entailed.
While it may appear from afar that the best strategy is just to try and win the 2020 election–vote the orange “sack of”, out–and save pay back for later, there are battles on so many fronts in this one that need action now.
Gerrymandering and voter suppression for instance. Electoral College “National Popular Vote Interstate Compact” to try and stop a candidate becoming President that does not win the popular vote, without requiring difficult to win Constitutional change, State Governorships etc. all play a role in being able to deal with Trump at the ballot anyway.
Internal struggles with old school oligarchical Democrats vs the newer wave–what would replace Trump if he is defeated electorally–all stack up to make a hugely difficult situation. Fight is the way to go, not capitulation.
+ 1 yep – action had to be taken otherwise what's the point. T.rump won't last forever.
But unfortunately his legacy will – courts (including the Supreme one) stacked for decades to come with his ultra-right nominees.
yep – the malignant mango muppet has hurt so many with his actions – it will indeed take decades to unwind his malevolence.
Doesnt the 'House' act as prosecutor during Senate trail. Plus of course the Chief Justice presides over the trial not the Senate republicans
as the NY Times put it
"A team of lawmakers from the House, known as managers, play the role of prosecutors. The president has defense lawyers, and the Senate serves as the jury.
Just as Trumps people havent turned up even when a House subpoena was issued , why would Biden do so?
As for CJ Roberts ‘has been clear’ – hes done nothing of the sort and would scrupulously avoid any comments in advance.
The rules and procedures are set out in:
Rules and Procedures of Practice in the Senate When Sitting on Impeachment Trials
You can get the links here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeachment_in_the_United_States#Rules
However Senators in an impeachment trial not only agree to the rules, they are also jurors, and they are also questioners. They are as empowered as a majority could wish for.
Roberts has been clear previously with his famous comments about calling balls and strikes.
“Judges are like umpires,” Roberts said at the time. “Umpires don’t make the rules. They apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules. But it is a limited role. Nobody ever went to a ballgame to see the umpire.”
I would be very surprised if Roberts were any more intrusive than Rhenquist when he presided over the Clinton one. In a fully partisan context they will go out of their way to show neutrality and impartiality.
I can think of plenty of reasons for Biden to show up – particularly if Trump declines to do so. We shall have to see on that one.
The full detail of the Senate Rules says the Presiding Officer ( in this instance the Chief Justice of the United States)….
VII. shall direct all forms of the proceedings…and may rule on all questions of evidence..including relevancy materiality and redundancy..
XIX. If a Senator wishes to put a question…it shall be reduced by writing and put by the Presiding Officer…
Whether is the existing rules or modified ones that are used this time round remains to be seen. But thats different to saying they can do all the things you suggest
As well the Clinton bi partisan Senate trail process probably wont be repeated from last time , so that CJ Roberts could sit back and do very little
Trent Lott was the Republican senate leader
"Tom, whether we like it or not, this is in our lap,” Lott (R-Miss.) told Daschle (D-S.D.), then the minority leader. “I’d like to work with you to make sure it’s done in a fair way and in a responsible way.”
'As Daschle recalls, Lott said he was “mortified” by the hyper-partisanship in the House and wanted to make sure the Senate emerged with its integrity intact.'
Washington Post
Just out of interest did Biden jr do shit in the Ukraine that was dodgy .?
No Biden did not do any dodgy shit (at least none that is obvious) however his very presence on the board was clearly designed for advantage. He was not there for his skill and knowledge.
This is true for millions of board appointees all over the world. Ex-politicians, family & connections are there to look pretty and not do anything. That goes as much for NZ as Ukraine.
The republicans don’t want to open that can of worms any more than the NZ National or Labour parties do. Trump seems to be immune for irony however.
https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/296972.html
The case wasn't exactly dormant
https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/322395.html
Shokin confiscates property and Rolls Royce off Zlochevsky
I have the feeling that corruption is so rife in Ukraine that prosecutor generals pursue investigations to order.Oligarchs using the office of the prosecutor to attack other oligarchs.Its turf wars
Biden wasnt hired for his expertise.He was hired for his proximity to US power.And made a tidy little sum, whether there was quid pro quo or not.
And if Biden was so keen to tackle Ukrainian corruption, he would have set a better example than turn a blind eye while his son reaped the rewards of the family name
https://johnsolomonreports.com/hunter-bidens-ukraine-gas-firm-pressed-obama-administration-to-end-corruption-allegations-memos-show/
All very murky stuff. How the world works
John Solomon would be better described as an integral part of Giuliani's smear machine. Implying he's some kind of journalist is smearing the profession of journalism.
https://theintercept.com/2019/10/17/ukrainian-oligarch-helping-trump-smear-biden-evade-u-s-corruption-charges/
https://www.mediamatters.org/john-solomon/how-conservative-writer-john-solomon-served-conduit-rudy-giulianis-ukraine-conspiracy
… and here's what Vindman has to say about Solomon.
https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/the-sondland-mulvaney-drug-deal-and-john-solomons-false-narrative-spotlighted-in-latest-transcripts/
your reply would be better described as an ad hominem attack on the messenger
rather than a dissection of his argument
Interfax?
You have a theory on where they stand in the partisan scheme of things?
I would have thought they were straight reporting
Solomon – Fox News , Washington Times , definitely Trump Friendly
https://www.thedailybeast.com/water-finds-its-level-as-fox-news-hires-dictator-loving-deep-state-loathing-john-solomon
Details the bull@#$% level of Solomon. Its silly to say 'ad hominen' when you use well known unreliable sources…
"silly" may be a bit harsh – might be a generational thing
Smearing respected journos, no surprise there… Trump Derangement Syndrome alive and well.
Solomon's a partisan hack reviled by his colleagues, with a history of trading in misinformation and conspiratorial claptrap.
Respected journo my arse.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/leaked-memo-colleagues-unload-on-john-solomon-the-reporter-who-kicked-off-trumps-ukraine-conspiracy?
Describing words from Solomon as an argument is akin to describing Giuliani's or Trump's words as an argument. When someone has been been proven to be a lying propagandist enough times, there's simply no point in even trying to take their words seriously.
Those interfax articles don't even mention either Biden, so it's hard to see their relevance.
Simply that they take apart the argument that Biden was using to get Shokin sacked .In fact Shokin was pursuing corruption at Burisma
There you go …Shokin wasnt persuing corruption , thats why he was ousted, and you get your ideas from Solomon of course. They say even by low Ukraine standards he stood out as letting things drag out. ( not that the US is a shining light either)
"here is a long list of Western organizations, governments, and diplomats, as well as Ukrainian anti-corruption groups, that wanted to see Shokin fired.
They include the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, the U.S. government, foreign investors, and Ukrainian advocates of reform."
Joe Biden was at the back of a long list, but being a politician would like to take credit
No I didn't get it from Solomon I got it from those Interfax links
Jeez !
Still a rubbish claim . You do know that Interfax is just a part of the Russian news system?
One of those interfax articles talks about money being returned to Zlochevsky (the demonstrably corrupt owner of Burisma) from UK banks.
Dig into that a bit more, and you'll find out it's because the UK authorities could no longer justify keeping it frozen because the Ukraine prosecutors office (under Shokin) was uncooperative and didn't supply requested information to the UK authorities.
You think that disproves the argument that Biden was trying to get Shokin fired for not pursuing corruption? What shape is the planet you live on, if you don't mind me asking?
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/9/23/20879611/joe-biden-hunter-biden-ukraine-corruption-prosecutor-burisma-donald-trump-whistleblower-complaint
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/12/the-money-machine-how-a-high-profile-corruption-investigation-fell-apart
Absolutely he was corrupt. Name of the game in oligarch infested Ukraine
So why did the next prosecutor,Lutsenko who Biden approved, end up closing the case
I get that you hate Trump Who doesn't ?but to think that all who oppose him are as pure as the driven snow is delusional
Such good guy /bad guy narratives will not advance the cause.Turning a blind eye to clear conflict of interest,for partisan reasons may be the way American politics works but it ends with a massive bite on the bum
Blowback
It seems those that wanted Shokin gone weren't that thrilled about how Lutsenko turned out either.
When it comes to good guy/bad guy and white as snow and turning blind eye narratives, do you actually read the entirety of anyone's comments? Or do you just scan for things you can use to segue into posting russian propaganda talking points here?
Depends on what your threshold for dodgy is.
There is zero evidence that Biden jr's position at Burisma had any influence on US policy and actions towards Ukraine. In fact, Biden sr's push to fire that Ukraine bigwig prosecutor for not vigorously investigating corruption (including at Burisma) was more likely to be harmful to Biden jr's interests.
There is also zero evidence Biden jr had any involvement in anything dodgy at Burisma. But there is some reason to believe Burisma had some involvement in dodgy stuff, which would give them added to incentive to try to buy themselves someone with an influential name and apparent access to power.
If your threshold for dodgy is disgust at the whole environment whereby access to powerful elected officials is an extremely lucrative saleable commodity … well then you can't escape the relativity arguments about comparing what Biden's family did to what the unrestrained grifters currently in the White House are doing now, and there's simply no equivalence. The noisome crime family currently festering in the White House is actively leveraging their position and control of government to actively line their own pockets and otherwise further their interests to a degree way beyond anything previously seen, whereas Biden jr's actions taking advantage of his name and bloodline were really at the less nasty end of the business as usual in DC.
https://www.npr.org/2019/10/04/766579412/what-to-know-about-the-ukrainian-company-at-the-heart-of-trumps-biden-allegation
https://www.axios.com/joe-hunter-biden-ukraine-corruption-trump-1b031c30-3173-4a45-a6a7-2e551759063c.html
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/28/politics/fact-checking-trump-ukraine-scandal-bidens/index.html
😆 replace "Biden jr" with "Trump jr" in your above statement and you would have totally lost it however.
Gezz! I didn't know Triggered actually "worked"!
The impeachment process will kill the democrat
pretendercandidate if it's Joe, but if Trump shoots his bolt at the Bidens only to find himself facing Warren or Sanders, he might struggle to rebuild a cynical momentum in time.Its Bidens son ..not Joe Biden who has connections to Ukraine. Now Trumps son Donald ….
There is also nothing that specifies when the house has to send it to the Senate.
Essentially all of the things that you are describing apply there as well. Just the other way around.
All that the democratic leadership have to do is to string things out. I’m sure that the impeachment process needs to look into areas like tax, ripping money out of charities for election campaigns, tampering with witnesses etc.
The attraction of keeping the impeachment inquiry narrowly focused on the Ukraine extortion for personal interest is that it caters to short attention spans and limited information absorption capabilities, and it avoids the perception of Dems trying to throw anything and everything in hopes of something, anything, sticking.
The general atmosphere around Clinton's late 90s impeachment was of the Starr investigation fishing into anything and everything that might possibly turn up some kind of pretext to hang an impeachment on, no matter how flimsy. It started with investigating the Whitewater real estate deal (for the third? time), then morphed into investigating White House travel agents, then Vince Foster's suicide, then Paula Jones' sexual harassment allegations. So when they finally got a provable allegation that Clinton lied under oath about a bit of hanky-panky with Monica, the general public was 'whatevs'.
Whereas Nixon also had a long list of probably impeachable wrongdoing, but the impeachment focused on Watergate. That focus on a single clear narrative with clear abuses of power probably helped swing public opinion against Nixon.
Clinton wasn't facing re-election (nor was Nixon for that matter). That is the significiant difference in the political equation.
Impeachment was always going to be a disaster and play into Trumps hands, but impeachment now, and making it about the Ukraine right in the middle of the DNC primaries was ludicrous in the extreme, it yet again exposes the leadership/strategists of the DNC as the inept idiots that they had already made plainly obvious they are.
Imagine.if you will, that the Democrats put even a fraction of the energy into pushing back and organizing protests against the massive tax cuts to the wealthy instead of their endless Russia Russia Russia bullshit, imagine what good will that would have created in the working population in the US..but no, and now this impeachment..FFS what a bunch of dummies.
Gee Adrian, what's your history of political successes that makes you such an expert on what the Dems are doing wrong?
Hey I am not the one who lost the supposed most winnable election in post war US history pal….imagine that, losing to a third rate TV host and blatantly corrupt land developer, yep as I said already, inept and useless and unliked, just like Blair they have used up any good will that the so called Left had built up through their shit, now debunked and unethical Liberal ideology..and good riddance to them I say.
Okay Mr Political Genius, what do you think the DNC should be doing right now? You've shown us you're real good on the whines about the DNC. How about some suggestions as to what the DNC should do differently that are actually within its power?
Gee I duuno..how about looking like they actually care and more importantly act in defending the working class for start…how about not trying to sabotage and undermine the progressive movement within the DNC at every turn…how about supporting a the push for a health care system for all it's citizens instead of attacking that concept…just for starters.
Good grief! If you had been following any of the Democrat candidates you would have noticed that your comments here are completely off beam. Furthermore you might have noticed had you actually been observing the elections in recent days that Democrats have made huge inroads into what were previously safe Republican constituencies. Even the home town of Mike Pence is now firmly controlled by Democrats. The reason for this blue wave in American politics is precisely due to the progressive elements that are now firmly part of the Democrat established policies. That includes medicare for all, gun control, green deal, progressive taxation, improving access to education and the removal of hefty student loans, and the control and regulation of corporates.
Seriously, man are you really that naive?..the establishment DNC would not enact most of what you listed there in any meaningful way unless they had a gun pointed at their heads…
When it comes to Medicare-for-all, listen to Nancy Pelosi
“I’m not a big fan of Medicare-for-all,” Pelosi told Bloomberg TV on Friday"
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/warrens-health-care-plan-is-festooned-with-magic-asterisks/2019/11/04/7fe10b12-ff46-11e9-9518-1e76abc088b6_story.html
Read the actual article and try to absorb what it actually says, rather than cherry-picking an out-of-context quote to try to make Pelosi fit your preconceptions of evil.
Over half of Americans get their health insurance through employer-sponsored plans, where the employer pays the vast majority of the cost. To them, a plan to take away their insurance and replace it within a government program paid for out of taxes looks like they're going to get worse health care that's going to cost them more. It will also be a massive windfall to employers that won't be paying massive health insurance premiums for their employees anymore.
Bear in mind that people in stable employment where their pay includes health insurance benefits are likelier to be in demographics with higher voting turnout.
I see your points on this but there is one issue
" where the employer pays the vast majority of the cost."
Its a tax deduction, so in effect the Government pays anyway.
Tax Breaks for Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
" Currently, employers' spending on health insurance premiums is exempt from taxation for both employers and employees. Premiums paid by employees are exempt as well if the firm has established a Section 125 cafeteria plan; roughly 80 percent of employees with insurance have such a plan. This tax exclusion is extremely costly – it reduces federal and state tax revenues by $260 Billion per year and is the government's third largest expenditure on health care, after Medicare ($400 Billion) and Medicaid ($300 Billion)."
That's "tax deduction" as in "deduction from taxable income".
So if a company pays $100 towards an employee's health insurance premiums, that reduces the company's federal tax bill by $21 (was $35 until the 2017 Tax Giveaway to Rich People). And for the covered employee's $100 towards their premium, that reduces their federal taxes by $10 to $37, depending on their tax bracket.
It's not a tax credit, where spending $100 on health insurance gets a $100 (or some other $XX) reduction in taxes
Gun control
The health debate
As for Nancy – she has changed her mind not only wrt to impeachment which she now sees as imperative – but also wrt to medicare. There is a growing realisation within the US that they are paying far too much on an individual basis approximately $10,000 per capita for Health care and not getting the results they should.
Have you any inkling of what the DNC actually does? It doesn't set policy or develop platforms, it doesn't choose candidates, it doesn't have any authority over elected officials.
It's the various random citizens that put themselves forward as candidates that choose their policies and priorities and platforms. Those random citizens that have the most popular policies and are most persuasive and get the most votes and win their elections that determine what legislation gets pushed and enacted in legislative chambers. Not the DNC.
The DNC helps organise the mechanics of campaigns as an umbrella organisation. While they theoretically have power to withdraw support from a candidate, they really aren't going to do that from a candidate that has popular support.
The DNC can do precisely nothing to actually implement changes to the healthcare system, as much as individual members would like to. Changes like that can only get done through having majorities in both chambers of Congress plus the president. Change like that relies on the individuals that actually successfully get themselves elected. Any proposal won't pass if it's too radical for the 218th House Rep (likely someone like Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania) and (if they nuke the filuibuster) the 50th senator (likely someone like Jon Tester of Montana) or the 60th senator (if the filibuster stays) which would be someone like Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Individuals lawmakers that are independent of the DNC, they're not the DNC.
I agree with you on all those points Andre, you say it so much better than I could.
Theres this obsession with the DNC that doesnt make sense in the highly decentralised US system. And of course once elected not all follow and vote the 'leadership position' in both houses of congress, Senators are especially independent minded and some can be fairly conservative if the represent a normally Republican state.
Very disingenuous to claim it's the leadership of the dnc being idiots when…
'The Squad' – who consist of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib – have come out in favor of the call during interviews and online.
All of the Democratic Presidential candidates, including Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, and Bernie Sanders, were for impeachment
Sanders continued to reiterate that Congress needs to "get moving" on the impeachment inquiry, as he says he's been calling for one "for months."
And they talk about the RUSSIANS spreading division and confusion in the minds of the American people
Oh for the good old days when the media environment was "controllable"
https://www.aim.org/aim-column/hillary-clinton-reminisces-on-controllable-media-environment-of-the-past/
So you're equating the open and constitutionally legal impeachment process with Russian electoral and political interference. Okay 🙄
It's a good equation. Both are fucking ridiculous concepts.
Thanks for that winner, Ainsley, very insightful. lol
Clinton, man she is like some sort of horrible infection that you just can't get rid of, every time you think it has finally gone away, she raises her unwelcome voice to plague the environment with her toxic presence again and again..yuk.
how about this little pearler..
Hillary Clinton Laughs When Asked How She Killed Jeffrey Epstein On "The Daily Show"
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/11/01/hillary_clinton_laughs_when_asked_how_she_killed_jeffrey_epstein.html
Amazingly, she's not only boogeyman (well, boogeywoman, actually) to the entire right, she's also boogeyman to the convergence moonbats, purity progressives and a bunch of other factions of the loonier left.
I would say she is a boogey woman to the people of Libya too.
Libya slave trade sends shockwaves across the world
https://www.antislavery.org/libya-slave-trade/
I love it how you centrists call us thing like 'purity progressives' because we happen to actually stand firmly by our principles and demand that the politicians we support do the same…unlike you pragmatists who fold under the slightest pressure from the right..you lot are pathetic, although don't be too sad, at least the right love you, cause they know what a bunch of spineless flops you are.
Good grief! That old chestnut – It may have escaped your notice – but Hillary is NOT running for President.
Did I say she was?
So why bring it up? As if she represents the current crop of Democrat candidates.
Settle down melonfarmer, if you could just contain yourself for one minute and check before shooting your mouth off as usual, you would have seen I was replying to Francesca
although don't be too sad, at least the right love you, cause they know what a bunch of spineless flops you are.
Who do you think the right loves more?
Lefties that are pragmatic and vote for candidates that actually win elections that go on to move things in a progressive direction even though that movement falls short of what they want?
Or lefties that throw a tantrum when they don't get exactly what they want and throw away their vote on unelectable fringe candidates or even don't vote, thereby allowing the right to actually win and implement their regressive agenda?
Put another way, which Bernie supporters are likely to have a bigger contribution to a Trump win in 2020?
Those that swallow their disappointment that their preference wasn't the most popular and go on to work hard to elect Warren (or god forbid, Biden)?
Or those that go around falsely whining about how the DNC didn't treat their idol fairly and paint false equivalences between the 'establishment Dems' and Repugs?
until the DNC either become sane or disappear . we are stuck with Trump as the least worst. This is a total collapse of democracy. #dumpDNC
What do you think the DNC should do differently? Ignore the results of all the votes held in primaries around the country and just appoint the candidates? You think that would be more democratic than what they have now, where literally anyone can call themselves a Democrat and contest the Democratic primary to become the Democrat candidate for any elected position in the country?
True that, watch them sabotage Sanders if he looks like winning the nomination, the establishment DNC would rather Trump as POTUS than Sanders that is for sure.
Although when you think about it, that makes perfect sense as they have more in common with Trump ideologically than they do with Sanders..just like many of the commenters on this site.
🙄
What a load of twaddle! You have no idea of what the DNC think.
Their actions speak volumes, so yes I have a very good idea what they think actually.
ok! Cite some actions to back up your claims – if you can find anything credible that is.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jun/11/democrat-primary-elections-need-reform
And how many of those whines have been fixed by the rules the DNC has implemented for next year's primary? (hint, not all of those whines were about things under the DNC's control)
The DNC organised the TV debates and ( tries, its like herding cats) to set the dates for the various states primaries.
Whether a state does a caucus or a full primary and what type is up to ….the state , not the DNC
And Adrian , your guardian link is an opinion piece not a factual news article
The Super delegate system is still an issue , but Clinton had a lead over Sanders without them. 2205 to 1846. Superdelegates are 15% of all delegates
Another item
"During the New York primary, between 3 and 4 million “unaffiliated” voters were disenfranchised due to a statute that required changing one’s party affiliation 25 days prior to the previous general election." – That has nothing to do with the DNC , its a state issue. And its changed this year by the state. Of course , nothing like 3 mill unaffiliated voters whould have switched to Democrat anyway.
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2019/09/26/new-york-presidential-primary-switch-enrollment-february/3774435002/
The Guardian columnist, like many of them , write a lot of rubbish
That superdelegate thing is a bit of a thorny one.
On one hand, it just seems wrong to give a massive amount of extra influence to party insiders in what should be a democratic process.
On the other hand, it seems that putting it all in the hands of general public party enthusiasts tends to select for candidates that get the activists' juices flowing, but aren't able to get the job done. See “Cunliffe”, “Little”, “Corbyn” et al. Whereas party insiders experienced in actually getting the job done might be better positioned to properly assess who can actually get the job done. See “Ardern”.
Topline_Vox_impeachment_survey_110719 (1).docx (pdf)
Some familiar similarities in another campaign.
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2019/11/09/more-evidence-of-oligarchs-funding-tories-follows-claim-of-a-brexit-inspired-coup/
There maybe no trial for impeachment.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/11/10/how-senate-can-stop-purely-partisan-impeachment/
Trump is an amazing quirk of nature and that is he seems to get others to do his dirty work for him.
He isn't really leadership material but it also appears to cement that America got the sort of idiotic, ego-ridden president that they voted for.
Some think he will get a second term as president of the United States of America but I am not too sure. He comes across as too unstable and volatile and of course self-serving. Much like Simon Bridges.