https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/barack-obama-hecklers-florida-trump_us_5bdd9c0de4b01ffb1d029a29?fbclid=IwAR0VFOhKPRuW4wbjk1MBBAW80htkgshssmTZ-XsXSsxyRdtvRuczAyyRS9Y
"Trump has infamously encouraged supporters to “knock the crap” out of people who protest him at rallies. Obama showed how it should be done Friday, however, when he was heckled while stumping for Democratic candidates Bill Nelson and Andrew Gillum in Miami, Florida, ahead of Tuesday’s midterms. “Sir, sir, don’t curse in front of kids, come on. Don’t do that in front of them, come on,” Obama calmly told one heckler."
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
The Cowboy Democrat Running For South Dakota Governor Could Win On An Anti-Corruption Message
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/billie-sutton-south-dakota-anti-corruption_us_5bdcc4ebe4b04367a87c9abd?fbclid=IwAR2-tM9INepdCspkqU62kE_z-rSh6I2Nq_94ejKdjBT88B2G_Hwc7CV9IaE
"After years of reports about corrupt state officials defrauding the government, South Dakota’s Republican lawmakers in 2017 called an emergency session of the Legislature. The goal? To squash a referendum the state’s voters had passed just months earlier to impose stringent new ethics and campaign finance rules. Now, the Democrat who led the fight against the Republicans’ brazen move is using an anti-corruption message to mount a surprisingly competitive campaign to become the state’s next governor. Billie Sutton, a 34-year-old rancher, former rodeo competitor and state senator, is promising his first order of business as governor will be to make South Dakota’s government more transparent and reform its campaign finance laws. It’s a nonpartisan policy, embraced by Democratic, Republican and independent voters across the state, and it could help push Sutton over the top in a state that leans heavily Republican."
"After years of reports about corrupt state officials defrauding the government, South Dakota’s Republican lawmakers in 2017 called an emergency session of the Legislature. The goal? To squash a referendum the state’s voters had passed just months earlier to impose stringent new ethics and campaign finance rules. Now, the Democrat who led the fight against the Republicans’ brazen move is using an anti-corruption message to mount a surprisingly competitive campaign to become the state’s next governor. Billie Sutton, a 34-year-old rancher, former rodeo competitor and state senator, is promising his first order of business as governor will be to make South Dakota’s government more transparent and reform its campaign finance laws. It’s a nonpartisan policy, embraced by Democratic, Republican and independent voters across the state, and it could help push Sutton over the top in a state that leans heavily Republican."
President Trump has made 6,420 false or misleading claims over 649 days
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/11/02/president-trump-has-made-false-or-misleading-claims-over-days/?fbclid=IwAR10luwfVF98QbcNDCno-b49RBTinEOiZdf6Sfly6oU1tau92tw2h_mfdrQ&utm_term=.885b414b457c
"in the seven weeks leading up the midterm elections, the president made 1,419 false or misleading claims — an average of 30 a day. Combined with the rest of his presidency, that adds up to a total of 6,420 claims through Oct. 30, the 649th day of his presidency, according to The Fact Checker’s database that analyzes, categorizes and tracks every suspect statement uttered by the president. The flood of presidential misinformation has picked up dramatically as the president has barnstormed across the country, holding rallies with his supporters. Each of those rallies usually yields 35 to 45 suspect claims."
"in the seven weeks leading up the midterm elections, the president made 1,419 false or misleading claims — an average of 30 a day. Combined with the rest of his presidency, that adds up to a total of 6,420 claims through Oct. 30, the 649th day of his presidency, according to The Fact Checker’s database that analyzes, categorizes and tracks every suspect statement uttered by the president. The flood of presidential misinformation has picked up dramatically as the president has barnstormed across the country, holding rallies with his supporters. Each of those rallies usually yields 35 to 45 suspect claims."
Schimel, Walker Went to Bat for Koch Brothers in Fight for Donor Secrecy
https://prwatch.org/news/2018/11/13412/schimel-walker-went-bat-koch-brothers-fight-donor-secrecy?fbclid=IwAR3xnxorTjVsoyJq7NzbfN0364-JiihQ1jANQZXHkXy5j1bKx9N_Qczilg4
"Attorney General Brad Schimel filed a friend-of-the-court brief last year in support of the Koch network's legal challenge to a California law requiring disclosure of large donors to state regulators. The action came with Governor Scott Walker's approval, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The action put Wisconsin on the side of the Koch brothers in their aggressive campaign to limit disclosure of the IRS form that requires nonprofits to list donors of $5,000 or more, and to eliminate the filing requirement in the first place. Those "Schedule B" filings are not available to the public, but California and a handful of other states require nonprofits to provide state regulators with a copy. The Koch's American for Prosperity (AFP) Foundation joined a Thomas More Law Center court challenge to California's requirement. After three years of litigation, a three-judge panel in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state. "The court of appeals was ultimately not persuaded that the Foundation should be entitled to sidestep a general law regulating tax-exempt groups based on the minute possibility that a confidential regulatory disclosure requirement would expose its donors to a 'substantial probability' of threats, harassment, or reprisals," said the Campaign Legal Center, which filed a brief in support of California in the case. Schimel joined with attorneys general from Arizona, Alabama, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, and Texas to file an amicus brief in support of AFP's foundation in the appeal."
"Attorney General Brad Schimel filed a friend-of-the-court brief last year in support of the Koch network's legal challenge to a California law requiring disclosure of large donors to state regulators. The action came with Governor Scott Walker's approval, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The action put Wisconsin on the side of the Koch brothers in their aggressive campaign to limit disclosure of the IRS form that requires nonprofits to list donors of $5,000 or more, and to eliminate the filing requirement in the first place. Those "Schedule B" filings are not available to the public, but California and a handful of other states require nonprofits to provide state regulators with a copy. The Koch's American for Prosperity (AFP) Foundation joined a Thomas More Law Center court challenge to California's requirement. After three years of litigation, a three-judge panel in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state. "The court of appeals was ultimately not persuaded that the Foundation should be entitled to sidestep a general law regulating tax-exempt groups based on the minute possibility that a confidential regulatory disclosure requirement would expose its donors to a 'substantial probability' of threats, harassment, or reprisals," said the Campaign Legal Center, which filed a brief in support of California in the case. Schimel joined with attorneys general from Arizona, Alabama, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, and Texas to file an amicus brief in support of AFP's foundation in the appeal."
Pre-existing positions come back to haunt key Republican candidates
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/pre-existing-positions-come-back-haunt-key-republican-candidates?fbclid=IwAR3OgMjavyo9cNwAMhyhETL6XsnMHQeap5-Z723_vHfibWzOYjUvyuELnYI
"Obviously, it’s an election season, and it’s to be expected that assorted politicians are going to engage in spin, exaggerations, and hyperbole. But McSally’s claims are more offensive than the usual campaign palaver. For one thing, there is no “fight” to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions. That fight ended when Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act – which McSally voted to repeal and replace with legislation that would’ve gutted those safeguards."
"Obviously, it’s an election season, and it’s to be expected that assorted politicians are going to engage in spin, exaggerations, and hyperbole. But McSally’s claims are more offensive than the usual campaign palaver. For one thing, there is no “fight” to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions. That fight ended when Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act – which McSally voted to repeal and replace with legislation that would’ve gutted those safeguards."
Leading Newspapers in Texas' Largest Three Cities All Endorse Beto O'Rourke over Ted Cruz
https://www.alternet.org/election-03918/dallas-morning-news-endorses-beto-orourke?fbclid=IwAR2MwtwO_HdI212WEPtYkHKr6Les05Fo0u1ehgLBemcweSLFCz_kBTEZOOk
"On Thursday, the Dallas Morning News became the latest paper in Texas to endorse Democratic El Paso Rep. Beto O'Rourke for Senate, choosing him over incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz. "In conducting his campaign, he has displayed a demeanor that offers respect for each person and a humbleness that will allow him to open the door to working with those who hold political views different from his," wrote the editorial board. "We believe O'Rourke is right in calling for rejoining the Paris climate accord, supporting the vast potential of renewable energy in Texas, and calling for universal background checks on guns. He is also right to reject the call for construction of a border wall and to call for comprehensive and fair immigration reform." The editorial board faulted Cruz for his divisiveness and rhetoric. "Lincoln, echoing the Gospel of Mark, cautioned us long ago that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And we believe that at this moment, we cannot afford such an approach"."
"On Thursday, the Dallas Morning News became the latest paper in Texas to endorse Democratic El Paso Rep. Beto O'Rourke for Senate, choosing him over incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz. "In conducting his campaign, he has displayed a demeanor that offers respect for each person and a humbleness that will allow him to open the door to working with those who hold political views different from his," wrote the editorial board. "We believe O'Rourke is right in calling for rejoining the Paris climate accord, supporting the vast potential of renewable energy in Texas, and calling for universal background checks on guns. He is also right to reject the call for construction of a border wall and to call for comprehensive and fair immigration reform." The editorial board faulted Cruz for his divisiveness and rhetoric. "Lincoln, echoing the Gospel of Mark, cautioned us long ago that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And we believe that at this moment, we cannot afford such an approach"."
Republicans Are Still Rewriting History On Pre-Existing Conditions
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mcsally-republican-pre-existing-conditions_us_5bc62785e4b055bc947ade8a?fbclid=IwAR1ZSVl6LRj4Xr0zpAAjb_anh7KDaOVwPmu6PkDYgCibDY3fqjxknJOV7yI
"Now it’s Senate candidate Martha McSally telling whoppers about her record on health care."
"Now it’s Senate candidate Martha McSally telling whoppers about her record on health care."
Editorial: No, Republicans are not the party of pre-existing condition protection. Never have been.
https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-no-republicans-are-not-the-party-of-pre-existing/article_b6622234-f1b3-5bdf-8f4f-7a3441270567.html?fbclid=IwAR0OPd49kXly8x3yJg61Y1H3NrHS8jPdVWuwk55xnQtbwZivaor7rFjlyGM
"With Election Day looming, Republicans around the country, at every ballot level, are engaged in a party-wide effort to pull the proverbial wool over voters’ eyes on health care. It’s best summed up in a recent tweet from President Donald Trump, which is, even by his mendacious standards, astonishing: “Republicans will totally protect people with Pre-Existing Conditions, Democrats will not!” This isn’t just an attempt by Republicans to jump on a popular train; it’s an attempt to jump on a train they have been trying to derail for years, and will finally dynamite if they maintain control of Congress."
"With Election Day looming, Republicans around the country, at every ballot level, are engaged in a party-wide effort to pull the proverbial wool over voters’ eyes on health care. It’s best summed up in a recent tweet from President Donald Trump, which is, even by his mendacious standards, astonishing: “Republicans will totally protect people with Pre-Existing Conditions, Democrats will not!” This isn’t just an attempt by Republicans to jump on a popular train; it’s an attempt to jump on a train they have been trying to derail for years, and will finally dynamite if they maintain control of Congress."
Monday, November 5, 2018
Criminal justice, marijuana, and the shape of the judiciary itself are on the ballot in these states
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/11/1/1808856/-Criminal-justice-marijuana-and-the-shape-of-the-judiciary-itself-are-on-the-ballot-in-these-states?fbclid=IwAR3a4S0pcHya-tC0ng4O3lxL8Fd8irU_qhICtOW656Kjj-Qx4a_LFOsu6Og
"Four states are also deciding whether to loosen restrictions on marijuana usage, with Michigan and North Dakota voting on whether to fully legalize the drug, including for recreational usage. Polling has consistently shown Michigan's Proposal 1 passing, but it's unclear if North Dakota’s far more conservative electorate is on board with full legalization yet. Meanwhile, Missouri and Utah will vote on legalizing medical marijuana. Missouri voters have to choose between three competing measures: The two that are constitutional amendments would take precedence over the one that’s only a statute, but if both amendments pass, the one with more votes wins out."
"Four states are also deciding whether to loosen restrictions on marijuana usage, with Michigan and North Dakota voting on whether to fully legalize the drug, including for recreational usage. Polling has consistently shown Michigan's Proposal 1 passing, but it's unclear if North Dakota’s far more conservative electorate is on board with full legalization yet. Meanwhile, Missouri and Utah will vote on legalizing medical marijuana. Missouri voters have to choose between three competing measures: The two that are constitutional amendments would take precedence over the one that’s only a statute, but if both amendments pass, the one with more votes wins out."
Donald Trump didn't tell the truth 83 times in 1 day
https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/02/politics/donald-trump-lies/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0-SOmyAtM_qYVdoe2b07C0YB5oh8eBTsrrH8Oip9EBPpN0Gxo9ckiGQ4k
"Trump is averaging -- AVERAGING -- 30 false or misleading claims a day in the last seven weeks. And, per the Fact Checker, he often of late soars far above that average. As one example: On October 22, when he traveled to Houston to hold a rally for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R), Trump, said 83 untrue things in a single day. 83!"
"Trump is averaging -- AVERAGING -- 30 false or misleading claims a day in the last seven weeks. And, per the Fact Checker, he often of late soars far above that average. As one example: On October 22, when he traveled to Houston to hold a rally for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R), Trump, said 83 untrue things in a single day. 83!"
8 lessons from psychology that explain Trump’s caravan fearmongering
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/11/2/18055812/trump-midterms-caravan-fear-psychology?fbclid=IwAR2OJ0FYT9PF74uKZa17uh7uAiQl0Bvr_Sg6cDjXwTYHegBiuUBKg_YHAAI
"Fear is a deeply encoded emotion that can easily be stoked by politicians, with hugely damaging consequences."
"Fear is a deeply encoded emotion that can easily be stoked by politicians, with hugely damaging consequences."
Former high-ranking VA GOP senator endorses Democrats for Congress: ‘It goes beyond politics now’
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/11/2/1809389/-Former-high-ranking-VA-GOP-Senator-endorses-Democrats-for-Congress-It-goes-beyond-politics-now?utm_campaign=trending&fbclid=IwAR0ahBObex189r7LZtJM3gGrB2Um6WoDgAgBIedS0iDcTwl3SBFw1AFQt0Y
"Warner says he’s been “impressed” with Abigail Spanberger. He’s also endorsing Senator Tim Kaine and Leslie Cockburn in VA-05."
"Warner says he’s been “impressed” with Abigail Spanberger. He’s also endorsing Senator Tim Kaine and Leslie Cockburn in VA-05."
Texas Democrat MJ Hegar to Her Opponent: ‘You Don’t Know Sh-t About War’
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/mj-hegar-texas-ad-751202/?fbclid=IwAR2dPe97mWQON8TbnGq_NceiJQdMAA8GNMQ7Y5yauKHu2BLogth2wT7O2_o
"The final ad features Hegar riding her motorcycle down a solitary road in her district. The clip is unlike her previous videos, which highlighted elements of her backstory such as her struggles with domestic violence, a health crisis during childbirth and her service as a Purple Heart combat veteran. In this final clip, Hegar speaks directly to her opponent, Republican incumbent Congressman John Carter. “I’m MJ Hegar — the ‘lady’ you’re ‘at war with?'” Hegar says, citing how Carter described her in interviews. “Respectfully, Congressman, you don’t know sh*t about war. I did three tours in Afghanistan and I’m here to tell you that a campaign is a discussion about issues.” Those issues, for Hegar, come down to better health care coverage, veteran’s services and jobs. But because Hegar and Carter have never met in-person, the race has devolved into a he-said, she-said back and forth. Hegar argues that her district needs a representative who is more accessible than Carter has been to District 31, where he has not held a public town hall in five years (though Carter has, more recently, hosted public halls on Facebook Live.) According to Hegar, Carter has not responded to multiple inquiries to engage with her in a public debate in the district. A spokesperson for the Carter campaign tells Rolling Stone that scheduling differences prevented a debate from occurring."
"The final ad features Hegar riding her motorcycle down a solitary road in her district. The clip is unlike her previous videos, which highlighted elements of her backstory such as her struggles with domestic violence, a health crisis during childbirth and her service as a Purple Heart combat veteran. In this final clip, Hegar speaks directly to her opponent, Republican incumbent Congressman John Carter. “I’m MJ Hegar — the ‘lady’ you’re ‘at war with?'” Hegar says, citing how Carter described her in interviews. “Respectfully, Congressman, you don’t know sh*t about war. I did three tours in Afghanistan and I’m here to tell you that a campaign is a discussion about issues.” Those issues, for Hegar, come down to better health care coverage, veteran’s services and jobs. But because Hegar and Carter have never met in-person, the race has devolved into a he-said, she-said back and forth. Hegar argues that her district needs a representative who is more accessible than Carter has been to District 31, where he has not held a public town hall in five years (though Carter has, more recently, hosted public halls on Facebook Live.) According to Hegar, Carter has not responded to multiple inquiries to engage with her in a public debate in the district. A spokesperson for the Carter campaign tells Rolling Stone that scheduling differences prevented a debate from occurring."
In racist video, Trump can’t even try to scare people without lying
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/racist-video-trump-cant-even-try-scare-people-without-lying?fbclid=IwAR3QyH8u2gCPXO_eDQFyPCsWfvJa8skxx5p9bf2Y6k6hE6O86w4VlMTOGkE
"The president seems to think the Republican base will mindlessly swallow any nonsensical red meat he throws its way, especially with only a few days remaining before Election Day. Because Trump doesn’t appear to fully respect these voters, he assumes they won’t know or care about the truth. GOP voters shouldn’t be motivated by this nonsense; they should be insulted by it."
"The president seems to think the Republican base will mindlessly swallow any nonsensical red meat he throws its way, especially with only a few days remaining before Election Day. Because Trump doesn’t appear to fully respect these voters, he assumes they won’t know or care about the truth. GOP voters shouldn’t be motivated by this nonsense; they should be insulted by it."
State Rep’s Outline For Killing Non-Believers In Holy War Is Referred To FBI
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/washington-state-legislator-circulates-proposal-on-exterminating-liberals?fbclid=IwAR10I6rNrL9IcK1F-dFeuo5ucrb1WBubA2Xm1nthQ7ibBTdbehl2Uh0KMjI
"A Washington state lawmaker who moonlights as a wannabe theocrat has stumbled into FBI scrutiny over a how-to guide he wrote on killing non-believers and establishing a Christian theocracy."
"A Washington state lawmaker who moonlights as a wannabe theocrat has stumbled into FBI scrutiny over a how-to guide he wrote on killing non-believers and establishing a Christian theocracy."
A Party Defined by Its Lies
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/01/opinion/republican-party-lies.html?fbclid=IwAR0reUMlzogPlnOY0mKpEWpp11TZtY6SNZ70gYsYt4Wn5sMy_ej5ianyNV0
"a Republican campaign built entirely on lies should itself be a political issue — a reason to vote Democratic even if you want tax cuts. For we’re not just talking about a party selling bad ideas on false pretenses. The addiction to lies has also — let’s be blunt — turned it into a party of bad people."
"a Republican campaign built entirely on lies should itself be a political issue — a reason to vote Democratic even if you want tax cuts. For we’re not just talking about a party selling bad ideas on false pretenses. The addiction to lies has also — let’s be blunt — turned it into a party of bad people."
The desperate demagogue
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/11/2/18051420/trump-closing-argument-ugly-immigration-speech?fbclid=IwAR21pRoXM_OWFSvfij0tyXpvMpsgXjgfmOullIkVK8T8zkApMpKy_45H5Lc
"President Donald Trump’s closing argument for the 2018 midterm elections represents a dangerous escalation of demagogic rhetoric. If it works, things are only going to get worse."
"President Donald Trump’s closing argument for the 2018 midterm elections represents a dangerous escalation of demagogic rhetoric. If it works, things are only going to get worse."
Challenges to Corporate Power Are on the Ballot
Challenges to Corporate Power Are on the Ballot:
"Voters use the ballot initiative process as a way to reclaim democracy from corporate chieftains determined to curb the power of everyday people. It also provides an opportunity for greater engagement of citizens in state and local government. While individual candidates and high profile races dominate the headlines, ballot initiative results deserve close attention Election Day. They are an important tool for advancing local concerns and beating back the excesses of plutocrats who have little concern for human welfare."
"Voters use the ballot initiative process as a way to reclaim democracy from corporate chieftains determined to curb the power of everyday people. It also provides an opportunity for greater engagement of citizens in state and local government. While individual candidates and high profile races dominate the headlines, ballot initiative results deserve close attention Election Day. They are an important tool for advancing local concerns and beating back the excesses of plutocrats who have little concern for human welfare."
Trump administration decides to stop funding efforts to counter far-right extremism
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-administration-guts-homeland-security-efforts-to-counter-domestic-terror-40d8e10b4b6a/?fbclid=IwAR2NbiAfFdjH5pDFbINBlrLsEEKwSkz2cqLrkzPEhbhnfats1gtZGL8grN8
"One of those groups affected is Life After Hate, a group dedicated specifically to working with white supremacists to leave their ideology behind. Other recipients included academic projects aimed at deterring younger Americans from gravitating toward white supremacy."
"One of those groups affected is Life After Hate, a group dedicated specifically to working with white supremacists to leave their ideology behind. Other recipients included academic projects aimed at deterring younger Americans from gravitating toward white supremacy."
On health care, some Republicans ‘are stealing Obama’s rhetoric’
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/health-care-some-republicans-are-stealing-obamas-rhetoric?fbclid=IwAR0TVXfqzZHR1GnTgM5qfiZxCVlTwzmTYulDgDPmAr-teODqObNOEX8NlTM
"On health care, however, the GOP is lying about the details and the broader sentiment behind them. The party is, for all intents and purposes, pretending to be Democrats, despite everything they said and did up until a few months ago. The fact that Republicans are parroting Obama’s rhetoric from a decade ago is extraordinary, but the fact that they expect voters to believe it is laughable."
"On health care, however, the GOP is lying about the details and the broader sentiment behind them. The party is, for all intents and purposes, pretending to be Democrats, despite everything they said and did up until a few months ago. The fact that Republicans are parroting Obama’s rhetoric from a decade ago is extraordinary, but the fact that they expect voters to believe it is laughable."
Jewish Woman Passes Emotional Letter to Airline Passenger in MAGA Cap: ‘Your Hat Sanctions Our Death'
https://www.alternet.org/jewish-woman-passes-emotional-letter-airline-passenger-maga-cap-your-hat-sanctions-our-death?fbclid=IwAR1aE8ZJBxdTnuf5PDU0fKzCrsSPeCi1t_KxqKQOi2n7Tshm4t69rqpUJOM
"Merissa wondered if the Trump supporter meant “to scare black people, Jews [and] immigrants.” “To us, your hat sanctions our death, our murder, our evisceration,” she added. “Because you’re hat supports a man who does little to help us and so much to fuel hatred, violence and cruelty.” Merissa ended the note by telling the man that she feels “love” for him. “I hope your good America doesn’t include flushing me and my people out,” she concluded."
"Merissa wondered if the Trump supporter meant “to scare black people, Jews [and] immigrants.” “To us, your hat sanctions our death, our murder, our evisceration,” she added. “Because you’re hat supports a man who does little to help us and so much to fuel hatred, violence and cruelty.” Merissa ended the note by telling the man that she feels “love” for him. “I hope your good America doesn’t include flushing me and my people out,” she concluded."
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