The Politics Thread

[DramatistDreamer]

Meanwhile in Putin's universe-

 

[Juliajms]

Looks like he does.

 

[Khan]

Ironically, Kavanaugh worked on the infamous Kenneth Starr's team.  The very same team that worked to bring down Bill Clinton with the Monica Lewinsky/Paula Jones controversy.  So, like Ratt once said, "what goes around, comes around."

Edited September 24, 2018 by Khan

[Juliajms]

I certainly don't have as much as I did before 2016.  That election showed me that there are far more awful people in this country than I ever imagined. Not that I think I'm some saint, but damn.  I never thought I'd see the day Nazi's marched in our streets and POTUS would shrug it off and millions of people would stick with him.

 

  I think there is some hope that democrats are more energized and that more will vote in 2020. Also, maybe some hope that fewer Republicans will vote.  I won't be counting my chickens before I see 45 escorted out of the white house.

[Khan]

So, Kavanaugh was allegedly part of a date-rape ring?  God.  What a shitheel.

 

Thus far, he's been described in all the anecdotes as pitifully drunk (and thus probably unable to become aroused).  But, what if, on at least one occasion, he wasn't drunk and/or he was able to penetrate one of his victims anyway?

 

That's what keeps running through my mind about this case.  (That, and "Kavanaugh secret child" for some reason.)  At some point, I feel that some woman -- maybe it's Avenatti's client, maybe it's someone else -- is going to come forward and say, "No, Brett Kavanaugh did more than try to force my clothes off or make me touch his genitals with my face, he literally held me down, tore off my clothes and came inside me!"

 

(Sorry to be so graphic, by the way.)

Edited September 24, 2018 by Khan

[Juliajms]

 

[DramatistDreamer]

There are several conflicting reports right now regarding Rosenstein's status.  Another one is.

[Khan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't someone here (marceline?) point out that even if Trump were to pardon Manafort and Cohen, they would still face charges from NY state, which he couldn't pardon them from?  Furthermore, isn't it true that NY would be allowed to use Manafort and Cohen's arranged testimonies as evidence of their guilt?

[DramatistDreamer]

 

--But while we wait to see what next chaotic event will unfold in the U.S. government today, let's not forget that Putin-backed candidates suffered massive losses in local elections in Russia. These losses presumably stem from a Putin proposal to raise the age of eligibility for pension benefits (maybe people are sick of Putin's United Russia party?)

 

LibDems crush ruling party rivals in Russian Far East & central regions’ governor elections

 

Do I ever hope for a similar fate for the party of U.S.' Putin-wannabe in the midterm elections here.

 

 

It was probably more than one person on this board, tbh.  I certainly mentioned this at least once.  Yes, a pardon would do nothing to diminish the charges against him from the Southern district of New York, which is likely an outstanding factor in why he decided to cooperate with Mueller's people.  Remember, Manafort was in the process of facing 2nd trial when he cut the plea.

Edited September 24, 2018 by DramatistDreamer

[marceline]

 

Yep. That was me and from what I'm seeing that's still the case. Also, apparently part of Manafort's deal was protection for his wife and kids. If he accepts a pardon, that all goes away.

[DRW50]

In tariff news, here's a list of items Wal-Mart says will increase in price due to the latest tariffs against China. And this is just the start. 

 

https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-products-hit-hardest-by-trump-china-trade-war-2018-9

[DramatistDreamer]

 

Americans loves their pets, those pet-related tariffs are gonna cause some squawking, for sure!

[DRW50]

 

And gift wrapping, and Christmas lights...

 

I wish I'd done more of what I promised myself I'd do about saving wrapping paper. My grandmother would have. 

[Khan]

Christmas lights.  Just before the holiday season.

 

Good one, Shaggy.

[marceline]

And pet costumes. China is working hard to make sure we feel the pain all through the holidays.