Rumored Presidential Appointments

[Constantinople]

1 hour ago, Princess Sparkle said:

I think he technically goes here - yesterday, Curt Schilling went on tv to defend Trump's "In 10 years, I'll be dating her statement".  Today, he had a meltdown defending his defense of "sometimes I find my daughter's friends attractive."  I actually think it's an understatement to say "What the fuck?"

Last I heard Schilling was mulling over the idea of running for the Senate against Elizabeth Warren in 2018.

[Landsnark]

"He's never claimed to be a choir boy, he never claimed to be a saint"
Some Presidents were choir boys.  Jimmy Carter has the resume to be a (Baptist) saint. :P
That all aside, he's running for PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, not to be a cocktail waitress wrangler at an Atlantic City casino.  Details matter.

[mythoughtis]

I'm currently watching Rep Yoho, a Trump supporter on CNN, say with a straight face that we should ignore all these allegations while voting because this is not the time and place to investigate, and that 'he without sin should cast the first stone'.

First,  no one is literally threatening to stone Trump.  Deciding that he isn't qualified to be Dogcatcher because he is an awful man is not the same thing as stoning.  We have prisons full of people, I don't see us opening the doors and letting criminals out because we aren't perfect, either.  Does he think Christian victims of sexual assault are just supposed to allow someone to assault them because they aren't perfect, either?

Second, when is the time and place - a year from now after Trump is allowed to win the election?  I don't care to have another 5 years of defining what 'is ' means.

Third,because he also brought up Bill Clinton - BILL CLINTON IS NOT RUNNING. I'm fairly certain that if Hillary wins, no female in the white house will be in a room alone with him.   If family (such as Melania's nude photos) are off limits, then Bill trangressions are off limits too.

Edited October 14, 2016 by mythoughtis

[ChromaKelly]

2 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

I'm currently watching Rep Yoho, a Trump supported on CNN, say with a straight face that we should not ignore all these allegations while voting because this is not the time and place to investigate, and that 'he without sin should cast the first stone'.

 

I keep seeing that too in defense of Trump. You know what? I've never sexually assaulted anyone, thought about it, said I wanted to, so I will cast my fucking stone!

[tom87]

6 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

I'm currently watching Rep Yoho, a Trump supporter on CNN, say with a straight face that we should ignore all these allegations while voting because this is not the time and place to investigate, and that 'he without sin should cast the first stone'.

First,  no one is literally threatening to stone Trump.  Deciding that he isn't qualified to be Dogcatcher because he is an awful man is not the same thing as stoning.  We have prisons full of people, I don't see us opening the doors and letting criminals out because we aren't perfect, either.  Does he think Christian victims of sexual assault are just supposed to allow someone to assault them because they aren't perfect, either?

 

It is so backward ...

Boo who you big mean media types need to  stop talking about these accusations about Trump because I have talking points about Bill Clinton's accusations.

[car54]

If Ben told Joe to turn of Mika's mic, Joe probably would have done it.

[AimingforYoko]

6 hours ago, starri said:

By the way, Junior, FUCK YOU too.

 

5 hours ago, Queena said:

That little fucker scares me more than his creepy ass Father. What in the fuck?! Sorry for the curse words, but only the Trumps, (ok, and a few others) can bring out this level of anger in me. Seriously dude, quit if we don't want to be sexually harassed? Are we in the 1800's? Does having a vagina mean that men can just grab it whenever they want? I am beyond disgusted. Beyond! Everyone always talks about the good job that he did raising his kids, well I disagree. He didn't raise those creepy adults, nannies raised them, and I find that the boys want to be just like him. Ivanka is equally weird, because if she wasn't, she would've disowned her father the minute he made sexually suggestive comments about her. What kind of family is that?!

The best line I've heard about the sons was from someone on The A.V. Club, "They look like they're doing Patrick Bateman cosplay."

[atomationage]

20 minutes ago, AimingforYoko said:

They look like they're doing Patrick Bateman cosplay."

I think it was John Oliver who referred to them as his 80s serial killer looking sons, so yeah, Patrick Bateman sounds about right.  I just hope Barron escapes.  Tiffany should get away from him too. 

[Kromm]

4 minutes ago, atomationage said:

I think it was John Oliver who referred to them as his 80s serial killer looking sons, so yeah, Patrick Bateman sounds about right.  I just hope Barron escapes.  Tiffany should get away from him too. 

Tiffany already seems to have as little to do with Orange Daddy as possible. I'm sure she's been to some of the press appearances, but only a fraction of the others.

[Kromm]

5 hours ago, backformore said:

What happened to Rudy Giuliani?

I dunno. It's like something happened to Guiliani's brain. He was a moderate at one point, and one who tended to cut through bullshit with his speeches. Now he's just another ultra-right looney tune.

I know there are people who will say Guiliani always had a dark side, which he perhaps simply hid better for a few years, but if so then he was a pretty good actor (or maybe still is, if he's posing as a right wing lunatic now because he thinks he's played out all of the other options). 

[starri]

She didn't even get to sit in the family box at the debate.

[Kromm]

11 minutes ago, starri said:

She didn't even get to sit in the family box at the debate.

Apparently even Tiffany has fallen into the Trump family P.R. trap. Here's what she was doing during one of the debates: either accidentally or purposefully (who knows?) silently supporting CHY-NA with her clothes, while Dadddy bashed CHY-NA on stage at the same time: 

Tiffany Trump Wore Outfit by Chinese Designer to Debate as Dad Bashed China

Edited October 14, 2016 by Kromm

[NewDigs]

23 minutes ago, starri said:

She didn't even get to sit in the family box at the debate.

Maybe she just doesn't have what it takes.

'Tiffany was the couple’s only child. Newspaper articles at the time of her birth reported that Trump named her after Tiffany & Company—yes, the jewelry brand—because his purchase of the air rights above the store in the 1980s allowed him to go on to build Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. “She’s got mama’s legs,” Trump told a TV interviewer of infant Tiffany in 1994. “We don’t know whether or not she’s got this part yet,” he added, cupping imaginary breasts, “but time will tell.”'

[AimingforYoko]

45 minutes ago, Kromm said:

I dunno. It's like something happened to Guiliani's brain. He was a moderate at one point, and one who tended to cut through bullshit with his speeches. Now he's just another ultra-right looney tune.

I know there are people who will say Guiliani always had a dark side, which he perhaps simply hid better for a few years, but if so then he was a pretty good actor (or maybe still is, if he's posing as a right wing lunatic now because he thinks he's played out all of the other options). 

CocaineAmbition is a hell of a drug.

[Moose135]

1 hour ago, Kromm said:

I dunno. It's like something happened to Guiliani's brain.

Maybe it was sucking in all the crap that was in the air down when he was parading around Ground Zero, while telling everyone the air was safe to breathe...

[starri]

2 minutes ago, Moose135 said:

Maybe it was sucking in all the crap that was in the air down when he was parading around Ground Zero, while telling everyone the air was safe to breathe...

Thank goodness Hillary wasn't there.

/s

[biakbiak]

Dana Perino: I'm done!

[AimingforYoko]

I've always been in total agreement with Olbermann's opinions, but man, he's a hard guy to like. I've always put him and Bill Maher in the "get off our side" category.

[BuckeyeLou]

I am glad GQ gave Keith Olbermann a platform for his opinions...I've missed hearing his viewpoint.  Keith is always Passionate & sometimes 'over the top"...but usually I say "Bravo"

[tenativelyyours]

Yeah, I love Keith at times and other times I find his outrage gets so melodramatic that even if he is sincere it does not come off that way and I get annoyed.  Lawrence O'Donnell is the same.  Though I find him more annoying than Keith.  But both also slip too easily into a tone where even though by the time they have turned their outrage into overdrive, those of viewing are already there and many before they got there.  So it comes off a bit self-involved and a bit precious and even a bit patronizing.  Lawrence O'Donnell did a lengthy piece on the Inverted Orange Scrotum once that fell real fast into "all about me" territory and it pretty much drained any importance from the matter.  Keith's recent Angry voters video did the same on a lesser level.  I agree with the points I'm just a little wearied of the almost pompous delivery by the end. 

Besides, isn't there a saying about being too busy to watch someone be self-involved.  I've got plenty of me on my daily schedule as it is.

I know that is a little unfair, but because of his professional issues over the years, Keith is sort of a latecomer to this particular party.  So for me, instead of of hearing intoning that I agree with but feel dated in some ways, I'd rather play challenging catch up here where I constantly am learning something new both in terms of events and nuance plus getting a healthy and more personalized affirmation as to "did I just hear that shit correctly?!?!"

[BuckeyeLou]

7 hours ago, potatoradio said:

Sigh. Oh, Governor Pence. THIS is why you are, in some ways, so much more dangerous than Trump. You can, with a straight face, tell CBS that you can't understand Michelle Obama's "claim" against Trump? There are many, many voters who will gladly explain it to you. Oh, wait...most of your events have been canceled due to lack of interest. Nevermind. You keep on with your condescending, smug, "Christian" responses to sexism and racism, k? I"m sure you'll be a rising star in the remains of the uptight, rich white men party...

I live in Indiana, and True this!  Pence is such a Hypocrite!  Calls himself a "Christian" but is defending a disgusting pig like Trump(who calls women pigs & dogs).  And Pence is the one who was behind the "Religious Freedom" law that would allow discrimination against Gay people in our state. 

[choclatechip45]

At my old job I met Marla Maples. She was the nicest "celebrity" I  interacted with at my former job. I dealt with a lot of people who were reality stars and B-list celebrities who thought they were the greatest thing ever.  This was during the primaries so I wasn't sure what to expect from her. Due to my own personal interaction with Marla I give Tiffany the benefit of the doubt. I really hope it was Marla who leaked the tax returns.

[backformore]

2 hours ago, BuckeyeLou said:

I live in Indiana, and True this!  Pence is such a Hypocrite!  Calls himself a "Christian" but is defending a disgusting pig like Trump(who calls women pigs & dogs).  And Pence is the one who was behind the "Religious Freedom" law that would allow discrimination against Gay people in our state. 

As far as I know, in politics, "Christian" refers to two issues and two issues only  - abortion and gay rights. 

[biakbiak]

10 minutes ago, backformore said:

As far as I know, in politics, "Christian" refers to two issues and two issues only  - abortion and gay rights. 

And slashes in social programs helping the elderly and  poor!

[Kromm]

9 hours ago, choclatechip45 said:

At my old job I met Marla Maples. She was the nicest "celebrity" I  interacted with at my former job. I dealt with a lot of people who were reality stars and B-list celebrities who thought they were the greatest thing ever.  This was during the primaries so I wasn't sure what to expect from her. Due to my own personal interaction with Marla I give Tiffany the benefit of the doubt. I really hope it was Marla who leaked the tax returns.

I've heard good stories about Marla over the years too. Donald had a pattern: wives who were too good for him. Ivana was far too smart for him. Marla too nice. Melania is probably far too something as well, but I haven't totally thought that one out yet.

[atomationage]

19 minutes ago, Kromm said:

Melania is probably far too something as well, but I haven't totally thought that one out yet.

Too young?

[choclatechip45]

2 hours ago, Kromm said:

I've heard good stories about Marla over the years too. Donald had a pattern: wives who were too good for him. Ivana was far too smart for him. Marla too nice. Melania is probably far too something as well, but I haven't totally thought that one out yet.

Yeah she even called my boss up to tell her what a great job with. No idea how she was married Trump.  Melania is interesting she is just there.

[DeLurker]

On October 14, 2016 at 0:43 PM, MulletorHater said:

That's why I've adopted Bill Maher's nicknames for these fuckers:  Uday and Qusay.  They both have punchable faces and are as vile as their father.  Their thinking is warped.   

Prior to Trump becoming the GOP nominee I didn't know there were other children than Ivanka. They're awful and the definition of white male privilege.

[Kromm]

8 hours ago, DeLurker said:

Prior to Trump becoming the GOP nominee I didn't know there were other children than Ivanka. They're awful and the definition of white male privilege.

The two male children have appeared regularly on The Apprentice. They slither into the Boardroom, kiss up to Dad telling him he's right about things, and usually look creepy. Ivanka's been on the show a bit more than them, but mostly because Trump feels like showing her off (it's not like he really seems to pay attention to anything she says--she's more been there for the illusion of that). 

Ivanka of course has also been a branding opportunity the others haven't been for Trump. It's allowed the Trump name to appear on merchandise that it otherwise wouldn't have (lingerie, makeup, etc.)

[starri]

One of the reasons why I enjoyed the first few seasons of The Apprentice was because I really, really liked Carolyn Kepcher.  I would love to her from her if anything happened between them, but I bet she's too discreet.

I also assume the reason he fired her was because she was so popular with viewers.

[Kromm]

30 minutes ago, starri said:

One of the reasons why I enjoyed the first few seasons of The Apprentice was because I really, really liked Carolyn Kepcher.  I would love to her from her if anything happened between them, but I bet she's too discreet.

I also assume the reason he fired her was because she was so popular with viewers.

She's been mum on the election from what I've seen. The WSJ did cherry pick a quote from a book she published in 2004 to reveal some of what she thinks of Trump, but even it's limited in what it actually says:

Quote

Carolyn Kepcher, who used to run Trump golf courses and was an “Apprentice” co-star, describes an instance when Mr. Trump put off an important decision for six months: “All right, I said to myself, he is teaching me a lesson, like a Zen master, pointing toward something I need to learn. Or, just possibly, he forgot about it.”

In 2004’s “Carolyn 101: Business Lessons from the Apprentice’s Straight Shooter,” she blames herself: “My biggest failure had been to assume that Mr. Trump’s response would be predictable. I should have never expected predictability from Donald Trump.”

Same article has some revealing stuff from books by other sources, like Ivanka (in a 2009 book):

Quote

‘The message I got at home was to take extra-special care with other people’s time,” daughter Ivanka Trump writes in “The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life” (2009). Once, she and Mr. Trump were in his private plane in Palm Beach, waiting for Marla Maples,his second wife and former mistress. Ms. Maples pulled up on the tarmac unfashionably late, “all frantic and frazzled and running just a bit behind. I tapped my father on the shoulder and told him to look out the window, but when he saw Marla all he did was throw up his hands. He didn’t tell the pilot to stop, and we took off anyway.”

George Ross (who was also on The Apprentice for years as Trump's other original adviser):

Quote

Mr. Ross admires Mr. Trump, but he thinks this indifference is a fairly lethal weakness. Bad negotiators share an “inability to focus on the details,” he explains elsewhere in the book. “Trust me when I say the devil is in the details.” Then he adds: “You want to be theexpert on the topic under negotiation” (his italics). Mr. Ross even advises readers who wind up across the negotiating table with “someone who thinks like Donald Trump” to offer to bore his subordinate with the minutiae. “This gives you complete control over the documentation process and who will make the day-to-day decisions. You have uncovered the real deal maker for your transaction—and it’s not the boss.”

If this was a critique, one particular boss didn’t seem to recognize it. “I like to work in broad strokes, deal with the big picture, but not the details,” Mr. Trump writes in the foreword. “For the details, I rely almost entirely on George.” 

A fascinating bunch of quotes from John R. O’Donnell, former chief operating officer of Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City during the late 1980s. He reveals that Trump actually does take that "winner" and "loser" stuff totally seriously. AND that the "vitality" stuff that he's been tossing at Hillary Clinton is from no adviser, but is actual core Trump belief. Note O'Donnell wrote this stuff back in 1991, so it means Trump has believed these things for decades (maybe even always):

Quote

“Donald’s mind moved between very simple polarities: there were only ‘positives’ and ‘negatives,’ to use his own terminology, ‘winners’ and ‘losers.’ ”

Quote

Mr. O’Donnell is not a Trump fan, so perhaps he is unreliable when he reveals that Mr. Trump does not tip waiters as a matter of principle. Or that the mogul was “preoccupied with a fear of communicable disease, especially AIDS” and considered hot tubs “a potential breeding ground” for the virus. Or that Mr. Trump believed “that the human body was like a battery: It stored only so much vitality, and when that was used up, it weakened and died.” He tells Mr. O’Donnell that “you are going to die young” because he competed in triathlons.

Quote

Mr. Trump’s “attention span was so limited that it was impossible to discuss problems with him in any detail” and he “did business almost entirely in the moment,” Mr. O’Donnell writes. This existentialism can confound his subordinates.

Barbara Res, the engineer in charge of the construction of Trump Tower, wrote HER book in 2013 and had an interesting story about how appearances are what matters most with Trump... but also that his temper is often mercurial and unfair:

Quote

Barbara Res, the engineer in charge of the construction of Trump Tower, notes that he had a policy of spending money only where it could be seen. Thus while his lobbies are extravagant, the apartments were floored in glue-down laminates, “the kind you would find in subsidized housing,” Ms. Res reveals in “All Alone on the 68th Floor: How One Woman Changed the Face of Construction” (2013).

But the principal was often enraged by his own choices. In one project, Ms. Res was installing “a Chinese stand-in for a Vermont marble called antique verde. . . . Donald took one look at this marble and started screaming at me. He was shaking. . . . I said, ‘Look Donald, this is the marble you approved. It was cheap, you wanted to save money. Don’t blame me.’ It was like pouring gasoline on a fire. His face was red. His mouth was all twisted and I thought to myself, if he hits you, just take a fall.”

I'd like any remaining Trump supporters to read these accounts and take note about what they really say about his leadership... and look at when these books were written (long before the election).

Edited October 16, 2016 by Kromm

[car54]

Ah, a little background about our pal Boris Epshteyn---makes it easier  to understand his affinity for Trump.

 

Boris in Anger Management

[tenativelyyours]

In some ways the kids scare me more than he does.  Because if he fails, as I so fervently hope, he is done in this arena.  But the kids are young enough to learn and build on the whole segmented approach to populist politics and have clear ambitions.  They see this campaign as a means towards personal/family benefit and that is all.  From their own comments, even the ones of support for their father, it seems clear they have no real ideology but that which serves them.  Period.  They don't even try to dog whistle like their father when you break it down it seems to me.   Rather any of their support is simply for the guy who heads this "family ticket" that ignores what public office is all about let alone that the Presidency is not some accordance of a "elected" Boss of the Country.  All three have uttered words with the greatest sincerity that has me convinced they see their father as President not just doing what he wants, immediately on taking office, but also that it affords them each the right to make decisions and provide unput as if the nation becomes their family's latest venture.

Also they have gotten an even greater extension of "pass" than their father has.  As recently as the "nice" question at the last debate I keep hearing how great they are.  How successful and how brilliant and how the chinless, disappearing jawed Ivanka is stunning and not a supermodel because she doesn't want to be but otherwise would be, because she is stunning.  And her father would bang her if she wasn't his daughter (or could get away with it, its never quite clear what he sees as limiting him from such depending on which interview you see).

Peel away the fame and the glamor we attached due to perceived wealth and none of them are all that. Ivanka is attractive and went to Wharton.  She has bandwaggoned every already successful branding notion she can to limited and even mediocre success.  She has tried to parlay the family name in her own attempts at copying the likes of Jessicas Alba and Simpson to modest results at best and has already shown she is just as stunted in the truly lucrative development deals she tried on her own. 

Same with her two brothers.  Both were born halfway between third and home and yet neither can seal a real deal to save their lives.  Jr is a bit of joke if you read the Wall Street Journal story at least two years old now, about the surge of Chinese money into NYC real estate and the two boys were almost the only developers to not get a dime out of the influx.  Even the guys featured on BRAVO's millionaire real estate show (the developers not the realtors) were mentioned having their net worth upped considerably in the surge of sales and deals and they brothers were mentioned outright of trying and not getting in on any of the deals that were made.

So here, after being handed life basically, they have found a vehicle that they can thrive in possibly without, once again, having to produce.   Instead they tap into the populist margins and then sit back and reap the misplaced and confused outrage.  

Because if their father loses big in a few weeks, or even if he just loses in a way that is convincing enough to shut down the stolen election and rigged conspiracy blather beyond a media attempt to milk it for ratings, where do these three yuckleheads go?  They have offended a huge segment of the people who they brand themselves for.  High end real estate and luxury lifestyle items.  They have cheapened those things to an extent that I don't think even a win for the White House would redeem.  Let alone the "loser" aspect that piles on the whole heinous hideous disgusting creature aspect already attached by dear old dad himself.   Politics is sadly the basest and yet most forging arena for strivers like these three who have already achieved way more than their talents, let alone skills, should afford.   Coupled with Ivanka's husband and I think even with the hoped for defeat of the old man, the family is going to look toward putting their name on this type of "politics" as long as they can.

[The Crazed Spruce]

It's purely fiction, but you all should check out Owen Ellickson's twitter feed (@onlxn).  He's one of the writers of Superstore, and his twitter's been taken up by what he calls "Trump Leaks", his idea of what Trump and his supporters talk about behind the scenes. And believe you me, it can get hilariously bizarre. Some of the highlights include:

• Hillary's debate prep (which included an air horn and a parrot that says nothing but "emails" and "Bengazi")
• A broken Paul Ryan, who currently lives in his basement and eats nothing but cold beans out of a can
• Trump's CIA briefings, which were conducted by actor R. Lee Emery (because Christie and Ryan knew better than to give him actual state secrets)
• Anne Coulter, David Duke, Alex Jones, and Ted Nugent as an alt-right cult plotting the destruction of the world
• Hey, you know those evil clowns that have been popping up everywhere lately? Trump controls them!
• Trump constantly muttering about how it'll all "burn in the fire" come November 8

And, of course....

• Roger Ailes is a cthuluesque squid monster, who lived in a tank in Trump's office, up until last week, when he

took over the body of Kellyanne Conway!

[Kromm]

Let's talk about The Arizona Republic.

For the first time in the paper's 125 year history they endorsed a Democrat.

But that's only part of the story.  The rest of it is how people responded, and what the paper has since communicated about those responses.

Let's focus on that last. Here's their response to the threats. I find it quite powerful, and it gives me hope for the future that being Conservative doesn't always mean being a Zealot.  Some people do really believe what they say and stand by it.
 

Quote

How do we respond to threats after our endorsement? This is how 

Mi­Ai Parrish, The Republic | azcentral.com 10:17 a.m. MST October 17, 2016 

What is the correct response to these threats? Today, I offer you a few. 

As someone who has spent a career in the business of words, it’s unusual to find myself speechless. Yet, there I was, a little more than two weeks ago. 

What is the correct response, really, to this? YOU'RE DEAD. WATCH YOUR BACK. WE WILL BURN YOU DOWN. YOU SHOULD BE PUT IN FRONT OF A FIRING SQUAD AS A TRAITOR. 

How did I come to be hearing these threats? The endorsement question we faced 

More than a year ago, The Republic’s editorial board began taking a stand against the actions and positioning of Donald Trump. In piece after piece, we made it clear that his principles weren’t conservative. They were bad for the party, bad for Arizona, dangerous for America. But in its more than 125 years, The Republic had never endorsed a Democrat for president. So, over the many months of the campaign, we found ourselves with this question: Endorse no one, or endorse a Democrat for the first time in our history? 

We made our choice soberly. We knew it would be unpopular with many people. We knew that, although we had clearly stated our objections to Trump, it would be a big deal for a conservative editorial board in a conservative state to break ranks from the party. 

ENDORSEMENT: Hillary Clinton the only choice to lead America ahead (/story/opinion/editorial/2016/09/27/hillary­clinton­endorsement/91198668/) 

BOAS: The straw that broke the GOP's back (/story/opinion/op­ed/philboas/2016/10/09/boas­straw­broke­gops­back/91826688/) 

We chose patriotism over party. We endorsed the Democrat. 

And then the reaction started pouring in. 

Threats against our business. Threats against our people. So, what is the response? What is the correct response to any of the vile threats against me? What is the correct response to the more disturbing actions and words directed against so many others? I've thought about those responses a lot. Today, I offer you a few. 

First, to those who called 

To the anonymous caller who invoked the name of Don Bolles — he’s the Republic reporter who was assassinated by a car bomb 40 years ago — and threatened that more of our reporters would be blown up because of the endorsement, I give you Kimberly. She is the young woman who answered the phone when you called. She sat in my office and calmly told three Phoenix police detectives what you had said. She told them that later, she walked to church and prayed for you. Prayed for patience, for forgiveness. Kimberly knows free speech requires compassion. 

To those who said we should be shut down, burned down, who said they hoped we would cease to exist under a new presidential administration, I give you Nicole. She is our editor who directs the news staff, independent of our endorsements. After your threats, Nicole put on her press badge and walked with her reporters and photographers into the latest Donald Trump rally in Prescott Valley, Ariz. She stood as Trump encouraged his followers to heckle and boo and bully journalists. Then she came back to the newsroom to ensure our coverage was fair. Nicole knows free speech requires an open debate. 

To those of you who have said that someone who disagrees with you deserves to be punished, I give you Phil. Our editorial page editor is a lifelong Republican, a conservative and a patriot. He was an early voice of reason, arguing calmly that Donald Trump didn't represent the values of the party he loves. Phil understands that free speech sometimes requires bravery. To those of you who have spit on, threatened with violence, screamed at and bullied the young people going door­to­door selling subscriptions, I give you those dozens of young men and women themselves. Many sell subscriptions to work their way through school. Most were too frightened to share even their first names here. But they are still on the job. They know that free speech is part of a society that values hard work and equal opportunity. 

To those of you who have called us hacks and losers with no purpose, and that we are un­American, I give you Dennis. He is the investigative reporter who first revealed the despicable mistreatment of our veterans at the VA hospital. His work triggered comprehensive debate and, one hopes, lasting change. He and others on his team have been hailed as heroes by veterans’ families across the country. Dennis knows that free speech is sometimes the only way to hold the powerful accountable. 

To those of you who have invoked the name of longtime publisher Gene Pulliam, saying he is spinning in his grave, I give you his wife, Nina. After reporter Don Bolles was targeted by a bomber for doing his job, Nina Pulliam wept at his hospital bed. He died there slowly over 12 days. The Pulliams understood that free speech, and a free press, come at a cost. 

Then, of course, there are the threats against the publisher today. 

Next, a personal word 

Mi­Ai Parrish's grandfather, mother and aunts. 

To those of you who have said Jesus will judge me, that you hope I burn in hell, that non­Christians should be kept out of our country, I give you my pastor grandfather. He was imprisoned and tortured for being a Christian, and suffered the murder of his best friend for also refusing to deny Christ. He taught all that freedom of religion is a fragile and precious thing. Much as my grandfather taught, I also know there are a lot of things worth standing up for. 

To those of you who said we should go live with the immigrants we love so much, and who threatened violence against people who look or speak a different way, I give you Jobe Couch. He was the Army cultural attache and Alabama professor who sponsored my aunts and my mother when they arrived in America from Korea after World War II. There are dozens of descendants of his kindness. Citizens with college degrees, a dentist, lawyers, engineers, pastors, teachers, business owners, a Marine, a publisher and more. Uncle Jobe stood for the power of America as a melting pot. He taught me that one kind man can make a difference. 

An open exchange of ideas 

To all the other people who we heard from, who thanked us for our courage and our bravery, or who were bold enough to disagree with us on principle — the people who didn’t threaten to bomb our homes or harm our families — I have something for you, too. To you, I give my gratitude. I’m grateful that you stood up to say that we live in a better world when we exchange ideas freely, fairly, without fear. 

MORE: Why does The Republic endorse, anyway? (/story/opinion/editorial/2016/09/26/why­arizona­republic­endorsements/90902414/)

RELATED: Who’s on the editorial board? (/story/opinion/editorial/2016/09/23/editorial­board­members/81497424/) 

To all of you who asked why we endorsed — or what right we had to do so — I give you my mother. She grew up under an occupying dictatorship, with no right to an education, no free press, no freedom of religion, no freedom to assemble peaceably, no right to vote. No right to free speech. She raised a journalist who understood not to take these rights for granted. Don Bolles and Nina Pulliam are gone now, and Uncle Jobe is, too. But the journalists I introduced you to here walk into the newsroom every day to do their jobs. When they do, they pass by an inscription that fills an entire wall, floor to ceiling. It is 45 words long. It is an idea that is in my thoughts a lot these days. 

It is the First Amendment.

Mi-Ai Parrish is president of The Arizona Republic and Republic Media.

Edited October 17, 2016 by Kromm

[atomationage]

I wasn't sure about which place to post this, but this is Keith Olbermann's take on Laura Ingraham's offer to get him to be the video equivalent of Drudge, in the days of the not yet so vast right wing conspiracy.  She clerked for Clarence Thomas.  Kellyanne Fitzpatrick is also mentioned as marrying a Conway who was a lawyer for Paula Jones.  He also mentions the connection to Citizens United. This video connected a number of dots for me:

[NewDigs]

Wow.

I seem to have something in my eyes. :::sniff:::

That article displays so many truths and so much strength.

Well done, Mi-Ai.

[mythoughtis]

CNN and Melania - 'Billy Bush egged Donald on'.   Donald was a 59 year old businessman used to dealing with international businessmen and women.  He knew how to carry on conversations without saying the stuff he said.  'They may not have known the mic was on'.  That is ridiculous.  Donald had been doing the Apprentice for a while at the time he was on this bus.  He knew about hot mics, and so did Billy Bush and everyone else on that bus. 

I have no  respect for this woman.  I certainly don't want her to be First Lady any more than I want him to be President.

[ABitOFluff]

1 hour ago, mythoughtis said:

CNN and Melania - 'Billy Bush egged Donald on'.   Donald was a 59 year old businessman used to dealing with international businessmen and women.  He knew how to carry on conversations without saying the stuff he said.  'They may not have known the mic was on'.  That is ridiculous.  Donald had been doing the Apprentice for a while at the time he was on this bus.  He knew about hot mics, and so did Billy Bush and everyone else on that bus. 

I have no  respect for this woman.  I certainly don't want her to be First Lady any more than I want him to be President.

I just commented about Melania in the Donald thread, but she's really gotten under my skin now. She plagiarized Michelle Obama's speech and wore a "pussy bow" to the last debate. In 10 years, the Donald will be trading her in for a younger model. Melania's an idiot, and completely unfit to be our First Lady. I'd prefer Ivanka or Marla over her.

On a related note, does anyone think about Baron?. That kid has had a sold gold potty since he was out of diapers. No way would he be happy in the White House. I can see it now. "Daddy, this place is a dump! I want to go to back to Trump Tower and my snow-leopard covered hobby horse!"

[atomationage]

18 minutes ago, ABitOFluff said:

In 10 years, the Donald will be trading her in for a younger model.

Nah. he'll be dead.  His father lived a long time, but from the pictures I've seen, Fred was very trim.  Drumpf looks awfully unhealthy.   I'll be surprised if he doesn't drop dead at the next debate, although I'm still hoping for a lightning strike. 

[mythoughtis]

I'm watching some of the CNN Melania interview.  Ok, Trump campaign - which is it?  Women who claim sexual assault should be believed (such as the Bill Clinton accusers, even when no proof was found and their stories were inconsistent), or we should be investigating these women's backgrounds (such as the women who have accused Trump, because Melania believes her husband when he says these women are liars).    So Melania can stand by her man and basically attack and demean the women, but when Hillary stood by Bill, well that was terrible?

Look, I believed at the time that Bill did have sex with Monica, and that it was a terrible imbalance of power and authority,... a 22 year old intern. I believed he cheated on Hillary.  Trump has cheated on his wives.  The difference?  Bill Clinton is not running for President.  I voted for Hillary because she isn't incompetent.  I voted for Hillary in spite of her husband. I didn't vote for Trump.... because he is  insane, in my opinion. 

Edited October 18, 2016 by mythoughtis

[SoSueMe]

On 10/14/2016 at 11:21 AM, Landsnark said:

I watched the Ben Carson debacle in real time at the gym.  I swear I've never seen anything like that before.  He made Sarah Palin look like Ben Franklin or Mark Twain.  "Moron" doesn't fully address his awesomely stupid inadequacies. 
He just made Katrina Pierson seem like William F. Buckley.  He set a standard for stupidity that will never, can never, be matched.

Biased surrogate accuses TV host of being responsible for all media bias.  Because... the media observed Trump's OWN claims of sexual assault, and observed purported victims claiming they were abused.
Bible thumping Christian Patriot claims election cycles are no place for religion, morality, or ethics.  Twice.
Demands that a co-host's microphone is turned off because she'd like for him to actually answer his question.
Claims that asking if "Do you think they lied?" is a gotcha question and proves media bias.  Or something.

Just amazing.

(to add... just in case you were never clear, THAT RIGHT THERE is the reason women don't tend to come forward with accusations of sexual assault.  And he's a doctor.  He's fucking disgusting, said Captain Obvious.)

Absolutely agree with your entire post.

I've said it elsewhere, he is a brain surgery savant, but beyond that he is just another narcissistic sociopath. Check out his "trophy room" and his portrait with Jesus. 

 

http://people.com/celebrity/ben-carsons-house-photos-show-an-homage-to-himself-and-jesus/

Edited October 18, 2016 by SoSueMe
added link

[Nidratime]

This was published by the Washington Post.... Canada wants to make us feel better by letting us know we're already great.

Leave it to a Canadian ad campaign to deliver the most inspiring message of this U.S. election
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/10/17/leave-it-to-canada-to-remind-america-that-its-still-a-great-country/?postshare=9841476806731652&tid=ss_tw-bottom#comments

I'm a little verklempted!

[starri]

Vogue makes its first endorsement ever.

Quote

And yet two words give us hope: Madam President. Women won the vote in 1920. It has taken nearly a century to bring us to the brink of a woman leading our country for the first time. Let’s put this election behind us and become the America we want to be: optimistic, forward-looking, and modern.

Also, a great picture of her.

[starri]

I don't think that's Jesus.  I think it's the chancellor of the Klingon High Council.

[hoosier80]

Just read that Christie was on Morning Joe, and seemed to be distancing himself from the Orange one.  So are the rats starting to desert the ship (or at least plot their escape plan)??

[Kitty Redstone]

Plotting their escape plan.  It should be fun to see where the surrogates land.   Will they quietly retire or be rewarded for trying to make Trump palatable?  I'm going with the latter.  Plus, I can't see Gingrich, Guiliani, et al, giving up the limelight.

[starri]

5 minutes ago, Kitty Redstone said:

Plotting their escape plan.  It should be fun to see where the surrogates land.   Will they quietly retire or be rewarded for trying to make Trump palatable?  I'm going with the latter.  Plus, I can't see Gingrich, Guiliani, et al, giving up the limelight.

I hope KellyAnne Conway asked for cash up front.  If/when he loses, it would be perfectly in character for him to decide not to pay her.

I've read things that this is actually going to make her sought-after, because she managed to make him halfway palatable...but she's done a shit job.  The last month of the campaign has exceeded the dumpster fire that even the more pro-Hillary people were expecting.

[starri]

Michael Moore has his own October Surprise.

I'm amazed the title of the documentary isn't Concern Troll given how he's acted all year.

[MulletorHater]

46 minutes ago, hoosier80 said:

Just read that Christie was on Morning Joe, and seemed to be distancing himself from the Orange one.  So are the rats starting to desert the ship (or at least plot their escape plan)??

Huffington Post had a lead story about this earlier this afternoon.  I noticed that Christie was noticeably quieter and figured it had a lot to do with his ongoing legal problems in the state he's desperately trying to get away from.  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/chris-christie-trump-distancing_us_58062677e4b0b994d4c157b7?section=&

Given Trump and Christie's history, I'm astounded that Christie was so willing and desperate to gamble on the person who bankrupted his own Atlantic City casinos and still walked away with money in his pocket.  Not only that, he got a huge tax abatement from Christie which pissed off his constituents to the highest of pissivity.  Christie should be forced to pay back every dime in salary he received from New Jersey's taxpayers while he foolishly ran for president, prostituted himself for an AG spot in the mythical Trump administration, and worked as one of Trump's loudest surrogates.