Month: January 2020

Trump trial gets more pointed with Bolton book at the center

“President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial shifted to sharply pointed, back-and-forth questioning Wednesday as Republicans strained to contain the fallout over John Bolton’s forthcoming book, which threatens their hopes of ending the trial with a quick acquittal.

The day started simply enough. Three Republican senators asked Trump’s legal team: If there was more than one motive for Trump’s conduct in Ukraine, as he pushed for political investigations of Joe Biden, should the Senate still consider the Biden pressure an abuse of power?

White House lawyer Pat Philbin responded there’s nothing wrong with the president acting on a personal as well as national interest. He declared the charge against Trump “absurd.” via AP

Angry’s Thoughts: Philbin’s defense today has essentially been:

Yeah, he did it, so what?

That’s not going to play well in 2020 ads if the GOP refuses to hear witnesses.

Flynn’s new legal team unleashes on his old lawyers in bid to withdraw guilty plea

“The new legal team for former national security adviser Michael Flynn unleashed a withering assault Wednesday on Flynn’s old lawyers, accusing them of a conflict of interest so severe that it merits allowing the ex-Trump aide to withdraw the guilty plea he entered more than two years ago.

Flynn’s current squad of attorneys contend that Flynn’s original legal counsel with the prominent Washington law firm Covington & Burling was too enmeshed in the early stages of Flynn’s legal troubles to give him detached advice about what to do once prosecutors from special counsel Robert Mueller’s office began threatening to prosecute the retired Army lieutenant general.

Flynn’s new lawyers also contend that the old ones failed to capitalize on damaging disclosures about the probe that ensnared Flynn, such as the texts an FBI agent who conducted a key interview of Flynn sent disparaging candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 election.

“Mr. Flynn’s guilty plea (and later failure to withdraw it) was the result of the ineffective assistance of counsel provided by his former lawyers, who were in the grip of intractable conflicts of interest, and severely prejudiced him,” Flynn’s current lead counsel Sidney Powell and her colleagues wrote in the 49-page motion filed Wednesday afternoon. “That pernicious conflict infected and prejudiced his defense until he retained new counsel in 2019.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Flynn is trying *really* hard to make this happen, but the answer they’re giving is complete BS – the fact is they were counting on the IG report to exonerate him, and now that it didn’t, they’re scrambling.

Eliot Engel says Bolton implied Yovanovitch ouster was improper

“House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) revealed on Wednesday that former national security adviser John Bolton “strongly implied” during a Sept. 23 phone call that President Donald Trump’s ouster of the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine was improper.

“On that call, Ambassador Bolton suggested to me — unprompted — that the committee look into the recall of Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch,” Engel said in a statement, referring to the ambassador whom Trump recalled amid a campaign by his allies to tarnish her.

“He strongly implied that something improper had occurred around her removal as our top diplomat in Kyiv,” Engel continued, adding that the phone call took place after Bolton left the White House.

Engel’s disclosure of the phone call — which he says he described to the House’s investigative committees last year — appears timed to ramp up pressure on Senate Republicans debating whether to vote in favor of calling additional witnesses as part of the impeachment trial.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: This was an absolute bombshell, and it’s made some Republicans on The Hill pretty nervous. The fact that Bolton – apparently unprompted – gave a heads up to Engel, a Democrat, about the circumstances of Yovanovitch’s recall, conventional wisdom is that he probably told a few Republicans also. Is that why they don’t want him to testify? I suspect we’ll find out soon.

China Now Has More Cases of Cornoavirus Than It Had of SARS

“Mainland China now has more cases of coronavirus than it had of SARS, a respiratory infection that spread across China in 2002 and 2003 and killed 774 people in 17 countries. During the SARS outbreak, China had 5,327 cases and 349 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

The number of confirmed cases increased to 6,065 worldwide on Wednesday, according to the World Health Organization, with all but 68 of the infections taking place in mainland China. On Tuesday, there were 4,593 infections worldwide.

More than 130 people have now died from the mysterious new coronavirus, according to official Chinese statistics, but the real number is likely much higher. A dearth of test kits has hindered health officials ability to accurately diagnose and track the illness .” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: On the bright side, the mortality rate doesn’t appear to be near as high as it was with SARS. On the not-so-bright side, it appears to be much more infectious, and that always leaves the possibility for mutation, so this is still kind of scary.

UN report warns ISIS is reasserting under new leader believed to be behind Yazidi genocide

“ISIS has begun reasserting itself in Iraq and Syria under a new leader assessed to be an Iraqi operative who was a driving force behind the terror group’s genocide against the Yazidi people, according to a report submitted to the UN Security Council which was made public on Wednesday.

The wide-ranging report, compiled by the UN Monitoring Team that tracks the global jihadi terror threat, refers to the group by its alternate name stating the “Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), following its loss of territory, has begun to reassert itself in both the Syrian Arab Republic and Iraq, mounting increasingly bold insurgent attacks, calling and planning for the breakout of ISIL fighters in detention facilities and exploiting weaknesses in the security environment of both countries.

” It has been clear for some time that one reason for ISIS’s resilience is its deep pockets, with overheads reduced now the group no longer administers a large state. The report said that according to one of the more conservative assessments by UN member states, ISIS still has $100 million in reserves.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: Periodic reminder that Trump’s “victory” over ISIS in Syria was a pause button at best. Earlier this month, the already tenuous situation was exacerbated by the complete halt to anti-ISIS operations during the height of the Iran tension.

Declaring a premature victory will inevitably allow ISIS time to recover and plan new anti-American operations.

White House has issued formal threat to Bolton to keep him from publishing book

“The White House has issued a formal threat to former national security adviser John Bolton to keep him from publishing his book, “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir,” sources familiar with the matter tell CNN.

In a letter to Bolton’s lawyer, a top official at the National Security Council wrote the unpublished manuscript of Bolton’s book “appears to contain significant amounts of classified information” and couldn’t be published as written.

The letter, which is dated January 23, said some of the information was classified at the “top secret” level, meaning it “reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave harm to the national security.”

“The manuscript may not be published or otherwise disclosed without the deletion of this classified information,” the letter read.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: This is nothing but an attempt to block the publication of damaging information on Trump.

Bolton’s lawyer contends his book does not contain classified material and asks White House for expedited review so he can testify if called

“An attorney for John Bolton has pushed back against the White House’s assessment that his book manuscript contains classified material and asked for an expedited review of a chapter about Ukraine in case the former national security adviser is called to testify in the Senate impeachment trial.

The Jan. 24 email to the White House from Bolton’s lawyer, Charles Cooper, was in response to a letter from the National Security Council a day earlier warning that the manuscript contained “significant amounts” of classified material that could not be disclosed publicly.

“We do not believe that any of that information could reasonably be considered classified,” Cooper responded, according to a copy of the email he released Wednesday.

He added that Bolton is “preparing” for the possibility he could be called to testify in the ongoing Senate trial, writing that it was “imperative that we have the results of your review of that chapter as soon as possible.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: The suggestion that Bolton would put classified information into his book is laughable on its face, but this does set up a potential long-lasting legal battle. Publication review for national security reasons – even fake ones – is always onerous, and can drag on for months, or even years.

John Roberts blocks mentions of alleged whistleblower’s name

“Chief Justice John Roberts has communicated to senators that he will not read aloud the alleged Ukraine whistleblower’s name or otherwise publicly relay questions that might out the official, a move that’s effectively blocked Sen. Rand Paul from asking a question.

In a behind-the-scenes fight, Paul, a Kentucky Republican, has composed questions that violate Roberts’s edict, according to several Republicans familiar with the dynamics. It’s a vintage Rand Paul effort that’s annoying fellow Republicans and could come to a head on Thursday.

Paul – who has strongly opposed the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump – has been floating the alleged whistleblower’s name in media interviews for months.

But Roberts signaled to GOP senators on Tuesday that he wouldn’t allow the whistleblower’s name to be mentioned during the question-and-answer session that started the following day, said the sources. Robert was allowed to screen senators’ questions before they were submitted for reading on the Senate floor, the sources noted.”

Angry’s Thoughts: Good for Chief Justice Roberts.

Also, Rand Paul’s neighbor didn’t hit him hard enough.

Trump administration issues new sanctions related to Russia’s takeover of Crimea

“The Trump administration on Wednesday placed sanctions on leading Russian-backed officials in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that was part of Ukraine before Russia claimed it in 2014 and set off the biggest East-West confrontation since the Cold War.

The sanctions targeting seven officials and a railway company connecting Russia with Crimea were handed down by the Treasury Department two days before Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to meet with officials in Ukraine. The United States has never recognized Moscow’s seizure of Crimea and still considers it a part of Ukraine.

Most of the officials facing sanctions represent the port city of Sevastopol, which had been home to Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet since the time of Catherine the Great in 1783 until the demise of the Soviet Union. Many residents are retired Russian navy officers who settled and stayed even when it became part of Ukraine.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: Notice how the only time Trump does anything detrimental to Russia is when he’s facing enormous political pressure? Wonder why that is.

Senate and John Roberts face possibility of epic tie on witnesses

“Ahead of a tight vote on whether to hear new witnesses in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, the Senate is preparing for the possibility that this crucial roll call has an asterisk in the history books: It ends in a tie.

And it’s a scenario that would suddenly put a spotlight on Chief Justice John Roberts.

For weeks, Republicans and Democrats alike have been confident thatRoberts would not break a tie vote during Trump’s impeachment trial, citing past precedent, the Constitution and their own gut feelings about how it would play in a polarized nation.

But ahead of Friday’s widely anticipated showdown over whether to call new witnesses and with GOP leaders moving to lock down on-the-fence Republicans, the Senate is newly abuzz over the uncertainty of what happens if the chamber deadlocks and what Roberts might do in the event of a stalemate.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: The likelihood of a 50/50 tie is pretty high at the moment, with at least a couple Dems planning to appeal directly to him to call witnesses. It will be interesting to see if Roberts loves The Constitution as much as we all think he does.

I’m not holding my breath, but I would love to be proven wrong.

GOP senators to meet to discuss calling witnesses in Trump trial

“Senate Republicans will meet Tuesday afternoon after President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial adjourns — and the question of whether to call witnesses in the trial is expected to be discussed, four GOP aides told NBC News.

The meeting of the Senate Republican conference will be held for “starting to check the conference on witnesses,” a GOP leadership said. At a Senate Republican lunch ahead of the meeting executive privilege will likely be discussed.

Conversations about where the Senate Republicans are on the witness question have been ongoing. But with Trump defense team’s arguments set to conclude Tuesday afternoon, those discussions have taken on a new sense of urgency.

A debate and vote on whether to call witnesses could come later this week.” via NBC News

Angry’s Thoughts: McConnell and the White House are trying *really* hard to keep a 4th Senator from voting for witnesses come Friday, mostly because they know if the Democrats get 4, it’s likely they’ll get quite a few more.

I don’t know whether or not they’ll be successful, but the GOP seems to be recovering from the initial shock of the Bolton news and trying to regain their defensive posture.

Trump praises Pompeo over handling of NPR reporter: ‘You did a good job on her’

“President Trump made light of a dispute between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and an NPR reporter on Tuesday, saying that the top diplomat “did a good job on her.”

Trump recognized Pompeo as “our great secretary of State” during remarks announcing his administration’s Middle East peace plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, before referencing his clash with the NPR reporter unprompted.

“That’s impressive. That was very impressive,” Trump said, commenting on the applause that Pompeo received from the crowd when he said his name. “That reporter couldn’t have done too good a job yesterday. I think you did a good job on her, actually.” via The Hill

Angry’s Thoughts: One of the more disgusting things that’s happened in the East Room, at least in recent memory. In case you missed it, Pompeo also banned a different NPR reporter from his plane after the spat, because pettiness is what this administration does.

Retired Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher strikes back at SEALs who testified against him

“A retired Navy SEAL whose war crimes trial made international news has launched a video attack on former SEAL teammates who accused him of murder and shooting civilians, and who testified against him at his San Diego court-martial in June.

In a three-minute video posted to his Facebook page and Instagram account Monday, retired Chief Special Operator Edward Gallagher, 40, referred to some members of his former platoon as “cowards” and highlighted names, photos and — for those still on active duty — their duty status and current units, something former SEALs say places those men — and the Navy’s mission — in jeopardy.

Gallagher was accused of several war crimes by some of his platoon subordinates, including that he shot civilians and stabbed a wounded Islamic State fighter in the neck, killing him, while in Iraq in 2017. He pleaded not guilty and was acquitted of most charges, but was convicted of posing for a photo with an Islamic State fighter’s corpse, a crime for which the jury reduced his rank.” via San Diego Union Tribune

Angry’s Thoughts: I watched this video today, and I really wish I hadn’t. It goes to show what a complete loose-cannon Gallagher is, and how shortsighted Trump’s pardon was.

Highlighting deployment rotations of special operations units is something we almost never do, for good reason. For Gallagher to do precisely that, particularly in such a callous and vindictive manner is not only gross, it should be a crime.

‘I believe John Bolton’: Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly backs Bolton in Ukraine dispute

“President Donald Trump is denying that he told former National Security Adviser John Bolton he wanted to withhold military aid from Ukraine until the country launched investigations into Joe Biden and his son, allegations that Bolton levies in his new book, according to news reports.

But one of Trump’s former top aides told a Sarasota crowd Monday evening that if the reporting on what Bolton wrote is accurate, he believes Bolton.

“If John Bolton says that in the book I believe John Bolton,” said retired Gen. John Kelly, who served as Trump’s chief of staff for 18 months.” via USA Today

Angry’s Thoughts: Kelly *should* believe Bolton, because he witnessed Trump’s vindictiveness first-hand on several occasions.

Biden says Ernst ‘spilled the beans’ with caucus comments amid impeachment fight

“Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday evening said Sen. Joni Ernst had “spilled the beans” after the Iowa Republican gleefully suggested that the Senate impeachment debate surrounding the former vice president could hinder his performance in her state’s first-in-the-nation caucuses next week.

“Iowa caucus-goers take note,” Biden tweeted. “Joni Ernst just spilled the beans. She and Donald Trump are scared to death I’ll be the nominee. On Feb. 3rd, let’s make their day.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Fact check: True. The GOP is obviously terrified of a Biden nominee. For what it’s worth, most of them are hoping it’s Bernie, because they think they can convince independents that they’re message is better than “socialism.”

Federal deficit to top $1 trillion under Trump

“The federal deficit under President Donald Trump will top $1 trillion this year, the Congressional Budget Office announced in its annual fiscal outlook on Tuesday.

The gap between the amount of money the federal government spends and how much revenue it brings in is expected to continue to widen, averaging $1.3 trillion every year for the next decade. While the current economy is strong, the independent budget agency said the nation will suffer unless Congress makes “significant changes to tax and spending policies.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Fiscal conservatism, amirite?

GOP Doesn’t Now Have Votes to Block Witnesses

“Republican leaders said they don’t currently have enough votes to block witnesses in President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial, people familiar with the matter said, after his legal team concluded its efforts to counter Democrats’ charges that the president abused power and obstructed Congress.

On the third and final day of presentations by the Trump legal team, lawyers tried to cast doubts on the importance and credibility of allegations by former national security adviser John Bolton about the president’s motives for freezing aid to Ukraine. Republicans had hoped to wrap up the trial with an acquittal of the president by this week, but Democrats have said Mr. Bolton should appear under oath to offer a firsthand account of the president’s motivations for freezing aid to Ukraine—a matter at the heart of the impeachment case.

At a meeting of all Republican senators late Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said the vote total wasn’t where it needed to be on blocking witnesses or documents, the people familiar with the matter said. He had a card with “yes,” “no,” and “maybes” marked on it, apparently a whip count, but he didn’t show it to senators.” via WSJ

Angry’s Thoughts: The White House feels better about witnesses tonight than they did this morning, but it’s definitely still a fluid situation. If the current pace of news is any indication, there’s also about a year’s worth of news coming before Friday that will probably make it harder for the GOP *not* to vote for witnesses, but we’ll see.

Trio of Dem senators considering vote to acquit Trump

“A trio of moderate Senate Democrats is wrestling with whether to vote to convict Donald Trump in his impeachment trial — or give the president the bipartisan acquittal he’s eagerly seeking.

Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Doug Jones of Alabama are undecided on whether to vote to remove the president from office and agonizing over where to land. It’s a decision that could have major ramifications for each senator’s legacy and political prospects — as well shape the broader political dynamic surrounding impeachment heading into the 2020 election.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: I don’t make a habit of counting on Manchin to do the right thing for Democrats, but a vote to acquit Trump in light of this evidence would be absolutely devastating for him.

If we get testimony from Bolton and others, I would expect zero Dems to vote for acquittal – and at least a couple Republicans to vote for removal. The next two days are among the most important of the entire trial.

Democrats cite Starr in effort to lift stay in Trump tax returns case

“House Democrats are asking a judge to end a delay in their suit seeking President Donald Trump’s federal tax returns, citing comments from Kenneth Starr, one of Trump’s defense attorneys in his impeachment trial.

In a court filing released Tuesday evening, lawyers for the House asked District Judge Trevor McFadden to allow the case to proceed, complaining, “this case has been stalled long enough.”

They noted the suit was filed more than six months ago, and expressed concern that time is running short, noting the current session of Congress ends in less than a year.

“Indeed, just yesterday, former D.C. Circuit Judge Kenneth Starr told the Senate on behalf of President Trump that a House subpoena-enforcement action could have been fully litigated even through the Supreme Court in a very short time, as was done in the Pentagon Papers case,” the lawyers wrote.

“President Trump is telling the Senate that cases like this one can and should be litigated in a highly expedited way, while here he argues that the Court should delay,” they added.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Only the best people, huh? We appreciate you supporting our case, Ken.

50 US service members diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after Iranian missile strike

Fifty US military personnel have now been diagnosed with concussions and traumatic brain injuries following the Iranian missile attack on US forces in Iraq earlier this month, according to a statement Tuesday from the Pentagon.

That’s an increase on 16 from late last week when the Pentagon said 34 cases had been diagnosed.

“As of today, 50 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with TBI,” Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Thomas Campbell said in the statement.

“Of these 50, 31 total service members were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of the additional service members who have been diagnosed since the previous report. 18 service members have been transported to Germany for further evaluation and treatment. This is an increase of one service member from the previous report. As previously reported, one service member had been transported to Kuwait and has since returned to duty,” the statement added.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: I never understood the endgame in lying about casualty numbers, because the truth always comes out.

A lot of folks are trying to spin it as “that’s what he had to do to avoid war with Iran,” but I’m not buying that either; Iran has already crossed his red line twice – first with the attack on air base, then with the rocket into the embassy – and he hasn’t done anything about it.

3 rockets hit US Embassy compound in Baghdad, no injuries reported

“The U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad was hit by multiple rockets on Sunday, two U.S. officials told ABC News.

This is the first time the compound has been hit directly in years and comes just weeks after pro-Iranian militia members and their supporters assaulted the compound in Iraq.

Rocket attacks on the Green Zone are very common. Last week three rockets were fired into Baghdad’s Green Zone, the heavily fortified area of the capital that houses the embassy, government buildings and U.S. service members. Iraqi officials said Monday that there were no injuries.” via ABC News

Angry’s Thoughts: It’s a real shame that we have to take the ‘no casualties’ announcement with a grain of salt after the Iran missile launch/traumatic brain injury fiasco. The American people should always be able to have faith in information provided by their government, but particularly during times of crisis. This crisis of credibility is going to be yet another long-lasting effect of the Trump presidency.

Satellite imagery shows vehicle activity by critical North Korean missile site

“Recent satellite imagery shows vehicle activity at a critical North Korean missile site that could potentially signal early preparations for a missile or missile engine test, according to one administration official and three defense officials familiar with the latest US assessment.

Vehicles have been seen at the Sanumdong missile research center near Pyongyang in recent days, the officials said. The vehicles are not believed to be involved in fueling missiles and US officials are not certain whether North Korea may be moving toward the launch of a short-or-medium-range missile or an engine test.

The “activities are consistent with what we’ve seen prior to other missile tests,” one senior US official said. The officials, however, said there is no indication of an imminent test launch but added as always they cannot rule it out.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: Weird. It’s almost like Trump’s negotiations with North Korea failed miserably. This kind of behavior in the past has usually been a pretty reliable indicator of an incoming test of some kind.

But hey, at least Trump got a love letter and gave Kim everything he could have possibly wanted.

Fox News Host Jeanine Pirro Confronts Giuliani to Reveal ‘Evidence’ of Biden’s Alleged ‘Corruption’

Fox News host Jeanine Pirro repeatedly pressed President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, questioning why he has not yet revealed “evidence” he has claimed to have showing alleged “corruption” by former Vice President Joe Biden.

Although Pirro has been one of Trump’s staunchest defenders, regularly attacking Democrats and dismissing their criticism of the president, the controversial opinion show host appeared on Saturday evening to question whether Giuliani actually had the evidence he has claimed to have. In response, Giuliani insisted he’d already revealed what he knew of Biden’s alleged “corruption.”

“Joe Biden has been a big crook for most of his career,” Giuliani claimed during an interview on Justice with Judge Jeanine. “Every time Biden was a point man, you know what happened? The Biden family made millions and America got sold out.”

Cutting him off, Pirro said: “Ok, and we need to have the evidence. Do you have the evidence of that?” she asked.

“I’ve got the evidence. I’ve been showing them the evidence for months,” Giuliani insisted.

But Pirro seemed skeptical, asking: “Can we see the evidence Rudy, can we see it?” via Newsweek

Angry’s Thoughts: When you’ve lost Judge Box of Wine

Trump Tied Ukraine Aid to Inquiries He Sought, Bolton Book Says

“President Trump told his national security adviser in August that he wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democrats including the Bidens, according to an unpublished manuscript by the former adviser, John R. Bolton.

The president’s statement as described by Mr. Bolton could undercut a key element of his impeachment defense: that the holdup in aid was separate from Mr. Trump’s requests that Ukraine announce investigations into his perceived enemies, including former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden, who had worked for a Ukrainian energy firm while his father was in office.

Mr. Bolton’s explosive account of the matter at the center of Mr. Trump’s impeachment trial, the third in American history, was included in drafts of a manuscript he has circulated in recent weeks to close associates. He also sent a draft to the White House for a standard review process for some current and former administration officials who write books.” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: This is already making waves on the Hill, and it’s going to make the witnesses decision that much harder on Senators.

Lots of folks have asked me to speculate on whether or not the GOP will allow witnesses. The honest answer is that nobody has a clue, and the “best guesses” change daily. A week ago, the White House thought there was zero chance of blocking witnesses. Three days ago, the White House was pretty convinced they would be able to block witnesses. Today, everything changed again.

Schiff, Calling Trump ‘Wrathful and Vindictive,’ Sees Tweet as a Threat

“Representative Adam B. Schiff, the House’s lead impeachment manager, accused President Trump of trying to threaten him on Twitter and urged Republican senators to find the “moral courage to stand up” to a “wrathful and vindictive president.”

Mr. Trump, writing on Twitter Sunday morning, attacked Mr. Schiff as “a CORRUPT POLITICIAN, and probably a very sick man,” warning, “He has not paid the price, yet, for what he has done to our Country!”

It was an extraordinary back-and-forth between a member of Congress and a sitting president, coming at a turning point in Mr. Trump’s impeachment trial on charges of high crimes and misdemeanors — the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. ” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: In a world full of really dumb Trump Tweets, this one might take the cake – it’s certainly not going to do anything to help ease the minds of the Senators who are on the fence.

It’s also an incredibly stupid thing to Tweet after video just surfaced of him targeting Yovanavitch with the “take her out” comment.

Trump impeachment trial: Democrat says ‘country’s fate hanging’ on outcome

One of the prosecutors in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial insisted on Sunday that “the country’s fate is hanging” on the outcome of the showdown now taking place in the US Senate, in which she declared the case against the president regarding his conduct with Ukraine “overwhelming”.

Zoe Lofgren, a California congresswoman and one of the senior Democrats presenting the evidence against the president for abuse of power and obstructing Congress, said senators trying the case needed to hear additional witnesses and evidence this week in order to provide the “impartial justice” that America depends upon.” via The Guardian

Angry’s Thoughts: Rep. Lofgren has been an absolute rockstar for this process – her contributions have been slightly overshadowed by Schiff’s awesomeness, but she deserves tons of credit for her role as a House impeachment manager.

Democrats see Trump lawyers boosting their own case for witnesses

“Senate Democrats had a surprising takeaway on Saturday: President Donald Trump’s lawyers are making their argument for them.

In their fight to win new witnesses and evidence, Democrats latched onto a line from White House deputy counsel Patrick Philbin — that “cross-examination in our legal system is regarded as the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth.” Given the stiff opposition from the Trump administration and Republicans to hearing from witnesses with direct knowledge of the president’s actions in the Ukraine saga, Democrats almost couldn’t stand the irony.

I was absolutely stunned that they would consistently say that cross-examination is the greatest engine for truth and we’re playing a shell game,” said Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), referring to counsel Pat Cipollone’s remarks to end Saturday’s session. “It is the president that is playing that shell game and denying cross examination.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: This was my first thought during the “defense” presentation, and I’m pretty sure I said as much on Twitter. They did a really good job highlighting the need for more witnesses, then Bolton dropped a bomb on them today, so there’s that.

Fifth US case of coronavirus confirmed as China warns people can spread the virus before they feel ill

“Another case of coronavirus has been confirmed, in Arizona, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Sunday, bringing the total to five cases in the United States.

The increase came as a top Chinese health official delivered some worrisome news about efforts to contain the fast-moving virus.

Several people have been infected with the Wuhan coronavirus in the US — including a man in his 30s in Washington state; a Chicago woman in her 60s; a man in his 50s in Orange County, California, a patient in Los Angeles County; and a fifth in Arizona. All had recently traveled to Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: It’s somewhat comforting that we haven’t seen anyone in the United States who hasn’t been to Wuhan catch the coronavirus yet, but this is still something I’ve been paying close attention to. New viruses are scary, and my family has dealt with enough sickness this year – I’m sure most of yours have too.

Nadler to miss part of impeachment trial due to wife’s cancer

“Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday that he would miss part of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump to be with his wife, Joyce Miller, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“On Monday, I will be in New York with her to meet with doctors, determine a path forward, and begin her treatment,” Nadler said in a statement. “I am sorry to miss some of the Senate Impeachment Trial, which is of critical importance to our democracy. I plan to return to Washington late Monday and appreciate the support of my colleagues and staff as I take this time to be with my wife and begin the long fight against her cancer.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the Nadler family. He got a lot of crap for the way he presented during the first round of the trial, but ignoring the hurt GOP fee-fees, I thought he did a really good job.

Trump and His Cronies Make 3 Big Mistakes

“But Trump, his lawyers and the Republicans have made three critical errors. The first was White House counsel Pat Cipollone’s Oct. 8 letter in which the White House flatly refused to allow any witnesses to testify or documents to be produced. It was not a formal assertion of executive privilege but rather a more egregious version of obstruction that was the basis for President Richard M. Nixon’s third article of impeachment. This was blunder by Cipollone, in essence putting Trump’s obstruction in writing.

If permitted, any president could declare his impeachment unfair and hide (or destroy!) evidence. Acquittal on this article would mean that any future Republican Congress would have no recourse if, for example, a Democratic president committed treason and then covered his tracks by intimidating witnesses and/or shredding documents. It is a recipe for a totalitarian state in which the king can do whatever he deems necessary to stay in power.

Second, the Senate and Trump have been banking on a non-trial with no new witnesses or evidence. That is how they intend to spare Trump and the Senate from the humiliation of overwhelming, persuasive evidence of the president’s guilt. The problem is that Americans overwhelmingly think this is wrong.

As in prior surveys, CNN’s newest poll finds, “Nearly seven in 10 (69%) say that upcoming trial should feature testimony from new witnesses who did not testify in the House impeachment inquiry. And as Democrats in the Senate seek to persuade at least four Republican senators to join them on votes over allowing witnesses in the trial, the Republican rank and file are divided on the question: 48% say they want new witnesses, while 44% say they do not.”

To make matters worse, a significant majority of Americans already consider Trump guilty of the charges set forth in the articles. (“58% say Trump abused the power of the presidency to obtain an improper personal political benefit and 57% say it is true that he obstructed the House of Representatives in its impeachment inquiry,” the CNN poll finds.) In trying to whitewash his conduct by suppressing evidence, Trump, and by extension Republicans in the Senate, will look like they are engaged in a coverup. Trump might “win” acquittal (because Senate Republicans are spineless) and utterly lose in the court of public opinion. The more obvious the coverup, the more that 69 percent of Americans will come to see the trial as a fraud and Trump as guilty.

Third, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), apparently worried that Americans will watch every minute of the historic proceedings and anxious to exonerate Trump quickly, seeks to give each side 24 hours of argument over two days. Beginning at 1 p.m. and allowing for some breaks, McConnell’s preferred schedule would result in a trial in the dead of night. Nothing smells more like a coverup than a trial at 2 a.m.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: This is an opinion piece written in the Washington Post, and they absolutely nail it. The GOP is really stuck between a rock and a hard place here; their options are either a.) allow witnesses and watch the little defense they have crumble b.) get caught in a coverup and get voted out in November.

Of course, they have another option that they’re far too cowardly to take. The Democrats delivered a hand-wrapped, compelling argument for ridding both the GOP and the Nation of their tormenter, and the only people who would blame them for taking it are Trump’s hardcore base. This should be the easiest decision of their careers, but here we are.

McConnell backs off, abruptly eases impeachment trial limits

“The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial on Tuesday with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two late-night sessions and Democrats arguing for more witnesses to expose Trump’s “trifecta” of offenses.

The turn of events was a setback for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell and the president’s legal team, exposing a crack in the GOP ranks and the growing political unease over the historic impeachment proceedings unfolding amid a watchful public in an election year.

Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session, with House prosecutors on one side, Trump’s team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silently at their desks, under oath to do “impartial justice.” No cellphones or other electronics were allowed.

McConnell stunned senators and delayed the start of proceedings with his decision to back off some of his proposed rules. Republicans were said to be concerned over the political optics of “dark of night” sessions.

Instead, 24 hours of opening arguments for each side will be spread over three days, swelling Democrats’ momentum as they push to break the standoff over calling new witnesses.” via AP

Angry’s Thoughts: McConnell walked his original trial plans after pushback from several members of his party. Of course, last night still lasted until 2 a.m., so I’m not sure how much good that walk-back actually did.

Nadler raises Rudy Giuliani’s role in Ukraine

“After Schiff, House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler returned to the lectern to tell more of what Democrats’ call the president’s Ukraine scheme.

After being admonished by the chief justice last night, Nadler began by striking an apologetic tone.

“Before I begin, I would like to thank the chief justice and the senators for your temperate listening and your patience last night as we went into the long hours,” Nadler, D-N.Y., said. “Truly, thank you.”

Nadler then asserted that the president’s actions were driven by a desire “to obtain a corrupt advantage for his re-election campaign.”

“As we will show the president went to extraordinary lengths to cheat in the next election,” Nadler said, recounting the president’s efforts to remove Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch from her post in Kyiv.

“With Ambassador Yovanovitch out of the way, the first chapter of the Ukraine scheme was complete. Mr. Giuliani and his agents could now apply direct pressure to the Ukrainian government to spread these two falsehoods,” Nadler said. “And who benefited from this scheme? Who sent Mr. Giuliani to Ukraine in the first place? Of course we could rephrase that question as the former Republican leader of the Senate Howard Baker asked it in 1973: ‘What did the president know and when did he know it?” via ABC News

Angry’s Thoughts: I hope everyone has been watching, but if not, you should definitely at least check out the highlights. The Democrats have done a fantastic job laying out the facts and presenting a compelling need for witnesses. We’ll find out if it’s doing any good shortly, but for what it’s worth, the White House still expects that witnesses *will* be called.

Trump Opens Door to Cuts to Medicare and Other Entitlement Programs

“President Trump suggested on Wednesday that he would be willing to consider cuts to social safety-net programs like Medicare to reduce the federal deficit if he wins a second term, an apparent shift from his 2016 campaign promise to protect funding for such entitlements.

The president made the comments on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Despite promises to reduce the federal budget deficit, it has ballooned under Mr. Trump’s watch as a result of sweeping tax cuts and additional government spending.

Asked in an interview with CNBC if cuts to entitlements would ever be on his plate, Mr. Trump answered yes.

“At some point they will be,” Mr. Trump said, before pointing to United States economic growth. “At the right time, we will take a look at that.” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: I maintain that Trump won’t be mentally sound enough for another term, but this should scare everyone – he’s telling you exactly what a second Trump term would look like if we don’t do our jobs.

If this presidency survives impeachment, nothing is more important than voting in November, and bringing as many friends as you can.

U.N. experts back suggestion Saudi prince helped hack Bezos

“Two U.N. human rights experts said Wednesday that there’s evidence to suggest the “possible involvement” of the Saudi crown prince in the hacking of Amazon owner Jeff Bezos, and urged a U.S. investigation.

The U.N. experts drew their conclusions based on a technical report from digital forensics analysts last year that there was a “reasonable belief” with “medium to high confidence” that Bezos “was subjected to intrusive surveillance via hacking of his phone as a result of actions attributable to the WhatsApp account used by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

A subsequent online campaign against Bezos and Amazon followed reporting by The Washington Post, which Bezos owns, on how Saudi Arabia might have been involved in the killing of Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

At a time when Saudi Arabia was supposedly investigating the killing of Mr. Khashoggi, and prosecuting those it deemed responsible, it was clandestinely waging a massive online campaign against Mr. Bezos and Amazon targeting him principally as the owner of The Washington Post,” said Agnes Callamard, U.N. special rapporteur on summary executions and extrajudicial killings, and David Kaye, U.N. special rapporteur on freedom of expression.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: We’re meant to believe that Bezos is the *only* one that MBS hacked? Yeah… I’m not buying that at all. Remember: he also talked to Kushner quite a bit on WhatsApp as part of Kushner’s desire for deception. Also remember: I told everyone a couple weeks ago during an AMA that there was some Kushner/MBS news coming soon. This story is far from over.

Gabbard sues Hillary Clinton over ‘Russian asset’ smear

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday sued former secretary of state and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for defamation, the latest salvo in a public feud following Clinton’s suggestion that Gabbard is a “Russian asset.”

In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Gabbard alleges that Clinton’s suggestion that she is favored by Russians is “retribution” for Gabbard backing Clinton’s rival Bernie Sanders in the 2016 primary.

“Whether out of personal animus, political enmity, or fear of real change within a political party Clinton and her allies have long dominated,” the lawsuit states, “Clinton lied about her perceived rival Tulsi Gabbard.”

Gabbard claims to have suffered “actual damages” of at least $50 million because of Clinton’s charge, though the lawsuit does not name a specific dollar amount sought from Clinton.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: I find this lawsuit both interesting and frivolous. Interesting because Hillary never mentioned Tulsi by name in the interview that Tulsi is suing over. Frivolous because Tulsi never stood a chance at getting the nomination, anyway – her candidacy was never meant to do anything but act as a spoiler.

Judge: No keeping Trump out of Avenatti trial

There’s no keeping porn star Stormy Daniels and President Donald Trump out of California attorney Michael Avenatti’s extortion case, a judge said Wednesday as he ordered the trial to commence Monday and refused the government’s insistence that he ban mention of Daniels and Trump.

The protests of a spirited but eventually frustrated prosecutor — Daniel Richenthal — were overruled by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe during a hearing that set some boundaries for a Manhattan trial slated to last up to three weeks.

Richenthal insisted it would politicize the trial if Daniels and Trump were mentioned to jurors by lawyers trying to explain why Avenatti is famous.

The judge said nothing would make him happier than to keep the names out of a trial pertaining to allegations that Avenatti tried to extort between $15 million and $25 million from apparel giant Nike.

“But I can’t pretend there was sort of an immaculate conception here where Mr. Avenatti suddenly became this incredibly public lawyer magically,” Gardephe said.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: I took a lot of heat for it at the time, but I’m feeling pretty vindicated in calling Avenatti the Democratic version of Trump. I get that a bunch of folks *really* wanted him to be the hero, but he was always just an opportunist.

‘Critical’ Hunter Biden testify – Ted Cruz

“Sen. Ted Cruz told reporters that Adam Schiff’s presentation today made Hunter Biden’s testimony “critical” to the trial.

“I think the House managers made a very serious strategic error today,” Cruz said. “Adam Schiff’s arguments to open the day today directly drew into question Hunter Biden and made not only his testimony relevant which it already was but it is now critical.”

“If the House managers case is based on the allegations of corruption concerning Hunter Biden and Joe Biden being a scam then it is directly relevant,” Cruz said. “And I gotta say, the need for the Senate to hear the testimony of Hunter Biden and the need for the senate to grant the White House lawyers the ability to take that testimony has become all the more relevant.” via ABC News

Angry’s Thoughts: Imagine being such a sniveling, insignificant weasel that you would go to these lengths to defend the man who publicly insulted your wife and suggested that your father was implicated in the JFK assassination.

Democrat Schumer: impeachment witness trade involving Hunter Biden “off the table”

“U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday ruled out a so-called witness trade in which Republicans call witnesses Democrats want in exchange for former Vice President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden testifying in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.

“I think that’s off the table. First of all the Republicans have the right to bring in any witness they want. They haven’t wanted to and that trade is not on the table,” Schumer told reporters during a break in the Senate trial.

Schumer said earlier that only witnesses with direct knowledge of Trump’s actions related to Ukraine should testify.” via Reuters

Angry’s Thoughts: This was always a ridiculous idea. Joe Biden pushed back on it today too, and the right has already seized on that, with some of them claiming that Biden is “obstructing Congress.”

Kind of hard to obstruct Congress when you haven’t been invited to testify, but I digress.

DC attorney general’s office sues Trump inaugural committee for alleged abuse of nonprofit status

“President Donald Trump’s inaugural committee abused its nonprofit status by knowingly overpaying for space in the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., in early 2017 as part of an effort to enrich the Trump family, according to a civil lawsuit filed Wednesday by the DC attorney general’s office

The attorney general’s office found that Rick Gates, President Donald Trump’s former deputy campaign manager, coordinated with members of the Trump family and hotel management to make the payments – which amounted to more than $1 million for the ballroom during four days of the inaugural festivities.

In supporting documents filed as part of the case, Gates wrote an email to the president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, expressing that he was “a bit worried about the optics of [the inaugural committee] paying Trump Hotel a high fee and the media making a big story out of it.”

“Although the Inaugural Committee was aware that it was paying far above market rates, it never considered less expensive alternatives, and even paid for space on days when it did not hold events,” the attorney general’s office said in a statement.

The Trump Hotel later offered the inaugural committee a reduced rate of $175,000 per day for the ballroom, but DC officials said Stephanie Wolkoff, the inaugural committee’s event planning vendor and a friend of first lady Melania Trump, expressed concerns about the exorbitant rate the committee would be paying – and the public perception.” via ABC News

Angry’s Thoughts: Boom.

White House’s top Russia official put on leave pending investigation

“The top White House official responsible for Russia and Europe has been put on administrative leave indefinitely amid a security-related investigation, two U.S. officials and a former U.S. official tell NBC News.

Andrew Peek, who took over the Russia portfolio at the White House National Security Council in November, had been scheduled to join President Donald Trump at the Davos Forum this week before he was abruptly put on leave, one of the officials said. The officials declined to specify the nature of the investigation.

Peek did not respond to a request for comment Sunday. A National Security Council spokesman declined to comment on his status, which was earlier reported by Axios.

“We do not discuss personnel matters,” the NSC spokesman said.” via NBC News

Angry’s Thoughts: We discuss personnel matters quite often, actually – at least when they aren’t highly embarrassing.

That’s ok, it’ll come out.

Dershowitz distances himself from White House response to Democrats’ impeachment charges

“Alan Dershowitz, the Harvard Law emeritus professor who recently joined President Trump’s legal team, on Sunday distanced himself from a response by two White House lawyers to House Democrats’ impeachment case against the president, noting that he did not sign on to the document.

“I didn’t sign that brief,” Dershowitz said in an interview on ABC News’s “This Week.” “I didn’t even see the brief until after it was filed. That’s not part of my mandate. My mandate is to determine what is a constitutionally authorized criteria for impeachment.”

Dershowitz is one of four lawyers who were selected personally by Trump and announced Friday as new members of the president’s legal team. The others are former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi and former independent counsels Robert Ray and Kenneth W. Starr.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: Dershowitz appears to be prepared to argue that the entire premise of the House impeaching Trump is unfair. All Trump needs to do now is add Rudy to his impeachment legal team along with Dersh and Starr, and the triumvirate of the unthinking will be complete.

Even C-SPAN Is Piqued: Senate Puts Limits on Trial Coverage

“News coverage of President Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate began last week with a Republican senator calling a CNN reporter “a liberal hack” in the halls of Congress and laughing about it later that night during a Fox News interview.

Things haven’t improved much since.

Journalists are up in arms about new restrictions on their movement inside the Capitol, which they say will prevent them from easily interviewing lawmakers about the proceedings. The rules, negotiated by Republican Senate leadership, have yet to be written down, causing confusion among reporters and the Capitol Police expected to enforce them.

Even sedate C-SPAN is aggrieved, calling on the Senate to allow its television crews to document the trial, instead of the government-controlled cameras that — as was the case during Bill Clinton’s trial 21 years ago — will limit what viewers see and hear inside the Senate chamber.” via NYT

Angry ‘s Thoughts: The GOP is also looking at 12 hour trial days during the impeachment trial. They plan to start at 1 p.m., which would mean the trials last until 2-4 a.m. depending on breaks. To be clear, this is all designed to keep the American people in the dark – they think if they do it in the dead of night and without as many cameras, we won’t pay attention.

Let’s prove them wrong.

Donald Trump’s looming legal problems continue past impeachment trial

“The impeachment of President Donald Trump is center stage, but when the last vote in the Senate trial is cast, it won’t mark an end to the investigations looming over the President and his company, the Trump Organization.

Investigators in New York and the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives have several inquiries that will continue well into the presidential campaign. Their focus touches an area that Trump has long tried to shield from scrutiny: his finances.

The investigations have been underway for nearly a year. Trump has filed lawsuits to block subpoenas to his long-time accounting firm Mazars USA and banks Deutsche Bank and Capitol One. Now both matters are before the US Supreme Court, meaning the pace of those investigations is largely tied to the court’s schedule.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: This is why I still think he will resign with a non-prosecution agreement. Being acquitted doesn’t save him. Barr can’t save him, either – as soon as we win in 2020, Barr is gone, and probably under investigation himself. This is being explained to Trump, and I still believe that he will give up like he always does, declare victory and resign with the promise of not being prosecuted.

Graham: Senate GOP doesn’t ‘have the votes’ to dismiss impeachment trial

“Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham acknowledged on Sunday the Republican majority “does not have the votes” in the Senate to quickly dismiss the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

“That’s dead for practical purposes,” the South Carolina Republican said on on “Fox News Sunday.” “There are a lot of senators, who I think will wind up acquitting the president, that believe that we need to hear the House’s case, the president’s case and ask questions.”

So the idea of dismissing the case early on is not going to happen. We don’t have the votes for that,” he concluded.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: I’ve been telling you guys for weeks that Mitch doesn’t have the votes to dismiss the trial outright, just as he doesn’t have the votes to block witnesses. If the GOP gets their wish, it’s going to end up being a circus with a bunch of useless witnesses in addition to the ones the Democrats call, but I’m willing to take that chance.

Schiff says NSA, CIA withholding Ukraine info due to White House pressure

“House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff alleged that the NSA and CIA may be withholding documents on Ukraine from Congress due to pressure from the White House, even as the Senate prepares to move forward on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

During an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Schiff was asked about a POLITICO report that intelligence agencies officials don’t want to testify in public during an upcoming hearing in the House Intelligence panel on global security threats, asking that the session be held in private instead. Trump slammed the intelligence chiefs one year ago for the assessment of Iran, calling them “extremely passive and naïve” on the issue.

Schiff confirmed that report, and then asserted that Ukraine-related information is being withheld from Capitol Hill. Schiff blamed the White House for the failure to turn over the information to lawmakers.

“And I’ll say something even more concerning to me, and that is the intelligence community is beginning to withhold documents from Congress on the issue of Ukraine,” Schiff said. “The NSA, in particular, is withholding what are potentially relevant documents to our oversight responsibilities on Ukraine, but also withholding documents potentially relevant that the senators might want to see during the trial.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: The White House isn’t just preventing its own employees, and those at State from cooperating with Congress – they’re effectively trying to enforce a blanket ban on Congressional oversight.

This is actually one of the most concerning parts of this Presidency. Without cooperation from the respective agencies in which Congress has oversight authority, the end result ends up being an unrestrained Executive. With Trump already destroying boundaries at an unprecedented clip, it’s not an exaggeration to say that him winning his battle against Congressional oversight would be devastating for our Republic.

Democrats Seek More Testimony and Evidence for Impeachment Trial

“With President Trump’s impeachment trial getting underway, Democrats are intensifying their demands for more testimony and documents that could add to the already voluminous evidence against him and bolster their case by shedding new light on several key questions.

Despite the White House strategy of blocking testimony from top officials and rejecting demands for documents, the Senate will have in front of it considerable evidence that Mr. Trump eagerly sought to persuade Ukraine’s new president to pursue investigations into two matters that could benefit him in his re-election campaign. Those matters are dealings in Ukraine involving former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden, and purported Ukrainian meddling in the American 2016 presidential election.

But in part because of the White House’s decision not to cooperate, the record of actions by Mr. Trump and his underlings is riddled with gaps — and new evidence has been surfacing at the 11th hour.” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: Ironically enough, if Trump had just ripped the Band-Aid off and gotten out in front of the news, the GOP would have most likely been able to come up with a defense plan. Instead, they’ve been scrambling and trying to respond to last minute revelations with no real success.

And the bombshells aren’t done yet. Thoughts and prayers, GOP.

New York Times ed board endorses Warren, Klobuchar

“The New York Times’ editorial board endorsed two female senators for the Democratic nomination for president Sunday: Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.

The Times’ editorial board sat with nine leading candidates last month for on-the-record interviews, transcripts of which were later annotated and published in full.

The editorial board’s backing of Warren and Klobucharcomes two weeks ahead of the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses.

The board interviewed Warren for 80 minutes on Dec. 4 and Klobuchar for 90 minutes on Dec. 10. At a Dec. 17 meeting, journalists on the editorial board chose their top two candidates, creating a final four shortlist that included Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Ind., Booker suspended his campaign last week.

In the editorial announcing its decision, the board labeled Warren and Klobuchar as the most effective advocates of new ideas and stability, respectively.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: While I would be fine with Klobuchar or Warren, I’m going to just point out that the NYT editorial board appears to not know how an endorsement works.

It’s weird how they like female candidates when they aren’t searching for Hillary’s emails.

White House expects GOP defections on impeachment witnesses

“The White House is preparing for some Republican senators to join Democrats in voting to call witnesses in President Trump’s impeachment trial, which could get underway in the coming days.

Senior White House officials tell CBS News they increasingly believe that at least four Republicans, and likely more, will vote to call witnesses. In addition to Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah and possibly Cory Gardner of Colorado, the White House also views Rand Paul of Kentucky as a “wild card” and Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee as an “institutionalist” who might vote to call witnesses, as one official put it.” via CBS News

Angry’s Thoughts: This has been the rumor on The Hill for weeks, as I’ve been telling you guys on Twitter – McConnell doesn’t have the votes to keep the GOP in line. As long as the House trial managers present a compelling case for witnesses, we’re going to get a fair trial.

It’s being reported that Schiff is almost guaranteed trial manager, so we will get a compelling case for witnesses.

Pensacola shooting was an act of terrorism, attorney general says

“Attorney General William P. Barr said Monday that the December shooting that killed three U.S. sailors on a Florida base was an act of terrorism, as officials revealed harrowing new details about the 15-minute rampage and publicly called out Apple Inc. to help them unlock the killer’s phones.

At a news conference to discuss the results of the FBI’s investigation into the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Barr said investigators had found evidence that Ahmed Mohammed al-Shamrani, a Royal Saudi Air Force member training at the base, was motivated by “jihadist ideology,” and he posted anti-American messages on social media about two hours before his attack.

FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich said that during the attack, al-Shamrani fired shots at pictures of President Trump and a past U.S. president, and witnesses at the scene said he made statements critical of American military actions overseas. Bowdich said that while al-Shamrani did not seem to be inspired by one specific terrorist group, he harbored anti-American and anti-Israel views and felt “violence was necessary.” Bowdich said the gunman’s social media comments echoed those of Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical Yemeni American cleric tied to the terror group al-Qaeda who was killed in a drone strike in 2011.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: This is one of those “well, obviously” announcements, but it is important to understand the reach of online radicalization. al-Awlaki has been dead for almost a decade, and his material is *still* finding its way to people – and contributing to their radicalization.

Janet Yellen: The US-China trade war isn’t over, and a tech fight risks dividing the world

“The United States’ trade war with China is far from over, according to Janet Yellen, who is warning that unresolved tensions over technology could divide the world and slow the development of artificial intelligence and 5G.

The former chair of the Federal Reserve said Monday at the Asian Financial Forum that the phase-one trade agreement struck by Washington and Beijing and due to be signed this week will leave tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods in place. And it doesn’t remove the “more troublesome” risk of conflict over emerging technologies, she warned.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: Yelen is absolutely correct. If you have the time, you should check out her full remarks at the Asian Financial Forum. She’s brilliant, and her words help articulate exactly how far Trump and his advisors are in over their heads.

Prosecutors recommend nearly 5 years in prison for disgraced former Rep. Chris Collins

“Federal prosecutors on Monday recommended that former Rep. Chris Collins be sentenced to nearly five years in prison — the maximum prison sentence — for his role in an insider trading case that led to his arrest and eventual downfall in Congress.

Collins initially denied any wrongdoing after he was indicted on insider trading charges in August 2018, and the New York Republican even went on to win reelection that year. But Collins ultimately pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and making false statements. He resigned from Congress soon after.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: He got the max mostly because he’s an unrepentant jerk and continued to serve in Congress even after it was obvious that he committed a felony.

Thoughts and prayers.

Treasury official pleads guilty to leaking financial documents

“A senior Treasury Department official pleaded guilty on Monday to leaking confidential financial reports, after being charged with disclosing information related to Russia and President Donald Trump’s associates.

Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards, a senior adviser at Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, entered the guilty plea to one count of conspiracy in federal court in Manhattan.

She admitted to leaking suspicious-activity reports, which financial institutions file to flag questionable transactions.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Hero. Those SARs needed to be leaked.

State Department security officials weren’t notified of ‘imminent’ threats to US embassies

“State Department officials involved in US embassy security were not made aware of imminent threats to four specific US embassies, two State Department officials tell CNN, further undermining President Donald Trump’s claims that the top Iranian general he ordered killed earlier this month posed an imminent threat to the diplomatic outposts.

Without knowledge of any alleged threats, the State Department didn’t issue warnings about specific dangers to any US embassy before the administration targeted Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s second most powerful official, according to the sources.

The State Department sent a global warning to all US embassies before the strike occurred, a senior State Department official said and the department spokesperson confirmed, but it was not directed at specific embassies and did not warn of an imminent attack.

One senior State Department official described being “blindsided” when the administration justified the deadly Reaper drone strike on Soleimani by saying Iran’s “shadow commander” was behind an imminent threat to blow up US embassies. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment on claims that the State Department officials were taken by surprise.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: They weren’t notified because there was no imminent threat. Barr and Pompeo both walked back the imminent threat language today, which is probably a good thing – if there *was* an imminent threat and they somehow forgot to inform the Embassies that would be targeted, that’s even worse than lying to the American people for weeks.

Giuliani associate Lev Parnas turns over thousands of pages of documents to impeachment investigators

“An attorney for Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, has turned over photos, dozens of text messages and thousands of pages of documents to House impeachment investigators in an effort to win his client an audience with lawmakers.

Joseph A. Bondy, Parnas’ New York attorney, traveled to Washington, DC, over the weekend to hand-deliver the contents of an iPhone 11 to Democratic staff on the House Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, according to a series of Bondy’s tweets.

“After our trip to DC, we worked through the night providing a trove of Lev Parnas’ WhatsApp messages, text messages & images—not under protective order—to #HPSCI, detailing interactions with a number of individuals relevant to the impeachment inquiry. #LetLevSpeak #LevRemembers,” according to Bondy’s tweet.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: I suspect we’re about to find out that, despite his claims to the contrary, Trump might have known Parnas. Suing a cow is also about to be the least of Nunes’ worries.

Russians Hacked Ukrainian Gas Company at Center of Impeachment

“With President Trump facing an impeachment trial over his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his son Hunter Biden, Russian military hackers have been boring into the Ukrainian gas company at the center of the affair, according to security experts.

The hacking attempts against Burisma, the Ukrainian gas company on whose board Hunter Biden served, began in early November, as talk of the Bidens, Ukraine and impeachment was dominating the news in the United States.

It is not yet clear what the hackers found, or precisely what they were searching for. But the experts say the timing and scale of the attacks suggest that the Russians could be searching for potentially embarrassing material on the Bidens — the same kind of information that Mr. Trump wanted from Ukraine when he pressed for an investigation of the Bidens and Burisma, setting off a chain of events that led to his impeachment .” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: Everyone is worried about what they *found* – I’m more concerned with what they left behind. The GRU definitely isn’t above planting evidence and leaking it later in the election cycle to hurt Biden’s stock.

I hope the media is very careful with what hacked material they publish this time around.

Trump planning to divert additional $7.2 billion in Pentagon funds for border wall

“President Trump is preparing to divert an additional $7.2 billion in Pentagon funding for border wall construction this year, five times what Congress authorized him to spend on the project in the 2020 budget, according to internal planning figures obtained by The Washington Post.

The Pentagon funds would be extracted, for the second year in a row, from military construction projects and counternarcotics funding. According to the plans, the funding would give the government enough money to complete approximately 885 miles of new fencing by Spring 2022, far more than the 509 miles the administration has slated for the U.S. border with Mexico.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: It’s still incredible to me that the GOP isn’t furious about this. If a Democratic POTUS was diverting DOD funds for anything, they would be absolutely howling about how the left doesn’t care about National Security.

The never-ending hypocrisy exhibited by the GOP during this Presidency is going to have negative implications on their party for years to come.

Ukraine knew Flight 752 had been shot down, but it was careful not to antagonize Iran

“Within hours of Iran’s stunning admission Saturday that its missile mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, Ukraine made a big reveal of its own. The country put out photos, taken a day earlier, showing wreckage riddled with small holes, suggesting damage from shrapnel.

Well before Iran admitted shooting down Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 outside Tehran on Wednesday, Ukraine realized the plane had been destroyed by a missile. But the country’s leaders tread a careful diplomatic path.

“The argument already didn’t exist for them to deny all this,” Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, told The Washington Post.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: This was a good move by Ukraine. No reason to call out what most friendly intelligence agencies were already doing for them. For what it’s worth, the United States knew what really happened almost immediately – they just took a day to verify all the available information before openly accusing the Iranians of doing it. Denial wasn’t going to be a tenable position for the Iranian government for very long.

Defense chief “didn’t see” specific evidence of Iranian threat to embassies

“Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said he “didn’t see” specific evidence that top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was planning attacks on four U.S. embassies, but said he believed such attacks would have occurred.

“The president didn’t cite a specific piece of evidence. What he said was he believed,” Esper said Sunday on “Face the Nation.” “I didn’t see one, with regard to four embassies. What I’m saying is that I shared the president’s view that probably — my expectation was they were going to go after our embassies. The embassies are the most prominent display of American presence in a country.”

The president and his top officials have said the strike that killed Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was justified because there was an “imminent” threat to American service members and diplomats. Members of Congress, however, have raised questions as to the nature of the threat following briefings on the strike that the administration conducted with all members of the House and Senate.” via CBS News

Angry’s Thoughts: There are two explanations here, neither of them good:

1. SecDef doesn’t read his daily briefings – or he’s out of the loop – and had no idea that four US embassies were set to be targeted by Soleimani.
2. No such intelligence existed, but SecDef doesn’t mind carrying POTUS’ water and covering up for his obvious lies.

I was just kidding, there’s only one obvious answer, and it’s #2. SecDef definitely reads his daily briefings and he knows full-well what target sets we were expecting Iran to come after, both before and after Soleimani’s death.

I’ll never paywall my writing – if you find this content useful and would like to chip in to help support what I do, you can do so right here: Become a Patron!

Pelosi defends impeachment delay, warns of Senate ’cover-up’

“Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday defended her decision to temporarily delay the Senate’s impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, despite securing no promises from GOP leaders to allow witness testimony.

“What we think we accomplished in the past few weeks is that we wanted the public to see the need for witnesses,” Pelosi said on ABC News’ “This Week,” marking her first public comments since ending the lengthy standoff with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Friday.

“Now the ball is in their court to either do that or pay the price,” Pelosi said.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: I agree with Pelosi here. The Democrats have absolutely shown a need for witnesses, and the House managers will do a good job reiterating that need. Ignoring that in favor of being partisan is going to put the GOP in an untenable position, and very-likely cause them to lose more seats than they are already going to in November.

What White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham has to say about not holding press briefings

“White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham has rebuffed a recent CNN opinion piece from 13 former White House press secretaries, foreign service and military officials arguing for the return of daily press briefings.

“This is groupthink at its finest. The press has unprecedented access to President Trump, yet they continue to complain because they can’t grandstand on TV,” Grisham told Axios in response to the opinion piece. “They’re not looking for information, they’re looking for a moment. This President is unorthodox in everything he’s done. He’s rewritten the rules of politics. His press secretary and everyone else in the administration is reflective of that.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: This is such a ridiculous argument. Grisham has yet to host a press briefing since taking the job of <checks notes> Press Secretary. She has, however, spent a ridiculous amount of time on Fox News. That’s not what the American people are paying her for.

She is right about one thing: Trump is unorthodox, insofar as he has absolutely no idea what he’s doing.

UK warns Iran over arrest of British ambassador

“British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Saturday denounced the arrest of the U.K. ambassador to Iran as a “flagrant violation of international law.”

The ambassador, Rob Macaire, said he was detained for half an hour on Saturday evening after attending a vigil in Tehran for those who died in the downing of an Ukraine International Airlines flight, for which Iran has taken responsibility.

The vigil turned into a protest, prompting the ambassador to leave. Macaire was arrested on his way back to the embassy.

Raab said the ambassador had been arrested “without grounds or explanation,” adding: “The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to deescalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Shoutout to Iran for isolating themselves on the world stage. Most of our allies thought we were the jerks after the Soleimani strike. It’s pretty inexplicable to me that Iran would make such a provocative move at this time.

Washington spurns Iraqi call to remove troops

“Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened U.S.-Iranian tensions after the U.S. killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad, and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO’s presence there.

Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on U.S. troops in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General Qassem Soleimani.

Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbor Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as Washington and Tehran are also the Iraqi government’s main allies and vie for influence there.” via Reuters

Angry’s Thoughts: There’s a fine line between allies and occupying force, and we’re about to cross it… again.

If the Iraqi government actually votes for us to leave, as far as I can tell, there’s not much of a legal way for us to stay. Last week, Trump threatened Iraq with sanctions if US troops are expelled, which I’m sure did wonders to boost confidence with the Iraqis.

In case you guys haven’t noticed, he’s really bad at everything, particularly foreign policy.

‘Our enemy is here’: Iran protesters demand that leaders quit after plane downed

“Protests erupted across Iran for a second day on Sunday, increasing pressure on the Islamic Republic’s leadership after it admitted its military shot down a Ukrainian airliner by accident, despite days of denials that Iranian forces were to blame.

“They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here,” one group of protesters chanted outside a university in Tehran, according to video posted on Twitter.

Other posts showed demonstrators outside a second university and a group of protesters marching to Tehran’s Azadi (Freedom) Square, as well as protests in other cities.” via Reuters

Angry’s Thoughts: I hope people appreciate the significance of this protest in Iran: In 2019, protestors were attacked, jailed, and at least 100 were killed. Trump released the following message on Twitter:

“To the leaders of Iran – DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!”

This would probably carry a little more weight if he hadn’t spent his entire presidency calling the press the enemy of the people and keeping kids in cages, but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Amash: Trump claim about US embassy threats ‘seems to be totally made up’

“Rep. Justin Amash (Mich.), an Independent who left the Republican Party last year, said Sunday that President Trump’s claim that Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani was plotting attacks against four U.S. embassies “seems to be totally made up.”

“The administration didn’t present evidence to Congress regarding even one embassy,” Amash tweeted.

“And they have never presented evidence of imminence – a necessary condition to act without congressional approval – with respect to any of this,” he added, referencing Trump administration officials’ justification for launching an airstrike that killed Soleimani.” via The Hill

Angry’s Thoughts: As much as I hate to continue using “if Obama” as a benchmark, can you imagine the GOP indignation over Obama conducting this strike and then obviously lying about his reasons for doing so? They might be even madder than they were about the tan suit, if we’re being honest.

‘I’m spending all my money to get rid of Trump’: Michael Bloomberg

“U.S. presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg told Reuters he is ready to spend much of his vast fortune to oust Republican President Donald Trump from the White House in 2020, rejecting criticism from rivals for the Democratic nomination that the billionaire is trying to buy the U.S. election.

Ranked by Forbes as the eighth-richest American, Bloomberg has flooded U.S. airwaves and social media feeds with messages that he stands the best chance to beat Trump, spending more on campaign ads since he launched his campaign in November than his main Democratic rivals have over the last year.

“Number one priority is to get rid of Donald Trump. I’m spending all my money to get rid of Trump,” Bloomberg told Reuters aboard his campaign bus on Saturday, during a nearly 300-mile (483-km) drive across Texas, one of the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday on March 3.” via Reuters

Angry’s Thoughts: I don’t find Bloomberg to be a viable candidate, but his ads are actually pretty good, and I *love* what he said here:

“I’m spending all my money to get rid of Donald Trump.”

Bless him.

Rand Paul: Time to revisit Mideast war authorization

“Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said on Sunday he thinks it is time for lawmakers to revisit ongoing conflicts the U.S. is engaged in, saying he doesn’t think Congress meant to “bind another generation” when it authorized the war against Iraq in 2002.

“We really need to have a debate about whether we should still be in Iraq or in Afghanistan,” Paul said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “There needs to be authorization from Congress.”

He was responding to a question from host Chuck Todd about the briefing that members of Congress received last week about President Donald Trump’s rationale for killing a top Iranian commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, on Jan. 3. Paul said the explanations provided by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about an imminent threat from Iran were not entirely convincing.

“He thinks he can square the circle, but to me it seems pretty inconsistent,” Paul said of Pompeo.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Welcome to five years ago, Rand. The AUMF has been used to authorize all kinds of things that it was never intended to. It would be great for Congress to re-take their war powers, but I fear we’ve kicked that can down the road for too long.

Trump donor charged with obstructing inauguration inquiry

“Federal prosecutors on Tuesday charged a major donor to President Donald Trump’s inaugural committee with obstructing a federal investigation into whether foreign nationals unlawfully contributed to the inaugural celebrations.

The donor, Imaad Zuberi, recently pleaded guilty in a separate case in Los Angeles to campaign finance violations, tax evasion and failing to register as a foreign agent.

A criminal information filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court accuses Zuberi, a globe-trotting venture capitalist, of taking “numerous steps” to interfere with the investigation into where the inaugural committee received its funding. Prosecutors say Zuberi backdated a $50,000 check and also deleted emails.” via AP

Angry’s Thoughts: It’s almost like everyone in Trump’s orbit is unabashedly corrupt. This won’t be the last charges that come from his inauguration.

Iraq’s outgoing prime minister says US troops must leave

“Iraq’s outgoing prime minister said Tuesday that the United States has no alternative and must pull its troops out of the country, or else face an impending crisis.

Adel Abdul-Mahdi, who resigned in November amid mass anti-government protests, said Iraq wants a U.S. troop withdrawal to avoid further escalation as tensions soar between American and Iran.

His comments came just days after a U.S. airstrike killed Iran’s top general, shortly after he arrived at Baghdad’s international airport. A senior Iraqi commander of an Iran-backed militia was also killed in Friday’s drone strike.

“We have no exit but this, otherwise we are speeding toward confrontation,” Abdul-Mahdi said in a prerecorded televised speech following a weekly cabinet meeting.” via AP

Angry’s Thoughts: It’s going to be interesting to watch how Iraq responds in the next few days to weeks. If they actually vote to expel the US from the country, that is going to create a whole host of other problems in the region.

But hey, at least Putin would benefit – he’s already offering Iraq air defense equipment if we do end up leaving. Increasing Russia’s foothold to own the libs.

Mark Esper says US isn’t looking ‘to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one’

“US Defense Secretary Mark Esper told CNN Tuesday that the US is not seeking a war with Iran but it is “prepared to finish one.” He also said the US is not withdrawing troops from Iraq following a weekend vote by Iraq’s parliament to expel American forces.

“We are not looking to start a war with Iran, but we are prepared to finish one,” Esper said during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

Earlier Tuesday, CNN reported that US forces and air-defense missile batteries across the Middle East were placed on high alert overnight Monday to possibly shoot down Iranian drones as intelligence mounted about a threat of an imminent attack against US targets.

The alert reflects the heightened tensions between the US and Iran in the wake of last week’s US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani. US officials have claimed the strike against the general was carried out to prevent an “imminent” attack in the region that would have put American lives at risk, but have so far declined to provide evidence.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: This is perhaps the most asinine thing I’ve ever heard from a Secretary of Defense. An easy way to *not* start a war would be not to assassinate the second most important person in someone’s country.

Their entire strategy at this point is to hope that Iran is going to be intimidated by our military might, and using reminders of our power to scare them out of retaliating against US interests.

I wouldn’t bet on them being successful.

Stampede kills 56 at funeral for Iranian general slain by U.S.

“A stampede broke out Tuesday at a funeral for a top Iranian general killed in a U.S. airstrike, and at least 56 people were killed and more than 200 were injured as thousands thronged the procession, Iranian news reports said.

The stampede took place in Kerman, the hometown of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, as the procession began, said the semi-official Fars and ISNA news agencies, citing Pirhossein Koulivand, head of Iran’s emergency medical services.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Iran hasn’t had a good week aside from their missile launch on Al Asad yesterday. Their top general was killed, an airliner crashed near Tehran, there was an earthquake near their nuclear power plants, 56 died in a stampede at Soleimani’s funeral, etc.

US forces on high alert for possible Iranian drone attacks, and intelligence shows Iran moving military equipment

US forces and air-defense missile batteries across the Middle East were placed on high alert overnight Monday to possibly shoot down Iranian drones as intelligence mounted about a threat of an imminent attack against US targets, two US officials tell CNN.

The alert reflects the heightened tensions between the US and Iran in the wake of last week’s US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani. US officials have claimed the strike against the general was carried out to prevent an “imminent” attack in the region that would have put American lives at risk, but have so far declined to provide details about the intelligence.

US intelligence also has observed Iran moving military equipment, including drones and ballistic missiles, over the last several days. US officials said the movement may be an Iranian effort to secure its weapons from a potential US strike, or put them in positions to launch their own attacks.

“There were indications that we needed to monitor the threats” even more closely than is already being done, one of the US officials said, referring to Monday night’s state of heightened alert. The second official described it as “all Patriot batteries and forces in the area on high alert” against an “imminent attack threat.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: Well, the imminent attack happened, and it *wasn’t* drones. Although there were no casualties, Iran definitely flexed their muscle with this attack – they showed the capability to hit precision targets at long range. People who have followed the Middle East for awhile already knew that Iran’s ballistic missile capability was a significant threat, but they put the rest of the world on notice yesterday.

The upside if you’re in the “please no World War 3” camp: it definitely could have started yesterday, and it didn’t; both sides were mature enough to walk away from the ledge… for now.

Prosecutors say Flynn ‘has not learned his lesson,’ seek up to six months in prison

“U.S. federal prosecutors asked a judge Tuesday to sentence President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, to up to six months in prison, according to a court filing.

“It is clear that the defendant has not learned his lesson. He has behaved as though the law does not apply to him, and as if there are no consequences for his actions,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about interactions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States in the weeks before Trump took office.

Prosecutors had originally recommended a lenient sentence for Flynn, who agreed to cooperate with former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. They reversed that stance on Tuesday, saying Flynn had instead tried to thwart an investigation of his former business partner, Bijan Rafiekian.” via Reuters

Angry’s Thoughts: Flynn made a pretty big mistake here. He *probably* could have gotten leniency, but he and his attorneys decided to roll the dice on the IG report being his get out of jail free card. That failed miserably, and now Flynn is looking at jail time.

Thoughts and prayers.

Trump Doesn’t Signal Further Military Strikes After Iran’s Attack

“President Trump said Iran appears to be backing away from conflict with the U.S. and signaled no further U.S. military strikes, after an Iranian missile barrage on U.S. bases that seemed calibrated to avoid further escalation.

Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” he said in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday.

Salvos of missiles fired from Iran hit two bases where American military personnel were stationed. President Trump said there were no American or Iraqi lives lost in the attack and only minimal damage at the bases.

The limited nature of the strike indicated Tehran wanted to respond to the targeted killing of its top military commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, without triggering American retaliation.” via WSJ

Angry’s Thoughts: . Trump announced new Iran sanctions during an approximately 12 minute sniff-fest full of mispronunciations. He did, however, appear to be walk back from his red line and indicated that he wanted to tone down the rhetoric. He also stressed the need for some kind of a… deal… that would prevent… Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. You know, kind of exactly like the one he tore up because he’s an idiot.

Anyway, I hope this is the end of it, but I seriously doubt that it is.

As I’ve discussed on Twitter, Iran has a long memory and a propensity for covert action, both on their own and through proxies. I don’t think they’re done by a long shot – and Trump is just as unpredictable. As soon as the impeachment rhetoric heats up again, he could decide maybe we do want to go to war with Iran.

Speaking of Iranian covert action:

FBI, Homeland Security warn of Iranian terror and cyber threat in new intelligence bulletin

“The FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned of the terror threats Iran poses to the US in a joint intelligence bulletin sent to law enforcement throughout the country on Wednesday.

In the bulletin, which was obtained by CNN, the agencies said they had believed a physical attack would occur first overseas — in line with the missile strikes launched by Iran into Iraq late Tuesday — and predicted Iran could make steps in the immediate-term to attack the US in cyberspace.

The bulletin also warns that Iran has a history of making assassination attempts, and outlines the terror threat its proxy Hezbollah poses in the US.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: This is all true. I still wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a shot a senior administration official at some point in the future – there’s no way a little over a dozen ballistic missiles that caused no casualties is making them feel vindicated.

‘Insulting and demeaning’: Lawmakers rip Trump administration after Iran briefing

“Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle came away with vastly different interpretations of two classified briefings that top administration officials held on Wednesday about the airstrike last week that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

Speaking alongside Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said, “I had hoped and expected to receive more information outlining the legal, factual and moral justification for the attack and left somewhat unsatisfied on that front.” He added, “it was probably the worst briefing I’ve seen at least on a military issue in the nine years I’ve served in the United States Senate.”

“I find this insulting and demeaning,” he said, adding that he now plans to vote in favor of a new war powers resolution from Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. “That briefing changed my mind,” he said.

Paul concurred, saying, “Today, this is Sen. Lee and I saying, we are not abdicating our duty.” via NBC News

Angry’s Thoughts: Rand Paul is always anti-war and always a contrarian, so his comments didn’t surprise me too much, but I really did appreciate him saying that Lindsey Graham doesn’t know anything about The Constitution.

Mike Lee on the other hand surprised me. He was furious, and that’s probably a good thing for people looking for sympathetic Republicans right now.

It’s terrible’: Fears grow that Trump is kneecapping the Pentagon

“President Donald Trump’s Twitter broadsides and military threats are creating more than just headaches for U.S. commanders: They are stoking fears the Pentagon is losing its prized credibility.

In the past three months, Trump has ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria without notice, outraging their Kurdish partners. He’s bucked the military brass by granting clemency to troops accused or convicted of war crimes. He’s threatened to seize oil from Syria, and most recently warned he might illegally bomb cultural sites in Iran before being forced to backtrack.

In all those instances, top military leaders have had to cover for the president, in some cases dodging direct responses to Trump’s comments and in others pretending Trump didn’t say what he said.

Questions about the Pentagon’s credibility carry a host of real-world implications, from allies not trusting America’s word, to worries that more troops will commit war crimes, to growing skepticism over intelligence the Pentagon uses to justify military action.

“It’s terrible,” Eric Edelman, who served as undersecretary of Defense for President George W. Bush, said of the impact Trump is having on the Pentagon’s ability to make its case. “Trump is basically essentially doing things that make the Russians and Chinese happy. They can say, ‘They are just like us. They do what’s in their interest. The notion that America is different is all bullshit.’” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: It’s interesting to me that this is just being published now, because this isn’t a new problem – I’ve been ranting about how Trump is causing dysfunction and undermining credibility since I’ve been on Twitter. His propensity for policy decisions via Tweet often leaves everyone scrambling. It makes us look stupid, but more importantly, it makes us look unreliable, and it ultimately makes us less safe.

US allies distance themselves from Trump decision to assassinate Suleimani

“US allies have distanced themselves from Donald Trump’s decision to assassinate Qassem Suleimani, as millions of Iranians took to the streets to mourn and demand revenge for the assassination of the country’s top general.

Both Israel and Nato stressed they were not involved in the airstrike on Thursday. The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has already expressed disappointment in the lukewarm reaction of Washington’s European allies.” via The Guardian

Angry’s Thoughts: Perhaps the most surprising comments came from Netanyahu, who normally looks for just about any reason possible to go after Iran:

Netanyahu reportedly said, “The killing of Soleimani is a US event, not an Israeli event, and we should stay out of it” at a security cabinet meeting today.

That awkward moment when America First really ends up being America Alone.

Khamenei Wants to Put Iran’s Stamp on Reprisal for U.S. Killing of Top General

“In the tense hours following the American killing of a top Iranian military commander, the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare appearance at a meeting of the government’s National Security Council to lay down the parameters for any retaliation. It must be a direct and proportional attack on American interests, he said, openly carried out by Iranian forces themselves, three Iranians familiar with the meeting said Monday.

It was a startling departure for the Iranian leadership. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, Tehran had almost always cloaked its attacks behind the actions of proxies it had cultivated around the region. But in the fury generated by the killing of the military commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, a close ally and personal friend of the supreme leader, the ayatollah was willing to cast aside those traditional cautions.

The nation’s anger over the commander’s death was on vivid display Monday, as hundreds of thousands of Iranians poured into the streets of Tehran for a funeral procession and Mr. Khamenei wept openly over the coffin.” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: Iran has tons of proxies throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, but it never made sense to me that they would respond via proxy – particularly after Trump has spent 3 days openly bragging about killing Soleimani.

Proxy attacks and attacks from militia groups who are sympathetic to Iran are still likely, but to think that something wouldn’t also be coming directly from Iran is silly.

Trump administration begins drafting possible sanctions against Iraq following Trump’s economic threat

“Senior administration officials have begun drafting sanctions against Iraq after President Trump publicly threatened the country with economic penalties if it proceeded to expel U.S. troops, according to three people briefed on the planning.

The Treasury Department and White House would likely play a lead role if the sanctions are ultimately implemented, the officials said. Such a step would represent a highly unusual move against a foreign ally that America has spent almost two decades and hundreds of billions of dollars supporting.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations, stressed that talks were preliminary and that no final decision has been made on whether to impose the sanctions.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: So… we assassinated someone in their country, and now we’re going to sanction them if they go through with kicking us out, even though we’re only there at their request anyway.

Makes perfect sense if you don’t think about it.

Defense secretary’s chief of staff to step down

“Eric Chewning, chief of staff to Defense Secretary Mark Esper, is stepping down at the end of the month, the latest in a series of high-profile civilians to leave the Pentagon.

He’ll be replaced by Jen Stewart, the top Republican staffer on the House Armed Services Committee and a former top adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, according to a statement from Pentagon spokeswoman Alyssa Farah.

Chewning, a former Army intelligence officer and combat veteran, has managed the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Secretary of Defense through a historic number of leadership changes, working for four Pentagon chiefs.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: I don’t know if this is as much of an “abandon ship!” or “hell no, I’m not going to commit war crimes” as some people suspect it is, but I’m sure we’ll find out more in the coming days.

Pompeo tells McConnell he won’t run for the Senate

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday that he does not plan to run for the US Senate seat in Kansas, sourcesfamiliar with the conversation told CNN, appearing to end months of speculation about Pompeo’s political plans.

One Republican source said that although the filing deadline for Pompeo to run for the open seat in Kansas has not passed, the secretary of state told McConnell not to wait for him and the National Republican Senatorial Committee should assume he’s not running. A source close to McConnell confirmed the content of their Monday conversation, telling CNN that Pompeo “indicated he will not be running for Senate.”

“Leader McConnell believes Secretary Pompeo is doing an incredible job as secretary of state and is exactly where the country needs him to be right now,” that source said.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: Pompeo not running for the Senate confirms his worry over the Ukraine scandal more than just about anything else could. We all know he’s got lofty political aspirations, but perhaps he’s realizing that his career of “public service” is over post-Trump.

I mean, he’s already been the worst CIA Director and the worst Secretary of State in modern history – we would be incredibly stupid to give him any higher office.

Esper contradicts Trump on targeting Iranian cultural sites: We ‘follow the laws of armed conflict’

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Monday contradicted President Donald Trump by asserting the US would not target Iranian cultural sites amid rising tensions after a US strike killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.

“We will follow the laws of armed conflict,” Esper told CNN Monday.

When pressed if that meant not targeting Iranian cultural sites, Esper replied, “That’s the laws of armed conflict.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: I was never too concerned about Trump’s open threat of war crimes, because our military isn’t going to do that. We hold ourselves to a higher standard for a reason, and Trump’s rambling on Twitter isn’t going to change that.

It’s good to hear Esper confirm what most of us already knew, though.

‘Mistake’: Pentagon says Iraq withdrawal letter was not authorized

“The Pentagon on Monday disputed that U.S. troops are preparing to withdraw from Iraq — after a leaked letter from a U.S. general suggested plans are underway to prepare troops to leave following the Iraqi Parliament’s Sunday vote calling for their removal.

The misfire added yet another layer of confusion to an already murky situation days after the region erupted in response to the U.S. drone attack that killed Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport. It also raised new questions about the Pentagon’s intentions as it faces new threats from Iranian militias in Iraq even as it seeks to defeat the remnants of the Islamic State terrorist group.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: This is a really impressive amount of ineptitude.

Like, really impressive. If this is the best people, I don’t want to see the other guys.

Trump overstates military spending and readiness as potential for Iran conflict looms

“President Trump has made numerous claims in recent days that he has completely updated the U.S. military’s equipment and suggested it is well-prepared for a major military conflict with Iran. But his comments grossly overstate spending decisions and mask an aging fleet of planes.

On Sunday, Trump tweeted that “The United States just spent Two Trillion Dollars on Military Equipment” and that if necessary he would use it to hit Iran “very fast and very hard.”

The actual amount spent on military equipment since he became president is much less, closer to $420 billion, according to according to Todd Harrison, a defense budget expert and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The rest was spent on things like personnel, operations and maintenance, and research and development.” via The Washington Post

Angry’s Thoughts: Trump is physically incapable of speaking without superlatives, so this really shouldn’t surprise anyone. He’s also been taking credit for the nuclear modernization program authorized by Obama.

Lying, taking credit for Obama’s accomplishments, and trying to undo the rest of Obama’s legacy are essentially the three defining traits of his Presidency at this point.

Bolton curveball threatens to upend impeachment trial

“Former national security adviser John Bolton said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed as part of the Senate’s impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

Bolton, who was asked to testify as part of the House’s impeachment inquiry but refused to appear for a deposition, said in a statement he wants to meet his “obligations” both as a citizen and as a former top presidential adviser.

“Since my testimony is once again at issue, I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study,” Bolton wrote. “I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: A lot of folks have pointed out that Bolton’s testimony could be absolutely devastating for POTUS, and put pressure on moderate Republicans at the same time.

I agree with this, but I would also feel better about it if he hadn’t agreed to testify right when Trump was in the middle of trying to fulfil his (Bolton’s) long-standing wet dream with Iran.

Rockets fall on Baghdad International Airport injuring several people

“Three Katyusha rockets fell on Baghdad International Airport, the military-run Security Media Cell said in a statement early on Friday.

The rockets landed near the air cargo terminal, burning two vehicles and injuring several people, Security Media Cell said.

At least one person was killed and 9 others wounded, police and medical sources said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Supporters of Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary groups stormed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday following U.S. air raids on Sunday against Kataib Hezbollah militia bases in retaliation for missile attacks that killed a U.S. contractor in northern Iraq last week.” via Reuters

Angry’s Thoughts: This was way back in the before we killed Soleimani phase of the weekend news dump, and is far from the only rocket attack in the Green Zone / around Baghdad International this weekend.

Unfortunately, this is looking like it’s going to become the norm for awhile.

Donald Trump ordered hold of Ukraine aid according to White House budget official

“In the face of warnings from the Pentagon that the hold on military aid to Ukraine could be illegal, an official from the Office of Management and Budget made it clear that the order to keep the freeze in place came directly from President Donald Trump, according to unredacted documents reviewed by Just Security.

The documents, including emails from officials at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget that were released under court order last month but were either partially or completely blacked out, offer new details about tensions between the two agencies tasked with carrying out Trump’s unexplained hold on aid to Ukraine.

They also raise serious questions about why the newly revealed contents were redacted by the Trump administration in the first place amid congressional oversight efforts and court orders in Freedom of Information Act litigation.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: This was one of the biggest stories that got lost in the “OMG WE’RE GOING TO WAR WITH IRAN” drama. Trump has been personally implicated in the Ukraine aid scandal, and continued to force the aid to be withheld over the objections of his entire National Security team.

GOP senator plans to seek dismissal of impeachment articles

“Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) will try to dismiss the articles of impeachment against President Trump that House Democrats have delayed sending to the Senate.

Hawley, in a pair of tweets, argued that normally “if prosecution doesn’t proceed with case, it gets dismissed.”

“So on Monday, I will introduce measure to dismiss this bogus impeachment for lack of prosecution,” he tweeted.” via The Hill

Angry ‘s Thoughts: That’s… not how any of this works. Senator Hawley knows that – or he should.

‘The game has changed’: Defense secretary warns of preemptive strikes on Iranian group

The U.S. may conduct preemptive strikes against Iranian-backed militias, Defense Secretary Mark Esper warned on Thursday, adding that he expects those groups are planning further attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq.

“Do I think they might do something? Yes, and they will likely regret it,” Esper said of Kataib Hezbollah, the militia group that attacked the U.S. embassy in Baghdad this week following U.S. airstrikes on the group in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. conducted the strikes after the group struck a base in Iraq, killing a U.S. contractor.

“There are some indications out there that they may be planning additional attacks,” Esper said. “If we get word of attacks, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces, protect American lives. The game has changed.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Shortly after announcing this, we took out Qassem Soleimani, the leader of the Quds Force, and the second most powerful person in Iran. I’ve spent a lot of time on Twitter talking about this, but this is essentially like taking out a head of state – it’s a really big deal, and a really shortsighted move by this administration.

The potential consequences are way too far-reaching to go into any serious depth here, but suffice to say: there’s approximately zero chance Iran doesn’t respond in a meaningful way.

To be clear, the last “normal” Presidents (read: Obama and Bush) were both given options to take Soleimani out, and they both rejected the options as not worth the consequences. Obama decided that he would be more dangerous as a martyr than he was alive, and I think we’re about to find out that he was quite right.

Trump warns Turkey’s Erdogan against military intervention in Libya

“President Donald Trump on Thursday warned his Turkish counterpart against sending troops to fight in Libya hours after the Turkish Parliament voted to authorize such a move.

Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed several “bilateral and regional issues,” according to a readout of the call released by the White House, as well as simmering tensions and ongoing instability in Libya that have been condemned by the top United Nations official there.

In Libya, where a rival regime in the nation’s east has attempted a coup to oust the Tripoli-based government of Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj, “foreign interference is complicating the situation,” Trump said, according to the White House.

The offensive has split the international community: The rival regime led by commander Gen. Khalifa Haftar has been backed the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, France and Russia, according to The Associated Press, while Sarraj’s government receives aid from Turkey, Qatar and Italy.

Erdogan and Sarraj recently signed a deal allowing Ankara to send military experts and personnel to the volatile region, the AP reported, and some in Turkey have argued that threats to the Libyan government could “spread instability to Turkey.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: Trump warns Erdogan against military intervention in Libya, while doing his best to start a war with Iran.

Fixed the headline.

Australia Fires Intensify: ‘It’s Going to Be a Blast Furnace’

“They fled from advancing firestorms that threatened to cut off their escape, only to have the race for their lives turn into a slog alongside the masses of others who crowded the roads. Thousands more waited, like soldiers on the beach at Dunkirk, for rescue by sea.

Across the scorched southeast, frightened Australians — grabbing a few cherished things, abandoning their homes and choking on smoke so heavy it blotted out the sun — struggled Thursday to evacuate as wildfires turned lush countryside into charcoal wasteland.

And from government officials came a disheartening warning: This weekend will be the worst period yet in Australia’s catastrophic fire season.” via NYT

Angry’s Thoughts: If you haven’t seen the pictures of these fires, they’re absolutely heartbreaking. Entire ecosystems are being destroyed. These forests will probably never be the same again, and already endangered animals are being wiped out before our eyes.

But climate change is a hoax. <insert eyeroll emojis here>

Iran’s response to US will be military — Khamenei’s adviser

“The military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader said Sunday that Tehran’s response to the killing by the United States of its most most influential general will “for sure be military.”

In an exclusive interview with CNN in Tehran, the adviser — Maj. Gen. Hossein Dehghan — made the most specific and direct threat yet by a senior Iranian official following the killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.

Dehghan said Iran would retaliate directly against US “military sites.”

Dehghan is a former defense minister and is now the main military adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He told CNN that reprisals would come from Iran itself, not its allied militia in the region.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: I would expect at least some of Iran’s response to come pretty quickly; they’ve had their 3 days of mourning – and planning – and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some targets hit within the next 48 hours.

I could be wrong. I’m *hoping* I’m wrong, but I don’t think so.

Three Americans killed in Kenya terror attack

“Three Americans were killed in Sunday’s terror attack in Kenya.

The Americans — a US service member and two civilian contractors working for the Defense Department — were killed in the attack carried out by Al-Shabaab, US Africa Command, which is responsible for military relations with nations on the continent, confirmed to CNN. Two DOD members wounded in the attack are now in stable condition and are being evacuated, Africa Command said.

The attack occurred at a Kenya Defense Force in Manda Bay, Kenya. Sources have previously told CNN that the base was used by US Special Operations forces working with the Kenyans.

Africa Command said the US uses the airfield for missions such as providing training to African allies, responding to crises and protecting US interests in the region.” via CNN

Angry’s Thoughts: Some Kenyan security officials have long been worried that Iran was trying to cultivate ties with al-Shabaab.

To be clear, there’s no direct evidence linking Iran to this attack, but this attack is also outside of the normal AS tactical pattern – typically attacks come in the form of ambushes on roads, etc. This one involved breaching the perimeter of a permanent (and well-defended) base using ground forces and indirect (read: rocket and mortar) fire.

It’s a bold and unusual attack at a pretty coincidental time, and I’m not a big fan of coincidences.

Iran official says Israeli cities can be revenge targets

“A former leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa can be targeted to avenge a general killed by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.

Mohsen Rezaee made the comment Sunday in Tehran at a ceremony in honor of the slain leader Qassem Soleimani.

He has previously alleged Israel somehow leaked information about Soleimani’s whereabouts to U.S. forces, who killed him Friday in a drone strike.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: This was one of the things I said I was worried about shortly after Soleimani was killed Thursday evening. Every threat analysis we have for a war with Iran includes Israel being targeted heavily – usually in the opening portion of the war.

As far as accusing Israel of leaking Soleimani’s location to the United States, I don’t know for certain whether they did or not, but that’s definitely not out of the realm of possibility.

Border stops for people of Iranian descent spark outrage

“Reports of Iranians and Iranian-Americans being detained for questioning upon entering the U.S. kicked off a furor on Sunday from Washington state to Washington, D.C., marking a new domestic blowback to the Trump administration’s targeted killing of a key Iranian leader.

The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a prominent Muslim civil liberties group, said on Sunday that more than 60 people of Iranian descent, including American citizens, were held for hourslong periods of questioning over the weekend at the Peace Arch checkpoint in Blaine, Wash., along the border with Canada. CAIR noted that many Iranian-Americans would continue to approach the port of entry over the weekend as some return to the U.S. after attending an Iranian pop concert Saturday in Vancouver.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: I don’t have many thoughts here that won’t get me banned from the internet.

This is disgusting.

Pompeo sticks up for U.S. presence as Iraq votes to eject foreign troops

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday defended the U.S. military’s presence in Iraq shortly before the Middle Eastern nation’s parliament voted to demand that foreign forces there withdraw following the death of an Iranian general in an American airstrike.

“As for the activity today with respect to Iraq, we’ve been in their country. We’ve been supporting Iraqi sovereignty. We’ve been continuing to take down the terrorist threat against the Iraqi people,” Pompeo told “Fox News Sunday,” just hours after lawmakers in Baghdad convened an emergency session.” via Politico

Angry’s Thoughts: In three days, Trump has managed to:

1. Increase the chances of a shooting war with Iran by about tenfold
2. Lose the support of at least half of the Iraqi parliament
3. Force Iran to officially give up on JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal) restrictions that kept them from enriching uranium.
4. Alienate most of our other allies
5. Openly threaten to commit war crimes (by destroying Iranian cultural sites, etc.)

I also wanted to offer some clarity on what happened here. Most of DOD – even the folks who would normally be “in the loop” – found out about Soleimani the same way you did: in the media.

This was closely-held, partially because nobody thought Trump would actually pick that option, and partially because there probably would have been a revolt if it was revealed that he picked that option before the operation was executed.

Everyone thought that we were on the path to de-escalation after the Embassy siege. Soleimani was in Iraq to meet with the Iraqi Prime Minister about a Saudi offer to de-escalate tensions. The Iranians – perhaps correctly – are going to see this as Saudi having a hand in the trap that killed Soleimani. Either way, this entire situation was handled about as poorly as one could have expected, and Trump is still making an ass of himself on Twitter.

Since people have been asking: there is no plan. There’s no National Security threat being resolved here. This entire saga has two purposes: to mess with Obama’s legacy and to distract from impeachment. That’s the plan. We’re woefully unprepared for – and at the same time, desperately trying to contain – the fallout from Trump’s new biggest blunder.

Here’s hoping we’re successful.

Thank you!

I get asked almost every day, so I’ll post it here:

If you’d like to chip in to help support my work on these News Dumps, you can do so on Patreon. Patrons get some benefits, including a weekly patron-only AMA, and ad-free blog posts.

Big thanks to those of you who already support!