Trump Nominates Revealer of the Russiagate Psyop Kash Patel to be New Director of the FBI

A former FBI special agent is weighing in on Trump's pick to lead the law enforcement agency where she once served, suggesting several concrete steps she says will help it regain the trust of all Americans.
"Over the last several years, the FBI became politically and socially weaponized. That must end," former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor Nicole Parker told Fox News Digital." Those responsible for the bureau's destruction must be held accountable with tangible consequences."
President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday announced he intends to nominate Kashyap "Kash" Patel to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray, who Trump nominated in 2017 during his first term in office.
"I am proud to announce that Kashyap 'Kash' Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People."

Wray is currently serving a 10-year appointment that began in 2017. He could either resign from his post or be fired.
In his post, Trump wrote that Patel "played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution."
"It is of paramount importance that the new FBI director reform the bureau into an agency that Americans can trust, depend on for unbiased law enforcement and protect them while upholding the Constitution," Parker said. "The FBI needs to get back to its true mission of fighting crime, keeping communities safe and be the agency that solid agents can once again be proud to work for."
Parker added that the new FBI director must overhaul the culture of the agency.
"When I was an FBI special agent, they always drilled into our heads the mantra 'Needs of the Bureau,' which I strongly denounced. It should not be the needs of the bureau, it should be the needs of the American people. As an FBI special agent, my salary came from the taxpayers. They were the ones I was sworn to protect. They were my boss," Parker said.

Patel is a solid, sensible man who has been on the right side of every single Deep State op and hoax.

That means they will stop at nothing to block him.

Patel held numerous national security roles during the first Trump administration but would be a new face at the FBI.
Here are five things to know about Patel.
A loyal Trump ally
Patel has been a staunch ally to Trump, stretching back to the FBI investigation into his 2016 presidential campaign.
Patel got his start in politics as a staffer to then-Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), working as an adviser on the House Intelligence Committee.
Patel played a key role there in seeking to discredit the committee Democrats' investigation of Trump's ties to Russia. That included authoring a report analyzing FBI and Justice Department responses in their own investigations of Russian election interference.
...
"I discovered a coordinated effort to use the Russiagate hoax as a way to attack then-President Trump," Patel wrote in an April email.
"It was a big hoax!"
Patel echoes Trump on weaponization, plans for retribution
Patel regularly attacks a "deep state" that he blames for having "weaponized the government for their own political and personal agenda."
Much of his commentary about alleged government wrongdoing has been focused on both the investigations of Trump, as well as the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters.
"The FBI goes after J6ers like terrorists," he wrote in a March email.
He has also crafted his own list of "government gangsters" that includes Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland and former CIA Director Gina Haspel.
Patel has called for using the power of the bureau and the Justice Department to prosecute journalists.
"We're going to come after you, whether it's criminally or civilly -- we'll figure that out," he said during an appearance on Steve Bannon's podcast.
He's called for major FBI reforms
Patel has called for major shifts at the FBI, starting on his first day as director.
"I'd shut down the FBI Hoover building on Day One and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state. And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops," Patel said.
Patel, through his eponymous foundation, has elevated several whistleblowers who have made claims of wrongdoing by the FBI.
"I am on a mission to root out all government gangsters from positions within our bureaus," he wrote in a July email.
Patel has also been a critic of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), including Section 702, which allows the government to spy on foreigners when they are located abroad.
The FBI relied on a separate provision of the law to spy on Trump campaign aide Carter Page.
Nonetheless, many FISA critics have called for reforms to the law, including requiring a warrant to review information from Americans communicating with foreigners being surveilled.
During last year's battle to reauthorize Section 702, Patel argued for letting the powerful spy tool lapse. Congress will once again weigh its renewal this coming year.
"We call upon Congress to let it lapse -- better to have no authority for 7 days or so than another 365 days of spying on Trump and his supporters," Patel said at the time in a statement alongside Richard Grenell, who briefly served as director of national intelligence in Trump's first administration.
He criticized Jan. 6 committee
On Jan. 6, Patel was serving as chief of staff to then-acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, who was appointed to the role about two months prior, the day after Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
His short time at the Pentagon earned scrutiny from the now-disbanded Jan. 6 committee, which asked him to sit for an interview after writing, "there is substantial reason to believe that you have additional documents and information relevant to understanding the role played by the Department of Defense and the White House in preparing for and responding to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as documents and information related to your personal involvement in planning for events on Jan. 6 and the peaceful transfer of power."
Patel ultimately sat with the panel's investigators on Dec. 9, after its slate of summer hearings in 2021.
Patel denied any wrongdoing or improper actions related to the attack but has complained about how the Justice Department handled cases involving the rioters.
He's been highly critical of that work, listing California Democrat Adam Schiff, who is moving from the House to the Senate beginning next month, as a "government gangster" and calling former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) "the main architect of this disinformation campaign."
In a May email, he wrote that Cheney "and her band of miscreants suppressed evidence that completely exonerates the Jan. 6 defendants from their ginned-up charge of insurrection."

Unfortunately, the head of the FBI is considered a cabinet-level posting and Trump will need Senate approval to confirm Patel.

I don't think he'll get it, unfortunately:

The hosts of MSNBC's Morning Joe sounded the alarm on Monday over President-elect Donald Trump's choice to install MAGA loyalist Kash Patel as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, focusing much of their attention on Patel's promise to "come after" the media.
In fact, Joe Scarborough repeatedly aired a 2023 clip of Patel touting Trump's plan to seek retribution against his opponents if elected, noting that Trump "apologists" on Capitol Hill should be "deeply disturbed by this" and vow to block Patel's nomination.
Trump sparked widespread backlash over the weekend when he announced Patel, who served in numerous positions in the president-elect's first administration, as his choice for the nation's FBI chief. Critics cited his clear lack of qualifications for the position and also cautioned that this was a warning to journalists across the country that Trump was serious about his threats against the free press.
Patel, who has also endorsed aspects of the unhinged QAnon conspiracy theory, has not only pledged his loyalty to the incoming president but also said that Trump should use federal law enforcement and national security organizations to punish his critics, especially within the media.
During a December 2023 appearance on former Trump strategist Steve Bannon's podcast, Patel declared that in a new administration, Trump would fill the FBI, CIA and DOJ with loyalists who would do the president's personal bidding. Specifically, Patel said, they wanted to go after media outlets that accurately reported that Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.

That's going to be a big problem with him. If that is an accurate claim -- which I shouldn't assume, as we know whenever the media "paraphrases" a statement, they twist the meaning -- then the McConnell club of saboteurs will block him. We have at least six very-nominal "Republicans" who are heavily invested in the Biden "victory," and who actively worked to thwart Trump and depose him. Collins, Murkowski, McConnell, Thom Tillis, and Bill Cassidy will all likely vote against Patel just for this statement.

Senatrix Linsey Graham would also vote against Patel if his vote was needed. But he's a cringing toady with the heart of a coward, and continues pretending he's pro-MAGA to subvert it from within. So he won't vote against Patel -- but he'll do everything possible behind the scenes to stop the nomination.

.@Kash_Patel on how to clean out the Deep State: �Hold these government gangsters accountable by taking away their funding�Chris Wray doesn�t need a government-funded G5 jet to go on vacation.� pic.twitter.com/yQUkhYIT5a
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) December 2, 2024

This is Kash Patel, Trump's nominee for FBI Director. The Deep State is f*cked. pic.twitter.com/cejy7hhioP
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 1, 2024

The fact that Andrew McCabe feels Kash Patel as FBI Director would �disrupt,� �dismantle,� & �distract� the FBI

speaks volumes that Kash is a good pick.

Let me remind you that McCabe signed off on the phony FISA warrant to surveil Trump adviser Carter Page. pic.twitter.com/EA6YGNVHye
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) December 1, 2024

Posted by: Ace at 03:34 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Firat

Posted by: Hotspur at December 02, 2024 03:35 PM (hp5Wc)

2 Meep meep!

Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at December 02, 2024 03:35 PM (osIkN)

3 Trump got something of a blank check when it comes to how he pursues law enforcement with the Hunter Biden pardon.

Posted by: Leupold at December 02, 2024 03:36 PM (4pwAx)

4
This nominee is the Hill to die on.

GET IT DONE!

Posted by: Frank Barone at December 02, 2024 03:37 PM (+oR7L)

5 SMH

Posted by: OkJohn at December 02, 2024 03:37 PM (II++y)

6 Senatress Linsey Graham would also vote against Patel if his vote was needed. But he's a cringing toady with the heart of a coward, and continues pretending he's pro-MAGA to subvert it from within. So he won't vote against Patel -- but he'll do everything possible behind the scenes to stop the nomination.

========

I cannot recall a single instance when Graham voted against a cabinet position for any president.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:38 PM (GBKbO)

7 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 03:38 PM (Zz0t1)

8 I don't think he'll get it, unfortunately:

He's going hard at them, just like Matt Gaetz did when he was a nominee. It could be the same play.

Posted by: t-bird at December 02, 2024 03:38 PM (3fFru)

9 I so want to see McCabe swing.

Posted by: 13times at December 02, 2024 03:38 PM (CULe9)

10 Why are Democrats and their Deep State allies so vehemently opposed to the first Person of Color to be leading the FBI?

Posted by: Schroedinger's Cat Wears the Emperor's New Clothes at December 02, 2024 03:39 PM (bWR5k)

11 "I'd shut down the FBI Hoover building on Day One and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state. And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops," Patel said.

F*cking brilliant.

This guy. He gets it.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 03:39 PM (Zz0t1)

12 Disrupt, dismantle and distract, you say that as if that wasn't what we voted for.

Posted by: Just Lily at December 02, 2024 03:39 PM (pnzlM)

13 That's going to be a big problem with him. We have at least six very-nominal "Republicans" who are heavily invested in the Biden "victory," and who actively worked to thwart Trump and depose him. Collins, Murkowski, McConnell, Thom Tillis, and Bill Cassidy will all likely vote against Patel just for this statement.

=======

Into this equation comes Musk promising to fund primary challengers.

And also into this was a poll (spit) showing Lara Trump trouncing Thom Tillis in NC for the primary in 2026.

We'll see.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:39 PM (GBKbO)

14 Rookie mistake, watched the content...

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 02, 2024 03:39 PM (QAkQ3)

15 Collins, Murkowski, McConnell, Thom Tillis, and Bill Cassidy will all likely vote against Patel just for this statement.

DIG! DIG! DIG!
You can bet every one of these people has shit they want hidden. Even a hint that the MAGA side knows their secrets should be enough to whip them into line.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 02, 2024 03:40 PM (W/lyH)

16 But Cruz said he will get confirmed!

Posted by: runner at December 02, 2024 03:40 PM (QTCRF)

17 OT: Trump is ratcheting up the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. He says to release the hostages by inauguration day or there'll be "hell to pay."

https://tinyurl.com/32aws7kr

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 02, 2024 03:40 PM (paSBy)

18 If Patel can't get in then the FBI's budget should be slashed to 1990's level.

Posted by: mr tmz at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (rJ48h)

19 Fck to GOPe fakes.

If they refuse to confirm, why can't OrangeManBad appoint his picks to the next highest level, and never fill the top role?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (KcwUg)

20 Worst Literally Hitler Evah!

Posted by: ShainS -- Looks Like VOTE HARDER Actually Worked This Time at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (VrrwH)

21 10 Why are Democrats and their Deep State allies so vehemently opposed to the first Person of Color to be leading the FBI?
Posted by: Schroedinger's Cat Wears the Emperor's New Clothes at December 02, 2024 03:39 PM (bWR5k)

Indians from India are not 'realllllly' persons of color, which is why Kamallawalla had to fake being Black.

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (QAkQ3)

22 DIG! DIG! DIG!
You can bet every one of these people has shit they want hidden. Even a hint that the MAGA side knows their secrets should be enough to whip them into line.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 02, 2024 03:40 PM (W/lyH)

You asked for it........

https://youtu.be/unKXCQEptZY?t=7

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (Zz0t1)

23 19 Fck to GOPe fakes.

If they refuse to confirm, why can't OrangeManBad appoint his picks to the next highest level, and never fill the top role?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (KcwUg)

=======

Because they're career hires with that are already filled and are nearly impossible to fire to clear the way?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (GBKbO)

24 No fucking way does Patel get confirmed. The Senate GOP would sooner cut out and eat their own gonads than sign off on that. It'll have to be a recess appointment or this isn't happening.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (7oYYI)

25 Trump is really smart having these nominees of the Patel persuasion, since the future in this country is
Chindia and the GOP needs to capture that demo.

Posted by: kallisto at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (dCxaZ)

26 Kash Patel would get the FBI out of the "insurance business"

Posted by: SMOD at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (RHGPo)

27 >>>Unfortunately, the head of the FBI is considered a cabinet-level posting and Trump will need Senate approval to confirm Patel.

The Conservative Treehouse notes Trump's careful wording in his announcement:

"As interesting as the announcement is, so too is the wording President Trump selected; not "nominated", not "appointed," a simple "will serve as"… Thereby leaving the maximum amount of interpretability available for the consumer of the announcement."

https://is.gd/C9oP4b

Trump has some kind of evasion of the Senate in mind?

Posted by: Dr. House at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (vlXMQ)

28 Wow, look at all those medai racists, objecting to a dark man in a position of power.

Would he be an historic first? First person of Indian descent to head the FBI?

Posted by: FeatherBlade at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (hB7mE)

29 /sock

Posted by: No Name Today at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (vlXMQ)

30 18 If Patel can't get in then the FBI's budget should be slashed to 1990's level.
Posted by: mr tmz at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (rJ48h)

And if they make a peep about make it 1890s level.

Posted by: Just Lily at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (pnzlM)

31 I closed the Hoover building just to watch it die.

Posted by: Johnny Kash Patel at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (Xy451)

32 the senate shouldn't approve of anyone trump nominates unless it's okay with charlie schumer. i learned that while speaking with the ghost of john mccain, who also told me stalin isn't such a bad guy once you get to know him

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (CWTWj)

33 Unfortunately, the head of the FBI is considered a cabinet-level posting and Trump will need Senate approval to confirm Patel.
__________________________

Compare this Trump announcement to every other cabinet position announcement. There is a word missing from this one. "Nominate". Instead, Trump just said "will serve as."

This little nuance should NOT be overlooked.

Posted by: Orson at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (dIske)

34 There is no deep state and the border is secure.

Posted by: wth at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (v0R5T)

35 We have at least six very-nominal "Republicans" who are heavily invested in the Biden "victory," and who actively worked to thwart Trump and depose him. Collins, Murkowski, McConnell, Thom Tillis, and Bill Cassidy will all likely vote against Patel just for this statement.

---------------

It's a different world now, the right can also assemble protesters who can harass these assholes and their staff for as long as it takes.

Posted by: Decaf at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (unUNN)

36 9 I so want to see McCabe swing.
Posted by: 13times at December 02, 2024 03:38 PM (CULe9)

And I want to go back and look at what Bill Barr's selective blindness covered up.

No mercy... he was part of the op.

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (QAkQ3)

37 Patel is going to reveal sources and methods. Do you understand the seriousness of this? Sources AND Methods!!!!
- GOPe stated reasons for voting no

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 02, 2024 03:43 PM (0EsKe)

38
https://is.gd/C9oP4b

Trump has some kind of evasion of the Senate in mind?
Posted by: Dr. House at December 02, 2024 03:42 PM (vlXMQ)

Lupus.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 03:43 PM (Zz0t1)

39 It's difficult to watch anything where the FBI is supposed to be the good guys.

Or where journalists are actually human.

Posted by: Stateless at December 02, 2024 03:43 PM (jvJvP)

40 As was said, Trump is going to have to personally direct the LE/IC apparatus out of the Oval Office.

The Uniparty is not going to allow appointments of any Mavericks.

So, Unitary Executive route it is.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 02, 2024 03:43 PM (XV/Pl)

41 Any attempt to keep Kash from Confirmation is straight up Racism.

Posted by: garrett at December 02, 2024 03:44 PM (vGiQ3)

42 OT: Trump is ratcheting up the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. He says to release the hostages by inauguration day or there'll be "hell to pay."

Hamas or the Capitol Police? Ah, let's do both.

Posted by: t-bird at December 02, 2024 03:44 PM (3fFru)

43 >>>Lupus.

lol

Posted by: No Name Today at December 02, 2024 03:44 PM (vlXMQ)

44 41 Any attempt to keep Kash from Confirmation is straight up Racism.
Posted by: garrett at December 02, 2024 03:44 PM (vGiQ3)

=======

It'd be really funny if administration mouthpieces used this line in interviews.

Just go onto CNN and MSNBC and yell that they're racist for 5 minutes.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:44 PM (GBKbO)

45 GOP senators better be careful about not confirming Patel. MAGA crowd wants him and between Musk and Presler, none of their seats are safe if they fuck this up.

Posted by: IC - Cope Harder, Liberals at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (DJ7uY)

46 Any attempt to keep Kash from Confirmation is straight up Racism.

Don, Jr. had a funny tweet with a picture of the two of them. "What can brown do for you?"

Posted by: t-bird at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (3fFru)

47 Any attempt to keep Kash from Confirmation is straight up Racism.
Posted by: garrett at December 02, 2024 03:44 PM (vGiQ3)

Unfortunately, a card we never hold or play.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (Zz0t1)

48 If only we could trust team GOP to do the right thing.

Posted by: 13times at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (CULe9)

49 Trump is clearly telegraphing there is only one group he's concerned with appealing to: the MAGA audience on alt right media that helped him get elected. It's sad he hasn't developed any humility or thought about what a second term could mean for a positive legacy. Instead, he's just going to give the middle finger to the rest of us, and cater to the adulation of his intransigent supporters.

I know the decision was whether it would be CIA or FBI and here we are. Hopefully the Senate will do its job and reject this nonsense. All they need is 4 to say no.

I would be afraid to be a Republican senator voting against what Trump wants. I think they will threaten to look at the senator’s income & private life with a fine tooth comb.

This guy is crazy enough to actually push for the executions of Trump's "enemies", like Biden. He cannot be appointed. If he does any of the things he's said he'd do--that's a hard line in the sand for me wanting to stay in this country

In his new book, Bill Barr talks about thwarting Trump’s attempt to make Kash Patel the deputy FBI director, an idea he says showed “a shocking detachment from reality.”

Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (JCZqz)

50 Patel echoes Trump on weaponization, plans for retribution

------------

Make Retribution Great Again!

Posted by: ShainS -- Make Retribution Great Again! at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (VrrwH)

51 There's another great part of that interview of Kash by Glenn Beck where Beck said he's never believed the CIA was involved with the Kennedy assassination and Kash says "You're talking to a give who seen all the files. Including the 7 pages about 9/11". Beck looks like he swallowed a bug.

Yea, they really don't want him running the FBI. And we do. Game on.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (LkLld)

52 >>Just go onto CNN and MSNBC and yell that they're racist for 5 minutes.

It would be my play until he gets the opportunity to appoint in a Recess.

Posted by: garrett at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (vGiQ3)

53 17 OT: Trump is ratcheting up the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. He says to release the hostages by inauguration day or there'll be "hell to pay."

https://tinyurl.com/32aws7kr
Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 02, 2024 03:40 PM (paSBy)

"Hell toupee?"

- - Leave me out of this Flaming BLAGO skull!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (x0n13)

54 37 Patel is going to reveal sources and methods. Do you understand the seriousness of this? Sources AND Methods!!!!
- GOPe stated reasons for voting no
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 02, 2024 03:43 PM (0EsKe)

About the Kennedy Assassination! It's only been 61 years! someone might still be... alive...

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 02, 2024 03:46 PM (QAkQ3)

55 did patel grow up in a middle class neighborhood with neighbors who were proud of their lawns? worked for kamala.

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 03:46 PM (CWTWj)

56 I think it's time to get the Biden and Obama loyalists out of the alphabets and let Trump replace them with reformers who will bring these agencies to heel of the constitution.

Kash Patel is the man for the time. Historic first!

How'd I do in dem speak?

Posted by: Cuthbert the Witless at December 02, 2024 03:46 PM (OA79/)

57 49 I know the decision was whether it would be CIA or FBI and here we are. Hopefully the Senate will do its job and reject this nonsense. All they need is 4 to say no.

Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at December 02, 2024 03:45 PM (JCZqz)

========

I remember when the left distrusted the unelected bureaucracy that was the CIA and FBI.

They made movies about how the CIA murdered a president, even. A real one. A real movie and a real president.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:46 PM (GBKbO)

58 Mitch McConnell did this game in Trump's first term, make these GOP Senators formally vote these people down.

Every single Republican that took Trump on is now roadkill. And they know this.

Mitch McConnell basically has a Joe Biden scenario playing out where someone in his office is truly running things and not him.

Posted by: Leupold at December 02, 2024 03:47 PM (4pwAx)

59 Mitch McConnell basically has a Joe Biden scenario playing out where someone in his office is truly running things and not him.
Posted by: Leupold at December 02, 2024 03:47 PM (4pwAx)

Posted by: Mitch McConnell at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (Zz0t1)

60

Kash and concealed carry!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (x0n13)

61 I think all these "controversial" appointments are gonna be made in recess. Trump will get the men and women he really wants. A few of the nonessentials -- such as Gaetz -- will be sacrificed.

I see no other reason why Trump would be nominating so many firebrands that scare the GOP invertebrates more than a naked woman scares David French. He must know he has very little chance of getting them confirmed. He must have another plan. Recess appointments is it, I think.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (iFTx/)

62 OT: Trump is ratcheting up the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. He says to release the hostages by inauguration day or there'll be "hell to pay."

Hamas or the Capitol Police? Ah, let's do both.
Posted by: t-bird at December 02, 2024 03:44 PM (3fFru)

He's going to get the Capitol Police sent to recover the hostages from Hamas, with orders to bring them back or come back on their shields? If they end Hamas, so much the better.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (VNX3d)

63 Tired of hearing "Trump loyalist", it's just more dem code speak for those who would defenestrate unrecallable beuracrats at the alphabets.

Posted by: Cuthbert the Witless at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (OA79/)

64 Patel regularly attacks a "deep state" that he blames for having "weaponized the government for their own political and personal agenda."

-----------------

It's now the "in-your-face" state, amirite?

Posted by: ShainS -- Make Retribution Great Again! at December 02, 2024 03:49 PM (VrrwH)

65 Tired of hearing "Trump loyalist", it's just more dem code speak for those who would defenestrate unrecallable beuracrats at the alphabets.
Posted by: Cuthbert the Witless at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (OA79/)

Yeah. You never hear anything being said about "Biden loyalists" and they're the most evil sonsabitches out there.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 03:50 PM (Zz0t1)

66 64 Patel regularly attacks a "deep state" that he blames for having "weaponized the government for their own political and personal agenda."

-----------------

It's now the "in-your-face" state, amirite?
Posted by: ShainS -- Make Retribution Great Again! at December 02, 2024 03:49 PM (VrrwH)

=======

Some media mouthpiece had put out an op-ed about how the Deep State was actually great, you guys, like 6 months ago. I think it was the NYT.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:50 PM (GBKbO)

67 He cannot be appointed. If he does any of the things he's said he'd do--that's a hard line in the sand for me wanting to stay in this country

Well...bye.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 02, 2024 03:50 PM (ZANHd)

68 Senatrix Lindsey Graham.

VDH take note!

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 02, 2024 03:50 PM (RIvkX)

69 OT but tangential?
Billionaires Bill Ackman, Marc Andreessen, and Travis Kalanick are reportedly getting involved in DOGE
https://shorturl.at/YjpQD
Fortune

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 02, 2024 03:51 PM (KcwUg)

70 it is odd that for the first time in our history, it seems like we have a president-elect but no actual president

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 03:51 PM (CWTWj)

71 Trump can appoint him as Interim Head of the FBI for over 200 days w/o the Senate.

Which means he can still get in there on Day 1 and start making changes, and getting access to FBI files

Posted by: Greg the Class Traitor at December 02, 2024 03:51 PM (68mB7)

72 How many lives will Christopher Wray destroy during his lame duck period?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at December 02, 2024 03:51 PM (kTd/k)

73 People say I am an eeyore for pointing this out - heck, I say I am an eeyore for pointing this out - but Collins and Murkowski will vote against 90% of Trump nominees.

McConnell is functionally a Democrat at this point.

So that means any single Republican - since there will be no Democrat votes for Trump nominees - can tank a nominee. And thus the Trump agenda.

Pissy little shits

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 03:52 PM (QfvaV)

74 69 OT but tangential?
Billionaires Bill Ackman, Marc Andreessen, and Travis Kalanick are reportedly getting involved in DOGE
https://shorturl.at/YjpQD
Fortune
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at December 02, 2024 03:51 PM (KcwUg)

=======

I remember when any talk of any cuts was trying to throw grandma off a cliff.

And now we have leftist billionaires trying to figure out how to cut government spending.

Trump really is the best libertarian candidate libertarians could have ever dreamed up with a realistic chance of actually winning the presidency, isn't he?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:52 PM (GBKbO)

75 I remember when Biden was making his cabinet picks and he picked a gay dude who didn't even drive as his Sec of Transportation and a dude in a dress lecture us about mental health cause he was interested in a cabinet that represented all America.

Cry more you DU dopes.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM (LkLld)

76 re 69: andreessen was the guy who said he decided to support trump when he visited the white house and heard what their plans were for the a.i. business

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM (CWTWj)

77
tan genitals????

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM (x0n13)

78 Trump is ratcheting up the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. He says to release the hostages by inauguration day or there'll be "hell to pay."

I don't see how Hamas has any leverage outside of those hostages, so they'll probably hang on to them until Seal Team 6 shows up and unites them with their 72 raisins.

Posted by: Ian S. at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM (2ocoG)

79 Regarding the date of the end of the Civil War discussed in the last thread:

The day on which Lee surrendered to Grant, April 9, 1865, was also the day on which Erich von Ludendorff, virtual military dictator of Germany during WWI, was born.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM (v6JzV)

80 it is odd that for the first time in our history, it seems like we have a president-elect but no actual president

Pardon me? Thank you, don't mind if I do!

Posted by: Joe Biden at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM (HG3pl)

81 All Trump needs to do to get his picks in, is tell the Senators, "We'll bury the evidence".

Posted by: MkY at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM (T9i7Z)

82 68 Senatrix Lindsey Graham.

VDH take note!
____

Hmmm. I always assumed it was Lindsey that would be the one wearing the ball gag when he hung out with McCain.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 02, 2024 03:54 PM (0EsKe)

83 So, Patel is a DOA candidate… sometimes it seems like, being here, that everything Trump will try to accomplish is stillborn….

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 03:54 PM (PCK5/)

84 I think all these "controversial" appointments are gonna be made in recess. Trump will get the men and women he really wants. A few of the nonessentials -- such as Gaetz -- will be sacrificed.

That assumes the Senate is ever allowed to go into recess. Remember what happened with Trump's first term.

Posted by: Brother Tim, Keeper of the Tim Continuum at December 02, 2024 03:55 PM (OUMaO)

85 tan genitals????
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 02, 2024 03:53 PM

I really don't recommend it.

Posted by: Josh Brolin at December 02, 2024 03:55 PM (ZANHd)

86 73 People say I am an eeyore for pointing this out - heck, I say I am an eeyore for pointing this out - but Collins and Murkowski will vote against 90% of Trump nominees.

McConnell is functionally a Democrat at this point.

So that means any single Republican - since there will be no Democrat votes for Trump nominees - can tank a nominee. And thus the Trump agenda.

Pissy little shits
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 03:52 PM (QfvaV)

=======

Thillis probably knows that he's on very thin ice for his primary. I suspect he'll play ball.

I'm guessing a series of 50/50 votes that Vance tie-breaks. Collins and Murkowski get to go back to their weird as fuck states and call themselves independent and win re-election. McConnell dies without realizing what he's doing. Everyone else ends up being inveterate snakes who just follow the wind and fall in line.

Remember, only Mitt Romney voted for conviction in any of Trump's impeachments. The Senate is full of spineless shits, and that can work in our favor when pressure actually gets applied.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:55 PM (GBKbO)

87 I thought the rule was you have to appoint a psycho Democrat to every post. What about muh norms??

Posted by: ... at December 02, 2024 03:55 PM (6USHL)

88 'trump loyalist' - someone who supports the wrong guy who won

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 03:55 PM (CWTWj)

89 Ted Cruz said Kash should be confirmed yesterday on one of the Sunday talkers.

I don't take everything Ted sayz as gospel but I won't count Patel out until we see how he does during his hearing.

The guy actually has quite a resume.
He's just never worked at the FBI.

Which is a plus, for most of us.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 03:56 PM (6ydKt)

90 it is odd that for the first time in our history, it seems like we have a president-elect but no actual president
Posted by: gnats local 678

I think there was a gap of several months between Washington's first election and his swearing in.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 03:56 PM (v6JzV)

91 Seriously what do we do about the Senate? They don't even want to negotiate. They only want to say "NO!"

They are willing to upend the whole American Enterprise because their fee fees got hurt.

Democrats would never let this happen.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 03:56 PM (QfvaV)

92 McConnell is functionally a Democrat Joe Biden at this point.

More accurate?

Posted by: Fake AoS Editor at December 02, 2024 03:56 PM (JCZqz)

93 And now we have leftist billionaires trying to figure out how to cut government spending.

Andresson has always been more libertarian than leftist. As he said on Rogan (I highly recommend everyone listen to it - yes it's 3 hours, but it's important), he was a Democrat kind of by default after he moved to California, but he's moved away from that now after seeing things like Elizabeth Warren being personally involved in debanking anyone the government considers a threat.

Posted by: Ian S. at December 02, 2024 03:56 PM (2ocoG)

94 Anyone want to join my class-action lawsuit against the incoming Trump administration?

I'm suing for damages related to this erection I've been sporting for the past 3+ weeks.

It has really, really hampered my ability to live a normal life.

That said, it has been fun.

Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at December 02, 2024 03:57 PM (KbCG3)

95 The guy actually has quite a resume.
He's just never worked at the FBI.

==

Bush senior never worked for the CIA, and yet...

Posted by: runner at December 02, 2024 03:57 PM (QTCRF)

96 91 Seriously what do we do about the Senate? They don't even want to negotiate. They only want to say "NO!"

They are willing to upend the whole American Enterprise because their fee fees got hurt.

Democrats would never let this happen.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 03:56 PM (QfvaV)

=======

It's really just, like, two of the Republicans saying anything at this point. Collins and Murkowski whose entire personalities are being pro-abortion Republicans who hate conservatives.

Everything else feels like conjecture. Well founded conjecture, but still just conjecture.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:57 PM (GBKbO)

97 Really sucks that 3 Senators run the country.

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 03:57 PM (PCK5/)

98 Senatrixl Linsey Graham would also vote against Patel if his vote was needed. But he's a cringing toady with the heart of a coward, and continues pretending he's pro-MAGA to subvert it from within.

--------------

It just occurred to me that "subvert" is a perfectly cromulent noun and portmanteau of "subversive pervert" -- which coincidentally also fittingly describes Senatrix Graham.

Posted by: ShainS -- Make Retribution Great Again! at December 02, 2024 03:58 PM (VrrwH)

99 "The FBI needs to get back to its true mission of fighting crime, keeping communities safe and be the agency that solid agents can once again be proud to work for."

Why is the NOT the answer? Holding people accountable is one thing, and I think he should collect a few heads. But just a few - a witch hunt is a waste of time.

Fire the head DEI staff. Shut down expensive investigations into minor allegations. Revoke the security clearance of any former official who have done bad deeds (that makes them unemployable in many capacities)

But the main focus should be on re-orienting the FBI to combat crime, especially organized crime. That is what is hurting the FBI - they spend inordinate amounts of time, money, and manpower on politicized wild goose chases.

Posted by: El Mariachi at December 02, 2024 03:58 PM (nLFEI)

100
Thillis probably knows that he's on very thin ice for his primary. I suspect he'll play ball.

I'm guessing a series of 50/50 votes that Vance tie-breaks. Collins and Murkowski get to go back to their weird as fuck states and call themselves independent and win re-election. McConnell dies without realizing what he's doing. Everyone else ends up being inveterate snakes who just follow the wind and fall in line.

Remember, only Mitt Romney voted for conviction in any of Trump's impeachments. The Senate is full of spineless shits, and that can work in our favor when pressure actually gets applied.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:55 PM (GBKbO)

Knowing how red PA is going and that he wants a 2028 shot, Fetterman will also back a few picks (probably all the former Ds now Rs, but who knows with him...he may just go with state sentinment and pass a bunch)...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 02, 2024 03:58 PM (exHjb)

101 My first act as Director of the FBI is to move the headquarters and the whole training facility at Quantico including all staff to Mumbai, India by boat.

Tramp steamer should work fine.

Posted by: Kash Patel, Chewing Gum and Kicking Ass at December 02, 2024 03:58 PM (Y5VD5)

102 On the pardon, has anyone seen any stats on the number of people who go to jail on similar tax and gun charges? This whole selective prosecution claim seems like it could be easily debunked.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at December 02, 2024 03:58 PM (Dm8we)

103 87 I thought the rule was you have to appoint a psycho Democrat to every post. What about muh norms??
Posted by: ... at December

He's nominating RFK and Tulsi, and they aren't happy about that, either!

Posted by: Moron Analyst at December 02, 2024 03:59 PM (JCZqz)

104 >>So, Patel is a DOA candidate… sometimes it seems like, being here, that everything Trump will try to accomplish is stillborn….

Musk has been very vocally saying he will work to primary and defeat any Republican who votes against any of Trump's nominees. I don't think he's making idle threats. He's all in on the Trump presidency, obviously.

The one thing every career politician wants most of all is to get reelected. Things have changed a lot in the last few years and the RNC is a major one, we'll see how.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 03:59 PM (LkLld)

105 Tramp steamer should work fine.

Posted by: Kash Patel

I first read that as "Trump steamer."

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:00 PM (v6JzV)

106 On Patel, I will put money that Trump will do EVERYTHING to get him passed...he wanted him in 2019 and Barr told him no and then the FBI was sicced on all his friends and family in the interim. He's gonna think that was a BIG mistake, and want to correct it...and no one is gonna tell him no without facing possible career suicide...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 02, 2024 04:00 PM (exHjb)

107 Remember, only Mitt Romney voted for conviction in any of Trump's impeachments. The Senate is full of spineless shits, and that can work in our favor when pressure actually gets applied.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 03:55 PM (GBKbO)

Yes, but it doesn't have to be the same POS each time. It will only take a single vote to tank a nominee. It can be weirdo shortman complex Markwayne Mullin this time. Rounds the next.

They are bound and determined to thwart the Trump agenda, and the kicker is that they are absolutely able to do so.

They don't care about voters. If they did, this wouldn't even be an issue.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:00 PM (QfvaV)

108 My first act as Director of the FBI is to move the headquarters and the whole training facility at Quantico including all staff to Mumbai, India by boat.

Tramp steamer should work fine.

Posted by: Kash Patel, Chewing Gum and Kicking Ass at December 02, 2024 03:58 PM (Y5VD5)

Two additions:

They can travel by the SS Titanic, after recovering and rebuilding it - by the whole FBI staff.

The location is the area of India which has banned Christians. Christians in that area have to convert or lose all of their belongings and leave.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:00 PM (VNX3d)

109
I first read that as "Trump steamer."
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:00 PM (v6JzV)

I did as well.

It's like a Cleveland Steamer, only YUGE.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 04:00 PM (Zz0t1)

110 Trump naming patel to head the fbi caused biden to blanket pardon hunter for a period of 11 years. He knows what sort of $hit the fib has been hiding on hunter and the "big guy".

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 02, 2024 04:01 PM (Rcnd3)

111 by the way, anyone else seeing ads on yootoob for some salt trick that makes you like a prn star? looked like sylvester stallone in one ad. another ad sounded like it had the voice of lindsay graham but i could be mistaken

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 04:01 PM (CWTWj)

112 Musk has been very vocally saying he will work to primary and defeat any Republican who votes against any of Trump's nominees. I don't think he's making idle threats. He's all in on the Trump presidency, obviously.

The one thing every career politician wants most of all is to get reelected. Things have changed a lot in the last few years and the RNC is a major one, we'll see how.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 03:59 PM (LkLld)

It helps if other billionaires are joining DOGE b/c all the domestic sources of big money to thwart Elon/Trump will be drying up...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 02, 2024 04:01 PM (exHjb)

113 Do you know when Christopher Wray worked at the FBI prior to Trump nominating him for Director?

Never. He worked at the DOJ just like Kash.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 04:02 PM (LkLld)

114 The GOP sorority sisters in the senate aren’t going to stop shit. Trump just pulled off the biggest comeback since Napoleon and he ain’t letting them get in the way. I don’t know exactly how he’ll do it, but I wouldn’t bet against him.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at December 02, 2024 04:02 PM (u73oe)

115 Sponge, how's the FIRST!!! Lady?

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:02 PM (v6JzV)

116 107 Yes, but it doesn't have to be the same POS each time. It will only take a single vote to tank a nominee. It can be weirdo shortman complex Markwayne Mullin this time. Rounds the next.

They are bound and determined to thwart the Trump agenda, and the kicker is that they are absolutely able to do so.

They don't care about voters. If they did, this wouldn't even be an issue.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:00 PM (QfvaV)

=======

It's not 1.

It's four. 53-47 Senate, three votes against gets 50/50. Collins, Murkowski, and Mitch make three. Then you need a fourth.

And the impeachment conviction vote literally didn't matter. It was never going to get to 2/3, and they couldn't get more than Mitt on a single count to vote with Democrats.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:02 PM (GBKbO)

117 No fucking way does Patel get confirmed. The Senate GOP would sooner cut out and eat their own gonads than sign off on that. It'll have to be a recess appointment or this isn't happening.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (7oYYI)

Sure, but going into open opposition on anything is suicide for them. Trump could put Patel in a spot that is not subject to confirmation, then fire anyone that outranks him making him acting head.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (n7h9X)

118 110 Trump naming patel to head the fbi caused biden to blanket pardon hunter for a period of 11 years. He knows what sort of $hit the fib has been hiding on hunter and the "big guy".
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 02, 2024 04:01 PM (Rcnd3)

=======

Hunter killed RFK Sr.!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (GBKbO)

119 I have heard Kansas City as a possible destination for the FBI headquarters, should Patel get in.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (D7oie)

120 "Wray is currently serving a 10-year appointment that began in 2017. He could either resign from his post or be fired. "

I recall james (hide behind the white house curtains) comey claiming that Trump could not fire him because he had 4 more years left on his permanent appointment. I wonder if wray thinks he won't get fired even though Trump appointed him during his first go around.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (Rcnd3)

121 Leon Panetta never worked at CIA prior to his appointment.

Posted by: 13times at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (CULe9)

122 Musk has been very vocally saying he will work to primary and defeat any Republican who votes against any of Trump's nominees. I don't think he's making idle threats. He's all in on the Trump presidency, obviously.

The one thing every career politician wants most of all is to get reelected. Things have changed a lot in the last few years and the RNC is a major one, we'll see how.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 03:59 PM (LkLld)

As I pointed out in the morning thread, 3 people who can give two shits about Musk's money:

Susan Collins
Lisa Murkowski
Mitch McConnell

After that it just takes one. They can spread that out so Musk's money won't be enough. The new Utah Senator won't stand for re-election until 2030 - well after Trump has left office.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (QfvaV)

123 24 No fucking way does Patel get confirmed. The Senate GOP would sooner cut out and eat their own gonads than sign off on that. It'll have to be a recess appointment or this isn't happening.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 03:41 PM (7oYYI)

Yep. Ask yourself why any Senator would truly want an honest, incorruptible FBI.

Posted by: Gref at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (aBgBM)

124 Re - previous thread

How much of the Antifa crap was a US intel op?
We know they interfered with radical groups in the past.
And who else remembers Occupy Wall Street? How they suddenly showed up everywhere with no visible means of organization and they couldn't tell you what their demands or goals were?
Then they suddenly disappeared forever and, suddenly, we had Antifa. And now they're all quiet.

Posted by: 29Victor at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (TL7UX)

125 [Reprising my comment & whig's response from a few weeks ago:]

My understanding is that the VP -- as the President of the Senate -- can preside over Senate sessions and thus, instead of a Treasonous Majority Leader like a McConnell or a Thune, can choose whom to recognize for proposed legislation & debate (and which GOPee Traitors to ignore).

I've heard that Trump considered doing this in his first term, but of course that rat-bastard Pence wouldn't cooperate.

Let's have JD Vance run the Senate daily when they're in session -- and have frequent recesses so that Trump can make recess appointments. MOAR BOSS MOVES!
======
It is actually the constitutional option. Only leaders in the House and Senate specified by the Constitution are the Speaker of the House and the Vice President of the US who is also President of the Senate. The rules of either house flow downhill from those particular offices.

In many states, the Lt. Gov fulfills the original role of the VP in the US Constitution by running state Senates (sometimes that is affected somewhat by party control).

Posted by: ShainS -- Make Retribution Great Again! at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (u5dQW)

126 As has been mentioned before, the Democrats only have so much time and energy and money to spend on opposition work and intelligence operations. Trump is flooding the zone so much that they will have to pick and choose who to fight against, that is my expectation at least.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (RsS92)

127 90 I think there was a gap of several months between Washington's first election and his swearing in.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 03:56 PM (v6JzV)

--- ---

I like the way William Henry Harrison went out.
The man gets elected in November, has an inauguration on March 4, runs his mouth for two hours giving a speech without an overcoat on that cold, rainy, day... and dies one month later on April 4, 1841 of pneumonia.

And nobody remembers a word of that speech.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (6ydKt)

128 Is there a place, outside of X, where people can send suggestions to cut spending to the Dept of Govt Efficiency?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (VNX3d)

129 Every interview with the man I've seen, I've liked.

Posted by: Darth Randall at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (UzlNF)

130 >>> 22 DIG! DIG! DIG!
You can bet every one of these people has shit they want hidden. Even a hint that the MAGA side knows their secrets should be enough to whip them into line.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 02, 2024 03:40 PM (W/lyH)

I rewatched Godfather Part II recently. If Trump was as shady as the deep state and the Obamas/Bidens, like in the movie, he would pull a Corleone and get John Thune roofied and in bed with a dead girl/live boy, and use the blackmail to strong arm him into getting his cabinet picks sailing through. I have a feeling the dems have this blackmail already to help their side.

I think the charm offensive Trump and Elon pulled on Johnson is helping. I don't know what you do with Thune that will ever get him on board, unless you make him an offer he can't refuse.

Posted by: LizLem at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (Eng1Z)

131 I'd like to see under what circumstances Trump would be able to get in some recess appointments. McConnell was the obstacle before and I figure there's going to be some more 'procedural bullshit' played by the GOP. That's a real, and ongoing issue that needs to be rectified by any means necessary.

Might have to burn some bridges with Senate leadership to make it happen... but I don't consider that much of a loss given their history with Trump.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 02, 2024 04:05 PM (Q4IgG)

132 My first act as Director of the FBI is to move the headquarters and the whole training facility at Quantico including all staff to Mumbai, India by boat.

If you're moving the entire FBI to the Indian Ocean, then North Sentinel Island is right there. I'm just saying.

Posted by: Ian S. at December 02, 2024 04:05 PM (2ocoG)

133 I cannot recall a single instance when Graham voted against a cabinet position for any president.

--

As I've said once before a week or so ago, I distinctly remember him saying, during Obama's reign, that it's the president's prerogative to get who he wants. Which is why Graham voted for Obama's odious picks.

Posted by: Lady in Black at December 02, 2024 04:05 PM (qBdHI)

134 Damn, McCabe looks horrible.

Posted by: Ktgreat at December 02, 2024 04:05 PM (33LJY)

135 moar revenge

I hope Trump gets to put his people in place. Fucking GOPe...

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at December 02, 2024 04:05 PM (xcxpd)

136 It's not 1.

It's four. 53-47 Senate, three votes against gets 50/50. Collins, Murkowski, and Mitch make three. Then you need a fourth.

And the impeachment conviction vote literally didn't matter. It was never going to get to 2/3, and they couldn't get more than Mitt on a single count to vote with Democrats.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:02 PM (GBKbO)

You get my point then. After Collins, Murkowski, and McConnell, it only takes one.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:06 PM (QfvaV)

137 113 113 Do you know when Christopher Wray worked at the FBI prior to Trump nominating him for Director?

Never. He worked at the DOJ just like Kash.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 04:02 PM (LkLld)

- -- --

I think Comey and Mueller never worked at the FBI either.
I'm not sure.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:06 PM (6ydKt)

138 Is there a place, outside of X, where people can send suggestions to cut spending to the Dept of Govt Efficiency?

They will definitely be taking suggestions, but I don't know where outside of X that's going to be yet.

Posted by: Ian S. at December 02, 2024 04:06 PM (2ocoG)

139 The Conservative Treehouse notes Trump's careful wording in his announcement:

"As interesting as the announcement is, so too is the wording President Trump selected; not "nominated", not "appointed," a simple "will serve as"… Thereby leaving the maximum amount of interpretability available for the consumer of the announcement."

https://is.gd/C9oP4b

Trump has some kind of evasion of the Senate in mind?
Posted by: Dr. House

He's going to have them arrested on insurrection charges.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 02, 2024 04:06 PM (S838b)

140 My first act as Director of the FBI is to move the headquarters and the whole training facility at Quantico including all staff to Mumbai, India by boat.

If you're moving the entire FBI to the Indian Ocean, then North Sentinel Island is right there. I'm just saying.
Posted by: Ian S. at December 02, 2024 04:05 PM (2ocoG)

That would take a lot of time - you cannot unbalance the ecosystem by flooding the cannibals with too many food animals at one time. That wouldn't be environmentally sound.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:06 PM (VNX3d)

141 >>As I pointed out in the morning thread, 3 people who can give two shits about Musk's money:

Yes well I don't agree with you on Collins and Murkowski. They care a lot about money. Besides, Musk don't just have money, he has the most important social media platform in the world.

If wants to run a campaign against you he's get money and media tools and an army of people at his disposal. He was a big help getting Trump elected. He can be a big help defeating people too.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 04:06 PM (LkLld)

142 recess appointments are still cool, right ?

Posted by: runner at December 02, 2024 04:07 PM (QTCRF)

143 As I pointed out in the morning thread, 3 people who can give two shits about Musk's money:

Susan Collins
Lisa Murkowski
Mitch McConnell

After that it just takes one. They can spread that out so Musk's money won't be enough. The new Utah Senator won't stand for re-election until 2030 - well after Trump has left office.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (QfvaV

That's not enough strategy...you target their best friends in the Senate, like Thune, Cornyn, and others and primary them out b/c that's easy...you put up a full court press on getting McConnell a competency test...you fire ALL their family and friends from every cush federal job they have...you shut off money to their states and refuse all waivers to all fed laws...

It's easy to turn the screws if Trump feels like he needs to do so...I think he will do it for Patel as mentioned above - b/c it's the one big mistake he thinks bit him in the a$$ after his lost election...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 02, 2024 04:07 PM (exHjb)

144 The one thing every career politician wants most of all is to get reelected. Things have changed a lot in the last few years and the RNC is a major one, we'll see how.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 03:59 PM (LkLld)

And the other thing that they want is an insider role to gain influence and money and donations to get re-elected. Making a deal with Trump to get that might sound a lot better than playing gotterdamerung with Trump and the Red Wave.

No sense moving your dirty laundry way up on the cleaning up the deep state chain.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:07 PM (n7h9X)

145 if all 57 repubs vote yes and all the dems and sanders vote no the news story will be that the vote was on strictly partisan lines

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (CWTWj)

146 Trump was willing to let Gaetz go, I suspect because there was too much smoke to not have some fire behind it. Patel is a different story. We shall see.

Posted by: runner at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (QTCRF)

147 I'm guessing a series of 50/50 votes that Vance tie-breaks. Collins and Murkowski get to go back to their weird as fuck states and call themselves independent and win re-election. McConnell dies without realizing what he's doing. Everyone else ends up being inveterate snakes who just follow the wind and fall in line.

-------

I think that's right for a lot of things - but not AG or FBI appointments. Actual cops in those posts could end up fucking up the whole American scam. They'll fight those for real. Gotta be a fully compromised insider the machine can count on 110%, or no confirmation.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (7oYYI)

148 I like the way William Henry Harrison went out.
The man gets elected in November, has an inauguration on March 4, runs his mouth for two hours giving a speech without an overcoat on that cold, rainy, day... and dies one month later on April 4, 1841 of pneumonia.

And nobody remembers a word of that speech.
Posted by: SpeakingOf

As originally written, it was even longer. Daniel Webster had to edit it down.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (v6JzV)

149 Sponge, how's the FIRST!!! Lady?
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:02 PM (v6JzV)

She's doing ok. Survived last week ok being off Chemo, so that was good. She's been talking with others going through similar things and isn't looking forward to the next round that starts this week. Side effects are supposed to be much more significant. She's getting nervous.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (Zz0t1)

150 FOCUS. That is what the FBI needs. FOCUS on the big problems.

J6 was not a big problem.
Abortion clinics are not a big problem.
Scholl board meetings are not big problems

FOCUS on the following:

Cybercrime
Violent crime
Terrorism/Counterintelligence
NGO corruption

I'd reduce the following:

Environmental crime (let EPA handle that)
Civil rights especially hate crimes
Public corruption cases not involving payoffs.

Every case should start with this question - is this about illegality, or about "getting" someone?

Posted by: El Mariachi at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (nLFEI)

151 By the way, jaGUar released their latest model and its fugly. And the revealed model is pink.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (RsS92)

152 re me at 145: i meant '53 repubs'. drat dem fingers

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (CWTWj)

153 recess appointments are still cool, right ?
Posted by: runner at December 02, 2024 04:07 PM (QTCRF)

They can be dodged if the Senate does not recess...but that would be open war. It would be politically stupid to do that, and Trump has options if they do.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (n7h9X)

154 Yes, I think Trump should start by making object lessons out of a few Rinos…

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (PCK5/)

155 "I don't think he'll get it, unfortunately..."

If Trump/Patel don't go All-In here, together, then his second Presidency will be for naught. The single-most important thing he has to do - besides cleaning up illegal immigration and birthright citizenship - is clear out the criminal class in the DoJ. It's the epicenter of law, supposedly what binds this nation and sets it apart from others, and remains essential in a trusted, functional democracy. Without Law, we're a Nation of Men and, therefore, a failed State.

Team Trump has to defend his DoJ and Intel choices like no others.

Posted by: AnonyBotymousDrivel Remembers Babbitt and Perna at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (aXxgO)

156 151 By the way, jaGUar released their latest model and its fugly. And the revealed model is pink.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (RsS92)

Someone on X said it looks like a tampon and now I can't un-see that image.

Posted by: IC - Cope Harder, Liberals at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (DJ7uY)

157 J6 was not a big problem.
Abortion clinics are not a big problem.
Scholl board meetings are not big problems

The first month Biden took office the Justice Department declared "domestic terrorism" (aka white people) the biggest threat to America, confusing most of the population. That's what all this was in response to.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (RsS92)

158 Re - previous thread

How much of the Antifa crap was a US intel op?
We know they interfered with radical groups in the past.
And who else remembers Occupy Wall Street? How they suddenly showed up everywhere with no visible means of organization and they couldn't tell you what their demands or goals were?
Then they suddenly disappeared forever and, suddenly, we had Antifa. And now they're all quiet.

Posted by: 29Victor at December 02, 2024 04:04 PM (TL7UX)

---------------------

[My comment earlier there:]

Future FBI Director Kash Patel will need to Defund, Stop The Training of, and Finally Infiltrate and Prosecute All Members of these Leftist Brown Shirt Domestic Terrorist Organizations -- which could NOT exist without the FBI's Ongoing Sanction, Abetting, and Encouragement.

Posted by: ShainS -- Make Retribution Great Again! at December 02, 2024 04:10 PM (b84/A)

159 She's doing ok. Survived last week ok being off Chemo, so that was good. She's been talking with others going through similar things and isn't looking forward to the next round that starts this week. Side effects are supposed to be much more significant. She's getting nervous.
Posted by: Sponge

Prayer up, Sponge.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:10 PM (v6JzV)

160 McConnell and 18 other Republican senators voted to confirm Merrick Garland.

And they hold their noses at Kash Patel?

Terrible people.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (QfvaV)

161 They can be dodged if the Senate does not recess...but that would be open war. It would be politically stupid to do that, and Trump has options if they do.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (n7h9X)

yes, yes he does !

Posted by: runner at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (QTCRF)

162 FOCUS. That is what the FBI needs. FOCUS on the big problems.

Posted by: El Mariachi at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (nLFEI)

The FBI's own corruption is the first and only job that should be worked on.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (n7h9X)

163 By the way, jaGUar released their latest model and its fugly. And the revealed model is pink.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (RsS92)

That seems so faggy.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (Zz0t1)

164 "Hell toupee?"

I saw Hell Toupee open for Spock's Beard at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz in 2006

Posted by: SFGoth at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (KAi1n)

165 re 151: looked at a pic on google. feh. i can see wilie coyote driving one off a cliff.

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (CWTWj)

166 Trump needs to recess appoint Patel, and then Patel needs to make a splash by revealing high level FBI corruption. Something sexy like the JFK assassination or whatever.

Something that will make it politically untenable for GOP senators to oppose his confirmation.

Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (V6W16)

167
Prayer up, Sponge.
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:10 PM (v6JzV)

Thank you.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (Zz0t1)

168 Future FBI Director Kash Patel will need to Defund, Stop The Training of, and Finally Infiltrate and Prosecute All Members of these Leftist Brown Shirt Domestic Terrorist Organizations -- which could NOT exist without the FBI's Ongoing Sanction, Abetting, and Encouragement.
Posted by: ShainS -- Make Retribution Great Again! at December 02, 2024 04:10 PM (b84/A)

That's what I'm hoping.
Im assuming that the FBI has their Antifa stooges busy right now shredding papers and wiping (like with a sledge hammer) servers and phones.

Posted by: 29Victor at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (TL7UX)

169 I have heard Kansas City as a possible destination for the FBI headquarters, should Patel get in.
Posted by: Kindltot

Kansas or Missouri?

Posted by: SFGoth at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (KAi1n)

170 She's doing ok. Survived last week ok being off Chemo, so that was good. She's been talking with others going through similar things and isn't looking forward to the next round that starts this week. Side effects are supposed to be much more significant. She's getting nervous.
Posted by: Sponge

Prayer up, Sponge.
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:10 PM (v6JzV)

One more.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (VNX3d)

171 I would call and write my Senators telling them to vote for Kash to be the FBI director, but it would be futile.

My Senators are Chucky Cheese Schumer and that empty bucket Gillibrand

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (WsJuq)

172 The first month Biden took office the Justice Department declared "domestic terrorism" (aka white people) the biggest threat to America, confusing most of the population. That's what all this was in response to.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (RsS92)

Also devout Catholics. In Covid it was the devout Jews.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (n7h9X)

173
One more.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (VNX3d)

Thank you.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 04:13 PM (Zz0t1)

174 One thing about Rinos, they're weak.

Is it really worth ending your career to stop Cabinet appointments? Probably not. It's not like Alaska voters will "punish" Murkowski for going along with 49 other Republican Senators.

Maybe she survives and maybe she doesn't, but probably not the hill worth dying on.

Posted by: Leupold at December 02, 2024 04:13 PM (4pwAx)

175 169 I have heard Kansas City as a possible destination for the FBI headquarters, should Patel get in.
Posted by: Kindltot

Kansas or Missouri?
Posted by: SFGoth at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (KAi1n)

Please God, Kansas… we don’t need those assholes anywhere near us in Missouri.

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 04:13 PM (PCK5/)

176 My first act as Director of the FBI is to move the headquarters and the whole training facility at Quantico including all staff to Mumbai, India by boat.

If you're moving the entire FBI to the Indian Ocean, then North Sentinel Island is right there. I'm just saying.
Posted by: Ian S.

Diego Garcia.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 02, 2024 04:13 PM (S838b)

177 By the way, jaGUar released their latest model and its fugly. And the revealed model is pink.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (RsS92)

Someone on X said it looks like a tampon and now I can't un-see that image.
Posted by: IC - Cope Harder, Liberals at December 02, 2024 04:09 PM (DJ7uY)
_________

I think 50/50 that was a hoax or a disgruntled employee shivving the company in the back. The pics of the pink car that are circulating are much too primitive to even be a teaser for a future car. It's like it was whipped up in 10 minutes on some app from the 1990s. New cars are often shown first in CGI pics, but they are photo-realistic CGI.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 02, 2024 04:13 PM (iFTx/)

178 174 One thing about Rinos, they're weak.

Is it really worth ending your career to stop Cabinet appointments? Probably not. It's not like Alaska voters will "punish" Murkowski for going along with 49 other Republican Senators.

Maybe she survives and maybe she doesn't, but probably not the hill worth dying on.
Posted by: Leupold at December 02, 2024 04:13 PM (4pwAx)

=======

It's not Murk to think about. It's Thillis.

Poll (spit) from earlier today showing Lara Trump beating him in the 2026 NC senate primary by...a lot.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:14 PM (GBKbO)

179 164 "Hell toupee?"

I saw Hell Toupee open for Spock's Beard at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz in 2006
Posted by: SFGoth at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (KAi1n)

Is this a reference to the story of that name that appeared on Spielberg's TV series in the 80's - called something like "Amazing Stories"? It was a pretty funny episode IIRC.

Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at December 02, 2024 04:14 PM (LxER7)

180 "Collins, Murkowski, McConnell, Thom Tillis, and Bill Cassidy will all likely vote against Patel just for this statement."

It also looks as if Romney's replacement might be just as bad if not worse than Mittens.

Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything at December 02, 2024 04:14 PM (V6W16)

181 >>> By the way, jaGUar released their latest model and its fugly. And the revealed model is pink.

CRT, Someone said in a different thread that it looks like a gay monopoly piece to replace the standard car piece in the game. They are not wrong.

I've seen the color changing Teslas in person, the paint job is stunning. I doubt that the Jaguar paint does that. And I'm sorry, but a pink car will ALWAYS be associated with Mary Kay for me.

Posted by: LizLem at December 02, 2024 04:14 PM (Eng1Z)

182 I have heard Kansas City as a possible destination for the FBI headquarters, should Patel get in.
Posted by: Kindltot

Kansas or Missouri?
Posted by: SFGoth at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (KAi1n)

Please God, Kansas… we don’t need those assholes anywhere near us in Missouri.
Posted by: tubal

And maybe they'll get wisked off to Oz by a tornado.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:14 PM (v6JzV)

183 166 Trump needs to recess appoint Patel, and then Patel needs to make a splash by revealing high level FBI corruption. Something sexy like the JFK assassination or whatever.

Something that will make it politically untenable for GOP senators to oppose his confirmation.
Posted by: Bitcoin Fixes Everything at December 02, 2024 04:11 PM (V6W16)

If Kash can get his hands on the Epstien Client List he'll be able to get the Senate to sit up and bark like a pack of dogs if he wants.

Posted by: 29Victor at December 02, 2024 04:14 PM (TL7UX)

184 Use the left tactics against them. You racists want to vote against a minority?

Posted by: steevy at December 02, 2024 04:15 PM (KQk9m)

185 169 I have heard Kansas City as a possible destination for the FBI headquarters, should Patel get in.
Posted by: Kindltot

Kansas or Missouri?

Posted by: SFGoth at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (KAi1n)

Trump should ask the citizens of a small town in north western North Dakota to rename it Kansas City.

Posted by: Gref at December 02, 2024 04:15 PM (aBgBM)

186 183 If Kash can get his hands on the Epstien Client List he'll be able to get the Senate to sit up and bark like a pack of dogs if he wants.
Posted by: 29Victor at December 02, 2024 04:14 PM (TL7UX)

========

"Get me a copy of the unredacted Epstein client list."

"Yes, Mr. President."

*takes picture, tweets it out with message, "As President, I declassify this document."*

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:15 PM (GBKbO)

187 Historic first Indian American for FBI Director

Posted by: steevy at December 02, 2024 04:15 PM (KQk9m)

188 175 169 I have heard Kansas City as a possible destination for the FBI headquarters, should Patel get in.
Posted by: Kindltot

Kansas or Missouri?
Posted by: SFGoth at December 02, 2024 04:12 PM (KAi1n)

Please God, Kansas… we don’t need those assholes anywhere near us in Missouri.
Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 04:13 PM (PCK5/)

How about the UN building, in NYC. First, they can clear out the various criminals in the building (AKA the ambassadors and staffs), ship their stuff to North Sentinel Island, then move in. Of course, they can only have 20 people per floor....

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:15 PM (VNX3d)

189
I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass...

Posted by: Kash Patel at December 02, 2024 04:16 PM (XeU6L)

190 Trump should ask the citizens of a small town in north western North Dakota to rename it Kansas City.
Posted by: Gref

Nome, Alaska.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:16 PM (v6JzV)

191 re: prog rock in sidebar

That keyboardist looks like he is tripping balls, man.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 02, 2024 04:16 PM (bss/y)

192 Morning Joe roars, Ace trembles.

Posted by: NCC at December 02, 2024 04:16 PM (OOejf)

193 148 As originally written, it was even longer. Daniel Webster had to edit it down.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:08 PM (v6JzV)

ha.
I just thought it was interesting the Harrison was President-Elect for four months longer than he was actually President.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:17 PM (6ydKt)

194 A lot of other car companies noted how closely the jaGUar looks like previous car models (that didn't do well). Except like it was done by AI with as few features as possible.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:17 PM (RsS92)

195 >>> Something sexy like the JFK assassination or whatever.

Patel bragging he's seen all the JFK files and would declassify them...yes please.

Posted by: LizLem at December 02, 2024 04:17 PM (Eng1Z)

196 if kamala had won and the dems had 51 seats in the senate, would any of her nominees not get at least 51 votes to confirm?

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 02, 2024 04:17 PM (CWTWj)

197 Please God, Kansas… we don’t need those assholes anywhere near us in Missouri.

This is the problem with moving bureaucracies out of DC. You’re sending a bunch of assholes with strong incentives to support the deep state into places where their vote makes a difference.

Better to keep the bureaucracies in DC and move the politicians out, each to their own district or state. Leave DC the non voting bureaucratic wasteland it was designed to be.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 02, 2024 04:18 PM (CA7Od)

198 I have always wondered who Oswald’s handler was…

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 04:18 PM (PCK5/)

199 If you're moving the entire FBI to the Indian Ocean, then North Sentinel Island is right there. I'm just saying.
Posted by: Ian S.

Diego Garcia. They could fuel up planes on their down time.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at December 02, 2024 04:18 PM (IG4Id)

200 Tell that bitch Ghislaine "full pardon and private security protection for life if you tell the American people *everything.* Everyone. Down to the last Senator."

Once he locks up 90% of the Senate GOP, he can force loyal people in. And he can say "look, nobody is above the law in Trump's America - even his own Party."

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 04:19 PM (7oYYI)

201 197 Better to keep the bureaucracies in DC and move the politicians out, each to their own district or state. Leave DC the non voting bureaucratic wasteland it was designed to be.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 02, 2024 04:18 PM (CA7Od)

========

The hinterlands of a blue state, then.

Make them build an HQ 20 miles to the east of Addy, WA.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:19 PM (GBKbO)

202 200 Tell that bitch Ghislaine "full pardon and private security protection for life if you tell the American people *everything.* Everyone. Down to the last Senator."

Once he locks up 90% of the Senate GOP, he can force loyal people in. And he can say "look, nobody is above the law in Trump's America - even his own Party."
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 04:19 PM (7oYYI)

This is an excellent idea… clout.

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (PCK5/)

203 The new FBI building needs bulldozed. Just stop the madness.

Posted by: torabora at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (bhwe+)

204 ABC's lawyers forced Sunny Hostin AGAIN to read a legal note today. This is at least the fourth legal note Hostin has been forced to read.

http://tiny.cc/jeoyzz

Posted by: bonhomme at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (Odg76)

205 200 Tell that bitch Ghislaine "full pardon and private security protection for life if you tell the American people *everything.* Everyone. Down to the last Senator."

Once he locks up 90% of the Senate GOP, he can force loyal people in. And he can say "look, nobody is above the law in Trump's America - even his own Party."
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 04:19 PM (7oYYI)

=======

90% of the Fortune 500 CEOs...90% of the top echelon of Manhattan media...

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (GBKbO)

206 Move the bastards to Cali….

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (PCK5/)

207 If you're moving the entire FBI to the Indian Ocean, then North Sentinel Island is right there. I'm just saying.
Posted by: Ian S.

Diego Garcia. They could fuel up planes on their down time.
Posted by: weft cut-loop
_________

Just take Biden's railroad. No need for planes now.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (Dm8we)

208 Diego Garcia. They could fuel up planes on their down time.
Posted by: weft cut-loop

Diego belongs to Mauritius now, or soon will. The Brits are going to keep the base, though, once they negotiate an agreement with Mauritius.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (v6JzV)

209 ‘ they wanted to go after media outlets that accurately reported that Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.’

No media outlet ACCURATELY reported that Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.

On a related note, I have fucking had it with senate GOPe and would support any effective work around to their consent for Trump’s nominees. Including but not limited to recess appointments.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (jbnUc)

210 "Wray is currently serving a 10-year appointment that began in 2017. He could either resign from his post or be fired. "

I recall james (hide behind the white house curtains) comey claiming that Trump could not fire him because he had 4 more years left on his permanent appointment. I wonder if wray thinks he won't get fired even though Trump appointed him during his first go around.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 02, 2024 04:03 PM (Rcnd3)

Pretty dumb, but that's comey. Even if true, Trump could order a reorganization where teh "super duper head" of FBI outranked the head, and post the head to Nome Alaska with an unheated office and a button that must be pressed every 20 minutes or else he will be reprimanded.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:21 PM (n7h9X)

211 Tell that bitch Ghislaine "full pardon and private security protection for life if you tell the American people *everything.* Everyone. Down to the last Senator."

Once he locks up 90% of the Senate GOP, he can force loyal people in. And he can say "look, nobody is above the law in Trump's America - even his own Party."
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 02, 2024 04:19 PM (7oYYI)

Don't hit just one party, but both. 80-90% of Congress in jail, along with a number of their senior staffers, would send a clear message.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:21 PM (VNX3d)

212 204 ABC's lawyers forced Sunny Hostin AGAIN to read a legal note today. This is at least the fourth legal note Hostin has been forced to read.

http://tiny.cc/jeoyzz
Posted by: bonhomme at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (Odg76)

=======

The legal department should start fining her for their troubles.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:21 PM (GBKbO)

213 181 I've seen the color changing Teslas in person, the paint job is stunning. I doubt that the Jaguar paint does that. And I'm sorry, but a pink car will ALWAYS be associated with Mary Kay for me.

not me. back when i was bagging groceries, i once had to carry groceries out to a ford pinto that was exactly the color of pepto-bismol. *eyetwitch*

Posted by: anachronda at December 02, 2024 04:21 PM (v3pYe)

214 A lot of other car companies noted how closely the jaGUar looks like previous car models (that didn't do well). Except like it was done by AI with as few features as possible.

Modern design is rooted in a circa-2014 study claiming that women are physically repulsed by color and detail.
Which is why corporations have been ditching their full-color logos and logotypes for monochrome with words in Helvetica, and why you can seemingly only find cars on dealer lots that are black, white, or grey.

Posted by: Ian S. at December 02, 2024 04:21 PM (2ocoG)

215 How many bureaucrats need to be transferred from DC to LA for VA to be a red state?

Posted by: Oglebay at December 02, 2024 04:21 PM (ogTiX)

216 Kash Patel will not be FBI Director.

Posted by: Don Black- I beg your pardon at December 02, 2024 04:22 PM (/7KEl)

217 I think he gets confirmed

Posted by: It's me donna at December 02, 2024 04:22 PM (IyPmt)

218 Willowed:
First thing for new congress: new 50 state voting laws:

1. Photo ID for all voters
2. Only citizens can vote
3. All voting in person, on election day
4. All votes must be counted by midnight election night in the presence of monitors from both parties.
5. 20 year prison term for violations and or election fraud
6. No computer voting.
7. FBI investigates election fraud

If Iraq can vote fairly in the middle of a war, so can we.

Posted by: An Observation sez China Joe not my president at December 02, 2024 04:22 PM (Da7Vv)

219 Bulg, I'm still trying to figure out what the people of Alaska did to you, that you'd inflict the FBI on them.

That's why I suggested NYC or LA. Blue cities, where their presence wouldn't affect the Senate.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:22 PM (VNX3d)

220 How many bureaucrats need to be transferred from DC to LA for VA to be a red state?
Posted by: Oglebay

All of them.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:23 PM (v6JzV)

221 Diego Garcia. They could fuel up planes on their down time.
Posted by: weft cut-loop

Diego belongs to Mauritius now, or soon will. The Brits are going to keep the base, though, once they negotiate an agreement with Mauritius.
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:20 PM (v6JzV)

Trump is vetoing the UK on this, citing security concerns. We own the base. He's pissed at Starmer for this nonsense. Mauritius is like 4000 miles from the dang place.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:23 PM (n7h9X)

222 This Patel pick revealed further just how wacko John Bolton has become or maybe always has been. May he choke on his stache.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 02, 2024 04:23 PM (D6PGr)

223 As a last resort, Trump can appoint him acting director. Patel could serve for 210 days in that capacity. He could scorch a lot of earth in 210 days.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at December 02, 2024 04:23 PM (u73oe)

224
I see no other reason why Trump would be nominating so many firebrands that scare the GOP invertebrates more than a naked woman scares David French.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (iFTx/)

Heh.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (y9nCu)

225 187 Historic first Indian American for FBI Director

trump missed the opportunity to have the hysteric first indian american for fbi director.

Posted by: elizabeth warren at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (v3pYe)

226 *takes picture, tweets it out with message, "As President, I declassify this document."*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:15 PM (GBKbO)

Oof.

I dont know if my poor heart could take it.

Posted by: 29Victor at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (TL7UX)

227 Trump is vetoing the UK on this, citing security concerns. We own the base. He's pissed at Starmer for this nonsense. Mauritius is like 4000 miles from the dang place.
Posted by: Oldcat

I thought the Brits own the base?

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (v6JzV)

228 Bulg, I'm still trying to figure out what the people of Alaska did to you, that you'd inflict the FBI on them.

That's why I suggested NYC or LA. Blue cities, where their presence wouldn't affect the Senate.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:22 PM (VNX3d)

It gets the FBI in range of the Alaskans.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (n7h9X)

229 224
I see no other reason why Trump would be nominating so many firebrands that scare the GOP invertebrates more than a naked woman scares David French.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 02, 2024 03:48 PM (iFTx/)

=======

"A female body without a lady penis is not as God intended."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (GBKbO)

230 If wants to run a campaign against you he's get money and media tools and an army of people at his disposal. He was a big help getting Trump elected. He can be a big help defeating people too.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 02, 2024 04:06 PM (LkLld)

Obviously its a big advantage. But its not all it takes. Murkowski has 4 more years until reelection. She got primaried out before and she still got elected to the Senate. She probably feels confident Musk can't beat her.

Collins runs for re-election in 2026. Is she vulnerable? Maybe. She has been safe for years as a RINO. I doubt she thinks that turning MAGA will help her. I could be wrong, but just not seeing it.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (QfvaV)

231 *takes picture, tweets it out with message, "As President, I declassify this document."*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:15 PM (GBKbO)

Oof.

I dont know if my poor heart could take it.
Posted by: 29Victor at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (TL7UX)

I think my heart could take it - but could the Internet survive the sudden surge to download it?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:25 PM (VNX3d)

232
"A female body without a lady penis is not as God intended."
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (GBKbO)

*fistbump*

Posted by: Lia Thomas at December 02, 2024 04:25 PM (Zz0t1)

233 Patel will prevail. The hearings will be entertaining, with Patel checkmating every ridiculous ad hominem. He is supremely qualified, and they can't do a thing about that. Meanwhile, Musk is putting the pressure on the backsliders. If Trump puts equal pressure on, he can make it.

Posted by: Ordinary American at December 02, 2024 04:25 PM (ZlOcj)

234 That keyboardist looks like he is tripping balls, man.

What is fun about that song is that it was meant as a parody of prog rock, making fun of the nonsense lyrics and pretention of some of the songs. And instead it became a wild and crazy classic

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:25 PM (RsS92)

235 I thought the Brits own the base?
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:24 PM (v6JzV)

This is the real world. The UK doesn't own crap that the US wants.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:25 PM (n7h9X)

236 Citizens of Shasta County, California Declare State of Emergency and Demand Certifiable Election Results

In Shasta County, California, the people have had enough of corrupt elections and demand their right to a certifiable election. In Shasta County, California, the results of their elections are not legitimately certifiable.

Posted by: SMOD at December 02, 2024 04:26 PM (RHGPo)

237 230
‘ Murkowski has 4 more years until reelection.’

She’s old. Health problems can con up suddenly..

Posted by: Dr. Claw at December 02, 2024 04:27 PM (jbnUc)

238 214 A lot of other car companies noted how closely the jaGUar looks like previous car models (that didn't do well). Except like it was done by AI with as few features as possible.

Modern design is rooted in a circa-2014 study claiming that women are physically repulsed by color and detail.
Which is why corporations have been ditching their full-color logos and logotypes for monochrome with words in Helvetica, and why you can seemingly only find cars on dealer lots that are black, white, or grey.

Posted by: Ian S. at December 02, 2024 04:21 PM (2ocoG)

Black and gray vehicles should be outlawed. Probably white ones, too. Not visible enough in low light, fog, and heavy rain. Especially when idiot drivers do not switch on the headlights when they should.

Posted by: Gref at December 02, 2024 04:27 PM (aBgBM)

239 "Wray is currently serving a 10-year appointment that began in 2017. He could either resign from his post or be fired. "

FBI Director does not server a 10 year term. FBI Director serves a term of NOT MORE than 10 years. There is no floor there.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:27 PM (QfvaV)

240 ‘ Murkowski has 4 more years until reelection.’

She’s old. Health problems can con up suddenly..

Posted by: Dr. Claw at December 02, 2024 04:27 PM (jbnUc)

*The Covid-19 Vaccine has entered the chat.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 02, 2024 04:27 PM (Zz0t1)

241 233 Patel will prevail. The hearings will be entertaining, with Patel checkmating every ridiculous ad hominem. He is supremely qualified, and they can't do a thing about that. Meanwhile, Musk is putting the pressure on the backsliders. If Trump puts equal pressure on, he can make it.
Posted by: Ordinary American at December 02, 2024 04:25 PM (ZlOcj)

========

It's important to remember that Mitch held such extreme control over his caucus because he centered control within the office of caucus leader (Reid and Schumer did it as well). This went from everything like amendments to funding of re-election campaigns. Mitch controlled so much of funding, and that controlled the caucus.

The actual independents like Rand Paul and...I'll think of another eventually, have their own funding sources that don't rely on Mitch and can be freer in how they vote.

Having an alternate funding source that doesn't go through Mitch (or Thune) changes a lot of the dynamics in the Senate.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (GBKbO)

242 150 J6 was not a big problem.
Abortion clinics are not a big problem.
Scholl board meetings are not big problems

leave me out of this

Posted by: dr. scholl at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (v3pYe)

243 First thing for new congress: new 50 state voting laws

They'd have to change the US Constitution to do it, and I would oppose that. States are specifically given the power to how they want to run elections.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (RsS92)

244 I see the Patel appointment as a indication of whether Trump will be successful of get the same treatment as last time.

If they get stopped at the first gate then it just encourages the opposition.

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (QB+5g)

245 243 First thing for new congress: new 50 state voting laws

They'd have to change the US Constitution to do it, and I would oppose that. States are specifically given the power to how they want to run elections.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (RsS92)

=======

The VRA laughs at this assertion.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (GBKbO)

246 Anyone want me to shit them a painting real quick?

I feel some good runs coming on.....

Posted by: Hunter Biden at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (Zz0t1)

247 237
Frigging autocorrect.
‘come up suddenly.’

Posted by: Dr. Claw at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (jbnUc)

248 AB969 provided for cases such as ours by creating a new law, Ca EC 15270.3, which states that an “elections official may conduct a manual vote count in the event of a natural disaster or other state of emergency in which use of a certified voting system is not feasible.

“ We declare that what is happening here in Shasta County is a state of emergency, in which the use of a certified voting system is not feasible. We insist that a 100% manual hand count be conducted to ensure accuracy and transparency in Shasta County’s elections. We demand that election officials guilty of the maladministration described above be placed on administrative leave effective immediately.”

Posted by: SMOD at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (RHGPo)

249 Bulg, I'm still trying to figure out what the people of Alaska did to you, that you'd inflict the FBI on them.

That's why I suggested NYC or LA. Blue cities, where their presence wouldn't affect the Senate.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf

Actually, I like Alaska. For its scenery, wildlife and history --as a Russia buff, I would love to visit Sitka and see the historical sites from when it was "Russian America." It's one of four US states I've never been to. Someday, hopefully.

But my comment was based on the premise that FBI folks would quit in droves before moving there.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (v6JzV)

250 233 Patel will prevail. The hearings will be entertaining, with Patel checkmating every ridiculous ad hominem. He is supremely qualified, and they can't do a thing about that. Meanwhile, Musk is putting the pressure on the backsliders. If Trump puts equal pressure on, he can make it.
Posted by: Ordinary American at December 02, 2024 04:25 PM (ZlOcj)

I am not so sanguine about this. Hearings are not about qualifications and how snappy a comeback the nominee can make.

I think if Patel gets to Senate hearings he is appointed. I am not very confident he gets to Senate hearings.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (QfvaV)

251 Modern design is rooted in a circa-2014 study claiming that women are physically repulsed by color and detail.

Posted by: Ian S.

... have they... actually met women?

Posted by: FeatherBlade at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (hB7mE)

252 On his way out the door:

Biden blocks new mining in region that produces about 40% of nation's coal

Biden's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently approved an amendment to the Resource Management Plan (RMP) to ban new federal coal leases and make "48.12 billion short tons of coal unavailable for leasing consideration in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a proxy for climate change," according to Todd D. Yeager, BLM Buffalo field manager.

Posted by: Don Black- I beg your pardon at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (/7KEl)

253 Modern design is rooted in a circa-2014 study claiming that women are physically repulsed by color and detail.

Supposedly black, silver, and white cars resell easier than other colors as well, which makes them more favored for new purchase. I also read an interesting study that showed that the color of cars reflects the mood of a nation: sober, simple colors in hardship, bright colors and variety in good times.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (RsS92)

254 252 Biden's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently approved an amendment to the Resource Management Plan (RMP) to ban new federal coal leases and make "48.12 billion short tons of coal unavailable for leasing consideration in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a proxy for climate change," according to Todd D. Yeager, BLM Buffalo field manager.
Posted by: Don Black- I beg your pardon at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (/7KEl)

=========

"This is out of alignment with Loper. It is rescinded."
-Trump EO#000012

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (GBKbO)

255 This Patel pick revealed further just how wacko John Bolton has become or maybe always has been. May he choke on his stache.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 02, 2024 04:23 PM (D6PGr)

Most of the neocons have been opposition for a long time.

I get the feeling that some of the neoconish picks to settle Ukraine are there to take the political heat when Russia turns down their wishes for "surrender" or "freeze in place" or other attempts to cover for their total failure in that area.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (n7h9X)

256 If you're moving the entire FBI to the Indian Ocean, then North Sentinel Island is right there. I'm just saying.
Posted by: Ian S.

Diego Garcia. They could fuel up planes on their down time.

Actually, any island with bird poop claimed under the Guano Islands Act of 1856.

Posted by: CTHillary, dead but dreaming at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (zSyrn)

257 “No. Read the president’s statement. Seriously, read the president’s statement. He said he believes in the Department of Justice. He does. He says it in his statement. He also believes that war politics infected the process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” she said. - KJP

https://shorturl.at/qXPv6
(NY Post)

Holy Shit the brass balls on these people.

War Politics just all of a sudden infected the process... can you believe it?
Perfectly innocent process just sitting their minding its own buusiness and then this big, bad, mean, War Politics thing just comes along and infects it.

Hunter and Joe are the real victims here!
Of a War Politics Virus.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (6ydKt)

258 The VRA laughs at this assertion.

I agree, and the supreme court needs to toss that piece of South-punishing crap out.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (RsS92)

259 Stick the Feds in Cali… it is a lost cause and it makes collusion with cartels much easier .

Posted by: tubal at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (PCK5/)

260 Murkowski could have an unfortunate encounter with a polar bear. Life is not certain.

Posted by: An Observation sez China Joe not my president at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (Da7Vv)

261 If they get stopped at the first gate then it just encourages the opposition.
Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (QB+5g)

First gate was, err, Gaetz.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:31 PM (QfvaV)

262 They'd have to change the US Constitution to do it, and I would oppose that. States are specifically given the power to how they want to run elections.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

States can run state elections however they want.
Federal elections should be run the same in every state.

Federal election bullshit in NYS affects voters in Arkansas.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 02, 2024 04:31 PM (S838b)

263 But my comment was based on the premise that FBI folks would quit in droves before moving there.
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (v6JzV)

THAT makes sense. But if that's the goal, the Attu or Kiska islands make more sense - there's almost no infrastructure there, so it wouldn't affect the Alaskan citizens much.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at December 02, 2024 04:31 PM (VNX3d)

264 Biden's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently approved an amendment to the Resource Management Plan (RMP) to ban new federal coal leases and make "48.12 billion short tons of coal unavailable for leasing consideration in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a proxy for climate change," according to Todd D. Yeager, BLM Buffalo field manager.

Posted by: Don Black- I beg your pardon at December 02, 2024 04:29 PM (/7KEl)

This is such a pile of crap. In every way. So it's more like piles of crap.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at December 02, 2024 04:32 PM (SfhV1)

265 The US basing rights at Diego Garcia were unaffected

Posted by: steevy at December 02, 2024 04:32 PM (KQk9m)

266
E St Louis has the right cityscape (John Carpenter used it as-is to simulate a post-apocalyptic prison Manhattan in Escape From New York, mainly because they didn't have to build sets)

Best bet is Oakland, CA.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 02, 2024 04:33 PM (y9nCu)

267 Holy Shit the brass balls on these people.

It doesn't matter what they say. This pardon has a three fold effect:

1) Everyone now thinks Hunter and Joe are guilty: you don't pardon innocent people.
2) Now everyone in that montage clip ACE posted previously today look even more like either idiotic or lying aholes.
3) Hunter has no money stream now. He has to shut down all the operations because continuing them is illegal by the president's own admission. Joe is out of power and will not get it back, and now he has no leverage.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:33 PM (RsS92)

268 261 If they get stopped at the first gate then it just encourages the opposition.
Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (QB+5g)

First gate was, err, Gaetz.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:31 PM (QfvaV)

The second "gate" will be Hegseth.. He'll never make it to confirmation hearings

Posted by: It's me donna at December 02, 2024 04:33 PM (IyPmt)

269 Just emailed Tillis.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 02, 2024 04:33 PM (XeU6L)

270 On his way out the door:

Biden blocks new mining in region that produces about 40% of nation's coal

Biden's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently approved an amendment to the Resource Management Plan (RMP) to ban new federal coal leases and make "48.12 billion short tons of coal unavailable for leasing consideration in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a proxy for climate change," according to Todd D. Yeager, BLM Buffalo field manager.
Posted by: Don Black

Trump on Day 2:
The BLM is hereby eliminated and all rules and regulations are kaput.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 02, 2024 04:33 PM (S838b)

271 States can run state elections however they want.
Federal elections should be run the same in every state.

If you get the US constitution changed to reflect that, then OK. I would still oppose giving the feds more power, but that's what it would take.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (RsS92)

272 THAT makes sense. But if that's the goal, the Attu or Kiska islands make more sense - there's almost no infrastructure there, so it wouldn't affect the Alaskan citizens much.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf

I would also love to visit the Aleutian battlefields of WWII.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (v6JzV)

273 260
‘ Murkowski could have an unfortunate encounter with a polar bear. Life is not certain’

(Takes a breath mint. Waits impatiently)

Posted by: Polar bear at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (jbnUc)

274 First thing for new congress: new 50 state voting laws

They'd have to change the US Constitution to do it, and I would oppose that. States are specifically given the power to how they want to run elections.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:28 PM (RsS92)

Constitution says all states must have democratic governments. Vote fraud means the voice of the people is not being followed. And I say that Ranked Choice is undemocratic since loser's votes count multiple times.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (n7h9X)

275 Gaetz was a feint. Just seeing who was who.

Wheels within wheels.

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (QB+5g)

276
Excuse me, but WHY can't Trump have any FBI director he damn well wants?

Posted by: Blonde Morticia's office at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (I87yH)

277 Supposedly black, silver, and white cars resell easier than other colors as well, which makes them more favored for new purchase. I also read an interesting study that showed that the color of cars reflects the mood of a nation: sober, simple colors in hardship, bright colors and variety in good times.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:30 PM (RsS92)

When Rev totaled our car in February, I insisted that our new car be red.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (SfhV1)

278 267
It doesn't matter what they say. This pardon has a three fold effect:

1) Everyone now thinks Hunter and Joe are guilty: you don't pardon innocent people.
2) Now everyone in that montage clip ACE posted previously today look even more like either idiotic or lying aholes.
3) Hunter has no money stream now. He has to shut down all the operations because continuing them is illegal by the president's own admission. Joe is out of power and will not get it back, and now he has no leverage.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:33 PM (RsS92)

-- --

Joe isn't done yet.
I think they'll be a lot of surprises the second week of January.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (6ydKt)

279 276
Excuse me, but WHY can't Trump have any FBI director he damn well wants?
Posted by: Blonde Morticia's office at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (I87yH)

=======

Because only establishment stooges get treated nicely by the Senate.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (GBKbO)

280 I would also love to visit the Aleutian battlefields of WWII.
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (v6JzV)

Not even the US and Japanese troops wanted to visit them in the first place.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (n7h9X)

281 Unfortunately I don't know what pressure Trump can bring to bear against Senators. They all know that it only takes one of them. Trump's power of persuasion is renowned and I expect him to use what he can - but these Senators would rather destroy the country that give him a win.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (QfvaV)

282 1) Everyone now thinks Hunter and Joe are guilty: you don't pardon innocent people.
2) Now everyone in that montage clip ACE posted previously today look even more like either idiotic or lying aholes.
3) Hunter has no money stream now. He has to shut down all the operations because continuing them is illegal by the president's own admission. Joe is out of power and will not get it back, and now he has no leverage.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor
_______

So how long until 4) Hunter ODs?

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (Dm8we)

283 I hope Trump sends Patel up to the Hill first, and then makes the nomination a test for the GOPe Senate caucus. Anyone who votes against him sees fewer dollars for their state, a primary challenge next campaign, constant barrages of name-calling from the oval office, and no invitations anywhere. If someone makes the mistake of being seen publicly with that scum, they too get the treatment.

This is a war, and this agency is the battleground. It fomented and led an actual insurrection against PDJT in his first term, and now must be cleaned out from the top.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (A1k5O)

284 @117/Oldcat: "... but going into open opposition on anything is suicide for them. Trump could put Patel in a spot that is not subject to confirmation, then fire anyone that outranks him making him acting head."

What I'd been thinking about is this:

1) Put candidate forward.
2) Candidate not confirmed by senate.
3) Fire the entire layer below what the candidate's position would have been.
4) Put the candidate's name back in front of the Senate again.
5) Senate says they won't re-hear for that candidate.
6) Fire the next entire layer below the first.
7) Once again put the candidate's name back in front of the Senate again.

Senate refuses to entertain this idea.
9) Close the department or agency, firing everyone left in it.
10) Hold a fireside chat like Reagan used to do, explaining to the American People what's going on, and why.
11) Return to (1) with the next appointment and the next big department/agency...

Repeat this process until the Senate gets the message that the scythe will keep swinging in wide and bloody swaths until they stop with this "resist" bullshit.

Posted by: Fine Corinthian Leather at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (O7YUW)

285 Just make sure the big guy gets his 10%.

Posted by: Boss Moss at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (FcdVP)

286 When Rev totaled our car in February, I insisted that our new car be red.
Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (SfhV1)

Specify the legendary shade "Give me a ticket Red"

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (n7h9X)

287
Constitution says all states must have democratic governments. Vote fraud means the voice of the people is not being followed. And I say that Ranked Choice is undemocratic since loser's votes count multiple times.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (n7h9X)

It says states must have a republican form of government.

Posted by: Gref at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (aBgBM)

288 Don't forget, the FBI was founded under an Attorney General who was a Bonaparte.

Yeah, of THOSE Bonapartes.

Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (v6JzV)

289 The FBI is the real enemy.

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 02, 2024 04:37 PM (QB+5g)

290 .
FFS there's a NOOD

And I willowed myself.

Because of course I did.

NOOD y'all!

Posted by: Fine Corinthian Leather at December 02, 2024 04:37 PM (O7YUW)

291 This place is odd sometimes. First, there is much cheering and hats in the air when a nominee is named. Followed by the funeral for said nominee.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at December 02, 2024 04:37 PM (SfhV1)

292 275 Gaetz was a feint. Just seeing who was who.

Wheels within wheels.

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (QB+5g)

Umm yeah. No.

Not buying it. Trump knows who is who.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at December 02, 2024 04:37 PM (QfvaV)

293 ARGH.

OFF fake leather sock!

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 02, 2024 04:37 PM (O7YUW)

294 Nolte gets it:

You see, by pardoning Hunter, Joe made himself and his brother even more vulnerable to prosecution. Because there is no longer any legal jeopardy for Hunter, Hunter cannot plead the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination. That means he can be subpoenaed to answer any and all questions about the family business. If he lies, that’s perjury. If he refuses to testify, that’s also a crime. So…

Look for Joe to pardon James and possibly even himself just before he exits the Oval Office for the final time on January 20.

https://shorturl.at/RcW5y
(breitbart)

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:38 PM (6ydKt)

295 1) Everyone now thinks Hunter and Joe are guilty: you don't pardon innocent people.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor
_______
Hunter plead guilty, so "everyone" includes Hunter, his lawyers, and his family.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 02, 2024 04:38 PM (A1k5O)

296 Two hard left federal judges who were going to retire have reversed their decision now that Trump was elected.

U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn, 73 and an Obama appointee and U.S. District Judge Frank Whitney a Clinton appointee at 70 years old are the two judges.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024 04:38 PM (RsS92)

297 Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at December 02, 2024 04:37 PM (SfhV1

That's a good description, Grammie.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 02, 2024 04:38 PM (ekpWP)

298 "Not buying it. Trump knows who is who."

Not since his election. Things have changed.

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 02, 2024 04:39 PM (QB+5g)

299 The US basing rights at Diego Garcia were unaffected
Posted by: steevy at December 02, 2024 04:32 PM (KQk9m)

Having Chinese agents listening outside the fence is the point in contention.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:39 PM (n7h9X)

300 sober, simple colors in hardship, bright colors and variety in good times.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 02, 2024

***
If that's true, we've been having hardship since 2000. Seems like80% of cars and SUVs now are black, white, gray, silver, or a weak kind of gold. Blue is rare, though not as rare as red and green. Yellow? Only on sporty cars like Camaros or Jeeps or Toyota FJs.

My big Buick is ruby red. Maybe that's why, despite being in top-notch condition, it sat on the used-car lot for two months before I came along. Nobody in the market for a buick sedan was ready for ruby red.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 02, 2024 04:40 PM (J2vNu)

301 >>>248

Shasta County is pretty conservative but unelected embedded lefty bureaucrats are monkey wrenching all reform efforts. So, to counter them, right wing activists are constantly annoying the election officer-obstructionist fat hag (she had a heart attack because she's fat but blames it on office "stress").

Posted by: 13times at December 02, 2024 04:40 PM (CULe9)

302 Let's look back to Trump's first cabinet.

The most out there pick: Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State.

He got the most against votes in the history of the Senate. It was unprecedented.

He still got every Republican vote. He passed 56-43, even with 4 Democrat votes.

So, as Trump was in the earliest stages of Russian collusion nonsense, right after Access Hollywood tape stuff, and with a pick as out there as Rex Tillerson, he still got every single GOP vote.

This is not an exact parallel to Patel, of course, but I think it is instructive in how utterly spineless the GOP can be. They bend with the wind. They do not lead. Combine that with only Mitt voting for conviction in the impeachment trial, when the GOP was pretty damn well convinced that they were finally getting rid of Trump forever (late January 2021 words from Mitch confirm this, which he had to peddle back a week later), and you've got a picture of a Senate so afraid of taking public stands against the base.

And Trump is stronger now.

We'll see, but I think Trump's "worst" pick is going to end up 50/50 with Vance breaking the tie.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:41 PM (GBKbO)

303 It says states must have a republican form of government.
Posted by: Gref at December 02, 2024 04:36 PM (aBgBM)

Vote Fraud is an enemy of both.

Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:41 PM (n7h9X)

304 This is such a pile of crap. In every way. So it's more like piles of crap.

The problem with coal is that it can be stored for months in advance, or longer with warning, and can be transported by way of just about any transportation alternative. This leaves many Americans stuck with a dangerously reliable energy supply that is much less amenable to federal intervention in a crisis.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 02, 2024 04:42 PM (CA7Od)

305 Might have been better for Trump if Tillerson had been voted down.

What a dud that guy turned out to be.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:43 PM (6ydKt)

306 305 Might have been better for Trump if Tillerson had been voted down.

What a dud that guy turned out to be.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 04:43 PM (6ydKt)

=======

I wasn't defending Tillerson.

Just noting a historical parallel that seemed potentially illuminating to our current situation.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:44 PM (GBKbO)

307
I would also love to visit the Aleutian battlefields of WWII.
Posted by: Bulg at December 02, 2024 04:34 PM (v6JzV)

Not even the US and Japanese troops wanted to visit them in the first place.
Posted by: Oldcat at December 02, 2024 04:35 PM (n7h9X)

I did several military exercises on Adak while in the Army, which surprised the hell out of my dad because he did several deployments there about 20 years previously during his Navy career.

It's a good candidate for internal exile...uhhhh, I mean domestic service to the nation. It even has recreation facilities in Adak National Forest.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 02, 2024 04:44 PM (y9nCu)

308 Trump offers Wray a deal he can't refuse: either resign or reimburse the government $100,000 for each round trip in the FBI airplane he has appropriated for himself - while only paying the lowest cost air fare to reimburse the government. 200 trips at $100,000 per trip comes to 20 million dollars.

Posted by: An Observation sez China Joe not my president at December 02, 2024 04:51 PM (Da7Vv)

309
I wasn't defending Tillerson.

Just noting a historical parallel that seemed potentially illuminating to our current situation.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, trying to figure out Joel Schumacher at December 02, 2024 04:44 PM (GBKbO)

-- --

Oh, I know.
I just hadn't thought about the guy in 6 years or more.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at December 02, 2024 05:00 PM (6ydKt)

310 I emailed Murkowski's office to explain that Alaska had overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump, and that she should get on board with his choices for Cabinet picks, since we supported his agenda. I got a fluff response about how she is there to advise and consent if the picks pass her rigorous inspection. She's a scrunt, even to her constituents.

Posted by: tcn in AK at December 02, 2024 05:09 PM (byWhc)

311 Adak National Forest.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 02, 2024 04:44 PM (y9nCu)

Last I looked, that's about three stunted spruce trees, unless they have blown over by now.

Posted by: tcn in AK at December 02, 2024 05:11 PM (byWhc)

312 The problem with coal is that it can be stored for months in advance, or longer with warning, and can be transported by way of just about any transportation alternative. This leaves many Americans stuck with a dangerously reliable energy supply that is much less amenable to federal intervention in a crisis.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair
-------

Mixed emotions about this. In the aftermath of the storm/flooding, both major highways (I-40 & I-26) were cut. I think I-26 is now open on one lane, but 40 will not reopened until January. All rail lines were cut. Would the local Duke plant have had at least a month's supply of coal on hand? I don't know.

I see your point, and do not necessarily disagree, but I was thankful at the time that the plant had been converted to natural gas.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 02, 2024 06:27 PM (XeU6L)

313 crap

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 02, 2024 06:27 PM (XeU6L)

Processing 0.05, elapsed 0.0606 seconds.
14 queries taking 0.0156 seconds, 321 records returned.
Page size 197 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.