home

Thursday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 02:03:53 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

Joe Biden is officially running for President.

Yesterday I tuned into MSNBC on the radio while driving for quite some time. They were playing snippets of Democratic candidates taking questions at town halls. When I tuned in, I didn't know whose voice it was at first, but based on the accent, after about 1 minute, I realized it was Bernie Sanders. Not surprisingly, I agreed with every position he mentioned on issues -- mostly human rights. My positive reaction faded a minute later (as did that of the live audience which audibly reacted, and it didn't sound positive) when he started talking about how he was always at the forefront of the fight for racial equality and marched with Dr. MLK in 1963. If he would just find a way to tout his own horn without claiming to be the first to take every progressive position (or, as in 2016, that he's leading a revolution.)

Sanders did say if he isn't the nominee, he will do everything he can to fight for the Democratic nominee because Trump is so dangerous.

I do not think Biden or Sanders can beat Trump. Is there a Sanders clone out there who is 30 years younger without baggage?

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Joe Biden Wants To Save Your Soul | Mass. State Judge Indicted for Assisting Undocumented Defendant Avoid ICE >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    Thursday Open Thread | 204 comments (204 topical)
    Secretary Clinton, in her (5.00 / 3) (#4)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:26:25 PM EST
    WaPo article, cogently calls the Russian interference in the 2016 election a serious crime against all Americans.   And, if the evidence of coordination or conspiracy with Trump and the Trump campaign is incomplete, welcoming linkages are apparent. Obstruction and hampering investigation along with abuse of power is set forth in the redacted Mueller Report.  The unredacted version along with results of the national security investigation are likely to deepen the danger and threat to the country.

    House Democrats are, at this point, stymied in following up and filling in the gaps of the Mueller Report.  Trump is borrowing the tactics of his favorite lawyer, Roy Cohn---lies, stonewall, coumner-attack, and bully. Trump has and is using something not available even to Cohn--the presidential bullsh*t pulpit.

    Democrats seem a bit taken back by the defiance to Congressional scrutiny and oversight, but will rally, hopefully, in the near term.

    Although, I would have thought that they would have anticipated this tactic and have had a legal strategy ready to go.  But, now the lesson should be (a) that they are dealing with the criminal mind of Trump (aka Individual l) and (b)that Democrats cannot look weak.  If a subpoena is issued, it needs to be honored or there will be defined, and announced consequences.

    The Congressional investigations need to be stated as a "formal impeachment inquiry".  This will strengthen their ability to compel the information and testimony sought in order to get to the bottom of the crime against Americans. They are unlikely to get a second bite of the apple--make the first one count.

    With Trump in office, and emboldened by a successful Roy Cohn stonewall, it will not matter all that much who is the Democratic candidate, Biden, Sanders, Harris or any of the 17 others.

      We know what the Russians did in 2016, and, this time around, with also Trump having the immense and unattenuated powers of the president to abuse, the election will become, essentially, moot. And, the chances of defeating the complicit Senate Republicans will be diminished, and there may even be a risk in holding the House.  Impeachment has found the table.  An impeachment inquiry needs to begin.

    She handed out (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:47:15 PM EST
    a really good road map. I hope the party follows her lead.

    Parent
    Elizabeth Drew, a journalist (5.00 / 3) (#52)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:05:36 PM EST
    who covered Watergate, writes in the NYTimes, "House Democrats would also run enormous risks if they didn't hold to account a president who has clearly abused powers and the Constitution, who has not honored the oath of office, and who has had a wave of campaign and White House aides plead guilty to or be convicted of crimes."

    Caution is good.  However, going slow does not equate with caution. The Mueller Report is organized into Vol I and Vol II.  However, analysis of the Report needs to collate the two volumes--the conspiracy/coordination (aka, no collusion, no collusion) and the obstruction of justice.  Studied in tandem, it demonstrates the interrelationships, one with the other.  If not prosecutable crimes, without a doubt--high crimes and misdemeanors.

    Parent

    Until it is Clear (none / 0) (#62)
    by RickyJim on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 04:02:13 PM EST
    that the other investigations will reveal nothing sensational, they should not try to have an impeachment vote based on the Mueller report.  My feeling is that once Trump's financial shenanigans become known, the calls for resignation will start coming from more Republicans.

    Parent
    Agreed. (none / 0) (#68)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 07:21:00 PM EST
    Not a vote just on the Mueller Report.  However, I believe an official Impeachment Inquiry needs to be started with dispatch. True, the several oversight investigations are working on information from the Mueller Report and more, but the investigations need to be for consideration of impeachment.

    Parent
    Just for the hekovit... (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by desertswine on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 09:02:53 PM EST
    Mountain gorillas with ranger caretaker.

    Link.

    According to Bone Spurs (5.00 / 3) (#32)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 11:05:34 AM EST
    Lee was everyone's favorite general.

    "I've spoken to many generals here, right at the White House, and many people thought of the generals, they think that he was maybe their favorite general."

    Robert E. Lee was a traitor to his country.

    Robert E. Lee is a surprise, (5.00 / 3) (#41)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:22:39 PM EST
    I would have thought it would be Erwin Rommel.

    Parent
    From Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) via Twitter: (none / 0) (#49)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:56:13 PM EST
    ()    General Robert E Lee
    <)   )╯
     /    \  

    ()   Fought for slavery
    (   (>    
    /    \    

    (_)    and against America
    <)   )>  
    /    \

    LINK.

    Parent

    Oops. (none / 0) (#51)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:58:27 PM EST
    WordPress does not translate Schatz well. It's better if you view it via the link provided.

    Parent
    There's no question that Lee was a great general. (none / 0) (#55)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:23:33 PM EST
    As a student of military history, I can truly appreciate what Robert E. Lee accomplished both as a tactician and to a lesser degree as a strategist, often against some very significant odds -- particularly at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, when he utterly routed and humiliated a Union Army of the Potomac which was more than two times the size of his own Army of Northern Virginia.

    But that said, the underlying cause for which he fought in defense as a Confederate commander, human slavery, was -- and remains -- morally bankrupt. And the excuse he invoked as justification when he resigned his U.S. Army commission in April 1861, states' rights, proved entirely problematic from a political standpoint and an ethical perspective.

    Thus, the path he chose in taking up arms against his own country was at once criminal and treasonous. Given the amount of mayhem and damage he inflicted upon the people of the United States before finally surrendering his command in April 1865, the federal government would've been entirely justified in hanging him from one of the yardarms at the Washington Navy Yard.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Agreed. Lee was a great tactician (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:51:33 PM EST
    Vo Nyugen Giap was probably one the greatest military minds of the 20th century, but I don't think any US president should be idolizing him.

    Parent
    Exactly. The same goes for Robert E. Lee. (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 07:16:49 PM EST
    When it came time to choose up sides in 1861, Lee chose the wrong one. Treason is not a virtue.

    Parent
    I wouldn't be that surprised (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by jondee on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:12:17 PM EST
    if some generals actually do admire Lee.

    And not just as a military tactician.

    Try as they might, I still haven't been bullied into viewing the military as some bastion of everything this country should aspire to.

    Parent

    Also any doubts (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:10:54 PM EST
    That going at Trump on Charlottesville in that video was smart should be laid to rest.  Everyone including Trump is now talking Bout the lowest point of his low presidency.  

    Including the mind blowing bit posted above about what a great general Robert E Lee was.

    It was very smart.

    Agreed. (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:28:48 PM EST
    It was very smart. Always goad Trump--he can never let anything go un-tweeted or un-drivewayed.

    Parent
    It's a strange irony (none / 0) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:34:27 PM EST
    That what may be the one thing that saves us is his utter stupidity.

    If he had even the tiniest bit of guile or artifice he could probably have gotten away with so much more.

    Parent

    Yes, Trump may (none / 0) (#54)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:10:59 PM EST
    have only gotten half of what Ed Meese mastered during Iran-Contra scandal: masquerade corruption as incompetence.  Hopefully, our friend in all of this mess, is that Trump only mastered the corruption part.

    Parent
    To stupid to collude (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:37:50 PM EST
    To incompetent to obstruct

    Parent
    Fun today (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 03:50:53 PM EST
    To watch some of the bobble heads who yesterday thought that video was just terrible.  Just terrible.  A huge blunder.  Major mistake.  Lost opportunity. Try to massage revise and extend their blather.

    Parent
    Charlottesville & more (none / 0) (#87)
    by christinep on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 04:35:56 PM EST
    I've not stopped by here for awhile ... saw your post Captain, & wanted to compliment you and to add: The Joe Biden announcement not only confronted in that video what must be shown because it is the real tell of what Trump & Co are as they churn out a path to destroying our country at all levels and facets.

     The Biden announcement surprised many of us with it's forthrightness, with it's call to remember the Constitutional birth mother & father and to honor our stated values.  As a call to restoration, the message in the film is good but still in the category of a patented campaign opener; yet, as a call to look at ourselves in the face of real crisis--knowing our shining moments as well as our human imperfections--and to re-build & grow our best days, that challenge contains vision and hopeful seeds.  IMO, in the circumstances, Biden's announcement hit the level of being on the mountain top, in a class by itself. A surprise that sent a jolt of renewing energy.

    Take care, Captain.

    Parent

    And you too (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 04:41:36 PM EST


    Parent
    TGIF (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by fishcamp on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 06:28:19 PM EST
    🕶

    Awsum (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 04:12:39 PM EST
    It's @DEAHQ National Take Back Day

    Be Best!  Take Back!

    Melaniea and the WALL OF VICODEN

    I see that (5.00 / 2) (#204)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 07:58:57 PM EST
    emoluments lawsuit and it makes the entire justice department look corrupt like they're Trump's personal consiglieres instead of attorneys who are supposed to work for the American people.

    Latest Polls (none / 0) (#1)
    by RickyJim on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 04:21:41 PM EST
    Biden vs. Trump
    A new Morning Consult/Politico poll conducted April 19-21 among 1,992 registered voters found Biden leading the president by 8 percentage points in a hypothetical matchup, 42 percent to 34 percent. Biden has a significant edge over Trump among women (17 points), millennials (22 points) and independents (10 points).
    Most polls have Sanders beating Trump too.

    Biden has had only a day (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by Towanda on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:18:05 PM EST
    to open his yammer and put his foot in it. Again.

    Another Dem had even higher popularity, until announcing.

    Shall we take bets on how long it takes Biden to bomb for the third time?

    Parent

    Yep (none / 0) (#5)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:26:53 PM EST
    Biden will have shot off both feet by the time Iowa comes around.

    Parent
    It's early. (none / 0) (#29)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 10:33:47 AM EST
    3.2% GDP growth may be the "new normal" and quite the contrast with the previous administration.

    Parent
    Man, I Hope This Run Can Continue... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:30:12 PM EST
    ...but let's not forget we just went through a pseudo-depression because the roaring economy was built on false promises and empty dreams.  

    Experts predict there is a correct right around the corner, the question is how big and how leveraged are the banks when it happens.  Mr. Deregulation is almost certainly ensuring when it does, it will be big.  

    I think most importantly, can we sustain through the election or does the correction hit before ?  

    Parent

    Yes. Never mind the racism and treason ... (5.00 / 2) (#58)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:46:07 PM EST
    ... when there's money being made. Thank you for underscoring Winston Churchill's observation that you can always count on Americans to do the right thing once they've completely exhausted all other available options.

    Parent
    At some point (none / 0) (#30)
    by CST on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 10:49:06 AM EST
    This country is going to have to come to terms with the fact that it is bankrupting it's future on behalf of the present.

    Maybe when millennials start voting like it counts, we'll finally have a reckoning.   We're starting to push 40 though, so don't count on the gravy train lasting forever.

    I know lots of young people who make decent money.   I don't know any who feel financially secure.  And you can forget about internal population growth,  because that ship has already sailed.

    Parent

    I am not sure Biden or Bernie (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 04:52:34 PM EST
    can beat Trump.

    I'm even less sure any of the others can.  I'm starting to be very worried about that.  I don't see ANY of the candidates I would prefer being able to do it.  I wish I could say I do but I don't.

    Tweety might be right about one thing

    Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

    As I think Peter said, Biden can almost certainly win Pennsylvania

    That's all it would take.  I shudder to think about it being either Biden or Bernie but I would offer human sacrifices if I thought it would help them beat Trump.

    Biden (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:33:53 PM EST
    may or may not be able to win. He however does not defeat Trumpism. He also cannot serve 2 terms and we're going to have to go through this again in 2024. With so many other choices out there Biden just seems like a bridge to the past. You cannot praise Mike Pence and defeat Trumpism. I would say Bernie cannot win. He does not have the coalition to win.

    Parent
    I care about one thing (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:39:18 PM EST
    Beating Trump.  I'm not sure what Trumpism means but I know what 4 more years of Trump means.

    Parent
    The ideology. (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:45:50 PM EST
    Biden won't defeat it. I understand you want to get rid of him. I do too. I'd rather get rid of him and his hideous ideology though in one fell swoop instead of dragging this all out.

    You know if you don't defeat the ideology it is going to be coming roaring back in 2024 and you're going to have to beat it with another candidate.

    Parent

    To me the conservative ideology is one thing (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 04:25:27 PM EST
    but having this odious spokesman continuously voicing the worst of it puts it on steroids. Plus the rest of the lunacy, stupidity and dementia that is just shear Trump. Oh yeah, and the stealing and the Russian money laundering.

    I'm still in the mindset of thinking either any of the Dems can beat him, or he just can't be beat. I don't think there's any magic about Biden or anyone else at this point. But it's still a long way out.  

    Parent

    Yeah, so far (none / 0) (#132)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 05:54:58 PM EST
    I don't anyone has a magic solution but my issue is really not only winning but the next step which is actually implementing on what you ran on. Running on bipartisanship is just really empty.  

    Parent
    Yes, (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by KeysDan on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 06:36:39 PM EST
    when a candidate bruits about the wonders of bipartisanship it signals to me that they are out-of-touch.  It seems they are running in a past election when the electorate wants everyone to just get along.  Washington is broken and both sides are equally at fault.  

    When I heard Candidate Swalwell say, if elected, he would appoint Republicans to his Cabinet, it was tell-tale.  When the interviewed gasped he tried to clarify that he would seek individuals like David Jolle, but Jole should be Democrat, albeit a more conservative one.

    The Republican Party has melded itself to Trump and needs to go the way of.the Whigs, taking Trump with them.

    Parent

    There is something that is going to (none / 0) (#153)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 04:46:20 AM EST
    Topple Trump. His numbers are still in the toilet. They don't really budge. I know he appears Blitzkrieg amphetamine impervious, but they weren't and he isn't.

    Parent
    Until the GOP (none / 0) (#160)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 09:10:08 AM EST
    loses their fear of him and quits allowing him to control them he is going to continue to hold on.

    Parent
    If they come out vocally (none / 0) (#161)
    by Zorba on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 09:57:46 AM EST
    In opposition to Trump, they're afraid of being Primaried by a radical Trump supporter and losing that Primary, because they know the Trump supporters will come out heavily and vote for their challenger.


    Parent
    That make zero sense (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:47:56 PM EST
    To me.  Sorry.

    Parent
    Winning not (none / 0) (#13)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 07:14:09 PM EST
    just an election but an era. Defeating the conservative ideology that created Trump.

    Mayor Pete

    This is what I want to do.

    Parent

    Not Possible (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 08:57:32 AM EST
    Defeating the conservative ideology that created Trump.

    I think everyone here would love that, but the notion that 'Trumpism' is going away with the right candidate is... I don't know that there is a word for how unrealistic that is.

    So far I like Pete best, but like the Captain, winning is up there in the wants & needs list.  Honestly, I hope Joe sticks both feet in his mouth quickly, before support galvanizes, ditto for Bernie, and the cream will rise.  But that seems more wishful than realistic.  

    I think everyone needs to realize that to have any chance against Trump, D's will have to be unified and deal with the fact there is about an 70% chance that means supporting Biden or Bernie down the stretch.

    I do know this, a poll today saying Bernie or Biden can beat Trump ain't worth the paper it's printed on.  Where will they be in a year, when supports is solidifying ?  

    Four years ago Trump wasn't even a option in the polls and he was behind right up until election night, so unless the polls say D's are up by about 40 points, I don't think they are even worth discussing.

    Parent

    It's not going to go away (none / 0) (#35)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 11:38:57 AM EST
    but it can be defeated. It can be made to crawl back under the rock it came out from. There are still Nazis wandering around in the world after their defeat in WW2 but they don't have any power and they basically operate in the shadows and underground.

    Parent
    You Are Setting Yourself Up for Disappointment (none / 0) (#46)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:40:40 PM EST
    If you think a win in 2020 is going to send all the people who came out back under rocks.  Even if they lose they will hold plenty of power and will continue to operate in the open.

    Parent
    Like the (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:46:00 PM EST
    Army of right wing judges led by the judicial Night King Mitch

    Parent
    Well, (none / 0) (#50)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:56:32 PM EST
    some of those are going to have to be removed I would imagine. I would think many of them were not properly vetted and will be found unsuitable. I hope someone asks McGahan about Kavanaugh when he comes to testify.

    Parent
    What power (none / 0) (#48)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:55:04 PM EST
    are they going to hold if they hold no branches of government?

    Parent
    Personally (none / 0) (#53)
    by CST on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:09:52 PM EST
    I'm clinging to the hope that a lot of them will die soon.  Obviously not all of them, since God knows there are plenty of young deplorables, just enough so that they don't matter as much.  Put Trump on that list (dear FBI I mean of natural causes).

    But then I'm not one to reach across the aisle anyway.

    Parent

    Well, to give you hope (none / 0) (#57)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 02:42:58 PM EST
    Trumpers are like an upside down triangle with the majority of them being in their 70's and 80's from my experience.

    Parent
    Yeah well (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 07:16:13 PM EST
    I'll settle for winning an election.

    Parent
    I understand (none / 0) (#15)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 07:19:24 PM EST
    and appreciate that point of view but I'm tired of re-fighting the same fight and would rather have the GOP destroyed. They are like vampires that keep coming back from the dead. I just feel with Biden it is going to be another war of attrition and the GOP springs back in 2024 when Biden can't run again.

    Parent
    Let me be clear (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 07:28:05 PM EST
    I am not endorsing Biden.  I am not supporting Biden.  I am endorsing winning THIS election.  I don't know if Biden will end up being the best bet for that.  Time and polling will help determine that.  Right now he is ahead.  Of Trump and every other candidate.

    I don't care about "winning an era" whatever that means.  I'm sure Pete has something lofty in mind but this is what I know, if Democrats think this election will be an easy win and we can nominate anyone they are seriously out of touch with reality

    Trump can win this.  Barring some disaster we would be idiots to count on.  He can win and he will win if the nominee is Mayir Pete.  Or Elizabeth Warren.  Or a lot of the others in my opinion.

    As far as destroying the republicans they are doing a pretty good job of doing that themselves.  


    Parent

    I actually (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 07:36:45 PM EST
    do not think we can nominate anyone. There are a few that I would put on the definite losers list. I just don't know who the best one to nominate is but I see Biden can't get his campaign launch off on time and then shoots himself in the foot with Anita Hill on day one. And we haven't even started on the plagiarism yet. I figure he'll end up shooting off both feet by the time we get to Iowa voting.

    Parent
    And yet he is ahead in every poll (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 07:41:38 PM EST
    And he will probably get a bump after announcing.  And based on every thing I have seen reported Biden is the one Trump and those around him are most worried about.  Trump bordering  on obsessed.  

    These may not be things you, or me for that matter, want to hear but they are facts.

    Parent

    Yes, (none / 0) (#20)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 08:50:56 PM EST
    that is where things are today but even as a front runner Biden is a weak one. The question is is that his ceiling or his floor on polling. Nobody knows yet. As far as what Trump is worried about well, he's crazy and a liar.

    Parent
    Read the Silver link (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 07:42:19 PM EST
    I put in the Biden thread

    Parent
    Preconceptions & practicality (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by christinep on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 05:07:13 PM EST
    Hi again, Captain.  The next few months of this early primary season will give us a lot of info about Biden ... about sustainability of the energy from the opening week to the union halls of Penna & Nevada (the Culinary) to the upper Midwest AND about whether he has kept his known edge in debate performance when the first two primary debates take place in late June.

    My sense is that many Democrats are wanting to like Joe & many start off already liking him. A glitch here & there or a gaffe won't hurt him because he has built the reputation--esp as Obama's right-hand man--of a good, nice, honest, decent human being; a dependable & experienced person. Yet, we all know that he can dish it out ... the gravitas & humor to take on Trump without taking Trump's bait as so many other fall prey to. Theories abound in the inside-politics bunch that there really is a craving for the solid and decent leader again since Trumpian drama is tiring, depressing.  So, can Joe keep the oomph the announcement suggests?  If so, it is his to lose.

    A big issue for our party though: For some people, Biden's political center and a bit left of center won't comport well today with the more progressive bent of activists in a primary situation.  Understandable. For me, I am focusing on winning; that is the most important consideration.  And, the most direct step in that direction is winning PA, Mich, Wisc.--for a number of practical reasons, Biden would have the decisive edge there.  So: He has the polls these days; he has shown the ability to raise the cash; his favorability ratings top everyone else's; he has outstanding political chits in key states.  The question: Does he have the real "fire in the belly" this time?  Also, the answer to the practical question: Who takes South Carolina & Nevada in the early state primaries???

    Parent

    Biden has baggage (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 06:13:48 PM EST
    Lots of baggage.  Baggage is usually directly related to how long you have been packing it.  Joe has been at it a while.

    It's going to be a very interesting primary season.  Interesting in the Chinese sense I'm afraid.  20 candidates is ridiculous. I hope it thins quickly and I suspect it will.

    Even then, it's going to be ugly.  Particularly if if eventually comes down to Biden and Bernie.  It will be deja vu all over again.

    I do think one thing is hopeful.  At the end of the primary I don't think even most Bernie bros will vote for Trump.  Or even stay home.  Trump is going to be, I believe, the best GOTV promoter ever.

    Parent

    Biden's Strom Thurmond baggage (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by leap on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 08:29:10 PM EST
    Egads. Biden. Tone-deaf and morally blind. I hope Biden shoots himself in both feet, really soon, so he will go away. He is bound to do that if he opens his mouth. Actually, he already shot one foot with that self-serving grovel of a phone call to Anita Hill. Uck.

    Parent
    Biden (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by FlJoe on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 07:10:13 AM EST
    doesn't get it, but Charlie does
    Compromise in a democratic republic is the grease that makes the wheels spin. Nobody denies that. But elevating the archaic buddy-buddy collegiality of the Senate to a general modus operandi marks you as a sucker to some very bad policies and people. I am sure Joe Biden and Strom Thurmond were great pals. I'm just not sure what good that did for the rest of us.

    I would wager that Joe still has Mitch on his Christmas card list if not on speed dial. Joe might very well be able to beat tRump but not tRumpism, and with his baggage and ham-handed semi-apologies makes him ill-suited to fight any of the "isms" that plague or country.

    Parent

    TV & coffee (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 07:55:38 AM EST
    Elite Mystal just, in the middle of a typically screechy MSNBC panel throwing around words like "the Prostate Primary (which is pretty good), said something that I think may be the smartest and most pragmatic thing I have heard in this cycle.

    I'm transcribing from live tv, so, paraphraseish....

    I am going to vote for the nominee so I'm going to try to not jump up and down too hard on either of these two men I might have to vote for Im worried more about the theory of their candidacy.  

    Between the two they represent two different theories on why people voted for Trump.  Biden's theory is they voted for a bigoted misogynist pr!ck because they were tricked.

    Bernie's theory is they voted for a bigoted misogynist pr!ck because they wanted to shake up the establishment.  I think they are both wrong.  I think they just voted for him because they wanted a bigoted misogynist pr!ck.

    So you have two very different ideas that people were tricked or they wanted to shake things up, three really.  So if we are going to have this conversation on the left that's where it needs to go.

    Yes.

    Parent

    She's right (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 01:42:18 PM EST
    100% and it gets me back to the whole "winning the era" thing. Until we deal with the reality of the situation and quit yammering about what a great guy Mike Pence is and instead point out that he thinks gay people should be tortured we're going to get nowhere. The GOP can howl at the moon about it.

    And any of us who know Trumpers know that the racism and misogyny is the reason why they voted for Trump and dancing around that fact does no good. Biden and Bernie are actually enabling that behavior by not confronting it. It's one of the reasons why the Republicans are pushing Biden. They know there is going to be zero accountability from Biden.

    Parent

    Elie Mystal (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 01:56:18 PM EST
    Is a chubby black man tho I suspect he is no stranger to the pronoun "she".

    Parent
    Well, that's what I get (none / 0) (#110)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 02:10:40 PM EST
    for "assuming" I saw Elie and assumed. Sorry about that.

    Parent
    Well, the first time I saw that name, (none / 0) (#111)
    by leap on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 02:23:06 PM EST
    I thought he was a white Jewish fellow, in the lines of Elie Wiesel. It's hard not to assume some things, I guess.

    Parent
    I guess he might be Jewish (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 02:24:34 PM EST
    I have no idea.  He's very funny.  So that an indicator

    Parent
    On his blog (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 02:28:55 PM EST
    Above the Law you find a "jews" and "Jewish" section.

    He might be Jewish.

    Parent

    Very funny (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 02:50:25 PM EST
    Circumcision, Anti-Semitism, and You

    The phone's been ringing off the hook here at the Circumcision Law Desk all weekend, so I apologize in advance if this post comes off sounding a bit distracted. Oftentimes, the intersection of foreskin and law is a lonely corridor filled with nothing but shattered dreams and crying babies



    Parent
    The obit of his father, (none / 0) (#115)
    by leap on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 02:52:56 PM EST
    who was also named Elie Mystal, states that Elie, the father:
    "[B]orn in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Mystal was the eldest of four children and the son of a general in the national army, according to relatives. The family left Haiti for New York City when Mystal was 17, and he was offered a soccer scholarship to the University of Denver while playing in Central Park....While in college, Mystal met his wife, Elizabeth Ying, with whom he had two children."
    His mother is a speech and language pathologist.

    Parent
    Means he not Jewish? (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 03:05:36 PM EST
    Serious question I'm pretty religious implications challenged.

    Also I must stand corrected.  And surprised I must say.

    Elie Mystal on Twitter: "I've been so excited about the Prop 8 decision I had to remind myself that I'm not gay."



    Parent
    Haitian is a nationality. Black is a skin color (none / 0) (#119)
    by Peter G on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 03:48:10 PM EST
    sometimes called "race." Jewish is a religion and cultural tradition. A person could be properly identified with all of those. Most Haitians are black, but not all. Most Haitians identify as Catholic or Santerian/Voodoo, but not all. You just don't know unless you ask directly or the person volunteers.

    Parent
    True (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 03:57:56 PM EST
    I have a friend who's father is Jewish and he is from India.  I had no idea there were Jews in India.

    Parent
    Yes, there are (none / 0) (#127)
    by Zorba on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 04:48:44 PM EST
    Jews in India.
    For that matter, there are Orthodox Christians in India.  (As well as Ethiopia, which most people aren't aware of.)

    Parent
    My daughter had a classmate (5.00 / 1) (#185)
    by Towanda on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 10:49:40 PM EST
    who was a Christian from Israel.

    And Jewish classmates from many countries of origin.  

    (Parents included lots of professors and grad students.)

    It was an interesting school in an interesting community.

    Her fathe aka "the ex" came from and lived in 100 percent white Protestant neighborhoods and found ours . . . vsry confusing.

    Parent

    There are Jewish people everywhere (none / 0) (#129)
    by Peter G on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 05:05:56 PM EST
    in the world, except (sadly) the Muslim countries of the Middle East, where basically 100% of the ancient Sephardic Jewish populations were driven out between the mid-50s and the late '60s.

    Parent
    Not many (none / 0) (#130)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 05:15:52 PM EST
    Wiki

    The current Jewish population of India is likely less than 4,500.

    Parent

    A Japanese family friend was (none / 0) (#141)
    by leap on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 08:56:07 PM EST
    a Reform rabbi, and eventually had a congregation, I think in Florida.

    Parent
    Louis Malle (none / 0) (#173)
    by BGinCA on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 01:57:18 PM EST
    If interested in this topic I highly recommend the Louis Malle 6 pt documentary 'Phantom India'. I can't recall which episode, but part of it deals with a Jewish population which traces its roots back 2500 years.

    Parent
    The Hatians here in the keys (none / 0) (#128)
    by fishcamp on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 05:00:54 PM EST
    work many service jobs, like yards, and the produce section in grocery stores and are always happy.  They are the nicest and funniest of all with language help.  They speak Creole, French, and English.  Cuban Spanish is everywhere down here, and it's my rapido.  Hot today...83 degrees.

    Parent
    Don't (none / 0) (#95)
    by FlJoe on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 08:10:46 AM EST
    get me wrong, no purity pony for me. I could even picture myself voting for Biden in the primaries if he has the best shot at winning at that moment.

    Parent
    I would not have expected otherwise (none / 0) (#96)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 08:26:32 AM EST
    But what he said about why we are where we are is so important

    I've been saying it forever.  Trump is only a symptom of the problem which is the people who elected him.  If we don't understand that, and both of these guys are terrified of blaming the voters, we are f'ed.

    I would be much more comfortable and confident with the Prostrate Primary if both would pledge to be transitional figures and not run for a second term.  Which would obviously make the VP double triple important.

    Not confident of that but I think it would be smart.

    Parent

    This is interesting (none / 0) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:52:34 PM EST
    I heard something similar from one of my MAGA acquaintances recently.  They are starting to feel the network is insufficiently loyal to Dear Leader.

    Hannity pondering bailing on Fox News because he no longer feels the network is loyal to Trump: report

    In fact reality has been creeping into FOX.  Between Judge Napolitano and Shepherd Smith they are going down right fake news.

    This could be good for 2020.

    I realize it says Hannity has (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 06:55:06 PM EST
    A contract through 2020 but if they really do start reporting something closer to reality it could make all the difference when it come to things like covering the coming congressional hearings.

    Parent
    I Think... (none / 0) (#26)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:06:09 AM EST
    ... the majority of Trumpeters have found more favorable news outlets.  Fox becoming a 'turncoat' isn't going to really make much of a difference other than it's ratings will plummet.

    That being said, I feel like they are doing this to bring in more independent like viewers, then when it gets hot and heavy, go back to being the Fox News that we all love and appreciate.  Those are the folks R's need to win and bringing them over to the dark side has got to be imperative to Trump+4.

    Parent

    Hannity is welcome to take a long walk (none / 0) (#23)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 11:04:44 PM EST
    Down a very short pier. If you look up the word "slime" in Webster's, you'll see his picture

    Parent
    ok, that's getting close to (none / 0) (#24)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 03:56:16 AM EST
    potentially libelous and name-calling. Please try to avoid that, thanks.

    Parent
    Just my two cents (none / 0) (#64)
    by ragebot on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 06:32:39 PM EST
    On February 20, 2018, it was announced that Fox Nation would transition into a streaming service that will feature alternative programming separate from the Fox News Channel.

    Cable cutting is a fast spreading activity; especially in younger age cohorts.  I suspect FOX News on cable while still getting lots of  eyeballs compared to MSNBC and CNN is aware of changing viewing habits.  While Hannity gets paid big bucks on the FOX network he also gets big bucks from his radio show.  It will be interesting to see how successful Fox Nation is with it's streaming effort; and who it features and how much they get paid.

    A few years ago there was a some what similar effort with the Al Franken/Air America effort.  I have no explanation why but conservatives like Rush, Hannity, Laura and others seem to have more financial success than liberal radio shows.

    Parent

    I have an explanation (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 06:41:00 PM EST
    They are old.

    Most of FOX viewers are older than me.  Many or even most of them don't do much internet.  They do talk radio.  Also true for you average southern he man.  His wife does the internet stuff.  He does talk radio in his truck.

    Liberals don't do as much radio.  Or at least not in the same way

    Parent

    My experience too. (none / 0) (#69)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 07:25:23 PM EST
    Fox's audience has basically become God's waiting room. If they don't change they are going to die.

    Parent
    According to various studies, ... (none / 0) (#80)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 02:49:40 PM EST
    ... the median age of Fox News viewers is estimated to be between 68-70 years of age whereas by contrast, the median age of CNN's audience is estimated at somewhere between 57-59 and MSNBC's, 62-64. So, your own anecdotal observation does have a foundation in some actual data. The Fox News nation tends to skew much older.

    Parent
    Liberals tend to read more (none / 0) (#71)
    by jondee on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 08:15:54 PM EST
    conservatives tend to like, or are used to, being preached to or at and 'shown the way' as it were, with minimal introspection required.

    The preachers prepared the ground for Limbaugh, Beck, Mark Levin and company, and the wilder, more apocalyptic ones prepared the ground for Alex Jones and crazy crapola like Qanon.

    Hence a big part of the reason why the the Right has so successfully hijacked religion in the U.S. What's been delivered up to the masses repels and alienates liberals and attracts conservatives. And it's much more a matter of style and delivery than of substance.


    Parent

    I always suspected (none / 0) (#72)
    by jondee on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 08:47:50 PM EST
    that there was a big cross-over between the burgeoning right-wing conspiracy theory realm - which talk radio and Fox dogwhistle to more-and-more - and the religious-right, and it turns out that that intuition was pretty accurate.

    Add tribal xenophobic hysterics to the mix, and this country is facing a three-pronged full-on frontal assault on scientific-critical thinking.

    Parent

    I think you are right about the preaching thing (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:24:40 PM EST
    There really seems to be across that whole segment something about preferring to be told what to think.  I think partly because the just have a bent toward authoritarianism and partly because it's just easier that having to think about stuff and decide for yourself.

    Parent
    Authoritarian (none / 0) (#76)
    by jondee on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:52:28 PM EST
    as in, accept the party line or pain will ensue. The fires of hell or daddy's belt or both.

    Along those lines, I heard Hannity on an old show defending the administering of corporeal punishment to kids by talking about how his father used to punch him as a child and he "turned out fine".

    The a*shole endorsed child abuse in primetime. No wonder he mistakes that coating of slime for teflon.

    Parent

    POLITICO (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 10:38:08 AM EST
    Has a piece today about talk radio left and right

    The Lo-Fi Voices
    That Speak for America



    Parent

    Loved AM Radio (none / 0) (#78)
    by ragebot on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 12:07:07 PM EST
    Can still remember listening to Wolfman Jack when in basic training at Ft. Benning and I was on guard duty and he was border blasting from Mexico.

    Have to wonder if that inspired The Wasp lyrics about Big Beat Texas Radio.

    Parent

    MSNBC has caught up to Fox News in ratings. (none / 0) (#81)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 03:06:40 PM EST
    CNN is still a somewhat distant third. Ironically, if there's a major breaking news event such as a natural disaster, CNN's audience numbers tend to skyrocket and easily surpass both Fox News and MSNBC combined, which strongly suggests that audiences trust CNN's coverage of such events far more than the other two U.S. cable news networks.

    But hard truth be told, all three cable audiences are still dwarfed by the network news audiences who tune into the "Legacy 3" -- CBS, NBC and ABC. Fox News and MSNBC will each draw about 1.5-2 million viewers per night, whereas "NBC Evening News with Lester Holt" gets nearly 10 times that number. So, one can also argue that the influence of cable news is actually somewhat outsized relative to their actual audience numbers.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I think the bit about CNN viewers (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 03:56:36 PM EST
    Going up for event coverage just means that for people who don't usually watch a news channel they turn on CNN when there are bombs bullets earthquakes etc.

    FOX and MSNBC have loyal viewers who watch a lot.  And generally have a point of view.  Like us.  Well me, anyway.

    Parent

    The 56th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, ... (none / 0) (#22)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Apr 25, 2019 at 10:00:42 PM EST
    ... which is arguably the pre-eminent celebration of Native Hawaiian culture in the entire state, gets underway in earnest tonight in Hilo. The airport is full of arriving passengers, the hotels are full, and the town is swarming with visitors. It's going to be a fun weekend

    And congratulations to Elder Daughter and the boys volleyball team she coaches, who qualified this afternoon for the Hawaii High School Athletic Association state championship tournament for the very first time in school history. They play in the opening round Wednesday night, so we'll be heading over to Honolulu to cheer them on.

    Donald Trump notwithstanding, life marches on.

    Houston - She the People (none / 0) (#27)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:48:20 AM EST
    Bernie gets booed and I am positive Biden would have received worse after his Anita Hill unsatisfactory 'apology'.
    Women of color are such a powerful voting bloc in America that they are predicted to be highly influential - if not decisive - in choosing the Democratic nominee for the 2020 election.

    The candidates convened at the event at Texas Southern University, a historically black college, to address a buoyant audience of about 1,700, diverse in background and age, including individuals and representatives of more than 40 activist organizations.

    Cory Booker, Julián Castro, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Beto O'Rourke, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren took questions on topics ranging from immigration, women's health, race relations, hate crimes and workplace inequalities to climate change, poverty, education, criminal justice, foreign policy and the economy. And they got a mix of reactions.

    When Sanders was asked a question about the prevalence of violence against women, his generic and seemingly out-of-touch response was angrily shouted down.

    "You're not for us," one female voice shouted from the crowd. "You don't get the black community," was another comment, while others called out: "Answer the question" as Sanders rambled about "a troubled nation" and gave a vague pledge that "we have to address" violence. He was obliged to pause as he was repeatedly interrupted, and at one point had to gather himself before finding his thread again.

    Several other candidates had a warm but not rapturous reception or displayed patchy performances at times, but Sanders by far elicited the most disapproval.

    This is really disappointing.

    Maia Young, a campus organizer at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, said she was consciously keeping an open mind. "The questions were centered around things that young people, especially young people of color want to know, and I don't see that a whole lot," she said.
    LINK

    Bernie needs to figure out that (5.00 / 3) (#28)
    by CST on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 10:03:47 AM EST
    Racism wasn't "solved" after he marched with MLK and continuing to bring that up as if it's an acceptable response 60 years later is not just out of touch,  its insulting.

    Parent
    It also (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 11:29:04 AM EST
    highlights the fact that Bernie has done literally nothing since the 60's to advance POC.

    Then you also get the women issue too with him like his attacks on Planned Parenthood.

    Parent

    How exactly do you advance POC? (none / 0) (#38)
    by McBain on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:13:40 PM EST
    I'm not a big Sanders guy but what should he have done that he didn't?  

    Parent
    Well, for one (5.00 / 4) (#45)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:35:46 PM EST
    you could listen to the concerns of your own constituents that are POC. You also could avoid going on Lou Dobbs and complaining that Hispanics are stealing the jobs of white people. Those are just a start.

    Parent
    Be (none / 0) (#60)
    by FlJoe on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 03:00:33 PM EST
    nice to Bernie, after his college activism he took the battle to the front lines....in Vermont!

    Parent
    I'm not sure (none / 0) (#33)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 11:27:20 AM EST
    Biden would have gotten worse but probably equally as negative responses albeit for different reasons.

    Parent
    effen Tyreek Hill (none / 0) (#31)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 11:00:21 AM EST


    For anyone wondering ... (none / 0) (#70)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 07:37:07 PM EST
    ... what he's talking about, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill was suspended by his team today, after a local TV news program aired an audio recording in which he's heard threatening his fiancee -- "You need to be terrified of me, too, b*tch" -- after she had accused him of child abuse. Of course, she doesn't exactly come off as Little Miss Innocent herself:

    KCTV News (Kansas City, MO) | April 26, 2019
    Criminal case against Tyreek Hill, fiancee reopened following audio's release - "KCTV5 has confirmed the criminal case against Tyreek Hill and his fiance Crystal Espinal has been reopened following Thursday's KCTV5 report with new audio detailing their son's broken arm."

    Social workers have since removed the couple's 3-year-old son from their home, and he is now in foster care. This story comes right on the heels of the death of 5-year-old A.J. Freund from a parental beating in Crystal Lake, IL, a tragedy which has since become the catalyst for all sorts of public remonstrations regarding how the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services conducts its case work and investigations.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Those Two... (none / 0) (#166)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 12:43:09 PM EST
    ... should have never procreated.  They know the kid was abused, broken arm, but they just can't pin down who did it, which is most likely why the call was recorded.

    Parent
    They have twins on the way... (none / 0) (#167)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 12:46:51 PM EST


    Parent
    Cheeto (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 12:59:10 PM EST
    Just stood in the driveway and guaranteed Don McGahn must testify.  He flatly disputed he ever told him to fire Mueller.

    No way to avoid it now

    Thanks Donald.

    By "revealing" voluntarily and publicly (5.00 / 4) (#39)
    by Peter G on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:15:36 PM EST
    what he (claims he) said to White House counsel, Tr*mp may also have waived both attorney-client and Executive privilege.

    Parent
    Good to hear that Trump (5.00 / 3) (#66)
    by fishcamp on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 06:47:32 PM EST
    thinks he's young and vibrant.

    Parent
    Haha... (none / 0) (#75)
    by desertswine on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 09:37:49 PM EST
    Talk about Delusional..  with a Capital D.

    Parent
    This was written before (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 26, 2019 at 01:21:03 PM EST
    Today's driveway performance

    I have written quite a bit about McGahn over the years because he's obviously been leaking to the press for some time in ways that made him look like a hero. It's different seeing his name attached to testimony under oath, but the events chronicled in the Mueller Report about Trump's attempts to fire the special counsel and McGahn's resulting threats to quit were published in the newspapers months ago. It's clear that McGahn has been carefully strategizing how to salvage his reputation once he was done packing the courts with as many hard-right conservatives as he could find. He's a smart guy and he's walked that fine line effectively

    If McGahn eventually testifies on Capitol Hill and comes off well to the public, that could change everything. Other Republicans might get the idea that it's time to get off the Trump train too. By slamming McGahn, Trump is unwittingly playing into his former lawyer's self-serving heroic narrative. That may inspire others to follow his lead



    Parent
    Empty Wheel (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 12:34:37 PM EST

    WHAT IF JULIAN ASSANGE FLIPPED?

    Tomorrow (none / 0) (#82)
    by Zorba on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 03:20:14 PM EST
    Is Eastern Orthodox Easter (we call it Pascha).
    Among the Greeks, lamb is traditionally served on Pascha, along with sweet bread (tsoureki), and various other dishes like spanakopita, tiropita, and/or pastitsio.  Plus a Greek salad.  Eggs are traditionally died red, and only red.
    Sad (none / 0) (#85)
    by ragebot on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 04:14:04 PM EST
    shooting incident at the Chabad of Poway synagogue.

    LEOs will have a presser soon.

    I wonder (none / 0) (#86)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 04:23:26 PM EST
    if it's another killer inspired by Nazis and their apologists.

    Parent
    Suspects first name is (none / 0) (#90)
    by ragebot on Sat Apr 27, 2019 at 06:10:25 PM EST
    John, I refuse to provide his full name.  Local news says he has a manifesto his posts are anti Jewish and anti Trump.

    Just my early speculation but he may wind up being like the bozo that shot Gabby with an unintelligible manifesto that is not liberal or conservative but just silly.

    Parent

    The internet now (none / 0) (#97)
    by jondee on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 10:31:30 AM EST
    has so many paranoid conspiracy memes circulating on an ongoing basis that seem tailored to do nothing but nudge people teetering on the edge right over the edge, that it requires teams of full-time professional debunker types of the Michael Shermer stripe working around the clock to apply the necessary informational disenfectant - and hopefully also direct these isolated, troubled loner types in a direction where they can get some kind of help and therapy.

    Parent
    He may also be responsible for ... (none / 0) (#133)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 05:59:27 PM EST
    ... an earlier and unsuccessful attempt to torch the Islamic Center in Escondido, CA on March 24. Fortunately, its occupants were able to extinguish the fire.

    Parent
    One of a Very Few... (none / 0) (#196)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 11:13:12 AM EST
    ... anti-Semites that doesn't love Donald Trump.  From what I have read, Trump wasn't right wing enough for Earnest.  

    But nice try with the spin, Loughner was definitely a conservative and I am sure the same will be true of Earnest.  Mentally unstable people that are influenced by right wing extremism.

    Parent

    Expecting a blood bath (none / 0) (#98)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 10:58:01 AM EST
    Jamie is the oddsmakers favorite to die first with Arya, Bronn, and the Army of the Dead the top choices to kill him.

    But with the show running close to eighty minutes expect several characters to bite the dust.

    I doubt any of those go (none / 0) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 11:08:05 AM EST
    In this episode.  If I was guessing I would say Brieanne, Greyworm (never plan a vacation before a battle), maybe Tormund and Jora.  Remember, this is just the warmup.

    Parent
    In that last episode (none / 0) (#100)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 11:11:17 AM EST
    When you saw Brieanne with that big smile for the first time in the entire series it was like that drop of blood on the white wedding dress in Dexter.

    She is doomed.

    Parent

    Well she was knighted (none / 0) (#103)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 11:29:03 AM EST
    and we all know you can't have good things in GOT.

    Parent
    That's right, she is. She had a good run. (none / 0) (#125)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 04:33:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Still wondering (none / 0) (#101)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 11:17:06 AM EST
    if the Night King is with the Army of the Dead at Winterfell or heading to Kings Landing.  With the extra minutes in this episode there could be more blood than usual.  It may be a warmup; but it is a long one.

    On another note we have discussed how old Arya is and why Little Sam never seems to age; but the bigger question may be why Cersei has not grown her hair out since her walk of shame.  Both Jamie and Gendry have new dos but Cersei keeps the same one.

    Parent

    82 minutes (none / 0) (#102)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 11:22:23 AM EST
    The next three are 78, 79 and 79.

    Parent
    Point taken (none / 0) (#104)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 11:30:38 AM EST
    but this is suppose to be the big battle from what I have read.

    Parent
    Oh yes (none / 0) (#105)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 11:34:53 AM EST
    But it's not the final battle, sadly, no elephants.

    Parent
    Oh (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 04:00:37 PM EST
    And Theon.

    Parent
    Theon (none / 0) (#134)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 06:26:58 PM EST
    has been through so much and survived I am not convinced he will bite the dust.  Not to mention I want to see him knock the slobber out of Euron.  There is also the fact that Theon is one of a select number of GOT characters that has an emoji; and they are all still alive.

    Parent
    Boy (none / 0) (#137)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 06:36:27 PM EST
    I bet that list of the living is shorter tomorrow

    Parent
    Less of a bloodbath than I expected (none / 0) (#144)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:25:50 PM EST
    Jora for sure, Theon probably, Melisandre but not really from the battle.  Ed was a minor character and Lyanna went out killing a giant.  Once the Night King bit the dust and Danny still has a dragon it is all over but the shouting.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#150)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:41:18 PM EST
    But there's, like, 4 more hours of shouting

    Parent
    Oops (none / 0) (#142)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:14:19 PM EST


    Parent
    Theon is not going to make it (none / 0) (#123)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 04:29:38 PM EST
    That is the prediction I feel surest about.

    2nd surest - Jorah

    I think Jaime makes it. Maybe Tyrion goes out in a blaze of glory saving the crypt people. Remember that joke he made about going back after death to kill Cersei? That would be interesting!

    Parent

    The season finale of (none / 0) (#140)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 07:47:08 PM EST
    American Gods was outstanding.

    It's getting a third season.

    Parent

    Time to sign off (none / 0) (#139)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 06:52:25 PM EST
    and watch the show.  Back later.

    Last guess; Brienne of Tarth dies first.

    Parent

    What do the White Walkers do (none / 0) (#106)
    by jondee on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 01:22:15 PM EST
    when they're just chillin and hanging out?

    Do they have anything like a White Walker culture and White Walker hopes and dreams?

    They dress very smartly. (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 02:01:55 PM EST
    At least compared to their undead followers.  I see a glossy magazine with articles like"Subzero Skin Care" and "A Short Guide to Fashions for the Long Night"

    Parent
    A more serious question (none / 0) (#117)
    by jondee on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 03:25:47 PM EST
    if Jon has "warg" tendencies, as my wife  just reminded me, could he merge with one of the dragons?

    Parent
    Since he is now both officially (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 03:42:26 PM EST
    A dragon rider and a Targarian it might not be necessary.  But warging into a dragon does seem likely for someone.  Bran?

    Parent
    One thing I'm really hoping for is (none / 0) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 04:31:05 PM EST
    ICE SPIDERS

    they have been teasing ice spiders since Old Nan in the first episode.  they even put them on the calendar

    If we don't get ice spiders I will be very disappointed

    They better at least show up in the Long Night prequel

    Parent

    Eww. I' don't like spiders! (none / 0) (#126)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 04:34:45 PM EST
    That crypt will probably be crawling with them though!

    Parent
    Thought you were disappointed about no (none / 0) (#135)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 06:29:01 PM EST
    elephants.  

    Parent
    Okayyyy (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 05:31:39 PM EST
    We didn't see him but ok

    We do have a blurb, however:

    "The Night King and his army have arrived at Winterfell and the great battle begins."
    OK (none / 0) (#136)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 06:31:06 PM EST
    the great battle; but not the final battle.

    Parent
    Holy hell (none / 0) (#143)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:23:48 PM EST
    I needed to pee for the last half hour and wouldn't pause it.

    Lyanna Mormont (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:25:52 PM EST
    Rocks

    Parent
    Best line in the episode. (5.00 / 1) (#156)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 08:10:33 AM EST
    "Not today."


    Parent
    Yeah really (none / 0) (#157)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 08:13:11 AM EST
    That sort of completed Aryas arc from the first season and her dancing master.

    Which worries me a little.  Those with completed arcs beware.

    Parent

    Have to say (none / 0) (#146)
    by ragebot on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:29:54 PM EST
    I was a little shocked at the light casualties.  Jorah was the only big name.  Maybe Theon died but that was not clear, in any case a bad wound.

    Parent
    I just wish they had splurged (5.00 / 2) (#147)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:35:37 PM EST
    a little on the lighting budget. I'm sure that was all very exciting if I could have seen what was going on.

    Parent
    Ha (none / 0) (#149)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:37:49 PM EST
    There was some warnings about that.  To kill all the ambient and adjust your tv.  So I did,

    You totally have to watch it again anyway.  But I need at least 24 hours.

    Whew

    Parent

    I thought this was funny when I saw it (none / 0) (#151)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:48:56 PM EST
    But I believed

    How to optimize your TV for 'Game of Thrones' so you don't miss any details

    The episode is likely to be very dark, in the literal sense -- it features a massive battle at night in and around Winterfell, which is notoriously dark to begin with.
    There are a few simple things you can do to prepare your television for the best possible viewing experience



    Parent
    Wow (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:57:26 PM EST
    This was a thing

    'Game of Thrones' fans were mad at how dark - literally - the Battle of Winterfell episode was

    That's really surprising.  It was really fine for me.  I mean it was dark but I could see everything.

    Parent

    I am rewatching it with subtle light (none / 0) (#154)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 04:51:30 AM EST
    Coming in as the sun comes up, and I can make things out better. Last night in a completely dark livingroom I was kind of thinking this sucks. If my husband was home he would launch into some lecture about how my eye sees LOL, but he's in Austin right now.

    Parent
    Adjusting your tv (none / 0) (#155)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 06:21:45 AM EST
    Is more important that room light.

    Parent
    I was just watching parts again (none / 0) (#158)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 08:14:25 AM EST
    With all the windows open in a bright room and it's really fine.

    Parent
    See my comment below about (none / 0) (#171)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 01:44:39 PM EST
    OLED

    Parent
    The lighting was poor (none / 0) (#184)
    by McBain on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 05:09:13 PM EST
    Maybe it would have been better if I had a 4K TV?

     

    Parent

    Me too (none / 0) (#148)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 28, 2019 at 09:36:05 PM EST
    But I love that they totally hosed all the "leaks" and I love the big bad King King get his azz handed to him by a girl in episode 3 and the ultimate villain is going to be Cersei

    Parent
    Tyrion was right (none / 0) (#159)
    by CST on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 09:00:29 AM EST
    Everyone in that room survived.  

    I could've sworn I saw an undead Greyworm at one point but then I saw him in the preview for next week so guess not.  Poor house Mormont, although they went out in epic fashion.   I might be the only person on the internet who won't miss Theon.

    Parent

    I don't remember saying (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 12:48:37 PM EST
    I would miss Theon.

    I just watched it again.  I think my favorite moment just from the stand point of sort of epic moviemaking is in the very beginning when everyone is sweating and biting their nails then the Red Woman rides up and ignites the weapons of the Dothraki and there is this wave of flame and they turn into thousands of flaming scythes and every is braced and you see "yeah, now we got um" expressions then they take off screaming into the the darkness really looking like the definition of hell on horseback.

    And they all just kind if disappear.  Just whiff away without even a sound.

    It's like, ok, maybe we should just FLEE.  

    Parent

    Yea I was thinking (none / 0) (#169)
    by CST on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 01:22:51 PM EST
    More about all the Theon memes on Facebook etc...

    That Dothraki scene was incredibly well done. They really nailed the growing sense of dread in the first 20 minutes or so.  Even the arrival of the red woman was nerve wracking.

    I watched it last night on my computer because reasons, but I'm really looking forward to seeing it again on a larger screen later this week.

    Parent

    Do we know what happened (none / 0) (#162)
    by jondee on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 10:37:57 AM EST
    to Brienne? She kind of disappeared.

    She's alive (none / 0) (#163)
    by CST on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 10:52:25 AM EST
    Was seen in the preview for next week.

    Parent
    Cool (none / 0) (#164)
    by jondee on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 10:59:27 AM EST


    Parent
    Causality list (none / 0) (#176)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:04:45 PM EST
    Beric Dondarrion
    Eddison Tollett (Dolorous Edd)
    Jorah Mormont
    Lyanna Mormont
    Melisandre
    Theon Greyjoy
    The Night King
    Viserion

    And I gotta say the death of Viserion was unbelievably amazing.  One thing that being so dark did was that it made the shots where the dragons are breathing fire spectacular.  Viserion especially leaking and spewing like a crashing propane truck.

    Amazing.

    Parent

    Also the midair (none / 0) (#178)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:10:51 PM EST
    Dragon fight.  Yikes.

    Parent
    So there's still two dragons? (none / 0) (#181)
    by jondee on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:18:21 PM EST
    the one draped with the undead looked like he was in a pretty bad way..

    Parent
    Unsure (none / 0) (#182)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:22:19 PM EST
    One for sure in the promo.  But they love surprises.

    Parent
    I just got an email from webmaster@talkleft.com (none / 0) (#165)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 11:09:05 AM EST
    that someone was trying to change my password.

    Looks legit. IP address traces to a nearby town.

    Very odd. Who else would want to be "sarcastic unnamed one?"

    Anyone else get anything like this?

    Link for GOT fanboys like me (none / 0) (#170)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 01:40:07 PM EST
    I can stream it on a high quality color calibrated 4K monitor I use to make vids with good results.

    If you don't have a puter that can run Resolve and a top tier monitor this article from Popular Mechanics may be of interest.

    GOT stuff (none / 0) (#172)
    by ragebot on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 01:47:14 PM EST
    Walter Frey killed more main characters than the Night King.

    Rhaegal is still alive; probably more important than any other death in the Battle for Winterfell.

    Where did Bran "go"? (none / 0) (#174)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 01:58:48 PM EST
    Was he just cruising around in a crow watching the battle or did he "go" somewhere that will matter later?

    He sure seems to have had part one figured out.  Considering he gifted the weapon that killed the Night King to the killer standing on the very spot where it happened.  They should probably consult him on part two.

    Parent

    Also (none / 0) (#179)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:14:30 PM EST
    Since Arya killed the Night King does that make her the Prince (or Princess) That Was Promised?

    Parent
    I got sucked in (none / 0) (#183)
    by jondee on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:27:28 PM EST
    set up..pushed around..(as Jack says in As Good As It Gets)

    A good way in I started wondering "are these nihilistic, shocking bastards going to kill off most of the main characters?"

    Parent

    The Boston globe (none / 0) (#175)
    by CST on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:01:40 PM EST
    Apparently reads talkleft and decided to troll us all:

    Link

    "Is Bernie Sanders likable enough to become president"

    They seem to have reached the same (none / 0) (#177)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:08:40 PM EST
    Conclusion on relativity.  I admit skipping to the end.

    Likable? Here, he seemed loved


    Parent
    Going to see ENDGAME later (none / 0) (#180)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 29, 2019 at 02:17:55 PM EST
    A friend told me I should think about an adult diaper because like GoT you won't want to leave.  And it's a bit over 3 hours.

    It was great (none / 0) (#186)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 07:37:47 AM EST
    And there was a line in the bathroom when it was over

    Parent
    Spoliers on Instagram... (none / 0) (#192)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 10:26:54 AM EST
    ...has people calling for the head of LeSean McCoy.
    In revealing this key plot point to his 700,000 Twitter followers, the NFL player apparently missed a plea by Marvel and the film's directors, brothers Anthony and Joseph Russo, who urged moviegoers not to ruin "Endgame" for those who haven't seen it yet.
    ...
    Many commenters on McCoy's posts were furious with him.
    "Way to ruin a movie people have waited years for," said one Instagram user.
    "You either have ZERO common sense or you are the biggest scumbag alive," said another. "You know damn well you have hundreds of thousands of followers who were going to watch the movie and still decided to do this dumb sh*t."
    "I hope you tear your acl and you're out for good," said a third.
    One fan was so upset that he started an online petition to get McCoy fired from the Buffalo Bills, have his Twitter account deleted and be banned from "any Marvel movie ever."

    For the record, McCoy has been accused of beating his woman, his kid, and his dog and yet a spoiler on Instagram is what makes him the biggest scumbag alive.  I love internet people.

    Parent

    There are some surprises (none / 0) (#194)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 10:55:19 AM EST
    Lots of consternation about one in particular not being "believable".  Which made me laugh.

    Um, you realize we are talking about a movie about a bunch of people with superpowers fighting a super villain from another dimension ?  Right?

     

    Parent

    Awakening (none / 0) (#187)
    by NoSides on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 08:43:19 AM EST
    House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer will return to the White House on Tuesday with several other top Democrats to discuss a costly infrastructure package with Mr. Trump, perhaps the best hope for a big, bipartisan jobs bill this year.

    It looks as if they may be waking up.

    Doing something to improve peoples lives.
    That is the way to get people to vote for them.

    Endless investigations, the previous route being taken, simply will result in another term for the Donald.

    Head Cheese (none / 0) (#188)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 09:01:44 AM EST
    Traditionally, head cheese is made from an uncooked pig's head, but mine had been slow roasted at the afore-mentioned family function. It contains plenty of meat and heaps of that superfood, natural gelatin.

    STEP 1. SIMMER THE HEAD

    I began by submerging the pig's head in water in my largest pot. It looks terrible, it really does. And it's not going to get any better, I'm sorry. I tossed in two pig hocks as well, because as I mentioned before, I had a literal bag of bones to use. The hocks contributed to the flavour and gelatin, but didn't contribute much meat in the end.

    To the pot I added:

    1 heaping teaspoon of peppercorn
    4 stalks of celery
    large bunch of garden herbs (I had parsley & thyme)
    2 bay leaves
    4 large garlic cloves
    2 star anise
    1 teaspoon whole allspice
    This formed the basis of my pork stock and I was off! I brought the stock up to a boil, then reduced to a simmer. I cooked it for 3 hours.

    STEP 2: COLLECT THE PORK  AND STRAIN THE STOCK

    This was the most disgusting part, but it goes fast. I recommend having a highly distracting podcast playing (thanks, Joy and Tracy) and don't for one second think about what you are doing

    STEP 3: BUILD THE HEAD CHEESE

    Skim the fat off of the stock and bring it to a boil in a large pot. Reduce it by about half, then season it with salt. Be sure to taste it and adjust the salt accordingly. Cool slightly

    Parent

    Wisconsin Head Cheese Tale (none / 0) (#195)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 10:55:59 AM EST
    When I was younger, my parents would get with their friends and we would go out for a Fish Fry at a Supper Club almost every Friday.  One time, I think I was about 10, I was loading up at the salad bar at the Buck-A-Neer Supper Club and was very excited to see some bread pudding.  I even told my dad's buddy about it when I sat down.  I dove in and took a giant scoop and it was beyond disgusting and I freaked out.  You never saw so many adults laugh so hard.

    As you may have already guessed, it was not bread pudding.  I love cheese like I love sports; can't imagine life w/o it, but if someone were to collectively wipe head cheese off the collective pallet of humanity, humanity would be better off for it.

    Parent

    My father loved Head Cheese (none / 0) (#197)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 11:14:46 AM EST
    And made it from every pig.  I never even tased it.  Seeing it was quite enough.

    Parent
    Kokoretsi (none / 0) (#189)
    by Zorba on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 09:28:52 AM EST
    2 kilos lamb intestines
    50 g vinegar
    salt
    1 lamb lace fat
    1 lamb pluck (lamb lungs, heart, liver) and sweetbreads
    3 cloves of garlic
    2 tablespoons dry thyme
    2 tablespoons rosemary
    1 tablespoons chili flakes
    2 tablespoons oregano
    grated zest and juice from 2 lemons
    pepper

    Method
    Wash the intestines thoroughly both inside and out.
    Place in a large bowl and add the vinegar and salt.
    Allow to soak for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
    Drain and transfer to a bowl.
    Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
    In the meantime, place the lace fat in a bowl.
    Rinse under warm running water thoroughly.
    Let it soak in the bowl with water and lemon juice for 30 minutes.
    Drain and set aside.
    Wash the lamb pluck and chop into 4-5 cm pieces.
    Transfer to a bowl and add the thyme, rosemary, chili flakes, oregano, lemon zest and pepper. Do not add salt from the beginning or else it will toughen the meat.
    Set it aside to marinate for 1 hour.
    Preheat oven to 200* C (390* F).
    You will need two 30 cm metallic skewers.
    Thread the pieces of lamb pluck on the skewers in the alternating in the following order : lungs, heart, liver, sweetbreads. Season with salt and pepper.
    Cut off a piece of lace fat large enough to cover the whole skewer and wrap nicely over the meat.
    Wrap the intestines around the meat to cover and tighten at the edge of the skewer. This process needs patience and quite a lot of intestines.
    Wrap with parchment paper and aluminum foil.
    Transfer to a 30x40 cm baking pan fitted with a rack and bake for 45 minutes.
    When ready, remove the aluminum foil and parchment wrappings and bake again for 20 minutes until golden.

    Parent

    Uncle (none / 0) (#190)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 09:29:52 AM EST
    You win

    Parent
    LOL! (none / 0) (#191)
    by Zorba on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 10:25:04 AM EST
    :-D

    Parent
    That said (none / 0) (#199)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 12:52:29 PM EST
    I actually do like the infrastructure talk.  Not just because god knows we need it and it will dems something to point to besides investigating but because Trumps eager participation betrays he is shi++ing bricks and very worried about what's coming.  Enough to be desperate enough to attempt some actual governing.

    THAT said, it not like he has not said similar things about governing before and changed his mind when he talked to Hannity.

    So I'm not holding my breath.

    Parent

    For example (none / 0) (#200)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 01:16:45 PM EST
    Trump Sues 2 Banks To Block Democrats From Investigating His Finances



    Parent

    aged gouda cheese (none / 0) (#198)
    by leap on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 11:59:43 AM EST
    Slice a piece off a wedge and eat it.

    Parent
    Venezuela is exploding (none / 0) (#193)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 10:38:19 AM EST
    MSNBC just accidentally showed a hummer blasting right through a crowd mowing multiple people down.

    Head cheese is not something.. (none / 0) (#201)
    by desertswine on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 02:49:02 PM EST
    that ever really appealed to me.

    I'd have trouble spoiling (none / 0) (#202)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 05:45:35 PM EST
    one of those Marvel movies because I usually start forgetting them before the movie's over.

    Judgement (none / 0) (#203)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 30, 2019 at 07:23:15 PM EST
    U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan ruled against President Donald Trump and allowed a lawsuit by Congressional Democrats to proceed, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

    Unless the Department of Justice appeals, the ruling will allow Democrats to seek disclosure of documents from the Trump Organization.

    "The lawsuit is one of two landmark cases against Trump relying on the once-obscure emoluments clauses of the Constitution. In a case brought in Maryland by the attorneys general of D.C. and Maryland, Justice Department lawyers representing the president have succeeded in temporarily blocking subpoenas for financial records and other documents related to Trump's D.C. hotel," The Post explained. "The congressional case, brought by about 200 Democrats, extends beyond the hotel and provides a potential new avenue for the president's challengers to gain access to a broader array of Trump's closely held finances."

    Trump's legal defense was described by the judge as being "unpersuasive and inconsistent."
    Thursday Open Thread | 204 comments (204 topical)