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Amaryllis

(9,830 posts)
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:17 PM Feb 2019

AOC Just Expertly Laid a Trap to Get Donald Trump's Tax Returns (Mother Jones)

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/02/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-just-expertly-laid-a-trap-to-get-donald-trumps-tax-returns/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/02/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-just-expertly-laid-a-trap-to-get-donald-trumps-tax-returns/

While Republicans on Wednesday repeatedly hammered Michael Cohen over his efforts to secure a lucrative media deal, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used her time to focus on one of the most consequential topics concerning investigations into Donald Trump: his ever-elusive tax returns.

It was one of the more anticipated appearances by a lawmaker on the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Her clear and purposeful line of questioning, which appeared to lay the groundwork for the committee to subpoena the president’s tax returns while capturing the names of those in Trump’s inner circle who may know details of his financials, was widely praised.


Check out the comments at the link. Here's a sample:
Matthew Miller
@matthewamiller
.@AOC just got there and she is asking better questions than 90% of members. Short, specific, factual, with no speechmaking. (Maybe it's because she just got there.)
4,338
1:48 PM - Feb 27, 2019
97 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
AOC Just Expertly Laid a Trap to Get Donald Trump's Tax Returns (Mother Jones) (Original Post) Amaryllis Feb 2019 OP
Ms Ocasio-Cortez was great. I wish some other Dem questioning had been as pointed. Auggie Feb 2019 #1
Did you see the comment at the bottom of the OP? Amaryllis Feb 2019 #2
I was willing that guy John Sarbanes to get to the end of a sentence BritVic Feb 2019 #13
John is Paul's Son. True Blue American Feb 2019 #27
Lol....I thought the same thing. He dressed nice but not much there. dameatball Feb 2019 #31
Oh my gosh yes. Such .... a .... slow .... talker .... PTWB Feb 2019 #49
She hasn't created personal friendships with Republicans which allows her to be more objective IMHO. jalan48 Feb 2019 #38
Yes -- I watched the entire testimony too. Auggie Feb 2019 #3
Her questioning was short and to the point - very impressive! - n/t Jim__ Feb 2019 #4
Is she a lawyer? uponit7771 Feb 2019 #6
No. OliverQ Feb 2019 #9
i was thinking she should attend law school onetexan Feb 2019 #35
+1 uponit7771 Feb 2019 #45
She did good! demmiblue Feb 2019 #5
...and she yielded the rest of her time. theaocp Feb 2019 #8
If I was in her district marlakay Feb 2019 #10
I saw her. Polly Hennessey Feb 2019 #7
She wasted no time. kcr Feb 2019 #11
Trump's Real Estate Tax Scheme Exposed By Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Michael Cohen Celerity Feb 2019 #12
Thanks; i actually missed her testimony! Amaryllis Feb 2019 #15
was easy to miss! lol, less than 4 and half minutes, but BOOM, what a 4 and a half minutes Celerity Feb 2019 #34
ANy others you'd recommend in particular? I missed everything after the long break Amaryllis Feb 2019 #36
Ro Khanna was great too Celerity Feb 2019 #41
THank you! Amaryllis Feb 2019 #43
yw Celerity Feb 2019 #69
god damn on a popcicle !!!!!!!!!!! Is she ever good !!!!!!!!!! pangaia Feb 2019 #55
Lisa Bloom: demmiblue Feb 2019 #14
+1 dalton99a Feb 2019 #24
Matthew Calamari - Priceless Caliman73 Feb 2019 #48
Seriously, Calamari is "Matt the Squid?" lagomorph777 Feb 2019 #81
My wife was reading an article today. Caliman73 Feb 2019 #82
"Matt The Squid" rolls off the tongue better; stay with that :-) lagomorph777 Mar 2019 #86
I am so impressed with this young woman. llmart Feb 2019 #16
And she has that sweet, innocent voice which belies the brilliance of her ability to be Amaryllis Feb 2019 #19
Yes, she was very good! LisaM Feb 2019 #32
I'm sure the people in her district really liked that also. Amaryllis Feb 2019 #44
Yeah, New Yorkers have been getting hosed by Trump longer than the rest of us. LisaM Feb 2019 #54
Absolutely! Sharp as a tack, she is! nt SWBTATTReg Feb 2019 #21
I think she's awesome ... earthshine Feb 2019 #17
AOC is A-OK kentuck Feb 2019 #18
Michael McFaul: demmiblue Feb 2019 #20
She's smarter than the entire GOP delegation put together CanonRay Feb 2019 #22
K&R burrowowl Feb 2019 #23
Note to Democratic egos running or contemplating running for President Loubee Feb 2019 #25
What a strange response. n/t demmiblue Feb 2019 #29
So you don't think any Democrats should run for President? PoindexterOglethorpe Feb 2019 #40
I want SOME Democrats to run Loubee Feb 2019 #75
I feel like Trumps abuse of power will be seriously curtailed when a Democrat evicts him. PTWB Feb 2019 #50
Egos? Is that what you think of Democrats running for President? That it's all about "egos"? suffragette Feb 2019 #61
I like her aggressiveness. Playing nice with the Republicans will not work. jalan48 Feb 2019 #26
Outstanding. (nt) klook Feb 2019 #28
But...but... manhattan123 Feb 2019 #30
"around here". Welcome to DU R B Garr Feb 2019 #39
Er, yes... manhattan123 Feb 2019 #51
Your comment sounded very familiar R B Garr Feb 2019 #65
Hmm.. manhattan123 Feb 2019 #76
What was your name in your previous incarnation? ehrnst Feb 2019 #77
No memory of it... manhattan123 Mar 2019 #83
Your comments are also typical for a thread like this. R B Garr Feb 2019 #79
I didn't realize manhattan123 Mar 2019 #84
And I didn't realize that I can't notice the same type R B Garr Mar 2019 #85
I like to laugh manhattan123 Mar 2019 #87
I noticed more the laughable attempts R B Garr Mar 2019 #88
Hmm... manhattan123 Mar 2019 #89
I just made a mild comment, too, so what is your R B Garr Mar 2019 #90
It's probably because... manhattan123 Mar 2019 #91
You snideness was very familiar, very sanctimonious R B Garr Mar 2019 #92
It was my original post, sparky, manhattan123 Mar 2019 #93
Not really, sparky. You made familiar snide comments R B Garr Mar 2019 #94
What do you mean it wasn't my original post? manhattan123 Mar 2019 #95
What are you talking about? What a strange person R B Garr Mar 2019 #96
Wow. Personal attack much? Tipperary Mar 2019 #97
word. KG Feb 2019 #74
The government was shut down. They couldn't get equipment, etc. OMGWTF Feb 2019 #80
I don't get involved much in all the AOC stuff, but she was concise and on target. dameatball Feb 2019 #33
I want those returns released as much as the next person, but they dont contain what people hope. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #37
you don't know what they contain ProfessorPlum Feb 2019 #64
No, i dont "know", but wouldnt that be a HORROR for him? That & no charitable donations. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #68
She goes right for the meat. appleannie1943 Feb 2019 #42
She's good lillypaddle Feb 2019 #46
IMO, due to her age AOC needs to build up Senator from New York, Charles Schumer CK_John Feb 2019 #47
She is now a verified force of nature. pdsimdars Feb 2019 #52
Every single one of our Democrats were great, the greatest was Elijah Cummings. George II Feb 2019 #53
She's a natural. i agree with charlie pierce. she has yet to harness her full potential Kurt V. Feb 2019 #56
Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Feb 2019 #57
I thought the house could ask for them anytime they wanted? MichMan Feb 2019 #58
I thought she had the smartest line of questioning The Liberal Lion Feb 2019 #59
What'd I miss? All I saw Laura PourMeADrink Feb 2019 #60
She got Cohen to confirm that the trumps wouldn't Ilsa Feb 2019 #67
Yes, that was good he offered that. Bet he had lots Laura PourMeADrink Feb 2019 #70
Oh yeah, sorry, not AOC, but the Cong. from CA. nt Ilsa Feb 2019 #71
The House Ways and Means Committee Chairman already has a plan to request trump's tax returns. George II Feb 2019 #62
A+ czarjak Feb 2019 #63
Love it Blue Owl Feb 2019 #66
Lawrence O'Donnell said that the "junior" members go last so there's nothing new to ask Rhiannon12866 Feb 2019 #72
She was magnificent. No wonder the Repubs are afraid of her. Bluepinky Feb 2019 #73
Maybe it's because zentrum Feb 2019 #78

Amaryllis

(9,830 posts)
2. Did you see the comment at the bottom of the OP?
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:21 PM
Feb 2019

"AOC just got there and she is asking better questions than 90% of members. Short, specific, factual, with no speechmaking. (Maybe it's because she just got there.)"

BritVic

(262 posts)
13. I was willing that guy John Sarbanes to get to the end of a sentence
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:39 PM
Feb 2019

I think he only managed 2 or 3 questions in 5 minutes !

jalan48

(14,506 posts)
38. She hasn't created personal friendships with Republicans which allows her to be more objective IMHO.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:24 PM
Feb 2019

onetexan

(13,912 posts)
35. i was thinking she should attend law school
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:15 PM
Feb 2019

she'd make a damn good one. Donny Deutsche just said on Ari Melber he's not a fan of hers but thought her questioning was great. I liked all 3 freshman Congresswomen's questioning and their comments - Ms. Tlaib & Ms. Ayanna Presley as well. Talented & admirable young women.

demmiblue

(37,871 posts)
5. She did good!
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:25 PM
Feb 2019
In case you missed it: @AOC used her time to:

1. Lay out a massive tax fraud scheme taking place in her district.
2. Lay out the case for subpoenaing Trump's state tax returns.
3. Lay out the case to subpoena Allen Weisselberg.

She had five minutes just like everybody else.



marlakay

(12,205 posts)
10. If I was in her district
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:35 PM
Feb 2019

Would have been happy with her fighting for me. She will easily get re-elected fighting hard both for her district and the country.

Polly Hennessey

(7,509 posts)
7. I saw her.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:29 PM
Feb 2019

Breathed a sigh of relief. If she and the other Dem women are any indication, we may find our way out of this nightmare.

Celerity

(46,793 posts)
34. was easy to miss! lol, less than 4 and half minutes, but BOOM, what a 4 and a half minutes
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:15 PM
Feb 2019

Amaryllis

(9,830 posts)
36. ANy others you'd recommend in particular? I missed everything after the long break
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:17 PM
Feb 2019

except Cohen's closing statment, and it seems that's when the really good stuff was.

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
55. god damn on a popcicle !!!!!!!!!!! Is she ever good !!!!!!!!!!
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 08:03 PM
Feb 2019

Wherever she got her info, from whom, whatever !!!!!!

1,2,3,4,5 LIGHTS OUT....GOOD NIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I yield my time to the chair!!!


demmiblue

(37,871 posts)
14. Lisa Bloom:
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:39 PM
Feb 2019
This, friends, is called laying the foundation for further investigation and possible criminal referral.
And prosecutors use other criminals to build their cases every day. @AOC is doing a bang up job.
Thank God Dems have retaken control of the House.


Caliman73

(11,767 posts)
48. Matthew Calamari - Priceless
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 07:32 PM
Feb 2019

Yeah there's Allen Weisselberg, Ron Lieberman and Matthew Calamari AKA Matt the Squid.

That is a mob name if I ever saw one.

Caliman73

(11,767 posts)
82. My wife was reading an article today.
Thu Feb 28, 2019, 06:47 PM
Feb 2019

I guess he is/was Trump's driver/bodyguard and Trump was asking Calamari, "Matty would you do anything for me?" and Calamari answered, "Yes sir!" and Trump asked, "Would you kill for me?"

I swear that I was going to go with "Matty the Squid" but I ended up shortening it to "Matt". Should have gone with Matty.

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
86. "Matt The Squid" rolls off the tongue better; stay with that :-)
Fri Mar 1, 2019, 10:10 AM
Mar 2019

And I read that same article where he tells Trump he'd kill for him.

llmart

(16,331 posts)
16. I am so impressed with this young woman.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:51 PM
Feb 2019

I can't imagine having that much presence of mind, maturity, self-confidence and lack of intimidation at her age.

She is going to do great things with her life. Bravo that she's on our side.

Amaryllis

(9,830 posts)
19. And she has that sweet, innocent voice which belies the brilliance of her ability to be
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 05:56 PM
Feb 2019

strategic and deliberate in her thinking, words, and actions. Also, I do not detect any ego or self-aggrandizement there. She just cuts to the chase in a respectful manner.

LisaM

(28,735 posts)
54. Yeah, New Yorkers have been getting hosed by Trump longer than the rest of us.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 07:54 PM
Feb 2019

Every time I see pictures of the old Bonwit Teller building he knocked down to build his horrible tower, I want to cry with frustration.

Loubee

(169 posts)
25. Note to Democratic egos running or contemplating running for President
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:04 PM
Feb 2019

You are of far greater value and much more effective fighting Trump and GOP abuse of power in US Congress and state offices. AOC is just one great example.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(26,820 posts)
40. So you don't think any Democrats should run for President?
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:49 PM
Feb 2019

Or only those not currently holding office?

Loubee

(169 posts)
75. I want SOME Democrats to run
Thu Feb 28, 2019, 10:03 AM
Feb 2019

but not darn near every prominent Dem when the most urgent battles are being fought in local, state, and national legislatures.

 

PTWB

(4,131 posts)
50. I feel like Trumps abuse of power will be seriously curtailed when a Democrat evicts him.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 07:35 PM
Feb 2019

suffragette

(12,232 posts)
61. Egos? Is that what you think of Democrats running for President? That it's all about "egos"?
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 08:21 PM
Feb 2019

I think it’s about saving our nation from disaster.

manhattan123

(302 posts)
30. But...but...
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:09 PM
Feb 2019

She didn't open a district office in her first three weeks of getting sworn in, and she's young and has to wait her turn, and...whatever else the resident AOC critics say around here.


manhattan123

(302 posts)
76. Hmm..
Thu Feb 28, 2019, 11:48 AM
Feb 2019

I'm still not sure what that means, I just noticed those rather shallow critiques of AOC from a few members here, two in particular who seem to take delight in attacking her.

But thank you for the welcome, although, TBH, I used to post here a lot during the Bush Jr. years, then drifted away, and when I came back recently couldn't for the life of me remember my log-in credentials, so just created a new username which I use on some other sites (TPM, Wonkette).

 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
77. What was your name in your previous incarnation?
Thu Feb 28, 2019, 03:25 PM
Feb 2019

I'm a Wonkette fan too - subscriber now.

manhattan123

(302 posts)
83. No memory of it...
Fri Mar 1, 2019, 07:00 AM
Mar 2019

It was about 15 years ago. I couldn't remember the screen name, and the email I used in those days (aol lol) is long gone.

R B Garr

(17,407 posts)
79. Your comments are also typical for a thread like this.
Thu Feb 28, 2019, 04:33 PM
Feb 2019

There are those who use them as an excuse to talk about other DUers. Your timing was also perfect. Usually some valid input and then sure enough the one-sided comments about other posters start out of the blue and for no reason. You haven’t been paying close enough attention, though, if your only takeaway is about other posters here. Hint: it’s more about a group that attacks incumbent Democrats.

manhattan123

(302 posts)
84. I didn't realize
Fri Mar 1, 2019, 07:08 AM
Mar 2019

we weren't allowed to comment on other posters who seem to go out of their way to attack Democratic members of the House. The posters I was referencing weren't talking about Justice Democrats (which I assume is what you are referring to) but about silly things like AOC not opening a District office quickly.

Are you in charge of what's allowed to be posted? I'm sorry I upset you.

R B Garr

(17,407 posts)
85. And I didn't realize that I can't notice the same type
Fri Mar 1, 2019, 09:06 AM
Mar 2019

pettiness from the same small group who uses every little AOC tweet to discuss other DUers. The silliness works both ways.

manhattan123

(302 posts)
87. I like to laugh
Sat Mar 2, 2019, 03:51 AM
Mar 2019

And since she seems to get at least two DUers riled up, no matter the issue, it's amusing to laugh at them. Your mileage may vary.

I find them silly.

Sorry. Put me on ignore if my laughing at them bothers you.

R B Garr

(17,407 posts)
88. I noticed more the laughable attempts
Sat Mar 2, 2019, 08:55 AM
Mar 2019

to post every tweet or twitter war, most all discussing other DUers. That is also laughable.

manhattan123

(302 posts)
89. Hmm...
Sun Mar 3, 2019, 02:30 AM
Mar 2019

Every tweet or twitter war? Huh?

I don't know what your problem is that I happened to notice and make a really mild comment about a few DUers who seem to go out of their way to criticize AOC over silly matters, but, seriously, you seem like a fucking twit.

R B Garr

(17,407 posts)
90. I just made a mild comment, too, so what is your
Sun Mar 3, 2019, 07:32 AM
Mar 2019

problem. The mild comment/observation was the same little group uses anything about AOC to talk about other DUers — like your snide comments. The fucking twitism (your words) works both ways.

manhattan123

(302 posts)
91. It's probably because...
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 11:44 PM
Mar 2019

you seem like a sanctimonious asshole.

I mentioned no screennames at all, just noted that a few DUers seem to go out of their way to attack AOC over silly things - she hasn't opened a district office yet gasp!!!1!!

Get over yourself.

R B Garr

(17,407 posts)
92. You snideness was very familiar, very sanctimonious
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 11:55 PM
Mar 2019

assholishness in itself. Obviously you didn’t mention screen names, lol. This isn’t a hard concept. It works both ways. The same small group uses these threads to talk about DUers just like you did, and there have been numerous daily tweets posted that are not just office space. It’s not a hard concept at all.

This is now going on several days (almost a week!) you keep kicking this thread. You are the one who should “get over yourself”.

manhattan123

(302 posts)
93. It was my original post, sparky,
Wed Mar 6, 2019, 08:43 PM
Mar 2019

that you have decided to insert yourself into as self-appointed protector of delicate DU members, and now apparently want to keep continuing to comment on. Even the two DU screen names who go out of their way to attack AOC couldn't be bothered. But, hey, if it gives you something to live for, go ahead.

R B Garr

(17,407 posts)
94. Not really, sparky. You made familiar snide comments
Wed Mar 6, 2019, 09:01 PM
Mar 2019

about a couple DUers you are still obsessing about a WEEK later. Then I said there is a small group that always uses these threads to talk about other DUers like your snide comments. That’s about it, Everything else is your obvious projection. Here you are so CONCERNED about those other DUers who didn't chime in — who cares.



manhattan123

(302 posts)
95. What do you mean it wasn't my original post?
Thu Mar 7, 2019, 01:57 AM
Mar 2019

You commented on my original post. This is not confusing. And here you are still commenting on the original post. What a strange person.

I'm guessing we probably agree on most politics, alhtough maybe not?, but, wow, you seem very very involved on this post. Calm down.

R B Garr

(17,407 posts)
96. What are you talking about? What a strange person
Thu Mar 7, 2019, 06:54 AM
Mar 2019

yourself. This is not hard. You made familiar snide comments about other DUers and I said there is a small group who do the same thing. Everything else is your own projection, like now when you are kicking this again after EIGHT days with more snide comments about me, Your pattern is very clear

And your analysis of the other DUers posts is off by miles, too. Obviously you haven’t followed what their input is about Justice Democrats, so maybe you should just move on now.

dameatball

(7,603 posts)
33. I don't get involved much in all the AOC stuff, but she was concise and on target.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:12 PM
Feb 2019

Did her job and did it well.

 

oldsoftie

(13,538 posts)
37. I want those returns released as much as the next person, but they dont contain what people hope.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 06:23 PM
Feb 2019

What they DO contain is the FACT that trump does NOT make as much money as he wants all his followers to believe he does. Just as he's NOT worth anywhere near 10B.
He is obsessed with his image as a big success. tax returns showing he only made 350k (or whatever) would destroy that fake-ass image.

ProfessorPlum

(11,387 posts)
64. you don't know what they contain
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 08:38 PM
Feb 2019

some things may be more likely than others, but who knows what baroque and arcane horrors lie within. He certainly doesn't have the income or assets that someone who was given nearly half a billion dollars in his youth should have.

 

oldsoftie

(13,538 posts)
68. No, i dont "know", but wouldnt that be a HORROR for him? That & no charitable donations.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 09:02 PM
Feb 2019

His followers believe every income claim he makes & to have evidence to show other than that would be a real slap in the face.
There wont be anything definite about russians or such.
Tax returns show profit and loss, not WHO you owe money to or who you do business with.

CK_John

(10,005 posts)
47. IMO, due to her age AOC needs to build up Senator from New York, Charles Schumer
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 07:25 PM
Feb 2019

so he has enough pack money to retire early and support AOC to win the remainder of his senate seat so that she follows Obama path to the white house.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
60. What'd I miss? All I saw
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 08:16 PM
Feb 2019

Was her getting Cohen to say things could be found out if we had tax returns. Like it matters that he said that? Agree on contacts although it's not like we can make them bring returns if subpoena issued ??? Can we?

Ilsa

(62,276 posts)
67. She got Cohen to confirm that the trumps wouldn't
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 09:01 PM
Feb 2019

give him the letters announcing the audit. He requested the letters to show media that trump was under audit. He said they wouldn't give him anything and he suspects they may not have existed.

 

Laura PourMeADrink

(42,770 posts)
70. Yes, that was good he offered that. Bet he had lots
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 09:31 PM
Feb 2019

more. Surely they don't have all those people tomorrow.

Wish they would change to maybe 1/2 committee of the best questioners ...and let them work it for 10 min. Same thing happened at Kavenaugh. Not enough time for the good ones.

California sure does have some great reps. Love Ro Khanna

George II

(67,782 posts)
62. The House Ways and Means Committee Chairman already has a plan to request trump's tax returns.
Wed Feb 27, 2019, 08:21 PM
Feb 2019

Rhiannon12866

(224,013 posts)
72. Lawrence O'Donnell said that the "junior" members go last so there's nothing new to ask
Thu Feb 28, 2019, 01:45 AM
Feb 2019

But she managed to and opened up a whole new facet to the investigation.

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