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babylonsister
babylonsister's Journal
babylonsister's Journal
June 2, 2020
Trump’s Re-Election Chances Are Dwindling
June 2, 2020 at 8:35 am EDT By Taegan Goddard
Trump's Re-Election Chances Are Dwindling
https://politicalwire.com/2020/06/02/trumps-re-election-chances-are-dwindling/Trump’s Re-Election Chances Are Dwindling
June 2, 2020 at 8:35 am EDT By Taegan Goddard
Jonathan Bernstein: “After a month of bad news, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have taken another hit. He’s in serious trouble for re-election.”
“Most of the damage is on the disapproval side. On May 1, Trump was at 43.3% approval and 50.7% disapproval, according to the estimate at FiveThirtyEight, which is based on an adjusted average of all the polls out there. Now? Although his approval is down just a bit, to 42.9%, his disapproval is up another three percentage points and sits at 53.6%. Two months ago, Trump was getting his best approval numbers since his brief honeymoon; now, he’s lost all of that and is back to where he’s been for most of the past two years.”
“As was the case last month, that means that his numbers resemble those of the last two elected presidents to be defeated for a second term, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. He’s solidly behind Barack Obama and George W. Bush, both of whom won re-election in reasonably contested efforts, and far behind landslide winners Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.”
“Most of the damage is on the disapproval side. On May 1, Trump was at 43.3% approval and 50.7% disapproval, according to the estimate at FiveThirtyEight, which is based on an adjusted average of all the polls out there. Now? Although his approval is down just a bit, to 42.9%, his disapproval is up another three percentage points and sits at 53.6%. Two months ago, Trump was getting his best approval numbers since his brief honeymoon; now, he’s lost all of that and is back to where he’s been for most of the past two years.”
“As was the case last month, that means that his numbers resemble those of the last two elected presidents to be defeated for a second term, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. He’s solidly behind Barack Obama and George W. Bush, both of whom won re-election in reasonably contested efforts, and far behind landslide winners Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.”
June 2, 2020
Police Forced Priest from Church Before Photo Op
June 2, 2020 at 8:39 am EDT By Taegan Goddard
Police Forced Priest from Church Before Photo Op
https://politicalwire.com/2020/06/02/police-expelled-priest-from-church-before-photo-op/Police Forced Priest from Church Before Photo Op
June 2, 2020 at 8:39 am EDT By Taegan Goddard
Religion News: “The photo opportunity had an eerie quality: Trump said relatively little, positioned stoically in front of the boarded-up church, which had been damaged the day before in a fire during protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.”
“The church appeared to be completely abandoned. It was, in fact, abandoned, but not by choice: less than an hour before Trump’s arrival, armored police used tear gas to clear hundreds of peaceful demonstrators from Lafayette Square park, which is across the street from the church.”
“Authorities also expelled at least one Episcopal priest and a seminarian from the church’s patio.”
The White House released a video last night glorifying Trump’s photo op.
“The church appeared to be completely abandoned. It was, in fact, abandoned, but not by choice: less than an hour before Trump’s arrival, armored police used tear gas to clear hundreds of peaceful demonstrators from Lafayette Square park, which is across the street from the church.”
“Authorities also expelled at least one Episcopal priest and a seminarian from the church’s patio.”
The White House released a video last night glorifying Trump’s photo op.
June 2, 2020
Their pleadings followed a day’s worth of presidential grievances and inflammatory rhetoric that caused many in his party to fret once against about Trump’s divisive form of politics. But there was also an acknowledgment by some Republicans that conciliation is just not in Trump’s repertoire, and many have grown tired of trying to get Trump to calibrate his inflammatory rhetoric.
more...
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/01/republican-senate-trump-protest-294900
As Trump rages, Republicans plead for calm
He obviously wasn't listening.
As Trump rages, Republicans plead for calm
GOP senators urged the president to ease tensions — not inflame them.
By BURGESS EVERETT, MARIANNE LEVINE and ANDREW DESIDERIO
06/01/2020 07:29 PM EDT
President Donald Trump spent Monday further fanning the flames of confrontation between protesters and police. And some Republicans are urging the president to extinguish them.
Against a backdrop of police officers with riot gear ringing the Capitol as well as protesters chanting “I can’t breathe” and “hands up don’t shoot,” Senate Republicans called for a far gentler touch than the president has displayed so far.
Some said they’d like to hear him make a national address, a move Trump had avoided for days despite deepening nationwide angst. Others implored him to empathize with those outraged over the deaths of George Floyd and other black Americans at the hands of police, even as he acted to curb riots and looting in big cities.
“We are obviously in a divisive situation right now that’s escalating, and I think he needs to make more unifying comments,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
“The country is looking for healing and calm. And I think the president needs to project that in his tone. He masters that sometimes,” said Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.). “That’s the tone he needs to strike right now.”
Their pleadings followed a day’s worth of presidential grievances and inflammatory rhetoric that caused many in his party to fret once against about Trump’s divisive form of politics. But there was also an acknowledgment by some Republicans that conciliation is just not in Trump’s repertoire, and many have grown tired of trying to get Trump to calibrate his inflammatory rhetoric.
more...
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/01/republican-senate-trump-protest-294900
June 1, 2020
Several cadets brought back for graduation at West Point test positive for Covid-19
By Barbara Starr and Chandelis Duster, CNN
Updated 10:10 AM ET, Mon June 1, 2020
Washington (CNN)About 15 cadets from the US Military Academy Class of 2020 who were brought back for graduation where President Donald Trump is scheduled to give the commencement address have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a US Army spokesperson.
"About 1 ½ percent" of the Class of 2020 who were brought back have tested positive, the spokesperson told CNN Sunday. None of the infected cadets were symptomatic, the spokesperson said, adding "no cadet has contracted through person-to-person contact while under the Army's care" and that those infected were isolated. The graduating class size is approximately 1,000 cadets.
In April, the President announced he was going to address West Point's commencement ceremony taking place June 13. His decision to do so has been criticized for putting cadets' health at risk. West Point said in a statement in late April the graduation procession "will look different from recent graduation ceremonies due to current force health protection requirements" related to the coronavirus pandemic.
West Point's campus is in New York state, which has been the state hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic so far. Cadets had been away from campus since early March.
Several cadets brought back for graduation at West Point test positive for Covid-19
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/politics/west-point-cadets-coronavirus/index.htmlSeveral cadets brought back for graduation at West Point test positive for Covid-19
By Barbara Starr and Chandelis Duster, CNN
Updated 10:10 AM ET, Mon June 1, 2020
Washington (CNN)About 15 cadets from the US Military Academy Class of 2020 who were brought back for graduation where President Donald Trump is scheduled to give the commencement address have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a US Army spokesperson.
"About 1 ½ percent" of the Class of 2020 who were brought back have tested positive, the spokesperson told CNN Sunday. None of the infected cadets were symptomatic, the spokesperson said, adding "no cadet has contracted through person-to-person contact while under the Army's care" and that those infected were isolated. The graduating class size is approximately 1,000 cadets.
"The Army and West Point have done meticulous planning to ensure the health and safety of the returning cadets of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2020. There is mandatory screening for all and we've had a small number -- about 1 ½ percent -- test positive," the spokesperson said. "This was anticipated. None were symptomatic, and no cadet has contracted through person-to-person contact while under the Army's care. Those who test positive are isolated, and receive appropriate care and attention, while we continue an orderly reintegration of our cadets."
In April, the President announced he was going to address West Point's commencement ceremony taking place June 13. His decision to do so has been criticized for putting cadets' health at risk. West Point said in a statement in late April the graduation procession "will look different from recent graduation ceremonies due to current force health protection requirements" related to the coronavirus pandemic.
West Point's campus is in New York state, which has been the state hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic so far. Cadets had been away from campus since early March.
June 1, 2020
Supreme Court rules immigrants who fear torture can appeal deportations in court
By Harper Neidig - 06/01/20 11:36 AM EDT
Immigrants who are at risk of being tortured if they're returned to their home countries can challenge deportations in federal appeals court, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday.
In a 7-2 decision, the high court rejected the Trump administration's argument that foreigners tagged for deportation have no right to judicial review if their request for relief under the international Convention Against Torture (CAT) is denied.
The decision will allow immigrants who have been convicted of a crime and designated for deportation to make factual challenges in court when the Department of Justice's Board of Immigration Appeals decides that they do not qualify for deportation protection under CAT.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote a brief 13-page opinion for the majority, dismissing the government's arguments that the law passed by Congress that implements CAT protections prevents potential deportees from going to court.
more...
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/500452-supreme-court-rules-immigrants-who-fear-torture-can-appeal
Supreme Court rules immigrants who fear torture can appeal deportations in court
Supreme Court rules immigrants who fear torture can appeal deportations in court
By Harper Neidig - 06/01/20 11:36 AM EDT
Immigrants who are at risk of being tortured if they're returned to their home countries can challenge deportations in federal appeals court, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday.
In a 7-2 decision, the high court rejected the Trump administration's argument that foreigners tagged for deportation have no right to judicial review if their request for relief under the international Convention Against Torture (CAT) is denied.
The decision will allow immigrants who have been convicted of a crime and designated for deportation to make factual challenges in court when the Department of Justice's Board of Immigration Appeals decides that they do not qualify for deportation protection under CAT.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote a brief 13-page opinion for the majority, dismissing the government's arguments that the law passed by Congress that implements CAT protections prevents potential deportees from going to court.
"It would be easy enough for Congress to preclude judicial review of factual challenges to CAT orders, just as Congress has precluded judicial review of factual challenges to certain final orders of removal," Kavanaugh wrote. "But Congress has not done so, and it is not the proper role of the courts to rewrite the laws passed by Congress and signed by the President."
more...
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/500452-supreme-court-rules-immigrants-who-fear-torture-can-appeal
June 1, 2020
Pompeo signals impending action against ICC for investigating alleged U.S. war crimes
The secretary of State said he is “very concerned” about the probe being conducted by the Hague-based tribunal.
By QUINT FORGEY
06/01/2020 12:00 PM EDT
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday previewed imminent action by the Trump administration aimed at countering the International Criminal Court’s investigation of alleged war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.
In an interview on the “What the Hell Is Going On?” podcast, produced by the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute think tank, Pomepo said he is “very concerned” about the probe being conducted by the Hague-based tribunal.
“You’ll see in the coming days a series of announcements not just from the State Department, [but] from all across the United States government that attempt to push back against what the ICC is up to,” he said.
The warning from America’s top diplomat comes after ICC judges in March authorized an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly perpetrated by Afghan government forces, the Taliban, American troops and U.S. foreign intelligence operatives. The inquiry marks the first time the court’s prosecutor had been allowed to scrutinize U.S. forces.
more...
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/01/mike-pompeo-icc-investigating-us-war-crimes-293673
Pompeo signals impending action against ICC for investigating alleged U.S. war crimes
Pompeo signals impending action against ICC for investigating alleged U.S. war crimes
The secretary of State said he is “very concerned” about the probe being conducted by the Hague-based tribunal.
By QUINT FORGEY
06/01/2020 12:00 PM EDT
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday previewed imminent action by the Trump administration aimed at countering the International Criminal Court’s investigation of alleged war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.
In an interview on the “What the Hell Is Going On?” podcast, produced by the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute think tank, Pomepo said he is “very concerned” about the probe being conducted by the Hague-based tribunal.
“You’ll see in the coming days a series of announcements not just from the State Department, [but] from all across the United States government that attempt to push back against what the ICC is up to,” he said.
The warning from America’s top diplomat comes after ICC judges in March authorized an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly perpetrated by Afghan government forces, the Taliban, American troops and U.S. foreign intelligence operatives. The inquiry marks the first time the court’s prosecutor had been allowed to scrutinize U.S. forces.
more...
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/01/mike-pompeo-icc-investigating-us-war-crimes-293673
June 1, 2020
Trudeau: Russia's return to the G-7 not acceptable
The group suspended Russia's membership in 2014 over its annexation of Crimea in Ukraine.
By ANDY BLATCHFORD
06/01/2020 01:53 PM EDT
OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau says inviting Russia back to the G-7 table would be unacceptable, even as Donald Trump plans to open the 2020 summit's doors to Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. president proposed Saturday to expand the group by adding four non-member nations, including Russia. The other countries on Trump's longer invitee list were India, Australia and South Korea.
The group suspended Russia's membership in 2014 over its annexation of Crimea in Ukraine.
Asked about Trump's proposal, the Canadian prime minister told reporters Monday that Russia should not be welcomed back. The U.K. also said Monday that it would veto any such plan.
more...
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/01/justin-trudeau-russia-return-to-summit-294176
Trudeau: Russia's return to the G-7 not acceptable
Trudeau: Russia's return to the G-7 not acceptable
The group suspended Russia's membership in 2014 over its annexation of Crimea in Ukraine.
By ANDY BLATCHFORD
06/01/2020 01:53 PM EDT
OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau says inviting Russia back to the G-7 table would be unacceptable, even as Donald Trump plans to open the 2020 summit's doors to Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. president proposed Saturday to expand the group by adding four non-member nations, including Russia. The other countries on Trump's longer invitee list were India, Australia and South Korea.
The group suspended Russia's membership in 2014 over its annexation of Crimea in Ukraine.
Asked about Trump's proposal, the Canadian prime minister told reporters Monday that Russia should not be welcomed back. The U.K. also said Monday that it would veto any such plan.
"Its continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G-7 and it will continue to remain out," said Trudeau, who later added in French: "It will not be acceptable to accept it within the G-7."
more...
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/01/justin-trudeau-russia-return-to-summit-294176
June 1, 2020
Minneapolis police chief: All involved officers 'complicit' in George Floyd's death
By Justin Wise - 06/01/20 07:33 AM EDT
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said Sunday that all of the officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody, were "complicit" and that they should bear responsibility for his death.
Arradondo made the comments while appearing for an interview in which CNN correspondent Sarah Sidner conveyed a question from Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd. Asked by Philonise if Arradondo would "get justice" for his brother and arrest all of the officers involved, the police chief responded, "being silent or not intervening, to me, you're complicit."
"So I don't see a level of distinction any different. Mr. Floyd died in our hands, and so I see that as being complicit," Arradondo added as he stood at the site of George Floyd's arrest, which is now serving as a makeshift memorial.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1267291227235418113
more...
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/500405-minneapolis-police-chief-all-involved-officers-complicit-in-george
Minneapolis police chief: All involved officers 'complicit' in George Floyd's death
Minneapolis police chief: All involved officers 'complicit' in George Floyd's death
By Justin Wise - 06/01/20 07:33 AM EDT
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said Sunday that all of the officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody, were "complicit" and that they should bear responsibility for his death.
Arradondo made the comments while appearing for an interview in which CNN correspondent Sarah Sidner conveyed a question from Floyd's brother, Philonise Floyd. Asked by Philonise if Arradondo would "get justice" for his brother and arrest all of the officers involved, the police chief responded, "being silent or not intervening, to me, you're complicit."
"So I don't see a level of distinction any different. Mr. Floyd died in our hands, and so I see that as being complicit," Arradondo added as he stood at the site of George Floyd's arrest, which is now serving as a makeshift memorial.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1267291227235418113
more...
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/500405-minneapolis-police-chief-all-involved-officers-complicit-in-george
June 1, 2020
Trump Refuses Advice to Address Nation
There's the leadership we've come to know and love. 
https://politicalwire.com/2020/06/01/trump-refuses-advice-to-address-nation/
Trump Refuses Advice to Address Nation
June 1, 2020 at 7:12 am EDT By Taegan Goddard
“President Trump has dismissed advice from his allies urging him to tone down his rhetoric and held back so far on a formal address to the nation as cities across the country faced another night of fiery protests,” NBC News reports.
“Senior adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner is not in favor of a high-profile presidential speech at this time.”
“Senior adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner is not in favor of a high-profile presidential speech at this time.”
June 1, 2020
Recruitment and Money Woes Undermine GOP Chances
Good.
https://politicalwire.com/2020/06/01/recruitment-and-money-woes-undermine-gop-chances/
Recruitment and Money Woes Undermine GOP Chances
June 1, 2020 at 6:27 am EDT By Taegan Goddard
Washington Post: “Vulnerable Democratic incumbents have massively outraised their Republican challengers, national GOP groups have yet to show the ability to make up the fundraising gap, and in several key districts, some of the party’s most coveted recruits have opted not to run. Public opinion polls, meanwhile, indicate a Democratic advantage on the congressional ballot in line with what the party enjoyed in 2018, ahead of their sweeping national gains.”
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Member since: Mon Sep 6, 2004, 09:54 PM
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