July 26, 2016

On Day One, Democrats ruthlessly exposed a core Trump weakness

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

This is the article linked to and excerpted by Political Wire, above:

On Day One, Democrats ruthlessly exposed a core Trump weakness

By Greg Sargent July 26 at 9:31 AM

The first night of the Democratic convention, which started out amid discord but ended up featuring outstanding speeches from some of the most outsize figures in the party, continues to be analyzed through the prism of this question: Will Democrats unite at a time when supporters of Bernie Sanders continue to express fury at the process in general and at Hillary Clinton in particular?

That’s a fine question, and its answer remains to be seen, though the significance of the Bernie-or-Bust sentiment is being widely exaggerated this morning by major news organizations. But there’s a bigger picture point to be made here. What last night really showed is that there will be a profound, fundamental imbalance between the Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump campaigns when it comes to the wattage of surrogates out there making the case this fall.

The biggest speeches of the night, from New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, projected a tone that seemed designed to contrast sharply with the hate-and-rage-fest otherwise known as the GOP convention. All of them, in one way or another, sought to align the Democratic Party, optimistically and aspirationally, with culturally and demographically changing America. They explicitly called out Trumpism — the rendition of it featured at the GOP convention — as brimming over with reactionary hostility towards the evolving and diversifying America of the 21st century.

All of this is driven in part by the fact that the voter groups out of which Democrats hope to assemble a winning national coalition — college educated whites, nonwhites, women, young voters — appear to reject the xenophobia and ethno-nationalism at the core of Trumpism’s appeal. But there’s a key nuance here. There is a direct link between Trump’s alienation of key demographics and the lack of high profile surrogates that will be there for him this fall. Senior Republicans are keeping Trump at arm’s length in part precisely because he’s putting off those voter groups, which many top Republicans know the party must improve among for the sake of its future.

more
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/07/26/on-day-one-democrats-ruthlessly-exposed-a-core-trump-weakness/

July 26, 2016

Reports: Clinton Camp In Talks For Sanders To Formally Nominate Clinton

Source: Talking Points Memo

By KATHERINE KRUEGER Published JULY 26, 2016, 11:16 AM EDT

Talks are reportedly underway to secure the ultimate show of party unity: having Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) formally nominate Hillary Clinton for President on Tuesday night.

While no plan for Sanders to officially nominate Clinton after the Democratic National Convention's roll call vote, which is slated for Tuesday evening, has been publicly confirmed, NBC News first reported that negotiations to make that scenario a reality were ongoing:

Bradd Jaffy ✔
@BraddJaffy

Source tells @kwelkernbc Clinton camp negotiating a scenario where SANDERS officially nominates HRC at roll call conclusion; not a done deal

10:50 AM - 26 Jul 2016

CNN also reported the talks:

Lisa Mirando
@LisaMirandoCNN

JUST IN from @mkraju: Sanders & Clinton camps discussing plan for HIM to nominate her after roll call vote - Sr. Dem source #DemsInPhilly

10:49 AM - 26 Jul 2016 · Atlanta, GA, United States
45 45 Retweets 34 34 likes

###

Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/reports-sanders-clinton-camps-in-talks-formal-nomination-dnc

July 26, 2016

If you’re female and running for president, you better be perfect - By Madeleine May Kunin

Madeleine May Kunin is a former governor of Vermont and the author of “The New Feminist Agenda: Defining the Next Revolution for Women, Work and Family.”

-snip-

We expect a great deal from a female candidate for president. It’s called perfection. The slightest stumble is magnified ten-fold. Compare Clinton’s e-mail carelessness with any of Trump’s deliberate false activities with Trump University, his bankruptcies, and the complaints from his vendors who still are waiting to be paid. Men wear imperfection comfortably. Some voters are incredibly forgiving of male politicians’ mistakes. “Boys will be boys,” but girls must be goddesses.

Women are almost as susceptible to subconscious gender bias as men. We have to check ourselves so that we don’t fall into the trap of expecting the impossible from Clinton. Such as those who say they will not vote for Clinton, but will wait to vote for another woman. Believe me, any woman who is the first woman will be put to a similar litmus test because she is stepping into male territory.

As Clinton battled to win the most votes and delegates to earn the Democratic nomination, she had to be a fighter to prove that she is qualified to hold the toughest job in the world. But a self-promoting woman who raises her voice is rarely attractive. Studies have shown that when a woman shouts, she is considered a scold. When a man raises his voice, he is passionate, strong, and authentic. Men like Trump can deviate from the customary political game and get away with it. Women are inclined to be caught in the middle. They must play the game by the old rules, but be ready to toss them out. It is ironic that nominating the first woman for the presidency will mark a political sea change, but simultaneously, Clinton has become a victim of perceived politics as usual.

We are all capable of gender bias when deciding whether to elect the first woman president. Our DNA has been encoded with the male model of leadership. Women leaders remain outliers. Bias can be overcome if both sexes are as alert to subtle gender bias, and the not so subtle bias typical of Donald Trump. He said Clinton “does not look presidential.”

In other words, she does not look like a man. Right. That may not be a bad thing, after all.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2016/07/24/you-female-and-running-for-president-you-better-perfect/pc48BL905o0tBwDAfTG4BN/story.html?p1=Article_Trending_Most_Viewed

July 26, 2016

Bernie Sanders Delegate Says She’s Mad Bernie Sanders Had to Speak Last

by Tommy Christopher | 8:21 am, July 26th, 2016


MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow asked the million dollar question Monday when she wondered just what it is that Bernie Sanders supporters have left to be angry at, and she got her answer Monday night. While Sanders tried to tell supporters earlier on Monday that “this is the real world,” that’s apparently not the case for at least one of his delegates. In an interview with Hallie Jackson following Senator Sanders’ rousing headline speech, Vermont delegate Ashley Andreas said she was still disappointed because, among other things, the stupid Democrats made Bernie wait to go last:

-snip- video

As Rachel Maddow quickly pointed out, going last is actually an honor.

-snip- video

At least there’s a glimmer of hope for Democrats that lifers like Andreas will get it all out of their system after the roll call vote.

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/bernie-sanders-delegate-says-shes-mad-bernie-sanders-had-to-speak-last/

July 26, 2016

New York Governor Sued Over Ads Criticizing North Carolina Bathroom Law

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing allegations that state-sponsored ads he ran promoting his state violated federal law. Robert F. Orr, a former North Carolina Supreme Court judge, filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel regarding ads that Cuomo has run in North Carolina that promote New York’s business opportunities, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The complaint says that the ads reference North Carolina’s transgender bathroom law, describing New York as “where we understand the value of diversity” and “where the true leaders are.” North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is up for reelection in November. Orr, who told WSJ that he is not connected to the McCrory campaign or administration, is claiming that the ads “mention North Carolina and its leadership in a transparent attempt to criticize, interfere and affect the impending North Carolina elections,” in violation of the Hatch Act.

The Hatch Act is comprised of a series of federal statutes (U.S. Code Sections 7321-7326 to be precise) that regulate the political activity of sitting government officials. The Act says that an official is not permitted to “use his official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election.” Orr’s complaint says that Cuomo’s ads, which started running in late June and are no longer on the air, did just that by “y using public funds to promote New York as supporting certain policies and implicitly criticizing contrary political decisions made in North Carolina.” Orr also filed a complaint regarding the ads with New York’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

Cuomo spokesman John P.L. Kelly, said the complaints are “frivolous,” and that “it would be funny if the issues we were actually talking about did not involve human rights and basic equality.” He added, “New York welcomes everyone—everyone—who seeks to embrace freedom while pursuing their dreams.”

more
http://lawnewz.com/high-profile/new-york-governor-sued-over-ads-criticizing-north-carolina-bathroom-law/

July 26, 2016

Donald Trump Spent His Night Threatening Cory Booker, Insulting ‘Pocahontas’ Warren

by Tommy Christopher | 8:06 am, July 26th, 2016 702

As the first night of the Democratic National Convention built from conflicted chaos to a triumphant crescendo with a well-engineered speech by Bernie Sanders, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump did what he does, but not particularly well. While the Democrats gradually got their unity on in Philadelphia, Trump fired off a series of lackluster tweets with mostly-familiar themes, but beginning with this weird veiled threat against New Jersey Senator and formerly buzzed-about Democratic VP contender Cory Booker:

Donald J. Trump ✔
@realDonaldTrump

If Cory Booker is the future of the Democratic Party, they have no future! I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.

10:14 PM - 25 Jul 2016
8,719 8,719 Retweets 28,895 28,895 likes

After that, it was Bernie the sellout, Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren, and Bernie the sellout again:

Donald J. Trump ✔
@realDonaldTrump

Sad to watch Bernie Sanders abandon his revolution. We welcome all voters who want to fix our rigged system and bring back our jobs.

11:04 PM - 25 Jul 2016
19,174 19,174 Retweets 50,762 50,762 likes

Donald J. Trump ✔
@realDonaldTrump

Elizabeth Warren, often referred to as Pocahontas, just misrepresented me and spoke glowingly about Crooked Hillary, who she always hated!

11:12 PM - 25 Jul 2016
9,527 9,527 Retweets 32,157 32,157 likes

http://www.mediaite.com/online/donald-trump-spent-his-night-threatening-cory-booker-insulting-pocahontas-warren/

July 26, 2016

Normandy church attack suspect was on watch list and wore electronic tag, French officials say

Source: The Washington Post

By James McAuley and Brian Murphy July 26 at 9:56 AM

SAINT-ETIENNE-DU-ROUVRAY, France — Two attackers backing the Islamic State stormed a village church during Mass in northern France on Tuesday, taking hostages and slitting the throat of a 86-year-old priest before police commandos shot and killed the assailants, authorities said.

The Islamic State’s Amaq news agency described the attackers as “soldiers” of the militant group, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militant statements. But it was not immediately clear whether the assailants had direct contact with the Islamic State.

At least one of the attackers appeared to be on a watch list, including being forced to wear an electronic bracelet to allow security officials to track his movements, said a police official cited by the Associated Press.

The measure was taken after the man tried to reach Syria, but was turned back at some point during the trip, the official said. The AP said the official spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose information about the case.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/attackers-slit-french-priests-throat-in-church-shot-dead-by-police/2016/07/26/618a9600-5315-11e6-b7de-dfe509430c39_story.html?wpisrc=al_alert-world

July 26, 2016

Bernie Sanders's DNC speech methodically dismantled the "Bernie or Bust" argument

Updated by Andrew Prokop @awprokop Jul 25, 2016, 11:55p

-snip-

"Any objective observer will conclude that based on her ideas and her leadership, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States," Sanders said. As the crowd cheered, he added, "The choice is not even close."

To back up this argument, Sanders made a straightforward, pragmatic case to his supporters that the issues are what matter most, and that the only way their preferred policies could be advanced is if a Democratic president — namely, Clinton — is elected.

And while the speech offered some praise of Clinton (he said she’d make "an outstanding president&quot , Sanders didn’t stop there. He also implied that he’d work to hold her to her promises once she did make it into office.

-snip-

It was a clever move, suggesting that the fight wouldn’t stop with electing Clinton. The true fight will continue when she’s in office — and even before she’s in office. (Notably, Sanders also ad-libbed a line that TPP must not get to the floor of Congress during the lame-duck session, meaning that he’d try to stop Democratic leaders from flip-flopping again on the issue.)

Sanders promised his supporters that he’d be there to continue waging that fight. But, he argued, the choice was clear. Electing Hillary Clinton is the best way to move America in the direction he thinks it should go.

full article:
http://www.vox.com/2016/7/25/12282962/bernie-sanders-dnc-speech-analysis

July 26, 2016

The Latest: Sarandon waits to be convinced to back Clinton

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Latest on the Democratic National Convention (all times local):

6:25 a.m.

Susan Sarandon says she’s to be persuaded to support Hillary Clinton before giving her vote.

The actress is attending the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and has been taking part in demonstrations with various groups.

Sarandon has been an outspoken supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. In an interview with left-leaning website Democracy Now, she says she wants to see what Clinton’s plans for are on issues such as fracking and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. She says she wants to be “convinced” by the likely Democratic nominee.

In a separate interview with left-wing online network, The Young Turks, Sarandon calls the leaked e-mails that show the Democratic National Committee and chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz strongly backing Clinton for the party bid, “disgusting.” But she adds, “it doesn’t come as a surprise.”

-snip-

http://www.salon.com/2016/07/26/the_latest_sarandon_waits_to_be_convinced_to_back_clinton/

July 26, 2016

CNN’s John King caught joking about ‘Irish lives matter’ on open mic during speech on immigrants

During a speech by Philadelphia’s mayor at the Democratic National convention on the immigrant experience, CNN’s John King was caught on an open mic making a joke about the speech.

Mayor Jim Kenney was addressing the convention goers and discrimination faced by early Irish immigrants, when King made his comment.

“Today, today, however, I want to share a Philadelphia story you probably don’t know,” Kenney said. “In 1844, an early version of the Know Nothing political party held a rally here to protest the threat that Irish Catholic immigrants posed to the American way of life. They claimed these immigrants, these people like my family, were more like likely to commit crimes than native born citizen.”

As Kenney was speaking, King quipped,“That’s the Irish Lives Matter movement,” unaware the mic picked him up.

http://www.rawstory.com/2016/07/cnns-john-king-caught-joking-about-irish-lives-matter-on-open-mic-during-speech-on-immigrants/