Donald Trump Says Debate With Bernie Would Be “Inappropriate”
Running out of cash in the days running up to the California Democratic primary on June 7th, Sen. Bernie Sanders threw a ‘hail Mary’ in his attempt to debate GOP nominee Donald Trump.
Trump appeared to take the bait at the time, but later said he was joking.
But Sanders has run full steam ahead hoping for the exposure in lieu of buying expensive TV time in California.
Trump finally put the idea to rest today with this statement:
“Based on the fact that the Democratic nominating process is totally rigged and Crooked Hillary Clinton and Deborah Wasserman Schultz will not allow Bernie Sanders to win, and now that I am the presumptive Republican nominee, it seems inappropriate that I would debate the second place finisher,” Trump said.
“Likewise, the networks want to make a killing on these events and are not proving to be too generous to charitable causes, in this case, women’s health issues. Therefore, as much as I want to debate Bernie Sanders – and it would be an easy payday – I will wait to debate the first place finisher in the Democratic Party, probably Crooked Hillary Clinton, or whoever it may be.”
Moments before Trump’s statement was released, Sanders’ campaign team told the media that ABC and CBS had offered to make multi-million dollar donations to get the right to air the proposed debate. ABC later confirmed that, but CBS says they made no commitments regarding charitable donation.
Additionally, technology company Traction and Scale offered $10 million to help make the debate happen.
I think most folks never believed Trump would really debate with Bernie.
Senate Democrats Growing Weary Over Bernie Sanders’ Trump Debate
Some Senate Democrats are groaning over Sen. Bernie Sanders recent attempt to debate presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump in advance of the California primary on June 7th.
Via Politico:
“Bullshit,” said Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. “That confirms what we’ve been saying. Why would you expect Bernie should be considerate or be nice or be working to bring everyone together? Why? He’s not a Democrat.”
The party’s frustrations are boiling over with Sanders as the primary season winds down: Namely that Sanders seems unwilling or unable to admit that Hillary Clinton is on course for the nomination. The ire toward Sanders began earlier this year among the loudest Democratic cheerleaders for Clinton — and now it’s seeping into nearly the entire Senate Democratic caucus.
Lawmakers reacted with puzzlement, sarcasm and barely veiled anger as Sanders’ campaign and Trump himself played up an event that would exclude Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.
“I don’t know why he would do that. I think it’s time to start to winding down the primary,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.). “It’s time to move on.”
“It’s peculiar,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). “It’s all about Bernie trying to get the advantage in California. It’s not going to work.”
David Schwimmer & James Corden “Drop The Mic” In Rap Battle
Last night on CBS’ The Late Late Show, David Schwimmer and host James Corden threw down in a “Drop The Mic” rap battle, and some hilarious rhymes were dropped.
Corden began with this: “Millennials, let me introduce you to this guy. His name is David – he was famous in ’95. He was on TV then. Now it’s 2016, and he has no Friends.”
Referencing Schwimmer’s new role in The People v. O.J. Simpson against him: “He was a Kardashian on TV, but that was only for pretend. You played Robert, and that was a great combo. But you were so white, you shoulda probably played the Bronco.”
Schwimmer was not intimidated, opening his salvo with this: “We all know as an actor your roles were all the same: the heavy best friend, the humorous side-kick with a belly so big you can’t find your own –.”
Along the way, the former Friends star took aim at Corden’s weight (“They know me in Japan; they know you at In & Out”), and TV pedigree (“You’re late night; I’m prime-time. You’re cola, I’m fine wine.”)
The battle looked like a draw until Rebel Wilson crashed the party with rap attacks for both Corden (“Carpool Karaoke, you think it’s your big thing. But everyone is thinking, ‘Shut up and let Adele sing.'”) and Schwimmer (“David, your career – it’s a huge mistake. It’s like Ross and Rachel; it’s ‘on a break.'”).
Some fun stuff here. You can watch the full battle royale below.
San Diego Padres Reinstate DJ Artform After National Anthem Debacle
DJ Artform, the man now famously responsible for the humiliating National Anthem incident involving the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego at the Padres’ Pride Night game has been re-hired by the team following an MLB investigation which found no “malicious intent” behind the error.
As many know by now, Artform was the man who hit “play” on a recording of the Star Spangled Banner this past Saturday for the Gay Men’s Chorus. Unfortunately, he played the wrong recording – one of a woman singing the anthem. The men of the GMC felt humiliated as they could do nothing but stand center field as the full recording continued to play.
Artform has not only issued a heartfelt apology to all those involved, but went on talk radio to explain how the debacle occurred.
The Gay Men’s Chorus accepted Artform’s apology, and publicly asked the Padres to give him a second chance.
DJ Artform shared the news of his reinstatement with the Padres via Facebook:
Speaking from the heart got me this far, so I’ll speak from the heart again as this controversy comes to a close.
First and foremost, I would like to personally thank the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, MLB and the San Diego Padres for truly understanding what caused the error during the National Anthem. I’m extremely humbled and honored for the tons of support of individuals who truly know my character and for those who had no idea who I was but believed in me from the start.
I am extremely relieved that MLB’s thorough investigation concluded and found the truth behind this entire unfortunate event.
I would also like to thank the entire community for rallying behind me and signing the petition requesting reinstatement of my duties with the San Diego Padres.
I have spoken to an executive within the Padres and,while details have not yet been discussed, have accepted an invitation to return and again provides services to the team.
I truly hope we can continue to build bridges with and between the LGBT community and Major League Baseball, as well as athletics in general.
Once again, I am truly sorry for the incident that occurred and for all those negatively affected, the Chorus in particular. I’ve exposed my heart to the world and I appreciate you all rallying behind this San Diegan.
Clubbing
Furry Friday: Ben Cohen
We haven’t seen much of LGBT ally and rugby icon Ben Cohen in some time. Long time readers know Ben frequently adorned the pages of The Randy Report, especially as he was launching his anti-bullying StandUp Foundation.
Ben announced he wasn’t doing his annual calendar this year as he felt his body wasn’t up to the visual.
I’m certain it was, and is 🙂
But let’s celebrate a little Furry Friday with this gif from a couple of years ago.
Short Film: “If I Could Talk”
Beautiful short film by Shawn Welling.
From his official website:
Welling is an American photographer and film maker who began his career as a dance choreographer and theatre performer.
He is the founder and current sole owner of the Planet Funk Dance Academy in Houston, Texas. Planet Funk an organization whose dance teams have toured globally.
As a filmmaker, Welling features well know dancers in documentary,feature length, and web series films. Shawn Welling is winner of over 30 accredited IMDB Film Festival awards including awarded Best Film in 2009 and Best Director 2011 from Houston Press and the coveted WOD Industry award for Best Film Director in L.A.
This short film received just a little bit of acclaim last year:
2015, Best of Festival Award for “If I Could Talk” at Gulf Coast FF
2015, Audience award for Best Short Film for “If I Could Talk” at Charleston International FF
2015, Audience award for Best Short Film for “If I Could Talk” at East End Film Festival, UK
2015, Best Houston Production for “If I Could Talk” at WorldFest International FF
2015, Best Director Special Jury Award for “If I Could Talk” at WorldFest International FF
I’m kind of obsessed with his talent right now. Head over to his extensive website to learn more about him.
He’s pretty easy on the eyes, too.
Submitted Without Comment
Via Mother Jones Facebook page:
Marco Rubio: “I Want To Be Helpful” To Donald Trump
After spending months attacking – sometimes to the point of belittling Donald Trump – Florida Sen. Marco Rubio has finally turned the corner, reworked the thoughts in his head, and is fully behind the Trumpster for president.
In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Rubio said, “I want to be helpful. I don’t want to be harmful, ’cause I don’t want Hillary Clinton to be president.”
Once considered the great, young hope of the GOP, I think he looks a bit defeated still.
In related news, although Rubio has announced he will not seek reelection for his U.S. Senate seat in Florida, folks in the Sunshine State are worried the seat could flip.
And so, Republicans – including one-time foe Donald Trump – are urging Rubio to reconsider.
Poll data shows that @marcorubio does by far the best in holding onto his Senate seat in Florida. Important to keep the MAJORITY. Run Marco!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2016