(via Instagram/steve_in_la)Just Because…
WH Spokesperson Defends Trump Attack On Deceased Congressman
During an appearance on CBS This Morning, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham attempted to defend Donald Trump’s grotesque insinuation that deceased Rep. John Dingell might be “looking up” from hell. The comment occurred during a rally in Michigan, where Dingell represented his district for more than 50 years – making him the longest-serving congressman in U.S. history. Trump was ranting about the congressman’s widow, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who voted in favor of his impeachment last night. When asked about the remark by host Gayle King, Grisham said she “didn’t hear him say that” but characterized the comment as “riffing” and “counterpunching.”
.@GayleKing asks @PressSec about President Trump's comments last night in Michigan disparaging late Congressman John Dingell. https://t.co/G8oKK3ByJY pic.twitter.com/ZAkgqSUPPZ
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) December 19, 2019
Newspaper Headlines On The Impeachment Of Trump
In Impeachment Rant, Trump Suggests Rep. John Dingell Is In Hell
At a campaign rally in Michigan, Donald Trump responded to the news of his impeachment by ranting about the vote of Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan). Dingell took office succeeding the late Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving congressman in U.S. history. Recalling her thanks for the state funeral he truly deserved, Trump seems to think she owed him her allegiance in the vote tonight. Speaking of the departed Dingell, he spoke of the congressman looking down – “or looking up” – from where he is tonight. Truly disgraceful behavior. There is no bottom. His widow, Rep. Debbie Dingell, responded to the grotesque comment along with others.
Trump laments that Debbie Dingell voted to impeach him despite the fact that he allowed the normal state funeral to proceed for her late husband, former Rep. John Dingell. Trump then suggests John Dingell is in hell — to audible groans. pic.twitter.com/wsYfddNIA9
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 19, 2019
Mr. President, let’s set politics aside. My husband earned all his accolades after a lifetime of service. I’m preparing for the first holiday season without the man I love. You brought me down in a way you can never imagine and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) December 19, 2019
John Dingell served our country in World War II. He was the longest-serving Member of the House in history, was instrumental in passing Medicare, Civil Rights, Clean Air Act, & more. @realDonaldTrump is not fit to carry Mr. Dingell’s boots. How dare Trump disparage his memory.
— Paul Begala (@PaulBegala) December 19, 2019
Trump goes after Rep. Debbie Dingell for voting for impeachment after he lowered flags for her late husband and longtime Rep. John Dingell. Then makes a joke at J. Dingell's expense, saying "maybe he's looking up" instead of looking down. Crowd reaction was not great.
— Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) December 19, 2019
Donald Trump Impeached For Abuse Of Power, Obstruction Of Congress
From the New York Times:
The House of Representatives on Wednesday impeached President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third president in history to be charged with committing high crimes and misdemeanors and face removal by the Senate.
On a day of constitutional consequence and raging partisan tension, the votes on the two articles of impeachment fell largely along party lines, after a bitter debate that reflected the deep polarization gripping American politics in the Trump era.
All but two Democrats supported the article on abuse of power, which accused Mr. Trump of corruptly using the levers of government to solicit election assistance from Ukraine in the form of investigations to discredit his Democratic political rivals. Republicans were united in opposition. It passed 230 to 197, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi gaveling the vote to a close from the House rostrum.
On the second charge, obstruction of Congress, a third Democrat joined Republicans in opposition. The vote was 229 to 198.
Podcast: Dangers On Grindr, ‘Special’ renewed, Plus Tips For The Holidays With The Family
In this week’s podcast: • Two Dallas men plead guilty to using Grindr to commit hate crimes against gay men • The first LGBTQ-welcoming senior housing opens in New York City • An Elder at an anti-LGBTQ Missouri church has been charged with soliciting sexual favors from college guys • The acclaimed Netflix series “Special” is renewed for Season 2 • Plus, tips for introducing your significant other to your family during the holidays All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
News Round-Up: December 18, 2019
Some news items you might have missed: • InstaHunks: Here in Las Vegas, they do things a little differently during the holidays. For instance, a cactus could be used as a Christmas tree. But I could only find this pic (above) of a Chippendale and…what was I saying? Dangit – I know I had some point to make. Oh well 🙂 • The Daily Beast: Stonewall House, the first-ever LGBT-welcoming senior housing development in New York City has officially opened. The first residents are expected to move into the 145-unit building in Brooklyn before Christmas, with the rest of the residents moving in throughout January. • CNBC: A judge on Wednesday dismissed New York state criminal charges filed against Paul Manafort, the fallen Republican lobbyist who served for several months as President Donald Trump’s campaign chief in 2016. Judge Maxwell Wiley said during a hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court that New York’s double-jeopardy law barred the state indictment against Manafort. • Medium: Over 1,000 American historians have signed a letter supporting the impeachment of Donald Trump. “It is our considered judgment that if President Trump’s misconduct does not rise to the level of impeachment, then virtually nothing does.” • Reuters: Germany could become the first major European power to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy’ across the entire country. The legislation, which parliament is expected to pass by the summer, will punish violations with imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 30,000 euros ($33,100). • Christmas Music: In its first 12 months, the 1984 all-star charity recording “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” raised £8 million to help efforts to ease famine in Ethiopia. The original recording remains one of the biggest selling singles in UK history.
Meme Of The Day
The wit and wisdom of my Instinct Magazine colleague, Corey AndrewGallup: Trump Support Inches To 45%, Support For Impeachment 46%
Donald Trump (image via White House – public domain)
President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has inched up again and is now at 45%. The president’s ratings have increased six percentage points since the House of Representatives opened an impeachment inquiry against him in the fall.
Trump’s latest job rating is on the high end of the relatively tight range of 35% to 46% approval he has received since taking office, and marks the fifth time he has reached 45% or higher during his presidency. His approval stretched to 46% only once, in May of this year, when a flurry of positive economic news coincided with the issuing of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report.
Currently, 46% support impeachment and removal, down six percentage points from the first reading after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the impeachment inquiry. Meanwhile, 51% oppose impeachment and removal — up five percentage points over the same period.
(image via Gallup)Christmas Music: “Count Your Blessings”
L-R Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in ‘White Christmas’