WASHINGTON -- Dan Coats is taking the "intelligence" out of "national intelligence director." Testifying with Trump administration colleagues Wednesday to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Coats read aloud from his written testimony about "herculean" efforts made by the National Security Agency. "The NSA has made her-cyur-ROO-lian -- this is hard for me to say," said … [Read more...] about Tongue-tied testimony in defense of Trump
Dogs and wolves both get sad when you don’t treat them fairly
They’re all such good boys! What do you mean I don't get no meat? Unsplash Wolves and dogs are a lot like children: they want everything to be fair and they have surprisingly elaborate social hierarchies. But unlike children, canines don’t throw temper tantrums if you give their compatriot a better treat—they’re far too mature for… … [Read more...] about Dogs and wolves both get sad when you don’t treat them fairly
7 things learned from James Comey testimony
The former director of the FBI, James Comey, testified on Capitol Hill on Thursday, shedding light on the circumstances that led to his controversial firing by US President Donald Trump. Senators are looking into alleged Russian meddling into the US presidential election of 2016, and Comey is a key witness. Comey once headed the FBI investigation… … [Read more...] about 7 things learned from James Comey testimony
Comey was unabashed, but pay attention to what he didn’t say
WASHINGTON -- What do you do if you've just been fired as director of the FBI, the administration has chosen to "defame" you with "lies plain and simple," and you believe the president of the United States may be trying to obstruct justice? You leak bombshell information to the media in hopes of forcing the appointment of a special counsel. It might work. Actually, it did … [Read more...] about Comey was unabashed, but pay attention to what he didn’t say
Cartoon: Unobstructed Lady Justice
Exit Polls Point To Hung Parliament
Exit polls suggest that today's general election in the UK will result in a hung parliament with the Conservatives holding the most seats but failing to reach a majority If true this is quite a setback for PM Theresa May who had been counting on large gains. However early returns that have been officially announced seem to indicate a better showing for the … [Read more...] about Exit Polls Point To Hung Parliament
Cartoon: Comey vs. Trump
Trump Added to Wikipedia ‘Obstruction of Justice’ Page
Someone seemingly using an IP address associated with the House of Representatives added Donald Trump’s name to a Wikipedia article on obstruction of justice Thursday morning—at the same time former FBI Director James Comey took the stand to testify in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating the president’s possible collusion with the Kremlin. @CongressEdits, … [Read more...] about Trump Added to Wikipedia ‘Obstruction of Justice’ Page
Cartoon: The cloud over Donald Trump
High Drama Aplenty As Comey Makes The Case That Trump Obstructed Justice
The big question going into fired FBI Director James Comey's appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday was less what he would say about President Trump's repeated efforts to get him to ease up on the FBI's Russia scandal investigation since they are by now well known, than whether Comey would make the case that Trump obstructed justice. While "a kind … [Read more...] about High Drama Aplenty As Comey Makes The Case That Trump Obstructed Justice
The Moderate Voice Comey Hearing Coverage
Various features will be posted throughout the day including an ongoing reaction roundup, cartoons, a news stories. Comey stories will start going on the top of the page. Shaun Mullen will do a big picture post on the hearings later in the day. … [Read more...] about The Moderate Voice Comey Hearing Coverage
Comey accuses Trump administration of defaming him, “lies”
By Patricia Zengerle and Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former FBI Director James Comey on Thursday accused the Trump administration of defaming him and telling lies about the agency, but declined to offer his opinion on whether President Donald Trump sought to obstruct justice by asking him to drop an investigation into the former national security advisor. Comey … [Read more...] about Comey accuses Trump administration of defaming him, “lies”
The Limits of Fun
Who doesn’t like a theme park? There’s junk food, entertainment, rides and toys. Most have a steep price tag but it’s a fun day out with those we love the most: think Disneyland or Universal Orlando. Think again. Not all fun parks are as light-hearted or family values-compliant as those in the US. Let’s examine a few of the more extreme samples abroad: where politics meets … [Read more...] about The Limits of Fun
Breathlessly Awaiting Comey’s Final Chapter
For those of you whose TV viewing will not be disrupted by work today, you will now be treated to a preview of the Soap Opera cum Congressional Hearing known as the Comey Memos. For former FBI Director James Comey, a pillar of rectitude, a man of unshakable integrity, it’s surprising that his memos read a little like a Harlequin romance. Comey writes breathlessly of the first … [Read more...] about Breathlessly Awaiting Comey’s Final Chapter
Ex-FBI Chief Comey tells Senators Trump pressured him on Russia probe
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former FBI Director James Comey said on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump asked him to drop an investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn as part of a probe into Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election. In written testimony released the day before he appears before the Senate … [Read more...] about Ex-FBI Chief Comey tells Senators Trump pressured him on Russia probe
The Musings Of A Centrist
Ever since I was a young child I have been a student and a passionate follower of politics. The give and take the ins and outs the elegant balance of our political system has always fascinated me and has been a source of great intellectual stimulation. But these days I find that passion is dead or at least seriously reduced. The Trump Administration is a mind-boggling … [Read more...] about The Musings Of A Centrist
Most Americans want “aggressive” action on climate change: Reuters/Ipsos poll
By Chris Kahn NEW YORK (Reuters) - Most Americans believe the United States should take "aggressive action" to fight climate change, but few see it as a priority issue when compared with the economy or security, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday. The June 2-4 opinion poll suggests American voters may not penalize President Donald Trump too harshly for … [Read more...] about Most Americans want “aggressive” action on climate change: Reuters/Ipsos poll
‘President Pence’ is sounding better and better
WASHINGTON -- President Trump, on his recent European trip, literally shoved aside Prime Minister Dusko Markovic of Montenegro in order to get to the front of a group of leaders. On Monday, Vice President Pence hosted the shoving victim at the White House, then praised Markovic publicly. "I had the privilege of welcoming the prime minister to the White House today," Pence … [Read more...] about ‘President Pence’ is sounding better and better
We May Be Nearing The Russia Scandal Tipping Point, But We’re Not There Yet
The dismissal of national security adviser Michael Flynn on February 13 was a turning point in the Russia scandal. Four months later comes the highly anticipated public testimony of dismissed FBI Director James Comey, and the possibility that the scandal has finally reached a tipping point. Then there is the exhaustion point, which many of us certainly reached a while ago. … [Read more...] about We May Be Nearing The Russia Scandal Tipping Point, But We’re Not There Yet
Trump picks Ex-Justice Department Official To Lead FBI
TRENTON --Christopher Wray, a former U.S. assistant attorney general who represented Gov. Chris Christie in the fallout of the Bridgegate scandal, is President Trump's pick to run the FBI. Wray was the head of the Justice Department's criminal division under President George W. Bush and is now in private practice at the law firm King and… … [Read more...] about Trump picks Ex-Justice Department Official To Lead FBI