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Trump Tries to "Fix" Vote Results in Georgia

The Washington Post has the astonishing transcript of Donald Trump's call to Brad Raffensperger, the Republican in charge of the elections in Georgia., telling him the state's vote was rigged and insisting he won Georgia. He presses Raffensperger to meet with his staff and take their numbers into account. From the Post's description of the call (but you should really read the transcript for the full flavor):

The Washington Post obtained a recording of the conversation in which Trump alternately berated Raffensperger, tried to flatter him, begged him to act and threatened him with vague criminal consequences if the secretary of state refused to pursue his false claims, at one point warning that Raffensperger was taking “a big risk.”

Throughout the call, Raffensperger and his office’s general counsel rejected Trump’s assertions, explaining that the president is relying on debunked conspiracy theories and that President-elect Joe Biden’s 11,779-vote victory in Georgia was fair and accurate.

Trump did manage to fit in one statement I agree with. In fact, he repeated it twice. He called himself a "schmuck".

So it appears Donald Trump, Carnival Barker-in-Chief - is now attempting to be the Fixer in Chief. He has no limits when it comes to pulling the wool over America's eyes.

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  • Display: Sort:
    Right now (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 02:26:20 PM EST
    A GA election official is going point by point of Trumps nonsense and debunking it in great detail.

    And he is having more fun than he is supposed to I think.

    A lot of the stuff is hard to repeat with a straight face.

    I think (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 05:55:02 PM EST
    This is coming (none / 0) (#28)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 06:16:28 PM EST
    off as the GOP is desperate to get people to show up. My district is down like 33% from November.

    Parent
    Reportedly (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 06:20:07 PM EST
    Several very red rural areas are down and rural black areas are off the chart.

    Why he visiting a rural area.


    Parent

    Oh, yep (none / 0) (#30)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:09:36 PM EST
    The worst areas for people showing up is deep red N GA. Hence Loeffler campaigning Cumming twice in the last couple weeks.

    Parent
    A point missing about (none / 0) (#31)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:33:54 PM EST
    the presentation. While his point by point rebuke of Trump's and his minions disinformation was great, he also spent a portion of his presentation trying to persuade Republicans that their vote will be counted and that they should come out in mass to make sure that their policies are maintained.

    Parent
    The presentation, (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 09:47:01 PM EST
    while good from our point of view, will prove unpersuasive  to most Republicans owing to its fatal flaw of being laced with data and facts. In cults, the truth is what the leader says it is.  Hence, Trump's lies will prevail.

    Parent
    Hard to miss really (none / 0) (#32)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:37:41 PM EST
    I thought it was an essential part of the show.  It was a half hour explanation of just how utterly f'cked republicans are.

    Parent
    Tom Friedman (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:45:48 PM EST
    Not my favorite person, just said an interesting thing I had not really thought of.

    If a handful of "sane" republicans said, as a result of this, we are no longer republicans.  We are independent or the Lincoln Party or whatever, they would instantly be the most powerful people in DC.

    With both chambers so evenly split they would be the swing votes.

    Interesting thought.  But I really think this is not over on the 6th.  It's just beginning.  Because after that it will be Trump against the republicans.

    You of course have a point about how this guy and others only had a problem with Trump when he became a problem for them.

    He just became a problem for all of them.  So there will be more to come.


    Parent

    Same Thing Happened After GWB... (none / 0) (#103)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:33:20 AM EST
    ... and they all managed to hate their own party for all of two years, some as much as four; now it's back to supporting any jacka$$ with a R behind their name.

    Not a one of these 'centrists' voted against Trump in the election.  They are republicans ashamed of being republicans and don't worry, it will wear off soon, like it always does.  I'd say as soon as they vote against more stimulus, if I had to guess.

    Don't forget TL Jim spent his career here claiming to be an Independent and he was first in line for super sized Kool Aid.  

    They all voted along party lines when it counted and that will not change.

    Parent

    The split in the party (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:38:15 AM EST
    Is going to be on full view this afternoon.  I'm happy to watch them squabble.

    Parent
    I understand (none / 0) (#111)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:35:58 AM EST
    where you are coming from on this. I remember in 2008 people declaring the GOP was dead only to see the rise of the tea party and a record number of losses in the house in 2010. The good news is the GOP is not garnering any more voters and the ones they have are dying off.

    Parent
    It is a point that is not (none / 0) (#34)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:49:46 PM EST
    being talked about. All the chatter has been about how great his presentation was in debunking the false information about the election. What is not being talked about is that it was also a Republican GOTV effort.

    Parent
    Maybe because (none / 0) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:52:23 PM EST
    It was an almost laughably hopeless effort.

    Parent
    Another thing (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:56:50 PM EST
    We may or may not know who has won in GA on the 6th but I personally think it's very likely both Dems will win.

    If that happens, if they lose control of the Senate, they are going to wake up with a very serious hangover.

    There will be no spinning that it was all Trump.  No denying.  

    I think that will have a big effect of all of Trumps future influence.  And it won't help the members of the little legislative coup.

    Parent

    On the hopeless effort (none / 0) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 08:01:24 PM EST
    You had the guy who is one of the biggest villains to the Q/Trump crowd begging the Q/Trump crowd to get out and vote.

    Not helpful.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#43)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 05:42:53 AM EST
    I too caught the desperate undertone of Republicans need to get out and vote from this conference. However Howdy is right that the SOS office is the target of many conspiracy theories from the Qanon crowd and him telling them to vote will have a zero effect and possibly a negative effect.

    Parent
    Turnout turnout turnout (none / 0) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 08:25:16 AM EST
    Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball: "With Election Day voting underway in the crucial Senate runoffs in Georgia, we continue to see both races as Toss-ups. But after an early-voting period where Democrats may have performed better than they did in the lead-up to the November election, Republicans may need to follow suit with an impressive day-of-election performance to defend Sens. David Perdue (R-GA) and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) against challengers Jon Ossoff (D) and Raphael Warnock (D), respectively."



    Parent
    Jason Johnson (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 09:01:41 AM EST
    Just said he was amazed how many local conservative radio hosts and others were basically working to suppress their own vote.   Saying the two republicans are as bad as the democrats, don't vote for them etc etc.

    Then the conversation turned to how after the 6th is when we have to start worrying about Trump trying to use the military.  Jim Vandehei, not a hysterical person, said there is real serious worry about that.

    "The next two days look to be the most tumultuous and telling of the wild, never-ending 2020 election," Axios reports.

    "Twin runoffs in Georgia today determine control of the U.S. Senate. And perhaps half or more of the Republicans in Congress will cast an unprecedented number of votes to invalidate President-elect Biden's clear win, as the House and Senate meet to certify the Electoral College votes."

    "It's insane and revealing that those joining the protest -- more than 100 House members (and perhaps 140+), plus 13 senators -- could amount to more than half of Capitol Hill's Republicans. This shows the political strength could maintain in exile, tormenting Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and other establishment Republicans."




    Parent
    I think (none / 0) (#46)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 09:23:53 AM EST
    some Republicans know that Trump will still hold sway and that is why they are discussing splitting the party since there are some that want no part of Trump anymore.

    Anyway at my precinct it was interesting. About 75% of the people were wearing masks and it was diverse. Usually when I go to vote on election day it's only old white people voting. I would expect that with early voting so limited here at least in my county that the percentages for Trump are not going to be where they were in November.

    Parent

    I thinks we agree (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 09:39:42 AM EST
    that if there is one win it will be the reverend and if both win it will be because very few voters will vote for him and Perdue.

    Ossoff is probably a lucky guy to be running in what is basically a tag team match.

    Parent

    Frank Luntz (none / 0) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:05:58 AM EST
    GOP pollster and strategist Frank Luntz told CNBC that he believes Democrats hold the upper hand in Tuesday's Georgia Senate runoff elections, warning of disappointment for Republicans in those pivotal races and in Wednesday's upcoming Electoral College presidential confirmation vote on Capitol Hill.

    Said Luntz: "There is a greater divide in the Republican party than there is in the Democratic party. The party is in the process of tearing itself apart and you don't do that now, when you're this close to the most important Senate election, literally, in a lifetime. Democrats are unified, Republicans are not and that's what gives them the advantage."

    He added: "I think the next 48 hours are going to be among the worst for the GOP."

    After we get through today tomorrow is going to be something  

    There are as many Republican Senators vocally against this, or almost, as there is for it.  And they are, generally speaking, the smarter ones.

    After every objection, there could be as many as 6, there will be 2 hours of debate.  That debate could be something.  The rhetoric,  between Republican Senators, is already heated.  I can't see how it will not get more so around midnight.

    Tomorrow could be a show worth watching as we wait for vote totals.

    Parent

    Oh (none / 0) (#49)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:07:35 AM EST
    I forgot to mention the riots outside while they are debating.

    Parent
    I hope (none / 0) (#50)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:26:05 AM EST
    Luntz is right because 48 hours of the GOP tearing themselves apart will have me drinking champagne and glad that I am quarantined.

    Parent
    Cotton (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 11:48:54 AM EST
    Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) explained in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette his decision to ratify the Electoral College vote tomorrow.

    "First, Congress would take away the power to choose the president from the people and place it in the hands of whichever party controls Congress. This action essentially would end our tradition of democratic presidential elections, empowering politicians and party bosses in Washington."

    "Second, Congress would imperil the electoral college, which gives small states like Arkansas a voice in presidential elections. Democrats have long complained about Republican candidates winning the electoral college and thus the presidency without a majority of the popular vote. If Congress becomes a new battleground for determining the results of the electoral college, a future Democratic majority could deny the presidency to a Republican president-elect who didn't receive a majority of the popular vote."

    link

    Had not thought about that.  Lots of republicans are going to respond to a threat to the EC.  Maybe an AR thing but I have heard this a lot.

    My other Sen has not said much about this.  Which is good.

    Parent

    To be clear (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 11:54:18 AM EST
    I have not "heard a lot"about it in this context but that I hear constantly how conservatives here feel about the EC.  talking about getting rid of it is fightin words.

    Parent
    I have (none / 0) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 12:51:33 PM EST
    said the same thing and that is the GOP is making a great case for getting rid of the electoral college. Arkansas still would have a voice without the EC. So that's nonsense. What he means is AR would no longer have a voice larger than its electorate.

    Parent
    Welp (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:22:58 AM EST
    here in GA we did it. Thanks Stacey for all your hard work but also the Hispanic groups kicked butt.

    Mitch should be stripped of any power now. Take the filibuster away from him. Make him sit in a corner and be miserable. He has spent enough of his tenure in the senate making Americans miserable.

    Stacy is going to be (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:25:53 AM EST
    The governor.

    Parent
    That would be great (none / 0) (#106)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:07:07 AM EST
    Yet, even now as they are counting votes in GA, the Republican legislators are promoting ways to making it harder for "certain people " to vote. Eliminating no excuse absentee mail in votes is just one change on the drawing board.

    Parent
    Yes, and (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:14:47 AM EST
    requiring photo IDs on mail-ins   GA SOS Raffensberger was just doing his job.  I'm glad, of course, but no cookie for him.

    Parent
    Definitely (none / 0) (#135)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:22:08 PM EST
    No cookie

    Parent
    Somewhere (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:30:17 AM EST
    John Lewis is smiling.

    Parent
    Chuck Todd says that Trump needs (5.00 / 3) (#166)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:54:44 PM EST
    to be impeached.  He apparently has just awakened from a twenty year nap.

    wouldn't the 25th amendment be faster? (none / 0) (#178)
    by leap on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 04:39:43 PM EST
    Trump can still do a lot of $h!† in the next 14 days.

    Parent
    So Pence & McConnell... (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:08:53 PM EST
    ... do the right thing way too late.

    Mitch before the chaos.

    We're debating a step that has never been taken in American history, whether congress should overrule the voters and overturn a presidential election. I've served 36 years in the Senate. This will be the most important vote I've ever cast. President Trump claims the election was stolen. The assertions range from specific local allegations to constitutional arguments to sweeping conspiracy theories.

    I supported the president's right to use the legal system. Dozens of lawsuits received hearings in courtrooms all across our country, but over and over, the courts rejected these claims, including all-star judges whom the president himself has nominated.

    Every election we know features some illegality and irregularity, and of course that's unacceptable. I support strong state-led voting reforms. Last year's bizarre pandemic procedures must not become the new norm, but my colleagues nothing before us proves illegality anywhere near the massive scale, the massive scale that would have tipped the entire election nor can public doubt alone justify a radical break when the doubt itself was incited without any evidence.


    Pence Interrupts Trump's Speech to Confirm He Isn't Going to Overturn the Election

    But shortly afterward, as Trump intensified his pressure campaign and the crowd on Wednesday chanted "send it back," Pence released a statement affirming that he didn't have the power the president imagines he does.


    Weasely wife-beater Dinesh D'Souza (5.00 / 1) (#201)
    by jondee on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:26:00 PM EST
    is speculating on Twitter that the woman who was shot may been Antifa.

    It boggles the mind how grossly unprepared and incompetent the cops were in response to what went down today. I peruse the right-wing sites and the bullet-heads in the comment sections have been threatening violence and insurrection in near-apocalyptic terms for weeks..

    Maybe Trump really does "have the cops" as he's always claiming. As Brady tells his offensive linemen, do your effin' job or hit the bricks - and the ones taking selfies with 'protesters' should be out on their asses, like yesterday.  

    The call is something (none / 0) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jan 03, 2021 at 09:09:03 PM EST
    There's a spot where Trump is talking about this video he has that just proves everything.  When they get a chance to speak they explain that the video he's talking about was edited by Rudy and that they would be happy to provide the unedited version which shows there's is nothing to complain about.

    Trump says NO YOU DONT NEED TO. I HAVE A BETTER VIDEO.

    and changes the subject to the allegedly missing observers.

    That is one of the (none / 0) (#2)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 06:10:16 AM EST
    best moments in the whole tape for me simply because it debunks this whole MAGA thing about how it's all on tape about ballots being added or hidden.

    Parent
    A lot being said about his state of mind (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 01:14:29 PM EST
    Did he really believe this.  If so it is a more difficult case legally.

    Seems to me this exchange should kill that argument.

    He is saying he does not want to know the facts.  About as clearly as can be said.

    Parent

    But the state of mind (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by MKS on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 04:53:34 PM EST
    for extortion does not need to be that he actually believed he was cheated imo.

    The crime of extortion involves threatening someone with criminal prosecution or reporting them to the police to gain something of value.  The key issue of intent as I see it is whether he was impliedly threating the GA SOS with being reported to the authorities, etc., if he did not find the votes.

       Under such a formulation, it does not matter whether he really believed he was cheated.  Or so I would think, subject to the views of our resident criminal law lawyers.  

    Parent

    In handling civil cases, (none / 0) (#26)
    by MKS on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 05:04:54 PM EST
    one often has to caution clients to not threaten the other side with a criminal prosecution, or reporting them to the police, unless they settle up on favorable terms.

    Parent
    Agreed (none / 0) (#17)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 01:44:02 PM EST
    Much like the perfect call to Volodymyr Zelensky,  this call was a shakedown.   If you do not want to be kneecapped, rescind the lawful, certified vote count and fabricate another in its place.

    Parent
    ABC (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 09:14:55 AM EST
    Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) told ABC News that President Trump could face a criminal investigation over his demand that Georgia top elections official "find" enough votes to throw the state to him.

    Said Raffensperger: "I understand that the Fulton County district attorney wants to look at it. Maybe that's the appropriate venue for it to go."

    link

    Oh, talk (none / 0) (#4)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 10:45:39 AM EST
    about an underhanded stab from the SOS. There is no one that would freak Trump out more than the Fulton County DA. LOL.

    Parent
    Actually, (none / 0) (#7)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 11:26:02 AM EST
    the Fulton County (Atlanta and part of metro area) would be a good bet for pursuing state election crimes.  Any Georgia voter would likely have standing, but, especially, Fulton County voters.

    Parent
    Flynn Broady (none / 0) (#9)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 11:52:03 AM EST
    the new Cobb County DA would have a better case to me as far as what I have heard but maybe there is more that happened than I know about in Fulton for Fani Willis to pursue Trump. Here in my county we have had threatening letters sent to the election board. They are not releasing the threats or anything but I wonder if some neo Nazis are not going to attempt to bomb polling places because the Sheriffs are going to be at every polling place tomorrow.

    Parent
    "Standing" is a concept that limits (none / 0) (#14)
    by Peter G on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 12:32:56 PM EST
    who can bring a civil case in federal court. It has nothing to do with who can initiate a criminal case. The Fulton County DA presumably has jurisdiction if the phone call was received in Fulton County. Likewise Cobb County if the call was to a person in that county. And I don't see any immunity applying, as the call was clearly made in Tr*mp's capacity as the (former) candidate of a political party; it did not even arguably constitute an exercise of any power of the President of the United States.

    Parent
    Fulton speaks (none / 0) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 12:56:57 PM EST
    The District Attorney of Georgia's most populous county signaled a willingness on Monday to launch a criminal probe into President Donald Trump.

    In a statement posted by NBC News correspondent Blayne Alexander, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said her office is ready to investigate Trump over his now-infamous phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

    "It is my understanding from news reports that a member of the State Election Board has requested that the Secretary's Elections Division investigate the call, after which the Board can refer the case to my office and the state Attorney General," she said. "Anyone who commits a felony violation of Georgia law in my jurisdiction will be held accountable."



    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#5)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 10:50:52 AM EST
    this has shook the senate race here. Greg Bluestein, AJC political reporter, is reporting on twitter that the GOP is freaking out texting back and forth about how before all this the GOP was having a hard time getting their voters to show up but now it's worse. Loeffler was asked about the tape but won't answer the questions about it.

    I'm sure they are (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 10:56:31 AM EST
    Very excited about Trump scheduled visit tonight.

    Not.

    Parent

    It sure (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 11:48:19 AM EST
    couldn't be a worse time to have a Trump rally. Of course, the minions won't care and will believe the garbage the GA senate leader puts out.

    Parent
    Just listened to a Trump supporter (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 12:28:32 PM EST
    stating she had booked her room and is confident that she will attend Trump's inauguration on the 20th. Her delusions were strengthened by others in her group that believed as she did. At times, I despair at the insanity running rampant in this country.

    Parent
    I understand. (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 01:53:21 PM EST
    I know people that are sure Trump is going to be president because they have been praying and since God put Trump in office he will not desert him and will give him a second term. And they are the first to be upset that Christianity is in decline in America.

    Either the shell in the echo chamber is going to get cracked on Wednesday and they will start to realize that Biden is going to be president or all heck is gonna break loose and there are going to be domestic terrorist attacks around the country.

    Parent

    Perdue is mad--- (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 01:53:42 PM EST
    Mad that Raffensperger taped the call and provided it to the WaPo.  Sort of like being mad at the bank teller who used the silent alarm to call the police about a robbery in progress.

    Parent
    And Perdue's cohort, Kelly Loeffler, ... (none / 0) (#36)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 07:55:33 PM EST
    ... just announced her intent to join Wednesday's effort by her GOP congressional colleagues to subvert U.S. democracy and will likewise oppose certification of the Electoral College results.

    That is, she will if she wins the runoff tomorrow. Don't both their terms automatically expire tomorrow night if they lose? The new Congress was sworn in yesterday.

    These people are seriously cuckoo for cocoa puffs.

    Parent

    Both of them (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 08:22:40 PM EST
    Both of the republicans are seriously just cartoonishly corrupt.  Really like they were corrupt pols sent from central casting.

    If corruption can be laughable they are laughable corrupt.   They have been on every side of every issue.  

    The Dems, being as objective as I can, seem smart and earnest and moderate.

    Maybe I'm naive but I think that will matter.

    Parent

    Republicans don't seem (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by MO Blue on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 12:48:36 AM EST
    to be turned off by corrupt politicians. If anything, they appear to prefer them that way.

    Parent
    Perdue's (none / 0) (#42)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 05:39:54 AM EST
    term expired on Sunday. Until the election results come in that seat is open. Loeffler is desperately trying to win with that embrace of the stop the steal crowd. I would guess she goes back to DC if no decision is made tonight on who won since she was appointed to fill Isakson's term which does not end until 2022. If both Warnock and Ossoff win I guess they will go to DC as soon as the election is certified and they can be sworn in.

    Parent
    The Coup (none / 0) (#10)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 12:00:21 PM EST
    An investigation is necessary into this attempted coup-- the larger plot and the conspirators.  Even if Trump was successful in Georgia, that alone would not be enough to overthrow Biden's electoral victory.  And, to our knowledge, Trump has not tried similar efforts with those swing states with Democratic administrative officers...which would be unlikely.

    Are those House Republicans and Senate Republicans intended actions to overthrow the election coordinated with Trump or is this happenstance.  And, then there is that letter of concern by former Defense Department secretaries.  Just what.was behind that?

    President Biden has so much on his plate, but a special counsel appears necessary to look into what may well be the country's first coup attempt lead by its president.

    Very much yes (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 12:02:29 PM EST
    You just know this was not the only phone call.  The big question is, is it the only recording.

    Parent
    One reason we know we this (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 12:04:36 PM EST
    Trump Tried to Call Georgia Official 18 Times Before

    January 4, 2021 at 11:10 am EST By Taegan Goddard 178 Comments

    President Trump's now-notorious call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) was the 19th time the White House had tried to reach the state official since the election, NBC News reports.



    Parent
    I guess (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 01:45:11 PM EST
    Raffensperger waited until he had his lawyer with him to make the call or take the call.

    Parent
    It was a matter of survival (none / 0) (#21)
    by MO Blue on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 02:10:33 PM EST
    to have an attorney present during a conversation with Trump.

    Parent
    Hmmmm.... (none / 0) (#22)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 02:16:18 PM EST
    Speculating here: In the face of a direct order (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Peter G on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 02:59:01 PM EST
    to "find" and announce he would prosecute "election fraud" by state officials? That might trigger an abrupt resignation for "unforeseen" reasons.

    Parent
    CNN is saying (none / 0) (#53)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 12:03:47 PM EST
    turnout today is really low.  Like really really low.  Far below projections.

    That is bad for republicans.  Everyone has said they need a big same day vote.

    This is probably (none / 0) (#56)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 12:56:15 PM EST
    why Trump is tweeting about Dominion machines in the 12th congressional district. I believe their turnout was already down and apparently they are not showing up today.

    Parent
    CNN (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 04:03:36 PM EST
    Just said averaging a 1 minute wait at polling places across the state.

    Parent
    Probably (none / 0) (#59)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 05:07:22 PM EST
    now. I think there were longer lines earlier or at least there was at my polling place.

    Parent
    Kornacki just said (none / 0) (#60)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 07:06:13 PM EST
    Turnout in red north GA counties is down.  A lot.  From 18 - 30%.  

    Things are looking pretty hopeful.

    Parent

    They are!!! (none / 0) (#61)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 07:20:03 PM EST
    With the numbers from DeKalb and the other collar counties it looks like Loeffler/Perdue are not going to be able to pull out enough votes from red GA to get a win.

    Parent
    I'm starting to think (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 07:24:19 PM EST
    They could be called tonight.  40% is in and it's only 8:30.

    And I'm wondering if we know democrats are going to control the senate if that might effect what is going to happen tomorrow.

    Parent

    It is tied (none / 0) (#65)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 08:21:50 PM EST
    and the big metro counties have yet to fully report.

    Parent
    He just said (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 08:28:25 PM EST
    At this point in November about 25% was in.  

    Parent
    I have (none / 0) (#66)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 08:24:48 PM EST
    wondered if both Perdue and Loeffler lost and both of them promised to contest the electoral votes how that would play out tomorrow too. I mean if the people who promised to back Trump lose in GA, a swing state, then what does that mean for the rest of the GOP? I would say not good.

    Moscow Mitch seems to be lining up his soldiers to not contest as I saw several announcements from senators saying they would not contest.

    Parent

    They are also saying (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 07:30:30 PM EST
    same day inviting is way up in blue Atlanta metro counties.

    Parent
    Same day voting (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 07:31:38 PM EST
    Looks like it's all about DeKalb co (none / 0) (#69)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 09:07:18 PM EST
    Again.  Kornaki says a huge dump in due any minute.

    Parent
    170,000 early in person (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 09:16:38 PM EST
    Votes coming from DeKalb.  Just now on CNN.

    Parent
    A call (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:12:02 PM EST
    Cook Political Report's Dave Wasserman has seen enough.

    The data expert called the Georgia runoff election for Democrat Raphael Warnock, who he says will defeat Republican Kelly Loeffler. The call came early, as Georgia's senate runoff elections are tight and have yet to be called by major outlets.

    link

    Parent

    Nate Silver (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:15:35 PM EST
    Nate Silver: "Dave is more aggressive than most people who make election calls, though he's saying what a lot of Election Twitter is thinking, even though I wouldn't expect the networks to make a call any time soon."



    Parent
    I just saw the MSNBC update (none / 0) (#73)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:21:53 PM EST
    From DeKalb. Warnock just took the lead from Loeffler. Ossoff behind Perdue by around 2000. Lots of of Dem votes still to  come from ATL metro early voting.

    Parent
    Perdue lead is now (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:28:28 PM EST
    Less than 10,000.  With enough votes still out.

    Parent
    Now (none / 0) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:31:02 PM EST
    3,600

    Yikes

    Parent

    Decision desk too (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:37:14 PM EST
    Decision Desk HQ
    @DecisionDeskHQ
    ·
    23m
    Decision Desk HQ Projects
    @ReverendWarnock
     (D) has won the Georgia Special Senate Runoff Election

    Race Called: 11:13PM EST 01.05.21



    Parent
    Holy krap (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:40:00 PM EST
    Perdue lead is 456

    Parent
    456 (none / 0) (#78)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:40:12 PM EST
    Is the Perdue lead.

    Parent
    With many dem votes out (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:42:17 PM EST
    Newsmax (none / 0) (#80)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:44:21 PM EST
    Is calling Warnock a winner with 99% votes in. That's right, Newsmax.

    Parent
    Damn (none / 0) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:45:43 PM EST
    Back to 32,000

    Still enough in DeKalb

    Parent

    I think that was a mistake (none / 0) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:53:57 PM EST
    His lead is less than 2,000 now

    Parent
    OMG (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:55:55 PM EST
    As of this post, there is still no official projection in either U.S. Senate runoff in Georgia, but the New York Times's needle is very confident that both Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff will win.

    It's not official but it's very hard to see a path for either Republican short of a major tabulation error.

    That would mean the U.S. Senate will be comprised of 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris breaking any ties.

    It's an unbelievably dramatic end to the 2020 election cycle.

    I'll be on Julie Mason Mornings on Sirius XM 124 just after 6 a.m. ET to discuss these results -- and what promises to be yet another crazy day in American politics.



    Parent
    Link for that (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 10:59:11 PM EST
    and then there is Joe Manchin (none / 0) (#110)
    by leap on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:32:50 AM EST
    n/t

    Parent
    I bet Joe Manchin (none / 0) (#113)
    by leap on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:38:28 AM EST
    will flip to Republican, with irresistible entreaties from McConnell. I'd bet 10,000 quatloos he'll do that.

    Parent
    I doubt it. (none / 0) (#115)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 10:32:58 AM EST
    Hopefully Schumer will give him a committee head position and that will end any talk of switching.

    Parent
    I doubt it (none / 0) (#128)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 12:55:05 PM EST
    I think he enjoys the power rush he gets every time he stops his party from doing anything meaningful to change parties. If he joins the Republicans he will be just one among many and not the major clog in the wheel.

    Parent
    Given what just happened today, he won't. (none / 0) (#193)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:50:34 PM EST
    leap: "I bet Joe Manchin will flip to Republican, with irresistible entreaties from Mcconnell."

    By encouraging the pro-Trump mobs to take matters into their own hands, Sen. Hawley and his far-right Republican friends just screwed the pooch. Today's events have the makings of a real political disaster for the GOP. The public's not likely to soon forget what just transpired, and who instigated it.

    :-(

    Parent

    1888 (none / 0) (#85)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 11:00:52 PM EST
    20,000 (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 11:08:47 PM EST
    To come from DeKalb

    Parent
    CNN is now showing (none / 0) (#87)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 11:17:28 PM EST
    1208

    Parent
    Kelly Loeffler (none / 0) (#54)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 12:07:59 PM EST
    is a brain dead lapdog. There is a more descriptive phrase I'd like to use, but don't want to offend.

    Why are all the MAGAts (none / 0) (#57)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 02:01:19 PM EST
    in DC running around with American flags? Obviously none of them believe in American democracy and ideals. Maybe that's why I keep seeing alot of them dragging them on the ground as they mill about.


    map of (none / 0) (#68)
    by leap on Tue Jan 05, 2021 at 08:43:26 PM EST
    They've done it (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:17:59 AM EST
    The immediate recrimination is emblematic of the complicated GOP dynamics that have emerged after Trump's loss in the November election. Fissures are forming as Republicans decide whether it's useful to cling to Trump -- even as he tries to subvert an election -- or to distance themselves. And if the Georgia races are any indication, it appears Republicans are willing to turn on Trump if he can't reliably turn out the vote for candidates in the months and years ahead."

    "When asked why Republicans didn't prevail on Tuesday, a senior Senate Republican aide simply said: `Donald J. Trump.'"

    "The frustration stems from the days after the Nov. 3 election. While Republicans tried to reset in Georgia and prepare for the two runoff races, the president set off a civil war within his own party as he launched a divisive campaign to overturn the 2020 election."

    link

    Kornaki is still at it (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:20:29 AM EST
    He just said turnout in north GA was down 20% and more.

    Parent
    GOP Implodes in Georgia (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:25:10 AM EST
    "Loeffler's reputation has been burned. Appointed to her office to help the GOP compete in the suburbs, she failed in her first election. Yet today, she'll take the anti-democratic step of voting against Biden's Electoral College win, sealed with millions of lawfully cast ballots in Georgia and across the nation. Loeffler's money helped finance a brutal campaign against Warnock that provoked Black voters, including the players on the WNBA team she owns."

    "Perdue's troubles are a testament to the perils of embracing Trumpism. A one-time free-trading establishment Republican, he received 88,000 more votes than Ossoff on Nov. 3, forced into a runoff because he failed to break 50%. He then felt the need to tie himself to Trump even tighter, although Biden had defeated the president in Georgia. As he ran harder right, he ceded the center to Ossoff."

    "While Perdue donned regular-guy denim and Loeffler began dressing as if she drove an 18-wheeler, Democrats made sure to highlight just how rich the two senators were. They were savaged for privately trading stocks after receiving briefings on coronavirus, the threat of which they publicly downplayed."

    Axios: "Top Republicans blame Trump for sabotaging what should have been two easy wins -- turning off suburban voters with his chaos and craziness, and sowing distrust of the Peach State election machinery with base voters."

    link

    Parent

    The problem (none / 0) (#97)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:01:18 AM EST
    is not Trump. And until they realize that they are going to continue to lose. Trump just made all the red slime rise to the top. Like we have said many times around here Trump is the symptom not the disease and until they face and start treating the disease they cannot move forward.

    Parent
    Turn out in deep red counties (none / 0) (#98)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:05:03 AM EST
    Was down 20% because Trump and his minions were telling them to stay home.

    Parent
    But you know what? (none / 0) (#100)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:10:06 AM EST
    Do you think they really would have showed up for Loeffler and Perdue without all these other issues? At this point these people have been coddled and spoiled to the point that they expect candidates to promise them everything and deliver everything.

    I guess the test of my theory will be 2022 governor's race.

    Parent

    Stacy will be Governor (none / 0) (#102)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:19:20 AM EST
    I already said that this morning.  

    Parent
    I think so (none / 0) (#109)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:27:28 AM EST
    too if she wants it. So far she's been coy but I expect that will not last much longer.

    My only worry with her running is the misogyny that runs deep in the state. Loeffler ran behind Perdue.

    Parent

    She had a look last night (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:38:11 AM EST
    She was glowing.  

    Parent
    We were wondering about that over breakfast (none / 0) (#117)
    by Peter G on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:19:31 AM EST
    How would you rank these considerations on a Georgia preju-meter, GA6?  (a) racism; (b) misogyny; (c) antisemitism; (d) homophobia (Abrams being a single woman)? So much at play here!

    Parent
    My guess (none / 0) (#133)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:18:27 PM EST
    1. Misogyny
    2. Antisemitism
    3. Homophobia
    4. Racism.

    I would put racism last since obviously it did not stop Warnock from being elected to the senate. Not even Trump campaigned on homophobia that I recall. However in 2018 lots of African American men had a problem with Stacey not being married. I never understood that. These same men seemed to have a problem with Kamala. Was it because Kamala was married to a white man? Was it because she didn't give birth to any children? Your guess is probably as good as mine and it really could fall under misogyny more than homophobia.

    Antisemitism is real but it is hard to tell to the extent that it played into Ossoff doing worse than Warnock because honestly most of the year Ossoff ran a really crappy senate campaign.

    Parent

    I am sure (none / 0) (#95)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:51:35 AM EST
    Trump was not helpful but I think they are missing a lot of things.

    First of all, David Perdue has been in office for 6 years and yet he found nothing he did in those 6 years worth campaigning on. He has never held a town hall and once when constituents confronted him in the airport he ran and hid in the bathroom. If you send him an email he will respond with the same form letter no matter what your question or concern was.

    Loeffler being appointed was an issue. She also really did nothing in her time in Washington other than suck up to Trump. Both of them sucking up to Trump even without Trump trying to overturn the election was going to be an issue. Just overturning the election put it on steroids.

    Mitch also was a huge issue. All during the pandemic Mitch has acted like people losing jobs was just a game. His treatment of voters like men on a chessboard left a lot of people cold.

    Both Loeffler and Perdue ran their campaigns like 1960's segregationists. That kind of thing is a real turn off in the collar counties and apparently even in the rural areas that is not enough anymore. This though is really where Kemp led the GA GOP though. He ran as a 60's segregationist in 2018 and it worked. It's now the only formula the GOP seems to know.

    Parent

    I'm sure that true (none / 0) (#96)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:55:22 AM EST
    But they would have won if Trump had acted like a normal president.  That's just a fact.

    This is the first national special election republicans have lost in GA.

    They lost it because of Trump.

    Parent

    I disagree (none / 0) (#99)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:07:07 AM EST
    I think we would have lost had Susan Collins lost and Joni Ernst and Tom Tilley. We were motivated to flip the senate. Complacency has been an issue for voters during runoffs and with the GOP base being old and white here they were always the ones that showed up for runoffs. We even had people vote in the runoff that did not vote in the general election because they thought Biden had no chance in GA.

    Parent
    This is ridiculous (none / 0) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 08:16:43 AM EST
    The last thing I will say is half the Republican Party was not being told to stay home in November.

    It's amazing to me you think the fact the two republicans lost because they were terrible corrupt people.  Have you met the Republican Party.

    Trump suppressed the vote.  Right wing Trump radio hosts were telling republicans to not vote for republicans for weeks before the election.    That did not happen in November.

    GA voters were psyched because of Biden's win.  They saw what could happen when they vote.  They turned out like never before.

    But none of that would have mattered if the republicans were not tearing themselves apart because of Donald J. trump.

    You might be able to say the reverend might have won.  But I doubt even that minus the Republican political malpractice.

    Aloha

    Parent

    I just happen (none / 0) (#108)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:25:50 AM EST
    to think people are now empowered by wins and motivated by wins to show up. And don't forget COVID was also ravaging those N. GA counties that did not show up. One county had 10% of their population down with COVID. We're obviously not gonna agree on this one. Either way the GOP base is dying off in GA.

    Parent
    Buckle up (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 07:33:29 AM EST

    Brendan Gutenschwager
    @BGOnTheScene
    ·
    10h
    Chaotic scene in BLM Plaza as police clash with Trump supporters trying to rush the line #DC #WashingtonDC #January6th

    video

    Trump is going to speak live to this crowd (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:55:17 AM EST
    What could go wrong?

    Parent
    Trump says (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:20:04 AM EST
    He's going to march to the capitol with them

    Parent
    Sure he will (none / 0) (#125)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 12:49:36 PM EST
    He is incapable of walking a block, let alone to the Capitol.

    Parent
    Right now (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 12:50:50 PM EST
    Trump supporters broke through fences and are fighting the police on the steps of the Capitol as Congress counts the Electoral College ballots inside, CNN reports.



    Parent
    twitter (none / 0) (#127)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 12:54:47 PM EST
    Banging on the doors to House Chamber (none / 0) (#140)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:46:37 PM EST
    I've been listening. (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:31:41 AM EST
    He has gone bat$hit crazy. He should be removed from office TODAY! No one this insane should be allowed anywhere near the White House.

    Parent
    And, he (none / 0) (#119)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:23:20 AM EST
    said  he will March with the deplorables to the Capitol.  

    Parent
    Great minds (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:23:44 AM EST
    He will ask (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:24:34 AM EST
    for a golf cart.

    Parent
    "March" is (none / 0) (#122)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 11:31:28 AM EST
    to be taken figuratively not literally.   Although rolling him up Penn Ave would be fine.

    Parent
    Still (none / 0) (#105)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:02:05 AM EST
    STILL

    Tweet
    See new Tweets
    Tweet

    Donald J. Trump
    @realDonaldTrump
    ·
    1h
    They just happened to find 50,000 ballots late last night. The USA is embarrassed by fools. Our Election Process is worse than that of third world countries!
    This claim about election fraud is disputed



    As much as I was looking forward (none / 0) (#107)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 09:07:55 AM EST
    to the freak show, this would probably be better for the country.

    McConnell's plan to save the Senate

    Before senators begin debating an expected challenge to Arizona's Electoral College vote Wednesday, Sen. Mitch McConnell will deliver a weighty speech trying to save the Senate from itself, people familiar with his plans tell Axios.

    Why it matters: The majority leader had hoped to keep his fellow Republicans from challenging the 2020 election results, but now that over a dozen senators will, the history-lover aims to keep his party from even deeper self-inflicted wounds.



    I'm starting to think (none / 0) (#130)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:03:25 PM EST
    this thing happening might do some civic good.  I bet a lot of people are watching this and will be in and off all day.

    And I bet most of them will learn things about how the government works.

    It would be one thing if it was a partisan thing.  It's not at all.

    CNN is cutting to the riot

    Parent

    Evacuation (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:10:15 PM EST
    Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) tweets that she was evacuated from her office: "Now we're seeing protesters assaulting Capitol Police. This is wrong. This is not who we are. I'm heartbroken for our nation today."

    Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) also tweets: "I just had to evacuate my office because of a pipe bomb reported outside. Supporters of the President are trying to force their way into the Capitol and I can hear what sounds like multiple gunshots."

    link

    Parent

    Nancy Mace (5.00 / 4) (#138)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:32:50 PM EST
    can STFU. She's part of the problem being a Trump enabler herself.

    Parent
    oh well (5.00 / 2) (#180)
    by leap on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 04:49:24 PM EST
    f**k that $h!†, "This is not who we are." These people keep saying that, have been saying that ever since the Orange Anus came down the Golden Escalator, have been saying that every time Orange Anus' followers do stupid stuff. Quite clearly, this is exactly who "we" are. Go with it.

    Parent
    Cruz thinks (none / 0) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 12:48:47 PM EST
    39% is "nearly half the country"

    That explains a lot.

    Who Is the Colorado Representative (none / 0) (#129)
    by RickyJim on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 12:59:23 PM EST
    who kept screaming about Arizona extending the registration period due to Covid?  Did she campaign for election in the same manner?  

    You should be watching this live (none / 0) (#132)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:17:13 PM EST
    They have stormed the building.

    It's the Red Neck Tuileries.

    They are inside (none / 0) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:21:14 PM EST
    The building.

    Get to your office lock the door.   Stay away from windows.

    Parent

    Where the h£ll are the (5.00 / 2) (#137)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:28:28 PM EST
    Capital Police, the National Guard and all the police. If these were BLM protesters, there would be dead bodies lying on the ground by now.

    They have been allowed to take over the Capital.

    Parent

    It's hard to believe (none / 0) (#139)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:35:55 PM EST
    what we are seeing is real.

    Parent
    The police are milling around outside (5.00 / 2) (#141)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:48:25 PM EST
    They are talking about evacuating Pence. No talk about bringing in the Guard or making mass arrests. This country allows white supremacist/Trump supporters to take over state and Federal Capitals unimpeded. Others are gassed, beaten and shot for for far less. I'm throughly disgusted.

    Parent
    Just heard National Guard (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:52:52 PM EST
    has been requested by Pelosi, but DOD is not responding right away.

    25th Amendment needed--today.  Trump must be removed from White House.

    Parent

    Pence and half (none / 0) (#145)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:57:49 PM EST
    of Cabinet is enough under 25th Amendment.  Do they have that now?

    Parent
    I think there is a question (none / 0) (#149)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:01:32 PM EST
    seriously, because so many of the cabinet are "acting".   I really read this.  It's not as clear if they are not confirmed by the congress.  So it might not work.  At least not quickly.  Courts.

    Interesting times

    Parent

    Yep. (none / 0) (#153)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:02:45 PM EST
    But Pence should be ready to go the 25th route.  

    Parent
    DOD denies Pelosi's request (none / 0) (#154)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:06:19 PM EST
    Who controls DOD? (none / 0) (#155)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:06:32 PM EST
    Pence ordered National Guard (none / 0) (#183)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:07:27 PM EST
    in, not Trump.  Per NYT.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#185)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:09:05 PM EST
    Pence and congressional leaders.  No Trump.

    Parent
    I have some (none / 0) (#188)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:30:55 PM EST
    Hawley 2024 T-shirts available at deep discount.  

    Parent
    I think there might be some serious pressure (none / 0) (#189)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:36:04 PM EST
    For Josh and Ted and Trump too just just STFU.

    I really think there is going to be a confrontation.  Republican leadership in both houses have released statements blaming Trump for this in no uncertain terms.  I think he is going to be taken to the wood shed for a talk.

    STFU or we will remove you.  

    Parent

    Pressure (none / 0) (#191)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:44:08 PM EST
    "Republican lawmakers are pressing the Trump loyalists in their party to abandon their objections to President-elect Joe Biden's win as lawmakers huddle in an undisclosed location Wednesday afternoon to wait out the siege of the Capitol," the Washington Post reports.

    "The intervention from Republicans is focused on the GOP lawmakers who have been spearheading the electoral college challenges, including Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ted Cruz (R-TX).



    Parent
    To be (none / 0) (#192)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:45:09 PM EST
    a fly on the wall

    Parent
    Funny... Pressure, There Was Pressure all Week... (none / 0) (#194)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:55:52 PM EST
    ...and I am listening to someone on the TV saying that he will still object to the Electoral College results tonight.  I didn't catrch who it was but it wasn't Hawley or Cruz.  And he is the one saying that a group of antagonizers split off from Trump supporters with evil in their eyes.  He's also claiming that Trump supports have never supported violence and that everyone is responsible for their own actions, that no one incited the mob.

    If pressure worked on these idiots we wouldn't have had the Capital Building overrun today.  Trump would rather die than acquiesce.

    By the time this is spun tomorrow, it will be Antifa folks posing as Trump supporters mixed in with light skinned BLM folks hell bent on making Trump look bad.  They succeeded fo sho.

    Parent

    I'll bet you (none / 0) (#195)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 06:02:34 PM EST
    There are no more objections

    Parent
    The person you mention (none / 0) (#196)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 06:06:47 PM EST
    is a whack job nobody house member.  It takes a Senator to object.   I will be amazed if that happens tonight.

    Clearly nothing is impossible.

    Parent

    I Have Little Doubt That Guy is Whack... (none / 0) (#197)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 06:24:02 PM EST
     ...and if Hawley doesn't object, he might as well pack his bags becasue that crowd ain't voting for no gutless RINO, especially after they showed how far they are willing to go and all he has to do is what he said he would do, object.

    Parent
    I bet Hawley (none / 0) (#199)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 06:28:44 PM EST
    is dead one way or the other unless maybe overthrowing democracy is more popular in MO than I think.

    Parent
    Rand Paul (none / 0) (#200)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 06:35:48 PM EST
    Just said on FOX it's over.  It's all being condensed to one vote, which I guess means no more state by state, and there will be no more republican objections.

    Just now said that.

    Parent

    I am (5.00 / 1) (#172)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:30:45 PM EST
    completely disgusted too. Every Republican that enabled this garbage should have consequences along with these terrorists.

    Parent
    It's going to end (none / 0) (#143)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:52:53 PM EST
    and it won't end well.

    They have to clear those people out of the building.  Some of them probably have guns.  Before they said there was an armed standoff out side the front door of the house.  Someone trying to get in.

    It's going to get very ugly.

    Parent

    There are old people and kids (none / 0) (#144)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:56:08 PM EST
    They might just let them sit there until they get bored.

    Parent
    Cannot let them (none / 0) (#146)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:59:16 PM EST
    delay proceedings.  

    Parent
    Get the National Guard in (none / 0) (#147)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:00:15 PM EST
    and clear the Capitol and then finish the counting of the Electoral College votes.  

    Parent
    Protestors inside Senate Chamber (none / 0) (#148)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:00:48 PM EST
    Not protestors--terrorists (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by MKS on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:01:54 PM EST
    Trump and Ted and Josh (5.00 / 2) (#156)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:07:52 PM EST
    have gotten exactly what they wanted.   I really don't think it's going to have the effect they hoped for.  

    The country is seeing and will see more I'm afraid just how crazy and dangerous these people are.

    And what Trump and his enablers are about.  

    There are pictures of rioters in the senate chamber.  In the speakers chair.

    Parent

    Go Mitt (5.00 / 4) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:34:35 PM EST
    Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) reportedly yelled at Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), "This is what you've gotten," as he was evacuated from the U.S. Senate, Vanity Fair reports.



    Parent
    Guard is coming (none / 0) (#165)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:41:10 PM EST
    Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said he is sending National Guard troops to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Bloomberg reports.

    Meanwhile, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweets that President Trump is sending in the National Guard.



    Parent
    Done (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:02:32 PM EST
    Pence has been taken to an undisclosed location.

    Parent
    And no one knows (none / 0) (#136)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 01:26:01 PM EST
    If they are armed.

    Parent
    I don't know what to say... (none / 0) (#151)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:02:25 PM EST
    We all know what nazis are capable of.  Trump needs to be arrested immediately.

    MSNBC says (none / 0) (#157)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:11:13 PM EST
    Someone has been shot

    Parent
    Anyone Watching the News (none / 0) (#158)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:16:27 PM EST
    Trump supporters have taken over the US Capital, they are roaming around freely.  Very surreal.

    Nope (none / 0) (#159)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:17:15 PM EST
    NO one knew that

    Parent
    FOX is showing pics (none / 0) (#160)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:19:13 PM EST
    Of guns drawn and windows shot out in the House.

    I think they are freaking out more than the other two.  No sympathy for the rioters

    If This Were.... (5.00 / 3) (#161)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:23:18 PM EST
    ...back folks they would have went in guns blazing and asking questions later, since they are republicans not much of law enforcement doing anything.

    Parent
    White Privledge at its Finest (5.00 / 3) (#164)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:38:59 PM EST
    Just watched a Capital Police (5.00 / 2) (#170)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:29:37 PM EST
    officer pick up a baton and wave it at a member of the mob that was chasing him through the halls of Congress. His gun stayed holstered. No quick draw shooting at white insurgents. No sir, those bullets are reserved for black people. Totally disgusted.

    Parent
    I'm Seeing No One Arrested... (5.00 / 2) (#182)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 04:56:58 PM EST
     ...this is unbelievable, they should seal the capital and anyone inside that doesn't belong should be arrested and charged.  Confiscate all phones and get all pics and vids to figure out who committed felonies and throw the book at them.  

    Looks like they are gently escorting people out and letting them go.  Like, 'Pardon me sir, you are not allowed in this area, let me walk you to the door, can I get you a latte to go with that sidearm ?'

    Parent

    It is unbelievable (5.00 / 3) (#186)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:12:12 PM EST
    Or at least it should be.

    Parent
    The insurgents are now (none / 0) (#190)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:37:16 PM EST
    Out past curfew and no police action is being taken against them. The police are politely standing there looking at the offenders.

    Parent
    That is for sure (none / 0) (#167)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:08:31 PM EST
    Black bodies would have littered the Capital steps. They would have been gassed, beaten and shot. Mass arrests would have happened long ago.

    Parent
    Rioters guns (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 02:23:35 PM EST
    To be clear

    Parent
    We know where the police are (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:14:49 PM EST
    They are all in their cars with the lights flashing.

    It's official (none / 0) (#169)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:25:40 PM EST
    I guess

    Ossoff Wins Senate Runoff In Georgia

    January 6, 2021 at 4:19 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 17 Comments

    NBC News projects that Jon Ossoff (D) defeated Sen. David Perdue (R) in the U.S. Senate runoff in Georgia.

    With the victory now official, Democrats take control of the Senate.



    I Hope Democrats Give... (5.00 / 2) (#181)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 04:50:43 PM EST
     ...republicans something to actually whine about and start pushing thru liberal legislation at a record pace.

    None of this kumbaya 1st term Obama let's hold hands non-sense.  It doesn't work and I am tired of them pushing thru all their ridiculous non-sense and then D's wanting to play nice.  I hope today proves once and for all there is no reasoning with republicans and we should govern as we think is best, not govern to appease people who will never return the gesture.

    Parent

    Hard to believe, never thought that I'd see this. (none / 0) (#171)
    by desertswine on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:30:32 PM EST
    Van Jones just asked an interesting question (5.00 / 2) (#175)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:40:12 PM EST
    Are we seeing the death throes of something or the birth pangs of something.

    That is a very interesting question.

    Parent

    I think both (5.00 / 1) (#176)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:42:16 PM EST
    The death pangs of the old ways but the birth of something new. I don't know what the new is but I welcome it. I have had enough of the confederacy in my lifetime and at my age I am glad that I will live to see it die and replaced with something better.

    Parent
    Out (none / 0) (#173)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:33:24 PM EST
    of recount territory too. Just barely but I will take it. Perdue plans to sue. I need to research when Ossoff and Warnock are going to be sworn in.

    Parent
    I guess one conspiracy (none / 0) (#174)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 03:35:23 PM EST
    theory about a stolen election isn't enough. The magats around here are saying they aren't Trump supporters that are storming the capital. It is BLM because there are hoodies. So in their feeble minds BLM wants to overthrow the electoral college so Trump can remain president.

    Now They are Pushing... (5.00 / 1) (#187)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 05:22:46 PM EST
    ... these weren't Trump supporters, they were agitators unrelated to the Trump supporters.  Yeah, my eyes are rolling' too.

    I guess we should ignore all the Trump flag waving from inside the Capital Building.

    Parent

    They are (none / 0) (#198)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 06:27:40 PM EST
    using fake Antifa pictures and pushing them around now. I guess BLM didn't take since there were no black people protesting. They are really quick with propaganda. I have to give them that. Of course when you have a master propagandist like Putin helping you that has to help.

    Parent
    These people (none / 0) (#177)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 04:35:29 PM EST
    Have integrated themselves into Trumps delusions.

    Parent
    I haven't seen thousands and thousands (none / 0) (#179)
    by MO Blue on Wed Jan 06, 2021 at 04:45:15 PM EST
    Of White BLM rioters before. There is no cure for internationally ignorant people.

    Parent