Yep, That Nutty Debate Is Happening
[guest post by Dana]
I suppose if Gov. Ron DeSantis were polling remotely close to you-know-who in the Republican race, there wouldn’t be much upside to this. It would be risky. And there would indeed be a possible downside for the Florida governor if Gov. Gavin Newsom wiped the floor with him. However, given DeSantis’s dismal polling behind Trump, I don’t think it will make much of a difference if he wins or loses the debate. There is, however, a potential upside for Gov. Gavin Newsom. If he dominates, voters outside of California would be exposed to a young, potential presidential candidate exercising his political chops and eviscerating his opponent. And, if he makes a last minute decision to challenge President Biden, winning a debate like this could bolster his chances:
The long-rumored televised debate between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is officially a go.
Fox News says that its 9 p.m. host Sean Hannity will moderate the debate, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 30 in the state of Georgia. The 90-minute debate will take place at a location to be determined, and will run during Hannity’s 9 p.m. program.
This would make sense if both DeSantis and Newsom were both running for the presidency. However, Newsom has been very direct when reiterating that he will not challenge President Biden in 2024. And yet, while making an appearance on 60 Minutes last night, he was sure vague when questioned again about it:
And this caught my eye:
A DeSantis-Newsom debate…will give the politicians extensive time on Fox’s primetime lineup to make their case.
What case? One is a Republican running for the presidency, and one is a sitting Democratic governor who will soon be termed out. I think DeSantis is already starting at a deficit simply by agreeing to debate Newsom. Other than it being a matter of ego and pride (not good reasons), why would he deign to agree to this?
Anyway, there is some interesting chatter behind the scenes:
Advisors of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have reportedly complained about the planned debate, with one calling the event “disrespectful” to the Democratic ticket. NBC News reported that some advisors are concerned the debate will make voters think Newsom is running a shadow 2024 campaign that could elevate DeSantis’ platform, but others have said it could be beneficial for the party to see a high-profile Democrat defending his record against a GOP hopeful.
At this point, everyone running on the Republican side is just playing for seconds, hoping to be selected as Trump’s running mate or securing a cabinet position (if Trump wins the national election). Remarkably, Trump continues to poll well above his challengers and not even the indictments or his insanity on social media are making a dent in his popularity. To the contrary.
At the end of the day, however, that Trump has an ever increasing lead over his competition remains an indictment against…Republican voters.
–Dana
Hello.
Dana (932d71) — 9/25/2023 @ 2:58 pmIt’s a sign that DeSantis is slowly throwing in the towel when he debates someone from a) the opposition party, and b) who is not running for the Presidency, just about one month before the Iowa caucuses.
Comedy Gold!
Rip Murdock (ad52c3) — 9/25/2023 @ 3:16 pmIt is one of the few things DeSantis can do to stay in the race that could have a positive effect on his popularity.
If DeSantis gets mopped, it hurts GOP, but at least DeSantis knows he has no chance.
I’m hoping this will be interesting in a red state vs blue state which should the country emulate way.
steveg (7e7b76) — 9/25/2023 @ 3:41 pmGovernor of red state vs. Governor of blue state, two very similar states in terms size of economy, size of population, diversity of population. forget the Presidential aspirations of both
Disrespectful? To who? Corporate establishment stooges. Newsome/AOC 2024/2028!
asset (764731) — 9/25/2023 @ 3:51 pmSo DeSantis is delusional, after all. He thinks that he can be a showman? That he can use celebrity the way Trump can?
Good grief! He is party infighter, a political thug, and fixer. He got where he is by outmaneuvering his competition in the Florida GOP, and rewarding his political allies, who bring out the vote for him, with government jobs and money for themselves and their cronies.
Newsom will upstage him and make him look even more like a mean IRS auditor.
nk (2b12d2) — 9/25/2023 @ 4:48 pmDeSantis has shown on the stump that he has the personality of a stump.
Rip Murdock (ad52c3) — 9/25/2023 @ 5:18 pmDana
steveg (7e7b76) — 9/25/2023 @ 5:45 pmI think it is an indictment of the current state of the system.
It is incomplete to blame Trump without acknowledging that the system also gave us Hillary Clinton and then Joe Biden. Along with two consecutive GOP candidates that would not fight
We all saw how Mr. Nice Guy Romney fared when he refused to fight back in 2012, how McCain mailed it in in 2008, so 2016 GOP voter wanted someone who would fight.
So in 2015 the GOP with its “deepest bench of qualified candidates in decades” gave us a primary slate of people who let themselves get bulldozed by Trump and didn’t put up a fight.
All of the GOP candidates wilted in front of Trump, and didn’t fight him
LOL! DeSantis’s personal favorability is performing like his political approval-continuing to head farther and farther downhill. I cannot see how debating Newsom will improve his personal or political popularity.
Rip Murdock (ad52c3) — 9/25/2023 @ 6:15 pmDesantis is besides the point. Newsome might use Desantis to do what Desantis wouldn’t do, and that is evicerate Trump and the MAGA cult.
Purplehaze (05dea1) — 9/25/2023 @ 7:20 pmLOL! Why would Newsom do that? Trump’s popularity among Republican voters is the best thing (and only hope) for Biden’s reelection.
Rip Murdock (b2fc3a) — 9/25/2023 @ 8:14 pmNewsome and that reporter need to get a room! Actually, Newsome needs to get a room with himself. As long as it has a mirror he’ll be ok.
JRH (9c6112) — 9/25/2023 @ 8:40 pm@10
LOL! Why would Newsom do that? Trump’s popularity among Republican voters is the best thing (and only hope) for Biden’s reelection.
Because the Republican primary is a forgone conclusion and beside the point. It’s about the general election.
Purplehaze (05dea1) — 9/25/2023 @ 9:00 pmThere’s no upside to DeSantis for this debate. It’s a sign of desperation.
Paul Montagu (d52d7d) — 9/25/2023 @ 9:40 pmNewsom gets to act like Biden’s ambassador, so there’s no downside for him, IMO.
I, for one, think this is a great thing for DeSantis.
He needs more of this to build his brand recognition.
I just wish it wasn’t on Fox/Hannity, it’d be better if it were a more democrat-friendly news outlet.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/26/2023 @ 6:16 amI just wish it wasn’t on Fox/Hannity, it’d be better if it were a more democrat-friendly news outlet.
In this instance, Fox/Hannity are no different than the Democrats. They all want Trump as the GOP nominee.
nk (2c953f) — 9/26/2023 @ 7:39 amAt this point, everyone running on the Republican side is just playing for seconds
Newsome isn’t? Wouldn’t he find himself pleased to be a heartbeat away from the presidency behind Ol’ Joe — and without all that messy primary vote-grubbing? And, potentially, enjoying a TEN-year presidency — two “Biden” years, then ‘re’-election twice more for his own ‘Newsome’ years? Whatever is going through his mind the incentives for Newsome to play for second are clear and strong.
That said, the GOP field is similar. I’ve long supported — on this site and others — a “Ron&Don” ticket. I see no reason to suppose it wouldn’t make sense during the election. Actual functioning afterwards … who knows?
pouncer (53a333) — 9/26/2023 @ 8:11 amPouncer, the act of contrition from RDD would be epic, I think it will be far more harsh than Ted Cruz manning a phone bank.
urbanleftbehind (3b60f2) — 9/26/2023 @ 10:49 amNo-He’s fully endorsed Harris as VP.
As I have said, (without any evidence) if Biden drops out for whatever reason, and the convention delegates dumped Harris, I’m sure Newsom would take the call.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 10:56 amStill makes no sense, since it is highly unlikely that DeSantis will be the nominee.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 10:58 amAmong whom? He has failed to do so among Republican voters.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:05 amBiden/Harris are not fans of this debate.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:10 am@20
And that’s your fatal flaw.
Average voters aren’t this close to politics.
Trump enjoys popularity because of his brand and being a former President. Not because he’s awesome.
The rest of the GOP primary candidates are still at the “introduction” phase to the American public.
It’s still early.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:32 amHow cute.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:35 amOne good thing that was affected by this debate: Newsom vetoed the gender-affirmation “child welfare” bill. He would have been leading with his chin against DeSantis if he had signed it.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:46 amHow cute.
How ugly.
Haley now at 15% and second place in NH. Trump under 50%. Little baby steps, but the right direction.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:49 amMoney Talks…….
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:49 amTrump is still +28 in New Hampshire, and he only needs to come in first, not win 50% +1, to receive delegates. Delegates are awarded on a proportional basis, so anyone receiving 10% of the statewide vote will receive something. In 2016 Trump received only 35% of the vote but won 11 of the 23 delegates (48%). John Kasich, who came in second with 15%, received 4.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 12:01 pmSorry, wrong thread.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 12:04 pmActually, the correct thread.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 12:05 pmI apologize for my flip comment to your post. Too much caffeine.
But I think you’re whistling past the graveyard. Trump could easily have the nomination sewn up after Super Tuesday and before any criminal convictions), when nearly 70% of the delegates will have been chosen.
When do you expect the Lilliputians to be fully introduced? The New Hampshire primary is only 3.5 months away.
Rip Murdock (b2fc3a) — 9/26/2023 @ 12:20 pm@30 Rip Murdock (b2fc3a) — 9/26/2023 @ 12:20 pm
Maybe so buddy… but, I’m all to aware that in my circle, no one really knows the other candidates.
They’re too busy with their lives to be on social media or consume infotainment.
I think that’s the norm.
Me and you being this close to politics is abnormal.
No one likes politics like we do.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:09 pmAs to the issue of what big money political ‘donors’ might do:
Why fund political advertising? Why not skip all the election-kabuki and just start, now, with the ballot-harvesting operations?
Register new (unlikely) voters. Secure commitments from your new votes to vote-by-mail. Arrange to have helpers (mules) at the homes of the new voters when ballots arrive. Ensure ballots are correctly marked, signed, all the little eyes crosses and tees dotted. Yes, ensure those new voters are voting for the pay-master’s chosen candidate, but that goes without saying. Get Out the Vote operations need not be connected to ANY candidate or campaign. Just assert you’re “fortifying democracy” and Move On.
Spend billions trying to send spam email and interrupt streaming video services and mail out glossy paper to create name recognition and “buzz” around, who exactly? Tim Scott? Nikki Haley? Nikki Scott? I mean, who ARE these people?
pouncer (53a333) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:15 pmJeb!
“please clap”
Hillary Clinton had/has very willing adept gutter fighter surrogates who would have treated Jeb! much more harshly than Trump did and Jeb wilted. Ted Cruz, same thing. They couldn’t handle what Trump dished out, how were they going to beat Clinton? That goes for all of the GOP primary losers.
steveg (b6e937) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:17 pmIf the GOP can’t find someone strong enough to stand up to Trump’s attacks, crafty enough to capture his base, they’ve got no chance to beat the Democrat surrogates who will be helping Biden.
Ronna McDaniel and the GOP leadership need to be very frank with weak losers. “Get out of the race” and narrow the field to people who are fierce thick skinned crafty appealing competitors.
You’ve answered your own question.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:26 pmEven ballot harvesting operations cost money.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:27 pmMost primary/caucus voters are those that pay attention to politics, and are the ones that respond to polls. They know what’s what.
And I’m not your buddy.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:30 pmRip Murdock (b2fc3a) — 9/26/2023 @ 12:20 pm
He’s not running to be a Senator. The ethical standards for a Senator are higher, because Congress can vote to expel.
The ethical standards for a vice president are highest of all (since 1972-4) and no one can be nominated by a political party without at least six weeks of complex vetting.)
The formal ethical standards for a president are lowest, and people want it that way, because too much policy is affected by who is the president, and because people don’t look for disqualifications.
The rest of the GOP primary candidates are still at the “introduction” phase to the American public.
It’s still early.
When do you expect the Lilliputians to be fully introduced? The New Hampshire primary is only 3.5 months aw
Sammy Finkelman (7a85f9) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:34 pmwhembly (5f7596) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:32 am
This is correct. That’s why they say look at polls in Iowa and New Hampshire.
It is, but we have the problem of no new entries.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:37 pmNever trumpers still drinking the kool aid. Hope is dope!
asset (d84249) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:43 pmEmphasis in original. No one really knows the candidates, we only know their public facing personas. For all I know, Nikki Haley hates kittens. Heck, we don’t even know if he ever has had a girlfriend. He said two weeks ago that he would release more information, but nada.
The fact that your friends aren’t interested in politics is the norm. But then they have no right to complain if they don’t like the election results.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:43 pmThe (MAGA) Republican goal is to win the argument, even if they have to use half truths, slander and key omissions of fact. They don’t have any plans for what to do if they actually controlled all branches of government. This goes back before Trump. They had no idea what remedy to give to Obamacare.
The Democratic goal is to avoid any argument. by talking a little as possible in wide open forums, discussing things only in places where everybody agrees or can be made to agree.
The goal of No Labels is to pretend there are no real arguments, and a solution is easy to find.
Sammy Finkelman (7a85f9) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:44 pmCorrection to Post 40:
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:45 pm@36
\
whembly (5f7596) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:45 pm:'(
She probably exists, but there is approximately a 96% chance she isn’t African American.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:46 pmShe’s also probably at least 20 years younger than him.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:49 pmYou sure mangled my post at 12:20 pm. Do you want to try again, using blockquotes? I said nothing about the Senate or the vice president.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:49 pmAbsolutely rank speculation, unsupported by anything. How did you calculate the “96% chance she isn’t African American”? It shouldn’t make a difference these days, with Justice Thomas and his wife probably the most prominent couple in America who aren’t of the same race.
If I had a girlfriend or wife 20 years younger I would sing it from the mountaintop.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:55 pmI did mangle it. I left the good part alone, which is a one paragraph quote from you and two from me, and did not repeat it.
The exchange with whembly caught my eye,
The comparison to a Senator or vice president was my point.
The point is criminal convictions would only matter for someone running to be a Senator, or for vice president. Not a president.
Sammy Finkelman (7a85f9) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:56 pmRip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 1:55 pm Absolutely rank speculation, unsupported by anything. How did you calculate the “96% chance she isn’t African American”?
It shouldn’t make a difference these days, with Justice Thomas and his wife probably the most prominent couple in America who aren’t of the same race.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 9/26/2023 @ 2:06 pmI think I botched up the blockquoting here, but at least I separated things.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 9/26/2023 @ 2:08 pmhttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/hunter-biden-received-250k-wire-from-beijing-with-beneficiary-address-listed-as-joe-biden-delaware-home
Meh… it wasn’t gold bars, so it’s all kosher amirite?
whembly (5f7596) — 9/26/2023 @ 3:20 pmThe problem is income tax evasion, but the IRS has a special office that needs to approve prosecutions.
Sammy Finkelman (1d215a) — 9/26/2023 @ 3:23 pmHunter Biden received $250K wire originating in Beijing with beneficiary address listed as Joe Biden’s home
And?
nk (2c953f) — 9/26/2023 @ 3:57 pmAll still rank speculations. There is a more reasonable explanation why there is no evidence of a girlfriend-“she” doesn’t exist.
Rip Murdock (b2fc3a) — 9/26/2023 @ 4:19 pmIf I had a girlfriend or wife 20 years younger I would sing it from the mountaintop.
Perhaps, but you aren’t running for office. Even if she was near his age and also black, there would be some to find that terribly wrong. What would the Church Lady say? Or left-wing hypocrites?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/26/2023 @ 4:37 pmTrue, and she really is only 15 years younger than me. 😊
Given the fact that Trump is 24 years older than Melania, and there have been 10 other presidents with much younger wives (9 years or more), begs the question. I don’t see how anyone could find fault “if she was near his age and also black.” He’s either hiding something about the relationship or the relationship doesn’t exist.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/26/2023 @ 4:50 pm“And I’m not your buddy.”
Great news!
“He’s either hiding something about the relationship or the relationship doesn’t exist.”
That really narrows it down
steveg (d178ab) — 9/26/2023 @ 8:12 pmExactly. Anyone who would vote for Trump in this primary ought not be a voter.
Patterico (8b8212) — 9/26/2023 @ 8:56 pmTim Scott seems like a nice guy…truly. But his sex life….or non-existence of one…is the least of his concerns. He’s not been an executive. From a Never-Trump perspective, as a Senator he had the opportunity to convict Trump and end this long national tragedy….he choked. He has a nice life story but he’s not telling any hard truths.
This primary is about “why not Trump”…..and Scott wants to talk about his momma. Haley is imperfect in her indictment of Trump…but she is still lapping Scott. Her answers across the board at the first debate were better….she’s demonstrating that she understands a general election. Even if those answers were practiced, it’s good that she knows that it’s important and delivered them well.
Scott has to deliver a homerun tomorrow night. I don’t expect him to get it out of the infield. He literally has nothing for either the Trumpers or the non-Trumpers. If he wasn’t black, would he still be in this? Sadly I’m not sure…
AJ_Liberty (d3cdd9) — 9/26/2023 @ 9:09 pmThere’s only one other option remaining.
Rip Murdock (b2fc3a) — 9/26/2023 @ 9:42 pmExactly. Anyone who would vote for Trump in this primary ought not be a voter.
Perhaps, but I’d also say that about anyone who voted for Bernie. There are other ways to destroy a country than refusing to abide an election.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/26/2023 @ 10:56 pmScott has to deliver a homerun tomorrow night. I don’t expect him to get it out of the infield.
Agreed. All he has is the “nice guy.” His policy proposals range from the mundane to the insipid. I like his basic message about the Land of Opportunity, but there really has to be more than that, and there isn’t.
What I mostly hope for is the utter ruin of Vivek Ramaswamy. While all eyes are on Trump’s many crimes, this clown is trying to sneak under the radar. Worse than Trump™
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:00 pmI don’t see how anyone could find fault “if she was near his age and also black.”
“Living in sin”
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:01 pmAt the end of the day, however, that Trump has an ever increasing lead over his competition remains an indictment against…Republican voters.
How about being an indictment against the media, who continue to report everything he does as if it was normal.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/26/2023 @ 11:03 pm@58
Exactly how I feel about Democrats.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 6:19 am@53
*Jedi waves*
Evidences of corruption doesn’t exist.
No need for further investigation.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 6:29 am*Jedi waves*
Whembly, Do you know if Hunter Biden was living there at the time? Because it’s worse if he wasn’t living there.
Also, my position that it’s good to investigate this remains unchanged.
Time123 (cd3a04) — 9/27/2023 @ 6:40 am@67 I’m not sure if it’s worst if he was or wasn’t living there.
The mere fact that in 2020, when a reporter actually asked Joe Biden about any of this, he flatly stated, “My family never received money from China.” Now Comer has the receipts literally showing that to be a blatant lie.
At what point should we care here? What did Hunter, or Joe Biden for that matter, or really, anyone else have done to earn a handsome payment of a quarter million dollars from Hunter’s Chinese business partners while Joe was already campaigning to be the President?
But, hey, at least it isn’t gold bars or stacks of cash hidden with your business suits.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 7:15 amWhembly, you and I agree that it’s bad. Joes lies/or willful ignorance are horrific. But money goes to Joes house when Hunter didn’t live there would be worse as it’s evidence that Joe was the recipient. If Hunter lived there it’s another example of Joe failing to stop his sons corruption.
Time123 (5ceb35) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:10 amwhembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 7:15 am
Are you sure he used those exact words? It was undeniable. Or was that denial limited to the investment fund?
Lie to them, or claim to have a mole in the FBI, and maybe Hunter did. In the end, he didn’t deliver accurate information.
I think that money came in 2017 – his Chinese partners later got arrested, one in the USA and one in China, and Joe Biden only announced in 2109.
But Hunter did not report it – after 2015, he simply didn’t file any income tax returns at all, which is taken less seriously than filing and omitting income
Sammy Finkelman (101a42) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:12 amBernie Sanders never had a chance of winning the nomination for President, let alone a general election.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:17 amWhat is the evidence that money went directly to President Biden’s Delaware address? Most wire transfers go to bank accounts, not homes.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:25 amI feel like this is where it’ll end up:
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:26 amhttps://twitter.com/baseballcrank/status/1706845536723042617
@72
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hunter-biden-received-250k-wire-from-beijing-with-beneficiary-address-listed-as-joe-biden-delaware-home
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:27 amAccording to your linked article, the wire transfer occurred in the summer of 2019. According to this Fox News article, H. Biden also listed the Delaware address on his credit card statements in 2019, so it appears he was living there at the time. Again, wire transfers are bank to bank transfers, not bank to home address transfers.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:33 am@69
Well… according to his failed guilty plea, he was living in California when that happened.
So, you still think it’s worst for Joe Biden?
https://twitter.com/jameslynch32/status/1707038521414897947
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:35 am@Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:33 am
@Sammy Finkelman (101a42) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:12 am
@Time123 (5ceb35) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:10 am
The bigger question is this: Why is the president’s son getting wires from CCP officials while his dad is running for president?
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:37 amBecause he is the President’s son and the CCP (among others) saw H. Biden as an entrée to influence the Administration (though it didn’t prevent the Administration from sanctioning China’s tech sector or US investment in China).
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:49 amIf Joes house wasn’t Hunter’s legal residence then I think it is worse for Joe.
Time123 (5ceb35) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:57 amhttps://twitter.com/sarahcbedford/status/1706792619446284561?s=20
You’re going to have to work harder to cover for the regime Rip.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:58 am@77 because the presidents son is a corrupt and criminal drug addict that was using his personal proximity to power to create the perception that he had influence snd enrich himself through influence peddling?
Time123 (5ceb35) — 9/27/2023 @ 8:59 amWho is “Sarah Bedford”?
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:02 amAssuming that Hunter used President Biden’s Delaware home as the beneficiary address for the wire transfers, a) what crime was committed by Hunter by doing so; and b) what crime (or impeachable offense) was committed by President Biden?
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:12 amShe’s someone that does more research than you do. Her bio is on her twitter page which you were too lazy to look at.
Politics & Investigations for
@dcexaminer
Tony Blankley fellow for
@steamboat_Inst
Board member
@njc_yaf
Washington, D.C. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/sarah-westwood
But good job trying to attack the messenger.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:14 amI don’t do X.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:15 am“Again, wire transfers are bank to bank transfers, not bank to home address transfers.”
I’m still anxiously waiting for a response to this.
“Why is the president’s son getting wires from CCP officials while his dad is running for president?”
There needs to be a transparent investigation of FARA compliance….and a report that brings some finality…or an indictment that tests the charges. It’s been years. Prosecute or wrap it up.
AJ_Liberty (1295e6) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:23 am@83
Need I remind you that bribery also includes indirect corruption.
Meaning, influence peddling (aka, bribery) by paying politician’s family is still bribery.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:27 amBernie Sanders never had a chance of winning the nomination for President, let alone a general election.
He did, until the entire DNC rose up to demand everyone else drop out and support Biden
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:28 am@86
Almost impossible to do when discussing the President, as the President’s own investigative arm reports to him and his political appointments.
That’s why a slow, good-faith Impeachment Hearing via Select Committee is needed.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:29 amSpeaking of Nutty Debates:
RCP polling averages, Trump v. Haley:
Iowa and New Hampshire award delegates on a proportional basis to candidates that receive at least 10% of the vote; South Carolina is a mix with 29 at-large delegates to the candidate with the highest statewide vote total. Each of the state’s 7 congressional districts are awarded 3 delegates and the candidate with the highest vote total in each congressional district are awarded that district’s delegates.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:32 am@79
I don’t think it matters if Hunter was living at his dad’s place or not at the time.
Address on wire transfer statement really doesn’t do anything, other than to validate the recipient is the intended destination.
A true accountant forensic is needed to SHOW whether or not Joe Biden benefited from his son’s foreign business practices.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:32 amLOL! Good faith will have nothing to do with it.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:33 amMeaning, influence peddling (aka, bribery) by paying politician’s family is still bribery.
Influence peddling is the act of a politician’s confidant shopping his influence around to the highest bidder. It does not require (and in fact mostly excludes) the knowledge of the politician himself. Ike had an aide who got caught at this, but no one suggested that Ike was getting a cut. It is mostly unrelated to bribery. Hunter Biden was not being “bribed” as he had no public trust to corrupt.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:33 am@92 Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:33 am
LOL.
Keep sniffing them polls Rip.
I’m sure it’ll give you the next dopamine hit.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:34 amLOL! Good faith will have nothing to do with it.
It never does. One side has the axes sharpened, ready to chop up the foe, the other side has circled the wagons in defense. The truth is out there in the middle, friendless.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:37 amI expect Scott to be out by November. Will he endorse Haley?
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:40 amIf Haley is to have a chance, the consolidation has to happen soon, with the others (Scott, Bergum, Hutchinson, Christie) endorsing her over Trump. Vivek will eventually endorse Trump, DeSantis will probably wait to see which way the wind is blowing, as per usual.
I’m not optimistic, but I’ve not lost hope.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:44 am@93
That’s the Biden “spin” Kevin.
There are bribery laws on the books that considers payments to family members as bribery. There need not be a check written to Joe Biden with the memo of “for bribery”.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:47 amMore legalized bribery.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:53 amNo, whembly, that’s the definition. In fact, if Biden was in on it, then Hunter is guilty of “soliciting bribes” and conspriacy, not “influence peddling.”
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:53 amAlso Bobby Baker and Lyndon Johnson.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:54 amSuch as?
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:54 am<blockquote>More legalized bribery.
NJRob (eb56c3) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:53 am
Obama is not president any longer, and Michelle Obama is not running for political office. Bribery to do what?
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:56 amThere are bribery laws on the books that considers payments to family members as bribery
That’s only when the principal is trying to hide the bribes by funneling them through others. It could also be third parties, such as a private school or other significant expense covered by the bribe giver.
But bribery (which that would be) and “influence peddling” are almost mutually exclusive. The first is influencing policy with money, the latter by false advice.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:59 amBribery to do what?
Indeed. Bribery is a perversion of official trust. If either Obama took money to influence policy, it would be influence peddling, not bribery.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:01 amRip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 9:54 am
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:02 amThe Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977
Also Bobby Baker and Lyndon Johnson.
Yes, but LBJ didn’t have Ike’s reputation for honesty.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:02 am@100
I don’t see how you can separate the fact that Hunter’s “company’s brand” is access to his father from influence peddling.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:04 amNote that Rip and I are in agreement here. That happens mostly with objective facts like this.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:04 amLOL!
If Scott, Bergum, Hutchinson, Christie withdrew and all their supporters went to Haley (unlikely, I think Scott’s supporters would gravitate to Pence), she would go from 7 to 13 percent, and Donald Trump would still lead her by 45 points.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:08 amKevin, I guess I’m conflating the two.
Influence peddling is simply seeking influence and whatever manner. I guess that’s the same as lobbying.
What I’m wanting to direct people’s attention is illegal influence peddling, aka bribery.
It’s a distinction that I need to be better at… so thank you for calling it out.
But, it’s a bit of a distraction, innit?
The question is: what deliverables were Hunter’s business associates seeking?
It stinks to high heavens, and if you were one of the posters who constantly points out the Trump’s corruption, while working overtime to give the Biden’s a pass….
I see you.
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:09 amI don’t see how you can separate the fact that Hunter’s “company’s brand” is access to his father from influence peddling.
I don’t see how you can conflate “bribery” and “influence peddling.” It is one or the other, and they are NOT interchangeable. If Biden knew what Hunter was doing, and allowed it to influence his official actions, it was conspiracy to accept bribes, if he didn’t then it was purely Hunter selling his connection.
Even if Biden knew that his son was selling his connection, but ignored his son’s requests, it still was not bribery. Maybe some kind of conspiracy charge is possible, but without the quid pro quo, it’s not bribery.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:11 amSo, let me frame it a little differently as I got some semantics wrong.
Ask yourself this:
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:13 amIf a person was a political figure and took actions that benefited an entity that then pays your family members and for arguments sake, that political figure doesn’t get a dime, does that still constitutes bribery?
The FCPA covers bribery by American companies of foreign officials to obtain business, not the other way around.
See page 10 at the link. Footnotes omitted.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:18 amWhat I’m wanting to direct people’s attention is illegal influence peddling, aka bribery.
Bribery would require Joe Biden to do something for the bribe giver, directly or indirectly through a bagman like Hunter. I do not want to get into whether Burisma this or China that — that could show whether it IS bribery, but it does not alter the definitions.
All influence peddling is illegal — it is the secret selling of one’s influence on a public official, and using that influence to falsely offer advice.
Lobbying is the open selling of one’s influence, but the people who one tries to persuade are aware of the motivations, and when it is open it is perfectly legal. There are, in fact, laws against lobbyists having secret sponsors (and particularly secret foreign sponsors) and Hunter may well have violated them in several ways.
But it is only “bribery” if Biden took an action in exchange for some benefit.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:22 amRip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:08 am
Not everything is additive.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:23 amCorrection: The quote is from page 11 at the link.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:24 amIf a person was a political figure and took actions that benefited an entity that then pays your family members and for arguments sake, that political figure doesn’t get a dime, does that still constitutes bribery?
Yes. Also conspiracy. But not “influence peddling” as it was not “influence” being peddled but the man himself.
Kevin M (ed969f) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:25 amWhich means, at best, Haley support will barely budge. I would not describe Scott, Bergum, Hutchinson, and Christie as influential candidates.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:26 amI mean, Haley is polling one point above Mike Pence, who has absolutely no chance at the nomination.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:28 am@114 Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:18 am
whembly (5f7596) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:41 amCorrection, I wrote:
This was some additional money that came in 2019,
Hunter was living in Delaware till about May 2019, when he left the hard drive. (there were 3 laptops he brought in.
One was totally ruined, The second could be read with an external keyboard. The store owner lent him a keyboard and he should either have later returned it or paid for it. The third one could be read but not booted, like the first tie, just before closing.
He came back a second time with a hard drive to put recovered files on, Hunter may have left the original had drive or the entire
laptop. Files were recovered onto the computer repairman’s server and copied to the hard drive but Hunter never came back for the files (probably because he had them, since all 3 laptops essentially were redownloads of his iCloud account, and he moved, or was moved, to California where he would be watched over by a Biden donor. That’s also about when he says he stopped using cocaine and even alcohol.)
Now Hunter just sued claiming invasion of privacy but the drive and its files were legally abandoned. I think the hope must be to get Congress to regard everything as the fruit of tainted tree.
The FBI, in December 2019, got the hard drive Hunter was supposed to get by subpoena. They had to contact the store owner later to know how to read the files. The store owner still had his copy of the recovered files,
Sammy Finkelman (63ee17) — 9/27/2023 @ 10:42 amI guess we’ll see how tonight’s debate goes. Hopefully it focuses a bit more on why Trump is unacceptable and why the party needs a replacement. It was a dead giveaway last debate when Brett Baier exclaimed “that we have to get through this” when the debate pivoted to the Trump questions. It was like he was readying the audience for a colonoscopy rather than a needed reckoning. How does a party navigate a general election when its candidate is in court and possibly being found guilty of multiple felonies? If that isn’t an existential question of political relevance, I don’t know one that is.
If we don’t see some tough questions and sober answers, the debate truly will become an exercise in irrelevant vanity. Let’s wait and see. We all have our favorites and our pet policy areas. I expect Haley to again perform strong as she is the most polished. Christie will have yet one more opportunity to argue the case against Trump. The problem is actually penetrating through the right-wing bubble…there is really no conservative alternative to Fox News that is balanced and journalistically rigorous. OAN, Newsmax, and Talk Radio are in large measure in the tank for Trump. The 50% supporting Trump aren’t swinging over to CNN to see their take….they’re tuning in on Steve Bannon or Tucker Carlson or Charlie Kirk or Joe Rogan. 15 minutes of Haley or Christie can hardly crack the hours of propaganda that will launch…without an pretense or fairness or truth. I’m still going to root…because our country depends on it…
AJ_Liberty (1295e6) — 9/27/2023 @ 11:24 amWhich still doesn’t mean what you think it means. The amendments are meant to cover bribery paid to foreign officials in the United States (rather than overseas).
Source, page 3. My emphasis.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 12:57 pmJoe Biden is horrible and corrupt and no one should vote for him.
Time123 (815d81) — 9/27/2023 @ 1:58 pmI think putting Joe’s address on it shows that Joe had to have known and has been a big fat liar. Why lie if its all legal and aboveboard?
steveg (483085) — 9/27/2023 @ 3:48 pmThat said if I was Hunter, selling access to my dad, I’d put dad’s address on everything.
Was listening to the Tim Conway Jr. Show the other day and he was saying that when he was in Jr. High he’d swipe a few of the 10X10 photos of Tim Conway Sr. that his dad had autographed and would write stuff like: “please excuse my son Tim from missing school yesterday, he had a Doctors Appointment” above his dad’s signature
I agree he’s horrible. By which I mean he’s a pandering dimwit with bad domestic policies. But I’m still waiting for evidence he’s corrupt. And if his opponent is the malignantly disordered rapist liar who tried to overthrow our constitutional order, I’ll vote proudly for Biden. In fact, he’ll become the first Democrat in 14 presidential elections to get my campaign donation.
lurker (cd7cd4) — 9/27/2023 @ 4:00 pmWire transfers don’t go the the beneficiary’s address; they go to whatever bank account they are directed to.
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 9/27/2023 @ 4:09 pm