Tuesday Reads: Good News and Bad News and Other News
Posted: December 15, 2015 Filed under: morning reads, U.S. Politics | Tags: Donald Trump, final GOP debate, Fred Trump, housing discrimination, Ku Klux Klan, Las Vegas Journal-Review, Rachel Maddow, Racism, Rand Paul, Seldon Adelson, Ted Cruz 90 Comments
Good Afternoon!!
There’s good news and bad news today. The bad news is that there’s a Republican debate tonight. The good news is this is the last Republican debate before the primaries begin.
Honestly, I don’t know if I can stand to watch another GOP debate. I’ll probably give it a try, but I don’t know how long I’ll last. I’d watch the MSNBC coverage if Rachel Maddow were anchoring it; but for some reason Chris Matthews is doing it again.
It’s been quiet here as it usually is during the holiday season, so maybe we can use this thread to comment on the debate. If for some reason we get really busy, I’ll put up another thread tonight. Please let me know if you plan to watch the debate, and we’ll just play it by ear.
The main debate will begin at 8:30PM on CNN, and it will be live streamed on CNN’s website. There will be a kids table debate at 6PM with only four participants: Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, Lindsay Graham, and George Pataki.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate and Senator Rand Paul speaks during the Heritage Action for America presidential candidate forum in Greenville, South Carolina on September 18, 2015. REUTERS/Chris Keane – RTS1TOL
Rand Paul should be at the kid’s table; but for some strange reason CNN is letting him appear on the main stage–perhaps because he whined about it or maybe because CNN likes him, who knows. If you didn’t see it last night, I highly recommend watching Rachel Maddow’s report on the Rand Paul story.
Some stories about what could happen in tonight’s circus/horror show:
MSNBC: Five Storylines to Watch During Tonight’s GOP Debate.
Vox: Republican debate 2015 live stream: time, TV schedule, how to watch online.
CNN: Who will hold the winning hand at Vegas GOP debate? 7 things to watch.
NPR: Tonight’s GOP Debate: Cruz On The Rise As Terrorism Becomes Central Focus.
Ed Kilgore at NY Magazine: Can CNN Get the Cage Match It Wants in GOP Debate?
Here’s another strange story leading up to the debate in Las Vegas tonight. A very wealthy person has purchased the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and he wants to remain anonymous–even to the paper’s employees. Now who could this person be. Someone should ask Sheldon Adelson about it.
Mother Jones reports: Did a Republican Megadonor Just Secretly Buy Nevada’s Biggest Newspaper?
The sale has created a controversy because, while there is no rule requiring a newspaper to disclose its owners, the Journal-Review will be, by far, the largest newspaper in America whose owners are secret. The intrigue is not just journalistic: For a well-heeled person interested in influencing an election, owning the largest paper in the state that in a few short months will hold one of the first nominating events of the primary season (third for Democrats and fourth for Republicans) is a good place to start.
The news broke on Friday, when the paper’s management told employees that the publication, which had been owned by a publicly traded chain of newspapers called New Media Investment Group, had been sold for $140 million. The new owners? An LLC based in Delaware called News + Media Capital Group LLC. The only publicly available information on News + Media Capital Group LLC is that it was founded two months ago in Delaware, and it used a corporate agent that hides any identifying information.
Sheldon Adelson, chairman of Las Vegas Sands Corp., speaks during an interview in Hong Kong, China, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009. Jerome Favre/Bloomberg via Getty Images
WTF?!
TheReview-Journal’s management introduced a man named Michael Schroeder as the manager of News + Media Capital Group LLC. Schroeder has been the publisher of a very small chain of newspapers in Connecticut and declined to tell theReview-Journal who the new bosses were, other than to say they were “undisclosed financial backers with expertise in the media industry,” a description that does little to narrow down the field. Another detail that leaked from the paper’s management was that there are multiple owners, at least some of whom are based in Las Vegas. The description is odd, since most individuals who have invested in news organizations previously would be aware that refusing to say who owned the paper would do nothing but stir controversy, especially within the paper’s own staff.
The paper’s management also seemed almost determined to stoke controversy. According to the Huffington Post, a version of the story detailing the paper’s sale went to press with a quote that suggested Schroeder was dismissive of employee concerns about the new ownership.
“They want you to focus on your jobs…don’t worry about who they are,” Schroeder allegedly said at a meeting with employees. But the quote was pulled, as were other critical comments, before a new version of the article was printed.
I guess we’ll find out who it is eventually; but Adelson seems to be the most likely candidate, since he lives in Nevada.
A younger Donald Trump with his father Fred Trump
I know I’ve been writing way too much about Donald Trump lately, but I just had to share something that Dakinikat told me about yesterday. These are old links that I somehow missed when I wasn’t taking Trump seriously early on. Apologies if someone has posted these at Sky Dancing previously.
It looks very much like Donald Trump’s father was a member of the Ku Klux Klan as a young man. From Boing Boing: 1927 news report: Donald Trump’s dad arrested in KKK brawl with cops.
According to a New York Times article published in June 1927, a man with the name and address of Donald Trump’s father was arraigned after Klan members attacked cops in Queens, N.Y.
In an article subtitled “Klan assails policeman”, Fred Trump is named in among those taken in during a late May “battle” in which “1,000 Klansmen and 100 policemen staged a free-for-all.” At least two officers were hurt during the event, after which the Klan’s activities were denounced by the city’s Police Commissioner, Joseph A. Warren.
“The Klan not only wore gowns, but had hoods over their faces almost completely hiding their identity,” Warren was quoted as saying in the article, which goes on to identify seven men “arrested in the near-riot of the parade.”
Named alongside Trump are John E Kapp and John Marcy (charged with felonious assault in the attack on Patrolman William O’Neill and Sgt. William Lockyear), Fred Lyons, Thomas Caroll, Thomas Erwin, and Harry J Free. They were arraigned in Jamaica, N.Y. All seven were represented by the same lawyers, according to the article.
The final entry on the list reads: “Fred Trump of 175-24 Devonshire Road, Jamaica, was discharged.”
In 1927, Donald Trump’s father would have been 21 years old, and not yet a well-known figure. Multiple sources report his residence at the time—and throughout his life—at the same address.
Later on in his life, the elder Trump was sued for refusing to rent or sell his properties to African Americans.
A 1979 article, published by Village Voice, reported ona civil rights suitthat alleged that the Trumps refused to rent to black home-seekers, and quotes a rental agent who said Fred Trump instructed him not to rent to blacks and to encourage existing black tenants to leave. The case was settled in a 1975 consent degree described as “one of the most far-reaching ever negotiated,” but the Justice Department subsequently complained that continuing “racially discriminatory conduct by Trump agents has occurred with such frequency that it has created a substantial impediment to the full enjoyment of equal opportunity.”
If Donald Trump was raised in a home where racism was acceptable, that could explain some of his behavior today. It’s certainly interesting to know about this, and I regret that I didn’t read this article when it first appeared in September. You might want to read this piece at the Academe blog as well: Does It Matter if Donald Trump’s Father Was a Member of the Ku Klux Klan?
Naturally the Trump rally in Las Vegas last night produced more shocking news. McKay Coppins reports at Buzzfeed: Trump Campaign Rally Erupts In Chaos And Ugly Confrontation.
The Republican frontrunner had invited a supporter up to the stage to recount how his son was killed by an undocumented immigrant. Midway though the story, a pair of protesters interrupted.
“That’s why we need gun control!” one called out from the sea of Trump die-hards in the Westgate Resort and Casino ballroom. Click useful source here.
A zealous chorus of boos filled the room, while the two protesters brandished a homemade poster (“NO HATE. YOU’RE FIRED.”) and began shouting over the din….
By the time security swooped in, several amped-up Trump supporters had already encircled the protesters — booing, and chanting, and slowly closing in — while a crush of smartphone-wielding media scrambled to capture footage of the clash. The guards managed to remove one protester, but the other resisted, stiffening his limbs and screaming about the First Amendment as they tried to haul him toward the exits. When he toppled to the floor, a horde of rallygoers assembled to hurl insults and threats at him.
“Light the motherfucker on fire!” one Trump supporter yelled….
One after another, protesters were forcibly dragged from the ballroom — limbs flailing, torsos twisting in resistance — while wild-eyed Trump supporters spewed abuse and calls to violence.
“Kick his ass!” yelled one.
“Shoot him!” shouted another.
Unreal.
Trump’s main competitor tonight should be Ted Cruz. From CBS News: Why Ted Cruz might be a threat to Donald Trump.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has surpassed businessman Donald Trump in three recent Iowa polls of likely Republican Iowa caucus-goers. Trump has taken notice, and has begun to cast doubt on Cruz’s fitness for the presidency, calling Cruz a “bit of a maniac” on Fox News Sunday, for instance. The two have come a long way sincecampaigning together against the nuclear deal a few months ago, but that was back before Cruz was polling so well in Iowa.
Trump doesn’t like anyone who challenges his lead in the polls – he compared neurosurgeon Ben Carson to a child molester with a pathological disease when Carson’s popularity began rising among Iowans. But while Carson may be seeing his moment pass, Cruz is peaking as voters begin to settle on their favorite candidates, and his mastery of the issues reassures many evangelical voters who would otherwise like Carson.
Read the rest to learn the reasons author Rebecca Kaplan believes Cruz could beat Trump. Frankly, I think Cruz is actually the scarier of the two. A couple more articles on Cruz:
WaPo Wonkblog: A guide to what Ted Cruz really believes.
NBC News: GOP Latinos Slam Ted Cruz and Self-Deportation Plan On Eve of Debate.
So . . . will you be watching the clown show tonight? What stories are you following?
peej
Carissa
ecocatwoman
grayslady
mablue2
Minkoff Minx
NW Luna
peggysue22
quixote
skydancingguestblogger
Mona (aka Wonk the Vote)
More from McKay Coppins on the Trump rally last night.
Trump Supporter Yells “Light The Motherfucker On Fire” As Protester Is Dragged Away At Rally
Given the audience and the kkk/nazi responses at Trump’s last rally, he’s keeping up with Dad’s activities. So, do you think it’s him?
It has to be–the same name and address and the same lawyer as the other guys.
I would think so but Trump denied it years ago too. However, lying seems to come easy to him. His grandfather was a piece of work too.
Yes, I read a lot about him last night. He made a fortune running brothels in Seattle and Canada in the gold rush years and then moved to NY and got involved in real estate. So even Trump’s father inherited his fortune.
You wouldn’t think that by listening to the Donald.
I have been listening all morning long about the L.A. schools closed down, and then they put everybody under the sun to discuss this, and how they are “protecting” everybody, and calling on former republican congress to reply, including Huckabee. It’s making me think that they are playing into the hands of Isis………freak everyone out, parents can’t go to work, children are told to go home. Of course, we know that the first responders are the ones who have to go out to the schools and search. What if something did happen, and a kicked a backpack and it went off. They are telling us they are protecting everybody, but we have seen that the 9/11 responders are dying everyday from cancer, and from the injuries, and CONGRESS refuses to fund the expired health benefits. So they say on one hand they are protecting workers, then on the other they let them go to hell.
I am not sure, but I think New York also got a email from terrorist, and they are not buying it.
I am up to my neck in hot tamales…….120 of them. But I will check in tonight.
It’s just a guess, but with the type of transportation differences that LA and NY have I would bet that its a lots easier to stop hundreds of school buses than to stop
moving children on public transport.
I don’t know if I can watch the debate tonight. I had seriously bad nightmares after the last one. I’ll probably watch anyway.
If you do, come here. I’ll probably watch at least the first part. I won’t bother with the kids’ table.
I’m not going to watch the first debate or the pre-game chatter. I’m thinking I will watch part of the main event, but then read a nice cozy mystery for an hour instead of going straight to bed. Maybe that will let me avoid nightmares.
Nothing to fear, children. Just remember to say your prayers.
Some of the folks on the main stage shouldn’t be there…can’t believe Christie and Fiorina are there
Or Rand Paul. Or Kasich. And Dr. Ben is falling fast.
They’re alllllll nuts
Playball
Question, how to keep Americans Safe………..that is the question!
When did Hugh Hewitt become a big deal? Do we really have to put up with every Rightwing crackpot?
I don’t understand why he’s on the GOP debates but the Democrats don’t get a liberal questioner.
Rand – don’t spy on people, Kaisch -speak quietly.
Lying liar Carly Fiorina. Ugh!!!
How could anyone possibly consider Fiorina for the presidency of the United States?
Oh my God! Is Rubio going to go through the same bullshit prepared speeches he gives every time again?
Yes, Trump too. His closing statements, all the same speeches he gives every time.
Carson asking for a moment of silence. Sheesh.
If you think this group is bad you should have seen Graham, Santorum, Huckabee, and Pataki earlier tonight.
Unbelievable!
Rubio is a fast talker, and it’s really annoying. I don’t know why anyone thinks he’s a good speaker.
I have the same thought.
He’s dumb too. Only repeats his memorized talking points over and over.
Is there any question for which Rubio doesn’t have a speech prepared?
mablue, give Rubio time to check with his speechwriters and he’ll get back to you with an answer.
If Trump uses the word “great” again, I’m going to scream. Get the man a thesaurus.
It’s huuuuuugggggge!
Carly’s campaign is so yesterday.
I can’t stand Carly. Her cadence is driving me nuts.
I think my 3 most hated are Carly Fiorina, Ted Cruz, and Rubio. I just don’t know in which order.
I would pay to bitch slap Cruz.
I’d pay more!!
Carly is right about tech, Christe be afraid be very afraid.
Christie: I will close down every bridge in America to keep this nation safe. I did it before and I can do it again.
I think in the fight Cruz v. Rubio, I’m rooting for Cruz. Rubio irritates me more and I just want Cruz to grind his nuts into a powder.
Marco’s support has been stagnant for months. I think the fight for the nomination is between Trump and Cruz.
Closer scrutiny of Rubio is showing him to be a corrupt little guy from Florida. Watch out Marco.
Here comes Christie with the lecture.
Did you know that Chris Christie was prosecutor for 7 years after September 11th?
I have heard that every time he opens his bovine mouth. Can’t stand him.
Jeb said one reasonable thing and has been shut out ever since. Even Trump seems tame. The senators hate each other. Christie gets a slam in on that.
Carson is talking nonsense. The danger is “p.c.”
When was the last time Carson anything that makes sense?
Good point.
I think Carson is toast. He’s barely present.
He’s napping.
Poor Jeb. Can you imagine being less popular then W?
Here comes the Obama blame for everything.
I’m listening to Adele at the same time. Fabulous!
Trump wants to keep ISIS from using the internet by shutting it down in some places.
“Our Internet”? LOLOLOLOLOL
Trump really speaks like a 4th grader.
Like a great, great 4th grader. Really just tremendously great. One of the greatest I’ve ever known and I know 4th graders all over the world.
lol
Jeb and Trump mano y mouth
I think Jeb is making a mistake. Taking on Trump is not going to improve his standing in the polls.
I think it’s personal.
I wish Dana would ask them, who are the leaders of Isis?
LOLOLOLOLOL!!!
Ben Carson doesn’t know jack. I don’t think he even knows where he is.
This is comedy gold.
Really, mind blowing for sure.
Excellent question on twitter:
“Does the president of the United States have any responsibilities other than killing Muslims? They’ve been discussing it for an hour.”
Cruz is really, really the most dangerous man on the face of this earth. Rubio, talks about how our Pres. did a bad deal with Iran, but doesn’t talk about Iran not having nukes.
Carson is the most out of touch of them all. I’d like for Christie to talk about the court order that he is under, whereby he has to pay over 1.5 billion dollars to New Jersey.
It’s interesting that the moderators don’t ask him about that.
Totally agree with you about Cruz. He is a Dominionist. Like his dad.
I wonder if Marco’s lobbyist girlfriend is in the audience? Doubt she is sitting near the wife.
Trump doesn’t have a friggin clue what the internet is all about! He got pissed when he was booed………….Be nice, or I won’t playball with you republicans, and build a big ass wall around you. I wish someone on stage would look over at Rubio and Cruz and ask them why they won’t bring up/declare war on Isis? Why not, because it’s an election year, and they would dare have their names down for a yes vote on war.
Good point.
……they wouldn’t dare bring this up in congress! Pat, our President has asked for help with Isis, and they would rather bleed out than help him.
Another thing, I can’t think of his name, but the republicans will not affirm Pres. Obama’s appointment of the financial expert to help fight ISIS………..they will not confirm his appointment. Why doesn’t Wolf ask them the question: WHY NOT?
Is Wolf going to talk about something else? This is becoming tedious.
Actually malbue2…………he wants us to continue talking about this, even when we sit down at our Christmas dinner.
The whole thing is getting out of control.
Hate to admit it but Paul makes sense.
One word for Carly on Putin: Bullshit
Whoa!! Paul calling Christie out on Bridgewater! Love it.
This is the segment, everybody all over the world should be listening to: Trump and Bush, tough shit.
More than anything, what we need on these debates is a screen fact checker for us to see………..now that would the a technological ADVANCE.
I know, I know, but I hate to say it – Rubio is winning the debate tonight.
By the way, I’m not a right winger, so maybe it’s meaningless for me to even say.
Hahaha. Here comes Carly and her marching band.
For Christ’s sake! I can’t take this whining about refugees anymore. I’m currently in Germany 1 million refugees have been taken.
It makes me sick.
I was wondering, when Dana asked Cruz about his behind the door comments, and all of a sudden he’s talking about every thing but………….I forgot what the hell was the question she asked, then he went on about distractions……..lawd, let’s not get distracted by democracy.
Rubio did not say how many times we tried to change our air supply, including the B52. We failed, and failed, BI, B1B, and failed because of design flaws, and cost overages.
http://www.salon.com/2015/12/16/gop_debate_scorecard_the_big_winner_wasnt_anyone_on_the_stage_it_was_democrats/
amanda marcotte’s take
GOP debate scorecard: The big winner wasn’t anyone on the stage, it was Democrats
Trump comes off as a sniveling bully; Bush as simple-minded; Cruz as maniacal. And that’s good news for Democrats.