Gloves semi-off

 

For an old man who doesn't know which Banana Republic he's managing, Joe Biden did good.

Last night in Rockville, Maryland, to kick off the campaign season and aid gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore, Biden said what millions of Americans are thinking:  

"What we're seeing now is either the beginning or the death knell of an extreme MAGA philosophy.  It's not just Trump, it's the entire philosophy that underpins the -- I'm going to say something -- it's like semi-fascism.

"I want to be crystal-clear about what's on the ballot this year.  Your right to choose is on the ballot this year.  The Social Security you paid for from the time you had a job is on the ballot.  The safety of our kids from gun violence is on the ballot.  The very survival of our planet is on the ballot.  Your right to vote is on the ballot.  Even democracy.  Are you ready to fight for these things now?"

The Washington Post calls it "a level of partisan combativeness that Biden's administration has often avoided."  Yes, and Obama's before it, but it's past time to take the fight to the fascists.  For example:

Republicans are everyplace that will let them in the door complaining about the plan to forgive student loan.  In rapid response the White House released a handy guide to members of Congress whose PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans from the Small Business Administration were forgiven:

"How is this not a Hatch Act violation?" squealed Sebastian Gorka.  Because it's factual information, you bearded potato-head.  Sitting behind the Resolute desk and trying to strongarm Georgia officials into committing election fraud -- there's your Hatch Act.

I refuse to call it "Joe-mentum" but some kind of disturbance in the field has occurred.

The search warrant has been released and even redacted it's very, very bad for Trump.  It describes classified documents carelessly stored by someone who probably had no right to possess them.  It's hard to believe the parts about the grand jury will make him look less guilty.  Some of the swag, it says, could put "clandestine human sources" (moles) at risk.  At least once before, a covert source had to be pulled out after Trump gave a tour of the Oval Office to some of his favorite Russians.  

Naturally Trump responded by expressing admiration for the way Judge Bruce Reinhart has handled himself despite the torrent of death threats.  No, I'm kidding!  It was the usual spite-storm of grievance and paranoia.  "...animosity and hatred of your favorite President, me.  Why hasn't he recused himself?  Obama must be very proud of him right now!"  We all are, Donzo.  "Affidavit heavily redacted!!!"  Yes, to protect others from the violent threats of your droogs.  Have you thought about where you'll put all this rage when Ministry of Truth Social goes quiet?

According to the very reliable Fox Business, the platform owes $1.6 million to its web host RightForge, which is contemplating legal action.  Moreover, the patent office has rejected an application to trademark "Truth Social" because it's "confusingly similar" to at least two others.  Devin Nunes must be wondering why he gave up a safe seat in the House.  Many people ensnared in Trump business dealings have felt something similar.

It's hard to say whether this is going to add to the mix, but Ponzi schemer and Jeffrey Epstein mentor Steven Hoffenberg was found dead this week.  He was living in "a small apartment in a multifamily home" in Derby, Connecticut.  I don't want to turn into one of those squirrelly people with a whiteboard and a lot of pins and string, but if it turns out he died from a fall like Ivana Trump and Dan Rapoport, I may have to get to the stationery store.

Photo of the day:  Inna Yashchyshyn near the water hazard at Mar a Lago with Trump and his caddy Lindsey Graham.  The FBI is interested in the ease with which this "Russian-speaking immigrant from Ukraine" made herself at home there.  In fact, almost anyone could gain entrance with the right credentials and clothes.  Guess what name she used?  (Empty Greene will appreciate this.)  Anna de Rothschild, of the fabled European banking dynasty.  

Some days you're just glad to be alive.