House Judiciary Committee Debates Articles of Impeachment – 7:00pm ET Livestream…


Tonight the House Judiciary Committee is urgently rushing to debate articles of impeachment against President Trump.  The hearing begins at 7:00pm ET.

♦Article One is “Abuse of power” – and structured on a false premise that President Trump “exercised the powers of his public office to obtain an improper personal benefit, while ignoring or injuring the national interest.”

♦Article Two is “Obstruction of Congress” – and structured on a ridiculous premise that President Trump “engaged in unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of the impeachment inquiry”, by challenging congressional subpoenas and seeking relief from the judicial branch.

Fox Business Livestream – CBSN Livestream Link – CSPAN Livestream

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IG Modifies FISA Report, Adds Declassification Aspect Per DOJ (Barr?)…


Well, it looks like some efforts have paid off.  In an unusual update two days after the IG report was published, the IG modifies the report content. See Update Notification Below:

Apparently the DOJ and FBI had a change of heart about the FISA dates.

Actually they’ve re-written a portion of the report, and moved some material completely.  As an example this section formerly present on page ii of the executive summary is now moved to page vi:

Prior Paragraph:

Revised Paragraph per November 11, 2019:

This matches the FISA dates we already identified: Original application Oct 21, 2016. The first FISA renewal was January 12, 2017 (84 days from origination). The second renewal was April 7, 2017 (85 days from prior renewal). The third renewal was on June 29th, 2017 (83 days from prior renewal).

Now, if the DOJ or any enterprising congressperson wants to really dig into the issue, they can request a declassified copy of the exact version the FISC generated on March 17th, 2017, to be delivered to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Custodian James Wolfe.

The March 17th copy delivered to SSCI Director Wolfe and Vice-Chair Mark Warner would only have the original and first renewal.

Start asking questions about why the copy from March 17th, 2017, has different dates than the original FISA application and first renewal.  That March 17th copy was seeded with a false date of origination. The reason for the false date appears to be the FBI leak taskforce initiated by Sessions. The false date was a leak trap.

That’s exactly what happened.

♦ On March 17th, 2017, the Senate Intelligence Committee took custody of the FISA application used against Carter Page.   We know the FISA court delivered the read and return Top-Secret Classified application due to the clerk stamp of March 17, 2017.

(Page FISA Application, Link)

The FISA application (original and first renewal) was delivered to Senate Security Director James Wolfe.  Senator Mark Warner entered the basement SCIF shortly after 4:00pm on March 17, 2017, the day it was delivered (texts between Warner and Waldman):

Now, when SSCI Security Officer James Wolfe was indicted (unsealed June ’18), we could see the importance of the March 17th date again:

(Wolfe Indictment Link)

We could tell from the description within the Wolfe indictment FBI investigators are describing the FISA application.  Additionally Wolfe exchanged 82 text messages with his reporter/girlfriend Ali Watkins.  The FISA application is 83 pages with one blank page.

The logical conclusion was that Wolfe text Ali Watkins 82 pictures of the application.

FBI Investigators applied for, and received a search warrant for the phone records of journalist Ali Watkins through November 2017.  Ms. Watkins was notified in February 2018, three months after Wolfe was questioned by FBI investigators in December 2017.

However, despite the overwhelming (public) circumstantial evidence that Wolfe leaked the FISA application, he was never charged with leaking classified information.  Wolfe was only charged with lying three times to federal authorities, and he pled down to one count of lying to the FBI.

CTH made the case in mid 2018 that someone at the DOJ had influenced a decision not to charge Wolfe with the leaking of the FISA application; despite the FBI and DOJ having direct evidence of Wolfe leaking classified information.

The logical reason for the Rosenstein DOJ not to charge Wolfe with the FISA leak was because that charge would ensnare powerful Senators on the powerful committee.  Worse still, in hindsight we now see how that committee was working to aide the purposes and intents of the corrupt DOJ and FBI officials as they built their impeachment agenda.

Remember, the SSCI has intelligence oversight of the DOJ, DOJ-NSD, FBI and all associated counterintelligence operations. Additionally, when the FBI was investigating Wolfe for leaking classified documents, according to their court filings they had to inform the committee of the risk Wolfe represented.  Who did they have to inform?.. Chairman Richard Burr and Vice-Chair Mark Warner.

Think about it.  Both gang-of-eight members (Warner/Burr), who happened -as a consequence of the jaw dropping implications- to be two SSCI members who were warned by the FBI that Wolfe was compromised…. and they, along with Feinstein in 2016, were the co-conspirators who used James Wolfe.  The ramifications cannot be overstated.

Any criminal charges for leaking classified intelligence information against James Wolfe would likely result in a major scandal where the SSCI itself was outlined as participants in the weaponization of government for political intents.  Thus, the perfect alignment of interests for a dropped charge and DC cover-up.  REMEMBER:

(Source)

If it wasn’t already transparently sketchy, in an act of serendipity and self-preservation, the accused Security Director James Wolfe evidenced the schemes when he threatened to subpoena members of the SSCI as part of his defense. [See Here]

[…] Attorneys for James A. Wolfe sent letters to all 15 senators on the committee, notifying them that their testimony may be sought as part of Mr. Wolfe’s defense, according to two people familiar with the matter.

[…] Mr. Wolfe’s defense lawyers are considering calling the senators as part of the proceedings for a variety of reasons, including as potential character witnesses and to rebut some of the allegations made by the government in the criminal complaint, these people say.  (link)

Immediately after threatening to subpoena the SSCI (July 27, 2018), the DOJ (Rosenstein authorizing) cut a deal with Wolfe and dropped the charges down to a single charge of lying to investigators.  However, someone in the FBI who was doing the investigative legwork wasn’t happy with that decision.

The overwhelming circumstantial evidence that Wolfe leaked the FISA application went from a strong suspicion, to damn certain (after the plea deal) when the DOJ included a sentencing motion in mid-December 2018.

On December 15th, 2018 the DOJ filed a response to the Wolfe defense teams’ own sentencing memo (full pdf), and within the DOJ response they included an exhibit (#13) written by the FBI [redacted] special agent in charge, which specifically says: “because of the known disclosure of classified information, the FISA application”… Thereby admitting, albeit post-plea agreement, that Wolfe did indeed leak the FISA:

(link to document)

Right there, in that FBI Special Agent description is the bombshell admission that James Wolfe leaked the Carter Page FISA application to journalist Ali Watkins at Buzzfeed. (Keep Reading Background)…

Because the copy delivered to the SSCI on March 17th, 2017, had a modified date as a leak tracer. All subsequent public releases of the FISA dates had to either: (A) duplicate the false date; or (B) be redacted.

Oddly, and *coincidentally*, after the DOJ made the decision to declassify the previously hidden dates today, another announcement followed:

WASHINGTON — The primary liaison between the Justice Department and the special counsel’s office is set to step down at the end of the month, after helping oversee the department’s most consequential and controversial investigation in a generation.

Edward O’Callaghan, who served as the deputy attorney general’s right-hand man, worked closely with the deputy attorney general at the time, Rod J. Rosenstein, to oversee the Russia investigation. He had primary supervisory responsibilities over the special counsel’s office, which was led by Robert S. Mueller III. (more)

And for the Trifecta:

US Attorney Terwilliger

@USATerwilliger

Congratulations to US Attorney for D.C. Jessie Liu on the announcement regarding the intent to nominate her to undersecretary at the Treasury Department. https://publicpool.kinja.com/subject-president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-to-1840349025 

Subject: President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Individuals to Key…

The White HouseOffice of the Press SecretaryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 10, 2019President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Individuals to Key Administration PostsToday,…

publicpool.kinja.com

18 people are talking about this

What do all three have in common?

(1) DOJ tells IG to declassify FISA dates.

(2) Ed O’Callagahan removed (going to private practice).

(3) Jessie Liu removed as U.S. DC Attny (going to treasury).

Answer:  The James Wolfe Coverup.

Horowitz Testimony: “The Only FISA We Found That Existed Was The One For Carter Page”…


Amid the investigative and research questions over the past several years, there was always a question about who, within thee Trump orbit, may have been subject to FISA court authorized surveillance during their activity in 2016.

Because they were initially four targets of the FBI investigation, there was speculation that Paul Manafort, George Papadopoulos and/or Lt. General Michael Flynn were also subjects of Title-1 FISA Court authorized surveillance, in addition to Carter Page.

Today during his testimony, Inspector General Michael Horowitz specifically noted there was no other FISA application against any other campaign official. [See 05:23 of testimony to questions by Senator Chris Coons – prompted just hit play]:

“The only FISA we found existed was the one we have written about here as to Carter Page”…

That means all other FBI investigative evidence documented against Manafort, Papadopoulos, or Flynn had to come from some other method of surveillance.

This begs a significant question….

Carter Page was not associated with the campaign or transition after the election, so under what authority did the DOJ allow the Mueller team to gain access to all of the Trump transition emails, texts, electronic and phone communications? 

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….Maybe a good question for Rod Rosenstein?

Then again, perhaps this speaks to why the DOJ is hiding the scope memos…

I digress.

IG Horowitz Senate Testimony on FBI FISA Abuse During Election – 10:00am ET Livestream…


The Senate Committee on the Judiciary hearing entitled “Examining the Inspector General’s Report on Alleged Abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act” will be held today at 10:00am Eastern.

Fox News Livestream Link – Fox Business Livestream – CBS Livestream

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Impeachment Poker!


ALL IN FOR IMPEACHMENT

The Democrats hold no viable hand in their game to remove Trump from office. Regardless, they’re going ‘all in’ on impeachment. They can’t win. President Trump is holding the winning cards.

Trump has not committed any sort of ‘high crime’ that would warrant an impeachment. He was actually carrying out his duties when it came to his Ukraine call. He didn’t want US taxpayer money to be siphoned off as graft. Congress should be going after Joe Biden, not Trump. However, the Democrats control the House and they are corrupt to the core.

The Democrats are holding a losing hand, but they’re desperate. They can’t beat Trump in 2020, so they will use their mass media to lie to the country about the reasons for impeachment. The Democrats have no poker face—their hatred for Trump can’t he hidden.

—Ben Garrison

USTR Robert Lighthizer Delivers Remarks at USMCA Signing Ceremony in Mexico City…


U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer traveled to Mexico to put the finishing touches on the revised USMCA agreement.  Ambassador Lighthizer delivered remarks at the signing ceremony hosted by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez-Obrador.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stressed the United States has a stake in Mexico’s success as representatives from the United States, Mexico and Canada gathered in Mexico City to sign modifications to the USMCA, a historic trade agreement.

Washington, DC – United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued the following statement today on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement:

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we have reached an historic agreement on the USMCA. After working with Republicans, Democrats, and many other stakeholders for the past two years we have created a deal that will benefit American workers, farmers, and ranchers for years to come. This will be the model for American trade deals going forward.”

(LINK)

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Additional remarks from Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland:

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Full Event Video:

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Incredible Team

President Trump Impromptu Presser Departing the White House – Video and Transcript…


Chopper pressers are the best pressers; but twilight chopper pressers in the rain are even better.  President Trump delivers remarks to the press poll as he departs the White House for a rally in Pennsylvania. [Video and Transcript Below]

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[Transcript] – THE PRESIDENT: Okay. It’s pretty wet out here. We’re going to Hershey, Pennsylvania, tonight. We have a big rally — a lot of people, tremendous lines, great enthusiasm. There’s never been this enthusiasm, in my opinion, for the Republican Party. The Republicans have stuck together through the witch hunt. It’s a terrible thing, but even the Democrats — they couldn’t find very much because they put up two articles that, frankly, are very weak. And they’re very weak.

Also, they approved, today, of all days — we’ve been waiting a year — and they approved today the USMCA. And I call that the “silver lining” to impeachment. Because without the impeachment, they would have never approved it, in my opinion. The impeachment is the reason they approved it.

And interestingly, one hour after the news conference, they went out and did a news conference on the big trade deal — the great trade deal, one of the greatest trade deals ever made for our country. And the reason is they wanted to muffle down the impeachment because they’re embarrassed by it, and they couldn’t get the votes. And that’s exactly what happened.

So it’s a terrible thing when they do something like that. But now it goes to, I guess, a vote. And I assume they will probably — you have to have the votes. They’re very weak articles.

But, very importantly, today we get USMCA. And that’s going to be a great thing for our farmers, our manufacturers, for our — for just about everybody. That’s good for everybody, unions included.

I spoke with Richard Trumka. I spoke to James Hoffa. And we had good talks. That’s the union people. I did that a few days ago. We had some very good talks. And everybody is really loving the USMCA. So we’re very happy about that. Very, very happy.

Q Mr. President, sir, do you believe your impeachment is inevitable, sir? Do you believe your impeachment is inevitable?

THE PRESIDENT: Say it. You go ahead.

Q Do you believe that your impeachment is inevitable, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: Is what?

Q That your impeachment is inevitable. Do you think you will now be impeached? The fourth in history — third.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think the Democrats — I can’t imagine they vote for it because we did nothing wrong. There was absolutely nothing done wrong. They’ve analyzed my conversation every way you can.

And when you talk about — you know, the word “favor” was mentioned, and it was mentioned — not me a “favor.” You just saw the way it was. And it was nothing to do with me; this has to do with the United States. The word was “us.” “Can you do us a favor?” Then we talk about the country, and we talk about seeing the Attorney General of the United States.

When you look at it — and that was just a part of it — it was a congratulatory call. And there were two of them. Nobody even mentions the other one. We had another one, where they won — originally, he won the election.

And I think it’s a disgrace that people can make impeachment out of nothing. That was a perfect conversation. If you looked at Mark Levin, he analyzed the conversation — one of the great constitutional lawyers. Many of them have. They were perfect conversations. There’s nothing to impeach on, and I think it’s a disgrace. I think it’s an absolute — I think it’s an absolute disgrace.

So, let’s say they vote on it. I don’t know when they’re going to vote. Who knows? All I know is they were very embarrassed by it, and that’s why they brought up USMCA an hour after, because they figure it’ll muffle it a little bit.

And if you look at — if you look at the poll numbers, the Firehouse poll just came out, and we’re way ahead of everybody in every state, every — you know, most of the — I think most of the swing states. We’re way ahead.

And you know what? I don’t know if that’s impeachment or the fact that we have the best economic numbers that we’ve ever had in our country. We have the best unemployment numbers and employment numbers. We have the best numbers we’ve ever had in our country. And so I think that has something to do with it.

You saw, on Friday, 266,000 jobs — new jobs. And other countries, all over the world, they’re not doing well. We’re doing great. We’re the hottest country in the world. So I think that has a lot to do with it.

So I’m going out to now — we’re going out now —

(Cross-talk.)

Excuse me. We’re going out now to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Some of you are coming, I assume. We’ll see you there. We’re going to make a comment about it.

Thank you all very much.

[END TRANSCRIPT]

Chopper pressers are the best pressers; but twilight chopper pressers in the rain are even better.  President Trump delivers remarks to the press poll as he departs the White House for a rally in Pennsylvania. [Video and Transcript Below]

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[Transcript] – THE PRESIDENT: Okay. It’s pretty wet out here. We’re going to Hershey, Pennsylvania, tonight. We have a big rally — a lot of people, tremendous lines, great enthusiasm. There’s never been this enthusiasm, in my opinion, for the Republican Party. The Republicans have stuck together through the witch hunt. It’s a terrible thing, but even the Democrats — they couldn’t find very much because they put up two articles that, frankly, are very weak. And they’re very weak.

Also, they approved, today, of all days — we’ve been waiting a year — and they approved today the USMCA. And I call that the “silver lining” to impeachment. Because without the impeachment, they would have never approved it, in my opinion. The impeachment is the reason they approved it.

And interestingly, one hour after the news conference, they went out and did a news conference on the big trade deal — the great trade deal, one of the greatest trade deals ever made for our country. And the reason is they wanted to muffle down the impeachment because they’re embarrassed by it, and they couldn’t get the votes. And that’s exactly what happened.

So it’s a terrible thing when they do something like that. But now it goes to, I guess, a vote. And I assume they will probably — you have to have the votes. They’re very weak articles.

But, very importantly, today we get USMCA. And that’s going to be a great thing for our farmers, our manufacturers, for our — for just about everybody. That’s good for everybody, unions included.

I spoke with Richard Trumka. I spoke to James Hoffa. And we had good talks. That’s the union people. I did that a few days ago. We had some very good talks. And everybody is really loving the USMCA. So we’re very happy about that. Very, very happy.

Q Mr. President, sir, do you believe your impeachment is inevitable, sir? Do you believe your impeachment is inevitable?

THE PRESIDENT: Say it. You go ahead.

Q Do you believe that your impeachment is inevitable, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: Is what?

Q That your impeachment is inevitable. Do you think you will now be impeached? The fourth in history — third.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think the Democrats — I can’t imagine they vote for it because we did nothing wrong. There was absolutely nothing done wrong. They’ve analyzed my conversation every way you can.

And when you talk about — you know, the word “favor” was mentioned, and it was mentioned — not me a “favor.” You just saw the way it was. And it was nothing to do with me; this has to do with the United States. The word was “us.” “Can you do us a favor?” Then we talk about the country, and we talk about seeing the Attorney General of the United States.

When you look at it — and that was just a part of it — it was a congratulatory call. And there were two of them. Nobody even mentions the other one. We had another one, where they won — originally, he won the election.

And I think it’s a disgrace that people can make impeachment out of nothing. That was a perfect conversation. If you looked at Mark Levin, he analyzed the conversation — one of the great constitutional lawyers. Many of them have. They were perfect conversations. There’s nothing to impeach on, and I think it’s a disgrace. I think it’s an absolute — I think it’s an absolute disgrace.

So, let’s say they vote on it. I don’t know when they’re going to vote. Who knows? All I know is they were very embarrassed by it, and that’s why they brought up USMCA an hour after, because they figure it’ll muffle it a little bit.

And if you look at — if you look at the poll numbers, the Firehouse poll just came out, and we’re way ahead of everybody in every state, every — you know, most of the — I think most of the swing states. We’re way ahead.

And you know what? I don’t know if that’s impeachment or the fact that we have the best economic numbers that we’ve ever had in our country. We have the best unemployment numbers and employment numbers. We have the best numbers we’ve ever had in our country. And so I think that has something to do with it.

You saw, on Friday, 266,000 jobs — new jobs. And other countries, all over the world, they’re not doing well. We’re doing great. We’re the hottest country in the world. So I think that has a lot to do with it.

So I’m going out to now — we’re going out now —

(Cross-talk.)

Excuse me. We’re going out now to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Some of you are coming, I assume. We’ll see you there. We’re going to make a comment about it.

Thank you all very much.

[END TRANSCRIPT]

USMCA Gains Bipartisan Support in House – Senate Leader Mitch Jinping Says Not-so-Fast, Impeachment First…


It’s funny to watch this transparently predictable stuff play out in real time.

After Pelosi gives the nod for USMCA ratification in the House, Senate Leader Mitch McConnell declares he will not allow Senate support until he extracts his impeachment indulgency fees.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday the U.S. Senate would not take up the USMCA trade deal next week before congressional recess.

The Republican leader said that trade deal likely will come up in the Senate after the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. McConnell said the Senate does hope to tackle the defense and spending bills next week. (link)

Too funny…. and way too predictable.

Now, if you are wondering what the heck is going on, it might be worthwhile to remember the question CTH presented about this dynamic last week:

“So what will the White House need to give McConnell… or what will McConnell’s ask be, in order to protect the office of the president?  Here’s where you have to remember Tom Donohue and the Wall St priorities.

McConnell (subtext Donohue) would prefer the confrontation with China be eliminated and the tariffs dropped.  Is that too big an “ask”?  Would the White House sell/trade McConnell a China deal for better impeachment terms?

All of these are questions worth pondering now, because there’s no doubt they are being discussed amid those in DC sitting on the comfy Corinthian wing-backs and gleefully rubbing their hands around a well polished mahogany table” (read more)

Majority Leader McConnell is not about to lose the opportunity to gain his traditional indulgence fees for his legislative work.  Passing the USMCA before the Senate trail of President Trump would be giving up leverage.  It would be akin to working for free.

Both China and Wall Street have been pouring money into K-Street lobbyists.  There’s a boatload of extraction available before any Senator should be forced to take a final position. Slow down there cowboy, the check-writers are lined up at the doors.

First, delaying USMCA benefits China.  Beijing has invested heavily in Mitch McConnell and that level of alignment needs to be carefully navigated.

Second, passage of the USMCA hurts the Wall Street multinationals.  Those multinational corporations have paid the legislative brokers, K-Street lobbyists, to defend their interests. The multinationals who were ignoring President Trump’s multiple warnings, likely need more time to reposition their assets.

Third, the Wall Street hedgefunds have also paid K-Street.  If USMCA assists the decoupling from China (it does), those hedgefunds need time to extract their financial position from the Stock Market.   **nudge/nudge, wink/wink** We’re talking “folding money” here. Trillions at stake.  If you’re in the market… position yourself accordingly.

All of these trade opportunities are tied together.  The impeachment effort is the Alamo for a global financial network.   Imagine how much money McConnell can make from each of these issues?  (1) Impeachment is worth billions. (2) USMCA is worth billions.  (3)U.S-China is worth billions.  McConnell cannot move quickly without giving up some major financial opportunities. Slowing it all down makes it easier to indulge.

Each of the three issues above is worth some major cash; each must be taken individually.

….You give me the impeachment rules, and you can take the budget and trade checks, deal?….

James Wallner@jiwallner

“If McConnell and Schumer can’t secure a deal, that leaves two backup options: passing GOP-only rules, which some Republicans say they are willing to do, or a free-for-all on the Senate floor where whatever can get 51 votes is adopted.” https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/473462-senate-braces-for-brawl-on-trump-impeachment-rules 

Senate braces for brawl on Trump impeachment rules

Senators are bracing for a partisan brawl over the rules of President Trump’s looming impeachment trial.

thehill.com

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Leader McConnell

@senatemajldr

It was my pleasure to meet today with @NathanLawKC, a Hong Kong activist and member of a new generation of aspirational leaders continuing Hong Kong’s fight for freedom and autonomy. The United States is proud to stand with them.

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AG Bill Barr One-on-One With Wall Street Journal…


U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr sits down with the Wall Street Journal to discuss the information released within the IG report on FBI 2016 election surveillance against candidate Trump; and FISA exploitation for use therein.

President Trump Massive MAGA-KAG Rally in Hershey Pennsylvania – 7:00pm Livestream


Tonight President Donald Trump travels to Hershey, PA for a massive Keep America Great Rally at the Giant Center.  Anticipated Start Time 7:00pm ET

RSBN Livestream – Fox News Livestream – Fox10 Livestream – Global News Livestream

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