UPDATE: As I head toward pushing the publish button, there is breaking news that may suggest that the “global deal” I refer to below—if it exists—is under strain or could have fallen apart under the pressure of revelations by the House investigations. I’ll quote Karl Denninger briefly to provide the potentially new context in which to read what follows:
With 'Ukraine' McConnell 'freezing up' today (as if he suffered a stroke in midsentence) but then being ushered back to the podium to show he is 'fine,' one has to wonder which of these old guard politicians will outlast the rest. Biden, Feinstein, Pelosi, and now McConnell with increasing signs of age or injury related malfunctions. Not a good look, but the worthless MSM continues to ignore this shiny object. Then there is the walking but not talking very well lobotomy patient look-alike that those intellectually superior Pennsylvanians sent to the U.S. Senate.
Great write up Mark. The key, as Nancy ‘the freezer’ Pelosi once mentioned is collateral damage. Will Speaker Kev (the other guy) allow for collateral damage to DC establishment types or are we, The People, to be the collateral damage of their corruption? Not Speaker Kev.
FWIW, I don't think Romney could get any Republican support (even in the RINO-infested United States Senate) for VPOTUS. Too many Republicans remember his votes on the two Trump impeachments. I doubt he can get re-nominated by the Utah GOP after his impeachment performance. Hence the Dem rumors.
Saw where the "Turtle" raised his head today but had to duck out (Zhou disease). Turtle's effectiveness is strained now due to his Ukraine support. No one cares about the Ukraine war anymore.
Think this is all coming to a head. This may be the feather to tip Garland's hand to open the floodgates and make some announcements to save face. Hunter's "Pre-trial release conditions" is going to be the end of Hunter. Love that order.
Will an impeachment inquiry do much? I'm still not convinced. I still don't trust DOJ/FBI/Treasury/IRS/Secret Service/DHS pretty much any executive agency to fulfill the obligations of an official Congressional impeachment inquiry. This too will drag out. Obviously Margo suggests wisely and McCarthy (both) feel this will expose much more information but I still think the House Republicans will still flubb this up. Proof is in the puddin!
McCarthy's in a tough spot. If he does impeach, it might turn the spotlight away from the Bidens and on to the GOP, like it did when Starr took on Bill Clinton. If he doesn't, he will be seen as weak. It could actually be worth holding fire for the time being, because the Bidens are the gift for the GOP that keeps on giving. The longer Biden stays in place, the more the horrible truth about them emerges. Just my two cents.
McCarthy is weak. The R's don't have the cajones for impeachment. Leave the corrupt old bat in place and let him run, or whatever that is he does on stage or up stairs. Let his minders deal with the "going through the motion campaign", leaving him free to continue his child sniffing and baby nibbling. With the lack of entertainment programming, this process would be quite the 2024 viewing opportunity, second only to Barbie. /sarc Since the dems/libs/deep state transformed politics into legal and emotional torture l feel at peace knowing biden inc and all their enablers will continue to experience the cover up process which will be their only pain, as Harris will be brought in at the last minute and immediately hand out pardons to one and all.
For us plebes, so many interesting biden soap opera plots popping up. Biden wrecks another dog, Ex Husband of Dr Dresses Like A Couch show up and once again spills the real love story of romeo joe and jill. Will Devon Archer be arrested before testifying? Will Devon Archer make it to his 50th birthday? Per those pesky prosecutors, Hunter has to look for a job before his next plea hearing - will his Only Fans be live in time? Reasonably priced paddle board lessons for the homeless and illegals? Open an art school?
Unless those miracle doctors run out of the prescription grade "supplements" they are giving him, I don't see him bowing out and and stopping his quest to "being the best American president ever". Tripping, falling and gaffes are minor compared to all the good he has done during Obama's Third Term. We're over the shock and awe-Let the deep state continue exposing themselves by keeping the installed one. God Bless The Queen, Man!
McCarthy is weak, yes. However, maybe it's best not to impeach and let Biden be a wrecking ball to his own party. I'm sure if the GOP did impeach him, the MSM would be full of "How dare those heartless brutes pick on this lovable old man who's only trying to do his best for the US?!"
This is ultimately controlled by political considerations. Putting constitutional and legal principles into practice is often nothing like a geometrical proof--it can be messy. People of good will can disagree on how to deal with a given situation. I can see the argument you present as a "maybe," and raise you a "perhaps". Still, the danger is that of obscuring the principles. Drawing a line between prudential considerations and taking the easy way out. Nothing is simple.
This is absolutely true. Given that that was just about Pence's first official act as VP, it was a significant tell. It also wrong footed Trump. Trump was then stuck with Pence and was faced with the choice of either looking for a new NatSec Adviser or practically tearing apart the admin at the very start. I don't blame Trump for Pence. I believe Kelly Anne was the one who recommended him to Trump. She served him well throughout, despite this bad choice.
“Creepy… sinister.” That pretty much sums up my impression of Mike Pence at every one of his public appearances with Trump. Always taking an aloof posture with an ambiguous Mona Lisa smile. He never once seemed to me to be on Trump’s team.
I always thought he was a strange choice for VP. Iirc correctly, as IN governor he veto'd his state legislature's declaration of marriage to be limited to the union of a man & a woman. Then he very tersely endorsed Cruz during the presidential primary. Not unlike the behavior you describe as VP, Brother.
Lotsa truth coming to light these days, at least. Maybe we'll have the full truth on Pence too when all is said & done.
My belief is that at the time Pence was still basically well regarded among social conservatives and it was hoped that Pence would help balance out Trump's libertine image and lend cred to his pro-life position. I believe it was also hoped that Pence could serve as a bridge to the GOPe, especially in the Senate, and to help with getting appointments confirmed. I supported the choice at the time for those reasons, like many others. It seemed like a legitimate way to solidify his position with the party.
That's the truly great thing about Trump. For all of his 'flaws' and 'mistakes' over and over and over he revealed the truth about the government which rules over us. Imagine if Mrs Clinton had won.
I think the UniParty is between a rock and a hard place. If they press impeachment and expose everything then you have old Joe as a cornered animal and just think of all the things, he could bring up it will bring the whole mess down. Now if they work out something that will have Hunter as the fall guy (his old man would have no problem pushing him under the bus) and old Joe would be given a graceful exit he could then pardon Hunter on the way out and the rest of it could be quietly sweep under the rug. The UniParty might figure they could deal with Heels Up Harris for a short time until they could arrange a suitable replacement. As for Ukraine I am starting to see stories come back in the news on how everything is going great for Ukraine and the offensive is going great etc., Also ConInc is starting to double down with guests that are pushing the narrative Putin bad must be replaced and Ukraine can win this. I hope people are starting to see through this.
They put him there and now they have a mess that they are having a hard time figuring out. More and more people are starting to see it also. Maybee it is a blessing as the country could wake up
Here's another view on the failed plea deal, similar. The only real question is whether at any point the judge would have been willing to play pretend, but then got cold feet:
It is highly improper that the DOJ allowed things to get to this point, and I doubt very many onlookers will be giving the department the benefit of the doubt that it was all just a mistake. If the prosecutors involved, including David Weiss, were trying to give Hunter Biden global immunity via a wink and a nod while still keeping the investigation open, that’s scandalous and a clear attempt to try to manipulate the judge.
CTH supports my view re the plea deal--it was intended to be a behind the scenes plea deal, but "the judge sniffed it out." Or maybe, the judge realized this was going to receive a huge amount of scrutiny and decided that wasn't in her own interests:
Here’s the non-pretending version. The corrupt U.S. attorney’s office organized, coordinated and colluded with the Hunter Biden team to structure a deal that would provide cover for Hunter Biden for any further crimes. This is corrupt as hell. The judge sniffed this motive and asked the DOJ directly. The DOJ could not make that admission for obvious reasons and denied this intent. Thus, the Hunter defense team then had to say without the previously agreed future immunity, the deal was off.
Brilliant exposé Mark. On all fronts, and they’re all connected. Tx for your tireless search for clarity and truth. Would that Kev possessed half your moral fiber!
As Crooke says, Ukraine has very much been the solvent that held the old order together. All of them - from both sides of the aisle - are up to their necks in corruption. That's why I doubt there will be a "moment of truth" impeachment. To do so would expose not just what Biden has been up to in the beknighted country, but also the Clintons, Romney, McConnell and God knows how many other state players. That's why I suspect some kind of "Let's turn the page on this one" kind of deal will be brokered.
I realize that--in short, a progressive. But it remains a legitimate question. I have no solution for the seeming failure of government by the people, except that I fear the control of "an educated and enlightened elite" even more. No man-made system is foolproof.
https://twitter.com/willscharf/status/1684331594864025602
Very smart explanation of the way DoJ tried to game the plea deal process.
With 'Ukraine' McConnell 'freezing up' today (as if he suffered a stroke in midsentence) but then being ushered back to the podium to show he is 'fine,' one has to wonder which of these old guard politicians will outlast the rest. Biden, Feinstein, Pelosi, and now McConnell with increasing signs of age or injury related malfunctions. Not a good look, but the worthless MSM continues to ignore this shiny object. Then there is the walking but not talking very well lobotomy patient look-alike that those intellectually superior Pennsylvanians sent to the U.S. Senate.
Great write up Mark. The key, as Nancy ‘the freezer’ Pelosi once mentioned is collateral damage. Will Speaker Kev (the other guy) allow for collateral damage to DC establishment types or are we, The People, to be the collateral damage of their corruption? Not Speaker Kev.
Vice President Romney pops up when I think of Biden resigning.
FWIW, I don't think Romney could get any Republican support (even in the RINO-infested United States Senate) for VPOTUS. Too many Republicans remember his votes on the two Trump impeachments. I doubt he can get re-nominated by the Utah GOP after his impeachment performance. Hence the Dem rumors.
Among regular Republican voters I totally agree with you.
My guess is he only needs a couple of “brave” Republicans to put the country first, and vote for him. Sundance calls them decipticons.
My scenario came up when I day dreamed which Congressional Republican would be acceptable to the Democrats.
Funny, I had the same thought yesterdays blog post. Ugh. Hear he's turning Democrat for the final run.
Saw where the "Turtle" raised his head today but had to duck out (Zhou disease). Turtle's effectiveness is strained now due to his Ukraine support. No one cares about the Ukraine war anymore.
Think this is all coming to a head. This may be the feather to tip Garland's hand to open the floodgates and make some announcements to save face. Hunter's "Pre-trial release conditions" is going to be the end of Hunter. Love that order.
Will an impeachment inquiry do much? I'm still not convinced. I still don't trust DOJ/FBI/Treasury/IRS/Secret Service/DHS pretty much any executive agency to fulfill the obligations of an official Congressional impeachment inquiry. This too will drag out. Obviously Margo suggests wisely and McCarthy (both) feel this will expose much more information but I still think the House Republicans will still flubb this up. Proof is in the puddin!
McCarthy's in a tough spot. If he does impeach, it might turn the spotlight away from the Bidens and on to the GOP, like it did when Starr took on Bill Clinton. If he doesn't, he will be seen as weak. It could actually be worth holding fire for the time being, because the Bidens are the gift for the GOP that keeps on giving. The longer Biden stays in place, the more the horrible truth about them emerges. Just my two cents.
McCarthy is weak. The R's don't have the cajones for impeachment. Leave the corrupt old bat in place and let him run, or whatever that is he does on stage or up stairs. Let his minders deal with the "going through the motion campaign", leaving him free to continue his child sniffing and baby nibbling. With the lack of entertainment programming, this process would be quite the 2024 viewing opportunity, second only to Barbie. /sarc Since the dems/libs/deep state transformed politics into legal and emotional torture l feel at peace knowing biden inc and all their enablers will continue to experience the cover up process which will be their only pain, as Harris will be brought in at the last minute and immediately hand out pardons to one and all.
For us plebes, so many interesting biden soap opera plots popping up. Biden wrecks another dog, Ex Husband of Dr Dresses Like A Couch show up and once again spills the real love story of romeo joe and jill. Will Devon Archer be arrested before testifying? Will Devon Archer make it to his 50th birthday? Per those pesky prosecutors, Hunter has to look for a job before his next plea hearing - will his Only Fans be live in time? Reasonably priced paddle board lessons for the homeless and illegals? Open an art school?
Unless those miracle doctors run out of the prescription grade "supplements" they are giving him, I don't see him bowing out and and stopping his quest to "being the best American president ever". Tripping, falling and gaffes are minor compared to all the good he has done during Obama's Third Term. We're over the shock and awe-Let the deep state continue exposing themselves by keeping the installed one. God Bless The Queen, Man!
McCarthy is weak, yes. However, maybe it's best not to impeach and let Biden be a wrecking ball to his own party. I'm sure if the GOP did impeach him, the MSM would be full of "How dare those heartless brutes pick on this lovable old man who's only trying to do his best for the US?!"
This is ultimately controlled by political considerations. Putting constitutional and legal principles into practice is often nothing like a geometrical proof--it can be messy. People of good will can disagree on how to deal with a given situation. I can see the argument you present as a "maybe," and raise you a "perhaps". Still, the danger is that of obscuring the principles. Drawing a line between prudential considerations and taking the easy way out. Nothing is simple.
Exactly. There are many things to consider and they all have pros and cons. The GOP has rather painted itself into a corner.
https://www.americanthinker.comhttps://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/07/was_mike_pence_a_fifth_columnist_in_the_white_house.html
Pence owns the Flynn backstab.
This is absolutely true. Given that that was just about Pence's first official act as VP, it was a significant tell. It also wrong footed Trump. Trump was then stuck with Pence and was faced with the choice of either looking for a new NatSec Adviser or practically tearing apart the admin at the very start. I don't blame Trump for Pence. I believe Kelly Anne was the one who recommended him to Trump. She served him well throughout, despite this bad choice.
If he wasn't, he might as well have been.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2023/07/was_mike_pence_a_fifth_columnist_in_the_white_house.html
“Creepy… sinister.” That pretty much sums up my impression of Mike Pence at every one of his public appearances with Trump. Always taking an aloof posture with an ambiguous Mona Lisa smile. He never once seemed to me to be on Trump’s team.
The "true" Mike Pence reveals himself. He's done.
I always thought he was a strange choice for VP. Iirc correctly, as IN governor he veto'd his state legislature's declaration of marriage to be limited to the union of a man & a woman. Then he very tersely endorsed Cruz during the presidential primary. Not unlike the behavior you describe as VP, Brother.
Lotsa truth coming to light these days, at least. Maybe we'll have the full truth on Pence too when all is said & done.
Another weird pick by Trump. He probably had Pence forced on him, but that was his first fatal compromise in his team selection.
My belief is that at the time Pence was still basically well regarded among social conservatives and it was hoped that Pence would help balance out Trump's libertine image and lend cred to his pro-life position. I believe it was also hoped that Pence could serve as a bridge to the GOPe, especially in the Senate, and to help with getting appointments confirmed. I supported the choice at the time for those reasons, like many others. It seemed like a legitimate way to solidify his position with the party.
Agreed. But like so many other supposed conservatives, Trump's term exposed him as deep state.
That's the truly great thing about Trump. For all of his 'flaws' and 'mistakes' over and over and over he revealed the truth about the government which rules over us. Imagine if Mrs Clinton had won.
I think the UniParty is between a rock and a hard place. If they press impeachment and expose everything then you have old Joe as a cornered animal and just think of all the things, he could bring up it will bring the whole mess down. Now if they work out something that will have Hunter as the fall guy (his old man would have no problem pushing him under the bus) and old Joe would be given a graceful exit he could then pardon Hunter on the way out and the rest of it could be quietly sweep under the rug. The UniParty might figure they could deal with Heels Up Harris for a short time until they could arrange a suitable replacement. As for Ukraine I am starting to see stories come back in the news on how everything is going great for Ukraine and the offensive is going great etc., Also ConInc is starting to double down with guests that are pushing the narrative Putin bad must be replaced and Ukraine can win this. I hope people are starting to see through this.
That would be the place they should be, right?
They put him there and now they have a mess that they are having a hard time figuring out. More and more people are starting to see it also. Maybee it is a blessing as the country could wake up
https://twitter.com/frankthorp/status/1684262402664038405/video/1
Good enough for government work.
Maybe the Turtle had a sudden attack of conscience. Like he saw himself standing before God during the Last Judgment.
Said with tongue firmly in cheek.
He came back out just a few minutes later and said, “I’m fine.” You can’t make this stuff up.
I’m sure he is up to date on all his boosters…
Here's another view on the failed plea deal, similar. The only real question is whether at any point the judge would have been willing to play pretend, but then got cold feet:
https://redstate.com/bonchie/2023/07/26/it-sure-looks-like-hunter-biden-and-the-doj-were-trying-to-pull-a-fast-one-on-the-judge-during-the-plea-hearing-n782338
It is highly improper that the DOJ allowed things to get to this point, and I doubt very many onlookers will be giving the department the benefit of the doubt that it was all just a mistake. If the prosecutors involved, including David Weiss, were trying to give Hunter Biden global immunity via a wink and a nod while still keeping the investigation open, that’s scandalous and a clear attempt to try to manipulate the judge.
Whistleblower impact assessment felt.
CTH supports my view re the plea deal--it was intended to be a behind the scenes plea deal, but "the judge sniffed it out." Or maybe, the judge realized this was going to receive a huge amount of scrutiny and decided that wasn't in her own interests:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2023/07/26/doj-plea-deal-with-hunter-biden-falls-apart-as-federal-judge-infers-doj-motive-to-structure-immunity-for-future-charges-as-doj-admits-ongoing-investigation/
Here’s the non-pretending version. The corrupt U.S. attorney’s office organized, coordinated and colluded with the Hunter Biden team to structure a deal that would provide cover for Hunter Biden for any further crimes. This is corrupt as hell. The judge sniffed this motive and asked the DOJ directly. The DOJ could not make that admission for obvious reasons and denied this intent. Thus, the Hunter defense team then had to say without the previously agreed future immunity, the deal was off.
Brilliant exposé Mark. On all fronts, and they’re all connected. Tx for your tireless search for clarity and truth. Would that Kev possessed half your moral fiber!
As Crooke says, Ukraine has very much been the solvent that held the old order together. All of them - from both sides of the aisle - are up to their necks in corruption. That's why I doubt there will be a "moment of truth" impeachment. To do so would expose not just what Biden has been up to in the beknighted country, but also the Clintons, Romney, McConnell and God knows how many other state players. That's why I suspect some kind of "Let's turn the page on this one" kind of deal will be brokered.
This is why nothing will happen. Democrats/Republicans? It doesn’t matter. DC is the WWE on steroids.
It's almost like they're almost like one big party, ain't it?.
Who is going to run this Grand Impeachment? Who has the stature to be believable at this point? Kevin McCarthy? Blah!!!
Good point
MTG. Complete with "d*ick picks" of all top pols.
If the Taliban can win so can we
Belt and road and...?
I realize that--in short, a progressive. But it remains a legitimate question. I have no solution for the seeming failure of government by the people, except that I fear the control of "an educated and enlightened elite" even more. No man-made system is foolproof.
As in Saddam Hussein.
Con Coughlin sold his soul decades ago.
The Biden Admin can want, but Russia has no interest in another Minsk type agreement allowing the Ukraine time re-arm for round 3.
Exactly.