You are correct in that it has morphed (mutated, twisted, distorted...) into something else.

That's kind of the problem though, isn't it? When biases are so strong, truth and honesty can be left behind.

From my perspective, I see a president who is in the process of changing the toxic DC environment and introducing at least the potential for compromise and effective government.

"Sorry for the delay in posting your comment."
No problem. Glad to have stumbled on your blog. Enjoying it so far.

LOL! Those would be my initials. BKF. I use them whenever possible for my user name, and in my maker's mark on the knives that I make. (Avocation vs vocation)

"There has been too much water under the bridge on this issue to believe that the president ever simply meant to let Congress do its job."

Two suggestions -
1. Apply Occam's razor. It seems like he meant what he said. I think that will bear out in the next 6 weeks or so.
2. Wait and see.

I agree that Mr. Trump is a moving mark and find that aspect of his behavior kind of refreshing. The ideology that has infected DC has made it nearly impossible to practice compromise, which is of course essential to effective government. Mr. Trump is a pragmatist, and will adjust his position based on the latest data. What we're seeing is not a politician at work, but a businessman who simply wants to be effective.

Thanks for the welcome. I certainly intend to be reasonable, reasoning, and respectful. I'm a refugee from scottadamsblog. The trolls have invaded and laid waste to all over there.

I don't even want to know what that stands for, by the way.

President Trump is simply allowing the LEGISLATIVE branch of government to do its job.

In reality, President Trump's stance on the DACA program and the role of the legislative branch in resolving the status of the DACA registrants has been anything but consistent and so cannot be trusted on any given day.

There has been too much water under the bridge on this issue to believe that the president ever simply meant to let Congress do its job.

Welcome to the board! I hope your voice here will be one of reason and cogent argument and that you will resist the urge to participate in the more juvenile aspects of this excellent blog.

And just had to say you're technically right about Trump's stated purpose for tanking the DACA program. But hey, at this point, it really has morphed into something else...

-CW

Sorry for the delay in posting your comment. From now on, you should be able to post comments and see them here instantly.

Just don't post more than one link per comment, as multilink comments also get automatically held for moderation. But from now on, you should be good to go.

And, once again, welcome to the site.

-CW

Isn't it precious how Mugshot Michale claims his spin are facts? His desperation rivals that of Ignorant Tool Devin Nunes. :)

Yes, you have ONE example..

But what happens with the PRESS says something that is not factual..

Actually, with Trump, we usually have ONE example every 6 hours...

When the press says something that is not factual and they get called out on it, the vast majority print a correction. They admit that they were wrong. Trump doubles down when he is shown to be lying about something! Mistakes can be forgiven. Dishonesty doesn’t get off so easily.

Why don't Democrats??

You are missing the real problem here: we have plenty of people being detained simply for entering the country without proper documentation. People who came here on student, work or some other type of visas, made lives for themselves here, and now we are just tossing them away for what reason?

ICE doesn’t need more money if they cannot staff the open positions they already are budgeted for. Giving them millions of dollars to cover the salaries for new positions that aren’t being filled is just wasting money. Budgets should be created based on needs; not campaign promises!

Just throwing money at the department so it looks like you are being tough on protecting our borders may make for good campaign bullet points claiming how tough you are on illegals, but it doesn’t do any good in the real world!

And yet, you called into question the FACT that the Dumbocrats caved and I bitch-slapped you to hell and back.. :D

Face the facts, Victoria..

You were WRONG....

Yes, you have ONE example..

But what happens with the PRESS says something that is not factual..

OVER AND OVER AND OVER again..

You ONLY complain about lies when it's a GOP'er who is doing the lying..

You DON'T complain when a Dumbocrat who is doing the lying..

That proves to me that you don't care about lying..

You just use it as a political bludgeon..

So, ya'all's complaints about lying have absolutely NO credibility..

ICE is way understaffed right now, as well. It is great that Trump wants to add so many more staff positions; it’s a shame that they haven’t been able to fill most of the openings they have had for years! For every opening, the agency goes through something like 30 applicants to achieve one new hire. Problem is that they just don’t have enough qualified applicants interested in the job. So either they will put ICE agents in situations where they are way understaffed, or they will lower the hiring standards to be a federal agent...both are extremely dangerous prospects!

I completely agree with you..

Do you support giving ICE more money for Border Security??

Why don't Democrats??

Maybe if they are caught crossing into the country illegally, but that also requires a willingness by the country of entry point to accept them back into their country.

Does it???

Fly them down to the country, push them out the door and then fly back home...

Simple.. :D

"Fake news. I'm coming to gun you all down," said the caller, who cursed and used an expletive directed at African-Americans, the affidavit said.
"I am on my way right now to gun the f****** CNN cast down .... I am coming to kill you," the caller said a second call to CNN, according to affidavit.

Trumpers.

From your link:

Now Kellyanne was doing a live interview with Todd from the North Lawn of the White House. Todd demanded to know why Trump Press Secretary Sean Spicer had made a "ridiculous" statement that was "a provable falsehood" about Trump's inaugural crowd being bigger than Obama's. Things turned personal when Todd laughed at Conway's explanation that Spicer was providing "alternative facts." "Your job is not to call things ridiculous that are said by our press secretary and our president," Conway said. "You're supposed to be a newsperson. You're not an opinion columnist." Conway was disgusted and knew her pushback against Todd would not get replayed on any network. Conway was sympathetic toward journalists, but here she was, trying to talk about Trump's policy agenda and getting ripped by a guy she had known for two decades. She thought it was "symbolic" of "the way we're treated by the press." Todd regretted letting his emotions show, but not the substance of his questions. He thought Kellyanne had simply run out of talking points, and he was laughing at the absurdity of the situation. The fact that it was a satellite interview, lacking the conversational cues provided by a face-to-face sit-down, made his interruptions look overly confrontational. The president called Conway to congratulate her on her performance against Todd. Vice president Mike Pence later joked to her: "Does Chuck Todd have any teeth left?" But the unfortunate phrase "alternative facts" stuck to her like tar paper. She had meant equally accurate explanations, like "two plus two equals four" and "three plus one equals four," but it quickly became journalistic shorthand for White House exaggerations and falsehoods.

Here’s the problem with this whole argument: What was being discussed were not NOT “equally accurate explanations”!

The press gets slammed for reporting FAKE news for pointing out when something being said is not true!

"Your job is not to call things ridiculous that are said by our press secretary and our president," Conway said. "You're supposed to be a newsperson. You're not an opinion columnist."

This administration wants the press to serve as their propaganda machine and nothing more! A “newsperson” is expected to report the facts to the masses, they are not to be a parrot for dishonesty. The crowds were no where near as large for Trump’s inauguration as they had been for Obama’s. But for some reason Spicer felt the need to lie because he waned to stroke the fragile ego of our president. The press did their jobs by pointing out that what was being said by the White House was not factual.

It must be exhausting trying to constantly defend Trump’s version of reality.

Michale seems on a hysterical series of rants at the moment, what do you think is bugging him (I don't bother to read the posts when they get like this)?

1-7

7. All of the above.

If you've seen one of his hysterical series of rants, you've basically seen them all. While he'd like you to see things from his point of view, you could never get your head that far up your ass. :)

Never seen Johnny Dangerously. As for you question as to what has Michale going wild....I’d say #7.

It's not rocket science, my LEO friend.. :D

Maybe if they are caught crossing into the country illegally, but that also requires a willingness by the country of entry point to accept them back into their country. We have friends who work for ICE at the detention center. These are the issues that they are talking about being the reason that they are filled to capacity right now and have been for a while! They have people who have been in there for years because they committed a misdemeanor crime and now they have no where to send them.

ICE is way understaffed right now, as well. It is great that Trump wants to add so many more staff positions; it’s a shame that they haven’t been able to fill most of the openings they have had for years! For every opening, the agency goes through something like 30 applicants to achieve one new hire. Problem is that they just don’t have enough qualified applicants interested in the job. So either they will put ICE agents in situations where they are way understaffed, or they will lower the hiring standards to be a federal agent...both are extremely dangerous prospects!

Another NBC News poll says public blames for the shutdown:
Blotus: 38%
Repubs 18%
Dems: 39%

As many are pointing out: 38 + 18 = 56% for GOP being responsible for the shutdown.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-democrats-trump-blame-government-shutdown-n840246?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_np

I was busy marching in DC with all those other people, joined by millions around the country/world this weekend. Then went and saw The Post which is a good movie, btw.

Didn't follow the shutdown closely, but reading things today, I'm with the folks who think it was a good move for Dems to get CHIP handled, which completes Doug Jones' pledge, and move DACA to the next round. This way GOP can't play one off the other, and if McConnell screws us it will be front and center. Which doesn't mean he won't - OR - that Ryan won't. But they would have anyway so if they're going to - since they hold the cards -- it needs to be really, really clear it is the GOP that's screwing the DREAMERS.

If he had wanted to act, he could have. Obama’s party controlled the House, and Democrats had a 60-vote filibuster-proof Senate majority. If Obama really wanted to pass either the Dream Act or comprehensive immigration reform, Republicans were powerless to stop him. But he didn’t do it.

Yep.. Odumbo thought TrainWreckCare was more important than Dreamers...

These are the facts....

Funny how your guesses are SOLELY based on Party bigotry and are ALWAYS wrong.. :D

ICE are getting really into their jobs:

https://www.theonion.com/ice-agents-hurl-pregnant-immigrant-over-mexican-border-1822307567

How did that Democrat shutdown work out for ya?? :D

Too bad Dumbocrats couldn't protect the Dreamers..

The poll numbers were more important.. :D

https://www.theonion.com/ice-agents-hurl-pregnant-immigrant-over-mexican-border-1822307567

My guess on the order from here:

1. Kushner
2. Don Jr.
3. The Crook in the White House

It lays out quite succinctly exactly how President Trump is DECIMATING the media...

You hysterical NeverTrumpers whine and cry about President Trump's approval numbers, but the Leftist MSM *WISHES* it had President Trump's numbers.. :D

Can't argue the facts because they are ALL on my side, so you have to go on a nonsensical deflecting rant.. :D

I accept your concession.. :D

Yer Dumbocrats caved, Neil.. I know it.. YOU know it.. CW knows it.. President Trump played them like a fiddle and lazy-assed criminal dreamers are going to get the boot...

EVERYONE knows it..

Next to fall will be Mueller's LET'S ILLEGALLY NULLIFY A FREE, FAIR AND LEGAL ELECTION team.. :D

It's a witch hunt.. Nothing more..

1. Republicans decided not to kill kids for six years?
2. 45 was AWOL during the budget negotiations?
3. Even 45's own party thinks the wall is a joke?
4. Schumer can close down the government at will and the Repulicans get blamed?
5. Reality broke through into his bubble and it is chaffing his "tighty whities"?
6. The mid-terms are coming and the numbers on the street last weekend massively exceeded 45's inauguration crowd?
7. All of the above?

But the past two years have radicalized me. I am increasingly troubled by how many of my colleagues have decided to abandon any semblance of fairness out of a conviction that they must save the country from Trump.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-trump-trauma-is-crippling-news-media-guest-column-1077062

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/500x/60155057/maroni-deported-to-sweden-claims-hes-not-from-there.jpg

"They're going to send me back to Omaha and I don't even live there!"
-Rube Baker, MAJOR LEAGUE II

:D

Have you ever seen "Johnny Dangerously"? If not, do yourself a favor :)

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/500x/60155057/maroni-deported-to-sweden-claims-hes-not-from-there.jpg

Not to put to fine a point on it, but here's what he actually said and did.

"In effect," the president said, "I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act."

"We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion — but through the lawful democratic process — while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve," Trump said."

He simply put it back in the venue where it should have been originally. The executive order that established DACA was of questionable legality. President Trump is simply allowing the LEGISLATIVE branch of government to do its job.

The government shutdown continued on Sunday as Senate Democrats imitate Republican Ted Cruz’s 2013 strategy of using government funding to force a President’s hand on an unrelated issue. Mr. Cruz wanted ObamaCare repeal while Democrats want to coerce the GOP on immigration, but the budget blackmail strategy deserves to fail again. The important difference this time is that the Trump Administration is trying to limit the shutdown damage while President Obama tried to make it as painful as possible.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-tale-of-two-shutdowns-1516574251

Yep....

Odumbo adopted a MAKE IT HURT strategy.....

President Trump's administration mitigated the pain of the shutdown for the American people..

Odumbo = scumbag luser..

President Trump = awesome leadership...

Ahhh, the "peace" and "tolerance" and "respect" of the Left Wingery....

:^/

Democrats, please...please... PLEASE run on the IMPEACH PRESIDENT TRUMP platform...

It will REALLY work this time!!!! GO FOR IT!!!! :D

Well, at least your honest about your hatred of the US Military...

Would that others could be so honest...

What a horrible idea. We need to bring down the deficit, to the point where the debt grows more slowly than GDP. We should do that mostly with tax increases, but spending cuts should be part of it too. Of course I think the spending cuts should be mostly on stuff I don't like (starting with the military), but we should be cutting some good along with the bad at this point, so that we can get the deficit down.

Yea, that's what ya'all said in 2016..

How'd that work out for ya'all?? :D

That should read:

If the memo is nothing, WHY are the Dumbocrats so adamant AGAINST releasing it??

My bust...

Dumbocrats scrooed the pooch and over-estimated their ability to connect with the American people..

That is the beginning and end of the issue..

There is no compelling evidence that rejecting McConnell’s offer would have resulted in a better outcome for Democrats. Polling would have drifted further to Republicans’ side, and McConnell would have waited patiently to accept Schumer’s unconditional surrender.

No matter how ya'all want to spin it, the American people were NOT on the Dumbocrat Party's side in this..

The American people were FIRMLY and COMPLETELY behind the GOP and President Trump..

"These are the facts of the case. And they are undisputed."
-Captain 'Smilin' Jack Ross, A FEW GOOD MEN

“Today’s cave by Senate Democrats—led by weak-kneed, right-of-center Democrats—is why people don’t believe the Democratic Party stands for anything.”
-Stephanie Taylor, Progressive Change Campaign Committee co-founder

Let there be no doubt as to who has the FACTS (that would be me) and who has nothing but bullshit, hot air, ignorance and hysteria (that would be ya'all(NEN))...

:D

But Joyce has hinted that the memo was so scandalous that “termination would be the least of these people’s worries” and suggested that some of the people involved might even be “prosecuted.”
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/22/republicans-hope-to-release-jaw-dropping-memo-on-surveillance-abuses.html

If the memo is nothing, WHY are the Dumbocrats so adamant about releasing it?? What are they AFRAID of!??? :D

Release the memo and let the American people judge for themselves...

As the third day of the shutdown dawned, liberal advocates and immigration groups fired off a joint statement blasting as “unacceptable” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s offer merely to hold a vote on immigration — with no promises for action from the House or White House — in exchange for Democratic votes to reopen the government. But three hours later, Democratic senators agreed to just those terms — sparking anger on the left.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/22/government-shutdown-deal-liberals-angry-357268

Dumbocrats caved...

There is simply NO WAY to describe it...

Bullshit... PROVE it..
You can't because you are full of shit..
-Victoria

Look who is full of shit now!!!! :D

Yer Dumbocrats caved, Vic.... :D

Even CW concedes this..

You lose.. AGAIN :D

Ahhh yes.. Your "peaceful" and "tolerant" Democrats... :^/

I am quite prepared to assume that Sen. Schumer and his team know what's what in these matters a lot more than the media's commentators do.

Of course you are.. PARTY UBER ALLES

It's impossible to tell where you end and the Democrat Party begins..

this was a whimpering collapse by the Dem Senators, especially with the House a more obvious hold-out on any rational immigration bill.

Wow!! Is that a slight peek out of the Dumbocrat Party's ass???

I encourage more of this.. :D

Unlike when Odumbo shut down the government and adopted the SCROO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE/MAKE IT HURT strategy....

What happens when an illegal immigrant refuses to identify where they are from? How can you send someone back to where they are from if you don’t know where they are from?

If they refuse to identify their country of origin, then they are remanded to the country of entry point...

It's not rocket science, my LEO friend.. :D

Yep, Dumbocrats caved and didn't do dick for the illegal immigrant criminals..

Democrats swore up and down it would be one of their highest priorities in Congress.

And ya'all BELIEVED them!!! :D

Despite polling showing the public was blaming Trump and the Republicans far more than the Democrats for the showdown (bolstered by all the polls showing how overwhelmingly popular the idea has become of letting the Dreamers stay and become citizens),

ONLY if you cherry pick the polls that says what ya'all want to hear... :D

Democrats got at least a weaselly promise from Mitch McConnell to act on DACA next month, but nowhere in what was agreed to today is any equivalent sort of promise from Paul Ryan.

Yep.. And it would serve the Dumbocrats right if they got scrooed, just like they have been scrooing the GOP and the American people all these decades...

The facts are clear..

Dumbocrats caved when they saw public support fading away....

I think getting CHIP off the table was a huge victory for the Democrats, as it had more immediate consequences had it not been settled than DACA does at this point.

We have one of the federal detainment centers not too far from us that houses ICE detainees awaiting deportation. One thing that Trump and friends fail to realize is that deportation can only occur when the country of origin is willing to allow the person back into their country.

Guess what? That isn’t happening as much as it used to. Our detainment center has been at full capacity for a couple of years, holding people that no one wants. That means we are stuck paying for their care. Trump wants to get rid of everyone who isn’t a citizen, which will mean a massive economic loss when we remove hard working individuals from being productive members of our society and we have to start covering their costs!

What happens when an illegal immigrant refuses to identify where they are from? How can you send someone back to where they are from if you don’t know where they are from? The answer is that they become permanent residents in our detainment centers. Conservatives love to whine that illegals are mooching off our government; Trump is making it so they have no choice but to rely on us to care for them!

Why would they be so scared about the political consequences of a shutdown? Even if they were blamed, it hasn’t seemed like the Republicans paid a price for shutdowns in the past even when polling suggested the majority of people held them responsible. In 9+ months, who will even remember?
B

But - perhaps that guy was wrong, and you (and a lot of other instantaneous analysts) are right: this was a whimpering collapse by the Dem Senators, especially with the House a more obvious hold-out on any rational immigration bill.

I just don't know, and so I'm cheerfully withholding judgment for now.

Time to Clean House