Archive for the ‘Hillary Clinton’ Category

John Kass: The Wuhan story that finally has legs, now that Trump is gone – TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

What are we learning about the American political-media establishment now that the origin story of the coronavirus pandemic appears to be radically changing?

The Wall Street Journal has been reporting on new developments out of Chinas Wuhan Institute of Virology. Theres more on those researchers who became sick enough in November 2019 that they sought hospital care, according to a previously undisclosed U.S. intelligence report. The newspapers reporting boosts efforts supporting a deeper investigation into the origins of the coronavirus illness.

Were also learning, and relearning, about institutional rot and the triumph of political ideology over analysis.

But will the political-media establishment of Washington use this moment to reexamine itself and reflect?

As we wait, more facts come out daily about the origins of the pandemic that led to the deaths of 3.4 million people worldwide, including some 500,000 in the U.S. It is without doubt the most important story of our time. And part of the job of citizens, of journalists and responsible political leaders, is to question assumptions.

Yet until quite recently, anyone who dared suggest that the virus may have leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan, China a theory that ran counter to the approved version of the Chinese Communist Party that someone ate or came in contact with an infected bat from a wet market were dismissed as dangerous, perhaps insane.

Some, such as Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, were smeared by Washington media as wild-eyed Republican conspiracy theorists infected with a highly contagious political virus that had to be stamped out lest others catch it.

Senator Tom Cotton Repeats Fringe Theory of Coronavirus Origins, blared a New York Times headline in February 2020, saying such theories gain traction among those who see China as a threat.

And there were many others just like it, including in The Washington Post, with the headline Experts debunk fringe theory linking Chinas coronavirus to weapons research.

Experts. Lazy reporting is what that word should connote when readers see it.

But now the worm is turning with reporting from The Wall Street Journal that three researchers became ill, sparking questions as to whether the COVID-19 virus that crushed lives and economies had escaped from that lab.

A May 5 essay in a science journal by Nicholas Wade, a former science writer from The New York Times, deals with the origin story and asks: Did people or nature open Pandoras box at Wuhan?

Why was it so important to cling to the wet market theory and demonize others? Was it that former President Donald Trump and Mike Pompeo, Trumps secretary of state, hinted that intelligence led them to believe it came from a lab?

The pandemic was the story of the election year. And the Democrats used it to hammer Trumps campaign. COVID-19, said Jane Fonda, was Gods gift to the left.

The other day, a talking head on CNN explained things:

When this first was being reported and discussed, a few months after the pandemic had begun, then-President Donald Trump and Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, both suggested they had seen evidence that this was formed in a lab. And they also suggested that it was not released on purpose. But they refused to release the evidence showing what it was. And because of that, that made this instantly political. I think this was, you know, example 1,000 when the Trump administration learned that when you have burned your credibility over and over again, people are not immediately going to believe you, especially in an election year. However, that does not mean its not worth discussing.

That was Maggie Haberman of The New York Times twisting her way out of explaining why she, along with most other journalists, dismissed the possibility of a different origin story.

President Joe Biden insists he has a good personal relationship with China, though hes somewhat compromised by his son Hunters business relationships there. Whether all this gives leverage to the president to reshape U.S.-China relations is something best left to foreign policy analysts.

But theres something else to consider:

The virus origin reset offers an extraordinary opportunity to the Washington establishment press a chance to reflect, reconsider and reassess its role as Kemalist guardians. But will the establishment political media culture take advantage of this reset?

This is the same media that treated President Barack Obama as something of a demigod. Many gushed over his Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, though hed been on the job for only months. Besotted by Hopium, all the better to adore Obama, the establishment was shocked to its core when Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016.

That was the year of the anti-establishment insurgency. I knew she would not win. But I wasnt standing in Washington where it is impossible to see clearly.

The New York Times might no longer be the newspaper of record, but it is the newspaper of the establishment. Its editor, Dean Baquet, realized the papers mistake on missing what was going on in the country following Trumps win.

If I have a mea culpa for journalists and journalism, its that weve got to do a much better job of being on the road, out in the country, talking to different kinds of people than the people we talk to especially if you happen to be a New York-based news organization and remind ourselves that New York is not the real world.

Such critical self-examination lasted only a few weeks. Because rather than explore it and understand the nation and the disconnect between the establishment Washington press and millions of Americans, the Democratic Party gave the media fresh meat to sink their teeth into:

Hillary Clinton was unfairly defeated because Trump was a tool of the Russians! The Russia collusion fantasy was beaten like a drum for years, and though it fizzled as a criminal matter, it was politically effective. Pulitzer Prizes were awarded and in general, those who perpetuated that Big Lie never really wanted to examine how they got played.

And then came COVID-19, which couldnt have come from a Chinese lab, we were assured. That story line might have helped Trump and the Republicans by shifting the focus to who was really at fault, China. That couldnt be allowed.

So, will the American political-media establishment use this as a moment of reflection?

Dont hold your breath.

See the rest here:
John Kass: The Wuhan story that finally has legs, now that Trump is gone - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

Hillary Clinton to speak at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders summit | TheHill – The Hill

Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonThe curious case of the COVID-19 origin Harris headlining Asian American Democratic PAC's summit Congress won't end the wars, so states must MORE will address the inauguralAsian Pacific American Heritage Month Unity Summit this month amid a rise in violence and hate crimes against members of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community in the U.S.

The virtual event, dubbedFrom Victory to Unity, will be hosted by theAAPI Victory Fund. It is slated to take place Wednesday.

"AAPI electoral power is on the rise and its time AAPI communities get the same recognition, resources, and support as every other ethnic group," Clinton said in a statement. "AAPIs are diverse and growing communities with their own set of challenges and opportunities, and we need to acknowledge that and work to empower them in diverse ways.

Hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have skyrocketed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Anti-Asian hate incidents increased from3,795 to 6,603 in the period between March 2020 and March 2021, according to Stop AAPI Hate.

At the same time, more Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are becoming politically active in the U.S.

Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, last month launched In Our Hands PAC, which will recruit and support Asian American and Pacific Islander candidates and other candidates of color.

Vice President Harris also became the first South Asian person and first Black person to hold thenation's second-highest executive officeearlier this year, whileReps. Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) became some of the first Korean American women to serve in Congress.

Asian American and Pacific Islandervoters turned out in record numbers in the 2020 election cycle, playing a crucial role in states such as Georgia, where some counts show their voter participation doubling, helping Democrats flip the Republican stronghold.

Continued here:
Hillary Clinton to speak at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders summit | TheHill - The Hill

Debunking Russia hoax, California exodus and other myths – Los Angeles Times

Today we answer questions and comments from readers and others wondering who thought it was a good idea to let this guy write a column?

You recently claimed the California exodus is a bunch of hooey.

True.

Then the state lost a congressional seat and it was announced that California is losing population for the first time in history.

Also true.

How do you feel now?

Like the state has a little bit more elbow room.

Seriously.

The column explored why so many folks are so eager to write Californias obituary.

The decades-old phenomenon is a product of jealousy and, more recently, the competition between the blue-America capital of California and the red-America capital of Texas. If California and its progressive policies are seen as failing by driving hordes of residents to head for the exits some consider that proof that Texas and its conservative approach offers a better way.

In short, the narrative is driven more by politics than reality.

But what about the population decline?

Demographers said deaths related to COVID-19, a falling birth rate and federal immigration restrictions were key drivers of the states population loss. And while Californias crazy-high cost of housing and comparatively steep tax rate have doubtless caused some to leave the state, those were not the primary reasons that California lost population.

More significantly, experts dont see the falling numbers as the start of a long-term pattern. They expect the state to resume its growth, albeit not at the booming levels of old, as early as this year.

But you flat-out called the exodus a myth.

And it is.

To read some of the apocalyptic coverage, you would think Californians were kicking and gouging each others eyes out as they overran the border with Nevada, Oregon and Arizona. Youd think the states population had fallen in half. Actually, California gained residents over the last decade, though the states population dipped by 0.46% in the last 12 months.

If you think 0.46% is a huge number, youd best not consider a career as a financial advisor.

You recently compared California in 2003, the last time there was a gubernatorial recall, to 2021.

Yes. A number of statistics, including the states dramatic political and cultural shift toward the Democratic Party, suggest Gov. Gavin Newsom is well-positioned to survive this current attempt.

So youre predicting Newsom prevails.

I make no predictions. Im smart enough to know what Im not smart enough to know.

You failed to include a comparison of the states homeless population then and now.

Its a big issue and definitely a political weight on Newsom.

According to the most recent data from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Developments point-in-time count, there were roughly 162,000 homeless residents living in California in 2020. Comparisons are inexact because HUD records go back only to 2005; at that time, the number was about 188,000.

In a recent column about sore losers you failed to mention Democrats Hillary Clinton and Stacey Abrams.

The old Oh, yeah? Well, what about ...

Excuse me, Im asking the questions.

OK.

Well, what about Clinton and Abrams?

Clinton has harshly criticized former President Trump on a number of occasions and even referred to him more than once as an illegitimate president who stole the election. But theres a world of difference between a private citizen even one as famous as Clinton venting on a book tour and Trumps actions before and after leaving the White House.

She didnt vigorously seek to overturn the outcome of the 2016 contest, conceding to Trump hours after the polls closed. Clinton attended his inauguration, as is customary.

Trump skipped President Bidens swearing-in, an event that has long highlighted and celebrated the nations traditionally peaceful transfer of power, and continues almost daily to publicly press the falsehood that he beat Biden and the election was rigged.

More importantly, Clinton didnt help incite a deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol by supporters seeking to reverse the results of a demonstrably free and fair election.

What about Abrams?

After accusing Republican Brian Kemp of using his position as the states chief election officer to interfere with the 2018 gubernatorial contest, Abrams issued a carefully worded statement acknowledging that Kemp would be certified as the victor. But she was not, Abrams said, delivering a speech of concession. From a practical standpoint, it was a distinction without any difference.

Kemp vehemently denied the allegation of misconduct and a USA Today analysis found not much empirical evidence supporting the assertion that Kemp either suppressed the vote or stole the election from Abrams.

While some may find Abrams behavior ungracious, she didnt then set out as Republicans legislators across the country have to pass laws making it harder for people to vote or, more crucially, empowering lawmakers to overturn elections results they dont like.

Thats a big difference.

What about the Russia hoax and widespread 2020 election fraud?

No one from Trumps campaign was charged with conspiring with Russians during the 2016 election, and theres no proof that Moscow tipped the election away from Clinton. However, theres incontrovertible evidence that Trump and his campaign aides welcomed and even invited Russias support, which involved the release of hacked emails from Clintons campaign and spreading disinformation on social media.

As for allegations of widespread voter fraud, maybe theyll find millions of uncounted Trump ballots when they drain the Loch Ness and find the monster that lives there. Or up in the trees where unicorns fly.

But I wouldnt count on it.

So youre always right about everything?

Ask my wife. Shell certainly disabuse you of that notion. Or if youd rather, search for barabak, presidential and long shots to see just how badly I can flub things.

Meantime, keep the cards and letters coming.

Link:
Debunking Russia hoax, California exodus and other myths - Los Angeles Times

How Joe Biden Really Decided to Run for President – The Atlantic

Oh Lord, Biden replied.

They talked for a moment about why Biden hadnt run. Duggan was regretful. Biden was emotional.

I want to be the first person to sign up for the 2020 campaign, Duggan told him, because this never would have happened if you were the candidate.

Biden, quiet, deflected.

Michigan wound up going to Trump by 10,704 votes.

Biden walked into the next room to call Obama. That conversation didnt last long. There wasnt much to say.

Later, Obama phoned Clinton. He was just as level with her as hed been with everyone else: Democrats couldnt fight the results. She resisted. He then called John Podesta, Clintons campaign chair and his own former senior adviser, catching him after he gave a speech at the Javits Center, trying to buy time. Now Podesta was riding back to Clintons hotel in a van full of depressed campaign staffers. Youve got to make her concede, Obama told him.

The president was looking at the numbers as he spoke. She cant come back. Dont fight it anymore. Podesta listened, finally agreeing.

I feel like I really let you down, Mr. President, he said. I feel like I really let her down.

Read: Hillary Clinton says she was right all along

While they were speaking, Clintons closest aide, Huma Abedin, called another aide, Jennifer Palmieri, who was sitting in the van next to Podesta. Well, Abedin said. She did it. Clinton had called Trump to concede. She didnt call Obama back that night to tell him she had done so.

After Obama himself phoned Trump to congratulate him, he called two of his closest aides, his deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes, and his speechwriter Cody Keenan, well into a bottle of whiskey at Keenans apartment, to talk through what he was going to say in the Rose Garden in the morning. I have to do this the right way, he insisted. He dictated most of the text. Do you want to put any reassurance in there for our allies around the world? Rhodes asked. I cant give it to them, Obama answered. They left that part out.

The next few days were full of tears and West Wing moments: Obama saying how proud he was of everyone and urging people to run through the tape and stay focused on their work. No one really could. Aides who used to spend their days being snarky and tough had tears streaming down their faces. On the morning after the election, they waited for Clinton to finally give her concession speech up in New York. Then Obama came out into the Rose Garden, Biden at his side, saying something about how the sun would rise tomorrow. Thered never been so many staff gathered there. They did not look as if they believed the sun would rise tomorrow. They could barely see it then.

Im not running, Biden was insisting to people in the spring of 2017.

But then to others hed say, If Im walking, Im running.

Read this article:
How Joe Biden Really Decided to Run for President - The Atlantic

Ex-Clinton aide says Biden’s Supreme Court commission is ‘doomed from the start,’ calls for court packing – Fox News

A former aide to failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called for packing the Supreme Court and said President Bidens commission to explore that possibility is "doomed from the start."

Bidens Supreme Court commission, which has its first meeting Wednesday, will eventually produce a report on possible changes to the court, including expanding the number of seats.

But Brian Fallon, the executive director of liberal dark money group Demand Justice, says he isn't holding his breath about what the commission will say.

LIBERALS RAMP UP CALLS FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE BREYER TO RETIRE

"It's not even on my calendar, because I don't care," Fallon, a former Clinton aide, told Politico on Monday.

Fallon, who also served in the Obama administration as a spokesman at the Department of Justice, added that there wasnt a thing the commission would do that was "going to impress" him and added that he believes the "whole thing is doomed from the start."

"We oughta have a Black woman on the damn court to hear a case like this," Fallon also said, in reference to the Mississippi abortion case taken up by the Supreme Court on Monday.

BIDEN'S SUPREME COURT COMMISSION TO MEET WITH KEY ABORTION CASE LOOMING

Demand Justice is a liberal advocacy group that is pushing to add four new justices to the Supreme Court, claiming on their website the court "has been hijacked" and that the justices appointed under former President Trump have "fought to restrict womens access to reproductive health services and deny equal treatment to LGBTQ Americans."

Fallon and fellow critics have blasted Bidens court-packing commission for including members opposed to expanding the Supreme Court and producing a report rather than recommendations on whether to pack the court.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Bidens commission is set to meet on Wednesday after the Supreme Court took up the major abortion case on Monday. The commissions report will be due by mid-November, likely when the case is heard.

The case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, concerns a Mississippi law that bans abortion procedures after 15 weeks. Lower courts blocked the law but Mississippi, like other right-leaning states in recent years, appealed the rulings to the Supreme Court in hopes that the new 6-3 Republican-appointed majority might expand the scope of allowable state regulations or bans on abortion.

Fox News Tyler Olson contributed to this report.

Read more here:
Ex-Clinton aide says Biden's Supreme Court commission is 'doomed from the start,' calls for court packing - Fox News