Deplorable Donald: Is His Goose Cooked? Or Will Pence Leave Him to Roast?

The interesting question being asked by laypeople and insiders alike is: will Donald Trump drop out of the presidential race, now that he's landed in a scandal that isn't spinnable? He says he won't, but nobody knows what really will happen if this fire can't be put out.

If Trump quits, it's too late to reprint ballots with new contenders. And Mike Pence isn't an automatic lock for the top of the ticket, should that event come to pass. Still, many in the GOP are asking him to step down. Much more tantalizing, to me anyway, would be if Pence were to quit. The party wouldn't be left without a candidate, but Trump would be left without a rudder. So, the real question is, if The Donald has his heels dug in, will Pence decide it's career suicide to stick it out?

[Excerpt]

Amid growing calls to drop out, Trump vows to ‘never withdraw’

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said in an interview Saturday that he would not drop out of the race under any circumstances, following calls from several prominent members of his party to do so.

“I’d never withdraw. I’ve never withdrawn in my life,” Trump told The Washington Post in a phone call from his home in Trump Tower in New York. “No, I’m not quitting this race. I have tremendous support.”

“People are calling and saying, ‘Don’t even think about doing anything else but running,” Trump said when asked about Republican defections. “You have to see what’s going on. The real story is that people have no idea about the support. I don’t know how that’s going to boil down, but people have no idea about the support. . .

Read more at: Washington Post

Kevin McCarthy Drops Out of Contention for Speaker of the House

I have to wonder if the withdrawal of Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the House has more to do with a) his accidental revelation that the Benghazi/email investigations were about hurting Hillary Clinton; b) Rachel Maddow's very effective campaign to show that the potential "Speaker" doesn't speak very well; c) the Tea Party faction and their resistance to the establishment; or d) that Mr. McCarthy is possibly about to have a sex scandal. Time will tell, but it's kind of fun for a Democrat.
 

It's just the icing on the cake that McCarthy managed to mangle a metaphor in his announcement.

New Book on FOX "News" Mogul Reveals Disturbing Facts

God, he looks like he's taking bids! Image from source, Raw Story.

Ugh. I read the headline below, and my first response was, "Not enough money. Nowhere NEAR enough money!"

[Excerpt]

Book claims Fox News chief Rogers Ailes offered employee $100 a week for sex

A new biography of Fox News chairman Roger Ailes alleges that he often insulted his own on-air talent and offered at least one employee money for sex during a contract negotiation. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that a section of Gabriel Sherman’s book on Ailes will deal with his offer to producer Randi Harrison that he would pay her an extra $100 a week “if you agree to have sex with me whenever I want. . .”

Read more at: Raw Story

Lawrence O'Donnell to Anthony Weiner: "What is Wrong With You?"

Did you watch The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell on Monday night? If you didn't, I've got to tell you, you missed probably the most interesting live interview you're likely to see all year. It was riveting, but at the same time repelling. It was uncomfortably awkward, but I couldn't turn away. And I had food on the grill! Suffice it to say, Lawrence wrung all the drama that was left out of Anthony Weiner's failed mayoral campaign, and Weiner--who I'd have felt for, before he proved to be such a douchenozzle--didn't come off so well. You could argue that Lawrence didn't come off well either, but I really think he accomplished exactly what he set out to do.

[Excerpt]

‘What is wrong with you?’ Weiner answers O’Donnell

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Democratic NYC mayoral candidate joined MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell for his last television interview the night before the Democratic primary election. O’Donnell had one big question for him, asking the disgraced former congressman, “What is wrong with you? . .”

Read more at: The Last Word


And if you just didn't get enough from that clip, here's the web exclusive:
 

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Carlos Danger Man! (Rocky Mountain Mike Song Parody)

Anthony Weiner gets the Rocky Mountain Mike Treatment, for his online cruising name, "Carlos Danger." To the tune of (what else?) Secret Agent Man by Johnny Rivers.

 

Nevada Senator Irritating Other Senators

Image from source, Talking Points Memo

Senator Dean Heller (R-Nevada) really got set into a cushy spot. When his predecessor John Ensign got caught with his pants down (way down), Heller was appointed by Nevada's Republican Governor to fill his spot, a step-up from Heller's elected House seat. As luck would have it, Heller got to ride out Ensign's term long enough for the Ensign stink to get off of him. And he lucked out by being the one success story from Karl Rove's Crossroads organizations, which thoroughly trashed opponent (and well-loved Nevada politician), Shelley Berkley. Funny thing is, Heller got Ensign's plush office, and he doesn't want to give it up to his more senior Senators. In-fighting is so much fun!

[Excerpt]

Report: Heller’s Refusal To Give Up Office Sparks Tension With Other Senators

Aides for Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) have been unruly and uncooperative with staffers for other senators in an attempt to protect the coveted Capitol Hill office space currently claimed by the Nevada Republican, according to a report published online Sunday in Roll Call. . .

Read more at: Talking Points Memo.

Breaking News: Herman Cain Drops Out of the 2012 Race

If you drop out of the race, blame yo'self!
Image from MSNBC

Don't worry, there's plenty of nuttiness left in the GOP clown car. And don't be fooled by the "suspension" of Hermie's campaign. That's just so he can keep fundraising to pay off debts. He's done, caput, over and done. Toast.

I was surprised to see Mrs. Gloria Cain in the background applauding. I'd love to know what wast twirling around in her head.

[Excerpt]


Cain suspends campaign


Herman Cain said Saturday that he is suspending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, choosing to end his campaign after weathering weeks of scrutiny over alleged sexual misconduct and accusations of an extramarital affair. . .

 Read more at: MSNBC

Lawrence O'Donnell Interviews Ginger White (Cain's Alleged Mistress)

I watched this, and actually, I have to say. . .maybe the interview was a bit too long, and a bit too "breaking news." Herman Cain's presidential aspirations were likely never realistic or even wanted, if I had to guess. He's pumping up his resume for book sales and speaking fees. As Herm himself has said, "Now, I don't have facts to back this up. . ." but I believe Ginger White.

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Herman Cain: I Need a Lover That Won't Call a Press Conference

More comedy gold from Mike in Raleigh, contributor to The Stephanie Miller show.

I Need A Lover That Won't Call A Press Conference by Mike In Raleigh

Herman Cain Accused of 13-Year Affair

"Where all the White women at?"
(It's funny because her name is Ginger White)

If you get caught with a long-term mistress, blame yo'self!

[Excerpt]

Herman Cain denies allegation of 13-year affair

Herman Cain, whose status as a GOP presidential front-runner had already been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment, denied Monday that he'd had a 13-year, consensual affair with an Atlanta businesswoman. . .

Read more at: Los Angeles Times

Another GOP Gay Sex Scandal

"Outing" someone as gay is usually not something I'm behind. While I'm happy to know that Neil Patrick Harris is gay, for example, I think it's rotten that the tabloids basically forced him out. On the other hand, it's worked out pretty well for him. But one place where there is absolutely no moral quandary, is the person in question has a history of vocal anti-gay attitudes. Particularly if that person has the ability to legislate or lobby for legislation.

So, gay state legislator, you deserve this. I'm sorry that you felt it necessary to be so deep in the closet you've found Narnia. I'm sorry you felt it necessary to actively hurt other gay people in order to deflect attention. But you did.

[Excerpt]

Hoosier daddy? Image from source, IndyStar

Email rendezvous entangles state Rep. Phillip Hinkle


Emails shared with The Indianapolis Star suggest that state Rep. Phillip Hinkle -- responding to a local posting on Craigslist -- offered a young man $80 plus tip to spend time with him Saturday night at the JW Marriott hotel. . .

Read more at: IndyStar


Thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for the link.

Should Oregon Congressman Be Kicked out for Forcing Himself on a Woman?

Um, yes. He's a Democrat? Yes. He looks to be a "furry." Yes, yes, yes. If Anthony Weiner had to go, this guy needs to go. No debate, no investigation, just go.

[Excerpt]

 Dem. leaders consider forcing Oregon’s Wu out of office after sex allegations

Party leaders in the House and within the greater Democratic Party are considering ways they can force Oregon Rep. David Wu out of office after recent allegations that the congressman forced himself on a young woman, Politico reported.  . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Heckler at Weiner Press Conference Was Howard Stern Writer

Turning faux outrage into a career. From source, NY Times.

Howard Stern has writers? Well, in a story that explains a lot, one of them was that dude shouting inappropriate things (which is somehow appropriate) at former Congressman Anthony Weiner (R-NY) at his resignation press conference. He's the guy you may have heard yelling "pervert!" at Weiner. Always classy, those Stern guys. I happen to enjoy having a semi-immature and inappropriate sense of humor, but Stern--though a gifted entertainer--very often just comes off mean.

[Excerpt]

Even a Media Circus Needs a Clown

. . .Midway through Mr. Weiner’s four-minute speech Thursday afternoon and moments after Mr. Weiner had announced his resignation, Mr. Bronk, a writer and performer from “The Howard Stern Show,” leaped from his seat in the crowd and began to heckle the New York congressman, asking crude questions about the now-famous picture of Mr. Weiner wearing gray boxer-briefs. . .

Read more at: New York Times

Rachel Maddow Interviews Larry Flynt About Rep. Weiner's Wiener

Rachel Maddow refreshed my memory about a couple of earlier sex scandals, and Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt's $1 million challenge to out philandering elected officials. Flynt could be dismissed as a mere pornographer of course, but he's also a free speech advocate, and a hypocrisy-fighter. And I really haven't got anything against pornography, provided it's all consenting adults. And really, when it comes down to it, virtually nobody is really outraged by Anthony Weiner's "Weinergate" scandal. They're amused. They're intrigued. They're maybe a little saddened, now that he's practically broken down publicly, found out his wife is pregnant, and apologized to the odious Andrew Breitbart. But who's outraged?

Anyway, the discussion of other politicians caught with their pants down is worth going over again, particularly the case of Sen. David Vitter. Vitter was caught in the DC Madam sting, and apparently liked hookers to treat him like an "adult baby," complete with diapers. Vitter broke the law, actually had sex (as far as we know, Weiner didn't), and he is still a sitting Senator. He even got a standing ovation from his colleagues! Why the fuss over Weiner's wiener, if people like Vitter get to keep their jobs?

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Quote of the Day: Dan Savage on Anthony Weiner "Scandal"

I rarely copy another person's post in full. I mean really rarely. But this one is so good, and loses some of its punch if you try to whittle it down.  So, read on. . .

Dan Savage, image from Joe.My.God.

[Original Post]

Quote Of the Day - Dan Savage

"A reporter asks if Weiner was drinking or using drugs—if he has a problem—because only a man who has a drinking problem or a drug problem could get caught up in something like this. Do reporters know what men are like? (And lots of women too?) This desire to pathologize behavior that isn't sick—that is, indeed, very common and human and completely and instantly understandable—is itself pathological. Weiner does not have a problem. He has a computer. The whole world has Weiner's problem: same old horniness, brand new box." - Dan Savage, live-blogging Weiner's press conference.

Source: Joe.My.God.

NewsBusters Thinks "Weinergate" Not Getting Enough Attention?

Congressman Anthony Weiner

A straw man argument is when you make up a false or tangential argument, disprove it, and then pretend like you made some sort of point. I suppose a lot of political writers--left and right--use straw man arguments, probably often without realizing they're doing it. But it really seems to be NewsBusters' bread and butter. 

The sad saga of Anthony Weiner's "Weinergate" (un-) sex scandal has been wall-to-wall on talk radio and cable news. I've heard snippets from the right-wing squad, some from the mainstream, and quite a bit from left-leaning media, since that is my interest (plus FOX "News" is all but banned in my house!). The story is getting almost universal finger-wagging at Congressman Weiner, a lot of tsk-tsking, and a lot of intentional and unintentional double entendres. One thing it isn't, is under- or downplayed. It's everywhere.

And even in ordinarily friendly territory (Stephanie Miller, Randi Rhodes, Rachel Maddow, even Weiner's friend Jon Stewart), Weiner has been roasted. Rachel put him on a sex-scandal-o-meter. She grouchily mentioned he'd lied to her face. Ed Schultz has called for Weiner to resign. Randi commented that he's a man, and that practically all men by now have sexted/texted/online-videoed, and she's probably right. But she was pissed that he lied, and quite unhappy with the whole situation. Nobody defended Weiner, other than to put his scandal into perspective, namely:

- Weiner was never a holier-than-thou, my morals are better than your morals crusader.
- Weiner didn't apparently have any actual sex.
- Compared to Ahnuld's 10-year "secret" and John Edwards' love child, this is pretty mild stuff.
- Online sexcapades are fairly common these days, sometimes even tolerated within relationships.
- In the future, the chances that any political hopeful has a nekkid pic somewhere are huge.
- Yes, Weiner lied. Having secretive sexual hijinks usually involves lying, particularly when busted and embarrassed. It's unfortunate, and it pissed me off too. As a politician, however, Weiner does not have a track record of being dishonest. I put this exactly in the category of "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," which never bothered me like it bothered Republicans.

But to say they've been "soft" (ahem) on him, or trying to sweep this story under the rug is just so not true. It's been practically the only subject on liberal talk radio, MSNBC, and--yes I worked some right-wing world in--The Wall Street Journal Daily Wrap radio show. For two days, in addition to a large chunk of the previous week. NewsBusters must start with a headline, and work from there.

[Excerpt]

Bozell Column: Media Go Leaner on Weiner

Last July, ABC and NBC highlighted a temper tantrum from Rep. Anthony Weiner, alleging on the House floor that the Republicans were denying health care to the heroes of 9/11. To Diane Sawyer, Weiner spoke for all of America: “Every now and then, someone seems to express the nation's frustration with the endless wrangling and delay in Congress. . .”


Read more (if you must) at: NewsBusters

Anthony Weiner Roast: After Lying, He Finally Comes Clean

Well, if it's going to cause all this trouble, at
least he's in good shape. Photo from HuffPo

Last week, when the only evidence for "Weinergate" was a closeup shot of a stretched out pair of grey boxer briefs, I gave Rep. Anthony Weiner the benefit of the doubt. Though he was being dodgy and lawyerly with his language, I really felt that he'd been punk'd. I figured the wiener shot was from his computer/phone/whatever, but that he'd been hacked or pranked by Andrew Breitbart and his goons.  I was wrong, but I had nothing more at the time to go on than the reputations of the people involved.

Now, Weiner's reputation is in the gutter, where Breitbart's reputation has languished for some time. In fact the saddest spectacle of this whole affair is that Breitbart is going to act and feel vindicated. The fact of the matter is, Breitbart is scum. And that is the best assessment I could give the man. And look at what his vindication consists of: the exposure of a Congressman's sex scandal where there was no actual sex. A scandal where every piece of (released) photographic evidence can be aired unblurred on network television.* Breitbart has potentially brought down a marriage and the career of a man who never made an issue of "family values," or chastity or monogamy. Weiner may be a lot of things, but he wasn't a hypocrite, making me wonder why this revelation was necessary or newsworthy.

I'm pissed at Weiner, because he lied. At the same time, I understand why he lied. There was no dignified way to come clean. It was going to be very embarrassing, and he was hoping he could dodge his way out of it.  But up against a force determined to bring him down, that just wasn't going to happen. Ultimately, this was none of our business, and Breitbart is no better than a National Enquirer expose.**

[Excerpt]

Anthony Weiner Press Conference: Admits Sending Racy Pictures, Refuses To Resign

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) insisted he’s staying in office Monday, even as a string of embarrassing new revelations and photos emerged that apparently reveal a hidden, lascivious online life. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

* Yes, I'm aware, there is allegedly a more explicit photo out there, a possibility that Weiner himself copped to. But in this day and age--and going forward--I think the percentage of people who have a naughty photo of themselves is only going to grow. And a large percentage of those are going to find their way to the internets.

** And, yes, The National Enquirer broke the John Edwards story. That story, however, was much more newsworthy, in that Edwards had made his marriage and family life a focal point in his presidential campaigns. Not to mention the fact that the affair, pregnancy, birth and cover up happened during a presidential campaign. Quite a different story than a Congressman who likes to get flirty online, IMO.

People Who Live in Glass Showers Shouldn't Throw Loofahs?

Thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for reminding me to post this clip from Thursday's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell. In it, Lawrence reminds FOX "News" star Bill O'Reilly that he really has no place making fun of  Rep. Anthony Weiner, when O'Reilly has his own embarrassing sex scandal.

By the way, can we please get a little perspective on this Weiner thing? A picture of underpants does not really (ahem) rise to the level of sex scandal, does it? Especially when it hasn't been proven that this photo was actually sent by the Congressman. I don't care if it's actually a photo of him. Who knows, maybe his new wife snapped a pic of some "morning wood," and he really was hacked.

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Weinergate: Conservatives Really Want it to be a Scandal

"Oh, I wish it were just an Oscar Mayer Wiener"
Image from source, Salon

I don't know what to make of the Anthony Weiner (D-NY) "Weinergate" scandal. On one hand, it's a sad statement on the state of politics and news that this is the biggest thing being talked about. Would I be squealing like a stuck pig about it, if this were a high-profile conservative? Probably, but only if they happened to be a "family values" conservative. Anthony Weiner hasn't ever been a sanctimonious prig, so the newsworthiness of the story lags behind the gossipy nature of it.

My take on it is this: Anthony Weiner is a very outspoken liberal who is hated by right-wingers. Andrew Breitbart is a sleazy (even by conservative internet rabble-rouser standards) opportunist who loves to slop mud on people, truth be damned. Anthony Weiner probably had some naughty pix of himself somewhere (though he mustn't have many, or the actual image wouldn't be airable on The Daily Show). Whether or not it was for himself, his wife, or somebody else, I don't know, and it isn't our business. Weiner has dodged the "is it really a photo of him" question, likely because it is. But I have heavy doubts that he actually sent it to anybody, at least not on purpose. My hunch is that somebody culled his phone/online photo album/whatever, found this one salacious shot, and then faked the tweet.

It will really suck if this takes down a good Congressman. Because, I'm doubtful that anything illegal, or possibly even unethical happened. And I'm positive that the people involved in breaking the story are capable of fakery and lies. That much is proven.

[Excerpt]

Right-wingers really, really, really hoping Anthony Weiner story holds up

It is certainly possible that Representative Anthony Weiner sexted a young woman who lives in Washington state. My own theory, based primarily on the fact that the only person who seemed to notice the Tweet supposedly sent by Weiner was a creepy right-winger who is obsessed with the New York Democrat, is that one or more of the congressman's social networking profiles were phished or otherwise compromised, as he says. But I could be wrong! (I'm also inclined to believe that if Weiner were sending inappropriate photos to young women, he'd send them directly and not via a public photo-sharing site. But politicians do dumb things!). . .

Read more at: Salon

Anti-Gay Group Founder Takes Vacation with "Rent Boy"

Image from source, Huffington Post

Ah-hahahahahaha! Schadenfreude has been in short supply lately, but this one is hard to describe any other way.  Believe this: if a group is obsessed with stamping out the gay, they are overstocked with deeply closeted dirty old men.  And if a fundamentalist group uses the word "Family" in their name, it is code for squash the gay. Wash, rinse, repeat.

[Excerpt]

Anti-gay organization founder travels with a 'rentboy'

On April 13, the "rent boy" (whom we'll call Lucien) arrived at Miami International Airport on Iberian Airlines Flight 6123, after a ten-day, fully subsidized trip to Europe. He was soon followed out of customs by an old man with an atavistic mustache and a desperate blond comb-over, pushing an overburdened baggage cart.


That man was George Alan Rekers, of North Miami -- the callboy's client and, as it happens, one of America's most prominent anti-gay activists. Rekers, a Baptist minister who is a leading scholar for the Christian right, left the terminal with his gay escort, looking a bit discomfited when a picture of the two was snapped with a hot-pink digital camera. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post