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Trump claims racist tweets at congresswomen were 'not racist' – live Trump claims racist tweets at congresswomen were 'not racist' – live
(32 minutes later)
Mike Pence did not take questions about his boss’s racist tweets, or anything else, during an event where he unveiled the spacesuit worn by Neil Armstrong on the moon half a century ago.
Speaking at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington on Tuesday, the vice president remained characteristically loyal. “Under President Trump’s leadership, it is now the policy of the United States of America to return to the moon within the next five years, and, from there, onto Mars,” he said.
“I have a feeling that the man who wore the suit that we will unveil today would be glad to know that the first woman and the next man on the moon will also be an American.
“Apollo 11 is the only event of the 20th century that stands a chance of being widely remembered in the 30th century. And that’s what makes a day like today so important. A thousand years from now, July 20, 1969, will likely be a date that will live on in the minds and imaginations of men and women here on Earth, across our solar system, and beyond.”
On 16 July 1969, Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins blasted off from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin its historic quarter-million-mile journey to the moon, with Armstrong and Aldrin setting foot on the lunar surface four days later.
In a speech watched by the late astronaut’s wife, son and grandson, Pence observed that the nation “had been deeply divided during the tumultuous 1960s” but for a moment “the man who wore this suit brought together our nation and the world”.
The Armstrong spacesuit goes on public show for the first time in 13 years. Its conservation, display and digitisation were crowd funded.
Lawyers for Roger Stone, the political... pirate?... and former Trump adviser, are in court this morning pleading against a government allegation that he has not complied with a gag order in discussing his case. Reuters has this:
[Judge Amy Berman] Jackson in February ordered Stone to stop speaking publicly about the case after he posted what appeared to be a threatening photo of her next to the image of gun crosshairs on his Instagram account.
In that hearing Stone tried to apologize, saying the posting was not intended as a threat.
But a visibly angry Jackson said his apology “rings quite hollow” and warned him he would not have a second chance if he failed to abide by her order.
As part of today’s hearing, Jackson is reading Stone’s instagram posts, reports Zoe Tillman of Buzzfeed:
A bit surreal to hear the judge read these posts aloud. From 5/8: "The Judge has ruled but @Politico gets most of the story wrong because they are biased elitist snot-nosed fake news shitheads who’s specialty is distortion by omitting key facts to create a false narrative."
The hearing is currently in recess.
Lawyers for accusers of Jeffrey Epstein, the financier facing two federal sex trafficking counts in New York, have urged a judge in the case not to grant Epstein’s request for release following a bail hearing on Thursday:
Epstein's accusers urge U.S. judge to keep him jailed until sex trafficking trial. More here: https://t.co/sGulBXOa3r pic.twitter.com/Eu5bUBivp5
A lawyer for one of Epstein’s accusers has alleged that Epstein committed abuse while in custody following the Florida plea deal, meanwhile.
Read further:
Jeffrey Epstein: diamonds, cash and fake passport found in raid, prosecutors say
It’s rather a violent business. With each wrenching descent by Trump further into this nightmare of explicit bigotry emanating from the White House, the question always hangs for a moment of whether the Republican party will follow – whether they will take the step too, and go down there.It’s rather a violent business. With each wrenching descent by Trump further into this nightmare of explicit bigotry emanating from the White House, the question always hangs for a moment of whether the Republican party will follow – whether they will take the step too, and go down there.
There’s a pause – in this case, 48 hours. Then the party takes the step down. And then Trump makes sure everyone sees what just happened.There’s a pause – in this case, 48 hours. Then the party takes the step down. And then Trump makes sure everyone sees what just happened.
Here he paraphrases McCarthy, accurately:Here he paraphrases McCarthy, accurately:
Kevin McCarthy @GOPLeader, “The President’s Tweets were not Racist. The controversy over the tweets is ALL POLITICS. I will vote against this resolution.” Thank you Kevin!Kevin McCarthy @GOPLeader, “The President’s Tweets were not Racist. The controversy over the tweets is ALL POLITICS. I will vote against this resolution.” Thank you Kevin!
The senate armed services committee is currently holding a confirmation hearing for Mark Esper, Donald Trump’s latest nominee to fill the secretary of defense post.The senate armed services committee is currently holding a confirmation hearing for Mark Esper, Donald Trump’s latest nominee to fill the secretary of defense post.
Trump’s previous nominee to replace General Jim Mattis, General Patrick Shanahan, withdrew his nomination in June amid a delayed FBI background check and revelations about past family troubles.Trump’s previous nominee to replace General Jim Mattis, General Patrick Shanahan, withdrew his nomination in June amid a delayed FBI background check and revelations about past family troubles.
Esper is asked about his views on international allegiances. Does he agree more with Trump, who seems to hold traditional allies in low esteem, or Mattis, a defender of Nato and other post-World War II global political compacts?Esper is asked about his views on international allegiances. Does he agree more with Trump, who seems to hold traditional allies in low esteem, or Mattis, a defender of Nato and other post-World War II global political compacts?
“I am fully committed to building alliances,” Esper says:“I am fully committed to building alliances,” Esper says:
Peters: Are your views more aligned w/ Mattis or Trump on allies.Esper: I am fully committed to building alliances and rules-based post-World War II order. That includes pushing back against #China.Peters: Are your views more aligned w/ Mattis or Trump on allies.Esper: I am fully committed to building alliances and rules-based post-World War II order. That includes pushing back against #China.
Esper served briefly as acting defense secretary, then upon his formal nomination reverted to his previous role as army secretary.Esper served briefly as acting defense secretary, then upon his formal nomination reverted to his previous role as army secretary.
How did that outing by the House Republican leadership go?How did that outing by the House Republican leadership go?
Simple Kevin must really want something from Trump right now.Simple Kevin must really want something from Trump right now.
Trump literally told them to go back to the countries where they are from https://t.co/EwRXADW6yETrump literally told them to go back to the countries where they are from https://t.co/EwRXADW6yE
Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) is a pathetic moral coward and a defender of racism and bigotry.Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) is a pathetic moral coward and a defender of racism and bigotry.
What did you make of the Republicans’ pained appeal just then for a return to civility?What did you make of the Republicans’ pained appeal just then for a return to civility?
why do this https://t.co/WSj04myxgfwhy do this https://t.co/WSj04myxgf
Was McCarthy convincing in defending the president against charges of racism?Was McCarthy convincing in defending the president against charges of racism?
A Racist in the White House. https://t.co/L6etKyWWHy pic.twitter.com/Mir1vH29YJA Racist in the White House. https://t.co/L6etKyWWHy pic.twitter.com/Mir1vH29YJ
Here’s video of the moment when minority leader McCarthy is asked whether Trump’s tweets were racist:Here’s video of the moment when minority leader McCarthy is asked whether Trump’s tweets were racist:
Reporter: Were the president's tweets that said "go back" racist?McCarthy: No. And I do not believe the speaker of the House was racist last week when [the Squad], who are claiming the president is racist, when they claimed she was racist either pic.twitter.com/twfenQfyauReporter: Were the president's tweets that said "go back" racist?McCarthy: No. And I do not believe the speaker of the House was racist last week when [the Squad], who are claiming the president is racist, when they claimed she was racist either pic.twitter.com/twfenQfyau
McCarthy announces last question. He’s asked whether he agrees with Trump’s reported assessment of former House speaker Paul Ryan as “stupid.”McCarthy announces last question. He’s asked whether he agrees with Trump’s reported assessment of former House speaker Paul Ryan as “stupid.”
McCarthy says Ryan was a “great Speaker” and calls him a great friend. Then McCarthy suggests that the quote is made up.McCarthy says Ryan was a “great Speaker” and calls him a great friend. Then McCarthy suggests that the quote is made up.
They are done. They walk out to somebody saying “a question? On socialism?”They are done. They walk out to somebody saying “a question? On socialism?”
Those were the great themes of the conference: Socialism, impeachment, and a supposed clash of ideologies – as opposed to a clash of bigotries – that defines the current political showdown.Those were the great themes of the conference: Socialism, impeachment, and a supposed clash of ideologies – as opposed to a clash of bigotries – that defines the current political showdown.
The strategy was to attack the four members of Congress who warned the public in a news conference yesterday “do not take the bait” – in a fight Republicans seem eager to escalate.The strategy was to attack the four members of Congress who warned the public in a news conference yesterday “do not take the bait” – in a fight Republicans seem eager to escalate.
In any case, the Republican House leadership stands foursquare behind the president. Were the president’s tweets racist? A one-word answer: No.In any case, the Republican House leadership stands foursquare behind the president. Were the president’s tweets racist? A one-word answer: No.
“Let’s not be false about what is happening here today,” McCarthy says. “This is all about politics and beliefs about ideologies that people have.”“Let’s not be false about what is happening here today,” McCarthy says. “This is all about politics and beliefs about ideologies that people have.”
Then he gets a question about lifting an imminent debt ceiling (early September or sooner). “We should not leave before getting that,” he says.Then he gets a question about lifting an imminent debt ceiling (early September or sooner). “We should not leave before getting that,” he says.
Next Q: Were the president’s “go back” to your country tweets racist?Next Q: Were the president’s “go back” to your country tweets racist?
A flat “No” from McCarthy.A flat “No” from McCarthy.
Then he says such charges amount to a cynical political play by Democrats.Then he says such charges amount to a cynical political play by Democrats.
“This is more from their base, this is about politics,” McCarthy says.“This is more from their base, this is about politics,” McCarthy says.
He also frames the conflict thus: “This is about ideology. This is about socialism vs freedom.”He also frames the conflict thus: “This is about ideology. This is about socialism vs freedom.”
He says he will vote ‘No’ on the House resolution condemning Trump’s tweets.He says he will vote ‘No’ on the House resolution condemning Trump’s tweets.
“This party has been very clear,” he says. “We are the party of Lincoln.”“This party has been very clear,” he says. “We are the party of Lincoln.”
First question from the media. Why can’t Congress pass comprehensive immigration reform?First question from the media. Why can’t Congress pass comprehensive immigration reform?
McCarthy... blames the Democrats. With Donald Trump in office, the rock in the stream blocking immigration reform is the Democratic House majority.McCarthy... blames the Democrats. With Donald Trump in office, the rock in the stream blocking immigration reform is the Democratic House majority.
“We should act,” McCarthy says. “The responsibility lies with us... we should make sure that we fix this problem.” Sounds promising.“We should act,” McCarthy says. “The responsibility lies with us... we should make sure that we fix this problem.” Sounds promising.
Representative Steve Scalise now attacks Reps Omar and Pressley – though he does use the honorific, just their last names.Representative Steve Scalise now attacks Reps Omar and Pressley – though he does use the honorific, just their last names.
Scalise attacks the pair for having “personally attack[ed] president Trump instead of focusing on issues that help the economy.”Scalise attacks the pair for having “personally attack[ed] president Trump instead of focusing on issues that help the economy.”
He accuses them of saying “false and misleading things from this microphone. Omar continues to use terms like ‘people drinking out of toilets’ – it’s not happening in any of the detention facilities.”He accuses them of saying “false and misleading things from this microphone. Omar continues to use terms like ‘people drinking out of toilets’ – it’s not happening in any of the detention facilities.”
Those reports did not come from Omar exclusively of course, they are documented in multiple watchdog reports from Clint, Texas and elsewhere.Those reports did not come from Omar exclusively of course, they are documented in multiple watchdog reports from Clint, Texas and elsewhere.
“Pressley would not even refer to the president by the title,” Scalise complains.“Pressley would not even refer to the president by the title,” Scalise complains.
Republicans are lamenting an erosion of decorum, echoing Trump’s recent tweets complaining about the “racist” charge.Republicans are lamenting an erosion of decorum, echoing Trump’s recent tweets complaining about the “racist” charge.
Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, is now speaking.Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, is now speaking.
The House Republicans have emerged. Representative Liz Cheney (daughter of Dick) of Wyoming speaks first.The House Republicans have emerged. Representative Liz Cheney (daughter of Dick) of Wyoming speaks first.
She makes a speech that basically asserts that “Go back to your country” is a policy critique.She makes a speech that basically asserts that “Go back to your country” is a policy critique.
She does not use the word racist but repeats and repeats the word “socialist” and attacks Democrats for supporting abortion rights and for wanting, she says, to “force the American people to pay for free healthcare for illegal immigrants.”She does not use the word racist but repeats and repeats the word “socialist” and attacks Democrats for supporting abortion rights and for wanting, she says, to “force the American people to pay for free healthcare for illegal immigrants.”
“Our opposition to our socialist colleagues has absolutely nothing to do with their gender, their religion or their race,” Cheney says.“Our opposition to our socialist colleagues has absolutely nothing to do with their gender, their religion or their race,” Cheney says.
“Our opposition... has absolutely nothing to do with race, or gender or religion,” she repeats. “The issue here is the content of their policies”.“Our opposition... has absolutely nothing to do with race, or gender or religion,” she repeats. “The issue here is the content of their policies”.
“Go back to your country”: a policy critique.“Go back to your country”: a policy critique.
The president tweets that he does not have a racist bone in his body and calls a planned House vote today condemning them a “Democrat con game”. He says that the four women members of Congress who have confronted his racism “hate our Country” and argues that he has hit on a political winner.The president tweets that he does not have a racist bone in his body and calls a planned House vote today condemning them a “Democrat con game”. He says that the four women members of Congress who have confronted his racism “hate our Country” and argues that he has hit on a political winner.
.....Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country. Get a list of the HORRIBLE things they have said. Omar is polling at 8%, Cortez at 21%. Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party. See you in 2020!.....Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country. Get a list of the HORRIBLE things they have said. Omar is polling at 8%, Cortez at 21%. Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party. See you in 2020!
Is this sheet music for Republicans to sing from at their news conferences today? Will McCarthy et al. echo Trump’s charged denial that it is not racist to tell a person of color (who is American) to “go back” to their country?Is this sheet music for Republicans to sing from at their news conferences today? Will McCarthy et al. echo Trump’s charged denial that it is not racist to tell a person of color (who is American) to “go back” to their country?
In a few minutes we’re due to hear from the House Republican leadership: Reps. Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, Liz Cheney and Virginia Foxx.In a few minutes we’re due to hear from the House Republican leadership: Reps. Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, Liz Cheney and Virginia Foxx.
Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have decided not to bring charges against a police officer involved in the death five years ago of Eric Garner, whose dying words “I can’t breathe” helped to galvanize a national movement against police violence.Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have decided not to bring charges against a police officer involved in the death five years ago of Eric Garner, whose dying words “I can’t breathe” helped to galvanize a national movement against police violence.
The justice department planned to tell Garner’s family on Tuesday morning that no charges would be brought against officer Daniel Pantaleo, the New York Times first reported. Pantaleo has been on desk duty since Garner’s death. He is awaiting the results of a police department review of the incident.The justice department planned to tell Garner’s family on Tuesday morning that no charges would be brought against officer Daniel Pantaleo, the New York Times first reported. Pantaleo has been on desk duty since Garner’s death. He is awaiting the results of a police department review of the incident.
Pantaleo threw Garner to a sidewalk in Staten Island, NY, using a banned chokehold, and the victim suffered a fatal asthma attack. Read further:Pantaleo threw Garner to a sidewalk in Staten Island, NY, using a banned chokehold, and the victim suffered a fatal asthma attack. Read further:
Five years on, New York officer who put Eric Garner in chokehold faces trialFive years on, New York officer who put Eric Garner in chokehold faces trial
Cardi B, the chart-topping, Grammy-decorated entertainer, is feeling the Bern:Cardi B, the chart-topping, Grammy-decorated entertainer, is feeling the Bern:
I been reading about Bernie Sanders and I’m really sad how we let him down in 2016 This man been fighting for equal rights,HUMAN rights for such along time.Seeing this country become a better place been really his passion for a long time not a new front for a campaign.I been reading about Bernie Sanders and I’m really sad how we let him down in 2016 This man been fighting for equal rights,HUMAN rights for such along time.Seeing this country become a better place been really his passion for a long time not a new front for a campaign.
Sanders as we speak is in a live chat with Washington Post reporter Robert Costa. He’s not letting his hosts off easy, zinging Jeff Bezos and the sponsors.Sanders as we speak is in a live chat with Washington Post reporter Robert Costa. He’s not letting his hosts off easy, zinging Jeff Bezos and the sponsors.
.@BernieSanders sits down for a live interview with the Washington Post, and after the introduction asks: "Is this really sponsored by Bank of America?".@BernieSanders sits down for a live interview with the Washington Post, and after the introduction asks: "Is this really sponsored by Bank of America?"
In their news conference Monday afternoon, the four congresswomen attacked by Trump – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley – warned the public, “do not take the bait”. The line pointed to the perceived political risk for Democrats of giving in to an identity-politics war that Trump has eagerly joined.In their news conference Monday afternoon, the four congresswomen attacked by Trump – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley – warned the public, “do not take the bait”. The line pointed to the perceived political risk for Democrats of giving in to an identity-politics war that Trump has eagerly joined.
“The more media/Dems engage him, the better for him,” tweets Amy Walter, the national editor of the Cook Political Report, on Twitter.“The more media/Dems engage him, the better for him,” tweets Amy Walter, the national editor of the Cook Political Report, on Twitter.
This fight w/ the squad is exactly where Trump wants 2020 fought. The more media/Dems engage him, the better for him. All this fight does is re-polarize the partisans and leaves the up-for-grabs voters (who want to hear about bread-butter issues ) tuned out.This fight w/ the squad is exactly where Trump wants 2020 fought. The more media/Dems engage him, the better for him. All this fight does is re-polarize the partisans and leaves the up-for-grabs voters (who want to hear about bread-butter issues ) tuned out.
But is Trump really playing political chess here? The New York Times’ Alex Burns notes that the last political play Trump made on the eve of an election was to fearmonger about migrant “caravans” moving through Central America – and that did not work at all:But is Trump really playing political chess here? The New York Times’ Alex Burns notes that the last political play Trump made on the eve of an election was to fearmonger about migrant “caravans” moving through Central America – and that did not work at all:
This was also the theory behind making migrant caravans the closing argument in the midterms https://t.co/POsgihlz5CThis was also the theory behind making migrant caravans the closing argument in the midterms https://t.co/POsgihlz5C
For more along these lines, read Guardian Washington bureau chief David Smith (@smithinamerica):For more along these lines, read Guardian Washington bureau chief David Smith (@smithinamerica):
It was foul and repugnant. But was it a vote winner?It was foul and repugnant. But was it a vote winner?
Donald Trump’s bigoted tirade against four congresswoman of colour, telling them to “go back” to the countries they came from, prompted widespread revulsion – the comments “drip with racism”, said the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer – and yet will not necessarily damage his chances of reelection.Donald Trump’s bigoted tirade against four congresswoman of colour, telling them to “go back” to the countries they came from, prompted widespread revulsion – the comments “drip with racism”, said the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer – and yet will not necessarily damage his chances of reelection.
On the contrary, the US president seems to regard divisive and nativist rhetoric as his best chance of clinging on to the White House next year. And, analysts say, he may be right.On the contrary, the US president seems to regard divisive and nativist rhetoric as his best chance of clinging on to the White House next year. And, analysts say, he may be right.
Read further:Read further:
'His only tool is racism': why Trump's bigoted tirade could be a vote winner'His only tool is racism': why Trump's bigoted tirade could be a vote winner
Hello and welcome to our live politics coverage.Hello and welcome to our live politics coverage.
After two days of silence on Donald Trump’s “go back where you came from” tweets attacking four members of congress who are also women of color, the Republican leadership faces something of a moment of truth on Tuesday, with both the House and Senate leadership due to face reporters in their weekly news conferences.After two days of silence on Donald Trump’s “go back where you came from” tweets attacking four members of congress who are also women of color, the Republican leadership faces something of a moment of truth on Tuesday, with both the House and Senate leadership due to face reporters in their weekly news conferences.
The House leadership speaks at 10am ET, the Senate at 2pm. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Monday that he would “be happy” to take questions about whether the party stands behind the president’s racist attack on the members of Congress, which Trump kept up on Twitter on Tuesday morning.The House leadership speaks at 10am ET, the Senate at 2pm. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Monday that he would “be happy” to take questions about whether the party stands behind the president’s racist attack on the members of Congress, which Trump kept up on Twitter on Tuesday morning.
This evening Republicans in the House will face another test, when the body is expected to vote on a resolution (text here) “condemning president Trump’s racist comments directed at members of Congress”. Extremely few Republicans have indicated support for the resolution.This evening Republicans in the House will face another test, when the body is expected to vote on a resolution (text here) “condemning president Trump’s racist comments directed at members of Congress”. Extremely few Republicans have indicated support for the resolution.
The congresswomen convened a joint news conference on Capitol Hill Monday afternoon in which they accused Trump of following an “agenda of white nationalists” and exhorted, “do not take the bait”.The congresswomen convened a joint news conference on Capitol Hill Monday afternoon in which they accused Trump of following an “agenda of white nationalists” and exhorted, “do not take the bait”.
'Do not take the bait': congresswomen denounce racist Trump attack'Do not take the bait': congresswomen denounce racist Trump attack
Two other major events were planned on the Hill Tuesday. At noon, the House is expected to vote to hold attorney general William Barr and commerce secretary Wilbur Ross in criminal contempt of Congress for forestalling congressional investigations into the Trump administration effort to include a citizenship question on the 2020 US Census.Two other major events were planned on the Hill Tuesday. At noon, the House is expected to vote to hold attorney general William Barr and commerce secretary Wilbur Ross in criminal contempt of Congress for forestalling congressional investigations into the Trump administration effort to include a citizenship question on the 2020 US Census.
At 2pm, representatives of the big tech companies – Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple – were scheduled to testify before a House judiciary subcommittee about “online platforms and market power.” We’ll be following that in real time right here.At 2pm, representatives of the big tech companies – Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple – were scheduled to testify before a House judiciary subcommittee about “online platforms and market power.” We’ll be following that in real time right here.
We’ll also be chasing the 2020 Democratic candidates. Thanks for joining us.We’ll also be chasing the 2020 Democratic candidates. Thanks for joining us.