Democrats

Just a few weeks ago, the Democratic presidential field had a first tier that was clearly defined and stable enough that some were treating the moment as immutable. No longer. Race-reshaping turbulence has struck two of the campaign’s top trio. The oldest candidate, Bernie Sanders, has been temporarily sidelined by a heart attack. The second oldest, Joe Biden, is wrestling with a rumor-mongered mess partly of his own making. Only the third, Elizabeth Warren — age-wise, the youngest member of the Democrats’ septuagenarian set — has proceeded politically apace. Sanders, 78, knew his age could be an issue in this campaign, but believed it was surmountable. “I’m very blessed with my health,” he said a year ago. “I literally cannot remember the last time I missed a day because of illness.” That, obviously, has now changed. Sanders, who went out for a walk on Monday, says he will continue his run. But the heart problem that rendered … [Read more...] about Turbulence hits the Democrats’ top tier

Updated 8:03 am CDT, Saturday, October 12, 2019 STOWE, Vt. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Peter Welch wants to do more to bring international tourists to his home state of Vermont. On Friday, Welch, a Democrat, unveiled legislation he is championing in Congress to boost international tourism. He made the announcement during a discussion at a Stowe resort with leaders of Vermont's travel and tourism industry. The legislation, co-authored by Florida Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis would renew and fully fund the Brand USA program, a public-private partnership that promotes Vermont and other states to international tourists. It is funded through a fee on international visitors. Welch says that promoting Vermont as a four-season destination to international visitors will boost the state's economy. In 2018 Brand USA's marketing program was credited with bringing 1.1 million international visitors to the United States. … [Read more...] about Vermont US Rep. Welch seeks international tourists

The president’s call for Chinese intervention means that Trump and his attorney general have solicited assistance in discrediting the president’s political opponents from Ukraine, Australia, Italy, and, according to one report, Britain. In speaking so publicly Thursday, a defiant Trump pushed back against critics who have called such requests an abuse of power, essentially arguing that there was nothing wrong with seeking foreign help. Throughout his presidency, Trump has made no effort to hide actions or statements that critics called outrageous violations of norms and standards — but because he does them in public, they seem to stir less blowback than if they had been done behind closed doors. Among other things, he repeatedly called on his own Justice Department to investigate his Democratic foes and eventually fired his first attorney general for not protecting him from the Russia investigation. The comments on China came as the first witness appeared on … [Read more...] about Trump publicly urges China to investigate the Bidens

“People avoid talking about it,” said Jan Krause Greene, a writer, peace activist, and grandmother who moved to Bellingham five years ago. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve avoided talking about it. . . . I don’t bring it up unless I’m in a safe space.” The taboo topic, of course, is politics, and more specifically, President Trump, whose 2016 election uncloaked a chasm between voters all over the country, but here especially so. In Bellingham, residents turned out in force at the polls that day, mostly unaware of the rift within their ranks. When the votes were counted, Bellingham emerged as the most closely divided town in Massachusetts, a mere 26 votes out of almost 9,000 deciding the race locally in favor of Donald Trump. For a time, people tried to talk about it. Arguments flared; Facebook friends were un-friended. Soon, unspoken rules were laid down, and an uneasy quiet descended. Last month, as House Democrats … [Read more...] about What’s better left unsaid in Bellingham? Politics

Trump saving America from the DemocratsMy president, John F. Kennedy, must be suffering in his grave over the actions of the modern Democratic Party leaders. He said, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”Instead they have been using their powerful positions to enrich themselves and damage the country at the same time. Our current president was a strong supporter of the Democratic leaders until he recognized how corrupt they were. He gave up a great life to dedicate himself to saving this great nation.He takes no benefit from it. He even gives away his salary. Meanwhile, our Democratic leaders do everything they can to undermine him. They insult him, lie about him, try their best to destroy his accomplishments (and the media teams with them in this). Come on, we used to have a party that we could be proud of.Let’s help him clean the swamp. Richard FischerOceanside Opinion resources The U-T welcomes and encourages … [Read more...] about Readers React: In defense of Donald Trump