95 Comments
User's avatar
Robert Jaffee's avatar

“Please also understand this: the only person in our nation of 330 million people who would ever be prosecuted and incarcerated for what Hunter Biden did is Hunter Biden.”--Steve Schmidt

Agreed! What Hunter did is despicable, but he’s far from the only scion of a president to cash in on a name.

Dubya got a plum job on the Board of Directors on the Carlyle Group when his father was president ; one of the largest and most politically influential hedge funds in the world. He was fired because he didn’t do the work. Next, his name gets him the GM position for the Texas Rangers that would make him a multimillionaire and eventually get him the governorship of Tx, and then the presidency. Dubya had been a failure prior to his father getting him these jobs. A bankrupt oil business bailed out by a Saudi Prince when his father was CIA Director to the tune of $5 million, and a string of failed congressional campaigns.

Which brings us to Kushner. The media is now focusing on Kushner’s sweetheart deal of $2 billion from MbS for his Private Equity startup, which even MbS’s own economic and financial advisors lobbied against.

If that’s not bad enough, Kushner and his family profited greatly while Jared was Senior Advisor to Trump and in charge of Middle Eastern policy for the administration. Usually, The Middle East is the purview of the State Dept., under Tillerson at the time, but it was diverted to Kushner.

We hear the media talk about the $2 billion Saudi deal, but the greatest scandal of all was 666 Fifth Ave., a building the Kushner Family purchased for $1.8 billion in 2007, a record price for any real estate ever.

So what’s the scandal? After the 2007 housing bubble, the Kushner’s had trouble servicing the debt as their largest tenant, Citibank, didn’t t renew their lease. Kushner, then sold a 50%!stake to the Carlyle Group (sound familiar), but they still had issues servicing the debt. In 2016, during Trump’s presidential campaign, Kushner’s dad, negotiated with Qatar to buy the family out; it failed.

And just weeks after his father reportedly failed to reach a deal with Qatar’s minister of finance, Jared Kushner, in his capacity as a senior adviser to President Trump, reportedly played a central role in supporting a blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Kushner never disclosed his meeting with Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the blockade to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the time. Later, a hedge fund that operates part of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, brokered an especially valuable deal to rescue the Kushner Companies’ property at 666 Fifth Avenue.

So you tell me, is there any smoke or fire here? Kushner should have reclused himself from any Middle Eastern policies concerning Qatar, but he didn’t. Unethical at best, most likely illegal always. That said, he should never have been handed the Middle East portfolio to begin with; what credentials does this man possess? Exactly!

Yet, no one in the media is even talking about this. Instead, we have to hear ad nauseam about Hunter’s laptop. If Hunter is guilty of crimes, lock him up, but to ignore the grifts of The Trump crime syndicate is ridiculous. And there’s more. Kushner’s sister hatched a scheme to sell green card to Chinese citizens who purchased a Kushner condo for at least $500k.

Just some thoughts...:)

Expand full comment
Don Cull's avatar

Yes! It beats the hell out of me why this has never been investigated!

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

This is true, I’m not making this up....:)

Expand full comment
Bob Fleck's avatar

We are up to our earlobes in Trump and all the syncophants and weirdos who swarm behind him, but you remind us that the previous Republican was worse. The affect of the Bush presidency on the U.S. and the world was catastrophic, two needless wars and the near collapse of the economy set the table for Obama to clean it all up just as Biden inherited Trump’s mess. Why anyone would consider another Republican president is beyond me but when a guy like Dubya gets the White House TWICE one has to take a very hard look at how America picks its leaders.

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

Exactly!...:)

Expand full comment
Carol Gamm's avatar

Excellent! And why is the media so afraid of fully disclosing Trump’s Russian ties? Who do they think was at that June meeting with the Russian lawyer and Don Jr? And who thinks adoption was a big topic? Any ideas about Deutsche Bank and Kennedy’s son?

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

There is definitely something fishy with Deutsche Bank. They were fined several times for laundering Russian Mafia money and sanctioned oligarchs money. And we all know Trump relied on Russian oligarch money to fund his golf resort’s, after all the main American banks refused to do business with Trump.

Good question with Kennedy’s son. I heard of the issue, but I don’t know whether there was any illegal actions taken...:)

Expand full comment
Carol Gamm's avatar

There are also unanswered questions about Trump’s Scottish golf courses. They don’t make money. Is there something else going on?

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

Good question and I’m sure there is. Proving it is another story. But the links? Coincidence?

Expand full comment
KELTIK_WARRIOR (VINCE T 🦁 )'s avatar

Regarding Dumb-ya: He also went AWOL from his Military unit for nearly a year -- WITHOUT penalty, punishment or prejudice. Had I done that as a young Air Force Sergeant, I would have been stripped of rank and put in the brig for an extended period. Rank has its pricks.

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

A stolen election by the Supreme Court, and we ended up with Dubya; two wars and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. And he was elected twice! I mean once, but served two terms...:)

Expand full comment
KELTIK_WARRIOR (VINCE T 🦁 )'s avatar

He was trotted around by Dick Cheney, the former VP who said during a TV interview that the 4,000+ KIA in Iraq had "volunteered" for it. Right, Haliburton did quite well, thanks to Cheney and his oil-rich cronies. And, then, we gave a new heart to Cheney. A new heart for a soulless prick, no less!

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

Well said. Cheney also surrounded Bush with his own cronies, so he could control the presidency from within.

Additionally, Halliburton and KBR (subsidiary) had no bid contracts for the Iraq and Afghan wars and controlled most of the logistical supply chain for the military.

These contracts were fraudulent and the American taxpayers got screwed. Attempts to audit the contracts were shot down by Rumsfeld and Cheney.

Within three years after the Iraq war, Halliburton stock was up over 570%. Halliburton apparently got their money’s worth when they gave Cheney a $300 million retirement package to become VP.

Expand full comment
bayjh's avatar

Steve, just hearing truths being stated “out-loud” is essential to full understanding of the siege our nation is facing.

As for Kari Lake, I am reminded of Tokyo Rose undermining the mental stability of the weak. They are prevaricators of the same cloth.

Expand full comment
What a GreatTime To Be Alive's avatar

Very Good Thoughts!

Expand full comment
celeste k.'s avatar

Yesterday, I helped a young woman fill out her voter registration card and stamped it for her. I had an opportunity to discuss with her all that we stand to lose as a free society if we do not stay fully engaged. It was the last registration card I helped women with from a stack of 40. Later today, I will again return to the Board of Elections for another stack and continue my quest to engage young women in actively supporting our Democracy and fighting against those who would destroy it for personal gain.

It's the best way I know to RISE in defense of this country I love. I'm with all Americans who cherish what this great country is, and can be. I will never back down.

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

Awesome! I hope you live in a swing state...:)

Expand full comment
Liz Scheffler's avatar

Thank you for your efforts. Remember Sept 19 is National Voter Registration day. Help other secure the right to vote! Lots of opportunities out there to help register voters (League of Women Voters, Field Team 6, Vote Riders....) Lend a hand and help register voters!

Expand full comment
Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Thank you, Steve. It is a very dark moment in our history. Thank you for your voice....it gives us hope.

Expand full comment
Liz Scheffler's avatar

Kevin did not call for a vote to begin, knowing he would lose. I also understand there is still a standing rule put in place by Trump 2020 that without a formal vote to proceed, the Executive Branch can ignore all impeachment related requests from Congress. No vote, no data, stalemate

Yes all MAGA theater yes all evil.

How much longer does Kevin have to remain Speaker ? How much longer before the R coalition disintegrates? Not much longer. After all the ETTD standard stands, and if this was orchestrated by Trump it will fail.

Will they fail in their attempt I think it will. Will it hurt Pres Biden no. Will it ricochet on MAGA yes

The only thing we need is a 2024 budget. Senate passed last PM. That’s the real immediate need

Expand full comment
Dana B Tisdale's avatar

Agreed. This will negatively impact Republicans. Hopefully the population will remember next year.

Expand full comment
Dick Montagne's avatar

I wish I could believe that our fellow citizens will remember all of this next year but I’m beginning to have my doubts. Anyone that puts more value on the price of gas than the health of our democracy is obviously not paying attention, and if you are not paying attention how are you supposed to remember 🤷‍♂️

Expand full comment
Liz Scheffler's avatar

Our role is to help reminding them of what happens if they forget.

Expand full comment
David Herdlinger's avatar

Confederacy of Dunces!

Expand full comment
Helen Stajninger's avatar

Thank you once again Steve, for your wisdom and clarity in writing, I am feeling more helpless now in light of this Biden Impeachment. The news media is just amplifying and not explaining there is no reason at all for this inquiry. It reminds me of the Benghazi hearings .

Expand full comment
celeste k.'s avatar

Do not despair. Take that feeling and turn it into action. There are a greater number of us who cherish the country than those who would destroy it. Try to find those who are like minded and would engage in discussion with you. There is strength in numbers and it may help to alleviate the helplessness you feel. Hang in there, Helen!

Expand full comment
Judy CZUBATI's avatar

I do hope we can prevail. It is just exhausting and depressing.

Expand full comment
Rex Farley's avatar

Helen that is exactly the purpose of the impeachment!! Distract people from the facts in the hope of regaining power.

Expand full comment
Helen Stajninger's avatar

I think you are exactly right Rex. The distraction- which works

Expand full comment
Callie's avatar

From what I understand it’s just an “inquiry”. Kev does not have the votes to Impeach so he’s doing this inquiry thing to try to placate the Matt Gaetz cabal…But Matt is not placated ; says it’s not enough, Kev has to be in “compliance” with the deal they made for him to be speaker .. Arrogant little twerp isn’t he…

So, might be wrong but I think this is just loud obnoxious nothing burger of bs. Keep (figuratively) spitting in their faces and support the good candidates. I’m staying strong and carrying on…

Expand full comment
Helen Stajninger's avatar

Thank you Callie. But it causes so much distrust with uninformed citizens.

Expand full comment
Callie's avatar

I know the lies and disinformation offend my sense of justice and are infuriating…. I hear you…😡

Expand full comment
James Towner's avatar

First Joe McCarthy now Kevin! Kevin, “have you no decency sir” So, if you do not impeach President Biden, you might lose your speakership? Boo hooo. The country is at risk but you will not leave you foxhole to engage the enemy. You are a deserter!!! You took an oath to defend the constitution and now you are blatantly ignoring it. You deserve what all deserter cowards deserve. Not high office but cuffs and disgrace !

You know impeachment is wrong, but golly gee, I won’t be speaker... well you aren’t now and you and cabal of traitors trying to pass themselves off as patriots will never be. History will portray you and your group of mindless conspirators for what you and they are..... unless Ron DeSantis bans the book.

Expand full comment
Dianne's avatar

‘Unless Ron Desantis bans the book’ Perfect!

As an horrified Floridian I can so relate to that sentiment.

Make the US FloriDUH indeed...

Expand full comment
Mars Tokyo's avatar

Steve what is the best course of action to stop McCarthy’s ridiculous impeachment?

Expand full comment
Dana B Tisdale's avatar

The House has to vote to forward this inquiry. I doubt it’ll pass.

Expand full comment
Judy CZUBATI's avatar

Yes..what can be done?

Expand full comment
martin schmidt's avatar

You are giving Kevin the Klown waaaaaaay to much credit. He's a puppet on the strings of the Party of Carnival Barkers. Whomever can make the most outlandish / extremist / absurd / ignorant claims gets to the the next Speaker of the House.

Until January 2024 when the Dem's take over the House and Hakeem Jefferies becomes Speaker unfortunately we will have to be exposed to these assholes and their Sideshow Bob antics

Expand full comment
Ken C's avatar

The inmates are now running the asylum. We are past any veneer of optics framing the MAGA junta as promoting and defending American credos, values, or historical platforms. They desecrate our flag by claiming ownership and vulgarizing the stars and stripes with slogans and pictural displays.

Breeding chaos and histrionic showboating, the (un)freedom caucus wing of MAGA delights in destroying any semblance of governing. Instead, holding the Congress and the Country hostage, they swagger their demands through their internal coup and insurrection.

Feeling omnipotent and unassailable, the MAGA junta steamrolls over all political conventions and strategies that win the hearts and minds of voters. Instead, bullying and force are their concepts for controlling our future.

The will of the People remains silent until the next election. These MAGA clowns might be legends in their own minds, the American People will become more alienated and angrier as their abuse, neglect and destruction of our government persists and exacerbates.

Expand full comment
steven w. ross's avatar

Good, cogent, perspectives Steve. Every day brings more disturbing news and views. The asylum metaphor fits these lunatics. They oughta replace the chaplain with a shrink?

Expand full comment
Patricia Davis's avatar

Is a special vote nation wide possible to impeach the collective swarmy bunch?

My list: Roy, Gaetz, Green, Boebart, Jordan, Kennedy, Johnson, Grassley, Comer, Abbott, The Freedom Caucus, ...who should WE THE PEOPLE ADD? Go Ahead. Feel Free!

Expand full comment
celeste k.'s avatar

Isn't it incredible that this bunch of losers are trying to bring down the system that gave them their opportunity to hold a position in Congress to begin with? I wonder, do they even think far enough ahead to understand that if the system fails (which I don't believe), they are at the bottom of the barrel with no lifeline?

The vote that will get rid of them will take place in 2024. Spread the Word!!

Expand full comment
Patricia Davis's avatar

I’m counting on that and making it as clear their every dastardly continuance. There’s the die hards that’ll not likely change , but there’s plenty who have and plenty more who will JUMP SHIP. For the people they represent in a hundred coveys across this nation I hope they make a point -landslide losses for these deviants. We got some here in this neck of the woods too I’m hoping will get ‘the royal boot’!

We’re all in this together like it or not , here’s to a thorough trouncing...

💙💙BLUE TSUNAMI💙💙

Expand full comment
Forrest Grump's avatar

Or... they are throwing down to be the power in charge of the Fourth Reich.

Expand full comment
Karen Estby's avatar

Not realizing that their supreme leader could dispose of them if they offend him. Seems like a very stressful position to be in.

Expand full comment
Judy CZUBATI's avatar

Add a few not-so-“Supreme” Judges…

Expand full comment
Patricia Davis's avatar

Oh and then there’s them! well said !

Expand full comment
Liz Scheffler's avatar

No we do not have that option.

Expand full comment
Diane Arden's avatar

Speechless in the face of such low life idiocy that you have described so perfectly Steve. But not voteless. And still standing, albeit brokenheartedly and angrily at what MAGAites have brought and continue to bring to the politics of what should be the country with the greatest hope of freedom and justice in the world.

Expand full comment
Mike Maddux's avatar

Write on, brother. No one says it better.

Expand full comment
BC's avatar

Kevin McCarthy is a spineless cretin. I believe any one of these maggots would kill to stay in power. This whole impeachment nonsense will probably backfire. They're using impeachment as revenge. Bunch of useless idiots who need to be brought down.

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

They certainly won’t win over any independents. They’ll just continue to try to stack the courts with religious wing-nuts and rule by judicial fiat should Trump or another republican take the executive.

They realize their only savior is minority, authoritarian rule.

Expand full comment
BC's avatar

Power. I've never had, nor been around, the type of power these men and women crave. I'd rather have nothing if having something meant I'd have to sell my soul to the crime-ridden, violent evil people who want to control everyone. Sorry, I let my emotions talk here. I get so damn angry.

Expand full comment
Karen Estby's avatar

Your anger is justified, BC. I hope their lust for power bites them in the you know what.

Expand full comment
Robert Jaffee's avatar

Non red to apologize, I feel your pain...:)

Expand full comment
BC's avatar

Thank you.

Expand full comment
CaliWyo1's avatar

To Steve’s remarks - I agree, whole heartedly, and have felt this way for quite some time. It has been so utterly obvious to me that I sometimes get frustrated with those around me who don’t see the seriousness of what is happening. So many of my friends think this is just another election and still say, “I don’t follow politics... I’m just not into it” (whatever that means)

Anyway, I’m ready for whatever it is I have to contribute or do, although I don’t know what that will be. After all, I’m a 52 year old married almost retired nurse with 3 college age kids and my first grand baby on the way... but that’s all good, cause I’m pissed and full of energy! Seriously now - Our country, our beautiful America, has given me a life that I am grateful for as imperfect as it has been. In solidarity, and especially to all of those who lost their young lives on our behalf, I will stand where I must with pride, gratitude, respect, & honor.

Expand full comment