The New Lounge

[KDSTONE]

Of course you wouldn’t call it a distraction, Mac. It gives you something else to talk about rather than the real time failures of the current president.

However, Trump disagrees with you that Fauci should ever be prosecuted. In fact, he says the president’s power to pardon is the most powerful tool a president has. It’s almost like he might be setting something up for the future, no?





Interesting take. Fauci’s pardon only covers his actions up to January 19, 2025. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that he would plead the Fifth during his testimony. Rand Paul’s goal was, and has always been, a perjury charge with these hearings. This type of kangaroo hearing is exactly why he was issued the pardon in the first place.

Question for @Mac9192, just curious: When Donald Trump pleaded the Fifth 450 times during his criminal trial in New York, was he being a coward? Does pleading the Fifth 450 times mean he was, in fact, guilty of the felonies he was eventually convicted of?

Fauci has the constitutional right to plead the Fifth, and because of that, he won’t be held in contempt, at least legally, of course. Who knows with this administration, Congress, and the Supreme Court?

I sincerely doubt, though, that Trump will do or allow anything to be done that weakens the power of a presidential pardon since he has to pardon himself, his kids, his staff, and Ghislaine Maxwell for all of their crimes on his way out of office.

Are you saying that Rand Paul is using these hearings to distract from the Iran war, a war he was opposed to from Day 1? Rep constituents are genuinely angry about govt policy during the Covid era so there’s that. Invoking the 5th may keep his *** out of jail, but what was left of his reputation is in tatters and his refusal to answer basic questions will serve as grist for the conspiracy mill. If you think these hearings are merely a political side show, I’d suggest that the Left is severely underestimating the extent of the anger and frustration still out there stemming from the Covid debocle. Most Americans want answers.
As for your comment about “wall to wall coverage”, there was a hearing and they televised it. When I flipped through CNN and Fox this am, they were back to covering the Iran war so I guess the Republicans’ sinister plan was futile! ****!!

 

[Mac9192]

So you’re pleading the 5th?

Why are you not giving any attention to Fauci? You were probably just a young kid in college so it didn't affect you. Heck, you just played your video games in the basement, tiny apartment, or wherever you were, so life was most likely no different for you during that time.

Don't read what some left wing nut says, try thinking for yourself. I know I'm asking a lot. The truth is Covid was real, but the damage Fauci caused far outweighs Trump pleading the fifth. Do I agree with Trump? Doesn't seem like he should have, but it WAS a witch hunt.

 

[DuckDevil]

Are you saying that Rand Paul is using these hearings to distract from the Iran war, a war he was opposed to from Day 1? Rep constituents are genuinely angry about govt policy during the Covid era so there’s that. Invoking the 5th may keep his *** out of jail, but what was left of his reputation is in tatters and his refusal to answer basic questions will serve as grist for the conspiracy mill. If you think these hearings are merely a political side show, I’d suggest that the Left is severely underestimating the extent of the anger and frustration still out there stemming from the Covid debocle. Most Americans want answers.
As for your comment about “wall to wall coverage”, there was a hearing and they televised it. When I flipped through CNN and Fox this am, they were back to covering the Iran war so I guess the Republicans’ sinister plan was futile! ****!!

I would assume that Fauci, who is 85 years old, is only concerned with “keeping his *** out of jail” at this point, as you so eloquently put it. Considering the terms of his pardon, which Rand Paul knew before the hearing even started, nothing of substance was ever going to come out of it. Therefore, in my opinion, the hearing was a distraction to divert attention away from the failures of the GOP trifecta of power which they’ve held since the last presidential election.

While Paul may oppose the war in Iran, and he deserves credit for that, he also voted to confirm Pete Hegseth and the other sycophants who led us into that very war. To me, that makes his opposition now seem a little hollow.

His votes as a senator have also enabled the Trump agenda, which has led to the economic turmoil now crushing the American people, as well as crippling the economies of other nations. This all results in diminished American power and influence around the world.

With all that in mind, even Rand Paul has a vested interest in distracting the American people just 90ish days before the midterm elections, which is exactly what this hearing was for.

 

[DuckDevil]

This was my favorite part of the hearing. Senator Moreno asked Fauci, “Who the **** do you think you were?” It’s an amazing moment and sound bite for the base.

What I find interesting, though, is that Republican Senator Moreno has never come out with a statement carrying this much fire or vitriol condemning Republican Rep. Max Miller, currently endorsed by Trump, Moreno’s own son-in-law, who allegedly threw boiling water on his daughter, allegedly beat her multiple times, allegedly broke his grandkid’s collarbone, and also allegedly pointed a gun at his daughter’s head.

In fact, I haven’t seen Moreno, Republicans, or the president condemn this man or call for him to withdraw from the race at all. Not a peep in fact. It’s almost as if party loyalty and power are the only things that matter here.

You guys knew about this, right? Or has Fox News not got around to covering it yet? Though, it seems pretty newsworthy to me…

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Not a peep in fact. It’s almost as if party loyalty and power are the only things that matter here.

You guys knew about this, right? Or have they not gotten around to covering this one on Fox News yet?

I heard only the Left does that!

 

[KDSTONE]

Edit.

 

[KDSTONE]

This was my favorite part of the hearing. Senator Moreno asked Fauci, “Who the **** do you think you were?” It’s an amazing moment and sound bite for the base.

What I find interesting, though, is that Republican Senator Moreno has never come out with a statement carrying this much fire or vitriol condemning Republican Rep. Max Miller, currently endorsed by Trump, Moreno’s own son-in-law, who allegedly threw boiling water on his daughter, allegedly beat her multiple times, allegedly broke his grandkid’s collarbone, and also allegedly pointed a gun at his daughter’s head.

In fact, I haven’t seen Moreno, Republicans, or the president condemn this man or call for him to withdraw from the race at all. Not a peep in fact. It’s almost as if party loyalty and power are the only things that matter here.

You guys knew about this, right? Or have they not gotten around to covering this one on Fox News yet?

Those allegations were unsubstantiated by police and child welfare and were made in the midst of a custody issue with his ex wife so that accounts for the hesitancy to convict Miller in the court of public opinion. The House Ethics Commitee should open their own investigation into past complaints regarding violence against women however. Long history of involvement with LEO, ranging from assault to DUI to disorderly. An ex girlfriend Stephanie Grisham has also accused him of violence. The current allegations seem plausible but there’s not enough evidence to prosecute. Re: his daughter’s broken collarbone, even the ex wife says she doesn’t know what happened but implicated Miller due to his past history of violence. The more I know about this guy the less I like him.

 

[Mac9192]

This was my favorite part of the hearing. Senator Moreno asked Fauci, “Who the **** do you think you were?” It’s an amazing moment and sound bite for the base.

What I find interesting, though, is that Republican Senator Moreno has never come out with a statement carrying this much fire or vitriol condemning Republican Rep. Max Miller, currently endorsed by Trump, Moreno’s own son-in-law, who allegedly threw boiling water on his daughter, allegedly beat her multiple times, allegedly broke his grandkid’s collarbone, and also allegedly pointed a gun at his daughter’s head.

In fact, I haven’t seen Moreno, Republicans, or the president condemn this man or call for him to withdraw from the race at all. Not a peep in fact. It’s almost as if party loyalty and power are the only things that matter here.

You guys knew about this, right? Or has Fox News not got around to covering it yet? Though, it seems pretty newsworthy to me…

Do you know the whole story? Is it possible that Miller is innocent of abuse, and that may be why Moreno, or any other Republicans didn't condemn him? Way too many divorces are not civil. Don't take that as me defending him, cause I know you will. He could be the dirty dog you're making him out to be. What I do know for a fact is the corporate media has been wrong a lot more than they've been right. That's a sad fact.

Don't know if Fox has covered it or not. I don't glue myself to news, even Fox. But when I do watch news, it is them because I want to watch someone that at least makes contact vs swinging and missing.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

The middle of the night part with masked and heavily armed Navy Seals parachuting in was probably overkill. The pursuit was completely legit.

15 months of asking for and being given the runaround...accurate??

 

[Mac9192]

I feel privileged. I’m getting laughing emojis from our resident pedo defender.

 

[dukesince91]

You have to be really dense to have seen what we have for years, yet still have the views you do, when those you get your news from have been proven to be liars.

If my news sources were wrong a lot more than right, I’d find a new source.

If they see a news source that shows the Trump administration in any negative way, they jump on it as the gospel. I’m sure the CSIS is going to let the world know we’re low on ammunition. Lol

 

[DuckDevil]

Those allegations were unsubstantiated by police and child welfare and were made in the midst of a custody issue with his ex wife so that accounts for the hesitancy to convict Miller in the court of public opinion. The House Ethics Commitee should open their own investigation into past complaints regarding violence against women however.

You’re probably right. Senator Moreno and the other Republicans must know that Moreno’s daughter is lying about these incidents, and that these allegations should have no bearing on Miller’s chances of retaining his seat in the midterm election coming up in 90 days. It would be completely unfair to Rep. Miller for voters to weigh this information when deciding who to vote for this November.

I’m sure the Democrats and the left would act in exactly the same way, given the importance of the upcoming election and given the opportunity to do so.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

Every accusation is a confession.

 

[DuckDevil]

I feel privileged. I’m getting laughing emojis from our resident pedo defender.

You literally worship THE pedophile defender who is still illegally concealing over 3 million files detailing the crimes of the Epstein child trafficking ring, as well as likely containing damning evidence against the president himself.

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

If they see a news source that shows the Trump administration in any negative way, they jump on it as the gospel. I’m sure the CSIS is going to let the world know we’re low on ammunition. Lol

"...reports of munitions continuing to dwindle have reverberated through Congress..."

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

You literally worship THE pedophile defender who is still illegally concealing over 3 million files detailing the crimes of the Epstein child trafficking ring, as well as likely containing damning evidence against the president himself.

Not giving a highly fictionalized movie by a partisan film company a chance is the real offense, tho

 

[dukesince91]

"...reports of munitions continuing to dwindle have reverberated through Congress..."

Yeah, that really makes a lot of sense. Let your enemy know you’re low on ammunition. If that’s the case, then they all should be fired.

 

[DuckDevil]

If they see a news source that shows the Trump administration in any negative way, they jump on it as the gospel. I’m sure the CSIS is going to let the world know we’re low on ammunition. Lol

Yeah, that really makes a lot of sense. Let your enemy know you’re low on ammunition. If that’s the case, then they all should be fired.

These numbers come from publicly available Pentagon budget documents and procurement reports that are submitted to Congress every year. Since Congress funds these weapons systems, the Pentagon has to report what it’s buying and the general state of its inventories. CSIS is about as close to the Pentagon as you can get without actually being the Pentagon, and it explains its methodology in detail. If their analysis were fabricated, the Pentagon would have every incentive to say so. Notice how they didn’t?

Honestly, do you know how anything concerning our government or military actually works?

Your comments about working in education become more alarming by the day.

 

[DuckDevil]

Not giving a highly fictionalized movie by a partisan film company a chance is the real offense, tho

He went to bat harder for that movie than anything else he’s ever talked about.

 

[KDSTONE]

You’re probably right. Senator Moreno and the other Republicans must know that Moreno’s daughter is lying about these incidents, and that these allegations should have no bearing on Miller’s chances of retaining his seat in the midterm election coming up in 90 days. It would be completely unfair to Rep. Miller for voters to weigh this information when deciding who to vote for this November.

I’m sure the Democrats and the left would act in exactly the same way, given the importance of the upcoming election and given the opportunity to do so.

You’ve moved the goalposts. You’ve gone from demanding that Rep call for his resignation to “It would be completely unfair for voters to weigh this information when deciding who to vote for”. No one on this board suggested anything close to burying these allegations. Child welfare typically has a lower standard of proof for substantiation and they found evidence insufficient.
You also equate citing a lack of evidence for indictment to “ Republicans must know that she’s lying” lol. I’ve already called for a House investigation. I’m all for voters having all the info, and I’m sure his opponent will do all he or she can to make them aware.

 

[KDSTONE]

Boogie, do you have a good link to support your 15 months comment? Not doubting it, that sounds right, but we’re usually asked for evidence to support our claims. What’s good for the goose…

 

[DuckDevil]

You’ve moved the goalposts. You’ve gone from demanding that Rep call for his resignation to “It would be completely unfair for voters to weigh this information when deciding who to vote for”. No one on this board suggested anything close to burying these allegations. Child welfare typically has a lower standard of proof for substantiation and they found evidence insufficient.
You also equate citing a lack of evidence for indictment to “ Republicans must know that she’s lying” lol. I’ve already called for a House investigation. I’m all for voters having all the info, and I’m sure his opponent will do all he or she can to make them aware.

I actually agree with you, KD. I’m just lamenting the fact that this story is being buried by conservative news media while also highlighting the moral differences between how the Right and the Left handle serious allegations such as this one, even when control of Congress is at stake.

 

[DuckDevil]

You mean in the three months since you showed up?

I’ve said or alluded to it multiple times that I’ve read through the bulk of this thread.

 

[Mac9192]

You literally worship THE pedophile defender who is still illegally concealing over 3 million files detailing the crimes of the Epstein child trafficking ring, as well as likely containing damning evidence against the president himself.

To answer your question AGAIN, I say dump the files, and whoever did acts with minors needs to pay the price. Not sure I can be any more clear. That's a lot more than you two have ever said. I don't remember either of you talking about human trafficking, which is a known problem. Instead you complained about the movie, who was the lead actor, and Trump's possible involvement with Epstein. That's it.

Our President triggers you two p******.

 

[KDSTONE]

I actually agree with you, KD. I’m just lamenting the fact that this story is being buried by conservative news media while also highlighting the moral differences between how the Right and the Left handle serious allegations such as this one, even when control of Congress is at stake.

Platner and Swalwell were accused of rape so there’s that. I don’t know too many people who would resign from their jobs due to unsubstantiated allegations by their ex wife in the midst of a custody battle. Her lawyers would obviously have a field day with that. Re: the media, I’ll concede that left wing media covered the Platner scandals more than the Right has covered Miller, which up to now is zero based on a quick Google search.

 

[DuckDevil]

To answer your question AGAIN, I say dump the files, and whoever did acts with minors needs to pay the price. Not sure I can be any more clear. That's a lot more than you two have ever said. I don't remember either of you talking about human trafficking, which is a known problem. Instead you complained about the movie, who was the lead actor, and Trump's possible involvement with Epstein. That's it.

Our President triggers you two p******.

Do you not at least see the irony of calling someone else a “pedo defender” when most of your posts here are spent defending and supporting Donald Trump despite knowing about his illegal concealment and protection of the people in the Epstein files?

I mean, how do you expect not to be called out on that? Even more than that, how do you reconcile that in your own brain with your professed views on human trafficking?

 

[DuckDevil]

Platner and Swalwell were accused of rape so there’s that. I don’t know too many people who would resign from their jobs due to unsubstantiated allegations by their ex wife in the midst of a custody battle. Her lawyers would obviously have a field day with that. Re: the media, I’ll concede that left wing media covered the Platner scandals more than the Right has covered Miller, which up to now is zero based on a quick Google search.

That was the point I was making. I would argue that holding a gun to someone’s head and pouring boiling water on them would, at least for me, be in the same criminal category as rape.

As I said here, I liked Platner as a candidate. I liked his message and the way he delivered it. Kicking him out of the race may cost Democrats the Senate, but it was the right thing to do given the allegations that were stacking up. You have to be willing to draw the line somewhere.

 

[Mac9192]

Do you not at least see the irony of calling someone else a “pedo defender” when most of your posts here are spent defending and supporting Donald Trump despite knowing about his illegal concealment and protection of the people in the Epstein files?

I mean, how do you expect not to be called out on that? Even more than that, how do you reconcile that in your own brain with your professed views on human trafficking?

To answer your question AGAIN, I say dump the files, and whoever did acts with minors needs to pay the price. Not sure I can be any more clear.

The only thing you responded to was the part about Trump, which shows how unstable you are. I was clear about my stance on this. I even took the liberty of REPOSTING it for the 2nd time just so you could see what I've said. I mean it's right here ^^^above ^^^ me. By the way, I'm Mac9192.

Read it kid.

 

[DuckDevil]

The only thing you responded to was the part about Trump, which shows how unstable you are. I was clear about my stance on this. I even took the liberty of REPOSTING it for the 2nd time just so you could see what I've said. I mean it's right here ^^^above ^^^ me. By the way, I'm Mac9192.

Read it kid.

Relax, pal, it’s really not that serious. Try not to let your emotions get the better of you. I feel like this can be a productive conversation. It’s okay that the irony of your post is still lost on you. I wouldn’t have expected otherwise.

The issue for me, though, is that it’s pretty easy to just say, “Dump the files,” as you so eloquently pointed out above, but only one person has the power to do that, and that’s Donald Trump. He’s obviously not going to do it, right? So at what point, since trafficking is such a big issue for you, does Donald’s continued cover up, protection of, and alleged participation in the Epstein child trafficking ring become a deal breaker for you that would actually make you stop supporting him?

 

[Ghost of Dattier]

That was the point I was making. I would argue that holding a gun to someone’s head and pouring boiling water on them would, at least for me, be in the same criminal category as rape.

As I said here, I liked Platner as a candidate. I liked his message and the way he delivered it. Kicking him out of the race may cost Democrats the Senate, but it was the right thing to do given the allegations that were stacking up. You have to be willing to draw the line somewhere.

Well... Democrats have to be willing to draw the line somewhere anyway.

 

[Mac9192]

Relax, pal, it’s really not that serious. Try not to let your emotions get the better of you. I feel like this can be a productive conversation. It’s okay that the irony of your post is still lost on you. I wouldn’t have expected otherwise.

The issue for me, though, is that it’s pretty easy to just say, “Dump the files,” as you so eloquently pointed out above, but only one person has the power to do that, and that’s Donald Trump. He’s obviously not going to do it, right? So at what point, since trafficking is such a big issue for you, does Donald’s continued cover up, protection of, and alleged participation in the Epstein child trafficking ring become a deal breaker for you that would actually make you stop supporting him?

What makes you so certain Trump did awful things? Your sources. Hahaha. You pick some real winners kid. They have as much vile towards him as you do. You like them because neither of you are really interested in the truth. He never denied NOT knowing him. For arguments sake, let's say he is guilty (I'm trying to have a productive conversation), I find it hard to believe that the Democrats wouldn't have screamed to release the files when they were in charge from 21-25. But if it's proven that he did anything with minors, yes I would abandon ship.

Until then though, I'll not take your word on his guilt. Plus, I've already seen your overall stance on this topic. Your ONLY interest is in Trump being guilty. That TDS has you really torn up.

You can try to twist this all you want, but I'm the only one in this back and forth that is living in the real world. When you aren't searching the web for damning info on Trump, which is a lot, is the rest spent playing video games?

 

[DuckDevil]

What makes you so certain Trump did awful things? Your sources. Hahaha. You pick some real winners kid. They have as much vile towards him as you do. You like them because neither of you are really interested in the truth. He never denied NOT knowing him. For arguments sake, let's say he is guilty (I'm trying to have a productive conversation), I find it hard to believe that the Democrats wouldn't have screamed to release the files when they were in charge from 21-25. But if it's proven that he did anything with minors, yes I would abandon ship.

Until then though, I'll not take your word on his guilt. Plus, I've already seen your overall stance on this topic. Your ONLY interest is in Trump being guilty. That TDS has you really torn up.

You can try to twist this all you want, but I'm the only one in this back and forth that is living in the real world. When you aren't searching the web for damning info on Trump, which is a lot, is the rest spent playing video games?

I posted tons of the evidence and stories about this back in February and March when the first batch of files was released. You must have conveniently missed all of that. Since you won’t believe anything I provide anyway, why don’t you just read them for yourself at https://www.justice.gov/epstein? Just type “Trump” into the search bar. Good luck…

After you’re done with that, maybe ask yourself this: If some of what they did release is that terrible, what could possibly be in the other half of the files, roughly 3 million of them, that he still illegally refuses to release? Also, ask yourself why Donald moved Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum security prison this year, given the crimes she committed that are laid out in those files. And also remember, he started a war with Iran that will end his presidency to get people to stop talking about what’s in those files.

 

[DuckDevil]

Speaking of…

You’re simply not allowed to spit the truth to Fox News viewers like that. They can’t handle it.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

"...reports of munitions continuing to dwindle have reverberated through Congress..."

Ohhhh...fox news

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

He went to bat harder for that movie than anything else he’s ever talked about.

Oscar worthy

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

Boogie, do you have a good link to support your 15 months comment? Not doubting it, that sounds right, but we’re usually asked for evidence to support our claims. What’s good for the goose…

Timeline: Special counsel's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents

Here's a look at how special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents has progressed.

abcnews.com

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

Boogie, do you have a good link to support your 15 months comment? Not doubting it, that sounds right, but we’re usually asked for evidence to support our claims. What’s good for the goose…

Google Search

 

[KDSTONE]

Timeline: Special counsel's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents

Here's a look at how special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents has progressed.

abcnews.com

Thanks.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

What makes you so certain Trump did awful things? Your sources. Hahaha. You pick some real winners kid. They have as much vile towards him as you do. You like them because neither of you are really interested in the truth. He never denied NOT knowing him. For arguments sake, let's say he is guilty (I'm trying to have a productive conversation), I find it hard to believe that the Democrats wouldn't have screamed to release the files when they were in charge from 21-25. But if it's proven that he did anything with minors, yes I would abandon ship.

Until then though, I'll not take your word on his guilt. Plus, I've already seen your overall stance on this topic. Your ONLY interest is in Trump being guilty. That TDS has you really torn up.

You can try to twist this all you want, but I'm the only one in this back and forth that is living in the real world. When you aren't searching the web for damning info on Trump, which is a lot, is the rest spent playing video games?

Right or wrong, .... wasn't the files sealed during the 21-25 period because of the Maxwell case???....and it was Trump so hell bent on using it as a campaign ploy to generate support, then all a sudden, yeah all thats nothing I was ranting about, its fake news, nobody harmed????

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

Relax, pal, it’s really not that serious. Try not to let your emotions get the better of you. I feel like this can be a productive conversation. It’s okay that the irony of your post is still lost on you. I wouldn’t have expected otherwise.

The issue for me, though, is that it’s pretty easy to just say, “Dump the files,” as you so eloquently pointed out above, but only one person has the power to do that, and that’s Donald Trump. He’s obviously not going to do it, right? So at what point, since trafficking is such a big issue for you, does Donald’s continued cover up, protection of, and alleged participation in the Epstein child trafficking ring become a deal breaker for you that would actually make you stop supporting him?

Diabolical....