@CyrusToulabi's Threads
#TRUTHBOMB: Let's be clear.
Ken Vogel and the NYTimes ABSOLUTELY bought everything Giuliani and then-compromised Ukrainian prosecutor Lutsenko were peddling.
Two weeks ago, Ken Vogel claimed there was "more to the story," only to admit there wasn't any evidence, two days later.
Ken Vogel and the NYTimes ABSOLUTELY bought everything Giuliani and then-compromised Ukrainian prosecutor Lutsenko were peddling.
Two weeks ago, Ken Vogel claimed there was "more to the story," only to admit there wasn't any evidence, two days later.
#FTR: I have *NOT* favored a single democratic primary candidate in any of my tweets.
But the facts are clear...Ken Vogel and the NYTimes first reported the Biden-Ukraine "conspiracy," as if it were true.
I called out Vogel respectfully a few weeks ago.
But the facts are clear...Ken Vogel and the NYTimes first reported the Biden-Ukraine "conspiracy," as if it were true.
I called out Vogel respectfully a few weeks ago.
#PS: I do NOT agree with the Biden Campaign's every move.
I called out their tone-deaf decision to tell networks not to book Giuliani.
But, despite most reporters' auto-defense of other reporters when criticized, the Biden Campaign is RIGHT in this case.
I called out their tone-deaf decision to tell networks not to book Giuliani.
But, despite most reporters' auto-defense of other reporters when criticized, the Biden Campaign is RIGHT in this case.
@alicetweet, I used to think you weren't a partisan hack.
IK that this isn't a good way to start a tweet that you actually read, but frankly I'm upset I've defended you in the past.
Your appearance on ABC today was absurd and filled with lies. Which I thought to be beneath you.
IK that this isn't a good way to start a tweet that you actually read, but frankly I'm upset I've defended you in the past.
Your appearance on ABC today was absurd and filled with lies. Which I thought to be beneath you.
Trump's actions are the definition of impeachable.
And Alice circa 2017 would've undoubtedly declared so.
Clearly, you've been hired by the RNC, or another conservative org since, which has sadly affected your "opinion."
But I thought you'd put country over party. I was wrong.
And Alice circa 2017 would've undoubtedly declared so.
Clearly, you've been hired by the RNC, or another conservative org since, which has sadly affected your "opinion."
But I thought you'd put country over party. I was wrong.
Stop pointing the finger at Schiff's prefaced dramatization of Trump's words.
He was clear...before and after...that he wasn't reading Trump's words, but suggesting the implicit meaning intended in between.
He bookended the hearing w/ a narrative.
AS. EVERY. PROSECUTOR. DOES.
He was clear...before and after...that he wasn't reading Trump's words, but suggesting the implicit meaning intended in between.
He bookended the hearing w/ a narrative.
AS. EVERY. PROSECUTOR. DOES.
#UMM: Is now a good time to remind everyone that RON JOHNSON is the CHAIRMAN of the Senate Homeland Security Committee...?
You know, the committee that oversees DHS, the department in charge of SECURING OUR ELECTIONS...
You know, the committee that oversees DHS, the department in charge of SECURING OUR ELECTIONS...
#FLAG: In April, Sen. Ron Johnson was confronted about Russian election interference and DHS's primary role in election security and preventing it.
He claimed he cares about Russian election interference, but quickly downplayed it.
"Let's not blow this thing out of proportion."
He claimed he cares about Russian election interference, but quickly downplayed it.
"Let's not blow this thing out of proportion."
#NOTE: As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Johnson has not held a single hearing dedicated to #ElectionSecurity this year.
Not after the Mueller Report.
Not after DHS leadership was gutted.
Not after reports that it's not a priority.
hsgac.senate.gov/hearings?PageN…
Not after the Mueller Report.
Not after DHS leadership was gutted.
Not after reports that it's not a priority.
hsgac.senate.gov/hearings?PageN…
#FLAG: I hate to say it, but I fear there's a reason that Ron Johnson has decided to ONLY appear on @MeetThePress.
He's a critical witness, told directly by Sondland that there WAS a quid pro quo, tied to military aid.
For God's sake, @ChuckTodd, do your homework!
Surprise us.
He's a critical witness, told directly by Sondland that there WAS a quid pro quo, tied to military aid.
For God's sake, @ChuckTodd, do your homework!
Surprise us.
@MeetThePress @chucktodd Well done, @ChuckTodd.
While it got off to a rough start, and he repeatedly hijacked your platform to spread conspiracy theories...
You did come prepared and pushed back. Thank you.
Full Interview: nbcnews.to/2LP5bC8
While it got off to a rough start, and he repeatedly hijacked your platform to spread conspiracy theories...
You did come prepared and pushed back. Thank you.
Full Interview: nbcnews.to/2LP5bC8
#REDFLAG: So, it appears, Barr has likely opened a DOJ investigation into the Bidens, as we feared...
#REMEMBER: In May, Trump said it would "certainly" be "appropriate" to discuss opening an investigation into Biden with Barr.
“Certainly it is a very big issue...I have not spoken to him about it. Would I speak to him about it? I haven’t thought of that."
washingtonpost.com/politics/trump…
“Certainly it is a very big issue...I have not spoken to him about it. Would I speak to him about it? I haven’t thought of that."
washingtonpost.com/politics/trump…
#REMEMBER: ALSO in May, Barr dodged answering Sen. Harris's question as to whether Trump, or any White House official, has ever asked or suggested that he open an investigation into anyone...
He couldn't quite "grapple with the word 'suggest.'"
He couldn't quite "grapple with the word 'suggest.'"
Disagree with @RepRaskin...the State Department IG received the packet IN MAY.
Former-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Yovanovitch was removed from her position in APRIL / MAY.
Early Giuliani efforts to pressure Zelensky's Administration began in APRIL / MAY.
It isn't a distraction.
Former-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Yovanovitch was removed from her position in APRIL / MAY.
Early Giuliani efforts to pressure Zelensky's Administration began in APRIL / MAY.
It isn't a distraction.
@RepRaskin Thank you, Mr. Chairmen! I agree!
There's more to this story...who did it come from and how did Pompeo react to the packet of disinformation?
There's more to this story...who did it come from and how did Pompeo react to the packet of disinformation?
#BREAKING: Trump PRESSED the Australian Prime Minister to help Attorney General Barr investigate and discredit the origins of the Mueller investigation, in a recent phone call.
nytimes.com/2019/09/30/us/…
nytimes.com/2019/09/30/us/…
#REMEMBER: The Trump-Russia investigation began with Papadopoulos's drunken disclosure to an Australian Diplomat.
He knew Russia had a trove of emails meant to damage the Clinton Campaign.
The Diplomat warned his government, who warned U.S. Intelligence.
He knew Russia had a trove of emails meant to damage the Clinton Campaign.
The Diplomat warned his government, who warned U.S. Intelligence.
#NEW: Barr has held private meetings overseas with foreign intelligence officials, in his effort to discredit the origins of the Russia investigation.
He's focused on "exposing" the source who told Papadopoulos that Russia had emails damaging to Clinton.
washingtonpost.com/politics/the-e…
He's focused on "exposing" the source who told Papadopoulos that Russia had emails damaging to Clinton.
washingtonpost.com/politics/the-e…
#REDFLAG: Trump just admitted he's trying to find out the identity of the Whistleblower.
#WATCH: Trump: "We're trying to find out" who the Whistleblower is.
Outing their identity would be a felony, punishable by up to 3 yrs in prison.
As a matter of fact, his suggestion alone and threatening tweets are witness intimidation. Also impeachable.
Outing their identity would be a felony, punishable by up to 3 yrs in prison.
As a matter of fact, his suggestion alone and threatening tweets are witness intimidation. Also impeachable.
***As Whistleblower protections are a hodge-podge of overlapping laws...it is unclear what the *specific* penalty would be for revealing their identity.
Doing so would certainly be illegal, as well as reprisal and witness intimidation.
All are undoubtedly impeachable offenses.
Doing so would certainly be illegal, as well as reprisal and witness intimidation.
All are undoubtedly impeachable offenses.
#REDFLAG: I think we all should prefer that Scaramucci stays out of this. Particularly when he uses the term "Whistleblower."
If any of his alleged "whistleblowers" prove not credible, they will be used to discredit the original whistleblower, and any others who speak out. [1/2]
If any of his alleged "whistleblowers" prove not credible, they will be used to discredit the original whistleblower, and any others who speak out. [1/2]
After 2 credible accusers came out against Kavanaugh...
Michael Avenatti swooped in with an alleged accuser...who later recanted.
That false accusation was used to discredit the credible accusers, rallying support for Kavanaugh b/c they thought he was "treated unfairly." [2/2]
Michael Avenatti swooped in with an alleged accuser...who later recanted.
That false accusation was used to discredit the credible accusers, rallying support for Kavanaugh b/c they thought he was "treated unfairly." [2/2]
#CORRECTION: Avenatti's alleged accuser did not fully recant.
She did backtrack and contradict several parts of her own sworn affidavit.
This alleged accuser was used to discredit the two other credible accusers. It helped rally support behind Kavanaugh.
nbcnews.com/politics/justi…
She did backtrack and contradict several parts of her own sworn affidavit.
This alleged accuser was used to discredit the two other credible accusers. It helped rally support behind Kavanaugh.
nbcnews.com/politics/justi…
#REDFLAG: If Trump was deliberately withholding defensive aid to Ukraine, in exchange for fabricated dirt on the Bidens...
What is he willing to GIVE China in exchange for fabricated dirt on the Bidens...while he's in the midst of a failing Trade War that's hurting the economy?
What is he willing to GIVE China in exchange for fabricated dirt on the Bidens...while he's in the midst of a failing Trade War that's hurting the economy?
#FLAG: Worth noting, Trump and his Republican defenders keep mentioning China... 
#WATCH: About a week ago, I flagged my concern that Trump might ask China for help investigating the Bidens...
...giving China leverage in trade negotiations, or perhaps even, concessions in exchange.
Today, Trump asked for China's help from the WH lawn.
...giving China leverage in trade negotiations, or perhaps even, concessions in exchange.
Today, Trump asked for China's help from the WH lawn.
#REDFLAG: The Intelligence Community whistleblower complaint about Trump’s communications with a foreign leader centers on UKRAINE.
Trump made a "promise" to the foreign leader that poses an urgent threat to our national security/intelligence interests.
washingtonpost.com/national-secur…
Trump made a "promise" to the foreign leader that poses an urgent threat to our national security/intelligence interests.
washingtonpost.com/national-secur…
#REMEMBER: Ukrainian prosecutors dropped investigations into Manafort + Kilimnik, let Kilimnik flee to Russia out of reach, and withdrew their offer to cooperate with Mueller...
Then, Trump finally approved long-pending defensive weapons sales to Ukraine.
Then, Trump finally approved long-pending defensive weapons sales to Ukraine.
#REDFLAG: Trump pressured President Zelensky of Ukraine to investigate the Bidens EIGHT TIMES on a July 25th call.
He urged Zelensky to work w/ Giuliani.
Giuliani pressed Ukrainian officials in 2 meetings this summer; one set up by the State Department.
wsj.com/articles/trump…
He urged Zelensky to work w/ Giuliani.
Giuliani pressed Ukrainian officials in 2 meetings this summer; one set up by the State Department.
wsj.com/articles/trump…
#FACTCHECK: Republicans are pushing the FALSE narrative that the FBI didn't warn the Trump Campaign of potential Russian Interference in 2016.
That's a LIE.
The FBI briefed Trump and his campaign in August 2016, once he became the Republican nominee, after Lewandowsi was fired.
That's a LIE.
The FBI briefed Trump and his campaign in August 2016, once he became the Republican nominee, after Lewandowsi was fired.
#FLAG: After Gaetz and Lewandowski tried to push the LIE that the FBI didn't brief the Trump Campaign of potential Russian Interference in 2016...
Jim Jordan tried to hammer it home.
This is a false narrative that the GOP, Barr, and Trump have all tried to push repeatedly.
Jim Jordan tried to hammer it home.
This is a false narrative that the GOP, Barr, and Trump have all tried to push repeatedly.
#REMEMBER: Both Trump and Clinton were warned directly by the FBI in August 2016 that Russia could try to infiltrate or spy on their campaigns.
Trump has lied repeatedly that he wasn't warned by the FBI...and Republicans have continued to push the lie.
Trump has lied repeatedly that he wasn't warned by the FBI...and Republicans have continued to push the lie.
#DemDebate: I liked the 7 hour Climate Town Hall format better.
This isn't substance. This is nonsense.
Low blows don't boost your own standing. It never works.
This isn't substance. This is nonsense.
Low blows don't boost your own standing. It never works.
Anyone? Bueller?
The deficit just hit ONE TRILLION already this year.
No one's gonna call out Trump?
The deficit just hit ONE TRILLION already this year.
No one's gonna call out Trump?
Cool...
#FTR: Trump is suggesting that Puerto Rico is a burden on the United States...because it finds itself in the path of another storm.
It's also worth noting that Dorian will likely side-swipe Puerto Rico, and directly hit Florida...which he interestingly doesn't see as a burden.
It's also worth noting that Dorian will likely side-swipe Puerto Rico, and directly hit Florida...which he interestingly doesn't see as a burden.
#FACTCHECK: Yet again, Trump claims Puerto Rico has received over $90 Billion in disaster aid.
That's a LIE.
That's the estimated total they'll need to fully recover.
Congress has allocated $42.5 Billion.
ONLY $14 Billion has actually been distributed.
nbcnews.com/politics/donal…
That's a LIE.
That's the estimated total they'll need to fully recover.
Congress has allocated $42.5 Billion.
ONLY $14 Billion has actually been distributed.
nbcnews.com/politics/donal…
#PREVIOUSLY: Trump has a long history opposing disaster aid to Puerto Rico.
Then taking credit when he had to give in...
Then taking credit when he had to give in...
#PASTBLAST: Last month, Trump INITIATED a phone call w/ Putin to offer help in putting out forest fires in Russia.
"They're having massive fires in their forests...I just offered our assistance because we're very good at putting out forest fires frankly."
"They're having massive fires in their forests...I just offered our assistance because we're very good at putting out forest fires frankly."
#HMM: Wonder why Trump HASN'T offered Brazil any U.S. assistance in fighting the thousands of fires in the Amazon Rainforest?
Is it because he supports President Bolsonaro's anti-climate change/pro-deforestation policies? Or because Bolsonaro isn't Putin?
Is it because he supports President Bolsonaro's anti-climate change/pro-deforestation policies? Or because Bolsonaro isn't Putin?
#FLAG: Knowing that other leaders plan to discuss the #AmazonFires and ways to pressure Brazil at the G7...
Trump reaffirmed his support for the pro-deforestation leader.
He told Bolsonaro we "stand ready to assist"...but exerted no pressure/took no steps to protect the Amazon.
Trump reaffirmed his support for the pro-deforestation leader.
He told Bolsonaro we "stand ready to assist"...but exerted no pressure/took no steps to protect the Amazon.
#FLAG: Which GOP Senate seats are you focused on flipping?
Which Dem Senate seats are you focused on defending?
Remember, we must #FlipItBlue AND #KeepItBlue to #FlipTheSenate!
Which Dem Senate seats are you focused on defending?
Remember, we must #FlipItBlue AND #KeepItBlue to #FlipTheSenate!
#REMEMBER: Trump is cynically "saving" Judge Amy Coney Barrett for Ruth Bader Ginsburg's SCOTUS seat.
"I'm saving her for Ginsburg."
She is anti-choice, anti-Roe v. Wade, and against everything RBG spent her life fighting for.
We must #FlipTheSenate.
axios.com/supreme-court-…
"I'm saving her for Ginsburg."
She is anti-choice, anti-Roe v. Wade, and against everything RBG spent her life fighting for.
We must #FlipTheSenate.
axios.com/supreme-court-…
Just disgusting.
Trump is trying to suggest that the protestors in Hong Kong who are fighting for Democracy...are protesting b/c of the economic impacts of his Trade War.
The President of the United States should be championing Democracy.
But he makes everything about himself.
Trump is trying to suggest that the protestors in Hong Kong who are fighting for Democracy...are protesting b/c of the economic impacts of his Trade War.
The President of the United States should be championing Democracy.
But he makes everything about himself.
Seriously?!
The President of the United States should warn China AGAINST taking military acton in Hong Kong.
He should champion Democracy, condemn human rights abuses, and immediately convene the U.N. National Security Council, etc.
But instead, Trump says: "be calm and safe!"
The President of the United States should warn China AGAINST taking military acton in Hong Kong.
He should champion Democracy, condemn human rights abuses, and immediately convene the U.N. National Security Council, etc.
But instead, Trump says: "be calm and safe!"
#FFS: Trump just passively retweets a video showing DOZENS of Military Vehicles lined-up just across the Hong Kong border.
China is about to invade Hong Kong. It might go further than simply quiet dissent. It may seize Hong Kong permanently.
Trump acts like a passive spectator.
China is about to invade Hong Kong. It might go further than simply quiet dissent. It may seize Hong Kong permanently.
Trump acts like a passive spectator.
This is horrifying. Our elections in 2020 are in greater danger than they already have been.
I'm at a loss for words.
I'm at a loss for words.
#FTR: A little over a week ago, Coats appointed a dedicated Elections Threats Intelligence Executive.
I fear his quick push out the door was either a result of that decision...or...Coats quickly announced the new role b/c he saw the writing on the wall.
I fear his quick push out the door was either a result of that decision...or...Coats quickly announced the new role b/c he saw the writing on the wall.
#FLAG: In his resignation letter, DNI Coats noted his appointment of an Elections Security Executive "to support a whole-of-government effort to address threats against our elections.”
His efforts to secure our elections clearly appear to be connected with his expedited removal.
His efforts to secure our elections clearly appear to be connected with his expedited removal.
#WATCH: Mueller warns...Russia continues to attack our elections "AS WE SIT HERE."
Q: "Did you think that this was a single attempt...or did you find evidence to suggest [Russia will] try to do this again?"
MUELLER: "It wasn't a single attempt. They're doing it as we sit here."
Q: "Did you think that this was a single attempt...or did you find evidence to suggest [Russia will] try to do this again?"
MUELLER: "It wasn't a single attempt. They're doing it as we sit here."
#FLAG: Mueller fears that accepting #ElectionInterference is the "new normal."
Q: "Have we established...[that any candidate] aware of a hostile foreign power trying to influence an election has no duty to report?"
MUELLER: "I hope this is not the new normal, but I fear it is."
Q: "Have we established...[that any candidate] aware of a hostile foreign power trying to influence an election has no duty to report?"
MUELLER: "I hope this is not the new normal, but I fear it is."
#REDFLAG: The NRCC, the committee to elect Republicans in the House, REFUSED to pledge not to accept/use hacked materials in 2020.
It wasn't a part of ANY coverage today, despite Mueller's warnings about #ElectionInterference and fear of the "new normal."
thedailybeast.com/rep-tom-emmers…
It wasn't a part of ANY coverage today, despite Mueller's warnings about #ElectionInterference and fear of the "new normal."
thedailybeast.com/rep-tom-emmers…
This person claimed that 5 of the 14 investigations that spun-off from Mueller were shut down by Barr.
Some took their claim as fact, b/c they didn't preface it as speculation, nor pose it as a question.
I was blocked for kindly and repeatedly asking for clarity and/or sources.
Some took their claim as fact, b/c they didn't preface it as speculation, nor pose it as a question.
I was blocked for kindly and repeatedly asking for clarity and/or sources.
#FTR: Not trying to be petty by putting this person on blast. My point is the following...
There is SO much mis/disinformation out there.
It's fine to opine, theorize, and speculate...I do! But I always provide context or preface, and provide sources on which I based them on...
There is SO much mis/disinformation out there.
It's fine to opine, theorize, and speculate...I do! But I always provide context or preface, and provide sources on which I based them on...
#FTR: If someone asks you if your tweet is speculation or for sources, don't take it personally!
We should all verify or question information and assertions we encounter.
We SHOULD challenge each other to explain further if we're not 100% certain. We'll all be better for it.
We should all verify or question information and assertions we encounter.
We SHOULD challenge each other to explain further if we're not 100% certain. We'll all be better for it.
So...we're back to zero.
#IMO: Justin Amash leaving the Republican Party isn't a good thing.
Amash could've been an example of someone who survived, despite his independence.
Now the choice is: "Stick with Trump OR leave?"
The chances of others following in his steps went from very little...to none.
Amash could've been an example of someone who survived, despite his independence.
Now the choice is: "Stick with Trump OR leave?"
The chances of others following in his steps went from very little...to none.
I fear the days of Senator Edward Brooke are long gone...
I try to hold out hope that there is SOMEONE left who will ultimately do what's right, break with Trump...but still persevere within the Republican Party, without leaving it or retiring in the end.
I try to hold out hope that there is SOMEONE left who will ultimately do what's right, break with Trump...but still persevere within the Republican Party, without leaving it or retiring in the end.
#REDFLAG: The case to KILL the #ACA by the Trump Administration and 20 Republican AGs will proceed on 7/9.
Oral arguments will be heard by a panel in the 5th Circuit.
In Dec, a judge in TX ruled that the ACA is now unconstitutional (b/c the GOP repealed the individual mandate).
Oral arguments will be heard by a panel in the 5th Circuit.
In Dec, a judge in TX ruled that the ACA is now unconstitutional (b/c the GOP repealed the individual mandate).
#REDFLAG: The Trump DOJ is now arguing that Congress and Dem State AGs CAN'T DEFEND the #ACA in court.
After refusing to defend the #ACA as 20 Republican AGs try to kill it...the Trump Administration is trying to block Democrats from defending it instead.
After refusing to defend the #ACA as 20 Republican AGs try to kill it...the Trump Administration is trying to block Democrats from defending it instead.
#FFS: One on the arguments Trump's DOJ is using to block Dem State AGs from defending the ACA...
...is by claiming that even if it's struck down in the red states suing, doesn't mean that it'd be struck down nationwide.
That's not how FEDERAL laws work.
...is by claiming that even if it's struck down in the red states suing, doesn't mean that it'd be struck down nationwide.
That's not how FEDERAL laws work.
I would gladly donate to @Hickenlooper's campaign...for Colorado's Senate seat.
I think a lot of us would. In fact, I think he'd raise millions more than he has running for President, if he just ran for the Senate instead.
I think a lot of us would. In fact, I think he'd raise millions more than he has running for President, if he just ran for the Senate instead.
@Hickenlooper Exactly. Keeping the House and taking state legislatures and governorships, as well...
"I never expected to meet you at this place," Kim, who appeared overjoyed in the moment, told Trump.
He's surprised b/c he didn't have to do ANYTHING to earn a meeting at the DMZ with the American President, which is what you'd expect AFTER a real nuclear disarmament agreement.
He's surprised b/c he didn't have to do ANYTHING to earn a meeting at the DMZ with the American President, which is what you'd expect AFTER a real nuclear disarmament agreement.
"At this point I'm not sure what it is that President Trump is trying to accomplish, because while all this engagement has gone on, there has been no decline in the stockpile of North Korean nuclear weapons or missiles; in fact they have increased them."
nytimes.com/2019/06/30/wor…
nytimes.com/2019/06/30/wor…
He's a disgrace.
