The last few days have been an ongoing spectacle of media bias and incompetence in the coverage of the Qassem Suleimani strike and its fallout.
Mainstream outlets, suffering mightily from Trump derangement syndrome, practically rooted for a wider conflict with Iran in the hopes it might damage Trump, then evinced genuine disappointment when Iran backed down after half-heartedly lobbing a few short-range ballistic missiles in the direction of U.S. troops stationed in Iraq, which inflicted no casualties.
But just think what could have been! Three days ago, The Atlantic’s David A. Graham wrote a piece headlined, “It’s 2003 All Over Again,” in which he argues the recent killing of Iranian general Suleimani by U.S. missile strike last week is just like the runup to the 2003 invasion of Iraq under George W. Bush.
“The U.S. stands on the brink of an unpredictable war in the Middle East,” Graham writes, then describes a scenario in which an American president, “untutored in foreign affairs,” is pushed into war by a hawkish vice president and a powerful Cabinet secretary seeking to “follow through on their deep-rooted ideological commitments.” Meanwhile, as civilian leaders “march toward war,” military officers seem unprepared and “startled by the administration’s belligerence.”
See the connection? Graham sure does. “Each new piece of information about President Donald Trump’s decision to assassinate Iranian General Qassem Soleimani produces sobering parallels with the situation 17 years ago.”
What a difference two days make. After a face-saving missile attack on an Iraqi airbase that houses some U.S. troops, which American officials were apparently told about in advance by Iraqi intermediaries, the fight seems to have gone out of Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted Tuesday night that Iran had “concluded proportionate measures” and that it does not “seek escalation”—an admission by Tehran that President Trump had called its bluff and the ayatollahs aren’t willing to risk a broader conflict.
Further confirmation came when Shiite Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr told pro-Iranian militias in Iraq not to retaliate, saying in a statement, “the crisis is over.”
On Wednesday, Trump confirmed that no U.S. troops were injured in the missile attack and that Iran now “appears to be standing down.” Instead of ratcheting up the bellicose rhetoric, Trump gave the Iranians an off-ramp, saying America “is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it,” and calling for new multilateral negotiations to replace the defunct 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
So far, all of this is very unlike the leadup to the Iraq War, let alone the beginning of World War III. To the media’s dismay, Trump isn’t turning into Bush, and Iran isn’t turning into Iraq. In fact, the entire saga has been deterrence-through-strength 101. Trump surgically took out the world’s number-one terrorist and successfully managed a de-escalation with Iran, but all the liberal media can muster in response is fear-mongering, dissimulation, and what amounts to a collective sneer at Trump and his supporters.
The Media Will Do Anything to Hurt Trump
The Atlantic ran a column by David Frum on Wednesday crowing about how the American people still aren’t rallying around Trump. “The Trump administration and its supporters seem to have hoped for a ‘rally around the flag’ effect from the killing of Soleimani. This did not happen.”
Can you imagine Frum or any other mainstream pundit writing such an article after, say, Benghazi? Of course not. Yet that was a legitimate crisis of the Obama administration’s own making, a deceit-laden screwup brought on by a needless Libya campaign that turned the country into a failed state. Remember all the Atlantic think pieces on how Americans weren’t rallying around President Obama? Me neither.
It seems the media—along with no small number of Democrats—will say anything and take any position, no matter how asinine, if it might hurt Trump. They’ll even praise a murderous theocratic regime. Here’s the Washington Post’s Dave Weigel, with a case in point:
https://twitter.com/daveweigel/status/1214939111565484036
And here’s Joy Behar of ABC’s “The View,” touting the “good news” that Richard Spencer, the racist neo-Nazi provocateur, regrets supporting Trump because of the Suleimani strike—at which the audience applauded.
But what about the 2 lizards killed and the frightened goat? I suppose we just chicken out and not seek revenge for the horrible self defense actions of the evil regime.
Actual footage of the poor animal during the attack
Democrats thrive on the stupidity of their constituents. No one is supposed to remember Obama ignoring any obligations to Congress throughout his entire reign of error. Most of all, they forget him and Hill creating total chaos Libya without any authority OR national interest. But, what matters to Democrats, more than any benefit the American people get from Trump’s accomplishments, is being in control and calling the shots. What everything they do proves, however, is that they should NEVER be allowed to be in control again. Not until they can mature.
Iran’s Mullahs will wait out the “Strong Horse” of Pres Trump.
But when an appeaser takes the reins here, they will suddenly remember their vow of vengeance on the Great Satan.
Two things may happen in the meantime:
1. A proxy of the Mullahs might attack American targets.
2.The Mullahs might be removed from power.
@Nan G: And Democrats do everything they can to show our enemies that is the correct course of action.
Yeah, right. As if it were democrats or liberals who made an serious miscalculation that nearly triggered a war with Iran. People who say this stuff still haven’t managed to figure out that war with Iran would be a very bad thing, and that this is the reason so many people think it was an incredibly stupid move. Consequently, those who understand that it was are going to counter equally stupid excuses and rationalizations.
Today we had Nikki Haley claiming that democrats mourned Soleimani. It’s a totally transparent lie. You threw Trump in the barrel, and now every apple is becoming tainted. The main difficulty now is trying to determine if people who reflexively defend Trump’s every word and misdeed truly believe some of the outrageous b.s. that they say, or if they’re consciously lying as a means of manipulation.
@Greg:
Did it? Actually, no, it didn’t. And since it didn’t, the left showed that all they do is try to turn success into fear mongering. Oh… and you failed.
No, Trump didn’t “miscalculate” anything. He killed a terrorist and then cowed Iran into backing down. Trump showed strength and was resolute. Democrats seem intent on promoting a position of weakness. If you want war with Iran, THAT’S how you get there.
Democrats simply mourn losing anyone who, like themselves, HATE this country. In case you missed it, you all did the same thing after Baghdadi was killed. You always side with the enemies of this country.
@Greg: Your logic, Hillary would make a good President, Achmed is better off financing training, arming and organizing terrorism, so we get it brother, we get it, DEATH TO AMERICA.
We just happen to think this is unacceptable, no huge aid and comfort to terrorists , keep pay for play out of the oval office, Quid Pro Joe never had a chance, never for a minute, everywhere he was point man things got worse and his crime family got rich.
@kitt: Democrats created the chaotic turmoil that Trump inherited. He has killed off ISIS and calmed the region, killing numerous high level terrorists in the process. But, HE is supposed to take orders from THEM.
Now, get a load of Greg’s argument above; because what THEY predicted would happen DIDN’T happen, TRUMP miscalculated!!! Now, WHO would that make sense to?
@Deplorable Me: But CNN got their hopes up and caused families untold fear when they repeated Irans propaganda how much fun was that! 30 dead American soldiers went viral, cute fake news.
I’m sure Greg was all ears saying SEE flag draped coffins SEE! Iran killed more Iranians that night shooting down a commercial airliner and the stampede than Americans.
Of course less than the 1500 government protestors the butchers killed.
The congress just added gas to Irans BS with their completely non binding unconstitutional symbolism vote to limit Trump powers as CIC.
F*cking congress needs to be in an asylum.
@kitt: Pretty soon the Democrats will have to start defending the Iranian downing of the Ukrainian airliner. They have to stick together.
@Greg:
I swear Greg is Baghdad Bob:
No war was almost triggered.
Going to war with Iran is a bad idea…though that point is moot because Iran going to war with the US is an even worse idea, and they are trying to trigger a war day by day.
In conclusion, you’re an idiot.
@Deplorable Me: It was likely 90 Iranian generals not wanting to go to Iraq and take over Achmeds job in that Plane.
This T-shirt sums up the Iran situation quite well:
https://www.printedkicks.com/products/bought-a-trump-45?variant=17550556856371&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9Pif8eP35gIVFItpCh1HOAf9EAEYASAAEgJUkPD_BwE
@Deplorable Me: You know they will. I can quote them now:
“If Trump hadn’t scared them, they wouldn’t have had their air defenses on high alert and that airplane wouldn’t have been shot down by mistake! Trump has BLOOD ON HIS tiny little HANDS!”
“Impeach Trump for murder!”
@Nathan Blue, #11:
If the Iranians wanted to trigger a war, they could do so with no difficulty whatsoever. Trump claimed today Soleimani was targeted owing to an Iranian plot to blow up the U.S. embassy. They just demonstrated they could do so at will with a few missiles. You can’t believe a word Trump says. A person would have to be an idiot not to have yet figured that out. The man is seriously dangerous.
@Greg: We have been hearing the sky is falling and Orange man bad for 3.5 years. Any war is bad, just like all lives matter. You just dont get it. Achmed was coordinating attacks on Americans, he isnt any more.
None of your news sources have been correct not for over 3 years. They spew Iranian propaganda, totally baseless conspiracy theories, fear mongering manure. Then you faithfully spread it.
There were conspiracies we have proof. The investigation into ICIG Atkinson, tied directly to the faux impeachment.
Dont cry too hard when your heros who tried to destroy the Republic take those perp walks.
No WW3, no impeachment, you all have become one big joke.
You’ll continue to hear it from all corners but his own until he’s out of office, or does something so disastrous that there’s no point bothering to say it again. It’s appalling that the fate of the nation has been placed in his hands. It’s appalling that Senate republicans will break their affirmation oaths and not allow a fair and impartial trial as they will be required to swear before God that they will do. They should be ashamed, but Trump has taught them to feel no shame. They care about nothing but their incestuous mating of money and power. Everything else has become a lie. Just keep the stock market up and the trillion-dollar-a-year deficit out of the conversation until their pockets are bursting. Then, with luck, it can all be blamed on somebody else.
Travel and security for the Obama family cost the taxpayers an average of $1.1 million per month over a period of 8 years. Travel and security for the Trump circus cost an estimated $13 million over the 30-day period from February 3, 2017 through March 5, 2017 alone, according to the Government Accounting Office. Such information has since dried up, and Trump’s toady Mnuchin is trying to keep it locked down until after the next election.
Under normal circumstances, people could figure this out—along with countless other things. Not with Trump, however.
@Greg: Getting the same rules as Clinton, the house had its shot, The deepstate had its shot The IC had its shot.
I know you wont stop your crying during the best economy since the 60s, stopping China from stealing our technology, better NAFTA, more secure border. Cry, let it alll out for the next 5 years.
@kitt: Funny—Wher’d you get the video of Eric Trump?
Where is Red Team——Curt??
@Rich Wheeler: WB, just make fun of that poor PTSD affected creature soooo cruel. 😉
Any thoughts on WW3? The MSM sure had people spooked showed much more concern over Achmed than any gold star family.
@Greg:
Jeez, Greg. Don’t you even try anymore? Anything with an Iranian stamp on it would mean Iranian annihilation. Even THEY are smart enough to realize that. They would need to commit the act in such a way that it wouldn’t be traced back to Iran. That’s why Soleimani was coordinating his proxies to do the dirty work. Then they can sow doubt in the minds of those who hate America. You know… Democrats.
In other words, you will never mature, grow up and face the truth. Well, count me among those not surprised.
The Senate, unlike the House, wants to have a fair trial… unless you believe the rules the Democrats established for Clinton were unfair. The one and only problem is, Pelosi and the Democrats cannot face fair; FAIR has no use to them. They prohibited Republicans from having any say in establishing the rules in the House and they set up the most biased, prejudiced, unfair process anyone could imagine. Now, Pelosi wants to dictate to the Republicans in the Senate how they get to run their process. Well, sorry… NOT happening. Just like your “war powers” bullshit. NOT happening. If Democrats had had their way, the soldiers on Ford Island on the morning of December 7, 1941 would have had to call Sam Rayburn to get permission to shoot back.
Well, Obama didn’t have a bunch of deranged, sore loser, crybaby, America-hating traitors promoting and threatening to assassinate him.
@kitt: WW3—Not in our lifetime—-don’t expect youR grandkids will skate. Too much hatred in the world—expect it will only get worse as weapons become even deadlier.
Tulsi and Trump agree—get out of Iraq and Syria ASAP.
@Rich Wheeler: Same amt of hate as always some just keep it amplified and point where it isnt. Disagreement isnt hatred, not accepting somebodys mental illness isnt hatred. Start putting those that start wars on the front lines like CIA heads.
Did you read this one? https://babylonbee.com/news/hillary-clinton-asked-to-leave-costco-after-repeatedly-accusing-sample-lady-of-being-a-russian-agent
@kitt, #18:
With Clinton, all relevant witnesses had already given sworn testimony before the matter got to the Senate. The Senate had that testimony to consider.
Trump ordered all the people with direct, first hand knowledge of what happened to defy lawful House subpoenas, and refuse to show up. The people who could reveal exactly what happened have not been heard from—including at least one who has stated he is prepared to come forward.
Trump’s followers may not be able to see the difference, but most people can. It’s the difference between an honest trial and a republican condoned and orchestrated cover-up.
@Greg: They didnt bother to go to the courts, they rushed into the impeachment now they have to deal.
Better luck next time maybe 2021 or 2022 if you hold the house.
Same song, same refrain
Too bad McMasters plants will be replaced.
@kitt, #25:
It isn’t that they didn’t bother. They knew White House attorneys would have tied the issue up in court with motions, procedural maneuvers, and appeals until long after the next election, derailing the entire process. If they’re going to obstruct Congress, there’s no reason to give them plausible legal cover for doing so, any more than there’s reason to let Mitch McConnell pretend he’s living up to his sworn duties and responsibilities as Senate Majority Leader. Let him take his sworn oath before God, and then publicly break it. There will be plenty of time to remind the voters what he did.
The alternative is a fair Senate hearing of all relevant testimony and impartial consideration of the facts that are revealed. That’s their sworn duty to the Constitution and the people of the United States. On some occasions they’re supposed to rise above partisanship.
@Greg:
No, just from your dwindling minority…and bad actors like you…
It probably has more to do with how much time Trump spends golfing and putzing around Mar-a-Lago.
Assassination threats against Barack Obama
House Democrats called all their witnesses and blocked all Republican witnesses. If they wanted more, they should have called them. If they wouldn’t show up, they should have gone to court. That’s how the process works; that’s how DEMOCRATS have used the process. Why do they need more testimony? They say their articles are “uncontested”. Maybe they are LYING?
THOSE are your “assassination attempts”? Wikipedia? Trump has had more than that from HOLLYWOOD. On top of that, there are all the useful idiots that are inspired by celebrity crybabies. Yeah, nice try. Swing and another miss.
But, bottom line: Trump killed a dangerous terrorist and then backed Iran down. Democrats prove they are disloyal and Trump proves he knows the “Art of the Deal”.
@Deplorable Me, #29:
You’re repeating a LIE that anyone who has followed the news knows to be a LIE.
Thirteen republican witnesses subpoenaed by the House—many known for a fact to have direct, first-hand knowledge of exactly what the Trump administration was up to—defied those lawful subpoenas and refused to show up.
The witnesses that were not called were those that Trump’s congressional tools wanted to use to derail the investigation by expounding upon the Hunter Biden conspiracy theory—not, of course, including Rudy Giuliani, the weasel who was busily setting the Ukraine end of the entire scam up. He certainly wouldn’t be allowed to be questioned under oath.
Republicans are now doing their damnedest to preclude any possibility that any of those same witnesses having direct knowledge of the situation will be heard in the Senate. McConnell—who has openly stated he will be acting at the instructions of the White House counsel, and that the outcome of the Senate trial has been predetermined—will block the testimony even of republican witnesses who have stated their willingness to come forward and tell what they know, despite the fact that he will take an affirmation oath before God swearing to conduct the trial in a fair and impartial manner.
These are not the actions of honorable men, or of American patriots, or of oath-keepers. They’re the actions of people who know what they’ve done and what they are doing cannot withstand the full light of day. They’ve been led so far astray by the low-brow, gold-plated Svengali in the White House and by their own perfidy that they now cannot survive any revelation of the truth.
If America wants to know the truth, those who know it must be required to tell it. It’s as simple as that.
@Greg: It’s not a lie. It is the absolute truth. Democrats don’t submit willingly to demands for testimony or information; it has to be dragged out by court action. So, why should Republicans act any differently? Democrats could have taken their subpoenas to court, as everyone else has to do. But, they were in too much of a hurry, to wrap up their circus then… do nothing.
The Republican witnesses would have confirmed that Biden extorted Ukraine to protect his worthless, dope-head, deadbeat son. THAT would have established that Trump had every right and obligation to question Zelenski about pursuing corruption in his country. But, this would have unraveled the Democrats weak, baseless, factless accusations. So, they blocked them all. Now, they feel they have some sort of right to demand the Republican majority in the Senate allow them to run THAT show as well and turn IT into a kangaroo court insulting parody of justice… like they did in the House.
How can anyone have direct knowledge of NOTHING? You’ve read the transcript and heard all the Democrat “evidence”. Not one shred of any real, solid evidence that indicates Trump did anything inappropriate; nothing but some opinions that, if he could have, he would have.
You are going to have to face the facts; Pelosi got pushed into doing something really, really stupid by a radical faction she was afraid to stand up to. Now, unless they can maintain full control of all the details, as they did in the House, all the truth is going to be revealed about how much of a farce this “impeachment” has been. Nothing but Democrats putting on a demonstration of how much they hate this country.
@Greg:
Though he doesn’t golf as much as Obama did. Seems his actual job of leading the nation takes most of his time.
“The Amateur” didn’t know better though, did he…slow-jamming on SNL seems like a good idea, as did paying our enemies to kill our soldiers.
@Greg:
Uh..that’s pretty accurate, junior. Rep-selected witnesses were barred. You’re distorting the statement.
@Greg: Living in your own little world greggie, where reality is what you want it to be!
@Nathan Blue: Trump can get more done for this country in one round of golf than Obama did in his entire 8 years. Trump’s golfing is a little different than Obama golfing as a US citizen is beheaded by his ISIS creation or fundraising immediately after he allowed a consulate to be sacked.