“The best people” - WH Staff Secretary dating Hope Hicks resigns after spousal abuse allegations

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Trump jokingly told economic adviser Gary Cohn several months ago that while he initially thought Porter was “just some guy who handed me papers,” he had since realized that Porter was “the smartest guy in the White House.”

Porter, Trump told Cohn, had not one but two degrees from Harvard — one from the undergraduate college and one from the law school — and he was a Rhodes Scholar. “Even Gorsuch wasn’t a Rhodes Scholar,” Trump said, referring to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who spent two years at Oxford on a Marshall Scholarship.

“Maybe he’ll be my next Supreme Court pick,” Trump said.

Hypothetical: Say Trump DID nominate him to SCOTUS and all this stuff came out subsequently.

Does this Senate confirm him?

The Senate would confirm a ham sandwich for Trump. It has zero independence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IT GETS BETTER. The WH is accusing Lewandowski of a smear campaign against Porter. ONLY.THE.BEST.PEOPLE.

Even better, check out this blind gossip item:
https://blindgossip.com/?p=89824

“Robopes” was never going to go viral. But, yeah, dinner at Rosa Mexicans and a Mormon attending mass at a Roman Catholic Church seem a little too obvious for a relationship that should have been a bit more discreet.

No. Not with 51-49. But you can be assured that he’d get the support of Hatch and Grassley. Probably Lee as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't Jared Kushner a former college classmate and long-time friend of Rob Porter's? If so, it may have been through that relationship that Porter first came into the White House's orbit, and Mr. Kushner may very well have been aware of the previous "rumors" about his ex-wives. Also, both Hope Hicks and Sarah Huckabee Sanders adamantly defended, in drafting or making statements, Mr. Porter, until the last possible moment. This was done even though Hicks and Sanders were surely aware of the domestic violence allegations. John Kelly is not the only reprehensible White House actor in this particular saga.

Sanders is total trash. I expect zero human decency from her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sanders is total trash. I expect zero human decency from her.

Previous poster I understand how you feel, but your statement is neither true nor helpful. These ad hominem attacks contribute to an entrenchment mentality wherein the administration ignores or dismisses valid criticism or concerns about anything (or anyone) because they expect to be attacked about everything (and everyone).

In many ways White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is like many women here in Washington, a successful professional working wife and mother. (I have heard Kellyanne Conway speak in person and felt the same way about her, a successful professional, a working wife and mother, someone I could probably enjoy a friendship with.)

Sarah Huckabee Sanders clearly believes in President Trump, and she works hard to promote and defend the President and his policies. My issue with Ms. Sanders is that she so often does her work with disingenuous assertions, dishonest statements, exaggerations, and unnecessary political baiting.

For example, in defending President Trump, for calling Democrats "un-American" and "traitorous" during an Ohio economic speech and visit, she perhaps honestly called the President's statement a joke. Fine. Period. End of story. I can accept that explanation.

But then Sarah went on to take this dishonest jab at the Democrats:

"it's unAmerican not to be excited about the fact that more people in this country have jobs" and higher wages now.

Ms. Sanders knows that Democrats are happy when Americans have jobs and higher wages. In fact, the Democrats work tirelessly toward those objectives. It was a dishonest statement, unprincipled gamesmanship, and contributes to the negative political climate. That is my objection to Sarah Sanders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Domestic violence accusations aside (which are horrific) how in earth was Porter doing this job without a security clearance?? Was someone else handing the classified stuff?

After you get past the way being a violent two-faced abuser is forgivable (I can’t), this is what’s so galling.

That other (dumb) press secretary said Porter didn’t get a thumbs up or down on his clearance, as if that’s perfectly acceptable.

And yet! The true scandal of our time is and will always be Hillary’s emails. Do not ever forget this friends.

[Anonymous]

Trump has a lot more sympathy for Porter than he does for the battered ex-wives.

"...we certainly wish him well, it's obviously a tough time for him"

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/373158-trump-on-porter-we-hope-he-has-a-great-career-ahead-of-him

[Anonymous]

Yup.

Not one word about the women.

We wish him well," the president said. "He worked very hard. I found out about it recently and I was surprised by it. But we certainly wish him well. It's obviously a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career, and hopefully he will have a great career ahead of him. But it was very said when we heard about it, and certainly he's also very sad. Now he also as you probably know, he says he's innocent. And I think you have to remember that. He said very strongly yesterday that he's innocent. So you'll have to talk to him about that. But we absolutely wish him well. Did a very good job while he was at the White House.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-praises-rob-porter-aide-domestic-abuse-allegations/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yup.

Not one word about the women.

We wish him well," the president said. "He worked very hard. I found out about it recently and I was surprised by it. But we certainly wish him well. It's obviously a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career, and hopefully he will have a great career ahead of him. But it was very said when we heard about it, and certainly he's also very sad. Now he also as you probably know, he says he's innocent. And I think you have to remember that. He said very strongly yesterday that he's innocent. So you'll have to talk to him about that. But we absolutely wish him well. Did a very good job while he was at the White House.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-praises-rob-porter-aide-domestic-abuse-allegations/

Trump seems to think that if you're accused of something, all you have to do to prove your innocence is deny it, evidence be damned. That's what he thinks for Rob Porter regarding spousal abuse. That's what he thinks for Roy Moore regarding sexual abuse. And that's what he thinks for himself regarding Russia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sanders is total trash. I expect zero human decency from her.

Previous poster I understand how you feel, but your statement is neither true nor helpful. These ad hominem attacks contribute to an entrenchment mentality wherein the administration ignores or dismisses valid criticism or concerns about anything (or anyone) because they expect to be attacked about everything (and everyone).

In many ways White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is like many women here in Washington, a successful professional working wife and mother. (I have heard Kellyanne Conway speak in person and felt the same way about her, a successful professional, a working wife and mother, someone I could probably enjoy a friendship with.)

Sarah Huckabee Sanders clearly believes in President Trump, and she works hard to promote and defend the President and his policies. My issue with Ms. Sanders is that she so often does her work with disingenuous assertions, dishonest statements, exaggerations, and unnecessary political baiting.

For example, in defending President Trump, for calling Democrats "un-American" and "traitorous" during an Ohio economic speech and visit, she perhaps honestly called the President's statement a joke. Fine. Period. End of story. I can accept that explanation.

But then Sarah went on to take this dishonest jab at the Democrats:

"it's unAmerican not to be excited about the fact that more people in this country have jobs" and higher wages now.

Ms. Sanders knows that Democrats are happy when Americans have jobs and higher wages. In fact, the Democrats work tirelessly toward those objectives. It was a dishonest statement, unprincipled gamesmanship, and contributes to the negative political climate. That is my objection to Sarah Sanders.

I don't know what women you know here in Washington but we must run in really different circles. The successful professional working wives and mothers I know do not lie and gas light people--particularly the American public--on a daily basis. I would never be friends with Sarah Huckabee Sanders or Kellyanne Conway because I would never be able to trust a thing that came out of their mouths. This isn't about politics, It's about ethics and moral integrity. They have both shown through their actions that they have none. I honestly feel bad for their children. It must be confusing to see your mother blatantly lie. Sean Spicer did the same thing. Must have been confusing for his kids too.

As a rule when people show me who they are, I believe them. Sarah, Kellyanne, and Sean have shown that they do not tell the truth. Sarah has also shown that she defends men that abuse somen. Why on earth would I ever want to be friends with someone like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yup.

Not one word about the women.

We wish him well," the president said. "He worked very hard. I found out about it recently and I was surprised by it. But we certainly wish him well. It's obviously a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career, and hopefully he will have a great career ahead of him. But it was very said when we heard about it, and certainly he's also very sad. Now he also as you probably know, he says he's innocent. And I think you have to remember that. He said very strongly yesterday that he's innocent. So you'll have to talk to him about that. But we absolutely wish him well. Did a very good job while he was at the White House.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-praises-rob-porter-aide-domestic-abuse-allegations/

Trump seems to think that if you're accused of something, all you have to do to prove your innocence is deny it, evidence be damned. That's what he thinks for Rob Porter regarding spousal abuse. That's what he thinks for Roy Moore regarding sexual abuse. And that's what he thinks for himself regarding Russia.

White men privilege never ceases. It is the same trump who took out full page ad against 5 black men accused of rape after they were acquitted by court.

[Anonymous]

Everything President Trump does or says is calculated (albeit not always carefully) to serve a purpose or convey a message.

It was important - even essential - that President Trump make this statement of faith in, and praise of, former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter.

Trump is reciprocating to Rob Porter the faith and loyalty that Trump expects Rob Porter to maintain to him going forward, and Trump is telegraphing to Porter the potential future Porter still has with this administration, the Trump organization, and/or its connections. "We still believe in you", is the loud-and-clear message. Remember that Rob Porter is an ambitious man who has just seen his future prospects substantially diminished, if not eviscerated. Trump has just thrown Porter some a lifeline of hope for a future career.

The understood caveat is that President Trump will maintain that future career hope for Porter, but only if, Porter reciprocates that loyalty and faith back to Trump. Recall that Rob Porter is a man who has observed and heard many private conversations, and seen many classified documents, and could potentially serve as an important witness in the Mueller investigation. Trump just sent Porter a message to discourage him from doing so. Trump has rightly calculated that it is better to experience some public blow back for supporting and praising Porter, than to risk alienating Porter and turning him into a friendly witness for Mueller.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kelly knew before abuse reports that Porter would be denied security clearance.

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/08/john-kelly-rob-porter-security-clearance-400987

Kelly knew before abuse reports that Porter would be denied security clearance

The former White House staff secretary, who left the Trump administration on Thursday, was among multiple West Wing aides who had been working with only an interim security clearance.

White House chief of staff John Kelly was told several weeks ago that the FBI would deny full security clearances to multiple White House aides who had been working in the West Wing on interim security clearances.

Those aides, according to a senior administration official, included former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, who left the White House on Thursday after reports that he physically and verbally abused his two ex-wives.

.
The White House chief-of-staff told confidants in recent weeks that he had decided to fire anyone who had been denied a clearance — but had yet to act on that plan before the Porter allegations were first reported this week.

Trump jokingly told economic adviser Gary Cohn several months ago that while he initially thought Porter was “just some guy who handed me papers,” he had since realized that Porter was “the smartest guy in the White House.”

Porter, Trump told Cohn, had not one but two degrees from Harvard — one from the undergraduate college and one from the law school — and he was a Rhodes Scholar. “Even Gorsuch wasn’t a Rhodes Scholar,” Trump said, referring to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who spent two years at Oxford on a Marshall Scholarship.

“Maybe he’ll be my next Supreme Court pick,” Trump said.

So who are the other people who aren’t going to get their security clearances and why are they still working with classified information weeks after Kelly found out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yup.

Not one word about the women.

We wish him well," the president said. "He worked very hard. I found out about it recently and I was surprised by it. But we certainly wish him well. It's obviously a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career, and hopefully he will have a great career ahead of him. But it was very said when we heard about it, and certainly he's also very sad. Now he also as you probably know, he says he's innocent. And I think you have to remember that. He said very strongly yesterday that he's innocent. So you'll have to talk to him about that. But we absolutely wish him well. Did a very good job while he was at the White House.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-praises-rob-porter-aide-domestic-abuse-allegations/

Trump is a pig.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kelly knew before abuse reports that Porter would be denied security clearance.

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/08/john-kelly-rob-porter-security-clearance-400987

Kelly knew before abuse reports that Porter would be denied security clearance

The former White House staff secretary, who left the Trump administration on Thursday, was among multiple West Wing aides who had been working with only an interim security clearance.

White House chief of staff John Kelly was told several weeks ago that the FBI would deny full security clearances to multiple White House aides who had been working in the West Wing on interim security clearances.

Those aides, according to a senior administration official, included former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, who left the White House on Thursday after reports that he physically and verbally abused his two ex-wives.

.
The White House chief-of-staff told confidants in recent weeks that he had decided to fire anyone who had been denied a clearance — but had yet to act on that plan before the Porter allegations were first reported this week.

Trump jokingly told economic adviser Gary Cohn several months ago that while he initially thought Porter was “just some guy who handed me papers,” he had since realized that Porter was “the smartest guy in the White House.”

Porter, Trump told Cohn, had not one but two degrees from Harvard — one from the undergraduate college and one from the law school — and he was a Rhodes Scholar. “Even Gorsuch wasn’t a Rhodes Scholar,” Trump said, referring to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who spent two years at Oxford on a Marshall Scholarship.

“Maybe he’ll be my next Supreme Court pick,” Trump said.

So who are the other people who aren’t going to get their security clearances and why are they still working with classified information weeks after Kelly found out?

“Dozens.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/dozens-at-white-house-lack-permanent-security-clearances/2018/02/08/50e3cfd6-0d15-11e8-8890-372e2047c935_story.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everything President Trump does or says is calculated (albeit not always carefully) to serve a purpose or convey a message.

It was important - even essential - that President Trump make this statement of faith in, and praise of, former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter.

Trump is reciprocating to Rob Porter the faith and loyalty that Trump expects Rob Porter to maintain to him going forward, and Trump is telegraphing to Porter the potential future Porter still has with this administration, the Trump organization, and/or its connections. "We still believe in you", is the loud-and-clear message. Remember that Rob Porter is an ambitious man who has just seen his future prospects substantially diminished, if not eviscerated. Trump has just thrown Porter some a lifeline of hope for a future career.

The understood caveat is that President Trump will maintain that future career hope for Porter, but only if, Porter reciprocates that loyalty and faith back to Trump. Recall that Rob Porter is a man who has observed and heard many private conversations, and seen many classified documents, and could potentially serve as an important witness in the Mueller investigation. Trump just sent Porter a message to discourage him from doing so. Trump has rightly calculated that it is better to experience some public blow back for supporting and praising Porter, than to risk alienating Porter and turning him into a friendly witness for Mueller.

+1. Trump knows Porter has a JD from Harvard Law and has witnessed a sh*t-ton of discussions about Mueller-Comey-McCabe-Sessions-Rosenstein-McGahn-Manafort-Page-Papadopoulos-Yates ...