@20;00, 4/26/19

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1

Manuel Luján Jr., Ex-Congressman and Interior Secretary, Dies at 90

ZACH MONTAGUE at NYT > Politics - 13 minutes ago

Under George H.W. Bush, he often angered environmentalists over the use of federal land as he sought to balance conservation and development.

Leaving money on the stump offends some.

For José Manuel Luján Jr.it was always a question of how much to leave.

Those who are watching know he left all he thought he could.

2 

To Trump, ‘Leakers Are Traitors and Cowards,’ and He Wants to Find Them

ANNIE KARNI at NYT > Politics - 13 minutes ago

First obsessed with members of the “deep state,” President Trump is now fixated on former officials who talked to investigators.key is former

The key is "former" officials.  There is no loyalty to a former boss.

3

In N.R.A. Power Struggle, Insurgents Seek to Oust Wayne LaPierre

DANNY HAKIM at NYT > Politics - 13 minutes ago

A rift between Mr. LaPierre, the chief executive, and Oliver North, the president, threatened to turn the N.R.A.’s annual convention into outright civil war.

No outsiders will be harmed.

4 

Pete Buttigieg Swears Off the Lobbyist Money He Once Accepted

JEREMY W. PETERS and SHANE GOLDMACHER at NYT > Politics - 13 minutes ago

Mr. Buttigieg will now refuse contributions from federal lobbyists and will return $30,250 to 39 individuals, his campaign said.

Lobbyists do things because they pay.

The ammounts are trivial in the scheme of things.

Emily's list may not have been kicking in.

  

5 

Stung by Trump’s Trade Wars, Wisconsin’s Milk Farmers Face Extinction

ALAN RAPPEPORT at NYT > Politics - 13 minutes ago

The flagship industry in a pivotal swing state faces an economic crisis.

The dairy subsidies leave a razor thin profit.

No profit, no farm.

6 

For Fun: Jim the Realtor in 2009

Calculated Risk at Calculated Risk - 1 hour ago

Long time readers will remember the hilarious Jim the Realtor videos. Back, during the foreclosure crisis, Jim videoed a number of REO (Bank Real Estate Owned), and this one reminded him of Scarface. Check out the backyard! 

Developed outdoor space.

Have some coke.

7 

F.B.I. Warns of Russian Interference in 2020 Race and Boosts Counterintelligence Operations

JULIAN E. BARNES and ADAM GOLDMAN at NYT > Politics - 2 hours ago

Russia’s malign influence campaign during the 2018 elections was a rehearsal for the presidential campaign, the F.B.I. director warned.

Cheap action.

8 

Excerpts From Anita Hill’s Interview With The Times

THE NEW YORK TIMES at NYT > Politics - 2 hours ago

Anita Hill reflected on the 1991 Clarence Thomas hearings and the role former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. played in them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwtWG-WfUl8&list=PLVllgpqE3l2L6Oa0wIM5Fo18iz_BKUAgX&index=8

9 

News Analysis: As Trump Angers Allies, Rival Powers Cultivate Diplomatic Ties

EDWARD WONG at NYT > Politics - 2 hours ago

The U.S. has strained relations with allies and partners over policy on weaker nations like Iran and Cuba, and that hinders strategy on China and Russia.

Islationism is called sanctions when imposed from outside.

10 

Joe Biden Called Heather Heyer’s Mother After Campaign Video Debut

MATT STEVENS at NYT > Politics - 2 hours ago

Susan Bro, whose daughter was killed at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., said she warned Mr. Biden to tread carefully around the episode and spoke with him about grief.

Died for the cause is not a comfort.

11 

Joe Biden Raises $6.3 Million, Topping Rivals’ First-Day Hauls

SHANE GOLDMACHER at NYT > Politics - 2 hours ago

Mr. Biden raised more in his first 24 hours than any other candidate, easing concerns among some supporters over his ability to raise money.

I am unsold. 

12 

Freddie Mac: Mortgage Serious Delinquency Rate Decreased in March

Calculated Risk at Calculated Risk - 3 hours ago

Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate in March was 0.67%, down from 0.69% in February. Freddie's rate is down from 0.97% in March 2018. Freddie's serious delinquency rate peaked in February 2010 at 4.20%. This is the lowest serious delinquency rate for Freddie Mac since December 2007. These are mortgage loans that are "three monthly payments or more past due or in foreclosure". [image: Fannie Freddie Seriously Delinquent Rate]*Click on graph for larger image* I expect the delinquency rate to decline to a cycle bottom in the 0.5% to 0.7% range - so... more » 

Cautious banks, few borrowers.

13 

White House Memo: Believing Him: For Trump, Sticking With Men Like Stephen Moore Is Nothing New

ANNIE KARNI and MARK LANDLER at NYT > Politics - 4 hours ago

A president with his own troubled history has shown disdain for accusations of harassment, assault or just plain sexism against men who proclaim their innocence.

Autocrats need tools.

14 

Joe Biden Raises $6.3 Million, Topping Rivals’ First-Day Hauls

SHANE GOLDMACHER at NYT > Politics - 4 hours ago

It was the biggest first-day haul of any candidate, easing concerns among some supporters over whether he would be able to compete financially in 2020.

He is their boy.

15 

Rosenstein Assails Obama Administration, Comey and Journalists in Defending Handling of Russia Inquiry

KATIE BENNER at NYT > Politics - 6 hours ago

The deputy attorney general defended his handling of the Mueller report, cast doubt on Comey’s testimony and used Trump to exemplify the rule of law.

I see no facts.

16 

Maria Butina Sentenced for Role in Russian Influence Campaign

SHARON LaFRANIERE and EILEEN SULLIVAN at NYT > Politics - 6 hours ago

The Justice Department recommended an 18-month sentence, which she received, citing “substantial assistance” that Ms. Butina provided.

Trade goods.

17 

Q1 Review: Ten Economic Questions for 2019

Calculated Risk at Calculated Risk - 6 hours ago

At the end of last year, I posted Ten Economic Questions for 2019. I followed up with a brief post on each question. The goal was to provide an overview of what I expected in 2019 (I don't have a crystal ball, but I think it helps to outline what I think will happen - and understand - and change my mind, when the outlook is wrong). By request, here is a quick Q1 review (it is very early in the year). I've linked to my posts from the beginning of the year, with a brief excerpt and a few comments: 10) Question #10 for 2019: Will housing inventory increase or decrease in 2019? "I exp... more » 

These make little difference to me.

18

Recap and Analysis: Joe Biden’s Visit to ‘The View’

SYDNEY EMBER, MATT FLEGENHEIMER and ALEXANDER BURNS at NYT > Politics - 6 hours ago

Mr. Biden responded to criticism over his handling of Anita Hill’s 1991 testimony. Here are our observations from the show.

I am not learning.

19 

Joe Biden Declines to Directly Apologize to Anita Hill for His Handling of 1991 Hearing

MATT STEVENS at NYT > Politics - 6 hours ago

Mr. Biden’s interview on “The View” came after a spokeswoman said he had called Ms. Hill to express his “regret,” a conversation that left Ms. Hill deeply unsatisfied.

I do not know how to make her whole.
Applyimg thumb screws to Clarence Thomas is not allowed.

20 

The Long Run: The El Paso Homecoming That Set Beto O’Rourke’s Star on the Rise

STEPHANIE SAUL and MATT FLEGENHEIMER at NYT > Politics - 6 hours ago

With help from his family, Mr. O’Rourke transitioned from rootless former musician to start-up founder, civic leader and candidate.

I am not enthused.

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