@21:12, , 8/4/19

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1

As Mortgage-Interest Deduction Vanishes, Housing Market Offers a Shrug

Jim Tankersley and Ben Casselman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

President Trump’s tax cuts encouraged homeowners to stop deducting mortgage interest on their taxes, and there is no sign the change has brought down home prices.

Yes.

2 

What These Student Debaters Learned From the 2020 Democratic Debates

Ian Prasad Philbrick at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

For those who recently attended a debate camp, the Democratic debates were not a chance to undercut rivals or wring donations but something else: a lesson plan.

The potential candidates are not allowed to debate issues.

3 

Some Democratic Candidates Seek to Link Shootings to Trump

Jennifer Medina and Matt Stevens at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

In the wake of two shootings, one of which is being investigated as domestic terrorism, some said the president creates a culture that lets white nationalism thrive.

Individual #1 is a white nationalist.  He speaks to his fellows.

4 

U.S. Told Sweden Keeping ASAP Rocky in Prison Could Cause ‘Negative Consequences’

Derrick Bryson Taylor at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

A special envoy for hostage affairs sent a letter to Swedish authorities suggesting the rapper be held at a hotel instead.

The best retention money can buy.

5 

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – August 4, 2019

Tony Wikrent at Ian Welsh - 9 hours ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – August 4, 2019 This post is by Tony Wikrent Economics Action Group, North Carolina Democratic Party Progressive Caucus Strategic Political Economy Jeffrey Epstein, Trump’s Mentor and the Dark Secrets of the Reagan Era [MintPress, via Naked Capitalism 8-1-19] Starting first with mob-linked liquor baron Lewis Rosenstiel and later with […]

All found here should be closely examined.

6

Democratic Candidates Praise Labor — and the Obama Legacy, Too

Katie Glueck and Kimberley McGee at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

After widespread criticism over attacks on Barack Obama at this past week’s debates, Democratic candidates at a labor forum in Las Vegas took a very different tack.

It should be required.

7

McConnell Promised to End Senate Gridlock. Instead, Republicans Are Stuck in Neutral.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Senate, once known as “the world’s greatest deliberative body,” is operating as Senator Mitch McConnell would like: as an approval factory for President Trump’s nominees.

McConnell does not have the required power.

He has broken his shoulder.

8

Pentagon Chief in Favor of Deploying U.S. Missiles to Asia

Thomas Gibbons-Neff at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Mark Esper, on his way to Australia, said he would like to see the deployment in “months” of arms once limited by a treaty.

That is a bad idea.

9

Open Thread

Ian Welsh at Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Use this post’s comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts. The results of the work I do, like this article, are free, but food isn’t, so if you value my work, please DONATE or SUBSCRIBE.

Sooner is better.      As soon as you can is best.

10

6 Things We Learned About the 2020 Race From Our Fund-Raising Maps

Thomas Kaplan and Rachel Shorey at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Democratic presidential candidates have raised over $200 million so far. We analyzed fund-raising data to see where they’re getting their money.

OK

11 

Debates and More Debates: This Week in the 2020 Race

Matt Stevens and Maggie Astor at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Sanders and Warren dominated Night 1. Biden, Booker and Harris were the focus of Night 2. We’ll do it all again in September.

People are learning.

12

Why a Race-Baiting Trump Is Courting Black Voters

Reid J. Epstein and Jonathan Martin at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Democratic leaders say African-Americans are deeply engaged in this election, but President Trump is also targeting them with Facebook ads. How they react may well determine his future.

He needs the votes.

13 

HUD Delays Disaster Preparation Money for Puerto Rico

Lola Fadulu at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The housing department announced that it would distribute funds for disaster prevention efforts to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after first helping nine states.

Trump does not pay his bills.

Puerto Rican finances are under congressional control.

14

Spiraling Trade Tensions Threaten Economy as Trump Pressures China

Ana Swanson at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The S&P 500 recorded its worst week this year as investors were rattled by renewed trade tensions that threatened to undermine the global economy.

China is not pressured.

15

European Union Nominates Kristalina Georgieva to Lead I.M.F.

Alan Rappeport at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Ms. Georgieva, the World Bank chief executive, would replace Christine Lagarde at the International Monetary Fund, one of the most prominent posts in global economic diplomacy.

 OK

16 

Embattled Ocasio-Cortez Aides Are Leaving Capitol Hill

Catie Edmondson at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Two of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s top aides are leaving her office after clashing with elected House members and pursuing primary challenges.

Intraparty politics of Washingon.

17

Trump Officials Argued Over Asylum Deal With Guatemala. Now Both Countries Must Make It Work.

Michael D. Shear and Zolan Kanno-Youngs at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

State Department officials are irritated that the Department of Homeland Security is meddling in diplomacy and they question whether Guatemala is capable of accepting thousands of asylum seekers.

This sop does not work,

18

In Pentagon Contract Fight, Amazon Has Foes in High Places

Scott Shane, Kate Conger and Karen Weise at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

The decision to delay a $10 billion computing contract for which Amazon was the favorite reflected both opposition from President Trump and an aggressive campaign by an industry rival.

Cloud computing is not a good idea.

19

Trump Proposal Would Raise Bar for Proving Housing Discrimination

Lola Fadulu at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is pushing forward with a new rule to make it much more difficult for people claiming housing discrimination to prove it.

 20

Deprived of Power, House Republicans Head for the Exits

Julie Hirschfeld Davis at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Six House Republicans announced retirements over the last two weeks, making the road to a G.O.P. majority that much steeper and the conference that much whiter and more male.

yes.

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