Trump Middle Eastern (Mis) Adventures Set to Begin

By Jeralyn, Section Trump Administration
Posted on Thu May 18, 2017 at 09:41:35 PM EST
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Fasten your seatbelts, Trump and his relatives are about to embark a tour of the Middle East. It goes without saying, almost everything he does will bring a groan or an eye roll and be great fodder for late night talk shows, but what how much damage can he do with the deals he intending on committing us to?

Trump is not the first U.S. President to visit Saudi Arabia. Richard Nixon went there in June, 1974. While there he made an economic "deal with the devil" --oil for dollars. Here's his speech. Nixon resigned less than two months later, and we're still stuck with his deal. Here's the untold story, according to Bloomberg News.

The first clue that this visit will be bad news for the U.S. economically is how excited Saudi Arabia is about Trump's visit. It has set up this website to track events. It sounds like the counter-terror aspect is a front for the trips real purpose: economic advantages Trump is offering these countries. From a Saudi press release today: [More....]

[...] Trump will hold talks with Saudi Arabia’s leadership while he is in the Kingdom with the aim of deepening bilateral trade ties to drive economic growth and create jobs, as well as developing significantly increased cooperation in areas of global security.

A SAUDI-U.S. CEO FORUM will be held on May 20 at the Four Seasons.

Bringing together business leaders from across the Kingdom and the United States, the Saudi-U.S. CEO Forum is a high-level one-day event designed to strengthen Saudi-U.S. business relationships by providing a platform to enhance bi-lateral trade and investment and break down barriers to enable closer economic ties.

At the end of today's press release:

A high-level Saudi-US CEO Forum will be held in Riyadh to coincide with the President’s visit at which more than 90 business leaders of American and Saudi Arabian companies will discuss mutual investment opportunities and partnerships to create jobs and drive economic growth. The summit will be hosted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. It will be attended by leaders from across the Islamic world.

Here is its agenda from the forum's site. Trump, along with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, is going to witness the signing of a "Memorandum of Understanding".

On May 14, the Saudis issued a press release saying Trump is planning on signing multiple trade agreements.

What U.S. businesspersons are attending?

"Andrew Liveris, Chairman and CEO of Dow Chemical, Michael Corbat, CEO of Citigroup, Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco and Laurence Fink, Chairman and CEO of Blackrock."

The Saudis were probably informed of Trump's preference for graphics to assist his comprehension. Here's one they attached to a press release.

About Trump's kids not doing international deals after his inauguration: Here are Donald and Eric on Feb. 18, 2017, at the grand opening of the first piece of real estate in Dubai to have the Trump name.

The launch today sets the stage for two further Trump-branded properties — a cluster of high-end villas and a second golf course — to come online by end-2018.

Just last weekend, Donald Jr. was in Dubai to give a commencement address to graduates of American school. He also took time to meet with the Trump. Org.'s Dubai partner, the head of Damac.

Damac’s recent regulatory filings made by the company suggest possible future plans with the Trump Organization. In a prospectus for a sukuk, it noted Damac’s “product expansion also includes branding arrangements with ... the Trump Organization.”

It also listed plans for a “luxury boutique hotel to be operated by the Trump Organization” at Damac Hills. Days before becoming president, Trump had told journalists that DAMAC had offered the Trump Organization $2 billion in deals after his election, something Damac also confirmed.

The articles notes Trump's prior pledge of no new foreign investments:

The Trump Organization had earlier said it won’t make new foreign deals while Donald Trump serves as America’s 45th president. That didn’t affect the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai’s opening in February, while a previously planned Trump-branded golf course designed by Tiger Woods is being built nearby, AP reports.

Both are being built by Damac. which paid the Trump Organization’s subsidiaries between $1 million to $5 million for the projects, according to a US Federal Election Committee report submitted in May 2016.

Damac's President wrote on his Instagram page last week:

“It was great having my dear friend and business partner Donald Trump Jr. over for lunch,” a caption with the photo read. “Discussing new ideas and innovation always make our meetings even more interesting.”

The article continues:

Damac’s recent regulatory filings made by the company suggest possible future plans with the Trump Organization. In a prospectus for a sukuk, it noted Damac’s “product expansion also includes branding arrangements with ... the Trump Organization.”

This is the same company Trump was referring to when he said just before his un-inaugururation he turned down a $2 billion offer.

The press here didn't take much notice of another visitor Trump had this week at the White House: The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Among the topics discussed:

[They] explored the prospects of economic cooperation and the importance of expanding their mutual trade ties to further enhance economic growth and achieve prosperity and well-being of the UAE and American people.

Here's the Crown Prince's Twitter page. He also separately met with Paul Ryan, the Defense Secretary and Rex Tillerson.

Here's more on the meeting from Gulf News.

Trump doesn't own anything yet in Abu Dhabi, although it's not from lack of trying. Here's an earlier post on Trump's financial investments in the Middle East and Ivanka's expressed intention for the Trump Org. to expand from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Here's Ivanka from her website in 2015:

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and it’s really a city unlike anyplace else. It’s growing at an impressive pace. The city’s towering skyscrapers are magnificent and I can’t wait to see the Trump name join the downtown Abu Dhabi skyline. (I’m also looking forward to seeing a gorgeous Trump resort on the beautiful white beaches of Saadiyat Island!).

The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority rents space in Trump Tower. So does Qatar airlines. And a member of the Saudi royal family. My earlier post has links to photos.

At the same time Trump is reportedly committing to deals with Saudi Arabia, and discussing deals with the UAE, and his sons travel to Dubai, he's announcing the start of the "renegotiation of NAFTA..

Is Trump's trip intended to further potential economic opportunities for Trump. Org, which he still owns, either now through his sons, or after he departs Washington, for himself?

Why are Ivanka and Jared tagging along? Is Trump going to announce Jared found a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict? What is Ivanka's role? Today she led a meeting of White House aides, at the White House, without the presence of her father, on Human Trafficking. She spoke for two minutes. Her experience is more attune to worker's rights violations than human trafficking.

Melania is also going on the Trump Family's Most Excellent Middle East Adventure. She'll be attending some spousal events.

Last (and probably least significant) the Saudis invited country music singer Toby Keith (who will perform at a Mens Only Concert. during Trump's visit.)

Donald Trump is such an embarrassment.

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Trump Middle Eastern (Mis) Adventures Set to Begin | 88 comments (88 topical)

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Donald Trump is such an embarrassment. (5.00 / 3) (#1)
by Erehwon on Thu May 18, 2017 at 10:22:04 PM EST

True enough! But the ones who put him are greater embarrassments!

Really? (none / 0) (#2)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 03:01:12 AM EST

Toby Keith plays an all men's concert in Saudi Arabia?

germophobe he is (none / 0) (#3)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 07:15:20 AM EST

wonder if he will hold hands like Dubya did. isee either rubber gloves or gallons of Purel.

so much talk about how Trump will probably escape any serious legal ramifications, that would svck but honestly seeing Jared Kushner in a federal prison (like his daddy) and maybe seeing Polly Perky Trump in a Hillbilly Baroque decorated prison cell whould be close to good enough.

oh, and Don junior. who its being reported is a rising political star would be good too.

maybe they could get a family wing someplace.

Trump's biggest (5.00 / 2) (#9)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:41:33 AM EST

risk comes from Schneiderman and the racketeering charges he is working from. He can't escape those and with a jury full of people that have been screwed over by Trump in Manhattan he's like to not skate. The Russian who knows? It's definitely tied up Flynn, Manafort, Pence and Page into its web along with probably some unknown at this time Republicans. Trump could always use the useful idiot defense for that one.


The goal is to (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by KeysDan on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:52:47 AM EST

get Trump and his minions out of power and save the country. This includes Pence. Jail would, indeed, be a nice bonus.

About 48 of Nixon's crowd were convicted, although Nixon was spared, thanks to Ford.

Trump is just doing with the presidency what he did for 45 years in his businesses, under his early tutelage by Roy Cohn.

And, his business model is like a 1930s business, save for replacement of the Smith Corona with tweeting capabilities. A Big Boss model, surrounded by family and yes men (women are his girls to get the coffee and keep his schedule), no one to report to, no board of directors/stock holders. If it wouldn't mess his hair, or whatever that is on top of his head, he would wear a fedora.

A return to the business world, would occur with a vengeance, trying to cssh-in. Then he and crowd may get caught without a pardon in sight.


: Precisely right (5.00 / 2) (#13)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 10:21:29 AM EST

about Roy Cohn. It seems there is a section of people in this country who don't understand basics like a 70 year old man is not going to change. He's not going to "grow" into the job and what you see is what you get. This is who Trump is and always has been.

also (none / 0) (#4)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 07:17:47 AM EST

was the human trafficing thing possibly in a larger discussion of emerging markets?


You (none / 0) (#5)
by FlJoe on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:00:59 AM EST

do realize that tRump will almost certainly pardon anyone and everyone close to him?

As long as he remains PG in chief no one will serve any federal time unless he decides to throw someone under the bus, Carter Page maybe, but Flynn, Kushner and the rest of his inner circle have virtual immunity from jail time.


heres a bit (5.00 / 4) (#6)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:05:59 AM EST

to cheer up up.

you know that inestigation happening in NY State run by the NY AG. Agent Orange can pardon federal crimes.

not state crimes


an there are others right? (none / 0) (#7)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:06:54 AM EST

is the one in VA state or Fed?


: I believe it's Fed (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:41:00 AM EST

Our best hope is to take the House in 2018 (5.00 / 4) (#10)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:42:22 AM EST

He could (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 08:43:26 AM EST

but it would be political suicide for the GOP. Of course though if it saves Trump and his cronies from jail time it's not like he's going to care if he blows up the GOP.


Funniest Article on the Trip? (none / 0) (#14)
by RickyJim on Fri May 19, 2017 at 12:05:53 PM EST

Food will be an issue for Trump too. The president has the palate of a first-grader and he will be accommodated on the trip. At dinner in Saudi Arabia, for example, he will have well-done steak and ketchup on the table along with the traditional cuisine, the AP reports.

With his meals, to keep the toddler happy (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Towanda on Fri May 19, 2017 at 12:20:29 PM EST

he ought to get a toy.


Uggghhh (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by Yman on Fri May 19, 2017 at 01:14:52 PM EST

So instead of actually taking the opportunity to enjoy whay will surely be the finest local foods, he's going to eat his overcooked steak with ketchup???

I'd actually insist on better manners from any of my kids when they were in first grade.


What do they call a Quarter Pounder... (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by kdog on Fri May 19, 2017 at 01:35:22 PM EST

w/ Cheese in Saudi Arabia?

I was disappointed to learn they call it a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. With 3 locations in Tabuk, Najran, & Al Duwadimi.


: But what do Saudi Arabian customers call it? (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:52:23 PM EST

التاجية التفافيه الخاصة
("Coronary Bypass Special")
;-D

Oh good lord (none / 0) (#16)
by MKS on Fri May 19, 2017 at 12:42:08 PM EST

He must be an awful traveler.


He's like fat Elvis (none / 0) (#17)
by jondee on Fri May 19, 2017 at 12:48:43 PM EST

with his deepfried peanut butter and balony sandwichs delivered express mail..


: im suprised he (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:20:36 PM EST

didnt ask for pork chops

2 breaking stories this afternoon (none / 0) (#21)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:23:14 PM EST

1
the russia investigation now includes "someone" IN the white house

2
Carrot Top told the russians Comey was a "nut job" (pfft) and that firing him would end the russia investigation.

and its only 3:20 ET

exactly WHO (none / 0) (#22)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:26:25 PM EST

in the WH expected to come soon. possibly later today.


: should probably say (none / 0) (#24)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:34:39 PM EST

"officially now includes..."
oh please
oh please
oh please
let it be Jared

Senior white (none / 0) (#23)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:34:17 PM EST

house advisor being investigated. Bannon?


Kush boy has been (none / 0) (#25)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:35:27 PM EST

a lot more in the middle of Russia


That would (none / 0) (#26)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:37:39 PM EST

be wild since I think he's overseas with Trump now babysitting.


I think we can stop calling... (none / 0) (#27)
by kdog on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:40:50 PM EST

the enablers babysitters, and start calling them all free-range kids.


: Re Shakespeare in the Park: (5.00 / 1) (#88)
by oculus on Mon May 29, 2017 at 02:28:48 PM EST

Still game for tomorrow?

: afaik (none / 0) (#28)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:44:12 PM EST

the whole "court" is with him.
its becoming clear he is going to be hit every day. pretty much every day from every major paper. those two stories are the Times ans the Post
every freakin day. karma is a b!tch.

and as interesting as that is (none / 0) (#29)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:46:54 PM EST

the other story seems more important. that he actually told the freakin russians firing "nut job" Comey would end the investigation

holy hell


I don't (none / 0) (#31)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:52:40 PM EST

know. They both seem pretty bad just from different angles. The fact that the story is leading to someone in the white house is pretty big news probably for a lot of people.

I guess once again they will not be having any Republicans on the Sunday shows since none of them will want to show up.


Spicey not denying (none / 0) (#39)
by MKS on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:16:59 PM EST

the account.....

Spicey now blaming Comey for putting pressure on Russia????? In what universe does that even make sense....let alone constitute a persuasive defense.


not denying either story (none / 0) (#43)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:27:02 PM EST

just surfing and i see Andrew card say this (paraphrase)
"the White House Counsel and the Chief of Staff should sit with the president and just..outline the consequences of having a Special Counselor."

Andy, buby, thats so cute. really.
and it rather perfectly encapsulates the utter clueless defenselessness of regular normal politicians in dealing with Carrot Top.

first, it would have to be in a room with no window or tvs. still they would have to find a way to make it about him and why he is awsum and they still have to pound on the table about every 60 seconds to keep his attention.

it almost makes you feel sorry for them.


Ruben Gallego (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by MKS on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:32:06 PM EST

just interviewed on CNN. Rep. from Phoenix. Graduated from Harvard. Joined the Marines. Combat in Irag in a unit that suffered many KIAs. Did not serve as an officer--easily could have. Was a true infantry grunt-Corporal.

Told Wolf when asked that he did not have confidence in Rosenstein. But, yes, he did yes, in Mueller. Wolfy was left speechless at the direct, short, honest answers.

I am in love. Sorry, Howdy, I saw him first.


hes yours (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:41:16 PM EST

I want Clint Watts. he can investigate me any time he wants. a silver lining of this is more Clint Watts


I (5.00 / 1) (#46)
by FlJoe on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:52:16 PM EST

think his "follow the dead Russians"line was classic.


Goodness, Mr. Watts looks stern. (none / 0) (#49)
by caseyOR on Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:31:36 PM EST

Does he ever smile?


Sometimes (none / 0) (#50)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:36:39 PM EST

sort of

Who cares


: Now I see the attraction. (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by caseyOR on Fri May 19, 2017 at 06:25:26 PM EST

That is a compelling photo of Mr. Watts.

Well, if that's the case, Cap'n, then ... (none / 0) (#54)
by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 19, 2017 at 06:09:58 PM EST

CaptHowdy: "I want Clint Watts. he can investigate me any time he wants."

... I think you should call him up immediately and confess to felony -- ah, felony what, exactly?

;-D


Cheeto obstructing justice (none / 0) (#42)
by MKS on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:21:55 PM EST

in part to protect Kush boy?


Might (none / 0) (#30)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:48:33 PM EST

be Priebus as he was known to attempt to obstruct justice in the Russia investigation too attempting to get Comey to say there was no investigation into Russia.


I doubt it is Priebus. The article says (5.00 / 2) (#34)
by caseyOR on Fri May 19, 2017 at 03:35:30 PM EST

the person is someone who was involved in the campaign and now is at the White House. This involves financial dealings.

Given those two things, I think it is Jared.


: FWIW (none / 0) (#48)
by Ga6thDem on Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:17:35 PM EST

it is being reported by some of the news sources on twitter as Jared.

: But according to Louise Mensch, ... (none / 0) (#55)
by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 19, 2017 at 06:21:15 PM EST

... her sources are saying that the Republican Party itself is under investigation as an organization for alleged RICO violations regarding the acceptance of laundered Russian money.
And AHEM! -- who was RNC chair at the time?
Of course, there's no verification of it as of yet, but the way things have been going the last 10 days, I'd give that about a week.
;-D

links (none / 0) (#32)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:55:01 PM EST

someone in the white house

nut job Comsy


Obsruction of justice, (5.00 / 2) (#35)
by KeysDan on Fri May 19, 2017 at 03:42:42 PM EST

needs corrupt intention: Trump has gifted that already and now started to tie the knot: "I found great pressure because of Russia, that's taken off."

The Trumpette spin is that this was just a negotiating tactic for the two Sergeys to create a sense of obligation in the Russians. Sort of, I fired the FBI Director who was investigating me, so now you owe me one. That should work--for the Republicans.

Wonder who leaked this memo, had to be someone in the White House, and one, who waited until AF One was in the air, and maybe, on board as well. This should color Trump's travels nicely: hard to concentrate on building Trump Tower Riyadh. Or, a golf course at Massada.


As we (5.00 / 2) (#37)
by FlJoe on Fri May 19, 2017 at 03:51:51 PM EST

speak, Air Force One is currently a real life "Snakes on a Plane"


: Hope that person of interest (none / 0) (#38)
by KeysDan on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:10:58 PM EST

is not Jared. There would go middle east peace, solution to the opiod problem, trade challenges, China relations, reform of the criminal justice system, and the restructuring of the federal government. Or, Ivanka, no Chines-made hand bags.

Massada (none / 0) (#36)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 03:47:37 PM EST

gotta say i spit up my drink when i heard Trump cancelled his visit there because they would not let him land his chopper on top.


: Obama took the tram (none / 0) (#40)
by MKS on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:19:07 PM EST

Bill took the tram and walked up a 100 steps....
Cheeto wanted to conduct a Miss Universe Pageant at Masada.....Does he even know what happened there?

But not denying the memo (none / 0) (#41)
by MKS on Fri May 19, 2017 at 04:20:17 PM EST

or that Cheeto said it.....

Why is there no Impeachment Hearings?


: The White House report (none / 0) (#47)
by KeysDan on Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:06:43 PM EST

of the meeting with the two Sergeys could easily have been edited to omit the Comey is crazy, a nut job, statement, but it seems clear that Trump wanted it in, and distributed..
The teenage boy of Trump wanted his revenge for previous reports that Comey said Trump " was outside the realm of normal," "crazy." But, I am waiting for Trump to pivot, although CNN's Fareed Zakaria has already declared that Trump "became president last night," referring to the night he fired 59 Tomahawk missiles at that Syrian air field, with forewarning.

oops (none / 0) (#33)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 02:57:08 PM EST

direct Post link


Comedy will testify (none / 0) (#51)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:50:45 PM EST

In open session after Memorial Day. Just announced.

: "Showboat, huh... (none / 0) (#53)
by CaptHowdy on Fri May 19, 2017 at 05:59:03 PM EST

....I'll give you showboat you goofy spray-tanned piece of sh!t"

Trump will also be visiting the Vatican, ... (none / 0) (#57)
by Donald from Hawaii on Fri May 19, 2017 at 09:01:33 PM EST

... where Newt Gingrich's honey bunny Callista has just been named U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Upon hearing the news, an enraged Pope Francis had to be restrained by his security personnel from punching the first Republican he saw.

Looks like Kushner... (none / 0) (#58)
by desertswine on Fri May 19, 2017 at 10:31:48 PM EST

negotiated with Lockheed Martin to get a lower price on an arms deal for the Saudis. Whadda dealer.

While the call was unorthodox, it was not illegal: Lockheed Martin is the sole manufacturer of the antiballistic missile system so Kushner cannot be accused of showing bias or preferential treatment to the company

I think (none / 0) (#59)
by FlJoe on Sat May 20, 2017 at 09:01:06 AM EST

the Saudi's have made a brilliant first move, it appears from the coverage they are literally giving him the royal treatment, they even gave him a gaudy participation medal. They read the memo, stroke his ego, bigly.

Of course that does not bode well for the rest of the trip where he will not be treated as a monarch, although I do imagine tRump will be impressed with gilt and gold of the Vatican.

: Why not? (none / 0) (#60)
by Donald from Hawaii on Sat May 20, 2017 at 04:24:12 PM EST

After all, it sounds like he's given the House of Saud everything it wants.

Collared. (none / 0) (#61)
by KeysDan on Sun May 21, 2017 at 02:13:51 PM EST

Trump was awarded the King Abdulaziz al Saud Collar; Trump accepted the Gold with what has been variously described as a bow, a curtsy, hiccup, or a muscular spasm from the long flight.

The new phrase is "Islamic Extremism," since, apparently, Trump believes "Radical Islamic Terrorism" is hard to say if not at a Great America Great Again rally.

Lot's of the stuff that Trump likes on this trip, especially all the fawning and compliments, Egypt's el Sisi said Trump was a "unique personality, capable of the impossible." Trump reciprocated with a sample of that unique personality with his own compliment to el Sisi: " love those shoes, boy, those shoes."

No photos were available of those shoes, but Ivanka may well be working on a new foot wear line and may be looking for some Middle Eastern investors not being one to start a project on a shoestring.

And, all the ceremonies such as dancing with the swords. The Art of the Arms Deal.

I wonder if the term he used (5.00 / 1) (#62)
by Peter G on Sun May 21, 2017 at 08:27:09 PM EST

was actually "Islamist" rather than "Islamic" to describe that strain of terrorist. If anyone competent had any influence on the wording, I would expect they would not say "Islamic" (meaning, characteristic of the religion of Islam) rather than "Islamist" (meaning, of the particular, violent, fundamentalist political strain that claims the mantle of Islam for itself).


He Meant "Islamist" (none / 0) (#63)
by RickyJim on Mon May 22, 2017 at 09:51:36 AM EST

The White House explains he was exhuasted when he said "Islamic".

On Sunday night, a senior White House official said Trump's decision to say "Islamic extremism" instead of "Islamist extremism" as written in his prepared remarks was not intentional but the product of exhaustion brought on by the rigorous travel schedule.

Low energy (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 10:35:03 AM EST

Not (none / 0) (#65)
by FlJoe on Mon May 22, 2017 at 10:45:23 AM EST

to worry, he surely got recharged by the King's "Orb of Power"


Just overheard on teevee (none / 0) (#66)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 10:52:45 AM EST

"We are seeing the metabolism of this president"


: High anxiety and (none / 0) (#69)
by KeysDan on Mon May 22, 2017 at 11:33:17 AM EST

low energy; his minders look stricken most of the time, Melania had to hand motion, from the audience, that his speech to be given after that of the Israeli president was in his inside jacket pocket. He got the signal and put the speech on the podium.

They look like (none / 0) (#67)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 10:54:22 AM EST

The freakin 3 witches


From my years living in the middle east, I found (5.00 / 1) (#71)
by vml68 on Mon May 22, 2017 at 11:52:22 AM EST

Lot's of the stuff that Trump likes on this trip, especially all the fawning and compliments

that the arabs have raised flattery/fawning to an art form. Same holds true for countries in the Asian subcontinent. They know how to make a person feel like royalty and use it to get what they want. Dealing with someone like Tr*mp who is so susceptible to flattery must have had them rubbing their hands with glee.


A Presidential First? (none / 0) (#68)
by RickyJim on Mon May 22, 2017 at 11:22:55 AM EST

Doanld, Melania and Ivanka pray at the Western Wall.
I am really surprised that no American president has done this before. Does anybody here know the significance of placing ones hand in the crack?

Trump was (none / 0) (#70)
by KeysDan on Mon May 22, 2017 at 11:39:09 AM EST

hiding his tax returns in the crack.

Or (none / 0) (#72)
by FlJoe on Mon May 22, 2017 at 11:57:22 AM EST

he thought it is some pu$$y ?


: Or, a dead drop (none / 0) (#73)
by KeysDan on Mon May 22, 2017 at 12:15:33 PM EST

for the two Sergeys.

Trump now seems to confirm (none / 0) (#74)
by Militarytracy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 12:57:43 PM EST

That the code word level intelligence he tossed to a Russian spy was from Israel. He just can't quit. He can't grasp neither confirm or deny or what that mindset is used for. What a long long 4 yrs. Used to half joke he wasn't going to get people killed but he will if he already hasn't.

for some reason (none / 0) (#75)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 02:01:43 PM EST

i seem to have had a comment deleted for saying his and linking to the post on kos


Hmmmmm? (none / 0) (#76)
by Militarytracy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 02:11:02 PM EST

That's odd


There's so much going on (none / 0) (#77)
by Militarytracy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 02:15:13 PM EST

And Jeralyn working to avoid being targeted for litigation. She had to delete some of my posts recently for cuss mouth and also some things I said about a newsy org :)


And I had to post this twice (none / 0) (#78)
by Militarytracy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 02:16:07 PM EST

My first attempt seemed to evaporate?


technically i suppose (none / 0) (#79)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 02:19:35 PM EST

he denied it. tho he only really denied saying "Israel" which most of the world seems to be taking as confirmation.


You can't spout off and deny anything when (none / 0) (#81)
by Militarytracy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 03:56:09 PM EST

Dealing with classified information because that denial confirms something. Unless you have prepared with your intelligence community, the President out there confirming or denying anything is a machine gun going off.

When you destroy the confidence of the agents on the front lines too...this is bad. And he can't quit. He can't stop spewing things. Everything he spews shocks IC more and more. Undermines morale, undermines our relationship with our allies. He's out of control, he can't be trusted.


it is sort of funny (none / 0) (#82)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 04:01:55 PM EST

darkly funny, that their defense when he was accused of revealing sources is that he couldnt have because they would not tell him that.

just heard an insightful thought that the impulse to do what he did today is the same impulse that caused him to blurt out the intel in the first place.


: Oh, that was pass out worthy for anyone (none / 0) (#85)
by Militarytracy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 07:50:26 PM EST

In intelligence when McMaster said that the President sharing what he did was wholly appropriate. Then informed us all that the President hadn't been briefed on the source or means. How can a President be wholly appropriately sharing intelligence when he doesn't know what the phuck he's talking about? That's 2 separate realities there.

VOX (none / 0) (#80)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 02:26:11 PM EST

Watch Netanyahu's face while Trump says he never mentioned "Israel" to the Russians


lol (none / 0) (#83)
by CaptHowdy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 04:21:47 PM EST

the swat heard around the world

Watch Melania Trump Swat Donald Away When He Tries To Hold Her Hand

: The universal flick (5.00 / 1) (#84)
by jondee on Mon May 22, 2017 at 04:27:07 PM EST

usually reserved in nature for noxious insects.

: He's so effing high maintenence (none / 0) (#86)
by Militarytracy on Mon May 22, 2017 at 07:51:50 PM EST

I bet he drives a partner right out of their mind.

BREAKING: 19 confirmed dead and 50 injured ... (none / 0) (#87)
by Donald from Hawaii on Mon May 22, 2017 at 08:12:17 PM EST

... in an explosion that occurred just outside the Manchester (UK) Arena immediately following the conclusion of a concert by American pop singer Ariana Grande that was attended by about 20,000 people, most of whom were probably under 25 years old. British investigators suspect a suicide bomber as the culprit, whom they further think was waiting until kids were streaming out of the arena after the concert.