Trump administration lowers number of refugees admitted for 2019

.@SecPompeo: The improved refugee policy of this Administration serves the national interest of the United States and expands our ability to help those in need all around the world. We will continue to assist the world’s most vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/SKDHjdXdGD

— Department of State (@StateDept) September 17, 2018

A new low in the history of the US refugee program. Even post-9/11 the cap was at 70,000. https://t.co/Mboy8LEA1J

— Rebecca Berg (@rebeccagberg) September 17, 2018

Breaking: Pompeo says US will let in max of 30,000 refugees in FY19. That's down from 45,000 cap this year and less than a third of Obama-era levels

— Josh Lederman (@JoshNBCNews) September 17, 2018

Dem and GOP aides on the Judiciary Committee both tell me they were not consulted nor notified as required under law https://t.co/4ZWzFA4P29

— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) September 17, 2018

So @SecPompeo decides to count asylum seekers & refugees together — saying that since there's a backlog of asylum seekers, the US should take in fewer refugees. The two programs have always been kept separate in the past. The new cap on refugees for FY 2019: 30K. Down from 45K.

— Nahal Toosi (@nahaltoosi) September 17, 2018

Shameful: "The number represents the lowest ceiling a president has placed on the refugee program since its creation in 1980 " Trump to Cap Refugees Allowed Into U.S. at 30,000, a Record Low via @NYTimes https://t.co/ZYxOiJNIhP

— Rabbi Jill Zimmerman (@RabbiJill) September 17, 2018

Analysis: The Trump approach to refugees, visualized https://t.co/RT0x7xUoQ3

— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 18, 2018

America has been a beacon of hope for those fleeing religious persecution, war, and violence. Facing the worst global refugee crisis of the postwar period, the Admin is closing the door. Trump would have us become a fearful nation, yearning to wall itself off from the world. https://t.co/kLTbNjaOIm

— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) September 18, 2018

The Trump administration has cut the number of refugees they let into the country by a third. That decision could gravely harm organizations that assist those already here https://t.co/MSwv6yUmwo

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) September 25, 2018

The Orioles terrible season

Here are the Orioles' most embarrassing statistics this season https://t.co/Aitb5bVfja pic.twitter.com/QD6OYTi5nH

— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) September 17, 2018

This is a historically bad team. I saw the worst team in modern history, the 1962 Mets (and they won that game). This team isn’t that bad but they’re close. The Mets were an expansion team so they had an excuse to a degree.

Today in 1960s Baseball: Mets lose inaugural game to Cardinals 11-4; will lose 119 more in 1st season (1962) https://t.co/wM5SsbeL7E #Cardinals #Mets pic.twitter.com/cHFWY7Z7yp

— 1960s Baseball (@Baseball1960s) April 11, 2021

The Orioles attendance (which is based on tickets sold) was announced as 18,265. Look at my picture – it may be six or seven thousand. The stadium seats 45,971.

Trump orders release of messages of people he considers enemies

In other words: Trump has ordered the release of the text messages of 5 of his self-declared enemies within DOJ. pic.twitter.com/xomUFwmrOW

— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) September 17, 2018

But he won't release his own taxes. https://t.co/EdylE2sGqx

— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) September 17, 2018

I look forward to the American people seeing the multiple streams of information that showed probable cause to surveil Carter Page. I am also pleased the people will learn more about Bruce Ohr's testimony that the Russians had @realDonaldTrump "over a barrel."#MondayMotivation https://t.co/ZSHcR5okpO

— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) September 17, 2018

This is truly unprecedented.

It has the potential the backfire on the President as information that would normally not find its way into a court filing (such as raw intel, tips, hearsay, law enforcement discussions) will be made public. https://t.co/vDg0vUE25I

— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) September 17, 2018

This is unprecedented during an active investigation – and by a President under investigation https://t.co/tT3da8KdNA

— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) September 17, 2018

Trump is ordering the DOJ to release documents about an ongoing investigation that touches on him and many of his associates. Unclear whether this risky gambit will pay off or backfire. See analysis from @LauraAJarrett and @mkraju here: https://t.co/LvXBSe4cpW https://t.co/Uv9A0qYEm9

— Marshall Cohen (@MarshallCohen) September 17, 2018

Stunning. Would like to hear what Rosenstein has to say about this. https://t.co/n3jMtQexcO

— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) September 17, 2018

In addition, if and when these documents and records are released it guarantees that this is in the national discussion leading up to the mid-term elections.

So much for any imagined "quiet period" in the Russia investigation. https://t.co/vDg0vUE25I

— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) September 17, 2018

What would you think if you saw it another country? https://t.co/igR4BATefD

— Brendan Nyhan (@BrendanNyhan) September 17, 2018

Lawless. He is absolutely lawless. @realDonaldTrump is the subject of an investigation. Using his power to selectively release classified information is an abuse of power. His days of unchecked abuse are numbered. Tick tock. We will just mark this as another exhibit. https://t.co/9qbxhiRY5B

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 17, 2018

New statement from @RepAdamSchiff, on Trump's release of all that new classified Russia probe info: pic.twitter.com/6zlUtcZbZJ

— Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) September 17, 2018

Important thread 👇🏽 https://t.co/qlPOoRaEUM

— Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) September 17, 2018

US intel officials, blindsided by President Trump's declassification order for Russia invest files, are hoping White House will allow formal declassification review and damage assessment before they are forced to release the docs, officials tell @NBCNews. https://t.co/L48J7GWGyZ

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 18, 2018

Trump could put himself in legal jeopardy with Russia declassification order: former DOJ official https://t.co/cxuWP8fPh8

— Salon (@Salon) September 18, 2018

This is an especially dangerous abuse of power by this President. He places his self interest above the national security interests of the country. https://t.co/KJohV6V3tY

— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) September 18, 2018

So I've had a couple conversations this morning with some former and current IC people.

The line crossed on this declassification-as-obstruction is redder than you can imagine.

— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) September 18, 2018

"It is extraordinary for a president to be involved in day-to-day declassification decisions." — @carriecordero https://t.co/mTJPBVvByi

— Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) September 18, 2018

Holy cow

“Neither DOJ nor the FBI has any idea how the redaction process for this announcement is being handled, and they think it’s possible that the White House is just doing it on its own and could release this material as early as Monday night…” https://t.co/zW6N1s7pme

— Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) September 17, 2018

Only Republicans have become more extreme

The conventional wisdom says that both Republicans and Democrats have moved to the extremes of the political spectrum. That’s just not true. Only Republicans have. https://t.co/h1dpNbKPg7

— David Leonhardt (@DLeonhardt) September 17, 2018

From the column: “For the most part, though, the Democratic agenda remains decidedly center-left: Raise taxes on the rich, and use the money to help the middle class and poor. Protect civil rights. Expand educational access. Regulate Wall Street, and fight climate change. Expand health insurance using the current system. And compromise with Republicans when necessary.
The radical agenda is the Republican agenda: Make climate change worse, unlike almost every other conservative party in the world. Aggravate inequality. Sabotage health-insurance markets. Run up the deficit. Steal a Supreme Court seat. Keep dark-skinned citizens from voting. Protect Trump’s lawlessness.”

Trump made 115 false claims in the first week of September

New: Trump made *115* false claims in the first week of September, second-most of any week of his presidency: https://t.co/Dzg0Aoe0Ju

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) September 17, 2018

Another Trump appointee may face charges

Probe of FEMA Chief Brock Long has been referred to federal prosecutors for potential criminal charges. https://t.co/SRiG4kDP9j

— Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) September 17, 2018

Covers: I’ve Got Blood in My Eyes for You

The original version was by the Mississippi Sheiks in 1931 and was covered by Bob Dylan in 1993.

Mississippi Sheiks

Bob Dylan

Great idea for a Kavanaugh-Ford hearing

I totally agree with this.

Here's some advice, based on the Thomas-Hill experience:

Both Dems and GOP should want professional, outside counsel to question Kavanaugh and Ford at a public hearing — not Senators. Make this a search for the truth, not a political platform for Senators of EITHER party.

— Ronald Klain (@RonaldKlain) September 17, 2018

2018 election update 9/17/18

Someone was nailed. https://t.co/sZBq0uaPuf

— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) September 18, 2018

The polls are pointing toward a wave in the House, with an average projected gain of 35 to 40 seats for Dems. And yet, Democrats are at risk of losing several of their own Senate seats, which could offset any gains they may make among GOP-held seats. https://t.co/tlD8ehutA3

— FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) September 18, 2018

Expected all of that except VA02. Interesting https://t.co/7RRzrfKseg

— Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) September 18, 2018

Democrats: 48.8%
Republicans: 39.8%https://t.co/5HUIDZs1De

— FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) September 18, 2018

Most Democratic incumbents are doing worse than the "fundamentals" would predict. https://t.co/tlD8ehutA3 pic.twitter.com/0sRlX4VnC7

— FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) September 18, 2018

A RNC internal poll finds the GOP is in danger due to complacent Trump voters. That's good. But wouldn't it be great to obliterate them with a #BlueWave? https://t.co/qbESRVJjCg pic.twitter.com/ozDYEMXq9f

— The Blue Wave 🌊 (@BlueWaveVoters) September 18, 2018

If a man raised from birth by the conservative movement isn't running on conservatism in a red state, is there any appeal left for right-wing ideas? https://t.co/JuT1iTnjM0 pic.twitter.com/Xg2OnRIunl

— Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) September 18, 2018

WISCONSIN
U.S. Senate:
Tammy Baldwin (D) 53%
Leah Vukmir (R) 42%
(Marquette Law School Poll, LV, 9/12-16/18)

— PollingReport.com (@pollreport) September 18, 2018

VIRGINIA
U.S. Senate:
Tim Kaine (D) 52%
Corey Stewart (R) 36%
Matt Waters (L) 5%
(U. of Mary Washington / SSRS, LV, 9/4-9/18)

— PollingReport.com (@pollreport) September 18, 2018

Dems pulling out stops, yet Greg Orman persistedhttps://t.co/NqwuzVZfRS

— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) September 18, 2018

We have now reached the stage where roughly every five minutes there is a poll released that is guaranteed to make Democrats or Republicans feel their stomach drop. And there are still seven weeks to go. https://t.co/fZsJNSyJ0f

— Ronald Brownstein (@RonBrownstein) September 18, 2018

TEXAS
U.S. Senate:
Ted Cruz (R) 54%
Beto O'Rourke (D) 45%
(Quinnipiac U. Poll, LV, 9/11-17/18)

— PollingReport.com (@pollreport) September 18, 2018

Health care is the #1 subject of Dem campaign ads. Here are a few of them, with my color commentary. (Sadly, there were only a few metaphors.) https://t.co/LjY1GTJPQt

— Margot Sanger-Katz (@sangerkatz) September 17, 2018

I found it! The single most important Senate race in the country!https://t.co/uiHAc4Z7h0 pic.twitter.com/1DWD5L64QZ

— Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) September 17, 2018

We've polled 12 of the 30 races characterized as "toss-up" by the Cook Political Report, and the overall margin is Dem 45.4, Rep 44.3

— Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) September 17, 2018

What a disaster for the GOP. https://t.co/xVhbqYCaf9

— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) September 17, 2018

Knowing who’s truly “ahead” in a poll involves a lot more than reading the top line numbers.

For example, I’d *much* rather be Sean Casten (D), who’s trailing by one in #IL06 (Clinton +7) than Paul Davis (D), who leads by one in #KS02 (Trump +18). https://t.co/7dexcV9uRJ

— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) September 16, 2018

More warning signs for the Senate GOP. New CNN poll: In Arizona, Sinema tops Republican Rep. Martha McSally by 7 points, 50% to 43%, while in Tennessee, Bredesen holds a 5-point edge over Rep. Marsha Blackburn, 50% to 45%

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) September 17, 2018

Things that aren't in the 2018 script: Sen. Joe Manchin being ahead by more in West Virginia (45-33 in a new Emerson poll) than Sen. Tina Smith in Minnesota (47-37 in a new Mason-Dixon poll).

— Taniel (@Taniel) September 17, 2018

Heart of 2018 midterms: By 58%-27%, respondents want Congress to be more of a check on Pres. Trump. New Quinnipiac poll also shows 14% generic edge for Dems—well more than needed for a D House majority. Generic average now=+8.4% D.

— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) September 12, 2018

They deserve what they get for listening to Trump

.@MaddowBlog: Trump keeps telling the Republican base, "There will not be a Blue Wave." The problem for the GOP is that these voters believe him. https://t.co/m9Yd5goV7p

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 17, 2018

Covers: Tumbling Dice

“Tumbling Dice” was the first single from the Rolling Stones great Exile on Main Street (1972). It was also a hit for Linda Ronstadt in 1977. “Good Time Women” is an earlier Rolling Stones track that was not released until 2010 and is the obvious ancestor to “Tumbling Dice”

Rolling Stones

Linda Ronstadt

“Good Time Women”