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Because this is what a “Banana Republic” looks like, my friends ...
Trump set off by intelligence assertion that Russia favors him
by Ellen Nakashima, Shane Harris, Josh Dawsey and Anne Gearan, Washington Post — 2/20/20; www.stamfordadvocate.com
A senior U.S. intelligence official told lawmakers last week that Russia wants to see President Donald Trump reelected, viewing his administration as more favorable to the Kremlin's interests, according to people who were briefed on the comments.
After learning of that analysis, which was provided to House lawmakers in a classified hearing, Trump erupted at his acting director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire, in the Oval Office, perceiving him and his staff as disloyal for speaking to Congress about Russia's perceived preference. The intelligence official's analysis and Trump's furious response ruined Maguire's chances of becoming the permanent intelligence chief, according to people familiar with the matter, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.
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About Maguire’s exceedingly unqualified replacement …
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One source close to Trump told CNN they were surprised by the pick, noting [Richard] Grenell has zero intelligence-related experience.
And another Trump adviser described Grenell as "out of his league" for the acting DNI job, adding that some in the administration are "embarrassed by his behavior."
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His track record as US ambassador to Germany has also raised concerns, even among some Republicans.
"Some Republicans are outraged with the job he has done as ambassador, there is no way he could get confirmed," a source familiar with the move said.
www.cbs46.com — 2/20/20
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The skill set required for the job is also quite clear. He or she must be a mediator, bringing often-conflicting people and ideas together to reach a consensus or at least a viable menu of choices for the president's final decision on life-or-death matters. But above all, this individual must be deeply conversant with the arcane language and practices, sources and methods that make up the core mission of the intelligence communities. Some DNIs have come from the community itself. The most recent and effective, Dan Coats, served for years as a leading member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Rick Grenell brings none of this to the table. Trained largely as a spokesman and advocate, from his first arrival in Germany as ambassador Grenell managed to alienate much of the nation where he was designated as the leading American representative. Two days after his arrival, Grenell, with no diplomatic or managerial background, tweeted to his new hosts: "As @realDonaldTrump said, US sanctions will target critical sectors of Iran's economy. German companies doing business in Iran should wind down operations immediately." This was only the launching point of a string of intemperate comments that were taken as public threats—an effort to burn rather than build bridges. [...]
Grenell does have one key attribute for a DNI—the President's full and utter confidence. The problem is that he may very well be even more ignorant of intelligence matters than the man he will be advising. And, while the position is seen as determinedly non-partisan, Grenell is very much a polarizing figure, which no doubt is one attribute that appeals especially to the President. Coupled with a long history of nastiness and misogyny that nearly torpedoed his Senate confirmation as ambassador to Germany, his is a resume that bodes ill for this most sensitive of administration positions.
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www.cnn.com — 2/20/20
With Grenell at the helm of the nation’s Intelligence apparatus — Russia will find a green-light, to double-down on what they learned in 2016. And take that knowledge to help re-install their Puppet again in 2020.
Afterall that’s what the last DNI Director’s was just fired for — for trying to warn us that Putin’s attacks Round II on our once-free elections, are already underway.
Instead of staunchly pushing back on the first round of Attacks, the Trump mal-administration, along with their GOP enablers, have denied the documented Russian Interference at ever turn.
With the appointment of Acting Director Grenell, they are poised to welcome the next round of Russian Interference with open arms. If not, to actively assist in the tilting democracy in their own favor, once again.
By any means necessary. … Lyubym sposobom neobkhodimo.
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Cheers! … Ypa!
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