Anderson Cooper Gobsmacked by Trump Attorney's Cross-Examination of Michael Cohen

By Ward Clark | RedState.com

Townhall Media

Warning to the New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his people running the prosecution of former President Donald Trump: When you've lost Anderson Cooper, you're in trouble. Cooper commented Thursday on Trump's team cross-examining "star witness" Michael Cohen, and he wasn't happy with the outcome.

Some of Cooper's more interesting observations included:

...on cross-examination, the lawyers want to kind of put the witness in a... build a box around the witness and then slam it shut. That's what Todd Blanche did to Michael Cohen. The story that Todd Blanche went through, the sequence of events, uh, of this phone conversation, that Michael Cohen had testified to previously, you know, that he had had this consequential phone conversation with Donald Trump, it was a 90-second phone conversation, I believe it was October 24th, was (sic) the date that it was testified to, around 8 PM or so at night, but Todd Blanche, on his cross-examination today, went and kind of looked at the transcripts and text messages that Michael Cohen had received and sent before that time frame, and there had been this series, I guess, of crank calls that Michael Cohen had received that turned out to be from some 14-year-old, there was an exchange of messages between the 14-year-old and Cohen, and then Michael Cohen texts Keith Schiller at like 7:50-something or 7:48 PM, saying "hey, I've got some dope has been harassing me, I got the person's phone number, who can I talk to?"

 Cohen then testified, according to Cooper, that Keith Schiller had directed Cohen to call him — this was supposedly the call in which the discussion about going ahead with payments to Stormy Daniels took place, which seems an odd juxtaposition.

More from Cooper:

It was an extraordinary cross-examination by Todd Blanche, and, you know, Michael Cohen's, throughout the day, when Michael Cohen was cornered when he found himself in a corner, he suddenly has a pattern of not understanding the question that's being asked, continuing, I mean, one might say he's trying to buy time, trying to figure out how  he wants to answer, but he definitely starts to, you know, have Todd Blanche repeat questions, "I don't understand what you mean," and "I'm confused by the question," but this time, Michael Cohen was cornered, in what appeared to be a lie, I think to many in the room, and had to adjust his memory of what he had just testified to on Tuesday.

It is belaboring the obvious to note that Anderson Cooper is scarcely a Trump ally, nor would he be likely to report on Cohen's testimony and Blanche's cross-examination developing in Trump's favor unless it was so lopsided a performance as to make any other observations downright foolish.

While the New York "hush money" trial of Donald Trump still has a way to go, it's beginning to look like the prosecution's star witness was anything but. This case appears to have been built around Cohen's testimony — Cohen, who pleaded guilty to lying to a financial institution, among other charges —  and who is being taken apart by Trump's legal team.

Given a New York judge and a New York jury, that may not be enough. But all it would take is one juror with a conscience, one juror who is actually committed to the legal principle of "beyond a reasonable doubt," and the result is a hung jury — and there's little chance, even if DA Bragg decides to try the case again, that it could happen before November's election.

Stay tuned, and if you aren't reading Susie Moore's regular updates on this case, you should be.

Inflation Hits 'Sad Milestone' Under Biden

By Spencer Brown | Townhall.com

Inflation continued to rise in April according to the latest print of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) released Wednesday morning. Month-over-month, consumer prices increased 0.3 percent for an annual advance of 3.4 percent — still well above the Federal Reserve's target of just 2.0 percent. 

Core CPI inflation — which excludes food and energy — also increased 0.3 percent in April for a 3.6 percent year-over-year gain. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the biggest price increases in April were seen in shelter, an index that also accounts for two-thirds of the annual increase in core CPI inflation. Gas prices also contributed to the monthly increase in costs. Before seasonal adjustment, gas prices surged 5.2 percent in April. 

Since Biden took office in January 2021, average prices have risen 20 percent — but most goods and services broken out by specific item or industry have risen far more than that baseline average:

_____________

Post n "X"

Jacki Kotkiewicz @jackikotkiewicz

SINCE BIDEN TOOK OFFICE:

Gas: +55.5%

Groceries: +21.3%

Eating out: +21.8%

Baby food: +30%

Pet food: +23.1%

K-12 food: +64.9%

Rent: +20.8%

Electricity: +28.5%

Natural gas: +22%

Used cars: +20.4%

Airfare: +38.2%

Public transportation: +26.1%

Real average weekly earnings: -4.4%

________________

Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) called the continuing trend of increasing inflation "very concerning, especially coupled with recent high interest rates and poor first-quarter economic output."

"This report confirms that the grip of inflation won’t loosen anytime soon, even after 11 interest rate increases since March 2022," Arrington added of the Fed's hikes that brought interest rates to their highest level since early 2001. 

"The massive amount of federal spending by President Biden and Democrats has made this inflationary firestorm difficult to contain," he warned.

Echoing Arrington's concerns, Job Creators Network CEO Alfredo Ortiz noted the April CPI release is a "sad milestone" as "inflation under President Biden hit 20%."

"As a result, ordinary Americans face a cost-of-living crisis and declining living standards, with price increases outpacing wages," Ortiz emphasized. "Many businesses don't work in this inflationary environment," he said pointing to Red Lobster's looming bankruptcy. "For every Red Lobster, there are dozens of small businesses that can't make the new numbers work. At a certain price point, consumers refuse to pay for goods and services."

President Joe Biden, while simultaneously 1) claiming inflation is "coming down" (it isn't) and his economic plans are working (they aren't) and 2) blaming "greedy" corporations for rising prices, is attempting to again skirt blame for his damaging policies.

"A new Federal Reserve study concludes that inflation is not the byproduct of corporate greed, with business markups remaining flat during this inflationary period," Ortiz noted, debunking Biden's scapegoating. "The real reason for runaway prices is the Biden administration and congressional Democrats' reckless government spending and anti-cheap energy policies."

According to Ortiz, to actually reduce costs and truly build back better, "voters must elect policymakers this fall who will cut deficit spending and drill, baby drill."

Trump campaign Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday's CPI report shows "Bidenomics is an unmitigated disaster" causing workers and families to "literally" pay the price "for Joe Biden's failed economic policies."

"Overall prices are up 20%, while real average weekly earnings are down 4.4% since Biden took office," Leavitt emphasized. "The American people cannot afford four more years of Bidenomics."

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Obama judge mocks top Dem law firm in Wisconsin election lawsuit: 'Makes no sense'

By Michael Lee | Fox News

James Peterson testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jan. 8, 2014, on Capitol Hill. - As the District Judge he ruled against the Elias Law Group lawsuit

The Wisconsin law requires voters to both certify that they meet the requirements to vote and that they have followed the correct process for filling out an absentee ballot, which includes a section that requires "witness certification."

Elias said the witness requirement violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Civil Rights Act of 1964, arguing that a witness would be forced to verify the eligibility of the voter filling out the ballot.

"Under plaintiffs’ interpretation, every witness would have to determine the voter’s age, residence, citizenship, criminal history, whether the voter is unable or unwilling to vote in person, whether the voter has voted at another location or is planning to do so, whether the voter is capable of understanding the objective of the voting process, whether the voter is under a guardianship, and, if so, whether a court has determined that the voter is competent," Peterson, an Obama appointee, wrote.

"Many witnesses would be unable to independently verify much of the required information," Peterson continued. "The statute allows any adult U.S. citizen to serve as a witness, suggesting that a wide variety of people should be able to do the job… It makes no sense to interpret § 6.87 in a way that would make compliance virtually impossible."

The decision follows the top firm's failure in another Wisconsin case, which saw Elias attempt to force the state to redraw its congressional maps. But the Wisconsin Supreme Court opted not to hear the case, a victory for Republicans in the state.

"Elias has been sanctioned in past litigation. Yet, other Democrats have continued to hire Elias despite his checkered past," Turley wrote Saturday. "Elias unsuccessfully led efforts to challenge Democratic losses.  Elias also was the subject of intense criticism after a tweet that some have called inherently racist."

The Elias Law Group did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.

Trump Tells 100K Supporters on Wildwood Beach: ‘We Will Win New Jersey’

By Neil W. McCabe | RedState.com

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

[WILDWOOD, N.J.] Former President Donald J. Trump returned to South Jersey as he continues to put the Garden State in play. He held a Saturday night rally for 100,000 Trump supporters, who packed out the Wildwood Beach boardwalk, beachfront, and bars and restaurants, in addition to the more than 20,000 tickets distributed for inside the fences.

“Even on television, they said [it] might be the biggest political rally they’ve ever seen,” said the former president. 

“We will win New Jersey,” he said.

“If we win New Jersey, we win the whole thing,” he said. “I think we’re going to win some others, actually.” 

The former president said his campaign is expanding the map beyond the Garden State to include Virginia and Minnesota, the latter of which was last won by a Republican in 1972.

Trump said if President Joseph R. Biden Jr. wins the election, the middle class loses and New Jersey loses. 

“If Trump wins the middle class, the people of lower-income are really going to start winning again—and you’re all going to the American Dream,” Trump said. 

There is some reason for optimism in the Trump camp; Emerson College conducted a poll from March 26 through March 29, with Biden leading Trump, 46 percent to 39 percent, with 15 percent undecided. 

It is an old saw that undecided voters break for the challenger, which would put Trump in the lead over his successor. 

The last Republican to win New Jersey was Vice President George H.W. Bush in 1988. Then, Bush beat Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, 57 percent to 43 percent. In 1992, Arkansas Gov. William J. Clinton beat Bush, 56 percent to 40 percent, and through the 2020 contest, when Biden beat Trump, 57 percent to 41 percent, that roughly 15-point margin has held remarkably steady for the Democratic standard bearers.

Trump’s 2020 Wildwood was in a different time, place

The rally was Trump’s first rally in New Jersey, since his Jan. 28, 2020, rally held at the Wildwood Convention Center here. 

It is strange to look back at photos of that first Wildwood rally with no one wearing masks. Three days later, the president would ban Chinese travelers from entering the US.

Throughout Trump’s term, the mainstream media was constantly harping on the negatives, but Trump’s actual economic record was outstanding, and it was not just the unemployment below 4 percent.

In Trump’s first three years in office, the economy grew 500,000 new manufacturing jobs, grew median income 2.3 percent, held regulations to roughly at a standstill, and reduced poverty, such that Food Stamps participation dropped 15 percent. 

Then, the president was the master of a growing economy, with an approval rating of 49 percent, which matched the highest ratings of his presidency. He maintained that approval until the second half of May 2020, when it dropped 10 points to 30 percent.

By the week before the 2020 election, Trump’s approval rating rallied to 46 percent.

As of May 5, in the Real Clear Politics polling average, Trump holds a 46 percent to 44 percent lead over President Joseph R. Biden Jr. 

When RCP teases out the Electoral College, Trump and Biden are in a virtual tie with Trump winning 219 electoral votes and Biden winning 215, leaving 104 electoral votes in toss-up states.

However, when RCP forces the toss-ups to the likely winner, Trump commands an Electoral College lead of 312 to 226.

Every Trump rally features MAGA luminaries, such as New York Giants Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, former New Jersey congressional candidate and Live From America host Mike Crispi, and Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R.-NJ), who switched parties just moments after voting against Trump’s first impeachment.

Another guest could have significance in the pending veepstakes, as North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum was one of the former president’s opening act—and a guest on the plane, Trump Force One.

Burgum seemed to relish the audition for the traditional role of the vice presidential nominee as the attack dog on the ticket.

The governor told the crowd Biden’s policy towards Israel was a disgrace.

In the past, it was the policy of the United States to never negotiate with terrorists, but not with Biden. “Now, he’s negotiating for the terrorists.”

The governor said Biden was undermining Israel to win support from the Hamas wing of the Democratic Party.

As the sun dropped and the wind picked up, Trump said he marveled at how the crowd was sticking around.

It could be the tens of thousands stuck around for the real Trump rally payoff, when Trump wraps up his speech and walks off to Sam and Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming.”

The former president always lingers on stage, waving and clapping with the cheers of the crowd—especially when he clenches his two fists and performs his modified Twist.

It was all worth it.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMS

Picture by Getty

We take the time on Mother's Day to honor all of the mothers in America and recognize the enduring nature and worth of our communities, faith, and family. it is with great joy that we celebrate the women who presented us with the gifts of life and wise counsel, sacrificing much and providing for us safe harbors--our homes.

Democrat Pollster Warns RFK's Support Will Crumble When They 'Learn His Real Views'

By Sarah Arnold | Townhall.com

AP Photo/Meg Kinnard

A top Democrat pollster is warning that 2024 Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s support among Republicans will crumble when they begin to see through his cracks. 

Kennedy has seen some support from the Republican Party primarily due to his right-leaning views such as being pro-parental rights and an anti-vaxxer. 

However, Mark Penn iswarningto look beyond the surface of the Independent candidate. 

“I think that it will drop in half if Republicans learn the views, right now they don’t know these things,” Penn told Fox News’s Sean Hannity. 

“And there’s a group of Republicans that don’t like anybody and he’s now the alternative to the alternative,” he added. “So he’s got some votes, but I agree with you, he would lose a lot of Republican votes if this screen that you’re putting up there really got out and got broadcast.”

According to recent polls, RFK Jr. trails a large margin behind President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. 

In a USA Today/Suffolk University survey, Trump secured 37.1 percent support, Biden 36.7 percent, and Kennedy with just eight percent of support. 

A Redfield & Wilton poll found that Kennedy only holds seven percent of the vote, while Trump holds 43 percent and Biden 41 percent. 

During the interview, Hannity listed some of Kennedy’s most far-left views including his support for eliminating fracking and endorsing Hillary Clinton. 

Supports push to clean energy and zero emissions, supports eliminating fracking, endorsed Bernie’s climate plan, supports divesting from fossil fuels, supports carbon tax, supports Paris Climate Accords, called the NRA a ‘terror group,’ supports affirmative action, supports reparations, supports amnesty for non-violent drug offenders, wants to ‘transform the police,’ called Louis Farrakhan a ‘truly great partner,’ supports raising minimum wage to $15/hour, supports labor unions, supports raising taxes, endorsed Al Gore in 2000, endorsed John Kerry in 2004, claimed 2004 election was stolen, donated to Obama, endorsed Hillary Clinton for Senate in 2000, endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in 2007, repeatedly praised Bernie Sanders, a ‘sin’ for people to not address global warming, blamed America for causing 9/11, supports ESG,” and “called Fidel Castro ‘incredibly charming.’ Via the Daily Wire.