‘We’re going RINO hunting’: GOP candidate Eric Greitens’ ad gets banned on Facebook and violates Twitter rules



Missouri Senate candidate Eric Greitens stirred controversy Monday after releasing a new campaign ad telling supporters to go "RINO hunting."

In the ad Greitens, the Republican former governor who resigned from office in 2018 amid sexual misconduct allegations, announced his Navy Seal background and cocked a shotgun before declaring, "We're going RINO hunting."

RINO is an acronym that stands for "Republican in name only." It's used by conservatives and GOP activists to deride Republican elected officials they perceive as being too friendly with Democrats or insufficiently conservative.

"The RINO feeds on corruption and is marked by the stripes of cowardice," Greitens tells the camera before a Navy Seal team breaches a house.

Urging his supporters to get a "RINO hunting permit," Greitens says, "there’s no bagging limit, no tagging limit, and it doesn’t expire until we save our country."

"We are sick and tired of the Republicans in Name Only surrendering to Joe Biden & the radical Left," Greitens tweeted. "Order your RINO Hunting Permit today!"

\u201cWe are sick and tired of the Republicans in Name Only surrendering to Joe Biden & the radical Left.\n\nOrder your RINO Hunting Permit today!\u201d
— Eric Greitens (@Eric Greitens) 1655731800

The ad was immediately controversial. Twitter assigned a notice to Greitens' tweet explaining that it violates Twitter Rules about "abusive behavior." But the tweet was not taken down because "Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible."

Users can still find and quote the tweet, but commenting, retweeting, and liking have all been disabled to limit the post's reach.

Facebook took more drastic action and removed Greitens' video, according to CNN correspondent Donie O'Sullivan.

\u201cFacebook has removed the Eric Greitens video:\n\nMeta spokesperson: "We removed this video for violating our policies prohibiting violence and incitement."\u201d
— Donie O'Sullivan (@Donie O'Sullivan) 1655742109

"We removed this video for violating our policies prohibiting violence and incitement," a Meta spokesman said. Meta is Facebook's parent company.

The ad prompted visceral reactions from the left on Twitter, which accused Greitens of inciting violence against members of his own party.

"This is sociopathic. You're going to get someone killed," Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) tweeted.

"Radical.. extreme… unhinged… today’s MAGA Republicans are a cancer to American democracy," said DNC chairman Jaime Harrison.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) blamed Republican leaders Kevin McCarthy and Mitch McConnell for enabling "MAGA radicals" to run as Republicans.

"Now it's out of control & threatens everyone's freedom," Swalwell tweeted.

CNN anchor Jake Tapper observed that Greitens' ex-wife has accused him of physically abusing her and their children in legal filings for their ongoing custody battle.

\u201cYou\u2019d think a Senate candidate accused of spousal and child abuse by his ex-wife \u2014 to say nothing of the accusations he sexually assaulted and blackmailed his former hairdresser \u2014 might consider a less violent appeal to voters.\u201d
— Jake Tapper (@Jake Tapper) 1655735580

But some conservative commentators were upset with Greitens' ad as well. Many pointed out that the video seemed intentionally designed to provoke outrage, which some cynically suggested Greitens might use to distract from his flaws as a Senate candidate or boost his media attention in the crowded Republican primary.

"A man with a history of domestic violence and abuse is trying to win by trolling his opponents in this way. Wow," said conservative radio host Erick Erickson.

"Reminder: this guy bound & blindfolded his hairdresser and took nude blackmail photos of her without her knowledge," noted "Political Beats" podcast co-host Jeff Blehar, referring to the allegations against Greitens that prompted him to leave office.

"All this? that's to distract you from the fact that this guy bound & blindfolded his hairdresser and took nude blackmail photos of her without her knowledge."

Blehar also pointed out that Greitens was a lifelong Democrat who joined the Republican Party in 2015 when he first ran for office.

\u201cERIC GREITENS: RINO hunter!\n\nALSO ERIC GREITENS: Democrat until 2015, right before he decided to run for office.\u201d
— Jeff B. is *BOX OFFICE POISON* (@Jeff B. is *BOX OFFICE POISON*) 1655736004

Conservative radio host Dana Loesch pointed out Greitens' hypocrisy on guns, calling him out for waving a gun around in his ad after he refused to support so-called "constitutional carry" laws and criticized the Second Amendment Preservation Act — dubbed SAPA — as governor.

Constitutional carry laws permit gun owners to carry their firearms without a license, while SAPA would have invalidated federal firearm restrictions on lawful gun owners.

\u201cWhy then did you make the MO Capitol a gun free zone, bash the Second Amendment Preservation Act using verbatim Mom\u2019s Demand language, and refuse to support Constitutional Carry? https://t.co/avS9aSUJCG\u201d
— Dana Loesch (@Dana Loesch) 1655739223

The controversial ad follows a bipartisan deal in the U.S. Senate on a framework for gun control legislation. Twenty senators — 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats — have agreed in principle on a series of measures including incentives for states to adopt red-flag laws, expanded background checks for gun purchases, and funding for mental health and safety programs.

Comedian Dana Gould claims that the late Rush Limbaugh 'contributed nothing worthwhile to the culture'



Conservative talk radio icon Rush Limbaugh passed away last year, but comedian Dana Gould opined on Thursday that Limbaugh's work "had no value."

"Thinking about Rush Limbaugh and how, now that he’s dead, you never, ever hear about him. No one mentions anything he did. Because what he did had no value. It contributed nothing worthwhile to the culture. Nothing of lasting value," Gould tweeted.

"He just made anger. Every day. Rising, blooming & fading like a fart. Then he died & was instantly replaced by a fleet of little replicas, farting fake fury five days a week. Creating nothing of interest or artistic value to anyone. Seriously, what an awful way to make a living," Gould continued in another tweet.

He just made anger. Every day. Rising, blooming & fading like a fart. Then he died & was instantly replaced by a fleet of little replicas, farting fake fury five days a week. Creating nothing of interest or artistic value to anyone.\n\nSeriously, what an awful way to make a living.
— Dana Gould (@Dana Gould) 1648141702

Limbaugh was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during then-President Trump's State of the Union address in 2020.

"And Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Trump said.

Kayleigh McEnany and others pushed back against Gould's claims about the late talk radio host.

"This is gross. No matter what state I am in, a mention of Rush gets a huge applause. He inspired a generation of conservatives. Myself included. More importantly, Rush gave untold sums to charity, named one of the most philanthropic celebrities. Sad you devote time to this…" McEnany tweeted.

"Tell me you live in a liberal bubble without telling me," someone else tweeted.

"On the contrary, he is so fondly remembered by millions. How many will remember you @danagould?" someone else tweeted.

'Owning a gun isn’t a 'God-given right'': Nebraska state lawmaker calls the right to bear arms 'a slave-owning, misogynistic founding father-given right'



Nebraska state Sen. Megan Hunt (D) declared in a Thursday tweet that gun ownership is not a right given by God, but a right bestowed by America's "slave-owning, misogynistic" founders.

"Owning a gun isn’t a 'God-given right.' It’s a slave-owning, misogynistic founding father-given right. I’m not against 2a, but be real - the Constitution was written by people! Today I’m filibustering a bill that would allow concealed carry without training or a permit," the state lawmaker tweeted.

Hunt has served in Nebraska's unicameral state legislature since early 2019.

In her Twitter biography, Hunt described herself as a "Bi queen." She also included the gender pronouns "she/her" and called to "Abolish ICE," a reference to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Hunt also included a mask-wearing emoji next to her name on the social media platform.

Dana Loesch responded to Hunt's post by tweeting, "Gun control is racist. Free men and women were barred from their constitutional rights by people just like this beyond parody political." She added, "I had to laugh at the 'misogynistic' being tossed in — women had the right to bear arms before we won the right to vote so nah, girl."

Gun control is racist. Free men and women were barred from their constitutional rights by people just like this beyond parody political.https://twitter.com/NebraskaMegan/status/1502015245694476289\u00a0\u2026
— Dana Loesch (@Dana Loesch) 1646955837

"Girl spare me," Hunt tweeted in response to Loesch. "Your NRA holds rallies every time a mass shooting happens. You fundraise at the scene of the crime as soon as the corpses of the dead are taken away. Where was your NRA for Philandro Castile when he was shot by police as a legal gun owner? Be serious."

KMTV reported that state law currently requires Nebraskans who wish to carry a concealed firearm take a gun training course and secure a permit from the Nebraska State Patrol.

"Did I miss somewhere when I was reading the Second Amendment, it’s very short, where we’re required to pay $200 and take a class to exercise those rights," state Sen. Julie Slama said, according to KMTV.

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

ATF encourages people to celebrate Valentine's Day by turning in their exes



The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives encouraged people to celebrate Valentine’s Day by turning in their criminal ex-lovers.

The ATF urged people to provide information detailing their exes’ involvements in “illegal gun activity.”

“Valentine’s Day can still be fun even if you broke up,” the federal agency wrote on its official Twitter, “Do you have information about a former (or current) partner involved in illegal gun activity?”

Valentine's Day can still be fun even if you broke up. Do you have information about a former (or current) partner involved in illegal gun activity? Let us know, and we will make sure it's a Valentine's Day to remember! Call 1-888-ATF-TIPS or email ATFTips@atf.gov.pic.twitter.com/OdDIPdIzkr
— ATF HQ (@ATF HQ) 1644843698

The ATF’s comment was met with online ridicule and condemnation.

Conservative political pundit Dana Loesch criticized the ATF for hypocritically seeking to arrest American citizens for gun crimes when the agency also played a critical role in the "Fast and Furious" gun-running operation.

What if it\u2019s your own government for a gun-running op called Fast and Furious? Weren\u2019t you guys involved in that?https://twitter.com/ATFHQ/status/1493208813670965248\u00a0\u2026
— Dana Loesch (@Dana Loesch) 1644854519

J.D. Vance, a conservative-populist candidate for the U.S. Senate in Ohio, reprimanded the ATF for not prioritizing bringing the Mexican drug cartels to justice.

Why don\u2019t you guys focus on Mexican drug cartelshttps://twitter.com/atfhq/status/1493208813670965248\u00a0\u2026
— J.D. Vance (@J.D. Vance) 1644863507

Justin Amash, the former lone congressional libertarian turned podcaster, called for the ATF’s abolishment in response.

Abolish the ATF.https://twitter.com/atfhq/status/1493208813670965248\u00a0\u2026
— Justin Amash (@Justin Amash) 1644862688

Matt Walsh of the Daily Wire called the ATF’s post “psychotic.”

This is psychotichttps://twitter.com/atfhq/status/1493208813670965248\u00a0\u2026
— Matt Walsh (@Matt Walsh) 1644861697

In September of 2021, the Biden administration withdrew David Chipman’s nomination to run the ATF after he refused to answer questions posed by members of the United States Senate leading to concerns that if he were to become the director of the ATF he would implement draconian regulations on firearms thus restricting access to rifles commonly used for hunting and self-defense.

Chipman told the Senate that he supported an outright ban on AR-15 style rifles.

WATCH: Sen. Ted Cruz gets Joe Biden\u2019s ATF Director nominee David Chipman to admit that he wants to BAN the AR-15, the most popular rifle in America. \n\n\u201cWith respect to the AR-15, I support a ban.\u201dpic.twitter.com/6nDgalAkRj
— Steve Guest (@Steve Guest) 1622045403

Chipman is a former ATF agent who currently serves as a policy adviser for gun control advocacy groups.

While serving in the ATF, Chipman was stationed in Waco, Texas, and worked as a “case agent in [the] Branch Davidian trial.” The Branch Davidians were a cult that lived in Waco.

In 1993, the federal government served the group with a search warrant leading to a violent shootout that resulted in the death of 76 cult members.

While participating in a Reddit “ask me anything” thread, Chipman lied about the events of the 1993 massacre. Chipman told Redditors participating in the thread that the Branch Davidians were using 0.50 caliber Barrett rifles to shoot down helicopters belonging to the Texas Air National Guard.

On his show, Fox News’ Tucker Carlson addressed Chipman’s lies. Carlson said, “No one aboard a federal helicopter was shot down or injured that day. The helicopters didn’t crash.”

Tucker Carlson Tonight (clip): AIR.TV www.air.tv

USA Today skewered for article claiming pedophilia is 'misunderstood.' Newspaper deletes tweets, changes headline after being accused of attempting to 'normalize pedophilia.'



USA Today was lambasted this week for publishing an article framing pedophilia as "misunderstood." Swift backlash caused the publication to delete tweets promoting the article, which was originally titled "What the public keeps getting wrong about pedophilia," before being edited to "The complicated research behind pedophilia."

"Pedophilia is viewed as among the most horrifying social ills. But scientists who study the sexual disorder say it is also among the most misunderstood," the article begins.

"When most of the public thinks of pedophilia, they assume it's synonymous with child sexual abuse, a pervasive social problem that has exploded to crisis levels online," USA Today national correspondent Alia E. Dastagir wrote. "Researchers who study pedophilia say the term describes an attraction, not an action, and using it interchangeably with 'abuse' fuels misperceptions."

The article cites psychologist Anna Salter, who argues, "There are the people who are sexually attracted to children ... (and then) there are some people who molest kids who are not pedophiles. They molest kids because of anger. They molest kids because they're scared of adult women. They molest kids to get revenge, but they don't actually have an age preference for prepubescent children."

The article quotes James Cantor – a clinical psychologist, sex researcher, and former editor-in-chief of Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment. In 2018, Cantor advocated for pedophilia to be labeled as a sexual preference and be included in the LGBTQ+ collective.

"Speaking as a gay men [sic], I believe we SHOULD include the P. To do otherwise is to betray the principles that give us our rights," Cantor wrote on Twitter.

Speaking as a gay men, I believe we SHOULD include the P. To do otherwise is to betray the principles that give us our rights.
— Dr. James Cantor (@Dr. James Cantor) 1544300474

The article also cites Allyn Walke, an assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice at Old Dominion University. Walker was placed on administrative leave on Nov. 16 after referring to pedophiles as "minor-attracted people" or "MAPs."

On the topic of "minor-attracted people," Walker claimed, "There is no morality or immorality attached to attraction to anyone because no one can control who they're attracted to at all. In other words, it's not who we're attracted to that's either OK or not OK. It's our behaviors and responding to that attraction that are either OK or not OK."

Walker's bio states the assistant professor is a "white, queer, nonbinary trans person" with pronouns of "they/them."

Walker – who will leave Old Dominion University in May because of the controversy – said in a resignation statement: "My scholarship aims to prevent child sexual abuse. That research was mischaracterized by some in the media and online, partly on the basis of my trans identity."

The article states, "Allyn Walker argued destigmatizing the attraction would allow more people to seek help and ultimately prevent child sexual abuse. There is growing support in the field for Walker's point of view."

USA Today shared the article on Twitter with the caption: "We think we know what a pedophile is. There’s a lot we’re misunderstanding.”

“When most of the public thinks of pedophilia, they assume it’s synonymous with child sexual abuse," the since-deleted tweet posted on the USA Today Life Twitter account. "A pedophile is an adult who is sexually attracted to children, but not all pedophiles abuse kids, and some people who sexually abuse kids are not pedophiles."

USA Today deleted the entire Twitter thread.

"A previous thread did not include all information and the story it was written about is behind a paywall," the newspaper said in a later tweet. "We made the decision to delete the thread. The initial thread lacked the context that was within the story and we made the decision the pull down the entire thread."

USA Today deleted this thread, in which the publication defended pedophilia.pic.twitter.com/ssfLjoDklt
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong) 1641932283

The USA Today article was bashed by critics who claimed the newspaper was attempting to "normalize pedophilia."

NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck: "Ah, yes. Here we go with the liberal media celebrating and trying to normalize pedophilia. That's right, folks. @USAToday, trying to destigmatize...grown adults having sex with little kids."

Donald Trump Jr.: "USA TODAY TRIES TO 'UNDERSTAND' PEDOPHILES!!! To me (and probably anyone who has been watching) this is nothing more than the first step of trying to normalize this kind of behavior."

Former congressional candidate Barrington Martin II: "So you’re deciding to double down on being pedophile sympathizers?"

Second Amendment Foundation editor Lee Williams: "Hey, @USATODAY -- you can't normalize and destigmatize pedophilia in context. It's a nonstarter. You should pull down the entire story, not just the Twitter thread."

Political commentator Rita Panahi: "Hey @USATODAY you deleted this tweet & the creepy thread that amounted to pedo propaganda. But why did you post it in the first place?"

Radio host Dana Loesch: "After deleting their tweet defending child predation, @USATODAY changed the headline on their story."

After deleting their tweet defending child predation, @USATODAY changed the headline on their story:pic.twitter.com/ovczSBTtHO
— Dana Loesch (@Dana Loesch) 1641933988

Virginia cop loses job after chief finds out he donated $25 to Kyle Rittenhouse legal fund



A Norfolk, Virginia, police officer is out of a job after having reportedly donated $25 to Kyle Rittenhouse's legal defense fund, the New York Daily News reported.

The Norfolk city manager announced the officer's departure in a Tuesday statement.

What are the details?

On Tuesday, Norfolk city manager Chip Filer announced that he accepted Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone's recommendation to terminate the employment of Lt. William Kelly.

The move came on the heels of a Guardian report that named police officers and public officials who donated to Rittenhouse's legal fund. The Guardian's report noted that a data breach at a Christian crowdfunding website revealed that officers and officials donated money to Rittenhouse's fund.

Rittenhouse is accused of two murders after having crossed state lines and shot protesters at an anti-police rally in Kenosha, Wisconsin, following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

Kelly reportedly donated $25 to the fund using his department email address, and wrote a message of encouragement to Rittenhouse that read, "God bless. Thank you for your courage. Keep your head up. You've done nothing wrong. Every rank and file police officer supports you. Don't be discouraged by actions of the political class of law enforcement leadership."

In a lengthy statement, Filer said that the officer's actions were against department policies.

“His egregious comments erode the trust between the Norfolk Police Department and those they are sworn to serve," Filer said in the statement. “The City of Norfolk has a standard of behavior for all employees, and we hold staff accountable."

In the statement, Boone added, "I want the residents of Norfolk to know that their police department will represent and uphold our organization values of Service, Honor, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Diversity. A police department cannot do its job when the public loses trust with those whose duty is it serve and protect them."

JUST IN: @NorfolkPD Lt. William Kelly has been "relieved of duty" - he's the officer accused of donating to Kyle R… https://t.co/SbWtBCE53m
— Dana Smith (@Dana Smith)1618946487.0

Michigan AG openly admits she jailed defiant restaurant owner for taunting the government and going on Tucker Carlson's show



Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel unabashedly admitted over the weekend that political motivations were at play in her decision to arrest a defiant restaurant owner in her state.

What are the details?

The attorney general posted a statement to Twitter on Sunday regarding the arrest of Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, a restaurant owner from Holland, Michigan, targeted by authorities in the state for continuing to operate her business in violation of the coronavirus guidelines.

In the statement, Nessel cited Pavlos-Hackney's repeated health violations, but also did not shy away from pointing to several political factors that precipitated Pavlos-Hackney's arrest — which apparently included an appearance the restaurant owner made on Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" as well as her similarities to former President Donald Trump. Here's what the attorney general said (emphasis added):

Marlena Pavlos-Hackney had countless opportunities to comply with even the most basic health and safety protocols to protect her community from the spread of COVID-19. She defied her local health department and the court at every turn, instead choosing to taunt health inspectors, law enforcement and the courts at every turn — going on Tucker Carlson and setting up a lucrative GoFundMe account instead of making even the slightest effort to protect her customers, her workers and her community. She is no martyr and no hero. One cannot repeat the mantra of "Law and Order" and support the activities of Ms. Pavlos-Hackney. But if you cheered Donald Trump when he bragged about the many ways he avoided military service while others complied with their legal obligations, it's no wonder you revere this woman. Making personal sacrifice for the greater good of our state and nation was once considered admirable Not anymore.
Marlena Pavlos-Hackney had countless opportunities to comply with even the most basic health and safety protocols t… https://t.co/dJ4gsvXQUT
— Dana Nessel (@Dana Nessel)1616352160.0

Pavlos-Hackney, who had her food license suspended over her refusal to require masks or social distancing in her restaurant, had continued to operate her business in defiance of court orders. Then last week, she was taken into custody by authorities and threatened with 93 days in jail for criminal contempt.

What else?

On Wednesday, Carlson shot back at Nessel over the statement, calling her an "out of control" ideologue who "cares only about partisan advantage."

"She's also a bit of a dim bulb. Not a super genius," the anchor added. "That's why, when she was asked why she put Marlena Pavlos-Hackney in jail, Nessel actually admitted the real reason ... she said straightforwardly that Marlena Pavlos-Hackney had dared to come on this show at 8:00 p.m. and complain about her. That's no longer allowed."

"To compound the offense, Pavlos-Hackney tried to raise money for her own legal defense. That, too, is now a crime in Dana Nessel's Michigan," Carlson added.

Pavlos-Hackney has raised over $275,000 to cover legal fees through a GoFundMe page.

Tucker: Michigan AG arrested guest after appearing on this show www.youtube.com

Anything else?

Pavlos-Hackney was released from jail on Tuesday, according to WMMT-TV. The news outlet reported that a county judge had ruled she would remain in jail until she paid a $7,500 fine and agreed to close down her restaurant.

Republican lawmakers in the state have spoken out in defense of Pavlos-Hackney, who they claim was simply trying to support herself, her family, and her employees by keeping her restaurant open. They held a rally outside of her restaurant this week.

Jake Tapper questions rep's 'commitment' to democracy after vet who lost his legs argued against impeachment



CNN anchor Jake Tapper questioned a GOP congressman's "commitment" to democracy on Wednesday for arguing against impeaching President Donald Trump in a rushed vote, after noting that the representative lost both his legs while fighting overseas for the United States.

What are the details?

During a segment covering debates on the House floor ahead of the vote to impeach Trump for allegedly inciting an insurrection, Tapper told co-host Dana Bash, "Congressman Brian Mast, a Republican from Florida, who lost his legs, by the way, fighting for democracy abroad, although—I don't know about his commitment to it here in the United States."

Jake Tapper:"Congressman Brian Mast... who lost his legs by the way fighting for democracy abroad, although I don… https://t.co/l3ROjvlCT8
— Daily Caller (@Daily Caller)1610572414.0

Rep. Mast, a Purple Heart recipient and veteran of the Afghanistan War, tweeted in response, "I lost two legs for @jaketapper's right to say whatever the hell he wants, but that free speech also protects the Republicans he is so eager to condemn for asking Constitutional questions about the election."

In reaction to Tapper's statement, BlazeTV's Dave Rubin tweeted, "This might be the most vile thing ever said on cable news. Tapper was CNN's last hope and he turned out to be the absolute worst."

Mast, arguing against impeaching Trump, had asked rhetorically on the House floor earlier in the day if any of the people who stormed the Capitol building last week had been brought before the lower to chamber to testify as to "whether they did that because of our president."

Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) not having the speech he thought he'd have. https://t.co/n6JWgh3a4Y
— The Recount (@The Recount)1610568435.0

Bash, after promising to share evidence to the contrary, posted a video online showing a protester yelling outside the Capitol, insisting, "We were invited here! We were invited!...We were invited by the president of the United States!"

This: https://t.co/5Kcm0yMSSH
— Dana Bash (@Dana Bash)1610573441.0

Mast tweeted after the impeachment vote, "In the debate of this very serious decision to impeach a President, Congress has not held one hearing or asked any questions. Congress cannot make an honest assessment without conducting an honest deliberation!"

In the debate of this very serious decision to impeach a President, Congress has not held one hearing or asked any… https://t.co/m3lBFTquQq
— Brian Mast (@Brian Mast)1610577314.0

The Democrat-led House acted swiftly Wednesday to vote on impeaching Trump in a 232-197 vote that saw ten Republicans vote in favor of the action.

Democrats have pressed for rushing to impeach the president before he leaves office next week, but the GOP-led Senate will not conduct its trial on the charge against Trump until he leaves office next week, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

CNN's Dana Bash decries 'cancel culture B.S.' after social media melts down over her response to Trump video



CNN's Dana Bash faced an outpouring of outrage from the network's viewers on social media after she merely pointed out that the president appeared to have a different tone in a video statement he posted to Twitter.

Bash made the comments on Thursday a day after chaos erupted at the U.S. Capitol when supporters of the president attempted to forcefully stop Congress from verifying the election results. CNN anchor Erin Burnett asked Bash to respond to the video the president posted where he scolded the rioters.

"This is though very different from what he said yesterday," said Burnett. "So Dana, what's your reaction to this, as we hear it now?"

"Well," responded Bash, "it is obviously a very different tone."

"Yes," agreed Burnett.

Many viewers turned to social media to express their outrage at Bash for pointing out the different tone from the president.

"I don't f***ing believe it but @DanaBashCNN just said Trump is showing "a new tone" I'm not f***ing kidding," tweeted Matt Negrin, a producer for "The Daily Show."

He posted a short video of the comments to his Twitter account.

The day after Donald Trump incited a domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol @DanaBashCNN said he is showing… https://t.co/OK7IMQBBVl
— Matt Negrin, HOST OF HARDBALL AT 7PM ON MSNBC (@Matt Negrin, HOST OF HARDBALL AT 7PM ON MSNBC)1610066028.0

"In the most generous interpretation of this, Dana didn't have a good analysis and just had to say something to fill the air. @DanaBashCNN you should apologize this is absolutely f***ing nuts. Trump incited a mob that killed people," he added.

Others jumped in to attack Bash for her comment.

"Dana Bash said he struck a very different tone. F*** her," said one commenter.

"A different tone? What's this dumb a** Dana Bash talking about? His spray tan tone????? F*** outta here," said another Twitter user.

"Dana Bash went back to talking about Trump's new tone. I wish I was joking. I wish I was joking," tweeted Adam Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and consultant.

Bash tried to explain herself, which solicited even more online abuse.

"I almost never respond such things - but your attack on me tonight was totally out of bounds and out of context. What the president said was different. I didn't defend it. I explained it. With reporting. I also called out his lies in the video," Bash tweeted.

Hey @AdamParkhomenko - I almost never respond such things - but your attack on me tonight was totally out of bounds… https://t.co/IvSbmDvdDk
— Dana Bash (@Dana Bash)1610073997.0

"These times are hard enough," she added. "Engaging in cancel culture B.S. has got to stop - especially when it comes to journalists putting facts first. Enough."

Matt Doric, a CNN communications director, also defended Bash while criticizing Parkhomenko.

"This is such a cheap shot. And such willfully ignorant BS. It's even cheaper bc you didn't have the guts to tag her," he tweeted.

Arlington National Cemetery cancels 'Wreaths Across America' event due to COVID-19



Arlington National Cemetery has canceled its annual "Wreaths Across America" event for 2020, citing concerns over crowd size in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

What are the details?

"Wreaths Across America" is a nationwide event held at cemeteries across the country, involving the laying of wreaths at the graves of America's fallen heroes each December. Its stated mission is to "remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve," and "teach your children the value of freedom."

This year's event is slated for Dec. 19, but America's most coveted veterans' cemetery will not be participating.

"Due to the current COVID-19 situation across the nation and within the National Capital Region, it is with great regret that Arlington National Cemetery is canceling Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home Cemetery," according to a news release from Arlington National Cemetery on Monday.

Karen Durharn-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army National Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery, said in a statement:

"We did not make this decision lightly, Despite the controls developed to disperse potential crowds in time and space, and required personal safety protocols, we determined that hosting any event of this scale risked compromising our ability to accomplish our core mission of laying veterans and their eligible family members to rest. We reviewed various options to safely execute this long standing event and held numerous consultations with WAA leadership and local government and public health officials. We understand that although this is disappointing for so many, we could no longer envision a way to safely accommodate the large number of visitors we typically host during this event."

Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent Charles "Ray" Alexander said that organizers' "strong hope" is that the event can be held at ANC next year.

"While many of our families and visitors associate the wreath event with the holiday season, we thank all the thousands of volunteers who had planned to take this time to Honor, Remember, and Explore those who are laid to rest at our nation's most hallowed ground," Alexander said. "We invite everyone to virtually visit the cemetery through our multimedia platforms @ArlingtonNatl."

WRC-TV reported that "coronavirus cases and deaths are climbing in D.C., Maryland and Virginia — with big jumps in cases in Virginia and Maryland.

Anything else?

The news of Arlington's decision was met overwhelmingly with disappointment and some frustration from followers on its Twitter feed. Several respondents argued that with voting in person and protests being allowed to continue, the cemetery might reconsider.

Conservative radio host Dana Loesch wrote, "Really sorry to read this. My family looks forward to kicking off Christmas by honoring those who served and learning about their service while laying wreaths. (Usually it's cold and we're all covered up, including faces.)"

Really sorry to read this. My family looks forward to kicking off Christmas by honoring those who served and learni… https://t.co/akeOkYxiTz
— Dana Loesch (@Dana Loesch)1605572185.0