Trump celebrates acquittal with White House pomp, condemns political foes

[webfact]

Trump celebrates acquittal with White House pomp, condemns political foes

By Jeff Mason and Richard Cowan

 

U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a copy of USA Today's front page showing news of his acquitttal in his Senate impeachment trial, as he arrives to address the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, U.S., February 6, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated his acquittal on impeachment charges in a caustic, free-wheeling speech on Thursday that drew on White House pomp to underscore the fact that he remained in office.

 

After walking down a red carpet to a standing ovation from scores of Republican lawmakers, administration officials and conservative media figures in the East Room of the White House, Trump re-aired old grievances and accused Democrats of staging a "corrupt" effort to undermine his presidency in a speech lasting more than an hour.

 

"I've done things wrong in my life, I will admit ... but this is what the end result is," Trump said, holding up a copy of the Washington Post with the headline "Trump acquitted."

 

The Republican president then handed the newspaper to his wife, Melania, and said maybe they would frame it.

 

Speaking without a teleprompter, he referred to the 22-month investigation by former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller into his 2016 election campaign's possible contacts with Russia, using a profanity.

 

"It was all bullshit," he said.

 

The Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday voted to acquit Trump on charges brought by the Democratic-led House of Representatives, only the third time in U.S. history that a president has been impeached.

 

President Donald Trump, facing a bruising re-election campaign and possible further investigations in Congress, on Thursday called the Democrats who pursued his impeachment "dishonest and corrupt" and accused some of his political foes of invoking religious faith to justify wrongful acts. Zachary Goelman reports.

 

The acquittal was Trump's biggest victory yet over his foes in Congress, who had attacked Senate Republicans for refusing to call witnesses or seek new evidence at the trial.

 

Earlier on Thursday, Trump, who has strong support from evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics, faulted some of his opponents for invoking their religious faith during the impeachment battle.

 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic who launched the impeachment inquiry in September, said in December that she does not hate Trump and that she prays for him. Republican Senator Mitt Romney, a Mormon, cited his religious faith when he voted to convict Trump on a charge of abuse of power on Wednesday. Romney was the only Republican to vote for conviction. No Democrat voted to acquit.

 

"I don't like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong. Nor do I like people who say 'I pray for you,' when they know that that's not so," Trump said at the annual National Prayer Breakfast.

 

He referred to the issue again in the East Room: "I doubt she (Pelosi) prays at all."

 

Pelosi had said that Trump's comments at the historically bipartisan breakfast, which she also attended, were inappropriate.

 

"He's talking about things he knows little about - faith and prayer," she told a news conference.

 

In addition to multiple references to Pelosi, Trump called former FBI Director James Comey a "sleazebag" and Representative Adam Schiff, the House Democrat who spearheaded the impeachment drive, a "vicious, horrible person," while thanking dozens of Republican lawmakers by name, working alphabetically from a list.

 

He also reprised his attacks on 2016 Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

 

The partisan tenor of the speech, which was interrupted several times by thunderous applause and laughter from the audience, did not bode well for the already sharply divided mood in Washington, especially in an election year.

 

Trump is running for re-election in November.

 

NEXT STEPS?

Senate Republicans voted to acquit Trump of abuse of power for pressing Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, a contender to be the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 election, and of obstructing a congressional investigation of the matter.

 

Democrats were unclear about their next steps in investigating Trump. There are several pending court cases related to Democratic efforts to get more information from Trump, and Pelosi issued a statement saying the House would protect the Constitution "both in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion."

 

Democrats have suggested they might subpoena John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, to testify to House committees. Senate Republicans rejected Democratic efforts to subpoena Bolton to testify during the trial.

 

Democrats have expressed concern an acquittal would encourage a president who already challenges political norms, painting him as a threat to U.S. democracy and a demagogue who has acted lawlessly.

 

Eleven Democrats are vying for the right to challenge Trump in November, but Trump heads into the campaign with the advantages of a powerful fundraising machine and near universal support from Republicans.

 

Trump's job approval ratings have remained fairly consistent throughout his presidency and the impeachment process, as his core conservative supporters - especially white men, rural Americans, evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics - stuck with him.

 

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted on Monday and Tuesday, showed 42% of American adults approved of his performance, while 54% disapproved. That was nearly the same as when the House launched its impeachment inquiry in September, when his approval stood at 43% and disapproval at 53%.

 

(Reporting by Richard Cowan, Steve Holland and Jeff Mason; Writing by John Whitesides, Paul Simao and Sonya Hepinstall; Editing by Andy Sullivan and Paul Simao)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-02-07

Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking Thailand news and visa info

[Crazy Alex]

A partisan, Democrat sham by deranged Democrats was defeated. It's a great day to be an American. President Trump should throw a big party.

[bendejo]

If Jesus came back, DT would insult him.

 

 

[AussieBob18]

Trump and the GOP is going to use all of these partisan and fake investigations and impeachment during the election campaign, and then once re-elected they will set about their own investigations.  To start the investigations now would create fuel for the liberals to use in thgeir campaigns.  As they say - revenge is a meal best eaten cold.

[leeneeds]

 

a sense of history if you could buy the Nancy speech rip up and sell it on pawn stars.

 

 

[Cryingdick]

30 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

Trump and the GOP is going to use all of these partisan and fake investigations and impeachment during the election campaign, and then once re-elected they will set about their own investigations.  To start the investigations now would create fuel for the liberals to use in thgeir campaigns.  As they say - revenge is a meal best eaten cold.

 

I am also certain there is a day of reckoning coming. Hopefully he can get a house and senate majority and eliminate term limits. Congratulations Mister President. 

[Tug]

The great Donald trump fantasy lie fest we know the fix was in we aren’t marks

[Jingthing]

An extremely abnormal presidential event.

 

 

 

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/06/politics/donald-trump-impeachment-senate-acquitted/index.html

 

The hidden worst part of Donald Trump's unhinged impeachment victory speech

 

Less than 24 hours after formally being acquitted by the Senate, President Donald Trump riffed for over an hour from inside the White House -- a vengeful, angry, fact-challenged spew of score-settling that even for this most unorthodox of presidents was eye-opening in its tone and jaw-dropping in its boundary busting

 

[Cryingdick]

 

8 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

An extremely abnormal presidential event.

 

 

 

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/06/politics/donald-trump-impeachment-senate-acquitted/index.html

 

The hidden worst part of Donald Trump's unhinged impeachment victory speech

 

Less than 24 hours after formally being acquitted by the Senate, President Donald Trump riffed for over an hour from inside the White House -- a vengeful, angry, fact-challenged spew of score-settling that even for this most unorthodox of presidents was eye-opening in its tone and jaw-dropping in its boundary busting

 

 

I actually watched it and found Trump to be pretty calm given the circumstances. 90% of the time was spent reminiscing about trivial things with people who supported him. That's a great article for people who never watched the entire thing or are only going to get a montage of cherry picked clips. 

 

You want unhinged take a peek at Nancy. She looks like she is on the brink.

[AussieBob18]

18 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

I am also certain there is a day of reckoning coming. Hopefully he can get a house and senate majority and eliminate term limits. Congratulations Mister President. 

Creating term limits for both the Hosue and Senate would leave a huge legacy for Trump - one he will be remembered for centuries.  Lets face it, undoing Obama's complete globalist liberal farce was bound to lead to economic growth, and imposing measures to stop illegal immigrants, and supporting Patriotism and the Military, Govt Deregulations, and so many other good things Trump has done, are all things that some POTUS's have achieved at one level or another.  But Reagan is always be remembered for winning the Cold War and shutting down USSR and bring down the Berlin Wall (except by the lefties).  Trump would likewise be remembered for a long long time if he was to introduce Term Limits - that would change the politics of USA forever.

 

[Cryingdick]

2 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

Creating term limits for both the Hosue and Senate would leave a huge legacy for Trump - one he will be remembered for centuries.  Lets face it, undoing Obama's complete globalist liberal farce was bound to lead to economic growth, and imposing measures to stop illegal immigrants, and supporting Patriotism and the Military, Govt Deregulations, and so many other good things Trump has done, are all things that some POTUS's have achieved at one level or another.  But Reagan is always be remembered for winning the Cold War and shutting down USSR and bring down the Berlin Wall (except by the lefties).  Trump would likewise be remembered for a long long time if he was to introduce Term Limits - that would change the politics of USA forever.

 

 

Oh I meant term limits for the president so he can stay in office forever. 

[AussieBob18]

1 minute ago, Cryingdick said:

Oh I meant term limits for the president so he can stay in office forever. 

What a great idea!!  If Pelosi, Schumer, etc can all stay in Office for over 3 decades, then why cannot the POTUS? 

 

Trump in Office for more than 2 terms is a great idea - I am sure everyone would support that ????

 

The only problem is that Trump is getting on a bit - he will get old one day - not as bad as Pelosi, but he will get old.

 

But there is a good thing too - if Trump annoints the next POTUS - Pence or otherwise - that person would be able to stay in Office forever ????

 

 

[JAG]

1 hour ago, bendejo said:

If Jesus came back, DT would insult him.

 

 

Given that Jesus was poor, and not from Aryan stock it's likely that he would be turned away at the border. 

[ExpatOK]

52 minutes ago, URMySunshine said:

Watched Midway last night an epc re-telling of US heroism and bravery in WW2. Then I remembered the acquittal of the great liar in chief Trump and contrasted his twisted personality with the true American war hero John McCain and felt ashamed to be human. The only Republican with balls is Mitt Romney. 

Complete B.S.

[AussieBob18]

32 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

An extremely abnormal presidential event.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/06/politics/donald-trump-impeachment-senate-acquitted/index.html

The hidden worst part of Donald Trump's unhinged impeachment victory speech

Less than 24 hours after formally being acquitted by the Senate, President Donald Trump riffed for over an hour from inside the White House -- a vengeful, angry, fact-challenged spew of score-settling that even for this most unorthodox of presidents was eye-opening in its tone and jaw-dropping in its boundary busting

 

As the old saying goes Jingthing - if you are going to assasinate the King, you better not miss.

[ehs818]

It's time for Dems to unite behind one candidate, virtually any one of them. They are all good people with good ideas. THEN, the remaining 10, plus so many others currently out of politics, should organize into a full time group to oust Trump. Bring lawsuits against him, do investigations into further wrong doing such as sexual harassment, illegal business dealings, and anything they can dig up from individuals in foreign countries to nail the coffin shut on this maggot.

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, bendejo said:

If Jesus came back, DT would insult him.

 

 

I see you missed his speech to the National Prayer Breakfast.

 

It was one long steaming pile of insults, and of course lies.

 

 

[englishoak]

Say it with me... your president for 4 more years... 

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, Cryingdick said:

 

I am also certain there is a day of reckoning coming. Hopefully he can get a house and senate majority and eliminate term limits. Congratulations Mister President. 

Oh there’s a day of reckoning coming.

[Chomper Higgot]

5 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

As the old saying goes Jingthing - if you are going to assasinate the King, you better not miss.

I’m pleased you now recognize Trump as a monarch, or at least a would be monarch.

[bendejo]

The pros are out in force today.

 

 

[JAG]

18 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I see you missed his speech to the National Prayer Breakfast.

 

It was one long steaming pile of insults, and of course lies.

 

 

But delivered with such piety, as befits a moral paragon and spiritual icon...

 

Incidentally, is it true that they serve Big Macs at the "National Prayer Breakfast"?

[Scott]

Troll post and replies reported and removed. 

 

[JAG]

1 hour ago, Cryingdick said:

 

I am also certain there is a day of reckoning coming. Hopefully he can get a house and senate majority and eliminate term limits. Congratulations Mister President. 

Hey, that would be a jolly good idea - just imagine - Mr Obama could be President again!

[steven100]

oh nancy   !   go and milk a cow or something  ...  

[jesimps]

1 hour ago, JAG said:

Given that Jesus was poor, and not from Aryan stock it's likely that he would be turned away at the border. 

If he didn't have the necessary documents, I'm sure he would be and quite right too. However, I'm sure he'd have just beamed himself across.

[Cryingdick]

51 minutes ago, ehs818 said:

It's time for Dems to unite behind one candidate, virtually any one of them. They are all good people with good ideas. THEN, the remaining 10, plus so many others currently out of politics, should organize into a full time group to oust Trump. Bring lawsuits against him, do investigations into further wrong doing such as sexual harassment, illegal business dealings, and anything they can dig up from individuals in foreign countries to nail the coffin shut on this maggot.

 

Bloomberg has already decided that the entire dem field is such a train wreck that he will come in and save it. 

[PremiumLane]

2 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

 

I am also certain there is a day of reckoning coming. Hopefully he can get a house and senate majority and eliminate term limits. Congratulations Mister President. 

that would be unconstitutional and I bet you are one of those types who bang on about the constitution all the time ???? 

[PremiumLane]

He was acquitted by the Senate that wouldn't hear any evidence or listen to witnesses - as some are saying "lamenting that the trial format was broken, riven by partisanship and incapable of delivering a true verdict on Trump's behavior." 

 

So, a pretty hollow victory

[Tug]

13 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Bloomberg has already decided that the entire dem field is such a train wreck that he will come in and save it. 

He may very well do just that at least he is the real deal not a bilko artist like trump and I dare say he reflects the American ideal much more so than the troll in chief imo