Trump Lies, Politicizes Hurricane Helene Disaster

 

The pathologically lying sociopath has never met a human tragedy that he didn't try to exploit:

Donald Trump repeatedly spread falsehoods Monday about the federal response to Hurricane Helene despite claiming not to be politicizing the disaster as he toured hard-hit areas in south Georgia.

The former president and Republican nominee claimed upon landing in Valdosta that President Joe Biden was “sleeping” and not responding to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who he said was “calling the president and hasn’t been able to get him.” He repeated the claim at an event with reporters after being told Kemp said he had spoken to Biden.

White House Karine Jean-Pierre pushed back against Trump’s assertion that Biden has been unresponsive during her daily press briefing, noting that Kemp himself told reporters he spoke to Biden on Sunday and that the president asked him what Georgia needed.  [snip]

Biden received frequent updates on the storm, the White House said, as did Harris aboard Air Force Two as she made a West Coast campaign swing. The vice president cut short her campaign trip Monday to return to Washington for a briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Trump, writing on his social media platform Monday, also claimed without evidence that the federal government and North Carolina’s Democratic governor were “going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas.” Asheville, which was devastated by the storm, is solidly Democratic, as is much of Buncombe County, which surrounds it...

Then more of his "truths" started flying:

This two-legged, overstuffed rat (no offense to overstuffed rats!), being the sociopathic narcissist that he is, has no empathy for the victims of the hurricane, just as he has no feelings about the "losers" and "suckers" who fought for their country, or people he rips off every day with his scams.  The Great Divider's desperately trying to throw as much mud at the walls to see what will stick.  A disaster, any disaster, will serve that purpose.

Meanwhile, you can go here to donate to disaster relief operations and do more than Trump will ever do for any of the victims.

BONUS:  Meanwhile, CNN sanewashes Trump's response.

(Photo: evil personified / Nicholas Kamm, AFP, Getty Images)

Today's Cartoons

 

(Ed.:  Tom Tomorrow is taking a break today.  We'll resume posting his latest cartoon next Monday.)

(click on images to enlarge)

(Brian McFadden, gocomics.com)

(Joel Pett, @joelpettcartoons)

(Michael de Adder, Halifax Herald, Canada)

(Steve Brodner, @sbrodner)

(Dave Whamond, caglecartoons.com)

(Lalo Alcaraz, LA Weekly)

(Clay Jones, claytoonz.com)

(Dennis Goris, @DennisGoris)

(Jeff Koterba, caglecartoons.com)

(Vaughan Tomlinson, weeklyhumorist.com)

Tweets / Xeets Of The Day

 

ICYMI, worth repeating --

 

I’ve hesitated to say this at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, but with last week’s big GDP revisions, there is no denying it: This is among the best performing economies in my 35+ years as an economist. Economic growth is rip-roaring, with real GDP up 3% over the past year.…

— Mark Zandi (@Markzandi) September 29, 2024

 

Populist man of the working class --

 

Trump: "I hated to give overtime. I hated it. I shouldn't say this, but I'd get other people in. I wouldn't pay." pic.twitter.com/S5uVQw9V3b

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 29, 2024

 

"The perfect mark for the Russians" --

 

This is a must-see! 💥💥💥💥
The truth about Trump's financial history! So, when you hear the maga-cult say 'Trump is a good business man,' throw this at them! 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/EbyiZTXWZ5

— honeybadgersmybitch (@ThomsonSherin) September 29, 2024

First responder (to a camera) Trump --

 

While efforts are underway by federal, state, local official, charities & volunteers to provide relief efforts to people devastated by the storm, Trump will roll into the scene with his huge motorcade & entourage to get in the way to obtain footage of himself pretending to help.

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) September 30, 2024

 

Hurricane survivors in the Southern states need to know that if Trump is elected, this is the last disaster you will get federal aid for. Ending FEMA is literally a key goal of project 2025.

— Tea Pain (@TeaPainUSA) September 30, 2024

OTOH, a compassionate leader --

 

I was just briefed by @FEMA_Deanne Criswell on the latest developments about the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also discussed our Administration's continued actions to support emergency response and recovery.

I also spoke with @NC_Governor Cooper about the ongoing… pic.twitter.com/nlZPB0h3mO

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 30, 2024

 

Your choice, America pic.twitter.com/yKAH5Av9Ig

— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) September 30, 2024

 

Hi from NC!
A State of Emergency requested by Governor Cooper was approved last Wednesday by President Biden. FEMA is on the ground in NC. The National Guard is on the ground in NC. Local, State & Federal assistance IS flowing. STOP LYING ON US TO FURTHER YOUR POLITICAL AGENDA! https://t.co/ldZwKzZcTe

— Flawless Petty * HarrisForFreedom (@Kristina_Why) September 29, 2024

Prepared / not surprised --

 

I was not surprised the first time and we are prepared! pic.twitter.com/LkmB0zy0Xl

— Marc E. Elias (@marceelias) September 29, 2024

Funny / not funny  -- 

omfg crying pic.twitter.com/2GOT9111SL

— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) September 29, 2024

 

R.I.P.  --

 

Heartbroken over the recent passing of legendary country singer Kris Kristofferson at the age of 88.

Here is Kris with The Highwaymen performing "Highwayman" Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990.

Rest In Peace legend 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BSX1Iasko2

— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) September 29, 2024

 

 

Arizona's Former Republican Senator Joins Growing List Of Harris Voters

 

This time, the permission structure is from former Sen. Jeff Flake from the battleground state of Arizona:

Former Republican Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president over former President Donald Trump.

“I served with Kamala in the United States Senate. I’ve also served with Tim in the United States House of Representatives,” Flake said in a video posted on X, referencing her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. “I know them. I know firsthand of their fine character and love of country.”

Flake, who described himself as a “conservative Republican,” added, “I would encourage all Republicans who feel this way to do the same. After all, in times like these there is nothing more conservative than putting country over party.”...

Steve Benen notes that Republicans who are endorsing Vice President Harris are those who aren't going to face a MAGAt electorate again:

The Arizona Republican’s endorsement came just days after former Kansas Republican Sen. Nancy Kassebaum also threw her support behind the incumbent Democratic vice president.

That news came on the heels of Harris picking up support from some Republicans who worked on Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign, as well as endorsements from three former chairs of the Maine Republican Party.

It also follows weeks of related endorsements for Harris from former GOP governors, lawmakers, cabinet secretaries, White House staffers, and even a former Republican vice president who probably never dreamed he’d be backing a Democratic presidential candidate.

At this point, however, readers might’ve noticed that I keep using a specific word: “former.” That’s because, as impressive as Harris’ list of Republican supporters is, it doesn’t include any current GOP members of Congress...

There isn't one Republican in the House or Senate, or in a governor's mansion, that has the character and spine to stand up to the Malignant Loser and for country over party.  Not one.  They've chosen to save their careers rather than save the country.  And yet they wrap themselves in the symbols of patriotism, and are given leeway and respect by too many in our society when they should rightfully be shunned.

Meanwhile, the Vice President continues to build a country- first coalition that spans the political spectrum from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and AOC to Liz and Dick Cheney.  Stunning.

(Photo:  Former Sen. Jeff Flake / Nathan J. Fish, Cronkite News)

QOTD: "Troubled Soul"

 

Conservative pundit David Frum on JD "Junior Demagogue" Vance, previewing the Vice Presidential debate tomorrow:

"I've known him for a long time -- you've got someone who is very brittle, you've got someone whose public persona is a fake. That's the reason he keeps attacking Tim Walz as a phony. Tim Walz, whatever you think of Tim Walz, he is what he is. But Vance is a phony... and he's someone when that is exposed becomes very petulant, very peevish, very angry, and very controlling. And that's going to be the task at this debate. [snip]

"That is a troubled soul. And that's the thing that America has to see is... the man who would be the oldest president ever has a 40-year-old vice president and there's something wrong with him."  (our emphasis)

Let's hope Vance lets his weird flag fly for all to see tomorrow night. 

(Photo:  Junior Demagogue / Tom Williams, CQ-Roll Call, Getty Images)

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

 

The good:

"I’ve hesitated to say this at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, but with last week’s big GDP revisions, there is no denying it: This is among the best performing economies in my 35+ years as an economist. Economic growth is rip-roaring, with real GDP up 3% over the past year. Unemployment is low at near 4%, consistent with full employment. Inflation is fast closing in on Fed’s 2% target - grocery prices, rents and gas prices are flat to down over the past more than a year. Households’ financial obligations are light, and set to get lighter with the Fed cutting rates. House prices have never been higher, and most homeowners have more equity in their homes than ever. Corporate profits are robust, and the stock market is hitting a record high on a seemingly daily basis. Of course there are blemishes, as lower-income households are struggling financially, there is a severe shortage of affordable homes, and the government is running large budget deficits. And things could change quickly. There are plenty of threats. But in my time as an economist, the economy has rarely looked better."  (our emphasis)

That's a Tweet/Xeet yesterday from Mark Zandi, who you may recognize as the Chief Economist at Moody's Analytics, a major economics research and financial modeling company, assessing the real versus the "feel" economy.  So, remember, every time the Malignant Loser's and MAGAt Republicans' lips are moving about the economy, they're lying.  Pass it on.

The bad:

Communities are still in crisis in the aftermath of Helene, but the economic impact will be around long after the flood waters have receded.

The total cost of the damage and economic loss from the storm will be between $145 billion and $160 billion, according to an estimate from forecaster AccuWeather this morning.

AccuWeather had previously put the figure at between $95 billion and $100 million but it increased this due to the "additional, grim damage reports received over the past 48 hours," which it said had made Helene "one of the costliest storms in United States history."

"In particular, the catastrophic flooding disaster in the southern Appalachians including Asheville, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, as well as the widespread storm surge impacts along the populated west coast of Florida, such as Tampa Bay, are significant contributing factors to the estimate," the company said in a press release.  [snip]

Both North and South Carolina have been reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, since it hit last Thursday and left a trail of devastation, including widespread flooding, in its wake.

NBC affiliate WCNC of Charlotte, North Carolina has partnered with the American Red Cross to gather donations to help those most in need — contributions can be made at this link. More than $7,000 has been raised so far.

WCNC has also partnered with Operation Airdrop, a voluntary group that distributes supplies after natural disasters. The group intends to send much-needed food, drink and practical goods to mountain communities, including via Asheville Regional Airport.

As of this morning, there are 88 known dead across the South, with a third of those deaths in North Carolina alone.  Those numbers will certainly go up. Several million are still without power today, with more rain expected in the area, already suffering from what's been called "epic flooding."  It's difficult to comprehend the damage done (think of this -- both I-40 and I-26, along with dozens of bridges and secondary roads have collapsed).  Please consider going to the link embedded above to contribute to recovery efforts.

The ugly: 

At a rally on Sunday in Erie, Pennsylvania, Trump casually seemed to suggest that one day of violence would put an end to crime.

Trump declared that Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) should be put in charge for “one really violent day.”

“One rough hour. And I mean real rough, the world will get it out and it will end immediately. End immediately. You know, it will end immediately,” he added without sharing any logistics.

The concept mirrors a fictional film series called “The Purge,” in which all crime is legal for 12 hours on a single day of the year. (At least one film in the franchise takes aim at the previous Trump administration, according to USA Today.)

His dangerous remark Sunday came on the heels of his saying that crime is skyrocketing, a false claim that the far right uses to fearmonger. He also echoed the lie that the supposed rise in crime is the fault of migrants.

The twice-impeached former president has a documented pattern of using violent rhetoric and inciting violence — including ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection that led to five deaths after Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.

Recently, he has warned that there would be a “bloodbath” if he loses the election...

The violent rhetoric coming from the Malignant Loser is escalating the closer we get to the election and the more he sees himself losing to Vice President Harris.  This is what fascism looks like in 2024 America, and both the government and we citizens need to be prepared for this to play out, whether the Malignant Loser wins or loses, and to respond forcefully.  We saw what his incitement to violence led to on January 6, and we can't afford to let this evil buffoon get away with the political equivalent of yelling "fire!" in a crowded theater.

Across The Universe, Cont. -- Plasma Jet

 

(click on image to enlarge)

From NASA/ ESA, September 26, 2024: A Hubble Space Telescope image of the giant galaxy M87 shows a 3,000-light-year-long jet of plasma blasting from the galaxy's 6.5-billion-solar-mass central black hole. The blowtorch-like jet seems to cause stars to erupt along its trajectory. These novae are not caught inside the jet, but are apparently in a dangerous neighbourhood nearby. During a recent 9-month survey, astronomers using Hubble found twice as many of these novae going off near the jet as elsewhere in the galaxy. The galaxy is the home of several trillion stars and thousands of star-like globular star clusters.

[Image description: A Hubble photo of galaxy M87, which resembles a translucent, fuzzy white cotton ball. The brightness decreases gradually out in all directions from a bright white point of light at the centre. A wavy blue-white jet of material extends from the point-like core outward to the upper right, about halfway across the galaxy. Stars speckle the background.]

Credit:   NASA, ESA, A. Lessing (Stanford University), E. Baltz (Stanford University), M. Shara (AMNH), J. DePasquale (STScI)

 

Today's Cartoons

 

(click on images to enlarge)

(Michael de Adder, @deAdder)

(Nick Anderson, Reform Austin News/ Tribune, TX)

(Tim Campbell, Counterpoint)

(Brian McFadden, dailykos.com)

(Jeff Stahler, gocomics.com)

(Benjamin Slyngstad, @SlyngCartoons)

(Guy Parsons, politicalcartoons.com)

(John Buss, @repeat1968;  context here)

(Bill Bramhall, New York Daily News)

(Matt Davies, Newsday)

Harris Ad: "Say It To My Face"

VP  Kamala Harris has a new campaign ad out mocking the Malignant Loser's ducking out on a second debate between them. The Malignant Loser was clearly shaken and triggered by the September 10 debate, which voters thought she won by a wide margin.  They showed it during the Alabama- Georgia football game yesterday.  Watch:

Sunday Reflection

 

"Been in this game one-hundred years, but I see new ways to lose 'em I never knew existed before."

"There comes a time in every man's life, and I've had plenty of them."

"Managing is getting paid for home runs someone else hits."

"I feel greatly honored to have a ballpark named after me, especially since I've been thrown out of so many."

All quotes from "the ol" Perfesser" of baseball, Casey Stengel (7/30/1890 - 9/29/1975), who was a Major League Baseball player from 1912 to 1925, moving on to managing the Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves, New York Yankees, and the New York Mets. His time as manager of the Yankees from 1949 -1960 was his most iconic, winning ten American League pennants and seven World Series. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966.

As this year's regular season of baseball wraps up, and the playoffs begin, it's with some regret that managers like Stengel with their knowing quips and life experiences are harder and harder to find.

Republican Rents A Family For Photo Ops

 

Family values!  Authentic!   ICYMI:

A Republican running for office in Virginia apparently wanted to give voters the impression he’s a family man after using an image of himself with a woman and her three children for his campaign.

But they’re not his family.

Derrick Anderson, a former Army Green Beret, is running for an open seat in Virginia’s Seventh District. Anderson was featured in a New York Times article on Friday headlined “G.O.P. Candidates, Looking to Soften Their Image, Turn to Their Wives.”  [snip]

Anderson’s campaign used footage of the candidate posing with a woman and her three daughters in what could easily be mistaken for a family photo shoot, as the Times article discusses.

The woman and three girls featured in the video ― which was uploaded to Anderson’s YouTube channel and posted on a website paid for by the National Republican Campaign Committee ― are instead the family of one of Anderson’s longtime friends. Anderson announced earlier this month that he is engaged and lives alone with his dog, per the Times. He has no kids.

In a separate scene filmed for a possible campaign ad, Anderson is seen sitting around a dining room table with the same woman and three girls, the Times reported...

As you might imagine, Anderson is your typical Trump MAGAt, who has infamously said that "SCOTUS finally got it right, and overturned" Roe v. Wade.   Perhaps it's for the better that he's childless.

This lame MAGAt is running against Democrat Col. Eugene Vindman (USA-Ret.) in Virginia's swingy 7th Congressional District.  If you want to contribute to him, you can here. 

(Photo:  Blink twice if he's holding you against your will / National Republican Congressional Committee)

Today's Cartoons

 

(click on images to enlarge)

(Andy Marlette, Creators.com)

(Mike Smith, Las Vegas Sun)

(John Deering, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

(Matt Wuerker, Politico)

(Scott Stantis, Chicago Tribune)

(Walt Handelsman, The Times-Picayune, New Orleans)

(Mike Luckovich, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

(Dave Granlund, politicalcartoons.com)

(David Horsey, The Seattle Times)

(Ian Boothby, Patreon.com)

Trump's "Public Nervous Breakdown" Continues -- Threats And Lies

 

The Very Stable Genius was working his li'l fingers the other day, tapping out threats meant to intimidate news and tech organizations, as well as spreading inflammatory lies about immigrants.  His increasingly bad poll numbers are apparently fueling the outbursts.  Sad!

 

This ignorant, buffoonish would- be "dictator on day one" should have been driven out of politics long before now. As voters, it's our job once again to deliver the drubbing he so richly deserves so he can begin to learn what it truly means to pay for your crimes. 

Tweets / Xeets Of The Day

 

Did the Malignant Loser fail in his Presidency? His running mate thought so, cont'd. --

“One of Vance’s key arguments for Trump is that his first presidency was a right-populist success story on behalf of American workers. Yet as that presidency wound down, Vance apparently admitted privately to something very different.” https://t.co/pAiNBrqDAK

— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) September 27, 2024 

Take him up on his invitation often --

Done. pic.twitter.com/9QrBtLljXL

— Brian J. Karem (@BrianKarem) September 28, 2024

Never forget the awfulness of the Malignant Loser's last year in office... -- 

The year 2020 stands as one of the darkest in U.S. history, a relentless series of escalating crises that seemed never-ending. pic.twitter.com/ETEvh6Vhtb

— The Intellectualist (@highbrow_nobrow) September 28, 2024

....Or his treasonous fealty to Russian thug Vladimir Putin -- 

Ukrainian president’s face when Trump said ‘President Putin wants the war to stop’. He’s looking at Trump like WTF are you talking about? pic.twitter.com/05p5X8MOJr

— JP (@DirtRoadPickup) September 27, 2024

 

Traitor Trump is digusting—he should never be in the White House ever again. He is on Putin’s side. Which is AGAINST America. #PutinOwnsTrump

pic.twitter.com/13vaBkig9r

— Scott Dworkin (@funder) September 27, 2024

With hurricane Helene in mind, Trump's Project 2025 would kill the National Weather Service -- 

 

A few truths:
1) The government’s weather service is essential at giving early warning for devastating storms. Trump and Republicans want to eliminate it. People would die as a consequence.
2) Devastating storms are increasing in number and intensity.
3) the storms are greatest…

— Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) September 27, 2024

Nope, the Dems didn't have to lift a finger, you did it all on your own --

Crazy things RFK Jr. did without prompting:

- Picked up a dead bear and dumped it in Central Park
- Posed with a dead dog carcass
- Admitted to having worms in his brain
- Spread insane anti-vax disinformation
- Said he's "not a Church boy" in response to sexual assault… https://t.co/YjjcQEFPJr

— Ally Sammarco (@Ally_Sammarco) September 27, 2024

What's that Musk-y smell?  A lack of self-awareness and more -- 

 

💯From the guy who bought Twitter to spread propaganda. pic.twitter.com/ensd45Fazy

— Jason Selvig (@jasonselvig) September 27, 2024

 

(📣) Let me put it as plainly as I possibly can: Elon Musk is a white supremacist who cares about nothing but money and power, and if Donald Trump wins he'll effectively be a co-President. If you think there's anything on Earth he wouldn't do or say to access that power, wake up. pic.twitter.com/vpoofxhlYH

— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) September 28, 2024

Endorsements and friends -- 

 

This is massive. 15 NFL Hall of Famers — from Emmett Smith to Calvin Johnson aka Megatron — just endorsed VP Kamala Harris for president. Can’t underscore how important this is to reaching the sports community. Share this good news with everyone you know.

— Victor Shi (@Victorshi2020) September 28, 2024

 

On the road again, to get Kamala and Tim elected!@BetoORourke and I had the honor of visiting the legendary @WillieNelson’s ranch. It doesn’t get more Texas than Willie. pic.twitter.com/BCT4JtCFGZ

— Doug Emhoff (@DouglasEmhoff) September 27, 2024

MAGA dishonesty on display, Virginia candidate Derrick Anderson edition -- 

Hey Hank. Here’s your socket wrench back.

….

Oh gosh while I’m here, could I borrow your wife and three kids? pic.twitter.com/rlQB5sFJaN

— Bill Grueskin (@BGrueskin) September 27, 2024

Come and get it! -- 

Did I hear the word food? 😂 pic.twitter.com/nUCv5dHEK9

— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) September 28, 2024

 

QOTD: "Trump Tanked It"

Vice President Harris in battleground state Arizona yesterday, talking about last spring's bipartisan immigration bill that the Malignant Loser killed because he wanted an issue to run on:

“It was the strongest border security bill we have seen in decades. It was endorsed by the Border Patrol union. And it should be in effect today, producing results in real time, right now, for our country.

But Donald Trump tanked it. He picked up the phone and called some friends in Congress and said, ‘Stop the bill,’ He prefers to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem. And the American people deserve a president who cares more about border security than playing political games and their personal political future.”  (our emphasis)

The Vice President needs to hit the Malignant Loser hard on his cynical and dishonest stance on the border. His undermining of the immigration bill is yet another example of putting his own interests (i.e. winning the election and avoiding prison) above those of the country.

Long Time Hezbollah Leader Killed

The leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah was killed Friday in a powerful Israeli airstrike, Associated Press reports:

"Lebanon’s Hezbollah group confirmed on Saturday that its leader and one of its founders, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the previous day.

A statement Saturday said Nasrallah 'has joined his fellow martyrs.' Hezbollah vowed to 'continue the holy war against the enemy and in support of Palestine.'

Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for more than three decades, is by far the most powerful target to be killed by Israel in weeks of intensified fighting with Hezbollah. The Israeli military said it carried out a precise airstrike on Friday while Hezbollah leadership met at their headquarters in Dahiyeh, south of Beirut."

Following the pager and walkie talkie explosions targeting Hezbollah leader in the past several days, the terrorist organization has now lost its most senior official, apparently along with other senior leaders. Iran has long-used Hezbollah as a proxy in its fight against Israel. The death of Nasrallah has dealt a major blow to their efforts, as well as a major escalation that has turned the focus to how Iran will respond.

Gardens Of Mackinac Island, Michigan

 

We all could use a little escape from the news this morning, and we all like beautiful gardens, right?!  So, take some time to go on a walking tour of the stunning summer gardens on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The Victorian homes with their gardens are on the West Bluff of the island and overlook the Straits of Mackinac.  Full screen!

Today's Cartoons

 

(click on images to enlarge) 

(John Branch, Houston Chronicle)

(Pedro Molina, Counterpoint)

(Dave Whamond, caglecartoons.com)

(Rob Rogers, Tinyview.com)

(Jimmy Margulies, King Features)

(Bill Day, caglecartoons.com)

(Bill Bramhall, New York Daily News)

(Mike Luckovich, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

(Jeff Darcy, Cleveland Plain Dealer)

(Joe Heller, hellertoon.com)

(Christo Komarnitski, caglecartoons, Bulgaria)

(Brendan Loper, @b_loper)