Trump believes the men

The following article by Edward-Isaac Dovere was posted on the Politico website February 9, 2018:

The president has consistently responded to the allegations of assault or abuse against women by expressing sympathy for the men being accused. ‘Is there no such thing’ as due process? he tweeted Saturday

In a moment when “believe the women” has become a rallying cry, a new mentality for the country, President Donald Trump does not. | Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

For President Donald Trump, the allegations that his now-former staff secretary was a serial domestic abuser are another #HimToo moment.

Never mind the FBI background check that found the allegations and restraining order credible enough to delay Rob Porter’s security clearance, or the close-up photos of the black eye Porter’s ex-wife says he gave her on vacation in Italy.

To the president, sitting in the Oval Office on Friday, the victim here seems to be Porter.

“It was very sad when we heard about it, and certainly he’s also very sad now,” Trump told reporters. “He also, as you probably know, says he’s innocent, and I think you have to remember that. He said very strongly yesterday that he’s innocent, so you have to talk to him about that.” Continue reading “Trump believes the men”

Andrew Puzder Withdraws From Consideration as Labor Secretary

The following article by Alan Rappeport was posted on the New York Times website February 15, 2017:

Photo: Aude Guerrucci/AP

The fast-food executive Andrew F. Puzder withdrew his nomination to be labor secretary on Wednesday as Republican senators turned sharply against him, the latest defeat for a White House besieged by infighting and struggling for traction even with a Republican-controlled Congress. Continue reading “Andrew Puzder Withdraws From Consideration as Labor Secretary”