monitoring Trump and relevant contemporary events

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is expected to issue a proposal in coming weeks that would make it harder for legal immigrants to become citizens or get green cards if they have ever used a range of popular public welfare programs, including Obamacare, four sources with knowledge of the plan told NBC News.

The move, which would not need Congressional approval, is part of White House senior adviser Stephen Miller's plan to limit the number of migrants who obtain legal status in the U.S. each year.

Details of the rulemaking proposal are still being finalized, but based on a recent draft seen last week and described to NBC News, immigrants living legally in the U.S. who have ever used or whose household members have ever used Obamacare, children's health insurance, food stamps and other benefits could be hindered from obtaining legal status in the U.S.

Democrats have been outperforming their 2016 performance in special elections since Trump took office. Today we see if a Republican can still win in this solidly GOP district, or if this district also falls to the Democrats.

Mr. Gates revealed an intriguing new name as a client of Mr. Manafort at his trial on Tuesday — the Ukrainian oligarch Victor Pinchuk.

Mr. Pinchuk’s relationship with Mr. Trump has drawn the interest of the special counsel. In response to a subpoena for records, the Trump Organization provided details of a $150,000 donation in 2015 to Mr. Trump’s foundation in exchange for Mr. Trump doing a 20-minute video call into a conference organized by Mr. Pinchuk in Kiev that year.

Mr. Gates revealed that Mr. Pinchuk paid Mr. Manafort through a company called Plymouth Consultants Limited for what he described as a legal project. He did not provide details about how much was paid or when.

Mr. Pinchuk’s representatives did not respond to a request for comment. Mr. Pinchuk, a steel magnate who is generally regarded as pro-Western, has donated far more money — $13 million since 2006 — to the Clinton Foundation, according to its website.

Two hundred ninety of those transactions took place before the 2008 election cycle – beginning at the start of 2007 – during which time Trump donated $303,600 to Democrats and $188,750 to Republicans – as well a $50,000 contribution to his own Donald J. Trump New York Delegate Committee.

Two hundred ninety of those transactions took place before the 2008 election cycle – beginning at the start of 2007 – during which time Trump donated $303,600 to Democrats and $188,750 to Republicans – as well a $50,000 contribution to his own Donald J. Trump New York Delegate Committee.

What does that have to do with Russian collusion?

• Though this is the first trial stemming from the investigation of Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel, Mr. Manafort’s case is separate from the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election and any ties to the Trump campaign.

• Though this is the first trial stemming from the investigation of Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel, Mr. Manafort’s case is separate from the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election and any ties to the Trump campaign.

Even if the Democrat loses it will be spun into a victory

Not a victory, but if the Democrat, Danny O'Connor, makes it close running in a district that's been solidly GOP since the 80s and which the Republicans won by 11 points two years ago, then that will be rightfully taken as another indicator that 2018 is going to be a lot more Democratic than 2016 was. And if Democrat Danny O'Connor wins outright, that effect will be multiplied.

One of the things that drives people crazy about Washington is all the pointless theater.

All politics involves a bit of showmanship, especially these days, but when things are done just for show, it's so much hot air.

For all the talk about fiscal responsibility, for instance, no one in this capital much cares that we're about to rack up nearly $1 trillion in additional debt over the next decade, courtesy of the Trump tax cuts for corporations, according to new figures. The Republicans used to be the party of balanced budgets, but that's out the window. The Democrats once bragged of balancing the budget during the Clinton era, but now mainly use it as an argument when the GOP is in power, and vice versa.

Deficits are not a major voting issue, the thinking goes, so both sides just yak about it while busting past limits on the national credit card.

A dozen conservative House members have now introduced a resolution to impeach Rod Rosenstein. He's not going to be impeached, of course, so it's just more theater.

In fact, Paul Ryan much ruled it out for a vote yesterday, but it remains "on the table."

Mark Meadows and Jim Jordan, among others, say the deputy attorney general is slow-walking all kinds of House document requests. The Justice Department has turned over a small mountain of documents, but some disagreements exist.

I've covered many congressional subpoena battles over the years, and sometimes they lead to contempt-of-Congress citations. (These usually are voided when the inevitable compromise is reached.) But I can't think of a case that led to a serious impeachment effort.

So even if the lawmakers' frustration with Rosenstein is justified, the resolution seems more like a public protest of his role in overseeing the Mueller investigation.

Jeff Sessions said yesterday that "my deputy, Rod Rosenstein, is highly capable. I have the highest confidence in him."

And by the way, President Trump could fire Rosenstein today (except there would be an enormous political backlash). That's why the impeachment effort isn't serious, and Meadows said yesterday he is dropping it for now.

Deficits are not a major voting issue, the thinking goes, so both sides just yak about it while busting past limits on the national credit card.

Six factors to consider on Tuesday - Columbus Dispatch: “A half-dozen factors to watch as the race for the open 12th Congressional District seat draws to a close:

1. The early vote … When the first results are announced Tuesday, Democrat O’Connor almost certainly will be ahead. … The rest of the evening is spent counting Election Day votes, which Balderson is likely to have more of. …

2. The timing … Aug. 7 is, according to one GOP operative, a ‘lousy’ time to have an election. …

3. The turnout … This means the early vote may take on additional importance. …

4. The cash … Between July 1 and July 18, O’Connor raised $587,875. Balderson raised $138,776. O’Connor had $129,201 in the bank, while Balderson had $208,032. …

5. Delaware County … The X-factor, however, is Delaware County — a big reason Trump visited there Saturday. …

6. Surrogate city … Balderson has gotten endorsements from Trump and Ohio Gov. John Kasich … O’Connor has key endorsements from Sen. Sherrod Brown, Rep. Joyce Beatty and Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady…


If Balderson wins, it means the Republican establishment … successfully united to defend a long-held GOP district. If O’Connor wins, it’s a sign that the GOP can throw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at a race in friendly territory and still go down this year.”

Nothing about him [O'Connor] not towing the party line saying he will work with Trump? Is he lying?

You're trying to paint him as a Republican who is somehow running as a Democrat, but it's not true.

If Danny O'Connor wins

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