Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino for Variety - New York Issue 2019!
Robert De Niro felt guilty.
It was the Italian premiere of “Righteous Kill.” The crowds stretched all along the red carpet on a September day in 2008, shouting his name and gripping stills of the actor in hopes of getting his autograph. It was a convulsion of unadulterated fandom, all served up amid a colonnaded public square in a bustling section of Rome. De Niro turned to his co-star, Al Pacino, and expressed regret that all these people were here to celebrate a movie that was little more than a standard-issue cop thriller, one that blistered rather than burnished their legacies. “I said, ‘This is a great reaction, but it would be nice if they were here for a movie that we really feel proud about. Next time we’ll do one we like,’” De Niro recalls telling his fellow actor.
On Sept. 27, at the New York Film Festival, after a tortured gestation that could serve as its own movie plot, the world will get a look at “The Irishman,” the latest collaboration between Oscar winners Pacino and De Niro and a film that deserves a place in their cinematic canon. It’s one of the most highly anticipated movies to come out this fall, in large part because, “Righteous Kill” aside, De Niro and Pacino have an enviable track record of collaborations, one that boasts classics such as “Heat” and “The Godfather Part II.” It also marks director Martin Scorsese’s return to the celluloid world of gangsters, the first time he’s waded into that particular criminal cesspool since winning an Academy Award with 2006’s “The Departed.”
“It’s Bob and Marty in a world they understand, have researched and know better than anybody else,” says Pacino.
As for the film itself, it’s a sprawling, three-and-a-half-hour examination of Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran (De Niro), a mob hit man who became a confidant of Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). The movie explores social issues such as the intersection of organized crime and elements of the labor movement, as well as more philosophical concerns. Unsurprisingly, given that its stars and director are all in their mid- to late-70s, it’s a picture that grapples with the concept of legacy, asking penetrating questions about what we leave behind after the screen fades to black. In short, it’s the kind of movie — one centered on terribly flawed people navigating the seedy underbelly of society — that Hollywood doesn’t make anymore. “I Heard You Paint Houses,” the 2004 book that forms the basis for the film, was optioned in 2007, but a rising price tag for the production and scheduling issues involving the in-demand stars and Scorsese meant the start date kept getting pushed back. “I didn’t think it was going to get made,” admits Pacino. “At some point, I sort of thought, ‘Well, that was a good idea, but a lot of those come along and never happen.’”
De Niro first became obsessed with “I Heard You Paint Houses” while doing research for “The Winter of Frankie Machine,” an adaptation of a Don Winslow novel about a Mafia hit man that was originally set up at Paramount. Scorsese was supposed to direct the picture, but De Niro felt that the other book contained worthier subject matter for the longtime creative partners. The director agreed.
“Pretty quickly I started to see the movie in my head,” Scorsese says. “The themes and the questions that have haunted and obsessed me throughout my life were all there. It gave Bob and me the opportunity to pick up the thread from our previous pictures and come together at a very different moment in our lives.”
Produced for a hefty $175 million, much of it spent on de-aging technology that allows the septuagenarian stars to play characters in their mid-20s to 50s, it’s also a movie that fell in and out of the traditional Hollywood studio system, having originally been set up at Paramount and STX. However, in 2017, Paramount grew concerned about the ballooning costs, and after reaching out to Netflix, the streaming service ultimately swept in to foot the bill.
“We needed to make an expensive picture,” says Scorsese. “The movie business is changing hour by hour — not necessarily for the better — and many of the places we would have gone to for funding in the past were no longer viable. Then we started talking to Netflix. We agreed on everything, most importantly that we all wanted to make the same movie. So we went forward.” Emma Tillinger Koskoff, one of the film’s producers, notes that other players seemed reticent to commit to the movie full-bore, perhaps sensing the difficulties it would face in recouping its costs through ticket sales. “In terms of budget and scope, it was much more appetizing to Netflix than to a traditional studio,” she says.
It was a puzzling alliance, uniting Scorsese, one of the most vociferous defenders of the big-screen experience, with Netflix, a streaming service that’s upending the business and a company that’s viewed with nearly existential dread by many exhibitors. Much of the press coverage surrounding “The Irishman” has centered on what kind of theatrical release the film will enjoy. Scorsese pushed Netflix to give the picture as robust a rollout as possible, but there were insurmountable problems. Historically, studios run their movies in theaters for 90 days before debuting them on home entertainment platforms. They traditionally split the profits with the exhibitors. Netflix was willing to keep “The Irishman” in theaters for 45 days before premiering it on its streaming service, according to an insider, and was also open to giving exhibitors up to 75% of the ticket sales. That wasn’t enough to entice major chains such as AMC and Regal. While plans are still being formed, the film will likely be seen in a couple hundred U.S. theaters, venues primarily belonging to smaller circuits such as Landmark and iPic. It will have an exclusive theatrical run of 26 days. The final compromise fell short of what the filmmakers initially envisioned, but for the most part, they’re pleased.
“I wish we could have had 27 days,” jokes De Niro. Jane Rosenthal, his longtime producing partner, is more reserved in her appraisal. “You always wish for more, but we’ll still be in theaters and hopefully adding screens even when we debut on the platform,” she says. “At the end of the day, we just want audiences to see the film.”
Netflix is planning to push “The Irishman” for this year’s Oscar race, and believes the movie is a viable contender not just for best picture but also for Scorsese’s direction and for the performances of De Niro and Pacino. Even if it falls short of its awards ambitions, the movie has already served as a valuable calling card to the industry.
“After we announced the deal, I had so many filmmakers reach out to ask about coming to work with us,” says Scott Stuber, head of Netflix’s feature film division. “We recognize that this is a big conversion for them, but we want to support the greatest filmmakers.”
On a muggy August afternoon, De Niro and Pacino settle into a leather booth in the dining room of The Polo Bar, one of those baronial watering holes with pictures of equestrians on the wall and dark and highly varnished wood running along the ceilings. They’re here to discuss “The Irishman,” which wrapped nearly a year earlier. They are, friends and colleagues say, a study in contrasts. De Niro, taller in person than he appears on screen, is polite but reserved, delivering responses to queries that can veer toward monosyllabism. Pacino, wiry and more animated, is given to long, discursive answers that occasionally get lost in a bramble of remembrances and anecdotes.
“Al is chattier, Bob is quieter, but they’re both really lovely and kind,” says co-star Anna Paquin.
And for the most part, that describes their approach to the hourlong interview. Though there’s one topic that provokes De Niro to almost Jake LaMotta levels of intensity: Donald Trump. He’s particularly exercised about the president’s recent suggestion that Hollywood movies inspire mass shootings (a debate being reignited by the upcoming release of “Joker,” in which De Niro co-stars).
“This is absolute nonsense,” says De Niro, his voice rising as he stabs his finger into the white tablecloth. “It’s bulls—. This guy is afraid to defy the NRA. He calls Washington a swamp because all he knows is a swamp. He’s a classic hustler and a scam artist. He has no morals. No ethics. If people don’t wake up and he gets reelected, it’s going to be very, very bad. Anybody who feels that way should say it. If you wait to say something, before you know it the dictators and despots come to power.”
Pacino, momentarily silenced by De Niro’s passion, doesn’t offer any thoughts on Trump or gun control. He does open up about his decades-long friendship with De Niro, one he says was forged as the two men dealt with the pressures of being hailed as the next great things in film acting in the 1970s.
“We got together at times because there was something we were going through in life that was very similar,” remembers Pacino. “We could share things that were going on and talk about our movies.”
It was Pacino who first blazed into the public consciousness, playing a heroin addict in 1971’s “The Panic in Needle Park,” and then shooting onto the A-list a year later as Michael Corleone, the calculating Mafia don at the center of “The Godfather.” De Niro auditioned for both films, a recurring state of affairs for the two actors.
“Throughout our whole careers, we were always up for the same parts,” says Pacino. De Niro admits that the search for roles, as well as the jockeying for the hearts of critics and audiences, colored their professional relationship at points. “We felt competitive as actors,” he says.
Of course, De Niro would have his own hot streak, winning an Oscar for portraying a younger version of Marlon Brando’s Don Corleone in 1974’s “The Godfather: Part II” and teaming up with Scorsese on an epic three-decade run that included the likes of “Raging Bull,” “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas.” Though both men appeared in “The Godfather: Part II,” it wasn’t until “Heat” that they actually shared screen time, uniting for a diner tête-à-tête that’s become the stuff of movie legend. The sequence — one in which De Niro, playing bank robber Neil McCauley, and Pacino, as police Lt. Vincent Hanna, have a tense standoff — is a perfectly choreographed display of movie-star charisma. It’s also one that was shot without extensive rehearsals on the part of the actors.
Get more of this at Variety!
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Channels Aphrodite On the Casts Trip To Greece!
Porsha Williams proved to fans once again that she is a goddess. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star took fashion inspiration on her recent vacation to Greece from Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, sex and passion.
Porsha, 38, shared two photos from her Greek trip on October 4, where she rocked an all-white ensemble.
The mother of one looked like a real Grecian goddess with a white curve-hugging maxi dress that contained a deep v-neck and gold sequins along the bust. She also donned a white folder crown, long dangly diamond earrings and plastic sandals. Porsha also added more glam with a stack of gold bangles and array of diamond rings.
Porsha and RHOA costar Kenya Moore have been sharing a lot of any-worthy pics from their cast trip.Kenya, 48, and the Go Naked Hair founder brought along their daughters Pilar Jhena and Brooklyn for their fun European vacation. The RHOA cast took the trip with costars Cynthia Bailey, Kandi Burruss and more.
The cast have been in Greece since September 22 and are filming for the upcoming 12th season of their famed Bravo reality series. Porsha shared a pic of her and her gal pals sporting luxury swimsuits and sunglasses at the beach serval days ago. "Peach & love ✌🏾 🇬🇷 #SisterhoodOpens a New Window.," she hilariously captioned the photo.
Aside from having fun with her castmates around the Greek isles, the Dish Nation cohost also shared an array of snaps of herself modeling a bright blue, green and orange one piece, orange sandals and matching sarong. Porsha posed by a picturesque seafront pool where she also donned a straw purse.
What are your thoughts on Porsha's look?
#Empire: Taraji P. Henson at Tyler Perry Studios for the Opening Gala is she HOT or NOT?
Taraji P. Henson attends Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala at Tyler Perry Studios on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. She wore a beautiful Black gown with feather accents. Sher also brought her beau Kelvin Hayden. Also Jennifer Lewis got in on the picture fun.
So is she HOT or NOT? I actually think she’s HOT!
#NewMusic Video from The Hamiltones – Best Friend!
Grammy-nominated viral sensations The Hamiltones released their long-awaited debut EP, Watch The Ton3s, to widespread acclaim in June. Currently on tour in support of the project, the trio recently shared the official music video for the EP’s heartfelt standout, “Best Friend.”
The music video arrives on the heels of The Hamiltones’ feature on Snoop Dogg’s new album, ‘I Wanna Thank Me.’
WATCH
The Hamiltones are North Carolina natives J. Vito, Tony Lelo, and 2E. The soul trio’s name was born from their work as backup vocalists for Grammy-winning R&B/Soul artist Anthony Hamilton. While on tour with Hamilton, dazzling audiences around the world, the trio of singers jokingly sang a gospel rendition of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” during rehearsal. The recorded footage of their performance was then uploaded to Facebook and amassed over one million views in just under 24 hours. The group went on to make more renditions of popular songs, all of which became internet sensations.
Watch The Ton3s is now available on all digital streaming platforms via Common Cents Media Group/Dame Inc./EMPIRE.
#NewHipHip from Gucci Mane And Megan Thee Stallion ‘Big Booty’!
As he gears up for his new album Woptober II this month, Gucci Mane teams with Megan Thee Stallion on “Big Booty.”
Over a sample of 2 Live Crew’s “Hoochie Mama,” the Atlanta trapper celebrates the thick girls (“She’s a big booty bitch, showing ass and cheeks / She’s a walking bag of money, she’s a masterpiece”). Tina Snow holds it down for the Hotties while bodying her bootylicious verse. “This the type of ass when I get home he washing dishes,” raps Meg.
LISTEN HERE
On Oct. 17, Gucci will release Woptober II, his second album of 2019.
Activist Shaun King announce a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Joshua Brown.
Brown was shot and killed on Friday (October 4) in Dallas, Texas.
The shocking and heartbreaking news of Joshua’s death comes on the heels of his testimony in ex-cop Amber Guyger‘s murder trial for the shooting death of Botham Jean.
In the post on his Instagram page, Shaun King wrote:
My friend and brother Bill Perkins @BillPerkins is providing $100,000 for the reward to help us find who murdered Joshua Brown.
Joshua was executed. He was a lead witness in the murder of Botham Jean & was shot & killed right there in his apartment complex. We will not stop until we find who did this. Joshua had no enemies, no debts, worked full-time and lived a very quiet life.
Joshua Brown. @leemerrittesq is working directly with the family. @billperkins is providing the $100,000 reward. And we won’t stop until we find who did this and why. They didn’t steal anything. It was an execution.
I hope the reward will lead to a credible tip that will ultimately get justice for Joshua Brown.
Samuel L. Jackson responds to Martin Scorsese's Marvel criticism, 'Everybody doesn't like his stuff either'!
Martin Scorsese‘s recent assessment that Marvel movies are “not cinema” isn’t sitting well with Samuel L. Jackson.
Jackson, who brought to life Nicky Fury in multiple movies and TV shows in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, opened up about the controversial remarks while on the red carpet at the Atlanta opening of Tyler Perry’s new studio.
“That’s kind of like saying Bugs Bunny ain’t funny,” Jackson told Variety. “Films are films. You know, everybody doesn’t like his stuff either. I mean, we happen to, but everybody doesn’t. There are a lot of Italian-Americans that don’t think he should be making films about them like that. Everybody’s got an opinion, so it’s okay. It’s not going to stop anyone from making movies.”
Scorsese made the comments while promoting his latest film The Irishman, a Netflix crime drama about the life of Frank “The Irishman” Sheehan and his dealings with the Bufalino crime family as their hitman.
“I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema,” Scorsese told Empire Magazine. “Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks. It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”
Both James Gunn and Joss Whedon have also defended Marvel movies in the wake of the famed directors comments.
Will Smith is Supported by Jada Pinkett Smith & His Sons at 'Gemini Man' Premiere!
Will Smith was joined by wife Jada Pinkett Smith and his sons Trey Smith and Jaden Smith at the premiere of his new movie on Sunday (October 6) in Hollywood, Calif.
Also supporting Will at the premiere was his Bad Boy co-star Martin Lawrence along with his Fresh Prince of Bel Air co-star Alfonso Ribeiro and wife Angela.
Gemini Man is an innovative action-thriller starring Will as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move.
The film hits theaters on Friday, October 11th.
Kanye West Continues His Support For Republican Party: People Wanna Call Me A Coon Because I Chose My Right!
Kanye West continues his support for Republicans. During his latest Sunday Service in Salt Lake City, Utah, he shared his current thoughts on politics and made it clear that he’s not backing down on his support the party.
He first began by pointing out that Abraham Lincoln, who was part of the Republican party is the President who freed slaves. He added,
“That’s the Republican party that freed the slaves. But people wanna call me a coon because I chose my right. We got our own right to our opinions right?”
The thing about Sunday Service is it mostly *isn’t* Kanye, it’s his choir and band, the Sunday Service Collective. They were amazing. pic.twitter.com/94CkD76Owb— Hunter Schwarz (@hunterschwarz) October 5, 2019
West touched on criminal justice reform. He talked about how people argue about music and sports then said, “there’s one in three African-Americans in jail in this country.” pic.twitter.com/9jefKUf4U5— Hunter Schwarz (@hunterschwarz) October 5, 2019
West, who hasn’t tweeted since New Year’s, also railed against social media: “Do not read comments on the Internet. These people don’t know you like that. Social media is designed to make you think slower. ... They want to slow you down and control you” pic.twitter.com/1BGpA5prGt— Hunter Schwarz (@hunterschwarz) October 5, 2019
He went on to say he disagrees with criticism that he shouldn’t support Republicans because he’s Black.
“I ain’t never made a decision only based on my color. That’s a form of slavery, mental slavery.”
Do you agree with Kanye West’s comments?
Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' will get a companion journal!
Former First Lady Michelle Obama's best-selling 2018 memoir Becoming is getting a companion book.
"What's your journey of becoming? A companion to BECOMING, this gorgeous journal features an intimate and inspiring introduction by @MichelleObama and thought-provoking questions and prompts to help you discover the power of your own story. Available on 11/19/19. #IAmBecoming," Crown Publishing tweeted Monday.
Penguin Random House told People.com the journal includes more than 150 questions and quotes that echo themes in Obama's book.
They are "designed to help readers reflect on their personal and family history, their goals, challenges, and dreams, what moves them and brings them hope, and what future they imagine for themselves and their community," the publisher said.
Malik Yoba Has Returned to Social Media!
Last month actor Malika Yoba stormed out of an interview after he was questioned about claims he solicited the services of under age trans sex workers before coming out as trans attracted
Malik returns with a message...
Now there……..
See the Celebs at The 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards!
Atlanta was the popping place to be this weekend, between the grand opening of Tyler Perry’s new studios and The BET Hip Hop Awards – celebrities were EVERYWHERE. Here are some photos from the night.
Looks interesting!
Man Cheering On Murder Scenes During “Joker” Film Causes Moviegoers To Leave Theatre!
A man who was attending screening of the new “Joker” in New York City caused moviegoers to leave early after he loudly cheered and applauded during murder scenes.
ABC News reports the young man caused a scene during a Friday night screening at Times Square’s AMC Empire 25 as he cheered on the various murder scenes in “Joker.” Some moviegoers yelled at him while he was spitting on them as they were leaving the movie theatre. Witness Nathanael Hood told ABC News that he was feeling afraid due to the man’s behavior during the screening.
“About halfway through when Joker started killing people and monologuing about how society is evil he started clapping really loudly and incessantly for a good minute. People started yelling for him to shut up, but he kept clapping and cheering like mad. I was scared. I’m sure a lot of other people were,”
The man continued to make loud noises during a gunfight and became aggressive when more attendees told him to stop. Another witness was sitting beside the man and said he saw him pour a full bottle of alcohol into his drink.
He was eventually escorted by security and Hood said the man was being interrogated by security outside of the theatre.
The movie itself has made $13 million at the box officer this weekend and deemed as controversial due to the dark content and heavy security presence at various theaters.
Kylie Jenner Deletes Video Of New $3 Million Bugatti After Fans Point Out Hunger Crisis!
Kylie Jenner has deleted a video she posted of a new multi-million dollar Bugatti, after fans pointed out many people in the country are suffering from homelessness and hunger.
Over the weekend, Kylie has hit the town several times after announcing her split with Travis Scott. She also pointed out a new luxury car in her driveway, a new Bugatti Chiron.
The new whip goes for a cool $3 Million bucks on the open market.
But, as soon as the make-up mogul posted a video of her new ride, fans started to point out the purchase seemed a bit over kill. The reactions mainly were directed at what could be done for people in need with that much extra money laying around.
"How can people justify buying more cars then they possibly need when there are people out there who can’t eat! Like I get it’s your money and you earn it but HOW do you justify not doing good with it I just don’t get it. They money you spent on this you could of fed a village for a year at LEAST," one person said.
Another commented bitterly, "Oh yay! Another new car! Meanwhile there's ppl struggling to make ends meet and feed themselves. I'm happy for her but damn when is enough enough?"
So, Kylie deleted the post from her Instagram page.
Man Charged With Murder of 4 Homeless Men Who Were Beaten To Death In NYC; City Increases Homeless Outreach Efforts!
Police in New York City arrested a homeless man in connection with the deaths of four other homeless men.
The men were beaten to death with a metal pipe overnight while they slept on the streets in Chinatown, authorities said.
Officers responded to a 911 call around 1:50 a.m. on Saturday and found an unconscious man lying in the street with “severe head trauma,” Assistant Chief Stephen Hughes said at a news conference Saturday morning.
While investigating the initial crime scene, a second man with head trauma approached officers, Hughes said.
Witnesses told the officers a man in a black jacket, and black pants struck the unconscious victim in the head with a metal pipe several times before fleeing the scene.
The conscious man was then taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, while the unconscious man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers canvassing the area found a 24-year-old man matching the eyewitnesses’ descriptions carrying a metal pipe near Mulberry Street and Canal Street soon after, Hughes said.
According to CNN, the suspect was identified as 24-year-old Randy Rodriguez Santos, who was also homeless, authorities said.
Santos, who police said has been arrested at least six other times, has also been charged with attempted murder and unlawful possession of marijuana, Detective Ahmed Nasser said.
The ages of three of the four victims killed in Saturday’s attacks are 45, 50, and 83. The age of the fourth male victim is still unknown. A fifth man who was injured and survived in the attack is 49, Nasser said.
Police said that all four bodies were found in roughly a two-block area, but investigators believe the attacks were random. Since then, Mayor Bill de Blasio has revealed that the city is set to increase its homeless outreach efforts in Chinatown in the wake of the incident.
“What happened over the weekend shakes the conscience of who we are as New Yorkers,” the Mayor said in a statement. “We are sending experts to the neighborhood to provide support during this difficult time, and will continue to assess how to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future,” de Blasio added, in an effort to “ensure the safety and well-being of the surrounding community.” As part of the Mayor’s plan, he said the city will deploy mental health outreach teams to the neighborhood “to provide emotional support and connect people to mental health and other supportive social services.”
ABC Shares First Look at 'The Little Mermaid Live' Cast In Character!
We have your first look at The Little Mermaid Live!
The special, live event will star Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Queen Latifah as Ursula, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, John Stamos at Chef Louis, and Shaggy as Sebastian, in a celebration the 30th anniversary of the beloved animated movie through a never-before-seen hybrid musical featuring intricate live sets, costumes and music from the original animated film and the Tony-nominated Broadway stage version.
Not only do we get our first look at each character, but there are also clips of each character singing songs from their character!
“I’ll see you under the sea for @abcnetwork’s #TheLittleMermaidLive!” Queen Latifah wrote on Instagram.
The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! will air in about one month on Tuesday, November 5th at 8pm on ABC!
2nd Whistleblower With Direct Knowledge Of Ukraine Call Steps Forward, Lawyer Says!
National security lawyer Mark Zaid says a second whistleblower with direct knowledge of President Trump's call with the president of Ukraine has been interviewed by the intelligence community's inspector general.
The legal team representing the whistleblower whose complaint sparked an impeachment inquiry against President Trump now says it is representing a second whistleblower described as an intelligence official with firsthand knowledge of the allegations against the president.
Lawyer Mark Zaid, who is part of a team of attorneys representing the initial whistleblower, tells NPR that the new whistleblower has talked to the inspector general of the intelligence community but has not filed a complaint, which Zaid says is not necessary in order for the individual's account to be protected.
"By law, when a witness is interviewed by the IG, that constitutes a protected disclosure, provides them legal protection from retaliation," Zaid tells NPR.
The news that another whistleblower connected to the explosive Ukraine complaint has stepped forward with a firsthand account of the allegations comes after days of the president and his backers attacked the credibility of the initial whistleblower by claiming the account is based on "hearsay."
In comments to NPR, Zaid dismisses this characterization.
"Honestly, it's irrelevant," Zaid says of the criticism that the original whistleblower's account was not based on firsthand knowledge. "No whistleblower is required to possess firsthand knowledge, just a reasonable belief. We'll leave it to Congress and the American public to determine the veracity of the allegations."
Also on Sunday, another member of the first whistleblower's legal team, Andrew Bakaj, said the team is now representing "multiple whistleblowers" in connection with the Aug. 12 complaint that set off a formal impeachment inquiry by the House of Representatives.
"No further comment at this time," Bakaj tweeted.
Both Zaid and Bakaj are lawyers at Compass Rose Legal Group, a Washington firm specializing in national security issues.
Earlier, ABC News reported that the new whistleblower has direct knowledge of the complaint centered on the call between Trump and the president of Ukraine in which Trump allegedly used the power of his office to enlist a foreign country to interfere in the 2020 U.S. election.
The revelations of another whistleblower with direct knowledge of the call at the heart of the impeachment inquiry deepen the political scandal that centers on a call Trump had in July with the president of Ukraine in which the Trump allegedly held up military aid to the country to push for an investigation into potential Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden.
The original whistleblower, whose identity is not publicly known, also accused the White House of trying to "lock down" the call.
Although Congress is on recess, House Intelligence Committee investigators are keeping the probe into the whistleblower complaint moving, working on document requests and subpoenas and setting up witness interviews.
Trump and his supporters have said the president did nothing wrong in the July call with Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
On Sunday, Trump again slammed those who support the impeachment inquiry, including Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, a frequent GOP critic of the president.
A day earlier, Trump had said that Romney is the one who should be removed from office after Romney said publicly that the president's "brazen and unprecedented" calls to Ukraine and China to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter were "wrong and appalling." Those remarks that prompted a response from Trump Sunday morning.
"The Democrats are lucky that they don't have any Mitt Romney types," Trump tweeted. "They may be lousy politicians, with really bad policies (Open Borders, Sanctuary Cities etc.), but they stick together!"
Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, responded to the disclosure of a second intelligence official blowing the whistle on Trump by accusing the lawyers for the whistleblowers of being politically motivated.
"SURPRISE Democrat lawyer has other secret sources," Giuliani tweeted on Sunday, adding that there was "no quid pro quo," he wrote. "ORCHESTRATED DEM CAMPAIGN LIKE KAVANAUGH."
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘MOOOOOOVE OUT OF THE WAY’
This isn’t Chick-fil-A, you aren’t about to get anything for free by dressing up as a cow except for odd looks.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Tony Da Bear
Meet Tony! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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