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Georgia Democrats press Isakson, Perdue to condemn Trump intel disclosure

Atlanta Journal-Constitution // Greg Bluestein

May 16, 2017

Georgia Democrats pressed Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue to condemn President Donald Trump for revealing highly classified intelligence to Russian officials, reminding them they co-sponsored legislation that would sanction anyone who exercised “extreme carelessness” in handling confidential information.

Democratic Party of Georgia head DuBose Porter said Tuesday that Trump has “undermined the trust of our allies and imperiled our national security” and referred to legislation both Republicans sponsored in July 2016 that would strip security clearances for those who mishandle sensitive info.

The measure, which never gained traction, was a political maneuver introduced in the heat of the campaign by Republicans frustrated that Democrat Hillary Clinton was not indicted for her handling of classified material on a personal email server while she was U.S. secretary of state.

Isakson did not immediately comment on reports that Trump boasted about classified material in a meeting last week with the Russian ambassador and foreign minister – his office said he wouldn’t weigh in until he “has learned all the facts.”

And Perdue, one of Trump’s highest-profile advocates in Georgia, called it a “shiny object of the day for the media and Washington.”

“I want to get back to talking about the debt, the upcoming budget, and this president re-engaging,” he said on Fox Business Network of Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East and the Vatican. “Isn’t it refreshing that we have a president re-engaging with U.S. allies around the world on his first international trip?”

Trump said on Twitter he had the “absolute right” to reveal the information, citing “humanitarian reasons” and an effort to goad Russia into stepping up its fight with the Islamic State. His allies have said the law gives the president has wide discretion to declassify information.

But analysts worried that the details could expose the source of the information, putting the nation’s intelligence sources and diplomatic ties at risk. The New York Times reported that Israel provided the intel that Trump shared with Russia.

In a statement, Porter asked whether Isakson and Perdue will hold Trump to the “same standard” they sought in the legislation.

“Their silence is jeopardizing our relationships with our allies and could put American lives at risk,” said Porter.

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Georgia Democrats press Isakson, Perdue to condemn Trump intel disclosure

Shirking Accountability: Isakson, Perdue and Hice Duck Their Own Town Hall Meeting

 

                                                                                     

Shirking Accountability: Isakson, Perdue and Hice Duck Their Own Town Hall Meeting

 

 

Atlanta, GA – This morning, the offices of Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator David Perdue, and Rep. Jody Hice hosted a “town hall” meeting in Greensboro.

 

Only one problem: All three Republicans were no-shows and instead chose to pawn off their responsibilities to congressional aides.

 

From the AJC:

The protests that have rocked Republican town hall meetings across the nation have arrived in Georgia.

Dozens of protesters packed a meeting on Friday in Greensboro hosted by aides to U.S. Sens. David Perdue and Johnny Isakson and Rep. Jody Hice. The trio of Republicans, though, was not there.

The meeting – which a Hice spokesman characterized as a routine “constituent service day” featuring private sessions with local residents – is one of the first Republican congressional events in Georgia since Donald Trump’s inauguration.

 

“Rather than face the music for their rubber stamp roles for Donald Trump, these men have shirked their duties as elected representatives and done disservice to their constituents. Perish the thought that they endure the ‘pain’ of actually talking to voters—or to borrow Isakson’s own words, the ‘unwashed back home.’

 

“For all their talk of being outsiders, this hiding game is the epitome of the out-of-touch DC insider mindset. Access and answers are owed to all Georgians—not just the GOP’s well-heeled campaign contributors.” – Michael Smith, Communications Director

 

 

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on Donald Trump’s Vile Comments About Women

Release:  Saturday, October 8, 2016      

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Executive Director Rebecca DeHart issued the following statement on the latest revelations of Donald Trump’s treatment of women.

“Throughout the course of his campaign, we—as a nation—keep asking ourselves what Donald Trump could possibly do to sink lower. Anyone who denigrates and objectifies women, and brags about sexual assault, is completely and wholly unfit for elected office. How could any parent cast their vote for this vile, dangerous man and then come home and look their child in the eyes.

“Make no mistake. Young girls are paying attention to how we as a society respond to a man who boasts of forcibly groping a woman. Young boys are paying attention to our response to a man who calls women ‘pigs’ and ‘slobs.’

“Equally as shocking is the Georgia GOP’s silence and complacency. Where’s the leadership? Why haven’t Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue and the rest of their Party condemned their candidate and immediately withdrawn their support?

“In a year in which Democrats are finally shattering that glass ceiling, Georgians are left with a stark choice this November. But there is also a stark choice facing the Republican Party. As their nominee he is their standard bearer—representative of their party. And they have the choice to reject him. I hope, for the sake of women and girls everywhere, they send him packing.”

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Georgia GOP’s Silence Becomes Seal of Approval for Trump’s Lies and Insults

Release:  Thursday, September 8, 2016    

Atlanta, GA – Donald Trump not only failed last night’s Commander-in-Chief test—he doubled down on his reckless foreign policy ideas and offensive rhetoric. Among the lowlights of the evening…

On his plan to defeat Isis:  “If we’re going to get out, take the oil.”

On Vladimir Putin: “If he says great things about me, I’m going to say great things about him. I’ve already said, he is really very much of a leader. I mean, you can say, oh, isn’t that a terrible thing — the man has very strong control over a country. Now, it’s a very different system, and I don’t happen to like the system. But certainly, in that system, he’s been a leader, far more than our president has been a leader.”

On American generals: “I think under the leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the generals have been reduced to rubble. They have been reduced to a point where it’s embarrassing for our country.”

On his offensive tweet about rape in the military: “It’s a correct tweet.”

At a press conference this morning, Hillary Clinton called on all Republicans to respond to Donald Trump’s offensive remarks.

Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter echoed Clinton’s challenge, calling on Georgia Republicans—including Senator Johnny Isakson—to either support or disavow Trump’s lies and insults.

“The Georgia GOP can’t keep straddling the fence. Their silence has become a seal of approval. If the top of your ticket praises foreign dictators yet insults our own military, push politics aside and do the right thing. They should denounce Donald Trump now.” – DuBose Porter, Chair

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ICYMI – Warnock to Isakson: Assassination incident makes Trump unworthy

Rev. Raphael Warnock – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dear Senator Isakson,

You are Georgia’s senior senator, hailed as one of its most beloved politicians. And, while I most often disagree with you politically, through our personal interactions, I have come to regard you as a kind and decent man.

For years, I have been impressed that you have attended the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Ecumenical Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, staying for the entirety of a long service, as speeches are delivered about Dr. King’s philosophy and work.

Having heard hundreds of such speeches over the years, I wonder what you think Dr. King, who put forth a vision of “the beloved community,” might say about your endorsement of Donald Trump? Or, your silence when asked about his hateful words?

Dr. King said, “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.” He understood that some things are more important than politics and sometimes the very soul of a nation hangs in the balance.

For years now Donald Trump — chief proponent of the birther movement — has high-jacked the continuing conversation about what it means to be an American. In Trump’s America, it’s us against them. The truth is he’s playing us against us.

A skilled con-man, Trump is trying to sell the American public a tired, old simple story: That our pain is the fault of “those other people.” We must therefore build a wall to lock out the Mexicans, ban the Muslims and answer bi-partisan calls for criminal justice reform with a brutal expression of “law and order.” His dark and dangerous vision would create a more isolated, xenophobic and mean-spirited nation.

While Trump hawks a murky and magical elixir that promises to “make America great again,” he has proven to be much more adept at making America hate again. His rallies erupt as carnivals of bigotry and bloodlust egged on by the showman’s penchant for playing with fire. “I’d like to punch him in the face,” utters the man who aspires to lead the free world.

But this week, he took it too far, playing with assassination itself, as he suggested that “Second Amendment people” might stop a President Hillary Clinton. These not so subtle hints of violent reprisals against those who threaten “real America” have no place in a nation that embodies the peaceful transfer of democratic power — an example for the world.

As pastor of the church of our martyred leader — whose mother was also gunned down while playing our church organ one June morning by an unstable man, I submit that this is no joke. It is dangerous rhetoric so far beyond the pale of conventional politics that the normal rules of party loyalty do not apply. Senator, you and others must choose nation over party, principle over politics. Like Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, you should dump Trump. Given your stature, perhaps others will follow suit.

You cannot embrace Dr. King’s inclusive vision of “the beloved community” while endorsing Trump’s hateful nation. You cannot remember Dr. King in January and dismember his legacy of love, justice and nonviolence in November. “There comes a time,” King said, “When silence is betrayal.” Senator, that time is now.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock

Senior Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church

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Warnock to Isakson: Assassination incident makes Trump unworthy

Deafening Silence from Isakson & Perdue on Trump’s Latest Veterans Attacks

Atlanta, GA – Donald Trump has disrespected our veterans once again, and Georgia Republican Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue have yet to condemn the offensive attacks.

From the AJC:

Donald Trump’s extraordinary refusal to endorse two of his own party’s leaders and his belittling of the Muslim family of a slain U.S. soldier has led some influential Republican officials to break with him. But in Georgia, his controversial remarks have been met with a wall of silence from most of his highest-profile supporters.

…Consider the statement from U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, who is seeking a third term in November, on whether he stands by Trump’s criticism of Khizr Khan, the father of the U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq in 2004. Isakson extolled the younger Khan’s “ultimate sacrifice” — but made no mention of Trump.

“For decades, Donald Trump has disrespected veterans and our families either through shocking comments or predatory schemes. Georgia’s top Republicans should stand up and disavow this latest disgraceful attack on the Khan family. The GOP’s silence on this issue is an insult to those who have fought for our country. Georgia deserves a leader who will keep our country safe and give veterans and our families the respect they deserve—not a rabble-rouser who uses inflammatory remarks to divide us.” –Jon Keen, Chair of the DPG Veterans and Military Families Caucus

Jon Keen grew up in an Army family. He served on active duty as an Army infantry officer, leading paratroopers in combat during two tours in Afghanistan. Keen serves as chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia’s Veterans and Military Families Caucus and a member of the Truman National Security Project.

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While Republicans in Other States Flee Trump and Party, Deal and Perdue Set to Host Fundraiser for Donald Trump

Release:  Tuesday, June 7, 2016                                                                                          

While Republicans in Other States Flee Trump and Party, Deal and Perdue Set to Host Fundraiser for Donald Trump

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Days after Donald Trump made shocking, racist remarks that Hispanic-American judges and Muslim-American judges were incapable of ruling without bias, Republican leaders in other states are fleeing both the candidate and the GOP.

But not here in Georgia.

Gov. Nathan Deal and Senator David Perdue are set to host a private fundraiser for Trump next week in Atlanta.

Worse yet, Senator Perdue and Senator Johnny Isakson both refuse to denounce Trump’s comments. From the AJC:

“I think the sooner we get this behind us and we can talk about the issues where he does have the high ground the better off we’d be,” Perdue said. “And I think you may see that coming out in the next day or two.”

Meanwhile, Johnny Isakson, Georgia’s senior U.S. senator, said he didn’t make much of Trump’s comments.

“I just think talking about a pending case in court if you’re a defendant or a plaintiff, the conversations ought to be in the courtroom and not outside,” he said.

 

“How much more will it take for Governor Deal and Senators Isakson and Perdue to place decency and civility above politics. This is pretty cut and dry. Even Republicans in other states have called out these comments for what they are—racist and divisive. Georgia GOP leaders should condemn these remarks and hold their new standard bearer accountable.” – Michael Smith, Communications Director.

 

Iowa GOP lawmaker dumps party to protest Trump

Des Moines Register

State Sen. David Johnson, one of the senior members of the Iowa Senate, says he has suspended his Republican Party membership to protest “the racist remarks and judicial jihad” by presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

… “I will not stand silent if the party of Lincoln and the end of slavery buckles under the racial bias of a bigot,” Johnson said, referring to Trump. His criticism was prompted by Trump’s comments that federal Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, who is presiding over a lawsuit involving the now-closed Trump University, was biased because of his Mexican heritage.

Graham calls on Republicans to un-endorse Trump

Politico

If ever there were a moment for Republicans to jump off the Trump train, now would be as good of a time, according to South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Graham wants fellow Republicans who have endorsed Donald Trump to take it all back in the wake of his repeated claims that Judge Gonzalo Curiel’s heritage make him unfit to preside over lawsuits against him.

“This is the most un-American thing from a politician since Joe McCarthy,” Graham told The New York Times. “If anybody was looking for an off-ramp, this is probably it,” he added.
Sen. Mark Kirk withdraws support for Trump

Chicago Sun-Times

Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., facing a big challenge from Rep. Tammy Duckworth D-Ill., said Tuesday he will not support presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump after earlier saying he will back him.

“I cannot and will not support my party’s nominee for President regardless of the political impact on my candidacy or the Republican Party,” Kirk said in a statement, where he also said Trump did not have the temperament to command the U.S. military or take control of nuclear weapons.

“After much consideration, I have concluded that Donald Trump has not demonstrated the temperament necessary to assume the greatest office in the world,” said Kirk…

 

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GAGOP to Trump – Let’s B BFFLS 4ever

GAGOP Trump Logo copy

 

Now that Donald Trump is the GOP’s presumptive nominee, Georgia Republicans are lining up to embrace a candidate who has proposed horrifying foreign policies—including the refusal to rule out the use of nuclear weapons on European territory. A candidate that labels Mexican immigrants as “rapists” and “criminals.” A candidate that has been endorsed by former KKK leader David Duke. And a candidate that has condoned and defended violence at his own campaign events.

 

The AJC reports that “Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston and Attorney General Sam Olens all sent word they would support the party’s nominee despite backing his rivals in the primary. So did Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, and Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who each stayed out of the race for president…”

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on the shocking embrace of Donald Trump by Republican leaders.

 

“Donald Trump may be the most dangerous presidential candidate of our lifetime and the ruling class of the Georgia GOP seems perfectly fine with the impending chaos of a potential—yet improbable—Trump presidency. How on Earth could Johnny Isakson, David Perdue and the rest of that crew trust a volatile, divisive figure to lead the greatest armed forces in the World? How can they sleep at night with the looming prospect of Donald Trump being in possession of nuclear codes? It’s just beyond comprehension, and voters will hold Republicans accountable up and down the ballot in November. There is no doubt in my mind that Georgia will send another Democrat to the White House, with the temperament and judgement to keep our great country prosperous, safe and secure.”

 

DPG Chair Statement on President Obama’s SCOTUS Nominee

Release:  Wednesday, March 16, 2016                                                                                            

DPG Chair Statement on President Obama’s SCOTUS Nominee

 

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on the nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

“Chief Judge Merrick Garland’s qualifications are indisputable. He is a talented jurist who has dedicated his life to public service and deserves a vote.

 

“Johnny Isakson and David Perdue—who have both said they will block the nomination process—have decided to play politics with the highest court in the land. They are refusing to fulfill their duties under the U.S. Constitution. Their obstructionism is a serious injustice the people of Georgia, who simply want our U.S. Senators to do their job.”

 

 

DPG First Vice Chair Congratulates Loretta Lynch on Confirmation as US Attorney General

Release:  Thursday, April 23, 2015

 

Democratic Party of GA First Vice Chair Congratulates Loretta Lynch on Confirmation as US Attorney General

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice-Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement in response to news that the United States Senate confirmed Loretta Lynch as US Attorney General—the nation’s first African American woman to hold the post. Both of Georgia’s Senators—Republicans Johnny Isakson and David Perdue—voted against Loretta Lynch’s confirmation.

 

“First, I would like to congratulate Loretta Lynch on her confirmation. She has a proven record of battling criminals and terrorists, and will serve our country well. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue’s actions during the nomination and confirmation process have been disgraceful—obstructionism at its finest. It is absolutely disconcerting that these two men would rather play politics with our national security than serve their constituents.”

 

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Johnny Isakson and David Perdue Playing Politics with National Security

Release:  Wednesday, March 11, 2015       

 

Johnny Isakson and David Perdue Playing Politics with National Security

 

 

Atlanta, GA – On Monday, Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue signed a letter to Iranian leaders, seeking to undermine President Obama’s foreign policy. US Secretary of State John Kerry has called the letter irresponsible, saying “This letter ignores more than two centuries of precedent in the conduct of American foreign policy.” The Republican stunt has also been called an “unprecedented breach in protocol” that “goes well beyond those limits and could very easily be seen as unconstitutional.”

 

Editorial boards across the nation have denounced the move by Republicans, and one of the letter’s signers, Senator John McCain of Arizona, is already backtracking, saying “Maybe that wasn’t the best way to do that…”

 

“This was a reckless move by both senators that could undermine years of negotiations with the Iranians,” said Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter in a statement. “It’s a pattern with Republicans, to undermine this administration at any cost. The letter is out of bounds, and basically nothing more than a cheap stunt that borders on treason. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue should join the growing number of Republicans that are distancing themselves from the extreme Ted Cruz fringe of their party and retract their support of this letter immediately.”

 

 

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BACKGROUND

The Hill, 3-11-15 – McCain: GOP letter to Iran not ‘most effective’ response

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), one of the signers of the controversial letter to Iran’s leadership, admitted Tuesday night that the letter might not have been the way to express frustration that President Obama isn’t working with Congress on nuclear negotiations with Tehran.

…“Maybe that wasn’t the best way to do that, but I think the Iranians should know that the Congress of the United States has to play a role in whether an agreement of this magnitude.”

 

Lawfare, 3-9-15 – The Error in the Senators’ Letter to the Leaders of Iran

The letter states that “the Senate must ratify [a treaty] by a two-thirds vote.”  But as the Senate’s own web page makes clear: “The Senate does not ratify treaties. Instead, the Senate takes up a resolution of ratification, by which the Senate formally gives its advice and consent, empowering the president to proceed with ratification”

 

Huffington Post, 3-11-15 – John Kerry Hammers GOP Senators’ ‘Irresponsible’ Letter To Iran

“My reaction to the letter was utter disbelief,” Kerry said when asked about it by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

“You write to the leaders in the middle of a negotiation — particularly the leaders that they have criticized other people for even engaging with or writing to — to write then and suggest they were going to give a constitutional lesson, which by the way was absolutely incorrect, is quite stunning,” he went on.

 

Vox, 3-11-15 – The uproar over Sen. Tom Cotton’s letter to Iran, explained

This is an unprecedented breach in protocol — and maybe even the law. Constitutional law sets sharp, and important, limits on Congress’s involvement in foreign policy; unlike with legislation, the law defines the president as the “sole organ” in making foreign policy. Cotton’s letter, by interfering with Obama’s foreign policy, goes well beyond those limits and could very easily be seen as unconstitutional (much like Republicans’ recent invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to Congress against Obama’s Iran talks).

 

DNC, 3-11-15 – GOP’s Reckless Iran Letter Doesn’t Go Unnoticed

Statement on the American Jobs Act

Georgia – With the United States Senate prepared to vote on the American Jobs Act today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Mike Berlon released the following statement:

 “The President and the American people stand in agreement; it is time for Congress to put this country over their political party. Our Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson must vote for the American Jobs Act, which will get more Georgians working while cutting payroll taxes in half for employers.

“Our state is 49th in job creation out of 50 states, and was one of only six states to post job losses in July. Our unemployment rate has been higher than the national average for over four years running. With nearly every state more competitive in job creation than we are, it is clear that the policies of our state’s Republican leadership aren’t working.

“Today’s vote in the Senate is a critical step forward. The American Jobs Act will put construction workers on the job to rebuild our schools, roads and bridges. It puts more money in the pockets of middle class families and keeps teachers in the classroom. It will help police and firefighters stay on the job and protect our communities.

“Isakson and Chambliss must pass this bill in the US Senate immediately.”