Author: J.P. Knowles

Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi finally made it to the end of a joint session of Congress that was interrupted by protesters busting into the Capitol building forcing members of the House and Senate into a lockdown. So to celebrate a job well done the two lawmakers bumped elbows.

Apparently, Pelosi initiated the friendly gesture after the House and Senate were able to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory, bringing an end to a long, difficult process.

The two also appeared to thank each other after the certification during a brief conversation.

The certification was already expected to be delayed by several Republicans objecting to the results in key battleground states including Pennsylvania and Georgia.

What Congress didn’t expect was a hoard of Trump supporters to push past security and breach the Capitol building, forcing some of them to evacuate and others to barricade themselves on the Senate floor.

When Capitol police finally cleared the rioters, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other lawmakers said they would not be “intimidated” by the rioters and Congress went back to work to continue the certification process.

After some objections to results in Arizona and Pennsylvania were brought up for debate and ultimately defeated, Congress certified Joe Biden’s win at around 3:40 a.m. Thursday morning.

https://twitter.com/TristanAx0/status/1347109930663292929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1347109930663292929%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fpolitics%2Fpence-pelosi-share-elbow-bump-following-biden-certification-vote

Throughout Trump’s presidency, the House Speaker and Vice President have not always seen eye to eye so the small gesture was a surprising exchange was between the Democrat and Republican.

President Trump made a statement on Thursday officially condemning protestors’ “heinous attack” on the Capitol and called for healing.

“Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem,” said the president noting that he had “immediately” deployed the National Guard.

The president tweeted out the video after his account was unlocked by Twitter. The day before Twitter and Facebook suspended the president’s accounts claiming that his comments and “likely their intent — would be to provoke further violence.”

pic.twitter.com/csX07ZVWGe

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021

“Emotions are high now, but tempers must be cooled and calm restored,” said the president. “We must get on with the business of America. My campaign rigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the election results. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote.”

“My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition,” Trump continued, confirming that “a new administration” would be inaugurated on January 20.

He emphasized that “this moment now calls for healing and reconciliation.”

President Trump acknowledged that there would be struggles ahead mitigating the coronavirus and repairing the economy.

“It will require all of us working together,” he declared. “It will require a renewed emphasis on the civic values of patriotism, faith, charity, community and family.”

He then addressed the citizens of America saying that “serving as your president has been the honor of a lifetime.” Then to his supporters, he added, “I know you are disappointed… our incredible journey is only just beginning.”

After again vowing at the “Save America” rally on Wednesday that he would “never concede” the president promised that he would cooperate with an orderly transition.

After vowing at the “Save America” rally in Washington Wednesday he would “never concede,” Trump promised on Thursday to offer an orderly transition, despite his grievances, after Congress certified the Electoral College results in favor of President-elect Joe Biden.

The man seen sitting at what he believed to be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk during the attack on Capitol Hill has been identified as Richard Barnett from Gravette, Arkansas. The man is being accused of stealing a letter addressed by Pelosi but he is insisting he is “not a thief.”

After the chaos, Barnett told an Arkansas news station, “If you are a wicked attorney get in touch with me – I’m going to need one or two.”

According to the 60-year-old, he was looking for the bathroom when he walked past an open office.

“I looked in and saw it was Nancy Pelosi’s office,” he said. “I sat down here in my desk. I’m a taxpayer. I’m a patriot. That ain’t her desk – we loaned her that desk. And she ain’t appreciating the desk, so I thought I would sit down and appreciate the desk.”

Barnett explained he then realized he had a cut on his hand and had “bled on her envelope.”

“So I picked up the envelope and I put it in my pocket and I put a quarter on the desk. Cause I’m not a thief,” claimed Barnett.

He later posted a video to his Twitter account saying, “I didn’t steal it. I bled on it because they were f—–g macing me and I couldn’t f—–g see. And so I figured well I’m in her office, I got blood in her office. I put a quarter on her desk even though she ain’t f—–g working.”

Barnett also shared an image of himself holding the envelope addressed by Nancy Pelosi.

The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit https://t.co/buMd8vYXzH.

— FBI (@FBI) January 7, 2021

At a “Stop the Steal” rally in Bentonville, Arkansas back in November, a local news station broadcasted a video of Barnett holding a “Banana Republic USA” sign.

“Hey if you don’t like it, send somebody out to me but I ain’t going down easy,” he said.

So far Barnett does not appear to be facing any charges related to the breach of the Capitol building which resulted in four deaths and over 70 arrests.

Debates in the House and Senate over electoral votes were put on hold after both chambers went to recess when protesters breached security and stormed the Capitol building.

Senator James Lankford was in the middle of explaining his objection to the electoral votes from Arizona when Senate proceedings were put on pause.

After recess was announced an aide could be heard telling Lankford, “Protesters are in the building.”

The House then called a recess soon after and the House chamber was barricaded with furniture and House members, staffers, and journalists were ushered from the chamber to a safer location. At one point, police officers in the chamber were seen with their weapons drawn and aimed at the barricaded doors, looking to keep protesters from gaining access.

Meanwhile, the situation became violent between protesters and Capitol Police as the mob continued to make their way into the building. One protester told reporters that his reason for doing this was because he is “fed up with our politicians.” The man would not identify himself and said police fired rubber bullets at the crowd “before we did anything.”

One reporter asked the man if breaking into the Capitol was a violent act, he responded, “Was 1776 violent?” He was then asked if the protests that day were equal to the American Revolution, he replied that it “might be the first stepping stones.”

The Cannon House Office Building and Madison Library of Congress Building also had to be briefly evacuated due to a bomb threat after several suspicious packages were reported in the area.

President Trump took to Twitter to offer his support for Capitol Police and discouraged any violence.

“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful,” he wrote. “No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!”

As the sun began to set, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. citywide curfew that applies to everyone with the exception of designated essential workers including the media, as well as special “persons designated by the Mayor.”

Senator Ted Cruz also denounced violent protests saying, “Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW. The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence—from Left or Right— is ALWAYS wrong. And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.”

President Trump is putting pressure on Vice President Mike Pence to step up before Congress convenes to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.

Even though Pence, as vice president, will preside over the joint session his role is mostly a ceremonial one.

But Trump sees this as a way to possibly reverse his presidential election defeat and is insisting that Pence has the power to overturn the election results.

The president declared in a tweet Tuesday morning, “The Vice President has the power to reject fraudulently chosen electors.”

The Vice President has the power to reject fraudulently chosen electors.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2021

Just before that, Trump told a crowd of supporters at an election-eve rally in Georgia, “I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, I have to tell you.”

“I hope that our great vice president – our great vice president,” Trump emphasized, “comes through for us. He’s a great guy. Of course, if he doesn’t come through, I won’t like him as much.”

Despite all the heat Pence is taking from the president he says he intends to “follow the law” on Wednesday.

According to White House officials the vice president “is taking a very diligent and studious approach to his job tomorrow. He has consulted at length with staff. He has gone through the Electoral Count Act several times. He has read legal opinions, met with the Senate parliamentarian, and consulted with outside experts on the subject matter.”

Those officials assured that “the vice president will follow the law. He will act tomorrow with fidelity to the law and the Constitution.”

A CNN panel of so-called “Never Trump” Republicans degenerated into what seemed more like a teen drama reality show with Don Lemon playing the part of the instigating host than one of the top 3 news stations in the United States.

Things got heated when Ana Navarro laid into Anthony Scaramucci for pointing out that millions of Americans are displeased with “identity politics,” Amanda Carpenter jumped in and mocked Scaramucci’s temporary occupation as President Trump’s White House communications director, while Scaramucci called out Carpenter for working for Senator Ted Cruz who he referred to as a “full-on traitor.”

Scaramucci pointed out that over 74 million Americans voted for Trump, a fact he said was a flaw in the “system.”

“It’s identity politics and it’s economics,” he said.

This caused Navarro to go on a rage-fueled rant.

“Anthony, I’ve got to tell you, there is no phrase I hate more than identity politics,” Navarro snapped back. “When Republicans talk about identity politics, they’re talking about people like me and people like Don. They’re talking about our gender. They’re talking about sexuality. They’re talking about our skin color and our ethnicity.”

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Lemon attempted to end the segment, but Navarro continued to rage, calling it a “stupid phrase meant to trigger.”

“You’re too smart for that,” Navarro said to Scaramucci.

Carpenter chimed in, “Well, he worked for Trump, so I don’t know,” and Lemon could not hold back his laughter.

“You worked for Ted Cruz, a full-on traitor,” Scaramucci fired back. “I mean, what are you talking about? You don’t have any standing to say that.”

Carpenter responded, “I remember you going to the cameras and praising Donald Trump to the hilt. When I worked for Ted Cruz — you want to go there? — he took principled, constitutional stands.”

She then told Scaramucci to “get lost” and he accused Carpenter of being a “hypocrite on national TV.”

Lemon was finally able to reel it in but the damage had already been done.

It was an embarrassing couple of minutes for everyone involved.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just ordered a nationwide lockdown through February in an effort to slow the spread of a variant of the coronavirus.

As of Monday, England reported over 26,600 patients in hospitals from COVID-19, which is a 30% increase from the previous week.

Under the rules, which will be put into effect as soon as possible, all schools will be closed for face-to-face learning with the exception of children of key workers. Students attending university will not be allowed to return until at least mid-February.

Hair salons, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses will be closed, but eateries still have the option to deliver.

Scotland also announced it is implementing a coronavirus lockdown which will start on Tuesday and last until the end of the month. Residents will be asked to only leave their homes for essential purposes and to limit the size of outdoor gatherings. Schools will also remain closed for in-person learning.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in a statement,” It is no exaggeration to say that I am more concerned about the situation we face now than I have been at any time since March last year. It is essential that we further limit interaction between different households to stem the spread and bring the situation back under control, while we vaccinate more people.”

Scotland has its own devolved government and has often imposed tighter coronavirus restrictions than those in England over the course of the pandemic.

To date, the United Kingdom has 2.65 million recorded cases of coronavirus infections and on Monday became the first country in the world to administer AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford’s coronavirus vaccine after its emergency authorization last week.

The first vaccine went to Brian Pinker, an 82-year-old dialysis patient at Oxford Univerity Hospital. Pinker says he was given peace of mind from the vaccine and he looks forward to celebrating his 48th wedding anniversary next month.

Democratic Missouri Representative Emanuel Cleaver shocked everyone when he delivered the opening prayer for the 117th Congress on Sunday by changing the ending. Instead of the traditional ending of “amen” Cleaver said “amen and awoman.”

Video of the altered prayer was posted online and he received harsh criticism from other lawmakers who said he was wrong for assigning a gender to the word “amen.”

Representative Guy Reschenthaler took to Twitter to clarify that the word amen is actually “Latin fro ‘so be it.’”

“It’s not a gendered word,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, facts are irrelevant to progressives. Unbelievable.”

Former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich slammed the alteration as clear evidence of Democrats moving further to the left: “the radical madness has begun.”

Amen and awoman."perfect House Democrat prayer ending as House Dems focus on gender security by abolishing virtually every normal gender term like “father. Mother “-the radical madness has begun-Kevin McCarthy for Speaker!

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 4, 2021

Cleaver’s office did not respond to reporters’ questions.

Astonishingly, Cleaver is an ordained United Methodist pastor and was asked to lead the opening prayer to start the new session on Sunday. Congress swore in new lawmakers and Nancy Pelosi was re-elected as House speaker.

Recently, Pelosi introduced new House rules she said will help in guiding the body to become more inclusive. A 45-page package rejects all mention of gender-specific pronouns and terms such as “man,” “woman,” “mother” and “son.”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy appeared on “Fox & Friends” Monday and responded to a conversation between President Trump and Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. During the call, Trump insisted that he won Georgia in the 2020 presidential election and urged Raffensperger to “find” enough votes needed to reverse the state’s results.

The president reportedly said, “All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. Because we won the state.”

Georgia certified election results show that President-elect Joe Biden won the state by 11,779 votes.

“We have to make sure that our elections are accountable, have integrity, and are safe,” said McCarthy. “The president’s always been concerned about the integrity of the election and the president believes that there are things that happened in Georgia, and he wants to see the accountability for it.”

“Does anybody in America think the last election was done well?” he added while noting that some races in New York have still not been called.

“What has happened here in this last election because of COVID, people just sending ballots out to anyone who’s on the rolls. These rolls have not been cleaned up,” McCarthy said and pointed out that “this isn’t the first time this has happened.”

“If we really want to unite this nation, that’s what the house should be doing and the Senate,” he continued. “This should never happen again in the future.”

Representatives Jim Jordan and Mo Brooks are leading a group of Republicans to object to the certification of the presidential election results. Saturday night House Republicans held a rare conference to discuss their goal of overturning several states’ Electoral College results this week.

Brooks said 50 people were apart of the conference call including Jordan, Trump, and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. He added that congressional members on the call represented only “some” of those in Congress who support challenging the results of the Electoral College.

Just one day after the 117th Congress was sworn in and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was narrowly re-elected, a leading super political action committee that backs House Republicans is targeting vulnerable Democrats in the 2022 midterm elections.

On Monday the Congressional Leadership Fund announced their plan to spend five-figures to run digital ads in 21 congressional districts against Democratic lawmakers who supported the re-election of Nancy Pelosi.

“When liberals like Pelosi push their radical agenda, we know who to blame,” says the narrator in the spots.

#2022 is here and Democrats better BUCKLE UP.

CLF launched new ads in 21 districts targeting vulnerable Dems who supported @SpeakerPelosi for Speaker.

DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/8o1oa2ZjVI pic.twitter.com/vbVYVHxZzc

— Congressional Leadership Fund (@CLFSuperPAC) January 4, 2021

Instead of expanding their majority, the Democrats lost nearly a dozen seats in the recent elections, and the party holds a 222-211 majority in the chamber over Republicans. In New York State on House election has still not been called, and a mostly GOP district in Louisiana is vacant because Representative-elect Luke Letlow recently passed away from COVID-19.

Included in the group of 21 Democrats target in the spots are Representatives Ron Kind, Cheri Bustos, Haley Stevens, and Sean Patrick Maloney who is the incoming Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair.

Democrats lost on average about 25 House seats in the midterms election allowing Republicans to regain the majority in the chamber, which they lost in the 2018 midterms.

“Every lawmaker who supported Nancy Pelosi either by name or by cowardly hiding behind a vote of ‘president’ is directly responsible for enabling Pelosi and all of her dangerous agenda,” said leadership fund President Dan Conston.

Conston anticipates that “Democrats will spend the next 24 months of their short-lived majority explaining why they sold out to Nancy Pelosi and the socialist left.”