Opinion: What Exactly Do Republicans Believe in Besides Trump?

When my parents were good Republicans — my mother a party activist, in fact — the label meant something entirely different than it does today.

It was the party of Lincoln, imagine that, and the GOP tolerated differences with a tent that was indeed big. You could be pro-civil rights and fiscally conservative, a working-class African-American family in Maryland, then, as now, a mostly blue state, and there was someone such as Republican Sen. Charles Mathias. With his streak of independence and loyalty to principle, he could represent you, your party and even those who didn’t vote for him.

But what does the GOP stand for in 2017? The answer, of course, is President Donald Trump, a man who changes positions and then contradicts himself.

Trouble in Paradise for Trump’s Inner Circle

WASHINGTON (AP) – Fired FBI Director James Comey’s highly anticipated congressional testimony is just a day away, and the White House and its allies are scrambling for ways to offset potential damage. President Donald Trump has been tight-lipped, telling reporters, “I wish him luck.” Comey’s testimony Thursday before the Senate intelligence committee could expose new details regarding his discussions with Trump about the federal investigation into Russia’s election meddling.

Meantime, White House sources say Attorney General Jeff Sessions was willing to call it quits if President Trump no longer wanted him to serve in that position. This comes amid alleged tension between The President and Sessions since the Attorney General recused himself from the Russia Probe.

Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in.

Comey’s Memo, Trump’s Russia Meeting

Charlotte, NC — There is controversy on two fronts at the White House. According to a memo, President Trump allegedly asked then FBI Director James Comey to end the bureau’s investigation into then National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. The latest allegations come on the heels of reports that the President also shared classified information with Russian leaders during an Oval Office meeting last week. Members of the House Oversight Committee say they are willing to subpoena documents of any conversations between Comey and Trump if they are not handed over by May 24th.

Russia President Vladimir Putin is also offering to turn over to Congress records of President Donald Trump’s discussions with Russian diplomats in which Trump is said to have disclosed classified information.

Lawmakers on both aisles are pressing for more answers.

WCCB Political Contributor, Mary C. Curtis offers more perspective on the drama and chaos in Washington.

Local News Roundup: Reaction to Comey Firing, Parents Weigh In on CMS Map, Crime on the Rise

Carolina senators react to the firing of the FBI director. Charlotte-Mecklenburg parents give the school board feedback on the student assignment plan. Violent crime figures are on the rise. Mike Collins and our reporter roundtable discuss the week’s news.

Opinion: Trump’s Reruns — ‘Slippery Ethics, Harsh Pronouncements and Shiny Gilt’

Is everyone exhausted yet?

The one thing America could count on was that Trump, as promised, would put on a surprising show. But not even four months into the Trump presidency, the one surprise is how depressingly familiar the playbook has become. The hopes and dreams that candidate Trump promised to fulfill? Hold off on those.

 

FBI Director James Comey Fired

James Comey is out as FBI Director. What happens to Russia investigation?

James Comey has been fired by President Donald Trump as head of the FBI, as his administration is being investigated by the FBI for connections with Russia, which U.S. intelligence agencies have confirmed interfered in the 2016 presidential election. What happens to the investigation, and will there be a special prosecutor?

President Trump Responds to Clinton’s Election Comments

CHARLOTTE, NC —

President Trump took to twitter late Tuesday to respond to Hillary Clinton’s claims that she would have won the election, if not for interference from Russian hackers and the actions of FBI Director, James Comey.

Mr. Trump in a series of tweets, said in part “FBI Director, James Comey was the best thing that ever happened to Hillary Clinton…” and that “Trump/Russia story was an excuse used by democrats as justification for losing the election.”

WCCB Political Contributor, Mary C. Curtis, weighs in.