187 Comments

The seemingly basic question I have is this- how does a man who is described as in "financial turmoil" afford to travel from Hawaii to Florida, to Ukraine and apparently back and forth across the country? I work 40 hours a week and have to CAREFULLY budget for a once a year vacation.

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I thought the same thing. How?

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Credit card debt. If he was already in CC debt he probably just went deeper

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His wife has money. Read Coffee&covid.com

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It’s okay, you can call me a conspiracy theorist…. This increased outpouring of high profile Democrats after these assassination attempts to double, triple, quadruple down on how dangerous Trump is … and that he must be stopped and his supporters must be silenced by rather draconian methods…. I call this “ overplaying their hand”…. Like alarmingly so…now, why would that be???

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"Why would that be?" Maybe because we don't want Trump to become a martyr, like Republicans so dearly want him to be. Maybe because we can see the bigger picture and realize that these attempts change virtually nothing about who he is as a person and a candidate.

Trump is no less a dangerous wannabe dictator after the attempts. Now he's a dangerous wannabe dictator with a little boo-boo on his ear and a new angle with which to campaign. Same thing happened with Reagan, yet at least Reagan wasn't a malignant narcissist willing to raze the country to the ground in order to protect his own sorry hide.

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Wow. TDS is alive and well and all consuming. So he’s going to be a dictator and destroy our democracy…. So to stop him, we have to defy the constitution , censor people who speak out against such Machiavellian tactics and vote for yet another puppet who apparently is over Xanaxed and has not one clue about economics but is certain that Americans are filled with joy… got it.

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You win the award for the nastiest , most insane reply I ever received on Substack. Take this garbage to FB or X.

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Oh, are you trying to censor me, Mrs. McFarland?

But..but surely that isn't something a Real American Patriot would do, is it? 🥺

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You blocked me so, I guess so.

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Yes, Trump IS deranged, and it's a syndrome that his cultish supporters STILL don't see it. The man literally says he's gonna be "a dictator on day one" if he gets back in and you're still trying to defend him. He's the one who wants to defy the Constitution. I bet you can't even name a specific example of Democrats "defying the Constitution" or taking away your rights - at least not one that's grounded in anything resembling reality.

Censorship?? That's funny, for a group supposedly being silenced and censored, y'all never seem to shut up. And which party is it who's trying to silence any discussion of human-accelerated climate change, or honest discussions about the less than rosy parts of our country's history and how, for better or for worse, they've helped to shape the present?

You talk about Machiavellian tactics and puppets while ignoring the big fat demented orange Manchurian elephant in the room.

At least Harris is able to stay on topic about policy, instead of rambling like some drunk racist grampa about Haitians eating pets, or jabbering about sharks and batteries.

Thanks for playing, and for proving that once again every conservative accusation is a confession, but you don't got jack, sweetie.

P.S. I vastly prefer joy to hatred, anger, and fear - which is the ONLY thing that Republicans have brought to the table.

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I’d like to know how Routh knew Trump was going to be golfing that day? It’s been said that it wasn’t on his calendar and was a last minute decision. And…the golf course was closed to the public, meaning Trump was the only one golfing.

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That’s what I was thinking. Who on the inside is providing his whereabouts? And so many of the media outlets state it was an incident again. Shame on them.

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I think Hannity is a mole

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Whoa....interesting. How do you feel about Tucker?

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Tucker hates Trump and said so in private texts that were revealed during discovery in the Fox News v. Dominion lawsuit.

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Tucker has stated he does like Trump. Here you go again, straight up lying. Good grief you’re so pathetic.

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Hey Tonni, Tucker stating something publically after saying something else privately makes him the liar, not me. Hope that helps.

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I forgot about that. So I wonder how Vivek and RFK and Tulsi feel about that since they’re all part of his speaking tour and now Trump allies?

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exactly deb exactly

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Yep. That’s the big question !

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was trump the only one golfing?

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No. He was with a long time friend/donor.

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Ess Ess or See Eye A.

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Thank you for conducting real journalism, Jessica. MSM is responsible for schizos like Ryan Routh, brainwashing Jason Bourne style assassins at mass scale. Trump Derangement Substack comment sections (Dan Rather, Robert Reich, Heather Cox Richardson, etc.) are full of people like him too - here is one of many examples: https://chriscillizza.substack.com/p/why-do-people-vote-for-donald-trump/comment/69352926?utm_source=activity_item#comment-69354890?utm_source=activity_item

Routh's Tweets are copypasta from MSM TDS screeds - this is the most infamous one: "Trump is MASA: Make Americans Slaves Again. DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose. We cannot afford to fail. The world is counting on us to show the way."

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Wow. People really are deranged

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Real journalists usually have named sources.

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Confidential sources are a real, recognized thing. You should look into “Reporter’s Privilege”- I learned about it as a journalism major in college.

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I understand that, but it’s awfully convenient that a confidential source happens to follow HouseinHabit and agree with her, so often.

Confirmation bias via unnamed sources is not journalism.

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MSM uses confidential sources all the time that conform to their views. They are incredibly biased and DGAF about it—why wouldn’t we allow the Wild West of citizen journalism the same leeway?My issues with Jessica concern her syntax and vocabulary, probably because she doesn’t have an editor. But not having an editor is the whole point, so 🤷🏼‍♀️

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Bullshit. Real journalists are trusted because they keep their sources private when requested. You're on the wrong page.

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No, I’m here for a reason.

This is meant to be an “unbiased” place, right? It’s funny that conservative commenters think they own this space.

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Why would you assume my comment had anything to do with conservative v, liberal? Politics did not play into my comment at all. It was shocking that anyone would assume that sources should be named at all times. That's a political neutral comment. Sources need protected at all costs or there would be no more sources.

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If a source is someone who *already follows* the layperson who is not a journalist (she says so herself), you should be more skeptical.

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Two words for you - - - Deep Throat. People go to those they trust. He could have gone to anyone but he chose Woodward because he was familar with his work. You must be an utter joy to be around. I'm so grateful I don't know you - I can chose to ignore your posts. Which I'm going to start doing. You're a total energy suck.

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On sensitive, breaking news stories, good journalists have trusted sources that they will never name.

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In this case, though, this “unnamed” source sounds to be one that reached out to Jessica after seeing her stories. This seems more like confirmation bias than anything.

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Jessica clearly states that this person reached out to her. Jessica is being as transparent as she can and still remains professional. I would not want my name out there if I had this information about this man. He holds many secrets I bet.

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You wish.

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Not particularly. This person follows Jessica. So.

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Good that they follow her ! People need to know who they can trust, can't do that unless you like/ appreciate the work they do

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You have in here “Although multiple shots were fired at Trump”. That’s false. The local police, feds, and SS have confirmed Ryan never got off a shot and never had Trump in his sight line. The shots fired were from secret service. You should fix that.

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Has that been confirmed? I ask honestly because I heard multiple shots but they aren't clear where the shots came from or who did the shooting.

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Yes, it has been confirmed that Routh did not fire any shots.

“ Routh did not fire his gun and did not have Trump in his "line of sight," Secret Service acting director Ronald Rowe said on Monday. The complaint cites cell phone data that suggests Routh had been "in the vicinity" of the golf course for roughly 12 hours, from 1:59 a.m. ET to about 1:31 p.m. ET, when the agent noticed the rifle through the fence.”

https://www.npr.org/2024/09/16/nx-s1-5113801/trump-shooting-assassination-attempt-suspect-ryan-wesley-routh

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I noticed a post going viral two days ago on Instagram, where it showed both shooters just happen to be in videos made several weeks — if not months or a year —prior that went viral. The first shooter was in a video advertisement for Black rock.

The second shooter, Ryan, was in a video regarding Ukraine.

Coincidence that they had so much public exposure well before the shootings? That those two individuals just happen to be in major advertisement videos?

Connections to Black rock raise some serious questions?

Absolutely.

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Have you seen the two BlackRock commercials? What are the chances Crooks and Routh were both in BlackRock commercials...

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I believe it was incorrectly reported that this person was in a Black Rock commercial, unlike the first assassin. (How disgusting is it that we have to say “first assassin “. There should have never been a second.

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I have both commercials if you’d like to see.

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The left dehumanization of Trump and his supporters caused all these nonsense

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Can you share an example of the left dehumanizing trump?

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You'd have to live in a cave to not have noticed🤣🤣🤣

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Exactly

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Notice how they can't provide an example so they go straight to the personal attacks. It's like clockwork, the second they're called to substantiate their claims, instead of everyone around them taking whatever they say at face value, they pivot immediately to huffing and puffing out ad hominem insults.

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They aren’t hypocritical- they blatantly have a deep desire for Trump to be eliminated forever. Praying for him.

Good article.

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The Democratic party has I hoped exposed themselves as anti America. No matter the second attempt on D.T even if you want to say the first was staged has to make you pause. Any Democrat has to say may be something much bigger is taking place. Assassination attempt on a former president and the Republican nominee to be the next sitting president has to say to anyone with brain matter.....hey wait a minute. He still is American even if you disagree with him. Aren't we all suppose to be on the same team. It appears that murder is a campaign strategy now. As I third grade teacher use to say 'PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAP'. Is that statement possible in 2024 in the age of the narrative and not journalism.? This was a great article. Folks got slap themselves to wake up. Something much bigger and above your paid grade is taking place.

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No dem I know wants him to die by an assassin, me included. I want him to go through the justice system and be imprisoned for his crimes.

Assassination would be a nightmare scenario for EVERYONE in this country. Democrats know this.

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There are plenty of celebrities that want it to happen. The proof is all over their twitter pages.

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Please reread. No Dem *I know*.

Any celebrities who want Trump to die by assassin are stupid.

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I personally know some dems who have openly expressed a desire for a successful assassination attempt.

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Great to see you thought stream. Thanks for the engagement! I hope democrats do understand that but from bloggers/podcasters and other indie media it seems to be the opposite. I hope you are correct but until I see that I have to hold to what I said. Thanks for the dialogue.

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I have seen many a comment, from Trump haters, that they want him unalived. Anyone who states they don’t want him gone is straight up lying. KW wants him in prison for fraudulent charges. That’s sick in itself.

Their irrational hatred for this man is demonic.

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The charges aren’t fraudulent, Tonni. They were proven in federal court.

If you take issue with that then you should take issue with the entire legal system.

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He will win on appeal. He’s innocent until proven guilty on the other bogus charges.

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He was already found guilty, Tonni. That’s the “proven guilty” part. He will not win on appeal. He’s guilty. He’ll try to appeal and fail and you will throw a fit.

Mark my words.

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This stinks....I find it hard to believe this guy acted alone. Also, the mainstream media keeps using the word "apparent" assination attempt. When a guy is lying is wait for 12 hours, holding an AK-47 with a scope, this is NOT apparent. I've seen horrid remarks from the extreme left (yes you Rosie O'Donnell) that will egg on someone else like Routh who is already unhinged. Thank you for the report Jess....and hang in there sending Arlo off to college ❤️

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Love this but it wasn’t literal ceramic tiles, it was defensive ceramic plates that soldiers wear.

Not tiles like in a kitchen.

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Journalism usually offers some historical context. This is mostly gossip column type reporting, which is fine. But its scope is limited. One need look no further than to various historians (Heather Cox Richardson-professor at Boston College-for example) to see an accounting of how precisely Trump and his behaviors have compromised the values and tenets of democracy. It seems we are on the precipice of becoming an idiocracy led by an autocrat paid for by the highest bidder. Where’s the outrage about Paul Pelosi being nearly bludgeoned to death in his home? He’s still not back to baseline.

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Jessica is full blown MAGA and as she responded she's " not pretending". So, the gloves are off as far as I'm concerned, considering our political climate. Jessica is an upside down MAGA provocateur and propagandist. Jessica is living on the MAGA dime now - she's not going to write any positive "stories" about Democrats - she can't afford to piss off her new meal ticket, her new friends Don Jr, Bobby K, Tulsi, all sellouts, all vying for a position in a Trump regime.

Jessica doesn't seem to give a shit about important issues, she's too busy spending that money and drinking cocktails with other MAGAs. Its all "so inspiring", " so fun".

I pursued her sub stack archives and find nothing remotely compelling, nothing of substance, nothing relevant. Its all MAGA bullshit. But...the MAGA cult likes her, for now...so follow the money.

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It’s funny. She thinks she’s connecting all the dots. And on some cases it’s probably true. But she comes off as a conspiracy theorist. And showing the “human” side of folks at their mega mansions in FL and Cape Cod without any accounting of the policies they support that will affect peoples lives. It’s not journalism it’s a fucking diary.

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Or, she writes stupid celebrity nonsense. Jessica, you don't have the honesty, the humility, the grace, the intelligence of our favorite Vanity Fair reporter, Dominick Dunne. Of course his son won't support you. You are vulgar. You are full of yourself. Most of all Jessica, you are most definitely not a cool chick - you're a long way from that. I've got your number, I won't be back - nothing here to see.

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Not only did people not shown concern about Paul Pelosi, they mocked him and still claim it was a “lover’s quarrel” which is absolutely vile of them.

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Trumpism has made it OK to be cruel, hateful, to lie - MAGA cult follows their "Chosen One", their Dictator Trump. These people are fascists, bigots. MAGAs are flocking to Springfield Ohio, Trump sent in MAGA foot soldier Vivek R to stir the pot of division.

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Trump’s presidency allowed people to take the gloves off and be their worst selves. They were following their leader.

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And much like their Dear Leader, they can never seem to take even a fraction of what they have no trouble dishing up themselves on a daily basis. They can be as vulgar, as unctious, as crass, and as violent as they want but the second someone gives 'em a nip of their own medicine, they devolve into mewling about the lack of civility, "sO mUcH fOr tHe ToLeRaNt LeFt" yadda yadda etc. and so forth.

Why, it's almost like *they're* the snowflakes...

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Sounds like she mixes history with some opinion? ( real honest question)

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The attack on Paul Pelosi’s has nothing to do with Nancy. It has to do that he was attacked by an angry gay man who Paul Pelosi’s admitted into his home. Mr, Pelosi is well know to have frequented gay bars in San Francisco for decades… related to me by gay friends.

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Heather does a very good job of combining historical events with left wing propaganda.

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Not really Amy

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Oh Lindsay, you’re brainwashed and don’t even realize it.

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You are Amy ;)

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Who was funding his travels? It seems unlikely that he was flying all over the world on his own dime. I’d be very curious to see his bank records. He showed up to the golf course hours in advance - which is technically closed for the season - and was just…that lucky? He may have been a whack job, but it feels like he was a funded whack job who was provided with some very relevant information. Maybe the noble deed wasn’t entirely his own idea…

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I agree with you that “It’s only a matter of time before it all explodes into something far worse.” Very concerning. But IMO the way the media has responded to this most recent attempt is the way all gun violence is responded to at this point. It’s treated like a regular, expected, almost normal part of life — including that someone unstable has access to a semi-automatic rifle. The increasing violence, and that someone with mental health issues has access to one, is taken for granted. Also, not mentioned is that the stricter scrutiny for those mentally ill to get access to guns (brought in by Obama) was gotten rid of by Trump.

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The left have decided to hold off from shouting gun control from the rooftops , They are praying for third time lucky ,,

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Incorrect. We are still pro-gun control. No one wants Trump dead by an assassin unless they are literally mentally unwell.

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