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I can’t take this shit today. I just can’t.

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

When I decide to be condescending, you won’t have to dream up a fantasy about it.

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Adam L Silverman

You are here: Home / Archives for Adam L Silverman

Adam L. Silverman is a consulting national security subject matter expert specializing in low intensity warfare (asymmetric, irregular, and unconventional warfare, revolution, insurgency, terrorism), civil affairs, psychological operations, and cultural considerations for strategy and policy.

He routinely provides operational support to a number of US Army, DOD, and other US Government elements. Dr. Silverman holds a doctorate in political science and criminology from the University of Florida, as well as masters' degrees in comparative religion and international security. Full professional bio available here: https://www.balloon-juice.com/adam-silverman-bio/

Adam Silverman has been a Balloon Juice writer since 2015.

And Now a Brief Public Service Announcement From the Director of the FBI, and His Colleagues at the NSA, National Counterintelligence and Security Center, and the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Agency

by Adam L Silverman|  October 6, 20209:29 pm| 241 Comments

This post is in: America, Domestic Politics, Election 2020, Foreign Affairs, Open Threads, Politics, Russia, Silverman on Security

This will most likely be the final nail in Director Wray’s professional coffin running the FBI if the President is reelection, but this is a very good video that he released earlier today on election security.

The right to vote in a free and fair election is one of the foundations of American democracy. The leaders of the #FBI, @CISAgov, @NCSCgov, and @NSAgov want you to know how their organizations work together to protect your voice—no matter how you cast your vote. #Protect2020 pic.twitter.com/TaJBhWYwqL

— FBI (@FBI) October 6, 2020

Open thread!

And Now a Brief Public Service Announcement From the Director of the FBI, and His Colleagues at the NSA, National Counterintelligence and Security Center, and the Cybersecurity Infrastructure AgencyPost + Comments (241)

This Was All Too Predictable. The White House COVID-19 Testing Regime Was Haphazard and Slipshod

by Adam L Silverman|  October 2, 20209:14 pm| 103 Comments

This post is in: America, Covid-19 & National Security, COVID-19 Coronavirus, Domestic Politics, Election 2020, Open Threads, Politics, Silverman on Security

This Was All Too Predictable. The White House COVID-10 Testing Regime Was Haphazard and Slipshod

Erin Banco and Aswin Suebsaeng explain just how lax the White House testing regimen for COVID-19 is at The Daily Beast:

The White House may house some of the most important figures in government. But for months, the testing protocols to screen potentially infectious individuals have been more lax than the president’s aides present to the public.

Olivia Troye, a former senior adviser for the White House coronavirus task force, said in an interview Friday morning that “the majority of people who work in” the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which houses most offices for White House staffers, “weren’t getting tested daily” when they “went into the West Wing for meetings.”

“I knew this because you have to be on the list to get tested and I know from talking to them,” Troye recalled. “It was going to be a time constraint and a resource constraint… These were more junior staffers who weren’t seeing the president, but from what we know about how this virus spreads, that… wasn’t keeping people safe.”

Two individuals familiar with the matter said that after National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien tested positive for the virus July 27, the White House implemented a new testing policy that said all officials and staffers in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building agree to random coronavirus testing. It marked the first time the White House made it mandatory for employees to get tested, despite several individuals testing positive before that date. But, as outlined in a memo The Daily Beast previously obtained, there were still holes in the plan: Not every official was tested every day.

“They basically picked names out of a hat,” one official said.

Under the testing regimen, the “failure to report to testing” would be “considered a refusal to test,” while an individual could defer testing “based on a compelling need.” Exceptions included those who had teleworked for more than 30 days or planned to in the following two weeks, employees on approved leave or on official travel, or people who were not in the immediate vicinity of the building during testing hours.

There were, officials said, other problems with the testing protocols. For starters, staffers in the EEOB said they have been concerned about the accuracy of the tests administered—swab tests with near immediate results. And one other EEOB official said that while not everyone in the building has been required to work from the office, some individuals who experienced symptoms over the last several months were able to stay at work before securing a time to be tested.

At the White House, those entering the compound had reportedly been required to take Abbott point-of-care swab tests. But scientists said those have mixed results and it’s unclear what tests are being administered now. Over time, the universe of those subjected to testing has been decreased to those who work closely with the president. The White House does not mandate the wearing of face masks either.

The administration’s testing protocol for those invited to join the president on Air Force One has also struck many as seriously flawed. According to a congressional aide, the White House didn’t always make guests isolate after getting the test that is required in order to go on the plane, meaning that a guest could get tested and then go about their business—risking exposure—before boarding. “It didn’t inspire confidence,” said the aide.

Much more at the link.

This was all preventable. Mandatory use of masks, proper social distancing, minimizing in person contact, authorizing as much telework as possible, regular hand washing, having a proper testing regime, and ACTUALLY LISTENING TO LEGITIMATE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS AND FOLLOWING THEIR SCIENTIFICALLY BASED MEDICAL ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONs would have all reduced the probability of what is happening. Instead the President couldn’t even be bothered to do the easiest and least difficult type of leadership: leading by example by wearing a mask, keeping his events few and almost exclusively by video teleconference, and listening to Dr. Fauci.

Hire a clown, expect a circus.

We are off the looking glass and through the map!

Open thread!

This Was All Too Predictable. The White House COVID-19 Testing Regime Was Haphazard and SlipshodPost + Comments (103)

Breaking!!! The President Is En Route To Walter Reed Medical Center!!!!

by Adam L Silverman|  October 2, 20205:34 pm| 353 Comments

This post is in: America, Covid-19 & National Security, COVID-19 Coronavirus, Domestic Politics, Election 2020, Open Threads, Silverman on Security

BREAKING: WH pool reports the President Trump is going to Walter Reed Medical Center shortly.

— Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) October 2, 2020

I figured something was up when he missed the teleconference this AM.

Another source says an email went out to all governors’ offices four hours ago inviting them a call w POTUS. Here is email. pic.twitter.com/3yOw8esiGZ

— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) October 2, 2020

So we don’t know exactly what is up yet, but given the medical equipment and capabilities at the White House, the President is only taken to Walter Reed if he cannot be adequately treated on site. So this is going to be an evolving situation and I expect that actual information, partially accurate information, and RUMINT is going to start flooding the information space. We don’t know what this actually is about, but we can conclude that it is not routine. That said, take everything with a huge grain of salt.

One reminder for anyone who might ask about it in comments: unless the 25th Amendment is invoked by the Vice President and/or another Cabinet member and the process that sets in place is successfully implemented, then the President will remain President even should he become incapacitated. The only other way for the power of the presidency to be transferred is if the President signs an authorization doing so and transferring them to the Vice President.

We are off the looking glass and through the map!!!!

Update at 5:41 PM EDT

Here’s a live feed from ABC News of Marine One waiting for the President at the White House.

Open thread!

Breaking!!! The President Is En Route To Walter Reed Medical Center!!!!Post + Comments (353)

Breaking: The President of the United States Has Tested Positive For COVID-19

by Adam L Silverman|  October 2, 20201:05 am| 434 Comments

This post is in: America, Covid-19 & National Security, COVID-19 Coronavirus, Domestic Politics, Election 2020, Open Threads, Politics, Silverman on Security

Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020

Given this diagnosis, the Vice President, due to his ongoing proximity to the President and Hope Hicks, should also be quarantining until he gets two negative tests. I have no idea if that is going to happen. But right now the national security of the United States is at very high risk.

I agree with Dr. Rainer. And yes, I know, I’m not a medical doctor.

Dr. Jonathan Reiner says on CNN that Nancy Pelosi should be in isolation right now, because given that they've been exposed to Covid, it's possible both Trump and Pence could become sick pic.twitter.com/pkcdT33vYN

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 2, 2020

Given that Vice President Biden, Dr. Biden, and a number of others were all in proximity to the President, Hope Hicks, and other members of the President’s entourage during the debate on Tuesday, I expect that we will be informed tomorrow about precautions being taken by Vice President Biden, Dr. Biden, and other members of the Biden-Harris campaign team. The President’s family members and entourage on Tuesday refused to wear masks in the debate hall on Tuesday despite having agreed to that stipulation in advance. It is possible, but I don’t know how probable, that one or more of the other people in attendance on Tuesday has been infected. COVID-19 does not care about partisan political affiliation.

I would also expect that the vice presidential debate and at least the second presidential debate will either be cancelled or rescheduled.

Open thread.

Breaking: The President of the United States Has Tested Positive For COVID-19Post + Comments (434)

Post Debate Open Thread!

by Adam L Silverman|  September 29, 202010:56 pm| 362 Comments

This post is in: America, Domestic Politics, Election 2020, Open Threads, Politics

Now who can argue with that?

Open thread!

Post Debate Open Thread!Post + Comments (362)

The First 2020 Presidential Debate Live Feed and Open Thread

by Adam L Silverman|  September 29, 20208:48 pm| 424 Comments

This post is in: America, Domestic Politics, Election 2020, Open Threads, Politics

Here’s a live feed from PBS:

C-SPAN is not providing an embed link.

Here’s USA Today’s debate bingo card:

The First 2020 Presidential Debate Live Feed and Open Thread

And finally, this pretty much sums up my view of tonight’s debate.

I’d rather catheterize myself with a rusty lemon zester in the back seat of a Kia driven by Prince Phillip https://t.co/fsZVYWFOob

— FraudulentChinaBallotBarnHat (@Popehat) September 29, 2020

Open thread!

The First 2020 Presidential Debate Live Feed and Open ThreadPost + Comments (424)

Debunking the US Attorney From the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s Disinformation Campaign

by Adam L Silverman|  September 25, 20203:10 pm| 73 Comments

This post is in: America, Domestic Politics, Election 2016, Election 2020, Open Threads, Right to Vote, Silverman on Security, Voting Rights

Yesterday conservative news, social, and digital media, as well as the President’s campaign went into freakout mode because the US Attorney (USAO) for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, David Freed, issued a statement that nine absentee ballots submitted by members of the US military voting for the President had been first lost and discarded and then discovered by election officials in Luzerne County, PA. It didn’t take long for that statement to be withdrawn; the actually pulled it off of the DOJ website. Then a revised statement was issued and finally a final revised statement was posted (emphasis mine).

Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Middle District of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                Thursday, September 24, 2020

Letter to Luzerne County Bureau of Elections

Shelby Watchilla, Director of Elections of Luzerne County Bureau of Elections

Dear Ms. Watchilla:

On Monday, September 21, 2020, at the request of Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis, the Office of the United States Attorney along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Scranton Resident Agency, began an inquiry into reports of potential issues with a small number of mail-in ballots at the Luzerne County Board of Elections.

Since Monday, FBI personnel have conducted numerous interviews and recovered and reviewed certain physical evidence.  While at this point the inquiry remains active, based on the limited amount of time before the general election and the vital public importance of these issues, I will detail the investigators’ initial findings.

The FBI has recovered a number of documents relating to military ballots that had been improperly opened by your elections staff, and had the ballots removed and discarded, or removed and placed separately from the envelope containing confidential voter information and attestation.  Specifically, a total of nine (9) military ballots were discovered to have been discarded.  Seven (7) of those ballots when discovered by investigators were outside of any envelope.  Those ballots were all cast for presidential candidate Donald Trump.  One (1) of those seven (7) ballots was able to be identified to an envelope that was recovered, and thereby potentially tied to a specific voter. Two (2) military ballots that had been discarded were previously recovered by elections staff, reinserted into what appeared to be their appropriate envelopes, and then resealed.  Therefore, the votes cast on those two (2) ballots are unknown.  Thus, is appears that three (3) of the nine (9) recovered ballots can be potentially attributed to specific voters.  Six (6) of the ballots were simply removed and discarded, and cannot be attributed to a specific voter at this time.

In addition to the military ballots and envelopes that were discarded and recovered as detailed above, investigators recovered four (4) apparently official, bar-coded, absentee ballot envelopes that were empty. Two (2) of those envelopes had the completed attestations and signatures on the reverse side.  One (1) envelope with a handwritten return address was blank on the reverse side.  The fourth empty envelope contains basic location information and the words “affirmation enclosed” on the reverse side.  The majority of the recovered materials were found in an outside dumpster.

As you know, the appropriate method for processing received military ballots is to securely store the ballot, unopened, until such time as ballot pre-canvassing can begin, which is in no event earlier than 7:00 a.m. on Election Day.  Opening a military or overseas ballot, or an absentee or mail-in ballot for that matter, violates the controlling statutes and is contrary to Pennsylvania Department of State guidance.  The preliminary findings of this inquiry are troubling and the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections must comply with all applicable state and federal election laws and guidance to ensure that all votes—regardless of party—are counted to ensure an accurate election count.   Even though your staff has made some attempts to reconstitute certain of the improperly opened ballots, there is no guarantee that any of these votes will be counted in the general election.  In addition, our investigation has revealed that all or nearly all envelopes received in the elections office were opened as a matter of course.  It was explained to investigators the envelopes used for official overseas, military, absentee and mail-in ballot requests are so similar, that the staff believed that adhering to the protocol of preserving envelopes unopened would cause them to miss such ballot requests.  Our interviews further revealed that this issue was a problem in the primary election–therefore a known issue–and that the problem has not been corrected.

While the assigned investigators are continuing their work including reviewing additional discarded materials, it is imperative that the issues identified be corrected.  District Attorney Salavantis and I would be happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time to discuss this matter. Please be assured that the investigators will carefully preserve all documents collected in connection with this investigation.  Our goal, that I am sure you share, is to ensure that every properly cast ballot is counted.

Sincerely,

DAVID J. FREED

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY

 

cc:       David Pedri, Luzerne County Manager

Tim McGinley, Luzerne County Council Chair

Stefanie Salavantis, Luzerne County District Attorney

This wasn’t some sort of criminal conspiracy, but human error. Specifically good faith human error caused by the Luzerne County officials wanting to ensure that these members of the military did actually get absentee ballots during the primary. That’s right, these aren’t general election ballots, they were for the primary. That doesn’t make it right, but it means that no one has stolen nine votes from the President’s tally in Pennsylvania for the general election. Frankly, that human error was created because of the confusion that Pennsylvania Republican officials, members of the President’s campaign, and the campaign and RNC attorneys, and the GOP majority on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court have created by constantly taking every good faith attempt to ensure a safe and fair election during the pandemic to court.

Here’s what the Pennsylvania election website says about these Special Write-In Absentee ballots:

Debunking the US Attorney From the Middle District of Pennsylvania's Disinformation Campaign Debunking the US Attorney From the Middle District of Pennsylvania's Disinformation Campaign 1

What actually happened, which is nothing really out of the ordinary expect some Luzerne County election officials opened envelopes as it was unclear what was in them because they weren’t sent back in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court mandated security envelopes. This led the county officials to think they were absentee ballot requests, not the Special Write-In Absentee Ballots that Pennsylvania sends to military voters before they finish printing the actual primary and general election absentee ballots.

Yup. From the latest DOJ statement, it seems like:

9 military voters sent write-in absentee ballots to Luzerne.

Because these letters weren't in SC-mandated privacy envelopes, Luzerne officials thought they were *requests* for absentee ballots. They opened them, spoiling them. https://t.co/WsAJw9gBg1

— Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) September 25, 2020

8 hours later, the Trump spokesman's instigating tweet—"Democrats are trying to steal the election"—is still posted, with 67,000 retweets/likes and counting.

This sort of disinformation is going to get innocent people hurt. pic.twitter.com/xGOb8WICHT

— Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) September 25, 2020

The whole thing is AG Barr’s USAO in Harrisburg trying to make something out of nothing because AG Barr knows that the initial reporting is all that matters, not the corrections. By now everyone who watches Fox News, listens to right wing talk radio, follows the President, his campaign spokespeople, and his other surrogates in social media, and get their news from conservative news and digital news sites, as well as from closed information silos on Facebook, believe that Pennsylvania election officials are trying to steal the election from the President. And this is part of the Democratic plot to use mail in ballots to steal the election. None of that is true, it was just a good faith error caused by confusing requirements and instructions imposed by multiple Pennsylvania state authorities.

That’s the play with this sort of thing. It is to create misinformation, disinformation, and agitprop and then get it pushed to people like those in the video below, people who only get their news from sources that are not reliable because they’ve already been indoctrinated to the belief that these unreliable sources are the only reliable ones, who will then further disseminate the misinformation, disinformation, and agitprop. Having a US Attorney push the misinformation and agitprop just makes it that much better because the intended audience for this stuff already believe that AG Barr, on orders from the President, is working behind the scenes with only trusted members of the Department of Justice to root out the illegal and un-American activities of Vice President Biden, his campaign, his supporters, and Democrats through things like USAO Durham’s re-review of AG Barr’s previously ordered re-review of what the DOJ and FBI and the US Intelligence Community did in 2016 in investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. Russian interference, part of a war that Russia began against the US no later than 2014, that is still ongoing!

Open thread!

Update at 5:15 PM EDT

Based on reviewing the most recent reporting it is very unclear if these were primary ballots or general election ballots. So I have made some revisions to the original post to strike through the references to these being primary ballots.

Debunking the US Attorney From the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s Disinformation CampaignPost + Comments (73)

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