The Washington DC latest parlor game is trying to ferret out who is the senior official who wrote the 9/5 anonymous op-ed NY Times’ tell-all piece about the chaos in the White House.
There are several news reports including ‘Raw Story’ which have focused on the key word used in the op-ed piece, ‘Lodestar.‘ It seems this is a word that VP Mike Pence has liked to use in past writings.
This is not a bad guess on several levels. This would explain why he didn’t just send a resignation letter along with his tell-all brief to the US Congress. He is not in a position to resign.
The other clue is that the author is obviously conservative who approves the president’s 2017 tax cuts bill; the elimination of governmental regulations; and the budgeting of additional monies for the military. The final hint is that the author points to the president’s complete lack of morality.
Link to 9/5/18 NY Times op-ed piece: Opinion | I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration …
Lawrence O’Donnell on his MSNBC TV evening show, ‘The Last Word‘ guessed the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Dan Coats, which would make sense as he at 74 years old, has no future political aspirations. Also he is a former US senator and a long-time friend/ admirer to Senator John McCain, and he has the requisite conscience that seems to be lacking, in the US Congress.
Jennifer Rubin of the Washington Post thinks that it is a person one level down from the top tier of White House key players like a deputy somebody.
See: Three reasons why so many people think Mike Pence wrote the 25th Amendment Op-ed/ Palmer report
Here’s the speculation by Raw Story…
On September 5, 2018, Noor Al-Sibai of Raw Story penned the following theory, “This word from the anonymous New York Times op-ed may prove Mike Pence wrote it”
Excerpts:
“‘Lodestar’ just seems like an unusual word to use in general, not to mention in an op-ed that’s going to be widely read,” Bloom wrote. He added that he researched whether White House chief of staff John Kelly and Defense Secretary James Mattis had ever used it, but it doesn’t appear that they had.
Dan downLODESTAR Bloom@danbl00mThe word is “LODESTAR.” Note that it comes in the same paragraph praising John McCain. That would rule out flame-throwers like Stephen Miller and Dan Scavino and suggest someone with Senate ties. This reveal is not going to take long. pic.twitter.com/NwnUtvFlko
Dan downLODESTAR Bloom@danbl00m“Lodestar” just seems like an unusual word to use in general, not to mention in an op-ed that’s going to be widely read. It has this whiff of sanctimony. So I search for John Kelly and James Mattis ever having used the word “lodestar.” Nothing. But then…
The term came up again two months later at a dinner, Bloom noted.
Dan downLODESTAR Bloom@danbl00m…an example pops up of Vice President Mike Pence using the word “lodestar” in a speech at the UN in September 2017. https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2017/09/20/en/keeping-peace-vice-president-pence-addresses-un-security-council … pic.twitter.com/OrOYrFgP0M
Dan downLODESTAR Bloom@danbl00mTwo months later, Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Jack Kemp Leadership Award Dinner. He drops “lodestar” again.https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-vice-president-mike-pence-kemp-leadership-award-dinner/ … pic.twitter.com/B1kQIb6viF
Pence used it again in February 2018, the producer wrote — but he also was documented using it in 2011 as well.
Dan downLODESTAR Bloom@danbl00mTwo more months later (like clockwork,) February 2018. Vice President Mike Pence speaking in Tokyo, alongside Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Place your bets… another “lodestar.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-vice-president-pence-prime-minister-abe-japan-joint-statements/ … pic.twitter.com/88vJJfVamM
Dan downLODESTAR Bloom@danbl00mLest you believe Pence’s “lodestar” proclivities began with his Vice Presidency, enjoy this little ditty from 2011. https://www.heritage.org/budget-and-spending/commentary/pence-debt-ceiling-debate-offers-unique-opportunity-gop … pic.twitter.com/yDxq7LElPd
Dan downLODESTAR Bloom@danbl00mA few questions that folks have raised: 1) What about Pence’s speechwriter? Stephen Ford has been with Pence since 2017. The earliest Pence usage of #lodestar we have so far is 2001, found by @prufrock451 along with a bunch of other instances: https://twitter.com/prufrock451/status/1037447702454448128 …
Prufrock451@prufrock451Replying to @prufrock451 @danbl00mHe used it during a 2001 hearing on the EPA when he was in the House.
“I particularly appreciate Dr. Lutter’s comment with regard to
using established principles for sound analysis, which will be very
much of a lodestar.” https://archive.org/stream/gov.gpo.fdsys.CHRG-107hhrg76760/CHRG-107hhrg76760_djvu.txt …
“Even if Vice President Mike Pence can’t be fired, if this were to go public, Pence’s influence and effectiveness would certainly be jeopardized,” he added.
Link to entire article: This word from the anonymous New York Times op-ed may prove….
This blog was last updated on September 5,2018.
Speculation is that this is a joint effort perhaps led by Dan Coats who at 75 career aspirations are not primary. A friend and admirer of John McCain as well. A mystery., I’m sure Trump is dogging everyone.
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Dear Holly,
I was watching Lawrence O’Donnell of the MSNBC TV show, The Last Word,’ say that his pick is the DNI Head Dan Coats.
As per Kim of ‘by Hook or by Book,’VP Pence lacks the requisite conscience but Mr. Coats does have it. He’s a former US senator and he is a friend and admirer of Senator John McCain. Also, he would have the ability as the country’s top spy to fix it where his role could not be uncovered and to deflect the spotlight elsewhere.
And as you mentioned, he doesn’t have further political aspirations but VP Pence does.
Hugs, Gronda
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[…] https://grondamorin.com/2018/09/06/raw-story-is-betting-that-vp-pence-is-the-ny-times-anonymous-sour… […]
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It is interesting. Mike Pence has been sidelined for some time now – you very rarely see him with Trump like you did Biden with Obama.
Pence has shown his sycophancy to Trump – the best survival strategy in this administration – but in my opinion he and Trump do not gel on a personal basis. Pence is ambitious and would like to be President, so perhaps this is the start of his covert bid, disguised as ‘protecting America’s interests’.
Pence could be bitter about the way he is being treated by Trump. This op ed is a very effective tool at getting a degree of revenge.
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Dear Ivan Kinsman,
It could be VP Mike Pence. But if his role as the anonymous author becomes public knowledge, his political aspirations would be toast. Kim of ‘By Hook or by Book’ reminded me that he is lacking the requisite conscience for this maneuver.
As per Lawrence O’Donnell of the MSNBC TV show, ‘The Last Word,’ the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Dan Coats fits this role better. He does have the requisite conscience. He’s a former US senator and a friend / admirer of Senator John McCain. Also, he would have the ability as the country’s top spy to fix it where his role could not be easily uncovered and to deflect the spotlight elsewhere. At 74 years old, he’s not burdened with political aspirations.
Thanks a million times over for all of your support and for this reblog.
Hugs, Gronda
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
An opinion as to who wrote the anonymous editorial printed in the New York Times.
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Dear Suzanne,
This is one theory. Others are thinking that the culprit is the DNI head, Dan Coats. Some have said it could be 2-3 folks who got together to spill the beans.
Thanks a million times over for all your support and for this reblog.
Hugs, Gronda
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Gronda, I would prefer to look at what the person said not who he or she is. The fact that the piece jives with Bob Woodward’s book, earlier leaks, real observations of the chaos and incompetence, the turnover, and other books, should be noted. The soldiers have a word for what is happening under this man and it begins with cluster…Many of us have had bosses that we had to manage at some point. Known like this man, though.
With that said, I cannot fathom Pence being this person. He is tendency is to acquiesce to Trump. It may be an amalgam of people. Keith
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Dear Keith,
I concur. The message is more important than who the messenger is.
My last job involved my immediate managers doing things that were outright wrong. I took the high road at a cost to me, financially. I resigned and then I wrote a letter to my CEO who did listen and who did take remedial action.
After some reflection, I do not see VP Pence capable of taking this stance.
Hugs, Gronda
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Gronda, Pence looks on as a obedient pet dog. I was trying to think of a better analogy, but when I see his expression of acquiescence, that is the mental image I have. Keith
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I definitely don’t think it’s Pence. He’s too much of a religious nutcase…he stands behind trump literally with those adoring puppy eyes at any news conference or speech.🤢
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Dear Mary Plumbago,
I am agreeing with you. Upon greater reflection, I think that he’s not it. This move would be done by someone with a conscience and with foreign policy gravitas as well as being a person who does not suffer from political ambitions.
Hugs, Gronda
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It isn’t Pence. He is NOT erudite enough for the musicality of the missive. It was probably Dan Coats, with or without subordinates providing commentary.
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Dear Suze,
The latest popular pick is Kelly Anne Conway which is another great choice. Her husband is a critic and if she wants a future post President Trump, she is going to have to clean up her image. Also she is savvy enough to do this.
Hugs, Gronda
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