It appears that Republicans are doing everything that they can to run their ship aground. Not only do they want to take away a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion, they want to take away a woman’s right to choose when to even become pregnant! If the women in this country don’t rise up against this, then I don’t know what will stir them up enough to vote Blue all over the country!
Taking away the right to interracial marriage and same sex marriage is just as disturbing. What kind of people are they? They fight tooth and nail to uphold their right to decide whether to wear a mask or get vaccinated, yet they don’t want people to be able to plan their families or marry the person whom they love? As far as I am concerned, they are forcing themselves into the bedrooms of every man and woman in this country!
Now they want to raise taxes on the lower 50% of wage earners in the country instead of making the billionaires pay their fair share?
How can anyone in this country justify that platform?
If the American people don’t get out and vote against the Republicans, they deserve what they get! If Trump becomes President again, what they will get is a country that looks like Russia!
I agree with your comments but remember a large percentage of Republicans get their news and misinformation from Fox and other right wing outlets so they are not getting the full story. At the end of the day it’s all about States rights and maintaining a white Christian world.
I sure hope this sparks a women's rebellion. There certainly is a very clear choice between the two party "platforms". Rick Scott has certainly made it easier for the Ds to win!
Well, I confess to having purged most of the haters from my FB page, but I still have a few Trumplicans who lurk there for some reason - I guess they are curious? My target audience are my friends and followers, many of whom will amplify this. When I post it, I will just acknowledge that it came from "a friend." I don't want to take credit for something you have so beautifully written!
I, too, seethe with frustration about the apparent DOJ lack of initiative insofar as serious investigation of illegalities on trump’s part. Garland’s lack of action is, to me, inexplicable. Anyone care to venture sound reasons that might explain DOJ aversion to full blown investigation? I’m having a hard time believing that this is all attributable to the lack of a spine on Garland’s part.
The failed insurrectionist is a fund-raising gold mine for both parties and his own bank account. As long as that remains true it will be hard for mere justice to be done. It isn't just Garland, Alvin Bragg and the GA Attorney General have bailed too.
I'll venture the reason that he's being super cautious about going after a former President seemingly from the opposing party. Unfortunately doing nothing is worse.
The only explanation I can come up with is that they are quietly building a case and do not want Trump to know until they charge him. I hope that is what the explanation is for his seemingly lack of action.
What is at the heart of public confidence in the Justice Department?
“… A significant number of Americans are waiting for the department to hold Trump legally responsible for the many abuses for which he dodged accountability before. If the department doesn’t take such action, even if for very good reasons, these people will be disappointed and frustrated. Justice Department officials might brush off such reactions, except that this disappointment will inevitably undercut Garland’s efforts to “retain the trust of the American people.”
… Perhaps Garland’s view is that the risks of criminally investigating a former president, even in this time, are too great to take, too much of a breach of the department’s traditions. But he cannot expect people to understand that, or have a reasoned discussion of it, without first explaining it to them. And in the absence of an explanation, members of the public will come up with their own ideas—like weakness or lack of commitment to accountability. That silence undercuts the project to which Garland has committed himself. …“The basic tool for the lawyer is the word,” (Ed Levi, 1st AG after Watergate).
The only thing that will be more damaging to America than prosecuting Trump is not prosecuting Trump. The DOJ doesn't get to give anyone a "pass" because of the risks of prosecuting someone. Thanks for the link to Lawfare!
No one is above the law. That includes a former president who incites an insurrection. He especially should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If not, I will definitely lose faith in the Justice System.
Trump’s criminal actions need to be investigated. How those actions could not measure up to criminality is more than I can understand. If trump is not held criminally accountable for his actions, the rule of law is DEAD!! If this were anyone else they would be sitting in a cell awaiting trial. Gather facts and follow where they lead. Americans will never have any faith in our system if tfg can game it and flout oversight and accountability. Garland is killing any respect there might have been for him because he is appeasing the criminal elements of the R party. Appeasement NEVER produces a positive outcome.
I think Biden is wise to stay out of it. If he pushes Garland to speak or act, whatever Garland says will be hopelessly compromised. Although most Republicans will believe so anyway, pressure from Biden will provide a basis for their delusions.
Thank you for consistently and with clarity for encouraging the pursuit of our last best means to protect our democracy: make every effort to get out the vote.
“I was expressing the moral outrage that I felt toward this man.” Go Joe, I feel so much outrage toward the bullies of the world, all who feel entitled to mock, diminish, destroy, control, and steam roll over fellow citizens. Even Chris Rock is in my cross hairs this day. Having worked in jr. High, I know the damage bullies do. When they rule, the victims are helpless. Let this not be so.
"Me thinks thou doth protest too much" - when I hear that Thomas, Alito and Roberts are bemoaning the idea that the rest of us think the supreme court has become a bunch of partisan hacks. If Thomas does resign or at least recuse himself from 1/6 related court cases, we'll know that it is all a sham. The GOP and The Federalist Society will have well and truly captured the SCOTUS and turned it into the enforcement wing of the GOP.
Mar 29, 2022·edited Mar 29, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
While it should surprise no one, Republican misguided foolishness in service of pandering to a Conservative base will ultimately relegate them to a permanent minority political party. They continue to add less and less popular causes and positions to their anti-progressive agenda that while they may be popular with their conservative and evangelical Christian base are not supported by a majority of American voters. This is not only a poor electoral strategy it is also … well, just plain ol’ stupid. I do not believe they are uniformed on the sentiments of a majority of American voters. Therefore I can only conclude they do not care about voters’ sentiments and intend to not represent the Americans they hope to govern but rather oppose them. Just plain ol’ stupid or perhaps worse, truly evil.
Agree! The GOP is headed to permanent minority status, or worse--dissolution. Indeed ,a good case can be made that the Republican Party has already dissolved as a governing force in America and what remains is a collection of grievance-based populous candidates with no political philosophy.
Miles Lawrence asks the leading question: "Why doesn't Biden tell Garland to talk to us?" Is this a "Cool-Hand Luke" situation where we have "a failure to communicate" or something more sinister that reflects a dereliction of duty, a brazen refusal to uphold the one's oath to protect and defend the Constitution? It's hard to believe that a lack of spine on Garland's part is the issue, as Peter Ralston points out. But if that's the case, then Biden has made a grave mistake in putting him on his "Build-Back-Better team. Whatever is going on, it's time to act and bring Trump to the bar of Justice before the outraged American people lose all faith in the rule of law and the processes of democratic governance. No one is above the law, right, Mr. Garland? Not even a former President of the United States. This whole situation reflects badly on President Biden and is perhaps one major reason his poll numbers are so low. C'mon Joe, take charge and instruct Garland to lead the DOJ to the Promised Land as outlined in the Constitution.
Hi, Stewart. I agree with most of what you say, but I think pressure from Biden is a mistake. It would instantly delegitimize anything Garland does. It is a maddening situation, I agree.
Robert, I have called the WH and President Biden asking him to replace Merrick Garland for his inexplicable inaction to investigate the 1/6 conspiracy planners. I’ve also written MG urging him to take action or to resign. This is an emergency for our democracy. What more can we do to move the needle with DOJ and MG?
Thank you, Robert, for pointing out the smoking gun in this morass of the single email between Eastman and trump that qualifies for the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege.
Are you saying that the existence of an email "that qualifies for the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege" establishes that an attorney-client relationship between trump and eastman did exist?
Yes; the opinion by Judge Carter finds that there was substantial evidence of an attorney-client relationship between Trump and Eastman for purposes of asserting the privilege. Eastman had an unsigned, one-page engagement letter saying he was Trump's attorney. However, Eastman's failure to obtain a signed copy of the engagement letter probably runs afoul of California's requirement that attorneys have a signed agreement with their clients. Cal. B&P Section 6148 provides, in part,
"At the time the contract is entered into, the attorney shall provide a duplicate copy of the contract signed by both the attorney and the client, or the client’s guardian or representative, to the client or to the client’s guardian or representative."
Eastman is under investigation by the California Bar. Failing to have a signed engagement letter can be added to the list of violations for which he is being investigated.
In the final analysis, it matters not if Eastman has a signed engagement letter or not, or if there is a basis for him to assert an attorney-client relationship. The crime-fraud exception is a trump (forgive a pun) card that would overrule any attorney-client privilege that might otherwise have existed. That is the law and was clearly cited in the judge's ruling.
Excellent recap, Robert. The Garland inaction just boggles the mind. The President should ask for his resignation if he refuses to proceed. Appoint an "acting AG" who will commit to pursuing those responsible for the attempted coup. Screw the politics. The Republicans hate us no matter what we do - even nominating a supremely qualified, almost perfect judge to the highest court. The ship of concern of how the "other side" feels or will react should have sailed long ago.
I have stated many times that the "polls" are a joke. We like them when they go our way. We dis them them when they don't. But they are frequently wrong. Polls can be construed by respondents in varying ways. A word here or there can alter the answer.
There are millions of potential voters who are never polled. And there are millions who when polled might express frustration with a leader - and yet would consistently vote for him or her because the alternative is so awful. And there are plenty of awfuls.
The Scott "plan" debacle appears to be ammunition for us. But let's face it. The ultra right adherents really hate us more. It's going to be all about turnout. We aren't going to convince this angry opposition of anything. We just need to get our people to the voting booths. IMO, it should be a carrot and stick approach. Get a bonus for voting, get a penalty if you don't.
Time for us all to begin applying peer pressure on everyone we know. "Vote in November or forever lose my friendship."
I wrote last week that I was going to call Merrick Garlands line. The number is not in service.???? I just left a message on the DOJ comment line which is 202-353-1555. I pressed 9 for other.
Praying for the people of Ukraine, Biden and his team.
We need to act locally and nationally to preserve democracy.
I think Biden should replace Garland. Adam Schiff would be my choice!!!! (I know that won't happen until all the Trump problems are worked through by whatever means.)
Robert, you are a political guru—so insightful, so smart. But when you say you don’t understand Biden’s low ratings I scratch my head. The Republican propaganda machine generates 24/7 hate directed at Biden on talk radio and Fox News. The talking points are orchestrated on a national level. The content is vile, but I force myself to listen, because I think it is important to understand what is polluting American hearts and minds. Democrats have been underestimating the impact of the conservative propaganda machine for a long time. It is one of the biggest threats to our democracy and we have yet to come up with an adequate response. And I am pretty confident that it is driving Biden’s low numbers.
We can’t stop the right-wing propaganda machine—not if we want the First Amendment to survive—but we can counter it with emails and letters to the editor, and comments, and in speaking with friends and neighbors. We can get out and work to elect candidates who will preserve democracy. It’s up to each of us.
Opinion polls are sometimes and even perhaps often more a reflection of people's views of the world situation at large and less a reflection of their views pro or con on the political leadership of the moment. There is much to discourage one on the state of the world at present. I am unsurprised that is reflected in polling on Biden or his administration. If Biden were to choose to run again in 2024, he would be 81 when inaugurated in 2025. While I very much support Biden as our current President and his actions, it is my view that the Democrats would be wise to pick a different Presidential candidate in 2024, no matter who is the Republican candidate. I will not opine at this time on who I believe that best candidate might be, still too much time to go before the campaign for that nomination commences.
It appears that Republicans are doing everything that they can to run their ship aground. Not only do they want to take away a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion, they want to take away a woman’s right to choose when to even become pregnant! If the women in this country don’t rise up against this, then I don’t know what will stir them up enough to vote Blue all over the country!
Taking away the right to interracial marriage and same sex marriage is just as disturbing. What kind of people are they? They fight tooth and nail to uphold their right to decide whether to wear a mask or get vaccinated, yet they don’t want people to be able to plan their families or marry the person whom they love? As far as I am concerned, they are forcing themselves into the bedrooms of every man and woman in this country!
Now they want to raise taxes on the lower 50% of wage earners in the country instead of making the billionaires pay their fair share?
How can anyone in this country justify that platform?
If the American people don’t get out and vote against the Republicans, they deserve what they get! If Trump becomes President again, what they will get is a country that looks like Russia!
200%, they feel entitled to be as draconian as they can imagine. Wake up people. Putin’s evil is on our doorstep. And Rupert loves him.
I agree with your comments but remember a large percentage of Republicans get their news and misinformation from Fox and other right wing outlets so they are not getting the full story. At the end of the day it’s all about States rights and maintaining a white Christian world.
They are becoming more like Nazis every year!
Well said! Now let’s all spread that message, and get others to spread it.
I sure hope this sparks a women's rebellion. There certainly is a very clear choice between the two party "platforms". Rick Scott has certainly made it easier for the Ds to win!
I hope so, too. We have to get the word out all over the country! The Republicans have a war on women going on and we must all fight back!
I would love to share your post on my FB page, with or without attribution, if you will allow me to do so!
Please feel free to do do. You are from Texas. It will not go over well there, will it? I live in VA.
Well, I confess to having purged most of the haters from my FB page, but I still have a few Trumplicans who lurk there for some reason - I guess they are curious? My target audience are my friends and followers, many of whom will amplify this. When I post it, I will just acknowledge that it came from "a friend." I don't want to take credit for something you have so beautifully written!
Thank you. Some Republicans I have been be able to talk with civility. Others are just so brain washed that they can not be reached.
No name please.
Be my guest. No name.
I, too, seethe with frustration about the apparent DOJ lack of initiative insofar as serious investigation of illegalities on trump’s part. Garland’s lack of action is, to me, inexplicable. Anyone care to venture sound reasons that might explain DOJ aversion to full blown investigation? I’m having a hard time believing that this is all attributable to the lack of a spine on Garland’s part.
The failed insurrectionist is a fund-raising gold mine for both parties and his own bank account. As long as that remains true it will be hard for mere justice to be done. It isn't just Garland, Alvin Bragg and the GA Attorney General have bailed too.
I'll venture the reason that he's being super cautious about going after a former President seemingly from the opposing party. Unfortunately doing nothing is worse.
Doing nothing is much worse and will lead to even more dismal events in the future.
The only explanation I can come up with is that they are quietly building a case and do not want Trump to know until they charge him. I hope that is what the explanation is for his seemingly lack of action.
I profoundly hope you're right Virginia.
I wonder what Biden's favorability poll numbers would be if we had an Attorney General.
I think the poll numbers and media fixation does not reflect how many voters really feel because they don’t speak out for fear of reprisals
Agreed.
Where is Biden’s communications team.
Bravo, Judge Carter and Adam Schiff. Merrick Garland, please respond.
Blackburn, Hawley, Cruz, SCOTUS majority: Move to Florida.
That is what I have said. I think Trump should move to Russia with his entire family. The government there suits him.
What is at the heart of public confidence in the Justice Department?
“… A significant number of Americans are waiting for the department to hold Trump legally responsible for the many abuses for which he dodged accountability before. If the department doesn’t take such action, even if for very good reasons, these people will be disappointed and frustrated. Justice Department officials might brush off such reactions, except that this disappointment will inevitably undercut Garland’s efforts to “retain the trust of the American people.”
… Perhaps Garland’s view is that the risks of criminally investigating a former president, even in this time, are too great to take, too much of a breach of the department’s traditions. But he cannot expect people to understand that, or have a reasoned discussion of it, without first explaining it to them. And in the absence of an explanation, members of the public will come up with their own ideas—like weakness or lack of commitment to accountability. That silence undercuts the project to which Garland has committed himself. …“The basic tool for the lawyer is the word,” (Ed Levi, 1st AG after Watergate).
https://www.lawfareblog.com/merrick-garland-needs-speak
The only thing that will be more damaging to America than prosecuting Trump is not prosecuting Trump. The DOJ doesn't get to give anyone a "pass" because of the risks of prosecuting someone. Thanks for the link to Lawfare!
No one is above the law. That includes a former president who incites an insurrection. He especially should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If not, I will definitely lose faith in the Justice System.
Trump’s criminal actions need to be investigated. How those actions could not measure up to criminality is more than I can understand. If trump is not held criminally accountable for his actions, the rule of law is DEAD!! If this were anyone else they would be sitting in a cell awaiting trial. Gather facts and follow where they lead. Americans will never have any faith in our system if tfg can game it and flout oversight and accountability. Garland is killing any respect there might have been for him because he is appeasing the criminal elements of the R party. Appeasement NEVER produces a positive outcome.
Susan--Thanks for this reference. Somehow I missed it last December, but it carries even more weight now.
Why doesn't Biden tell Garland to talk to us ?
I think Biden is wise to stay out of it. If he pushes Garland to speak or act, whatever Garland says will be hopelessly compromised. Although most Republicans will believe so anyway, pressure from Biden will provide a basis for their delusions.
Thank you for consistently and with clarity for encouraging the pursuit of our last best means to protect our democracy: make every effort to get out the vote.
“I was expressing the moral outrage that I felt toward this man.” Go Joe, I feel so much outrage toward the bullies of the world, all who feel entitled to mock, diminish, destroy, control, and steam roll over fellow citizens. Even Chris Rock is in my cross hairs this day. Having worked in jr. High, I know the damage bullies do. When they rule, the victims are helpless. Let this not be so.
"Me thinks thou doth protest too much" - when I hear that Thomas, Alito and Roberts are bemoaning the idea that the rest of us think the supreme court has become a bunch of partisan hacks. If Thomas does resign or at least recuse himself from 1/6 related court cases, we'll know that it is all a sham. The GOP and The Federalist Society will have well and truly captured the SCOTUS and turned it into the enforcement wing of the GOP.
If Thomas DOES NOT resign.....
While it should surprise no one, Republican misguided foolishness in service of pandering to a Conservative base will ultimately relegate them to a permanent minority political party. They continue to add less and less popular causes and positions to their anti-progressive agenda that while they may be popular with their conservative and evangelical Christian base are not supported by a majority of American voters. This is not only a poor electoral strategy it is also … well, just plain ol’ stupid. I do not believe they are uniformed on the sentiments of a majority of American voters. Therefore I can only conclude they do not care about voters’ sentiments and intend to not represent the Americans they hope to govern but rather oppose them. Just plain ol’ stupid or perhaps worse, truly evil.
Agree! The GOP is headed to permanent minority status, or worse--dissolution. Indeed ,a good case can be made that the Republican Party has already dissolved as a governing force in America and what remains is a collection of grievance-based populous candidates with no political philosophy.
Miles Lawrence asks the leading question: "Why doesn't Biden tell Garland to talk to us?" Is this a "Cool-Hand Luke" situation where we have "a failure to communicate" or something more sinister that reflects a dereliction of duty, a brazen refusal to uphold the one's oath to protect and defend the Constitution? It's hard to believe that a lack of spine on Garland's part is the issue, as Peter Ralston points out. But if that's the case, then Biden has made a grave mistake in putting him on his "Build-Back-Better team. Whatever is going on, it's time to act and bring Trump to the bar of Justice before the outraged American people lose all faith in the rule of law and the processes of democratic governance. No one is above the law, right, Mr. Garland? Not even a former President of the United States. This whole situation reflects badly on President Biden and is perhaps one major reason his poll numbers are so low. C'mon Joe, take charge and instruct Garland to lead the DOJ to the Promised Land as outlined in the Constitution.
Hi, Stewart. I agree with most of what you say, but I think pressure from Biden is a mistake. It would instantly delegitimize anything Garland does. It is a maddening situation, I agree.
Robert, I have called the WH and President Biden asking him to replace Merrick Garland for his inexplicable inaction to investigate the 1/6 conspiracy planners. I’ve also written MG urging him to take action or to resign. This is an emergency for our democracy. What more can we do to move the needle with DOJ and MG?
Thank you, Robert, for pointing out the smoking gun in this morass of the single email between Eastman and trump that qualifies for the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege.
Are you saying that the existence of an email "that qualifies for the crime-fraud exception to attorney-client privilege" establishes that an attorney-client relationship between trump and eastman did exist?
Yes; the opinion by Judge Carter finds that there was substantial evidence of an attorney-client relationship between Trump and Eastman for purposes of asserting the privilege. Eastman had an unsigned, one-page engagement letter saying he was Trump's attorney. However, Eastman's failure to obtain a signed copy of the engagement letter probably runs afoul of California's requirement that attorneys have a signed agreement with their clients. Cal. B&P Section 6148 provides, in part,
"At the time the contract is entered into, the attorney shall provide a duplicate copy of the contract signed by both the attorney and the client, or the client’s guardian or representative, to the client or to the client’s guardian or representative."
Eastman is under investigation by the California Bar. Failing to have a signed engagement letter can be added to the list of violations for which he is being investigated.
In the final analysis, it matters not if Eastman has a signed engagement letter or not, or if there is a basis for him to assert an attorney-client relationship. The crime-fraud exception is a trump (forgive a pun) card that would overrule any attorney-client privilege that might otherwise have existed. That is the law and was clearly cited in the judge's ruling.
Excellent recap, Robert. The Garland inaction just boggles the mind. The President should ask for his resignation if he refuses to proceed. Appoint an "acting AG" who will commit to pursuing those responsible for the attempted coup. Screw the politics. The Republicans hate us no matter what we do - even nominating a supremely qualified, almost perfect judge to the highest court. The ship of concern of how the "other side" feels or will react should have sailed long ago.
I have stated many times that the "polls" are a joke. We like them when they go our way. We dis them them when they don't. But they are frequently wrong. Polls can be construed by respondents in varying ways. A word here or there can alter the answer.
There are millions of potential voters who are never polled. And there are millions who when polled might express frustration with a leader - and yet would consistently vote for him or her because the alternative is so awful. And there are plenty of awfuls.
The Scott "plan" debacle appears to be ammunition for us. But let's face it. The ultra right adherents really hate us more. It's going to be all about turnout. We aren't going to convince this angry opposition of anything. We just need to get our people to the voting booths. IMO, it should be a carrot and stick approach. Get a bonus for voting, get a penalty if you don't.
Time for us all to begin applying peer pressure on everyone we know. "Vote in November or forever lose my friendship."
I wrote last week that I was going to call Merrick Garlands line. The number is not in service.???? I just left a message on the DOJ comment line which is 202-353-1555. I pressed 9 for other.
Praying for the people of Ukraine, Biden and his team.
We need to act locally and nationally to preserve democracy.
Thank you Robert.
As for Merrick Garland, his inaction reminds me of Oliver Cromwell’s injunction to the Long Parliament: “In the name of God, go!”
I think Biden should replace Garland. Adam Schiff would be my choice!!!! (I know that won't happen until all the Trump problems are worked through by whatever means.)
Robert, you are a political guru—so insightful, so smart. But when you say you don’t understand Biden’s low ratings I scratch my head. The Republican propaganda machine generates 24/7 hate directed at Biden on talk radio and Fox News. The talking points are orchestrated on a national level. The content is vile, but I force myself to listen, because I think it is important to understand what is polluting American hearts and minds. Democrats have been underestimating the impact of the conservative propaganda machine for a long time. It is one of the biggest threats to our democracy and we have yet to come up with an adequate response. And I am pretty confident that it is driving Biden’s low numbers.
We can’t stop the right-wing propaganda machine—not if we want the First Amendment to survive—but we can counter it with emails and letters to the editor, and comments, and in speaking with friends and neighbors. We can get out and work to elect candidates who will preserve democracy. It’s up to each of us.
Opinion polls are sometimes and even perhaps often more a reflection of people's views of the world situation at large and less a reflection of their views pro or con on the political leadership of the moment. There is much to discourage one on the state of the world at present. I am unsurprised that is reflected in polling on Biden or his administration. If Biden were to choose to run again in 2024, he would be 81 when inaugurated in 2025. While I very much support Biden as our current President and his actions, it is my view that the Democrats would be wise to pick a different Presidential candidate in 2024, no matter who is the Republican candidate. I will not opine at this time on who I believe that best candidate might be, still too much time to go before the campaign for that nomination commences.