Long may you wave, Robert Hubbell! I rejoice in your joy this weekend, and may it sustain you for the road ahead. You and your family are very important to those of us lucky to be following you, for we will certainly need your hope and encouragement on the road ahead.
Republicans will henceforth wear the badge of the most despicable amongst their midst, the Putin Caucus. They have no interest in benefitting the American people or the people of the world more broadly. That is not a stance that will broaden their coalition over time. Unfortunately, it seems we will be forced to endure their performative rants on cultural issues, anti-good-governance positions on every issue we face, and simply watch in horror as the party desiccates.
There is no good reason for democrats to moderate their own positions in the face of the anti-wokeness calls from the right. My advice is to press ahead and just do the right thing. The time to do right is right now.
I think part of the problem is that Democrats aren’t playing the same game as Republicans. Democrats should put some leaders out in the field, being louder than the notorious Republicans, becoming household names, with the Democratic message and blasting the Republican platform with dire warnings for the public. Who are the Democrat mouthpieces for today ‘s issues? Like King and Milk? It seems people believe what they hear, and Democrats need to be louder and more present in the public eye.
In the recent Supreme Court hearings, Dems seemed motivated by a desire to get the KBJ nomination through above all else. This meant absorbing and rising above all the shit dished out by the GOP. I am not sure this was the incorrect decision. Can you imagine how we'd be feeling if the nomination had gone down because, once again, Joe Manchin had said he "couldn't support such a divisive figure?”
Nevertheless, your point is very well taken. Republicans used the hearings to spread their culture war BS. Dems were forced to play defense only. We do need some Dems other than President Biden to offer loud resistance to GOP culture warrior assholes. Someone in public life, not just MSNBC anchors, who is seen as a fighter for our side. A backbencher. I had thought that VP Harris could play such a role much as Spiro Agnew did for Nixon 50 years ago, but that doesn't seem to be in her. Anthony Wiener and Alan Grayson tried playing such roles during the Obama administration; both, unfortunately, had character issues that derailed them, but while they were viable, they were useful.
Republicans have always identified and promoted a few single issues and stuck to the script. The Democrats in addition to needing a better marketing arm need to focus on kitchen table issues that most voters care about like inflation, wages, education and schools and of course healthcare. A simple question they should ask is “ Are you better off today than you were a year ago”? Of course we all are. The Biden Administration must focus on fixing supply chain issues and inflation and get them under control as well as keeping the course on Ukraine. Biden needs to be in front of voters more often and in town hall settings. People need to see and hear him and fall in love.
Apr 8, 2022·edited Apr 8, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
An elegant conclusion to a very interesting and historic week. Your granddaughter's first year will be a story to share with her kids and grandchildren.
Wednesday was indeed an historic day and I wish Judge Jackson well now, and when she joins the Court, but our goal must be a time when such a selection won't be cause for celebration but for a rational assessment of the nominee's qualifications and the conclusion that, regardless of previous political affiliation and the party of the President who chose them, the person will do a pretty good job of preserving the basis of our government and legal system. We're a long way from that now but Justice Jackson is a step in the right direction.
Regarding the Manhattan DA's prosecution of Trump, I would be more inclined to believe Alvin Bragg than his predecessor Cyrus Vance Jr. I am not a lawyer and no expert on the law, but a simple review of Vance's notable cases raises a fair number of questions. Give Alvin Bragg a little time. He took office in January.
I hope you are right, Leonard. A report that I can't find at the moment claimed that Bragg was returning evidence to witnesses that was provided to the grand jury pursuant it subpoena,. It may be that Bragg decided to close down the investigation, and then changed his mind after the outcry. You are right about VAnce Jr., who let Ivanka and Don Jr. walk from a felony prosecution after receiving a hefty campaign donation from Trump. History would have been oh so different if he had prosecuted the Trump kinds six years ago.
Correct me if I’m wrong, Leonard, but I heard Harry Litman, former prosecutor, say that in New York there is one grand jury convened and that jury hears all the cases. The current grand jury in New York is close to being disbanded so if they don’t do something now, this case will not be heard. Bragg is trying to cleanse his image.
Here is Alvin Bragg's statement, including a comment on the continual availability of grand juries: n recent weeks, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has been repeatedly asked whether our investigation concerning former President Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, and its leadership is continuing.
It is.
There have also been questions about the timing of the grand jury. As anyone who has worked on criminal cases in New York knows, New York County has grand juries sitting all the time.
There is no magic at all to any previously reported dates.
The team working on this investigation is comprised of dedicated, experienced career prosecutors. They are going through documents, interviewing witnesses, and exploring evidence not previously explored. In the long and proud tradition of white-collar prosecutions at the Manhattan D.A.’s Office, we are investigating thoroughly and following the facts without fear or favor.
The team is led by Susan Hoffinger, Chief of the Investigation Division. Susan has decades of experience as an Assistant District Attorney and a defense attorney, including New York State grand jury and trial experience, which are crucial for this investigation.
High-profile, complex investigations have been trademarks of my professional career.
As a state prosecutor and a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, I successfully brought cases involving money laundering, witness tampering, mortgage fraud, official misconduct, and bribery. And, I went wherever the facts took me, prosecuting two mayors, a city council member, an FBI agent, a former Senate Majority Leader, a District Attorney, and business executives.
Indeed, litigation involving the former president himself is not foreign to me. As the Chief Deputy at the New York State Attorney General’s Office, I oversaw the successful litigation against the former president, his family, and the Trump Foundation.
These experiences shape my approach and the investigative steps that the team is hard at work on. Prosecutors fulfilling their duties cannot and do not bring only cases that are “slam dunks.” To the contrary, every case must be brought for the right reason – namely that justice demands it. That’s what I’ve done throughout my career, regardless of how easy or tough a case might be.
I understand the public desire to know more about our investigative steps. But, the law requires secrecy during an investigation. It is a felony in New York for a prosecutor to disclose grand jury matters. And for good reason.
Doing so can create problems for cases and investigations, the individuals involved, and the criminal justice system. It can affect witness testimony or even lead to witness tampering. Unauthorized public disclosures also potentially can affect a defendant’s right to a fair trial.
While the law constrains me from commenting further at this time, I pledge that the Office will publicly state the conclusion of our investigation – whether we conclude our work without bringing charges, or move forward with an indictment.
In the meantime, we will not be discussing our investigative steps. Nor will we be discussing grand jury matters.
In short, as we have previously said, the investigation continues.
Hey, Bob, I agree with your "if we fight, we can win" take. Have you seen the pdf from Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Dems? It is a realistic take on the recent Wisconsin local elections, which were a mixed bag. The GOP made a big push but Dems won more battles than they lost. (Wisconsin is always close and the races were officially nonpartisan by law). Those who fought back did better than those who tried to stay above the fray.
Happy birthday to your granddaughter! May she have lots of cake and ice cream.
Indeed, Robert, “the dying spasms of the Old South.” Let us not mistake them for a typhoon.
And we welcome—the nation welcomes—Justice Jackson. I foresee the day when she is part of a majority on the court that reads the entire Constitution, not just the parts that agree with the Justices’ pre-existing prejudices.
Not exactly on the topic of today's Newsletter, but in the spirit of Fun Friday for those who may have missed it on last night's Jimmy Kimmel Show, I recommend a bit of Friday Fun. This is the real Trump derangement syndrome in action.
I continue to be reminded of a letter to the editor in the NYT a year or so ago which I will paraphrase: "Let the Democrats write the policies which most people in this country want and let the Lincoln Project sell them." Happy Friday everyone!
What a day this was, and what a week it has been! Only a day or two ago, the same ICC that is being disparaged, by the minions of Fascism in this country, brought the commandant of the Janjaweed militia, and his mentor, Omar Bashir, towards justice, by charging both men with crimes against humanity. Despite the present Sudanese regime's own authoritarian bent, its ruling claque has no sympathy for the butchers of Darfur. Justice Brown Jackson! How sweet that sounds!! Yes, the wounded bears of paternalism, racism, misogyny and outright Fascism are still on the prowl and are still dangerous, but they are dying in influence.
My trumpy husband sent me a YouTube from msnbc explaining why the dems will lose in the mid terms. Basically because of low polling numbers. Maybe Biden has low numbers, (although not lower than TFG) but if the choice is between Biden and someone despicable, Biden wins. Even my trumpy guy believes in a womans right to choose, is against dark money, ok with people marrying who the love, everyone had the right to vote. As for that phrase we are looking for....My life is good, how about yours?
Don't get hung up on the polls. If we ruled ourselves by polls taken six months before elections, we wouldn't hold elections. The future is uncertain, and at this point in history, volatile. We just need to keep doing the right things. Fortune favors the bold (and the prepared!).
You wrote: "My answer is that Democrats should continue to “do right” by the American people—and then hire a new P.R. firm. (Or maybe hire a new P.R. firm before 2022.)"
My dissatisfaction with the Dems is exactly that - a new P.R. firm is desperately needed. I am literally barraged with text messages every day asking for money. Occasionally, the lead in will reference some "victory" (such as the confirmation of Justice Jackson), but it comes across as just an excuse to ask for money. This platform could be used so much more effectively if short messages announcing the positives could come regularly WITHOUT a request for donations. I would not feel so "hit upon" and turned off and could freely celebrate those successes and then share the texts with others.
Long may you wave, Robert Hubbell! I rejoice in your joy this weekend, and may it sustain you for the road ahead. You and your family are very important to those of us lucky to be following you, for we will certainly need your hope and encouragement on the road ahead.
❤!! (My heart button doesn't work!)
Mine does, I'll 'Like' it for both of us.
Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't! Thanks, Dave.
The time to do right is always right now.
Republicans will henceforth wear the badge of the most despicable amongst their midst, the Putin Caucus. They have no interest in benefitting the American people or the people of the world more broadly. That is not a stance that will broaden their coalition over time. Unfortunately, it seems we will be forced to endure their performative rants on cultural issues, anti-good-governance positions on every issue we face, and simply watch in horror as the party desiccates.
There is no good reason for democrats to moderate their own positions in the face of the anti-wokeness calls from the right. My advice is to press ahead and just do the right thing. The time to do right is right now.
I think part of the problem is that Democrats aren’t playing the same game as Republicans. Democrats should put some leaders out in the field, being louder than the notorious Republicans, becoming household names, with the Democratic message and blasting the Republican platform with dire warnings for the public. Who are the Democrat mouthpieces for today ‘s issues? Like King and Milk? It seems people believe what they hear, and Democrats need to be louder and more present in the public eye.
In the recent Supreme Court hearings, Dems seemed motivated by a desire to get the KBJ nomination through above all else. This meant absorbing and rising above all the shit dished out by the GOP. I am not sure this was the incorrect decision. Can you imagine how we'd be feeling if the nomination had gone down because, once again, Joe Manchin had said he "couldn't support such a divisive figure?”
Nevertheless, your point is very well taken. Republicans used the hearings to spread their culture war BS. Dems were forced to play defense only. We do need some Dems other than President Biden to offer loud resistance to GOP culture warrior assholes. Someone in public life, not just MSNBC anchors, who is seen as a fighter for our side. A backbencher. I had thought that VP Harris could play such a role much as Spiro Agnew did for Nixon 50 years ago, but that doesn't seem to be in her. Anthony Wiener and Alan Grayson tried playing such roles during the Obama administration; both, unfortunately, had character issues that derailed them, but while they were viable, they were useful.
Republicans have always identified and promoted a few single issues and stuck to the script. The Democrats in addition to needing a better marketing arm need to focus on kitchen table issues that most voters care about like inflation, wages, education and schools and of course healthcare. A simple question they should ask is “ Are you better off today than you were a year ago”? Of course we all are. The Biden Administration must focus on fixing supply chain issues and inflation and get them under control as well as keeping the course on Ukraine. Biden needs to be in front of voters more often and in town hall settings. People need to see and hear him and fall in love.
“Are you better off today?” There could be no better slogan.
Perhaps honor and decency will reappear in this great country. A justice for today and for our future! Enjoy your granddaughter!
Life is precious! Pam B
An elegant conclusion to a very interesting and historic week. Your granddaughter's first year will be a story to share with her kids and grandchildren.
Wednesday was indeed an historic day and I wish Judge Jackson well now, and when she joins the Court, but our goal must be a time when such a selection won't be cause for celebration but for a rational assessment of the nominee's qualifications and the conclusion that, regardless of previous political affiliation and the party of the President who chose them, the person will do a pretty good job of preserving the basis of our government and legal system. We're a long way from that now but Justice Jackson is a step in the right direction.
Regarding the Manhattan DA's prosecution of Trump, I would be more inclined to believe Alvin Bragg than his predecessor Cyrus Vance Jr. I am not a lawyer and no expert on the law, but a simple review of Vance's notable cases raises a fair number of questions. Give Alvin Bragg a little time. He took office in January.
I hope you are right, Leonard. A report that I can't find at the moment claimed that Bragg was returning evidence to witnesses that was provided to the grand jury pursuant it subpoena,. It may be that Bragg decided to close down the investigation, and then changed his mind after the outcry. You are right about VAnce Jr., who let Ivanka and Don Jr. walk from a felony prosecution after receiving a hefty campaign donation from Trump. History would have been oh so different if he had prosecuted the Trump kinds six years ago.
Correct me if I’m wrong, Leonard, but I heard Harry Litman, former prosecutor, say that in New York there is one grand jury convened and that jury hears all the cases. The current grand jury in New York is close to being disbanded so if they don’t do something now, this case will not be heard. Bragg is trying to cleanse his image.
Here is Alvin Bragg's statement, including a comment on the continual availability of grand juries: n recent weeks, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has been repeatedly asked whether our investigation concerning former President Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, and its leadership is continuing.
It is.
There have also been questions about the timing of the grand jury. As anyone who has worked on criminal cases in New York knows, New York County has grand juries sitting all the time.
There is no magic at all to any previously reported dates.
The team working on this investigation is comprised of dedicated, experienced career prosecutors. They are going through documents, interviewing witnesses, and exploring evidence not previously explored. In the long and proud tradition of white-collar prosecutions at the Manhattan D.A.’s Office, we are investigating thoroughly and following the facts without fear or favor.
The team is led by Susan Hoffinger, Chief of the Investigation Division. Susan has decades of experience as an Assistant District Attorney and a defense attorney, including New York State grand jury and trial experience, which are crucial for this investigation.
High-profile, complex investigations have been trademarks of my professional career.
As a state prosecutor and a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, I successfully brought cases involving money laundering, witness tampering, mortgage fraud, official misconduct, and bribery. And, I went wherever the facts took me, prosecuting two mayors, a city council member, an FBI agent, a former Senate Majority Leader, a District Attorney, and business executives.
Indeed, litigation involving the former president himself is not foreign to me. As the Chief Deputy at the New York State Attorney General’s Office, I oversaw the successful litigation against the former president, his family, and the Trump Foundation.
These experiences shape my approach and the investigative steps that the team is hard at work on. Prosecutors fulfilling their duties cannot and do not bring only cases that are “slam dunks.” To the contrary, every case must be brought for the right reason – namely that justice demands it. That’s what I’ve done throughout my career, regardless of how easy or tough a case might be.
I understand the public desire to know more about our investigative steps. But, the law requires secrecy during an investigation. It is a felony in New York for a prosecutor to disclose grand jury matters. And for good reason.
Doing so can create problems for cases and investigations, the individuals involved, and the criminal justice system. It can affect witness testimony or even lead to witness tampering. Unauthorized public disclosures also potentially can affect a defendant’s right to a fair trial.
While the law constrains me from commenting further at this time, I pledge that the Office will publicly state the conclusion of our investigation – whether we conclude our work without bringing charges, or move forward with an indictment.
In the meantime, we will not be discussing our investigative steps. Nor will we be discussing grand jury matters.
In short, as we have previously said, the investigation continues.
Thanks. I will keep my fingers crossed. Appreciate your posting his statement.
I really don't know how Manhattan's Grand Jury system works. Sorry. Maybe there is a NYC lawyer out there.
Hey, Bob, I agree with your "if we fight, we can win" take. Have you seen the pdf from Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Dems? It is a realistic take on the recent Wisconsin local elections, which were a mixed bag. The GOP made a big push but Dems won more battles than they lost. (Wisconsin is always close and the races were officially nonpartisan by law). Those who fought back did better than those who tried to stay above the fray.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bgzLu5H_RhQTLqOZ7KsnMLB9I3WyJUCA/view?usp=sharing
Thanks. I will check it out!
Happy birthday to your granddaughter! May she have lots of cake and ice cream.
Indeed, Robert, “the dying spasms of the Old South.” Let us not mistake them for a typhoon.
And we welcome—the nation welcomes—Justice Jackson. I foresee the day when she is part of a majority on the court that reads the entire Constitution, not just the parts that agree with the Justices’ pre-existing prejudices.
Not exactly on the topic of today's Newsletter, but in the spirit of Fun Friday for those who may have missed it on last night's Jimmy Kimmel Show, I recommend a bit of Friday Fun. This is the real Trump derangement syndrome in action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyB7RaOTw6E
😂😂 Genius!
I continue to be reminded of a letter to the editor in the NYT a year or so ago which I will paraphrase: "Let the Democrats write the policies which most people in this country want and let the Lincoln Project sell them." Happy Friday everyone!
What a day this was, and what a week it has been! Only a day or two ago, the same ICC that is being disparaged, by the minions of Fascism in this country, brought the commandant of the Janjaweed militia, and his mentor, Omar Bashir, towards justice, by charging both men with crimes against humanity. Despite the present Sudanese regime's own authoritarian bent, its ruling claque has no sympathy for the butchers of Darfur. Justice Brown Jackson! How sweet that sounds!! Yes, the wounded bears of paternalism, racism, misogyny and outright Fascism are still on the prowl and are still dangerous, but they are dying in influence.
Thank you, Jill and Robert, for unwavering guidance and perspective and motivation. Each of us can make a difference. Best Birthday, Coraline!
My trumpy husband sent me a YouTube from msnbc explaining why the dems will lose in the mid terms. Basically because of low polling numbers. Maybe Biden has low numbers, (although not lower than TFG) but if the choice is between Biden and someone despicable, Biden wins. Even my trumpy guy believes in a womans right to choose, is against dark money, ok with people marrying who the love, everyone had the right to vote. As for that phrase we are looking for....My life is good, how about yours?
Don't get hung up on the polls. If we ruled ourselves by polls taken six months before elections, we wouldn't hold elections. The future is uncertain, and at this point in history, volatile. We just need to keep doing the right things. Fortune favors the bold (and the prepared!).
Enjoy the weekend, Robert and Jill!
You wrote: "My answer is that Democrats should continue to “do right” by the American people—and then hire a new P.R. firm. (Or maybe hire a new P.R. firm before 2022.)"
My dissatisfaction with the Dems is exactly that - a new P.R. firm is desperately needed. I am literally barraged with text messages every day asking for money. Occasionally, the lead in will reference some "victory" (such as the confirmation of Justice Jackson), but it comes across as just an excuse to ask for money. This platform could be used so much more effectively if short messages announcing the positives could come regularly WITHOUT a request for donations. I would not feel so "hit upon" and turned off and could freely celebrate those successes and then share the texts with others.