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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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?
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.