Sep 28, 2023·edited Sep 28, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Theolikle is the term I've given the current state of our republic - a THEocratic OLIgarchic KLEptocracy. To move back to a representative democracy, we need three things: 1. Roe codified into law giving women reproductive rights not the edict of a small CHRINO (Christian in Name Only) sect of religious zealots. 2. Dealing with Income Disparity by taking action to break up monopolies including the corporate media monopolies eroding the freedom of the press and strengthening unions even to the extent of unions have significant ownership in the companies that employ their members by reelecting President Biden who is taking significant action on both 3. Get rid of the "legalized corruption" of Citizens United by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act giving money less voice and strengthening the voice of the People. We, the People, all of us this time working to strengthen democracy by empowering the vote.
I like your "path," but let me suggest a tweak. Democrats can succeed in this process if they are powerful. So far, Democrats have been unified behind the leadership of Hakeem Jeffries at every turn. If Jeffries can sustain that unity, instead of promising a dozen (or so) Democratic votes supporting Kevin McCarthy if he is challenged, promise every Democrat will support him in a motion to vacate if there is such a motion because McCarthy brings the Senate proposal to the floor. I will go further. If McCarthy weasels out, gets the support of Democrats and then does not bring a motion to the floor, Hakeem Jeffries can make a public offer -- to Don Bacon and a few others. If there is another Motion to Vacate, Democrats will again be unified. They will vote unanimously for whomever the group of Moderates selects as their candidate for Speaker. Backroom deals won't work in these circumstances. Public pressure and unity just might.
Kevin McCarthy is weak, unfit for the responsibility of being next behind Vice-President Harris in the line of presidential succession. His default position is to concede, to submit to whatever force exerts the most pressure on him at any given moment.
With the support of a bipartisan majority in early June, Mr. McCarthy could have embraced the role of being President Biden’s counterpart in the legislature. But he did not do it. He has betrayed Democrats and President Biden with whom he reached an agreement designed to avoid the shutdown threat, and he is not worthy of unified Democratic support.
Mr. McCarthy's impotent leadership is precisely what empowers the MAGA extremists who proudly support convicted January 6 conspirators, and who openly welcome civil war. They need to be confronted directly and decisively. So long as Kevin McCarthy remains Speaker of the House, their power will persist and grow.
The only feasible solution is for a cross-party alliance in the House to remove Mr. McCarthy and elect a centrist Republican Speaker like Don Bacon (R-NE) who owes nothing to the extremists. Such an alliance would not need unanimity from either party.
But it appears the only way that will happen is if enough outspoken citizens and a supportive segment of the media insist that Democratic leader Hakim Jeffries join forces with moderate Republicans to form that coalition. Democrats must stop just watching from the sidelines waiting to see what happens.
A network of ordinary citizens has been advocating this solution for many months. Everyone who values our institutions is encouraged to pitch in to help end the chaos, hand MAGA forces a stinging defeat, and restore normal order to the chamber.
I like what you’ve written … except there’s, so far no indication that the Don Bacons among House Republicans will play along.
Thus, your comment that
“… the only way that will happen is if enough outspoken citizens and a supportive segment of the media insist that Democratic leader Hakim Jeffries join forces with moderate Republicans to form that coalition.” has things backward. Republicans, not Hakim Jeffries, need to make the move. I believe your Comment would tend to make people blame *Jeffries* for the impasse.
You are right, Michael. The biggest challenge of our proposal is persuading a Republican moderate to take the bold step of seeking the Speakership.
I've been championing Don Bacon (R-NE) for this because he has a reputation for working across the aisle, he floated the idea of finding a compromise candidate for Speaker last November, and he's a retired Air Force Brigadier General. I thought he'd be a natural to recognize a failure of leadership, and would have the courage to accept the responsibility. So far, big disappointment.
At www.FeathersOfHope.net, we've been calling both Republican and Democratic members, specifically these:
Republicans
Don Bacon (NE-02): (202) 225-4155 D.C. or (402) 938-0300 District
Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01): (202) 225-4276 D.C. or (215) 579-8102 District
Mike Gallagher (WI-08): (202) 225-5665 D.C. or (920) 301-4500 District
David Joyce (OH-14): 202) 225-5731 D.C. or (440) 352-3939 District
Democrats
Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08): (202) 225-5936 D.C. or (718) 237-2211 District
Ro Khanna (CA-17): (202) 225-2631 D.C. or (408) 436-2720 District
Katherine Clark (MA-05): (202) 225-2836 D.C. or (617) 354-0292 District
Pramila Jayapal (WA-07): (202) 225-3106 D.C. or (206) 674-0040 District
I'm not really too concerned with who gets blamed for the shutdown. R's have that one bagged. What's important is having a functional legislature. With regard to Mr. Jeffries, I fear his calculation may be that it's better to have a weak Speaker McCarthy, totally dependent on the minority leader, than to have a strong independent Speaker supported by a true bipartisan coalition majority. In my view, that's very short-sighted.
Robert, it was so good to hear your sane and reassuring voice on the Big Tent event last night. Thank you as always for keeping our “eyes on the prize”. You have kept many souls from despair, and made us smile with your reasoned takedowns of the GOP circus.
Re: Dems stepping in to save McCarthy's ass in exchange for his promise to allow floor votes on "realistic" bills: Get payment in full up front, in cash, whatever the medium of exchange may be in the fetid, swampy back rooms of the House. Leave McCarthy not so much a millimeter of wiggle room. Ensure that disastrous political and professional consequences will be visited upon him from all sides should he even dare to begin dreaming of reneging on the promise in the near term _or_ for the duration of his speakership.
If the Dems trust McCarthy in ~any~ way, if they take his word for _anything_, they are just chumps. He is an abject critter of no integrity whatsoever; his word is valueless. This is no longer a negotiation, this is an imposed solution in which the utterly failed McCarthy has exactly zero leverage.
Subwoofer McCarthy has shown himself to be the ultimate inveterate invertebrate. Yesterday, he accused the Senate of doing absolutely nothing to avert the shutdown he's leading us toward, and laid the blame for the shutdown on President Biden for not interfering with Congress's duty to fund the government.
I agree that if Dems step in to save his butt, it should be loaded with conditions, but it should be clear that he won't honor any agreement he makes if he takes any heat from his side. So maybe the solution is to agree to save his butt this one time, and let him twist in the wind the next time his "leadership" is challenged.
Truth does not matter. The Clown Caucus will bleat incessantly that the shutdown is Biden's fault because he is too old. Which will be echoed by the Media, making the President's reelection that much harder.
I agree that McCarthy will shamelessly betray any agreement at the first sign of pressure from the nihilist wackos but respectfully and strongly disagree about getting him off the hook "just this once." There is no free lunch.
Qevin needs a flying lesson out a third floor window without a parachute.
Hakin Jeffries should find six Republicans who don't want to be hung out to dry by the Fweedumbasses, use a Discharge Petition to get the Senate CR passed and leave Qevin twisting slowly in the wind till his political corpse rots off the rope.
He needs to find Republican moderates (is this an oxymoron?), who have the means to pay for heavy duty personal security, because that is what it takes to go against Trump. We are watching a party run by the mob, and no one is mentioning that the emperor has no clothing on. Even with the mob boss in prison, unless he is cut off from communicating with the outside world, then the mob action goes on.
Discharge petition requires a 30 day wait. Far better to Vacate Qevin, elect a new Speaker per Leonard Lubinsky's comments above, and pass the Senate CR.
I don't think McCarthy is "fighting with about 25 GOP weirdos." He's fighting with the other members of the Rubbish caucus, who are just garden-variety extremists. He's aligned himself with the loonies; he even blocks a bill that has McConnell's imprimatur! But it's the "norms" who empower him -- any five or so of them could stop the shutdown. All of them -- McCarthy, the loonies and the "norms" -- deserve the blame for this invented crisis.
Robert, Your path forward for the budget shutdown crisis seems quite workable. Perhaps it could even go one step further and have all the Democrats support Spino McCarthy (Speaker in Name Only). That would have the added benefit of showing the strength of the House Democrats working together -- quite a contrast from the Republicans. Wasting several days to choose a new Speaker feels untenable and who knows what the Republicans would get behind -- someone equally malleable one would assume.
Without having seen your suggestion, I made almost exactly the same proposal above. I think we have something here. While we are thinking similarly, like Robert Hubbell, I am trying to expand subscribers to my newsletter (a free newsletter). It is not on sub stack, but you and others can subscribe by going to the website for Len's Political Notes https://lenspoliticalnotes.com
Leonard, Congratulations to our great minds that called what happened today! Yes, the Democrats look very strong and united. Minority Leader Jeffries deserves kudos for his speech that allowed everyone to read the 71 page bill! Ukraine will be funded, I have no doubt!
Just subscribed. Good piece on Menendez. On Cornel West – unfortunately he "deserves" more than just "a last thought." II he runs he will pull a Nader or a Stein. What is it with these people??
You are correct. Somehow you did not get signed up. If you are willing to send me your email address, I will add you. Otherwise, all I can suggest is try again. And I can ask my tech person about the problem.
Robert, regarding your "rewards program" ...Thank you - but no thank you. My recommending your outstanding newsletter to friends and family has never been . . .what's the word?..."transactional." I do it because you present us with truth and hope. And that's enough of a "reward" for me.
I appreciate your work promoting the newsletter. My staff person tells me I am not proactive enough, so I am trying to be a good employer by listening to my employee's advice!
I suppose it depends on what your goals are, Robert. . . "staff person's" advice aside. I think probably most of your readers already promote your newsletter and need no incentive to do so more- certainly not for a monetary reward. I must admit . . it just "hit" me the wrong way when I read the proposal. Maybe too many numbers?!
Thanks, Marcia. I totally agree. This referral rewards incentives struck me as totally wrong...and very un-Robert-like. As you say, too transactional. The break down in the number of referrals equating to "benefits". Not good. Great to have someone keeping up with subscription glitches but no need to go all self promoting on us. As you also say, we are always encouraging our friends to subscribe and do not need or want to be rewarded. I will opt out of the rewards program. I will also say, Robert, that you are bound to be a good employer and are pro- active enough for me
Thank you for the confirmation, Jane. And, as you said, "very un-Robert." Very un-like our hero, who contributes so much even beyond the newsletter. I'm glad we had and took the opportunity to say so. As you can see, we love and respect and appreciate you, Robert.
There may be a resolution in sight but ego’s, politics and power have gotten in the way. Two events this week has clearly differentiated the Democrats from the Republicans: Biden walking a picket line and Cassidy Hutchinson showering courage beyond her years. If you have a chance listen to Gavin Newsome rebuttal to the Republican debate and you will see how Democrats need to message going forward.
Perhaps President Biden could get creative and lift up the next generation of democrats by highlighting their accomplishments, making them visible and setting them up as the leaders they are. That might mitigate the “he’s too old” by saying “I’m grooming the next generation “. This is succession planning at its finest
Robert, I beg to disagree on why the rest of the GOP field do not mention DT on stage. It is not that they are ashamed of him. It is instead that they know their own candidacy is DOA, but should he win again (G-d forbid), they don’t want him and his MAGA mob making their lives utterly miserable. Or, maybe they are holding out for a position in his administration, or a juicy ambassadorship. He still has utter power over them, except for Christie, who also realizes his candidacy is DOA, but is gleefully getting in his digs while he can. Jersey in the house!!
Your theory makes sense, except for Christie, who is not afraid of Trump. But Christie does not mention the insurrection, the attempted coup, the sexual assault, the defense secrets, etc. Why?
With the orange idiot mobster and his cult in power we will certainly begin to see opponents and those willing to speak the truth ‘accidentally falling out windows”. You know, like in Russia.
I imagine the candidates in the debate will want to ALWAYS be on the first floor.
I have to say that I've seen Gavin Newsom twice recently and he acquitted himself well. I didn't think he was as smart as he has sounded lately. On Tuesday night, my favorite comment of his was that the winner of the night's debate was the Biden agenda! I also loved his appearance on Jen Psaki's show two weeks ago. He absolutely denied that he was considering running for President in 2024, and as you can see from his comments after the Republican debate, he will be a worthy surrogate for Biden in this election cycle. I also think we will have a great candidate in 2028!
I’m grateful Governor Newsom pointed out the crime rates in Ca vs FL. Along with Biden’s age, crime is another endless loop on Faux News. We foot soldiers also need to fight back with the facts !
Here in my red Fl county, the largest city is experiencing a crime wave. The police chief cited accessibility to guns, especially for the younger population. The mayor is a Republican who is also employed by our Freedom Caucus Rep.
Kevin McCarthy agreed to a deal during the debt ceiling negotiations. It was passed with a bipartisan majority. Now he is backing out of it. Kevin McCarthy’s word is worthless. You can’t trust him. That’s what everyone should be talking about.
“And because ‘[d]eference to the judgments and rulings of courts depends upon public confidence in the integrity and independence of judges,’ jurists must avoid even the appearance of partiality.” Id. at 234 (quoting United States v. Microsoft Corp., 253 F.3d 34, 115 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (en banc) (per curiam)). As the Supreme Court has stated, “to perform its high function in the best way ‘justice must satisfy the appearance of justice.’”
(from Judge Chutkin's denial of motion for recusal)
How the hell can Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito possibly remain on the SC - or be allowed to remain by the similarly-compromised Chief Justice - in defiance of these established standards? By doing so they certify that the US Supreme Court is not worthy of being called a system of justice.
As Judge Chutkin observes : “Unbiased, impartial adjudicators are the cornerstone of any system of justice worthy of the label.” The Emperor has no clothes.....
“Democrats should (and will) start non-stop, hard-hitting messaging that speaks directly to Trump's criminality, corruption, treason, and fascism.” Repeat it enough times and, just like Trump’s lies, undecided voters may start believing it😉
Theolikle is the term I've given the current state of our republic - a THEocratic OLIgarchic KLEptocracy. To move back to a representative democracy, we need three things: 1. Roe codified into law giving women reproductive rights not the edict of a small CHRINO (Christian in Name Only) sect of religious zealots. 2. Dealing with Income Disparity by taking action to break up monopolies including the corporate media monopolies eroding the freedom of the press and strengthening unions even to the extent of unions have significant ownership in the companies that employ their members by reelecting President Biden who is taking significant action on both 3. Get rid of the "legalized corruption" of Citizens United by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act giving money less voice and strengthening the voice of the People. We, the People, all of us this time working to strengthen democracy by empowering the vote.
I like kakistocracy as a descriptor.
💙💙💙
Yay!
I like your "path," but let me suggest a tweak. Democrats can succeed in this process if they are powerful. So far, Democrats have been unified behind the leadership of Hakeem Jeffries at every turn. If Jeffries can sustain that unity, instead of promising a dozen (or so) Democratic votes supporting Kevin McCarthy if he is challenged, promise every Democrat will support him in a motion to vacate if there is such a motion because McCarthy brings the Senate proposal to the floor. I will go further. If McCarthy weasels out, gets the support of Democrats and then does not bring a motion to the floor, Hakeem Jeffries can make a public offer -- to Don Bacon and a few others. If there is another Motion to Vacate, Democrats will again be unified. They will vote unanimously for whomever the group of Moderates selects as their candidate for Speaker. Backroom deals won't work in these circumstances. Public pressure and unity just might.
Kevin McCarthy is weak, unfit for the responsibility of being next behind Vice-President Harris in the line of presidential succession. His default position is to concede, to submit to whatever force exerts the most pressure on him at any given moment.
With the support of a bipartisan majority in early June, Mr. McCarthy could have embraced the role of being President Biden’s counterpart in the legislature. But he did not do it. He has betrayed Democrats and President Biden with whom he reached an agreement designed to avoid the shutdown threat, and he is not worthy of unified Democratic support.
Mr. McCarthy's impotent leadership is precisely what empowers the MAGA extremists who proudly support convicted January 6 conspirators, and who openly welcome civil war. They need to be confronted directly and decisively. So long as Kevin McCarthy remains Speaker of the House, their power will persist and grow.
The only feasible solution is for a cross-party alliance in the House to remove Mr. McCarthy and elect a centrist Republican Speaker like Don Bacon (R-NE) who owes nothing to the extremists. Such an alliance would not need unanimity from either party.
But it appears the only way that will happen is if enough outspoken citizens and a supportive segment of the media insist that Democratic leader Hakim Jeffries join forces with moderate Republicans to form that coalition. Democrats must stop just watching from the sidelines waiting to see what happens.
A network of ordinary citizens has been advocating this solution for many months. Everyone who values our institutions is encouraged to pitch in to help end the chaos, hand MAGA forces a stinging defeat, and restore normal order to the chamber.
Learn more here: https://www.FeathersOfHope.net or jerryweiss.substack.com
.
I like what you’ve written … except there’s, so far no indication that the Don Bacons among House Republicans will play along.
Thus, your comment that
“… the only way that will happen is if enough outspoken citizens and a supportive segment of the media insist that Democratic leader Hakim Jeffries join forces with moderate Republicans to form that coalition.” has things backward. Republicans, not Hakim Jeffries, need to make the move. I believe your Comment would tend to make people blame *Jeffries* for the impasse.
You are right, Michael. The biggest challenge of our proposal is persuading a Republican moderate to take the bold step of seeking the Speakership.
I've been championing Don Bacon (R-NE) for this because he has a reputation for working across the aisle, he floated the idea of finding a compromise candidate for Speaker last November, and he's a retired Air Force Brigadier General. I thought he'd be a natural to recognize a failure of leadership, and would have the courage to accept the responsibility. So far, big disappointment.
At www.FeathersOfHope.net, we've been calling both Republican and Democratic members, specifically these:
Republicans
Don Bacon (NE-02): (202) 225-4155 D.C. or (402) 938-0300 District
Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01): (202) 225-4276 D.C. or (215) 579-8102 District
Mike Gallagher (WI-08): (202) 225-5665 D.C. or (920) 301-4500 District
David Joyce (OH-14): 202) 225-5731 D.C. or (440) 352-3939 District
Democrats
Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08): (202) 225-5936 D.C. or (718) 237-2211 District
Ro Khanna (CA-17): (202) 225-2631 D.C. or (408) 436-2720 District
Katherine Clark (MA-05): (202) 225-2836 D.C. or (617) 354-0292 District
Pramila Jayapal (WA-07): (202) 225-3106 D.C. or (206) 674-0040 District
I'm not really too concerned with who gets blamed for the shutdown. R's have that one bagged. What's important is having a functional legislature. With regard to Mr. Jeffries, I fear his calculation may be that it's better to have a weak Speaker McCarthy, totally dependent on the minority leader, than to have a strong independent Speaker supported by a true bipartisan coalition majority. In my view, that's very short-sighted.
.
Bravo Leonard.
Robert, it was so good to hear your sane and reassuring voice on the Big Tent event last night. Thank you as always for keeping our “eyes on the prize”. You have kept many souls from despair, and made us smile with your reasoned takedowns of the GOP circus.
Hi, Jim. thanks for the feedback. And thanks for joining BigTent last night. Simon Rosenberg was fabulous, too!
Re: Dems stepping in to save McCarthy's ass in exchange for his promise to allow floor votes on "realistic" bills: Get payment in full up front, in cash, whatever the medium of exchange may be in the fetid, swampy back rooms of the House. Leave McCarthy not so much a millimeter of wiggle room. Ensure that disastrous political and professional consequences will be visited upon him from all sides should he even dare to begin dreaming of reneging on the promise in the near term _or_ for the duration of his speakership.
If the Dems trust McCarthy in ~any~ way, if they take his word for _anything_, they are just chumps. He is an abject critter of no integrity whatsoever; his word is valueless. This is no longer a negotiation, this is an imposed solution in which the utterly failed McCarthy has exactly zero leverage.
Subwoofer McCarthy has shown himself to be the ultimate inveterate invertebrate. Yesterday, he accused the Senate of doing absolutely nothing to avert the shutdown he's leading us toward, and laid the blame for the shutdown on President Biden for not interfering with Congress's duty to fund the government.
I agree that if Dems step in to save his butt, it should be loaded with conditions, but it should be clear that he won't honor any agreement he makes if he takes any heat from his side. So maybe the solution is to agree to save his butt this one time, and let him twist in the wind the next time his "leadership" is challenged.
This has nothing to do with President Biden who is doing a great job. It has everything to do with Kevin McCarthy who is not.
Truth does not matter. The Clown Caucus will bleat incessantly that the shutdown is Biden's fault because he is too old. Which will be echoed by the Media, making the President's reelection that much harder.
I agree that McCarthy will shamelessly betray any agreement at the first sign of pressure from the nihilist wackos but respectfully and strongly disagree about getting him off the hook "just this once." There is no free lunch.
As I said in the beginning of the paragraph, "loaded with conditions." I agree. He has to pay a price.
Qevin needs a flying lesson out a third floor window without a parachute.
Hakin Jeffries should find six Republicans who don't want to be hung out to dry by the Fweedumbasses, use a Discharge Petition to get the Senate CR passed and leave Qevin twisting slowly in the wind till his political corpse rots off the rope.
He needs to find Republican moderates (is this an oxymoron?), who have the means to pay for heavy duty personal security, because that is what it takes to go against Trump. We are watching a party run by the mob, and no one is mentioning that the emperor has no clothing on. Even with the mob boss in prison, unless he is cut off from communicating with the outside world, then the mob action goes on.
Discharge petition requires a 30 day wait. Far better to Vacate Qevin, elect a new Speaker per Leonard Lubinsky's comments above, and pass the Senate CR.
I don't think McCarthy is "fighting with about 25 GOP weirdos." He's fighting with the other members of the Rubbish caucus, who are just garden-variety extremists. He's aligned himself with the loonies; he even blocks a bill that has McConnell's imprimatur! But it's the "norms" who empower him -- any five or so of them could stop the shutdown. All of them -- McCarthy, the loonies and the "norms" -- deserve the blame for this invented crisis.
When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead
And the White Knight's talking backwards
And the Red Queen's off her head
Remember what the Dormouse said
Feed your head
Feed your head
The White Knight is McCarthy, and the Red Queen is clearly the Defendant. They're all following the Dormouse's advice.
Robert, Your path forward for the budget shutdown crisis seems quite workable. Perhaps it could even go one step further and have all the Democrats support Spino McCarthy (Speaker in Name Only). That would have the added benefit of showing the strength of the House Democrats working together -- quite a contrast from the Republicans. Wasting several days to choose a new Speaker feels untenable and who knows what the Republicans would get behind -- someone equally malleable one would assume.
Without having seen your suggestion, I made almost exactly the same proposal above. I think we have something here. While we are thinking similarly, like Robert Hubbell, I am trying to expand subscribers to my newsletter (a free newsletter). It is not on sub stack, but you and others can subscribe by going to the website for Len's Political Notes https://lenspoliticalnotes.com
Len's newsletter is great! I subscribe!
I heartily endorse Len Lubinsky’s newsletter. Len combines research on candidates with his wisdom and experience--like no other!
Just subscribed. Great minds thinking alike! Great minds working together can do wonderful things.
I am a big fan of your "notes"! So well researched. The last one about Menendez was thorough and powerful reporting. You go Len!
Leonard, Congratulations to our great minds that called what happened today! Yes, the Democrats look very strong and united. Minority Leader Jeffries deserves kudos for his speech that allowed everyone to read the 71 page bill! Ukraine will be funded, I have no doubt!
Just subscribed. Good piece on Menendez. On Cornel West – unfortunately he "deserves" more than just "a last thought." II he runs he will pull a Nader or a Stein. What is it with these people??
Whenever I think people are brilliant, they do something to dispel that myth. I present to you Cornel West.
I just tried signing up but did not receive a confirmation e-mail.
You are correct. Somehow you did not get signed up. If you are willing to send me your email address, I will add you. Otherwise, all I can suggest is try again. And I can ask my tech person about the problem.
Robert, regarding your "rewards program" ...Thank you - but no thank you. My recommending your outstanding newsletter to friends and family has never been . . .what's the word?..."transactional." I do it because you present us with truth and hope. And that's enough of a "reward" for me.
I appreciate your work promoting the newsletter. My staff person tells me I am not proactive enough, so I am trying to be a good employer by listening to my employee's advice!
I suppose it depends on what your goals are, Robert. . . "staff person's" advice aside. I think probably most of your readers already promote your newsletter and need no incentive to do so more- certainly not for a monetary reward. I must admit . . it just "hit" me the wrong way when I read the proposal. Maybe too many numbers?!
Thanks, Marcia. I totally agree. This referral rewards incentives struck me as totally wrong...and very un-Robert-like. As you say, too transactional. The break down in the number of referrals equating to "benefits". Not good. Great to have someone keeping up with subscription glitches but no need to go all self promoting on us. As you also say, we are always encouraging our friends to subscribe and do not need or want to be rewarded. I will opt out of the rewards program. I will also say, Robert, that you are bound to be a good employer and are pro- active enough for me
Thank you for the confirmation, Jane. And, as you said, "very un-Robert." Very un-like our hero, who contributes so much even beyond the newsletter. I'm glad we had and took the opportunity to say so. As you can see, we love and respect and appreciate you, Robert.
There may be a resolution in sight but ego’s, politics and power have gotten in the way. Two events this week has clearly differentiated the Democrats from the Republicans: Biden walking a picket line and Cassidy Hutchinson showering courage beyond her years. If you have a chance listen to Gavin Newsome rebuttal to the Republican debate and you will see how Democrats need to message going forward.
Where do you find Newsome’s rebuttal? Was he on Faux news ???
Yes it was Fox
It is all over the place this morning.
Perhaps President Biden could get creative and lift up the next generation of democrats by highlighting their accomplishments, making them visible and setting them up as the leaders they are. That might mitigate the “he’s too old” by saying “I’m grooming the next generation “. This is succession planning at its finest
Robert, I beg to disagree on why the rest of the GOP field do not mention DT on stage. It is not that they are ashamed of him. It is instead that they know their own candidacy is DOA, but should he win again (G-d forbid), they don’t want him and his MAGA mob making their lives utterly miserable. Or, maybe they are holding out for a position in his administration, or a juicy ambassadorship. He still has utter power over them, except for Christie, who also realizes his candidacy is DOA, but is gleefully getting in his digs while he can. Jersey in the house!!
Your theory makes sense, except for Christie, who is not afraid of Trump. But Christie does not mention the insurrection, the attempted coup, the sexual assault, the defense secrets, etc. Why?
With the orange idiot mobster and his cult in power we will certainly begin to see opponents and those willing to speak the truth ‘accidentally falling out windows”. You know, like in Russia.
I imagine the candidates in the debate will want to ALWAYS be on the first floor.
I have to say that I've seen Gavin Newsom twice recently and he acquitted himself well. I didn't think he was as smart as he has sounded lately. On Tuesday night, my favorite comment of his was that the winner of the night's debate was the Biden agenda! I also loved his appearance on Jen Psaki's show two weeks ago. He absolutely denied that he was considering running for President in 2024, and as you can see from his comments after the Republican debate, he will be a worthy surrogate for Biden in this election cycle. I also think we will have a great candidate in 2028!
I’m grateful Governor Newsom pointed out the crime rates in Ca vs FL. Along with Biden’s age, crime is another endless loop on Faux News. We foot soldiers also need to fight back with the facts !
Here in my red Fl county, the largest city is experiencing a crime wave. The police chief cited accessibility to guns, especially for the younger population. The mayor is a Republican who is also employed by our Freedom Caucus Rep.
Accessibility to guns!? Who could have imagined that might be linked to crime?
It gives me hope that the police chief could publicly make that connection, especially if he/she is a Republican.
Kevin McCarthy agreed to a deal during the debt ceiling negotiations. It was passed with a bipartisan majority. Now he is backing out of it. Kevin McCarthy’s word is worthless. You can’t trust him. That’s what everyone should be talking about.
“And because ‘[d]eference to the judgments and rulings of courts depends upon public confidence in the integrity and independence of judges,’ jurists must avoid even the appearance of partiality.” Id. at 234 (quoting United States v. Microsoft Corp., 253 F.3d 34, 115 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (en banc) (per curiam)). As the Supreme Court has stated, “to perform its high function in the best way ‘justice must satisfy the appearance of justice.’”
(from Judge Chutkin's denial of motion for recusal)
How the hell can Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito possibly remain on the SC - or be allowed to remain by the similarly-compromised Chief Justice - in defiance of these established standards? By doing so they certify that the US Supreme Court is not worthy of being called a system of justice.
As Judge Chutkin observes : “Unbiased, impartial adjudicators are the cornerstone of any system of justice worthy of the label.” The Emperor has no clothes.....
“Democrats should (and will) start non-stop, hard-hitting messaging that speaks directly to Trump's criminality, corruption, treason, and fascism.” Repeat it enough times and, just like Trump’s lies, undecided voters may start believing it😉