1. Speaking of losing, Alvin Bragg's office reportedly is negotiating a deal with convicted criminal Allen H. Weisselberg, Trump's former CFO (Complicit Fraud Officer) that would require him to plead guilty to perjury. Weisselberg would have to admit that he lied on the witness stand in Trump's recent civil fraud trial, and that he lied under oath during in an interview with the New York attorney general's office. Might involve a lower level charge or a non-custodial sentence.
2. Trump just lost a lawsuit in London, vs Orbis, and Christopher Steele, of Steele Dossier "pee tape" fame Trump filed the case over two memos in the dossier, which claimed he had taken part in "sex parties" in St. Petersburg, Russia, and engaged in "golden showers" with prostitutes in Moscow. He called the dossier "fake news" and a political witch hunt, and in his legal filings he accused Steele of making false claims in violation of British data protection laws.
Orbis maintained that it was not responsible for the publication of the dossier, which was leaked to a U.S. media outlet. It argued that neither the company nor Steele had approved or been aware of the leak and alleged the case was also time barred.
Also, it was mentioned that the delay may be a result of the findings from Barbara Jones's audit around the $48M loan to the TO that "never existed" and so may constitute fraud.
People forget that what eventually became the Steele dossier was, originally commissioned as GOP party oppo research on Trump. Once he had a lead they abandoned the project and Dems picked up the funding. Am I remembering that right?
It was not just Hillary funded, whether about the seamy details or not. But other aspects of Steele dossier were on target, no?
TC, Thank you for this quote. Given Robert’s brilliant account of the growing number of Republicans’ increasingly transparent lapses in judgment, no truer words could have been spoken.
The GOP is creating the negative advertising in their own words.
I’m looking forward to the State of The Union address where Biden asks who will support tougher border legislation, aid to ukraine and Israel, the right to choose.
Read the letter…excellent and signed the petition! It is my understanding that Weisselberg is in “negotiations” about pleading guilty to perjury. The wheels are spinning now and if Judge Cannon would get out of the way, The Don can be brought down to the size of a small hamburger. Will share your newsletter, Robert!
Mr. Bernfeld's comment brings to light a forgotten word in American discourse -- "citizen". I am so tired of news stories constantly referring to Americans as "consumers," as though all we do is sit around and eat up goods and services. You don't ask "consumers" to care about anything other than the price of goods that will enable them to continue to consume, by eating, watching, playing, being entertained. You ask "citizens" to care about the country, the polity, other citizens in other countries, and the present and future world. You ask citizens to even sacrifice. Big business is happy to speak of all of us out here on the landscape as "American consumers" because that drumbeat reminds us everyday that our role is to buy stuff and use it up as fast as we can so that we have to buy more. We have to remind the young, the poor, the downtrodden, women and men of all ages and colors, and us superannuated oldsters -- we may be senior, but we are citizens -- that there's more to life and to politics than getting and spending, though even at that poor metric, the Republicans are awful....look at the GOP governors who are refusing Federal aid to feed children...Iowa's Kim Reynolds, such aid to families (a whopping $40 a month) "does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic."
Another word peeve related to consumer-citizen: businesses that refer to their customers as 'guests,' as though the are offering us goods and services for free, as if we were guests in someone's home.
Kim Reynolds, your statement does nothing to promote nutrition either. Are you implying that poor children are obese because they have too much food? Maybe you are suggesting they should take vitamins and mineral supplements instead of eating so much of whatever foods their parents can afford. If so, the federal $40 might buy a few vitamins, wouldn’t it, Kim?
Insufficient food causes the body to slow down metabolism and eventually regain weight if food becomes more plentiful.
I am so angry about these Republicans worried about the "Non-working" recipients of benefits as promoting a "welfare state." I've never heard a single one worry about whether or not "trust fund babies" who are getting all the tax benefits are working.
Yes, indeed. Reynolds comment is right up there with Marie Antoinette's when told the peasants had no bread, "Let them eat cake." If you don't have enough good food, you'll lose weight darlin'. Stupidity wrapped in arrogance and contempt for the poor.
I think it's a non-profit regulation to make sure there isn't a conflict of interests or people buying such influence as the organization might have. Might also help them tailor requests for donations.
Hakeem Jeffries gave a great interview about what the Dems are focused on: Americans should be able to work hard, have a fair shot at the American dream, follow the rules, enjoy comfortable living, educate their children, buy a home, and an affordable retirement.
I would like to see a news source host a feature about a WEALTH TAX
“Even a low 1% annual tax on wealth would be enough to fill the entire funding gaps of Social Security and Medicare in perpetuity, data from the Federal Reserve, the Congressional Budget Office and the two programs’ trustees show.” -- Brett Arends in MarketWatch (begins about para. 25 with “Curiously”)
It has become increasingly frustrating to have a story like the UAW's endorsement of Biden followed by a "man in the street " declaring he is voting for Trump because "he's better for the common man" or because of all the "great things he's done." Just once it would be nice if the man with the mike asked the next obvious question like," What things?" Or "In what way is he better?" Has stupidity become an infectious disease affecting not just the general public but the media as well?
I disagree. It’s appropriate to report that much of the union rank and file are not following their leaders.
It’s a warning to Democrats that union electoral “muscle” is more than top-level endorsements. And it’s a warning to union leaders that they have a lot of work ahead to defeat the orange anti-union forces.
That's what my husband, a union worker for 45 years sees in reality. Many do not follow their union leaders and they support TFG. I see it as Bob mentions- it's as though stupidity has become an infectious disease. How is that not stupid- being a union worker and working against worker's rights and instead standing for corporate wealth and power? You are so right Michael- union leaders need to see and accept this truth and deal with it to continue to protect union workers. (from themselves!)
On the media narrative, I found this article last night *Mad at Biden over the economy? Take our quiz* https://wapo.st/3SGJAOt. (Gifted article).
It is only 4 questions. It is a powerful tool that really shows how good the economy is. I sent it to family and friends-doubters and believers. I think this can be a good tool to educate voters about Biden’s economy.
Thanks for including links to gifted articles! I always appreciate it when readers alert me to possible stories and provide links--especially ones i can share.
I'm waiting for that happy day when Gym Jordan is impeached. Other than being a waste of space on the House floor, his continuous jihad against any and all Democrats elevates him into a special place in the annals of congressional history, joining Joe McCarthy, Lauren Boebert, MTG, and others who put partisanship way ahed of the national good. Please add additional names in the comments section as you think of them...
They are not going to be impeached. Impeachment has lost it shock or political factor because of Republicans threats and non impeachable hearings. Want them out vote them out.
Robert, you have helped me to read news stories more critically. Thank you! Here's an example from this morning's WaPo, a *left-leaning* paper:
"FROM THE COURTS
"Today is the deadline for Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis (D) to respond, in writing, to accusations that she and her lead prosecutor engaged in an improper relationship and mishandled public money.
"Mike Roman, a co-defendant in Trump’s Georgia racketeering case who is also behind the accusations, has provided no evidence to back up his claims. But as Robert James, a former district attorney in Georgia, told our colleague Amber Phillips, if the accusations are true, “Willis’s judgment and integrity are now in question, which could influence a future jury.”"
Why, for the love of Pete, didn't the the writer just stop at, "has provided no evidence for his claims?"
Roman could have accused Willis of faking her LSAT exams, of cheating on her taxes, of rape or murder. "If the accusations are true," her integrity would be in question. But there is no evidence. Ditto the charge that she "mishandled public money." So why quote a random "former district attorney?"
EXCELLENT point. The "which could influence a future jury" was wild speculation and an editorial thumb on the scale in an article masquerading as news. Well done!
"Follow the money" is always good advice. If the Republican Party and related super PACs, etc continue to have difficulty raising money that will become THE story of the campaign.
Story 1 is how lack of funding could hamper Trump's campaign but equally interesting is Story 2: Rich people don't like supporting losers nor do they care to throw good money after bad.
A long way from here to there but a trend well worth watching.
How many MAGA contributors know where there contributions is going and how it’s going to be used. What they don’t get as long as someone else is finding his lawyers Trump will trying to appeal.
Mr. Roy hasn't done the one thing that would be most effective in freeing himself and his colleagues to make accomplishments-stand up like Ken Buck and say NO to the failed insurrectionist and his clique.
He is, which is why the comment in the House was a lot like saying the quiet part out loud when it comes to being re-elected. His words, while of dubious value, are now a matter of record and should be used to full advantage. Ken Buck appears to have figured that out, unlike my Rep., Ann Wagner who yesterday voted against support for both children and business, a very odd stance for someone who represents largely middle and upper class areas of Missouri with lots of families and businesspeople.
Thank you Robert for the reminder of what Chip Roy tried to demand from members of the House in November. I just Tweeted it to my vulnerable MAGA congressman, Brandon Williams, and I will also call him. He's one of the 18 vulnerable House Representatives who were elected in a Biden district. (In his case, it was wealthy Texan donors who ushered him in, along with a newly gerrymandered district change to NY-22 )
I signed and uploaded to my FB page along with asking my friends to read Robert Hubbell. This column keeps me calm but wanting to donate time and money and helps me find the best places to do it.
I just 🙏🤞 that if we can dump rump Biden will have enough money to easily beat Haley. Besides not agreeing with her politics I would be worried that she would pardon rump.
Speaking of fundraising as a proxy, isn't it true that Haley outraised Trump in the second half of 2023? If so, that would be telling, not to mention galling. I hope she stays in the race, keeps money and support rolling in, and ups her game on all that's wrong with Trump.
Thanks for raising this point. I did some research and a January article in the NYTimes says that Haley's "main" super-PAC outraised Trump's "main" super-PAC in the last half of 2023. But it wasn't clear what other fundraising streams the candidates have. Trump seems to have several PACs that he commingles--defense funds, MAGA funds, Trump campaign funds, etc. And I think many commentators assume that funds donated to the RNC are intended for Trump--the RNC certainly acts as though that is true.
But your point is that Haley was very competitive with Trump in fundraising, which is true, although largely due to major donors trying to stop Trump.
Thank you for the deeper dive. I see that the head-to-head of the main super-PACs might be a v. incomplete comparison. Even so, it would still annoy the hell out of him, the main goal of wanting her to stay in the race.
Never interrupt an enemy who is defeating himself. -- Napoleon
1. Speaking of losing, Alvin Bragg's office reportedly is negotiating a deal with convicted criminal Allen H. Weisselberg, Trump's former CFO (Complicit Fraud Officer) that would require him to plead guilty to perjury. Weisselberg would have to admit that he lied on the witness stand in Trump's recent civil fraud trial, and that he lied under oath during in an interview with the New York attorney general's office. Might involve a lower level charge or a non-custodial sentence.
2. Trump just lost a lawsuit in London, vs Orbis, and Christopher Steele, of Steele Dossier "pee tape" fame Trump filed the case over two memos in the dossier, which claimed he had taken part in "sex parties" in St. Petersburg, Russia, and engaged in "golden showers" with prostitutes in Moscow. He called the dossier "fake news" and a political witch hunt, and in his legal filings he accused Steele of making false claims in violation of British data protection laws.
Orbis maintained that it was not responsible for the publication of the dossier, which was leaked to a U.S. media outlet. It argued that neither the company nor Steele had approved or been aware of the leak and alleged the case was also time barred.
Andrew Weissman mentioned that the delay in the fraud case in his opinion was because of the Weisselberg potential plea
Also, it was mentioned that the delay may be a result of the findings from Barbara Jones's audit around the $48M loan to the TO that "never existed" and so may constitute fraud.
People forget that what eventually became the Steele dossier was, originally commissioned as GOP party oppo research on Trump. Once he had a lead they abandoned the project and Dems picked up the funding. Am I remembering that right?
It was not just Hillary funded, whether about the seamy details or not. But other aspects of Steele dossier were on target, no?
Right. John McCain.
TC, Thank you for this quote. Given Robert’s brilliant account of the growing number of Republicans’ increasingly transparent lapses in judgment, no truer words could have been spoken.
The GOP is creating the negative advertising in their own words.
I’m looking forward to the State of The Union address where Biden asks who will support tougher border legislation, aid to ukraine and Israel, the right to choose.
Now that will be something to see!
Read the letter…excellent and signed the petition! It is my understanding that Weisselberg is in “negotiations” about pleading guilty to perjury. The wheels are spinning now and if Judge Cannon would get out of the way, The Don can be brought down to the size of a small hamburger. Will share your newsletter, Robert!
I signed as well. An admittedly minor point: Why do they require signers' job titles? Isn't "citizen" good enough?
Mr. Bernfeld's comment brings to light a forgotten word in American discourse -- "citizen". I am so tired of news stories constantly referring to Americans as "consumers," as though all we do is sit around and eat up goods and services. You don't ask "consumers" to care about anything other than the price of goods that will enable them to continue to consume, by eating, watching, playing, being entertained. You ask "citizens" to care about the country, the polity, other citizens in other countries, and the present and future world. You ask citizens to even sacrifice. Big business is happy to speak of all of us out here on the landscape as "American consumers" because that drumbeat reminds us everyday that our role is to buy stuff and use it up as fast as we can so that we have to buy more. We have to remind the young, the poor, the downtrodden, women and men of all ages and colors, and us superannuated oldsters -- we may be senior, but we are citizens -- that there's more to life and to politics than getting and spending, though even at that poor metric, the Republicans are awful....look at the GOP governors who are refusing Federal aid to feed children...Iowa's Kim Reynolds, such aid to families (a whopping $40 a month) "does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic."
Another word peeve related to consumer-citizen: businesses that refer to their customers as 'guests,' as though the are offering us goods and services for free, as if we were guests in someone's home.
Kim Reynolds, your statement does nothing to promote nutrition either. Are you implying that poor children are obese because they have too much food? Maybe you are suggesting they should take vitamins and mineral supplements instead of eating so much of whatever foods their parents can afford. If so, the federal $40 might buy a few vitamins, wouldn’t it, Kim?
Insufficient food causes the body to slow down metabolism and eventually regain weight if food becomes more plentiful.
I am so angry about these Republicans worried about the "Non-working" recipients of benefits as promoting a "welfare state." I've never heard a single one worry about whether or not "trust fund babies" who are getting all the tax benefits are working.
And we never will hear them say one word about these babies.
Yes, indeed. Reynolds comment is right up there with Marie Antoinette's when told the peasants had no bread, "Let them eat cake." If you don't have enough good food, you'll lose weight darlin'. Stupidity wrapped in arrogance and contempt for the poor.
I think it's a non-profit regulation to make sure there isn't a conflict of interests or people buying such influence as the organization might have. Might also help them tailor requests for donations.
A other potentially good reason: the people promoting the petition may want to audit the petition to prove that signatories are real people.
Good point. It would certainly detract from the impact if it turned out a lot of the signatories were bots.
You’d think so!
I just wrote "Retired" and in the last box, "N/A."
I signed too and shared. It felt really good to do something tangible about this abusive action.
Yes. It does feel good, Chaplain.
Hakeem Jeffries gave a great interview about what the Dems are focused on: Americans should be able to work hard, have a fair shot at the American dream, follow the rules, enjoy comfortable living, educate their children, buy a home, and an affordable retirement.
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/house-democrats-continue-legislative-heavy-lifting-rcna136749?cid=eml_maddow_20240201&user_email=cc08af7a73e3316463e852d66650b20e73f79768e38f47b79ede78353720baef
Loved Harrison's piece too. Direct & uplifting, so glad Robert shared it.
Thank you for the link. I will check it out. I always appreciate it when readers alert me to possible stories and provide links.
Unfortunately not all people buy this vision especially if it happens to a person of color.
I would like to see a news source host a feature about a WEALTH TAX
“Even a low 1% annual tax on wealth would be enough to fill the entire funding gaps of Social Security and Medicare in perpetuity, data from the Federal Reserve, the Congressional Budget Office and the two programs’ trustees show.” -- Brett Arends in MarketWatch (begins about para. 25 with “Curiously”)
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-house-speakermike-johnson-has-said-about-social-security-and-medicare-babdf384
I would love a discussion including Brian Riedl of the Manhattan Institute and Brett Arends.
https://manhattan.institute/person/brian-riedl?top=false&limit=10&page-number=2&people%5B%5D=47762&dates=
Why would Chuck Grassley want to kill the Child Tax Credit bill but push for more tax cuts for billionaires? Follow the dark money with this interactive chart that helps explain his actions and see who three of his biggest, billionaire donors are. https://thedemlabs.org/2024/02/01/republican-kill-child-tax-credit-bill-follow-dark-money/
It has become increasingly frustrating to have a story like the UAW's endorsement of Biden followed by a "man in the street " declaring he is voting for Trump because "he's better for the common man" or because of all the "great things he's done." Just once it would be nice if the man with the mike asked the next obvious question like," What things?" Or "In what way is he better?" Has stupidity become an infectious disease affecting not just the general public but the media as well?
Lazy journalists looking for ten seconds of video.
I disagree. It’s appropriate to report that much of the union rank and file are not following their leaders.
It’s a warning to Democrats that union electoral “muscle” is more than top-level endorsements. And it’s a warning to union leaders that they have a lot of work ahead to defeat the orange anti-union forces.
That's what my husband, a union worker for 45 years sees in reality. Many do not follow their union leaders and they support TFG. I see it as Bob mentions- it's as though stupidity has become an infectious disease. How is that not stupid- being a union worker and working against worker's rights and instead standing for corporate wealth and power? You are so right Michael- union leaders need to see and accept this truth and deal with it to continue to protect union workers. (from themselves!)
On the media narrative, I found this article last night *Mad at Biden over the economy? Take our quiz* https://wapo.st/3SGJAOt. (Gifted article).
It is only 4 questions. It is a powerful tool that really shows how good the economy is. I sent it to family and friends-doubters and believers. I think this can be a good tool to educate voters about Biden’s economy.
Feel free to pass it along.
https://wapo.st/3SGJAOt
Thanks for including links to gifted articles! I always appreciate it when readers alert me to possible stories and provide links--especially ones i can share.
I'm waiting for that happy day when Gym Jordan is impeached. Other than being a waste of space on the House floor, his continuous jihad against any and all Democrats elevates him into a special place in the annals of congressional history, joining Joe McCarthy, Lauren Boebert, MTG, and others who put partisanship way ahed of the national good. Please add additional names in the comments section as you think of them...
They are not going to be impeached. Impeachment has lost it shock or political factor because of Republicans threats and non impeachable hearings. Want them out vote them out.
Or indict them for aiding and abetting an insurrection.
Robert, you have helped me to read news stories more critically. Thank you! Here's an example from this morning's WaPo, a *left-leaning* paper:
"FROM THE COURTS
"Today is the deadline for Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis (D) to respond, in writing, to accusations that she and her lead prosecutor engaged in an improper relationship and mishandled public money.
"Mike Roman, a co-defendant in Trump’s Georgia racketeering case who is also behind the accusations, has provided no evidence to back up his claims. But as Robert James, a former district attorney in Georgia, told our colleague Amber Phillips, if the accusations are true, “Willis’s judgment and integrity are now in question, which could influence a future jury.”"
Why, for the love of Pete, didn't the the writer just stop at, "has provided no evidence for his claims?"
Roman could have accused Willis of faking her LSAT exams, of cheating on her taxes, of rape or murder. "If the accusations are true," her integrity would be in question. But there is no evidence. Ditto the charge that she "mishandled public money." So why quote a random "former district attorney?"
EXCELLENT point. The "which could influence a future jury" was wild speculation and an editorial thumb on the scale in an article masquerading as news. Well done!
Yes, pretty dumb!
"Follow the money" is always good advice. If the Republican Party and related super PACs, etc continue to have difficulty raising money that will become THE story of the campaign.
Story 1 is how lack of funding could hamper Trump's campaign but equally interesting is Story 2: Rich people don't like supporting losers nor do they care to throw good money after bad.
A long way from here to there but a trend well worth watching.
How many MAGA contributors know where there contributions is going and how it’s going to be used. What they don’t get as long as someone else is finding his lawyers Trump will trying to appeal.
It appears that they don’t know or don’t care but I don’t know which is the more common.
The letter is great, I signed it too.
Mr. Roy hasn't done the one thing that would be most effective in freeing himself and his colleagues to make accomplishments-stand up like Ken Buck and say NO to the failed insurrectionist and his clique.
Isn't Chip Roy one of the insurrectionist clique anyway? His words are not to be believed.
He is, which is why the comment in the House was a lot like saying the quiet part out loud when it comes to being re-elected. His words, while of dubious value, are now a matter of record and should be used to full advantage. Ken Buck appears to have figured that out, unlike my Rep., Ann Wagner who yesterday voted against support for both children and business, a very odd stance for someone who represents largely middle and upper class areas of Missouri with lots of families and businesspeople.
Thank you Robert for the reminder of what Chip Roy tried to demand from members of the House in November. I just Tweeted it to my vulnerable MAGA congressman, Brandon Williams, and I will also call him. He's one of the 18 vulnerable House Representatives who were elected in a Biden district. (In his case, it was wealthy Texan donors who ushered him in, along with a newly gerrymandered district change to NY-22 )
Chip Roy, on the House floor in November:
https://twitter.com/GlamGram46/status/1750441282365952419
Thanks for the link!
Thankfully they haven't accomplished anything they can run on. Sadly it won't lead to Chip Roy's defeat.
Thanks, Robert, for my 1st action item of the day. Signed !
💙 the Colbert clip and encourage all to watch it through.(just under 8 min)
“This is a no-hand wringing zone……Get a plan!”
✍️📲🚶🏻🚶♀️💲📣
Signed the petition and watched the entire video of Jaime (made my day).
I signed and uploaded to my FB page along with asking my friends to read Robert Hubbell. This column keeps me calm but wanting to donate time and money and helps me find the best places to do it.
I just 🙏🤞 that if we can dump rump Biden will have enough money to easily beat Haley. Besides not agreeing with her politics I would be worried that she would pardon rump.
Speaking of fundraising as a proxy, isn't it true that Haley outraised Trump in the second half of 2023? If so, that would be telling, not to mention galling. I hope she stays in the race, keeps money and support rolling in, and ups her game on all that's wrong with Trump.
Thanks for raising this point. I did some research and a January article in the NYTimes says that Haley's "main" super-PAC outraised Trump's "main" super-PAC in the last half of 2023. But it wasn't clear what other fundraising streams the candidates have. Trump seems to have several PACs that he commingles--defense funds, MAGA funds, Trump campaign funds, etc. And I think many commentators assume that funds donated to the RNC are intended for Trump--the RNC certainly acts as though that is true.
But your point is that Haley was very competitive with Trump in fundraising, which is true, although largely due to major donors trying to stop Trump.
Thank you for the deeper dive. I see that the head-to-head of the main super-PACs might be a v. incomplete comparison. Even so, it would still annoy the hell out of him, the main goal of wanting her to stay in the race.
Robert – are there rules that limit commingling of different PAC funds?
She is not helping herself and her approach is less than effective with Republicans