129 Comments

I always love to read the Hubbell Newsletter as Robert has the ability to rationally analyze the issues without taking the position most of us would like to hear as our contempt for Trump leads us to want to do anything to get rid of him and see him behind bars. I, like Robert, would like to see nothing else. The hard part is to restrain your impulses and to view the big picture which he has presented in todays analysis of the ballot situation. The MAGA faction would go crazy no election would ever be adjudged fair if Trump were not allowed on all ballots. We must realize he has opened the box and let these anti science and anti reality people to become mainstream. In addition as outlined in this newsletter the media is riding on these coattails and forgetting about the wonderful work being done for the American people by this President and his administration. The media seems to be focused on the old axiom of "If it bleeds it leads" instead of the good news that life in America is better and better with Biden.

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I find Robert always on point. And I have no problem following his lead and repeating every time, “IT’S all about the votes.” We cannot state this enough. Everyone must focus on the voting. So, let’s get young and all citizens registered. Let’s recognize every distraction for what it is - a drain on our energy and focus.

Get Out The Vote!!! Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote!!

Did you know that when high school students get registered, 75 to 80% vote. Let’s get them registered.

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Robert -- Your analysis of the Section 3 issue is spot on. I haven't had time to read the Baude/Paulsen article but did read the executive summary. Like you, I think Professor Tribe and Judge Luttig have been making consistently strong, analytical and sound contributions to the legal features of our national debate over the past few years. That said, I think you have delivered a uncomfortable, unwelcome (as in "I wish it were otherwise") truth that we ignore or reject at our extreme peril. It is complex, nuanced and not obvious in the extreme, but nevertheless it is absolutely the way it is. So thanks. Let's get the job done as it confronts us in reality and not in our wishcasting.

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I agree we have to defeat Trump resoundingly in the 2024 election. There's no other way.

An afterthought: I bet the Republicans regret not voting to impeach Trump in the 2021 Senate trial. Then they would be done with him. Their lack of courage will stay with them for years to come. Their party is in ashes.

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Agree: "I bet the Republicans regret not voting to impeach Trump in the 2021 Senate trial."

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As Rick Wilson says, “you buy the ticket, you take the ride”. Unfortunately we are being dragged by that bus.

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I imagine the thugs who may have half a spine will regret it privately but may never say it out loud. It’s called SHAME.

I am curious how the MAGAs will feel and how they will adjust to living in a fascist country with all their rights taken from them and it affects THEIR everyday lives. Will they see it then? Will they see they have been wrong from the start? Will those who were indicted/jailed for Jan6 get angry they are the incarcerated ones and he is the authoritarian ‘leader’. Will they ‘turn’ and point all their weapons in the other direction? Can we hope for some daylight.

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I believe that Robert is absolutely right about the potentially disastrous application of Section 3. Having four or so secretaries of state determine the outcome of the election is sort of like having Pence do so in the counting of electoral ballots. Let’s vote! And let’s work to rid the country of the electoral college, which makes all these d@mn shenanigans possible.

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I think the Baude/Paulsen article is a straightforward conservative troll to try to induce a blue state official to take a terminally stupid action. If you think the article is legitimate, then you would expect to see red state officials acting on it. Until I see a state like SC or ND take action to remove Trump from the ballot, I'll treat the article as a threat to Dems, not a help.

Disclaimer: I agree that Trump planned and executed a rebellion against the government in terms of the law. But politically, the moral failure of Mitch McConnell to act created the mess we have now. That was intentional and deliberate. It is impossible to be too cynical about conservatives. I agree with Mr Hubbell that the only way out is GOTV.

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It doesn't matter. The point is to eliminate Trump. I would add that if he does become the GQP nominee (not certain at all) , that Biden should refuse to debate him. To simply declare him a rebellious crook - unqualified to serve.

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Agree: "Biden should refuse to debate him."

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I was so excited when I heard Judge Luttig and Professor Tribe...and now I reluctantly agree with Robert.

But I love the idea of making the point without trying to make the case. " I will not debate a criminal who, according to the 14th Ammendment, is not qualified to serve." Let's go Brandon!

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I’m afraid that would backfire. Republicans would claim that Biden is afraid to debate Trump, that Biden’s refusal to debate is an admission that he is senile, etc.

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Not sure why we would care what Republicans think or say. It's all awful anyway. They are attacking him on the Maui situation.

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Like you, I have no sympathy with shat MAGA Republicans think. But as a *practical* political matter, I do care what Independents (perhaps the largest voting group these days), middle-of-the-roaders, and RINOs think. Their votes count (numerically) as much as votes cast by liberals and ‘progressives’.

A lot of people might fall for the Republican memes; that should concern us.

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Spot-on; beautifully articulated. 🎯

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Law Professors William Baude, Michael Paulsen, Laurence Tribe and Judge Luttig are looking at the situation from a legal perspective. You are looking at the problem from a political perspective. Practically, there are problems in finding State officials who will recognize and challenge Trump. And more importantly, your Supreme Court doesn't much care about the legal issues in many cases and seems more concerned with political issues. Congress won't find the 60% to do what is required under your Constitution - hell they couldn't even find the votes to impeach Trump. Few are listening to these scholars. That should scare the hell out of you....

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It is hard not to agree with Lawrence Tribe or Judge Luttig. I am as well versed in Section 3 as I am going with gut feelings. Sedition is what Trump caused by using dangerous rhetoric. He directed his flock of sheep to do his dirty work for him. They did and now they are imprisoned. One such Proud Boy ewe decided he wasn’t ready to hear his sentence so he took off. I don’t think he’s been found yet but it’s only a matter of time. Trump is the main catalyst but there are so many more who fanned those flames. Jack Smith is just waiting. In the meantime, I bet he is wondering if he should request the Ninth Court replace Judge Cannon. Sounds like she should be hearing traffic ticket complaints instead.

Glad you and Jill are safe and sound. My oldest daughter and I returned from Palm Springs in the nick of time. We have friends in LA who felt the jolt. Thank goodness, so far people are okay.

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They should probably look in the bathroom at Mar-a-Lago for the missing Proud Boy. He will be hiding behind the secret documents.

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Yes in that bathroom or holding the umbrella for The Don as he goes to and fro.

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HA!! Good one!😃

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I think I said Ninth Court but meant 11th. Or was I right the first time?🤪

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Robert,

My wife, Gretchen, and I have come to believe that you are the 21st century version of Samuel Pepys. Your newsletter will be read as historical data 200 years from now -- if there is still a human race available to read at that time.

Best,

Damon White

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Hi, Damon. I greatly appreciate the comparison (I read portions of Samuel Pepys diary as an English major in college).

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Thank you again, Robert, this time for pointing out that the Fourteenth Amendment is not a silver bullet to rid us of Trump. The ballot is the bullet. To anyone who might read this, please keep in mind that when the polls say that almost all Republicans would vote for Trump in ‘24, that is almost all of a steadily diminishing fraction of the American people. If Biden and Trump are the candidates next year, then barring a disaster to Joe it will be much less close than it was in 2020. It might well be a landslide.

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“If you don’t like the news, go out and make some of your own.” A beloved teacher of ours used to say this, and it’s on our minds as we kick off the 2024 electoral season.

Already this year, we’ve cheered as Ohio and Wisconsin voters stood up to protect abortion access and voting rights, knowing our fragile democracy hangs in the balance. It’s time: let’s go out and make some news of our own.

Our support for the most effective tactics in “pressure point” geographies during the 2022 midterms paved the way for historic wins in 10 key states. We’re delighted to share a few highlights with you here, with more details to come in our kickoff Zoom.

Join us for the official Walk the Walk USA kickoff event for the 2023-24 election cycle. Come learn what we can do together to hold the Presidency and U.S. Senate, flip the U.S. House, build power in state legislatures, and continue our work toward a more just and equitable society. Bring a friend (or two or three!) on Sunday, August 27th at 5pm PT / 8pm ET.

Click here to sign up in advance.

We can’t wait to see you again!

With gratitude,

Seth, Emily, Anoka, Mishi, Yael, Sam, Tony, Rebecca, Mark, Greg, Jenn, John, Janet, Tara, Dan, Marian, and the all-volunteer Walk the Walk USA team

______________________

Walk the Walk USA

Donate: Contribute via ActBlue

Web: www. walkthewalkusa. org

Follow us on IG @walkthewalkusa and like us on Facebook

“If you don’t like the news, go out and make some of your own.” A beloved teacher of ours used to say this, and it’s on our minds as we kick off the 2024 electoral season.

Already this year, we’ve cheered as Ohio and Wisconsin voters stood up to protect abortion access and voting rights, knowing our fragile democracy hangs in the balance. It’s time: let’s go out and make some news of our own.

Our support for the most effective tactics in “pressure point” geographies during the 2022 midterms paved the way for historic wins in 10 key states. We’re delighted to share a few highlights with you here, with more details to come in our kickoff Zoom.

Join us for the official Walk the Walk USA kickoff event for the 2023-24 election cycle. Come learn what we can do together to hold the Presidency and U.S. Senate, flip the U.S. House, build power in state legislatures, and continue our work toward a more just and equitable society. Bring a friend (or two or three!) on Sunday, August 27th at 5pm PT / 8pm ET.

Click here to sign up in advance.

We can’t wait to see you again!

With gratitude,

Seth, Emily, Anoka, Mishi, Yael, Sam, Tony, Rebecca, Mark, Greg, Jenn, John, Janet, Tara, Dan, Marian, and the all-volunteer Walk the Walk USA team

______________________

Walk the Walk USA

Donate: Contribute via ActBlue

Web: www. walkthewalkusa. org

Follow us on IG @walkthewalkusa and like us on Facebook

Hi Robert, My cut and paste did not work well - do you have sufficient information to post info on the Walk the Walk USA Aug 27 zoom? If not, please let me know. We really appreciate if.

BTW - I spoke to my cousins in Monsey and Lakewood after I sent them copies of the Jan 6 indictment. The conversations did not go well.

Best, Janet

Best, Janet

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Got it! will publish tonight!

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Scoop Nister of The Occasional Scoop on the late, great KFOG Morning Show!

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So WaPo has an issue with President Biden's alleged lack of empathy.

Seems to be a good time to recall and share a story that impressed me quite a bit when reading about it four years ago

https://medium.com/@JoeBiden/i-know-joe-biden-rabbi-michael-beals-29efe01d81e1

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Great article worth reading as a reminder of Joe Biden's humanity.

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When I first read this article I was deeply moved at Joe Biden’s humility and empathy. I remain moved moved by Joe everyday….for many, many reasons. Thank you for sharing this article, Stefan.

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I read and was touched by this article when it first came out. Thank you, Stefan, for posting it here. He even went so far as to find the laundry room. What a magnificent person he is. 🙇🏽‍♀️

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💙 Thanks so much for sharing,Stefan!

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I appreciate so much your sharing this, Stefan. I’ve copied the link to share as the occasion rises, but I’ve screen-saved your comment so as to remember it is you to whom I give credit.

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Todays Edition Newsletter was one of the best. Trump and company successfully convinced millions of people that “ he won the election” and it was stolen from him. Even if the 14th Amendment was successfully implemented or states barred Trump from the ballot it would confirm for millions that the trials were political and the election was rigged. I agree the only way to eliminate Trump is to have an overwhelming majority of people voting against him and the election of Democrats in down ballot positions. The media is going to compare his popular vote numbers against his previous numbers and there needs to be a significant loss of voters to confirm once and for all that Trump is a loser. Meanwhile we all have to relax a little because the election is 14 months and several trials away and a lot is going to happen that will impact that election.

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The media is people who work for and own these news outlets. It reminds me of the teachers I have taught with who do not stand up to defend their colleagues in work conflicts, a lot of Americans are so busy maintaining their comfortable lives in which they cross all sorts of ethical lines rationalizing to themselves that it is necessary to keep their jobs. I feel like the mainstream press sucks in perspective and in the way they go after Biden the way they never did go after Trump. Liberal media is a myth. These so called liberals bend over backwards to show how "fair" they are to the Right, and how critical they can be of the left and center. How is that liberal? It is just right wing behavior masquerading as "liberal." With allies like that, who needs enemies?

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Remember also that an effort was made to stop Marjorie Taylor Green from running for office using the 14th amendment. She won. I wonder if that result put a damper on other’s efforts to bring other members of congress who supported the efforts to over turn the election to trial under the 14th amendment. Also, thank you Robert for keeping us focused on the best way to protect our democracy - I.e. keeping Biden in office, holding the Senate and flipping the House. It will take more than one cycle, but hopefully we can return to an atmosphere of respect, decency and acceptance by doing so.

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Mr. Hubbell, I agree with you on all of the points you made in your newsletter. The future battlefield will be the courts and the ballot boxes, and the soldiers will be the voters and the attorneys. I hope that both factions of the soldiers will keep the country out of military wars where the young people always are the victims of political mistakes made by old men.

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The mainstream media bends over backwards to prevent a perceived liberal bias in politics. Fine, let them. Ignore the editorials, ignore polls. put on your big boy &girl pants and get out and work to reelect President Biden and a Democratic supermajority.

There are no shortcuts in America; Donald Trump is all about shortcuts, Democrats are about hard work. It is really that simple. Get UP, get MAD, and DO SOMETHING.

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