182 Comments

Robert, by geographical chance I am among the first with a posting today. I am in Hawaii celebrating my 50th anniversary with my wife and Hubbell reader Chris. I just read the long list of comments to yesterday's newsletter in which you spoke about a decline in subscribers and an uptick in abusive attacks on you regarding your positions and your pro-Biden stance. I want to note the outpouring of gratitude that many readers feel for your work and your leadership. And to encourage you to continue your work and your particular support of Joe Biden. Biden must be supported, not only because his great strengths but because his defeat by Trump would be a disaster for all we hold dear.

Also I want to underscore one of the great services your work provides. You words, ideas, persona, and encouragement bring together a community of other leaders, activists, students, and teachers who in turn activate others, strengthen others, and enlarge the circle of good thinking. You are like a teacher of a good class, where the benefit is not just from your wisdom, good as that is, but from the shared words of others. I could point to the names of dozens who I have learned from, been inspired by and emulated to I hope good effect and who will keep me engaged and thoughtful during the coming months. For another metaphor, you are the reef around which we fish, plants, and animals of all kinds congregate and thrive. Your words are important, your ideas are important, but on those days when you are tuckered, you could say, "Class discuss among yourselves," and the excitement and learning would still go on.

Just wanted you to know that. You might have some drop outs, but you are adding, in depth and I hope in numbers, active supporters for your work and grateful denizens who help the reef and our community and the larger sea of our world thrive. This is noble work, and your moral leadership has created an interlocking community made stronger by your focus. Keep the reef strong and let us all help continue to help each other thrive.

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"...circle of good thinking." What a wonderful phrase. Thanks, Patrick!

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Great reef, good viz, plenty of interesting wildlife, lots to eat, keeps sharks at bay...as Bobby D. says, we're "busy being born" every day here.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

You have encapsulated what I love most about our community. I like to listen to Robert's narration every morning while I sip my morning tea and (if I am feeling ambitious) write a few postcards or address envolopes for my Vote Forward letters!

This morning I woke up really early (EDST) and am writing postcards for John Barrow, a pro-choice candidate for the GA Supreme Court. This election coincides with the Democratic primary on Mar 21. If anyone cares to join me, addresses are still available from Postcards to Voters (www.postcardstovoters.org).

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I wrote for him too, all eyes on GA again!

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May 21 election in GA...Democratic Primary and Georgia Supreme Court. For the first time, I have jumped in to write get-out-the-vote postcards for this election. Which, I wouldn't have been moved to do, or known how to do, without the information and links provided in this wonderful newsletter. Thank you for all you do, Robert!

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"We are a community of concerned citizens fortunate to stand next to one another in the most important struggle of our lifetime." I'm proud and happy to be part of this community!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

As I was moved to write some encouraging words to Robert, thanking him for giving us both good news about Biden’s activities and a spotlight on Trump’s and the GOP / Oligarch’s efforts to dismantle our democracy, I read your eloquent note. I could not have said better myself, so I will shut up and reread what you wrote. Thank you!

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I’ll second that!

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👏👏👏👏👏

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Perfect metaphor, reef, and speaks for all of us Hubbell-ites!!

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ROBERT, yesterday I was so incensed that you would be the target of such negativity and abuse, that I resolved to email you directly, something I haven't ever done. After another day of delight-filled but exhausting childcare for granddaughters (4 yr & 3 months), I still haven't written that email. Thankfully, Patrick White has brilliantly articulated everything that I believe whole-heartedly. Please do not let those abusive comments weigh you down. Rather, hold close to your heart the deep appreciation and gratitude that the majority of your readers feel and that many have expressed.

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What a wonderful and astute comment. This newsletter has created a treasured community. I particularly appreciate you pointing out that we all have times when it's just too much and that we have to take a break. As Dan Rather put it, "This is a relay, not a sprint." I appreciate learning about the good things Biden and his Administration are doing. It buoys me up when all seems dark. And I cannot stress enough that it is Biden AND his Administration. Biden does not pretend even for a moment that "He alone can fix it." This cannot be stressed enough. I also appreciate your reminding us that we don't have to be professional politicians or activists to have a role in this. We are standing up and doing what is expected of engaged citizens in a democracy. We are expected to be an educated, informed citizenry who stands up for our beliefs, the rule of law, and truth even in a rapidly changing world. That is our job and it is our responsibility to do so.

Now, for an important question, how are Jill's beautiful irises doing?

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Fantastic expression of who Robert Hubbell is to me! Thank you, Patrick.

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I should have said Robert and this community of readers and writers.

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I join you and echo your enthusiastic support for

Robert Hubbell.

I am a daily reader.

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Excellent Patrick, you expressed my thoughts and feelings exactly. Many thanks to Robert and to you!

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Beautiful piece, Patrick! And so true! Happy Anniversary to you and Chris!

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Cheerleading for Biden? No, cheer leading for Democracy over authoritarian rule . It’s just that simple. There is no nutritional value in the GOP bent by Trump. Regarding more sub-stacks, great but with you Robert, Heather and Joyce are my must reading every night or early morning! Thanks for your unfailing effort to save this country!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I read those very same newsletters. Heather Cox Richardson, Joyce Vance, and Robert Hubbell help me understand current events and maintain SOME sanity in the midst of all the craziness.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

There has been very little nutritional value in the GOP since Reagan took office, and even more so with Gingrich, and then Bush II/Cheney.

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My practice exactly! And Robert is at the top!

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I feel the same, Christopher. Robert is cheerleading for democracy, and, God help us, democracy needs a cheerleader right now. Cheer on, Robert! I am with you 100%. The person who wrote you politely to say you're "less useful" because s/he perceives you to be cheerleading for Biden is missing the boat. That person's own ingrained habits of thinking critically and analytically about everything are more important to her/him than paying any attention to the kind of government s/he lives under. Let them try to think--or act--critically under a Trump dictatorship, and they might re-shuffle their priorities after the fact. When it will be way too late.

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Well, well said Christina

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May 9·edited May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Hearing about Biden is a welcome respite from the tawdry, sleazy affairs of The Previous One. There are plenty of sources to read about TPO. This newsletter's focus on Biden helps fill the vacuum created when all the air is sucked from the room by the reporting on TPO.

Biden is decency, humanity, and normalcy.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Great news about Wisconsin. You said, "Recent polling shows voters do not know that Biden is responsible for..." therein lies the problem. How is it 'cheerleading' to deliver fact-based positive news that helps Americans?

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Besides, Robert does not claim to be a journalist, who is supposed to be bound by bothsidesism. Right?

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Read Steven Beschloss' post I just mentioned, in that regard.

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Keep up the "cheerleading!" Biden needs us to do so!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

While a person might be "polite" in voicing complaint that they see you merely acting as a "cheerleader" for the 46th President of the United States, I myself find such a comment to have questionable integrity. There are so many things Joe Biden has accomplished, but seemingly taking the time to make note of those achievements is seen as being an act that should be avoided?

What?

After the punishment we have had to endure the last 8 years, I feel we are way past due in having a POTUS who is working to improve the lives of ordinary Americans. Is Joe Biden perfect? No. No one is. There are too many various factions seeking satisfaction in this country, and no one will ever manage that target at 100%. But, please, please continue to shout the positivity from the rooftops Robert. You are dragging us back up from the depths of despair brought on by the racist, misogynistic, narcissistic, coup-plotting 45th resident of the White House.

What did trump do for me? He caused me to learn how to spell "narcissistic" on my own, without having to look it up.

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I think I can "credit" him with turning me into a grassroots activist, but that falls in the "silver lining" category because the list of damage he did is too long to contemplate!

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That’s fantastic news Cheryl. Let’s hope he’s driven many, many more people into grassroots activism!

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Lynn: I still can't spell it but it more easily rolls off my tongue. Great comment with a made-me-laugh ending.

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That makes me happy to hear that it made you laugh Shirlz! We need more laughter these days!

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Right! Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the best American presidents ever. He is "only" 90-95% great. So we should not mention him positively? Not praise his achievements, his morality, his aspirations for his country and his statesman-like ability to achieve them? Of course we should! These are like the MAGA extremists who want to impeach Mayorkas because he allowed "even one migrant" to enter the US illegally. Only a 100% exclusion rate, which is unattainable in any universe and in any scenario, will please these extremists. We must cheerlead more, not less.

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Absolutely Christina! Joe Biden's accomplishments have been incredible. Just imagine where we will be after he has 4 more years!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

In regard to why the MSM is not covering the achievements of the Biden administration, this, from Steven Beschloss might bring some clarity. I would suggest you all listen. I sent an email to

<editorial@nytimes.com> about this. One to Joe Kahn did not go through.

"Today’s installment of our 5-minute video series “Media Misses” looks at New York Times’ executive editor Joe Kahn’s interview in which he says the preservation of democracy is not the biggest issue for the Times. Kahn makes the questionable statement that immigration is more important, apparently based on polls. He also suggests, disingenuously, that to take a tougher line on Donald Trump and the dangers facing democracy would lead to the paper becoming “a propaganda arm for a single candidate.” Really? Mark Jacob, author of the excellent “Stop the Presses” newsletter, and I address this wrong-headed thinking."

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author

Kahn's comments will rank up there with 'peace in our time" of Neville Chamberlin.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Has it not occurred to Kahn that the preservation of democracy makes it possible for the NY Times to continue to exist?

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Can't serve two masters; if they're only focused on profits they won't have room for clear, factual reporting.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Kahn sounds like just another republican, promoting republican talking points, and whistling past the graveyard.

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Yes, I read Steven Beschloss and Kahn just showed what a shill he is for the R Party. I feel sorry for his journalists because they have Kahn and his staff looking over his shoulders.

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* not his…their shoulders*

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Wow, he (Kahn) really said that?! If that’s NOT the biggest issue then maybe he and his team haven’t thought this through

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I recently canceled my NYT subscription. Trash.

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I'm not familiar with Steven Beschloss - could you please provide a link?

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https://america.substack.com

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Thanks!

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He is one of Michael Beschloss’s sons. Michael is a noted historian and is often seen on MSNBC.

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Also, Steven Beschloss and Mark Jacob have ‘Stop The Presses’ (https://open.substack.com/pub/stopthepresses). It’s part of Courier News.

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This degree of insanity on the part of a Joe Kahn leads me to my favorite insane theory to explain it: Vladimir Putin, the richest man in the world according to the documentary "Active Measures" (due to his control of the global Russian mob and its unlimited income streams), has paid each American journalist $500,000 so they will all elevate and glorify the Trump story, which furthers Putin's take-over-the-world goals. Who is the single person the fall of American democracy would make most happy? Vladimir Putin! (BTW, watch "Active Measures" if you haven't already. $2 on Amazon.)

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Thank you, Christina, I will have to check that out. Sounds a bit strange, but how much is Putin paying MAGA Congress Critters? MTG et. al.? THey spout his talking point adnauseum.

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This is horrendous on the part of the Times, Ransom Rideout. It explains a lot!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

The Wisconsin story is a great one. But it is unfortunate that snakes in the grass like Ron Johnson will undoubtedly twist the facts in a way that benefits him and serves his Fox generated persona. He's spent his years in Washington knee-capping Democratic efforts to help the middle class. Scott Walker was a true apostle of Trickle Down Economics. And Trump and Foxxcon only serve to remind us that Trump really was the Wizard of Oz - all show and no go. Ron Johnson's untrustworthy and a scoundrel. Turning him out of office would be a great final leg of the new Wisconsin plan.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

And let's not forget that Ron Johnson after having been wined and dined in Moscow on July 4th 2018 was an active participant in the Jan 6 insurrection https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/21/jan-6-panel-trump-overturn-2020-election-00040816

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Therre are few in Washington as low in the swamp as he

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

"Ron Johnson's untrustworthy and a scoundrel. Turning him out of office would be a great final leg of the new Wisconsin plan".

It is such a shame they didn't do that in 2022!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I live in WI, and the Foxconn con started with Scott Walker, as an attempt to show he did something for economic development for his election in 2014, iirc. Even then people saw it for what it was, and people had their homes bulldozed for a lie.

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Scott Walker had great promise, I thought. But then almost everything he did as Governor diminished him bit by bit.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

".... the truth is that there are many positive aspects of Joe Biden’s presidency to include in this newsletter." I do not understand the reluctance of the major news outlets to recognize Joe Biden's success. I do understand that Joe Biden has been much more successful than I had anticipated. I remember being shocked that the campaign for the Democratic nomination was transformed by South Carolina. Since then, Joe Biden has been shocking in his effectiveness -- domestically in getting laws passed that have been instrumental in our economic recovery, internationally in building coalitions for the right goals. It could be that Joe Biden understands the complexity of the job and the patience required to get the job done. It could be that the press, even the most sophisticated. press, wants quick and simple solutions. I cannot be that the NY Times animus is based on pique because Joe Biden did not sit for an interview.

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Biden is going to win because he is visiting the cities and towns where his programs have delivered.

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➡️ "Joe Biden has been shocking in his effectiveness" ⬅️

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Weary, oh good golly yes indeedy...however...I listen to Robert first thing every morning while the coffee is perking, then I move on to assorted others....I am busy and just pop earbuds in and listen to a wealth of writers on Substack....I keep finding new ones, and spend less time with WaPo and NYT...

I'm disgusted with the courts, but come on fellow travelers/warriors..we have known all along it is THE BALLORT BOX that matters and that is where we need to put our efforts...to GOTV!!

I'm a home bound caregiver, so I donate, I write letters and postcards...and struggle to get a sub and work the polls...so take a break if you must...but gthen get back to it in whatever fashion you can!

WE CAN DO THIS!!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Great, helpful installment, Robert. Yours is the voice we need.

I think the Manhattan trial is all we need right now. I'm glad the other trials are delayed. We have our hands (and minds, and attention) pretty well occupied by this fabulous display of a well-executed criminal prosecution that is establishing a lot of truths about Trump that no poll could achieve.

Robert's column and reporting about the NY trial by other capable journalists suits me fine. 😃

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May 9·edited May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Good point, Janet. Hopefully less trials to cover will mean more coverage of Team Biden’s accomplishments!

“This website provides an interactive map that illustrates the impact of these record-breaking levels of public and private investment across states and territories under the Biden Administration.” 📣

https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/maps-of-progress/

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Thank you Robert for encouraging to read other writers. I know that you support Jessica Craven. She just posted a note that Democrats are likely to win bigger than previously expected in the upcoming election. She tells us that now is time to flood the zone on social media to fight disinformation that MAGAs will use to cast doubt on the election results. There are ads ready for many social media platforms created by DemCast that you can edit as you wish. Here is that link: https://share.demcastusa.com/campaign/C9D19725-791A-4843-B038-15ABB446E727/ready_made_post/facebook?mmdr=1de5a38b-c218-4137-ae55-30853563bee2

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Jessica is a positive warrior and brings light where there’s doom & gloom.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

And if you aren't overwhelmed with the number of substack newsletters hitting your email box, Demcast is now on Substack as Digital Drumbeat:

Hear is a post from Tuesday with a call to action to stop GOP from reversing Biden's action on reducing credit card fees:

https://open.substack.com/pub/demcastusa/p/republicans-are-trying-to-torpedo?r=1aiy5t&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I subscribe to a number of pro-Democracy Substack newsletters, and since I'm retired, I can make the time to read them all, nearly every day. Yours is one of my must-reads each day, and it's because you simultaneously tell the truth, remind us our reasons for hope in very odd times without glossing over the work we need to collectively do to be sure that hope wins out! Thank you for authoring and continuing Today's Edition. I try to read every one of my list of Substack authors every day, but you are among the must reads, if time precludes reading all. You have made this ride through really disheartening, scary times a whole lot better.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Robert- please continue to be a "cheerleader " for Biden- he needs all the help you can give him🙏🏻 and as for Judge Cannon , I don't believe there has ever been a more loathsome person except for a few SCOTUS members!

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Robert, one of the (good) reasons some of us are loaded up with other Substacks to read is BECAUSE you read them too and link to them for us . Judd Legum, Joyce Vance, Hopium, Status Kuo etc. ( I would say HCR, but she got there first before you in my world— virtually all my buddies when this subject comes up ( Tuesday, Saturday this week, eg) say their dailies are Hubbell and Heather. The circle widens

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Robert, I read your newsletter every morning right after Heather Cox Richardson and before Joyce Vance. You three truthful, dedicated professionals do the work of discerning what in the news is important for me to know. I am grateful for your insight and your humanity. Your love of this country and democracy is evident in all of your writing. Thank you for keeping me informed.

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May 9Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I'm very devoted to reading your daily "today's Edition" Robert. I'm inlined to agree that if you don't share good news about Biden and his policies, no one will know of them. The Newspaper of Record seems determined in its headlines and story selection to not be seen as shilling for Biden and, with olympic scale of bothsiderism, has done much to make Trump and his authoritarianism seem un-extraordinary.

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The “Newspaper of Record” appellation no longer applies because reporting and selection of important stories have become slanted.

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