64 Comments
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Really excellent column. Dems MUST unite behind two items—Roe and Jan6—and then they MUST GO VOTE!!

Expand full comment

And gun safety. And sedition party vs. Democracy party, which is Jan6.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022·edited Jun 7, 2022

Yes, Joe, definitely gun safety too. It's obscene how long this indefensible Republican-protected massacre of innocent Americans has continued. It is incomprehensible how anyone, let alone politicians elected and sworn to represent us, can see adults and beautiful little children ripped to shreds--over and over--and just continue on with their ridiculous, immoral defense against ANY sensible laws to prevent it. We cannot let them escape accountability any more by waiting out the news cycle. We need to permanently "hang that albatross" around the neck of every NRA funded politician and bring it up every time they run for office.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Thanks again for another superb column--as usual right to the point and quietly passionate about action and truth. I think Josh Marshall is right about the issue--it is the key. It is discouraging to read his reaction to the comments. Alas---true. Democrats have a terrible time uniting behind an idea and passionately believing (on the other hand, among liberals Bernie stands out because he both believes and is passionate---he is on fire for what he believes in---and the NYT has a little subindustry dedicated to ignoring, distorting, and writing negative stories on him, his movement and ideas. In his case they fail BIG TIME to print "all the news that's fit to print") While I'm on this topic, they do the same with Biden's successes and the great strides for the economy, etc---they want to play picky, picky and chew at some of the details. I think the powers at the NYT may be "liberal" but for some reason they are really not telling the whole truth about Biden---. Well, end of sort-of rant. I'm tired tonight--but I'm also tired of the failure of the Democrat Party to get galvanized on the issues and crises---NYT is running articles on the GOP organizing for poll "watchers"---is there any reporting/messaging about Democrat concern or counter-organization. It's like the Florida "recount" for Bush and the Lawyers having a fit and (as I see it) the massive failure to have a Michigan recount in the Trump/Clinton election. Basically wimps and over-intellectualizing -- they love debate and sentences with many dependent clauses---not the one line zinger that stick with you (and sometimes into you...) Well, I really didn't end the rant, but I will now. Robert, I'm retreading in different form what you so often say (more succinctly and better.) We need the keep up the struggle and win the battle. Peace and Courage.

Expand full comment

Overthink and picky, picky is right. And I appreciate you admitting to being tired. I thought I was alone. We've grown used to having others form our opinions for us. Reading and commenting on this column is very helpful. Thanks for the rant. Much appreciated.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Here's another one of our problems: The headline for the top story on the NY Times' website, as I write, is "Jan. 6 Hearings Give Democrats a Chance to Recast Midterm Message." The story about the seditious conspiracy charges against the Proud Boys appears *under* that one. It's always about "optics" and the meta-narrative for these fools in the media. This too, I suppose, is supposed to reflect their "objectivity." Every time I hear some journalist ask some pundit, "What does Biden *have to do* to [fill in the blank: raise his approval ratings, rally public support for some particular position, etc.]?"--well, I just want to vomit. Those of us who actually want to bring about political change in this country are prisoners, to an infuriating degree, in the hall of mirrors that is today's political coverage by the media.

Expand full comment
author

Ugh, ugh, ugh! The January 6th hearings are NOT about the midterms. The Editor in Chief at the Times should be fired if they cannot see beyond the "inside baseball" angle on every story. I suggest that they move the newsroom and editorial boardroom about 1,000 miles from Manhattan so they can view the news through a broader lens. Most Americans care about the NEWS, not the impact of the news on the political fortunes of two parties that are both failing to meet the moment.

Expand full comment

I just sent the following letter to the Times:

"This morning when I opened my browser to the Times’ homepage, I discovered to my disgust that in the top left position where the top stories of the moment are placed, the lead story was one with the headline "Jan. 6 Hearings Give Democrats a Chance to Recast Midterm Message." The next story down was about the charge of seditious conspiracy just brought by the Department of Justice against the leader and four members of the Proud Boys. I looked at the homepage again a few hours later and found that the first story was still there, while the second one had disappeared to somewhere far below the electronic fold.

"May I suggest to the editors of the Times that, to those of us who are merely citizens of our imperiled democracy, not denizens of the bizarre world of Medialand, you had your placement of these two stories early this morning exactly backwards? And that the January 6 committee’s hearings are about an attempt to overthrow our government, *not* about the midterms?"

Expand full comment

Good for you!

Expand full comment

Good for you. Thank you.

Expand full comment

You're welcome, Ellen.

Expand full comment

The NYT is part of the problem. I don't know who writes those atrocious headlines, but he or she should be fired. I have stopped reading almost everything they put out.

As far as Dems, glass-half-empty thinking never quenched a thirst, much less brought home the gold or won a war. I prefer mine half full and topped off.

Expand full comment

As with so many, even of our leading newspapers, the NY Times and the Washington Post as well have wonderful reporters and journalists but their headline writers ... sorry for this ... SUCK! It is a shame they do not let their journalists write their own headlines.

Expand full comment

I agree. The headlines generally cause me to turn the newspaper face down, which is a shame.

Expand full comment

Agreed. It is like watching some weird movie, only this is real life. This is not a popularity contest or a beauty contest. This is about raw politics and our lives. I do not want to be someone else's cottage industry. We are literate and aware individuals who do not need to be spoon-fed sensationalist doomsday scenarios.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Let's just say I continue to disagree with you about AG Garland. I feel that he is proceeding in a deliberate fashion to ultimately indict Trump, Eastman, Clark and others in their attempt to undo the legitimate results of the 2020 election. You have written this issue as a slam dunk win. you and I ( in my case over 60 years at the bar) know there are no slam dunks. If you bring this case you must win it or the last state of the country is worse than it is now.

Expand full comment
author

Thomas, I am in the minority on this issue. More of my readers agree with you than me. And I desperately hope you are right.

But I think that there are a few factors that make this situation unique, which Garland has ignored.

First, Trump is plotting a second coup--and doing so publicly. If Garland gets around to indicting Trump in 2023 or 2024, it will be too late. At that point, people will say it is simply untenable to indict someone running for the presidency. Urgency is needed.

Second, Trump's crimes occurred in public, or the evidence has been released. Remember "I just need you to find 11,780 votes"? or the call to Zelensky, "I need a favor, though." Or the public bullying of Mike Pence to reject the electoral count. If those aren't crimes, then nothing is. Garland's continued Sphinx-like refusal to address these issues may be appropraite for an undercover investigation of a drug cartel, but we saw these crimes unfold in public and most of the American public believe that Garland is doing nothing. The DOJ Manual allows an exception for commenting on cases of exceptional public interest. This is that case.

Finally, many reputable career prosecutors have opined that there is sufficient evidence to indict Trump. Barbara McQuaide, Chuck Rosenberg, Preet Bharara, and others have all concluded that the evidence shows Trump committed crimes. And the standard isn't "slam dunk." it is whatever the usual standard is for bringing a prosecution--which is not "must win." The only thing worse for the country than prosecuting Trump and losing is not prosecuting Trump at all.

Expand full comment

As a mom and a teacher of young children, I knew that discipline had to be timely to be effective. Trump and his co-conspirators need to be held accountable. People who want to get something done do not dawdle. Trump attacked the very heart of our country, and I am sorry, but I think Garland is dragging his feet. If he can’t investigate and go where the facts lead, he should resign. Lincoln got rid of generals who did not get the job done.

Expand full comment

I guess for me the standard is not whether he can be indicted but can he be convicted. If we indict him we must be able to convict him . This is the vampire. Two impeachments have been meaningless without a senatorial conviction. It has arguably made him stronger. Yet, we all know it was critical to impeach him . However, if we indict him it must allow for a trial before the 2024 election and result in a conviction. Only in that way will the vampire finally be undone. I feel with the Proud Boys new charges the DOJ train is picking up speed. I certainly hope so. I want to see him indicted by the end of this year. or the first three months of 2023 at the latest.

Expand full comment

I remember reading an opinion piece in the Times a long time ago that likened Trump to a vampire and suggested that the only way to rid ourselves of the same was "a stake through the heart". Creepy indeed.

Expand full comment

Well, now I'm confused because the comments about DOJ carefully working towards indicting DJT seemed reasonable to me, but now your impassioned, clear three points make more sense. I cannot personally do anything about this particular issue, so I will continue to hold in prayer that everyone of us who has something to do in this fight for our democracy does so in a timely, effective way.

Expand full comment

Actually, I think investigating Trump and Company may be closer to a drug cartel investigation than we might think. I keep remembering when I looked up his financial supporters before the election in 2016, one of the few listed publicly was one of the big hotel/casinos in Vegas.

Expand full comment

I really, really do hope you are correct. This is complicated and thorny on many levels.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

And whether you can follow Robert's advice or not....: VOTE Democratic wherever you are entitled to. Do not not vote.

Expand full comment

Robert Hubbell and Today’s Edition Newsletter, forever among the best sources of great advice to achieve better outcomes, preserve our democracy, and lift our spirits. What a guy! Can't imagine beginning my day without his great advice.

No whining, no defeatism! Get to work if you want a better tomorrow!

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

In these discouraging times (Texas is tough right now, folks), I'm finding some encouragement in races closer to home. In my case, I live in a Dallas suburb...purple, I would say, and we're experiencing the hostile schoolboard takeover attempts with which you are familiar. Thus far, one of these candidates was definitively defeated in her bit, and the second race is a run-off race on June 18. I'm seeing individuals I view as fairly conservative support the "non-takeover" candidate, which I find encouraging. They are seeing that this is an outside funded, coordinated attack on our public schools. (We've lost nine North Texas superintendents to resignations in the last year.) I continue to be pleasantly surprised to learn of yet another voter who sees this for what it is. Not sure they'd vote Democrat straight ticket, but they are for sure seeing what's happening. For those interested, this is the Richardson ISD District 2 race.

Expand full comment

As a fellow Texan, I echo your sentiments. For all my fellow Texans I emphasize the importance of your support for Democratic and Progressive Non-partisan candidates and involvement in every local race for every position on your ballots. Blue Horizon Texas (https://www.bluehorizontexas.org/) is engaged in this effort to recruit, train, and help build support for these candidates in local elections across Texas. We believe the only unwinnable districts are those where we fail to compete. Join with us in this fight here:

https://www.bluehorizontexas.org/

Expand full comment

I really feel for you. Texas is complicated. Just when I think OMG, something rather wonderful happens, like the debut novel I just read for our book club, The Sweetness of Water. Beautiful book and the author gave full credit to his writing supporters in Austin, Texas. Stay strong!

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Note to all: Herschel Walker had the bright idea of giving out $25 gas vouchers, along with flyers featuring his smiling face-and the message that 'were it not for Senator Warnock, you wouldn't be paying this much for gas'. Too bad this is against the same law that his buddy Brian Kemp pushed through the Legislature, as a sop to Herschel's Nutty Buddy.

Expand full comment

The $25. gas vouchers are illegal not only in Georgia but a violation of federal election law. It is illegal for a candidate or their campaign to offer any financial inducement in the form of cash, vouchers, coupons, or any other form of a cash reward to entice voters to vote for them. That is essentially bribery and can and should be prosecuted.

Now if only that were the only problem for Herschel Walker and his campaign. His Democratic opponent for the Georgia Senate seat has started running this add calling attention to Walker's 2020 campaign to promote a non-existent "magic mist" that would cure covid just by walking through a portal spraying this mist:

https://twitter.com/RonFilipkowski/status/1533053991222923266

Well, it will take more than magic mist or fairy dust to put this clown into office in the U.S. Senate representing Georgia. Let's hope there are enough Georgians with the brains to say NO to this clown. He must have taken too many head-to-head collisions during his football career.

Expand full comment

Thanks so much for this additional information. I am confident that there are indeed enough Georgians who will, at the VERY LEAST, "hold their noses" and vote to re-elect Senator Warnock-who by all accounts is doing his job well.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022·edited Jun 7, 2022

HW is definitely not the brightest crayon in the box !

Here’s a good use of gas cards in Cali. 'Although would never happen with my “constitutional sheriff” in FL.

https://www.npr.org/2022/05/23/1100683314/sacramento-gas-for-guns-buyback

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

While I live in FL, I actively support Stacey Abrams, who I think understands messaging that includes facts and single minded focus. This was in my in-box this morning:

"From 2018 to 2020 alone, Georgia courts deemed 11,396 individuals too dangerous to carry a concealed weapon, and revoked or denied their concealed carry permits.

Yet knowing full well that Georgia faces a gun violence crisis, Brian Kemp signed a law eliminating permits and a background check, making it easier for people posing similar risks to carry a concealed, loaded weapon.

Mary Lou, as governor, I will repeal Brian Kemp’s dangerous, extreme Criminal Carry law and work to address our gun violence crisis."

Expand full comment

Stacey Abrams is one amazing and determined woman. And she's not the only one. I'm learning about more such individuals every day.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022·edited Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I write to amplify the prevailing view that the outcome of the Select Committee hearings this month largely will rest with DOJ. Though I’m not an attorney, my diligent analysis of the facts released/leaked to the public has led me to conclude that there is sufficient factual prediction both to indict and convict a number of high-level officials up to and including Trump. Simply put, unless DOJ starts holding Trump and his coterie accountable, I expect the anticipated Republican counter-messaging largely will derail the Select Committee’s narrative, regardless of how reasoned and compelling.

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I think the media plays a major role in deflating liberal/progressive political aspirations and hopes and sowing the idea that all politics in this country is hopelessly dysfunctional and pointless. This approach serves the interests of the owners of the vast majority of media in this country, giant corporations and morbidly rich individuals, whose financial interests and power would be challenged by liberal govt policies. Much better financially and politically for the media to turn politics into just another entertainment realm with lots of crazy. Prior to Reagan there was a law called the Fairness Doctrine that regulated news and public affairs programming to keep it from being info-tainment or one-sided political commentary ie. Fox "News" and pretty much all of talk radio. We need a 21st century version of that law.

Expand full comment

The Fairness Doctrine worked when there were far fewer media outlets. It would be good if something similar could be enacted to ensure that all viewers and readers would be obligated to hear both sides of an issue on every platform.

Expand full comment

The Fairness Doctrine applied to broadcasters--i.e., companies that used the publicly owned broadcast spectrum. When you're talking about cable and internet, where the infrastructure is privately owned, it gets a bit trickier.

Expand full comment

Another great post by a writer who has renewed my faith in America's faltering experiment in representative government. Bringing the Republican criminal gangsters to account and beating them fairly and squarely in elections and in courts of law is the way forward in the quest to restore the values and structures of Democracy in our now divided, plutocratic society. Once the Trump Republicans are dispatched, we can work on the corrupt forces within the Democratic Party. Onward and upward!

Expand full comment

I agree Democrats sometimes are self defeating and unlike Republicans the party has difficulty uniting around a single message echoed by everyone. Your Edition makes an interesting point which I have seen elsewhere with the premise being if the Democrats hold their current Senate seats and add JUST TWO more they have a majority. If all of the candidates pledge to restore by law Roe in 2023 and to vote for a filibuster for gun safety laws then Independent and moderate Republicans could come on board. The Democrats have to promise what they would deliver if they get the two Senate seats that everyone wants. It’s simple do you want Roe restored and gun safety gives us the votes.

Expand full comment

I am currently reading "It Was All a Lie" by Stuart Stevens. Stuart is now a member of the Lincoln Project and this book clearly outlines the long term strategy that the Republicans have pushed for decades. He was part of it, of course when he ran campaigns, but has not only seen the light, he is an avid supporter of efforts to promote democracy. Say what you like about his past, but his present is clearly on the right side. The chapters in his book identify the themes that the Republicans used...for example "Race, the Original Republican Sin", "Family Values", "The Long Con"....etc., each one showing how they used these issues to rile up their base. This is not something that just came about with Trump's win...it was here all along and Trump & Co. made it all legit. We all need to turn this narrative around. Not only "tell the truth", but use their own words against them in a way we have not done before.

Expand full comment
founding
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Excellent point about Thursday hearings: start with the key QUESTIONS American citizens are asking or saying ... and then say we have been finding the answers to those questions, which you will hear in coming hearings. Keep some suspense and teasing. Please let's not have the required opening speeches by each Member which will lose this key audience in the first 20 minutes.

Expand full comment
author

AMEN!!

Expand full comment
Jun 7, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I am reminded of the Bob Marley and the Wailers song "Get up, Stand up". Yes, I know that this was written about standing up against oppression and taking action for Rastafarians, but its broader message is about standing up against oppression and not being overwhelmed by the oppressors. We must keep on message and not let the GOP control the discussion. We do that by not being reactionary to their false messaging, but rather, by going on the offensive and stating our case in the opinion sections of major outlets, social media, and the like. No one is in charge of inflation; it is a worldwide problem. We can make our case for meaningful, increased gun control and for women's reproductive rights.

Expand full comment