Faithful Democrats are also working with Michele Hornish, Executive Director of Every State Blue, to launch Blue Tennessee. We hope to be in operation for 2024. If you can help us, we would appreciate it.
I’m eager to listen to Dirt Road Democrat. I recently moved to Arkansas and last night I attended a LWV meeting where we were briefed by our county election officials about the large number of election law changes during the recent legislative session. Eye opening is an understatement. Much work to be done here!
There are grassroots groups in Arkansas too. I’m supporting the work of PAWPAC.
Excellent points as always, Robert. Amen to your including comments and a link to David Pepper's outstanding primer on how to interview Trump. How many times does it have to happen before the media finally learns that they have been played and finally stop placing our nation in peril? Most recently you have CNN's disastrous "Trump Town Hall"; now you have NBC's giant softball disguised as an interview. What's next? A multi-network/cable simulcast of Trump's greatest lies? Let's get serious. We have a democracy to preserve. The only solution left is to vote.
Agree. I am so tired of reading defenses of Trump interviewers, defenses which practically imply that Trump is so brilliant and cagey that no human being can regain control of the interview. I just don’t buy that. Talking over someone or more cleverly than someone does not equal control. Any experienced parent will tell you sometimes silence is the upper hand (as in, “I’m going to softly count to 10 to give you time to stop your stream of lies, and that point the interview will be stopped, with an announcement on the screen as to what happened.” Just an example. But like Pepper says, good grief...these are trained pros. To do their job so poorly is inexcusable, but for their colleagues to agree that no one can successfully interview the mighty Trump is nauseating.
As the mother of a 2.5 year old, I feel this in my SOUL! Ha, thanks Cathy. Not a bad suggestion: "We were forced to conclude this interview when Trump could not stop lying...."
As for Kristin Welker, I was appalled and, according to Lucian Truscott, had perhaps missed the point of the interview. Lucian Truscott suggests that Kristen Welker exposed Trump’s lies, providing evidence for Jack Smith.
My objection to msnbc -- and yet another interview -- is that cable TV and newspaper media should stop talking about him for ratings, that got him elected in 2016.
Lucian Truscott, for me, makes a convincing argument worth considering, supported by transcripts to document his persuasive and surprising interpretation
The fact that Trump incriminated himself is an unintended consequence that came at the cost of giving Trump 1-3/4 hours of air time on a major media platform. Do you think the exchange was worth it?
Trump incriminates himself whenever he talks. Let him incriminate himself on Fox, OAN, Breitbart. What did NBC give him a legitimate media platform to spread his lies.
Indeed, I do not think giving him a platform on any media is worth it.
We know it’s wrong for Media to give fascists a platform.
Could you please confirm whether media corporations can legally deny fascists and a potentially convicted felon and serial liar, a platform, which msnbc not need not have done.
I feel that Kristen, in her very first interview as host of Meet the Press, felt she had to follow her producers' instructions. I don't excuse her for doing so. Unlike what Kristen did, I remember seeing Savannah Guthrie interview Trump once and she challenged several of his stupid comments more than once. By that I mean she didn't just go to the next question; she pursued her first question very assertively. She made him look dumber than usual, I thought.
Vote, yes, and network our way to the journalists and editors to relay messages such as David Pepper's "how to interview Trump." That's what we can do through the Media and Democracy Project:
The incompetent Welker (Harvard's not sending us their best) proves "new host same as the old host." She has a high "chucktodd" score (a "chucktodd" is an internationally recognized unit of measure for political illiteracy, ignorance, and general stupidity, named in honor of the man whose life and career exemplify those qualities).
I'll bet Mehdi Hasan would have dealt with him differently. You have to understand Trump is a sub-chimpanzee, so you have to establish dominance from the outset, which Mr. Hasan would have no problem accomplishing in about 2 minutes.
I have seen Mehdi Hasan's video on how to interview him; it is accurate. I am imagining what her news director would have been saying in her ear if she tried those tactics.
There's really nothing confusing about what's happening in the House of Representatives. It's all utterly predictable.
MAGA extremists in the House of Representatives actively wanted a U.S. debt default in the Spring, and now they actively want to shutdown the government. All the posturing about spending limits, immigration policy, Ukraine military aid, and so forth is not part of a serious legislative debate. Everyone knew all along that these demands will never be accepted by a Democratic Senate and Democratic President.
What the MAGA faction seeks is chaos and disruption, targeted at the very heart of our democratic republic. This is not Speaker McCarthy's problem. Mr. McCarthy's impotent leadership IS the problem, as it empowers those who proudly support convicted January 6 conspirators and openly welcome civil war.
MAGA extremists in the House are not ordinary politicians, like Libertarians or the Tea Party. This ia an assault on the institution itself. So long as Kevin McCarthy remains Speaker of the House, the threat will persist and grow. They need to be confronted directly and decisively.
The only feasible solution is for a bipartisan coalition in the House to remove Mr. McCarthy and elect a centrist Republican Speaker like Don Bacon (R-NE) who owes nothing to the exremists. And it appears the only way that will happen is if enough outspoken citizens and a supportive segment of the media insist that leader Hakim Jeffries join forces with moderate Republicans to form that coalition. Learn more here: www.FeathersOfHope.net or jerryweiss.substack.com
Thanks Jerry. One hopes that at some point the House Democrats will wake up and realize that they are part of the show, not the audience. Phone calls continue.
I can't imagine any universe where McCarthy will agree to split power with Democrats to get anything done in Congress. That said it seems to be the only responsible idea. It sucks Democrats always have to be the ones willing to compromise in order to be the adults in the room.
McCarthy doesn't have to agree, 72% of the House voted in favor of the FRA and even without his vote, there's a supermajority that could vacate the Speakership and conduct business. There's also no need for the Democrats to compromise on anything, the Senate appropriations bills are in accordance with the deal that Mr. Biden made with McCarthy at the time.
This is an ongoing problem which seems to indicate that the Republicans are on a treadmill, enabling Trump and his Freedom Caucus children. Let’s find the way and means to shut them and Tuberville down. Stop the enabling!!!
How will that work with the current membership of the House Republicans? They would need some Republicans to be a lot braver than they have been thus far. I understand being afraid for your family, but this is an EMERGENCY situation. Not just the possible shut-down, but the continuing spineless permission most of them give to Trump without EVER contradicting him, and most importantly, the possible loss of our democracy.
Why would your readers feel they have the expertise to justify and defend the wretched Kristen Welker, because she is not a white male? This is the worst example of liberal guilt I’ve seen lately. All of her training as a woman to pacify men was on display. ken Froomkin has annotated the transcript with all the ways that she could have pushed back and did not. You can find him on Twitter. At a time when we need heroes inthe press- and Michael Tomaski of the new republic warns that the press is going to bring us fascism—Welker brought despair. She is unforgivable.
I disagree with your comments. You must have seen a different interview. Welker was not perfect but she held her own sometimes and most importantly got Trump to admit his guilt and knowledge about the election. She did better than many other males who tried to interview him. Maybe Nancy Pelosi should do the next interview.
I find this back and forth about Welker so frustrating. The point is not how she performed. It is that she gave a platform to someone who tried to mount a coup. That's the point. That was her error. That is why she deserves criticism.
I am wondering about that. This was her first bigtime show. She probably had little say in who her first interview would be. Yes, she could have said no, but would that have meant her losing her "promotion"? She was clearly not up to the task. Could Rachel Maddow have taken him down! I do agree that the network is completely at fault. He should never get any air time at all.
She went into it knowing what it would be. That's call selling out your morals and values. The show hasn't been good since Tim Russert. No clue why it's still on the air.
So aggressive questioning would have risked DirtBag walking out of the NBC interview? I say great. Let everyone see the psycho crybaby for what he is: a lying, traitorous coward. Nothing beats mildew like an airing in the full sun.
Thanks Robert, cannot agree more about giving Trump a voice on national news. First CNN, then NBC. When will these organizations get their heads out of a dark place. When will they stop giving the GOP congress air? When will moderate republicans from “purple” communities create a coalition in congress to restore sanity to the congress. When will the entire reasonable ecosystem of traitorous republicans be addressed by the the DOJ? They have had two years of inaction that has made the democracy even more vulnerable. I am beginning to believe Merrick Garland was the wrong choice. An absolute “pit bull” like Jack Smith should have been there from the start. Well I guess hindsight is always 20/20.
Beginning to believe? Merrick Garland was clearly the wrong choice from day one. He would have made a "supreme" Supreme Court justice when he could mull over cases and come to brilliant decisions, but he has no chops for the AG of our country. Under Biden's 2nd term, I think he will resign. Hope so. We need a pit bull.
Robert, your comments about media coverage of Trump are so on
point, and David Pepper as usual hits the nail on the head. I feel like we are going through Ground Hog Day every day again when I turn on Morning Joe to hear the same thing over and over again (I know, I know, I can just choose not to watch, but I keep hoping he will be off that day, and his very competent “other hosts” will be sitting in). Bottom line STOP COVERING THE YELLOW MONSTER.
And if Joe Biden is not our best choice for President, start showing us who can lead the country better. Telling us we have a problem, and not giving us options to solve it gets us nowhere.
Robert, thanks for today's newsletter. I just want to go on record as completely supporting your views regarding trump. He should be given no exposure by the MSM. I am so disappointed with MSNBC and the daily non-stop coverage of the Orange Traitor. He should never be mentioned, he belongs in isolation in a super max prison, with the rest of the convicts.
Until that day, there is nothing new or truthful to report regarding trump.
NC new Chair of NC Dem Party Clayton Anderson, 25 years young, is going around our state saying we cannot let one seat go uncontested because it’s a gift to the Republicans. She is from rural area and is going to all the girl counties saying get out and vote even if we lose she’s also going to the colleges and universities and getting the young people out to register and vote.
Exactly! I agree 100%. But you should know that many political consultants hired by the Democratic Party do not. They see "unwinnable" races as a waste of money and a distraction. They are wrong, for the reasons noted by Jess Piper in her podcast.
Sep 19, 2023·edited Sep 19, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Joe McCarthy would be so proud of how these Republicans are ruining Hunter Biden through slander and public humiliation. Yes, indeed, McCarthy must feel proud that the HUAC is being challenged by 2023 Republicans for its cruelty.
I don’t understand why Democrats aren’t leaping on the Hunter Biden indictment as an opportunity to say “YES! We’ll indict every single person in this country who has lied on their gun application! Gun safety measures at last!”
Whatever happened to the fallout from the Hunter Biden nude photos that MTG so tastelessly displayed, and emailed to her constituents? Wasn’t that a violation of pornography laws? Haven’t seen any pushback on that.
Unfortunately, members of Congress are protected by the Speech and Debate clause. MJT would be able to achieve dismissal of any lawsuit against her immediately.
Faithful Democrats are also working with Michele Hornish, Executive Director of Every State Blue, to launch Blue Tennessee. We hope to be in operation for 2024. If you can help us, we would appreciate it.
Donation page: https://contribute.itstarts.today/blue_tennessee/contribute
For more information: https://linktr.ee/BlueTennessee
Great! We need a blue Tennessee!
I’m eager to listen to Dirt Road Democrat. I recently moved to Arkansas and last night I attended a LWV meeting where we were briefed by our county election officials about the large number of election law changes during the recent legislative session. Eye opening is an understatement. Much work to be done here!
There are grassroots groups in Arkansas too. I’m supporting the work of PAWPAC.
https://progressivearwomen.org/
pinning to the top!
Excellent points as always, Robert. Amen to your including comments and a link to David Pepper's outstanding primer on how to interview Trump. How many times does it have to happen before the media finally learns that they have been played and finally stop placing our nation in peril? Most recently you have CNN's disastrous "Trump Town Hall"; now you have NBC's giant softball disguised as an interview. What's next? A multi-network/cable simulcast of Trump's greatest lies? Let's get serious. We have a democracy to preserve. The only solution left is to vote.
Agree. I am so tired of reading defenses of Trump interviewers, defenses which practically imply that Trump is so brilliant and cagey that no human being can regain control of the interview. I just don’t buy that. Talking over someone or more cleverly than someone does not equal control. Any experienced parent will tell you sometimes silence is the upper hand (as in, “I’m going to softly count to 10 to give you time to stop your stream of lies, and that point the interview will be stopped, with an announcement on the screen as to what happened.” Just an example. But like Pepper says, good grief...these are trained pros. To do their job so poorly is inexcusable, but for their colleagues to agree that no one can successfully interview the mighty Trump is nauseating.
As the mother of a 2.5 year old, I feel this in my SOUL! Ha, thanks Cathy. Not a bad suggestion: "We were forced to conclude this interview when Trump could not stop lying...."
Just like you would say to your 2.5-year-old!
As for Kristin Welker, I was appalled and, according to Lucian Truscott, had perhaps missed the point of the interview. Lucian Truscott suggests that Kristen Welker exposed Trump’s lies, providing evidence for Jack Smith.
Hmm....
Link here: https://open.substack.com/pub/luciantruscott/p/kristen-welkers-interview-with-trump?r=9v6mk&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
My objection to msnbc -- and yet another interview -- is that cable TV and newspaper media should stop talking about him for ratings, that got him elected in 2016.
Lucian Truscott, for me, makes a convincing argument worth considering, supported by transcripts to document his persuasive and surprising interpretation
The fact that Trump incriminated himself is an unintended consequence that came at the cost of giving Trump 1-3/4 hours of air time on a major media platform. Do you think the exchange was worth it?
Trump incriminates himself whenever he talks. Let him incriminate himself on Fox, OAN, Breitbart. What did NBC give him a legitimate media platform to spread his lies.
Professor Hubbell,
Indeed, I do not think giving him a platform on any media is worth it.
We know it’s wrong for Media to give fascists a platform.
Could you please confirm whether media corporations can legally deny fascists and a potentially convicted felon and serial liar, a platform, which msnbc not need not have done.
Nancy, the interview was on NBC, not MSNBC, which is a more liberal network.
Kathleen DE Blois, Thank you for the correction, NBC not msnbc.
I feel that Kristen, in her very first interview as host of Meet the Press, felt she had to follow her producers' instructions. I don't excuse her for doing so. Unlike what Kristen did, I remember seeing Savannah Guthrie interview Trump once and she challenged several of his stupid comments more than once. By that I mean she didn't just go to the next question; she pursued her first question very assertively. She made him look dumber than usual, I thought.
Vote, yes, and network our way to the journalists and editors to relay messages such as David Pepper's "how to interview Trump." That's what we can do through the Media and Democracy Project:
https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/about
They quote Ida B. Wells: “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
Stop tuning in to any tfg interview. It's all about ratings!
The media will stop doing these interviews when WE stop watching them.
Thanks for the info on Dirt Road Democrats. I will check out the pod cast.
Also, and excellent concise summation:
“The Party of No has no plan, no vision, and no guiding principles other than the perpetuation of power for its members. And greed.”
The incompetent Welker (Harvard's not sending us their best) proves "new host same as the old host." She has a high "chucktodd" score (a "chucktodd" is an internationally recognized unit of measure for political illiteracy, ignorance, and general stupidity, named in honor of the man whose life and career exemplify those qualities).
I'll bet Mehdi Hasan would have dealt with him differently. You have to understand Trump is a sub-chimpanzee, so you have to establish dominance from the outset, which Mr. Hasan would have no problem accomplishing in about 2 minutes.
I have seen Mehdi Hasan's video on how to interview him; it is accurate. I am imagining what her news director would have been saying in her ear if she tried those tactics.
Your frustration is coming out and your attacking the wrong person.
There's really nothing confusing about what's happening in the House of Representatives. It's all utterly predictable.
MAGA extremists in the House of Representatives actively wanted a U.S. debt default in the Spring, and now they actively want to shutdown the government. All the posturing about spending limits, immigration policy, Ukraine military aid, and so forth is not part of a serious legislative debate. Everyone knew all along that these demands will never be accepted by a Democratic Senate and Democratic President.
What the MAGA faction seeks is chaos and disruption, targeted at the very heart of our democratic republic. This is not Speaker McCarthy's problem. Mr. McCarthy's impotent leadership IS the problem, as it empowers those who proudly support convicted January 6 conspirators and openly welcome civil war.
MAGA extremists in the House are not ordinary politicians, like Libertarians or the Tea Party. This ia an assault on the institution itself. So long as Kevin McCarthy remains Speaker of the House, the threat will persist and grow. They need to be confronted directly and decisively.
The only feasible solution is for a bipartisan coalition in the House to remove Mr. McCarthy and elect a centrist Republican Speaker like Don Bacon (R-NE) who owes nothing to the exremists. And it appears the only way that will happen is if enough outspoken citizens and a supportive segment of the media insist that leader Hakim Jeffries join forces with moderate Republicans to form that coalition. Learn more here: www.FeathersOfHope.net or jerryweiss.substack.com
.
Thanks Jerry. One hopes that at some point the House Democrats will wake up and realize that they are part of the show, not the audience. Phone calls continue.
I can't imagine any universe where McCarthy will agree to split power with Democrats to get anything done in Congress. That said it seems to be the only responsible idea. It sucks Democrats always have to be the ones willing to compromise in order to be the adults in the room.
McCarthy doesn't have to agree, 72% of the House voted in favor of the FRA and even without his vote, there's a supermajority that could vacate the Speakership and conduct business. There's also no need for the Democrats to compromise on anything, the Senate appropriations bills are in accordance with the deal that Mr. Biden made with McCarthy at the time.
Great points.
Thanks.
This is a really good effort. Will make phone calls later today.
This is an ongoing problem which seems to indicate that the Republicans are on a treadmill, enabling Trump and his Freedom Caucus children. Let’s find the way and means to shut them and Tuberville down. Stop the enabling!!!
How will that work with the current membership of the House Republicans? They would need some Republicans to be a lot braver than they have been thus far. I understand being afraid for your family, but this is an EMERGENCY situation. Not just the possible shut-down, but the continuing spineless permission most of them give to Trump without EVER contradicting him, and most importantly, the possible loss of our democracy.
It's shameful!
Why would your readers feel they have the expertise to justify and defend the wretched Kristen Welker, because she is not a white male? This is the worst example of liberal guilt I’ve seen lately. All of her training as a woman to pacify men was on display. ken Froomkin has annotated the transcript with all the ways that she could have pushed back and did not. You can find him on Twitter. At a time when we need heroes inthe press- and Michael Tomaski of the new republic warns that the press is going to bring us fascism—Welker brought despair. She is unforgivable.
I disagree with your comments. You must have seen a different interview. Welker was not perfect but she held her own sometimes and most importantly got Trump to admit his guilt and knowledge about the election. She did better than many other males who tried to interview him. Maybe Nancy Pelosi should do the next interview.
I find this back and forth about Welker so frustrating. The point is not how she performed. It is that she gave a platform to someone who tried to mount a coup. That's the point. That was her error. That is why she deserves criticism.
She did not give him the platform The network did.
She didn't have to agree to it.
I am wondering about that. This was her first bigtime show. She probably had little say in who her first interview would be. Yes, she could have said no, but would that have meant her losing her "promotion"? She was clearly not up to the task. Could Rachel Maddow have taken him down! I do agree that the network is completely at fault. He should never get any air time at all.
She went into it knowing what it would be. That's call selling out your morals and values. The show hasn't been good since Tim Russert. No clue why it's still on the air.
Thank you. Her ineptitude must not be forgiven.
Send her the annotated interview w/Ken Froomkin. Maybe she can learn something from it.
https://newrepublic.com/article/175612/two-medias-trump-2024-spectacle
So aggressive questioning would have risked DirtBag walking out of the NBC interview? I say great. Let everyone see the psycho crybaby for what he is: a lying, traitorous coward. Nothing beats mildew like an airing in the full sun.
Besides which, it was taped days ahead, giving NBC management plenty of time to show that and to fill the time set aside for different programming.
Thanks Robert, cannot agree more about giving Trump a voice on national news. First CNN, then NBC. When will these organizations get their heads out of a dark place. When will they stop giving the GOP congress air? When will moderate republicans from “purple” communities create a coalition in congress to restore sanity to the congress. When will the entire reasonable ecosystem of traitorous republicans be addressed by the the DOJ? They have had two years of inaction that has made the democracy even more vulnerable. I am beginning to believe Merrick Garland was the wrong choice. An absolute “pit bull” like Jack Smith should have been there from the start. Well I guess hindsight is always 20/20.
Beginning to believe? Merrick Garland was clearly the wrong choice from day one. He would have made a "supreme" Supreme Court justice when he could mull over cases and come to brilliant decisions, but he has no chops for the AG of our country. Under Biden's 2nd term, I think he will resign. Hope so. We need a pit bull.
Robert, your comments about media coverage of Trump are so on
point, and David Pepper as usual hits the nail on the head. I feel like we are going through Ground Hog Day every day again when I turn on Morning Joe to hear the same thing over and over again (I know, I know, I can just choose not to watch, but I keep hoping he will be off that day, and his very competent “other hosts” will be sitting in). Bottom line STOP COVERING THE YELLOW MONSTER.
And if Joe Biden is not our best choice for President, start showing us who can lead the country better. Telling us we have a problem, and not giving us options to solve it gets us nowhere.
Like: " STOP COVERING THE YELLOW MONSTER."
I always thought of him as the "ORANGE MONSTER." :)
His hairs gotten lighter
Stand corrected. It took at least three minutes this morning to mention Trumps name on MJ, after football injury was discussed. Improvement I guess.
Robert, thanks for today's newsletter. I just want to go on record as completely supporting your views regarding trump. He should be given no exposure by the MSM. I am so disappointed with MSNBC and the daily non-stop coverage of the Orange Traitor. He should never be mentioned, he belongs in isolation in a super max prison, with the rest of the convicts.
Until that day, there is nothing new or truthful to report regarding trump.
NC new Chair of NC Dem Party Clayton Anderson, 25 years young, is going around our state saying we cannot let one seat go uncontested because it’s a gift to the Republicans. She is from rural area and is going to all the girl counties saying get out and vote even if we lose she’s also going to the colleges and universities and getting the young people out to register and vote.
Exactly! I agree 100%. But you should know that many political consultants hired by the Democratic Party do not. They see "unwinnable" races as a waste of money and a distraction. They are wrong, for the reasons noted by Jess Piper in her podcast.
Joe McCarthy would be so proud of how these Republicans are ruining Hunter Biden through slander and public humiliation. Yes, indeed, McCarthy must feel proud that the HUAC is being challenged by 2023 Republicans for its cruelty.
I don’t understand why Democrats aren’t leaping on the Hunter Biden indictment as an opportunity to say “YES! We’ll indict every single person in this country who has lied on their gun application! Gun safety measures at last!”
Whatever happened to the fallout from the Hunter Biden nude photos that MTG so tastelessly displayed, and emailed to her constituents? Wasn’t that a violation of pornography laws? Haven’t seen any pushback on that.
Unfortunately, members of Congress are protected by the Speech and Debate clause. MJT would be able to achieve dismissal of any lawsuit against her immediately.
I shall henceforth refer to Kevin McCarthy (or any equally despicable successors) as "Subwoofer of the House," the lowest end of the Speaker range.
🤣🤣🤣