IMO, Robert, you are exactly on target to remind us that it is our job to "support leadership by giving them the electoral victories that they need to regain control of the House." While not the big picture, I have taken on the job of creating and sending several hundred postcards to voters in Virginia to vote in the November 7 election. Also, I smile every time I see my pick for State Senate on TV campaigning, knowing that my small donations made that possible! It is my hope that a win in Virginia will send a message to the rest of the country that we mean business!
I am horrified Robert—I did not know the history behind that gun shop. Trump and his supporters are a clear and present danger to the USA. We had better vote like we understand that! Thanks for all you do.
I love this: “Do not relent in your efforts because of worry about the next Speaker or the need to pass a budget (or extension) before Thanksgiving. The antidote to anxiety is action—especially when that action occurs in community with others!”
When I retired a few years ago, I gave a lot of thought to what I was being called to do next, other than more family and grand-parenting time (hooray) and more exercise. I soon settled on voter registration and political engagement. I’m a confessed workaholic, so I treat this like a job, albeit a part-time one, but it does take hours most days. I count on Robert and MORNING EDITION readers to provide mission clarity and encouragement that send me off on “work days,” which today will be a college campus in underserved South Dallas.
As the three ring circus plays out in the House all of us have a responsibility to now get involved and focus on two key elements of our election victory strategy. The first part is getting people to register to vote especially young people and secondly getting accomplishments out and in front of people. An example is the recent student loan forgiveness program that demonstrates what the Biden Administration has accomplished and appeals to younger voters. The more we highlight what has been accomplished the more the Republicans antics look pale in comparison. Remember we need to do this because the media will not.
I don’t think Trump is smart enough to do the research to find the picture that he posted of Judge Engoron’s law clerk with Senator Schumer. Who are the evil people behind Trump’s postings like that?
After the first day of the NYC fraud trial, I saw a couple clips from the event. One, taken in the corridors during a break, showed the Dark Lord fuming to anyone who would listen. I noticed a young woman standing near him, staring into space, saying nothing, almost expressionless. In the other clip, taken earlier in the courtroom before the trial began, the same woman was sitting at the defense table. My guess is that she's a junior counsel detailed to bird-dog the Defendant and report back. So his defense team has taken steps to deal as best it can with his mouth. They can't shut him up, and don't even try, but they obviously think it's important that they know what he's saying. Much good may it do them. It must be hell representing a defendant whose idea of a good defense is to abuse the judge.
“Although some people may believe Florida is no longer a battleground state, we don't think we should give up on it if we're going to play the long game.”
Grateful to hear about Airlift and Shaping A New Florida. Not giving up ! 😎
And for comic relief, Stephen Colbert trolled Trump ⬇️
“ I know you meant that as an insult, but that really sounds like the kind of rave review you want to slap on a Times Square billboard,” Colbert, one of Trump’s fiercest late-night detractors, continued.
“So we did that,” he said, before showing an image outside CBS’s Times Square studios featuring an ad for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” with Trump’s “Watch what is going on — so interesting!” quote in all-caps superimposed on it.
“I hope you get a chance to check out the billboard on the way to your next court appearance,” he added.“ 😂😂
I disagree that jailing the failed insurrectionist would be traumatic for the nation although there's scant doubt that he'd do everything he could to excite as much activity as possible. The media would be apoplectic in their concern and certainly there is an element that would threaten and possibly attempt violence, but for most Americans the result would be a huge sigh of relief that someone had finally stepped up and slapped the cowardly lion. The bully won't stop until that happens and it will be harder the longer we wait. Judge Chutkan, if she takes that step, will need and deserve our support just as much as the Congressional Democratic cohort.
Watching the House is scary indeed. The dithering on the budget, and the support for Ukraine is very concerning. Inviting Putin to expand his aggression to more European countries is the probable outcome of the refusal to do this. I know that Trump wanted to pull out of NATO, but not supporting Ukraine makes it more likely that NATO troops will have to defend another nation Putin attacks a NATO ally country too. The next election is too far off. So much more damage can be done in the meantime.
Thanks Robert, we are at war and your message could not be more clear , everyone supporting the constitution and our democracy stay focused on the mission, much like the soldiers defending Ukraine.
"I’m a Republican. I win by Republicans, and I lose by Republicans.” so said Kevin McCarthy. It is not giving undo focus on the Speaker election to wish for someone whose focus is the good of the country.
Not that we needed. persuading, but the segment about Trump pretending to purchase a gun at what appears to be a racist armory is chilling. Nor do we need persuading that Trump is seeking a confrontation as he faces courts. What then will be the consequence of there being a Speaker willing to foment an authorized insurrection? What would such an insurrection look like? So far, among judges who might confront Trump, none have taken the bait to confront him in a way that would resonate with his followers.
As you say, winning in November, 2023 -- as a precursor to November 2024 is the best antidote to the poison of a dangerous Speaker. The abortion referendum in Ohio and the legislative elections in Virginia -- absolutely. Also the gubernatorial and (less promising) down ballot elections in Kentucky, Louisiana, and even Mississippi. For governor, we are seeking to reelect a Democrat in Kentucky, fill the seat of a white conservative Democrat with a slightly less conservative African American Democrat in Louisiana, and to elect the baby cousin, grown up to be a former Public Service Commissioner, of Elvis Presley in Mississippi.
“And IF Republicans lose their collective minds”. Robert, you are being way too generous here. You are assuming they have minds to lose! You can’t lose something you don’t have. BTW have you noticed how certain men in power are so strongly governed by their passions not their heads? It is part of the male myth that women are the emotional ones. Perhaps because they aren’t afraid to cry? Nancy Pelosi continues to prove how cool headed and steely women can be. At age 81.
Gym Jordan or Steve Scalise. Among over 200 members of the GOP in the House, aren't there one or two who don't want to burn the House down, don't have serious issues with morality, and don't want grievance and vindictiveness to be the animating background on all future legislation including that which relates to the budget?
Oct 5, 2023·edited Oct 5, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Great newsletter today Mr. Hubbell.
> "No. Democrats did not make a mistake. McCarthy said in his farewell pity party that he did not want to work with Democrats. He said, he would not have wanted to be speaker at the cost of relying on Democrats to provide votes or making concessions to win their votes. “No. I’m a Republican. I win by Republicans, and I lose by Republicans.”
This right here is worth remembering, there are some people like McCarthy who will always put their needs, ego, group or party ahead of the best needs of everyone or their country. This is a great example. McCarthy would only have accepted winning on his terms and now he has lost his coveted speakership. Republicans would rather burn the country down than work with Democrats, they can and will only function as an opposition party.
My grandfather, used to have a saying "You can't make a good deal with a bad guy." Those words are so true when it comes to life, but especially politics. Republicans need to make a stand and clean up their party, and people need to stop voting for the exact chaos that Republicans say they want while they run. None of their nonsense should ever come as a surprise. Vote for clowns, expect a circus.
Oct 5, 2023·edited Oct 5, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Thank you for all these updates, Robert. Let me remind readers of the student loan debt issue. On page 101 of my Big Book, I write this: "The cost of a college education is, in most cases, currently out of reach for all but the most financially able families, and the system for obtaining aid and scholarships is so complex that only students who have keenly aware parents—or schools that help students with such things—can take full advantage of what might be available to them."
I add in endnote 82: "This brief news story [okay, about an hour long] gets readers into the topic of what it costs to go to post-secondary school now compared to generations ago. Use the internet to find more examples and explanations of how out of reach college now is for most Americans and most of the things we used to think are part of the American Dream are simply out of reach now for most students. Most sadly, students and their families didn’t understand what kind of hopeless debt they were getting themselves into.
I highly, highly, highly recommend you watch the linked program I reference here that reveals the retired congressman behind an unclosable loophole. The one where the only debt that can't be excused during bankruptcy is student debt. And this man still doesn't see anything wrong or egregious about this. Thank Joe Biden (who was interviewed for the cnbc broadcast and in it he was told, for the first time, about this tiny little "rider" that went unnoticed by most congress members. Don't be unprepared and brought off-course in your conversations. This is why we have this issue. Well, one of the reasons, but that's for another post.
IMO, Robert, you are exactly on target to remind us that it is our job to "support leadership by giving them the electoral victories that they need to regain control of the House." While not the big picture, I have taken on the job of creating and sending several hundred postcards to voters in Virginia to vote in the November 7 election. Also, I smile every time I see my pick for State Senate on TV campaigning, knowing that my small donations made that possible! It is my hope that a win in Virginia will send a message to the rest of the country that we mean business!
I am horrified Robert—I did not know the history behind that gun shop. Trump and his supporters are a clear and present danger to the USA. We had better vote like we understand that! Thanks for all you do.
I love this: “Do not relent in your efforts because of worry about the next Speaker or the need to pass a budget (or extension) before Thanksgiving. The antidote to anxiety is action—especially when that action occurs in community with others!”
When I retired a few years ago, I gave a lot of thought to what I was being called to do next, other than more family and grand-parenting time (hooray) and more exercise. I soon settled on voter registration and political engagement. I’m a confessed workaholic, so I treat this like a job, albeit a part-time one, but it does take hours most days. I count on Robert and MORNING EDITION readers to provide mission clarity and encouragement that send me off on “work days,” which today will be a college campus in underserved South Dallas.
I’m grateful to all of you. Thank you!
As the three ring circus plays out in the House all of us have a responsibility to now get involved and focus on two key elements of our election victory strategy. The first part is getting people to register to vote especially young people and secondly getting accomplishments out and in front of people. An example is the recent student loan forgiveness program that demonstrates what the Biden Administration has accomplished and appeals to younger voters. The more we highlight what has been accomplished the more the Republicans antics look pale in comparison. Remember we need to do this because the media will not.
I think I’m going to make a few T-shirt’s and borrow your message “ The antidote to anxiety is action”
I hope you don’t mind. It fits my outlook. Thank you.
I don’t think Trump is smart enough to do the research to find the picture that he posted of Judge Engoron’s law clerk with Senator Schumer. Who are the evil people behind Trump’s postings like that?
After the first day of the NYC fraud trial, I saw a couple clips from the event. One, taken in the corridors during a break, showed the Dark Lord fuming to anyone who would listen. I noticed a young woman standing near him, staring into space, saying nothing, almost expressionless. In the other clip, taken earlier in the courtroom before the trial began, the same woman was sitting at the defense table. My guess is that she's a junior counsel detailed to bird-dog the Defendant and report back. So his defense team has taken steps to deal as best it can with his mouth. They can't shut him up, and don't even try, but they obviously think it's important that they know what he's saying. Much good may it do them. It must be hell representing a defendant whose idea of a good defense is to abuse the judge.
“Although some people may believe Florida is no longer a battleground state, we don't think we should give up on it if we're going to play the long game.”
Grateful to hear about Airlift and Shaping A New Florida. Not giving up ! 😎
And for comic relief, Stephen Colbert trolled Trump ⬇️
“ I know you meant that as an insult, but that really sounds like the kind of rave review you want to slap on a Times Square billboard,” Colbert, one of Trump’s fiercest late-night detractors, continued.
“So we did that,” he said, before showing an image outside CBS’s Times Square studios featuring an ad for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” with Trump’s “Watch what is going on — so interesting!” quote in all-caps superimposed on it.
“I hope you get a chance to check out the billboard on the way to your next court appearance,” he added.“ 😂😂
https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4238290-colbert-advertises-with-trump-slam-so-interesting/
I disagree that jailing the failed insurrectionist would be traumatic for the nation although there's scant doubt that he'd do everything he could to excite as much activity as possible. The media would be apoplectic in their concern and certainly there is an element that would threaten and possibly attempt violence, but for most Americans the result would be a huge sigh of relief that someone had finally stepped up and slapped the cowardly lion. The bully won't stop until that happens and it will be harder the longer we wait. Judge Chutkan, if she takes that step, will need and deserve our support just as much as the Congressional Democratic cohort.
Watching the House is scary indeed. The dithering on the budget, and the support for Ukraine is very concerning. Inviting Putin to expand his aggression to more European countries is the probable outcome of the refusal to do this. I know that Trump wanted to pull out of NATO, but not supporting Ukraine makes it more likely that NATO troops will have to defend another nation Putin attacks a NATO ally country too. The next election is too far off. So much more damage can be done in the meantime.
Thanks Robert, we are at war and your message could not be more clear , everyone supporting the constitution and our democracy stay focused on the mission, much like the soldiers defending Ukraine.
"I’m a Republican. I win by Republicans, and I lose by Republicans.” so said Kevin McCarthy. It is not giving undo focus on the Speaker election to wish for someone whose focus is the good of the country.
Not that we needed. persuading, but the segment about Trump pretending to purchase a gun at what appears to be a racist armory is chilling. Nor do we need persuading that Trump is seeking a confrontation as he faces courts. What then will be the consequence of there being a Speaker willing to foment an authorized insurrection? What would such an insurrection look like? So far, among judges who might confront Trump, none have taken the bait to confront him in a way that would resonate with his followers.
As you say, winning in November, 2023 -- as a precursor to November 2024 is the best antidote to the poison of a dangerous Speaker. The abortion referendum in Ohio and the legislative elections in Virginia -- absolutely. Also the gubernatorial and (less promising) down ballot elections in Kentucky, Louisiana, and even Mississippi. For governor, we are seeking to reelect a Democrat in Kentucky, fill the seat of a white conservative Democrat with a slightly less conservative African American Democrat in Louisiana, and to elect the baby cousin, grown up to be a former Public Service Commissioner, of Elvis Presley in Mississippi.
“And IF Republicans lose their collective minds”. Robert, you are being way too generous here. You are assuming they have minds to lose! You can’t lose something you don’t have. BTW have you noticed how certain men in power are so strongly governed by their passions not their heads? It is part of the male myth that women are the emotional ones. Perhaps because they aren’t afraid to cry? Nancy Pelosi continues to prove how cool headed and steely women can be. At age 81.
Gym Jordan or Steve Scalise. Among over 200 members of the GOP in the House, aren't there one or two who don't want to burn the House down, don't have serious issues with morality, and don't want grievance and vindictiveness to be the animating background on all future legislation including that which relates to the budget?
Great newsletter today Mr. Hubbell.
> "No. Democrats did not make a mistake. McCarthy said in his farewell pity party that he did not want to work with Democrats. He said, he would not have wanted to be speaker at the cost of relying on Democrats to provide votes or making concessions to win their votes. “No. I’m a Republican. I win by Republicans, and I lose by Republicans.”
This right here is worth remembering, there are some people like McCarthy who will always put their needs, ego, group or party ahead of the best needs of everyone or their country. This is a great example. McCarthy would only have accepted winning on his terms and now he has lost his coveted speakership. Republicans would rather burn the country down than work with Democrats, they can and will only function as an opposition party.
My grandfather, used to have a saying "You can't make a good deal with a bad guy." Those words are so true when it comes to life, but especially politics. Republicans need to make a stand and clean up their party, and people need to stop voting for the exact chaos that Republicans say they want while they run. None of their nonsense should ever come as a surprise. Vote for clowns, expect a circus.
Thank you for all these updates, Robert. Let me remind readers of the student loan debt issue. On page 101 of my Big Book, I write this: "The cost of a college education is, in most cases, currently out of reach for all but the most financially able families, and the system for obtaining aid and scholarships is so complex that only students who have keenly aware parents—or schools that help students with such things—can take full advantage of what might be available to them."
I add in endnote 82: "This brief news story [okay, about an hour long] gets readers into the topic of what it costs to go to post-secondary school now compared to generations ago. Use the internet to find more examples and explanations of how out of reach college now is for most Americans and most of the things we used to think are part of the American Dream are simply out of reach now for most students. Most sadly, students and their families didn’t understand what kind of hopeless debt they were getting themselves into.
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/06/this-is-how-student-loan-debt-became-a-1point7-trillion-crisis.html
I highly, highly, highly recommend you watch the linked program I reference here that reveals the retired congressman behind an unclosable loophole. The one where the only debt that can't be excused during bankruptcy is student debt. And this man still doesn't see anything wrong or egregious about this. Thank Joe Biden (who was interviewed for the cnbc broadcast and in it he was told, for the first time, about this tiny little "rider" that went unnoticed by most congress members. Don't be unprepared and brought off-course in your conversations. This is why we have this issue. Well, one of the reasons, but that's for another post.