Hi Robert, thank you for all the enlightening explanations!
I just read an email from Focus For Democracy saying that Judge Janet’s opponent is surging in the polls. She has been consistently ahead but now it’s a toss up. It’ll be all about turnout. Simon Rosenberg said Saturday this could happen because of all the Trump mess now, causing the Republican candidate to surge There is still time today and tomorrow to phone bank to remind voters to get out to vote. They do trainings at the beginnings of each session if anyone has time to help. You can sign up for a WisDems phone bank here: https://www.mobilize.us/wisdems/event/545075/. Lots of times available. Or with the DNC call crew here: https://events.democrats.org/event/550304/?utm_source=dnc_organizing&utm_campaign=sms_stw_mb_tt_vol_ph_20230302_vm_natl_b2_a_na
Also, an NYC group, Rise & Resist, is hosting a gathering outside the courthouse in Downtown Manhattan Tuesday at 3pm if anyone wants to get out on the streets with them: https://bit.ly/NoOneIsAboveTheLawNYCApr4
Throughout all this understandable focus on Trump's arraignment, let's not forget one of, if not THE, most consequential election of this year, the WI Supreme Court election. Nothing truly significant or unexpected is going to happen with Trump this week, but the results of the WI election will have far reaching effects on our efforts to save our democracy.
Support for Trump after indictment is 80% - roughly - of Republicans. Republicans are 30% of the population. So supporters of Trump after indictment are about 25% of the country.
Another superb, fact-filled newsletter, Robert. Thank you! April 4th 2023 will be remembered as a memorable date for several reasons: 1) Trump's surrender to be arraigned on criminal charges in NYC; 2) A very consequential Supreme Court election in Wisconsin; 3) Early in-person voting begins in battleground Ohio; and, .4) The 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, JR
Apr 3, 2023·edited Apr 3, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Sorry, I skimmed the material about Trump and his legal entanglements, because I am not going to be distracted by the Trump circus. The legal authorities will deal with Trump or not. Even if he is convicted of a felony, he can run again. Instead, I am working with local progressive activists to prepare well ahead of the 2024 election to get out votes for Democrats. This means understanding voters who infrequently turn out and getting to know which former members of the Republican party are willing to vote for sane and truthful candidates instead of what they are being offered. It will require registering new Democratic voters and also learning why some people have given up on voting so we can address their concerns. It means knocking on doors, a lot of them, starting ASAP.
Heather Cox Richardson's latest post focuses on what we are up against by detailing the gerrymandering and bare knuckles minority rule initiatives of Republicans in Wisconsin. This is why we must elect Democrats. There is little mention of Trump in her post. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/april-2-2023-sunday
I just gotta say: Bill Barr is not a credible source on any legal matter and he is irredeemable. He is among the elite of TFG liars and subverted the DOJ. He is entirely self-serving just like someone else we know.
Gregory Bateson, the late British scientist/philosopher/doctor once defined information as "a difference that makes a difference," a statement that comes to mind every time I read Today's Edition Newsletter. The information about the roiling world of American politics that really "makes a difference" in the lives of ordinary citizens is knowledge that's based on verifiable evidence and communicated with a respect for and love of Truth and Justice, characteristics of Hubbell's work that are conspicuously missing in most of what passes for journalism today. I marvel at his attention to detail and skillful analysis of complicated issues of law that would otherwise leave me baffled. Today, after reading about Trump in light of the recent arrival of the Goddess of Justice at the former president's door and feeling good about it, I just wanted to pay a moment of homage to the writer who consistently delivers the news and its implications in an honest, confident style that truly is "painless and classy."
I am so glad that Robert’s legal expertise helps frame what is going on with these cases. I am also sorely disappointed in some of the supposedly neutral lawyers who are throwing shade on the Bragg case. I am referring specifically to Dan Abrams, Chief Legal Analyst on Good Morning America and ABC News. This morning he was pointing out all the weaknesses of the case and not mentioning the severity of any of the possible additional charges. GMA is a “main stream media” show where millions of viewers can get the truth and which appeals to non cable viewers. They have missed the mark and may have contributed to the disinformation.
I guess I am baffled by the “independents” (no offense, please, to anyone!) we should work on, as if there were a rational choice between, say,Trump and Biden after what we have seen the past six years? Whatever label I support, the difference between the two parties is now so stretched between rationality and emotional lock step that I fail to see how anyone at this point could be sincerely independent.
Robert, thank you for another fine assessment, but in particular for THIS paragraph:
"But what about the polls that show the indictment is helping Trump’s ratings? Look closely at those polls. They talk in terms of support for Trump among Republicans. Indictments will not boost Trump’s electability among persuadable Independents—our target audience. We should not expend energy trying to reach voters who believe indictments are a net positive for a presidential candidate."
WHY do pundits and talking heads constantly point to polls of the Republicans and so infrequently survey the Independents? Chances are strong that if someone is still a Republican, he/she/it is hopelessly bigoted and supportive of the nutcases like MJT, etc. They are lost in the woods of fantasy and denial. They are hopelessly in a spiral dive to a nether world.
Gallup: On December 17, 2020, Gallup polling found that 31% of Americans identified as Democrats, 25% identified as Republicans, and 41% as Independent.
Also:
Most of you have read HCR's LFAA already. It's about Wisconsin. Wow. Read it if you haven't.
Also, please consider this piece from Mary L. Trump. Double WOW.
Yes, the real question for some future (legal) historian is explaining Merrick Garland's behavior. I am surprised that it has not been more widely and severely criticized.
When does Trump cross the line from First Amendment protected speech to treason when providing support and comfort to our enemies when he glorifies Putin? Putin is emboldened by Trump and his low life surrogates who provide robust verbal support to dictators around the world who kill innocents, murder dissidents, suppress free speech and engage in international terrorism. And of course it is the likes of Margorie Green Taylor who glorify the insurrectionists that brutalized and killed Capitol police officers. Why do we not consider these actions as anything but treason?
Merrick Garland's lack of initiative is all the more galling relative to shameless Bill Barr's obstruction as AG and continued attempts to guide the narrative regarding Trump and their relationship. Barr's comments suggest a wish to limit the charges against his former boss as much as they add legitimacy to the obstruction charge. Like anyone should care about his opinion. Perhaps he anticipates another tour of duty as AG, wherein he would he would be working diligently to unwind Trump's convictions. Barr is skilled at manipulation and dissemblance. I get nauseous seeing his name in print. There should be Senate hearings calling him to account for providing legal cover to Trump and his family.
Hi Robert, thank you for all the enlightening explanations!
I just read an email from Focus For Democracy saying that Judge Janet’s opponent is surging in the polls. She has been consistently ahead but now it’s a toss up. It’ll be all about turnout. Simon Rosenberg said Saturday this could happen because of all the Trump mess now, causing the Republican candidate to surge There is still time today and tomorrow to phone bank to remind voters to get out to vote. They do trainings at the beginnings of each session if anyone has time to help. You can sign up for a WisDems phone bank here: https://www.mobilize.us/wisdems/event/545075/. Lots of times available. Or with the DNC call crew here: https://events.democrats.org/event/550304/?utm_source=dnc_organizing&utm_campaign=sms_stw_mb_tt_vol_ph_20230302_vm_natl_b2_a_na
Also, an NYC group, Rise & Resist, is hosting a gathering outside the courthouse in Downtown Manhattan Tuesday at 3pm if anyone wants to get out on the streets with them: https://bit.ly/NoOneIsAboveTheLawNYCApr4
Throughout all this understandable focus on Trump's arraignment, let's not forget one of, if not THE, most consequential election of this year, the WI Supreme Court election. Nothing truly significant or unexpected is going to happen with Trump this week, but the results of the WI election will have far reaching effects on our efforts to save our democracy.
Thanks for all you do, Rob!!
Support for Trump after indictment is 80% - roughly - of Republicans. Republicans are 30% of the population. So supporters of Trump after indictment are about 25% of the country.
Another superb, fact-filled newsletter, Robert. Thank you! April 4th 2023 will be remembered as a memorable date for several reasons: 1) Trump's surrender to be arraigned on criminal charges in NYC; 2) A very consequential Supreme Court election in Wisconsin; 3) Early in-person voting begins in battleground Ohio; and, .4) The 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, JR
Sorry, I skimmed the material about Trump and his legal entanglements, because I am not going to be distracted by the Trump circus. The legal authorities will deal with Trump or not. Even if he is convicted of a felony, he can run again. Instead, I am working with local progressive activists to prepare well ahead of the 2024 election to get out votes for Democrats. This means understanding voters who infrequently turn out and getting to know which former members of the Republican party are willing to vote for sane and truthful candidates instead of what they are being offered. It will require registering new Democratic voters and also learning why some people have given up on voting so we can address their concerns. It means knocking on doors, a lot of them, starting ASAP.
Heather Cox Richardson's latest post focuses on what we are up against by detailing the gerrymandering and bare knuckles minority rule initiatives of Republicans in Wisconsin. This is why we must elect Democrats. There is little mention of Trump in her post. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/april-2-2023-sunday
I just gotta say: Bill Barr is not a credible source on any legal matter and he is irredeemable. He is among the elite of TFG liars and subverted the DOJ. He is entirely self-serving just like someone else we know.
Gregory Bateson, the late British scientist/philosopher/doctor once defined information as "a difference that makes a difference," a statement that comes to mind every time I read Today's Edition Newsletter. The information about the roiling world of American politics that really "makes a difference" in the lives of ordinary citizens is knowledge that's based on verifiable evidence and communicated with a respect for and love of Truth and Justice, characteristics of Hubbell's work that are conspicuously missing in most of what passes for journalism today. I marvel at his attention to detail and skillful analysis of complicated issues of law that would otherwise leave me baffled. Today, after reading about Trump in light of the recent arrival of the Goddess of Justice at the former president's door and feeling good about it, I just wanted to pay a moment of homage to the writer who consistently delivers the news and its implications in an honest, confident style that truly is "painless and classy."
I am so glad that Robert’s legal expertise helps frame what is going on with these cases. I am also sorely disappointed in some of the supposedly neutral lawyers who are throwing shade on the Bragg case. I am referring specifically to Dan Abrams, Chief Legal Analyst on Good Morning America and ABC News. This morning he was pointing out all the weaknesses of the case and not mentioning the severity of any of the possible additional charges. GMA is a “main stream media” show where millions of viewers can get the truth and which appeals to non cable viewers. They have missed the mark and may have contributed to the disinformation.
Like I said some time ago: loyalty, fear, deceit, are all signs of a maffia culture in the GOP. We must not let it spread.
I guess I am baffled by the “independents” (no offense, please, to anyone!) we should work on, as if there were a rational choice between, say,Trump and Biden after what we have seen the past six years? Whatever label I support, the difference between the two parties is now so stretched between rationality and emotional lock step that I fail to see how anyone at this point could be sincerely independent.
"We should not expend energy trying to reach voters who believe indictments are a net positive for a presidential candidate."
Agree 100%. In addition, nor should we expend any energy on name calling, or being catatonic with worry or rage. There is lots to do.
Thanks Robert, last week we had natures tornados, this week we have man made tornados!
Robert, thank you for another fine assessment, but in particular for THIS paragraph:
"But what about the polls that show the indictment is helping Trump’s ratings? Look closely at those polls. They talk in terms of support for Trump among Republicans. Indictments will not boost Trump’s electability among persuadable Independents—our target audience. We should not expend energy trying to reach voters who believe indictments are a net positive for a presidential candidate."
WHY do pundits and talking heads constantly point to polls of the Republicans and so infrequently survey the Independents? Chances are strong that if someone is still a Republican, he/she/it is hopelessly bigoted and supportive of the nutcases like MJT, etc. They are lost in the woods of fantasy and denial. They are hopelessly in a spiral dive to a nether world.
Gallup: On December 17, 2020, Gallup polling found that 31% of Americans identified as Democrats, 25% identified as Republicans, and 41% as Independent.
Also:
Most of you have read HCR's LFAA already. It's about Wisconsin. Wow. Read it if you haven't.
Also, please consider this piece from Mary L. Trump. Double WOW.
https://marytrump.substack.com/p/the-weaponization-of-hypocrisy?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Yes, the real question for some future (legal) historian is explaining Merrick Garland's behavior. I am surprised that it has not been more widely and severely criticized.
When does Trump cross the line from First Amendment protected speech to treason when providing support and comfort to our enemies when he glorifies Putin? Putin is emboldened by Trump and his low life surrogates who provide robust verbal support to dictators around the world who kill innocents, murder dissidents, suppress free speech and engage in international terrorism. And of course it is the likes of Margorie Green Taylor who glorify the insurrectionists that brutalized and killed Capitol police officers. Why do we not consider these actions as anything but treason?
Merrick Garland's lack of initiative is all the more galling relative to shameless Bill Barr's obstruction as AG and continued attempts to guide the narrative regarding Trump and their relationship. Barr's comments suggest a wish to limit the charges against his former boss as much as they add legitimacy to the obstruction charge. Like anyone should care about his opinion. Perhaps he anticipates another tour of duty as AG, wherein he would he would be working diligently to unwind Trump's convictions. Barr is skilled at manipulation and dissemblance. I get nauseous seeing his name in print. There should be Senate hearings calling him to account for providing legal cover to Trump and his family.