You sir, are a star advocate for the Constitution, the sacred document millions of American veterans pledged to protect and defend against all enemies foreign and domestic. Speaking as one of those soldier/citizens who reveres the sanctity of the Rule of Law and loathes the enemies of Democracy now exposed within our midsts by the Committee, I am grateful for your eloquent and beautiful stand for truth and justice. Semper Fi!
I especially like these words you wrote tonight Robert: "The heft and history of our great charter was too much for Eastman’s “beguiling and frivolous” arguments. The Constitution prevailed because it defined the landscape in which the coup-plotters were forced to navigate, and they could not circumvent the guardrails and bulwarks erected by the Framers." They are encouraging, strengthening, and hopeful!
Jun 17, 2022·edited Jun 17, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Yesterday's hearing was infinitely more powerful than I had expected. It makes one pause to consider what is next. The hearings have been carefully constructed - the former ABC news exec's fingerprints are all over this. But what is so remarkable is the remarks by REPUBLICANs who were at the scene...at the very power centers in question...who are testifying to the insane illegal acts of TFG and his sycophants.
At the end of the hearing, I took our dog out for a much needed walk. Neighbors saw me and ran out to speak with me. Neighbors who I have never before discussed politics with. "Did you see that??!!" They were horrified by how close Pence came to an ugly end. I think these hearings may be waking the sleeping masses. Very nice people who simply go about life being very nice - who have always eschewed politics and have said "can't we just all get along" - they are now shaken.
Any good story teller begins with a hook. An introduction to grab your interest and keep your attention. Cheney's hook was the outline. Seven ways that TFG sought to undermine our government. Chapter one was the litany of REPUBLICANs who told TFG that there was no election fraud. None. Told him that Biden had truly won. Undeniable evidence that TFG knew he had lost. So he lied and attempted a coup in search of a legal argument. Chapter Two presented yesterday raised the temperature to a fever pitch by adding the element of danger with the image of the hangman's noose. It was as if TFG was channeling Robespierre.
And a good story teller usually puts a climactic element about two thirds the way through. Next week could be epic. And don't forget the "twist". A memorable story leads us one way and we think we have it figured out. Then there is an even more shocking revelation. That is carefully placed near the conclusion.
I expect more neighbors to rush out and scream: "OMG, I had no idea all this was happening!...did you?" My response will be: "Well, yes." "..."But how?". "I read....in particular, I read Today's Edition and Letters From an American".
I really like this. And I find it hard o believe that people really didn't see this before. That aside, I am so glad more and more people are seeing this now.
It goes to show how compartmentalized the information flow was in the GOP that in February, Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chairwoman, could say in a statement about Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger: “They chose to join Nancy Pelosi in a Democrat-led persecution of ordinary citizens who engaged in legitimate political discourse that had nothing to do with violence at the Capitol.” She's either ignorant, a lier, or venal. I wonder if she plus the most visible high profile enablers like Cruz, Hawley, Pompeo, McCarthy, Stefanik and Scalise are doing any re-thinking of their fealty to Trump. Trump would throw any one of them under the bus if it served his interests.
It’s all about politics and power and money. Nothing else matters to those individuals. What we as layman don’t understand is the overwhelming power and pressure Trump can put on people who are not loyal. That threat is greater than we know. It could ruin a persons life
And it's really awful to think about how awful a person Trump is inside. And then....to realize that our country actually had him as President for 4 years. I really thought the USA was better than a person like Trump.
What we all missed was that Trump was a puppet and manipulated by people like Bannon, Giuliani and a host of others who knew his frailties and insecurities and used them to get what they wanted. Trump was totally dishonest and his cabinet was a place to make a ton of money and Trump would allow them to do it for their loyalty
That's exactly what McCarthy did in the 1950s. It is also what Mafia bosses and "strong men" do. It is exactly what we do not need and it is precisely why Trump and his minions need to be exposed for the dangerous cowards that they are. Putting the hearing live and on the record, for all to see is wonderful (if difficult) to watch. It is also something that truly makes America great.
You put that so well. As mentioned in yesterday's hearing, all of the coup plotters put their party and their own political ambitions over sworn service to our country. They have forfeited the right to govern.
John Eastman is what happens when lawyers set aside their observance of ethical rules (yes, rules; not suggestions) and use their positions to sound authoritative while engaging in illegal schemes. He should go to prison.
Mr. Hubbell shows poetry and artistic flair when he very perceptively describes Trump's eventual advisers as "misfits and bottom-feeders." His word choices to describe Trump's groveling, duplicitous, sycophants are so civil, yet so debilitating.
One of the most serious concerns I have is that voters will overlook the seriousness of what has and had been going on over the past 5+ years and focus on on inflation, abortion immigration, LBTG, etc when [and if] they vote. If they vote Republican, what will happen is a continuation of the denials that January 6 events were a big deal and the start of committees looking at things like Hunter Biden, Hilary Clinton and even President Biden. While I agree that the members of both parties need to start talking again, I am not convinced that will happen unless and until the party of the right losses seats and gives the Democrats bigger margins in Congress. Once that happens than I hope the Republicans will feel freer to speak the truth and stop running in fear.
I also find it interesting that those who helped plan and/or participated on January 6- claiming it was the right thing to do- requested pardons and/or claimed they were not active participants.
I am hopeful that DOJ will seek to indite those who clearly are guilty of Sedition and that more of us will understand and support that. That will require that many of us need to recognize that maintaining our democracy is more important right now than our pocketbooks
What is the implication of people noting that Pence knew in advance for at least a month that he would be asked to do this and said nothing until the last minute?? M Cogan
I think it shows that Pence was looking for a way to avoid confrontation, hoping that his attorney would be able to talk sense in Trump and Eastman. That was a miscalculation on his part, driven by fear and learned obedience to Trump.
It's very disturbing that Pence had to ask for advice on what he should do. He was looking for a way to do what Trump wanted. And don't forget, Pence enabled Trump every step of the way for 4 years. He did the right thing this time, thankfully, but he's certainly not a hero.
I think you put that better than I did. Pence is not a hero, but he did the right thing. What I still can't understand is how all these people--Pence, Barr, etc.--could have known for so long that what Trump was trying to do was illegal, but didn't speak up. That's the part I really need to know. I hope the Committee will make this clear.
I believe the Committee is doing a great job at framing the narrative, so to speak. But as the story within the story unfolds, I also hope the Committee is able to present these “ heroes” as flawed ( as we all are) enablers…perhaps it will be in the final act ??
I’m torn on this. If I saw a movie where the lead character kept making selfish and unethical calls, the consequences kept piling up, and then they did the right thing in the end - when all was on the line - I’d probably be very inspired by that person’s ability to wake up and find courage. Can I give Pence that? It’s hard after all his sanctimony and enabling. In the end, I think respecting Republicans who eventually show decency and bravery is important.
Perhaps we can make room for a range of Republicans waking up. If we demand they all be heroes, we might miss the opportunity to strengthen their resolve in whatever step they are able to take. Withholding recognition because someone does something right, but it's not as perfect as we would have wanted, will only come back to bite us. In the end, it's about numbers. Every single DJT person who come to the conclusion that this was a crime and DJT is the criminal brings us a little bit close to the numbers we need to get our government back on track with only the usual amount of folks who put their political careers above the good of the country.
I agree with that. I think there is no place right here for "I told you so." For whatever reason Trump supporters and regular Republicans are waking up is good. They need our support. I keep going back to the image of spousal abuse. When the abused partner finally decides to leave, they need the community's support. This is bigger than getting even. We have to get this right.
That's interesting. And yet, in the end, Pence chose to uphold the Constitution regardless. Trump and Col. are abusers of the first order and I can only imagine what kinds of pressure they put on people in their administration who disagreed with them. Pence did the right thing and that takes courage.
The J6th hearings main objective is to find out what happened before, during and after the attack on the Capital who was involved and most importantly what procedures, laws and changes have to be implemented so this could not happen again. Additionally the DOJ must finalize and codify the question if a sitting President can be indicted of a crime while in office. It’s not enough to expose and indict the entire coup participants it’s more important to protect democracy from this ever happening again at all levels of government.
I would like to make additional comments. First, I could not agree more with your tribute to the committee staff. The staff members have done a great service to America. Same with Cheney and the committee chair. Eternal thanks. I disagree with Cheney on many policy issues but would gladly vote for her for POTUS.
Second: I also agree with you about Eastman as a Trump co-conspirator. He clearly deserves an indictment. But we need to remember that Trump, Eastman and the like draw strength from millions of Americans who support them. And that is what I find so discouraging. If our country is doomed it’s because of those millions - not just Trump and Eastman.
Thanks, Doug. We have to hope that there are tens of millions more Americans who want to see them prosecuted. We are engaged in a battle for the soul of democracy (to quote Joe Biden!).
Subject Line: “…tantamount to a revolution within a paralyzing constitutional crisis.” J. Michael Luttig
Dear Congressman Cicilline:
AG, Merrick Garland, worries about the “appearance” of being politically motivated should he prosecute the former President.
Through the revelations of theJanuary 6 Committee Hearings it has becoming obvious that, by not prosecuting the former President and his team of insurrectionists, the AG is setting a precedent that some US citizens are, absolutely, above the law!
“Donald Trump and his allies and supporters are a clear and present danger to American democracy.” -Judge J. Michael Luttig
Moving forward, if, as reported in the NY Times, “a federal grand jury is investigating Rudolf Giuliani, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, and Kenneth Cheseboro in connection with the “fake electors” scheme. That scheme was a central part of the plan to delay the count of electoral ballots on January 6th” is accurate, would it not be prudent, given the time constraints until the 2022 elections, to provide the DOJ the Committee’s transcripts?
Yesterday's hearing was very heavy. We are living through a dark moment in history. The committee is doing an excellent presentation, and while I am glad that this is coming out, it is also very difficult to see what happened. Pence did the right thing in the end, but why didn't he make his intentions clear in December? I don't see him as a hero. He did his job, but perhaps the violence would have been avoided if he made his intentions clear early. As Officer Dunn tweeted, why should someone be celebrated for doing their job? Pence enabled Trump for four years. I am very sorry for what he and his family went through. No one should have been put in that position. But he is no hero.
Robert, still not understanding why you don't think the committee should give DOJ the transcripts? Yeah, maybe they should have done their job, but shouldn't they be supported in their efforts even if they may be slower? Schiff always complains about DOJ, so why not help the process along? With so much at stake, is now really a time to play games of ownership? I don't know. I left practicing law when it became clear that cooperation among attorneys was a thing of the past.
Here's what I wrote: " The Committee should grant the DOJ’s request in order to advance the public interest in securing convictions of all responsible parties." That does not mean I (and millions of other Americans) need be happy with the plodding investigations by the DOJ. It should be out ahead of the Committee, not behind it. Some of these crimes were committed in public on tape and have been ignored for 1.5 years. Hence, my frustration with the DOJ.
I wonder what Judge Luttig thinks about another of his clerks: Ted Cruz? It appears that if Eastman didn't find a way around the constraints of the Constitution or the Electoral Count Act, he simply dismissed them as either poorly written or even unconstitutional. Such arrogance must have been observable when he clerked for the judge; leopards don't change their spots. That being the case, the arrogance of Cruz is on par with Eastman. I am hopeful that he and Hawley and others in Congress who participated in this attempted coup will be unveiled in subsequent hearings. I for one, am ready for a thorough House and Senate cleaning.
You sir, are a star advocate for the Constitution, the sacred document millions of American veterans pledged to protect and defend against all enemies foreign and domestic. Speaking as one of those soldier/citizens who reveres the sanctity of the Rule of Law and loathes the enemies of Democracy now exposed within our midsts by the Committee, I am grateful for your eloquent and beautiful stand for truth and justice. Semper Fi!
Stewart, Your tribute to Robert is gorgeous and one he has earned.
I especially like these words you wrote tonight Robert: "The heft and history of our great charter was too much for Eastman’s “beguiling and frivolous” arguments. The Constitution prevailed because it defined the landscape in which the coup-plotters were forced to navigate, and they could not circumvent the guardrails and bulwarks erected by the Framers." They are encouraging, strengthening, and hopeful!
Yesterday's hearing was infinitely more powerful than I had expected. It makes one pause to consider what is next. The hearings have been carefully constructed - the former ABC news exec's fingerprints are all over this. But what is so remarkable is the remarks by REPUBLICANs who were at the scene...at the very power centers in question...who are testifying to the insane illegal acts of TFG and his sycophants.
At the end of the hearing, I took our dog out for a much needed walk. Neighbors saw me and ran out to speak with me. Neighbors who I have never before discussed politics with. "Did you see that??!!" They were horrified by how close Pence came to an ugly end. I think these hearings may be waking the sleeping masses. Very nice people who simply go about life being very nice - who have always eschewed politics and have said "can't we just all get along" - they are now shaken.
Any good story teller begins with a hook. An introduction to grab your interest and keep your attention. Cheney's hook was the outline. Seven ways that TFG sought to undermine our government. Chapter one was the litany of REPUBLICANs who told TFG that there was no election fraud. None. Told him that Biden had truly won. Undeniable evidence that TFG knew he had lost. So he lied and attempted a coup in search of a legal argument. Chapter Two presented yesterday raised the temperature to a fever pitch by adding the element of danger with the image of the hangman's noose. It was as if TFG was channeling Robespierre.
And a good story teller usually puts a climactic element about two thirds the way through. Next week could be epic. And don't forget the "twist". A memorable story leads us one way and we think we have it figured out. Then there is an even more shocking revelation. That is carefully placed near the conclusion.
I expect more neighbors to rush out and scream: "OMG, I had no idea all this was happening!...did you?" My response will be: "Well, yes." "..."But how?". "I read....in particular, I read Today's Edition and Letters From an American".
Bill, The bit I most appreciated was affirmation that the hearings are reaching folks who, otherwise, wouldn’t be paying attention.
"I think these hearings may be waking the sleeping masses."
I sure hope so, Bill.
And aren't we lucky to the nth degree that we read Robert Hubbell and Heather Cox Richardson? (And Dan Rather and TCinLA, et al.)
I really like this. And I find it hard o believe that people really didn't see this before. That aside, I am so glad more and more people are seeing this now.
“Donald Trump and his allies and supporters are a clear and present danger to American democracy.” -Judge J. Michael Luttig
I should have included that line!
It goes to show how compartmentalized the information flow was in the GOP that in February, Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chairwoman, could say in a statement about Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger: “They chose to join Nancy Pelosi in a Democrat-led persecution of ordinary citizens who engaged in legitimate political discourse that had nothing to do with violence at the Capitol.” She's either ignorant, a lier, or venal. I wonder if she plus the most visible high profile enablers like Cruz, Hawley, Pompeo, McCarthy, Stefanik and Scalise are doing any re-thinking of their fealty to Trump. Trump would throw any one of them under the bus if it served his interests.
It’s all about politics and power and money. Nothing else matters to those individuals. What we as layman don’t understand is the overwhelming power and pressure Trump can put on people who are not loyal. That threat is greater than we know. It could ruin a persons life
And it's really awful to think about how awful a person Trump is inside. And then....to realize that our country actually had him as President for 4 years. I really thought the USA was better than a person like Trump.
I agree. For me, the four years of "Trump leadership" was as close as I ever want to be to an abusive relationship.
What we all missed was that Trump was a puppet and manipulated by people like Bannon, Giuliani and a host of others who knew his frailties and insecurities and used them to get what they wanted. Trump was totally dishonest and his cabinet was a place to make a ton of money and Trump would allow them to do it for their loyalty
I think there will be few arguing that Trump was the smartest guy in the room. Most mendacious. Most selfish. But not likely smartest.
That's exactly what McCarthy did in the 1950s. It is also what Mafia bosses and "strong men" do. It is exactly what we do not need and it is precisely why Trump and his minions need to be exposed for the dangerous cowards that they are. Putting the hearing live and on the record, for all to see is wonderful (if difficult) to watch. It is also something that truly makes America great.
You put that so well. As mentioned in yesterday's hearing, all of the coup plotters put their party and their own political ambitions over sworn service to our country. They have forfeited the right to govern.
John Eastman is what happens when lawyers set aside their observance of ethical rules (yes, rules; not suggestions) and use their positions to sound authoritative while engaging in illegal schemes. He should go to prison.
There are a lot of people in the Trump camp who should go to prison, and some of them already are. The more the merrier.
Another outstanding letter, Robert.
Mr. Hubbell shows poetry and artistic flair when he very perceptively describes Trump's eventual advisers as "misfits and bottom-feeders." His word choices to describe Trump's groveling, duplicitous, sycophants are so civil, yet so debilitating.
Thanks. They deserve much worse, but I am glad you think I captured their essence.
One of the most serious concerns I have is that voters will overlook the seriousness of what has and had been going on over the past 5+ years and focus on on inflation, abortion immigration, LBTG, etc when [and if] they vote. If they vote Republican, what will happen is a continuation of the denials that January 6 events were a big deal and the start of committees looking at things like Hunter Biden, Hilary Clinton and even President Biden. While I agree that the members of both parties need to start talking again, I am not convinced that will happen unless and until the party of the right losses seats and gives the Democrats bigger margins in Congress. Once that happens than I hope the Republicans will feel freer to speak the truth and stop running in fear.
I also find it interesting that those who helped plan and/or participated on January 6- claiming it was the right thing to do- requested pardons and/or claimed they were not active participants.
I am hopeful that DOJ will seek to indite those who clearly are guilty of Sedition and that more of us will understand and support that. That will require that many of us need to recognize that maintaining our democracy is more important right now than our pocketbooks
Agreed.
What is the implication of people noting that Pence knew in advance for at least a month that he would be asked to do this and said nothing until the last minute?? M Cogan
I think it shows that Pence was looking for a way to avoid confrontation, hoping that his attorney would be able to talk sense in Trump and Eastman. That was a miscalculation on his part, driven by fear and learned obedience to Trump.
It's very disturbing that Pence had to ask for advice on what he should do. He was looking for a way to do what Trump wanted. And don't forget, Pence enabled Trump every step of the way for 4 years. He did the right thing this time, thankfully, but he's certainly not a hero.
I think you put that better than I did. Pence is not a hero, but he did the right thing. What I still can't understand is how all these people--Pence, Barr, etc.--could have known for so long that what Trump was trying to do was illegal, but didn't speak up. That's the part I really need to know. I hope the Committee will make this clear.
I believe the Committee is doing a great job at framing the narrative, so to speak. But as the story within the story unfolds, I also hope the Committee is able to present these “ heroes” as flawed ( as we all are) enablers…perhaps it will be in the final act ??
I’m torn on this. If I saw a movie where the lead character kept making selfish and unethical calls, the consequences kept piling up, and then they did the right thing in the end - when all was on the line - I’d probably be very inspired by that person’s ability to wake up and find courage. Can I give Pence that? It’s hard after all his sanctimony and enabling. In the end, I think respecting Republicans who eventually show decency and bravery is important.
If he were a hero, he would testify before the committee & tell the truth right now.
Perhaps we can make room for a range of Republicans waking up. If we demand they all be heroes, we might miss the opportunity to strengthen their resolve in whatever step they are able to take. Withholding recognition because someone does something right, but it's not as perfect as we would have wanted, will only come back to bite us. In the end, it's about numbers. Every single DJT person who come to the conclusion that this was a crime and DJT is the criminal brings us a little bit close to the numbers we need to get our government back on track with only the usual amount of folks who put their political careers above the good of the country.
I agree with that. I think there is no place right here for "I told you so." For whatever reason Trump supporters and regular Republicans are waking up is good. They need our support. I keep going back to the image of spousal abuse. When the abused partner finally decides to leave, they need the community's support. This is bigger than getting even. We have to get this right.
Yes! Pence did the right thing, but at the last minute. Michael Beschloss, the presidential historian, said we should not 'canonize' Pence for what he did on January 6th. (https://twitter.com/beschlossdc/status/1537503566268710912?s=27&t=1KT1_7Oy0fCSNqG32pWFMQ) The Jan 6th Committee seemed to praise Pence a little too much, imho.
Thank you!! I could not figure that out!!
That's interesting. And yet, in the end, Pence chose to uphold the Constitution regardless. Trump and Col. are abusers of the first order and I can only imagine what kinds of pressure they put on people in their administration who disagreed with them. Pence did the right thing and that takes courage.
The J6th hearings main objective is to find out what happened before, during and after the attack on the Capital who was involved and most importantly what procedures, laws and changes have to be implemented so this could not happen again. Additionally the DOJ must finalize and codify the question if a sitting President can be indicted of a crime while in office. It’s not enough to expose and indict the entire coup participants it’s more important to protect democracy from this ever happening again at all levels of government.
I would like to make additional comments. First, I could not agree more with your tribute to the committee staff. The staff members have done a great service to America. Same with Cheney and the committee chair. Eternal thanks. I disagree with Cheney on many policy issues but would gladly vote for her for POTUS.
Second: I also agree with you about Eastman as a Trump co-conspirator. He clearly deserves an indictment. But we need to remember that Trump, Eastman and the like draw strength from millions of Americans who support them. And that is what I find so discouraging. If our country is doomed it’s because of those millions - not just Trump and Eastman.
You perform a great service, Robert. Thank you.
Thanks, Doug. We have to hope that there are tens of millions more Americans who want to see them prosecuted. We are engaged in a battle for the soul of democracy (to quote Joe Biden!).
Indeed we are.
emailed this morning to my Congressman:
Subject Line: “…tantamount to a revolution within a paralyzing constitutional crisis.” J. Michael Luttig
Dear Congressman Cicilline:
AG, Merrick Garland, worries about the “appearance” of being politically motivated should he prosecute the former President.
Through the revelations of theJanuary 6 Committee Hearings it has becoming obvious that, by not prosecuting the former President and his team of insurrectionists, the AG is setting a precedent that some US citizens are, absolutely, above the law!
“Donald Trump and his allies and supporters are a clear and present danger to American democracy.” -Judge J. Michael Luttig
Moving forward, if, as reported in the NY Times, “a federal grand jury is investigating Rudolf Giuliani, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, and Kenneth Cheseboro in connection with the “fake electors” scheme. That scheme was a central part of the plan to delay the count of electoral ballots on January 6th” is accurate, would it not be prudent, given the time constraints until the 2022 elections, to provide the DOJ the Committee’s transcripts?
Sincerely encouraged, Susan
Yesterday's hearing was very heavy. We are living through a dark moment in history. The committee is doing an excellent presentation, and while I am glad that this is coming out, it is also very difficult to see what happened. Pence did the right thing in the end, but why didn't he make his intentions clear in December? I don't see him as a hero. He did his job, but perhaps the violence would have been avoided if he made his intentions clear early. As Officer Dunn tweeted, why should someone be celebrated for doing their job? Pence enabled Trump for four years. I am very sorry for what he and his family went through. No one should have been put in that position. But he is no hero.
Robert, still not understanding why you don't think the committee should give DOJ the transcripts? Yeah, maybe they should have done their job, but shouldn't they be supported in their efforts even if they may be slower? Schiff always complains about DOJ, so why not help the process along? With so much at stake, is now really a time to play games of ownership? I don't know. I left practicing law when it became clear that cooperation among attorneys was a thing of the past.
Here's what I wrote: " The Committee should grant the DOJ’s request in order to advance the public interest in securing convictions of all responsible parties." That does not mean I (and millions of other Americans) need be happy with the plodding investigations by the DOJ. It should be out ahead of the Committee, not behind it. Some of these crimes were committed in public on tape and have been ignored for 1.5 years. Hence, my frustration with the DOJ.
If only we weren’t the choir
Let's hope the choir is expanding.
I wonder what Judge Luttig thinks about another of his clerks: Ted Cruz? It appears that if Eastman didn't find a way around the constraints of the Constitution or the Electoral Count Act, he simply dismissed them as either poorly written or even unconstitutional. Such arrogance must have been observable when he clerked for the judge; leopards don't change their spots. That being the case, the arrogance of Cruz is on par with Eastman. I am hopeful that he and Hawley and others in Congress who participated in this attempted coup will be unveiled in subsequent hearings. I for one, am ready for a thorough House and Senate cleaning.