I’m stunned. Seeing my name in Concluding Thoughts feels like new wind in my deflated sails. I wear a Biden Shirt on every grocery run because I want to show fellow FL Dems they are not alone.
The compliments and the complete lack of vitriol have renewed my faith in the kindness of all humans.
And it feels good, so good to do SOMETHING every week on the march to November.
I found DemsMakeLifeBetter.org through a Robert Hubbell zoom call with Indivisible Marin.
After a Google search for “Biden T-shirt” was 99% Anti-Biden, I found BeantownStrong.com on Etsy.
I want to make Biden Shirt Grocery Shopping “a thing” 👕🛒because Just 3 Biden shirts in a Krogers will make it feel like EVERYONE is a Biden Fan, right? 👕👕👕🛒
Grocery stores are well lit, populated, and safe. And even people on strict Fox News Diets eat food. This is the ONLY way they will see a Pro-Biden message. Through you.
I own 5 Biden Shirts and keep one in the car for impromptu grocery stops.
Showing our hand now, our strength, our unity, our NUMBERS will shut down the denialism that is sure to spike after Biden trounces Trump on 11/5.
For my daughter who’s 9, I ask you all to join me grocery shopping for Biden 👕🛒! 💙
I have two Biden/Harris magnets on my car and wear my Dems Make Life Better when I am out and about in NYC. Different than Florida for sure but I think we need to get loud all across the county!
Glad to hear it Gabrielle. And happy to share that Florida and NY are kinda the same. It may feel as though the risk of showing Biden Pride is greater here. But… how can I improve on Zero negative comments? Keep fight the fight and I willl too. Thanks for sharing
We wore our Dems shirts out today. Absolutely liberating. Fear, the big driver, makes bumper stickers far too likely to attract cowards who'll damage your car. Desperate men, and women, do desperate things.
Shawn Shawn, I want you to know that I took note of your great idea the first time you posted it here. When I followed up, the tee-shirts weren't available. But you've continued to put it out there. So today, thanks to you and Robert amplifying your message, I've got one Dems tee-shirt and 4 Biden-Harris bumper stickers ordered. Two of those bumper stickers will be attached to both sides of the neon green flag that flies above my recumbent trike, which I'll be riding many miles this summer and fall. The trike attracts a LOT of attention!
So good to hear! I often feel like a broken record.
But every time I read Hubbell or HCR, every fiber of my being roars, if this entire community wore Biden Shirts, all doubt would evaporate. (Or at least all the nervous hand wringing!)
I promise you, running grocery errands is going to feel so good!
I like wearing pin buttons on my shirt rather than wearing T-shirts. I thought about what message I wanted to send. I settled on two: “Save democracy - Vote blue” and “Ask me how to register to vote.” I looked up and memorized the website for voter registration. I carry a super sticky post-it pad with the website already written down. My most frequent takers are cashiers in the supermarket but I hope that other shoppers will approach me too. It’s easy to peel off a post-it and hopefully get them started.
Another registration tactic, I added REGISTER TO VOTE to my email signature. It links to Vote.org. So every email I send has an automatic reminder to register. And it only takes two minutes to set up.
I have been reading Shawn's calls to wear Biden t-shirts for a while now, and had just decided that's one of my actions for June. I am planning to get a DemsMakeLifeBetter shirt, but I just hadn't decided on a Biden-Harris one because I don't especially like the ones on their site. It feels like an omen that this came up, with the recommendation for the BeantownStrong shirt (which I really like) just as I am ready to take the plunge! Thank you, Shawn, for persisting.
I should add, I live in a super-blue district (Ilhan Omar is my congresswoman), but I think even in blue areas there's this asymmetric lack of enthusiasm, almost a sheepishness about supporting Biden. It isn't my habit to wear political shirts, but I have been convinced that this is important.
I’m originally a Michigander myself. When visiting friends in Portland, I was advised against wearing my Biden-Harris shirt because the purists there were very anti-Biden.
But THAT’S why we have to wear the shirt. Showing enthusiasm builds enthusiasm. There are a lot of fence sitters. Proudly wearing a Biden Tee invites them over to where the grass is bluer.
Thanks Shawn! We will join you! I am ordering shirts for myself, my husband and son. I admire your energy and conviction, and appreciate you greatly. Biden/Harris 2024.
We all need to focus on the real story. That story is that the Republican Party - sadly - has been working to undermine US democracy, and this verdict only fuels that. It doesn’t quell it in the least. Those efforts go back decades. Recall Newt Gingrich saying that the Republicans will stop at nothing to get what they want - he meant it. The entire current radicalized Republican leadership has lined up to support a guy who tried to overthrown a free and fair election and now that individual and his supporters will continue their persistent attack on US institutions including sustained attacks on the judiciary and the rule of law.
That is the story, not this verdict. That is the poison that has spread across our country and it will require a very long and sustained effort to recover our democratic institutions and principles and to extract that approximately 50% of the population from the cult that supports and advances the denigration of our country. This verdict is important, but scant comfort based on the huge amount of work we have a head, and it is work we must do with compassion and consistency to bring our fellow citizens back into the fold of upholding our democratic principles and institutions and the rule of law.
We can embrace both: The Republican Party has been and continues to undermine US democracy, AND Trump's Manhattan guilty verdict brings relief for holding that the institution of rule of law applies to everyone, even a former US president.
Bringing our fellow citizens back into the fold starts with our varied ways of grassroots work to register voters and Get Out The Vote.
I respectfully disagree, Charles. The verdict is A STORY!!! There are many stories. Of course, what the Republicans are doing is also A STORY. There's room for multiple stories, and they're all important!
I am not arguing with these comments! Yes, many stories.
One of the things we need in particular from an effectiveness perspective is for women across the age spectrum to get angry (in a nice but visible, vocal manner), engaged and active in peaceful protests in particular in battleground states and in Florida outside of Mar-a-Lago.
We also need to put massive pressure on advertisers to pull away from Fox and X/Twitter, primary purveyors of lies, disinformation and misinformation.
Women are already angry, Charles, and have been for quite a while. Every volunteer meeting I attend is populated with 90% women. It sounds like you need to put that pressure on advertisers to pull away from Fox and X. Each of us has a place, and anything we do matters.
Let’s not forget that very first Women’s March after Trump’s inauguration on January 21, 2017. The millions and millions of women and our daughters and sons and partners who marched with us are even more angry now than we were then. Everything we feared and more has come to fruition.
Shawn, I just bought my “grocery store t. shirt.” I live in a purple county in Southern California so I may not have the same impact as you do in Florida, but I’m looking forward to the opportunities for engagement.
Trust me and my D sisters, Charles. We are beyond angry; we are MOTIVATED. President Biden will be reelected, and Felon Trump will go down in ignominy. Bank on it!
I’m 73 , a woman, and I am angry. More than that I am determined to stop this bullying. I heard a very positive statement on the Friday Nova Power Lunch from the remarkable democratic woman who organizes in Rural America. “ Show up . Shut up. Get Stuff done.” Eleanor Roosevelt would have understood and agreed 100 percent.
In a piece I wrote about it yesterday, I said, "We should celebrate this verdict, not as a conviction of someone so richly deserving as Trump, but as a vindication of the rule of law, and the robustness and fairness of our system of justice. Judge Juan M. Merchan has earned my total respect and the jury has earned my total admiration. They've restored my faith and confidence in American jurisprudence. I hope this trial will serve as a model for the remaining cases against Trump, and that the judges in those cases will realize that their duty is to try their cases fairly and promptly. I also hope they’ll see what judicial courage looks like, and strive to demonstrate their own."
History will judge this time, and the behavior of the GOP. Our job is to make sure they're not rewarded for it. The road ahead will be strewn with obstacles and filled with potholes. As I concluded in my piece about the verdict, "But for the moment, all is right in the world."
Yes, the verdict should definitely be celebrated, but let's face it, justice was served despite the deep flaws of the system of justice. For once a defendant wasn't able to muddy the waters with the best defense his money could buy (correction: it was not the defendant's money, oops, another correction, it was not the convicted felon's money). But just looking at the other pending lawsuits of the convicted felon the shortcomings of the system are sobering.
In Georgia the lawsuit for rigging the elections is delayed if not derailed because of personal lifestyle choices of the prosecutor. In the Florida a slam-dunk case a defendant's lawyer masquerading as presiding judge is allowed to make a mockery of justice. And in the Washington case everything hinges on the corrupt SCOTUS' decision to what extent the justices decide to stand back and stand by.
And, if just to prove trump's point, that he could shoot somebody on 5th Ave, a duly convicted and sentenced assassin was immediately pardoned by the Governor in Texas. So shooting somebody on Franklin Street in Houston would be just fine.
Whatever you do, just don't do it New York – as the convicted felon learned the hard way this week.
All excellent points, but the best part about our justice system, IMHO, is that it errs on the side of fairness. Requiring a jury of twelve to agree unanimously makes it difficult (not impossible) to convict an innocent person, but the cost is that some guilty folks get away with things. That being said, the corruption of judges and abuse of pardon powers are another story altogether.
Hear, hear! Influence of $$$$ on the judicial system as well as everything else in our US of A. No doubt, some justice served in our 2-tiered system of justice, but the assaults by far right on people of color, women, voting rights continue.
I get what you're saying and agree to some extent. But I take comfort in the fact that civil suits have and will continue to decimate the orange idiot and also that he's old and unhealthy and can't last long. Plus, he's been humiliated and he knows it. This is not trivial stuff. So we have all that to be thankful for in addition to the wonderful human beings who brought justice in New York.
The current sentencing recommendation is the maximum fine, 34 hours of incarceration, and a 6 month suspended incarceration contingent on no violations including, perhaps especially, holding jurors harmless and prohibiting the leaking or publication of identifying information. Pretty much what you and I had tossed around with the addition following a rumor that some juror info had been posted.
Not enough but let’s not guess about this because there is a process of review including the adding of the violation of the gag orders and his performance in court. There is a lot of discretion in the sentencing.
Good advice, this is just something Bob and I kicked around on his post yesterday. Judge Marchan has shown excellent judgment through the entire process and I'm sure will do the same at sentencing.
That's Bob Morgan and I, from his post after the verdict came out. My phrasing should have been more clear. I haven't seen anything from the prosecution, and most pundits are only talking in generalities that I've seen.
One would think the doxed list of jurors would be easily checked and if accurate, constitute proof that the juror information had been leaked. One would hope they would receive some protection. At the very least local police departments should be notified of their addresses so there is some caution when responding to swatting calls.
Unfortunately all is not right in the world and on Monday Hunter Biden goes on trial and the circus comes to town but what is different is the revenge factor Republicans will attempt to extract.
"But for the moment..." You're right of course, Stephen, and the brief news cycle will surely change Monday. You can bet the Convicted Felon will be all over the Hunter Biden case.
Of course. I can't wait to see whether, when the prosecution brutalizes Hunter Biden in court, the Repubbies will whine and grizzle about how it's all rigged. Highly doubtful. It's only "unfair" when Repubs are the targets of justice in action.
If ever there was an unjust prosecution, this is it. It should have been settled out of court. We'll never know who blew up the deal, but I have a suspicion. I hope the trial goes the way of the inquisition.
Hunter Biden, Hillary’s emails. You’d think at some point this would be old news. Remove the log in your eye before you remove the speck in your neighbor’s. Poorly paraphrased, but I’m sure you can get the gist.
Hunter Biden is a son not a member of the Biden Administration and he paid his back taxes etc. It would be interesting if someone went after the Trump children and son in law
Respect for Alvin Bragg and his team of prosecutors as well. This was not an easy case to argue, but they were able to present complicated, technical information in a way that the jurors could understand.
Amen, Bob and Robert. Thank you both for putting this victory into perspective. Let’s take this win and look forward and move President Biden to the finish line on Nov. 5, 2024.
Paraphrasing renowned historian Ken Burns, we are on the cusp of someplace we never have been before in our history in which there are a huge number of people in this country who pretty much have given up on a promise and think that the easy promises of a dictator will solve most everything. As we all know, it will make things worse.
Circling back to Robert’s reference to “relational politics,” I would note, aside from the text banking, postcarding, and the like, I have found, when engaged in actual dialogue, the lifeblood of democracy, in my view, when I encounter resistance that seems impenetrable, I ultimately come around to saying, “There literally is no choice in November—none. We either have the continuation of the United States of America or we don’t. Which do you want?”
Stephen, I’m banking on my belief that a sufficient number (I would hope from battleground states) have heard enough of Trump, at the very least, to sense his intent to consolidate power and subjugate the rule of law to the Presidency.
We don't have to convince everyone. We need to reach the non-voting Democrats and those who in the words of one of my colleagues, "held their nose" and voted for Trump because they, who knows ,hated Hillary Clinton or wanted change or hated Obama. They could smell something off about Trump eight years ago. The odor is not getting any better. We have to stand tall and without disdain welcome those who are at the fringe of Trump's crowd who have said in the past -- he'll learn, or others will keep him under control. Their should be no illusion of what will get with Trump and we have to welcome without shaming those who fell for him once.
I'm with you, Barbara! We have to have hope, but also work hard until we accomplish this task. Which isn't going to be easy! However, some previous Trump voters have said that if he were to be indicted, they would not vote for him. That doesn't mean they'll vote for Biden, but I bet some of them will. I believe we cannot win this thing with a defeated attitude!
Or do, and want it. There is a faction that has openly said an authoritarian leader is what we need, some thinking, as many Russians appear to, that it's easier to allow a ruling class to simply make all the decisions.
Some are exhausted and withdrawn. One thing you can say for anger and resentment is it's motivating. Disappointment is enervating and opposes action. That's what I believe happened with a large number of Hillary voters after Comey's announcement there were "yet more" emails. This group needed this win, and band-wagon voters did as well.
Barbara's final summation sounds about right for the second and third groups, and the first are a write off.
Barbara, you sound like a drama queen, but sadly you are not. Saying that gives me another opportunity to post a link to a word-searchable version of Project 2025. This 'conservative promise' is a chilling document of what is in store for the US and indeed the whole world should the MAGA take-over succeed in November.
Stephan, this comment is insulting to an intelligent woman who says very smart things on a regular basis. It's fair to present different opinions, but not to be unkind.
Kathleen, you got me totally wrong or, better perhaps, I didn't make myself clear enough. Of course I didn't want to insult Barbara, as I use to say and feel exactly as she says and feels. And in normal times nobody would have a reason to say that "we either have the continuation of the United States of America or we don't" hinges on the outcome of the next elections.
But unfortunately we don't live in normal times – and Barbara nails it with her comment.
Like Shawn, I have a Biden-Harris tee that I wear to the store and, also like him, I had some concern about how it would be received in a state where both sitting Senators have joined Mike Lee's ridiculous rebellion. I've gotten some smiles, nods, and no adverse reaction at all, at least to my face. The Beantownstrong shirt is very comfortable, holds up well to washing, and the printing is great, as is their customer service.
Glad to have that experience confirmed, Dave. When I post about the T-Shirt campaign on Tik Tok, I am attacked viciously. It brings me great comfort that face-to-face civility is strong. The only negative comment I’ve received… “I’ll pray for you.” I’ll take that kind of retaliation any day.
Beautiful, strategic, and focused piece today, Robert. When I coached kids in summer league baseball years ago, I didn't know as much as others about baseball as others, but I knew I had to keep the heads of young boys in the game if they were to be successful. I cared less about winning than having these kids have a good experience with the knowledge that they played their best. In pregame talks, I stressed, "Stay focused out there, fellas. When your on the field think about baseball," and "Focus!" became the watchword I shouted from the dugout. The other coaches, I am sure, wondered about that and probably thought it a little weird and tweedy. But it worked. My teams played proud and engaged and won more games than we lost. You, with grace and excellent writing keep encouraging us all to focus on what matters while not discounting our predictable worry. You seem to say, "It's OK to notice the "Squirrels!" running past our eyes, but don't get distracted by them." As a teacher and a writer and a sometime leader, I admire your excellence as a teacher, writer, and leader. Glad to be a part of this community, pledged to the good work ahead.
Thank you for another great newsletter Robert. Your literal voice and your message are comforting and help me to keep moving forward in doing steady work to get at least 55% of Dem and Independent voters to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Robert's posts are invariably thoughtful and compelling. This post ranks at or very near the top of the list for its wisdom and its in-your-face, get-off-your-ass call to action.
No way around it -- we gotta do two things: Spread the word -- civilly; four-letter vulgarities on yard signs aren't gonna help -- about what this election means and what the stakes are. And get out the vote, via phone banking, writing postcards, door knocking, and a host of other actions. If we don't promote voter participation on a broader scale than ever before in November, meaningful elections will become a fond and increasingly distant memory.
In response to a readers and your exhortation to show support to Biden by wearing t-shirts or display bumper stickers on vehicles. I think co-opting the US flag back from the right wing is another strategy to show support and be a counter narrative to Alito and the right wings false and perverse patriotic use of our flag is another strategy for pro active action. It shows support for the constitution and democratic values that we honor the nature of what our flag truly means.
This:➡️” I think co-opting the US flag back from the right wing is another strategy to show support and be a counter narrative to Alito and the right wings false and perverse patriotic use of our flag is another strategy for pro active action.”
Some local GOP are following Alito /Heritage Foundation with the upside-down flag. I expect more here in MAGA-ville will follow.
We display two flags, one in front illuminated at night along with our Biden/Harris sign. Another is raised and lowered each day, in back ,on the dock.🇺🇸🇺🇸
There are almost 800 people living on my peninsula. We are still the ONLY Biden/Harris sign!
We have more Trump flags in the neighborhood now.Please, join us !!
Please don't hit me C/2023 AS ! I have work to do. Also, Lucien Truscott's last two posts about the verdict are MUST reads. Thamk you Robert for your calming words, as always.
I am afraid to post a Biden-Harris sign, bumper sticker or to wear a t-shirt to the grocery store as I live in a conservative area in Michigan. Thanks to this newsletter this morning and the bravery of our reader who has worn his Biden-Harris t-shirt over 40 times to the grocery store in FLORIDA I am putting my "big girl" pants on and doing the same!! I am attending (for the first time) this morning a new campaign office for dems in my district! I am stretching myself and showing up, canvassing (first timer) and meeting with other dems who care about our children and grandchildren's futures. I hear the call of the bugle and will no longer sit this out!! Let Freedom Ring!! Thank you for this important letter Robert!!
I woke up this morning with the memory of how I felt when Obama won the election in 2008. I was so proud to be an American. My fellow citizens did the right thing. That’s the feeling I will have when Biden wins in November.
As a proud member of the Texas bar, I am compelled by the ethical standards applicable to all members of the bar to file a complaint against fellow member of the Texas bar who is in violation of his obligations as a Texas lawyer to promote respect for the rule of law by making baseless claims against a judge and his oath to protect the US constitution. He and many of us fellow senators are a disgrace to the legal profession. Lawyers in Texas and many other jurisdictions are obligated to say something if they see something so that violations of professional ethics standards are investigated and appropriate disciplinary action can be meted out. I am currently drafting my complaint. I would ask other members of the bar to take appropriate action to defend the US constitution and the Rule of law.
The following comment was posted late in the day on May 29 and thus, I hope, warrants repeating today when others might see it:
I have now read Justice Alito's letter to Senators Durbin and Whitehouse, Congressman Raskin's NYT Guest Essay, 28 U.S.C. Section 455, and the Supreme Court decision, Williams v. Pennsylvania, cited in the Raskin article; I urge anyone having any doubt or reservation about the legal requirement for Justices Alito and Thomas to recuse themselves or otherwise be disqualified from partiucipaing in the Trump cases to do likewise. Alito cites in his letter the Court's recent Code of Conduct as justification for his decision not to recuse himself. He fails to mention that the text on which he relies is directly and expressly contradicted by both the directly applicable federal statue and Supreme Court decision. Assuming this failure is the result of mere ignorance instread of bad faith, glaring incompetence is another reason requiring recusal or disqualification. As Raskin points out, both the statute and majority opinion of the Court are on "all fours" with the present circumstances. Recusal is mandatory, not discretuionary.
Yes, there is a federal statute, and yes, a recusal in the Alito and Thomas cases should be a no-brainer. But then again, the DOJ has to act – so case closed.
I don’t think we should be defeated so easily. As we are frequently reminded, each of us has a voice, and all of us have an interest in the causes of justice and democracy. Hence each and all of us can “speak up” in the countless ways available to us to promote and protect justice and democracy.
I’m stunned. Seeing my name in Concluding Thoughts feels like new wind in my deflated sails. I wear a Biden Shirt on every grocery run because I want to show fellow FL Dems they are not alone.
The compliments and the complete lack of vitriol have renewed my faith in the kindness of all humans.
And it feels good, so good to do SOMETHING every week on the march to November.
I found DemsMakeLifeBetter.org through a Robert Hubbell zoom call with Indivisible Marin.
After a Google search for “Biden T-shirt” was 99% Anti-Biden, I found BeantownStrong.com on Etsy.
I want to make Biden Shirt Grocery Shopping “a thing” 👕🛒because Just 3 Biden shirts in a Krogers will make it feel like EVERYONE is a Biden Fan, right? 👕👕👕🛒
Grocery stores are well lit, populated, and safe. And even people on strict Fox News Diets eat food. This is the ONLY way they will see a Pro-Biden message. Through you.
I own 5 Biden Shirts and keep one in the car for impromptu grocery stops.
Showing our hand now, our strength, our unity, our NUMBERS will shut down the denialism that is sure to spike after Biden trounces Trump on 11/5.
For my daughter who’s 9, I ask you all to join me grocery shopping for Biden 👕🛒! 💙
Keep up the great work, Shawn!
Keep at it!*
*This is the “like” I’d give your post if my iPhone’s “like” button hadn’t inexplicably stopped working.
That makes my day 10x over. Thx for that.
I have two Biden/Harris magnets on my car and wear my Dems Make Life Better when I am out and about in NYC. Different than Florida for sure but I think we need to get loud all across the county!
Glad to hear it Gabrielle. And happy to share that Florida and NY are kinda the same. It may feel as though the risk of showing Biden Pride is greater here. But… how can I improve on Zero negative comments? Keep fight the fight and I willl too. Thanks for sharing
We wore our Dems shirts out today. Absolutely liberating. Fear, the big driver, makes bumper stickers far too likely to attract cowards who'll damage your car. Desperate men, and women, do desperate things.
Shawn Shawn, I want you to know that I took note of your great idea the first time you posted it here. When I followed up, the tee-shirts weren't available. But you've continued to put it out there. So today, thanks to you and Robert amplifying your message, I've got one Dems tee-shirt and 4 Biden-Harris bumper stickers ordered. Two of those bumper stickers will be attached to both sides of the neon green flag that flies above my recumbent trike, which I'll be riding many miles this summer and fall. The trike attracts a LOT of attention!
So good to hear! I often feel like a broken record.
But every time I read Hubbell or HCR, every fiber of my being roars, if this entire community wore Biden Shirts, all doubt would evaporate. (Or at least all the nervous hand wringing!)
I promise you, running grocery errands is going to feel so good!
I like wearing pin buttons on my shirt rather than wearing T-shirts. I thought about what message I wanted to send. I settled on two: “Save democracy - Vote blue” and “Ask me how to register to vote.” I looked up and memorized the website for voter registration. I carry a super sticky post-it pad with the website already written down. My most frequent takers are cashiers in the supermarket but I hope that other shoppers will approach me too. It’s easy to peel off a post-it and hopefully get them started.
Another registration tactic, I added REGISTER TO VOTE to my email signature. It links to Vote.org. So every email I send has an automatic reminder to register. And it only takes two minutes to set up.
I am buying mine right now!!!
Molly! So good to hear! Grocery shopping will suddenly feel like volunteering for Biden. Errands are about to get more rewarding.
I have been reading Shawn's calls to wear Biden t-shirts for a while now, and had just decided that's one of my actions for June. I am planning to get a DemsMakeLifeBetter shirt, but I just hadn't decided on a Biden-Harris one because I don't especially like the ones on their site. It feels like an omen that this came up, with the recommendation for the BeantownStrong shirt (which I really like) just as I am ready to take the plunge! Thank you, Shawn, for persisting.
I should add, I live in a super-blue district (Ilhan Omar is my congresswoman), but I think even in blue areas there's this asymmetric lack of enthusiasm, almost a sheepishness about supporting Biden. It isn't my habit to wear political shirts, but I have been convinced that this is important.
I’m originally a Michigander myself. When visiting friends in Portland, I was advised against wearing my Biden-Harris shirt because the purists there were very anti-Biden.
But THAT’S why we have to wear the shirt. Showing enthusiasm builds enthusiasm. There are a lot of fence sitters. Proudly wearing a Biden Tee invites them over to where the grass is bluer.
Agree 100%
Hi Shawn. I have 2 of these T shirts and you just gave me a boost to wear regularly! Thank you 🙏
That is awesome. So glad to hear it.
Thanks Shawn! We will join you! I am ordering shirts for myself, my husband and son. I admire your energy and conviction, and appreciate you greatly. Biden/Harris 2024.
Consider yourself joined. I just can’t do lying bullies anymore 😊👍
We all need to focus on the real story. That story is that the Republican Party - sadly - has been working to undermine US democracy, and this verdict only fuels that. It doesn’t quell it in the least. Those efforts go back decades. Recall Newt Gingrich saying that the Republicans will stop at nothing to get what they want - he meant it. The entire current radicalized Republican leadership has lined up to support a guy who tried to overthrown a free and fair election and now that individual and his supporters will continue their persistent attack on US institutions including sustained attacks on the judiciary and the rule of law.
That is the story, not this verdict. That is the poison that has spread across our country and it will require a very long and sustained effort to recover our democratic institutions and principles and to extract that approximately 50% of the population from the cult that supports and advances the denigration of our country. This verdict is important, but scant comfort based on the huge amount of work we have a head, and it is work we must do with compassion and consistency to bring our fellow citizens back into the fold of upholding our democratic principles and institutions and the rule of law.
We can embrace both: The Republican Party has been and continues to undermine US democracy, AND Trump's Manhattan guilty verdict brings relief for holding that the institution of rule of law applies to everyone, even a former US president.
Bringing our fellow citizens back into the fold starts with our varied ways of grassroots work to register voters and Get Out The Vote.
Amen!! Why can we never just take the win? I’m taking this one and running with it!
I couldn't agree more, Ellie!
I respectfully disagree, Charles. The verdict is A STORY!!! There are many stories. Of course, what the Republicans are doing is also A STORY. There's room for multiple stories, and they're all important!
I am not arguing with these comments! Yes, many stories.
One of the things we need in particular from an effectiveness perspective is for women across the age spectrum to get angry (in a nice but visible, vocal manner), engaged and active in peaceful protests in particular in battleground states and in Florida outside of Mar-a-Lago.
We also need to put massive pressure on advertisers to pull away from Fox and X/Twitter, primary purveyors of lies, disinformation and misinformation.
Women are already angry, Charles, and have been for quite a while. Every volunteer meeting I attend is populated with 90% women. It sounds like you need to put that pressure on advertisers to pull away from Fox and X. Each of us has a place, and anything we do matters.
Amen, Kathleen💙
Let’s not forget that very first Women’s March after Trump’s inauguration on January 21, 2017. The millions and millions of women and our daughters and sons and partners who marched with us are even more angry now than we were then. Everything we feared and more has come to fruition.
We ALL have work to do!
My daughter and I from NC were there! What an unforgettable day!
Charles I’m happy to report that my tshirt activism happens at grocery stores about 13 miles from Mar-a-lago.
Shawn, I just bought my “grocery store t. shirt.” I live in a purple county in Southern California so I may not have the same impact as you do in Florida, but I’m looking forward to the opportunities for engagement.
And to pressure Fox’s sponsors, go here: https://dropfox.com/advertisers/?amp=1
Trust me and my D sisters, Charles. We are beyond angry; we are MOTIVATED. President Biden will be reelected, and Felon Trump will go down in ignominy. Bank on it!
I’m 73 , a woman, and I am angry. More than that I am determined to stop this bullying. I heard a very positive statement on the Friday Nova Power Lunch from the remarkable democratic woman who organizes in Rural America. “ Show up . Shut up. Get Stuff done.” Eleanor Roosevelt would have understood and agreed 100 percent.
Charles can I repost you thoughts, either with or without attribution as you prefer. Let me us know.
Sure, no problem - either with or without attribution whichever easiest for you.
Beautifully said 🙏
Excellent perspective on the verdict, Robert.
In a piece I wrote about it yesterday, I said, "We should celebrate this verdict, not as a conviction of someone so richly deserving as Trump, but as a vindication of the rule of law, and the robustness and fairness of our system of justice. Judge Juan M. Merchan has earned my total respect and the jury has earned my total admiration. They've restored my faith and confidence in American jurisprudence. I hope this trial will serve as a model for the remaining cases against Trump, and that the judges in those cases will realize that their duty is to try their cases fairly and promptly. I also hope they’ll see what judicial courage looks like, and strive to demonstrate their own."
History will judge this time, and the behavior of the GOP. Our job is to make sure they're not rewarded for it. The road ahead will be strewn with obstacles and filled with potholes. As I concluded in my piece about the verdict, "But for the moment, all is right in the world."
Yes, the verdict should definitely be celebrated, but let's face it, justice was served despite the deep flaws of the system of justice. For once a defendant wasn't able to muddy the waters with the best defense his money could buy (correction: it was not the defendant's money, oops, another correction, it was not the convicted felon's money). But just looking at the other pending lawsuits of the convicted felon the shortcomings of the system are sobering.
In Georgia the lawsuit for rigging the elections is delayed if not derailed because of personal lifestyle choices of the prosecutor. In the Florida a slam-dunk case a defendant's lawyer masquerading as presiding judge is allowed to make a mockery of justice. And in the Washington case everything hinges on the corrupt SCOTUS' decision to what extent the justices decide to stand back and stand by.
And, if just to prove trump's point, that he could shoot somebody on 5th Ave, a duly convicted and sentenced assassin was immediately pardoned by the Governor in Texas. So shooting somebody on Franklin Street in Houston would be just fine.
Whatever you do, just don't do it New York – as the convicted felon learned the hard way this week.
All excellent points, but the best part about our justice system, IMHO, is that it errs on the side of fairness. Requiring a jury of twelve to agree unanimously makes it difficult (not impossible) to convict an innocent person, but the cost is that some guilty folks get away with things. That being said, the corruption of judges and abuse of pardon powers are another story altogether.
Hear, hear! Influence of $$$$ on the judicial system as well as everything else in our US of A. No doubt, some justice served in our 2-tiered system of justice, but the assaults by far right on people of color, women, voting rights continue.
I get what you're saying and agree to some extent. But I take comfort in the fact that civil suits have and will continue to decimate the orange idiot and also that he's old and unhealthy and can't last long. Plus, he's been humiliated and he knows it. This is not trivial stuff. So we have all that to be thankful for in addition to the wonderful human beings who brought justice in New York.
“… he’s been humiliated and he knows it.” – reminds me of the scene in “The Wizard of Oz” when water is splashed on the Wicked Witch.
If only he'd melt.
He very well might have a total melt down. Rage can do that.
Well, if he should have a total meltdown, I hope it comes complete with a medical event that causes complete and permanent aphasia.
At the very least we would no longer have to listen to his sense-free, fact-free ramblings.
Love the parallel, Michael, but I think he's still got some flying monkeys holding umbrellas. His false bravado is both entertaining and frightening.
"I'm melting ..." 😀
The current sentencing recommendation is the maximum fine, 34 hours of incarceration, and a 6 month suspended incarceration contingent on no violations including, perhaps especially, holding jurors harmless and prohibiting the leaking or publication of identifying information. Pretty much what you and I had tossed around with the addition following a rumor that some juror info had been posted.
I also suggested that he be required to sit in a jail cell alone for the amount of time the jury deliberated. That would send some message.
Not enough but let’s not guess about this because there is a process of review including the adding of the violation of the gag orders and his performance in court. There is a lot of discretion in the sentencing.
Good advice, this is just something Bob and I kicked around on his post yesterday. Judge Marchan has shown excellent judgment through the entire process and I'm sure will do the same at sentencing.
Hi, Dave. Can you email me the source for the current recommendation? Rbhubbell@gmail.com. Thanks!
That's Bob Morgan and I, from his post after the verdict came out. My phrasing should have been more clear. I haven't seen anything from the prosecution, and most pundits are only talking in generalities that I've seen.
One would think the doxed list of jurors would be easily checked and if accurate, constitute proof that the juror information had been leaked. One would hope they would receive some protection. At the very least local police departments should be notified of their addresses so there is some caution when responding to swatting calls.
Unfortunately all is not right in the world and on Monday Hunter Biden goes on trial and the circus comes to town but what is different is the revenge factor Republicans will attempt to extract.
"But for the moment..." You're right of course, Stephen, and the brief news cycle will surely change Monday. You can bet the Convicted Felon will be all over the Hunter Biden case.
Of course. I can't wait to see whether, when the prosecution brutalizes Hunter Biden in court, the Repubbies will whine and grizzle about how it's all rigged. Highly doubtful. It's only "unfair" when Repubs are the targets of justice in action.
If ever there was an unjust prosecution, this is it. It should have been settled out of court. We'll never know who blew up the deal, but I have a suspicion. I hope the trial goes the way of the inquisition.
Hunter Biden, Hillary’s emails. You’d think at some point this would be old news. Remove the log in your eye before you remove the speck in your neighbor’s. Poorly paraphrased, but I’m sure you can get the gist.
Hunter Biden is a son not a member of the Biden Administration and he paid his back taxes etc. It would be interesting if someone went after the Trump children and son in law
Respect for Alvin Bragg and his team of prosecutors as well. This was not an easy case to argue, but they were able to present complicated, technical information in a way that the jurors could understand.
Absolutely! At Jess Craven's suggestion, I sent him a thank you letter yesterday.
Amen, Bob and Robert. Thank you both for putting this victory into perspective. Let’s take this win and look forward and move President Biden to the finish line on Nov. 5, 2024.
Paraphrasing renowned historian Ken Burns, we are on the cusp of someplace we never have been before in our history in which there are a huge number of people in this country who pretty much have given up on a promise and think that the easy promises of a dictator will solve most everything. As we all know, it will make things worse.
Circling back to Robert’s reference to “relational politics,” I would note, aside from the text banking, postcarding, and the like, I have found, when engaged in actual dialogue, the lifeblood of democracy, in my view, when I encounter resistance that seems impenetrable, I ultimately come around to saying, “There literally is no choice in November—none. We either have the continuation of the United States of America or we don’t. Which do you want?”
Many voters don’t see the threat or believe it.
Stephen, I’m banking on my belief that a sufficient number (I would hope from battleground states) have heard enough of Trump, at the very least, to sense his intent to consolidate power and subjugate the rule of law to the Presidency.
We don't have to convince everyone. We need to reach the non-voting Democrats and those who in the words of one of my colleagues, "held their nose" and voted for Trump because they, who knows ,hated Hillary Clinton or wanted change or hated Obama. They could smell something off about Trump eight years ago. The odor is not getting any better. We have to stand tall and without disdain welcome those who are at the fringe of Trump's crowd who have said in the past -- he'll learn, or others will keep him under control. Their should be no illusion of what will get with Trump and we have to welcome without shaming those who fell for him once.
I'm with you, Barbara! We have to have hope, but also work hard until we accomplish this task. Which isn't going to be easy! However, some previous Trump voters have said that if he were to be indicted, they would not vote for him. That doesn't mean they'll vote for Biden, but I bet some of them will. I believe we cannot win this thing with a defeated attitude!
Or do, and want it. There is a faction that has openly said an authoritarian leader is what we need, some thinking, as many Russians appear to, that it's easier to allow a ruling class to simply make all the decisions.
Some are exhausted and withdrawn. One thing you can say for anger and resentment is it's motivating. Disappointment is enervating and opposes action. That's what I believe happened with a large number of Hillary voters after Comey's announcement there were "yet more" emails. This group needed this win, and band-wagon voters did as well.
Barbara's final summation sounds about right for the second and third groups, and the first are a write off.
Exactly Barbara Jo
Barbara, you sound like a drama queen, but sadly you are not. Saying that gives me another opportunity to post a link to a word-searchable version of Project 2025. This 'conservative promise' is a chilling document of what is in store for the US and indeed the whole world should the MAGA take-over succeed in November.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24088042-project-2025s-mandate-for-leadership-the-conservative-promise
Stephan, this comment is insulting to an intelligent woman who says very smart things on a regular basis. It's fair to present different opinions, but not to be unkind.
Kathleen, you got me totally wrong or, better perhaps, I didn't make myself clear enough. Of course I didn't want to insult Barbara, as I use to say and feel exactly as she says and feels. And in normal times nobody would have a reason to say that "we either have the continuation of the United States of America or we don't" hinges on the outcome of the next elections.
But unfortunately we don't live in normal times – and Barbara nails it with her comment.
Like Shawn, I have a Biden-Harris tee that I wear to the store and, also like him, I had some concern about how it would be received in a state where both sitting Senators have joined Mike Lee's ridiculous rebellion. I've gotten some smiles, nods, and no adverse reaction at all, at least to my face. The Beantownstrong shirt is very comfortable, holds up well to washing, and the printing is great, as is their customer service.
👍I’m with you in MAGA county Fl, Dave, and having some great conversations !
👕🛒
Glad to have that experience confirmed, Dave. When I post about the T-Shirt campaign on Tik Tok, I am attacked viciously. It brings me great comfort that face-to-face civility is strong. The only negative comment I’ve received… “I’ll pray for you.” I’ll take that kind of retaliation any day.
People are much braver at one remove than they are in person. Like you, I'll cheerfully accept prayers from all who offer them.
Help! I tried to go on the Beantown strong website and can’t get through
Try this, I copied it from Shawn's post. http://beantownstrong.com/
Thanks so much! It worked.
Beautiful, strategic, and focused piece today, Robert. When I coached kids in summer league baseball years ago, I didn't know as much as others about baseball as others, but I knew I had to keep the heads of young boys in the game if they were to be successful. I cared less about winning than having these kids have a good experience with the knowledge that they played their best. In pregame talks, I stressed, "Stay focused out there, fellas. When your on the field think about baseball," and "Focus!" became the watchword I shouted from the dugout. The other coaches, I am sure, wondered about that and probably thought it a little weird and tweedy. But it worked. My teams played proud and engaged and won more games than we lost. You, with grace and excellent writing keep encouraging us all to focus on what matters while not discounting our predictable worry. You seem to say, "It's OK to notice the "Squirrels!" running past our eyes, but don't get distracted by them." As a teacher and a writer and a sometime leader, I admire your excellence as a teacher, writer, and leader. Glad to be a part of this community, pledged to the good work ahead.
Nice, Patrick.
I second that assessment. This newsletter grounds me at the start of every day.
Thank you for another great newsletter Robert. Your literal voice and your message are comforting and help me to keep moving forward in doing steady work to get at least 55% of Dem and Independent voters to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Robert's posts are invariably thoughtful and compelling. This post ranks at or very near the top of the list for its wisdom and its in-your-face, get-off-your-ass call to action.
No way around it -- we gotta do two things: Spread the word -- civilly; four-letter vulgarities on yard signs aren't gonna help -- about what this election means and what the stakes are. And get out the vote, via phone banking, writing postcards, door knocking, and a host of other actions. If we don't promote voter participation on a broader scale than ever before in November, meaningful elections will become a fond and increasingly distant memory.
PTS, I couldn’t agree more: Spread the word -- civilly; four-letter vulgarities on yard signs aren't gonna help.
The key to victory is building community.
Register Democrats to save us from barbarians.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
Go Mary Ann! I envision a complete trouncing of Trump in November because of people like you.
Robert
In response to a readers and your exhortation to show support to Biden by wearing t-shirts or display bumper stickers on vehicles. I think co-opting the US flag back from the right wing is another strategy to show support and be a counter narrative to Alito and the right wings false and perverse patriotic use of our flag is another strategy for pro active action. It shows support for the constitution and democratic values that we honor the nature of what our flag truly means.
This:➡️” I think co-opting the US flag back from the right wing is another strategy to show support and be a counter narrative to Alito and the right wings false and perverse patriotic use of our flag is another strategy for pro active action.”
Some local GOP are following Alito /Heritage Foundation with the upside-down flag. I expect more here in MAGA-ville will follow.
We display two flags, one in front illuminated at night along with our Biden/Harris sign. Another is raised and lowered each day, in back ,on the dock.🇺🇸🇺🇸
There are almost 800 people living on my peninsula. We are still the ONLY Biden/Harris sign!
We have more Trump flags in the neighborhood now.Please, join us !!
🪧🇺🇸
I fully agree.
Jimmy Kimmel suggests making the Manhattan jury a whole new US Supreme Court!
Please don't hit me C/2023 AS ! I have work to do. Also, Lucien Truscott's last two posts about the verdict are MUST reads. Thamk you Robert for your calming words, as always.
I hope the juror who said his major source of news was Truth Social tells everyone he knows what he "learned" from hearing the REAL truth.
I am afraid to post a Biden-Harris sign, bumper sticker or to wear a t-shirt to the grocery store as I live in a conservative area in Michigan. Thanks to this newsletter this morning and the bravery of our reader who has worn his Biden-Harris t-shirt over 40 times to the grocery store in FLORIDA I am putting my "big girl" pants on and doing the same!! I am attending (for the first time) this morning a new campaign office for dems in my district! I am stretching myself and showing up, canvassing (first timer) and meeting with other dems who care about our children and grandchildren's futures. I hear the call of the bugle and will no longer sit this out!! Let Freedom Ring!! Thank you for this important letter Robert!!
Patty, it started as a New Year’s resolution. And my first few visits… I also wore a Santa hat… because who would attack Santa?! Right?
My faith in humanity and even in MAGA has been renewed. The anonymous cruelty online doesn’t seem to exist among busy shoppers.
I’m from Bay City, MI by the way and my family is in Vicksburg and Mason Michigan
Please share your T-shirt experience in comments here down the road. I truly believe they will be refreshingly positive.
Thanks for this Shawn..you have given me courage!! Looking forward to meeting people in person and talking about the issues.
I woke up this morning with the memory of how I felt when Obama won the election in 2008. I was so proud to be an American. My fellow citizens did the right thing. That’s the feeling I will have when Biden wins in November.
I felt the same way, Mary-Jo, and I still do.
Mary-Jo, I was in Brooklyn when Obama won. It was electric. Everyone poured into the streets in a spontaneous celebration.
Envisioning a Biden administration until 1/20 2029 fills me with so much HOPE.
As a proud member of the Texas bar, I am compelled by the ethical standards applicable to all members of the bar to file a complaint against fellow member of the Texas bar who is in violation of his obligations as a Texas lawyer to promote respect for the rule of law by making baseless claims against a judge and his oath to protect the US constitution. He and many of us fellow senators are a disgrace to the legal profession. Lawyers in Texas and many other jurisdictions are obligated to say something if they see something so that violations of professional ethics standards are investigated and appropriate disciplinary action can be meted out. I am currently drafting my complaint. I would ask other members of the bar to take appropriate action to defend the US constitution and the Rule of law.
The following comment was posted late in the day on May 29 and thus, I hope, warrants repeating today when others might see it:
I have now read Justice Alito's letter to Senators Durbin and Whitehouse, Congressman Raskin's NYT Guest Essay, 28 U.S.C. Section 455, and the Supreme Court decision, Williams v. Pennsylvania, cited in the Raskin article; I urge anyone having any doubt or reservation about the legal requirement for Justices Alito and Thomas to recuse themselves or otherwise be disqualified from partiucipaing in the Trump cases to do likewise. Alito cites in his letter the Court's recent Code of Conduct as justification for his decision not to recuse himself. He fails to mention that the text on which he relies is directly and expressly contradicted by both the directly applicable federal statue and Supreme Court decision. Assuming this failure is the result of mere ignorance instread of bad faith, glaring incompetence is another reason requiring recusal or disqualification. As Raskin points out, both the statute and majority opinion of the Court are on "all fours" with the present circumstances. Recusal is mandatory, not discretuionary.
People shouldn’t get trapped in a web of legalisms about Alito’s actions. That’s Alito’s game.
Above all, this is a matter of *propriety*, of proper behavior. Alito fails that test repeatedly and in many ways.
Yes, there is a federal statute, and yes, a recusal in the Alito and Thomas cases should be a no-brainer. But then again, the DOJ has to act – so case closed.
I don’t think we should be defeated so easily. As we are frequently reminded, each of us has a voice, and all of us have an interest in the causes of justice and democracy. Hence each and all of us can “speak up” in the countless ways available to us to promote and protect justice and democracy.
Hear hear!!
A great and comforting analysis, thank you Robert.