This is the most accurate summary of the hearing I've read or heard, including NPR's and the BBC's. The NY Times online link to the session was not at the top of the screen, but was nearly at the bottom -for shame. It was a riveting session that all Americans needed to watch, including the traitorous, complicit, and cowardly Congressional Republicans.
Wonderful summary of the first day of the hearings. I have not felt this confident since the Watergate hearings, although this is a totally different situation. The officers’ testimony was amazing. Thank you for keeping us focussed.
Great piece as usual. Might be enlightening to list all the Trump-backed candidates who have lost vs those who have won. Curious how far below 1000 his batting average is, especially in competitive districts.
Whose decision was it to remove the fence and protective barriers at the Capitol? It was clear yesterday the the Capitol police feel more exposed and also feel that nothing systemic in response capability has changed since January 6. I think the greatest urgency is to delineate the chain of command and response strategy in case of a repeat insurrection.
Robert, as you point out, the actions taken by the DOJ, refusing to defend either Trump Administration officials’ claims for executive privilege or the Westfall Act are significant. I think the following quote from the Brook’s court filing is the most important sign that Merrick Garland and the DOJ will let the chips fall where they will and that Trump and his hord are not out of the woods:
“Inciting or conspiring to foment a violent attack on the United States Congress is not within the scope of employment of a representative — or any federal employee — and thus is not the sort of conduct for which the United States is properly substituted as a defendant under the Westfall Act.”
My guess is that Garland and the DOJ will let the Select Committee do their work, which can be deemed bipartisan, and then follow up with further investigation and indictments. It will take time but it will also eliminate any contention that the DOJ is being used as a political tool.
Thank you, Robert Hubbell. I was riveted to the hearings yesterday and have left
messages at both Senator Cruz and Senator Cornyn's offices in support of the Capitol police officers we heard from yesterday, at the same time denouncing Trump's continues Big Lie and the members of Congress who continue to support it.
Such a pleasure to read a newsletter dominated by positives. Not meant as a criticism of the author--you do an amazing job. I'm just so hungry for positive news stories.
I was only able to hear fragments of yesterday's hearing, but they were powerful. I was particularly struck by Sgt. Gonnell's note that Donald Trump said that the mob brought hugs and kisses and that, "I'm stil recovering from those hugs and kisses." Said it all.
And apparently, Gym Jordan will get to appear at one of the hearings, at least. Yesterday, he admitted that he spoke to Trump by telephone on January 6th, so he'll probably be called as a witness. (As a witness, any sane system would bar him from membership on the committee in any event.)
This is the most accurate summary of the hearing I've read or heard, including NPR's and the BBC's. The NY Times online link to the session was not at the top of the screen, but was nearly at the bottom -for shame. It was a riveting session that all Americans needed to watch, including the traitorous, complicit, and cowardly Congressional Republicans.
Wonderful summary of the first day of the hearings. I have not felt this confident since the Watergate hearings, although this is a totally different situation. The officers’ testimony was amazing. Thank you for keeping us focussed.
Great piece as usual. Might be enlightening to list all the Trump-backed candidates who have lost vs those who have won. Curious how far below 1000 his batting average is, especially in competitive districts.
Whose decision was it to remove the fence and protective barriers at the Capitol? It was clear yesterday the the Capitol police feel more exposed and also feel that nothing systemic in response capability has changed since January 6. I think the greatest urgency is to delineate the chain of command and response strategy in case of a repeat insurrection.
Robert, as you point out, the actions taken by the DOJ, refusing to defend either Trump Administration officials’ claims for executive privilege or the Westfall Act are significant. I think the following quote from the Brook’s court filing is the most important sign that Merrick Garland and the DOJ will let the chips fall where they will and that Trump and his hord are not out of the woods:
“Inciting or conspiring to foment a violent attack on the United States Congress is not within the scope of employment of a representative — or any federal employee — and thus is not the sort of conduct for which the United States is properly substituted as a defendant under the Westfall Act.”
My guess is that Garland and the DOJ will let the Select Committee do their work, which can be deemed bipartisan, and then follow up with further investigation and indictments. It will take time but it will also eliminate any contention that the DOJ is being used as a political tool.
Thank you, Robert Hubbell. I was riveted to the hearings yesterday and have left
messages at both Senator Cruz and Senator Cornyn's offices in support of the Capitol police officers we heard from yesterday, at the same time denouncing Trump's continues Big Lie and the members of Congress who continue to support it.
Such a pleasure to read a newsletter dominated by positives. Not meant as a criticism of the author--you do an amazing job. I'm just so hungry for positive news stories.
I was only able to hear fragments of yesterday's hearing, but they were powerful. I was particularly struck by Sgt. Gonnell's note that Donald Trump said that the mob brought hugs and kisses and that, "I'm stil recovering from those hugs and kisses." Said it all.
And apparently, Gym Jordan will get to appear at one of the hearings, at least. Yesterday, he admitted that he spoke to Trump by telephone on January 6th, so he'll probably be called as a witness. (As a witness, any sane system would bar him from membership on the committee in any event.)
Amen! 🙏