A few things to catch up on tonight. I’ll keep this brief because important things are coming at us from a lot of different directions this week. There are a few items tonight that deserve a flag. First up, 14th Amendment challenges designed to keep Trump off the ballot. Last night we discussed the Colorado proceeding, which began today, and the Minnesota Supreme Court hearing later this week. While I continue to think courts will be inclined to let the voters decide the election rather than removing Trump from the ballot, there are a number of these pending, and it’s going to be important to stay on top of them and the reasoning courts use in deciding them.
Trump called on the Proud Boys to join his insurrectionst plans in September 2020, and egged on others to join in overturning the results of the presidential election continuously ever thereafter-- ESPECIALLY when he inflamed and exhorted his White Supremacist devotees to "fight like hell" to overturn the thoroughly validated election results--lest they would not have "THEIR" country any longer--on January 6, 2021.
Trump was and is still engaged in a campaign of insurrection/sedition. He took an oath to support and defend the US Constitution on 01/20/16. Why should he not be found disqualified from holding any other federal office ever again pursuant to Section Three of the 14th Amendment? His conduct in office was WORSE than those of the Confederate generals!
In fact, Trump has just said in this Colorado court that he did not swear to "support" the Constitution - since the Presidential oath uses different words. Yes, he's actually arguing that. Yet another unbelievable thing that he not only says or does but which his zoids will line up to defend.
Trump is flailing. The stress is getting to him. A 77 year old overweight man with a rumored history of Adderall abuse watching his many chickens coming home to roost (sorry, Joyce), he no longer knows who he ran against in 2016, and yesterday after Pence pulled out of the 2024 race, he whined that Pence should endorse him. But hopefully, Pence has finally stopped being Trump's chump.
Maybe not. Perhaps, as he's done ever since J6, Pence will "turn the other cheek." But then, Trump is so far off his rocker that Pence should just stay out of the limelight.
The stress is getting to me and my spouse, too. We're near enough to the age of the melting orange dude. Thank god for chicken stories. I think if we still lived in NC, when I saw what tender-loving care the chickens received from the Vance family, I'd be showing pictures to the people that had them - it wasn't nice. We helped clean the portable cages and fed them. That was fun.
Re: Pence - Yah, he stopped being the chump but it took how many years before he grew a small pair (sorry, folks) to do so and he's now safe... until another lunatic escapes.
Trump said he wasn’t required to support the Constitution. More delusional speak.
I would love to see him disqualified under the 14th Amendment. However at this point I would have to agree with Joyce’s comment that the courts would be inclined to let the people decide.
We need to beat his ass big time at the voting booth. We need to make sure that #MagaMike doesn’t get a chance to steal the election.
But too many people have demonstrated they lack sufficient brain cells to make an informed decision. There is a reason parents of toddlers don’t let the toddler decide which car the parents will drive.
I agree for the most part they do, look at the grammar in the voicemails. We are in uncharted waters, and I think beating him bad at the ballot box is a fitting end to him. Our legal system is dealing with him already. I’m also concerned that removing him from the ballot will only incite his cult into violence.
Since Ruth Ben-Ghiat said rump's brand is violence, that's my ultimate concern. It is violence and Bannon, Stone, and the NRA and all the brainwashed people are there to carry it out. Since the obese dude's brand is violence, they can make up a reason to incite violence but they lie all the time anyway. This time it's a threat - remove the criminal in waiting for a sentence from the ballot or you'll see violence. If that doesn't work, a brainwashed dude or two will show up somewhere and start shooting for whatever reason. The NRA and violence exist to push democracy out of this country and many have seen that for many years. They sure keep trying and it is indeed trying.
I just read a story that a recent poll has the President losing to the indicted one in 5 of 6 battle ground states. People believe that the President is not respected around the world. They think the grifter in chief is better for the economy and the President hasn’t done anything. What world are they living in?
murdoch has done a superb job telling lies and they merged (not sure what happened but it happened because I hit the ceiling) with Sinclair Broadcasting. They had instant coast-to-coast propaganda TV. Unfortunately, we have no laws to stop it.
Nicolle Wallace says "they" live on Planet 2 (we're 1). It is stupefying to me that people like what rump did during his term in the oval or on the golf course (his so we'd pay for it). But I don't remember hearing the interviewer asking the person so what did he accomplish? Simple and it doesn't happen or I'm missing it.
The people already decided in 2020, decisively, that they did NOT want a reprise of the first horrible, no good, very bad, devastating firstTrump term in office--by 7+ million votes AND a certified, insurmountable electoral college vote.
Yes we did and it is because of the electoral college that we could have lost. Not in 2020, but we have before. It reduces the one person one vote to almost irrelevance.
I don't know if it's delusional speak, Mike. He knows the truth. He's a mobster and con family and he wants our money like any obese, money losing hedonist dictator. He keeps doing it because he can.
He had an encounter with Mary L. (he was with his wife) at some gala event and called Mary over. He told her a story that Mary called him out on and asked why he lied. His response was if he told the truth, the story would be boring so no one would listen to him. I can't quote it but this was all the essence and it flows through to everything.
My Democratic vote in Georgia is frequently discarded because of the Electoral College winner-takes-all system. An easy adjustment would be to require states to divide their EC votes proportionally to their popular votes. Then my vote would count, even if a different candidate won in my state.
Yes we did. The electoral college is outdated and needs to be abolished. Many states have signed onto the national vote count pact, sorry I can’t remember the actual name, where they basically ignore the electoral college awarding of delegates concept.
I have no words for this guy. Except he is OUT OF HIS MIND and the people that are going to vote for him are too. I think he should be locked up, I really do. He is such an A**H***. So he is the 1st President to be jailed... well he made his bed...(cot) let him lie in it (pun intended)or lay in it. Just do it Judge.
Yes, Helen. Thankfully I learned not to EVER lie early in life. My mom always told me “don’t lie to me” I will always find out. Of all the things I and a friend “skipped” Bible school and spent our envelope $ at the Newstand on chocolate cokes and pinball. She, of course, found out. She didn’t issue any consequences (a little “I told you not to do that”). But, Pastor scared the be-Jesus out of me. I survived and I finished Bible School (2 weeks each summer). When I went to get married, my fiancé and I went to meet w/Pastor and he was so “Proud” of me. /tried to make this shorter🤣. By no means am I perfect but for some reason it had taught me a valuable lesson. Thank God for our wonderful mothers and fathers forevermore. I feel so lucky 🥰. Everyone... have a great day. In Joyce Vances words “we ARE in this together.🇺🇸
Ruth, there are many versions of the Knight's Code, depending on the patron lord. The one that my father pounded into me had oaths about cherishing and protecting women, and various promises regarding honor; but the one he stressed was, "I will be truthful even if it means my death."
Thankfully, (hopefully?) it doesn't mean the little omissions or fibs we tell to protect another person's privacy or feelings--or I'd be dead already!
I have tried to live by the entirety of that Code all of my 73 years....
Exactly right, Gus, and thanks for your reply, “the little omissions” you speak of are very true. Fun talking to others and funny how we, on here seem to think alike most times. Proves it goes back to the Family Values that we learn. Fortunately, for me, my children did well by theirs, also. But, I do believe there was a generation or two that were not taught these values. Be well.
I was expected to be well-behaved & honest and if I slipped, I heard about it. When I was a kid long ago parents seemed less concerned with being popular with their children and less worried about harming their psychological health. But I n spite of being disciplined, we loved them totally (& still do). And not all used corporal punishment. My parents did not, but I remember wishing they did. Mother’s discussion of my failings was not an easy experience.
As a legal scholar - what is the point of the Constitution if we only adhere to selected sections?
25A will never be used
Emoluments clause was blown off by the courts in spite of rampant benefits
Now 14AS3 might be ignored too.
What’s the point?
Again, it seems to me some of the results or outcomes of Trumps actions/ behaviours is there has been a huge and continuing demonstration of how selective the court system is/how ineffective the constitution is and what a two tiered legal system we have. All good to have in the open but we’ve been left incredibly exposed and searching for protection that may not even exist.
Yes, Susan, Ruth Ben-Ghiat has said this is the goal everywhere. Show democracy doesn't work to stop believing in it. It's happening with various voting groups now. But it doesn't make sense to vote for a wannabe autocrat because if the folks don't like Biden, they think they have it rough now, and they're going to be in for one big surprise. So, Joe's not doing anything and every day, I'm seeing gas prices going down and people are employed ... nuts ... but McConnell may get his wishes - a permanent place in the shipping industry and a one-term prez all based on his lies.
I did a search on newsweek what it would be like under 2nd trump term and there are many articles out there. I sent a copy of one to my favorite professor of fascism and asked if this was all close to the truth. I don't remember the exact response but it sent damn chills through my body. It was something like correct and will be worse.
This is where Joyce is so important and keeps me on my toes. Something happens politically, Joyce explains the current and future implications and I keep trying to draw on why the event happens under fascism and a kleptocracy.
This is what happens when a Leonard Leo can buy the high courts’ Judges Common Law is replaced with Alito’s Imagination if Framers Intent. At this point, it should be remembered, the Framers invented the ability to adapt the Constitution to any current era; that “judges” get to ignore that is a condemnation of system of checks and balances. The USA should not be left to the political hacks serving SCOTUS
Awesome update Joyce. You must be exhausted. Read your column after I finished Enough by Cassidy Hutchinson. None of us can allow Trump to ever get near the White House again. I found out earlier this year I could apply for dual citizenship in Canada. My father was born there. His parents were Americans. I cannot live in a country that would put this unhinged lunatic back in the WH. There would not be any guard rails this time. I, like others, am stressed out about this. As I have done the past two elections, I will get out the vote in neighboring states. I live in the bluest state in the nation.
Read Heather Cox Richardson here on Substack. She posts every day and has created a series in the history of the Republican party. Find it on YouTube. It’s in one hour increments and at least 7 or 8 chapters. She is an American historian. She gives a full picture of how America has been at this juncture before and we pulled through. She restores hope in the great American experiment 📚🇺🇸🗽to all those I have referred to her work.
thanks joyce as always for the updates. it truly boggles my mind to keep up with all of it; trump still leads the republicans as the potential voice for the presidency. what aren’t these people see or read/ or perhaps they do not read/clearly they need to subscribe to your emails !!
Boggles my mind is exactly how I’m feeling reading this important information this morning. It frightens me when I realize this horrid human has unleashed so much hate and cruelty and undemocratic behavior. I pray we , together, can right our troubled democracy.
The MAGA base has a constant and continuous stream of lies coming at them. They also tend to be followers, who by now have consumed WAY too much of tRump's Kool-aid.
I looked up mental illness in the dictionary and it said “see Donald Trump.” He is seriously getting worse, and the most extreme of the MAGA Cult are almost giddy in their threats of violence. We should all be seriously worried. I mean that wholeheartedly. Thank you Joyce for keeping us updated and doing it in a very thoughtful and pointed way. You are the best.
The MAGA need to be worried about going to jail: just like their cult leader and those already serving multiple decade terms. They like to threaten. Trump likes to bluster and threaten. He is very likely going to implode this week when Ivanka testifies. So it's the bluster before the storm he is going to have.
Per the AP about 12 hours ago, Ivanka's appearance at the civil fraud trial has been delayed. Ivanka will now testify the day AFTER her father not Friday. AP adds that the Court only holds half-day sessions on Friday. Ivanka is expected to be on the stand for a full Court Day under oath. Ivanka's direct examination writes itself.
So Recap: 1st goes Brother Defendant 1, then Brother Defendant 2, then Mafia-Don Dad then Ivanka with her prior inconsistent statements.
Dear Professor Vance - I hear the thunder of a chaotic and disturbed mass of cry babies who do not know American history or the Declaration of Independence and why it is so important or how and why we broke from King George III or why our entire country did not become entirely enslaved as we were moving west in the 1850s and how Abraham Lincoln changed everything. It is easy to blame others for our misfortunes but the real work begins when we understand that we are always evolving and now have the greatest opportunity in our history to turn things around but it will literally take all of us. I dig it. You do too. How profound your words “We are all in this together.” Your motivation and clarity helps us to address our next steps. Thank you again ☮️🇺🇸🗽❤️🗳️
At this moment, tRump's running commentary on his cases, on the judges, on the prosecutors, on the venue, are ALL win-win for him. How? Well, every time he receives a sanction, a mammoth fund-raising campaign is launched in the name of "1st-Amendment rights", as he is being "muzzled" for simply "campaigning", and people "need" to hear his voice, as he is speaking out for "them"; and if there continues to be minor or no *substantive* penalty or pushback, he ups his game, convinced that he's "in charge", and that he really is "the Teflon Don".
Perhaps not even a threat of jailing and/or curtailing his ability to broadcast his venom will shut him up, but HE JUST KNOWS that the media - aside from his own contributions - will persevere in giving him free airtime, and there simply is NO disincentive to stop what he's mastered: the cynosure of "newsworthiness", as he himself has defined it.
Some part of my brain desperately tries to forget that Donald Trump was ever President. Knowing of him what I do now, it seems impossible - too awful to imagine. Sigh.
a ridiculous, mendacious, STUPID argument. The presidential oath is to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." "Support" of the US Constitution is nowhere embedded in that OATH?
I am certainly not the first, nor even the hundredth, to say this. Thank you for writing with the confidence that your readers are literate and competent people.
That the Courts may "be inclined to let the voters decide the election," (to which I reluctantly agree in principle,) I also can't seem to get past the apparent unconstitutionality of allowing Trump to remain on the ballot.
The U. S. Constitution also speaks for the people, and I believe that the 14 Amendment, Section 3 should be use for Trump, our new Speaker of the House, Rep. Jordan and all those who supported or in ANYWAY help plan the coup or participated in the coup should forever be ban from running for public office and hopefully be convicted of sedition. The DOJ, sorry Joyce, with all due respect is a joke. They cannot with a straight face tell us NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. Damn just take Trump as one example. He has no business running for office again. We are being damn stupid, especially considering the U. S. Constitution tells us we have a remedy. And, if he was you or me, he would be in jail already for ignoring his gag orders. The DOJ should have long ago ripped up the MOU that says a sitting president can't be indicted. It really is time to say enough is enough and mean it. If the AG can't walk his talk, he should be removed and someone with the integrity of a true civil servant. a person that truly believes no one is above the law should replace him.
I would caution calm and patience, a tall but important order. It’s a long game for sure but one that will deliver results. Trump knows his moment on the stage is ending.
Yes, uncertainties abound, but he is imploding, his top enablers exposed, and those who attempt political mayhem face certain prosecution.
Trump’s ugly game is to play on that passion for "justice” as it enables him to grift, incite others to violence and publicly disparage those dedicated to the rule of law.
We, on the other hand, must be patient, have faith in each other and the rule and process of law and, most importantly, vote in overwhelming numbers in 2023 and 2024.
Prosecutors and judges are doing a laudable job sticking to their jobs, which is the administration of justice, by nature deliberate and methodical. The Biden administration is doing an admirable job demonstrating how to govern under very trying circumstances.
If our democratic republic is to survive a bent populist like Trump (and many Trump enablers would love to succeed him), it will be because all who oppose his thuggery and open disdain for the Constitution and rule of law are on deck, mutiny-free, no abandoning ship or working at odds against each other. Even if it takes years.
And the silver lining? So many civic leaders and bands of true citizens like you getting out the vote, organizing, and engaging in public forums like this.
It’s clear that “ All the President’s Men” is a running sequel . Courage.
Thank you, Tom, for this brilliant analysis and note of sanity. I agree with every word. "...no abandoning ship or working at odds" is especially poignant and a much needed reminder.
Dear Joyce,
Trump called on the Proud Boys to join his insurrectionst plans in September 2020, and egged on others to join in overturning the results of the presidential election continuously ever thereafter-- ESPECIALLY when he inflamed and exhorted his White Supremacist devotees to "fight like hell" to overturn the thoroughly validated election results--lest they would not have "THEIR" country any longer--on January 6, 2021.
Trump was and is still engaged in a campaign of insurrection/sedition. He took an oath to support and defend the US Constitution on 01/20/16. Why should he not be found disqualified from holding any other federal office ever again pursuant to Section Three of the 14th Amendment? His conduct in office was WORSE than those of the Confederate generals!
In fact, Trump has just said in this Colorado court that he did not swear to "support" the Constitution - since the Presidential oath uses different words. Yes, he's actually arguing that. Yet another unbelievable thing that he not only says or does but which his zoids will line up to defend.
Trump is flailing. The stress is getting to him. A 77 year old overweight man with a rumored history of Adderall abuse watching his many chickens coming home to roost (sorry, Joyce), he no longer knows who he ran against in 2016, and yesterday after Pence pulled out of the 2024 race, he whined that Pence should endorse him. But hopefully, Pence has finally stopped being Trump's chump.
Gonna be hard to get an endorsement from the guy he tried to get hanged.
Maybe not. Perhaps, as he's done ever since J6, Pence will "turn the other cheek." But then, Trump is so far off his rocker that Pence should just stay out of the limelight.
Marycat, I can't speak for our Counselor, but my chickens would have thanked you for the plug....
The stress is getting to me and my spouse, too. We're near enough to the age of the melting orange dude. Thank god for chicken stories. I think if we still lived in NC, when I saw what tender-loving care the chickens received from the Vance family, I'd be showing pictures to the people that had them - it wasn't nice. We helped clean the portable cages and fed them. That was fun.
Re: Pence - Yah, he stopped being the chump but it took how many years before he grew a small pair (sorry, folks) to do so and he's now safe... until another lunatic escapes.
Trump said he wasn’t required to support the Constitution. More delusional speak.
I would love to see him disqualified under the 14th Amendment. However at this point I would have to agree with Joyce’s comment that the courts would be inclined to let the people decide.
We need to beat his ass big time at the voting booth. We need to make sure that #MagaMike doesn’t get a chance to steal the election.
But too many people have demonstrated they lack sufficient brain cells to make an informed decision. There is a reason parents of toddlers don’t let the toddler decide which car the parents will drive.
I agree for the most part they do, look at the grammar in the voicemails. We are in uncharted waters, and I think beating him bad at the ballot box is a fitting end to him. Our legal system is dealing with him already. I’m also concerned that removing him from the ballot will only incite his cult into violence.
Since Ruth Ben-Ghiat said rump's brand is violence, that's my ultimate concern. It is violence and Bannon, Stone, and the NRA and all the brainwashed people are there to carry it out. Since the obese dude's brand is violence, they can make up a reason to incite violence but they lie all the time anyway. This time it's a threat - remove the criminal in waiting for a sentence from the ballot or you'll see violence. If that doesn't work, a brainwashed dude or two will show up somewhere and start shooting for whatever reason. The NRA and violence exist to push democracy out of this country and many have seen that for many years. They sure keep trying and it is indeed trying.
I just read a story that a recent poll has the President losing to the indicted one in 5 of 6 battle ground states. People believe that the President is not respected around the world. They think the grifter in chief is better for the economy and the President hasn’t done anything. What world are they living in?
murdoch has done a superb job telling lies and they merged (not sure what happened but it happened because I hit the ceiling) with Sinclair Broadcasting. They had instant coast-to-coast propaganda TV. Unfortunately, we have no laws to stop it.
Nicolle Wallace says "they" live on Planet 2 (we're 1). It is stupefying to me that people like what rump did during his term in the oval or on the golf course (his so we'd pay for it). But I don't remember hearing the interviewer asking the person so what did he accomplish? Simple and it doesn't happen or I'm missing it.
Cathy, I would argue that some toddlers have more brains than the actual republican candidate--much less the voters....
The people already decided in 2020, decisively, that they did NOT want a reprise of the first horrible, no good, very bad, devastating firstTrump term in office--by 7+ million votes AND a certified, insurmountable electoral college vote.
Yes we did and it is because of the electoral college that we could have lost. Not in 2020, but we have before. It reduces the one person one vote to almost irrelevance.
I don't know if it's delusional speak, Mike. He knows the truth. He's a mobster and con family and he wants our money like any obese, money losing hedonist dictator. He keeps doing it because he can.
He had an encounter with Mary L. (he was with his wife) at some gala event and called Mary over. He told her a story that Mary called him out on and asked why he lied. His response was if he told the truth, the story would be boring so no one would listen to him. I can't quote it but this was all the essence and it flows through to everything.
It’s possible I guess. He’s a snake oil salesman. His lies, delusions are dangerous. They are intended to incite his followers.
That's shorter than what I said and I agree :) .
My Democratic vote in Georgia is frequently discarded because of the Electoral College winner-takes-all system. An easy adjustment would be to require states to divide their EC votes proportionally to their popular votes. Then my vote would count, even if a different candidate won in my state.
Yes we did. The electoral college is outdated and needs to be abolished. Many states have signed onto the national vote count pact, sorry I can’t remember the actual name, where they basically ignore the electoral college awarding of delegates concept.
I have no words for this guy. Except he is OUT OF HIS MIND and the people that are going to vote for him are too. I think he should be locked up, I really do. He is such an A**H***. So he is the 1st President to be jailed... well he made his bed...(cot) let him lie in it (pun intended)or lay in it. Just do it Judge.
Amen, Ruth.
Preach Ruth!!
You speak the truth Ruth
Yes, Helen. Thankfully I learned not to EVER lie early in life. My mom always told me “don’t lie to me” I will always find out. Of all the things I and a friend “skipped” Bible school and spent our envelope $ at the Newstand on chocolate cokes and pinball. She, of course, found out. She didn’t issue any consequences (a little “I told you not to do that”). But, Pastor scared the be-Jesus out of me. I survived and I finished Bible School (2 weeks each summer). When I went to get married, my fiancé and I went to meet w/Pastor and he was so “Proud” of me. /tried to make this shorter🤣. By no means am I perfect but for some reason it had taught me a valuable lesson. Thank God for our wonderful mothers and fathers forevermore. I feel so lucky 🥰. Everyone... have a great day. In Joyce Vances words “we ARE in this together.🇺🇸
Ruth, there are many versions of the Knight's Code, depending on the patron lord. The one that my father pounded into me had oaths about cherishing and protecting women, and various promises regarding honor; but the one he stressed was, "I will be truthful even if it means my death."
Thankfully, (hopefully?) it doesn't mean the little omissions or fibs we tell to protect another person's privacy or feelings--or I'd be dead already!
I have tried to live by the entirety of that Code all of my 73 years....
Exactly right, Gus, and thanks for your reply, “the little omissions” you speak of are very true. Fun talking to others and funny how we, on here seem to think alike most times. Proves it goes back to the Family Values that we learn. Fortunately, for me, my children did well by theirs, also. But, I do believe there was a generation or two that were not taught these values. Be well.
I was expected to be well-behaved & honest and if I slipped, I heard about it. When I was a kid long ago parents seemed less concerned with being popular with their children and less worried about harming their psychological health. But I n spite of being disciplined, we loved them totally (& still do). And not all used corporal punishment. My parents did not, but I remember wishing they did. Mother’s discussion of my failings was not an easy experience.
As a legal scholar - what is the point of the Constitution if we only adhere to selected sections?
25A will never be used
Emoluments clause was blown off by the courts in spite of rampant benefits
Now 14AS3 might be ignored too.
What’s the point?
Again, it seems to me some of the results or outcomes of Trumps actions/ behaviours is there has been a huge and continuing demonstration of how selective the court system is/how ineffective the constitution is and what a two tiered legal system we have. All good to have in the open but we’ve been left incredibly exposed and searching for protection that may not even exist.
Adversaries are trying to cause chaos and defame our belief systems so people will lose faith and decide to stop voting.
...or get them to believe Democracy doesn’t work and therefore to vote for a fascist government called by another name.
Yes, Susan, Ruth Ben-Ghiat has said this is the goal everywhere. Show democracy doesn't work to stop believing in it. It's happening with various voting groups now. But it doesn't make sense to vote for a wannabe autocrat because if the folks don't like Biden, they think they have it rough now, and they're going to be in for one big surprise. So, Joe's not doing anything and every day, I'm seeing gas prices going down and people are employed ... nuts ... but McConnell may get his wishes - a permanent place in the shipping industry and a one-term prez all based on his lies.
I did a search on newsweek what it would be like under 2nd trump term and there are many articles out there. I sent a copy of one to my favorite professor of fascism and asked if this was all close to the truth. I don't remember the exact response but it sent damn chills through my body. It was something like correct and will be worse.
This is where Joyce is so important and keeps me on my toes. Something happens politically, Joyce explains the current and future implications and I keep trying to draw on why the event happens under fascism and a kleptocracy.
This is what happens when a Leonard Leo can buy the high courts’ Judges Common Law is replaced with Alito’s Imagination if Framers Intent. At this point, it should be remembered, the Framers invented the ability to adapt the Constitution to any current era; that “judges” get to ignore that is a condemnation of system of checks and balances. The USA should not be left to the political hacks serving SCOTUS
Awesome update Joyce. You must be exhausted. Read your column after I finished Enough by Cassidy Hutchinson. None of us can allow Trump to ever get near the White House again. I found out earlier this year I could apply for dual citizenship in Canada. My father was born there. His parents were Americans. I cannot live in a country that would put this unhinged lunatic back in the WH. There would not be any guard rails this time. I, like others, am stressed out about this. As I have done the past two elections, I will get out the vote in neighboring states. I live in the bluest state in the nation.
Read Heather Cox Richardson here on Substack. She posts every day and has created a series in the history of the Republican party. Find it on YouTube. It’s in one hour increments and at least 7 or 8 chapters. She is an American historian. She gives a full picture of how America has been at this juncture before and we pulled through. She restores hope in the great American experiment 📚🇺🇸🗽to all those I have referred to her work.
Will do thanks
I subscribed to it. It is excellent. She gives not only an historical context, but a founding document perspective.
Bless you Kathi. We will work together. We will re-elect Biden. But what we need to work most on is taking the House and Senate.
Agreed. I don’t think the Republicans will ever win the House again after this years fiasco
thanks joyce as always for the updates. it truly boggles my mind to keep up with all of it; trump still leads the republicans as the potential voice for the presidency. what aren’t these people see or read/ or perhaps they do not read/clearly they need to subscribe to your emails !!
Boggles my mind is exactly how I’m feeling reading this important information this morning. It frightens me when I realize this horrid human has unleashed so much hate and cruelty and undemocratic behavior. I pray we , together, can right our troubled democracy.
The MAGA base has a constant and continuous stream of lies coming at them. They also tend to be followers, who by now have consumed WAY too much of tRump's Kool-aid.
And that he is but one of the same terrifying ilk out there.
spot on
I looked up mental illness in the dictionary and it said “see Donald Trump.” He is seriously getting worse, and the most extreme of the MAGA Cult are almost giddy in their threats of violence. We should all be seriously worried. I mean that wholeheartedly. Thank you Joyce for keeping us updated and doing it in a very thoughtful and pointed way. You are the best.
The MAGA need to be worried about going to jail: just like their cult leader and those already serving multiple decade terms. They like to threaten. Trump likes to bluster and threaten. He is very likely going to implode this week when Ivanka testifies. So it's the bluster before the storm he is going to have.
Per the AP about 12 hours ago, Ivanka's appearance at the civil fraud trial has been delayed. Ivanka will now testify the day AFTER her father not Friday. AP adds that the Court only holds half-day sessions on Friday. Ivanka is expected to be on the stand for a full Court Day under oath. Ivanka's direct examination writes itself.
So Recap: 1st goes Brother Defendant 1, then Brother Defendant 2, then Mafia-Don Dad then Ivanka with her prior inconsistent statements.
Thank you Bryan.
Dear Professor Vance - I hear the thunder of a chaotic and disturbed mass of cry babies who do not know American history or the Declaration of Independence and why it is so important or how and why we broke from King George III or why our entire country did not become entirely enslaved as we were moving west in the 1850s and how Abraham Lincoln changed everything. It is easy to blame others for our misfortunes but the real work begins when we understand that we are always evolving and now have the greatest opportunity in our history to turn things around but it will literally take all of us. I dig it. You do too. How profound your words “We are all in this together.” Your motivation and clarity helps us to address our next steps. Thank you again ☮️🇺🇸🗽❤️🗳️
I dig it also Tutone SF ... that makes 3.
Then I’ll gladly take #4 place...🇺🇸
Wow, TutoneSF. Thank you for these inspiring words.
At this moment, tRump's running commentary on his cases, on the judges, on the prosecutors, on the venue, are ALL win-win for him. How? Well, every time he receives a sanction, a mammoth fund-raising campaign is launched in the name of "1st-Amendment rights", as he is being "muzzled" for simply "campaigning", and people "need" to hear his voice, as he is speaking out for "them"; and if there continues to be minor or no *substantive* penalty or pushback, he ups his game, convinced that he's "in charge", and that he really is "the Teflon Don".
Perhaps not even a threat of jailing and/or curtailing his ability to broadcast his venom will shut him up, but HE JUST KNOWS that the media - aside from his own contributions - will persevere in giving him free airtime, and there simply is NO disincentive to stop what he's mastered: the cynosure of "newsworthiness", as he himself has defined it.
Some part of my brain desperately tries to forget that Donald Trump was ever President. Knowing of him what I do now, it seems impossible - too awful to imagine. Sigh.
Learning our history helps us go forward, not hearsay.
Mkay, but that is
a ridiculous, mendacious, STUPID argument. The presidential oath is to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." "Support" of the US Constitution is nowhere embedded in that OATH?
Thank you, Joyce for aptly keeping us informed of these daily legal happenings. I look forward to every post you make.
I am certainly not the first, nor even the hundredth, to say this. Thank you for writing with the confidence that your readers are literate and competent people.
That the Courts may "be inclined to let the voters decide the election," (to which I reluctantly agree in principle,) I also can't seem to get past the apparent unconstitutionality of allowing Trump to remain on the ballot.
Thanks Joyce for all you do to keep us informed. It occurs to me that you may also be a target still. Please be careful!
KARMA is still in play for TFG! Prayers that we will see it play out before the next election🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
ZuzEB, Thank god there is a karma. He has earned it for several lifetimes.
The U. S. Constitution also speaks for the people, and I believe that the 14 Amendment, Section 3 should be use for Trump, our new Speaker of the House, Rep. Jordan and all those who supported or in ANYWAY help plan the coup or participated in the coup should forever be ban from running for public office and hopefully be convicted of sedition. The DOJ, sorry Joyce, with all due respect is a joke. They cannot with a straight face tell us NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. Damn just take Trump as one example. He has no business running for office again. We are being damn stupid, especially considering the U. S. Constitution tells us we have a remedy. And, if he was you or me, he would be in jail already for ignoring his gag orders. The DOJ should have long ago ripped up the MOU that says a sitting president can't be indicted. It really is time to say enough is enough and mean it. If the AG can't walk his talk, he should be removed and someone with the integrity of a true civil servant. a person that truly believes no one is above the law should replace him.
I would caution calm and patience, a tall but important order. It’s a long game for sure but one that will deliver results. Trump knows his moment on the stage is ending.
Yes, uncertainties abound, but he is imploding, his top enablers exposed, and those who attempt political mayhem face certain prosecution.
Trump’s ugly game is to play on that passion for "justice” as it enables him to grift, incite others to violence and publicly disparage those dedicated to the rule of law.
We, on the other hand, must be patient, have faith in each other and the rule and process of law and, most importantly, vote in overwhelming numbers in 2023 and 2024.
Prosecutors and judges are doing a laudable job sticking to their jobs, which is the administration of justice, by nature deliberate and methodical. The Biden administration is doing an admirable job demonstrating how to govern under very trying circumstances.
If our democratic republic is to survive a bent populist like Trump (and many Trump enablers would love to succeed him), it will be because all who oppose his thuggery and open disdain for the Constitution and rule of law are on deck, mutiny-free, no abandoning ship or working at odds against each other. Even if it takes years.
And the silver lining? So many civic leaders and bands of true citizens like you getting out the vote, organizing, and engaging in public forums like this.
It’s clear that “ All the President’s Men” is a running sequel . Courage.
Thank you, Tom, for this brilliant analysis and note of sanity. I agree with every word. "...no abandoning ship or working at odds" is especially poignant and a much needed reminder.
So well said, Tom. Thank you.
The DOJ is hoping to prevent a much worse outcome than just having to contend with the inflammatory lies of a big bad baby.
Donald Trump uncorked the Hate Bottle.
Rush Limbaugh, et. al., distilled the foetid ichor therein.
...and the lackeys drank it.
Derek, thanks for the new word!