The Biden Administration’s work continues apace.
Check out the deep list of achievements here.
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BIDEN
The U.S. steps up civilian aid to Gaza through military air drops. Biden is working for a resolution regarding the Hamas hostages and a cease fire. He said, “We need to do more and… will do more,” adding “aid flowing to Gaza is nowhere nearly enough.” White House spokesperson John Kirby stressed this will be “a sustained effort…This isn’t going to be one and done.” Reuters
White House reverses West Bank policy, calling Israeli settlements illegal. The U.S. asserts settlement expansion is inconsistent with international law, a policy long held by all but the Trump Administration. Biden is growing increasingly frustrated with Israel. Washington Post
The annual physical: “President Biden is a healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.” The report was transparent, thorough and clear. Biden works out 5 days a week! Associated Press
Gavin Newsom: Biden’s age is an asset. Politico
Democrats really love Biden. Recent data from The Economist/YouGov poll shows that 82% of us approve of the job he’s doing, 78% approve of the economy, and 71% of his foreign policy–as reported by Simon Rosenberg, still bullish on Joe and November. Hopium Chronicles
POLITICAL AND LEGAL WINS THIS WEEK
Another week, another opposition witness crumbles. This keeps happening. Last week The House’s key witness in their Biden impeachment inquiry turned out to be a Russian disinformation agent. This week, the key witness against Georgia DA Fani Willis can’t provide any concrete information regarding an alleged conflict of interest around a romantic relationship. New Republic, Washington Post
Chesebro, therefore Trump, is in deep hot water. Trump’s lawyer, Kenneth Chesebro, author of the fake elector plots, was found to be hiding, and lying about, posts that indicate a deeper and more aggressive stance on fake electors, starting before the 2020 election. New Republic
Another Republican attack crumbles. At a closed door House committee meeting, Hunter Biden answered all the questions credibly, thoroughly, and demonstrated no wrongdoing. He did not take The Fifth. He said, “I am not Jared Kushner,” and raised the issue of Kushner’s two billion dollar deal with the Saudis. Read this satisfying article if you want more details. The Washington Post
Nikki Haley, a strong Republican woman with a big megaphone, says Trump is suicide for our country. Axios
Three more Republican women with high visibility advocate Never Trump, and yes to Biden if necessary. Alyssa Farah Griffin, Cassidy Hutchinson, and Sarah Matthews worked in Trump’s White House. Now they’re trying to keep him from getting back in. The Washington Post
Jack Smith fires back in the Mar-A-Lago case. Trump launched many (many) motions this week—claiming presidential immunity, selective and vindictive prosecution, asserting Smith has no authority because he wasn’t commissioned by Congress, and on and on. Smith is slamming every volley and fabrication. His response is both long and to the point. Newsweek
Further, in light of this week’s trial delays, Smith argues trial dates set 60 days before an election do not violate justice department policy because they were all already well underway, and they can legally, properly proceed into the fall. Law and Crime
“Let’s just say it: Trump is weaker than he looks.” In this podcast, political scientist Julia Azari argues that Nikki Haley’s challenge is indicative of Trump’s weakness. He has a problem with independents, and with his numerous indictments. His supporters are only one segment of the electorate. He’s never won a majority and has presided over the worst string of losses for the GOP down-ballot in half a century. The Daily Blast with Greg Sargent
Keep an eye on Ruben Gallego in Arizona. An energetic Democrat with a working class background, he’s mounting a strong challenge to both election-denier Kerri Lake and independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema. New Republic
Trump’s GOP shows its extremism could be a problem in November. “By week’s end, Trump’s GOP was tied to calling frozen embryos children, appeals to kill democracy, and giving Vladimir Putin a pass on targeting his enemies.” These issues are not aligned with how most Americans think. Axios
States continue to ban Trump from the ballot for leading an insurrection. Legal challenges continue to be raised and legal conclusions continue to compile. Yes, he did lead an insurrection, and no, he shouldn’t be allowed to run. This week, Illinois advances a step. Reuters
THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION, WORKING FOR US
More wealthy tax cheats must pay like the rest of us. The IRS launches another crackdown, this week on 25,000 people who earn over $1 million a year and 100,000 who earn between $400K and $1 million, all of whom don’t pay their taxes. This is what funding does. Associated Press
U.S. government sues to block largest supermarket merger in history. The Biden Administration is committed to fighting food price inflation. CTV News
Joe Biden pledges $1.7 billion to end hunger across U.S. Newsweek
Biden administration makes $115 million available for low-income senior housing. UPI
Biden brokers $1 billion deal with Oregon, Washington, and four Columbia River tribes to revive the Northwest salmon population. Fortune
Biden executive order aims to stop Russia and China from buying Americans’ personal data. Engadget
AND FINALLY
Paul’s comments on the Supreme Court announcement. Nothing in the Constitution says that presidents are, or are not, immune from criminal acts while in office. We actually need this legal clarification. While SCOTUS has delayed Trump’s January 6th trial to consider this, what has become clear is that we cannot rely on the courts to save us. Trump will appeal and appeal. We understand we must win in November. It is on us.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal:
It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill