BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THERE IS GOOD NEWS THIS WEEK
But before we get there, it must be said…
…it has been a heartbreaking two weeks in America, between the presidential debate where nobody won, and America lost, and three Supreme Court decisions—including permission to accept bribes, and giving a president official criminal immunity and the authority to weaponize the Justice Department. Given the monumental status of each, not to state the obvious would be disingenuous. If you need a concise, comprehensive summary on where we find ourselves, you can watch this excellent short interview with Heather Cox Richardson. (Warning. It is not good news, but it is also a call to action.)
AS OF THIS WRITING, MUCH IS UNRESOLVED
But good people are at work
Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, is meeting with top Democrats this weekend about President Biden’s candidacy. Mr. Jeffries has been in listening mode all week. Grave concerns surround the path ahead but it feels like a consensus is forming. What is to come is unknown. Stay tuned. New York Times
Team Democrats have strong players on our bench. Along with Gretchen Widmer, Gavin Newsom and others, Kamala Harris’ poise, intelligence, and strength gives us hope, both as the Vice President and someone capable of taking up the baton. Please listen to this interview if you didn’t catch it in The Good News several weeks ago. As a friend just wrote after watching, “Wow! I’m a convert. She’s freaking amazing!” YouTube
Demand Justice is planning a $10M offensive in the coming months targeting the Supreme Court. “….we want the American people to know… our Constitution, even in this crisis, provides the tools for people to be able to fight back,” says Skye Perryman. They aim to elevate the court as a major voting issue in the 2024 election. Politico, Demand Justice
CONTRATRUMP
Meanwhile, after the debate, many articles called for Trump to drop out. Biden had a horrible night, but focus groups were well aware of Trump’s lies. And, while eclipsed by concern for Biden’s performance, articles denouncing Trump abounded, as in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Pennsylvania Capital Star (reprinted in multiple places). MSNBC, perhaps expected, stated “The former president wasn’t just everything we’ve known him to be; he was worse… truly a bravura performance of mendacity and deceit.” “The debate about the debate is misplaced,” multiple opinion writers claimed. “The person who should withdraw from the race is Trump.” Not that it will happen, but that it was said, and read.
Project 2025 is terrifying, but Millennials and voters of all stripes are waking up to it. This agenda for Trump’s first year in office is so extreme, it’s potentially a larger driving force to vote Democrat than Roe v Wade. It will be an albatross around Trump’s neck. True to form, he says he’s never heard of it and doesn’t know people behind it (his major supporters). The latest Supreme Court decisions empowered it. Read a bulleted point list here. Read about the growing reaction, the call to wake up here. Read about Trump’s denial here. Or don’t believe the seriousness? Read the whole document here.
GOOD NEWS IN JUSTICE MATTERS
The Kansas Supreme Court reaffirmed that abortion rights are protected by the Constitution, striking down 2 laws. KCUR
The Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned a ruling that barred most ballot drop boxes. This could have a positive impact on the battleground state’s elections heading into the 2024 presidential contest. NBC News
Giuliani was disbarred in New York. The former New York City mayor, federal prosecutor, and legal adviser to Donald Trump was disbarred in New York on Tuesday after a court found he repeatedly made false statements about Trump’s 2020 election loss. Associated Press
BIDEN IS STILL WATCHING OUT FOR US
The Biden administration told emergency room doctors they must perform emergency abortions when necessary to save a pregnant woman’s health, following last week’s Supreme Court ruling that failed to settle a legal dispute over whether state abortion bans override a federal law requiring hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment. Associated Press
CORRECTION FROM LAST WEEK
Eugene Vindman won his primary in Virginia. His twin brother Alexander was a hero in Trump’s first impeachment trial. We conflated the two. Sorry twins! We’re cheering on both of you. New York Times
AND FINALLY
An old story, worth revisiting
A poor Chinese farmer labored in his fields. One day his horse ran away. “Such bad luck,” the neighbors said. “Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three wild mares. “How fortunate,” they exclaimed. “Maybe,” replied the old man.
The next day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors offered their sympathy for his “misfortune.” “Maybe,” answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials arrived to draft all young men into the army. Since the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. “Look how well things turned out!” said the neighbors. “Maybe,” said the farmer.