Daily Archives: July 17, 2022

In the past couple of weeks, Congress Select Committee has presented persuasive, unrebutted evidence that Donald J. Trump, the duly-elected 45th President, refused to abide by the will of the People. He knew, full well, that he had lost both the popular vote and the determinative Electoral College vote, by a substantial margin, and that there was absolutely no evidence of even slight irregularities much less widespread fraud in the conduct of the election. His own Justice Department and faithful Attorney General told him so, in no uncertain terms.

And yet, Trump refused to do as every other unsuccessful presidential candidate had done since the founding of our nation he refused to peacefully transition power to the Peoples choice.

Buttressed by a relatively small group of loyal co-conspirators, Trump sought, quite literally, to overthrow the government of the United States and to install himself in office. Concerned that his scheme to install a set of fake electors from several swing states was not going to be carried out by Vice President Mike Pence, and informed that some of those marching to the U.S. Capitol on his orders were armed with military assault weapons, Trump told his minions that he wished the protest at the Capitol to proceed, and he urged removing the security scanners in place to detect firearms.Told that those whod overcome the Capitol Police by force were shouting Hang Mike Pence! as they ran through the corridors of the Capitol, Trump stated that perhaps Pence deserved that fate.

READ:Colorado Sun opinion columnists.

So committed was Trump to cling to power that he was willing to watch dozens, perhaps hundreds, of our fellow citizens, including members of Congress and the Vice President, die in the violent assault on the Capitol.

As an attorney, I know and believe that Trump and his co-conspirators are entitled to the presumption of innocence in courts of law, and can be found guilty of crimes only by a jury of ordinary U.S. citizens. Until a jury returns a verdict, likely years down the road (if he lives long enough to face trial), he cannot be imprisoned or otherwise punished by our government. In this great land, we dont allow the victors in political skirmishes to lock her up simply because she lost the election.

But what do we, American citizens, do now?

Look: Im a registered Democrat. I voted for Hillary, Gore, Dukakis, Mondale and Carter. If any of those losing candidates had sought, as Trump did, to overthrow our system of government, I would not support them. Indeed, I would actively denounce them and call for their prosecution. Its not about party affiliation, its about standing up for the rule of law, and the peaceful transition of power that is the hallmark of our democracy.

To my fellow U.S. citizens Republicans I respect you, I believe you have equal rights to vote, to protest, to advocate for your views and to support candidates who pledge to implement the public policies you prefer, whatever they may be. Please continue doing so, forcefully but peacefully, because a functioning democracy cannot survive without competing viewpoints on all matters of the day.

What I am urging my Republican friends and colleagues to do, now, immediately, is to publicly denounce Donald J. Trump and his co-conspirators. Only your voice will be heard by the Republican National Committee, which has officially described the deadly assault on the Capitol as legitimate political discourse. No matter how much you may share and support the espoused policies of Trump and his co-conspirators, you must stand and defend the very principles upon which this great nation was founded: We The People are the governors; those we elect to hold public office are our servants, responsible to us. No man is above the law. No person may defy the will of the people, support a violent overthrow of our democracy, and be allowed to hold public office ever again.

I urge you, please: Let your voice be heard. Standing idly by, in silence, in the hopes that the system will miraculously correct itself only perpetuates the status quo, where those who knowingly lied about the election and embraced violence as the means to retain power are permitted to continue participating in the political process.

Please, do the right thing, the patriotic thing speak out. Loudly. Repeatedly. Tell the leaders of the Republican Party that you will not support any candidate who has sought to overthrow our government. No political party should tolerate in its ranks anyone who commits such fundamentally anti-American acts.

Steven D. Zansberg is an attorney in private practice in Denver.

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Opinion: This Democrat hopes for the restoration of a healthy Republican Party. - The Colorado Sun

CNN host John King claimed that critics need to go easier on Democrats over inflation.

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On Friday, CNN Inside Politics host John King urged critics to give Democrats "some grace" because their jobs are "hard."

Kings urging for easier treatment of Democratic lawmakers came specifically in response to a Republican attack ad criticizing Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., for his reckless spending and accusing him of contributing to the current inflation woes impacting the U.S.

The anchor stated, "It is much easier to be the opposition party give the Democrats some grace. Governing is hard, especially when you have tiny margins."

He added, "Butbut thats the challenge for Democrats, they need to get on the same page because the Republicans are just going to hammer with that."

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Inflation is currently at a 40-year high. (istock)

CNN Capitol Hill reporter Melanie Zanona agreed with King, warning that Republicans are "seizing" on high inflation and see political victory using the issue. "Republicans are really seizing on this. They have spent twice as much on campaign ads as Democrats have, really hammering Democrats over this issue."

Though Zanona claimed that the GOP "dont really have a specific answer" on inflation themselves, "privately they say we don't need to, we can just continuously beat Democrats over the head with this.'"

Kings comments appeared to be an attempt to stave off a wellspring of criticism thats been aimed at Democrats, particularly at President Joe Biden. Notably much of this criticism has come from Bidens own party.

Recently former Obama economic adviser Jason Furman stated, "My guess is that the negative views about inflation are so deeply baked in that nothing can change in the next few months to change them."

In addition, the general outlook for Democrats is bleak, and not just in Republican circles.

According to a recent New York Times-Siena College poll, 64% of Democrats would prefer a different presidential candidate for their party in 2024. In addition, it indicated that only 13% of Americans think the country is on the right track.

President Joe Biden has low approval even among members of his own political party. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The poll also revealed that only 1% of young voters "strongly approve" of Bidens leadership.

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Conservatives on Twitter remarked on Kings urging for soft treatment of Democrats. Chad Gilmartin, a communications staffer for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., tweeted, "I look forward to the day CNN gives the Republican Majority some grace," reminding viewers that CNN would have never gone easy on the Trump administration.

Fellow McCarthy communications aide Michele Perez Exner agreed: "Yes, because CNN is known for giving Republicans the same grace they are quick to provide their Democrat allies..."

Republican pollster Logan Dobson observed: "I do not remember cable news being so full of grace in 2017-2018! What a nice development!"

Townhall.com columnist Mike LaChance tweeted the same point, asking, "Remember when CNN said to give Trump and Republicans a break? Neither does anyone else."

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The Spectator contributing editor Stephen L. Miller shared the video to his account and commented a seemingly sarcastic "Ah," as though King was making a reasonable request even though inflation is at a 40-year-high.

The NewsBusters Twitter account wrote, "Now that Democrats are in power, CNN's John King suddenly believes in giving them a break because governing is hard. He had a very different opinion during the Trump era."

And NewsBusters executive editor Tim Graham replied to Kings statement with a GIF of SpongeBob SquarePants character Mr. Krabs playing the "worlds smallest violin," mocking King's appeal for sympathy for Democrats.

On Friday, even Congresswomen Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., slammed Democratic Party leaderships messaging on inflation, saying the party is putting a "spin" on things and that voters dont "like it."

U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., is one of several Democratic Party leaders who have criticized the White House's inflation narrative. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Gabriel Hays is an associate editor at Fox News. Follow him on Twitter at @gabrieljhays.

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Amid soaring inflation, CNN's John King tells critics to give Democrats 'some grace': 'Governing is hard' - Fox News

U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson received a fond farewell at her final Texas Democratic Convention representing Dallas 30th Congressional District.

Johnson, who is retiring from the House at the end of her term, received a standing ovation as she took the stage.

Im retiring from Congress in January, but if the Lord lets me live, Im not retiring from the Democratic Party, she said.

Fellow Democrats presented the longtime Dallas leader with the Eddie Bernice Johnson Trailblazer Award.

Johnson, who has represented Dallas in Congress since 1993 and as a state representative before that, spoke about the legacy of former President Lyndon Baines Johnson. The late presidents daughter, Luci Baines Johnson, spoke earlier in the night.

That Democratic president was responsible for equal education, open housing, Medicare and Medicaid, voting rights, civil rights, Johnson said. There has been no greater president.

Its an insult to have anybody but a Democrat in charge of this state.

State Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas won the Democratic runoff to replace Johnson and is heavily favored to win the district in November.

1/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke (right) listens to the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee, at Jaxon Beer Garden in Downtown Dallas. Beto was taking photos with supporters following his speech at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

2/99Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee (right) looks at Steve Foxs photos of his son at the Juneteenth memorial in Galveston during a convention after-party at Jaxon Beer Garden in Downtown Dallas. Lee was there with Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke who was taking photos with supporters following his speech at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

3/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke delivers his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

4/99Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, cheers on Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke as he delivers his speech to delegates and guests at 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

5/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke walks on-stage to deliver his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

6/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke delivers his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

7/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke delivers his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

8/99Delegates and guests cheers on Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke as he delivers his speech during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

9/99Delegates and guests cheers on Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke as he delivers his speech during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

10/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke delivers his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

11/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke delivers his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

12/99A delegate throws up a sign to Fix the Damn Grid as Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke delivers his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

13/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke walks on-stage to deliver his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

14/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke delivers his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

15/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke gives his wife Amy a kiss after delivering his speech to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

16/99Outgoing U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas (center) is recognized with the Texas Democrats Trailblazer Award by Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa before she spoke during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett (left) as U.S. Representative Al Green of Houston appeared on stage with them.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

17/99Outgoing U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas (second from right) delivers her speech during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Joining her onstage is Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa (left) Democratic U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative Al Green of Houston and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

18/99Outgoing U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas (second from right) recognizes Democratic U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett (second from left) as she speaks during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa (left) and U.S. Representative Al Green of Houston appeared on stage with them.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

19/99U.S. House Texas District 32 Representative Colin Allred speaks to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

20/99U.S. House Texas District 32 Representative Colin Allred speaks to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

21/99U.S. House Texas District 32 Representative Colin Allred speaks to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

22/99Delegate Hazel Weathers and others cheer U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston who recognized WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Griner is jailed in Russia.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

23/99Delegates Hazel Weathers (center) and Sheena King (left) and others cheer U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston who recognized WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Griner is jailed in Russia.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

24/99Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner spoke after being recognized by Luci Baines Johnson (right) for leading Democrats out of Texas when voting rights were under attack in Austin. He spoke to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

25/99Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner speaks after being recognized for leading Democrats out of Texas when voting rights were under attack in Austin. He spoke to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

26/99Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner speaks after being recognized by Luci Baines Johnson for leading Democrats out of Texas when voting rights were under attack in Austin. He spoke to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

27/99Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner spoke after being recognized by Luci Baines Johnson (right) for leading Democrats out of Texas when voting rights were under attack in Austin. He spoke to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

28/99Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner (left) receives a hug from Luci Baines Johnson after being recognized for leading Democrats out of Texas when voting rights were under attack in Austin. He spoke to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

29/99Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner was recognized with the Texas Democrats President Lyndon B. Johnson Lifetime Service Award by Luci Baines Johnson. Turner led Democrats out of Texas when voting rights were under attack in Austin. He spoke to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

30/99Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner was recognized with the Texas Democrats President Lyndon B. Johnson Lifetime Service Award by Luci Baines Johnson. Turner led Democrats out of Texas when voting rights were under attack in Austin. He spoke to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

31/99Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins speaks to delegates and guests gathered for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

32/99Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins speaks to delegates and guests gathered for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

33/99(From lelt) Texas Young Democrats President & ECtor Co Chair Hannah Horick leads a panel discussion with former DNC Rural Council Chair Betty Richie, Midland Co Chair Cathy Broadrick and Bowie Co Chair Zebrina Robertson during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

34/99During a Q&A game, Democratic U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett (center) reacts with her answer after being asked if theyd ever cussed out a Republican during a panel discussion at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. U.S. House Texas District 35 candidate Greg Casar (left) and U.S. House Texas District 15 candidate Michelle Vallejo (right) show their answers as well. Former presidential candidate Julin Castro moderated the kickoff-off reception event.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

35/99U.S. House Texas District 32 representative Colin Allred spoke to delegates and guests during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

36/99Democratic U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett reacts during a panel discussion at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

37/99Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa speaks to delegates and guests during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

38/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke meets Ramona Torres of El Paso as he arrives to the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

39/99Wearing Ranchers for Beto cowboy hats, Sandy Emmons of Waxahachie, Texas and her husband Andy Don Emmons wait in line to meet Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke at his 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

40/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke listens to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins (right) during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

41/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke and his wife Amy (second from right) cheers supporters they took photos with at their 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

42/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke said he needs more cowbell as he poses for photos with his staff at his 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

43/99Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins (left) gives Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa a hug as they visited with Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke (right) during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

44/99A cutout of Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke rises above the crowd gathered to see the candidate (right) during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

45/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke (right) is greeted by his supporters as he arrives to a rally at his booth during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

46/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke (right) visits with former presidential candidate Julin Castro during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

47/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke applauds his supporters as he took photos with them at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

48/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke greets Monica Florence of Frost, Texas as he met with supporters at his 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

49/99A cutout of Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke rises above the crowd gathered to see the candidate (right) during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

50/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke (right) visits with former presidential candidate Julin Castro during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

51/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke listens to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins (not pictured) during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

52/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke (left) and his wife Amy (second from right) posed for photos with Pro Abortion supporters at their 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

53/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke greets Vietnam War Army veteran Frank Gilmore of Copperas Cove, Texas as he met with supporters during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

54/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke huddles up his staff and cheers at his 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

55/99Wearing a Ranchers for Beto cowboy hat, Andy Don Emmons of Waxahachie, Texas waits in line to meet Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke at his 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

56/99Democratic gubernatorial challenger Beto O'Rourke cheers supporters as they took photos with them at their 2022 Texas Democratic Convention booth at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022. Beto is expected to be the main speaker during the general session later in the night.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

57/99Delegate Vickie Willoughby of San Antonio cheers alongside her husband David Willoughby and others during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

58/99State Senator Royce West speaks to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

59/99Delegate Frances Rizo of Duncanville bows her head in prayer as the invocation is delivered during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.S he is part of the Tejano Democrats.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

60/99State Senator Royce West speaks to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

61/99(From lelt) Texas Young Democrats President & ECtor Co Chair Hannah Horick leads a panel discussion with former DNC Rural Council Chair Betty Richie, Midland Co Chair Cathy Broadrick and Bowie Co Chair Zebrina Robertson during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

62/99Delegates and guests stand for the national anthem as the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention general session kicks off at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

63/99State Senator Royce West speaks to delegates and guests during the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 15, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

64/99During a Q&A game, Democratic U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett (center) reacts with her answer after being asked if theyd ever cussed out a Republican during a panel discussion at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. U.S. House Texas District 35 candidate Greg Casar (left) and U.S. House Texas District 15 candidate Michelle Vallejo (right) show their answers as well. Former presidential candidate Julin Castro moderated the kickoff-off reception event.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

65/99During a Q&A game, Democratic U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett (center) reacts with her answer after being asked if theyd ever cussed out a Republican during a panel discussion at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. U.S. House Texas District 35 candidate Greg Casar (left) and U.S. House Texas District 15 candidate Michelle Vallejo (right) show their answers as well. Former presidential candidate Julin Castro moderated the kickoff-off reception event.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

66/99John Denson of Pflugerville, Texas wore a campaign hat in the style of Abe Lincoln to a kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. He said he couldnt find a brim to go along with it.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

67/99A woman supporting the LGBTQ community wore a flag in her hair during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

68/99Delegates and guests applaud as the kick-off reception wraps up on Day 1of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. Former presidential candidate Julin Castro moderated the kickoff-off forum.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

69/99Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa speaks to delegates and guests during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

70/99Kim Olson (center), who is competing for the Texas Democratic Party Chair, visits with delegates and guests attending the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

71/99Delegates and guests gather to listen to U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett following her panel discussion at the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

72/99U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett (center) visited with delegates and guests during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

73/99Former presidential candidate Julin Castro spoke to delegates and guests before moderating a panel discussion during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

74/99Democratic U.S. House Texas District 30 candidate Jasmine Crockett participated in a panel discussion at the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

75/99Delegates and guests listen to U.S. House Texas District candidates at a kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. Former presidential candidate Julin Castro moderated the kickoff-off forum.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

76/99U.S. House Texas District 15 candidate Michelle Vallejo visits with delegates following the the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

77/99A delegate records a video of U.S. House Texas District candidates on a panel discussion at a kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. Former presidential candidate Julin Castro moderated the kickoff-off forum.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

78/99U.S. House Texas District 32 representative Colin Allred spoke to delegates and guests during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

79/99Former presidential candidate Julin Castro spoke to delegates and guests before moderating a panel discussion during the kick-off reception for the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

80/99Mike Nichols of Tyler, Texas sports a cap full of Beto ORourke buttons during the SDEC (State Democratic Executive Committee) meeting on opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

81/99Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa (third from right) visits with delegates following the SDEC (State Democratic Executive Committee) meeting on opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

82/99Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa (left) and Adoneca Fortier listen to concerns voiced by those attending the SDEC (State Democratic Executive Committee) meeting during opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

83/99Steven Spainhouer (left) of McKinney, Texas takes a photo of his big voting sign he brought to the SDEC meeting on opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

84/99Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa (center) leads the SDEC (State Democratic Executive Committee) meeting in the pledge of allegiance during opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

85/99Reyes Garcia of Edinburg, Texas waves a cutout of former Texas Governor Ann Richards as he greets delegates on opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

86/99Reyes Garcia of Edinburg, Texas waves a cutout of former Texas Governor Ann Richards as he greets delegates on opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

87/99Delegates pick up their credentials during the opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

88/99Delegates stand and applaud during the SDEC (State Democratic Executive Committee) meeting on opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

89/99Staffer Chrissy Kleberg hangs up Beto For Texas t-shirts at his booth as the team set up on opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

90/99Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa (center, at podium) leads the SDEC (State Democratic Executive Committee) meeting with the Texas pledge during opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022.(Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

91/99Steven Spainhouer brought a big voting sign to the opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

92/99Volunteers sell convention lanyards to delegates after theyve picked up their credentials during the opening day of the 2022 Texas Democratic Convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, July 14, 2022. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer )

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Eddie Bernice Johnson: an insult to not have Democrat running Texas - The Dallas Morning News

O'Rouke blasts incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott on border policies, tightening election laws, and outlawing abortions

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto ORouke told fellow party members on Friday that his coffers are full and his poll numbers are up, giving his campaign a much-needed boost against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

ORouke, the keynote speaker at the Texas Democratic Convention in Dallas, said he raised $27.6 million from late February to June 30 and is up 10 points in the polls against Abbott, much to the delight of delegates.

Greg Abbott is chaos; he is corruption; he is cruelty, and he is incompetence, ORouke said during the convention.

The convention, which began July 14 in Dallas, will allow delegates across Texas to vote on the partys platform and elect party leadership. Democratic leaders at the convention focused on their plans of winning more state and national seats by running on progressive ideas. Democrats are also working to keep Latinos in South Texas voting blue.

While ORoukes fund-raising efforts broke a record, Abbott has nearly matched him by hauling in $24.9 million over the same period, according to his campaign.

Abbot had $45.7 million cash on hand as of June 30, while the ORourke campaign did not disclose their figure. Most polls estimate ORouke gaining ground on Abbott, with several showing Abbott with a mere 5- or 6-point lead.

ORourke opposed what he called voter suppression legislation supported by his opponent. He endorsed a policy platform for open borders, pushed expansion of government health care, and championed gun control, abortion rights, and transgender rights for children.

His position on gun control made him the darling of liberals in 2019 during his presidential bid. At the time, ORourke said: Hell yes, were going to take your AR-15, your AK-47.

In his speech to delegates, he accused Abbott of turning his back on police officers by allowing Texans to carry guns in the open under Constitutional carry.

More cops have been gunned down in this state than in any other, he said.

ORouke has also made it clear in the past that he favored defunding police and once praised Black Lives Matter for their efforts to do so.

ORouke is now also making the Texas electricity grid a campaign issue. He wants green energy to replace oil and gas in Texas.

During his speech, he blasted Abbot for the Texas electrical grids failure during Winter Storm Uri last February. His solution is to connect Texas independent grid to the national grid. He wants to transition to high-paying union jobs in green energy and eliminate Texas oil and gas jobs.

However, during the storm, part of the problem was caused by frozen wind turbines, which stopped producing power. Texas gets more than 20 percent of its energy from wind power.

ORouke also attacked Abbott on border stunts, such as using the states national guard to help secure the Texas border. He added that Texas is a state of immigrants who make the state a better place.

Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants have overrun Texas and other border states after Biden eliminated former president Trumps stay-in-Mexico policy.

Abbotts campaign literature says his opponent wants to all but eliminate the detention of illegal immigrants and grant citizenship to those illegal immigrants who are already in the country. Republicans speculate that Bidens open border policy is designed to capture for the Democratic party more immigrant votes, mainly from Hispanics, as the partys policies more easily award migrants, including those who enter illegally, citizenship.

ORourke will be heading out on the campaign trail ahead of the November election. Abbott plans on hounding his opponent with the Beto Truth Response Unit, which was in Dallas during the Democratic Convention.

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Democrat Beto O'Rourke Pushes Progressive Platform, Polls Show Gap Closing in Texas Governor's Race - The Epoch Times

Democrats have been awfully active in the 2022 Republican primaries. Thats right, GOP nominating contests, which are usually decided by the partys most faithful, fervent, and consistent voters.

Democrats see a batch of political opportunities in the 2022 midterm elections in helping to choose who ends up being nominated by Republicans in a range of contests, based on the logic that these flawed GOP office-seekers would be the easiest to beat in November. All the while, Democrats are on defense over President Joe Bidens sinking approval ratings, the worst inflation in 40 years, spiking gas prices, and a range of other political problems.

ANGRY ANTI-BIDEN LIBERALS MAY BE DEMOCRATS' ONLY HOPE TO AVOID MIDTERM ELECTION WIPEOUT

The Democrats' handiwork is clear in a batch of contests. In the Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial nomination fight, Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro's campaign ran ads aimed at boosting state Sen. Doug Mastriano, known for bolstering former President Donald Trump's false claims of 2020 election fraud. The gambit has worked so far, as Mastriano easily captured the GOP nomination on May 17, but trails Shapiro in the polls.

The GOP governor primary in Maryland saw similar Democratic efforts to promote the candidacy of state Del. Dan Cox in the Aug. 2 gubernatorial primary, over the more centrist Kelly Schulz. Cox is widely seen as too conservative to win statewide in deep blue Maryland. He's best-known clashes with retiring Gov. Larry Hogan, a fellow Republican, over COVID-19 restrictions.

In the Colorado Republican Senate primary, state Democrats tried to elevate Ron Hanks, who supported former Trumps baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Hanks would have been a tough sell in November to an electorate that's increasingly Democratic. But GOP primary voters weren't having it, choosing instead construction company owner Joe O'Dea, a more traditional business-minded conservative.

And the Arizona Democratic Party is disparaging a Republican gubernatorial candidate, Karrin Taylor Robson, in an apparent attempt at helping Trump-endorsed GOP rival Kari Lake, figuring the latter would be easier to beat in November.

Theres nothing particularly new about the tactic. Democrats have, sporadically for decades, tried to ensure the weakest Republican nominee emerged to fight in the general election. And Republican hands aren't totally clean either, having at times tried to prop up seemingly weak Democratic general election candidates.

After all, the Watergate scandal that drove President Richard Nixon from office in 1974 was based in part on efforts by him and his cronies to ensure the weakest possible 1972 Democratic nominee. Targets of "dirty tricks" (or the earthier "rat-f***ing" as it's known in the campaign business) included Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine, who was knocked out of the Democratic primary process early. Nixon and Co. got their man in Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota, a liberal Democrat who won a scant 17 Electoral College votes (Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.) to incumbent Nixon's whopping 520.

While the meddling has sometimes worked, it can also backfire. The nominee deemed to be the weakest fall opponent can turn out to be unexpectedly strong on the campaign trail. Also, rivals doing the primary meddling can look ham-handed and clumsy in trying to engineer their fall opponents.

Along those lines, here are some of the greatest hits and misses when Democrats have tried to choose Republican nominees.

Notable wins

California governors race, 2002: Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and his team knew they could be in for a tough ride for reelection after cruising into the governorship in 1998. The self-admitted charisma-challenged veteran of state government saw the biggest Republican threat in former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.

Riordan was a popular former mayor of the nations second-largest city. His amiable, grandfatherly demeanor set him apart from his main Republican gubernatorial primary rival, investor Bill Simon. Riordan was to Simon's left on a range of social issues. Davis, meanwhile, suffered from low approval ratings amid rolling blackouts across the state and a broader energy crisis.

But Riordans political fortunes began to plummet when Daviss campaign pumped as much as $10 million into a blitz of television commercials that portrayed the former mayor as changing his positions on abortion, the death penalty, and other issues. That gave an opening to his Simon, son of the late William E. Simon, a treasury secretary in the Nixon and Ford administrations. Simon ran as an ardent social conservative and, as a first-time campaigner, committed a series of gaffes his campaign was frequently forced to defend.

The Davis team's political instincts proved spot-on. Elevating Simon helped ensure a Davis reelection win, though relatively narrow. The Democratic incumbent won 47% to 42%, suggesting he might very well have lost had Riordan been the Republican nominee.

But the victory for Davis was short-lived. Within a year, Davis faced a statewide recall, with actor and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, as the leading choice to replace him. This time, there was no GOP alternative for Davis to promote, and he was tossed from office, making him only the second governor to be recalled in American political history.

Missouri Senate, 2012: Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskills reelection bid won a place in the annals of strategic campaigning by touting Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri in his competitive Republican primary. McCaskill and her campaign team knew Akin had a penchant for verbal self-inflicted wounds, but even they likely didnt imagine how well their audacious political gamble would pay off.

McCaskill, a veteran of Missouri state politics, narrowly beat a Republican incumbent in the 2006 Democratic wave. Six years later, with Missouri moving rightward, McCaskill faced a tough reelection challenge.

Several prominent Republicans had lined up for the right to oppose McCaskill, including Akin, who was first elected to the House in 2000 and known for his anti-abortion fervor going back to his days in Jefferson City as a state legislator.

Democrats believed that Akin would be the weakest Senate Republican nominee. To that end, the McCaskill campaign ahead of the Aug. 7 primary ran ads calling Akin too conservative, which were a form of thinly veiled support for Akins nomination in a red-trending state. Akin won the Republican nomination with a plurality in a close three-way race, with the McCaskill ads widely credited as having boosted his candidacy.

Less than two weeks after Akins Republican primary win, the congressman in an interview with St. Louis television station KTVI-TV, made the claim that women victims of what he described as legitimate rape rarely experience pregnancy from rape.

Not surprisingly, Akin was put on the defensive over his remarks. And McCaskill, who favored abortion rights, wasnt shy about pointing out the comment to voters. She went on to crush Akin 55%-39%, even as President Barack Obama, elected to a second White House term, lost Missouri to Republican nominee Mitt Romney 54% to 44%.

Meddling that backfired

California governors race, 1966: Its nearly unimaginable now, but San Francisco, known as Americas largest liberal city, once had a string of Republican mayors. The last one was George Christopher, who was in office from 1956 to 1964. Like other San Francisco mayors, Christopher had statewide ambitions and sought Californias governorship in 1966.

First, though, Christopher had to get through the Republican primary against a political rookie coming off a Hollywood career named Ronald Reagan. Democratic Gov. Pat Brown was seeking a third term, after eight years in office presiding over Californias rapid growth. Brown and his strategists wanted to get the more centrist Christopher out of the way so the governor could instead face Reagan, the conservative political newcomer the incumbent thought would be weaker.

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So, Democratic operatives dug up Christophers old conviction for violating milk-pricing law from the days when the former San Francisco mayor owned a dairy. Democrats leaked it to a friendly columnist. Though the matter had been used against Christopher in previous campaigns, it stuck. Reagan went on to win the Republican nomination by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.

And soon after, Democrats realized they had created a political monster. Reagan proved a much more formidable candidate than Brown and Democrats had expected. Reagan ran on a tough-on-crime platform and promises to crack down on college campus protests, among other issues. Reagan beat Brown 58%-42%, setting him on the road to winning the presidency 14 years later.

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Heres when Democratic meddling in GOP primaries worked best and when it backfired - Washington Examiner

After the testimony of former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, is there any doubt that Donald Trump fomented the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021?

There are no longer any innocent explanations for what he did that day. Select Committee testimony has demonstrated that he knew he had no good factual or legal basis for his claim that the election was stolen, that he knew Vice President Mike Pence was not going to save him and that his only chance to remain in the White House was to stop the final ratification by Congress on Jan. 6. The testimony has also demonstrated that he knew some in the crowd assembled to hear him speak were armed, that a mob was heading to the Capitol, and that it was clearly in his power to call off the insurrection but instead of trying to stop the violence, he chose to do nothing.

The question is: Can anything be done, short of a criminal conviction, to prevent Trump from seeking to recapture the presidency?

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment disqualifies a person from being president who, while holding a federal office, participated in an insurrection against the United States.

That prohibition must surely apply to Donald Trump, and that is what the House sought to establish in Trumps second impeachment; however, because the impeachment trial was held before a full investigation of the insurrection charge had taken place, much of the most damning evidence uncovered by the Select Committee was not available. Thus, while the House will not get a second chance, there are other means of achieving Trumps disqualification, although they have never been tested in a court before now.

Whether President Biden runs in 2024, it is certain that there will be a Democrat on the ballot, and thus the Democratic Party, on behalf of all of its candidates, could bring suit in federal court right now, seeking a ruling that Donald Trump participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection and an order precluding him from even being a candidate for president.

Trump would first have to decide whether to fight the lawsuit, which would mean saying whether he was running in 2024, something he would prefer to announce at a time and place of his choosing, not when and where he is sued.

After making some procedural motions in an effort to have the case dismissed, the former president would then have to respond to discovery, including being subjected to a deposition in which he would have to answer questions under oath. Unlike the situation with the Select Committee, he would have no arguable claims of presidential privilege, so that if he refused to answer questions, the court could draw adverse inferences against him from his refusals, meaning he could no longer argue that his conduct was justified if he would not provide a factual basis for his repeated assertions that the election was stolen.Moreover, ifthe suit were filed now, there would be plenty of time for discovery, a trial, and an appeal before the primaries start in early 2024.

Like every other American, Trump would have the option of claiming the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. That path would be rather awkward for any candidate for public office, but especially for him in light of what he said during the 2016 campaign about employing that tactic:The mob takes the Fifth If youre innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?

Unlike most laws, section 3 provides a special means to avoid disqualification, which the Democrats might like as much as the trial: Two thirds of each House can vote to grant him amnesty that would require Republican Senators and Representatives to go on the record on whether Trump should be entitled to be a candidate for president, despite having been found to have been part of the insurrection.

Will this lawsuit succeed? No one can know for sure, but it seems as if there is nothing to lose, or at least not if the Department of Justice does not indict Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Alan B. Morrison is an associate dean at George Washington University Law School where he teaches constitutional law.

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Democrats should use 14th Amendment insurrection clause to keep Trump off the ballot in 2024 - The Hill