Fifty-two Republican senators already voted to put Todd Blanche in the Justice Department. Two of them are in the hot seat. The other 50 are hiding behind them.
UPDATE: The $1.776 Billion Shakedown: Why the Anti-Weaponization Fund and the Trump Tax Immunity Order Are Unethical, Illegal, and Unenforceable (35 page detailed analysis)
Thank you for pointing out that each and every Republican senator bears equal responsibility for confirming Blanche. I contact my Ohio senators on this matter daily.
I am actually going to a letter writing event this morning with Dr. Annie Andrews. Every little bit helps in order to get these Republican senators out. Once the house and senate are flipped, the healing can begin.
I'm curious if these guys who nominated Blanche are so callous what's the purpose of calling them again I'm not sure what there is to say to individuals who are grown men who know what they're doing taking a call from some random person from the public what is the angle and what are the talking points that one should have when calling these type of people that will make a difference or that will least resonate with respect to calling him out for everything you just indicated in your piece it seems to me that they already know this but I'm willing to make the call but tell me what the actual Talking Point will be that we're upset that this is wrong they already know this they've been ignoring the situation with Trump and his colleagues and his followers and his loyalist the entire time the guy's been in office.
Thank you for this great explanation. Dozens of times, I have written and called my 2 senators here in Kansas, but they don’t even bother to respond and I wonder if they even read or hear what I say. It doesn’t seem to move the needle at all. And of course I will vote- I always do. But what else can I do to help?
We’re in the same boat. Marshall and Moran must be voted out. Contribute to whoever the Dems run against them. Protest. Keep calling. (We call daily.) Talk to anyone who might need encouragement to vote. Take someone with you to the polls. Don’t give up.
Thank you, Mitch! You are right. Why aren't we holding the others responsible? It says something about our country, that spineless, feckless people turn out to vote for people, who only hold the value of money dear, and nothing else. If Trump were to all of a sudden started worshipping Satan tomorrow, all of those senators, that stood on Christian values, would be holding a statue of Baphomet and claim they were part of a cult since the 1980's...if it meant staying in Trump's orbit. And they might as well be. They are protecting the biggest sex trafficking ring in the history of our country! HOLD THESE SENATORS RESPONSIBLE!
My senator is John Cornyn. I did email him before the confirmation hearing. He was a judge. I told him if he had ANY respect for the law, he wouldn't confirm Blanche.
If Trump were not the head or the GOP/MAGA, how would these 52 be voting? Would they be afraid to vote their heart and/or vote in the interests of their Constituents? My two senators seem to be in lockstep with the president, and I don't like it.
If Trump had no ability to threaten or intimidate Republican Senators, they would likely have made it clear to Trump that Blanche would never get confirmed. But the reality is that there are only two types of Republican from either side of Congress: Either they are fearful sycophants or loyal lackeys tying themselves to Trump. The former are the ones reporters occasionally come across who acknowledge their displeasure privately, while the latter are in it for their own political gain and don't care. The fearful Republicans just seem to hope that the courts (or even Democrats) can stop Trump so they don't have to go on the record opposing him. In a way, some not up for election might prefer Democrat control so they can vote for Trump and see him blocked as well.
Hey Mitch, first I have a question - why is there even any conversation that the tax immunity provisions in the settlement agreement are still enforceable? The judge forbade any of them to refer to it at all, and yet that is not what I seem to hear Blanche - or frankly anybody else - saying.
And my other thought is simply this: it will not matter whether the senate votes at all, or votes to confirm, or rejects blanche’s nomination. Blanche stays, at least for the next 210 days (I completely cannot figure out exactly when that 210 day clock began or if it restarts upon the failure of the nomination?), unless there’s a way to force him out of which I am unaware. Initially I was all in on keeping him from even advancing in committee and wrote a kickass letter to John Cornyn and everything, until I thought it through again and realized it won’t change anything.
I’m not saying that advocacy of it’s own self isn’t valuable, it is, and I think we should continue to do it, but broadly, aimed at all republican senators and covering more than one issue.
Maybe we should create like a newsletter. One for each state with at least one republican senator, which ideally would focus on a public official’s past statements, to the extent they have made them, on integrity or anti-corruption etc., paired with a specific recent Trump action/statement/behavior and a personalized message asking if they really support this conduct. I know I have read a lot of people I really respect who would disagree, but I don’t think all republicans are the enemy and we need to keep their hypocrisy out front and visible to everyone. Especially themselves
There will come a day when many, although not all, of these leaders will want to distance themselves from the abomination they have brought into existence. The strategy has to be a mix of incentives (pressure, persuasion, invitation) to the most reluctant enablers that they should make a bold break now, before they are completely irredeemable. The window is already mostly closed, but as long as this regime is in power there is room for late converts to seize the moment and help tip the power back to the people and the Rule of Law.
It will all depend on the mid-term elections. Only a solid rejection of MAGA via elected Democrats will give any remaining Republicans the fortitude to stop Trump. Though I expect it will simply give them a way of going on the record supporting Trump and still be assured that Trump's behavior will be checked. Unfortunately, there will be some part of the public that cannot leave the cult of Trump no matter what - and some Republicans who tied themselves to this devil that are stuck.
This outcome wholly depends on free and fair elections. The effort on Republicans NOW has to be to encourage enough delay and disarray that (1) they can't institute even MORE voter suppression and election manipulation schemes, (2) they are less united in anti-democratic and pro-Trump rhetoric leading up the the election, giving a less effective opposition to voter enthusiasm, and (3) there's already a growing contingent of folks breaking with or ready to break with Trump as the election transpires, so when there are inevitable shenanigans that need bipartisan opposition, there's a readiness to form such a firewall, AND there's building momentum towards a bipartisan effort (however thin) to remove the regime.
Agreed with your every word! I don't think, I KNOW these two republican senators look out for their own selfish interests and especially Thom Tillis. I have always hated that man since his days in the NC Legislature. These guys have nothing but contempt for voters like me and me- he doesn't address my needs from government. He never has. It's all about him and what he gets out of it. But anyone who slows down the Fascists,while trying to play the hero is a welcome impediment to trump, but I will never forgive Tillis of his past sins.
seems the entire elected GOP think they must have a government job for life which is more important than turning the country into a one man rule giving the one man all OUR $$$..
I totally agree, if these 50 continue to support the regime instead of voting for the ‘People’ we are toast. But will any of them even listen to their constituents let alone a voter from another state?
This is a list of 50 of the most despicable Americans (if they even deserve to be called that) in any elected office. Shame them. Hold their feet to the fire. And make sure they know just how deeply we will hold them in contempt if they continue to enable this lawlessness.
What the sycophantic republican senators fail to realize is that the felon will turn against them at any time. Each win they give him emboldens him to lie, cheat and steal more. They have made themselves pawns in a game they cannot win. They WILL BE SACRIFICED
They are pawns in their own game, but not ours. We are in control. We have the votes. If we step up in the midterms, we can change everything. That's just not an opinion. It's a fact, especially when it comes down to voting in Congress. Let's make it happen.
Mr Jackson, from outside the USA, indicators are that the 2026 midterms are a) being compromised by federal legislators as of July of this year and b) doubtful. Will voters be able to access, or depart, polling stations without facing intimidating armed, menacing paramilitary- or even official- forces? Fear is a powerful inhibiting factor. IQ47 is quoted as saying that Americans won't have to vote after November, 2026. What is being done to protect American voters? Will their votes be registered? Will they be bused, or otherwise escorted, in and out? Will there be trustworthy scrutineers within polling stations? Are other protective measures being put in place beforehand? Remember, people worldwide are still affected by American politics, at city, state and federal levels. Foreign trade is more endangered temper tantrum after Administration temper tantrum. Although your country's influence is diminishing, for now- not for long- it is a great power.
UPDATE: The $1.776 Billion Shakedown: Why the Anti-Weaponization Fund and the Trump Tax Immunity Order Are Unethical, Illegal, and Unenforceable (35 page detailed analysis)
https://mitchthelawyer.substack.com/p/the-1776-billion-shakedown-why-the?r=2fe7t3&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Thank you for pointing out that each and every Republican senator bears equal responsibility for confirming Blanche. I contact my Ohio senators on this matter daily.
Mitch McConnell voted?
I am actually going to a letter writing event this morning with Dr. Annie Andrews. Every little bit helps in order to get these Republican senators out. Once the house and senate are flipped, the healing can begin.
I'm curious if these guys who nominated Blanche are so callous what's the purpose of calling them again I'm not sure what there is to say to individuals who are grown men who know what they're doing taking a call from some random person from the public what is the angle and what are the talking points that one should have when calling these type of people that will make a difference or that will least resonate with respect to calling him out for everything you just indicated in your piece it seems to me that they already know this but I'm willing to make the call but tell me what the actual Talking Point will be that we're upset that this is wrong they already know this they've been ignoring the situation with Trump and his colleagues and his followers and his loyalist the entire time the guy's been in office.
My state isn’t on the 50 list. Shall I still call them all? Thanks
Thank you for this great explanation. Dozens of times, I have written and called my 2 senators here in Kansas, but they don’t even bother to respond and I wonder if they even read or hear what I say. It doesn’t seem to move the needle at all. And of course I will vote- I always do. But what else can I do to help?
We’re in the same boat. Marshall and Moran must be voted out. Contribute to whoever the Dems run against them. Protest. Keep calling. (We call daily.) Talk to anyone who might need encouragement to vote. Take someone with you to the polls. Don’t give up.
Thank you, Mitch! You are right. Why aren't we holding the others responsible? It says something about our country, that spineless, feckless people turn out to vote for people, who only hold the value of money dear, and nothing else. If Trump were to all of a sudden started worshipping Satan tomorrow, all of those senators, that stood on Christian values, would be holding a statue of Baphomet and claim they were part of a cult since the 1980's...if it meant staying in Trump's orbit. And they might as well be. They are protecting the biggest sex trafficking ring in the history of our country! HOLD THESE SENATORS RESPONSIBLE!
My senator is John Cornyn. I did email him before the confirmation hearing. He was a judge. I told him if he had ANY respect for the law, he wouldn't confirm Blanche.
Never forget that Pam Bondi lied before Congress. We need to revisit this criminal.
If Trump were not the head or the GOP/MAGA, how would these 52 be voting? Would they be afraid to vote their heart and/or vote in the interests of their Constituents? My two senators seem to be in lockstep with the president, and I don't like it.
If Trump had no ability to threaten or intimidate Republican Senators, they would likely have made it clear to Trump that Blanche would never get confirmed. But the reality is that there are only two types of Republican from either side of Congress: Either they are fearful sycophants or loyal lackeys tying themselves to Trump. The former are the ones reporters occasionally come across who acknowledge their displeasure privately, while the latter are in it for their own political gain and don't care. The fearful Republicans just seem to hope that the courts (or even Democrats) can stop Trump so they don't have to go on the record opposing him. In a way, some not up for election might prefer Democrat control so they can vote for Trump and see him blocked as well.
Hey Mitch, first I have a question - why is there even any conversation that the tax immunity provisions in the settlement agreement are still enforceable? The judge forbade any of them to refer to it at all, and yet that is not what I seem to hear Blanche - or frankly anybody else - saying.
And my other thought is simply this: it will not matter whether the senate votes at all, or votes to confirm, or rejects blanche’s nomination. Blanche stays, at least for the next 210 days (I completely cannot figure out exactly when that 210 day clock began or if it restarts upon the failure of the nomination?), unless there’s a way to force him out of which I am unaware. Initially I was all in on keeping him from even advancing in committee and wrote a kickass letter to John Cornyn and everything, until I thought it through again and realized it won’t change anything.
I’m not saying that advocacy of it’s own self isn’t valuable, it is, and I think we should continue to do it, but broadly, aimed at all republican senators and covering more than one issue.
Maybe we should create like a newsletter. One for each state with at least one republican senator, which ideally would focus on a public official’s past statements, to the extent they have made them, on integrity or anti-corruption etc., paired with a specific recent Trump action/statement/behavior and a personalized message asking if they really support this conduct. I know I have read a lot of people I really respect who would disagree, but I don’t think all republicans are the enemy and we need to keep their hypocrisy out front and visible to everyone. Especially themselves
There will come a day when many, although not all, of these leaders will want to distance themselves from the abomination they have brought into existence. The strategy has to be a mix of incentives (pressure, persuasion, invitation) to the most reluctant enablers that they should make a bold break now, before they are completely irredeemable. The window is already mostly closed, but as long as this regime is in power there is room for late converts to seize the moment and help tip the power back to the people and the Rule of Law.
It will all depend on the mid-term elections. Only a solid rejection of MAGA via elected Democrats will give any remaining Republicans the fortitude to stop Trump. Though I expect it will simply give them a way of going on the record supporting Trump and still be assured that Trump's behavior will be checked. Unfortunately, there will be some part of the public that cannot leave the cult of Trump no matter what - and some Republicans who tied themselves to this devil that are stuck.
This outcome wholly depends on free and fair elections. The effort on Republicans NOW has to be to encourage enough delay and disarray that (1) they can't institute even MORE voter suppression and election manipulation schemes, (2) they are less united in anti-democratic and pro-Trump rhetoric leading up the the election, giving a less effective opposition to voter enthusiasm, and (3) there's already a growing contingent of folks breaking with or ready to break with Trump as the election transpires, so when there are inevitable shenanigans that need bipartisan opposition, there's a readiness to form such a firewall, AND there's building momentum towards a bipartisan effort (however thin) to remove the regime.
Agreed with your every word! I don't think, I KNOW these two republican senators look out for their own selfish interests and especially Thom Tillis. I have always hated that man since his days in the NC Legislature. These guys have nothing but contempt for voters like me and me- he doesn't address my needs from government. He never has. It's all about him and what he gets out of it. But anyone who slows down the Fascists,while trying to play the hero is a welcome impediment to trump, but I will never forgive Tillis of his past sins.
seems the entire elected GOP think they must have a government job for life which is more important than turning the country into a one man rule giving the one man all OUR $$$..
TERM LIMITS TERM LIMITS TERM LIMITS
I totally agree, if these 50 continue to support the regime instead of voting for the ‘People’ we are toast. But will any of them even listen to their constituents let alone a voter from another state?
This is a list of 50 of the most despicable Americans (if they even deserve to be called that) in any elected office. Shame them. Hold their feet to the fire. And make sure they know just how deeply we will hold them in contempt if they continue to enable this lawlessness.
I tell my two senators via email daily, with phone calls as icing. Despicable, every one.
What state?
FloriDUH
Have you called their donors at all?
I boycott the ones I know about, email corporations that support trump's policies.
Good for you, I try to do the same. This is still one of the best, under-leveraged nonviolent forms of organizing i think left of us to lean into.
What the sycophantic republican senators fail to realize is that the felon will turn against them at any time. Each win they give him emboldens him to lie, cheat and steal more. They have made themselves pawns in a game they cannot win. They WILL BE SACRIFICED
They are pawns in their own game, but not ours. We are in control. We have the votes. If we step up in the midterms, we can change everything. That's just not an opinion. It's a fact, especially when it comes down to voting in Congress. Let's make it happen.
Mr Jackson, from outside the USA, indicators are that the 2026 midterms are a) being compromised by federal legislators as of July of this year and b) doubtful. Will voters be able to access, or depart, polling stations without facing intimidating armed, menacing paramilitary- or even official- forces? Fear is a powerful inhibiting factor. IQ47 is quoted as saying that Americans won't have to vote after November, 2026. What is being done to protect American voters? Will their votes be registered? Will they be bused, or otherwise escorted, in and out? Will there be trustworthy scrutineers within polling stations? Are other protective measures being put in place beforehand? Remember, people worldwide are still affected by American politics, at city, state and federal levels. Foreign trade is more endangered temper tantrum after Administration temper tantrum. Although your country's influence is diminishing, for now- not for long- it is a great power.