Tuesday, May 03, 2022
Monday, May 02, 2022
Biden's Job Approval Increases By 5 Points
The chart above reflects the results of the newest ABC News / Washington Post Poll -- done between April 24th and 28th of a national sample of 1,004 adults, with a 3.5 point margin of error.
Defeating Russia Will Take More Help And More Risk
This editorial is from the editorial board of The Washington Post:
And yet a longer, more costly military struggle looms. Russia’s aim is to push westward from its redoubts in Crimea and Donbas, eventually breaking through and encircling Ukrainian forces. Stopping this is the reason Ukraine needed an immediate infusion of heavy weaponry; actually enabling Ukraine to go on the counteroffensive later this spring and summer is the reason it will need still more in the coming weeks. Thus, President Biden’s request for $33 billion in new aid for Ukraine, of which $20 billion will be military, was not only appropriate but urgent, and Congress should respond accordingly. Coupled with the recent approval of a revived “lend-lease” system, Mr. Biden’s proposal puts the United States in position to bolster Ukraine over the long haul.
With long-term commitment comes long-term danger. As the complexity of Mr. Putin’s situation, military and political, grows, so does his inclination to simplify it through even greater use of force — or threats thereof. Hence Moscow’s recent attempts at energy blackmailagainst Europe, its rhetorical recasting of the war as a proxy battle between Russia and NATO, and its hints at the use of nuclear weapons. Mr. Putin’s own remark on Wednesday that Russia would make a “lightning-fast” response to “unacceptable” outside intervention is the sort of vague threat the United States can neither give in to nor ignore. When past U.S. policy has failed in Ukraine, it was often because, fearing to provoke Mr. Putin, it did not do enough to deter him. Obviously, the Biden administration must not err in the opposite direction now. But the record of the war so far, including Europe’s admirable determination to seek new energy sources, vindicates a policy of maximum firmness. Mr. Putin’s war aim is not merely to conquer Ukraine but to overthrow the international order itself. It’s worth accepting costs and taking risks to make sure that Russia fails — and emerges from the conflict unable to wage such aggression again.
Sunday, May 01, 2022
Warnock Holds Small Lead Over Walker In Georgia
This chart reflects the results of the recent SurveyUSA Poll -- done between April 22nd and 27th of a statewide sample of 1,278 likely Georgia voters.
Trump's Legal Problems Are Not Over
The following is a rundown of Trump's legal problems from The Washington Post:
Trump business practices, Manhattan DA’s criminal probe
What is it: The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is investigating Trump’s business practices, particularly allegations that he misrepresented the value of his assets to lenders and tax authorities to secure loans and get breaks on his taxes. The probe started in 2019 under then-District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. (D) and continued under his successor, Alvin Bragg (D). It is being assisted by New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), who is also leading a parallel, civil inquiry of the Trump Organization and its executives.
Where it stands: Though Bragg insists the investigation is ongoing, it appears to be circling the drain. In February, two prosecutors leading the probe resigned; people familiar with the matter said they were frustrated that Bragg appeared uninterested in pursuing a case. He has since asked Susan Hoffinger, his investigations chief, to oversee the matter, and he said in a statement in April that his office was “exploring evidence not previously explored.” But the current grand jury has been inactive and was slated to disband at the end of April.
In July, prosecutors charged longtime Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselbergand the company with conducting a 15-year tax avoidance scheme involving compensation to executives, including apartments, cars and other unreported benefits. That case could be tried later this year. So far, Weisselberg has shown no sign that he will cooperate against Trump.
Trump business practices, New York AG’s civil probe
What is it: James, the New York attorney general, is investigating whether to bring a civil lawsuit against Trump, his family or the Trump Organization for allegedly manipulating the value of assets to secure better loan rates and tax benefits.
Where it stands: James is moving aggressively, and her probe has produced some consequences for Trump. In April, New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron held Trump in contempt of court for failing to comply with an order to turn over records to James’s office by March 31, and agreed to fine the former president $10,000 a day until he complies. Trump’s lawyer has said the former president’s team will appeal. Engoron has also ordered Trump and two of his children to sit for depositions, though they have appealed that order, too.
Georgia election results investigation
What is it: Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis (D), an elected prosecutor in the Atlanta area, is investigating efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia’s 2020 presidential election. Trump pressuredGeorgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) to “find” enough votes to reverse Biden’s victory. He also called the top Georgia state elections investigator and urged her to identify wrongdoing in the state’s vote. Prosecutors are scrutinizing Trump’s calls, as well as the circumstances around the sudden resignation of the U.S. attorney in Atlanta, according to an official familiar with the probe.
Where it stands: In January, judges granted Willis a special-purpose grand jury to aid her investigation. Willis said the grand jury, which can continue for up to 12 months, was needed because a “significant number of witnesses and prospective witnesses have refused to cooperate with the investigation absent a subpoena requiring their testimony.”
The Jan. 6 select committee’s investigation
What is it: A House committee is investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol and what many see as the related campaign by Trump and others to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.
Where it stands: The committee is talking to witnesses and examining voluminous text messages and other documents. It has said it will hold public hearings to air some of its findings, probably starting in June, and issue a public report in coming months. The committee also has asked the Justice Department to pursue criminal contempt charges against former Trump aides who have bucked subpoenas.
Criminal probes of Jan. 6
What is it: The Justice Department is investigating the Jan. 6 riot and has charged hundreds of people who breached the Capitol that day with trespassing, trying to obstruct the vote certification and attacking police officers. Prosecutors also have alleged intricate conspiracies, including those involving the leaders of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, and recently expanded their examination to include the preparations for the rally that preceded the riot.
The Mar-a-Lago boxes investigation
What is it: The Justice Department is investigating how 15 boxes of White House records — including some highly classified material — made their way to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Officials with the National Archives and Records Administration asked the Justice Department to investigate after finding materials clearly marked as classified in the boxes, which they had asked Trump to turn over to their agency. The House Oversight Committee is also looking into the matter.
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