tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76071222024-03-19T04:47:56.318-04:00Armwood Editorial And opinion blogAn collection of opinionated commentaries on culture, politics and religion compiled predominantly from an American viewpoint but tempered by a global visionJohn H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.comBlogger19888125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-78821642350476947152024-03-18T07:10:00.001-04:002024-03-18T07:10:33.243-04:00Is Voting Still Worth It? Just Ask Ms. Gadson-Birch.<h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="font-size: 1.95552em; line-height: 1.2141em; hyphens: manual; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/18/opinion/south-caroline-voters.html" id="id_8352_7458_f85e_a25">Is Voting Still Worth It? Just Ask Ms. Gadson-Birch.</a></h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="hyphens: manual; margin-top: -0.75em; margin-bottom: 1.45em; max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><time datetime="2024-03-18T05:02:33-04:00" data-reader-unique-id="187" class="date" style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; display: inline !important;">March 18, 2024</time></div><div data-reader-unique-id="1" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><header data-reader-unique-id="2" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="3" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" data-reader-unique-id="4" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" role="group" data-reader-unique-id="5" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><div data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" data-reader-unique-id="6" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="7" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/06/multimedia/06gay-mjfk/06gay-mjfk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" data-reader-unique-id="8" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/06/multimedia/06gay-mjfk/06gay-mjfk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" data-reader-unique-id="9" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/06/multimedia/06gay-mjfk/06gay-mjfk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" data-reader-unique-id="10" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="A portrait of Beverly Gadson-Birch outside her home in Charleston, S.C." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/06/multimedia/06gay-mjfk/06gay-mjfk-articleLarge-v3.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/06/multimedia/06gay-mjfk/06gay-mjfk-articleLarge-v3.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/06/multimedia/06gay-mjfk/06gay-mjfk-jumbo-v3.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 820w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/06/multimedia/06gay-mjfk/06gay-mjfk-superJumbo-v3.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1639w" sizes="100vw" decoding="async" width="600" height="750" data-reader-unique-id="11" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 600px;" id="id_73a8_6374_e8c4_5272"></picture></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" data-reader-unique-id="12" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="13" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="14" style="max-width: 100%;">Gavin McIntyre for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div></header><div data-reader-unique-id="32" style="max-width: 100%;"><p aria-hidden="true" data-reader-unique-id="33" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="34" style="max-width: 100%;"></span><span data-reader-unique-id="35" style="max-width: 100%;">Gavin McIntyre for The New York Times</span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="38" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="49" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="50" style="max-width: 100%;"><div aria-hidden="true" data-reader-unique-id="51" style="max-width: 100%;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/mara-gay" data-reader-unique-id="52" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Mara Gay" title="Mara Gay" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/05/07/opinion/mara-gay-circular/mara-gay-circular-thumbLarge.png" data-reader-unique-id="53" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 150px;" id="id_3a0b_ba30_101d_fe41"></a></div><div data-reader-unique-id="54" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="55" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="56" style="max-width: 100%;">By </span><span itemprop="name" data-reader-unique-id="57" style="max-width: 100%;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/mara-gay" data-reader-unique-id="58" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">Mara Gay</a></span></p><div data-reader-unique-id="59" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="60" style="max-width: 100%;">“Ms. Gay is a member of the editorial board. She reported from Charleston, S.C., for this essay.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div><section name="articleBody" data-reader-unique-id="64" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><div data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">Beverly Gadson-Birch is, supposedly, retired.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="68" style="max-width: 100%;">But spend any time with Ms. Gadson-Birch, a community activist, business owner and grandmother in Charleston, S.C., and you may struggle, as I did, to keep up with her. She holds political meetings at local hotels. She wants to restart a local newspaper. She buttonholes friends, family members and strangers, reminding them to vote. She does all this while tapping at her Apple Watch or racing through town in a sleek S.U.V. “My husband said to me one day: ‘Girl! Where’d you learn to drive that way?’”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="max-width: 100%;">Many Americans have grown weary with politics and disengaged. Ms. Gadson-Birch, 77, is not one of them. Instead, she seems to have boundless energy while fighting political battles where winning appears impossible. At city council hearings and school board meetings, in diners and at church, Ms. Gadson-Birch is assiduously working to share a core belief: Voting is still worth it, even when making progress is slow and punishing work. She is not oblivious to the grim mood among Democratic voters, or the alienation of those who aren’t sure whether the Democratic Party — or democracy itself — holds meaning for them at all. Over a lifetime, Ms. Gadson-Birch has come to believe that American democracy can become whatever Americans make it.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%;">One of 12 children, Ms. Gadson-Birch spent the first years of her childhood in Charleston’s public housing. On weekends, Ms. Gadson-Birch said, her father, who worked at a steel mill, would take the children to the city’s airport to watch the planes take off. “He would say, ‘I never got to fly, but you will,’” Ms. Gadson-Birch recalled. Downtown, there were certain restaurants in which they couldn’t eat, because the family was Black. In many stores, they couldn’t try on clothing or hats before purchasing them, because they were Black. “That really got to my mom,” she said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="71" style="max-width: 100%;">In her elementary school, Wallace Consolidated, which was Black-only <a href="https://calendar.eji.org/racial-injustice/may/13" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="72" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">by law,</a>students were required to buy the used textbooks the city’s white school no longer had any use for. “I can still see the worn covers, the name of the white school stamped on the spine,” Ms. Gadson-Birch told me. One year, Ms. Gadson-Birch said, her father couldn’t afford textbooks for all the children, so she had to go without.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">Mostly though, Ms. Gadson-Birch is looking ahead. She has hopes of resurrecting a Black newspaper, <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-chronicle-no-longer-publishing-after-50-year-run-serving-black-community/article_1ca906c4-27aa-11ec-92eb-e72c4f925e50.html" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="78" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">The Charleston Chronicle</a>, which closed in 2021 when its founder and publisher died. Charleston not only lost the newspaper but also its offices, where residents could meet with candidates.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="80" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" data-reader-unique-id="81" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" role="group" data-reader-unique-id="82" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><div data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure" data-reader-unique-id="83" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="84" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16gay-bmtk/16gay-bmtk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" data-reader-unique-id="85" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16gay-bmtk/16gay-bmtk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" data-reader-unique-id="86" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16gay-bmtk/16gay-bmtk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" data-reader-unique-id="87" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Beverly Gadson-Birch walking in front of her home." src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16gay-bmtk/16gay-bmtk-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16gay-bmtk/16gay-bmtk-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16gay-bmtk/16gay-bmtk-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16gay-bmtk/16gay-bmtk-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" decoding="async" width="600" height="447" data-reader-unique-id="88" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 600px;" id="id_32c9_710a_9f3d_c5bf"></picture></div><figcaption data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;">Gavin McIntyre for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="93" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="94" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="95" style="max-width: 100%;">Over tea in a motel dining room, Ms. Gadson-Birch was listening patiently as John Singletary, who ran for mayor of North Charleston last year, and James Johnson, a longtime activist, talked at length about the need to unite Black voters in Charleston through a newspaper. Ms. Gadson-Birch nodded and then raised a more practical concern: “It’s going to be expensive. Who can we call to raise some money?”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="98" style="max-width: 100%;">Building Black political power is an uphill battle in South Carolina. The Republican Party dominates state politics and largely doesn’t court Black voters; the Democratic Party, the major vehicle for Black political aspirations, is shut out of power. “Every single statewide elected official is a Republican,” Gibbs Knotts, a political scientist at the College of Charleston, told me. “You’re supposed to have opportunities for competition here.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="99" style="max-width: 100%;">Black South Carolinians like Ms. Gadson-Birch have continued to organize anyway. In 2020, they played a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/us/politics/joe-biden-south-carolina-primary.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="100" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">key role in delivering the Democratic nomination to Joe Biden</a>. Then and now, these Americans have told me, their support for Mr. Biden has been born of a strategic view that he is the best candidate to beat Donald Trump. Some may fear that Mr. Biden, at 81, is too old for the grueling task of campaigning, or governing the country. Some are angry over Mr. Biden’s support of Israel in the war in Gaza and say they will not vote at all. Others are simply frustrated with the rising cost of living.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="104" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="105" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="106" style="max-width: 100%;">“I know it’s depressing for a lot of people. Some of them are working two jobs trying to make ends meet, working minimum wage. They say: ‘My vote is not going to matter. The politicians still do what they want to do,’” Ms. Gadson-Birch said. “But I tell them, ‘They’re going to continue to do it if you don’t make a change.’”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="108" style="max-width: 100%;">Ms. Gadson-Birch’s activism began in 1969, when she was living in New York City and saw the news on television about a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1969/04/21/archives/strike-in-charleston.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="109" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">hospital strike</a> back home in Charleston. Black workers had walked off the job to protest unequal treatment; her mother was among them. Ms. Gadson-Birch returned to Charleston to walk the picket line with them. After living for years in the relative freedom of the Northeast, returning to South Carolina was jarring. One day, she sat toward the front of a Charleston bus, and both Black and white riders were staring at her, hard, she still remembers. “Because I’m coming back from the North, I’m not having it,” she recalled thinking. Ms. Gadson-Birch relished the fight, and decided to stay.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="110" style="max-width: 100%;">Eventually, she went on to college. She spent decades working in the public school system and started a successful heating and cooling business with her husband, a Navy veteran. The industry was dominated by men. “They were not used to dealing with females,” she told me. “It was terrible.” Together, she and her husband raised two children.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="111" style="max-width: 100%;">After decades of activism, traces of her work in Charleston are everywhere. Ms. Gadson-Birch is rarely the loudest voice in the room, but she has been involved in everything from <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/news/north-charleston-group-expresses-support-for-electing-black-candidate-for-mayor/article_abc9a1ae-0ec8-11ee-b3c5-17e48eb083d2.html" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="112" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">mayoral races</a> to the Emancipation Proclamation Association, which organizes an annual march on Jan. 1, commemorating the document that declared enslaved Americans living in states in rebellion against the United States to be free.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="113" style="max-width: 100%;">So it is not surprising these days to find Ms. Gadson-Birch regularly attending Charleston County school board meetings, where candidates backed by the right-wing group Moms for Liberty <a href="https://www.live5news.com/2022/11/11/moms-liberty-candidates-secure-majority-school-board-seats/" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="114" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">won control</a> in 2022 and last year <a href="https://abcnews4.com/news/local/dr-eric-gallien-out-as-charleston-county-superintendent-after-board-accepts-resignation-wciv-abc-news-4-south-carolina-ccsd-board-members-education-schools-investigation-october-2023" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="115" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">pushed</a> a Black superintendent out of the role. Ms. Gadson-Birch and others went to work. In churches and phone calls, and on social media, they urged more Black residents to attend the meetings. In December, the board <a href="https://abcnews4.com/news/local/charleston-county-school-district-appoints-michelle-simmons-as-new-chief-academic-officer-after-months-of-uncertainty-south-carolina-sc-wciv-abc-news-4" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="116" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">confirmed</a> the appointment of a Black chief academic officer.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="119" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="120" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="121" style="max-width: 100%;">State Representative Wendell Gilliard, a Democrat who represents Charleston, says he believes the activism of Ms. Gadson-Birch and others has been a major check on the power of the right-wing movement in education and the <a href="https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/berkeley-county-school-district-to-hold-second-book-review-meeting-thursday/" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="122" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">campaigns</a> to ban books that have unfolded in neighboring school districts.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="123" style="max-width: 100%;">I asked Ms. Gadson-Birch why she was not bereft witnessing efforts that threaten to undermine decades of struggle for basic civil rights. “My great-grandmother, they told her to count the number of bubbles in a bar of soap to vote,” she said. “When we think we’re making progress, we start going back, because they keep putting hurdles in the way. You expect that. But one inch at a time, we’ll get there.” The way to win, according to Ms. Gadson-Birch? Ignore the long odds, and keep organizing, protesting and voting anyway.“</p></div></div></section> John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-29208438959363224732024-03-17T15:27:00.006-04:002024-03-17T15:27:54.391-04:00We Are Tech Experts. Here's How We Really Feel About Our Home Internet - CNET<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">We Are Tech Experts. Here's How We Really Feel About Our Home Internet</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"Choosing between fiber, cable, DSL, satellite and 5G internet? We share our personal experiences with our home internet setups and how they stand up against our household needs.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-cy="articleDatePublished" data-reader-unique-id="283" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 16, 2024 5:00 a.m. PT</time></div><figure data-reader-unique-id="274" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="275" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="276" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="" data-reader-unique-id="277" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/0c5cbad56dc58aad998d38586526f8b7cedebc6e/hub/2024/03/14/26e3d176-cbfe-4783-a35d-ea6139784383/internet-types.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=236&width=420" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="" data-reader-unique-id="278" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7476c6ecf74c05f6e2238ebe8400c22289f07a19/hub/2024/03/14/26e3d176-cbfe-4783-a35d-ea6139784383/internet-types.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=362&width=644" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="" data-reader-unique-id="279" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/14500a3f9c5352ae1f39ec54d55cc87d4fb1079b/hub/2024/03/14/26e3d176-cbfe-4783-a35d-ea6139784383/internet-types.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="280" height="675" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/14500a3f9c5352ae1f39ec54d55cc87d4fb1079b/hub/2024/03/14/26e3d176-cbfe-4783-a35d-ea6139784383/internet-types.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1200" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="281" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="282" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Illustration by James Martin/CNET</span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Our parents may not have needed good internet service to survive, but we do.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="2" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">That's because technology is advancing all around us at a rapid pace -- from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="3" href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/are-transparent-televisions-the-next-big-thing/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">see-through TVs</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="4" href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/samsungs-flip-phone-concept-lets-you-turn-the-screen-inside-out/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">bendable phones</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to, yes, even<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="5" href="https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/this-smart-toothbrush-talks-through-your-bones-to-improve-your-brushing/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">AI-powered toothbrushes</a>. As our technology advances, so do our internet needs. Most smart tech is Wi-Fi enabled -- and the more smart tech you add to your home, the better the internet connection you'll need. "Connectivity isn't just about the internet anymore," said<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="6" href="https://www.cnet.com/profiles/aauriemma/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Adam Auriemma</a>, editor-in-chief of CNET. "New smart technologies mean that our broadband connection can help us monitor our health, energy usage, home security and so much more." </p><p data-reader-unique-id="7" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">When searching for the best internet plan to meet your home's technology demands, how do you know which to choose? How do you sift through all the techy jargon about speed, bandwidth, latency and so on? </p><p data-reader-unique-id="11" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">The first step is to hear about real-life experiences with each broadband connection option: fiber, cable, satellite, DSL and fixed wireless (5G). We pooled together advice from a group of CNET staffers. Together, we have a combined 45 years of experience testing and reviewing technology and broadband products, interviewing industry experts and talking to consumers about their needs and wants. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="12" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Here are our best tips.</p><aside data-reader-unique-id="13" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="14" style="max-width: 100%;">5G is not as fast as fiber or cable, but it's affordable and works fine for most tasks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p data-reader-unique-id="15" style="max-width: 100%;">Eli Blumenthal, CNET senior editor covering telecom service, streaming and home technology for 10 years</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="16" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="17" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="18" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="19" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="A picture of Eli Blumenthal " data-reader-unique-id="20" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/0a8117131d4eb3d80e13905ae5848e2cfe7c66dc/hub/2024/03/14/5bf34a78-8470-422e-b601-d3c044f046f2/eli-2019-4x3.png?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Eli Blumenthal " data-reader-unique-id="21" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/0a8117131d4eb3d80e13905ae5848e2cfe7c66dc/hub/2024/03/14/5bf34a78-8470-422e-b601-d3c044f046f2/eli-2019-4x3.png?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Eli Blumenthal " data-reader-unique-id="22" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/0a8117131d4eb3d80e13905ae5848e2cfe7c66dc/hub/2024/03/14/5bf34a78-8470-422e-b601-d3c044f046f2/eli-2019-4x3.png?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A picture of Eli Blumenthal " data-reader-unique-id="23" height="768" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/0a8117131d4eb3d80e13905ae5848e2cfe7c66dc/hub/2024/03/14/5bf34a78-8470-422e-b601-d3c044f046f2/eli-2019-4x3.png?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="24" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="25" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Eli Blumenthal<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="26" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">As<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="3dfa164d-c5f9-47da-9f64-e8083bd567bd" data-reader-unique-id="27" href="https://www.cnet.com/profiles/sblumenthal/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">CNET's resident wireless carrier reporte</a>r, I've been following this space closely for over a decade. And these past few years, I've been particularly focused on the major carriers' 5G home internet offerings. For all the hype that 5G has so far failed to live up to,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="28" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">home internet</a>has been a bright spot. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="32" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T all offer some version of cellular-powered home internet to people around the country, providing competition and potentially a more affordable option. They've forced incumbent internet service providers to up their games if they want to keep your business. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="33" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I've been testing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="34" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/t-mobile-5g-home-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">T-Mobile 5G Home Internet</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>since its inception, and I'm using it as I write this while working from home. Its speeds aren't as fast as cable, fiber or even millimeter-wave-based offerings (<a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="35" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/i-tried-out-verizon-t-mobiles-5g-home-internet-to-see-if-i-could-truly-ditch-cable/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">which I've also tried</a>), but for the most part it's been, well, fine. Zooming, streaming and browsing have worked largely as they should with any provider, though gaming on an Xbox Series X (particularly with sports titles like NBA 2K24) has led to some hiccups, as have some video calls. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="36" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I regularly watch YouTube TV; movies and shows from streaming services; and NBA games from NBA League Pass. Even with those more data-demanding tasks, T-Mobile has held its own. In January, my roommate and I used nearly a terabyte of data. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="37" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">There has been the occasional random drop in service, but again, for the most part it's been working as it should. Friends who come over and connect to Wi-Fi haven't noticed that this is 5G-powered, which is the point. This is supposed to work just like any connection, and it largely does. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="38" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I do, though, have some reservations a couple of years in. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="39" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I wish T-Mobile's speeds would be a bit more consistent, and as someone who's used more than a terabyte of data in a month, I'm a bit wary of the company's<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="40" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/t-mobile-says-it-may-slow-some-home-internet-speeds-of-some-users-in-times-of-congestion/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">new policy that may slow down users if they go over 1.2TB in a given month during times of "congestion."</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And since I don't have T-Mobile as my wireless provider, I'm also keeping a close eye on price increases, which the carrier seems to be experimenting with once again (<a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="41" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/t-mobile-is-going-back-to-60-per-month-pricing-for-home-internet-service/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">at least right now, for new users</a>). </p><p data-reader-unique-id="42" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">But even if I need to switch to a different service in the future, I do appreciate that T-Mobile works in my area of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="43" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-new-york-ny/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">New York City</a>. Hopefully, its presence continues to add pressure to the market, so that even if I do need to make a move,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="44" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/spectrum-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Spectrum</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="45" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/verizon-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Verizon</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>will give me a better deal. </p><aside data-reader-unique-id="46" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="47" style="max-width: 100%;">For me, fiber is worth the cost.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p data-reader-unique-id="48" style="max-width: 100%;">David Anders, CNET senior writer covering broadband for seven years</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="52" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="53" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="54" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="55" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="A picture of David Anders" data-reader-unique-id="56" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/bc38c9f7d5dd000ae3d28b6a03aae24e1e1dd674/hub/2023/02/06/bc82b67a-a7b2-4b2a-b8e9-130a8e45fe44/david-anders.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of David Anders" data-reader-unique-id="57" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/bc38c9f7d5dd000ae3d28b6a03aae24e1e1dd674/hub/2023/02/06/bc82b67a-a7b2-4b2a-b8e9-130a8e45fe44/david-anders.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of David Anders" data-reader-unique-id="58" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/bc38c9f7d5dd000ae3d28b6a03aae24e1e1dd674/hub/2023/02/06/bc82b67a-a7b2-4b2a-b8e9-130a8e45fe44/david-anders.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A picture of David Anders" data-reader-unique-id="59" height="768" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/bc38c9f7d5dd000ae3d28b6a03aae24e1e1dd674/hub/2023/02/06/bc82b67a-a7b2-4b2a-b8e9-130a8e45fe44/david-anders.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="60" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="61" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">David Anders</span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="62" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="63" href="https://www.cnet.com/profiles/david.anders/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">I'd been covering broadband</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for a few years before moving into my current home, so I was familiar with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="64" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-fiber-internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">fiber internet</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and excited to find that our home was fiber-ready. Even with my prior knowledge of fiber's capabilities, I didn't realize the difference it would make compared with my previous cable connection.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="65" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">My<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="66" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-mesh-wifi-routers/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">mesh Wi-Fi router</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is set to run two speed tests daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. I consistently get over 900Mbps to the home with a plan that advertises max upload and download speeds of 940Mbps. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Actual speeds in the home are lower, of course, but speed tests still land in the 300 to 500Mbps range on my phone, laptop and PS5 over a Wi-Fi connection. That's<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="68" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/how-much-internet-speed-do-you-really-need/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">more than enough speed</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to accommodate the many devices connected to our network -- 37 according to my router app -- with lots of bandwidth available to add more if needed. The only time I've noticed a significant drop in speed is when downloading a large file (specifically a video game), but that's only temporary.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">The symmetrical<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="70" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/fast-internet-download-speeds-arent-the-only-thing-that-matters-heres-why/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">upload speeds</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>are a nice bonus to fiber internet. I take online gaming semi-seriously, so fast upload speeds are a must, and my wife makes use of the connection to upload content to social media. We also<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="75c9dde1-cf0b-4f09-94a6-396f948105c0" data-reader-unique-id="71" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/i-work-from-home-should-my-employer-pay-for-internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">work mostly from home</a>, and the fast, consistent upload speeds make for seamless video calls.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="72" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">The only real drawback is the price, but if you can work it into your household budget, fiber internet is definitely worth the cost. My fiber connection is always on, and it's always able to handle whatever I need it for. It's nice not having to think about your internet.</p><aside class="pullquote" data-reader-unique-id="73" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.42em; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.38em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-inline-start: 1em; margin-top: 1em; max-width: calc(100% - 1em);"><p data-reader-unique-id="74" style="max-width: 100%;">I have fiber available. But I never thought about switching. Cable is more than I need.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%;">Joe Supan, CNET principal writer covering broadband for six years</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="76" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="78" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="79" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="A picture of Joe Supan " data-reader-unique-id="80" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/e5e6ba98a7b2fd828f510e321f891eff19ac0906/hub/2024/01/25/bdb139fd-c236-498d-804b-61ce51600b87/joe-supan.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Joe Supan " data-reader-unique-id="81" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/e5e6ba98a7b2fd828f510e321f891eff19ac0906/hub/2024/01/25/bdb139fd-c236-498d-804b-61ce51600b87/joe-supan.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Joe Supan " data-reader-unique-id="82" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/e5e6ba98a7b2fd828f510e321f891eff19ac0906/hub/2024/01/25/bdb139fd-c236-498d-804b-61ce51600b87/joe-supan.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A picture of Joe Supan " data-reader-unique-id="83" height="768" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/e5e6ba98a7b2fd828f510e321f891eff19ac0906/hub/2024/01/25/bdb139fd-c236-498d-804b-61ce51600b87/joe-supan.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="84" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="85" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Joe Supan<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="89" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="90" href="https://www.cnet.com/profiles/jsupan/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">I've been covering</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>the broadband industry for six years, and for all of them, I've had the same cable internet service through<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="91" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/xfinity-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Xfinity</a>. Like most people, my internet connection is something I think about only when something's going wrong. Thankfully, that's been pretty rare for me. I can't remember the last time I saw a buffering wheel on my screen or a Zoom meeting glitch. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="92" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I say this as someone who's constantly writing about cable internet's flaws -- namely, its low upload speeds. But truthfully, I don't need fast upload speeds. I hardly upload anything -- just my side of Zoom meetings, which requires only about 4Mbps.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="93" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">A cable internet executive once told me the upload speed debate is like the Fast and Furious movies. "Those guys can flip their cars around without missing a beat at 80 miles an hour. That's like broadband. There's no reason to go in reverse as fast as you go forward."</p><p data-reader-unique-id="94" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I take that analogy with a grain of salt, but for me, it<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em data-reader-unique-id="95" style="max-width: 100%;">is</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>true. Xfinity says I'll get 100Mbps upload speeds with my plan, but a quick speed test shows I'm actually getting 119Mbps as I write this. There are only a few devices in my apartment connected to the internet, and I don't play online games or stream content, so that's<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="96" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/experiencing-choppy-video-calls-or-slow-gaming-you-might-have-an-upload-problem/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">far more upload speed than I realistically need</a>. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="97" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Would I prefer to have fiber internet? Probably. But for me, it wouldn't be worth the hassle of switching. I never think about my<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="98" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-cable-internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">cable internet</a>, and that's the highest praise I can imagine. </p><aside class="pullquote" data-reader-unique-id="99" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.42em; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.38em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-inline-start: 1em; margin-top: 1em; max-width: calc(100% - 1em);"><p data-reader-unique-id="100" style="max-width: 100%;">I switched from DSL to satellite. It's more expensive but feels like a "digital firehose" in comparison.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p data-reader-unique-id="101" style="max-width: 100%;">Jim Hoffman, CNET copy editor for 10 years</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="102" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="103" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="104" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="105" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="A Picture of Jim Hoffman " data-reader-unique-id="106" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/3e3c53cfe2ffc3dcdf77bda7487c3ef8784202ae/hub/2021/02/04/659c08e2-8964-4a3f-a942-9491e1a5aaaa/jim-hoffman-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A Picture of Jim Hoffman " data-reader-unique-id="107" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/3e3c53cfe2ffc3dcdf77bda7487c3ef8784202ae/hub/2021/02/04/659c08e2-8964-4a3f-a942-9491e1a5aaaa/jim-hoffman-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A Picture of Jim Hoffman " data-reader-unique-id="108" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/3e3c53cfe2ffc3dcdf77bda7487c3ef8784202ae/hub/2021/02/04/659c08e2-8964-4a3f-a942-9491e1a5aaaa/jim-hoffman-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A Picture of Jim Hoffman " data-reader-unique-id="109" height="517.2802275960171" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/3e3c53cfe2ffc3dcdf77bda7487c3ef8784202ae/hub/2021/02/04/659c08e2-8964-4a3f-a942-9491e1a5aaaa/jim-hoffman-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="110" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="111" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Jim Hoffman</span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="112" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">There aren't a lot of CNET editorial staffers who have recent experience as DSL users, but I have the dubious distinction of being one of them, having been a member of the CNET copy desk for just over a decade. And I hate to say it, but if<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="113" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-dsl-internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">DSL is your best option</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for land-based internet service, I feel your pain. For more than 10 years after we moved to the digital backwater of the Dundee hills of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="114" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-oregon/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Oregon</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(about an hour outside<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="115" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-portland-or/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Portland</a>), we suffered the indignities of ridiculously slow and unreliable DSL service from Verizon, then<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="116" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/frontier-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Frontier</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and later Ziply. (We never changed providers intentionally -- it was just that our service kept getting sold from one corporate entity to another.) I shouldn't make it sound like the entire Willamette Valley is bandwidth-challenged, just small backroad corridors here and there, which describes where I live. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="120" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">The various inconveniences of DSL were many. Slow bandwidth (less than 4Mbps down and never over 1Mbps up), and it seemed like the service was predestined to burp and blip and go down for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Zoom calls were possible sometimes, but good picture quality wasn't. Dealing with customer service was equally frustrating, particularly under Frontier. After a couple of years of this, our local technician gave me his direct number so I wouldn't have to keep navigating Frontier's phone tree cluster and go through their customary hurdles ("OK, turn off your modem... now wait 2 minutes and turn it back on...") before they would concede I really did have an issue and file a repair ticket. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="121" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">And because our telephone landline wire carried DSL (yes, I know), any problem farther up the line -- such as someone repairing a neighbor's service -- would cause ours to be cut off. Sometimes for hours. And don't get me started on the difficulties of streaming<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="122" href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/netflix-review-still-top-choice-even-with-ads-extra-member-fees/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Netflix</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="123" href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/amazons-prime-video-review-deep-river-of-content-but/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Amazon Prime Video</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>with such glacially slow speeds. Buffering was a regular interruption (but it did offer a chance to go to the fridge or take some other kind of convenience break). </p><p data-reader-unique-id="124" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">So much so that about three years ago, I threw up my hands and got on the waiting list for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="125" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Starlink satellite service</a>. A neighbor who's a notorious early adopter had signed up for Elon Musk's satellite ISP venture when it first became available and was crowing about its advantages over DSL (he'd been laboring with Frontier's/Ziply's abominable user experience too, so he knew what our lives had been like).</p><p data-reader-unique-id="126" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">It took about nine months to get to the top of the waiting list, but it changed our lives for the better in so many ways. There's almost never a blip in service. Download speeds range from about 40Mbps to over 100 and uploads are between 10 and 15Mbps, which may seem slowish to those of you who've had<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="127" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/internet-connection-types/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">cable or fiber for years</a>, but believe me, it seems like a digital fire hose here. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="131" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Granted, it costs more than DSL did (it's now $120 per month, which is $20 more than we were promised when I first got on the Starlink list and more than double what we paid to Ziply for internet), but it's worth it for such a quantum leap in speed and reliability, not to mention the hours I'm saving not sitting on hold waiting for tech support. The only glitch is that for some reason our IP address seems to indicate we're in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="132" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-seattle-wa/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Seattle</a>, not Oregon, so we get geolocated ads for Washington-based services instead of Oregon. Oh, well.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="133" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Ironically, about a year after we got hooked up with Starlink and ditched Ziply entirely (we cut off the landline, too -- huzzah!), Ziply announced that its fiber service would be making its way up our gravel road. But after so much time with them working my last nerve, I'm not going back. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="134" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">If you're considering going the DSL route, I might suggest talking with your neighbors or asking on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="135" href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/nextdoor-wants-you-to-connect-with-neighbors-you-may-know/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">NextDoor</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>what people's experience is with that provider in your area. If folks seem reasonably happy with it, you might be fine. But if their experience is like mine, see what you can find in the way of other technologies. And if you're a gamer or do a lot of work with graphics or other data-heavy applications, it may be worth spending the extra money for faster tech. While DSL was a good "broadband" option 15 to 20 years ago, things have changed and it seems to have trouble keeping up.</p><aside class="pullquote" data-reader-unique-id="136" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.42em; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.38em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-inline-start: 1em; margin-top: 1em; max-width: calc(100% - 1em);"><p data-reader-unique-id="137" style="max-width: 100%;">Satellite has been a great option for me while I wait for fiber to make its way to my home.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="138" style="max-width: 100%;">Adam Oram, CNET senior editor covering technology for 10 years</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="139" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="140" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="141" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="142" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="A picture of Adam Oram " data-reader-unique-id="143" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/eb481e6bd75c19c713eee8668ee86f34425b4ce4/hub/2024/02/29/f4a8e08f-426d-4ffc-b145-80a08ad21a8b/adam-oram-headshot-adj-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Adam Oram " data-reader-unique-id="144" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/eb481e6bd75c19c713eee8668ee86f34425b4ce4/hub/2024/02/29/f4a8e08f-426d-4ffc-b145-80a08ad21a8b/adam-oram-headshot-adj-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Adam Oram " data-reader-unique-id="145" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/eb481e6bd75c19c713eee8668ee86f34425b4ce4/hub/2024/02/29/f4a8e08f-426d-4ffc-b145-80a08ad21a8b/adam-oram-headshot-adj-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A picture of Adam Oram " data-reader-unique-id="146" height="380.42301369863014" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/eb481e6bd75c19c713eee8668ee86f34425b4ce4/hub/2024/02/29/f4a8e08f-426d-4ffc-b145-80a08ad21a8b/adam-oram-headshot-adj-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="147" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="148" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Adam Oram</span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="149" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">As a leader of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="150" href="https://www.cnet.com/deals/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">CNET's Deals team</a>, I cover the most up-to-date deals on technology products, including those that require an internet connection. And like many folks, I work remotely and need a solid internet connection myself. I live in a relatively out-of-the-way village in Northern England, so my options for getting such a connection are limited. Fiber hasn't made its way to my property yet and won't until Dec. 2025, and the speeds available via the phone lines aren't enough for video calls, streaming media or operating a home with a bunch of smart devices in it. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="151" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Following a gradually worsening experience with a 5G home internet connection provided by UK carrier Three, I made the switch to satellite internet with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="152" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Starlink</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>at the start of 2024. I took some time to consider whether this was the right option for me, as the hardware is an expensive up-front cost (or a pricey long-term rental) and the service itself is twice the price of the 5G service I had before. But I've been satisfied with the speeds and reliability so far.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="153" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Starlink does offer a trial period of 30 days, so I set up the dish in my garden and ran the cable through a window for a few days to make sure the service worked effectively for me. I was super impressed with the speeds, so I went ahead and installed it at roof height once I was certain it would work well. Starlink provides the dish for self-install, which is great if you're comfortable with that, but it's less than ideal if you've got a fear of heights or generally lack skills with power tools. I fall into the latter group, which meant paying an installer.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="154" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Though I've been using Starlink fully for only a couple of months, I haven't experienced any major outages or disruption due to the weather, or had any reason to contact the support team. In fact, I haven't thought much about the service at all since getting it all wired in, which is more than I can say for my frustrating 5G service. I've seen high download speeds, of over 300Mbps, though more regularly I'll see speeds sit within the 75Mbps to 150Mbps range. And upload speeds are a pretty consistent 20Mbps, which is enough for my usage. It works great with my<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="155" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/eero-6-plus-vs-eero-pro-6e-wi-fi-mesh-routers/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Eero mesh network</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>setup, and I'm able to take Zoom calls, stream in 4K and run a smart home without issue.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="156" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">There are some cons, though, in addition to the expensive hardware and service costs. There's a hidden extra cost in paying a professional to install your system or buying mounting hardware from Starlink or a hardware store. There's also no Ethernet port on the Starlink router, which means buying an extra adapter for something that should be table stakes. And the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="157" href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/5g-latency-why-speeding-up-networks-matters-faq/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">latency,</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or ping, of the Starlink service is relatively high, meaning it isn't ideal for online gamers who need lag to be as low as possible, though it's fine for Zoom calls. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="158" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Though I'm not a fan of making a monthly payment to one of Elon Musk's companies, I'm not left with many choices either. Regardless, I expect I'll be happy using Starlink for the next couple of years until fiber is available for my home and I can switch. But if you can't get fiber, and your alternative options aren't providing a reliable experience, I can recommend Starlink -- and satellite internet more broadly -- if you need to get online.</p><aside data-reader-unique-id="159" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="160" style="max-width: 100%;">I would switch from cable to fiber in a heartbeat if it was available to me.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="161" style="max-width: 100%;">Hallie Seltzer, CNET associate writer covering broadband for eight months</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="162" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="163" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="164" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="165" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="Headshot of writer Hallie Seltzer" data-reader-unique-id="166" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/52a694e17dba561b4d231f8fc016ff5e319e5ca8/hub/2023/10/03/e1963f99-e411-48a7-acdc-7b8d46556eab/hallie-seltzer.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="Headshot of writer Hallie Seltzer" data-reader-unique-id="167" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/52a694e17dba561b4d231f8fc016ff5e319e5ca8/hub/2023/10/03/e1963f99-e411-48a7-acdc-7b8d46556eab/hallie-seltzer.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="Headshot of writer Hallie Seltzer" data-reader-unique-id="168" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/52a694e17dba561b4d231f8fc016ff5e319e5ca8/hub/2023/10/03/e1963f99-e411-48a7-acdc-7b8d46556eab/hallie-seltzer.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="Headshot of writer Hallie Seltzer" data-reader-unique-id="169" height="637.2765957446809" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/52a694e17dba561b4d231f8fc016ff5e319e5ca8/hub/2023/10/03/e1963f99-e411-48a7-acdc-7b8d46556eab/hallie-seltzer.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="170" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="171" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Hallie Seltzer</span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="172" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I'm a 2023<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="173" href="https://www.cnet.com/deals/student-internet-deals-and-discounts/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">college graduate</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>who just moved into my first apartment last year -- which means that I recently had to buy my first internet package without the help of my parents. First adult purchase, am I right?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="174" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Before I started working on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="175" href="https://www.cnet.com/profiles/hseltzer/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">CNET's broadband team</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in 2023, I had no clue what type of internet I needed. It really didn't matter anyway since Comporium was one of the only ISPs that served my small town. Comporium is a cable provider that also offers a small fiber network, but of course, my address could only access its cable system.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="176" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Thankfully, it did seem to come with faster speeds and lower prices than<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="177" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/t-mobile-5g-home-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">T-Mobile Home Internet</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="178" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-satellite-internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">satellite internet</a>, which were my only other options for broadband.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="179" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">My fiance and I are big-time<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="180" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-for-streaming/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">streamers</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="181" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-for-gaming/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">gamers</a>, and I work mostly remotely from our apartment. The tier we picked (and currently still have) is Comporium's 400Mbps plan for $50 per month, which comes with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="182" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-with-no-data-caps" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">no data caps</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="183" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-no-contract-internet-plans/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">contracts</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or equipment fees. Despite its simple service details, I haven't been impressed with the speeds I get, especially since my bill will jump after the first year. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="184" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I've run a few different<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="185" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-speed-tests/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">speed tests</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and discovered that our Wi-Fi is only reaching download speeds up to 120Mbps, which is a big difference from what I'm paying for. My speeds are significantly faster using an<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="186" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/wi-fi-vs-ethernet-heres-what-i-found-when-i-tested-them-at-my-home/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Ethernet cable</a>, but it's not practical with multiple devices on one network. I know Comporium isn't to blame for my spotty Wi-Fi, but footing a $50 monthly bill for only 120Mbps of speed is a bummer. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="187" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">All this being said, I'd switch over to fiber internet in a heartbeat if my location was serviceable. Cable internet isn't the worst choice for residential internet -- satellite and DSL are much pricier and slower. However, I'd rather be paying nearly the same cost each month for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="188" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/att-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">AT&T Fiber</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and getting flat-rate pricing and symmetrical speeds.</p><aside data-reader-unique-id="189" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="190" style="max-width: 100%;">Cable prices kept creeping up over the years. We found a faster and cheaper plan with fiber.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p data-reader-unique-id="191" style="max-width: 100%;">Trisha Jandoc, CNET associate writer covering broadband for three months (and counting)</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="192" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="193" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="194" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="195" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="Trisha Jandoc" data-reader-unique-id="196" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/d966da34421359c898e8f8014f57993ac01b86d1/hub/2024/02/27/9542b133-293b-42e5-b03c-aa147bedf413/trisha-jandoc.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="Trisha Jandoc" data-reader-unique-id="197" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/d966da34421359c898e8f8014f57993ac01b86d1/hub/2024/02/27/9542b133-293b-42e5-b03c-aa147bedf413/trisha-jandoc.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="Trisha Jandoc" data-reader-unique-id="198" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/d966da34421359c898e8f8014f57993ac01b86d1/hub/2024/02/27/9542b133-293b-42e5-b03c-aa147bedf413/trisha-jandoc.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="Trisha Jandoc" data-reader-unique-id="199" height="596.4700389105059" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/d966da34421359c898e8f8014f57993ac01b86d1/hub/2024/02/27/9542b133-293b-42e5-b03c-aa147bedf413/trisha-jandoc.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="200" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="201" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Trisha Jandoc</span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="202" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">I started high school with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="203" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/spectrum-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Spectrum cable internet</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and now I'm in my 20s. Before I switched to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="204" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/verizon-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Verizon Fios</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>early last year, Spectrum had been my internet provider for about seven years. As a new associate writer covering broadband, I still have much to learn about this topic. However, as someone who grew up using Spectrum, it carried me from studying for the SATs to reading my job-offer letter online. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="205" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">One of the main reasons why my family and I stuck with cable for so long was its consistency; we always knew what to expect. Everything was straight to the point: no contracts or data caps. Moreover, a Filipino household wouldn't be complete without our favorite<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em data-reader-unique-id="206" style="max-width: 100%;">teleseryes</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and Spectrum offering the Filipino channel as part of our<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="207" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-and-tv-bundles/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">cable and internet package</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>was a plus! </p><p data-reader-unique-id="208" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">However, the hiking of prices over the years was what deterred us from continuing with Spectrum's services. Back when I was starting high school, my household, a family of five, lived off Spectrum's<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="209" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-cheap-internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">cheapest internet plan</a>, which also meant it was the slowest. Yet, even if we were on the lowest plan tier, we were still paying upward of about $205 per month for an internet and TV bundle. Which was a hefty amount for our household. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="210" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Besides Spectrum's price point, over the years my household consumed less and less cable TV and more streaming services. Factoring in this change led us to choose Verizon Fios' home internet service. But if your household still enjoys cable TV, Spectrum might be a viable option for you. New Spectrum customers can benefit from the better prices, too. After many years of rising costs with cable, our family found a better deal with Verizon Fios, with faster speeds and no term agreements. </p><aside data-reader-unique-id="211" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="212" style="max-width: 100%;">DSL is a last resort. It couldn't support my home tech needs today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p data-reader-unique-id="213" style="max-width: 100%;">Katie Collins, CNET managing editor covering energy, broadband and money for five years</p></aside><figure data-reader-unique-id="214" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="215" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="216" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="217" style="max-width: 100%;"><source alt="A picture of Katie Collins " data-reader-unique-id="218" media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7e50c5763ab2bdc799e37abdf615eee17b923990/hub/2024/03/15/b7758193-4860-48df-a2f1-a9df6560b511/katie-new-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Katie Collins " data-reader-unique-id="219" media="(max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7e50c5763ab2bdc799e37abdf615eee17b923990/hub/2024/03/15/b7758193-4860-48df-a2f1-a9df6560b511/katie-new-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source alt="A picture of Katie Collins " data-reader-unique-id="220" media="(max-width: 1440px)" srcset="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7e50c5763ab2bdc799e37abdf615eee17b923990/hub/2024/03/15/b7758193-4860-48df-a2f1-a9df6560b511/katie-new-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A picture of Katie Collins " data-reader-unique-id="221" height="937.4299516908213" loading="lazy" src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7e50c5763ab2bdc799e37abdf615eee17b923990/hub/2024/03/15/b7758193-4860-48df-a2f1-a9df6560b511/katie-new-headshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=768" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></picture></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="222" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="223" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Katie Collins<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="224" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">While<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="225" href="https://www.cnet.com/profiles/kcollins/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">working for CNET</a>, I've found that bringing a first-person perspective to our audience is a genuine way to help folks navigate a purchase decision. I'm here to talk about my experience with DSL internet and how it relates to my home technology. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="226" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and I admittedly haven't had this connection type since my early college years (the early 2000s). DSL served its purpose at that time. I wasn't streaming or connecting to many devices -- there was just my computer. I used it to browse the internet, log in to online class portals, perform online research for school, send and receive emails, and, even though it took a while by today's standards, download music to my MP3 player. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="227" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">The provider was Cablevision -- now<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="228" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/optimum-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Optimum</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>-- and I can't recall the speed. But I distinctly remember the sound. When uploading or downloading a file, it sounded like a fax machine. And that's essentially what the technology was: it transferred information to and from a location through a phone line, just like a fax machine. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="229" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Yes, DSL worked for college-age me. Candidly, it wouldn't work for me today. The main reason is the number of smart devices that connect in my household. DSL couldn't support our streaming, gaming, zooming and multitude of smart home devices -- at least at the same time. Even our baby tech -- such as the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="230" href="https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-white-noise-machines/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Hatch sound machine</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="231" href="https://www.cnet.com/deals/give-a-parent-the-gift-of-peaceful-sleep-my-favorite-wifi-baby-monitor-is-on-sale/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Nanit baby monitor</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>-- is all Wi-Fi enabled. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="232" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">If your tech needs seem similar to mine, check whether you can get fiber or cable. If DSL is the only connection type available to your home, see if satellite internet or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="233" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/what-is-5g-home-internet/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">5G home internet</a>is an option before settling for DSL. </p><h2 data-ng-block="{" data-reader-unique-id="234" heading="" id="" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;" type="" z4d1u1ox7k2caqh="">How to tell what connection type you have now </h2><p data-reader-unique-id="235" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">First, aside from the name, speeds are the biggest indicator of cable, DSL or fiber internet. </p><figure data-reader-unique-id="236" section="table" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="239" style="max-width: 100%;" tabindex="0"><div class="scrollable" style="max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: normal; overflow-x: scroll;"><table aria-label="" class="clear" data-reader-unique-id="240" style="border-collapse: collapse; clear: both; font-size: 0.9em; max-width: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><thead data-reader-unique-id="241" style="max-width: 100%;"><tr data-reader-unique-id="242" style="max-width: 100%;"><th data-reader-unique-id="243" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.024); border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">Internet connection type</th><th data-reader-unique-id="244" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.024); border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">How to tell by the speed</th></tr></thead><tbody data-reader-unique-id="245" style="max-width: 100%;"><tr data-reader-unique-id="246" style="max-width: 100%;"><th data-reader-unique-id="247" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.024); border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">Fiber</th><td data-reader-unique-id="248" style="border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">Symmetrical (or close) upload and download speeds.</td></tr><tr data-reader-unique-id="249" style="max-width: 100%;"><th data-reader-unique-id="250" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.024); border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">Cable</th><td data-reader-unique-id="251" style="border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">Multiple speed options, possibly up to 1,000Mbps or higher, but uploads won't match downloads.</td></tr><tr data-reader-unique-id="252" style="max-width: 100%;"><th data-reader-unique-id="253" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.024); border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">DSL</th><td data-reader-unique-id="254" style="border: 1px solid rgb(216, 216, 216); max-width: 100%; padding: 0.25em 0.5em;">Will probably present one, maybe two, speeds -- which are all but guaranteed to fall below 100Mbps.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="255" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Second, chances are you already know if you have a wireless internet connection. If you don't, here's how you can tell. </p><h3 data-ng-block="{" data-reader-unique-id="256" heading="" id="" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.25em; max-width: 100%;" type="" v5gyb0r35zh4lu="">Satellite internet </h3><p data-reader-unique-id="257" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">For satellite internet, your provider is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="258" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/hughesnet-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Hughesnet</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="259" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/viasat-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Viasat</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or possibly<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="260" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Starlink</a>, and you've got a satellite dish mounted somewhere on your property. </p><h3 data-ng-block="{" data-reader-unique-id="261" eyxwhcw5ss1x1ce="" heading="" id="" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.25em; max-width: 100%;" type="">Fixed wireless internet </h3><p data-reader-unique-id="262" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Similarly, fixed wireless internet, from providers such as<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="263" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/rise-broadband-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Rise Broadband</a>, requires mounting a small receiver, unless you have service from T-Mobile Home Internet or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="264" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/verizon-5g-home-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Verizon 5G Home Internet</a>.</p><h3 data-ng-block="{" data-reader-unique-id="265" heading="" i61qp1v36vbf0s="" id="" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.25em; max-width: 100%;" type="">Fiber internet </h3><p data-reader-unique-id="266" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Determining the connection type with wired internet -- cable, DSL and fiber -- can be a bit more tricky, but a good speed test will often suffice. If your speed test returns similar upload and download speeds, congratulations, you have fiber internet. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="267" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Seeing as how fiber is a more desirable product, most providers put "fiber" right in the name:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="268" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/att-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">AT&T Fiber</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="269" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/frontier-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Frontier Fiber</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="270" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/centurylink-internet-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Quantum Fiber</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-id="54b87772-3e3b-4b90-a0e9-70853f3afbba" data-reader-unique-id="271" href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/ziply-fiber-review/" rel="follow" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_self">Ziply Fiber</a>, and so on. Verizon hides it a bit better with "Fios," but that stands for "fiber-optic service."</p><h3 data-ng-block="{" data-reader-unique-id="272" heading="" id="" q8hdx7faj6phv3x="" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.25em; max-width: 100%;" type="">DSL vs. cable </h3><p data-reader-unique-id="273" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;">Speed tests are a little less telling of cable versus DSL connections, but download speeds above 100Mbps are a good indicator of cable internet, because DSL typically isn't capable of such speeds. You can also take a look at what kind of cord is plugged into your modem. A phone line means DSL, while a coaxial cable, like what's used for cable TV, is, you guessed it, cable internet."</p></div><a href="https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/we-are-tech-experts-heres-how-we-really-feel-about-our-home-internet/">We Are Tech Experts. Here's How We Really Feel About Our Home Internet - CNET</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-69685500366856036292024-03-17T10:40:00.002-04:002024-03-17T10:40:22.292-04:00How a sleuth defense attorney and a disgruntled law partner damaged the Trump Georgia case - The Washington Post<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">How a sleuth defense attorney and a disgruntled law partner damaged the Trump Georgia case</h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.75em; max-width: 100%;"><a class="byline" data-qa="author-name" data-reader-unique-id="576" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/amy-gardner/?itid=ai_top_gardnerae" rel="author" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Amy Gardner</a></div><div data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="2" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="3" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">"In early September, a lawyer for one of former president Donald Trump’s co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case scheduled a call with the other defense attorneys to share what he thought could be a game-changing allegation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="4" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="5" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="6" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/14/nathan-wade-fani-willis-georgia-trump/?itid=lk_inline_manual_2" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Nathan Wade</a>, the lead prosecutor on the case, did not seem qualified for a job that was paying him hundreds of thousands of dollars, Manny Arora told his colleagues. And he’d heard that Wade was in a romantic relationship with Fulton County District Attorney<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="7" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/01/09/fani-willis-fulton-county-georgia-trump-investigation/?itid=lk_inline_manual_2" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fani T. Willis</a><b data-reader-unique-id="8" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>(D), potential grounds for Willis’s disqualification from the case.</p></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="10" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="11" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The reaction was muted. Some of the lawyers didn’t even participate in the call. It was just three weeks after their clients had been indicted, and they were busy preparing their cases.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="23" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="24" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“Truthfully, I thought it was too salacious, and I thought it would irritate the judge,” said one defense lawyer, who like several other individuals spoke to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly about the case. “Everybody had just been arraigned. We were working on discovery and getting our defense together.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="25" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="26" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Arora, who represented lawyer<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="27" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/08/16/kenneth-cheseboro-trump-indictment-fake-electors/?itid=lk_inline_manual_6" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Kenneth Chesebro</a>, told the group that he didn’t have the bandwidth to investigate the romance claims, he later recounted to The Post.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="28" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="29" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="577" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="578" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="579" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="580" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OLQIAG2PU7DLYJAZQIRCOAK7GA.JPG&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OLQIAG2PU7DLYJAZQIRCOAK7GA.JPG&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OLQIAG2PU7DLYJAZQIRCOAK7GA.JPG&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OLQIAG2PU7DLYJAZQIRCOAK7GA.JPG&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OLQIAG2PU7DLYJAZQIRCOAK7GA.JPG&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OLQIAG2PU7DLYJAZQIRCOAK7GA.JPG&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OLQIAG2PU7DLYJAZQIRCOAK7GA.JPG&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="581" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis arrives at a news conference with prosecutor Nathan Wade on Aug. 14. (Elijah Nouvelage/Reuters)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="31" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="32" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">But one lawyer on the call was interested. Ashleigh Merchant, who represents former Trump campaign aide<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="33" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/02/mike-roman-trump-georgia-election-case-fani-willis/?itid=lk_inline_manual_8" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mike Roman</a>, filed open-records requests for Wade’s contracts and billing invoices. She obtained a trove of financial records from his pending divorce case. And crucially, she leaned on a long-standing friendship with Wade’s former law partner, who claimed knowledge of all of it in hundreds of now-public text messages.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="34" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="35" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">That effort culminated in a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="36" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/09/trump-co-defendant-georgia-accuses-prosecutors-misconduct/?itid=lk_inline_manual_9" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">blockbuster pleading</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that Merchant filed in January accusing Willis of improperly hiring Wade while they were dating and then profiting by allowing him to take her on lavish vacations. The unusual pleading, which cited unnamed individuals and provided no evidence, called for Willis’s disqualification from the case and for the charges to be dismissed. In the weeks that followed, Merchant frantically rushed to try to find proof for her claims.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="37" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="38" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Ultimately, the gambit fell short when Fulton County Superior Court Judge<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="39" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/08/15/judge-scott-mcafee-georgia-trump-case/?itid=lk_inline_manual_10" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Scott McAfee</a>ruled Friday that Merchant and other defense attorneys had failed to prove Willis and Wade were in a relationship when she appointed him or other disqualifying conduct. But the ruling sharply criticized Willis and Wade, and demanded that one of them step away from the case.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="40" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="41" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="582" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="583" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="584" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="585" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6OUOVROL45LP464YK3O4TYFMMA.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6OUOVROL45LP464YK3O4TYFMMA.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6OUOVROL45LP464YK3O4TYFMMA.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6OUOVROL45LP464YK3O4TYFMMA.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6OUOVROL45LP464YK3O4TYFMMA.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6OUOVROL45LP464YK3O4TYFMMA.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6OUOVROL45LP464YK3O4TYFMMA.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="586" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">Attorney Scott Grubman speaks with attorney Manny Arora during a hearing where their client, Kenneth Chesebro, accepts a plea deal in Fulton County, Ga., on Oct. 20. (Alyssa Pointer/Pool/Getty Images/AP)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="43" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="44" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">And damage was done along the way. The matter dragged on for more than two months, delaying proceedings and making it less likely that the complicated conspiracy case will go to trial before the presidential election. It deeply embarrassed Willis and Wade, who were forced to testify about their relationship and answer profoundly personal questions from defense attorneys whose clients they had charged, all of which undermined public credibility of their prosecution of Trump and his allies. Wade resigned from the case a few hours after McAfee’s order dropped.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="45" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="46" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The accusations aren’t going away, as some of the defendants are expecting to appeal the decision — and the judge has suggested they can revisit the issue closer to a trial date. State lawmakers are investigating, and the headlines are unlikely to slow down.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="58" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="59" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Trump, meanwhile, has gleefully cheered on the drama and used it to undermine the legitimacy of the charges against him not only in Georgia, but in all four criminal cases against him, including two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="60" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="61" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“The Fani Willis lover, Mr. Nathan Wade Esq., has just resigned in disgrace,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="62" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="63" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“This is the equivalent of Deranged Jack Smith getting ‘canned,’ BIG STUFF, something which should happen in the not too distant future!!!”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="64" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="587" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="588" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="589" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="590" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/72M3UQD6AMCFQKY24HGWZTFVME_size-normalized.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/72M3UQD6AMCFQKY24HGWZTFVME_size-normalized.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/72M3UQD6AMCFQKY24HGWZTFVME_size-normalized.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/72M3UQD6AMCFQKY24HGWZTFVME_size-normalized.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/72M3UQD6AMCFQKY24HGWZTFVME_size-normalized.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/72M3UQD6AMCFQKY24HGWZTFVME_size-normalized.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/72M3UQD6AMCFQKY24HGWZTFVME_size-normalized.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="591" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">Special prosecutor Nathan Wade at the Fulton County courthouse last month. (Mike Stewart/Pool/AP)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="70" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="71" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Two days after Trump and his allies were charged in connection with their attempt to overthrow the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, Willis asked the judge to set a March trial date. Soon after, Wade filed a notice of appearance as the case’s lead prosecutor.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="72" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="73" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Many of the defense attorneys had never heard of him — and they were increasingly convinced the general practitioner from the Atlanta suburbs, whose<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="74" href="https://wadeandcampbell.com/" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">webpage</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>advertises criminal defense, personal injury and family law, wasn’t qualified for the job. Arora, Chesebro’s lawyer, wanted to know how much Fulton County was paying Wade.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="75" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="76" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“We did open-records requests on all of it,” he told The Post. “I was just curious to see if all the I’s had been dotted and the T’s crossed.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="77" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="78" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Arora discovered that Wade had never filed a signed oath of office after Willis hired him in November 2021, which Arora believed was a requirement under Georgia law. He began preparing a motion to dismiss the charges.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="79" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="80" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="592" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="593" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="594" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="595" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5XWEGEL5AZSLZMJO63VHDRGYZE.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5XWEGEL5AZSLZMJO63VHDRGYZE.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5XWEGEL5AZSLZMJO63VHDRGYZE.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5XWEGEL5AZSLZMJO63VHDRGYZE.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5XWEGEL5AZSLZMJO63VHDRGYZE.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5XWEGEL5AZSLZMJO63VHDRGYZE.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5XWEGEL5AZSLZMJO63VHDRGYZE.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="596" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">Wade sits during a hearing on the Georgia election interference case this month. (Alex Slitz/Pool/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="82" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="83" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Around the same time, defendant David Shafer, the former state GOP chairman and one of three Trump electors charged in the case, received a brochure in the mail from Wade & Campbell, Wade’s law firm. The brochure was generated automatically following Shafer’s indictment, but his lawyer thought it was wildly inappropriate for a private firm to solicit a client that one of its partners was prosecuting, even in error. That lawyer, Craig Gillen, filed a motion of his own.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="84" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="85" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">McAfee — 34 years old and in his first year on the bench — quickly ruled against Shafer on Sept. 14 with what would become his familiarly sharp tone.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="86" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="87" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“Nothing indicates that Special Prosecutor Wade knowingly sent the mailer or specifically targeted the Defendants,” the judge wrote. “ … The Court feels comfortable inferring a lack of knowledge without the need for a protracted evidentiary hearing and briefing schedule.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="88" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="89" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">McAfee’s ruling against Chesebro on the oath of office several weeks later was even tougher, calling Arora’s filing a “parrot of a motion” and “blithely” written.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="90" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="91" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The rest of the defense team took note. Most of them remained wary of pursuing the potential impropriety of a romance between Willis and Wade. Now, they had reason to suspect McAfee would be skeptical, too, and they didn’t want to anger him with frivolous filings.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="95" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><h3 data-qa="article-header" data-reader-unique-id="96" style="font-size: 1.25em; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="97" style="max-width: 100%;">A defense attorney who loves digging</p></h3></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="98" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="99" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant, a well-known Atlanta-area criminal defense attorney, took pride in being a vigorous investigator, a necessary skill when she was a public defender and had no budget. She quickly picked up where Arora had left off, firing off open-records requests seeking Wade’s contract as she sought to understand how he came to be appointed to the job.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="100" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="101" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant and her husband and law partner, John, had been hired to represent Roman, a former campaign aide who was charged in part for his role in assembling presidential electors to sign documents falsely claiming Trump had won the election in Georgia. Roman spent much of his career as a Republican opposition researcher, digging up dirt on political rivals.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="102" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="103" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Unlike the other defense attorneys, Merchant had known Wade for years, professionally and socially. He was active in the legal and political scene in Cobb County, north of Atlanta, where Merchant lives and works. A former municipal judge, Wade had<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="104" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/14/nathan-wade-fani-willis-georgia-trump/?itid=lk_inline_manual_34" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">unsuccessfully run</a>for elected judge positions over the years. Merchant had endorsed his 2016 campaign against a Cobb County Superior Court judge, praising his “robust legal background.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="105" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="106" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">But Merchant didn’t understand how Wade had come to lead what could be the biggest criminal case in Georgia history. A former Fulton County public defender, Merchant was well-acquainted with Willis and many other prosecutors in her office because she’d tried cases against them for years. She wasn’t sure Wade had ever prosecuted a felony case, much less a complicated, multi-defendant proceeding brought under the state’s racketeering statute, as this one was.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="107" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="108" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">A glance at a Fulton County budget website with some basic numbers showed that Wade had already been paid nearly $550,000. His law partners, Christopher Campbell and Terrence Bradley, who were also under contract with the office, had been paid close to $200,000 combined. She filed a request seeking those billing statements.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="109" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="110" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Wade’s earnings seemed excessive to Merchant, who<b data-reader-unique-id="111" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>claimed in recent public testimony that most lawyers appointed to handle public cases are paid far less — closer to $60 an hour, in her experience — or work on a pro-bono basis. Prosecutors later argued that Wade’s $250 an hour billing rate was below market and less than he’d charged on other cases.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="112" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="113" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">By then, chatter about Wade’s legal credentials and earnings was spreading among local attorneys unaffiliated with the case.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="125" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="126" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“She’s spent almost a million taxpayer dollars on RICO advice from Nathan Wade, a dude who has never tried a RICO case,” Andrew Fleischmann, an Atlanta criminal defense attorney<a data-reader-unique-id="127" href="https://twitter.com/ASFleischman/status/1697963705550422513" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">, posted on X</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>on Sept. 2.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="128" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="129" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">When someone responded asking if they should be familiar with Wade, Fleishmann replied: “Not really.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="130" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="131" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">On Sept. 11, the conservative Washington Examiner<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="132" href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2570770/fani-willis-bankrolls-private-attorney-for-trump-prosecution-certainly-unorthodox/" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">published<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a>a story about how much money the district attorney’s office had paid Wade and his two law partners, describing the arrangement as “unorthodox.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="133" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="134" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“Willis chose Wade over career prosecutors who work on salaries,” it read, quoting an Atlanta attorney who described it as a “cash cow.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="135" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="136" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The article served to jump-start Merchant’s research project by prompting a phone call from Bradley, an old friend who was concerned by the attention and wondered if he needed a lawyer.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="137" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="138" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Bradley told Merchant that Willis had called him to say various people were looking into the contracts.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="139" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="140" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“He called me because he was worried about it. And so we had a conversation, and he actually asked me, ‘Do I need a lawyer?’ … ‘What’s going on? What are you investigating?’” Merchant later recalled.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="141" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="142" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Willis later testified that she could “not recall” texting or talking on the phone with Bradley but said she could have. She was not specifically asked about the alleged September call.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="143" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="144" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant said she told Bradley that she couldn’t represent him because she was representing Roman. He asked if her husband was available. “That’s a conflict, too,” Merchant said she told Bradley.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="145" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="146" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">But she could still talk to him — and talk they did.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="147" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="148" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="597" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="598" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="599" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="600" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HIHQQTTTMNFBY6QL3N3LJXWV6I_size-normalized.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HIHQQTTTMNFBY6QL3N3LJXWV6I_size-normalized.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HIHQQTTTMNFBY6QL3N3LJXWV6I_size-normalized.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HIHQQTTTMNFBY6QL3N3LJXWV6I_size-normalized.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HIHQQTTTMNFBY6QL3N3LJXWV6I_size-normalized.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HIHQQTTTMNFBY6QL3N3LJXWV6I_size-normalized.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HIHQQTTTMNFBY6QL3N3LJXWV6I_size-normalized.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="601" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">Terrence Bradley, special prosecutor Wade’s former law partner, looks at documents as he testifies in court on Feb. 27 in Atlanta. (Brynn Anderson/Pool/AP)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="153" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="154" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">A few days later, Merchant ran into Bradley at the Cobb County courthouse. They joined two other attorneys in a conference room as they waited for plea hearings to begin in their respective cases.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="155" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="156" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Bradley told the group everything he knew about Willis and Wade, Merchant recalled.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="157" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="158" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The two had met at a judicial conference in October 2019 and quickly struck up a romantic relationship, Merchant says Bradley told the group — well before she was elected district attorney.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="159" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="160" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“I had a notepad,” Merchant said, “and I took notes on all the things to ask for open records.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="161" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="162" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant said she did not know at the time that Bradley was no longer Wade’s law partner. She also did not know that Bradley had served as Wade’s divorce attorney — or that he left the firm after being accused of sexually assaulting an employee and a client, allegations he denies.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="163" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="164" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant said she believed Bradley was angry about how Wade had treated his estranged wife.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="165" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="ai2html" data-reader-unique-id="166" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="raw-html" data-reader-unique-id="167" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="168" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-fallback-image-url="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/2300-091823-Exchange.jpg?c=1710535484442" data-reader-unique-id="169" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="170" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-aspect-ratio="3.448" data-min-width="960" data-reader-unique-id="171" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="172" data-src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/091823-Exchange-xlarge.jpg?v=1" src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/091823-Exchange-xlarge.jpg?v=1" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" /><div data-reader-unique-id="173" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="174" style="max-width: 100%;">Sept. 18, 2023</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="175" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="176" style="max-width: 100%;">Ashleigh Merchant</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="177" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="178" style="max-width: 100%;">Any idea who I could get an<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="179" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="180" style="max-width: 100%;">affidavit from on the affair?</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="181" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="182" style="max-width: 100%;">Terrence Bradley</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="183" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="184" style="max-width: 100%;">No...no one would freely burn that bridge</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="185" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="186" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">From that point, Merchant grew to rely heavily on Bradley’s recollections to build her case. On Sept. 14, she texted Bradley with the first of more than 300 text messages<b data-reader-unique-id="187" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>between mid-September and early February as she sought to confirm the details Bradley had shared. A copy of the texts, obtained by The Post, were introduced as evidence in the disqualification proceedings.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="188" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="189" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">In late September, prosecutors offered a plea deal to Roman, who was charged with seven counts including racketeering. He could plead guilty to a single misdemeanor charge and a $5,000 fine in exchange for his cooperation, Merchant said.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="190" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="191" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Soon four other defendants took plea deals in rapid succession. But Roman declined. Behind the scenes, his lawyer was working to confirm Bradley’s claims, relentlessly pumping him for more leads to chase. She was running out of time. If Merchant was going to raise these accusations, she had to do so before Jan. 8, the motions deadline that McAfee had set.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="192" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="ai2html" data-reader-unique-id="193" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="raw-html" data-reader-unique-id="194" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="195" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-fallback-image-url="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/2300-121323-Exchange.jpg?c=1710535435492" data-reader-unique-id="196" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="197" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-aspect-ratio="2.658" data-min-width="960" data-reader-unique-id="198" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="199" data-src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/121323-Exchange-xlarge.jpg?v=1" src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/121323-Exchange-xlarge.jpg?v=1" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" /><div data-reader-unique-id="200" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="201" style="max-width: 100%;">Dec. 13, 2023</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="202" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="203" style="max-width: 100%;">Ashleigh Merchant</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="204" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="205" style="max-width: 100%;">I got some more confirmation about fani<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="206" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="207" style="max-width: 100%;">and Nathan<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="210" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="211" style="max-width: 100%;">I still can't get anyone to go on record<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="214" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="215" style="max-width: 100%;">But I also got the evidence that fani did<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="216" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="217" style="max-width: 100%;">not and does not have county approval<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="218" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="219" style="max-width: 100%;">to pay nathan<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="222" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="223" style="max-width: 100%;">She violated county policy left and right</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="224" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="225" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Three weeks later, on Jan. 5, Merchant texted Bradley again, indicating she had gotten “stuff from the divorce lawyer. … I got a ton of stuff.” It was an apparent reference to the lawyer for Wade’s estranged wife, Joycelyn Wade, who later denied claims from Willis and others that she coordinated or colluded with Merchant.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="226" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="ai2html" data-reader-unique-id="227" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="raw-html" data-reader-unique-id="228" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="229" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-fallback-image-url="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/2300-010524-Exchange3.jpg?c=1710535781432" data-reader-unique-id="230" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="231" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-aspect-ratio="1.417" data-min-width="960" data-reader-unique-id="232" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="233" data-src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/010524-Exchange3-xlarge.jpg?v=1" src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/010524-Exchange3-xlarge.jpg?v=1" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" /><div data-reader-unique-id="234" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="235" style="max-width: 100%;">Jan. 5, 2024</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="236" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="237" style="max-width: 100%;">Ashleigh Merchant</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="238" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="239" style="max-width: 100%;">I got stuff from the divorce lawyer</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="240" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="241" style="max-width: 100%;">I got a ton of stuff</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="242" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="243" style="max-width: 100%;">Terrence Bradley</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="244" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="245" style="max-width: 100%;">Like what else</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="246" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="247" style="max-width: 100%;">When will it drop</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="248" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="249" style="max-width: 100%;">Monday is my filing deadline<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="252" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="253" style="max-width: 100%;">You won't be involved at all<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="256" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="257" style="max-width: 100%;">He finally turned over his financial docs<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="258" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="259" style="max-width: 100%;">which show he paid for fanis delta flight<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="260" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="261" style="max-width: 100%;">- it has her name on it - to California<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="262" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="263" style="max-width: 100%;">Napa vacation<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="266" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="267" style="max-width: 100%;">And he paid for a Royal Caribbean<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="268" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="269" style="max-width: 100%;">cruise for them</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="270" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="271" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant was building out her motion to disqualify Willis. She told Bradley that she now had records showing Wade paid for trips with Willis, including a Royal Caribbean cruise in November 2022 and a trip to Napa Valley in April 2023.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="272" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="273" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“You won’t be involved at all,” Merchant wrote. The next day, Bradley asked to see a “rough draft” of the motion.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="274" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="ai2html" data-reader-unique-id="275" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="raw-html" data-reader-unique-id="276" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="277" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-fallback-image-url="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/2300-010624-Exchange1.jpg?c=1710535757303" data-reader-unique-id="278" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="279" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-aspect-ratio="1.055" data-min-width="960" data-reader-unique-id="280" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="281" data-src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/010624-Exchange1-xlarge.jpg?v=1" src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/010624-Exchange1-xlarge.jpg?v=1" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" /><div data-reader-unique-id="282" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="283" style="max-width: 100%;">Jan. 6, 2024</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="284" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="285" style="max-width: 100%;">Ashleigh Merchant</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="286" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="287" style="max-width: 100%;">To your knowledge has nathan<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="288" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="289" style="max-width: 100%;">ever prosecuted a felony?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="292" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="293" style="max-width: 100%;">I can't find a single one</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="294" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="295" style="max-width: 100%;">Terrence Bradley</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="296" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="297" style="max-width: 100%;">Never in his life has he<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="298" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="299" style="max-width: 100%;">ever prosecuted a felony</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="300" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="301" style="max-width: 100%;">That's what I found too</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="302" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="303" style="max-width: 100%;">It's bad.</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="304" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="305" style="max-width: 100%;">Send .e a rough draft</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="306" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="307" style="max-width: 100%;">Me</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="308" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="309" style="max-width: 100%;">Ok<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="312" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="313" style="max-width: 100%;">Promise not to share it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="316" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="317" style="max-width: 100%;">I don't want it leaked before I file it</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="318" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="319" style="max-width: 100%;">I protected you completely btw</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="320" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="321" style="max-width: 100%;">I promise</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="322" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="323" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Within an hour, Bradley responded by asking Merchant to include how much he had been paid for his work for Willis’s office. He was worried that the omission could suggest he was a source. Merchant replied she had taken out his name.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="326" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="327" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“Add it back,” Bradley replied.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="328" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="329" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">She asked him what he thought of the overall motion, which accused Willis and Wade of being in an “ongoing personal relationship” even while Wade was married and before Willis hired him. It described how the two were “believed to have cohabited in some form or fashion at a location owned by neither of them.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="330" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="331" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">It accused Willis of improperly benefiting financially from the hire, claiming that Wade had financed lavish vacations. And it said she had misused county funds by paying Wade as much as she had.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="332" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="333" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">He replied: “Looks good.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="334" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="335" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">What Bradley never provided in all those text messages was actual evidence that the relationship had begun before Willis hired Wade. And Merchant had no other witnesses lined up yet, despite her plural description of “sources” in her motion.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="336" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="337" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The two mused that day about how Willis and Wade would react to the filing.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="338" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="339" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Bradley wrote: “They’re going to deny it.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="340" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="341" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant responded, “OMG! There have to be so many witnesses. If they deny it, they will become public liars. So many folks have seen them. Like most of the office staff!”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="342" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="ai2html" data-reader-unique-id="343" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="raw-html" data-reader-unique-id="344" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="345" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-fallback-image-url="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/2300-010824-Exchange.jpg?c=1710535709475" data-reader-unique-id="346" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="347" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-aspect-ratio="1.952" data-min-width="960" data-reader-unique-id="348" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="349" data-src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/010824-Exchange-xlarge.jpg?v=1" src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/010824-Exchange-xlarge.jpg?v=1" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" /><div data-reader-unique-id="350" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="351" style="max-width: 100%;">Jan. 8, 2024</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="352" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="353" style="max-width: 100%;">Ashleigh Merchant</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="354" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="355" style="max-width: 100%;">I am nervous<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="358" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="359" style="max-width: 100%;">This is huge</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="360" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="361" style="max-width: 100%;">Terrence Bradley</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="362" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="363" style="max-width: 100%;">You are huge</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="364" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="365" style="max-width: 100%;">You will be fine</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="366" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="367" style="max-width: 100%;">You are one of the best lawyers I know</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="368" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="369" style="max-width: 100%;">Go be great</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="370" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="371" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Bradley made suggestions on whom Merchant should subpoena: Willis’s security detail, members of her executive staff, her administrative assistant and members of the election case prosecution team.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="372" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="373" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“Subpoena them all,” he wrote.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="374" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="375" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">On Jan. 8, hours before she would file the motion, Merchant texted Bradley.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="376" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="377" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">She filed the motion that Monday afternoon. And all hell broke loose.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="378" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="379" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="602" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="603" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="604" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="605" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FF2RYWUWPJO65GO7QW7UCDJKBU.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FF2RYWUWPJO65GO7QW7UCDJKBU.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FF2RYWUWPJO65GO7QW7UCDJKBU.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FF2RYWUWPJO65GO7QW7UCDJKBU.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FF2RYWUWPJO65GO7QW7UCDJKBU.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FF2RYWUWPJO65GO7QW7UCDJKBU.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/FF2RYWUWPJO65GO7QW7UCDJKBU.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="606" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">Willis speaks during a service at the Big Bethel AME Church on Jan. 14 in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="381" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><h3 data-qa="article-header" data-reader-unique-id="382" style="font-size: 1.25em; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="383" style="max-width: 100%;">Waiting for Willis to respond</p></h3></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="384" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="385" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">As the sensational accusations dominated local and national media for days, Willis and Wade kept quiet. Months earlier, when Trump had falsely accused Willis of having “an affair” with a “gang member,” she sent an email to staff strongly denying it and the message quickly leaked. This time, Willis would respond “appropriately in court filings,” her spokesman said.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="386" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="387" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">As the days passed without a denial, even those close to Willis who initially assumed the accusations were false suddenly wondered if they could be true. The district attorney had campaigned on a platform of professional integrity and had publicly condemned anyone who would sleep with a subordinate.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="388" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="389" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">One person thought Merchant’s filing was fabulous: Trump.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="390" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="391" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Through an aide, Trump relayed to his lawyer, Sadow, that he wanted him to call Merchant to congratulate her, according to two people familiar with the conversations. Sadow did.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="392" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="393" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">But Sadow was still skeptical of the motion, which had not offered evidence of its central claims, so he didn’t immediately join it.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="394" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="395" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Six days after the bombshell had dropped, Willis finally broke her silence in a widely viewed speech<a data-reader-unique-id="396" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/14/fani-willis-georgia-trump/?itid=lk_inline_manual_22&itid=lk_inline_manual_89" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>before a historic Black church</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in Atlanta, where she accused her critics of playing “the race card” by questioning her right to appoint Wade, the only Black lawyer among the three special prosecutors she had hired.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="408" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="409" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Willis described herself as flawed and lonely — words quickly interpreted to mean the central allegation of a romance was true.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="410" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="411" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Without naming Wade, Willis strongly defended him, describing him as a lawyer of “impeccable credentials” with decades of experience.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="412" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="413" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The speech did not settle anything.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="414" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="415" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant, meanwhile, was still on the hunt for corroboration. She pressed Bradley for any details about an Atlanta-area home and supposed rendezvous point for Willis and Wade. Bradley had told her the house was linked to “a girlfriend” of Willis’s, “like a bestie,” who had worked for the district attorney’s office. But Merchant still did not have a name as she sought to back up her allegations.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="416" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="417" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">On Jan. 14, the same day as the church speech, Merchant texted Bradley a name.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="418" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="ai2html" data-reader-unique-id="419" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="raw-html" data-reader-unique-id="420" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="421" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-fallback-image-url="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/2300-011424-Exchange1.jpg?c=1710535629243" data-reader-unique-id="422" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="423" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-aspect-ratio="1.317" data-min-width="960" data-reader-unique-id="424" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="425" data-src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/011424-Exchange1-xlarge.jpg?v=1" src="https://gfx-data.news-engineering.aws.wapo.pub/ai2html/fultonticktock/UVPUSNI3FJFADAARFLFXO3SG3I/011424-Exchange1-xlarge.jpg?v=1" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" /><div data-reader-unique-id="426" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="427" style="max-width: 100%;">Jan. 14, 2024</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="428" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="429" style="max-width: 100%;">Ashleigh Merchant</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="430" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="431" style="max-width: 100%;">Robin Bryant?</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="432" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="433" style="max-width: 100%;">East point connection?</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="434" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="435" style="max-width: 100%;">Terrence Bradley</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="436" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="437" style="max-width: 100%;">Send me a pic</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="438" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="439" style="font-style: italic; max-width: 100%;">[Image attached]</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="440" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="441" style="max-width: 100%;">robin bryant yeartie - Google Search</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="442" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="443" style="max-width: 100%;">Yes that's her...that's the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="444" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="445" style="max-width: 100%;">east point apartment person</p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="446" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="447" style="max-width: 100%;">She is key<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="450" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="451" style="max-width: 100%;">Thank you<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="454" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="455" style="max-width: 100%;">She also knows all about the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></div><div data-reader-unique-id="456" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="457" style="max-width: 100%;">media company payments</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="458" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="459" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant also chased random leads. She asked Bradley if he knew the names of Willis’s college-age daughters, recounting an anonymous tip that Willis was renting a house for her and Wade in one of their names.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="460" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="461" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The shocking allegations had ground the election case to a halt — and created a media circus. Wade was<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="462" href="https://nypost.com/2024/01/11/news/trump-prosecutor-nathan-wade-steps-out-after-bombshell-fani-willis-affair-allegations-and-didnt-deny-tryst/" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">photographed<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a>outside his private law office carrying a gun. He and other prosecutors took back hallways at the courthouse to avoid reporters.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="463" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="464" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">On. Jan. 19, an attorney for Joycelyn Wade<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="465" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/19/fani-willis-nathan-wade-plane-tickets/?itid=lk_inline_manual_99" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">filed a pleading in the divorce case</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>with credit card statements potentially corroborating the allegation that Wade had paid for Willis’s travel. The statements showed that he had purchased airline and cruise tickets for himself and Willis on two occasions. Willis still declined to comment.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="466" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="467" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">On Jan. 22, local and national news outlets descended on a hearing over the Wade divorce case at the Cobb County Courthouse. The judge agreed to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="468" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/22/nathan-wade-divorce-file-unsealed-georgia-case/?itid=lk_inline_manual_100" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Merchant’s request to unseal records</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in the case. She had suggested they would prove her allegations, but they did not.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="469" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="470" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Eight days later, Nathan Wade<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="471" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/30/nathan-wade-divorce-case-settled/?itid=lk_inline_manual_101" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">temporarily settled</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>the bitter divorce case with his wife, avoiding having to testify.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="483" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="484" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">But the crisis was not over. By now, Sadow, Trump’s lawyer, and several others had joined the motion to disqualify Willis — prompted in part what they claimed was Willis’s improper speech at the church, which<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="485" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/25/trump-fani-willis-racial-bias-georgia-election/?itid=lk_inline_manual_103" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">they said would taint any future jury pool.</a></p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="486" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="487" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">On Jan. 31, Merchant<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="488" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/01/31/fani-willis-subpoena-hearing/?itid=lk_inline_manual_104" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">issued more than a dozen subpoenas</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>including to Willis, Wade, Bradley, and several prosecutors and key members of Willis’s staff she wanted to question in an evidentiary hearing. Many were people Bradley had suggested.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="489" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="490" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Willis asked McAfee to cancel the evidentiary hearing. He didn’t. It was set for Feb. 15.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="491" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="492" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">In a response, Merchant suggested Willis and Wade had lied. She said Wade and Willis “began more than just a friendship” when they met at the 2019 conference. She also texted Bradley that she would be sending him a subpoena for the hearing, writing that she hoped not to use it but that “it would look fishy” if she didn’t.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="493" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="494" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“I’m okay with it,” Bradley replied.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="495" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="496" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="607" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="608" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="609" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="610" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/RZBMKLDFAZCKOXXXNCZLDIAIEU_size-normalized.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/RZBMKLDFAZCKOXXXNCZLDIAIEU_size-normalized.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/RZBMKLDFAZCKOXXXNCZLDIAIEU_size-normalized.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/RZBMKLDFAZCKOXXXNCZLDIAIEU_size-normalized.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/RZBMKLDFAZCKOXXXNCZLDIAIEU_size-normalized.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/RZBMKLDFAZCKOXXXNCZLDIAIEU_size-normalized.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/RZBMKLDFAZCKOXXXNCZLDIAIEU_size-normalized.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="611" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">Willis testifies during a hearing on the Georgia election interference case on Feb. 15 in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer/Pool/Reuters/AP)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="501" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="502" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">In the meantime, Bradley appeared to be growing increasingly nervous that he would be publicly identified as Merchant’s source.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="503" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="504" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">He began replying less and less to Merchant’s texts.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="505" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="506" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">On Feb. 3, he texted Merchant that he’d gotten a voice mail from Gabe Banks, a former prosecutor Willis had unsuccessfully asked to lead the case. Bradley told Merchant that Banks thought he was Merchant’s source.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="509" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="510" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">She later testified to a Georgia Senate committee that Bradley was “upset” by the message.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="511" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="512" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“They were trying to figure out if it was him, and they were trying to silence him,” Merchant claimed.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="513" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="514" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The next day, Merchant said Bradley told her that he had gotten a call from his best friend, also an Atlanta lawyer, who said Wade had asked him to relay a message.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="515" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="516" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“Remind him of his privilege,” Wade allegedly said, referring to Bradley’s one-time role as his divorce lawyer.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="517" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="518" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">A few days after that, Bradley stopped communicating with Merchant altogether. And Merchant finally outed her source in a motion filed Feb. 9, saying Bradley would “refute” claims by Willis and Wade that their romantic relationship began after he was named to the election case.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="519" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="520" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The filing prompted McAfee to refer to Bradley as Merchant’s “star witness.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="521" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="522" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">But on the witness stand, he was anything but. Called as the first witness on that Thursday morning, Bradley’s appearance was interrupted when Wade’s personal attorney asserted privilege.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="523" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="524" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">It was actually Robin Bryant-Yeartie, Willis’s former colleague and estranged friend, who delivered what some defense attorneys initially thought would be the nail in the coffin for Willis’s attempts to maintain the case.<b data-reader-unique-id="525" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Appearing on a large TV screen from her home, Bryant-Yeartie<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="526" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/15/fani-willis-testimony-trump-georgia-trial-hearing/?itid=lk_inline_manual_121" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">said there was “no doubt”</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in her mind that Willis and Wade were involved in a romantic relationship beginning in late 2019. She testified that she had talked to Willis about Wade and had personally seen them “hugging, kissing” before Nov. 1, 2021 — the date Wade joined the Trump case.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="527" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="528" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Seated in the gallery, a defense attorney turned to a colleague and silently pumped his first in celebration.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="529" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="530" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">That same day, Wade and Willis<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="531" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/15/fani-willis-testimony-trump-georgia-trial-hearing/?itid=lk_inline_manual_123" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">also took the stand</a>, as defense lawyer after defense lawyer questioned each of them about their sex lives and personal finances. Wade said Willis had repaid him for the travel in cash, a statement that prompted Shafer, sitting at the defense table, to chortle aloud. “Mr. Shafer, you’ll step out if you do that again,” McAfee interjected.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="532" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="533" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">For her turn, Willis accused Merchant of being “dishonest” and of making “highly offensive” claims about her and Wade. At one point, she waved copies of Roman’s filings in the case, describing them as full of “lies, lies, lies.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="545" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="546" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“You’ve been intrusive into people’s personal lives,” Willis told Merchant. “You’re confused. You think I’m on trial. These people are on trial for trying to steal an election in 2020. I’m not on trial. No matter how hard you try to put me on trial.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="547" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="548" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">It became so heated that McAfee called a brief recess. He would later describe Willis’s testimony that day as “unprofessional.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="549" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="550" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">When Bradley returned to the witness stand Friday, he<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="551" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/16/fani-willis-hearing-terrence-bradley-trump-georgia/?itid=lk_inline_manual_128" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">initially denied</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>having communicated with Merchant about Wade and Willis, suggesting he had spoken to her through a third party. When presented with a copy of the texts, he acknowledged he had sent the messages and then tried to claim privilege to avoid answering questions.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="552" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="553" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">More than a week later, Bradley<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="554" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/02/27/fani-willis-nathan-wade-trump-georgia-hearing/?itid=lk_inline_manual_129" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">was forced to return to the stand</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>a third time<b data-reader-unique-id="555" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>after McAfee ruled that privilege didn’t prevent it. The defense table was abuzz with anticipation. But Bradley did not deliver what they had been hoping for. He said he had no “personal” knowledge of when the relationship between Wade and Willis began. And he said much of what he shared with Merchant was nothing more than speculation.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="556" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="557" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">It was the undoing of Merchant’s months-long quest.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="558" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="559" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Bradley’s text messages never established “the basis for which he claimed such sweeping knowledge” of Wade’s private life, McAfee wrote Friday in his order denying Merchant’s motion.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="560" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-image" data-reader-unique-id="561" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="612" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="613" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="614" height="399" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="615" decoding="async" height="399" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NBUMKLVZW3NVU7FFILU7K5YDTM.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NBUMKLVZW3NVU7FFILU7K5YDTM.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NBUMKLVZW3NVU7FFILU7K5YDTM.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NBUMKLVZW3NVU7FFILU7K5YDTM.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NBUMKLVZW3NVU7FFILU7K5YDTM.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NBUMKLVZW3NVU7FFILU7K5YDTM.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/NBUMKLVZW3NVU7FFILU7K5YDTM.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="616" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 857.84375px;">The Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse in Atlanta. (Elijah Nouvelage for The Washington Post)</figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="563" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="564" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“The Court finds itself unable to place any stock in the testimony of [Terrence] Bradley,” McAfee wrote. “His inconsistencies, demeanor, and generally non-responsive answers left far too brittle a foundation upon which to build any conclusions.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="565" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="566" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">McAfee didn’t stop there. He harshly criticized Willis and Wade, calling the church speech “legally improper” and Wade’s explanation for why he did not admit the relationship in his divorce proceedings “patently unpersuasive.” He characterized the claim of cash payments “not so incredible as to be inherently unbelievable” — yet described an “odor of mendacity” over the whole affair.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="567" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="568" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">A few hours later, Wade offered a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="569" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/documents/7aee6239-f75d-4645-b03b-8c918ffad056.pdf?itid=lk_inline_manual_2&itid=lk_inline_manual_135" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">letter of resignation</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to “the Honorable Fani T. Willis.” She<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="570" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/documents/8497ccfc-1800-4486-a602-433d2cb962d0.pdf?itid=lk_inline_manual_8&itid=lk_inline_manual_135" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">accepted</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>it.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="571" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="572" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Merchant issued a statement saying McAfee should have disqualified Willis’s office. But she also called the opinion “a vindication that everything put forth by the defense was true, accurate and relevant to the issues surrounding our client’s right to a fair trial.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="573" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 23px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="574" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;"><i data-reader-unique-id="575" style="max-width: 100%;">Bailey reported from Atlanta."</i></p></div></div><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/03/16/fani-willis-misconduct-accusations-ashleigh-merchant/">How a sleuth defense attorney and a disgruntled law partner damaged the Trump Georgia case - The Washington Post</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-50929861016010347212024-03-17T10:29:00.005-04:002024-03-17T10:29:54.608-04:00Trump Says Some Migrants Are ‘Not People’ and Predicts a ‘Blood Bath’ if He Loses - The New York Times<h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Trump Says Some Migrants Are ‘Not People’ and Predicts a ‘Blood Bath’ if He Loses</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"In a caustic and discursive speech in Ohio, former President Donald J. Trump once again doubled down on a doomsday vision of the United States.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><time aria-hidden="true" class="date" data-reader-unique-id="63" datetime="2024-03-17T14:18:33.918Z" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="64" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="65" data-time="abs" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 17, 2024, 10:18 a.m. ET</span><span data-reader-unique-id="66" data-time="rel" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Just now</span></div></time></div><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="51" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="52" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="53" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="54" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="55" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="56" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="Donald Trump, seen from behind and at a distance, speaks to a large crowd from behind a lectern." data-reader-unique-id="57" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/16/multimedia/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh/16pol-swiper-trump-ohio-topart-mpbh-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="58" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 884px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="59" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Former President Donald J. Trump at a rally for Bernie Moreno, his preferred candidate in Ohio’s Republican Senate primary race, in Vandalia, Ohio, on Saturday.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="60" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="61" style="max-width: 100%;">Maddie McGarvey for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure><div data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="2" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="3" style="max-width: 100%;">Former President Donald J. Trump, at an event on Saturday ostensibly meant to boost his preferred candidate in Ohio’s Republican Senate primary race, gave a freewheeling speech in which he used dehumanizing language to describe immigrants, maintained a steady stream of insults and vulgarities and predicted that the United States would never have another election if he did not win in November.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="4" style="max-width: 100%;">With his general-election matchup against President Biden in clear view, Mr. Trump once more doubled down on the doomsday vision of the country that has animated his third presidential campaign and energized his base during the Republican primary.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="5" style="max-width: 100%;">The dark view resurfaced throughout his speech. While discussing the U.S. economy and its auto industry, Mr. Trump promised to place tariffs on cars manufactured abroad if he won in November. He added: “Now, if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a blood bath for the whole — that’s going to be the least of it. It’s going to be a blood bath for the country.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="6" style="max-width: 100%;">For nearly 90 minutes outside the Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio, Mr. Trump delivered a discursive speech, replete with attacks and caustic rhetoric. He noted several times that he was having difficulty reading the teleprompter.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="9" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="10" style="max-width: 100%;">The former president opened his speech by praising the people serving sentences in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Mr. Trump, who faces criminal charges tied to his efforts to overturn his election loss, called them “hostages” and “unbelievable patriots,” commended their spirit and vowed to help them if elected in November. He also repeated his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, which have been discredited by a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="11" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/us/politics/trump-election-lies-fact-check.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">mountain of evidence</a>.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="12" style="max-width: 100%;">If he did not win this year’s presidential election, Mr. Trump said, “I don’t think you’re going to have another election, or certainly not an election that’s meaningful.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="13" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump also stoked fears about the influx of migrants coming into the United States at the southern border. As he did during his successful campaign in 2016, Mr. Trump used incendiary and dehumanizing language to cast many migrants as threats to American citizens.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="15" style="max-width: 100%;">He asserted, without evidence, that other countries were emptying their prisons of “young people” and sending them across the border. “I don’t know if you call them ‘people,’ in some cases,” he said. “They’re not people, in my opinion.” He later referred to them as “animals.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="16" style="max-width: 100%;">Border officials, including some who worked in the Trump administration, have said that most migrants who cross the border are members of vulnerable families fleeing violence and poverty, and available data does not support the idea that migrants are spurring increases in crime.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="18" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="19" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="20" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump mentioned Bernie Moreno, his preferred Senate candidate in Ohio and a former car dealer from Cleveland, only sparingly. Though he has Mr. Trump’s endorsement, Mr. Moreno, whose super PAC hosted Saturday’s event, has struggled to separate himself in a heated Republican primary contest to face Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, this fall. Mr. Trump was redirected from a planned trip to Arizona to appear with Mr. Moreno as a last-minute push.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="21" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump issued vulgar and derogatory remarks about a number of Democrats, including ones he often targets, like Mr. Biden and Fani Willis, the Atlanta prosecutor overseeing his criminal case in Georgia, as well as those widely viewed as prospective future presidential candidates, such as Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="22" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump called Mr. Biden a “stupid president” several times and at one point referred to him as a “dumb son of a — ” before trailing off. He also compared Ms. Willis’s first name to a vulgarity, called Mr. Newsom “Gavin New-scum” and took jabs at Mr. Pritzker’s physical appearance.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="39" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="40" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="41" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump’s sharp words were not reserved for national politicians: He briefly took aim at one of Mr. Moreno’s primary opponents, Matt Dolan, a wealthy Ohio state senator who has been surging in recent polls. Returning to his prepared remarks, Mr. Trump said he did not know Mr. Dolan but depicted him as “trying to become the next Mitt Romney.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="43" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="44" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="45" style="max-width: 100%;">“My attitude is anybody who changes the name from the Cleveland Indians to the Cleveland Guardians should not be a senator,” Mr. Trump said, referring to the professional baseball team that Mr. Dolan’s family holds a majority stake in.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="46" style="max-width: 100%;">When Mr. Moreno was briefly called back onstage toward the end of Mr. Trump’s remarks, he praised the former president as a “good man.” But Mr. Moreno did not explicitly remind the crowd to support him in his Senate bid on Tuesday. Mr. Trump, for his part, said Mr. Moreno was a “fantastic guy.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="47" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump’s campaign speeches generally swing between scripted remarks and seemingly off-the-cuff digressions. On Saturday, he acknowledged struggling to read the teleprompter as he tried to quote statistics on inflation.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="48" style="max-width: 100%;">“Everything is up: Chicken’s up, bread is up and I can’t read this damn teleprompter,” Mr. Trump said. “This sucker is moving around. It’s like reading a moving flag in a 35-mile-an-hour wind.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="49" style="max-width: 100%;">Then, Mr. Trump, who before his presidency was known in New York for refusing to pay his bills to a wide range of service providers, joked about not paying the teleprompter company.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="50" style="max-width: 100%;">“Then they say Trump’s a bad guy, because I’ll say this: Don’t pay the teleprompter company,” he said as the crowd laughed. “Don’t pay.”</p></div></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/16/us/politics/trump-speech-ohio.html">Trump Says Some Migrants Are ‘Not People’ and Predicts a ‘Blood Bath’ if He Loses - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-54144808419003448292024-03-17T10:03:00.006-04:002024-03-17T10:03:57.783-04:00How Trump’s Allies Are Winning the War Over Disinformation - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">How Trump’s Allies Are Winning the War Over Disinformation</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"Their claims of censorship have successfully stymied the effort to filter election lies online.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-reader-unique-id="408" datetime="2024-03-17T03:00:34-04:00" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 17, 2024</time></div><div data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><header data-reader-unique-id="2" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="3" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="4" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="5" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="6" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="7" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="8" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="9" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="10" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A cellphone seen up close in a woman’s hand. She has red finger nails and is wearing a star-and-stripes shirt. " data-reader-unique-id="11" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf/00pol-gaurdrails-top-maybe-tpzf-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="12" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="13" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Three years after Mr. Trump spread falsehoods about his defeat online, social media platforms have fewer checks on the intentional spread of lies about elections.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="14" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="15" style="max-width: 100%;">Emily Elconin for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div></header><div data-reader-unique-id="31" style="max-width: 100%;"><p aria-hidden="true" data-reader-unique-id="32" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="33" style="max-width: 100%;">Three years after Mr. Trump spread falsehoods about his defeat online, social media platforms have fewer checks on the intentional spread of lies about elections.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="34" style="max-width: 100%;">Emily Elconin for The New York Times</span></p></div></div><section data-reader-unique-id="65" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="68" style="max-width: 100%;">In the wake of the riot on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2021, a groundswell built in Washington to rein in the onslaught of lies that had fueled the assault on the peaceful transfer of power.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="max-width: 100%;">Social media companies suspended Donald J. Trump, then the president, and many of his allies from the platforms they had used to spread misinformation about his defeat and whip up the attempt to overturn it. The Biden administration, Democrats in Congress and even some Republicans sought to do more to hold the companies accountable. Academic researchers wrestled with how to strengthen efforts to monitor false posts.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump and his allies embarked instead on a counteroffensive, a coordinated effort to block what they viewed as a dangerous effort to censor conservatives.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="71" style="max-width: 100%;">They have unquestionably prevailed.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="72" style="max-width: 100%;">Waged in the courts, in Congress and in the seething precincts of the internet, that effort has eviscerated attempts to shield elections from disinformation in the social media era. It tapped into — and then, critics say, twisted — the fierce debate over free speech and the government’s role in policing content.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">Projects that were once bipartisan, including one started by the Trump administration, have been recast as deep-state conspiracies to rig elections. Facing legal and political blowback, the Biden administration has largely abandoned moves that might be construed as stifling political speech.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="78" style="max-width: 100%;">While little noticed by most Americans, the effort has helped cut a path for Mr. Trump’s attempt to recapture the presidency. Disinformation about elections is once again coursing through news feeds, aiding Mr. Trump as he fuels his comeback with falsehoods about the 2020 election.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="79" style="max-width: 100%;">“The censorship cartel must be dismantled and destroyed, and it must happen immediately,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="80" href="https://nypost.com/2022/12/15/trump-vows-to-ban-feds-from-id-ing-domestic-misinformation-if-elected/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">he thundered</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>at the start of his 2024 campaign.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="81" style="max-width: 100%;">The counteroffensive was led by former Trump aides and allies who had also pushed to overturn the 2020 election. They include Stephen Miller, the White House policy adviser; the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana, both Republicans; and lawmakers in Congress like Representative Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, who since last year has led a House subcommittee to investigate what it calls “the weaponization of government.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="82" style="max-width: 100%;">Those involved draw financial support from conservative donors who have backed groups that promoted lies about voting in 2020. They have worked alongside an eclectic cast of characters, including Elon Musk, the billionaire who bought Twitter and vowed to make it a bastion of free speech, and Mike Benz, a former Trump administration official who previously produced content for a social media account that trafficked in posts about “white ethnic displacement.” (More recently, Mr. Benz originated the false assertion that Taylor Swift was a “psychological operation” asset for the Pentagon.)</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="85" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="86" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="87" style="max-width: 100%;">Three years after Mr. Trump’s posts about rigged voting machines and stuffed ballot boxes went viral, he and his allies have achieved a stunning reversal of online fortune. Social media platforms now provide fewer checks against the intentional spread of lies about elections.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="88" style="max-width: 100%;">“The people that benefit from the spread of disinformation have effectively silenced many of the people that would try to call them out,” said Kate Starbird, a professor at the University of Washington whose research on disinformation made her a target of the effort.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%;">It took aim at a patchwork of systems, started in Mr. Trump’s administration, that were intended to protect U.S. democracy from foreign interference. As those systems evolved to address domestic sources of misinformation, federal officials and private researchers began urging social media companies to do more to enforce their policies against harmful content.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%;">That work has led to some of the most important First Amendment cases of the internet age, including one to be argued on Monday at the Supreme Court. That lawsuit, filed by the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana, accuses federal officials of colluding with or coercing the platforms to censor content critical of the government. The court’s decision, expected by June, could curtail the government’s latitude in monitoring content online.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;">The arguments strike at the heart of an unsettled question in modern American political life: In a world of unlimited online communications, in which anyone can reach huge numbers of people with unverified and false information, where is the line between protecting democracy and trampling on the right to free speech?</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="94" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="95" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="96" style="max-width: 100%;">Even before the court rules, Mr. Trump’s allies have succeeded in paralyzing the Biden administration and the network of researchers who monitor disinformation.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="97" style="max-width: 100%;">Officials at the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department continue to monitor foreign disinformation, but the government has suspended virtually all cooperation with the social media platforms to address posts that originate in the United States.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="98" style="max-width: 100%;">“There’s just a chilling effect on all of this,” said Nina Jankowicz, a researcher who in 2022 briefly served as the executive director of a short-lived D.H.S. advisory board on disinformation. “Nobody wants to be caught up in it.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="100" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="101" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="102" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="103" data-testid="photoviewer-children-figure" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="104" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="105" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="106" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="107" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="Donald Trump holds a copy of the New York Post. The headline reads “The Ministry of Tweet.”" data-reader-unique-id="108" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/17/multimedia/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq/00pol-guardrails-1-lgpq-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="109" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="110" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump in the Oval Office before signing an executive order related to regulating social media in 2020. Mr. Trump has long cast companies’ attempts to call out falsehoods as censorship.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="111" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="112" style="max-width: 100%;">Doug Mills/The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="114" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="115" style="max-width: 100%;"><h2 data-reader-unique-id="116" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Fighting the ‘interpretive battle’</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="117" style="max-width: 100%;">For Mr. Trump, banishment from social media was debilitating. His posts had been central to his political success, as was the army of adherents who cheered his messages and rallied behind his effort to hold onto office after he lost.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="120" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="121" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="122" style="max-width: 100%;">“WE have to use TIKTOK!!” read a memo prepared for Mr. Trump’s lead lawyer, Rudolph W. Giuliani, referring to a strategy to use social media to promote false messages about dead voters and vote-stealing software. “Content goes VIRAL here like no other platform!!!!! And there are MILLIONS of Trump supporters!”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="123" style="max-width: 100%;">After the violence on Jan. 6, Trump aides started working on how to “win the interpretive battle of the Trump history,” as one of them, Vincent Haley, had said in a previously unreported message found in the archives of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="124" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/22/us/politics/jan-6-committee-report.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">House investigation</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>into the Jan. 6 attack. That would be crucial “for success in 2022 and 2024,” he added.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="125" style="max-width: 100%;">Once out of office, Mr. Trump built his own social platform, Truth Social, and his aides created a network of new organizations to advance the Trump agenda — and to prepare for his return.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="126" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Miller, Mr. Trump’s<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="127" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/17/us/politics/stephen-miller-immigration-trump.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">top policy adviser</a>, created America First Legal, a nonprofit, to take on, as its mission statement put it, “an unholy alliance of corrupt special interests, big tech titans, fake news media and liberal Washington politicians.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="128" style="max-width: 100%;">He solicited funding from conservative donors, drawing on a $27 million contribution from the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="129" href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2023/12/13/bradley-funneled-86-million-to-right-wing-litigation-policy-media-youth-groups-and-higher-education-in-2022/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">Bradley Impact Fund</a>, which had financed<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="130" href="https://theintercept.com/2021/08/07/election-fraud-bradley-impact-fund-donors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">a web of groups</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that pushed “voter fraud” conspiracies in 2020. Another $1.3 million came from the Conservative Partnership Institute, considered the nonprofit<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="131" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/20/us/politics/trump-conservative-partnership-institute.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">nerve center</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of the Trump movement.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="134" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="135" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="136" style="max-width: 100%;">A key focus would be what he perceived as bias against conservatives on social media. “When you see people being banned off of Twitter and Facebook and other platforms,” he said in January 2021, “what you are seeing is the fundamental erosion of the concept of liberty and freedom in America.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="137" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden’s administration was moving in the other direction. He came into office determined to take a tougher line against misinformation online — in large part because it was seen as an obstacle to bringing the coronavirus pandemic under control. D.H.S. officials were focused on bolstering defenses against election lies, which clearly had failed ahead of Jan. 6.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="138" style="max-width: 100%;">In one respect, that was clearer cut than matters of public health. There have long been special legal protections against providing false information about where, when<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="139" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/18/nyregion/douglass-mackey-trump-sentencing.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">and how</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to vote or intentionally sowing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="140" href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/2011/06/16/ehrlich-aides-indicted-in-robocalls-case/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">public confusion</a>, or fear, to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="141" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/us/politics/wohl-burkman-voter-suppression-ohio.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">suppress</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>voting.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="142" style="max-width: 100%;">Social media, with its pipeline to tens of millions of voters, presented powerful new pathways for antidemocratic tactics, but with far fewer of the regulatory and legal limits that exist for television, radio and newspapers.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="143" style="max-width: 100%;">The pitfalls were also clear: During the 2020 campaign, platforms had rushed to bury a New York Post article about<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="144" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/22/us/politics/hunter-biden-laptop.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">Hunter Biden’s laptop</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>out of concern that it might be tied to Russian interference.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="145" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/15/us/elections/republicans-condemn-facebook-and-twitter-for-limiting-distribution-of-an-unsubstantiated-article-about-the-bidens.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">Conservatives</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>saw it as an attempt to tilt the scales to Mr. Biden.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="148" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="149" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="150" style="max-width: 100%;">Administration officials said they were seeking a delicate balance between the First Amendment and social media’s rising power over public opinion.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="151" style="max-width: 100%;">“We’re in the business of critical infrastructure, and the most critical infrastructure is our cognitive infrastructure,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="152" href="https://www.wired.com/story/rewired-2021-jen-easterly/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">said</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jen Easterly, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, whose responsibilities include protecting the national voting system. “Building that resilience to misinformation and disinformation, I think, is incredibly important.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="153" style="max-width: 100%;">In early 2022, D.H.S. announced its first major answer to the conundrum: the Disinformation Governance Board. The board would serve as an advisory body and help coordinate anti-disinformation efforts across the department’s bureaucracy, officials said. Its director was Ms. Jankowicz, an expert in Russian disinformation.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="154" style="max-width: 100%;">The announcement ignited a political firestorm that killed the board only weeks after it began operating. Both<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="155" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21850086-letter-to-mayorkas-re-disinformation-governance-board_may-3-2022" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">liberals</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and conservatives raised questions about its reach and the potential for abuse.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="156" style="max-width: 100%;">The fury was most intense on the right. Mr. Miller, speaking on Fox News, slammed it as “something out of a dystopian sci-fi novel.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="159" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="160" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="161" style="max-width: 100%;">Ms. Jankowicz said that such attacks were distorting but acknowledged that the announcement had struck a nerve.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="162" style="max-width: 100%;">“I think any American, when you hear, ‘Oh, the administration, the White House, is setting up something to censor Americans,’ even if that has no shred of evidence behind it, your ears are really going to prick up,” she said.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="164" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="165" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="166" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="170" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="171" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Mr. Trump and his team aggressively used social media to spread falsehoods about voting in the 2020 election. His supporters rallied behind him.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="172" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="173" style="max-width: 100%;">Victor J. Blue for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="175" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="176" style="max-width: 100%;"><h2 data-reader-unique-id="177" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">A legal assault</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="178" style="max-width: 100%;">Among those who took note was Eric Schmitt, then the attorney general of Missouri.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="179" style="max-width: 100%;">He and other attorneys general had been<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="180" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-supports-lawsuit-challenging-presidential-election-results-in-four-states/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">a forceful part</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of Mr. Trump’s legal campaign to overturn his defeat. Now, they would lend legal firepower to block the fight against disinformation.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="181" style="max-width: 100%;">In May 2022, Mr. Schmitt and Jeff Landry, then the attorney general of Louisiana and now the governor, sued dozens of federal officials, including Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top expert on infectious diseases, who had become a villain to many conservatives.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="184" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="185" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="186" style="max-width: 100%;">The lawsuit picked up where others had failed. Mr. Trump and others had sued Facebook and Twitter, but those challenges stalled as courts effectively ruled that the companies had a right to ban content on their sites. The new case, known as Missouri v. Biden, argued that companies were not just barring users — they were being coerced into doing so by government officials.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="187" style="max-width: 100%;">The attorneys general filed the lawsuit in the Western District of Louisiana, where it fell to Judge Terry A. Doughty, a Trump appointee who had built<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="188" href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/western-louisiana-becomes-gop-home-court-for-suits-against-biden-21" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">a reputation</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for blocking Biden administration policies.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="189" style="max-width: 100%;">“A lot of these lawsuits against social media companies themselves were just dying in the graveyard in the Northern District of California,” Mr. Schmitt, who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, said, referring to the liberal-leaning federal court in San Francisco. “And so our approach was a little bit different. We went directly at the government.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="190" style="max-width: 100%;">The lawsuit was considered a long shot by experts, who noted that government officials were not issuing orders but urging the platforms to enforce their own policies. The decision to act was left to the companies, and more often than not, they did nothing.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="191" style="max-width: 100%;">Documents subpoenaed for the case showed extensive interactions between government officials and the platforms. In emails and text messages, people on both sides were alternately cooperative and confrontational. The platforms took seriously the administration’s complaints about content they said was misleading or false, but at the same time, they did not blindly carry out its bidding.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="194" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="195" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="196" style="max-width: 100%;">On Mr. Biden’s third day in office, a White House aide, Clarke Humphrey, wrote to Twitter flagging a post by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely suggesting that the death of Hank Aaron, the baseball legend, had been caused by the Covid-19 vaccines. She asked an executive at the platform to begin the process of removing the post “as soon as possible.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="197" style="max-width: 100%;">The post is still up.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="199" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="200" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="201" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="205" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="206" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Michael Shellenberger and Mike Benz, far right in red tie, recited the Pledge of Allegiance during the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government hearing titled The Twitter Files in March 2023.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="207" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="208" style="max-width: 100%;">Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc., via Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="210" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="211" style="max-width: 100%;"><h2 data-reader-unique-id="212" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Reframing the debate</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="213" style="max-width: 100%;">In August 2022, a new organization, the Foundation for Freedom Online, posted a report on its website called “Department of Homeland Censorship: How D.H.S. Seized Power Over Online Speech.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="214" style="max-width: 100%;">The group’s founder, a little-known former White House official named Mike Benz, claimed to have firsthand knowledge of how federal officials were “coordinating mass censorship of the internet.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="215" style="max-width: 100%;">At the heart of Mr. Benz’s theory was the Election Integrity Partnership, a group created in the summer of 2020 to supplement government efforts to combat misinformation about the election that year.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="218" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="219" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="220" style="max-width: 100%;">The idea came from a group of college interns at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA. The students suggested that research institutions could help track and flag posts that might violate the platforms’ standards, feeding the information into a portal open to the agency, state and local governments and the platforms.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="221" style="max-width: 100%;">The project ultimately involved Stanford University, the University of Washington, the National Conference on Citizenship, the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab and Graphika, a social media analytics firm. At its peak, it had 120 analysts, some of whom were college students.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="222" style="max-width: 100%;">It had what it considered successes, including spotting — and helping to stop — the spread of a false claim that a poll worker was burning Trump ballots in Erie, Pa. The approach could misfire, though. A separate, but related, CISA system<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="223" href="https://www.leefang.com/p/homeland-security-agency-cited-inaccurate" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">flagged a tweet</a>from a New York Times reporter accurately describing a printer problem at a voter center in Wisconsin, leading Twitter to affix an accuracy warning.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="224" style="max-width: 100%;">Decisions about whether to act remained with the platforms, which, in nearly two out of every three cases, did nothing.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="225" style="max-width: 100%;">In Mr. Benz’s telling, however, the government was using the partnership to get around the First Amendment, like outsourcing warfare to the private military contractor Blackwater.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="228" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="229" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="230" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Benz’s foundation for a time advertised itself as “a project of”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="231" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/23/us/politics/whistle-blower-biden.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">Empower Oversight</a>, a Republican group created by former Senate aides to support “whistle-blower” investigations.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="232" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Benz had previously lived a dual life. By day, he was a corporate lawyer in New York. In his off-hours, he toiled online under a social media avatar, Frame Game Radio, which railed against “the complete war on free speech” as it produced racist and antisemitic posts.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="233" style="max-width: 100%;">In videos and posts, Frame Game identified himself as a onetime member of the “Western chauvinist” group the Proud Boys, and as a Jew. Yet he blamed Jewish groups when he and others were suspended by social media companies. Warning about a looming demographic “white genocide,” Frame Game vented, “Anything pro white is called racist; anything white positive is racist.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="234" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Benz did not respond to requests for comment. After<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="235" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/michael-benz-rising-voice-conservative-criticism-online-censorship-rcna119213" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">NBC News</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>first reported on Frame Game last fall, Mr. Benz called the account “a deradicalization project” to which he contributed in a “limited manner.” It was intended, he wrote on X, “by Jews to get people who hated Jews to stop hating Jews.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="236" style="max-width: 100%;">Toward the end of 2018, Mr. Benz joined the Trump administration as a speechwriter for the housing and urban development secretary, Ben Carson. Mr. Benz’s posts were discovered by a colleague and brought to department management, according to a former official who insisted on anonymity to discuss a personnel matter.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="239" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="240" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="241" style="max-width: 100%;">As the election between Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden heated up, he joined Mr. Miller’s speech-writing team at the White House. He was there through the early days of the effort to keep Mr. Trump in power, and was involved in the search for statistical anomalies that could purport to show election fraud, according to testimony and records collected by House investigators, some of which were first uncovered by Kristen Ruby, a social media and public relations strategist.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="242" style="max-width: 100%;">In late November 2020, Mr. Benz was abruptly moved to the State Department as a deputy assistant secretary for international communications and information policy. It is unclear precisely what he did in the role. Mr. Benz has since claimed that the job, which he held for less than two months, gave him his expertise in cyberpolicy.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="243" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Benz’s report gained national attention when a conservative website, Just the News, wrote about it in September 2022. Four days later, Mr. Schmitt’s office sent requests for records to the University of Washington and others demanding information about their contacts with the government.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="244" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Schmitt soon amended his lawsuit to include nearly five pages detailing Mr. Benz’s work and asserting a new, broader claim: Not only was the government exerting pressure on the platforms, but it was also effectively deputizing the private researchers “to evade First Amendment and other legal restrictions.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="247" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="248" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="249" style="max-width: 100%;">The scheme, Mr. Benz said, had “ambitious sights for 2022 and 2024.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="251" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="252" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="253" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="257" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="258" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Staff members from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office monitoring social media for election disinformation inside an Election Command Center in Columbus, Ohio, in 2022.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="259" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="260" style="max-width: 100%;">Nick Fancher for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="262" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="263" style="max-width: 100%;"><h2 data-reader-unique-id="264" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">‘An aha moment’</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="265" style="max-width: 100%;">In October 2022, Mr. Musk completed his purchase of Twitter and vowed to make the platform a forum for unfettered debate.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="266" style="max-width: 100%;">He quickly reversed the barring of Mr. Trump — calling it “morally wrong” — and loosened rules that had caused the suspensions of many of his followers.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="267" style="max-width: 100%;">He also set out to prove that Twitter’s previous management had too willingly cooperated with government officials. He released internal company communications to a select group of writers, among them Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="268" style="max-width: 100%;">The resulting project, which became known as the Twitter Files, began with an installment investigating Twitter’s decision to limit the reach of the Post article about Hunter Biden’s laptop.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="269" style="max-width: 100%;">The author of that dispatch, Mr. Taibbi, concluded that Twitter had limited the coverage amid general warnings from the F.B.I. that Russia could leak hacked materials to try to influence the 2020 election. Though he was critical of previous leadership at Twitter, he reported that he saw no evidence of direct government involvement.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="272" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="273" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="274" style="max-width: 100%;">In March 2023, Mr. Benz joined the fray. Both Mr. Taibbi and Mr. Benz participated in a live discussion on Twitter, which was co-hosted by Jennifer Lynn Lawrence,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="275" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/31/us/trump-election-lie.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">an organizer</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of the Trump rally that preceded the riot on Jan. 6.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="276" style="max-width: 100%;">As Mr. Taibbi described his work, Mr. Benz jumped in: “I believe I have all of the missing pieces of the puzzle.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="277" style="max-width: 100%;">There was a far broader “scale of censorship the world has never experienced before,” he told Mr. Taibbi, who made plans to follow up.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="278" style="max-width: 100%;">Later, Mr. Shellenberger said that connecting with Mr. Benz had led to “a big aha moment.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="279" style="max-width: 100%;">“The clouds parted, and the sunlight burst through the sky,” he said on a podcast. “It’s like, oh, my gosh, this guy is way, way farther down the rabbit hole than we even knew the rabbit hole went.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="281" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="282" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="283" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="287" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="288" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Chairman Rep. James Comer Jr., left, and Rep. Jim Jordan at a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on government interference and social media bias, specifically a New York Post story about Hunter Biden’s laptop in February 2023.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="289" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="290" style="max-width: 100%;">Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="293" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="294" style="max-width: 100%;"><h2 data-reader-unique-id="295" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">A platform in Congress</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="296" style="max-width: 100%;">A week after that online meeting, Mr. Taibbi and Mr. Shellenberger appeared on Capitol Hill as star witnesses for the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. Mr. Benz sat behind them, listening as they detailed parts of his central thesis: This was not an imperfect attempt to balance free speech with democratic rights but a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="297" href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-118hhrg51505/html/CHRG-118hhrg51505.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">state-sponsored</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>thought-policing system.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="298" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Shellenberger titled his written testimony, “The Censorship Industrial Complex.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="299" style="max-width: 100%;">The committee had been created immediately after Republicans took control of the House in 2023 with a mandate to investigate, among other things, the actions taken by social media companies against conservatives.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="300" style="max-width: 100%;">It was led by Mr. Jordan, a lawmaker who helped spearhead the attempt to block certification of Mr. Biden’s victory and who has since worked closely with Mr. Miller and America First Legal.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="301" style="max-width: 100%;">“There are subpoenas that are going out on a daily, weekly basis,” Mr. Miller told Fox News in the first days of Republican control of the House, showing familiarity with the committee’s strategy.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="302" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Jordan’s committee soon sought documents from all those involved in the Election Integrity Partnership, as well as scores of government agencies and private researchers.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="305" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="306" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="307" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Miller followed with his own federal lawsuit on behalf of private plaintiffs in Missouri v. Biden, filing with D. John Sauer, the former solicitor general of Missouri who had led that case. (More recently, Mr. Sauer has<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="308" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/us/politics/james-pearce-d-john-sauer-trump-lawyer.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">represented Mr. Trump</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>at the Supreme Court.)</p><p data-reader-unique-id="309" style="max-width: 100%;">Democrats in the House and legal experts questioned the collaboration as potentially unethical. Lawyers involved in the case have claimed that the subcommittee leaked selective parts of interviews conducted behind closed doors to America First Legal for use in its private lawsuits.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="310" style="max-width: 100%;">An amicus brief filed by the committee misrepresented facts and omitted evidence in ways that may have violated the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York wrote in a 46-page letter to Mr. Jordan.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="311" style="max-width: 100%;">A committee spokeswoman said the letter “deliberately misrepresents the evidence available to the committee to defend the Biden administration’s attacks on the First Amendment.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="312" style="max-width: 100%;">The amicus brief, filed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, was drafted by a lawyer at Mr. Miller’s legal foundation.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="315" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="316" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="317" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Miller did not respond to requests for comment.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="319" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="320" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="321" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="325" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="326" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">As the legal and political counteroffensive picked up steam, a torrent of online disinformation about the 2020 election resumed with greater force.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="327" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="328" style="max-width: 100%;">Jamie Kelter Davis for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="330" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="331" style="max-width: 100%;"><h2 data-reader-unique-id="332" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">A chilling effect</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="333" style="max-width: 100%;">By the summer of 2023, the legal and political effort was having an impact.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="334" style="max-width: 100%;">The organizations involved in the Election Integrity Partnership faced an avalanche of requests and, if they balked, subpoenas for any emails, text messages or other information involving the government or social media companies dating to 2015.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="335" style="max-width: 100%;">Complying consumed time and money. The threat of legal action dried up funding from donors — which had included philanthropies, corporations and the government — and struck fear in researchers worried about facing legal action and political threats online for the work.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="336" style="max-width: 100%;">“You had a lot of organizations doing this research,” a senior analyst at one of them said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of fear of legal retribution. “Now, there are none.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="337" style="max-width: 100%;">The Biden administration also found its hands tied. On July 4, 2023, Judge Doughty issued a sweeping injunction, saying that the government could not reach out to the platforms, or work with outside groups monitoring social media content, to address misinformation, except in a narrow set of circumstances.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="340" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="341" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="342" style="max-width: 100%;">The ruling went further than some of the plaintiffs in the Missouri case had expected. Judge Doughty even repeated an incorrect statistic first promoted by Mr. Benz: The partnership had flagged 22 million messages on Twitter alone, he wrote. In fact, it had flagged fewer than 5,000.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="343" style="max-width: 100%;">The Biden administration appealed.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="344" style="max-width: 100%;">While the judge said the administration could still take steps to stop foreign election interference or posts that mislead about voting requirements, it was unclear how it could without communicating “with social media companies on initiatives to prevent grave harm to the American people and our democratic processes,” the government asserted in its appeal.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="345" style="max-width: 100%;">In September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit scaled the order back significantly, but still found the government had most likely overstepped the limits of the First Amendment. That sent the case to the Supreme Court, where justices<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="346" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/26/us/politics/supreme-court-social-media-texas-florida.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">recently expressed deep reservations</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>about government intrusions in social media.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="347" style="max-width: 100%;">Ahead of the court’s decision, agencies across the government have virtually stopped communicating with social media companies, fearing the legal and political fallout as the presidential election approaches, according to several government officials who described the retreat on the condition of anonymity.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="348" style="max-width: 100%;">In a statement, Cait Conley, a senior adviser at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said the department was still strengthening partnerships to fight “risks posed by foreign actors.” She did not address online threats at home.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="351" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="352" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="353" style="max-width: 100%;">The platforms have also backed off. Facebook and YouTube announced that they would reverse their restrictions on content claiming that the 2020 election was stolen. The torrent of disinformation that the previous efforts had slowed, though not stopped, has resumed with even greater force.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="354" style="max-width: 100%;">Hailing the end of “that halcyon period of the censorship industry,” Mr. Benz has found new celebrity, sitting for interviews with Tucker Carlson and Russell Brand. His conspiracy theories, like the one about the Pentagon’s use of Taylor Swift, have aired on Fox News and become talking points for many Republicans.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="355" style="max-width: 100%;">The biggest winner, arguably, has been Mr. Trump, who casts himself as victim and avenger of a vast plot to muzzle his movement.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="356" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden is “building the most sophisticated censorship and information control apparatus in the world,” Mr. Trump said in a campaign email last week, “to crush free speech in America.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="357" style="max-width: 100%;">Glenn Thrush<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Luke Broadwater<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>contributed reporting.</p></div></div></section><div data-reader-unique-id="359" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="360" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="368" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="369" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="370" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="371" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="372" href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/steven-lee-myers" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Steven Lee Myers</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>covers misinformation for The Times. He has worked in Washington, Moscow, Baghdad and Beijing, where he contributed to the articles that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2021. He is also the author of “The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin.”<span data-reader-unique-id="373" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="374" href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/steven-lee-myers" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">More about Steven Lee Myers</a>"</span></p></div></div></div></div></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/17/us/politics/trump-disinformation-2024-social-media.html">How Trump’s Allies Are Winning the War Over Disinformation - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-26855939902866234482024-03-16T21:11:00.001-04:002024-03-16T21:11:36.978-04:00The American Jewish community must see through Netanyahu's cynicism<h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="font-size: 1.95552em; line-height: 1.2141em; hyphens: manual; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font;"><a href="https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/schumer-american-jews-netanyahu-israel-cynicism-rcna143068" id="id_2186_8797_5f29_3112">The American Jewish community must see through Netanyahu's cynicism</a></h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.46664em; hyphens: manual; color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); margin-top: -0.35em; line-height: 1.27275em; max-width: 100%; font-family: -apple-system-font;">“Now is the time to exercise a bit of tough love — with the goal of protecting Israel from its worst prime minister in 76 years.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="hyphens: manual; margin-top: -0.7em; margin-bottom: 1.45em; max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><time datetime="2024-03-15T23:43:56.419Z" data-testid="timestamp__datePublished" content="2024-03-15T23:43:56.419Z" data-reader-unique-id="173" class="date" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; display: inline !important;">March 15, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT</time></div><div data-reader-unique-id="171" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><video tabindex="-1" disableremoteplayback="" webkit-playsinline="" playsinline="" title="" x-webkit-wirelessvideoplaybackdisabled="" src="//prodamdnewsencoding.akamaized.net/NBC_News_Digital/n_mj_friedman_240315/1/abs/index.m3u8" width="960" height="540" controls="true" data-reader-unique-id="172" class="extendsBeyondTextColumn" style="height: auto; position: relative; max-width: none; width: 787.546875px; margin-inline-start: -70px;"></video></div><p data-reader-unique-id="1" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">My daughter has long worn her Star of David necklace, a symbol of the Jewish peoples’ perseverance and courage. But to some students at the elite college she attends, her necklace has come to represent something entirely different. “How can you wear that and support child killers,” fellow students have sneered in the library, the cafeteria and the gym.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="2" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">It’s a refrain that has become all too common on American campuses following <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-conflict" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="3" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack</a>, and the Israeli government’s counterattack. But the resentment is misplaced: My daughter agrees with many of her critics, some of whom are frustratingly allowing their antisemitism to silence potential allies. Indeed, while my family has long supported Israel, my daughter finds herself increasingly horrified by the brutality of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s disproportionate response. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-hamas-war-children-starving-famine-warning-death-destruction-rcna141813" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="4" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> </a><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-hamas-war-children-starving-famine-warning-death-destruction-rcna141813" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="5" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">30,000 people have been killed there since the Israeli military launched its counterattack</a>— which has relied on <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/video/israel-says-video-shows-advanced-weaponry-arriving-from-u-s-194872901966" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="6" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">weapons supplied and resupplied by Washington</a>.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="8" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">The American Jewish community must remain ever vigilant against<a href="https://www.msnbc.com/weekends-with-alex-witt/watch/what-s-fueling-a-new-spike-in-antisemitism-203110981910" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="9" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> antisemitism, which has spiked</a> in recent months. The disturbing images coming out of the Gaza Strip have only poured more fuel on a seemingly endless flame. And bigotry should never be allowed to infiltrate and weaponize political debate. But college protesters are correct that the United States can no longer pretend to be an innocent bystander in Gaza.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="10" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">Netanyahu’s policies, which have been endorsed by a number of U.S. presidents, have<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/10/world/middleeast/israel-qatar-money-prop-up-hamas.html" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="11" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> empowered Hamas</a>,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/12/opinion/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu.html" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="12" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> weakened Israel</a>, undermined West Bank leaders, and as a result sacrificed Palestinian well-being in the name of regional security. President Joe Biden<a href="https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/-he-knew-what-i-meant-by-it-biden-explains-hot-mic-moment-showing-frustration-with-netanyahu-206038597832" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="13" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> appears to be growing uncomfortable</a> with this lopsided approach. The embattled incumbent finds himself in an untenable position, as evidenced by the almost Kafkaesque nature of giving<a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/u-s-plans-to-send-weapons-to-israel-amid-biden-push-for-cease-fire-deal-184e75bc" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="14" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> Israel bombs that kill Palestinians</a> with one hand while<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-rcna141493" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="15" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> delivering food to the survivors</a> with the other. The Biden administration is twisting itself into a pretzel trying to appease all sides while not alienating key constituencies. And Biden may not be in office much longer, limiting any potential for change. </p><section data-testid="inline-video" data-reader-unique-id="16" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><div data-reader-unique-id="17" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="18" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="gamma-video-player" data-reader-unique-id="19" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="47" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-testid="picture" data-reader-unique-id="48" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(min-width: 1240px)" srcset="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-860x484,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2024_03/1710439707498_n_jansing_schumer_netanyahu_israel_hamas_war_240314_1920x1080-f3unqw.jpg" data-reader-unique-id="49" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(min-width: 758px)" srcset="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-1000x563,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2024_03/1710439707498_n_jansing_schumer_netanyahu_israel_hamas_war_240314_1920x1080-f3unqw.jpg" data-reader-unique-id="50" style="max-width: 100%;"><img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-760x428,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2024_03/1710439707498_n_jansing_schumer_netanyahu_israel_hamas_war_240314_1920x1080-f3unqw.jpg" alt="" data-reader-unique-id="51" class="extendsBeyondTextColumn" style="max-width: none; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 788px; margin-inline-start: -70px;" id="id_f09c_1a00_507d_7787"></picture></div></div></div></div></section><p data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">But the American Jewish community is not constrained by electoral politics — and it has played a significant role in shaping U.S.-Israeli policy in the past. Just look at the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/us/politics/aipac-israel-gaza-democrats-republicans.html" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="66" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> immense lobbying power of AIPAC</a>. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">American Jews have long identified with the underdog. They rallied to the defense of<a href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/american-jews-and-the-civil-rights-movement" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="68" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> Black Americans during the Civil Rights Movement</a>, often at great personal peril, and more recently<a href="https://urj.org/press-room/reform-jewish-leadership-statement-black-lives-matter-jewish-value" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="69" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> served as key supporters</a> of the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, Israel’s long-term prospects could depend on American Jews taking up the cause of a two-state solution, difficult as that may be in the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorism. The stakes are incredibly high. If Israel continues to follow Netanyahu’s disastrous path, Israel risks becoming a diplomatically isolated pariah state. </p><p data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">This is personal to me. I married a Jew. Our children are Jewish according to rabbinical law. I named my son after a fictional Zionist hero. I wrote a book on Holocaust heroes that was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. Still, I fear what Israel is becoming. It is losing the moral high ground. </p><div data-testid="liftout" class="clear" data-reader-unique-id="71" style="max-width: 100%; clear: both; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><p data-reader-unique-id="72" style="max-width: 100%;">Netanyahu’s Israel has fallen far short of its founding post-Holocaust ideals. </p></div><p data-reader-unique-id="73" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">I have had lively discussions with my friends on this topic, which obviously elicits strong emotions. But the Israel of Bibi Netanyahu is not the Israel of David Ben-Gurion. The country has changed culturally, politically and, most of all, demographically. And the way the Israeli military seems to exercise apparent disregard for civilian casualties begs the question: What happened to that Israel that was once so concerned with protecting innocent life that it<a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Operation-Wrath-of-God" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="74" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> famously </a>suspended its targeted terrorist assassination program Operation Wrath of God after a single person was mistakenly killed? While certainly not perfect, that Israel had clear diplomatic goals and values. That Israel inspired my son’s name.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">In contrast, Netanyahu’s Israel has fallen far short of its founding post-Holocaust ideals. It is no longer seen by the world as David fighting the giant Goliath; it has <em data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;">become</em> Goliath. And its frequent justifications for using excessive force ring increasingly hollow as a result.” </p><div data-activity-map="msnbc-daily-recirc-article-body-msnbc-daily" class="clear" data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%; clear: both; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><div data-reader-unique-id="79" style="max-width: 100%;"><h3 data-reader-unique-id="80" style="font-size: 1.25em; max-width: 100%;">More from MSNBC Daily</h3><p data-reader-unique-id="81" style="max-width: 100%;">Must reads from Today's list</p></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="113" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">More likely, Netanyahu and his allies want to ultimately crush Palestinian leadership in the West Bank and move Israeli troops back into Gaza. I do not believe either outcome would serve Israel’s long-term geopolitical interests. </p><section data-testid="inline-video" data-reader-unique-id="114" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;"><div data-reader-unique-id="115" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="116" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="gamma-video-player" data-reader-unique-id="117" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="145" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-testid="picture" data-reader-unique-id="146" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(min-width: 1240px)" srcset="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-860x484,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2024_03/1710429155124_n_cabrera_sen_schumer_address_on_middle_east_2403013_1920x1080-10nleo.jpg" data-reader-unique-id="147" style="max-width: 100%;"><source media="(min-width: 758px)" srcset="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-1000x563,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2024_03/1710429155124_n_cabrera_sen_schumer_address_on_middle_east_2403013_1920x1080-10nleo.jpg" data-reader-unique-id="148" style="max-width: 100%;"><img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-760x428,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2024_03/1710429155124_n_cabrera_sen_schumer_address_on_middle_east_2403013_1920x1080-10nleo.jpg" alt="" data-reader-unique-id="149" class="extendsBeyondTextColumn" style="max-width: none; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 788px; margin-inline-start: -70px;" id="id_f56d_a59c_262_f045"></picture></div></div></div></div></section><p data-reader-unique-id="163" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">The American Jewish community must see through Netanyahu’s cynicism.<a href="https://www.msnbc.com/jonathan-capehart/watch/-he-knew-what-i-meant-by-it-biden-explains-hot-mic-moment-showing-frustration-with-netanyahu-206038597832" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="164" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;"> Biden certainly seems to</a>, but is still waiting for the right moment to break publicly with the thrice-indicted Israeli prime minister. And that brings us back to American Jews, and their considerable leverage. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, for instance, has been <a href="https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/01/09/israel-robert-kraft-jewish-nobel-prize/" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="165" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">awarded Israel’s equivalent of the Jewish Nobel Prize</a> for his philanthropy. Donors like him likely have a direct pipeline to senior Israeli leaders thanks to their generosity. And on Thursday, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/video/full-speech-sen-schumer-calls-for-new-elections-in-israel-206515781819" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="166" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., publicly called for new elections </a>to replace Netanyahu, a striking rebuke.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="167" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">Now is the time to use that influence and exercise a bit of tough love with the goal of protecting Israel from its worst prime minister in 76 years.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="168" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px;">I still believe Israel can return to its righteous roots. But its leaders must realize — or perhaps must merely be reminded — that improving the lives of innocent Palestinians is its best guarantee of long-term survival as a strong, respected member of the family of nations. Whether that ultimately means endorsing a two-state solution, <a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/israel-needs-new-strategy" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="169" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">or some sort of new hybrid model</a>, one thing is clear: The killing of Palestinian civilians has to stop, and massive aid must be permitted to flow unimpeded into Gaza to start any genuine peace process, and bring the <a href="https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/100-days-136-hamas-hostages-left-behind-rcna133768" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="170" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">remaining hostages home</a> to their families. That would be a boon for Israel, for Palestinians and for Jews all over the world. And maybe then my daughter can start proudly wearing her Star of David necklace, again.</p> John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-67907433090891004522024-03-16T13:34:00.001-04:002024-03-16T13:34:35.005-04:00Donald Trump UNMERCIFULLY MOCKED During Live Oscars Show!!!<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/xRn5u2D5EXM?si=D-PRIC2UCesL4A4W" frameborder="0"></iframe>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-29569728391551403192024-03-16T11:20:00.002-04:002024-03-16T11:20:14.569-04:00A Watershed Moment for the Politics of Israel, Courtesy of Chuck Schumer - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">A Watershed Moment for the Politics of Israel, Courtesy of Chuck Schumer</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"Republicans have long sought to make Israel a partisan issue, framing their party as the only one truly supportive of the Jewish state. The Senate majority leader’s blistering speech may have helped.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><time aria-hidden="true" class="date" data-reader-unique-id="145" datetime="2024-03-16T15:07:00.140Z" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="146" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="147" data-time="abs" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 16, 2024, 11:07 a.m. ET</span><span data-reader-unique-id="148" data-time="rel" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">11m ago</span></div></time></div><header data-reader-unique-id="19" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="32" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="33" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="34" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="35" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="36" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="37" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="38" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="Chuck Schumer walking down a hallway as two people behind him look on." data-reader-unique-id="39" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 60vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq/15pol-schumer-israel-top-tlmq-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="40" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="41" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, at the Capitol on Thursday.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="42" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="43" style="max-width: 100%;">Kent Nishimura for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="60" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="61" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="62" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="63" style="max-width: 100%;">Over<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="64" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxKyNNx1xY8" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">44 painstakingly scripted minutes</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, the majority leader, Chuck Schumer, spoke of his Jewish identity, his love for the State of Israel, his horror at the wanton slaughter of Israelis on Oct. 7 and his views on the apportionment of blame for the carnage in Gaza, saying that it first and foremost lay with the terrorists of Hamas.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;">Then Mr. Schumer, a New York Democrat and the highest-ranking elected Jew in American history,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="66" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/14/us/politics/schumer-netanyahu-israel-elections.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">said Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, was an impediment to peace, and called for new elections in the world’s only Jewish state.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">The opposition was not nearly so painstaking.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="68" style="max-width: 100%;">Within minutes, the House Republican leadership demanded an apology. The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, using Mr. Netanyahu’s nickname, declared: “Make no mistake — the Democratic Party doesn’t have an anti-Bibi problem. It has an anti-Israel problem.” And the Republican Jewish Coalition proclaimed that “the most powerful Democrat in Congress knifed the Jewish state in the back.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="max-width: 100%;">The months that have followed the slaughter of Oct. 7 and the ensuing, calamitously deadly war in Gaza have been excruciating for American Jews, caught between a tradition of liberalism that has dominated much of Jewish politics and an anti-Israel response from the political left that has left many feeling isolated and, at times, persecuted.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="72" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="73" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="74" style="max-width: 100%;">But Mr. Schumer’s speech was potentially a watershed moment in a much longer political process, pursued initially by Republicans but joined recently by left-wing Democrats — to turn Israel into a partisan issue. Republicans, as they see it, would be the party of Israeli supporters. Democrats, as the rising left would have it, would be the party of Palestine.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%;">At the root of that divide is a fundamental question: Is support for the Jewish State separable from the support of Israel’s democratically elected government? For years, Republicans have said no. Increasingly, the Democratic left agrees but from a different perspective: Israel is bad, regardless of who governs it.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;">“The pressure — electoral, social, cultural — on American Jews right now to declare themselves” on the justice of the war in Gaza and on the legitimacy of the Israeli prime minister has been “unrelenting, unforgiving and sometimes downright vicious,” said David Wolpe, a prominent rabbi in Los Angeles and a visiting scholar at Harvard Divinity School.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Schumer’s speech and the ensuing partisan response have made that pressure even more intense.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="78" style="max-width: 100%;">“It’s impossible to understate the seismic event this was,” said Matthew Brooks, the longtime chief executive of the Republican Jewish Coalition, who made it clear that the group would use the speech to drive Jewish voters to the G.O.P.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="79" style="max-width: 100%;">While Republicans accused Mr. Schumer of trying to force an election at a time when most Israelis support and are focused on the war against Hamas, the Senate leader was, in fact, cognizant of Israeli public opinion. He noted that “so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government,” a phrase backed up by polling that indicates Mr. Netanyahu is deeply unpopular. Mr. Schumer was also careful to say that elections should be called only “once the war starts to wind down” and that he would respect their outcome.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="83" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="84" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="85" style="max-width: 100%;">Jewish Democrats have long maintained that support for a Jewish state in the traditional homeland of the Jewish people is intrinsic to their identity, regardless of the government in power in Jerusalem. Mr. Schumer tried to make that point from the outset of Thursday’s speech, explaining that his last name derived from the Hebrew word for “guardian.” He is, he said, a “<em data-reader-unique-id="86" style="max-width: 100%;">shomer</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em data-reader-unique-id="87" style="max-width: 100%;">Yisrael</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>— a guardian of the people of Israel.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="88" style="max-width: 100%;">But his speech came at an incendiary moment, when support is eroding among Democrats for what Senator Bernie Sanders, independent of Vermont, calls “Netanyahu’s war,” and loud voices on the left are saying that the state of Israel is intrinsically wrong: a “settler colonialist” intruder incompatible with the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people who lived there before Israeli independence in 1948.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%;">“You have this divide where the overwhelming majority of American Jews support Israel, support its right to exist as a Jewish state, and an increasingly vocal minority doesn’t support Israel as a Jewish state and rejects what happened in 1948 to ensure that the Jewish state survived,” Michael J. Koplow, chief policy officer of the Israel Policy Forum, a Washington-based research group, said on Friday from Israel.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%;">He continued: “Schumer needed to preserve some way to criticize the Israeli government without being even close to Camp No. 2, which is why he spent so much time at the beginning talking about Hamas’s culpability and his love of Israel.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;">But at such a political moment, any notion of “nuance” — a word Mr. Schumer used when he lamented the “silent majority” of Jews whose “nuanced views have never been represented in discussions about the war in Gaza” — most likely did not sink in.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="94" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="95" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="96" style="max-width: 100%;">Republicans made no secret that they would use Mr. Schumer’s words against him. The National Republican Senatorial Committee blasted out emails demanding that vulnerable Democrats up for re-election this year speak out against Mr. Schumer’s views.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="97" style="max-width: 100%;">Norm Coleman, a former Republican senator from Minnesota who went to public school with Mr. Schumer in New York and now chairs the Republican Jewish Coalition, said on Friday that whatever bipartisanship remained around support for Israel might have been obliterated by Mr. Schumer’s denunciation of Mr. Netanyahu and his call for new elections. He accused Mr. Schumer of political motives driven specifically by President Biden’s travails with Arab Americans in the pivotal swing state of Michigan.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="98" style="max-width: 100%;">“I don’t think Schumer is speaking for American Jews,” Mr. Coleman said. “I think he’s speaking as the majority leader of a Democratic Party now so worried about the left, so worried about Michigan, that he gives a speech telling the democratically elected government of a democratic country that they shouldn’t be the government anymore.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="99" style="max-width: 100%;">Even some centrist Jewish Democrats, such as Representative Brad Schneider of Illinois, condemned Mr. Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel as meddling in the affairs of what he called “the only true democracy in the region.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="100" style="max-width: 100%;">For many older liberal Jews, however, Mr. Schumer’s words were a tonic. They were an articulation of their shared agonies over the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, and their frustrations with an Israeli government that includes far-right ministers, whom Mr. Schumer called out by name, who adamantly oppose any concessions for peace or Palestinian sovereignty. His words were also an expression of the Democrats’ rising desire to use what Mr. Schumer called “leverage” tied to billions of American tax dollars flowing to the Israeli military.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="103" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="104" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="105" style="max-width: 100%;">Daniel G. Zemel, a Reform rabbi in Washington, D.C., and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="106" href="https://www.templemicah.org/about/israel/our-relationship-with-israel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">an advocate of “liberal Zionism,”</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>said Mr. Schumer’s prescriptions were “exactly what American Jews should be calling for.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="107" style="max-width: 100%;">“There has to be a different approach,” he said, pushing back on those who called Mr. Schumer’s prescriptions anti-democratic. “As a rabbi and as a Jew, I have a right and an obligation to say what I want Israel to be in this world.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="108" style="max-width: 100%;">Representative Jerrold Nadler, Democrat of New York and the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="109" href="https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395082#:~:text=Washington%2C%20DC%20%E2%80%93%20Today%2C%20Congressman,President%20Biden's%20strong%20and%20principled" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">dean of the Jewish House members</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="110" href="https://twitter.com/RepJerryNadler/status/1768346780586897485" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">posted on social media that Mr. Schumer</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“is right,” adding, “Prime Minister Netanyahu has become an obstacle to peace and the two state solution.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="111" style="max-width: 100%;">Representative Jan Schakowsky of Illinois is one of those progressive Jewish Democrats who feel caught in a vise between activists harassing her as “Genocide Jan” and her personal conviction that Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state, side by side with a sovereign Palestinian state. It is, she acknowledged, a “fraught moment” for politicians like herself, but she said on Friday that Mr. Schumer was speaking for a majority of Jews in the United States and Israel.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="112" style="max-width: 100%;">She hotly dismissed the notion that Mr. Schumer was intruding on Israeli democracy, noting that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="113" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/04/us/politics/netanyahu-speech-to-congress-obama-iran-nuclear-talks.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">Mr. Netanyahu spoke in 2015 to Congress</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to pressure President Barack Obama to abandon his nuclear accord with Iran.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="114" style="max-width: 100%;">“There is a hunger right now for another path, and that is what Schumer had the courage to talk about,” she said. “Most Israelis and American Jews understand the importance and the essential role the United States plays, and we feel like Bibi is thumbing his nose at us.”</p></div></div></section></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/us/politics/israel-schumer.html">A Watershed Moment for the Politics of Israel, Courtesy of Chuck Schumer - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-88898255293089877202024-03-15T10:04:00.001-04:002024-03-15T10:04:09.755-04:00Opinion | Don’t Think of It as a Contest Between Biden and Trump - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Don’t Think of It as a Contest Between Biden and Trump</h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.75em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-reader-unique-id="167" datetime="2024-03-15T05:04:41-04:00" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 15, 2024,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-reader-unique-id="168" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">5:04 a.m. ET</span></time></div><header data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="18" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="19" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="20" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="21" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="22" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15bouie-fjqm/15bouie-fjqm-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="23" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15bouie-fjqm/15bouie-fjqm-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="24" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15bouie-fjqm/15bouie-fjqm-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A collage of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, both facing left." data-reader-unique-id="25" decoding="async" height="480" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15bouie-fjqm/15bouie-fjqm-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15bouie-fjqm/15bouie-fjqm-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15bouie-fjqm/15bouie-fjqm-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/15/multimedia/15bouie-fjqm/15bouie-fjqm-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="26" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="27" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="28" style="max-width: 100%;">Photo illustration by Rachel Stern for The New York Times; source photographs by Doug Mills/The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="53" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="54" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="55" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="56" style="max-width: 100%;">"It’s official — we have a rematch.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="57" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="58" href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">This week</a>, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump officially secured the delegates needed to win renomination in their respective primaries. This will be the first contest since the 1892 race between Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland where a former challenger, now incumbent, faces off against a former incumbent, now challenger, for a second term in the White House. Cleveland won his challenge, but this does not tell us anything about our situation.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="59" style="max-width: 100%;">Truth be told, there is a pervasive sense floating around this election that there is nothing new to discuss — that there’s nothing new to learn about Biden and certainly nothing new to learn about Trump.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="60" style="max-width: 100%;">But while it’s fair to say that we already know quite a bit about the two men — their strengths and weaknesses, their perspectives and views, the character of their administrations and their records while in office — there is still a great deal to say about what they intend to do with another four years in the White House.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="61" style="max-width: 100%;">Both Trump and Biden have far-reaching plans for the country, either one of which would transform the United States. Of course, one of those transformations would be for the worst, the other for the better.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="64" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;">Let’s start with the worst. We already know that Donald Trump’s main targets for his second term are American democracy and the American constitutional order. For Trump, the basics of American governance — separation of powers, an independent civil service and the popular selection of elected officials — are a direct obstacle to his desire to protect himself, enrich himself and extend his personalized rule as far over the country as possible.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">My colleague Carlos Lozada<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="68" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/opinion/project-2025-trump-administration.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">has already taken a deep dive into Project 2025,</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>the conservative Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for a second Trump term. The overall thrust of the “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise” is an authoritarian remodeling of the executive branch, designed around Trump. “It calls for a relentless politicizing of the federal government, with presidential appointees overpowering career officials at every turn and agencies and offices abolished on overtly ideological grounds,” writes Lozada, who also notes that the Heritage vision “portrays the president as the personal embodiment of popular will and treats the law as an impediment to conservative governance.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="max-width: 100%;">In practice, one of the things this would mean is that Trump would be empowered to use the Department of Justice to investigate his political enemies, or use the Internal Revenue Service to harass them with audits and other forms of heightened scrutiny.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%;">But a second Trump term wouldn’t just be about the abuse of power, the erosion of checks and balances and the elevation of assorted hacks and apparatchiks into positions of real authority. It would also be about the concerted effort to make the federal government a vehicle for the upward distribution of wealth.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="71" style="max-width: 100%;">Both Trump and Republicans in Congress want to extend his 2017 tax cuts<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="72" href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/tax-cut-extensions-cost-over-33-trillion" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">at a cost of $3.3 trillion</a>, the large majority of which would benefit the highest income earners.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="73" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/11/trump-tax-cuts-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">Trump also hopes to slash the corporate tax rate</a>, reducing the government’s revenue by<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="74" href="https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-corporate-tax-cut/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">an additional $522 billion</a>. To pay for this, both Trump and Republicans would almost certainly take an ax to the social safety net, targeting Medicaid, food stamps and other programs for low-income and working Americans. Trump has even said<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="75" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-floats-cutting-retirement-spending-drawing-quick-pushback-biden-rcna142776" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">he is open</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to cutting Medicare and Social Security, a move that might be necessary if Republicans manage to starve the federal government of nearly $4 trillion in taxes.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="79" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="80" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="81" style="max-width: 100%;">We should also expect a second Trump administration to resume the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, as well as try to unravel as much of the climate spending in the Inflation Reduction Act as possible.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="82" style="max-width: 100%;">Biden wants something very different for the country. His first goal, to start, is to preserve and defend the American constitutional order. He would not subvert American democracy to make himself a strongman along the lines of Viktor Orban,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="83" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/08/politics/trump-orban-mar-a-lago/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">who recently met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago</a>.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="84" style="max-width: 100%;">What Biden would try to do,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="85" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/us/politics/biden-budget-republicans-trump.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">if his proposed budget is any indication</a>, is reinvigorate the social insurance state. His proposal, released on Monday, calls for about $5 trillion in new taxes on corporations and the wealthy over the next decade. This would pay for, among other things: a plan to extend the fiscal solvency of Medicare, a plan to restore the expanded child tax credit enacted in the American Rescue Plan at the start of his administration, a plan to guarantee low-cost, early child care to most families, and a plan to expand health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. In short, Biden hopes to make good on longstanding Democratic priorities.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="86" style="max-width: 100%;">There is a larger point that flows from this capsule summary of each candidate’s priorities. Americans are accustomed to thinking of their presidential elections as a battle of personalities, a framework that is only encouraged by the candidate-centric nature of the American political system as well as the way that our media reports on elections. Even the way that most Americans think about their country’s history, always focused so intently on whoever occupies the White House in a given moment, works to reinforce this notion that presidential elections are mostly about the people and personalities involved.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="87" style="max-width: 100%;">Personality certainly matters. But it might be more useful, in terms of the actual stakes of a contest, to think about the presidential election as a race between competing coalitions of Americans. Different groups, and different communities, who want very different — sometimes mutually incompatible — things for the country.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="92" style="max-width: 100%;">The coalition behind Joe Biden wants what Democratic coalitions have wanted since at least the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt: government assistance for working people, federal support for the inclusion of more marginal Americans.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="93" style="max-width: 100%;">As for the coalition behind Trump? Beyond the insatiable desire for lower taxes on the nation’s monied interests, there appears to be an even deeper desire for a politics of domination. Trump speaks less about policy, in any sense, than he does about getting revenge on his critics. He’s only concerned with the mechanisms of government to the extent that they are tools for punishing his enemies.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="94" style="max-width: 100%;">And if what Trump wants tells us anything, it’s that the actual goal of the Trump coalition is not to govern the country, but to rule over others.</p></div></div></section><div data-reader-unique-id="132" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="133" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="134" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="135" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="136" style="max-width: 100%;">Jamelle Bouie became a New York Times Opinion columnist in 2019. Before that he was the chief political correspondent for Slate magazine. He is based in Charlottesville, Va., and Washington.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-reader-unique-id="137" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="138" href="https://twitter.com/jbouie" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span data-reader-unique-id="139" style="max-width: 100%;">@</span>jbouie</a>"</span></p></div></div></div></div></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/opinion/columnists/trump-biden-rematch.html">Opinion | Don’t Think of It as a Contest Between Biden and Trump - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-48605727341190590322024-03-14T10:35:00.000-04:002024-03-14T10:35:07.251-04:00Opinion | Some Black Voters Are Souring on Democrats. It May Be Part of a Natural Drift. - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Some Black Voters Are Souring on Democrats. It May Be Part of a Natural Drift.</h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.75em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-reader-unique-id="174" datetime="2024-03-13T19:00:12-04:00" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 13, 2024</time></div><header data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="18" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="19" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="20" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="21" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="22" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13blowSub-tpbv/13blowSub-tpbv-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="23" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13blowSub-tpbv/13blowSub-tpbv-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="24" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13blowSub-tpbv/13blowSub-tpbv-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A voter checks in at a voting center in Atlanta in 2022." data-reader-unique-id="25" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13blowSub-tpbv/13blowSub-tpbv-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13blowSub-tpbv/13blowSub-tpbv-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13blowSub-tpbv/13blowSub-tpbv-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13blowSub-tpbv/13blowSub-tpbv-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="26" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="27" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="28" style="max-width: 100%;">Damon Winter/The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="53" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="54" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="55" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="56" style="max-width: 100%;">“I almost voted for him,” Felicia Lowe, a 55-year-old Black woman, told me on Tuesday as she exited the polling place at the Metropolitan branch of the Fulton County Library.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="57" style="max-width: 100%;">The “him” in that statement is Donald Trump, and Lowe said that she had intended to vote for him the first time he ran for president, but she was diagnosed with cancer and didn’t vote that year.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="58" style="max-width: 100%;">Trump, she said, is “funny as hell.” Her granddaughter, impatiently waiting in her shadow, admonished her, “Nana, no cursing.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="59" style="max-width: 100%;">Lowe says she’s glad that she didn’t vote for Trump back then because she now thinks “he’s trying to make the white America great, and we should all be included.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="62" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="63" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="64" style="max-width: 100%;">“I’m a Biden person,” she said. “I’m a Democrat.” But she explained Trump’s appeal to people like her: “Trump used us, and at the same time bamboozled us by his charm and his humor and his straightforward talk. Not that it’s all true, but he just didn’t bite his tongue about certain things. And a lot of people want to see someone down to earth.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;">To some, holding these two ideas at once — that Trump is “prejudiced,” as she put it, but still entertaining — may seem contradictory to the point of implausibility, but this is far from the first time I’ve heard this response. Whereas people like me find Trump’s performance of his persona repulsive, not everyone does. Some people are attracted to it.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;">Lowe’s outlook illustrates the complexity that some Black voters — even some Black supporters of President Biden — bring to this election and to their politics in general. And it’s these complexities that are striking fear in the hearts of some Democrats.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">Tuesday’s primaries<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="68" href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/13/us/2024-election-trump-biden" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">were anti-climactic</a>. They were essentially uncontested for both Biden and Trump, who both clinched their party’s nominations. But in Georgia, I took the day as another opportunity to talk to — and better understand — Black voters, who will be pivotal in terms of how the state will swing in November.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="max-width: 100%;">First, it’s always important to note that Black women vote Democratic more than any other major demographic group, and second place goes to Black men — according to Pew Research,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="70" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/30/behind-bidens-2020-victory/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">in 2020</a>, 95 percent of Black women and 87 percent of Black men voted for Biden.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="73" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="74" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%;">But going forward, those high levels of support aren’t guaranteed.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;">For Democrats, the fear isn’t that Black voters will begin to vote<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">differently</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>from other voters, but that they’ll begin to vote<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em data-reader-unique-id="78" style="max-width: 100%;">like</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>other voters. Black support for Democrats almost certainly reached a high-water mark when Barack Obama ran for president and won in 2008. But since then, that support has been drifting back toward pre-Obama levels.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="79" style="max-width: 100%;">For me, the choice between Biden and Trump is black-and-white. It’s a choice between maintaining democracy and eroding it, between defending bodily autonomy and surrendering it, between racism and egalitarianism.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="80" style="max-width: 100%;">But I’m careful not to project my framing onto other Black people, careful not to assume that my priorities are theirs. Overall, the Black electorate still overwhelmingly supports Democrats, but like members of any other demographic, Black people have — and must be<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em data-reader-unique-id="81" style="max-width: 100%;">allowed</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to have — diverse views.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="82" style="max-width: 100%;">As with other groups of voters, one of the big issues that Black people frequently raise when discussing politics is economics — concerns about the high cost of everything from housing to groceries. And like other voters, Black voters remember the stimulus checks that went out in 2020<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="83" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/us/politics/stimulus-check-trump-signature.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">with Trump’s name on them</a>; only people who are divorced from struggle fail to understand how unexpected money — even relatively small amounts of it — creates a lasting memory for those who are barely making it.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="84" style="max-width: 100%;">And there are Black voters who believe that the business environment was better under Trump than it is under Biden. Kevin Wesley, the Black owner of Eclectic Barbershop, told me, “I think Mr. Trump did a lot for the business community and ensuring that the entrepreneurs maintain stability to keep our community employed.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="87" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="88" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%;">On the economy, Biden has done a better job than he’s being given credit for, but he’s done a bad job of selling it. This stands in contrast to Trump’s constant credit-taking, sometimes for things he didn’t even do. As Clifford Albright, the executive director of the Black Voters Matter Fund, told me about Trump on Tuesday: “He does what con men do. He knows how to message.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%;">And there’s also the Black community’s relatively high religiosity that pushes some voters to resistance and others to resignation. Marius Mitchell, a 46-year-old father of two, told me weeks ago that he and his friends are leaning away from Biden and Democrats because of their embrace of L.G.B.T.Q. rights. Geannie Shelton, 85, who said she supported Biden, believes that whoever wins will simply be part of God’s plan and message and that God is mad because we have lost our way. “So something has to stir up the people,” she said, and “Trump is stirring up the people.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;">Then there are the issues specific to this election cycle like the war in Gaza and concerns about the candidates’ ages and competence — although in Georgia, I registered less worry about those issues than I had in other states that I’ve traveled to in recent weeks.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="92" style="max-width: 100%;">To be sure, I encountered enthusiastic Black Biden voters in Atlanta, but I’ve been struck by how soft support for the president is among many Black voters and how few spoke of the possibility of a second Trump presidency in apocalyptic terms.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="93" style="max-width: 100%;">Like many others, I used to believe that Black defections from the Democratic Party, incremental as they are, were solely the manifestation of a failure of messaging and constituency caretaking. But I’m coming to see some of this as a natural drift that inches Black people closer to the patterns of other racial and ethnic groups.</p></div></div></section><div data-reader-unique-id="131" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="132" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="133" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="134" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="135" style="max-width: 100%;">Charles M. Blow is an Opinion columnist for The New York Times, writing about national politics, public opinion and social justice, with a focus on racial equality and L.G.B.T.Q. rights.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-reader-unique-id="136" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="137" href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMBlow" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span data-reader-unique-id="138" style="max-width: 100%;">@</span>CharlesMBlow</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-reader-unique-id="139" style="max-width: 100%;">•</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="140" href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlesMBlow" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>"</span></p></div></div></div></div></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/opinion/black-democrats-trump-biden.html">Opinion | Some Black Voters Are Souring on Democrats. It May Be Part of a Natural Drift. - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-45784473119854707142024-03-13T11:41:00.001-04:002024-03-13T11:41:28.759-04:00Dems Expose Trump’s SECRET PAST at Hearing, GOP LOSES IT<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/AcyISlbh8x0?si=XZkYopQlsqhsjbmr" frameborder="0"></iframe>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-14898582422061145352024-03-13T09:14:00.004-04:002024-03-13T09:14:41.949-04:00Marking The 4-Year Anniversary of the Covid Pandemic - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Four Years On, Covid Has Reshaped Life for Many Americans</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"Covid was declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020. Even as the threat of severe illness and death has faded, the pandemic’s effects linger.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-reader-unique-id="158" datetime="2024-03-13T05:05:48-04:00" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 13, 2024,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-reader-unique-id="159" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">5:05 a.m. ET</span></time></div><header data-reader-unique-id="19" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="32" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="33" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="34" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="35" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="36" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="37" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="38" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="39" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/13/multimedia/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq/13nat-covid-fouryears-clmq-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="40" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="41" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Paris Dolfman with her mother Alicia Martinez at their home. Ms. Dolfman had a mild Covid infection in 2022 that turned into an excruciating case of long Covid that has upended her life.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="42" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="43" style="max-width: 100%;">Nicole Craine for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="59" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="60" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="61" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="62" style="max-width: 100%;">Jessie Thompson, a 36-year-old mother of two in Chicago, is reminded of the Covid-19 pandemic every day.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="63" style="max-width: 100%;">Sometimes it happens when she picks up her children from day care and then lets them romp around at a neighborhood park on the way home. Other times, it’s when she gets out the shower at 7 a.m. after a weekday workout.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="64" style="max-width: 100%;">“I always think: In my past life, I’d have to be on the train in 15 minutes,” said Ms. Thompson, a manager at United Airlines.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;">A hybrid work schedule has replaced her daily commute to the company headquarters in downtown Chicago, giving Ms. Thompson more time with her children and a deeper connection to her neighbors. “The pandemic is such a negative memory,” she said. “But I have this bright spot of goodness from it.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="68" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="69" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%;">For much of the United States,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="71" href="https://www.nytimes.com/news-event/coronavirus" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">the pandemic</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is now firmly in the past, four years to the day that the Trump administration<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="72" href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-declaring-national-emergency-concerning-novel-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-outbreak/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">declared</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>a national emergency as the virus spread uncontrollably. But for many Americans, the pandemic’s effects are still a prominent part of their daily lives.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="73" style="max-width: 100%;">In interviews, some people said that the changes are subtle but unmistakable: Their world feels a little smaller, with less socializing and fewer crowds. Parents who began to home-school their children never stopped. Many people are continuing to mourn relatives and spouses who died of Covid or of complications from the coronavirus.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="74" style="max-width: 100%;">The World Health Organization dropped its global health emergency designation in May 2023, but millions of people who survived the virus are suffering from long Covid, a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="75" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/14/opinion/my-life-with-long-covid.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">mysterious and frequently debilitating condition</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that causes fatigue, muscle pain and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="76" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/upshot/long-covid-disability.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">cognitive decline</a>.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">One common sentiment has emerged. The changes brought on by the pandemic now feel lasting, a shift that may have permanently reshaped American life.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="78" style="max-width: 100%;">Before the pandemic, Melody Condon, a marketing specialist in Vancouver, Wash., who is immunocompromised, said she had a stronger sense of confidence in other people.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="81" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="82" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="83" style="max-width: 100%;">“Unfounded or not, I believed that for the most part, others would take small actions to keep me and people like me safe,” Ms. Condon, 32, said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="84" style="max-width: 100%;">But now she has encountered people who resist taking a Covid test or wearing a mask in some situations.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="85" style="max-width: 100%;">“What they’re communicating is that they don’t care about my health and my life,” Ms. Condon said. “I have lost so much trust in others.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="87" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="88" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="89" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="93" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="94" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Clint Newman and his wife Shay will celebrate their second wedding anniversary in May. He spent the first year of the pandemic in isolation.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="95" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="96" style="max-width: 100%;">Gabriela Campos for The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="98" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="99" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="100" style="max-width: 100%;">For Paris Dolfman of Roswell, Ga., a mild Covid infection in 2022 turned into an excruciating case of long Covid that has upended her life.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="103" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="104" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="105" style="max-width: 100%;">Ms. Dolfman, 31, is now mostly bedridden, depending on her mother for full-time care. But she said that her attitude toward life had broadened, in spite of her painful condition.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="106" style="max-width: 100%;">“One day I looked out the window and saw happy little birds on a branch, and I just imagined what it would be like to have the freedom to do what your body wants to do,” she said. “I decided to put my focus on the smaller things. Not to focus on the big picture, but to focus on the little things that I have.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="107" style="max-width: 100%;">Clint Newman, of Albuquerque, spent the first year of the pandemic in isolation, alone in his apartment.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="108" style="max-width: 100%;">“I went over 12 months without touching another human being,” he said. “It was brutalizing. It scarred me pretty deeply.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="109" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Newman said that he notices what he believes to be the lasting effects of the pandemic all around him.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="112" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="113" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="114" style="max-width: 100%;">“I see it in people’s anger, in people’s aggressive driving,” he said. “It just seems that there’s a lot of unhappiness and rage in the world right now. And I think a lot of that goes back to the lockdown.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="115" style="max-width: 100%;">After Mr. Newman emerged from isolation, he realized that the trajectory of his life had changed, too. He decided that he did not want to be lonely again. After joining a dating app, he met a woman, Shay, and the two married in 2022.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="116" style="max-width: 100%;">“The pandemic is something I carry with me, consciously, all the time,” he said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="117" style="max-width: 100%;">Four years after contracting Covid, Cindy Esch, of Liberty Lake, Wash., said that she has had to settle for a different life than the one she led before.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="118" style="max-width: 100%;">She and her husband used to go on adventures, especially on their sailboat, Passion. But her case of long Covid has been so difficult — she frequently feels intense fatigue that leaves her exhausted for days — that the couple was forced to sell their two-story home and move into a house with no stairs.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="119" style="max-width: 100%;">Doctors have told Ms. Esch that she and her husband must be extremely careful so that she does not contract the virus a second time, which could put her health even further at risk.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="120" style="max-width: 100%;">“I just don’t ever want to get Covid again — it’s something that we think about all the time,” she said. “It’s part of my daily life. It’s become a part of who my husband and I are.”</p></div></div></section></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/us/covid-national-emergency-anniversary.html">Marking The 4-Year Anniversary of the Covid Pandemic - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-79458913456754675782024-03-13T08:08:00.001-04:002024-03-13T08:08:32.361-04:00Fox News fearmongering backfires on live TV<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/vuIgWExBLQc?si=CxBXw2wD8VawZbUo" frameborder="0"></iframe>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-76087160213636222762024-03-12T22:07:00.001-04:002024-03-12T22:07:31.812-04:00Election Updates: Biden locks up the Democratic nomination, and Trump inches closer.<h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="font-size: 1.95552em; line-height: 1.2141em; hyphens: manual; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden" id="id_ca9d_7a74_f850_1870">Election Updates: Biden locks up the Democratic nomination, and Trump inches closer.</a></h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="hyphens: manual; margin-top: -0.75em; margin-bottom: 1.45em; max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><time aria-hidden="true" datetime="2024-03-13T01:51:44.241Z" data-reader-unique-id="831" class="date" style="margin: 0px; font-weight: bold; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; display: inline !important;"><span data-reader-unique-id="832" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; display: inline !important;">“Updated </span><p data-reader-unique-id="833" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; display: inline !important;"><span data-time="abs" data-reader-unique-id="834" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; display: inline !important;">March 12, 2024, 9:51 p.m. ET</span><span data-time="rel" data-reader-unique-id="835" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; display: inline !important;">8 minutes ago</span></p></time></div><header data-source-id="100000009353012" data-testid="FeedLede" data-reader-unique-id="1" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><div data-reader-unique-id="5" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="6" style="max-width: 100%;"><section data-testid="inline-interactive" data-id="100000009357827" data-source-id="100000009357827" data-reader-unique-id="21" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-sourceid="100000009357827" data-reader-unique-id="22" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="23" style="max-width: 100%;"><section data-reader-unique-id="24" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="25" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="26" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="27" style="max-width: 100%;">Tonight’s Primary Election Results</p></div></div></section></div></div></section></div></div></header><div data-reader-unique-id="180" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><div data-key="nyt://article/7d596202-d8a9-587c-a1d4-7ddf3a3d03ae" data-reader-unique-id="181" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#biden-democratic-nomination" data-source-id="100000009357475" data-reader-unique-id="182" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="210" style="max-width: 100%;">President Biden clinched the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, securing enough delegates to send him into a looming rematch against former President Donald J. Trump after a mostly uncontested primary campaign that was nevertheless marked by doubts — even from supporters — over his age, foreign policy and enduring strength as a candidate.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="211" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden faced little opposition in his march to the nomination. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the political scion and environmental lawyer, dropped out of the Democratic nominating contest to run as an independent. Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota and the self-help guru Marianne Williamson never attracted more than a fraction of the vote.</p></div></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="212" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><p data-reader-unique-id="213" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="214" style="max-width: 100%;">Updates From Our Reporters</span></p><div data-reader-unique-id="215" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/699e3a81-c200-59bb-9516-20d9e8cea266" data-reader-unique-id="216" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#699e3a81-c200-59bb-9516-20d9e8cea266" data-reader-unique-id="217" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="218" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="219" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="220" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Chris Cameron" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbStandard-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="221" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_7347_e25a_8c77_edce"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="222" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="223" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 8:04 p.m. ET2 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="232" style="max-width: 100%;">President Biden and Donald Trump have won their respective primaries in Mississippi, according to The Associated Press. Biden clinched the Democratic nomination with his victory earlier tonight in Georgia, and Trump could do the same on the Republican side later tonight.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/3b23abed-75b4-5223-a8a6-dcd346f4defd" data-reader-unique-id="233" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#3b23abed-75b4-5223-a8a6-dcd346f4defd" data-reader-unique-id="234" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="235" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="236" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="237" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Chris Cameron" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbStandard-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="238" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_860b_c6f4_2bf2_62ba"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="239" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="240" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 7:51 p.m. ET2 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="249" style="max-width: 100%;">In a statement after securing enough delegates to clinch the 2024 Democratic nomination, President Biden vowed that he would defeat Donald Trump again this November. “Voters now have a choice to make about the future of this country,” he said. “Are we going to stand up and defend our democracy or let others tear it down?”</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/9a18910a-cd8e-5247-a1a7-33229f3014a2" data-reader-unique-id="250" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#9a18910a-cd8e-5247-a1a7-33229f3014a2" data-reader-unique-id="251" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="252" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="253" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="254" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Chris Cameron" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbStandard-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="255" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_237d_4fac_d2ae_c60"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="256" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="257" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 7:13 p.m. ET3 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="266" style="max-width: 100%;">Donald Trump has won the Republican primary in Georgia, according to The Associated Press, winning in a state where he is under indictment on 13 charges, including racketeering, in connection with his effort to overturn the 2020 election.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/a7117adf-0048-5c6f-9b91-12cde4f7c76d" data-reader-unique-id="267" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#a7117adf-0048-5c6f-9b91-12cde4f7c76d" data-reader-unique-id="268" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="269" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="270" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="271" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Chris Cameron" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbStandard-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="272" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_8871_99f9_39aa_cab5"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="273" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="274" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 7:10 p.m. ET3 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="283" style="max-width: 100%;">President Biden has won the Democratic primary in Georgia, according to The Associated Press, a state he narrowly won in the 2020 election.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/848d71e5-091c-5efa-a6b0-9eba616a3595" data-reader-unique-id="284" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#848d71e5-091c-5efa-a6b0-9eba616a3595" data-reader-unique-id="285" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="286" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="287" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="288" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Ben Weiser" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/02/16/multimedia/author-benjamin-weiser/author-benjamin-weiser-thumbLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/02/16/multimedia/author-benjamin-weiser/author-benjamin-weiser-thumbStandard.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/02/16/multimedia/author-benjamin-weiser/author-benjamin-weiser-thumbLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="289" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_305e_bc98_e8e8_dfa6"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="290" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="291" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 7:08 p.m. ET3 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="300" style="max-width: 100%;">A Manhattan federal judge has approved <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/08/nyregion/trump-carroll-bond-defamation.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="301" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">a $91.6 million bond posted by Donald Trump</a> that will prevent E. Jean Carroll from collecting an $83.3 million defamation judgment while he appeals his civil trial loss. The bond – provided by Federal Insurance Company, an arm of the insurance giant Chubb – is higher than the judgment because Trump is also responsible for interest. Lawyers on both sides declined to comment.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/36bce5e5-a5c9-53bd-a45a-e425ab452d36" data-reader-unique-id="302" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#36bce5e5-a5c9-53bd-a45a-e425ab452d36" data-reader-unique-id="303" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="304" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="305" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="306" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Michael Gold" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-michael-gold/author-michael-gold-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-michael-gold/author-michael-gold-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-michael-gold/author-michael-gold-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="307" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_7b3e_ee1d_8573_68d0"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="308" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="309" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 6:12 p.m. ET4 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="318" style="max-width: 100%;">Donald Trump, who is currently unopposed in the Republican primary, just got a few delegates closer to securing his party’s nomination, which he could clinch tonight. The Texas Republican Party just announced that it was awarding 11 outstanding delegates to him, which will bring him closer to the 1,215 required. He needs 126 more.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/7d8d1320-368d-516f-9017-1fe8c116a77c" data-reader-unique-id="319" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#7d8d1320-368d-516f-9017-1fe8c116a77c" data-reader-unique-id="320" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="321" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="322" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="323" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Kellen Browning" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/08/19/reader-center/author-kellen-browning/author-kellen-browning-thumbLarge-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/08/19/reader-center/author-kellen-browning/author-kellen-browning-thumbStandard-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/08/19/reader-center/author-kellen-browning/author-kellen-browning-thumbLarge-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="324" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_cfc1_8431_4b21_b229"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="325" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="326" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 4:49 p.m. ET5 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="335" style="max-width: 100%;">Representative Ruben Gallego, who is essentially running unopposed in the Democratic primary for Arizona’s tightly contested Senate seat, is up with his first ad of the cycle. The television spot, which the campaign plans to spend about $1 million on this month, emphasizes his military service in Iraq and working-class upbringing.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/3fff235f-af4f-5eb8-aafb-ea566c03f945" data-reader-unique-id="336" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#3fff235f-af4f-5eb8-aafb-ea566c03f945" data-reader-unique-id="337" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="338" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="339" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="340" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Carl Hulse" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/14/multimedia/author-carl-hulse/author-carl-hulse-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/14/multimedia/author-carl-hulse/author-carl-hulse-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/14/multimedia/author-carl-hulse/author-carl-hulse-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="341" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_b071_edd_5256_1ef9"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="342" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="343" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 4:17 p.m. ET6 hours ago</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="352" style="max-width: 100%;">The departure of Representative Ken Buck, who announced Tuesday that he would leave his seat at the end of next week, also comes as Congress is facing yet another shutdown deadline — also at the end of next week. But he has been a consistent opponent of spending bills and would not have provided a vote to pass legislation to keep the government open.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/4fe29612-7ed2-59ed-a7a3-404ee6fb760e" data-reader-unique-id="353" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#4fe29612-7ed2-59ed-a7a3-404ee6fb760e" data-reader-unique-id="354" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="355" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="356" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="357" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Neil Vigdor" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="358" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_f504_799c_a56_bc6c"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="359" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="360" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 3:43 p.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="369" style="max-width: 100%;">House Speaker Mike Johnson will headline a fundraiser in Hartford on Saturday for George Logan, who hopes to avenge his 2022 loss to Representative Jahana Hayes, a Democrat who beat him <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/results-connecticut-us-house-district-5.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="370" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">by just over 2,000 votes</a> in Connecticut’s Fifth District. Republicans have targeted Hayes, a former National Teacher of the Year <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/jahana-hayes-congress-interview-797222/" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="371" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">once featured on the cover of Rolling Stone</a> with Nancy Pelosi, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/de59892f-b54e-5e80-bd02-fd97594ef111" data-reader-unique-id="372" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#de59892f-b54e-5e80-bd02-fd97594ef111" data-reader-unique-id="373" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="374" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="375" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="376" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Robert Jimison" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/07/10/reader-center/author-robert-jimison/author-robert-jimison-thumbLarge-v2.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/07/10/reader-center/author-robert-jimison/author-robert-jimison-thumbStandard-v2.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2020/07/10/reader-center/author-robert-jimison/author-robert-jimison-thumbLarge-v2.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="377" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_bfa8_6139_8faf_b34f"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="378" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="379" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 3:01 p.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="388" style="max-width: 100%;">Colorado already has planned elections for primary congressional races for open seats in the Third and Fourth Districts on June 25. That date also falls within the window that state law requires the governor to set a special election date by in the event of a vacated seat — which is now relevant, given Representative Ken Buck’s early departure.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/6bab6e14-7d67-54d1-a8d7-10466d9e6009" data-reader-unique-id="389" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#6bab6e14-7d67-54d1-a8d7-10466d9e6009" data-reader-unique-id="390" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="391" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="392" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="393" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Carl Hulse" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/14/multimedia/author-carl-hulse/author-carl-hulse-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/14/multimedia/author-carl-hulse/author-carl-hulse-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/14/multimedia/author-carl-hulse/author-carl-hulse-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="394" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_d18b_5e35_c543_a870"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="395" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="396" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 2:35 p.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="405" style="max-width: 100%;">Representative Ken Buck’s departure next week will reduce the G.O.P.’s House majority to 218-213, meaning Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose only two votes and still pass legislation on a strict party-line vote. Special elections later this year will fill some of the vacancies, but those are months away. Any significant legislation is being passed with a combination of Republican and Democratic votes these days.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/0afeafea-51f2-5cb8-afcd-55909c731c89" data-reader-unique-id="406" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#0afeafea-51f2-5cb8-afcd-55909c731c89" data-reader-unique-id="407" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="408" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="409" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="410" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Neil Vigdor" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="411" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_6982_4158_1299_beb8"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="412" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="413" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 2:24 p.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="422" style="max-width: 100%;">Representative Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who had previously announced that he would not seek re-election this year and has criticized election deniers in his party, said on Tuesday that he would leave office early and would do so at the end of next week. </p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/d7f1352f-0d57-525a-a2ae-34f63cad80a8" data-reader-unique-id="423" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#d7f1352f-0d57-525a-a2ae-34f63cad80a8" data-reader-unique-id="424" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="425" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="426" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="427" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Peter Baker" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/13/multimedia/peter-baker/peter-baker-thumbLarge-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/13/multimedia/peter-baker/peter-baker-thumbStandard-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/13/multimedia/peter-baker/peter-baker-thumbLarge-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="428" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_5a1c_1f07_af40_1d1d"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="429" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="430" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 1:27 p.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="439" style="max-width: 100%;">President Biden spent about an hour with the Teamsters. He brought an important validator along with him: Marty Walsh, his former labor secretary who is now executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association. </p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/d8dbe9e2-18b9-5c6f-8648-ecb91144e054" data-reader-unique-id="440" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#d8dbe9e2-18b9-5c6f-8648-ecb91144e054" data-reader-unique-id="441" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="442" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="443" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="444" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Peter Baker" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/13/multimedia/peter-baker/peter-baker-thumbLarge-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/13/multimedia/peter-baker/peter-baker-thumbStandard-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/13/multimedia/peter-baker/peter-baker-thumbLarge-v3.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="445" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_f844_9f17_e8eb_abc7"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="446" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="447" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 11:15 a.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="456" style="max-width: 100%;">President Biden, who is banking on support from organized labor to beat former President Donald J. Trump this fall, is courting the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Tuesday. He will meet with the influential union’s leadership and some members in Washington behind closed doors in hopes of winning an important endorsement. Trump has previously met with the Teamsters to make his own pitch.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/9e30edb2-11ee-5d95-bbc8-ddcbfa6049e0" data-reader-unique-id="457" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#9e30edb2-11ee-5d95-bbc8-ddcbfa6049e0" data-reader-unique-id="458" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="459" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="460" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="461" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Neil Vigdor" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/07/25/reader-center/author-neil-vigdor/author-neil-vigdor-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="462" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_6697_4f20_20d4_f909"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="463" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="464" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 10:28 a.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="473" style="max-width: 100%;">Representative Adam Schiff, the front-runner in California’s open-seat Senate race and a manager in Donald Trump’s first impeachment, told MSNBC on Monday night that the former president was trying to buy time in his immunity claim case. “He’s hoping to string this out past the presidential campaign,” he said. </p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/69729f61-88a0-53d6-a363-2a4636c1938f" data-reader-unique-id="474" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#69729f61-88a0-53d6-a363-2a4636c1938f" data-reader-unique-id="475" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="476" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="477" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="478" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Michael Gold" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-michael-gold/author-michael-gold-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-michael-gold/author-michael-gold-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-michael-gold/author-michael-gold-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="479" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_ca35_99e_98dd_19bd"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="480" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="481" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 10:05 a.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="490" style="max-width: 100%;">Donald Trump will appear at a rally in Ohio on Saturday hosted by a PAC backing Bernie Moreno, who Trump is backing in the state’s competitive Senate primary. The Senate race is seen as one of Republicans’ best chances to flip a seat from Democrats in November.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/0615fc33-b44b-5197-b20d-6ed5c479d365" data-reader-unique-id="491" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#0615fc33-b44b-5197-b20d-6ed5c479d365" data-reader-unique-id="492" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="493" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="494" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="495" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Nicholas Nehamas" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/04/21/reader-center/author-nicholas-nehamas/author-nicholas-nehamas-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/04/21/reader-center/author-nicholas-nehamas/author-nicholas-nehamas-thumbStandard.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/04/21/reader-center/author-nicholas-nehamas/author-nicholas-nehamas-thumbLarge.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="496" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_c3f6_3fcf_49cd_b14e"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="497" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="498" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 9:37 a.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="507" style="max-width: 100%;">The White House announced that President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to North Carolina on March 26. The state has become <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/us/politics/biden-trump-north-carolina-georgia.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="508" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">a top target for the Biden campaign</a>, thanks in part to a high-profile governor’s race with a divisive G.O.P. candidate.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://reporterupdate/7b12bd31-0660-587c-8ef2-a1db24e41560" data-reader-unique-id="509" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="reporter-update" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#7b12bd31-0660-587c-8ef2-a1db24e41560" data-reader-unique-id="510" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="511" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-byline" data-reader-unique-id="512" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="513" style="max-width: 100%;"><img alt="Chris Cameron" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbStandard-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 75w, https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/12/01/us/politics/author-chris-cameron/author-chris-cameron-thumbLarge-v4.png?quality=75&auto=webp 150w" sizes="70px" height="70" width="70" loading="lazy" data-reader-unique-id="514" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto; width: 70px;" id="id_d5a9_da41_24bd_5d46"></span><div data-reader-unique-id="515" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="516" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024, 9:33 a.m. ETMarch 12, 2024</span></div></div></div><p data-reader-unique-id="525" style="max-width: 100%;">Donald Trump said in a social media post late Monday that he would, if elected, “free” those convicted of crimes for their role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol on his first day in office. Trump has previously suggested he would pardon Jan. 6 rioters, including Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys who was <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/us/politics/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-sentenced.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="526" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">sentenced to 22 years in prison</a> on charges of seditious conspiracy for his role in the attack.</p></div></div></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="551" style="max-width: 100%; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: rgb(27, 27, 27); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 17px;"><div data-key="nyt://article/4b8852bd-8d52-585c-ac30-88ccecf48f4a" data-reader-unique-id="552" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#rfk-jr-aaron-rodgers-jesse-ventura" data-source-id="100000009358233" data-reader-unique-id="553" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="581" style="max-width: 100%;">Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently approached the N.F.L. quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the former Minnesota governor and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura about serving as his running mate on an independent presidential ticket, and both have welcomed the overtures, two people familiar with the discussions said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="582" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Kennedy confirmed on Tuesday that the two men were at the top of his list. It is not clear if either has been formally offered the post, however, and Mr. Kennedy is still considering a shortlist of potential candidates,<strong data-reader-unique-id="583" style="max-width: 100%;"> </strong>the people familiar with the discussions said.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://article/5ebb68f7-5a45-5c61-8a8a-ebb3b2b87cb4" data-reader-unique-id="584" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#photo-carousel" data-source-id="100000009358706" data-reader-unique-id="585" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="598" style="max-width: 100%;"><section aria-label="Gallery" data-testid="Gallery" data-reader-unique-id="599" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="600" style="max-width: 100%;"><ol class="list-style-type-none" data-reader-unique-id="601" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><li data-reader-unique-id="602" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="603" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="606" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="607" style="max-width: 100%;">Mableton, Ga.</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="608" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="610" style="max-width: 100%;">Nicole Craine for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="611" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="612" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="615" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="616" style="max-width: 100%;">Atlanta</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="617" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="619" style="max-width: 100%;">Nicole Craine for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="620" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="621" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="624" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="625" style="max-width: 100%;">Cleveland, Miss.</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="626" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="628" style="max-width: 100%;">Rory Doyle for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="629" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="630" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="633" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="634" style="max-width: 100%;">Cleveland, Miss.</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="635" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="637" style="max-width: 100%;">Rory Doyle for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="638" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="639" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="642" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="643" style="max-width: 100%;">Mableton, Ga.</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="644" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="646" style="max-width: 100%;">Nicole Craine for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="647" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="648" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="651" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="652" style="max-width: 100%;">Cleveland, Miss.</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="653" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="655" style="max-width: 100%;">Rory Doyle for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="656" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="657" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="660" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="661" style="max-width: 100%;">Atlanta</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="662" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="664" style="max-width: 100%;">Nicole Craine for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="665" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="666" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="669" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="670" style="max-width: 100%;">Atlanta</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="671" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="673" style="max-width: 100%;">Christian Monterrosa for The New York Times</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="674" style="max-width: 100%; list-style-type: none; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><figure data-reader-unique-id="675" style="margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);"><p data-reader-unique-id="678" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;"><span data-reader-unique-id="679" style="max-width: 100%;">Cleveland, Miss.</span></p><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="680" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.8em; width: 604.484375px;"></figcaption></figure><span data-reader-unique-id="682" style="max-width: 100%;">Rory Doyle for The New York Times</span></li></ol></div></section></div></div></div><div data-key="nyt://article/fe506587-d495-569d-baf4-64cf0260865a" data-reader-unique-id="695" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#north-carolina-election-boards" data-source-id="100000009357584" data-reader-unique-id="696" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="711" style="max-width: 100%;">A bipartisan panel of three judges in North Carolina ruled that a Republican-led effort in the state legislature to restructure state and county election boards is unconstitutional.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="712" style="max-width: 100%;">Their ruling, which contained no dissent, leaves in place the current makeup of the state election board, which has three Democratic members and two Republican members.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://article/c1259f84-2072-51f5-b017-f53e24c4d2cd" data-reader-unique-id="713" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#biden-uncommitted-washington-israel-gaza" data-source-id="100000009355819" data-reader-unique-id="714" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="731" style="max-width: 100%;">Washington State’s primary voters will offer the next glimpse of how many Democratic voters oppose President Biden’s policy toward Israel’s war in Gaza, though it may be days before a full picture of the results is clear.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="732" style="max-width: 100%;">The state’s primary on Tuesday comes after noteworthy numbers of Democratic voters in other states chose “uncommitted” in apparent protest of Mr. Biden’s position, including <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/28/us/politics/michigan-primary-biden-trump.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="733" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">13 percent in Michigan</a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/us/politics/biden-uncommitted-protest-vote-minnesota.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="734" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">19 percent in Minnesota</a>and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/06/us/elections/results-hawaii-democratic-caucus.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="735" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">29 percent in the little-watched Democratic caucuses in Hawaii</a>, where the antiwar advocacy groups that organized elsewhere did not have a presence.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://article/cf656fc8-240c-5e4a-bd33-6f0ee1e9c595" data-reader-unique-id="736" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#rnc-trump-layoffs" data-source-id="100000009356744" data-reader-unique-id="737" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="756" style="max-width: 100%;">Days after allies took over the Republican National Committee, Donald J. Trump’s advisers are imposing mass layoffs on the party, with more than 60 officials, including senior staff members, laid off or asked to resign and then reapply for their jobs, according to two people familiar with the matter.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="757" style="max-width: 100%;">The swift changes amount to a gutting of the party apparatus eight months before the November election, with one person familiar with the operations estimating that the R.N.C. had only about 200 people on payroll at the end of February, and about 120 at its headquarters near Capitol Hill. The heads of the communications, data and political departments were among those let go.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://article/7d7e14fd-85b8-52c3-b9be-ad85df4263e1" data-reader-unique-id="758" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#republican-voters-against-trump" data-source-id="100000009354903" data-reader-unique-id="759" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="789" style="max-width: 100%;">A Republican group dedicated to opposing former President Donald J. Trump is planning to spend $50 million to stop him through a series of homemade testimonial videos of voters who backed him in past elections but say they can no longer support him in 2024.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="790" style="max-width: 100%;">The group, Republican Voters Against Trump, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/28/us/politics/republican-voters-against-trump.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="791" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">first emerged in the 2020 campaign</a> and made a return appearance <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/11/us/politics/republican-accountability-pac-trump.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="792" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">for the 2022 midterm elections</a>. It is run by Sarah Longwell, a leading figure in Never-Trump politics whose focus groups and polling are a staple of <a href="https://www.thebulwark.com/podcast/focus-group/" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-reader-unique-id="793" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">center-right podcasts</a> and have made her a go-to figure <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/us/politics/trump-presidency-election-voters.html" title="" data-reader-unique-id="794" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%;">for political reporters</a> aiming to decipher the motivations behind Trump supporters.</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://article/60d14fdc-672b-5dae-b58b-7075d998180b" data-reader-unique-id="795" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#biden-effigy-mannequin-kansas" data-source-id="100000009355356" data-reader-unique-id="796" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="810" style="max-width: 100%;">Kansas Republicans are coming under fire for holding a fund-raiser on Friday evening at which attendees physically assaulted an effigy resembling President Biden, according to video footage shared on social media over the weekend.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="811" style="max-width: 100%;">The event, which took place on Friday in Overland Park, Kan., the state’s second-largest city, was hosted by the Johnson County Republican Party and billed as “A Grand Ol’ Party: Johnson County Road to Red Event.”</p></div></div><div data-key="nyt://article/622e79e8-38fc-5e49-93ce-a1ddb8b5ae2b" data-reader-unique-id="812" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-testid="live-blog-post" data-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/03/12/us/2024-election-trump-biden#trump-mocks-biden-stutter" data-source-id="100000009355209" data-reader-unique-id="813" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="828" style="max-width: 100%;">Róisín McManus has stuttered her whole life. When she saw the video start to circulate of former President Donald J. Trump at a rally on Saturday imitating President Biden stuttering, she had two competing reactions.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="829" style="max-width: 100%;">The first was: <em data-reader-unique-id="830" style="max-width: 100%;">Of course. </em>Mr. Trump had made fun of Mr. Biden’s stutter before, and a part of Ms. McManus figured he would do it again. But as she watched and rewatched the clip, the other reaction was a painful one.“</p></div></div></div> John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-26822393563247977162024-03-12T12:34:00.005-04:002024-03-12T12:34:44.152-04:00How Robert Hur’s Portrayal of Biden’s Memory Compares With the Transcript - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">How the Special Counsel’s Portrayal of Biden’s Memory Compares With the Transcript</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"The special counsel, Robert K. Hur, accused the president last month of “significant” memory problems. The interview transcript offers context to his report.</h2><header data-reader-unique-id="19" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="32" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="33" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="34" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="35" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="36" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/12/multimedia/12dc-transcript-cmzf/12dc-transcript-cmzf-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="37" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/12/multimedia/12dc-transcript-cmzf/12dc-transcript-cmzf-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="38" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/12/multimedia/12dc-transcript-cmzf/12dc-transcript-cmzf-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A side view of President Biden wearing a blue suit and a white shirt while standing at a lectern." data-reader-unique-id="39" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 60vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/12/multimedia/12dc-transcript-cmzf/12dc-transcript-cmzf-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/12/multimedia/12dc-transcript-cmzf/12dc-transcript-cmzf-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/12/multimedia/12dc-transcript-cmzf/12dc-transcript-cmzf-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/12/multimedia/12dc-transcript-cmzf/12dc-transcript-cmzf-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="40" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="41" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">The special counsel’s report touched off a political furor amid President Biden’s re-election campaign.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="42" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="43" style="max-width: 100%;">Maansi Srivastava/The New York Times</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><div data-reader-unique-id="45" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="46" style="max-width: 100%;"><div aria-hidden="true" data-reader-unique-id="47" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="48" href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/charlie-savage" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="Charlie Savage" data-reader-unique-id="49" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/12/multimedia/author-charlie-savage/author-charlie-savage-thumbLarge-v2.png" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" title="Charlie Savage" /></a></div><div data-reader-unique-id="50" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="51" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="52" style="max-width: 100%;">By<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span data-reader-unique-id="53" itemprop="name" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="54" href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/charlie-savage" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Charlie Savage</a></span></p><div data-reader-unique-id="55" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="56" style="max-width: 100%;">Charlie Savage writes about national security and legal policy.</p></div></div></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="57" data-testid="reading-time-module" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="58" style="max-width: 100%;"><time data-reader-unique-id="59" datetime="2024-03-12T10:13:30-04:00" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="60" style="max-width: 100%;">March 12, 2024</span><span data-reader-unique-id="61" style="max-width: 100%;">Updated<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-reader-unique-id="62" style="max-width: 100%;">10:13 a.m. ET</span></span></time></p></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="64" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">A transcript of a special counsel’s hourslong interview of President Biden over his handling of classified files shows that on several occasions the president fumbled with dates and the sequence of events, while otherwise appearing clearheaded.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="68" style="max-width: 100%;">A lightly redacted copy of the transcript, which is more than 250 pages and was reviewed by The New York Times, was sent to Congress hours before the special counsel,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="69" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/12/us/politics/robert-hur-biden-report.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">Robert K. Hur</a>, was<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="70" href="https://judiciary.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/hearing-report-special-counsel-robert-k-hur" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">set to testify on Tuesday</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in front of the House Judiciary Committee. Democrats on the panel<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="71" href="https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/uploadedfiles/doj-hjc-hur-0000033-0000191.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">later released the document</a>.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">In a report released last month, Mr. Hur concluded that there was<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="78" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/08/us/biden-documents-investigation-report-takeaways.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">insufficient evidence to charge Mr. Biden</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>with a crime after classified documents ended up in an office he used after his vice presidency and in his home in Delaware. But the report also portrayed Mr. Biden, 81, as an “elderly man with a poor memory,” touching off a political furor amid his re-election campaign.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="81" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="82" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="83" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden’s lawyers, who were present for five hours of questioning over two days, have<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="84" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/15/us/politics/joe-biden-special-counsel.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">challenged the damaging portrait by Mr. Hur</a>, a former Trump administration official. But<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="85" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/14/us/politics/biden-transcript-release.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">the transcript had not been publicly available</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to evaluate Mr. Hur’s assessment that Mr. Biden’s memory has “significant limitations.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="86" style="max-width: 100%;">Here are some highlights:</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="87" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden repeatedly said he did not recall or know certain details.</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="88" style="max-width: 100%;">In trying to determine whether Mr. Biden had willfully retained certain classified documents, Mr. Hur repeatedly pressed him for details, like where and how his staff stored classified documents, who packed up when his vice presidency ended and where particular files had gone.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden, who has denied wrongdoing, repeatedly demurred, saying he did not recall or had no idea how his staff handled such matters, and observing that there was “a continuum of a lot of these people” who assisted with those tasks.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%;">He also said he did not recall seeing the most sensitive files investigators found — concerning the Afghanistan war that were in a tattered cardboard box in his garage in Delaware, along with a jumble of unrelated materials — and did not know how they got there.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;">“I don’t remember how a beat-up box got in the garage,” he said, speculating that someone packing up must have just tossed stuff into it. He added that he had “no goddamn idea” what was in a tranche of files shipped to his house and “didn’t even bother to go through them.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="94" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="95" style="max-width: 100%;"><h2 data-reader-unique-id="96" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden particularly fumbled with dates when talking about his son’s death.</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="97" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Hur’s most striking assertion about Mr. Biden’s memory was that he “did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died.” The death of his son from cancer, in May 2015, was one of the most emotional moments in Mr. Biden’s personal life — and the subject of a memoir he wrote with a ghostwriter in 2017.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="98" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden expressed particular outrage about that line. “How in the hell dare he raise that?” the president said during a news conference held hours after Mr. Hur’s report became public. “Frankly, when I was asked the question I thought to myself, it wasn’t any of their damn business.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="99" style="max-width: 100%;">The transcript shows that Mr. Hur did not specifically ask when Beau Biden had died. Instead, Mr. Hur pressed Mr. Biden about where he kept papers related to work he did after leaving the vice presidency in January 2017, like teaching at a think tank in Washington, a cancer “moonshot” project and the book he wrote about Beau’s death.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="100" style="max-width: 100%;">At that point, Mr. Biden, who sometimes stutters, began to stammer and garble matters. He said “when I got out of the Senate” when he meant to refer to leaving the vice presidency, and he seemingly conflated events in 2015, when Beau died and Mr. Biden chose not to run against Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, with events in 2017, when he wrote the memoir and decided to run for president in the 2020 cycle:</p><blockquote data-reader-unique-id="101" style="border-left-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 6px; max-width: 100%; padding-left: 16px;"><p data-reader-unique-id="102" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: Well, um … I, I, I, I, I don’t know. This is, what, 2017, 2018, that area?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="103" style="max-width: 100%;">HUR: Yes, sir.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="104" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: Remember, in this time frame, my son is — either been deployed or is dying, and, and so it was — and by the way, there were still a lot of people at the time when I got out of the Senate that were encouraging me to run in this period, except the president. I’m not — and not a mean thing to say. He just thought that she had a better shot of winning the presidency than I did. And so I hadn’t, I hadn’t, at this point — even though I’m at Penn, I hadn’t walked away from the idea that I may run for office again. But if I ran again, I’d be running for president. And, and so what was happening, though — what month did Beau die? Oh, God, May 30 —</p><p data-reader-unique-id="105" style="max-width: 100%;">RACHEL COTTON, A WHITE HOUSE LAWYER: 2015.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="106" style="max-width: 100%;">UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: 2015.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="107" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: Was it 2015 he had died?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="108" style="max-width: 100%;">UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: It was May of 2015.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="109" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: It was 2015.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="110" style="max-width: 100%;">ROBERT BAUER, BIDEN’S PERSONAL LAWYER: Or — I’m not sure of the month, sir, but I think that was the year.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="111" style="max-width: 100%;">MARC KRICKBAUM, HUR’S DEPUTY: That’s right, Mr. President. It —</p><p data-reader-unique-id="112" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: And what’s happened in the meantime is that as — and Trump gets elected in November of 2017?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="113" style="max-width: 100%;">UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: 2016.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="114" style="max-width: 100%;">UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: ’16.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="115" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: ’16, 2016. All right. So — why do I have 2017 here?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="116" style="max-width: 100%;">ED SISKEL, BIDEN’S WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: That’s when you left office, January of 2017.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="117" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: Yeah, OK. But that’s when Trump gets sworn in, January.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="118" style="max-width: 100%;">SISKEL: Right.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="119" style="max-width: 100%;">BAUER: Right, correct.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="120" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: OK, yeah. And in 2017, Beau had passed and — this is personal …</p></blockquote><p data-reader-unique-id="121" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden then recounted Beau’s death; how he came to write the subsequent book “Promise Me, Dad,” based on his son’s dying request that he stay involved in public service; and how he decided in 2017, after a rally by white nationalists in Charlottesville, Va., to run for president against Donald J. Trump.</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="122" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden had several other miscues.</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="123" style="max-width: 100%;">The transcript also contained some minor seeming slips that went unmentioned in Mr. Hur’s report. For example, Mr. Biden needed to be nudged to recall the name of the federal agency that takes custody of official records — the National Archives — or that fax machine is the name of the device that transmits images of documents over phone lines.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="126" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="127" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="128" style="max-width: 100%;">But Mr. Hur made a particularly striking assertion in stating that Mr. Biden “did not remember when he was vice president.” As evidence, Mr. Hur quoted him as saying, “If it was 2013 — when did I stop being vice president?” According to the report, Mr. Biden displayed similar confusion on the second day of questioning, asking, “In 2009, am I still vice president?”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="129" style="max-width: 100%;">The transcript provides context for those lines. In both instances, Mr. Biden said the wrong year but appeared to recognize that he had misspoken and immediately stopped to seek clarity and orient himself.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="130" style="max-width: 100%;">The first unfolded as Mr. Biden stressed that he did not know how material about an internal Obama administration debate in 2009 about the Afghanistan war had ended up in his Delaware garage:</p><blockquote data-reader-unique-id="131" style="border-left-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 6px; max-width: 100%; padding-left: 16px;"><p data-reader-unique-id="132" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: Somebody must’ve, packing this up, just picked up all the stuff and put it in a box, because I didn’t.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="133" style="max-width: 100%;">HUR: OK. Do you have any idea where this material would’ve been before it got moved into the garage?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="134" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: Well, if it was 2013 — when did I stop being vice president?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="135" style="max-width: 100%;">COTTON: 2017.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="136" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: So I was vice president. So it must’ve come from vice-president stuff. That’s all I can think of.</p></blockquote><p data-reader-unique-id="137" style="max-width: 100%;">The second happened when Mr. Biden was asked about how a particular folder of those same documents ended up in his garage. Again discussing the end of his vice presidency in 2017, he mistakenly instead invoked the year the documents were from:</p><blockquote data-reader-unique-id="138" style="border-left-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 6px; max-width: 100%; padding-left: 16px;"><p data-reader-unique-id="139" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: My problem was I never knew where any of the documents or boxes were specifically coming from or who packed them. Just did I get them delivered to me. And so this is — I’m, at this stage, in 2009, am I still vice president?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="140" style="max-width: 100%;">[indiscernible whispering]</p><p data-reader-unique-id="141" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: Yeah, OK.</p></blockquote><p data-reader-unique-id="142" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Krickbaum then said he saw that Mr. Biden was “flipping ahead” and the conversation moved on.</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="143" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Mr. Hur was selective in portraying Mr. Biden’s memory of an ambassador’s position.</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="144" style="max-width: 100%;">In portraying the president’s memory as unusually faulty, Mr. Hur singled out one other issue: whether Mr. Biden accurately remembered the stance of a diplomat in Afghanistan. According to the report, Mr. Biden, in discussing a memo he wrote to President Barack Obama in 2009 arguing against a surge of additional troops to Afghanistan, had mistakenly said he “had a real difference” of opinion with Karl Eikenberry, who was the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan. In fact, Mr. Hur noted, Mr. Eikenberry, like Mr. Biden, had opposed a surge.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="145" style="max-width: 100%;">That line came when Mr. Biden interrupted himself during a lengthy recollection of the internal administration debate over whether Mr. Obama should order a surge:</p><blockquote data-reader-unique-id="146" style="border-left-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 6px; max-width: 100%; padding-left: 16px;"><p data-reader-unique-id="147" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: I’ll just tell you one thing, it has nothing to do with the investigation, you’ll understand why this is sensitive. The president thought that I knew a lot more about Afghanistan than he did and other members of the administration. He knew I had a real difference with the key foreign policy types, particularly — whether it was Eikenberry or whether it was — anyway. And he was looking for me to make my case as strong as I could, without him having to ask for it or being associated with it, because his concern in this period was he didn’t have overwhelming foreign policy experience, and how could he take on the most premier members of the foreign policy establishment in his administration. Quite a few that said, go, do this. So he was looking for me to make the strongest case I could. So I’d be the guy that’d basically take the heat, which I was prepared to do because I knew as much about it as they did.</p></blockquote><p data-reader-unique-id="148" style="max-width: 100%;">Notably, later that same day, Mr. Biden invoked Mr. Eikenberry again. In that passage, Mr. Biden made clear that he recalled that Mr. Eikenberry shared his opposition to sending additional troops to Afghanistan. Mr. Biden was discussing a typed file he may or may not have seen before writing his 2009 memo to Mr. Obama.</p><blockquote data-reader-unique-id="149" style="border-left-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 6px; max-width: 100%; padding-left: 16px;"><p data-reader-unique-id="150" style="max-width: 100%;">BIDEN: I received this before I wrote the other, it was added argument why he should listen to my argument. I’m talking about — you know, “I had a long conversation with Eikenberry, yes, I urge you to call him before you make a decision. Karl can speak for himself and he has eloquently in some of his cables, let me relay just a few things. Adding troops will not speed up the ability to train Afghans because…” etc. So these are criticisms of the proposal that was being made to the president by, by others in the administration wanting him to double down in Afghanistan.</p></blockquote><p data-reader-unique-id="151" style="max-width: 100%;">In his report, Mr. Hur did not mention this second discussion of Mr. Eikenberry’s position.</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="152" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden appeared clearheaded most of the time.</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="153" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden went into great detail about many matters, the transcript shows. He made jokes over the two days, teasing the prosecutors. And at certain points, he corrected his interrogators when they were the ones who misspoke.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="156" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="157" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="158" style="max-width: 100%;">When Mr. Hur showed him a photograph and suggested that two documents resembled each other, Mr. Biden objected to the comparison. When Mr. Krickbaum misquoted Mr. Biden as having told his ghostwriter that he had found material “marked” classified, Mr. Biden interrupted to question his inaccurate addition of that word.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="159" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Biden also critically evaluated Mr. Hur’s strategy. At the end of the first day of questioning, he told his lawyers, “They’re obviously trying to establish something.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="160" style="max-width: 100%;">On the second day, when Mr. Krickbaum insinuated that Mr. Biden had improperly held onto personal diaries from his vice presidency in which he had recorded accounts of sensitive meetings, Mr. Biden forcefully stressed, “Every president before me has done the same exact thing.” He added, “I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="161" style="max-width: 100%;">When Mr. Hur suggested that classified files found in Mr. Biden’s garage may have once been stored in a desk in his house that contained similar-looking folders, Mr. Biden questioned that premise. He argued that it was more likely that both sets were originally shipped to the garage, and someone — not him — had just found the one set and so put it in his desk.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="162" style="max-width: 100%;">And when Mr. Biden provided a lengthy description of the layout of his house in Delaware — portions of which were redacted in the transcript for security reasons — Mr. Hur observed that Mr. Biden appeared to have “a photographic understanding and, and recall of the house.”</p></div></div></section></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/12/us/politics/hur-biden-memory-transcript.html">How Robert Hur’s Portrayal of Biden’s Memory Compares With the Transcript - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-57443007942142509072024-03-11T11:45:00.005-04:002024-03-11T11:45:36.912-04:00A city on Md.’s Eastern Shore apologizes for lynchings of three Black men - The Washington Post<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">A Maryland city’s apology for lynchings rings hollow for some</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">The 1898 and 1931 lynchings of three Black men have cast a long shadow over Salisbury, say advocates pushing for a more comprehensive apology</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><a class="byline" data-qa="author-name" data-reader-unique-id="12" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/joe-heim/?itid=ai_top_heimjd" rel="author" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Joe Heim</a></div><figure data-reader-unique-id="7" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="8" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="9" height="400" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="10" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(max-width: 1023px) 916px,(max-width: 1199px) 1200px,(min-width: 1200px) 1440px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7YZC5TC2YTVOH63LAYTP6ZVBM_size-normalized.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7YZC5TC2YTVOH63LAYTP6ZVBM_size-normalized.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7YZC5TC2YTVOH63LAYTP6ZVBM_size-normalized.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7YZC5TC2YTVOH63LAYTP6ZVBM_size-normalized.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7YZC5TC2YTVOH63LAYTP6ZVBM_size-normalized.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7YZC5TC2YTVOH63LAYTP6ZVBM_size-normalized.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/U7YZC5TC2YTVOH63LAYTP6ZVBM_size-normalized.jpg&w=1440&impolicy=high_res 1440w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="11" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;">A sign on the history of lynchings in Salisbury, Md., on Feb. 27. (Michael Robinson Chávez for The Washington Pos)</figcaption></figure><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="3" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="4" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">This city of 33,000 on Maryland’s Eastern Shore moved one step closer to reckoning with its past as its elected officials last week approved an apology for the long-ago lynchings of three Black men.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="5" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="6" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">In the lynchings by local White mobs in 1898 and 1931, there was no trial, no evidence presented, no judge, no jury. Instead, the public executions were meted out with unchecked viciousness as the men were beaten, hanged, shot, paraded through town and, in one instance, set on fire.</p></div></div><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/10/lynching-apology-salisbury-maryland-racism/">A city on Md.’s Eastern Shore apologizes for lynchings of three Black men - The Washington Post</a><div><br /></div><div><header class="post-full__header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(81, 81, 81); color: #515151; flex: 1 1 0%; font-family: "Droid Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.25rem;"><h3 class="post-full__title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #45322f; font-family: serif; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 0.4rem;"><a class="post-full__title-link" href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #45322f; text-decoration-line: none;">The Lynching of George Armwood</a></h3><section class="post-full__meta" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b4b8be; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; font-size: 0.6rem; margin-bottom: 0.5em;"><span class="post-full__dateline" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.6rem; margin-right: 0.3rem; position: relative;">03/01/2022</span><span class="post-full__type" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.6rem; margin-right: 0.3rem; position: relative;">in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/categories/maryland" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; font-size: 0.6rem; text-decoration-line: none;">Maryland</a></span><span class="post-full__author" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.6rem;">by<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.6rem;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/users/henry-kokkeler" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; font-size: 0.6rem; text-decoration-line: none;" title="View user profile.">Henry Kokkeler</a></span></span><span class="post-full__mini-social" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.6rem; margin-left: 0.4rem;"><ul class="social-share sm" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-flex; justify-content: center; margin: 0px 0.4rem 0px 0px;"><a class="facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood" rel="noopener nofollow" style="background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20width%3D%2214%22%20height%3D%2225%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m12.556%2014.063.694-4.525H8.909V6.602c0-1.238.606-2.444%202.55-2.444h1.974V.306S11.643%200%209.93%200C6.354%200%204.018%202.167%204.018%206.09v3.448H.043v4.524h3.975V25h4.89V14.062h3.648Z%22%20fill%3D%22%23FFF%22%20fill-rule%3D%22nonzero%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E") center center / 40% no-repeat rgb(37, 92, 149); 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This post contains detailed descriptions of extreme violence from contemporary accounts and more recent analysis. We have elected to include these details in an effort to convey the horror of the lynch mob that murdered George Armwood because the crime and its aftermath illustrate the dynamics of racial terror that were all too prevalent in early 20th century America.</em></p><div class="aligncenter" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><figure class="align-center" role="group" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; margin: 0px auto;"><article class="media-embed" data-entity-embed-display="view_mode:media.embed" height="522" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;" title="George Armwood transported to Baltimore by two police officers" width="715"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="Two police officers transport prisoner George Armwood to Baltimore in the US state of Maryland." height="251" loading="lazy" src="https://boundarystones.weta.org/sites/default/files/styles/embed/public/George-Arwood_1933_Alamy_2GY4RM8%5B37%5D.jpg?itok=d_1KXvdX" style="background-color: #e5e5e5; border: 1px solid rgb(206, 206, 206); box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 6px; width: 360px;" title="George Armwood transported to Baltimore by two police officers" width="346" /></div></article><figcaption style="border-bottom-color: rgb(206, 206, 206); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">Two police officers transport prisoner George Armwood to Baltimore on October 17, 1933, the day before he was lynched. [Source:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.alamy.com/two-police-officers-transport-prisoner-george-armwood-to-baltimore-in-the-us-state-of-maryland-there-later-that-day-he-was-broken-out-of-jail-by-a-crowd-and-hanged-from-a-tree-in-front-of-the-local-judges-house-automated-translation-image446961320.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">Alamy Stock Photo</a>]</figcaption></figure></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Across the Chesapeake Bay, in Princess Anne, Maryland, William Jones was constructing a pine casket for George Armwood, Maryland’s latest victim of a lynch mob. As the Baltimore<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>reporter Ralph Matthews noted, white onlookers, some of whom participated in the previous night’s “torture of a fellow human being,” stood by, watching.<span data-footnote-id="pgndy" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-1" id="footnote-marker-1-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[1]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The sound of the 60-year-old’s hammer sending spikes into the makeshift box penetrated the stillness of the gathered crowd, comprised of both Black and white spectators—their silence in sharp contrast to the howling and terror of a town erupting with the “lust for the blood of a black man” only a day before.<span data-footnote-id="6n1jz" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-2" id="footnote-marker-2-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jones, “a little dark-skinned man,” thought back to his grandfather as he hammered the nails into the rickety coffin, who as a child he witnessed being sold into slavery, “never to return to his loved ones again.”<span data-footnote-id="frx65" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-3" id="footnote-marker-3-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Armwood’s loved ones didn’t appear on the scene that day. Neither his mother, his siblings, nor his friends were to be found. He received no burial ceremony either: “There were no tears, no psalms, no prayers” as the twenty-two-year-old’s charred and mangled body was laid inside the coffin and taken to a potter’s grave.<span data-footnote-id="jeo9d" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-4" id="footnote-marker-4-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[4]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The “death-like silence” of the spectators as they looked upon Armwood’s body captured the inarticulate confrontation with the sadistic and savage core of white supremacy.<span data-footnote-id="5icyb" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-5" id="footnote-marker-5-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[5]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A silence whose repression among the white population left them complicit in upholding the violence and hierarchy of America’s racial order, and leaving the tortured task of remembrance to the brutalized Black community.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">No one knew then that Armwood would be Maryland’s last recorded lynching, but in the environment of the 1930s there was little reason to suspect it would be. While the ‘30s witnessed a national decline of lynchings, rates surged in 1933, the year of Armwood’s murder, with at least 24 recorded Black lynchings.<span data-footnote-id="0kbpy" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-6" id="footnote-marker-6-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[6]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Armwood’s murder also came less than two years after the lynching of Matthew Williams in Salisbury, Maryland and only a few months after an outbreak of “lynch fever” in the state.<span data-footnote-id="jvgc0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-7" id="footnote-marker-7-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[7]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Blacks on the Eastern Shore “were well acquainted with the reality of mob violence,” observed civil rights lawyer and historian Sherrilyn A. Ifill.<span data-footnote-id="cwhac" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-8" id="footnote-marker-8-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[8]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Fallout from the Great Depression spurned resentment from many white Americans, who increasingly called on African Americans to be fired from their jobs. Mob assaults and racial violence also surged at this time, particularly in the South.<span data-footnote-id="5da48" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-9" id="footnote-marker-9-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[9]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The increase in racial violence was both a brutally real phenomenon and a spectacle to be capitalized upon. The headline in a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">New York Times</em>article called Armwood’s murder the “Wildest Lynching Orgy” in Maryland’s history.<span data-footnote-id="ct3k9" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-10" id="footnote-marker-10-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[10]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Lynching</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Armwood was lynched on October 18, 1933. He was accused on October 16 of attempting to assault and rape a seventy-one-year-old white woman named Mary Denston.<span data-footnote-id="ysf58" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-11" id="footnote-marker-11-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[11]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s believed that immediately after the alleged assault, Armwood took refuge in the home of his white employer, John Richardson.<span data-footnote-id="vxwxu" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-12" id="footnote-marker-12-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[12]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Armwood was soon captured there by the police, and, according to his mother’s eyewitness testimony, was dragged out of the house and beaten so badly she thought “they would kill him” on the spot.<span data-footnote-id="xja5r" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-13" id="footnote-marker-13-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[13]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But Armwood survived, and was sent to the jailhouse in Salisbury ten miles north—placing distance between him and any potential lynch mobs in Princess Anne.<span data-footnote-id="6qo0h" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-14" id="footnote-marker-14-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[14]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">To those who knew him, Armwood was “a very quiet fellow” and “a good worker.”<span data-footnote-id="s5a2j" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-15" id="footnote-marker-15-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[15]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He “labored hard, never complained, and was liked by everyone who saw him.”<span data-footnote-id="9dfq6" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-16" id="footnote-marker-16-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[16]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>John Waters, a childhood friend of Armwood’s, added that he “was a little off at times.”<span data-footnote-id="1o22h" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-17" id="footnote-marker-17-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[17]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Armwood’s mother also claimed that his “mental condition was not the best.”<span data-footnote-id="3nnl5" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-18" id="footnote-marker-18-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[18]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>However, as has been noted by Sherrilyn Ifill, such claims were frequently made about lynched Black men and should be treated with some skepticism.<span data-footnote-id="o1l4a" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-19" id="footnote-marker-19-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[19]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">By the time Armwood was arrested, lynch mobs were already forming in the region. Potential lynchers, driving around town in their rage to find him, even ran over and killed a 7-year-old Black girl.<span data-footnote-id="0ul0q" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-20" id="footnote-marker-20-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[20]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For his own safety, Armwood was moved to a prison in Baltimore.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Almost immediately, Somerset County Judge Robert F. Duer and State Attorney John B. Robins called for Armwood’s return.<span data-footnote-id="umlmw" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-21" id="footnote-marker-21-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[21]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They were pressured by their white constituents, who, bitter over previous instances in which Black prisoners were moved to Baltimore for protection, craved vengeance.<span data-footnote-id="a5y85" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-22" id="footnote-marker-22-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[22]</a></span>Robins even promised “ample protection” for Armwood.<span data-footnote-id="jji8t" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-23" id="footnote-marker-23-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[23]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maryland Governor Albert C. Ritchie, assured of the prisoner’s safety and warning the judge and state’s attorney that whatever happens to Armwood would be their responsibility, assented to the request.<span data-footnote-id="bv9mp" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-24" id="footnote-marker-24-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[24]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On the night of the 17th, Armwood was back in Princess Anne.<span data-footnote-id="zxwwz" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-25" id="footnote-marker-25-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[25]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">But Armwood’s fate was already sealed. According to one visitor, all afternoon the talk on the street was that Armwood was going to be lynched: “Everybody in Princess Anne knew it.”<span data-footnote-id="zgmlv" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-26" id="footnote-marker-26-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[26]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">On the evening of the 18th, a mob assembled outside the Princess Anne jailhouse. This was the worst-case scenario for Judge Duer. Before heading off to dinner, he drove by the jail to address the crowd, telling them he was “one of them” and that he would hold them “to their honor” to avoid impeding the legal system.<span data-footnote-id="bf00d" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-27" id="footnote-marker-27-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[27]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gov. Ritchie later stated that Duer personally called and assured him that there would be “no trouble of any kind and that it was perfectly safe to leave Armwood in Princess Anne.”<span data-footnote-id="zzdo2" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-28" id="footnote-marker-28-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[28]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But the crowd spurned Duer. They stayed, and their fury grew.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">By 8:30 p.m., hundreds of white men, women, and children were on the scene.<span data-footnote-id="802f9" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-29" id="footnote-marker-29-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[29]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They taunted and assaulted the officers guarding the building. Tear gas rained down on the mob, but it wasn’t enough to prevent state police from being overwhelmed, leading to their withdrawal.<span data-footnote-id="xzift" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-30" id="footnote-marker-30-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[30]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Using a nearby telephone pole as a makeshift battering ram, the mob broke through the jailhouse doors. They found Armwood hiding under his mattress, where he was almost immediately stabbed.<span data-footnote-id="97dg1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-31" id="footnote-marker-31-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[31]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, the mob dragged him out to a howling crowd of around 2,000 spectators where he was savagely beaten.<span data-footnote-id="ovft5" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-32" id="footnote-marker-32-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[32]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">According to the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, the lynching had an “atmosphere of a bloody carnival.”<span data-footnote-id="k1w4f" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-33" id="footnote-marker-33-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[33]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As Armwood was dragged down the steps of the jail, an 18-year-old came up to him and cut his ear off.<span data-footnote-id="hqiqq" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-34" id="footnote-marker-34-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[34]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The mob then took Armwood all the way to a tree near Judge Duer’s house where he was hanged and tortured. One witness saw “high school girls and their boy friends parading along” the mob as he was dragged around town.<span data-footnote-id="5i5b0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-35" id="footnote-marker-35-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[35]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Afterwards, the mob dragged his body to the local courthouse, where it was doused with gasoline and burned.<span data-footnote-id="l8jok" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-36" id="footnote-marker-36-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[36]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One woman was observed telling her reluctant daughter to come “watch the N—— being barbecued.”<span data-footnote-id="9l0fv" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-37" id="footnote-marker-37-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[37]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The mob then dumped Armwood’s scorched body in a nearby lumberyard, where, as scholar Andor Skotnes noted, “Black schoolchildren and adults had to pass it on their way to school and work the next morning.”<span data-footnote-id="s0s6i" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-38" id="footnote-marker-38-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[38]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mary Denston’s son, who stated he was “satisfied” with the lynching, took part of the rope that Armwood was hanged with as a “souvenir.”<span data-footnote-id="ac8xd" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-39" id="footnote-marker-39-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[39]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To one Baltimorean who witnessed the lynching, the quality that stood out was the lack of drunkenness among the mob: “That crowd at Princess Anne was sober,” he said, and it howled with an indescribable noise.<span data-footnote-id="bwcql" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-40" id="footnote-marker-40-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[40]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>’s Clarence Mitchell captured the gory aftermath: “The skin of George Armwood was scorched and blackened while his face had suffered many blows from sharp objects and heavy instruments. A cursory glance revealed that one ear was missing and his tongue, between his clenched teeth, gave evidence of his great agony before death.”<span data-footnote-id="3x5gz" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-41" id="footnote-marker-41-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[41]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Aftermath</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">In the end, none of Armwood’s attackers were ever held accountable. A grand jury hearing featured testimony from forty-two witnesses, including Black witnesses, some of whom were held in the jailhouse with Armwood on the night of his murder. All testified that they could not identify anyone involved in the lynching.<span data-footnote-id="zo9bg" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-42" id="footnote-marker-42-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[42]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">When officials were able to identify suspects, the local white community rallied around them. In the weeks following the murder, the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://tile.loc.gov/streaming-services/iiif/service:mbrs:ntscrm:02766129:02766129/full/full/0/125,32/default.mp4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">Maryland National Guard entered Salisbury to capture four suspects believed to be involved in the lynching</a>. A riot broke out as one thousand whites from the community—who sought to protect the suspects—clashed with the Guard. After the violence cleared and the suspects were captured, a habeus corpus hearing was held the following day. The four men were cleared of any charges and released—to cheers from the white community.<span data-footnote-id="vzcs4" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-43" id="footnote-marker-43-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[43]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the end, a “conspiracy of silence” took over the town.<span data-footnote-id="flcny" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-44" id="footnote-marker-44-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[44]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">As historian Sherrilyn Ifill remarked, Armwood’s lynching “may be the only one in the history of the United States in which nearly a dozen lynchers were identified based on the sworn affidavits of police officers, and in which four lynchers were arrested by the National Guard, and yet still no indictments were issued.”<span data-footnote-id="nd4vf" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-45" id="footnote-marker-45-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[45]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The outcome was “consistent with the history of lynching investigations in Maryland. In the fourteen cases of reported lynchings in Maryland beginning in 1885 and ending in 1933, no suspected lynchers were ever indicted.”<span data-footnote-id="aqn61" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-46" id="footnote-marker-46-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[46]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Local Reactions</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">After Armwood’s murder, many white residents in the Eastern Shore responded with outrage—not at the mob, but at the law. According to the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, one white resident “thought lynching was the civic duty of persons who recognized that the machinery of justice was too slow.”<span data-footnote-id="upz03" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-47" id="footnote-marker-47-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[47]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The resident was referencing a court case involving Euel Lee, a suit in which a Black man was convicted of murder after a lengthy trial. Lee, who escaped a lynching when he was arrested in 1931,<span data-footnote-id="j5lm8" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-48" id="footnote-marker-48-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[48]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>was sentenced to death, but his execution was temporarily halted in October 1933 after efforts by the International Labor Defense, the legal advocacy organization of the Communist Party of the United States of America. (At the time, the ILD was also representing the Scottsboro Boys, and helped create mass publicity for the case.) Lee was executed on October 27, less than two weeks after the Armwood lynching.<span data-footnote-id="m4ska" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-49" id="footnote-marker-49-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[49]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The Lee case and the presence of the ILD inspired many white residents to blame the communists for George Armwood’s murder.<span data-footnote-id="dli9i" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-50" id="footnote-marker-50-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[50]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Governor Ritchie was also in the crosshairs. As Salisbury minister Leonard White told the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baltimore Sun</em>, “there would not have been a lynching” had the state had a different governor.<span data-footnote-id="bn0dd" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-51" id="footnote-marker-51-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[51]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>By December, especially after the battle with the National Guard, anti-Ritchie sentiment was common on the Shore—a harbinger of his political future.<span data-footnote-id="l9yko" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-52" id="footnote-marker-52-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[52]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Crisfield Times</em>, equivocating around the lawlessness of the mob’s action, declared that “the greatest deterrent to rape is lynching.”<span data-footnote-id="4tf1h" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-53" id="footnote-marker-53-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[53]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Later, it added that while “Eastern Shoremen are not proud of a lynching,” it is “an extremely unpleasant duty that must be performed at times.”<span data-footnote-id="xfjk0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-54" id="footnote-marker-54-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[54]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In response to the Sun’s continued coverage of events following the lynching, many white Shoremen confiscated the newspaper across the region and burned them.<span data-footnote-id="wkjf0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-55" id="footnote-marker-55-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[55]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">As scholar Andor Skotnes noted, “a very large portion of the region's White community and its officials clearly supported the lynching.”<span data-footnote-id="wuwn3" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-56" id="footnote-marker-56-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[56]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There were few exceptions, including one progressive white Baltimore reverend—a former Shore resident—who responded: “I feel ashamed of being an Eastern Shore man. I feel ashamed of being a white man.”<span data-footnote-id="u1byt" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-57" id="footnote-marker-57-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[57]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">But the white community wasn’t alone in their equivocation. The weight of white supremacy in the region influenced the reaction of many Blacks who faced a reasonable fear of post-lynching violence and intimidation. In December, three Black leaders on the Shore released a shocking statement that placed full responsibility for the lynching on ILD lawyer Bernard Ades, attorney for Euel Lee.<span data-footnote-id="p8dcx" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-58" id="footnote-marker-58-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[58]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The authors, Rev. James. M. Dickerson, former schoolteacher James L. Johnson, and mortician James F. Stewart, denounced Ades “and his ilk,” who they charged with spreading “Communist propaganda” from Russia. The group also blamed Ades’ “tactics” for the lynching of Matthew Williams. (The<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Salisbury Times</em>, where the Black leaders’ statement was published, refused to cover the Williams lynching in 1931.)<span data-footnote-id="f2quk" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-59" id="footnote-marker-59-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[59]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The statement also distorted race-relations on the Eastern Shore: “We enjoy the lives we live here on this beautiful Shore, graced by nature and abounding in plenty. We feel that our people here, on the average are more intelligent, more understanding, more prosperous, more industrious and happier than are our people in any other section of this nation.”</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Others saw through the statement’s pandering to the white community. The<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>denounced the authors as the “Three Uncle Jameses.”<span data-footnote-id="g9aoy" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-60" id="footnote-marker-60-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[60]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It added: “The Lynching Shore has sunk pretty low when it can get any colored person to issue such a left-handed glorification of murderers.”<span data-footnote-id="2mdz9" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-61" id="footnote-marker-61-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[61]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nineteen Black leaders on the Shore issued their own public denunciation, asserting that Dickerson, Johnson and Stewart “do not and cannot speak for anyone but themselves and those to whose paper the saw fit to affix their names.”<span data-footnote-id="2h6qq" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-62" id="footnote-marker-62-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[62]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They also noted the underlying fear-ridden motivation: “the ‘statement’ bears all the ear marks of a command to ‘sign on the dotted line,’ by some interest which would profit most by impressing the public that the Negro on the Eastern Shore is spineless.”</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">The response marked a shift in Black resistance to white supremacy in the region. “They refused to acquiesce in efforts to shift responsibility for the lynchings away from Eastern Shore whites,” wrote Sherrilyn Ifill.<span data-footnote-id="rc5uy" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-63" id="footnote-marker-63-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[63]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Moreover, Ifill added, by making their reply public, they offered an “unequivocal alternative account of a black response to the lynchings.”</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Black Freedom Movement is Energized</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Armwood’s murder inspired a new wave of anti-lynching activism and demonstration in Baltimore, largely from center-left organizations.<span data-footnote-id="lj4q3" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-64" id="footnote-marker-64-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[64]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The most active included the Baltimore Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Socialist Party of Maryland, the ILD, and other communist-affiliated groups.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Among the many actions taken, the BUL and the NAACP, along with almost 30 other interracial organizations, led a delegation to push Gov. Ritchie for a state anti-lynching bill.<span data-footnote-id="i81jr" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-65" id="footnote-marker-65-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[65]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The NAACP, whose Baltimore branch was by 1933 in decay, experienced a revival after Armwood’s lynching. It called on President Franklin Roosevelt to speak out against the lynching and drafted a new federal anti-lynching bill.<span data-footnote-id="aonzd" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-66" id="footnote-marker-66-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[66]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Socialist Party called for Ritchie’s impeachment and the prosecution of both Duer and Robins.<span data-footnote-id="h5d52" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-67" id="footnote-marker-67-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[67]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>helped instigate the creation of an interracial committee that denounced the governor and called on the removal of all Somerset County officials.<span data-footnote-id="btlm5" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-68" id="footnote-marker-68-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[68]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">While justice failed to arrive for Armwood, Gov. Ritchie’s handling of the lynching contributed to the end of his political career, and Judge Duer lost his re-election bid in 1934.<span data-footnote-id="196gh" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-69" id="footnote-marker-69-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[69]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The demonstrations of local anti-lynching organizations also helped strengthen the national anti-lynching cause and bolstered Baltimore’s Black freedom movement.<span data-footnote-id="98y5u" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-70" id="footnote-marker-70-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[70]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Reflections and Reconciliation</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Almost a year after George Armwood was killed, Clarence Mitchell of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>visited Princess Anne. He found it much the same: “that is—a low element of ne’er-do-well ruffians still believe in going about looking for trouble and have a nasty habit of finding it among the colored people.”<span data-footnote-id="qmp67" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-71" id="footnote-marker-71-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[71]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>While he called the town “the devil,” he held out hope that it could become “a sensible, thriving, and law abiding place just as soon as it chases the main hoodlums out.”</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Nearly a century later, the specter of racial violence remains within the living memory of hundreds of Maryland residents.<span data-footnote-id="jxsbw" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-72" id="footnote-marker-72-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[72]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If any racial reconciliation process is to occur, as Sherrilyn Ifill has argued, it is “vital” for a white community to confront its history of racial violence.<span data-footnote-id="44zd0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-73" id="footnote-marker-73-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[73]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Such efforts have grown in recent years. In 2019, Governor Larry Hogan signed into law House Bill 307, which launched the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commission is dedicated to investigating racially motivated lynchings in the state and holding public meetings at sites where lynchings were documented.<span data-footnote-id="ifm9m" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-74" id="footnote-marker-74-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[74]</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The commission, the first in America to research lynchings, held its first public hearing in October 2021 in Allegany County.<span data-footnote-id="60rzr" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-75" id="footnote-marker-75-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[75]</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.8rem; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">“In the United States and in Maryland, they really don’t want us to know or talk about our negative history,” Tina Johnson, a distant cousin of George Armwood, told the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baltimore Sun</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in 2018. “I want to know all my history, whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent.”<span data-footnote-id="pqtcv" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-76" id="footnote-marker-76-1" rel="footnote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">[76]</a></span></p><section class="footnotes" style="background: 0px 0px repeat rgb(247, 247, 247); border-left: 4px solid rgb(153, 21, 29); border-top: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 26px;"><header style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #45322f; font-family: serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Footnotes</h2></header><ol style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 12px; word-break: break-word;"><li data-footnote-id="pgndy" id="footnote-1" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-1-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ralph Matthews, “Potter’s Field Gets Last Remains of Mob Victim,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="6n1jz" id="footnote-2" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-2-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="frx65" id="footnote-3" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-3-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="jeo9d" id="footnote-4" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-4-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid. Accounts of Armwood’s age varies. The age here comes from his mother’s testimony, Andor Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?: Race and Class Struggles in Depression-Era Baltimore</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Durham: Duke University Press, 2013), 119, 332.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="5icyb" id="footnote-5" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-5-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Matthews, “Potter’s Field.”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="0kbpy" id="footnote-6" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-6-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“History of Lynching in America,” National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, last modified December 3, 2021,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/history-lynching-america" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/history-lynching-ame…</a>; Charles Seguin and David Rigby, “National Crimes: A New National Data Set of Lynchings in the United States, 1883 to 1941,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>5, no. 1-9 (2019), <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023119841780" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023119841780</a>; “Lynchings Stats Year Dates Causes,” Tuskegee University Archives, accessed January 20, 2022,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://archive.tuskegee.edu/repository/digital-collection/lynching-information/" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">http://archive.tuskegee.edu/repository/digital-collection/lynching-info…</a>.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="jvgc0" id="footnote-7" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-7-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 120.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="cwhac" id="footnote-8" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-8-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Sherrilyn A. Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of Lynching in the 21st Century</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Boston, Beacon Press, 2018), 29-30.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="5da48" id="footnote-9" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-9-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Race Relations in the 1930s and 40s,” Library of Congress, accessed January 20, 2022,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/great-depression-and-world-war-ii-1929-1945/race-relations-in-1930s-and-1940s/" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-s…</a>; Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 29.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="ct3k9" id="footnote-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-10-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Maryland Witnesses Wildest Lynching Orgy in History,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">New York Times</em>, October 19, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="ysf58" id="footnote-11" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-11-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“George Armwood (b. 1911 – d. 1933),” Archives of Maryland (Biographical Series), MSA SC 3520-13750,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc3500/sc3520/013700/013750/html/13750bio.html" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc3500/sc3520/013700/0137…</a>.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="vxwxu" id="footnote-12" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-12-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 34-35.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="xja5r" id="footnote-13" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-13-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Levi Jolley, “Mother’s Heart is Broken from Lynch Tragedy,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="6qo0h" id="footnote-14" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-14-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“George Armwood (b. 1911 – d. 1933),”; Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 36.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="s5a2j" id="footnote-15" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-15-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Levi Jolley, “Armwood Quit School in 5th Grade, Says Pal,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="9dfq6" id="footnote-16" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-16-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="1o22h" id="footnote-17" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-17-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="3nnl5" id="footnote-18" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-18-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Jolley, “Mother’s Heart is Broken.”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="o1l4a" id="footnote-19" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-19-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 34.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="0ul0q" id="footnote-20" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-20-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Levi Jolley, “Child is Killed as Mob Seeks Prey to Lynch,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933. Princess Anne officials “refused to conduct a hearing in the matter” of the automobile accident, ibid.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="umlmw" id="footnote-21" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-21-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“George Armwood (b. 1911 – d. 1933).”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="a5y85" id="footnote-22" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-22-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 36.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="jji8t" id="footnote-23" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-23-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Somerset Jury will be Recalled for Trial of Man on Assault Charge,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Salisbury Times</em>, October 17, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="bv9mp" id="footnote-24" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-24-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 39.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="zxwwz" id="footnote-25" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-25-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Police Squads Escort Negro Back to Shore,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baltimore Sun</em>, October 18, 1933; “Governor Puts Responsibility on Duer and State’s Attorney,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baltimore Sun</em>, October 19, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="zgmlv" id="footnote-26" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-26-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">John Louis Clarke, “Robins and Daugherty Told Armwood Would be Lynched,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="bf00d" id="footnote-27" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-27-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Quoted in Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 39.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="zzdo2" id="footnote-28" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-28-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Governor Puts Responsibility.”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="802f9" id="footnote-29" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-29-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 122; Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 38-40.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="xzift" id="footnote-30" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-30-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 122.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="97dg1" id="footnote-31" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-31-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 39-40.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="ovft5" id="footnote-32" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-32-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 122; Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 40; “Roman Holiday as Armwood is Hanged, Burned,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="k1w4f" id="footnote-33" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-33-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Roman Holiday.”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="hqiqq" id="footnote-34" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-34-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Clarke, “Robins and Daugherty.”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="5i5b0" id="footnote-35" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-35-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Sober Men Yelled Like Beasts at Lynching, Says a Witness,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baltimore Sun</em>, October 20, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="l8jok" id="footnote-36" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-36-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 40.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="9l0fv" id="footnote-37" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-37-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Roman Holiday.”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="s0s6i" id="footnote-38" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-38-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 122.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="ac8xd" id="footnote-39" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-39-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Glad They Lynched Him, Says Son of Alleged Victim,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933. Many “curiosity seekers” also sought souvenirs after the lynching, “Town Flooded with Curiosity Seekers,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="bwcql" id="footnote-40" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-40-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Sober Men Yelled Like Beasts.”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="3x5gz" id="footnote-41" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-41-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Clarence Mitchell, “Mob Members Knew Prey was Feeble-Minded,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="zo9bg" id="footnote-42" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-42-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“George Armwood (b. 1911 – d. 1933).”</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="vzcs4" id="footnote-43" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-43-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 68.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="flcny" id="footnote-44" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-44-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Conspiracy of Silence in Md. Lynching Orgy,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pittsburgh Courier</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="nd4vf" id="footnote-45" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-45-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 92.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="aqn61" id="footnote-46" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-46-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid., 56.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="upz03" id="footnote-47" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-47-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Clarence Mitchell, “Observations and Reflections,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="j5lm8" id="footnote-48" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-48-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">"Move Suspect in Axe Killing," <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 17, 1931.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="m4ska" id="footnote-49" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-49-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Appeal to Roosevelt Fails to Save Slayer,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">New York Times</em>, October 27, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="dli9i" id="footnote-50" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-50-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">John G. Alexander, letter to editor,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Marylander and Herald</em>, October 28, 1933; Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 123.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="bn0dd" id="footnote-51" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-51-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Shore Cleric Puts Lynching Onus on Ritchie,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baltimore Sun</em>, December 8, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="l9yko" id="footnote-52" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-52-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“How Shore Feels Toward Ritchie,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Marylander and Herald</em>, December 8, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="4tf1h" id="footnote-53" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-53-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“The Lynching of Armwood,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Crisfield Times</em>, October 20, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="xfjk0" id="footnote-54" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-54-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“The Armwood Lynching,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Crisfield Times</em>, October 27, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="wkjf0" id="footnote-55" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-55-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Sunpapers are Unpopular Here,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Marylander and Herald</em>, December 1, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="wuwn3" id="footnote-56" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-56-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 123.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="u1byt" id="footnote-57" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-57-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="p8dcx" id="footnote-58" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-58-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Colored People of Salisbury Protest Interference of Ades,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Salisbury Times</em>, December 6, 1933; “Colored People Blame Communists and Ades,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Marylander and Herald</em>, December 8, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="f2quk" id="footnote-59" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-59-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 71.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="g9aoy" id="footnote-60" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-60-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Three Uncle Jameses Speak,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, December 16, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="2mdz9" id="footnote-61" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-61-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“The Three Jimmies Glorify Lynching,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, December 16, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="2h6qq" id="footnote-62" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-62-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Salisbury, Md., Citizens Hit the Three Jameses,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, December 16, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="rc5uy" id="footnote-63" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-63-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 73.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="lj4q3" id="footnote-64" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-64-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“The Press on Maryland’s Second Annual Lynching,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="i81jr" id="footnote-65" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-65-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 125-126.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="aonzd" id="footnote-66" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-66-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“N.A.A.C.P Asks the President to Speak Out,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933; NAACP Drafts Anti-Lynch Legislation,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, November 4, 1933; Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 120-121.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="h5d52" id="footnote-67" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-67-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid., 124-125.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="btlm5" id="footnote-68" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-68-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Interracial Group Raps Governor,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, October 28, 1933.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="196gh" id="footnote-69" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-69-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 26, 103.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="98y5u" id="footnote-70" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-70-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Skotnes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A New Deal for All?</em>, 138-139.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="qmp67" id="footnote-71" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-71-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Clarence Mitchell, “Observations and Reflections,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afro-American</em>, September 22, 1934.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="jxsbw" id="footnote-72" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-72-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ifill,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the Courthouse Lawn</em>, 21.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="44zd0" id="footnote-73" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-73-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ibid.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="ifm9m" id="footnote-74" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-74-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">“Home,” Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission, accessed February 1, 2022,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://msa.maryland.gov/lynching-truth-reconciliation/index.html" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">https://msa.maryland.gov/lynching-truth-reconciliation/index.html</a>.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="60rzr" id="footnote-75" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-75-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Teresa McMinn, “Nation’s First Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Hold First Public Hearing in Allegany County,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cumberland Times-News</em>, September 26, 2021,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.times-news.com/news/local_news/nation-s-first-lynching-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-to-hold-first-public-hearing-in-allegany/article_6cd7259c-1d7b-11ec-838f-3747c9673fb9.html#:~:text=In%202019%2C%20the%20Maryland%20General,Joseline%20A" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.times-news.com/news/local_news/nation-s-first-lynching-trut…</a>.</cite></li><li data-footnote-id="pqtcv" id="footnote-76" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/2022/03/01/lynching-george-armwood#footnote-marker-76-1" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">^</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><cite style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Jonathan M. Pitts, “Bringing a Dark Chapter to Light: Maryland Confronts its Lynching Legacy,”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Baltimore Sun</em>, September 25, 2018,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-lynching-in-maryland-20180919-htmlstory.html" style="background: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-lynching-in-maryland-201809…</a>.</cite></li></ol></section></div></div><div class="views-element-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(81, 81, 81); color: #515151; font-family: "Droid Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div class="post-full--about-author post-full__about-author js-view-dom-id-0e8940e28912a2a1881a6883f476d0753fbd78a6d5499780c79c221d52af9220" style="border-top-color: rgb(220, 220, 220); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0.05rem; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1rem 0px 0px; padding: 1rem 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"><article style="box-sizing: border-box;"><h3 class="widget-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #45322f; font-family: serif; font-size: 0.9rem; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">About the Author</h3><div class="field field--name-field-short-bio field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.72rem; line-height: 1.1rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;">Henry Kokkeler is a recent graduate of Washington State University and earned his bachelor's degrees in history and political science. He has lived in northern Virginia since childhood and hopes to share his love for historical storytelling and to stir passions that only a deep connection with the past can excite."</p><div><br /></div></div><a href="https://boundarystones.weta.org/users/henry-kokkeler" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #99151d; font-size: 0.72rem; line-height: 1.1rem; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;"></a></article></div></div></div></div>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-27801233098932370172024-03-11T11:35:00.005-04:002024-03-11T11:35:53.511-04:00Trump’s freewheeling speeches offer dark vision of a second term - The Washington Post<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Trump’s freewheeling speeches offer a dark vision of a second term</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"A close examination of one appearance in Rock Hill, S.C., offers an anatomy of a signature rally by the former president</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><a class="byline" data-qa="author-name" data-reader-unique-id="17" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/marianne-levine/?itid=ai_top_levinem" rel="author" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Marianne LeVine</a></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="2" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">A<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="3" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/donald-trump/?itid=lk_inline_manual_1" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>rally is a freewheeling extravaganza. A festival of grievance and retribution. A dystopian vision of darkness and despair. A political rock show. A bacchanalia of lies and mistruths. A pitch to voters.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="14" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="15" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Since bursting onto the presidential scene in 2015, Trump has transformed the American public’s conception of a political rally, taking the stage after hours of<b data-reader-unique-id="16" style="max-width: 100%;"></b>eardrum-shattering decibels of a self-curated playlist and offering a spectacle that changes depending on the place, the news cycle and the former president’s mood."</p></div></div><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/11/trump-campaign-speech-anatomy/">Trump’s freewheeling speeches offer dark vision of a second term - The Washington Post</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-4363824128739931672024-03-11T11:29:00.003-04:002024-03-11T11:29:18.820-04:00For This Rookie Judge, a Pivotal Decision Looms in the Georgia Trump Case - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">For This Rookie Judge, a Pivotal Decision Looms in the Georgia Trump Case</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"Judge Scott McAfee will soon decide whether to disqualify Fani Willis, the prosecutor leading the case, on the grounds that her romance with a subordinate created a conflict of interest.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-reader-unique-id="200" datetime="2024-03-11T05:01:45-04:00" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 11, 2024,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-reader-unique-id="201" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">5:01 a.m. ET</span></time></div><header data-reader-unique-id="19" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="32" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="33" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="34" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="35" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="36" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/multimedia/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj-mobileMasterAt3x-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="37" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/multimedia/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj-mobileMasterAt3x-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="38" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/multimedia/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj-mobileMasterAt3x-v2.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="Judge McAfee, wearing a black robe and red tie, enters the courtroom. " data-reader-unique-id="39" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/multimedia/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/multimedia/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/multimedia/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/multimedia/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj/11nat-georgia-mcafee-01-fvpj-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="40" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="41" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Judge Scott McAfee is presiding over the Trump case in Georgia and will decide whether to disqualify Fani Willis.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="42" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="43" style="max-width: 100%;">Pool photo by Alyssa Pointer</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="63" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="64" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;">For Judge Scott McAfee, it was probably an awkward moment.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">At a hearing in Atlanta last month, he issued a warning to his former boss, Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, during her combative turn on the witness stand. Ms. Willis, who was fighting allegations that threatened her grip on the election interference case against former President Donald J. Trump, had grown so irritated with a defense lawyer that she began expressing her frustration directly to the judge.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="68" style="max-width: 100%;">“I’m going to have to caution you,” the soft-spoken Judge McAfee, of Fulton County Superior Court, told her in response. “We have to listen to the questions as asked. And if this happens again and again, I’m going to have no choice but to strike your testimony.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="max-width: 100%;">Ms. Willis’s filibustering whirlwind subsided as she waved a hand in exasperation.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%;">Now Judge McAfee, who at 34 is too young to be president himself, is preparing to issue a high-stakes decision in the Georgia case against the former president and 14 of his allies: whether to disqualify Ms. Willis on the grounds that a romance she had with Nathan Wade, the lawyer she hired to run the case, created an untenable conflict of interest.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="71" style="max-width: 100%;">Legal experts generally agree that Ms. Willis used poor judgment in paying a romantic partner public funds while he was also at least partly paying for vacations they took together — the basis for the defense argument that she engaged in “self-dealing.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="74" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="75" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;">Opinions differ, however, on whether her actions created a legitimate conflict of interest — and on whether even an appearance of a conflict is sufficient to disqualify the district attorney and her whole office.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">Barely on the court for a year, the even-keeled Judge McAfee hews to textualism, a common judicial philosophy that follows the law as written rather than divining intent. During the Trump case, he has kept things moving and done what he can to lower the temperature.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="78" style="max-width: 100%;">Ms. Willis and her team of prosecutors tried to persuade him not to hold hearings on the disqualification effort; she described the hearings as a “ticket to the circus,” and reminded the court and the public during her testimony that the case against Mr. Trump had not changed. He and 18 of his allies were charged last August with attempting to subvert the result of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia; four defendants have already pleaded guilty.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="80" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="81" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="82" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="86" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="87" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Judge McAfee issued a warning to Ms. Willis during her combative turn on the witness stand.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="88" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%;">Pool photo by Alyssa Pointer</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="92" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="93" style="max-width: 100%;">But Judge McAfee believed the allegations were serious enough to proceed with evidentiary hearings that proved explosive, revealing intimate details of Ms. Willis’s personal life. The hearings focused on when the relationship started, and whether Ms. Willis and Ms. Wade were lying when they said it began after she hired him. Another central question was whether the two prosecutors split the costs of their vacations.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="96" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="97" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="98" style="max-width: 100%;">Last week, the Trump case became central to Judge McAfee’s own future on the bench when a Democratic challenger emerged in his re-election campaign and immediately criticized his handling of the disqualification matter. The opponent, Robert Patillo, is a local radio host and activist who has been affiliated with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which was founded by Jesse Jackson.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="99" style="max-width: 100%;">In an interview on Thursday, Mr. Patillo, 39, said Judge McAfee’s lack of experience had caused him to mismanage the case. “The court has turned this from one of the most solemn prosecutions of a former president into a daily reality show — something that you’d see on ‘Real Housewives,’” he said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="100" style="max-width: 100%;">Judge McAfee declined to comment for this article.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="101" style="max-width: 100%;">The judge was appointed last year by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to fill a vacancy. Incumbent judges typically have an electoral advantage, since voters often don’t focus on judicial races. But as a Republican appointee in the heavily Democratic Fulton County, he appears to be taking nothing for granted.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="102" style="max-width: 100%;">He gave an interview to a local radio host on Thursday night, assuring listeners that the emergence of a political opponent would not influence his decision on whether to disqualify Ms. Willis, which he said he had already made.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="103" style="max-width: 100%;">“I’ve had a rough draft and an outline before I ever heard a rumor that someone wanted to run for this position, so the result is not going to change because of politics,” he said on WSB Atlanta. “I am calling it as best I can in the law, as I understand it.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="106" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="107" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="108" style="max-width: 100%;">Judge McAfee grew up in Kennesaw<strong data-reader-unique-id="109" style="max-width: 100%;">,</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>a suburb of Atlanta. At Emory, the elite private university in Atlanta, he studied political science and music and led Emory College Republicans, a student group.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="110" style="max-width: 100%;">He is an accomplished cellist. After Judge McAfee was assigned to the Trump case last summer, a number of news outlets<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="111" href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/09/25/in-georgia-judge-has-trump-finally-met-his-audience-thrilling-match" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">highlighted</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>an<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="112" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7hmuIYjZWo" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">online video</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of him, as a teenager, playing Bach on an acoustic cello, then switching to an electric one for a rousing Jimi Hendrix-style version of the national anthem. A bandanna was tied rakishly around his head.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="113" style="max-width: 100%;">In the early 2010s, he studied law at the University of Georgia, where he was a high-performing student, competitor in mock trial competitions and office holder in the campus Federalist Society, the conservative legal network founded in the Reagan era to push back against what it calls “orthodox liberal ideology.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="114" style="max-width: 100%;">Elizabeth Stell, a fellow law student who competed with Judge McAfee in mock trials, described his courtroom style at the time as “not overly flashy or overly emotional.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="117" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="118" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="119" style="max-width: 100%;">“He was just very thoughtful in his argument, very well researched and just very put together and composed,” she said. “And classy, frankly.”</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="121" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="122" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="123" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="127" data-testid="photoviewer-children-caption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="128" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Nathan Wade on the stand last month.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span data-reader-unique-id="129" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="130" style="max-width: 100%;">Pool photo by Alyssa Pointer</span></span></figcaption></figure></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="132" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="133" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="134" style="max-width: 100%;">Anthony Michael Kreis, an assistant professor of law at Georgia State University, was pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Georgia at the time and remembers Judge McAfee as serious-minded but not strident in his political views.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="135" style="max-width: 100%;">“We had more conservations about, and debates over Twizzlers vs. Red Vines and what’s the better candy,” Mr. Kreis said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="136" style="max-width: 100%;">Judge McAfee interned for two State Supreme Court justices, Keith Blackwell and David Nahmias, both Republican appointees who influenced his approach. Later, he went to work for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, where, as a deputy prosecutor, he handled cases including armed robbery and murder.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="137" style="max-width: 100%;">His supervisor in the trial division was Ms. Willis. He also worked with Adam Abbate, the prosecutor whom Ms. Willis chose to make closing arguments during the disqualification hearings. Ms. Willis dropped a reminder that both men once worked directly for her during her testimony, as she was explaining that she kept her private life private.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="140" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="141" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="142" style="max-width: 100%;">“When I supervised Mr. Abbate and Mr. McAfee, they didn’t know who I was dating, but I can assure you I was dating somebody,” she said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="143" style="max-width: 100%;">Judge McAfee later worked for officials who ran afoul of Mr. Trump. In 2019, he became an assistant United States attorney in Atlanta. The office was headed by Byung J. Pak, a Republican who quit in January 2021 after learning that Mr. Trump wanted to fire him for not backing his election fraud claims.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="144" style="max-width: 100%;">Weeks later, Judge McAfee was named state inspector general by Governor Kemp, who would also face Mr. Trump’s ire for declining to help overturn his narrow loss to Joseph R. Biden in Georgia.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="145" style="max-width: 100%;">A key issue the judge must address in his upcoming ruling is the standard for disqualification under Georgia law. At a hearing last month, he said that disqualification can occur if evidence shows even an appearance of a conflict of interest. Ms. Willis’s office asked him to reconsider, arguing that a higher standard — proof of an “actual” conflict — should be the bar.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="146" style="max-width: 100%;">Whatever he decides, Judge McAfee has already earned the respect of a variety of legal experts. Among them is Norman Eisen, who served as special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during Mr. Trump’s first impeachment. Mr. Eisen has been vocal in supporting the Georgia prosecution, and has argued that there are no legal grounds to disqualify Ms. Willis.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="149" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="150" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="151" style="max-width: 100%;">But he has also called on Mr. Wade to step down, and he defended Judge McAfee’s decision to hold hearings on the matter.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="152" style="max-width: 100%;">“He is one of the most capable new judges that I have ever seen, and he has navigated an extremely challenging situation with grace and intelligence,” Mr. Eisen said.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="153" style="max-width: 100%;">Judge McAfee made clear last week that he was thinking about how his decision will be judged in posterity.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="154" style="max-width: 100%;">“I’ve got two kids, five and three,” he said in the radio interview. “They’re too young to have any idea of what’s going on or what I do. But what I’m looking forward to one day is maybe they will grow up a little bit and they ask me about it. And I’m looking forward to looking them in the eye and telling them I played it straight, and I did the best I could.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="155" style="max-width: 100%;">Kitty Bennett contributed research.</p></div></div></section><div data-reader-unique-id="157" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="158" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="159" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="160" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="161" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="162" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="163" href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/danny-hakim" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Danny Hakim</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is an investigative reporter. He has been a European economics correspondent and bureau chief in Albany and Detroit. He was also a lead reporter on the team awarded the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News.<span data-reader-unique-id="164" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="165" href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/danny-hakim" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">More about Danny Hakim</a>"</span></p></div></div></div></div></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/us/scott-mcafee-willis-trump-georgia-trial.html">For This Rookie Judge, a Pivotal Decision Looms in the Georgia Trump Case - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-64229156911654866882024-03-11T11:14:00.003-04:002024-03-11T11:14:25.883-04:00Opinion | Democrats Need to Stop Playing Nice - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Democrats Need to Stop Playing Nice</h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.75em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-reader-unique-id="150" datetime="2024-03-11T05:01:37-04:00" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 11, 2024</time></div><header data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="18" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="19" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="20" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="21" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="22" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/opinion/11klein-art/11klein-art-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="23" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/opinion/11klein-art/11klein-art-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="24" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/opinion/11klein-art/11klein-art-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="An illustration of a large elephant and a smaller donkey about to box in a boxing ring." data-reader-unique-id="25" decoding="async" height="600" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/opinion/11klein-art/11klein-art-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/opinion/11klein-art/11klein-art-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/opinion/11klein-art/11klein-art-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/03/11/opinion/11klein-art/11klein-art-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="26" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="27" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="28" style="max-width: 100%;">Liana Finck</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><div data-reader-unique-id="41" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="42" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="43" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="44" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="45" style="max-width: 100%;">"By<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span data-reader-unique-id="46" itemprop="name" style="max-width: 100%;">Joe Klein</span></p><div data-reader-unique-id="47" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="48" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Klein, the author of seven books, including “Primary Colors,” writes the newsletter<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="49" href="https://josephklein.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">Sanity Clause</a>.</p></div></div></div></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="50" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="51" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="52" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="53" style="max-width: 100%;">There is a moment in the 2008 HBO movie “Recount” that illuminates an essential difference between Republicans and Democrats. The film was a fictionalized account of the mayhem that followed the 2000 presidential election in Florida.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="54" style="max-width: 100%;">Warren Christopher, a courtly former secretary of state, represents the Democratic candidate Al Gore. “The world is watching,” he intones. “We are theoretically its last great democracy. If we cannot resolve this in a way that is worthy of the office we seek, what kind of hope can we give other countries that wish to share our values?” James Baker, another former secretary of state, represents George W. Bush. He has a different theory of the case: “This is a street fight for the presidency of the United States.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="55" style="max-width: 100%;">Both Mr. Christopher and Mr. Baker<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="56" href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/05/21/hbos-recount-revisits-hanging-chad-debacle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">later said</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>the contrast was overdrawn. Well, that’s entertainment. But we keep bumping into “Recount” moments in politics. Democrats litigate; Republicans fight. Democrats float toward an almost helium-infused state of high-mindedness; Republicans see politics as a no-holds-barred cage match.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="57" style="max-width: 100%;">President Biden’s pugilistic State of the Union address last week may represent a new direction. But given the party’s recent history, the Democrats will probably need some CRISPR editing to their DNA.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="60" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="61" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="62" style="max-width: 100%;">Both Michael Dukakis and John Kerry were distressingly saintly in their presidential campaigns, failing to respond to Republican attack ads. Hillary Clinton endured a classic “Recount” moment in her second debate against Donald Trump. Mr. Trump stalked her around the stage. “He was literally breathing down my neck. My skin crawled,” Mrs. Clinton later wrote. “Do you stay calm, keep smiling and carry on,” she wondered. “Or do you turn, look him in the eye and say loudly and clearly, ‘Back up, you creep. Get away from me. I know you love to intimidate women, but you can’t intimidate me.” Throwing the haymaker might not have won the election, but Mrs. Clinton would have instantly changed the impression that she was a hapless, patronizing, liberal elitist.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="63" style="max-width: 100%;">Why are Democrats so congenitally weak? Why did it take a group of former Republicans — the Lincoln Project — to create the nastiest, most effective anti-Trump<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="64" href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/07/06/lincoln-project-ads-republicans-democrats-349184" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">ads</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in 2020? There are several reasons, which are near-impossible for Democrats to admit in public. The first is that they have a reputation as the favored party of the American Bar Association; they’re rife with lawyers; they see poetry in a well-turned codicil. They are also the party of the so-called helping professions — teachers, social workers, speech therapists, home health aides, ivy-clotted academics. In general, these are not people comfortable throwing a fierce left hook. And they are the party of identity politics, always sensitive to insensitivity, often to a fault. They care a lot more about appearances, and propriety, than Republicans do.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="65" style="max-width: 100%;">On Tuesday, we will see more evidence of where Democratic high-mindedness gets them. Special Counsel Robert Hur will testify before the House Judiciary Committee, led by Representative Jim Jordan, who will be respectful and very much out of bellicose character. What will the Democrats do?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;">Mr. Hur, a Republican, was appointed by the excessively dignified Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate President Biden’s alleged misuse of secret documents. Why a Republican? For the appearance of fairness, no doubt. So Mr. Hur took the opportunity to demolish Mr. Biden as a “well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">I can’t imagine that Republicans would ever hire a Democrat to investigate a president of their own. In fact, Republicans would be more likely to appoint a wartime consigliere, as Mr. Trump did when he brought in William Barr to help defend him against Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia inquiry.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="71" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="72" style="max-width: 100%;">You remember what happened when Mr. Mueller completed his report: Mr. Barr pre-empted it with a not-quite-accurate<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="73" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/03/24/us/politics/barr-letter-mueller-report.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">description</a>. Mr. Trump got his headline: “No Collusion!”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="74" style="max-width: 100%;">And then he got an assist from the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="75" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlSsrBrnecU" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">public hearing</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>about the Mueller report run by Jerrold Nadler, then the House Judiciary Committee chairman. No one, except perhaps litigation junkies, remembers that hearing. It was a deep dive into the intricacies of an obscure legal concept, the obstruction of justice. Nadler might have set a different tone from the outset: “Mr. Mueller, if I read your shocking report correctly, there is overwhelming evidence that the Russians worked to elect Donald Trump President of the United States. Is that true?” The headline would have been different. “Mueller: Russians Helped Trump!”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;">Now that the Supreme Court will hear Mr. Trump’s dubious appeal — the president<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em data-reader-unique-id="77" style="max-width: 100%;">is</em>above the law — in the Jan. 6 insurrection case, Democrats face a new challenge. Few doubt that the court will deny the appeal. But it is delaying the case, perhaps until after the election.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="78" style="max-width: 100%;">What would James Baker — at least, the “Recount” version of him — do? He would declare victory when the ruling came down: “Trump’s criminal behavior is not above the law!” And then he would insist that the federal suit proceed even if it impinges on the informal Justice Department tradition of not hearing political cases 100 days before an election. You can hear him saying: “Tradition be damned! Trump tried to overthrow our democracy!”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="79" style="max-width: 100%;">Can you imagine Merrick Garland doing anything like that?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="80" style="max-width: 100%;">Street fighting can be overdone, but it is where Mr. Trump lives. He is perhaps the most impolitic politician in American history. Joe Biden can, at times, wield a wicked sense of humor, and last week he demonstrated that he can be a merry Celtic warrior. But he’ll have to sustain his energy throughout the campaign, and he will need help.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="83" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="84" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="85" style="max-width: 100%;">Indeed, one could argue that Mr. Trump is flustered by tough women — like Megyn Kelly of Fox News in 2016 and, more recently, by Nikki Haley. If Kamala Harris were Richard Nixon’s vice president, she’d be tasked with one job: Stomp Trump.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="86" style="max-width: 100%;">Perhaps the debates (if there are debates) will produce an epiphany, as they have done in the past. They are the most intimate moments in the quest for the presidency, our most intimate office. The president lives in our homes for four years. You want a political house guest who won’t hide beneath the table when trouble comes around. Bill Clinton’s best moment in 1992 came when he felt the pain of a grieving questioner in the town hall debate. As that question was asked, George H.W. Bush was<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="87" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T293aYx3uw0" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">caught looking</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>at his watch. Strength — and Mr. Clinton’s compassion was a strength — is often the deciding factor. To paraphrase Clinton’s later aphorism, strong and wrong usually beats weak and right.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="88" style="max-width: 100%;">Wouldn’t it be fun if Mr. Biden got tough with Mr. Trump directly, in person, in a debate?</p><p data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%;">It might be educational for the American public to see how the bully responds to a rhetorical punch in the nose rather than to a lawsuit.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%;">Joe Klein, the author of seven books, including “Primary Colors,” writes the newsletter<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="91" href="https://josephklein.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">Sanity Clause</a>."</p></div></div></section></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/opinion/democrats-biden-trump.html">Opinion | Democrats Need to Stop Playing Nice - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-21906089967489158342024-03-10T17:16:00.002-04:002024-03-10T17:17:08.309-04:006:58 / 6:58 FED UP Robert DeNiro goes OFF SCRIPT, utterly TORCHES Trump during MUST-SEE speech<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Oucps34zuMI?si=3uB4aaq92ysSkClv" frameborder="0"></iframe>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-27356755184707735862024-03-10T12:11:00.003-04:002024-03-10T12:11:22.347-04:00Democrats are angry over media coverage of Biden. Is it a distraction? | US elections 2024 | The Guardian<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Democrats are angry over media coverage of Biden. Is it a distraction?</h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.75em; max-width: 100%;"><a class="byline" data-link-name="auto tag link" data-reader-unique-id="102" href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/davidsmith" rel="author" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">David Smith</a></div><figure data-reader-unique-id="81" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="82" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="83" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="84" media="(min-width: 980px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 980px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="85" media="(min-width: 980px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=620&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="86" media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=700&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="87" media="(min-width: 740px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=700&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="88" media="(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="89" media="(min-width: 660px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=620&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="90" media="(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=645&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="91" media="(min-width: 480px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=645&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="92" media="(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=465&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="93" media="(min-width: 320px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=465&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="Joe Biden" data-reader-unique-id="94" height="310.0707924183604" loading="eager" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/4cbb67f3e40de8de0cea90dc997010f2553e5a27/363_247_4379_2920/master/4379.jpg?width=465&dpr=1&s=none" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="465" /></picture><span class="converted-anchor" data-reader-unique-id="95" style="max-width: 100%;"></span></div><span data-reader-unique-id="96" style="max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="97" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="98" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"></span><span data-reader-unique-id="101" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Joe Biden departs after delivering the state of the union in Washington DC on 7 March 2024.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Photograph: Getty Images</figcaption></span></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">"When an opinion poll in the New York Times found that a majority of Joe Biden’s voters believe he is too old to be an effective US president, the call to action was swift. But it was not aimed at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-component="auto-linked-tag" data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="2" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/joebiden" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Joe Biden</a>.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="3" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“Amplifying flawed presidential polls, refusing to report on [Donald] Trump’s cognitive issues, the NYT is biased for Trump,” was<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="4" href="https://x.com/Greeble214/status/1765361150474977563?s=20" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">a sample response</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>on social media. “If you have a subscription to NYT, cancel it.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="5" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); 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color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">The irate chorus aimed at one of America’s most storied media institutions followed finger-pointing at the legal system for failing to stop Trump in his tracks. Despite much wishful thinking,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="8" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/06/trump-super-tuesday-victory-speech" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">primary election results this week</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>made clear that the nation is hurtling towards a Biden v Trump rematch in November.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="9" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">That polling and media coverage are imperfect, and the wheels of justice of turn slowly, is beyond dispute. But whatever the merits of the arguments, critics argue that Democrats are at risk of playing a blame game that distracts them from the central mission: defeating Trump at the ballot box.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="10" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="11" href="https://www.tarasetmayer.com/" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Tara Setmayer</a>, a senior adviser to the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump group, said: “Commiseration is not a strategy and Democrats need to stop throwing political temper tantrums and do the work to unify and get Joe Biden re-elected. The courts, the media, late-night comedians are not going to save us. So this whining and complaining about these aspects being unfair is not a strategy for victory.”</p><figure data-reader-unique-id="12" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="13" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="14" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="15" media="(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/28ccafb084ad6fa4ef3cffe2811a3903ddbf5830/0_0_6857_4571/master/6857.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="16" media="(min-width: 660px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/28ccafb084ad6fa4ef3cffe2811a3903ddbf5830/0_0_6857_4571/master/6857.jpg?width=620&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="17" media="(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/28ccafb084ad6fa4ef3cffe2811a3903ddbf5830/0_0_6857_4571/master/6857.jpg?width=605&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="18" media="(min-width: 480px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/28ccafb084ad6fa4ef3cffe2811a3903ddbf5830/0_0_6857_4571/master/6857.jpg?width=605&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="19" media="(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/28ccafb084ad6fa4ef3cffe2811a3903ddbf5830/0_0_6857_4571/master/6857.jpg?width=445&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="20" media="(min-width: 320px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/28ccafb084ad6fa4ef3cffe2811a3903ddbf5830/0_0_6857_4571/master/6857.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="people walk in front of doors with ‘new york times’ logo over them" data-reader-unique-id="21" height="296.64503427154733" loading="lazy" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/28ccafb084ad6fa4ef3cffe2811a3903ddbf5830/0_0_6857_4571/master/6857.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="445" /></picture><span class="converted-anchor" data-reader-unique-id="22" style="max-width: 100%;"></span></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="23" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="24" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"></span><span data-reader-unique-id="27" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">The New York Times’ coverage of Biden’s age drew Democrats’ ire.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Photograph: Erik Pendzich/REX/Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="28" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Among some Democrats, there has long been a yearning for a saviour who will stop Trump in his tracks. Hopes were pinned on the special counsel Robert Mueller, but his Russia investigation lacked teeth and failed to bring the president down. Two impeachments came and went and the Senate missed a historic opportunity to bar from Trump running again.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="29" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Now resentment is focused on the supreme court and the attorney general, Merrick Garland, for dragging their feet on holding Trump accountable for his role in the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol. The court<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="30" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/04/trump-scotus-colorado-ruling" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">issued a unanimous decision</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that Colorado and other states do not have the power to remove Trump from the ballot for engaging in an insurrection.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="33" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">A justice department case alleging that he sought to overturn the 2020 election, which had been due to begin this week, was postponed until the supreme court rules on whether he is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="34" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/29/trump-supreme-court-immunity-claim" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">immune from prosecution</a>. And an election interference case in Georgia is also on hold because the prosecutor Fani Willis is dealing with allegations of a conflict of interest over a romantic relationship.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="35" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">In Florida, where Trump is charged over his mishandling of classified government documents, he<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="36" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/06/12/judge-aileen-cannon-trump-case/?itid=lk_inline_manual_16" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">managed to draw</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>a friendly judge who has indicated the trial will not start soon. That means the case likely to start first is one in New York relating to Trump paying hush money to an adult film star during the 2016 election campaign, widely portrayed in the media as the weakest of the four.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="37" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Yet such a case would have been devastating to any other candidate at any other moment in history. Allan Lichtman, a history professor at American University in Washington, said: “He’s going to be on trial for 34 felony counts in less than three weeks and the mainstream media has barely indicated the importance of this.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="38" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“‘Oh, it’s just a hush money trial.’ No it’s not. He’s not on trial for hush money. He’s on trial for election fraud, not just paying the hush money but deceiving the American people by concealing it as a business expense.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="39" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Lichtman added: “If this was anybody but Trump, any other presidential candidate on trial, it would be the trial of the century and the mainstream media would be screaming that, if the candidate got convicted, he should be bounced from from the campaign. Instead they’ve misrepresented and trivialised this case.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="40" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Trump has long challenged media orthodoxies. During the 2016 campaign, the New York Times used the word “lie” in a headline – a move that would have been seen as judgmental and editorialising in the pre-Trump era. In 2019, the paper changed a headline, “Trump urges unity vs racism”, after an outcry from readers and progressive politicians.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="41" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Television has also struggled to find the right approach. There was much introspection over how saturation coverage of Trump’s 2016 campaign rallies and tweets gave him<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="42" href="https://www.thestreet.com/politics/donald-trump-rode-5-billion-in-free-media-to-the-white-house-13896916" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">$5bn in free advertising</a>, according to the media tracking firm mediaQuant. Cable news networks have drastically reduced their live coverage of Trump’s speeches, although some commentators warm that the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="43" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUxSSMhvpSk" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">pendulum has swung too far</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in the opposite direction, contending that voters need to see his unhinged antics, verbal gaffes and extremist agenda.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="44" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">With Super Tuesday’s primary elections clearing the way for another Biden v Trump clash, some accuse the media of focusing too much on polls and not enough on the stakes, treating Trump as just another political candidate rather than an existential threat. They say the intense focus on Biden’s age – he is 81 – is wildly disproportionate when set against Trump’s authoritarianism and 91 criminal charges.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="45" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Setmayer, a former Republican communications director on Capitol Hill, said: “The media has clearly not learned its lesson from 2016 or 2020 on how to cover<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-component="auto-linked-tag" data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="46" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Donald Trump</a>. This is not a conventional horse race election. There’s nothing normal about any of this so, by covering Biden and Trump equally, it minimises Trump’s considerably disturbing behaviour, comments and plans for the future.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="47" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“The Democrats do have a legitimate complaint with the way the media is bothsides-ing this. The media should not be under any obligation to tell both sides of a lie or conspiracy theory or leading presidential candidate’s desire to tear up the constitution and become a dictator on day one. All things Donald Trump has said he would do.<em data-reader-unique-id="48" style="max-width: 100%;">”</em></p><p data-reader-unique-id="49" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">The New York Times/Siena College poll was made up of 980 registered voters across the country and conducted on mobile and landline phones. It found that 61% of people who supported Biden in 2020 thought he was “just too old” to be an effective president.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="50" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/03/us/politics/biden-age-trump-poll.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">An accompanying article</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in the Times was headlined: “Majority of Biden’s 2020 Voters Now Say He’s Too Old to Be Effective.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="51" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="52" href="https://www.hhh.umn.edu/directory/larry-jacobs" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Larry Jacobs</a>, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota, thinks it was a fair question. “The media’s not in this to help any candidate and Joe Biden is the incumbent and there are legitimate questions about an 81-year-old repeatedly struggling in public. To do a poll that asks questions about that is entirely fair.”</p><figure data-reader-unique-id="53" data-spacefinder-role="inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="54" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="55" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="56" media="(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8887030f2dbc55f1af5847a7dbcf97d28a9f4f53/0_0_4000_2667/master/4000.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="57" media="(min-width: 660px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8887030f2dbc55f1af5847a7dbcf97d28a9f4f53/0_0_4000_2667/master/4000.jpg?width=620&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="58" media="(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8887030f2dbc55f1af5847a7dbcf97d28a9f4f53/0_0_4000_2667/master/4000.jpg?width=605&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="59" media="(min-width: 480px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8887030f2dbc55f1af5847a7dbcf97d28a9f4f53/0_0_4000_2667/master/4000.jpg?width=605&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="60" media="(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8887030f2dbc55f1af5847a7dbcf97d28a9f4f53/0_0_4000_2667/master/4000.jpg?width=445&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="61" media="(min-width: 320px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8887030f2dbc55f1af5847a7dbcf97d28a9f4f53/0_0_4000_2667/master/4000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="trump sits at table among others, frowning" data-reader-unique-id="62" height="296.70374999999996" loading="lazy" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8887030f2dbc55f1af5847a7dbcf97d28a9f4f53/0_0_4000_2667/master/4000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="445" /></picture><span class="converted-anchor" data-reader-unique-id="63" style="max-width: 100%;"></span></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="64" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="65" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"></span><span data-reader-unique-id="68" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial in New York in November.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Photograph: Jabin Botsford/Pool via Reuters</figcaption></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="69" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Others take a very different view.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="70" href="https://www.journalism.cuny.edu/faculty/jeff-jarvis/" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Jeff Jarvis</a>, a journalism professor at the CUNY Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, said: “The choice to ask the question and the way the question is asked and who the question is asked of and then how the result is played are agenda-filled. Polls become a self-fulfilling prophecy of: we’re going to set an agenda and say it all and then we’re going to do a poll and act as if that’s news when it’s just a reaction to what we’ve already done. This is the case with the age.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="71" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Jarvis added: “The New York Times – which has been our best and which I criticise because I want it to be better - is horribly frustrating because it does not know how to cover the rise of fascism, and that’s what this story really is. Neither does it know how to cover the essence of why this is happening, which is race.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="72" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Defenders of the New York Times point out that it has done extensive reporting on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="73" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/04/us/politics/trump-2025-overview.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Trump’s plans for a second term</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and what it would mean for America and the world. Some commentators warn that Democrats’ attacks on the media are likely to backfire and lead to accusations that they are shooting the messenger.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="74" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Not even comedians are immune. When Jon Stewart<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="75" href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/feb/11/jon-stewart-daily-show-return" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">returned to The Daily Show</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>on Comedy Central, and skewered Biden and Trump as the two oldest presidential candidates in history, Mary Trump, a niece and fierce critic of the former president, wrote on X: “Not only is Stewart’s ‘both sides are the same’ rhetoric not funny, it’s a potential disaster for democracy.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="76" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Stewart<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="77" href="https://www.newsweek.com/jon-stewart-mary-trump-disaster-democracy-daily-show-niece-donald-trump-joe-biden-1871393#:~:text=Hitting%20back%20at%20Mary%20Trump's,'%22" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">responded on his next show</a>: “I guess as the famous saying goes, ‘Democracy dies in discussion’ … It was never my intention to say out loud what I saw with my eyes and then brain. I can do better.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="78" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">If history is any guide, there is no knight in shining armour coming to Democrats’ rescue. They have to win on the merits on 5 November.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="79" href="https://eppc.org/author/henry_olsen/" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Henry Olsen</a>, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center thinktank in Washington, observed: “The Democrats have wanted to use every trick in the book to defeat or unseat or stop Trump since 2016 and nothing has changed in that respect.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="80" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“The fact is he is a leading candidate. He is supported by almost half the country. The idea that he poses a threat to democracy is not unfounded but is also wildly overblown. If the media did what many Democrats want, they would effectively be acting like media in Orbán’s Hungary, so the irony might be telling.”</p></div><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/10/democrats-joe-biden-media-coverage-donald-trump">Democrats are angry over media coverage of Biden. Is it a distraction? | US elections 2024 | The Guardian</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-24911478750853623072024-03-10T12:03:00.006-04:002024-03-10T12:03:52.271-04:00Pilots fall asleep during Batik Air flight in Indonesia, veer off path - The Washington Post<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">A plane was flying with 159 onboard. Then both pilots fell asleep.</h1><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.75em; max-width: 100%;"><a class="byline" data-qa="author-name" data-reader-unique-id="97" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/jennifer-hassan/?itid=ai_top_hassanj" rel="author" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Jennifer Hassan</a></div><figure data-reader-unique-id="92" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="93" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="94" height="399" style="max-width: 100%;" width="600"><img alt="" data-reader-unique-id="95" decoding="async" height="399" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 440px,(max-width: 767px) 767px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(min-width: 1023px) 860px,(min-width: 1440px) 1440px,(max-width: 600px) 691px,(max-width: 768px) 691px,(min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 1023px) 960px,(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1299px) 530px,(min-width: 1300px) and (max-width: 1439px) 691px,(min-width: 1440px) 916px,440px" srcset="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=440 400w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=540 540w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=691 691w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=767 767w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=916 916w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=1200 1200w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=1440 1440w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=960 960w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=1023 1023w,https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/5THZ2AMZD5DSWTFYJQOBGA54OQ_size-normalized.jpg&w=860 860w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></div></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="96" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;">A Batik Air jet in Indonesia in 2022. (Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure><div data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="2" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="3" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">"Two pilots of an aircraft carrying 157 other<b data-reader-unique-id="4" style="max-width: 100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>people fell asleep midflight, causing the plane to veer off its designated path, according to a preliminary report by Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="15" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="16" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The pilots were operating a Batik Air flight when they both fell asleep at the same time for around 28 minutes,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="17" href="https://knkt.go.id/Repo/Files/Laporan/Penerbangan/2024/KNKT.24.01.02.04-Preliminary-Report.pdf" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">the report said</a>. The plane, which was carrying 153 passengers and four crew members, had left the island of South East Sulawesi and was making its way to Jakarta on Jan. 25, a two-hour and 35-minute flight.</p></div></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="19" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="20" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The report did not identify the pilots, only describing the pilot in command as a 32-year-old Indonesian and the second in command as a 28-year-old Indonesian. Both had been deemed fit to fly, having passed health checks and returned negative tests for alcohol, the report said.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="32" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="33" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">When the flight reached a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet, about 30 minutes after departure, the pilot in command asked the deputy for permission to rest, which was granted. The pilot in command fell asleep and woke just under an hour later.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="35" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="36" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The pilot in command then asked his cockpit mate whether he wanted to sleep, but the second in command declined, according to the report, so the first pilot continued to sleep while the deputy remained in control of the aircraft.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="37" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="38" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">After making contact with Jakarta’s area control center, the second pilot “inadvertently fell asleep,” the report said, noting that when the control center later attempted to contact the pilots, it did not receive a response.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="40" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="41" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“Several attempts to contact BTK6723 had been made by the Jakarta ACC including asking other pilots to call the BTK6723,” the report said. “None of the calls were responded to by the BTK6723 pilots.”</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="52" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="53" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Twenty-eight minutes after the last recorded transmission from the second pilot, the first pilot woke up “and was aware that the aircraft was not on the correct flight path,” the report said. The pilot put the flight back on track, and the plane went on to land at Jakarta, the report said.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="54" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="55" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Passengers and employees aboard the flight were unharmed, and there was no damage to the plane, the report said.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="56" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="57" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">According to the report, the second pilot had been taking care of his 1-month-old twins at home, was struggling with sleep and had moved residences the day before the flight.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="59" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="60" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">The Transportation Ministry “strongly reprimands” Batik Air over the incident, said Indonesia’s civil aviation director, Maria Kristi Endah Murni, according to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="61" href="https://www.barrons.com/news/indonesia-to-open-probe-after-airline-pilots-fell-asleep-mid-flight-db231ef7#" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Agence France-Presse</a>.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="62" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="63" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">“We will carry out an investigation and review of the night flight operation in Indonesia related with Fatigue Risk Management for Batik Air and all flight operators,” she said in a statement.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="74" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="75" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">AFP reported, citing a Batik Air statement, that the two pilots had been “temporarily suspended.” Batik Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="76" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="77" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">Around the world, the airline industry has long grappled with the issue of fatigue among staff members, particularly pilots and cabin crew members.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="79" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="80" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">A<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="81" href="https://www.eurocockpit.be/sites/default/files/2023-08/A%20report%20on%20a%20fatigue%20survey%20of%20European%20Pilots_2023_FINAL.pdf" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">survey</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>conducted in July among 6,893 pilots in Europe by an aviation safety consultancy for the European Cockpit Association found that 3 out of 4 pilots fell asleep while flying a plane in the month before the survey.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="82" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="83" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">In 2022, the managing director of Wizz Air faced backlash from unions and pilot representatives after he urged fatigued staffers to go the “extra mile” amid shortages, Sky News<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="84" href="https://news.sky.com/story/pilot-union-fury-as-wizz-air-boss-urges-fatigued-staff-to-go-the-extra-mile-12630986" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">reported</a>.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="85" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-el="text" data-reader-unique-id="86" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null" style="max-width: 100%;">In August,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="87" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/27/faa-pilots-health-conditions-va-benefits/?itid=lk_inline_manual_26" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Washington Post reported</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that U.S. federal authorities had investigated nearly 5,000 pilots suspected of falsifying their medical records to conceal that they were receiving benefits for mental health disorders and other serious conditions that could classify them as unfit to fly.</p></div><div data-qa="article-body" data-reader-unique-id="88" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="89" style="max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="90" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-qa="interstitial-link" data-reader-unique-id="91" data-testid="interstitial-link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/27/faa-pilots-health-conditions-va-benefits/?itid=lk_interstitial_manual_27" style="color: #416ed2; font-style: italic; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">5,000 pilots suspected of hiding major health issues. Most are still flying.</a>"</span></p></div></div><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/03/10/batik-air-pilots-fall-asleep-indonesia/">Pilots fall asleep during Batik Air flight in Indonesia, veer off path - The Washington Post</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-68529847735431260622024-03-10T11:36:00.006-04:002024-03-10T11:36:42.865-04:00When Is Daylight Saving Time? - The New York Times<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Why Do We Change the Clocks, Anyway?</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"The twice-yearly ritual has roots in cost-cutting strategies of the late 19th century. A recent effort to end it has stalled in Congress.</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><time class="date" data-reader-unique-id="144" datetime="2024-03-06T09:12:47-05:00" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%;">March 6, 2024</time></div><header data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="21" data-testid="imageblock-wrapper" style="max-width: 100%;"><figure aria-label="media" data-reader-unique-id="22" role="group" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="23" data-testid="imageContainer-children-Image" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="24" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="25" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/11/13/lens/13xp-time-03/13xp-time-03-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="26" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/11/13/lens/13xp-time-03/13xp-time-03-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="27" media="(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/11/13/lens/13xp-time-03/13xp-time-03-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="The giant, ornate clock hands of Big Ben." data-reader-unique-id="28" decoding="async" height="400" sizes="((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 60vw, 100vw" src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/11/13/lens/13xp-time-03/13xp-time-03-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/11/13/lens/13xp-time-03/13xp-time-03-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/11/13/lens/13xp-time-03/13xp-time-03-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/11/13/lens/13xp-time-03/13xp-time-03-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></picture></div><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="29" data-testid="photoviewer-children-ImageCaption" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="30" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">Benjamin Franklin is often credited as the first to suggest daylight saving time after realizing he was wasting his mornings by staying in bed.</span><span data-reader-unique-id="31" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"><span data-reader-unique-id="32" style="max-width: 100%;">Leon Neal/Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure></div><div data-reader-unique-id="43" style="max-width: 100%;"><a data-reader-unique-id="44" data-version="es" href="https://www.nytimes.com/es/2021/03/13/espanol/horario-de-verano-cuando-empieza.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Read in Spanish">Leer en español</a></div></header><section data-reader-unique-id="45" name="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="46" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="47" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="48" style="max-width: 100%;">Hello. You may be here to learn when is daylight saving time, or what is the time that we’re saving, or why does daylight saving time even exist.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="49" style="max-width: 100%;">Hopefully, this will answer those questions, and maybe a few more that hadn’t crossed your mind, like what do the railroad companies of the 19th century have to do with it and whether golf course owners have an interest in your sleep habits.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="50" style="max-width: 100%;">Here goes.</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="51" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">When is it?</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="52" style="max-width: 100%;">Unlike other, easier-to-remember federal events, like the Fourth of July, in the United States the clock change is tied to a roving day: Since 2007, it has taken place on the second Sunday of March, when clocks spring forward an hour, and the first Sunday of November, when they go back. (In 2024, the clocks spring forward on March 10 and go back on Nov. 3.)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p data-reader-unique-id="53" style="max-width: 100%;">In Britain and elsewhere in Europe, the clocks change on the last Sunday in March, and the last Sunday in October. (In 2024, those dates are March 31 and Oct. 27.)</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="56" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="57" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="58" style="max-width: 100%;">American lawmakers in 1966, writing in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="59" href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-80/pdf/STATUTE-80-Pg107.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">the Uniform Time Act</a>, decided that the right time of day for this shift was “2 o’clock antemeridian,” better known as 2 a.m.</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="60" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">What is it?</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="61" style="max-width: 100%;">To farmers, daylight saving time is a disruptive schedule foisted on them by the federal government; a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="62" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/12/us/daylight-saving-time-farmers.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">popular myth even blamed them</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for its existence. To some parents, it’s a nuisance that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="63" href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/daylight-saving-time.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">can throw bedtime into chaos</a>. To small business owners, it’s great.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="64" style="max-width: 100%;">When it’s lighter out after work, people “are more likely to go out and do something, whether it’s in the neighborhood, a local park or some other experience,” said Jeff Lenard, a spokesman for the National Association of Convenience Stores, an industry group. “And that behavior shift also drives sales, whether at a favorite restaurant or the local convenience store.”</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="65" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">OK, if it wasn’t farmers, whose idea was this?</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="66" style="max-width: 100%;">The idea is to move an hour of sunlight from the early morning to the evening, so that people can make more use of daylight. Benjamin Franklin is often credited as the first to suggest it in the 18th century, after he realized he was wasting his Parisian mornings by staying in bed. He proposed that the French fire cannons at sunrise to wake people up and reduce candle consumption at night.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="67" style="max-width: 100%;">Over the next 100 years, the Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork for his idea to enter government policy. For much of the 1800s, time was set according to the sun and the people running the clocks in every town and city, creating scores of conflicting, locally established “sun times.” It could be noon in New York, 12:05 in Philadelphia and 12:15 in Boston.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="70" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="71" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="72" style="max-width: 100%;">This caused problems for railway companies trying to deliver passengers and freight on time, as nobody agreed whose time it was. In the 1840s, British railroads<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="73" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/wales/entries/8d6d68fa-1e6a-39e1-9f29-232450445f41#:~:text=Railway%20time%20is%20introduced&text=Several%20other%20railway%20companies%20followed,railway%20stations%20across%20the%20country." rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">adopted standard times</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to reduce confusion. American counterparts soon followed in an effort to fend off federal intervention.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="74" style="max-width: 100%;">In North America, a coalition of businessmen and scientists<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="75" href="https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/november-18/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">decided on time zones</a>, and in 1883, U.S. and Canadian railroads adopted four (Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific) to streamline service. The shift was not universally well received. Evangelical Christians were among the strongest opponents, arguing that “time came from God and railroads were not to mess with it,” said Carlene Stephens, a curator at the National Museum of American History.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="76" style="max-width: 100%;">Once the time zone business was settled, it wasn’t long until Franklin’s idea for daylight saving was refashioned for the industrial world. In the 1900s, an English builder, William Willet,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="77" href="http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/willett.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">urged British lawmakers</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to shift the clocks to reap economic benefits. Parliament<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="78" href="https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/science-and-technology/the-waste-of-daylight/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">rejected</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>the proposal in 1909, only to embrace it a few years later under the pressures of World War I. In 1916, Germany was<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="79" href="https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1973/10/28/91020763.html?pageNumber=528" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">the first European nation to enact the policy</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in an effort to cut energy costs, and over the next few years several Western nations followed suit.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="80" style="max-width: 100%;">In the United States, the federal government took oversight of time zones in 1918. And in March of that year, the country lost its first hour of sleep.</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="81" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">But why?</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="82" style="max-width: 100%;">One of the oldest arguments for daylight saving time is that it can save energy costs. There have been many<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="83" href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/11/131101-when-does-daylight-savings-time-end-november-3-science/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">conflicting studies</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>about whether actually it does.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="86" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="87" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="88" style="max-width: 100%;">A<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="89" href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/ba/pba/pdfs/epact_sec_110_edst_report_to_congress_2008.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">Department of Energy report from 2008</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>found that the extended daylight saving time signed by George W. Bush in 2005 saved about 0.5 percent in total electricity use per day. Also that year,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="90" href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w14429" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>found that the shift in daylight saving time, “contrary to the policy’s intent,” increased residential electricity demand by about 1 percent, raising electricity bills in Indiana by $9 million per year and increasing pollution emissions.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="91" style="max-width: 100%;">Energy savings was precisely the argument President Richard M. Nixon used in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="92" href="https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1974/01/06/97461194.html?pageNumber=1" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">1974</a>when he signed into law the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act amid a fuel crisis. But what started as a two-year experiment didn’t even make it the year. On Sept. 30, 1974, eight months after the experiment began, the Senate put the country back on standard time after<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="93" href="https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/01/archives/senate-votes-return-to-standard-time-for-four-months-and-sends-bill.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">widespread discontent</a>.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="94" style="max-width: 100%;">Daylight saving time still has fervent supporters, especially among business advocates who argue it helps drive the economy.</p><h2 data-reader-unique-id="95" style="font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;">Who wants to end it?</h2><p data-reader-unique-id="96" style="max-width: 100%;">The European Union and several U.S. states, including California, Florida and Ohio, have either<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="97" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/27/world/europe/daylight-savings-time-european-union.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">considered</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>dropping the shift or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="98" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/us/daylight-saving-time-florida.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">taken steps</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to do so.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="99" style="max-width: 100%;">In March 2022, the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="100" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/15/us/politics/daylight-saving-time-senate.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">Senate suddenly and unanimously passed</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>legislation to do away with the twice-yearly time changes, making daylight saving time permanent. But the bill failed to make it out of the House. Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, reintroduced the bill in March 2023 but it has not been taken up by the House yet.</p></div></div><div data-reader-unique-id="103" style="max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="104" style="max-width: 100%;"><p data-reader-unique-id="105" style="max-width: 100%;">“We’re ‘springing forward’ but should have never ‘fallen back,’” Mr. Rubio said in a statement in March 2024, adding that his bill “would end this stupid practice of changing our clocks back and forth.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="106" style="max-width: 100%;">If Congress eventually passes the bill and if President Biden signs it, the new law would take about a year to implement.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="107" style="max-width: 100%;">In October 2022, Mexico<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="108" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/27/world/americas/mexico-daylight-saving-time.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">ended daylight saving time</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for most of the country, but carved out an exception for the area along the United States border.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="109" style="max-width: 100%;">China, India and Russia do not use daylight saving time. Nor does Hawaii or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="110" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/02/us/daylight-saving-time-doughnut.html" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" title="">most of Arizona</a>. (The Navajo Nation, in northeastern Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, does observe.) Several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the United States Virgin Islands also do not apply daylight saving time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p data-reader-unique-id="111" style="max-width: 100%;">In 2020, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-reader-unique-id="112" href="https://aasm.org/american-academy-of-sleep-medicine-calls-for-elimination-of-daylight-saving-time/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="">called for the abolition</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of daylight saving time. In a statement, the academy said the shift, by disrupting the body’s natural clock, could cause an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular events, and could lead to more traffic accidents.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="113" style="max-width: 100%;">Daniel Victor<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Remy Tumin<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>contributed reporting."</p></div></div></section></div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/daylight-saving-time-questions.html">When Is Daylight Saving Time? - The New York Times</a>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-78131855323990159022024-03-09T09:22:00.001-05:002024-03-09T09:22:44.953-05:00Biden Delivers A Feisty, Fiery, Heated State Of The Union Speech | Steph...<iframe style="background-image:url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IoUgEojahFA/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/IoUgEojahFA?si=3x_xFl21rm7WmOvK" frameborder="0"></iframe>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607122.post-16512783310522118222024-03-09T09:14:00.005-05:002024-03-09T09:14:41.697-05:00Controversial new theory of gravity rules out need for dark matter | Physics | The Guardian<div><h1 class="title" data-reader-unique-id="titleElement" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.95552em; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%;">Controversial new theory of gravity rules out need for dark matter</h1><h2 class="subhead" data-reader-unique-id="subheadElement" style="color: rgba(27, 27, 27, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.46664em; font-weight: normal; hyphens: manual; line-height: 1.27275em; margin-top: -0.35em; max-width: 100%;">"Exclusive: Paper by UCL professor says ‘wobbly’ space-time could instead explain expansion of universe and galactic rotation</h2><div class="metadata singleline" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; hyphens: manual; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.7em; max-width: 100%;"><a class="byline" data-link-name="auto tag link" data-reader-unique-id="45" href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/hannah-devlin" rel="author" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">Hannah Devlin</a></div><figure data-reader-unique-id="24" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 1.4em 0px; max-width: 100%;"><div data-reader-unique-id="25" style="max-width: 100%;"><picture data-reader-unique-id="26" style="max-width: 100%;"><source data-reader-unique-id="27" media="(min-width: 980px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 980px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="28" media="(min-width: 980px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=620&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="29" media="(min-width: 740px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 740px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=700&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="30" media="(min-width: 740px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=700&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="31" media="(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="32" media="(min-width: 660px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=620&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="33" media="(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=645&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="34" media="(min-width: 480px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=645&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="35" media="(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=465&dpr=2&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><source data-reader-unique-id="36" media="(min-width: 320px)" srcset="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=465&dpr=1&s=none" style="max-width: 100%;"></source><img alt="A photo combining an image of a supercluster with magenta-tinted clumps of an inferred dark matter map derived from observations by Nasa's Hubble space telescope." data-reader-unique-id="37" height="279.06467315716276" loading="eager" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b1ff322c7a978579b4b8585c02000529723e2b98/0_736_2876_1726/master/2876.jpg?width=465&dpr=1&s=none" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.5em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="465" /></picture><span class="converted-anchor" data-reader-unique-id="38" style="max-width: 100%;"></span></div><span data-reader-unique-id="39" style="max-width: 100%;"><figcaption data-reader-unique-id="40" style="margin-top: 0.8em; max-width: 100%; width: 962.71875px;"><span data-reader-unique-id="41" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;"></span><span data-reader-unique-id="44" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-top: 0.25em; max-width: 100%;">A photo combining an image of a supercluster with magenta-tinted clumps of an inferred dark matter map derived from observations by Nasa's Hubble space telescope.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Photograph: Alamy</figcaption></span></figure><p data-reader-unique-id="1" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Dark matter is supposed to account for 85% of the mass in the universe, according to conventional scientific wisdom. But proponents of a radical new theory of gravity, in which<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="2" href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/dec/04/wobbly-spacetime-may-resolve-contradictory-physics-theories" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">space-time is “wobbly”</a>, say their approach could render the elusive substance obsolete.<br data-reader-unique-id="3" style="max-width: 100%;" /><br data-reader-unique-id="4" style="max-width: 100%;" />The proposition, outlined in a new paper, raises the controversial possibility that dark matter, which has never been directly observed, is a mirage that a substantial portion of the physics community has been chasing for several decades. The theory is viewed as quite left-field and is yet to be thoroughly tested, but the latest claims are creating a stir in the world of physics.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="5" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Announcing the paper on X, Prof Jonathan Oppenheim, of University College London, said: “Folks, something seems to be happening. We show that our theory of gravity … can explain the expansion of the universe and galactic rotation without dark matter or dark energy.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="6" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;"><gu-island config="{"renderingTarget":"Web","darkModeAvailable":false}" data-island-status="hydrated" data-reader-unique-id="7" deferuntil="visible" name="SignInGateSelector" priority="feature" props="{"contentType":"Article","sectionId":"science","tags":[{"id":"science/physics","type":"Keyword","title":"Physics"},{"id":"science/astronomy","type":"Keyword","title":"Astronomy"},{"id":"science/science","type":"Keyword","title":"Science"},{"id":"science/space","type":"Keyword","title":"Space"},{"id":"education/universitycollegelondon","type":"Keyword","title":"UCL (University College London)"},{"id":"uk/uk","type":"Keyword","title":"UK news"},{"id":"type/article","type":"Type","title":"Article"},{"id":"tone/news","type":"Tone","title":"News"},{"id":"profile/hannah-devlin","type":"Contributor","title":"Hannah Devlin","twitterHandle":"hannahdev","bylineImageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2018/04/12/Hannah-Devlin.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=7926781878ea773573d8f69fd6390215","bylineLargeImageUrl":"https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2018/04/12/Hannah_Devlin,_L.png?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=25ca4791da48d463d45435ff32737863"},{"id":"publication/theguardian","type":"Publication","title":"The Guardian"},{"id":"theguardian/mainsection","type":"NewspaperBook","title":"Main section"},{"id":"theguardian/mainsection/uknews","type":"NewspaperBookSection","title":"UK news"},{"id":"tracking/commissioningdesk/uk-home-news","type":"Tracking","title":"UK Home News"}],"isPaidContent":false,"isPreview":false,"host":"https://www.theguardian.com","pageId":"science/2024/mar/09/controversial-new-theory-of-gravity-rules-out-need-for-dark-matter","idUrl":"https://profile.theguardian.com","switches":{"lightbox":true,"prebidAppnexusUkRow":true,"abSignInGateMainVariant":true,"commercialMetrics":true,"prebidTrustx":true,"scAdFreeBanner":false,"adaptiveSite":true,"prebidPermutiveAudience":true,"compareVariantDecision":false,"enableSentryReporting":true,"lazyLoadContainers":true,"ampArticleSwitch":true,"remarketing":true,"oscarsNewsletterEmbed2":false,"articleEndSlot":true,"keyEventsCarousel":true,"abOscarsNewsletterEmbed":false,"registerWithPhone":false,"targeting":true,"remoteHeader":true,"slotBodyEnd":true,"prebidImproveDigitalSkins":true,"ampPrebidOzone":true,"extendedMostPopularFronts":true,"emailInlineInFooter":true,"showNewPrivacyWordingOnEmailSignupEmbeds":true,"prebidAnalytics":true,"extendedMostPopular":true,"ampContentAbTesting":false,"prebidCriteo":true,"okta":true,"imrWorldwide":true,"acast":true,"automaticFilters":true,"twitterUwt":true,"prebidAppnexusInvcode":true,"ampPrebidPubmatic":true,"a9HeaderBidding":true,"prebidAppnexus":true,"enableDiscussionSwitch":true,"prebidXaxis":true,"stickyVideos":true,"interactiveFullHeaderSwitch":true,"discussionAllPageSize":true,"prebidUserSync":true,"audioOnwardJourneySwitch":true,"brazeTaylorReport":false,"externalVideoEmbeds":true,"abSignInGateAlternativeWording":true,"callouts":true,"sentinelLogger":true,"geoMostPopular":true,"weAreHiring":false,"relatedContent":true,"thirdPartyEmbedTracking":true,"prebidOzone":true,"ampLiveblogSwitch":true,"ampAmazon":true,"prebidAdYouLike":true,"mostViewedFronts":true,"discussionInApps":false,"optOutAdvertising":true,"abSignInGateMainControl":true,"headerTopNav":true,"googleSearch":true,"brazeSwitch":true,"darkModeInApps":true,"prebidKargo":true,"consentManagement":true,"crosswordMobileBanner":true,"personaliseSignInGateAfterCheckout":true,"redplanetForAus":true,"prebidSonobi":true,"idProfileNavigation":true,"confiantAdVerification":true,"discussionAllowAnonymousRecommendsSwitch":false,"dcrTagPages":true,"permutive":true,"comscore":true,"ampPrebidCriteo":true,"abMpuWhenNoEpic":false,"newsletterOnwards":false,"youtubeIma":true,"oscarsNewsletterEmbed1":false,"webFonts":true,"prebidImproveDigital":true,"ophan":true,"crosswordSvgThumbnails":true,"prebidTriplelift":true,"weather":true,"disableAmpTest":true,"prebidPubmatic":true,"serverShareCounts":false,"autoRefresh":true,"enhanceTweets":true,"prebidIndexExchange":true,"prebidOpenx":true,"prebidHeaderBidding":true,"mobileDiscussionAds":true,"idCookieRefresh":true,"discussionPageSize":true,"smartAppBanner":false,"boostGaUserTimingFidelity":false,"historyTags":true,"brazeContentCards":true,"surveys":true,"emailSignupRecaptcha":true,"prebidSmart":true,"shouldLoadGoogletag":true,"inizio":true,"abSectionAdDensity":true,"remoteBanner":true}}" style="max-width: 100%;"></gu-island></p><p data-reader-unique-id="10" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">There are multiple lines of evidence for dark matter, but its nature has remained mysterious and searches by the Large Hadron Collider have come up empty-handed. Last year, the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="11" href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/nov/07/euclid-telescope-first-images-dark-universe-mission" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">European Space Agency launched a mission, Euclid</a>, aiming to produce a cosmic map of dark matter.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="12" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">The latest paper,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a data-link-name="in body link" data-reader-unique-id="13" href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.19459" style="color: #416ed2; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none;">published on the Arxiv website</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and yet to be peer-reviewed, raises the question of whether it even exists, drawing parallels between dark matter and flawed concepts of the past, such as “the ether”, an invisible substance that was thought to permeate all of space.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="14" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“In the absence of any direct evidence for dark energy or dark matter it is natural to wonder whether they may be unnecessary scientific constructs like celestial spheres, ether, or the planet Vulcan, all of which were superseded by simpler explanations,” it states. “Gravity has a long history of being a trickster.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="15" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">In this case, the simpler explanation being proposed is Oppenheim’s “postquantum theory of classical gravity”. The UCL professor has spent the past five years developing the approach, which aims to unite the two pillars of modern physics: quantum theory and Einstein’s general relativity, which are fundamentally incompatible.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="16" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Oppenheim’s theory envisages the fabric of space-time as smooth and continuous (classical), but inherently wobbly. The rate at which time flows would randomly fluctuate, like a burbling stream, space would be haphazardly warped and time would diverge in different patches of the universe. The theory also envisions an intrinsic breakdown in predictability.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="17" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">The paper, by Oppenheim and Andrea Russo, a PhD candidate at UCL, claims this take on the universe could explain landmark observations of rotating galaxies that led to the “discovery” of dark matter. Stars at the edges of galaxies, where gravity is expected to be weakest based on visible matter, ought to be rotating more slowly than stars at the centre. But in reality, the orbital motion of stars does not drop off. From this, astronomers inferred the presence of a halo of unseen (dark) matter exerting a gravitational pull.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="18" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">In Oppenheim’s approach the additional energy required to keep the stars locked in orbit is provided by the random fluctuations in spacetime, which in effect add in a background hum of gravitation. This would be negligible in a high gravity interaction, such as the Earth orbiting the Sun. But in low gravity situations, such as the fringes of a galaxy, the phenomenon would dominate – and cumulatively could account for the majority of the energy in the universe.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="19" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“We show that it can explain the expansion of the universe and galactic rotation curves without the need for dark matter or dark energy,” Oppenheim said on X. “We do urge caution, however, since there is other indirect evidence for dark matter, so further calculations and comparison with data are needed. But if it holds, it would appear that 95% of the energy in the universe is due to the erratic nature of spacetime, signalling either a fundamental breakdown in predictability of physics, or we are immersed in an environment which does not obey the laws of classical or quantum theory.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="20" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Not everyone is convinced, including the well-known theorists Prof Carlo Rovelli and Prof Geoff Penington, who have signed a 5,000:1 odds bet with Oppenheim against his theory being proven correct.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="21" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“I think it’s good that physicists explore a wide variety of approaches to very difficult problems like combining quantum mechanics with gravity,” said Penington.</p><p data-reader-unique-id="22" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">“Personally, I don’t think this particular approach is likely to be the correct one. I’ve obviously put my money where my mouth is on that front and there is nothing new in the recent papers that would make me change that assessment.”</p><p data-reader-unique-id="23" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 26px; max-width: 100%;">Others are more enthusiastic. “I think the authors are on to something really interesting here, exploring some beautiful and novel ideas,” said Prof Andrew Pontzen, a cosmologist at University College London. “However, the challenge for replacing dark matter is that there are so many different lines of evidence that suggest its presence. So far they have only addressed one of these lines. Only time will tell whether the new ideas can truly explain the huge variety of phenomena that point towards dark matter.”</p></div><div><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/mar/09/controversial-new-theory-of-gravity-rules-out-need-for-dark-matter">Controversial new theory of gravity rules out need for dark matter | Physics | The Guardian</a></div>John H Armwood IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295507968976514854noreply@blogger.com0