A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPM’s Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.
Do Tell …
ABC News continues to come through with consistently revelatory reporting about the prosecution of Donald Trump for the 2020 election subversion scheme. In a new report this morning, Katherine Faulders et al. describe what former Vice President Mike Pence has told Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Relying on anonymous sources, the ABC News team paints a picture of detailed questioning of Pence by investigators and a more granular (but not inconsistent) account of what Pence has already said publicly. The sources almost surely come from Pence’s circle, as the report goes so far as to use quotations purportedly from Pence.
According to the ABC News report, Pence told investigators that:
- Trump surrounded himself with “crank” attorneys, espoused “un-American” legal theories, and almost pushed the country toward a “constitutional crisis.”
- Pence briefly considered not showing up for the Jan. 6 certification by Congress of the Electoral College vote.
- Trump privately asked Pence for his advice, and Pence told him that if nothing changed, “[you] should simply accept the results,” “you should take a bow,” travel the country to thank supporters, “and then run again if you want.”
- After Trump re-tweeted a memo titled ‘Operation PENCE CARD,’ Pence turned to his wife and said, “Here we go.”
- Trump “acted recklessly” as the Capitol was under siege, but Pence will “never believe” Trump meant for Jan. 6 to become violent.
Chutkan Blocks Trump Fishing Expedition
The judge in the Jan. 6 case denied a Trump request to issue pre-trial subpoenas to various government entities, officials, and members of Congress.
Time Is Of The Essence
Randall Eliason: Why Judges in the Trump Jan. 6 Trial Need a Rocket Docket
John Eastman Pushes For Quick Georgia RICO Trial
A new wrinkle in the Georgia RICO case where John Eastman seems to be asking the judge to try Donald Trump separately from everyone else after the election and to hold two separate trials of the remaining defendants in 2024.
Never Forget
Philip Bump on the renewed effort to rewrite the history of Jan. 6.
Good Reminder
Politico: Bid to hold Trump accountable for Jan. 6 violence stalls at appeals court
The Ongoing Assault On Voting Rights
We are paying far less attention to the long-term deterioration of the right to vote, the essential building block of a democratic republic. It’s easier to overlook because chipping away at access to the ballot has been a subtle, decade-long process.
Bob Menendez Watch
WaPo exclusive: Businessman accused of bribing Sen. Menendez had deep ties to Egypt
Hate Crime?
The Justice Department is investigating whether the shooting in Vermont of three students of Palestinian descent was a hate crime. The man arrested in the shooting pleaded not guilty Monday.
Musk In Israel
Notorious purveyor of anti-Semitism uses Bibi Netanyahu to launder his anti-Semitism:
So Much For Small Gov’t And Local Control
WaPo: Antagonisms flare as red states try to dictate how blue cities are run
Great Read
New Yorker: When Your Own Book Gets Caught Up in the Censorship Wars
Pennies On The Dollar But Not Nothing
The Sandy Hook families have offered to settle their nearly $1.5 billion legal judgments against Alex Jones for $85 million, payable over 10 years, plus 50 percent of any income over $9 million per year.
Catching Up On Geert Wilders Big Win
The holiday threw me off my game, so I’m late to catching you up on the big win for right-winger Geert Wilders in the Dutch parliamentary elections:
Rosalynn Carter To Be Honored
Every living first lady will join former President Jimmy Carter in paying respects to the late Rosalynn Carter today in Atlanta.
Colbert Recovering From Ruptured Appendix
The late night host cancelled this week’s shows after undergoing surgery for a ruptured appendix.
Yesterday Was Hard
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That image tells you everything you need to know about Mike Dense.
Plea deals okay for everyone else.