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David Rothkopf

28 Nov, 12 tweets, 3 min read

@TheDailyBeast

In my latest for @TheDailyBeast, I talk to experts on the (apparent) pace of DoJ's investigations into Trump and the coup plotters...and into Trump's wrong-doing more broadly. While I agree with them that more patience is in order...

...it is also a fact that delaying action for too long could have grievous consequences. Should the GOP win in November, all congressional investigations will be shutdown and obstacles will be thrown in the path of investigators.

Should investigations get to close to 2024 elections, DoJ principles will suggest decisions/actions be postponed...especially in the wake of the Comey fiasco re: HRC. Further, and perhaps more importantly...

The Big Lie is a toxin that remains in our political system and it is being used to justify dangerous attacks on our democracy. Not holding accountable those responsible with plotting, inciting and funding 1/6 will only increase this risk.

Further, we are already seeing the lack of action against Trump and the coup plotters being used to suggest wrongly that they did nothing wrong. (Should they never be held accountable the precedent would be devastating.)

Sadly, we have a strong analogy to draw on with regard to the Russia investigation. Trump clearly colluded with Russia. Mueller and the Congress confirmed that. Further he actively obstructed justice with regard to that investigation. Mueller detailed that.

But with no prosecutions on this (and seemingly no imminent jeopardy of any) the narrative in the GOP and on their media outlets is that there was never any there there...that it was the "hoax" Trump claimed it was all along. When that is demonstrably untrue.

Further, by allowing the flawed and political Durham investigation to continue, the DoJ appears to be sanctioning shots at the Russia investigation without actually taking action on the conclusions about wrong-doing that were credibly made.

Finally, 1/6 is not just different because unchecked activities related to it are continuing. It is also different because so much of it occurred in plain sight. So much evidence is there for all to see. That should not only help make the case...

...but it also damns inaction further by supporting the wrong side of the "who are you going to believe, Trump or your own lying eyes?" narrative.

So while we must have a bullet-proof process and while methodical is better, we must also recognize the exigent circumstances and context...& the ticking clock...& devote the efforts to achieving justice that the facts demand and upon which the future of our democracy depends.

@Tribelaw

In this context, I wrote the following... Thanks to @Tribelaw @Dahlialithwick @BarbMcQuade @allisongill & (during our podcast) @HarryLitman for their help with it.

thedailybeast.com/if-merrick-gar…

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More from @djrothkopf

David Rothkopf

@djrothkopf

29 Nov

Lotta folks saying "Hey, the way prosecutors work is in secret, so if we are hearing nothing of an investigation of Trump for 1/6 or obstruction, that means things are working just as they should." Um, no. It could mean that, of course. Or the opposite.

Some folks are saying that investigating Trump's wrongdoing should take time. And of course, that's true. Except...a number of people, including the FBI Director and Rep. Adam Schiff have indicated they don't believe such an investigation is taking place.

Further, the fact that it takes time to do an investigation does not in any way offset the fact that we have a limited amount of time. First, time elapsed investigating coup planners has already strengthened belief in the Big Lie and the justifications for 1/6 offered by the GOP.

Read 16 tweets

David Rothkopf

@djrothkopf

29 Nov

The Omicron outbreak reminds us that for nearly two years now, the dominant battle confronting the US, our allies (and our enemies) worldwide has been against the virus. It has taken a massive economic, social, political toll...one so big, we don't even understand it fully.

And...until we win the war against COVID-19...which involves not eradicating it but learning how to manage it, it will continue to set our priorities and make progress on most other issues impossible. It will also influence political outcomes and business profoundly.

The message to governments needs to be that they must work together better than they have, invest in a global "solution" (way to manage it), and use all available measures to overcome anti-science forces who delay and jeopardize recovery.

Read 4 tweets

David Rothkopf

@djrothkopf

19 Nov

Every day since he took office, Joe Biden and his team have worked with Democrats on the Hill and across the country to help America recover from the pandemic and prepare for a new era of prosperity, opportunity and leadership in the decades ahead.

The results so far have been stunning. 7 million jobs created. Economic resurgence. Almost 200 million Americans vaccinated. Once BBB passes the Senate a total of nearly $5 trillion invested in the American people--the biggest such investment in our history.

When it passes it will also mean the biggest investment in saving the climate in our history. Huge reductions in child poverty. Big savings on medications. Pre-K for all. Home care.

The first year has also seen an end to America's longest war, a restoration of US standing.

Read 6 tweets

David Rothkopf

@djrothkopf

17 Nov

The GOP speeches in today's Gosar debate give us a chance to see the current state of that party's "thinking" regarding their 2022 positioning It is all lies about the Biden economy & tapping into post-COVID frustrations seasoned with words they don't understand like socialism.

With the passage of BBB, Biden's first year record will be truly historic...and something to run on. Massive job creation, economic growth, help for those in need and, in all likelihood, a robust, vibrant economy.

Dems must drive home those points. But...they also must challenge each and every one of the GOP lies. And they must call out the threat the GOP represents to democracy. Trump, 1/6, violence, racism...the GOP owns this and Dems represent the only alternative.

Read 5 tweets

David Rothkopf

@djrothkopf

16 Nov

Throughout my time in DC, certain economists & special interests have used the threat of inflation as a cudgel to beat back investing in the needs of average Americans. Today's limited price increases are being twisted into the same kind of tool.

While they have many causes, much of what is behind them is associated with doing what was necessary to recover from COVID and the disruptions in supply chains and demand caused by the pandemic. As those pass, in all likelihood they will pass.

How can you tell those who argue for example that we should pass the BBB initiative because it is inflationary are dissembling? Well, first, because many top economists are on the record saying it is not.

Read 6 tweets

David Rothkopf

@djrothkopf

16 Nov

Biden-Xi exchange was what the world's most important bilateral relationship demands--communication at the highest level. Admin since the outset has actively engaged China at every level, but leader-to-leader dialogue is an essential piece of that.

Reports on the call suggest it was productive, both sides made clear their concerns, Biden was direct & the fact both men know each other was an added & real benefit. Articles on the call sniping that there were no "breakthroughs" simply don't understand the purpose of the call.

Articles that note there are still tensions in the relationship are stating the obvious. This is part of the process of managing a complex relationship, one of the most challenging, nuanced and consequential in US history.

Read 7 tweets

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