Jen Rubin's Green Room Politicon

Amy McGrath discusses Donald Trump's attitude towards the military and the perception of it within the military. She highlights the concerns about Trump's treatment of veterans and his disrespectful comments about fallen soldiers. Amy and Jen also discuss the potential dangers of a second Trump administration, including the lack of guardrails and the potential for misuse of presidential power. She emphasizes the importance of civilian control of the military and the potential challenges if the president issues unlawful orders. 
Amy also talks about the need for leaders with national security experience in Congress and the value of national service. She addresses the disconnect between young people and politics and the importance of civics education. McGrath emphasizes the connection between American prosperity and international leadership, and the risks of isolationism. She encourages support for pro-democracy candidates and organizations.

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Jennifer Rubin Opinion Column The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/22/johnson-military-aid-damage-ukraine/

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Jen Rubin and Nicole Bibbins Sedaca delve into the global phenomenon of democratic backsliding, exploring the erosion of democratic norms, the role of civil society, and the connection between financial corruption and political power. They also highlight the importance of individual responsibility and collective action in safeguarding democracy.

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Get More From Jennifer Rubin
Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Lee Kovarsky and Jennifer Rubin discuss the recent conviction of a former president of the United States and the challenges faced by the judge and jury in the trial. They explore the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, the criticism of the decision to prosecute, and the importance of respecting the rule of law.
They also touch on the issue of presidential immunity and the potential involvement of the Supreme Court. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the breakdown of the federal court system and the challenges faced by prosecutors in dealing with difficult judges.


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Get More From Jennifer Rubin:
Twitter | Threads | WaPo | Author of “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy From Donald Trump”

Susan Page discusses her book on Barbara Walters, highlighting her groundbreaking career in journalism and entertainment. Walters, rising from a generation with low expectations for women, became known for her meticulous preparation and high-profile interviews. Despite facing criticism, she persevered to become a legend in the industry. Walters struggled with personal relationships, prioritizing her career and encouraging women to own production companies. Her complex relationship with Diane Sawyer, marked by competition fueled by their employer, is also explored. Walters' ability to adapt to the evolving medium of television further cemented her legacy.

Buy the book "The Rulebreaker: The Life and times of Barbara Walters”.

Jen Rubin speaks with Yasmin Radjy, Exec Director of Swing Left, an organization that aims to channel resources to the most impactful elections to ensure Democrats have the balance of power.

Jen Rubin and Tom Joscelyn dissect the intricate web of events surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack and its aftermath. They scrutinize key figures, investigative findings, law enforcement failures, and the pervasive threat posed by right-wing extremist groups. Delving into the implications of accountability, they explore the potential consequences of legal actions against former President Trump, the authoritarian tendencies within his movement, and the role of media in perpetuating conspiracy narratives. 

Takeaways:
The findings of the January 6th report have not been changed by subsequent information, and new details have only further corroborated the initial conclusions.
Steve Bannon's involvement and communications on January 6th are of particular concern, as he was in contact with President Trump and expressed a willingness to obstruct the transfer of power.

The investigation into the war room and its role in coordinating the attack is ongoing, and more information is needed to fully understand what happened.
The failures of domestic law enforcement and the normalization of right-wing extremism are significant threats to American democracy.

There are concerns about the reticence of the FBI and intelligence agencies to fully investigate and address the threat of right-wing extremist groups.

The crimes committed by the January 6th defendants were serious, and their actions should not be downplayed or dismissed.

Mike Pence was in danger on January 6th due to Donald Trump's targeting of him for not overturning the election results.

The atmosphere of the January 6th committee was intense, with a focus on telling the story of what happened and holding individuals accountable.

The Secret Service has had its share of scandals and issues, and there are concerns about its loyalty and performance.

The erasure of emails and messages raises questions about transparency and accountability. The Espionage Act case against Donald Trump is significant and the message it sends if he is not prosecuted is dangerous.

Trump's defense of taking classified documents and his belief that he can do anything as president reflects the authoritarian nature of his political movement.
Right-wing media sustains an echo chamber of conspiracy theories, and defeating the insurgency requires reaching out to Republicans who do not want to be aligned with extremist ideologies.

Losing decisively at the ballot box is necessary to initiate a reformation on the American right.

Hope lies in the resilience of the American people and the belief that there are more people who reject extremism than those who embrace it.