What specifically do you expect Mueller to say in his testimony

that would influence or matter to you that would not be communicated in a transcript of his testimony?

Please be specific.

Note: I'm not asking for your opinions about how Mueller's testimony might influence someone else. This is a question directed to each of you. What do you expect that Mueller would say in his testimony that could influence or make a difference to you in any way that wouldn't influence or make a difference to you if you read it in a transcript?

On Day 2 of the Pelosi Mashdown of Trump, we suddenly get inundated with a stream

with a stream of breathless angry diatribes about Mueller's testimony.

I willingly joined in the conversations myself because some of the carrying on seemed so ridiculous and I wanted to counter it ... but now that I think about it, I just find it interesting.

Pelosi's detractors were right about one thing: She IS a lightning rod. And thank God, she is

And I’ll bet the red state Members who, even if they support impeachment, need some time and space to help their constituents catch up with the rest of us, are grateful that Nancy Pelosi is taking the incoming bolts for them.

That’s what a leader does. And Pelosi is doing it so well, she makes it look easy - so easy, in fac, that some people don’t even realize she’s doing it.

Oh, Donald ... Judge Ramos is calling (you out)

"The Judiciary branch is strong and WE. WILL. HOLD"

A few weeks ago, a dear old friend, a Republican-appointed federal judge, trying to console me during a moment of despair about the future of our country, said to me “The Judiciary branch is strong and will hold.” When I expressed skepticism, he leaned toward me, looked me dead in the eye, and said as firmly as he could without shouting: “We are strong and WE. WILL. HOLD.”

Today, thanks to Judge Mehta, I think he may be right ...

A modest request: Please do your research

It’s not a new thing here but it seems to be more prevalent lately that people are throwing around terms and concepts that they’ve read about somewhere on the internet but haven’t taken the time to actually learn about. As a lawyer, I notice it more when it deals with legal issues, but it’s certainly broader than that.

For example, lately some folk are complaining about (and actually mocking) the Democrats’ “strongly worded letters,” not realizing they are a legal necessity and demanding that Congress exercise its “inherent contempt” authority to throw people in jail immediately, without understanding exactly how this authority works and that it doesn’t permit immediate arrest and jail.

Such misconceptions wouldn’t be a big deal ordinarily, but when people who DO understand these issues try to explain it to them, some folk double down, argue and even get snarky - all the while further demonstrating their lack of knowledge about or even a cursory effort to research the topic.

This discussion board is a great place to engage and learn from each other. I’m constantly learning here. But it’s not helpful if people refuse to make any effort to learn what they’re talking about before they start talking about it, spread misinformation, and then argue and attack when anyone who knows the topic tries to help them better understand it.

I know I’ll likely take some incoming for having the temerity to say this - probably from some of the same folk who are doing what I’m talking about - but I hope people will seriously consider it and take some time to learn more about what they’re discussing, either by researching it before they bring it up or jump into a discussion, or by showing more respect to DUers who have more knowledge about a topic than they do. We all have something to learn about something from someone else.

Even if the Dems started impeachment tomorrow, that wouldn't satisfy some people

They will be second-guess, harp, snipe, blame, and nsist they know better than the people who are actually doing th work.

So I'm glad Pelosi, Nadler and their colleagues aren't falling for the "just open impeachment hearings and all will be well and right with the world" bait.

Because some people will never be satisfied since their sniping has little or.nothing to do with achieving the ends they claim and everything to do with trying to tear down Nancy Pelosi.

(Psst. It ain't gonna work cause Nancy's not skeerdayu)

"I don't think it's smart to start impeachment proceedings right now. We have to lay the groundwork"

WHY ARE YOU AGAINST IMPEACHMENT?!

I'm not against impeachment. I think we should impeach him, but we have to make sure we're doing it right. That will take a little time.

THE MAN'S A CRIMINAL! WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING IMPEACHMENT?!

I'm not fighting impeachment. I just don't think we should go into it unprepared. In the meantime, we're not sitting on our hands. We're doing plenty to build the case.

NOTHING'S HAPPENING! HE'S GETTING AWAY WITH IT! IF WE DON'T IMPEACH NOW HE'S GOING TO GET AWAY WITH EVERYTHING!!!

Plenty is happening.

NO! NOTHING'S HAPPENING! AND NOTHING CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT IMPEACHMENT! THE COURTS WON'T TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY IF WE'RE NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN IMPEACHMENT! THAT'S THE ONLY WAY TO GET TESTIMONY AND DOCUMENTS!

Meanwhile, in the real world, subpoenas are being issued, judges are hearing cases and ordering unredacted documents released, hearings are taking place, additional testimony is being scheduled ...

(Sigh ... )

Alabama, Georgia and Ohio have some us a favor

For years the "pro-life" crowd has insisted that pro-choice Americans were overreacting, that we were mischaracterizing their motives, that they weren't trying to overturn Roe v. Wade but "just" wanted to apply "reasonable" restrictions.

Although we knew they were lying, many moderate Republicans, especially women, bought it and voted accordingly.

Now everyone can see they were full of crap and that they were lied to and played like fiddles.

This surely will have some impact in 2020. Certainly, many of these people will stick to their delusional attachment to the GOP,. but just as surely, some of them will recoil and peel off.

Truth!

Like you, I'm sick of them saying they're "talking to people across the country " I keep thinking "When do you have time to talk to anyone? You spend 24-7 sitting in studios running your mouth. Who did you talk to? Your college roommate between interviews?"