For Dec. 13
Part 1: Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report
The first topic of discussion was the impeachment of Donald Trump. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the Senate will not convict Donald Trump, and even will try to exonerate him of all charges. For this a quick process is expected in the Senate. Public perception focuses on the ‘legal’ arguments, that Trump is not guilty because the case is not proven legally. What is not stressed is that the Congress hearings are not courts of law, and that this is not a legal proceeding, but a legislative proceeding. When Bill Clinton was impeached, he focused on the good things he had accomplished, specifically, the improvements to the economy. He was reelected. Trump is focusing on the process, because he cannot dispute the facts. He and his supporters focus on him, because that is how he thinks.
In Texas, Democrats who have recently flipped seats from Republican have not made up their minds about how they will treat impeachment. They are being accused of being “puppets of Nancy Pelosi”.
Cruz is trying to play both sides, by first stating that he was ‘troubled’ by Trump’s remarks to the Ukrainians. However, he also stated that he believes that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election. FBI Director Wray said that no evidence exists to support that statement.
The role of dark money was discussed, in Texas and other states. Specifically, how dark money influences local politics, and by extension, national politics. Republicans in Texas acknowledge privately that their candidates are in trouble because of Trump, but will not acknowledge this privately.
Part 2: Olivia Zinc, Executive Director, and Brian Beihl, Deputy Director of Open Democracy.
We discuss the role of LLCs (Limited Liability Corporations) in influencing elections and political decisions.
Because each individual is only allowed to contribute a maximum of $7000 to political campaigns. LLCs are treated like individuals, who may also contribute $7000 each. That means that a human being who has multiple LLCs may end up contributing on behalf of him/herself, so that the $7000 limit becomes meaningless. This kind of loophole exists in all states. For example, in NH, 21 LLCs contributed $147,250 to the Sununu campaign. These LLCs are controlled by six people. When the NH house and senate sent a bill to eliminate this loophole, Governor Sununu vetoed it. Similar situations exist in other states. At the federal level, laws differ, but state campaign organizations may donate funds to federal level campaign organizations. That means that the solution has be nationwide.
