Mueller Musings and more — #NebDems News

It was puzzling to listen to the GOP — most notably Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida — crowing about taking a “victory lap” following Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s testimony before Congress on Wednesday about his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

This also was not lost of Esquire’s Charles Pierce, who penned:

“This is curious, indeed.

In the first of his two appearances before congressional committees on Wednesday, former special counsel Robert Mueller testified that a) he didn’t indict the president* on obstruction at least partly due to that godawful Office of Legal Counsel opinion that a sitting president cannot be indicted, an opinion that should be burned and have its ashes scattered on Sam Ervin’s grave; b) that a president*—like, say, this one—can be indicted once he leaves office, thereby implying that there is something there for which he could be indicted; c) that his report did not exonerate the president*; d) that there was a concerted effort on behalf of the White House to hamstring his investigation into the Russian ratfcking of the 2016 presidential election; and e) that Russia definitively wanted the president* to become the president*.

And, remarkably, two of these statements came as answers to Republican senators. If this is a victory lap, I don’t know what a crash-and-burn would be.”

***

Back in Nebraska, Gov. Pete Ricketts continues to slow-walk the implementation of voter-approved Medicaid expansion, even as a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that some 15,000 Americans died between 2014 and 2017 as a result of states, including Nebraska, turning down federal money to expand Medicaid through the provisions of the ACA — better known as Obamacare.

That’s shameful, governor. So much for being pro-life.

***

A well-deserved congratulations to the NDP’s Precious McKesson, who was named Tuesday as a member of the United State of Women’s second class of Ambassadors as part of a new program to train and equip women to take action for gender equity in their communities.

Eighty Ambassadors, who represent 40 states across the U.S., were accepted into the one-year program. The Ambassador Program is an opportunity offered to current and future leaders who are passionate about improving gender equity, no matter their background or previous experience.

McKesson is the NDP’s Constituency Director and chair of the party’s Black Caucus.

***

The Nebraska Young Democrats had a great and incredibly successful time at the Young Democrats of America 2019 National Convention in Indianapolis!

— Tony Vargas received the Young Democrat for Life award.

— Hannah Wroblewski, who was re-elected as Midwest Regional Chair, won the Young Democrat of Year award.

— Caleb Rohrer was elected Chair of the Rural Caucus.

— NYD President Samantha Bauman was elected vice-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus, YDA’s largest caucus.

— Former NYD President Dunixi Guereca was uncontested in his election for YDA treasurer on the National Board.

The YDA also passed a resolution calling for a climate change debate among the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.

During the meeting, Bauman paid homage to the late Frank LaMere, who served as the NDP’s First Associate Chair.

“Today we honor the legacy of Frank LaMere, a spiritual warrior of the Winnebago tribe who spent his entire life fighting to improve the lives of First Americans everywhere, the longest serving Native American member of the Democratic National Committee, and founded the National Native Caucus of the Democratic Party.”

***

The NDP and Democratics across Nebraska are planning TV watch parties for the second round of Democratic Presidential Debates on July 30 and 31 in Detroit.

The 2020 Democratic primary debates are the best, first organizing opportunity that we have this cycle. Hosting a debate watch party is a great way to build community.

To find a watch party or sign up to host one, click here.

Also, you can submit a question to CNN for the debate.

***

Mark your calendar to attend valuable Blue Bench Training with the National Democratic Training Committee on Sept. 29 in Lincoln at the Graduate Hotel.

The training has three tracks: candidates, campaign staff and local party leaders/grassroots activists.

All three tracks get trained on Fundraising, Digital Organizing, Communications and Field.

Learn more about the three tracks here.

Training is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes a Vendor Fair where participants can meet local vendors who print yard signs, set up websites and more.

We offer lunch and snacks at no cost to attendees.

The training is free, but we do encourage people to become monthly donors to support the party-building efforts of the NDP.

Register here!

***

A reminder that the 2019 Helen Boosalis Luncheon, hosted by the Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus, is on August 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Station Great Hall. This year’s theme, “Women. Vision. Change.” focuses on the forward movement of Democratic women in our state.

Proceeds from the luncheon fund scholarships for Nebraska women who are continuing their education, active in their communities and implementing progressive politics. The funds will also support candidates in Nebraska.

Get more information and purchase tickets here.

***

The 2019 Nebraska State Fair is Aug. 23 through Sept 2.

NDP staff will be manning our fair booth each day, but we need volunteers to help!

Please follow this link to sign up for a shift. And feel free to share.

Also, 2020 candidates are urged to drop of campaign materials (yard signs, etc.) at our Lincoln office (3701 O St. Suite 200) before Aug. 21 that we will take to our booth for distribution.

You can also drop them by our booth once it opens on Aug. 23.

***

We leave you this week with a rendering by the Washington Post’s Tom Toles on the frustration of many over the reluctance to launch impeachment proceedings against Trump.

–By Kevin O’Hanlon/NDP Communications Director

###

IMPORTANT DATES

July 30-31: Democratic Presidential Debates

Aug. 9: Helen Boosalis “Inspiring Women” Luncheon

Aug. 22-24: DNC Summer Meeting in San Francisco

 

Like this article?