NEW THINGS: @10:45, , 2/9/21

Aishvarya Kavi and Zachary Montague, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 34 minutes ago

Debate will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Though the trial is expected to be fast-paced, oral arguments could stretch into next week.

@15:00 the trial is unfolding.

The Trump defense is colapsing.

Justice Dept. to Keep Special Counsel Investigating Russia Inquiry

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

John H. Durham will remain as special counsel even as the Biden administration requests a mass resignation of U.S. attorneys. The prosecutor investigating Hunter Biden’s taxes will also remain.

The justice department i trying to clean house.

Past law is interfearing.

Democrats roll out a plan to send $1,400 stimulus payments to Americans earning up to $75,000 a year.

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

This is in addition to the $600 alredy committed.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/08/opinion/democrats-covid-stimulus.html

Trump Isn’t the Only One on Trial. The Conservative Media Is, Too.

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

The former president’s second impeachment trial begins oral arguments on Tuesday. But conservative media organizations face an even more consequential test in the weeks and months ahead.

Conservative media stand convicted and are awaiting the attention of the executioner.

Trump Impeachment Team Denies Incitement in Legal Brief

Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

The lengthy legal brief provided the first extended defense of former President Donald J. Trump’s conduct since the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol. It arrived as senators locked in rules for an exceedingly fast trial.

Trump should be convicted at trial.

How Biden United a Fractious Democratic Party Under One Tent

Lisa Lerer and Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

President Biden and progressive Democrats are united by a moment of national crisis and the lingering influence of his predecessor. But the moment of harmony may be fragile.

Harmony among Democrats is always fragile.

Joe Biden knows how to bargain.

How Biden United a Fractious Party Under One Tent

Lisa Lerer and Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

President Biden and progressive Democrats are united by a moment of national crisis and the lingering influence of his predecessor. But the moment of harmony may be fragile.

Harmony among Democrats is always fragile.

Joe Biden knows how to bargain.

Herding cats is a phrase that comes to mind.

What to Watch in Trump's Impeachment Trial

Aishvarya Kavi and Zachary Montague, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

Debate will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Though the trial is expected to be fast-paced, oral arguments could stretch into next week.

The senate has decided to try Trump for incitement of revolt.

Fox Files Motion to Dismiss Smartmatic’s $2.7 Billion Lawsuit

Michael M. Grynbaum and Jonah E. Bromwich, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

In a court filing, Rupert Murdoch’s media company says it had the right to broadcast the debunked claims of election fraud promoted by President Donald Trump’s legal team on Fox News and Fox Business.

Minimum Wage Hike Would Help Poverty but Cost Jobs, C.B.O. Says

Jason DeParle, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The Congressional Budget Office said raising the federal minimum wage to $15 would also increase the deficit, potentially helping the proposal’s prospects of being included in relief legislation.

The C.B.O. must have been stafed by the Republican party.

How Alan Dershowitz Became a Force in Clemency Grants

Kenneth P. Vogel and Nicholas Confessore, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The lawyer Alan M. Dershowitz, who represented the former president in his first impeachment trial, used his access for a wide array of clients as they sought pardons or commutations.

Manafort Can't Be Prosecuted After Trump Pardon, New York Court Rules

Jonah E. Bromwich, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The Court of Appeals let stand a lower-court ruling that the Manhattan district attorney’s prosecution of Paul Manafort was barred by the double jeopardy rule.

Manafort is guilty of New York state income tax evasion.

First Up at Trump’s Impeachment: Can a Former President Stand Trial?

Michael S. Schmidt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

To avoid having to make a judgment about Donald J. Trump’s conduct in the Jan. 6 riot, Republicans have argued the proceeding is unconstitutional.

The senate says he can be prosecuted.

Impeachment Briefing: Trump’s Trial Starts Tomorrow

NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

Democrats are likely to rely heavily on video footage from the riot.

The trial has started.

The Clash of Liberal Wonks That Could Shape the Economy, Explained

Neil Irwin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

They all agree pandemic aid is warranted, but the question is how big and how quickly.

Go as big as possible.

There will be no Republican participation.

Georgia Officials Review Trump's Phone Call to Raffensperger

Richard Fausset and Danny Hakim, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The office of Georgia’s secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, has initiated a fact-finding inquiry into Donald Trump’s January phone call to Mr. Raffensperger pressuring him to “find” votes.

This is another impeachable crime.

Anne Feeney, Fierce and Tireless Protest Singer, Dies at 69

Clay Risen, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

She quit her legal career to play music full time, performing more than 4,000 shows over 30 years in union halls and punk bars and on picket lines.

The world needs more hell raising.

Biden Administration Urged to Drop Julian Assange Case

Charlie Savage, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

A Friday deadline in the London extradition case may force the Biden administration to decide whether to keep pursuing a Trump-era policy.

Julian Assange has committed no crime.

Liz Cheney spurns calls to resign and says Republicans must move past Trump.

Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

Liz Cheney is correct.