Despotism Is All Around Us

CNN's Dana Bash reacts to Joshua Steinglass' cross-examination of David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, about whether he suppressed stories to help a presidential candidate during the 2016 elections.

While facing a mountain of legal problems, Donald Trump, who ran his 2016 campaign on locking his opponent, Hillary Clinton, up even though she was never charged with any crimes, denies ever wanting to imprison her. Voters have bad memories at times, but the lock her up chants at every single Trump rally are unforgettable.

Some are wondering why South Dakota's Governor included her animal killing spree in her upcoming memoir. "She includes her story about the ill-fated Cricket, she says, to illustrate her willingness, in politics as well as in South Dakota life, to do anything “difficult, messy and ugly” if it simply needs to be done." There is also a story about a wayward aggressive goat that was dealt with decisively, that is to say with a bullet to the brain. On Trump's shortlist for running-mate, Noem must think such anecdotes paint in a good light.

Trump’s political operatives are putting together a plan that would give him input into the Federal Reserve, including making him an “acting” central bank board member, according to the Wall Street Journal. Via CNBC: The plans, which the Journal report described as highly secretive, are part of a 10-page document that suggests Trump — if elected — would be consulted on interest rate decisions.

Jamie Raskin hilariously suggested that the RNC headquarters could host the Supreme Court after wingnut justices appeared open to recognizing some form of presidential immunity yesterday. Via HuffPost: Host Joy Reid, who noted that Trump’s federal election interference case could be remanded back to the D. C. Circuit Court of Appeals and thus further delay the trial past Election Day, called the Supreme Court majority “so clearly politicians” before looping in Raskin. “Well, they’re politicians who are not even subject to popular election unlike me.

"Low information protestors" are a perfect foil for these groups' financing activities.