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Transcript
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SPEAKER 1
The calls came fast and furious to Michael Popak and myself. Have you guys seen Donald Trump's new motion to dismiss filed in New York court to try to overturn his criminal convictions? I haven't read it yet, but I'm about to. I said they said you're mentioned in this. What do you mean?
0:18
They go, Donald Trump is blaming the Midas Touch Network and Legal AF for his criminal convictions. I said, what are you talking about? And there it was on page 15 and 16 under a section called Prejudice to Donald Trump. It said that, Our coverage was responsible for pushing the jury to convict him.
0:38
And on that basis, among others, he wanted his criminal conviction overturned. I mean, it's patently frivolous, but I guess it's a badge of honor that we're living rent-free in his head like that. I guess sometimes you report on the news, sometimes you're in the news, Michael Popak. I guess we'll talk about both right there.

Legal AF Ad-Free: Trump Major Legal Developments Before Day 1

Enjoy the ad-free episode of this week's Legal AF here on Meidas+.

Ben Meiselas and Michael Popok return with a new episode of the Legal AF Podcast, delivering an in-depth update at the intersection of law and politics. In this show, they explore whether President Biden should expand his use of pardon power to issue blanket pardons for patriots—such as elected officials, judges, and prosecutors—who have defended democracy. They also discuss new developments involving Trump’s inner circle and their ongoing civil and criminal challenges, Trump’s relentless attempts to evade criminal liability, and much more.

This episode is brought to you ad-free exclusively here on the Meidas+ Substack! If you’d like to see more of these ad-free episodes, consider joining as a paid member now.

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Discussion about this video

User's avatar
Candace Lucas's avatar

He’s not even president yet and I’m already sick to death of him.

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Bonnie's avatar

I've been sick of him since the 80s. 🤢🤮

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Candace Lucas's avatar

yes, that too.

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Ortiz's avatar

Aren't we all? I know I am too.

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MrsCQ's avatar

Yes.

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Laurie's avatar

me too.. it's going to be a long 4 years. at best we can get different people in during the midterms.

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

1984 FELONS, EVEN INSURRECTIONUIST CANNOT HLD PUBLIC OFFICE WHO IS THE TRAITOR WHO ALLOWED THIS Civil and Constitutional Rights of Convicted Felons

NCJ Number 103775

Author(s)

N Pease

Date Published 1984

Length 58 pages

Annotation

This memorandum reviews State laws denying convicted felons their constitutional or civil rights and discusses whether Alaska could pass a constitutional amendment denying convicted felons such rights.

Abstract

Most jurisdictions deny convicted criminals specific rights rather than all civil and constitutional rights. The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights. State statutes and local ordinances are the traditional means for abridging the rights of convicted criminals

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Ortiz's avatar

All Republicans, and his SCOTUS, he has lots of Judges and Justices to do his dirty work. Now that he won the presidency, the House, and the Senate, everything is up in the air. We are so screwed because of them all. Now he is trying to STOP his sentencing on January 10th and has already asked the SC to stop it... WTF... 🤷🏽‍♀️ We all know what's going to happen there. He won't be sentenced on Friday, 1/10/25.

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Holly Seaton's avatar

I'd like to know the same thing! Who who was actually bribed to break the law enabling the election of a blatant and already convicted felon!

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

Most jurisdictions deny convicted criminals specific rights rather than all civil and constitutional rights. The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights. State statutes and local ordinances are the traditional means for abridging the rights of convicted criminals.

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MrsCQ's avatar

Same. I am not watching or listening to him and I'm still sick to death of him.

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Lights Seiferlein's avatar

The second I hear his grating voice or see his ugly orange visage,

I quickly find a relaxing ocean video to watch.

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Laurie's avatar

no president ever grifted especially in office. other presidents put qualified, non cringe people in their cabinet.

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

Trump is not the lawful President, Constitution says , NO Felon shall occupy Public office, the Supreme Court is responsible, for this fiasco, they have failed we the people, by not upholding there oath to the Constitution, to enforce and up hold against all enemies, foriegn and domestic, it states also (1984) No Felon Shall hold Public office, wht part of this does the Stupid Court NOT understand, Failure to uphld and support, and enforce the Supreme Law of, we the people for the people by the people, do they not understand, its clear cut Treason and the ones who voted to let Trump run, which he is banned as a Convicted Felon, Should be removed and arrested for Treason, for a document they swore to uphold and focrce, Should apply also to the ones who have said nothing, house, Senate, Congress, DoJ, all spoinelss jelly fish, or did trump pay them off, is there loyalty more to the Yankee dollar the love of County, makes one wonder, Traitors from with in!!

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Nicole Ung's avatar

I agree with your idea of Biden pardoning the whistleblowers, the people’s who testified about Trump’s crimes and corruption. Trump runs the country like an organized crime syndicate, thus we need to protect the innocent and the honest people the way we did in the war against the Mafia!

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Jane Canning's avatar

I think pardoning of Biden’s son was long overdue

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Vivian Smith-Porretto's avatar

Trump pardoned all his crime syndicate buddies during first term!

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I know

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mary-jo amatruda's avatar

I agree with Biden's pardon. Thank you

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Bonnie's avatar

I'm thrilled that President Biden pardoned Hunter. I think he should pardon everyone who magats are threatening and say they're going after up to and including their entire families.

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

1915, all a pardon is , is an admission of guilt, guess we live in a two tier system been me, id be so far underground, in a cell, gun charges, drugs, poor baby, waaa waaaaa ,

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Bonnie's avatar

These days unfortunately it's become protection. How sad is that?

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Ellie's avatar

Don’t repeat the MAGA talking phrase “BiDeN cRiMe FaMiLy” unless you also say Trump Crime Family in the same sentence, or you use heavy-emphasis air quotes.

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Ortiz's avatar

I think President Biden did the right thing to pardon his son. He should also pardon all of Trump's "So-called Enemies" ASAP and take them away from Trump's firing squad. Don't give him the pleasure of being vengeful to destroy their life just because his life is a shitty one. President Biden PLEASE pardon them all... TY,

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Laurie's avatar

well said 😁

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Linda Rey's avatar

I can't stand the people that refer to them as "BIDEN CRIME FAMILY." Biden's administration has been beyond clean. No impeachments, no indictments. And the only thing they have is his son who is a private citizen with never having a government position. These people are so fvckd up, it's so dumb. https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024/12/03/number-of-indictments-and-convictions-of-biden-white-house-appointees-zero/

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Kelly Sexton's avatar

Hunter needed to be pardoned. Totally agree with Biden. That's his son. Any father would do the same.

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antirumpy's avatar

I think we need to be on our toes .....as bots and trolls will invade meidas in the very near future....they will act and sound like us but will induce discontent in dividing us . How does meidas rectify them .....we need a plan

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Randy S. Eisenberg's avatar

I hope Mary’s at or near the top of that list. I cannot imagine what this must be like for her.

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Elizabeth  Trezona's avatar

Off topic: please find a way to make PayPal an acceptable form of payment to support the meidas mighty. Also, pardoning Hunterwas the right thing to do. ✌🏻

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Ortiz's avatar

Doesn't Elon own PayPal? I just read that today that he bought PayPal because of some stupid reason! Yes, I read it on Bsky!!

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Elizabeth  Trezona's avatar

Musk sold PayPal in 2002

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Elizabeth  Trezona's avatar

Crap! I’ll investigate and take any appropriate steps

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Kathy Tillman's avatar

Someone else who is maga owns paypal, I avoid using it whenever i can

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Ortiz's avatar

Okay, let me know. Just like Twitter he also had a lame excuse for buying Tesla.

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Elizabeth  Trezona's avatar

PayPal is an independent company, owned by its shareholders. Blackrock is one of them, so there’s that. But they are not the only one and not the biggest.

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Ortiz's avatar

I use Google pay is great and very easy if you have Gmail account

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William Smith's avatar

You're doing it the right way. I can see that you are working hard for the values that most Americans cherish vs. the evil doers in the Republican Party. Those who would lie, cheat, and steal, those that would cozy up to authoritarian dictators, those who would protect child sex traffickers, alcoholics, the vile, vindictive, hateful, and selfish.

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

Most jurisdictions deny convicted criminals specific rights rather than all civil and constitutional rights. The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights. State statutes and local ordinances are the traditional means for abridging the rights of convicted criminals. NO DEBATE, LIKE TO KNOW WHO IS THE MAIN TRAITOR IN CHARGE, IS IT THE SUPREME COURT, IF IT IS THERE TRAITORS TO THE CONSTTITUTION

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Janet E 🇨🇦's avatar

Appreciate both of you and your takes on all things LegalAF 😁🙏

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Dee Asztalos's avatar

It's just not fair that he won't be sentenced for those 34 counts. He's going to continue to get away with everything. Yes I know why it's happening but it's a disgrace.

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

fELONS CANNOT HOLD OFFICE, TRUMP LOST BECAUSE HE IS A FELON, VOTES DO NOT COUNT, UNLESS THE SUPREM COURT IS ON THE COMMUNIST SIDE , WITH COMRAD PUTIN, , TRUMP CANNOT DO ANYTHING , STUPID YELLOW BELLIED SPINELESS GOVERNMENT, FAILED US, AS THE CONSTITUTION STATES FELONS MAY NOT HOLD PUBLIC OFFICE TIME TO GET SOME BACK BONE IN OUR GOVERNMENT , THE SENEATORS ARE NOLT UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION, THERE ALL TRAITORS FOR NOT RISING UP , GUESS NEXT IS A RUSSIAN FLAG OVER THE WHITE HOUSE

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Lonnie E's avatar

Hope. NONE of the orange baby man's clown show would be happening if he was disqualified day one after forensic psychiatrist Dr Bandy X Lee's report of the five dangerous mental pathologies of Donald Trump.

"World Mental Health Coalition"

https://youtube.com/@dangerouscasenow2523?si=OzNy4LkMVxd8JzHZ

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KM Scheirer's avatar

I agree. The American Psychiatric Association claiming the Goldwater Rule failed American citizens when they shut down Dr Lee. Now we are going to have all manner of aberrant personalities displaying similar characteristics to the detriment of others.

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Karen D's avatar

I'm glad Biden pardoned his son. I agree with that. But I've been thinking a lot about these blanket pardons everyone is talking about. Then I heard a very sensible take on the side of NOT doing those blanket pardons from George Conway, on a podcast with Sarah Longwell. He thought some of the people who are on "the enemies list" may not even accept a pardon. Then he made a suggestion instead - start a fund for anyone who may end up getting wrongfully indicted by these goons and get some lawyers signed up to help pro bono for anyone getting caught in their trap. Along with making us look good for not handing out pardons to everyone, here's another plus to this - if they try prosecuting people only for retribution, it will be in the news day-after-day and will stay in people's minds even longer. I'm sure MTN will help with that!! More ammunition for 2026 and 2028.

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Crosley Shelvador's avatar

Not a bad idea, especially as persons targeted will need round-the-clock physical security, 365 days a year.

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PrivateCitizenHQ's avatar

Legal AF: Making sense of the circus so we don’t have to 🎪🏆🫶🏻

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Laura Doll's avatar

Giuliani may not be addled so much as pickled....

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Linda Rey's avatar

I appreciated her perspective.Not so simple evidently.

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BenefitHumanity's avatar

Pardon every American against trump, and MAGA. That includes us. A final act of presidential powers giving trump the finger next to our index finger. We all know little stick man will then go after Americans, hell trump wants to ship out legal immigrants. Make Melanie go first. She can't stand little stick man. " These views aren't the views of this platform", but I approve of this message.

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

fELONS CANNOT HOLD OFFICE, TRUMP LOST BECAUSE HE IS A FELON, VOTES DO NOT COUNT, UNLESS THE SUPREM COURT IS ON THE COMMUNIST SIDE , WITH COMRAD PUTIN, , TRUMP CANNOT DO ANYTHING , STUPID YELLOW BELLIED SPINELESS GOVERNMENT, FAILED US, AS THE CONSTITUTION STATES FELONS MAY NOT HOLD PUBLIC OFFICE TIME TO GET SOME BACK BONE IN OUR GOVERNMENT , THE SENEATORS ARE NOLT UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION, THERE ALL TRAITORS FOR NOT RISING UP , GUESS NEXT IS A RUSSIAN FLAG OVER THE WHITE HOUSE

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

The SCOTUS, has committed treason against the constitution the constitution states “NO felon may hold public office”, added in 1984, they as well as the president, on down, pentagon, senate, house, congress, the governors of each state, swear an oath on the Bible, to defend and uphold the constitution also, why isn’t our so called elected officials not over riding the treasonous SCOTUS😡

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I know

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

its the traitors in the Supreme Court, who allowed this, they took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and states NO FELON MAY HOLD PUBLIC OFFICE, , SUP;REM COLURT OLF DRIT BAGS JUST VIOLAITED THERE OATH OF OFFICE, NOW THERE SL,IKME BAG SPINLESS JELLYFISH, AND GUILTYH OLF TREASON , NO BETTER THAN ANY OTHER TREASNOUS pos LIKE TRUMP, sUPREM,E COURT, TRAITOR TRASH

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

fELONS CANNOT HOLD OFFICE, TRUMP LOST BECAUSE HE IS A FELON, VOTES DO NOT COUNT, UNLESS THE SUPREM COURT IS ON THE COMMUNIST SIDE , WITH COMRAD PUTIN, , TRUMP CANNOT DO ANYTHING , STUPID YELLOW BELLIED SPINELESS GOVERNMENT, FAILED US, AS THE CONSTITUTION STATES FELONS MAY NOT HOLD PUBLIC OFFICE TIME TO GET SOME BACK BONE IN OUR GOVERNMENT , THE SENEATORS ARE NOLT UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION, THERE ALL TRAITORS FOR NOT RISING UP , GUESS NEXT IS A RUSSIAN FLAG OVER THE WHITE HOUSE

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Patricia Anne Boone's avatar

Why can’t DonOLD be sentenced and put in jail?!? Cuz he’s getting ready to be in office?!? That’s bullshit!! He was a citizen when he was convicted!! He’s not in office now!! Sentence him NOW before he gets in office and throw his corrupt ass in jail!! This is just ridiculous!! Yeah, y’all are holding him above the law!! This isn’t right!! They wouldn’t do the same thing to an ordinary citizen!! And he can’t claim immunity cuz he was a citizen when he did all this!! 🤬🤬

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Thank you

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NOLA RANDALL's avatar

You don't need to put a cloud of DJT. He does that ALL BY HIMSELF.

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

The Senate Committee advance RFK Jr’s nomination

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I love this you both keep me sane

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

That’s what I needed to here

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I know

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Thank you

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Thank you

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I am sick of him too and found out more information today I will share it after I get the article

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Sammantha Frey's avatar

Congratulations Ben!!! I can’t wait to see the whole interview with the president.

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Linda Morway's avatar

Agree with Poponik

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Joe Casey's avatar

??? Question !! When Are Opposition !! Attorneys !! Going To Hold Trump Attorneys Accountable For No Grounds Law Suit's And Send Them To The Bar For All Trump's Attorneys And Hold Them Accountable !! For No Foundation Law Suit's !????

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Legal AF is free tonight

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Legal AF Channel on You Tube check it out

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I am listening to Ben Meisalis and Michael Popok

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

The CEO with United Healthcare is my insurance

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Jim Jordan and Comer Pyle suck

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I have a friend that ran against Jim Jordan check her out it’s Tami Wilson

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Jim Jordan is too stupid

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

MAGA stands for “Make Attorneys Get Attorneys”

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

They caught the guy with United Healthcare which is my Insurance

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

No problem I am mad

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Terri Mac's avatar

Some of j6 may target the ppl who turned them in. Seems they need protection. Will tRump pardon them from all future crimes? Scary thought....

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

They could bring it on

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Holly Seaton's avatar

There is no democrat or republican with the balls to just hit "send"? The American people need to see this report, and Trump's taxes, much needs to come to light! The American people are being used and abused by a small group of billionaires that wouldn't allow most of us into their country clubs! We need to unite again! We are not the enemy!!!

END THE MAGA CRIMINAL CULT

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Holly Seaton's avatar

Trump cheated! Trump lied! Trump is a treasonous, murderer, fraud, rapist and a violent insurrectiontionist!

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Holly Seaton's avatar

Me too!

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Holly Seaton's avatar

I'd like to believe that money can't buy everything!!!

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Holly Seaton's avatar

Can we please send Trump and family back to where they came from?

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Wendy Arnold's avatar

Finally got here!!!! thank you for giving multiple ways to connect

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Caroline Mesman's avatar

We are too decent and nice. Let’s say nasty because this is nasty!!!

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Laurie's avatar

Republican or not, I can't believe people were so against Harris that they voted for this clown

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William Smith's avatar

Keep an eye on that stinkin' SOB. What slime he is. Disgusting. Unbelievable, but thanks for showing us this.

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Terri Mac's avatar

Once he is gone,by hook or crook, there will be a bigger problem...the ppl behind him, like Bannon, Stone, Stephen Miller, Vance. We have a big mess coming. But right now, the voting irregularities need to be investigated.

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Sharon Sauve's avatar

I agree that President Biden SHOULD pardon all the people that Trump would target once he and his thugs get into office. If people who stood up to Trump are more likely to be targeted by Trump then President Biden should pardon them.

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Harry Rockwell's avatar

fELONS CANNOT HOLD OFFICE, TRUMP LOST BECAUSE HE IS A FELON, VOTES DO NOT COUNT, UNLESS THE SUPREM COURT IS ON THE COMMUNIST SIDE , WITH COMRAD PUTIN, , TRUMP CANNOT DO ANYTHING , STUPID YELLOW BELLIED SPINELESS GOVERNMENT, FAILED US, AS THE CONSTITUTION STATES FELONS MAY NOT HOLD PUBLIC OFFICE TIME TO GET SOME BACK BONE IN OUR GOVERNMENT , THE SENEATORS ARE NOLT UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION, THERE ALL TRAITORS FOR NOT RISING UP , GUESS NEXT IS A RUSSIAN FLAG OVER THE WHITE HOUSE

Expand full comment
Harry Rockwell's avatar

Most jurisdictions deny convicted criminals specific rights rather than all civil and constitutional rights. The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights. State statutes and local ordinances are the traditional means for abridging the rights of convicted criminals.

Expand full comment
Harry Rockwell's avatar

There is NO debate over the supreme law of the land, our own Government has betrayed the United States of America, Did they not realize what it means, it states NO Felon may occupy public office, Trump was convicted of 34 felonies,, he can not vote, he cannot run, and cannot occupy public office, so who is the fool that is NOW A TRAITOR TO OUR OWN CONSTITUTION, This is NOT debatable I quote 1984 this is law, who is the Traitor or traitors, they belong in Russia or some dictator run country, Insurrection should have been handled by the Pentagon, since Trump would be under the rule of justice of the UCMJ , Stupid civilian allwyers LOL don't know anythng, , A tribunal court would have sentence Trump to life, for creating the insurrection or be facing the dath Penalty also, or is all our dead VETREANS a joke they sacrificed, to uphold nd defend , Normandy, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afgansitan, was that some kind of joke to whoever thinks trump (34 time felon) can be the President, NO damn way in hell, can'/t run cannot occupy a Publice office, who is that yellow bellie spineless traitor and how dare anyone to twist the Contitution , that is Hi Treason,

Author(s)

N Pea

Date Published 1984

Length 58 pages

Annotation

This memorandum reviews State laws denying convicted felons their constitutional or civil rights and discusses whether Alaska could pass a constitutional amendment denying convicted felons such rights.

Abstract

Most jurisdictions deny convicted criminals specific rights rather than all civil and constitutional rights. The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights. State statutes and local ordinances are the traditional means for abridging the rights of convicted criminals

Expand full comment
antirumpy's avatar

Constitutional Convention is very near . If you have no clue what it is read about it .....its real and its coming

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trimreader's avatar

I live in rural America and am surrounded by miles and miles of trump vance signs and flags still up. Civil war is not something i want but these guys at every chance are regurgitating the orange shitstains vitrol rhetoric.i feel like dotting an i or 2 Im a fighter but i cant fight all of them.

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Crosley Shelvador's avatar

Have the judge sentence him now before the pr**k dies in office. It has to be on record for it to enter the history books.

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Cynthia Walsh's avatar

Pardon, pardon , pardon. No brainier. As you say, wolves are out. The innocent will be attacked. No!!!!

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0:38
And on that basis, among others, he wanted his criminal conviction overturned. I mean, it's patently frivolous, but I guess it's a badge of honor that we're living rent-free in his head like that. I guess sometimes you report on the news, sometimes you're in the news, Michael Popak. I guess we'll talk about both right there.