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Quick Hit - Republicans [1]

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Date: 2026-01-22  

I just watched as much of the House Judiciary Committee Oversight of the Office of Special Counsel Jack Smith as I can stomach. I don’t know if you have taken an opportunity to watch any of the hearing, but I suggest that you do. There is a substantial disparity between the conduct of the Republican and Democratic representatives questioning Jack Smith.

The Republicans are mostly performative with their “gotcha” questions and reluctance to allow the witness to respond. They do not want to hear a complete answer, preferring to interrupt Mr. Smith’s responses, and provide their own simplistic answer. They characterize his actions as improper and impugn his character. What type of prosecutor would not investigate the contacts among the conspirators by requesting phone toll records? This is not “spying” as the Republicans would like to present it, but responsible investigative action.

The Republicans keep trying to paint Mr. Smith as a partisan hack with political motives. Or, impugn his character by suggesting that his long-time friendship with a fellow prosecutor resulted in his appointment, not his integrity, reputation, accomplishments and experience.

And, let’s not forget the cost of all this - $35 million. I have to believe that the House of Representatives wastes much more than this on less significant concerns. When did they become so concerned about money? After all, they did not complain about the three year, almost $7 million pursuit of Joe Biden’s possession of a handful of classified documents which he readily turned over

Two last thoughts. First, Jack Smith is a much more controlled man than I could be. He endures the Republican assaults on him and his team with a calmness that I would not possess. Second, where have the Nixon Republicans and their fealty to country over party gone? I listened to the Watergate hearings as they were broadcast on the radio. I very vividly recall the exposure of the tapes by Alexander Butterfield during his testimony. The Republicans encouraged, forced as some might say, Nixon to resign rather than defend him. Today’s Republicans do not have the same love for and interests of our country at heart.

Finally, be prepared for the presidential FULMINATIONS that will certainly be posted after today’s public hearing.

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