The debate that MAGA won

Donald Trump may have skipped the first Republican presidential debate this week, but he loomed large over the proceedings nevertheless, as the storied elephant in the room. From climate change to abortion, Ukraine to Jan. 6, and every issue in between, his influence on the GOP was ever-present and undeniable. Even worse, among the eight participants, only Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson declined to raise their hands when asked if they’d support Trump if he is the eventual (and likely) nominee—even if he is convicted. Shameful.

A poll of registered Republicans shows they believe Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy won the debate. But let’s get real: MAGA won the debate. Not any of the challengers. Not democracy. And certainly not the Constitution. These are perilous times for our country. That’s why our work to defeat MAGA at the ballot box is so important.

We won’t get to vote for president until next year. But if you can, help us demote MAGA candidates now with a contribution today. As always, thank you for your support of Mission: Democracy. —Marcus Flowers, Co-Founder, Mission: Democracy

Defending Inmate #P01135809

By now, you’ve surely seen it: The Donald Trump mugshot. Taken last night after he surrendered at the Fulton County Jail, it immediately became infamous, posted by Trump himself on X (formerly known as Twitter) after a two-year absence from the social media platform. However, we think the photo we chose for this week’s issue is nearly as infamous: Six Republican presidential candidates raising their hands to indicate that, yes, they will still support Trump if he wins the nomination, even if he is convicted. This photo might not power the grift in the same way the Trump mugshot does, but it demonstrates the domination the former president still has over the Republican Party.

Other indications of ongoing support are everywhere: Tweets of solidarity from MAGA gadflies like Kari Lake and sitting public officials like Rep. Andy Biggs were all over X in the last 24 hours. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene went as far as to post her own fake Fulton County Jail mugshot, and declared that Trump’s mugshot is “the photo that will win the 2024 Presidential election.” And in a more official sign of the GOP’s loyalty, the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has opened an investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over whether the prosecution is “politically motivated.” Stay tuned.

• Legal scholars increasingly raise constitutional argument that Trump should be barred from presidency —CNN

A death in Russia

Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military earlier this year, was killed along with nine others in a plane crash north of Moscow yesterday. At the time of the rebellion, President Vladimir Putin denounced it as “treason” and a “stab in the back” and vowed revenge. But the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped, and the chief of the Wagner Group was allowed to retreat to Belarus. The Kremlin, naturally, has denied any role in the crash. While the Pentagon has said there is currently no information to suggest that a surface-to-air missile took down the plane, Pentagon Spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder would not confirm nor deny the possibility that the plane was bombed.

Here’s what else happened this week:

• Fed chief says there’s ‘more ground to cover’ to get inflation under control —The Washington Post

• Maui County says Hawaiian Electric caused deadly blazes in new lawsuit —The Verge

• Top review says COVID lockdowns and masks worked —POLITICO

• Larry Hogan says No Labels likely to launch third-party ‘alternative’ if Trump, Biden win nominations —The Hill

• South Carolina’s new all-male highest court reverses course on abortion, upholding strict 6-week ban —Associated Press

One more thing…

MAGA Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is back in the spotlight this week for her latest antics. On social media last weekend, she appeared to defend Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys militia group, after the Justice Department announced it will seek a 33-year sentence for his role in planning the Jan. 6 insurrection. On Wednesday, she accused Fox News of “censorship,” saying she was denied access to a media event following the Republican presidential primary debate. Yesterday, she showed up at the Fulton County Jail to support Donald Trump as he surrendered to authorities in Georgia. And no wonder…according to her, she’s on a short list of potential running mates for the multi-indicted former president. Sigh.

Boebert’s got big competition

This isn’t our usual story of hope, but after a long, crazy week, we’ll take it. MAGA Rep. Lauren Boebert is facing an uphill battle for reelection next year. After nearly losing her seat in 2022, the 2024 race was always going to be a challenge, but it’s turning out to be an even bigger one than she probably expected. She’s being primaried by not one, but two Republicans (so far). And, Democrat Adam Frisch, the former Aspen City Council member who came this close to beating Boebert last year, is now leading the congresswoman in a recent poll of likely voters in Colorado’s 3rd District, according to a polling memo from Keating Research.

It’s nice to get reminders that, at its best, government can still work for the public interest. Share a story of hope from your community for a future issue of Democracy Defender. Please include your name and state with your submission. Thank you!

Country over party

“I am not going to support somebody who has been convicted of a serious felony or who has been disqualified under our Constitution, and that is consistent with RNC rules, and I hope everyone would agree with me.” —Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson at the GOP debate, August 23, 2023

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