Menendez's Misdeeds

Plus, an overdue recogition.

July 18, 2024

The Flag

Good morning and Happy Thursday! Here are the Flag’s Top Five stories that should be on your radar to start the day:

  • US: Rep. Adam Schiff becomes latest Democrat to call for Biden to drop out of race (USA Today)

  • World: King Charles III unveils Keir Starmer’s plans for Britain, in state opening of new parliament (CNN)

  • Business: Elon Musk says SpaceX and X will relocate their headquarters to Texas (Ars Technica)

  • Technology: Microsoft’s Designer app arrives on iOS and Android with AI editing and creation (The Verge)

  • Sports: Paris mayor dips into the Seine River to showcase its improved cleanliness before Olympic events (AP)

And of course, some good news: NASA Johnson Space Center to dedicate building to Dorothy Vaughan, women of Apollo.

PREMIUM SUBSCRIBERS

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🌕 Sneak Peak: This Sunday we help premium subscribers get ready for a celestial event that will illuminate the summer sky. A special full moon known for its unique name and rich cultural history will make its grand appearance. We tell you what it’s called, when you can see it, and its connection to America’s history and past.

POWERED BY GUNDRY MD

There are two different types of coffee drinkers in this world. Those who like to drink their coffee black. And those who like to add a little cream.

According to Dr. Steven Gundry, one of these options is more likely to disrupt digestion, and it might surprise you.

Check out his video to see how he recommends consuming coffee (and keep on watching for some other key digestive tips!) Watch Now!

Right: Trump Shifting GOP To Be the Party for the Working Class, Michael Goodwin, New York Post

Right: Powerful Speeches From Americans Suffering Under Biden, M.D. Kittle, The Federalist

Right: The Most Important 42 Miles in American Politics, Salena Zito, Washington Examiner

Left: Revenge of the Normies, D.D. Guttenplan, The Nation

SENATE

Menendez's Misdeeds

Today’s Top Story in One Sentence: On Tuesday, Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) was found guilty on all 16 felony charges by a federal jury for exploiting his power to favor foreign governments and American businessmen in exchange for substantial bribes.

Reporting from the Left: Sen. Bob Menendez found guilty in corruption trial (Axios)

Reporting from the Right: Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez guilty on all charges in federal corruption trial (Fox News)

LEFT-LEANING SENTIMENT

Justice Based on Facts, Not Politics

The Top Argument From The Left:Why the Menendez guilty verdict matters, Barbara McQuade, MSNBC: “So much for the claim that the Justice Department is using criminal prosecution as a political weapon. … The vigorous prosecution of a Democrat in a closely divided U.S. Senate demonstrated clearly that DOJ does not use political affiliation as a factor in making charging decisions. In addition to the Menendez case, federal prosecutors recently filed criminal charges against another Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar, of Texas. Cuellar and his wife were charged in May with bribery and money laundering for an alleged scheme to accept $600,000 from an Azerbaijani oil and gas company and a Mexican bank in exchange for using his office to influence policy in their favor. (Cuellar has denied any wrongdoing.) These cases should help refute the baseless claims by former President Donald Trump and his allies that the Department of Justice under the Biden administration is using prosecution as a political tool. … Attacking the credibility of democratic institutions is a tactic authoritarians have used throughout history. If people lack confidence in the press, in the civil service, in career prosecutors, or in the courts, then efforts to hold corrupt officials accountable is weakened. Republicans have worked to undermine all of these groups. But for now, the Menendez case provides just one more concrete example of DOJ prosecuting cases appropriately — that is, meting out justice based on facts, not political agendas.”

Honorable Mention #1: Now a Felon, Menendez Sees His Political Future Fast Evaporating, Nicholas Fandos, The New York Times.

Honorable Mention #2:“Know When to Fold”: Democrats Call on Bob Menendez to Resign, Robert McCoy, The New Republic.

RIGHT-LEANING SENTIMENT

End of the Road for Menendez

The Top Argument From The Right: Bob Menendez’s Corruption Luck Runs Out, The Editorial Board, The Wall Street Journal: “[Menendez], the former top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee…prodded his colleagues to support military aid to Egypt. In return, Egyptian officials granted his wife’s friend an exclusive monopoly on certification of halal-compliant U.S. food exports to Egypt. He also pressed the U.S. Agriculture Department to drop objections to the monopoly. Investigators found gold bars and cash stuffed into coat pockets and shoes at his home. A web history showed he had Googled “kilo of gold price.” Mr. Menendez contended he was merely performing “constituent service” and was misled by his wife. As for the stashes of cash? A habit of his Cuban heritage, he said. The jury didn’t buy his defense, and now Mr. Menendez faces a maximum of 222 years in prison. He vowed on Tuesday to appeal the verdict. But his conviction creates a quandary for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is urging him to resign. Mr. Menendez last month filed paperwork to run for re-election this year as an independent after it became clear he couldn’t win the Democratic primary. His bid threatens to siphon votes from the Democratic nominee Rep. Andy Kim. If Mr. Menendez doesn’t resign, will Mr. Schumer hold an expulsion vote?”

Honorable Mention #1: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Expelling Bob Menendez from the Senate, Chad Pergram and Julia Johnson, Fox News.

Honorable Mention #2: Schumer Calls on Senator Menendez to Resign after Conviction, Thomas McKenna, National Review.

FLAG THIS

New Jersey Adults Want Menendez Out

In March, before the trial and verdict, a Monmouth University poll of 801 New Jersey adults revealed that 75% believe Menendez is probably guilty, and 63% think he should resign. His approval rating among registered voters was at a record low of 16%, while only 5% believe he is probably not guilty. (Monmouth University)

Do you agree that the prosecution of Democrats, such as Menendez, demonstrates that the DOJ isn't using the legal system as a political weapon?

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WATERCOOLER

FDR’s Third Nomination, Screen Danger, Illegal Fruits

On This Day in 1940, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who first took office in 1933 as America’s 32nd president, was nominated for an unprecedented third term. Roosevelt, a Democrat, would eventually be elected to a record four terms in office, the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms.

Today I learned growing black currants was once banned in the U.S.

POWERED BY GUNDRY MD

There are two different types of coffee drinkers in this world. Those who like to drink their coffee black. And those who like to add a little cream.

According to Dr. Steven Gundry, one of these options is more likely to disrupt digestion, and it might surprise you.

Check out his video to see how he recommends consuming coffee (and keep on watching for some other key digestive tips!) Watch Now!

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