News & Events


July 24, 2019
Mulling the Mueller Report
Today New Trier enjoyed picture perfect weather. So, how did I spend my day? I watched Robert Mueller responding to House Congressional committees on Capitol Hill.
 
House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler, D-NY, and the House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff, D-Calif, presided over about seven hours of questioning from both sides of the aisle. Judiciary was in the morning, Intelligence in the afternoon.
 
As we all know by now, last April's release of the much-anticipated Mueller Report didn’t have the public impact we Democrats had hoped for. Four hundred pages of legal language, interrupted with blacked out sentences, paragraphs and pages, made it difficult for the public to get their heads around the truly bad behavior committed by Donald Trump and his shady crew.
 
And beyond the uninviting bulk of the actual report, the newly appointed Attorney General William Barr had his own affect on the public’s perception of the report. He presented his Trump-friendly 4-page summary to the American people before Mueller’s 400-page report was officially released. He was brief and dismissive in his summation of events that covered several years, before, during and after the President’s capture of the White House. Barr's approach reminded me of the policeman at the scene of a crime urging curious passersby, “Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.”
 
For much of the public, A.G. Barr’s summation became their first (and only) impression of Mueller’s findings. So, even though there was plenty in the full Report that should, at the least, alarm Americans about the activities of President Trump and his operatives, Barr’s language led many to dismiss the report’s importance and move on to “bigger” concerns.
 
Before today’s hearings began, I suspect congressional Democrats were hoping to get Mr. Mueller to read some of the most damning report findings in his own voice. Perhaps they envisioned headlines tomorrow like, “Mueller says President Trump took action to obstruct federal investigators!” But throughout the morning nothing like that happened.
 
Instead, almost all of Robert Mueller’s morning responses used a minimum of words. The committee member would ask a question based on the report’s language and Mueller would respond with the briefest reply. There was a lot of “That is generally the summary…I rely on the wording of the report… I refer you to the report.” The result was the committee member ended up reading the report’s findings verbatim, with Mueller then agreeing with what he just heard. – This does not lead to blockbuster headlines.
 
The Republican Representatives couldn’t have known how Robert Mueller would perform today. So, they had their well-rehearsed outrage ready when it was their turn to “interview” him. Virtually every Republican on each committee appeared to be in lockstep with a single message: Robert Mueller’s investigation was biased against Donald Trump from the start. On the one hand, they praised Mr. Mueller for his service to our country as a Marine war hero and longtime public servant, while simultaneously accusing him and his team of conspiring to “get” President Trump. Sometimes politics is pretty disgusting.
 
It’s doubtful that anything the Republicans had to say changed the minds of any Democrats. But it did give those GOP legislators nice sound bites to play on local TV back home. And it did give us a preview of what their party’s official spin will be if revelations of Trump’s multi-pronged connections to Russia or his frantic efforts to obstruct justice, threatens to grow into a national scandal.
 
The possibility of that happening increased a small bit during the afternoon House Intelligence Committee session. Mr. Mueller seemed to become more talkative after lunch. His comments concerning the veracity of witnesses from Trump’s circle were more frank. He agreed that some were outright liars. He also testified that some written responses to the questions he sent to President Trump were not completely answered. 
 
But he was especially vocal when the focus was on the security dangers presented by a foreign power meddling in our democratic processes.
 
Mueller referred to “attacks against the United States such as what the Russians did in 2016.” He said he expected the Russians to do it again and said, “in fact, their doing it right now.” He spoke of wanting the public to be diligent against future meddling, saying much more needs to be done to protect against these intrusions...we need to harden our election infrastructure, make sure our voting procedures and methods are strengthened. He urged the congressional committee to use the resources we have to address this threat and stated that the FBI continues to be looking into foreign meddling.
 
I believe the hearings underscored this is a real area of vulnerability in Trump’s 2020 campaign. A majority of Americans now accept the fact that Russians meddled in our elections. Even the most conservative voters don’t like that reality and don’t want it to ever happen again. The Russia-Putin-Internet efforts that aided Donald Trump in 2016 should be hung around Trump’s neck like a huge, shiny medal of shame.
 
And here’s one last thought. If we hadn’t won the U.S. House in 2018 it’s highly unlikely these hearings would have even been held. Aren’t you glad you helped make that happen?

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
Saturday, September 14, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Annual Meeting & Picnic at Gillson Park

When : Saturday, September 14, 2019 - Annual Members' Meeting from 1:00pm to 2:00pm; Picnic for Everyone from 2:00pm to 4:00pm


What : At our Annual Members' Meeting, you'll hear what we've been up to this past year, as well as our plans for the 2020 election season. Please note that the Annual Meeting is restricted to Members only - If you're not currently a member,  why not join right now?

Our Picnic will begin immediately after our Annual Meeting and everyone - family, friends, neighbors - are welcome to attend. Our Picnic is always a great opportunity to meet fellow Democrats and hear from some of our local elected officials and candidates. We look forward to seeing you there!
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Tomorrow, July 25, 2019: Invest To Elect and Democratic National Committee Brunch

When : Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 9:30am
Where : DLA Piper, 444 West Lake Street, Suite 900, Chicago
What : Invest to Elect hosts a brunch with Organizing Corps 2020 featuring Tom Perez, DNC Chair, and other guests. To RSVP, please contact Wendy Serrino at [email protected] or 847-421-9966.
This Friday, July 26, 2019: Dawn Clark Netsch Policy Forum on Voter Suppression

When : Friday, July 26, 2019. Cocktail reception: 5:00pm to 5:30pm; Policy Forum: 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, 151 N. Franklin St., #2500, Chicago
What : The Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy (IWIL) sponsors a policy discussion on Voter Suppression Then and Now: 19th Amendment, Ballot Box Access, and Illinois Stories. The panel will be moderated by Kristina Zahorik, President, Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA).   Panelists will include Ami Gandhi, Director of Voting Rights and Civic Empowerment, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights; Sheila Nix, President, Tusk Philanthropies; and Audra Wilson, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Illinois. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP and ID required. To RSVP,  register online  or for information, contact Sandra Hosseini at 312-646-0276 or email [email protected].
This Saturday, July 27, 2019: Deputy Voter Registrar Training Sponsored by Tenth Dems

When : Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where:  Northbrook Public Library, Civic room, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What : A training for Deputy Voter Registrars will be held. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. Training takes less than an hour. This training is being held through the County Clerk’s Office and is free of charge. Sign-ups will be taken up to five hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class.  Register online in advance . For additional information contact us at [email protected], or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).
This Saturday, July 27, 2019: Illinois for Bernie People’s Convention

When : Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Where : Edward Hotel, 6600 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont
What : Join Bernie supporters from across the state as they converge for the four-year anniversary of the first IL4B convention in 2015. Speakers include Cori Bush, star of the documentary  Knock Down the House . Sen. Bernie Sanders will not be in attendance. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email [email protected].
This Sunday, July 28, 2019: Brad Schneider’s Coffee Club – Glencoe

When : Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Where:  Hometown Coffee & Juice, 700 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
What : Meet to discuss issues affecting our community and hear the newest updates on Brad’s campaign. Brad’s Coffee club is a chance to have a more in-depth conversation with Brad and meet the campaign staff.
For additional information visit  the Facebook page  or to purchase tickets,  register online .  For questions, email Emanuela at [email protected].
This Sunday, July 28, 2019: Epstein for Supreme Court Candidate Meet & Greet in Winnetka

When : Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Where : The Home of Jeanne Bishop, 832 W Cherry St., Winnetka
What : Please join Jeanne Bishop at her home for cocktails and conversation at a back porch salon to meet Democratic candidate for the Illinois Supreme Court, Daniel Epstein. Daniel is an attorney formerly with Jenner & Block, where he was named the firm’s outstanding pro bono attorney in 2016. A graduate of Wash U and University of Chicago law school, Daniel’s career has included work in fields including civil rights and immigration and service on the boards of several non-profits. For more information or to RSVP,  please visit this event webpage.
Julie Morrison
Monday, July 29, 2019: Dinner With Sen. Julie Morrison

When : Monday, July 29, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : Italian Kitchen, 648 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield
What : Join State Senator Julie Morrison for dinner at the Italian Kitchen.
For additional information or to RSVP,  register online , email [email protected] or call 312-630-7700.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019: Glenview Event for Sen. Laura Fine

When : Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Valley Lo., 2200 Tanglewood Dr., Glenview
What : Support State Senator Laura Fine at her Glenview event.  Link to purchase tickets . To RSVP and for further questions contact [email protected].
Tuesday, July 30, 2019: Tenth Dems and Brad Schneider for Congress Co-Host Democratic Debate Party – 1st Night

When : Tuesday, July 30, 2019. Doors open and pizza served at 6:30pm; debate from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where:  Schneider for Congress Campaign Office/Democrats of Northfield Township Office, 3710 Commercial Ave., Ste 5, Northbrook
What : Tenth Dems and Schneider for Congress co-host the first July Debate Watch party. Open to all Democrats. To RSVP,  register online .
Tuesday, July 30, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Debate Watch – 1st Night

When : Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston at Prairie Moon for their watch party ( attendees buy own food/drink ). The second (and next) round of debates will be hosted by CNN in Detroit on July 30 and 31. The moderators will be Dana Bash, Don Lemon, Jake Tapper. For more information or to RSVP,  visit their Facebook event page.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019: Tenth Dems and Brad Schneider for Congress Co-Host Democratic Debate Party – 2nd Night

When : Wednesday, July 31, 2019; Doors open 6:30pm; debate from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Bannockburn home of Hon. Kerry and Vicki Martin; Address available upon RSVP.
What : Tenth Dems and Schneider for Congress co-host the second July Debate Watch party. Open to all Democrats. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP  register online .
Wednesday, July 31, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Debate Watch – 2nd Night

When : Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston at Prairie Moon for their watch party ( attendees buy own food/drink ). The second (and next) round of debates will be hosted by CNN in Detroit on July 30 and 31. The moderators will be Dana Bash, Don Lemon, Jake Tapper. For more information or to RSVP,  visit their Facebook event page.
Monday, August 5, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Monthly Meeting

When : Monday, August 5, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where : Lorraine G. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston for its August monthly meeting and hear from special speaker, Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Hear their working group updates and plans to pivot in preparation for 2020.
Tuesday, August 6, 2019: Luncheon With US Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth

When : Tuesday, August 6, 2019 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Where : Il Porcellino, 59 W. Hubbard, Chicago
What : A luncheon honoring Senator Durbin with special guest, Senator Tammy Duckworth. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or contact Nancy Kohn at 312-527-3667 or email [email protected].
Wednesday, August 7, 2019: Cook County Human Trafficking Conference

When : Wednesday through Friday, August 7 through 9, 8:30am to 4:15pm each day
Where : IIT Chicago-Kent, College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago
What : The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force’s ninth annual three-day conference features national speakers and local discussion. For more information, see the  Task Force’s website .  Register online .
Thursday, August 15, 2019: MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita Hosts Joint Asian American Leaders Caucus Launch Party

When : Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : Clarity Partners, LLC, 20 N. Clark St., Chicago
What : Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Josina Morita hosts the Chicago Launch Party of the Joint Asian American Leaders Caucus.  Come to network and have a drink. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information and to RSVP,  register online .
Thursday, August 15, 2019: Ida B. Wells Annual “Legacy and Libations” Features Film Screening

When : Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Film Row Cinema – Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
What : The annual Ida B. Wells Legacy and Libations Event features a screening of the film  Lincoln is Crying: the Grifters, Grafters and Governors of Illinois.
Saturday, August 24, 2019: Deputy Voter Registrar Training Sponsored by Tenth Dems

When : Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where : Northbrook Public Library, Interactive classroom, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What : A training for Deputy Voter Registrars will be held. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. Training takes less than an hour. This training is being held through the County Clerk’s Office and is free of charge. Sign-ups will be taken up to five hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class.  Register online in advance . For additional information contact us at [email protected], or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).
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