OA354: A Russian Asset Sues What?

<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>Today's episode breaks down the (spoiler: ridiculous) defamation lawsuit filed by Tulsi Gabbard against Hillary Clinton for calling her (sort of) a "Russian asset." We do the patented Opening Arguments reading-the-complaint-backwards method (sort of) to figure out exactly what this means and what comes next.</p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>We begin, however, with some instant response to the Saturday Republican "defense" of Trump in the impeachment proceedings. It's... well, it's a thing. Is Jay Sekulow still America's dumbest lawyer? (Hint: yes.) Learn the arguments that they're actually trying to advance, and why they're not actually a thing.</p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>And again: please don't forget to <strong>CALL YOUR SENATOR</strong>! Remember, this is preposterously easy:</p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p><strong>Call.  (202) 224-3121. </strong></p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>CALL YOUR SENATORS, if you need help connecting to them, use<br /> @resistbot.   Text the word RESIST to the<br /> bot on Messenger, Twitter, Telegram, or to 50409 on SMS.  First time setup is quick, then calling both<br /> should take 3-5 minutes.</p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>Here’s what you say:</p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p><strong>“I’d like to speak with Senator ____’s office.  Hi, I’m _____, I’m a constituent, and I’m<br /> calling to ask Senator ____ to vote in favor of allowing the Senate to subpoena<br /> documents and witnesses in the impeachment trial.  I don’t know how we can decide if Trump is<br /> innocent or guilty without seeing all of the evidence.  Thank you.” <br /></strong></p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>Then, it's time to break down everything about Tulsi Gabbard's lawsuit. That means defamation law, Tulsi's lawyers, the <em>New York Times