Happy Leap Day!

Let’s see what we can make of this bonus February day.

Today’s Brew is made with Swamp water, Trump water and a dash of Biden’s chocolate chip ice cream.

SCOTUS Takes Up Donald Trump’s Immunity Case

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear former President Donald Trump’s immunity case. Trump is challenging the indictments brought by Special Counsel prosecutor Jack Smith, arguing that any actions he took in his presidential capacity must be covered by immunity. He also wants the court to delay the court proceedings until it rules on the immunity issue.

SCOTUS will hear arguments the week of April 22. As Jonathan Turley notes, Even if the court eventually rules against Trump, the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case has effectively delayed the J6 case for weeks, if not months.

The order setting argument on immunity for April 22 is a blow to Smith on the calendar. Rather than granting a stay, it has constructively created such a stay by scheduling the argument. Keep in mind, even if Smith prevails, pre-trial work must wait for the return of the mandate

— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) February 28, 2024

Partial Win for Trump in New York Civil Case

A small court win for Donald Trump. A New York appeals court judge has denied his request for a stay on that insane $464 million judgment against him, thus he must still post bond for the full amount. However, the judge did stay the ban on Trump and his sons from doing business in New York and securing loans.

Thus, Trump has at least a possible path to come up with the half-billion he has to fork over in a matter of weeks, even while he appeals.

The ruling is a temporary judgment, with the full Appeals Court picking up the case in March.

Meanwhile, a new edition of Resolute takes a brief peek at New York Attorney General Letitia James’ books, the Michigan primary results, along with the latest from As the Fani Turns.

Hunter Biden Testifies “I Did Not Involve My Father in My Business” … Claims He Joined Board of Burisma to Thwart “Russian Aggression”

First Son Hunter Biden swore under oath Wednesday that the Big Guy had no hand in his business affairs. Biden testified behind closed doors in the House impeachment inquiry, insisting, according to his prepared remarks

I am here today to provide the Committees with the one uncontestable fact that should end the false premise of this inquiry: I did not involve my father in my business. Not while I was a practicing lawyer, not in my investments or transactions domestic or international, not as a board member, and not as an artist. Never.

He went on to declare the piles of evidence connecting Joe to assorted business schemes, associates and meetings as lies and distortions concocted by “MAGA” in an effort to harm his loving, loyal father.

“You have built your entire partisan house of cards on lies.”

NEW: Hunter Biden in opening statement says "I did not involve my father in my business" and tells House Republicans "You have built your entire partisan house of cards on lies" pic.twitter.com/kZfA3lY93c

— Matt Viser (@mviser) February 28, 2024

Never mind Hunter’s assorted associates testifying that his business was selling the Biden “brand.” And the Biden brand is “The Big Guy.” But you do you, Hunter.

According to Matt Gaetz, at one point Hunter claimed he had joined the board of Burisma to “counter Russian aggression.”

Sure. And his paintings really are worth hundreds of thousands of bucks.

House Oversight Chairman James Comer said the inquiry will now enter its “next phase,” and Hunter will get his chance to appear in a public hearing. Tip of the Day: Leave the hookers at home.

President Takes Physical at Walter Reed, Declared “Robust”

Joe Biden underwent his annual physical Wednesday at Walter Reed. And according to the White House Biden is fit as a fiddle.

White House physician Kevin C. O’Connor says the physical turned up “no new concerns.” “He continues to be fit for duty and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations.”

He describes Joe Biden … yes, THAT Joe Biden … as “robust.”

You can read the summary here.

Is it just me, or should presidents get checked out under the hood more than once a year? Particularly when they show more wear-and-tear than a Chevy after a demolition derby.

Notably, Dr. O’Connor is not facing the press to explain his findings. Also, is it odd they were able to examine him, run a battery of tests, have a slew of other doctors reviewing and signing off on all the results and have a full “memo” ready in a matter of hours. Car tune-ups get more measured consideration.

But if Biden is So Robust and Fit … ?

The physical came two weeks after Special Counsel Robert Hur decided not to charge Biden for his illegal handling of classify materials because jurors would see him as an “elderly man with poor memory.”

So the obvious question: “Were cognitive tests part of the exam?” No, said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “He doesn’t need one.” Oh.

Mollie Hemingway summarizes the Bananas Republic logic: “The Biden administration’s position is that Biden can’t be charged with his crimes because a jury would find him incompetent but also that he doesn’t need a cognitive test because he’s the most competent 80-year-old in history, all evidence to the contrary.”

The Biden administration's position is that Biden can't be charged with his crimes because a jury would find him incompetent but also that he doesn't need a cognitive test because he's the most competent 80-year-old in history, all evidence to the contrary. https://t.co/XZWC7zvYfJ

— Mollie (@MZHemingway) February 28, 2024

So why not do a cognitive exam? Or for that matter why fight Rep. Jim Jordan’s efforts to get the transcript and other materials from Biden’s interview with Hur, where Hur concluded Biden’s brain has grown mushier than melted ice cream?

Mitch McConnell Stepping Down as Senate GOP Leader

“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter.” — Mitch McConnell

Come January, the GOP will have a new leader in the Senate. Long-running Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he’s stepping down from leadership after the November elections.

Who do you want to see as the next Republican leader in the Senate?

Along The Stream

Jeff Gardner scores again with an in-depth and personal look at the dangers of illegal immigration: “Never Put a Scorpion in Your Pocket.”

Bunni Pounds shares a poignant, personal story with, “Let’s Talk About Politics and Religion.”