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Sioux Fleming's avatar

I find the inclusion of gift cards when compared to commemorative plaques and photos particularly egregious. I have never served in public office but in my professional life I got the occasion plaque and photo and they had no monetary value in terms of resale. If I wanted something from an elected official I could theoretically go buy a $5000 American Express gift card and as long as I presented it after the fact, e.g. a gratuity, as opposed to before the favor took place, e.g. a bribe, both I and the elected official would be breaking no law here.

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Chris Geidner's avatar

I think that example was apt for Kavanaugh’s purpose. He was not talking about a $5000 gift card. He was talking about a $25 gift card for Dunkin Donuts that you get a teacher. It was disingenuous like the others — though it could certainly be higher, too.

Also, I would just note: An act could still violate state laws or even other federal laws — just not this one.

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