Given the level of confidence shown in Mr. Flynn by both the Obama administration as well as the Trump administration the guy must truly have some serious knowledge about things! He said at one point he would be willing to talk if given full immunity but I doubt that will happen. When talking to the Democrats I might be reluctant to disclose my name, rank and serial number. I might disclose it to my enemies under the Geneva Convention--but not to the Democrats.
Let's cut to the chase here. It is very likely that the Intel services and Justice Dept. already know they can hook the big fish: Trump. These 'dog and pony show' Congressional hearings are either a farce, or somehow stalling for time. There is no mystery that Trump knows and is criminally connected to all the treasonous machinations of his lieutenants. I don't think they even wasted time worrying about 'plausible deniability.' Putin certainly wasn't. With Putin blatancy and bravado are his style, except when he's stabbing you in the back (remember the nuclear poisoned ex-Russian spy?). The appearance of being methodical is a pretext for helping Trump wiggle out of this mess. The GOP controls Congress and they have little interest in sacking their president until he's politically untenable (like Nixon) or has completed his right wing mission of the legislative rape of the American people.
Congress sanctioned the acceptance of the Warren Commission that silenced meaningful exposure of the real perpetrators of the JFK assassination. Will that type of suppression of truth happen again?
Flynn was a madman and a swashbuckler. Both those qualities appeal to Trump. Also, anything Obama says, Trump does the opposite. Hubris accounts for the 18 days with an undercurrent of denial, panic, and cover up. It'll make a great movie some day. We've all guessed the end already.
Congress sanctioned the acceptance of the Warren Commission that silenced meaningful exposure of the real perpetrators of the JFK assassination. Will that type of suppression of truth happen again?
Flynn was a madman and a swashbuckler. Both those qualities appeal to Trump. Also, anything Obama says, Trump does the opposite. Hubris accounts for the 18 days with an undercurrent of denial, panic, and cover up. It'll make a great movie some day. We've all guessed the end already.
1
Lock Flynn up!
2
Trump continues to reveal a childish, irresponsible mind through his only apparent method of communicating: tweeting. I talked with a psychologist, and he flatly stated this kind of behavior in someone like Trump is deeply pathological and dangerous. Why? Because constantly complaining, throwing blame on others, never taking responsibility for their own actions and words has, in his experience, been exhibited by psychopaths he has treated. Also, a person like this has an exalted sense of their own superiority, and only listens to themselves. Any challenge to him becomes personal and something to be denied or fought. He further stated that Trump has an extremely limited vocabulary and mode of expression and finds the one way street of the tweet his way of saying what he thinks (in his terms) without any blow back. Until peple in the US figure this out,we are at the mercy of Big Brother and his minions, and nothing will change unless we vote the bum(s) out.
6
Yes, BY ALL MEANS it is time for an independent investigation of the Trump administration. There obviously is NO trusting the Republican Congress who now appear suspicious themselves since they are determined to cover up for the President.
4
Flynn wanted to be Secretary of State? That is like Trump wanting to be president. Nothing but a disaster.
6
Hope Mr. Trump will resign very soon. He follows only his impulses instead of making politics
3
Trump will never resign. He needs to be impeached.
1
If Trump were wise (but he's not) he would resign before more dirt is shoveled on him. If the Rep.
House was wise (but it isn't) they would start looking into impeachment proceedings in order to save their reputation.
House was wise (but it isn't) they would start looking into impeachment proceedings in order to save their reputation.
4
Exactly! House Repubs will act when they see their own jobs are at risk for supporting DT.
2
this would be the same FORMER president who subject Americans to cabinet choices such as Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch and Jeh Johnson....his choice for "Homeland Security chief was a guy named Jeh....the guy did not even have a real name.....I don;t see Obama as an expert on staff and cabinet selections.....
1
Another reason to admire Obama, who tried to do the right thing advising Trump the idiot.
5
Donald Trump is a dangerous and malignant narcissist and always goes on the attack when the pure and simple truth is presented for all to see. Sadly, I know people who repeat his words back in private social settings. There's a wonderful cartoon around the Internet, a group of slugs carrying their Make America Great Again signs worshipping their box of salt. That about sums up the mentality and depth of Trump's supporters. And about that box of salt, Slugs, it's about to tip over on you.
10
It's documented that Flynn trafficked in conspiracy theories - that alone should have disqualified him from a white house security role, just as documented racism disqualifies Sessions from serving as the country's legal overseer. Whoops, that happened too.
8
At what point is the President going to be asked why he kept Flynn on, and will he be held accountable for his answer?
9
So what about Trump's claim that Flynn's security clearance is significant? How many such clearances are there? Why did a guy no longer employed by the government have such a clearance? I'm not trying to make a point. I don't know the answers to my questions but I'd like to. Are you listening, New York Times?
4
Jack Toner, you can get some of your answers in the Washington Post today, online.
1
Face it: Average voter does not know who Gen. FLYNN is, and could not care less.One simply views controversy as just another game politicos play in the Beltway. Mike Flynn: Name sounds almost comical, like the name of an Irishman I once knew who had a nasty habit of going into pubs, getting drunk and starting brawls, thus confirming the suspicion that all Irishmen were that way.Whether his presence on the National Security Team was Trump's fault, or Obama's is not something that should keep anyone up at night.Acting AG Yates found her place in the sun yesterday, all dolled up to beat the band,made a good impression on the Committee and on viewers, and why not: She's an attractive woman with brains and a dynamite c.v. to boot. I just want to see more people of color on cable networks, in government, in newsrooms and talk shows. Presence of Joy Reid is hopeful,but we need more newswomen, gentlewomen like her. My Juliana, can't help thinking that when she sees all these white faces on t.v., that her feelings are hurt, and likewise for our son Alister Hall. It is tough being black in our society, and people of color are reminded of this every day of their lives.But to return to Mike FLYNN, is this not all a tempest in a teapot? Despite his actions, the Republic still stands.
4
I big to differ. Having a National Security Advisor accepting payments from Russian propaganda outlets is a big deal. Why do you suppose General Flynn has asked for immunity in exchange for his testimony?
A lot of average voters voted for Trump. Whether they ever realize they were duped is highly doubtful.
A lot of average voters voted for Trump. Whether they ever realize they were duped is highly doubtful.
5
Average voter does not know who Gen. Flynn is, and could not care less.One sees it as just another game politicos play in the Beltway. Mike Flynn: Name sounds almost comical , like the name of an Irishman I once knew who had a nasty habit of going into pubs, getting drunk and starting brawls, thus confirming the unfounded suspicion that we are all that way.One day someone called me an "Irish pig!"Whether Flynn's presence on Trump's security team was Trump's fault or Obama's is not something that should keep anyone up at night.Acting AG Sally Yates,appearing before the Committee, all dolled up to beat the band,found her place in the sun, and why not: She's an attractive woman with a dynamite c.v. to boot!What I find worrisome is the absence of people of color on t.v. networks, in government,in newsrooms. Joy Reid's presence as a news anchor is hopeful, but we need more like newswomen, gentlewomen like her. Can't help think that every time Juliana sees all those white faces on t.v., sometimes only white faces, that her feelings are hurt, and likewise for our son Alister Hall.It is tough being black in our society, and people of color are reminded of this every day of their lives. But to return to Mike FLYNN: Tempest in a teapot!
1
Flynn was selected for National Security Adviser because he had ties to Russia. Isn't that what Trump professed during his campaign: good relations with Putin.
10
Trump never reads nor studies. He would not know how dangerous Putin is to his own people.
Pence is probably compromised too.
14
Trump hired Russian assets Flynn, et al, not from ignorance of their Russian ties, but because awareness of them.
Time for Trump to resign.
Time for Trump to resign.
18
Randy, Obama's and Obama hires' bona fides with Trump are probably much lower than you Randy and the average NYT readers. But if you want to make the leap have at it. Bush lied and people died too?
And our little president tweets his childish little tweets from whatever oddball location he hides away to tweet from.
“General Flynn was given the highest security clearance by the Obama Administration — but the Fake News seldom likes talking about that,” Mr. Trump said.
Oooh, oooh, Fake News. (Now "Fake News" is capitalized, now a proper noun?--so weird, this guy is really weird.)
“General Flynn was given the highest security clearance by the Obama Administration — but the Fake News seldom likes talking about that,” Mr. Trump said.
Oooh, oooh, Fake News. (Now "Fake News" is capitalized, now a proper noun?--so weird, this guy is really weird.)
14
So we know Obama disliked Flynn.the intelligence services recorded his conversations. The DOJ opinion was that the Russians might try to coopt him. Obama tells Trump not to hire him. Trump doesn't fire Flynn when Obama wants him to so somebody leaks the conversations to the press and forces Trump to fire him anyway. Obama gets what he wants and makes Trump look bad. Why are none of you suspicious of this whole process?
3
Why was a retired US General accepting payments from RT - a Russian government propaganda outlet? Why did General Flynn accept payments from the Turkish government? That conduct is prohibited by the US Constitution.
US Intelligence records the Russian ambassadors calls. Why did Flynn lie about his conversations with the Russian ambassador?
What is the "problematic behavior", still apparently classified, that General Flynn engaged in? Sally Yates mentioned that "problematic behavior" more than once. She went to meet with the White House about these issues before Trump had even been in office for a week.
Why has General Flynn asked for immunity?
Are you really as naive as your comment makes you sound?
US Intelligence records the Russian ambassadors calls. Why did Flynn lie about his conversations with the Russian ambassador?
What is the "problematic behavior", still apparently classified, that General Flynn engaged in? Sally Yates mentioned that "problematic behavior" more than once. She went to meet with the White House about these issues before Trump had even been in office for a week.
Why has General Flynn asked for immunity?
Are you really as naive as your comment makes you sound?
13
Mr Trump was too thin skinned to take Mr Obama's roast at the White House Correspondent's Dinner and there is no reason to think he has changed. Doubtless he used Mr Flynn as a stick in our former President's eye until it was discovered to be sharpened at both ends.
I don't really think Mr Trump is so very different from any other person who has suffered a public slight and Mr Obama may also have exhibited undue hubris which has never been forgotten and will never be forgiven.
Two different kids, from two different parts of town in a school yard scrap that could have stopped there if either one had picked up the phone and invited the other to lunch.
I don't really think Mr Trump is so very different from any other person who has suffered a public slight and Mr Obama may also have exhibited undue hubris which has never been forgotten and will never be forgiven.
Two different kids, from two different parts of town in a school yard scrap that could have stopped there if either one had picked up the phone and invited the other to lunch.
2
This isn't about Obama and Trump's feelings about each other. It's about a person with highly suspicious and dangerously compromising behavior in the Trump administration. That's it.
5
That's fine, but you're talking about 2 Presidents, here. A perceived hubris at a banquet in one; willful negligence on the job by another. Seems clear there's a difference.
From various reports, Obama did offer a hand - an open "invitation to lunch" - to Trump.
From various reports, Obama did offer a hand - an open "invitation to lunch" - to Trump.
2
Obama did not display hubris.
Trump hates everything Obama, if Obama warned him about Flynn you can be assured Trump would want to hire Flynn even more.
14
While we been denigrating or hating each other based on race, sex, nationality and political affiliation ------ meanwhile back at the White House they been selling out America. It's time to focus on unifying America or it will be hollowed out by thieves, prevaricators, and traitors ---- Time to fumigate the White House!
9
"Lock him up!"
There's a chant worth chanting now.
There's a chant worth chanting now.
14
Damnatio memoriae: What Trump and GOP are doing to Obama legacy.
4
Who recommended Gen. Flynn? I see it now. President Obama's warning about General Flynn was seen as an endorsement. AG Yates' warning was seen as confirmation of the endorsement. So, it was Obama's fault!
4
Why Obama did not fire Flynn is quite a question. I would think this was a political calculation. Remember, party before country and Hillary's admonition: the Republicans are America's real enemy!
Hillary was so correct.
Obama is against hiring Flynn.
Trump is for hiring Flynn.
Obama is correct; Trump is wrong.
So what else is new?
Trump is for hiring Flynn.
Obama is correct; Trump is wrong.
So what else is new?
10
Cornyn and Cruz: Sally ate our lunch - we wound up really looking Stup-id!
13
During a previous hearing, I recall FBI Director Comey state (I believe in reference to the Russian hacking of the DNC), ‘it was like they [the Russians] wanted to get caught.’ He put it out there as a conundrum.
I think the Trump administration’s behavior looks the same way. It’s like they want to get caught.
So, then I have to ask myself, why would that be? Is it not possible that if our federal government intentionally ‘fails’ and insurrection ensues (and why wouldn’t it, the far-right has certainly gone out of its way to arm so-called patriots and brain-wash them into believing the Tea Party way is the only ‘free people’ way), the military and capital establishments would be ‘forced’ to invoke authoritarian governance, you know for our own good, the security of citizens, etc.
So, then I have to ask myself, what’s different about now, as opposed to back in the day? We in the West always hated ‘commies.’ But what is so threatening about a modicum of social democracy (as in single-payer healthcare, a unionized labor force) in a larger capital economy context? I think what’s different in this millennium is with mechanization of labor, computerization of the administration of global corporate entities, relatively cheap, efficient and quick methods of transportation of goods, and the instantaneous manipulation of media, there is so much dough to be made for a select few on such a mind-blowing scale that it makes our old friend Croesus look like he lived in public housing.
I think the Trump administration’s behavior looks the same way. It’s like they want to get caught.
So, then I have to ask myself, why would that be? Is it not possible that if our federal government intentionally ‘fails’ and insurrection ensues (and why wouldn’t it, the far-right has certainly gone out of its way to arm so-called patriots and brain-wash them into believing the Tea Party way is the only ‘free people’ way), the military and capital establishments would be ‘forced’ to invoke authoritarian governance, you know for our own good, the security of citizens, etc.
So, then I have to ask myself, what’s different about now, as opposed to back in the day? We in the West always hated ‘commies.’ But what is so threatening about a modicum of social democracy (as in single-payer healthcare, a unionized labor force) in a larger capital economy context? I think what’s different in this millennium is with mechanization of labor, computerization of the administration of global corporate entities, relatively cheap, efficient and quick methods of transportation of goods, and the instantaneous manipulation of media, there is so much dough to be made for a select few on such a mind-blowing scale that it makes our old friend Croesus look like he lived in public housing.
3
Aside from showing off the newly elected Trump Administration's amateurishness and naivete, did any harm come of this?
2
We don't know yet. Did any harm come from Hillary Clinton's private email server?
We don't know yet. An independent investigation would uncover the truth.
At this point, according to today's testimony, the answer to your question is classified.
...two former Obama administration officials said...
[ I wonder if such anonymous sources should be allowed to undermine the character of any person. I have no direct knowledge of the McCarthy period, but these attacks on the person in question strike me as what I have read about the McCarthy era attacks.
I may not care for a person's politics, but questioning the person's integrity is another matter entirely. ]
[ I wonder if such anonymous sources should be allowed to undermine the character of any person. I have no direct knowledge of the McCarthy period, but these attacks on the person in question strike me as what I have read about the McCarthy era attacks.
I may not care for a person's politics, but questioning the person's integrity is another matter entirely. ]
1
Nancy, and how many times has Trump questioned the integrity of others? Like he did today in a tweet about Yates. For godsakes, he's the President -- with his big bully pulpit -- and he regularly impugns the integrity of others.
10
Perhaps you should read a few articles on the background of General Flynn's firing as the head of the DIA. Perhaps you should read about the payments Flynn accepted from Russian and Turkish sources, all the while without having registered as a foreign agent. Then consider the fact that he was known to have lied repeatedly about his conversations with the Russian ambassador.
How could any sane citizen not question Flynn's integrity?
How could any sane citizen not question Flynn's integrity?
18
Nancy, it's journalism. I'm going to guess you had no problems when Trump said 2 million voted illegally.
10
Trump's narcissism and ignorant uniformed ego cause him to make foolish, impulsive, and dangerous decisions.
His sociopathic nature cause him to double down, octuple, infinite-uple down because he simply can't be wrong.
He can't be wrong.
This is a temperament totally unfit in every way to occupy the oval office.
Trump is a clear and present danger to the nation.
His sociopathic nature cause him to double down, octuple, infinite-uple down because he simply can't be wrong.
He can't be wrong.
This is a temperament totally unfit in every way to occupy the oval office.
Trump is a clear and present danger to the nation.
31
And yes, Trump conveniently declares increased military action is planned for Afghanistan. Gee, now we can be distracted yet again by something that trump uses for his personal service -- death and destruction. He is a transparent, manipulator - who thinks nothing of killing others so that he can survive ( momentarily still least) his impending skewering for his massive complicity and cover up of a plethora of illegal activities
9
Staffing the Good Ship America with the least qualified people to insure safe passage is a recipe for disaster. A fools mission,
Unless You are doing the bidding of our enemy.
Unless You are doing the bidding of our enemy.
15
The winner of this sad "state of affairs" is Putin. All he has to do is create doubt within Democratic Nations, divide and conquer, the same strategy of the Republican Party. Trump cannot admit he was rolled, ever. So it's always going to be "double down" on Obama, always. Trump rolled the Repubs, Putin rolled Trump and it's up to us to roll the whole bunch out. Sooner rather than later.
9
In the real world, if a former employer gives you a bad review and, in fact, fires you AND tells the hiring employer, "I would not hire this person," you don't get the new job, unless....We can fill in the blanks. Unless this person has valuable "insider" information about the previous employer (Obama) that can be used against him; has valuable "back channel" contacts within a foreign country (Russia, Turkey), not only with government officials but powerful business people; or has no moral compunction about lying to get what he wants. Probably all three. For us "ordinary" people, it gets old seeing how the rules apply to us but not to the Trump administration.
8
Trump is doing away with everything that Barack Obama had anything to do with. You really think he'd listen to any advice that Obama would give him? Trump's too stupid to take any advice from anyone. Remember, he alone can fix anything and everything.
7
No president hears what Yates reported, waits 18 days and then praises the departing scoundrel.
Hearings make clear: MUST get special prosecutor. Republicans won't do what's needed. Just make 2 videos: only Republican speakers and just Democrats. See who's serious. Democrats provided so much more information and questions to ponders. The Republicans kept minimizing, avoiding, going off topic, interrupting Sally Yates when she clearly had something important to tell us. And derailed our learning curve by repeated interrupting with stupid leaks questions. Now let's see if we find out what they are all clearly hiding.
Hearings make clear: MUST get special prosecutor. Republicans won't do what's needed. Just make 2 videos: only Republican speakers and just Democrats. See who's serious. Democrats provided so much more information and questions to ponders. The Republicans kept minimizing, avoiding, going off topic, interrupting Sally Yates when she clearly had something important to tell us. And derailed our learning curve by repeated interrupting with stupid leaks questions. Now let's see if we find out what they are all clearly hiding.
12
Especially when Sally Yates was fired four days after meeting with the White House officials -- long before Flynn was fired. If newspapers had not subsequently raised concerns about Flynn, Trump might have been able to sweep his ties to Russia under the rug (which is getting pretty crowded in this administration).
8
Yeah, but Andrew Jackson personally endorsed Flynn.
12
Trump could not have known Flynn was a security risk until he was told about what, allegedly, occurred and as soon as he was told Flynn would no longer have been a security risk as one cannot blackmail someone over something the President is already aware of!
By definition Yates revealing the "secret" completely defused the risk.
Waiting 18 days to investigate before firing Flynn is perfectly reasonable/ Heck, Obama PROMOTED, Susan Rice after she was caught lying about Benghazi so spare us the crocodile tears about Trump!
By definition Yates revealing the "secret" completely defused the risk.
Waiting 18 days to investigate before firing Flynn is perfectly reasonable/ Heck, Obama PROMOTED, Susan Rice after she was caught lying about Benghazi so spare us the crocodile tears about Trump!
2
Steve W, your logic that "the risk was completely defused" once Yates informed them only works if you assume that Trump and team didn't know what Flynn was up to. If they did know and were trying to cover it up, then the risk was only defused when the press reported it. And that's just one of the facts that these hearings are trying to discover.
And no, "waiting 18 days to investigate" is not perfectly reasonable.
And no, "waiting 18 days to investigate" is not perfectly reasonable.
4
DJT is so envious of President Obama it is embarrassing to watch.
35
Incredible, or at least it would've been so a year ago.
5
How has he expressed this envy? Trump is so ignorant of history, including recent history, it is difficult to believe he is envious of Obama. That requires some intelligence.
Yates tells the Trump administration that Flynn is lying about his dealings with Russia and therefore could be blackmailed by Russia. Obama tells Trump that Flynn is dangerous because of his Russia connections. Trump is thinking I have my own dealings with Russia, who is going to tell me that it is time to close shop; only the US Congress, can, will it after looking at his tax records?
18
Sally, Sally, Sally. You absolutely destroyed Senator Cruz. And in a calm voice and very matter of factly. You honored the DOJ and the American people today and you will not be forgotten.
Thank you.
Thank you.
63
Bottom line: Sally Yates for President.
39
Second.
9
At this point, it's tempting to want to nominate anyone with a brain and a conscience. But we need Sally Yates in the trenches, too.
3
Spin from Spicer: It's Obama's fault. He hired him first. No...it's Trump's fault for not heeding Obama. You don't get to blame some one else for your incompetence you take responsibility.
21
GOP investigative thought process and priorities:
- Leaks, leaks, leaks ... leaks bad ... unless done by Russia thru Wikileaks to manipulate a U.S. presidential election.
- Question the president's illegal Muslim band ... bad ... who are you as the acting AG of the U.S. (and a woman, no less) to talk legalese? No one questions this president, period! Especially Obama hold overs. You're fired!
- You actually want to discuss the topic of this investigation? Look over there ... squirrel! And, the unmasking of Batman! Unmasking! Leaks!
- Leaks, leaks, leaks ... leaks bad ... unless done by Russia thru Wikileaks to manipulate a U.S. presidential election.
- Question the president's illegal Muslim band ... bad ... who are you as the acting AG of the U.S. (and a woman, no less) to talk legalese? No one questions this president, period! Especially Obama hold overs. You're fired!
- You actually want to discuss the topic of this investigation? Look over there ... squirrel! And, the unmasking of Batman! Unmasking! Leaks!
12
So much arrogance from conflicts of interest to sleeping with dictators and yet he still stands as our nation's leader? A pox on us all!
28
Flynn cannot claim that he did not know that he should not be doing what he was doing. He seems to have been someone who took risks by crossing the lines of appropriate behavior, risks that amounted to recklessness. Trump should have understood the difference between a tough and aggressive personality and a reckless and shameless one, but he didn't. What was he thinking?
10
Incompetence is what it does.
Trump was warned about Flynn's unreliability and unsuitability by President Obama, then by senior national security and Justice Department professionals whom he didn't know, Obama Administration holdovers whom he didn't trust although their national credentials and personal integrity were impeccable (Trump's being neither). Trump refused to listen, then went on to ensconce someone utterly worthless in a vital national security position. But Trump has done that very thing numerous times in many other parts of his administration, appointed people obviously unfit or unqualified for their positions.
Trump obviously wants government to fail to accomplish its missions although its his government; by my lights, the ultimate expression of rank incompetence. It's like shooting yourself in the foot shortly before the race, or cutting off your nose to spite your face. One can only hope Trump doesn't try to sharpen his vision by plucking out his eyes.
Trump was warned about Flynn's unreliability and unsuitability by President Obama, then by senior national security and Justice Department professionals whom he didn't know, Obama Administration holdovers whom he didn't trust although their national credentials and personal integrity were impeccable (Trump's being neither). Trump refused to listen, then went on to ensconce someone utterly worthless in a vital national security position. But Trump has done that very thing numerous times in many other parts of his administration, appointed people obviously unfit or unqualified for their positions.
Trump obviously wants government to fail to accomplish its missions although its his government; by my lights, the ultimate expression of rank incompetence. It's like shooting yourself in the foot shortly before the race, or cutting off your nose to spite your face. One can only hope Trump doesn't try to sharpen his vision by plucking out his eyes.
13
Flynn seemed intemperate and unsuitable for gov't to me, even more than most pols. If he behaved illegally or even immorally, and I do not reflexively believe controversial things the gov't or media says - we are all relying on hearsay here including congress - then I'm actually glad he did and is out. Whether he lied to the FBI or not, I couldn't say. But, I am deeply opposed to that law, which seems to me the type of tyranny some people fear from this president as it can be used by prosecutors to coerce testimony.
And I was as usual disappointed by the senate hearing today, much of which I watched. It seemed to me, though the sens. were more polite than usual, the partisanship shined through - even if some on both sides wanted the hearing, their focus is clearly divided - one side to their over-arching goal of opposing Trump (what did his NSA do, if anything?) and the other to continuing to attack Obama (who told WAPO?) Obviously, if Flynn broke some law with the Russians or Turks, etc., then of course he should be prosecuted. If the person is found who illegally leaked the investigation information to WAPO, he/she should also be prosecuted, even if it is our former president (not out of the question if you listened to the witnesses). If you watched, you know that the witnesses couldn't speak to these central questions. The hearing was exciting for partisans, sharpening their knives, but the usual waste of time and money.
And I was as usual disappointed by the senate hearing today, much of which I watched. It seemed to me, though the sens. were more polite than usual, the partisanship shined through - even if some on both sides wanted the hearing, their focus is clearly divided - one side to their over-arching goal of opposing Trump (what did his NSA do, if anything?) and the other to continuing to attack Obama (who told WAPO?) Obviously, if Flynn broke some law with the Russians or Turks, etc., then of course he should be prosecuted. If the person is found who illegally leaked the investigation information to WAPO, he/she should also be prosecuted, even if it is our former president (not out of the question if you listened to the witnesses). If you watched, you know that the witnesses couldn't speak to these central questions. The hearing was exciting for partisans, sharpening their knives, but the usual waste of time and money.
3
Sally Yates testimony was extremely impressive and compelling today. I heard on MSNBC tonight that she may run for the Senate most likely from North Carolina. If so, put her on my list as a future democratic party star and also possible Presidential candidate. Wouldn't it be juicy if she were the candidate to defeat Trump in 2020 assuming Trump hasn't resigned before then.
23
One more demonstration that Trump cannot make very simple obvious decisions. All he is interested in is lowering his taxes. It is time to re-investigate all his other appointments.
14
The most important part of this story is that Trump knew that Flynn had lied to Pence and Trump did nothing to keep Pence from making a fool of himself on national TV.
Pence will remember this. When the time comes that the Rupublicans in Congress realize they have to remove a Trump from office, Trump will have no support from Pence
Pence will remember this. When the time comes that the Rupublicans in Congress realize they have to remove a Trump from office, Trump will have no support from Pence
11
By now it seems that this admin has deliberately gone out of it's way to appoint some of America's least qualified, most objectionable people for jobs. It really is astonishing.
27
Mike Flynn is but the tip of the Russian iceberg. Trump’s tax returns are also high likely to be revealing, and thus the secrecy. We need to see a thorough investigation of Trump’s financial ties to the Russian's and Putin via the Bank of Cyprus, Deutsche Bank, Russian investors in his property, and the strong links between Russia and Trump's cabinet members and associates including Wilbur Ross, Felix Sater, Roy Tillerson, Jeff Sessions, Carter Page, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone etc., etc..
Since the cowardly, self-serving Republican Congress will never touch Trump, we must depend on latter day Woodward/Bernstein investigative journalists to follow the money..it is the pheromone that has always guided Trump's behavior.
We need to know what Putin may have on Trump that allow’s Trump to b manipulated. Not only is conflict of interest a key issue with respect to Trump’s personal finances and his tax proposals, but our national security is at stake.
Since the cowardly, self-serving Republican Congress will never touch Trump, we must depend on latter day Woodward/Bernstein investigative journalists to follow the money..it is the pheromone that has always guided Trump's behavior.
We need to know what Putin may have on Trump that allow’s Trump to b manipulated. Not only is conflict of interest a key issue with respect to Trump’s personal finances and his tax proposals, but our national security is at stake.
21
We know Trump can't read, but if a staffer could please verbally pass along some of these comments, it would be graciously appreciated. Fake President
25
It's time America! It's time to Dump Trump!
22
Yates tells the Trump administration that Flynn is lying about his dealings with Russia and therefore could be blackmailed by Russia.
What does the Trump administration do about it?
Nothing. For two weeks the administration did nothing. Nothing until the truth became public.
What does the Trump administration do about it?
Nothing. For two weeks the administration did nothing. Nothing until the truth became public.
51
This is all we need to know. Trump did nothing. Release his taxes. Lock them all up for treachery, including Don Jr, Eric, Ivanka and Jared.
9
More proof I didn't need to convince me that Trump is an insecure spiteful menace to society.
20
If Flynn is compromised, and Trump knew it, Trump being compromised explains a lot more than it obfuscates.
15
It is disgusting that these worthless Republican are trying to change the narrative of their hearing into "leaks" rather than the greatest danger to American democracy and our way of life, the Russians. Where is their outrage as patriots and as defenders of America? They are worthless and have not a bone of loyalty to our country. We must rid our country of these worms who would rather protect this clear assault of our democracy, then defending it against all enemies. Shame on them, vote them all out. They are not deserving to be called elected officials of our government.
23
Like a Mafia boss, Trump values loyalty above all else, including ethics. Of course that relationship is not reciprocal, as the appropriately named Don Trump will gladly sacrifice his staff to protect himself. And now we are seeing that he will also sacrifice millions of Americans for his needs....
27
So, why was Flynn's security clearance restored by the Obama administration in 2016?
2
Go read the Post
11
You are factually incorrect.
13
Not surprisingly, trump makes no sense.
Either he thinks Flynn should have been fired or he does not. If he thinks Flynn should have been fired, why is he going out of his way to bad-mouth Sally Yates?
If he believed the warnings from all kinds of people, from President Obama to members of his own team, why did he hire him, and having hired him, why did it take him 3 weeks to fire him - was it only because the knowledge that Flynn was compromised became public?
If he didn't believe the warnings, why did he fire him?
To be as charitable as possible, all this confirms the verdict of a majority of American voters that trump is not commander-in-chief material.
Either he thinks Flynn should have been fired or he does not. If he thinks Flynn should have been fired, why is he going out of his way to bad-mouth Sally Yates?
If he believed the warnings from all kinds of people, from President Obama to members of his own team, why did he hire him, and having hired him, why did it take him 3 weeks to fire him - was it only because the knowledge that Flynn was compromised became public?
If he didn't believe the warnings, why did he fire him?
To be as charitable as possible, all this confirms the verdict of a majority of American voters that trump is not commander-in-chief material.
29
Flynn *allegedly* lied to Pence about conversations with the Russian ambassador. Does the NYTimes really think Trump's administration would have cared one way or another knowing this information? Check the record - Trump was more concerned about the leaks than the ethical violation.
16
“Obama Warned Trump About Hiring Flynn” but, as it always happens with folks of lesser intellectual caliber,….in one ear and out the other.
12
wondering who those arrogant,partisan,no nothings are???Cornyn and Cruz.
you go girl.
you go girl.
10
Cornyn & Cruz: Party over County; USA, that is.
Although brainstorming constructive policies seems troublesome for the Trump administration--it clearly has no problem blamestorming.
15
Considering the clearly honest testimony of Yates today and Trump's apparent knowledge and thus complicity in Flynn's ties with Russia, it might be wise for Trump to resign before worst facts emerge. At the very least the House to protect its reputation should be seriously looking into the possibility of impeaching the president. Any coverup will eventually be exposed and that would be very bad for the party.
14
The fact that "the party" allowed this person to become a Republican candidate, then became a bunch of lackeys for him, is as bad as it gets. In sum, no worries, "the party" is toast.
6
...and in breaking news, Trump announces that Obama never advised him to not hire Flynn...
9
Time for an independent investigation. The GOP is not going to be as interested in getting to the facts on this whole Russian collusion problem as they were those emails!
Ted Cruz was totally off the mark today. Not even on topic. Despicable.
Ted Cruz was totally off the mark today. Not even on topic. Despicable.
70
Cornyn, too. But Yates got the better of both of them.
22
Shame on Graham--I thought he was the most reasonable mind on the GOP side--how wrong was I. Graham`s obsession with the unmasking reeks of a man who knows that Trump is in treasonous territory. It`s like someone being caught on video breaking the law--but because the criminal was not made known of the surveillance, no charges can be laid due to his unmasking. Could there please be a separate investigation into Russian collusion?
22
Quite frankly, I was shocked by Graham's line of questioning. Shocked, and deeply suspicious. Almost certainly he's been 'got to' by 45.
3
My money is on Trump trying to get Russia to clean up Syria for an early win and the trade was to be sanctions lifted
It is all illegal but for this administration it is small potatoes compared with the money laundering and emoluments issues. All are scandals, all are impeachable and offenses worthy of time in jail
Lock them all up!
It is all illegal but for this administration it is small potatoes compared with the money laundering and emoluments issues. All are scandals, all are impeachable and offenses worthy of time in jail
Lock them all up!
19
Hmmmm, nope. The Donald needd note ever take personal responsibility, as his a host of paid minions to take the fall and/or trot out the inane "Fake News trope.
5
A confederacy of dunces.
27
Perfect.....great book.
2
Obama fired the guy. That should have been a clue.
14
I've come to the conclusion that everything trump does is to spite Barack Obama. Rescinding environmental regulations,healthcare, and anything else that improves life. It's nuts.
31
The highpoint of my day was to watch an eloquent,brilliant and very composed
woman take down,very politely,two perfectly arrogant,partisan,no nothings during hearings on russian meddling in the 2016 election.Sally Yates is one very impressive person and a woman HA!
woman take down,very politely,two perfectly arrogant,partisan,no nothings during hearings on russian meddling in the 2016 election.Sally Yates is one very impressive person and a woman HA!
45
Yes, her Southern manners meant that she took them both down before they knew what hit them!
17
It became too much when the Senator from Texas began to tell Sally Yates that he'd voted for her, and how he was so disappointed in her now, for he believed she'd had a prestigious career. And had voted for her, and now somehow Sally Yates is incompetent. I loved her reply to him, though, for when he asked her if she'd challenge the President if he was unlawful, he only thought of one president. These Republicans have no shame, and their first interest isn't understanding how much Russian pulled strings, but quieting that down and focusing on things they traditionally don't give the laziest care for, privacy for example. The same people who are okay with your Internet Service Provider selling information about you more than ever.... Yes....that was something strange indeed.
25
She resisted the obvious comeback -- it didn't take Trump 18 days to fire her, for a principled act done straight up out in the open.
13
If Obama wasn't such a class act, he would be chuckling at the hapless and pathetic Trump, pointing his stubby little fingers at any and all as the noose tightens a bit more each day. It is time for the GOP to stop their silent but deafening approval of this shameful excuse for a leader. The world is waiting for them to do something - anything - and not only dethrone him, but charge him for any number of offenses.
28
May the rest of the world continue to resist loudly and frequently with all of us in the u.s. Thanks, world.
4
The two former officials should shut their mouth. Obama has made it clear, there is only one President at a time.
Pretty sure the GOP invited them to speak. They seem to think this "I can say something and no one will challenge it." approach will work for everyone, not just their "Ransom of Red Chief" president.
10
Frank, what in the world are you talking about? The two people were asked by the Congressional investigation to testify. Get informed.
"Obama has made it clear, there is only one President at a time." - Tell your rich boy that he can no longer pass the excuses.
"Obama has made it clear, there is only one President at a time." - Tell your rich boy that he can no longer pass the excuses.
12
What does that even mean? Trump is incompetent and we don't really have a functioning president.
8
About those leaks:
In a second Twitter message, Mr. Trump added: “Ask Sally Yates, under oath, if she knows how classified information got into the newspapers soon after she explained it to W.H. Counsel.”
In his Feb 16 news conference he said the leaks were real but the news was fake. Fits the definition of cognitive dissonance.
In a second Twitter message, Mr. Trump added: “Ask Sally Yates, under oath, if she knows how classified information got into the newspapers soon after she explained it to W.H. Counsel.”
In his Feb 16 news conference he said the leaks were real but the news was fake. Fits the definition of cognitive dissonance.
26
President Trump's original decision to retain Flynn now appears based in no small part on Flynn's back channel to Putin through the Russian Ambassador. Yates's revelations were no surprise -- quite the contrary: they confirmed his "utility".
It also now appears Trump was so determined on the subject of Flynn's back channel value that his staff feared annoying him with an unvarnished relaying of Yates's reports and warnings. Until his staff realized they were running their own criminal risks in silence.
It also now appears Trump was so determined on the subject of Flynn's back channel value that his staff feared annoying him with an unvarnished relaying of Yates's reports and warnings. Until his staff realized they were running their own criminal risks in silence.
19
My suggestion is that from this moment onward all news regarding, concerning and referencing Trump - including his own tweets - should be accompanied by the Benny Hill Show theme music. This whole gargantuan charade HAS to be an elaborate setup for the launch of the Donald Trump's stand-up comedy career.
19
He was warned, yet he persisted.
Not a great approach if your intentions are bad, deceitful, and/or just plain stupid.
Taxes? Russian ties? Business and family conflicts? Independent commission investigation!!!
Not a great approach if your intentions are bad, deceitful, and/or just plain stupid.
Taxes? Russian ties? Business and family conflicts? Independent commission investigation!!!
19
So.
Yates and Clapper just finished testifying that trump was warned on multiple occasions that Flynn was compromised.
The next thing you will hear from this so-called administration:
"Unleash the Dogs Of War!"
That should do it.
Yates and Clapper just finished testifying that trump was warned on multiple occasions that Flynn was compromised.
The next thing you will hear from this so-called administration:
"Unleash the Dogs Of War!"
That should do it.
14
Trump desperately needs a Grand Duchy of Fenwick. North Korea certainly isn't it.
5
"might have"..."possible"...."If you look at it from the right angle it looks like possibly it might be...."......"russians'........."could have"........"implies that it could have been possibly something there if you conjucture that hypothetically russians might have ......"
it all make believe!!!!
This is a total waste of time................sorry, kids. Your government has devovled into petty vengeance against people that dont agree with various policies.....there's no dialog or communication going on in WashDC....and EVERYBODY is to blame..............
it all make believe!!!!
This is a total waste of time................sorry, kids. Your government has devovled into petty vengeance against people that dont agree with various policies.....there's no dialog or communication going on in WashDC....and EVERYBODY is to blame..............
Short End: the money that Flynn took from the Russians and the Turks was real. The advice from both Obama and Christie to not hire Flynn was real. The phone intercepts with Flynn undermining then-President Obama were real.
6
Wasn't Obama black & Yates a woman when they warned of a compromised Flynn? Why on earth would the Trumpster listen to them?
30
How long is it going to take before Trump's taxes show that he is also "compromised" by the Russians...?
22
It is no coincidence that so many of trump's colleagues and hires have relationships with Russia - it's what trump wants because it's part of his past business practices.
It appears that the support trump and his administration showed Flynn was evidence that they all knew what Flynn did and why they hired him in the first place: Flynn had a relationship with Russia. For that reason, even after Yates warned the White House of the Flynn issues, the trump folks didn't care - that's why Flynn wasn't fired. It was only AFTER the news was in the public ear, that the White House decided to cut their losses.
Now trump is trying to influence the proceedings evidenced by the questioning that included the trump-tweet question regarding the alleged security leaks of then, unknown Flynn telephone conversations. Chances are, the White House staff released that information so they would have cover to fire Flynn - then blame it on and begin a witch hunt of career employees.
After today's testimony, trump wasted no time in tweeting his disdain for the proceedings.
This disdainful behavior is similar to someone who is guilty, not someone who is innocent of wrong doing.
It appears that the support trump and his administration showed Flynn was evidence that they all knew what Flynn did and why they hired him in the first place: Flynn had a relationship with Russia. For that reason, even after Yates warned the White House of the Flynn issues, the trump folks didn't care - that's why Flynn wasn't fired. It was only AFTER the news was in the public ear, that the White House decided to cut their losses.
Now trump is trying to influence the proceedings evidenced by the questioning that included the trump-tweet question regarding the alleged security leaks of then, unknown Flynn telephone conversations. Chances are, the White House staff released that information so they would have cover to fire Flynn - then blame it on and begin a witch hunt of career employees.
After today's testimony, trump wasted no time in tweeting his disdain for the proceedings.
This disdainful behavior is similar to someone who is guilty, not someone who is innocent of wrong doing.
14
It's time for Trump to ask for immunity.
12
Scary thought - is it possible Trump may preemptively pardon himself?
5
Enough already. Mr. Trump himself, already under unprecedented suspicion for collusion with Russia, knowingly continued to employ a compromised national security adviser.
Trump's blatant disregard for our national security, the rule of law and the people of the United States who depend upon him to make rational decisions renders him factually and inescapably unfit to be president.
Trump's blatant disregard for our national security, the rule of law and the people of the United States who depend upon him to make rational decisions renders him factually and inescapably unfit to be president.
24
It seems that two senators from Texas, and a few others, are more concerned about who leaked the treasonous behavior of Flynn that about our electoral process having been compromised.
They are likely looking in the wrong direction for the leaker. This leak occurred during a flurry of infighting and leaking from Oval Office staff.
They are likely looking in the wrong direction for the leaker. This leak occurred during a flurry of infighting and leaking from Oval Office staff.
24
No, the senators are carrying Trump's water and deflecting attention. They know it and so do we.
16
Mr. Clapper for all his lawyer shenanigans did not move from the table when Miss. Yates said Flynn might be open to blackmail.
4
Sally Yates' courage about Trump's unconstitutionality with his Muslim ban was inspirational. The typical misogynistic Republican attacks on her included asking whether she was a Supreme Court justice, but she calmly repeated her concern with the unconstitutional Muslim ban, supporting it with law.
Petty minds vs. a true American patriot. During her original confirmation, some of these same people as well as Sessions pressured her about whether she would go against the president if she felt he were doing something unlawful.
She proved her moral courage and sense of honor that did not waver according to political party. And Sessions lied under oath to obtain his position. If he had been a Democrat, he would have been charged with perjury or at least challenged on his mendacity.
Strong woman, petty men.
Petty minds vs. a true American patriot. During her original confirmation, some of these same people as well as Sessions pressured her about whether she would go against the president if she felt he were doing something unlawful.
She proved her moral courage and sense of honor that did not waver according to political party. And Sessions lied under oath to obtain his position. If he had been a Democrat, he would have been charged with perjury or at least challenged on his mendacity.
Strong woman, petty men.
83
Amen!
13
Trump realizes he's president, right? I mean he has full responsibility? There's no blaming anybody else? He's the guy? The honcho? The dude of last resort?
30
Ted Cruz did it, and I am so proud that the background audience moaned. Seeing and hearing him were hard to take, but I gave him the attention that everyone involved with the hearing deserved. Then his snarky comment to Yates about partisanship, as he had nothing else to cut her with. Maybe.... maybe?... the Senate is as sick of him as me.
36
The senate hates him, always has.
10
Pretty bold for a guy whose dad was involved somehow in the Kennedy assassination, or so we were informed by our most esteemed president.
9
Just another example of Trump's pathological urge to do exactly the opposite of whatever President Obama has advised, stood for, passed, ordered, etc.
It just shows how insane DT is- literally.
He cannot judge reality- he only reflexively acts in opposition to anything President Obama has stood for.
It is not surprise that DT immediately fired Sally Yates who today acquitted herself as an excellent, credible and patriotic witness.
So the question begs- why did it take DT 18 days to fire Flynn after he found out about his illegal Russian connections- and that was only after the media got hold of the story and the Washington Post broke it.
If it hadn't hit the media, I have no doubt we would still have Flynn as the NSA head.
This DT administration is beyond corrupt- it stinks to high heaven and each and every day, we see more evidence of just how rotten DT is along with his entire administration- including his entire family's conflict of business interests.
Nixon looks like a saint compared to this criminal.
Bush Jr. looks like a genius compared to this idiot.
I hope the investigation of DT's administration continues without the calculated interruption of dropping bombs and any other distraction we look at- yes, we all look at the latest shiny object- but the FBI, the Senate and the media need to keep the public focused like a laser on this treasonous POTUS.
It just shows how insane DT is- literally.
He cannot judge reality- he only reflexively acts in opposition to anything President Obama has stood for.
It is not surprise that DT immediately fired Sally Yates who today acquitted herself as an excellent, credible and patriotic witness.
So the question begs- why did it take DT 18 days to fire Flynn after he found out about his illegal Russian connections- and that was only after the media got hold of the story and the Washington Post broke it.
If it hadn't hit the media, I have no doubt we would still have Flynn as the NSA head.
This DT administration is beyond corrupt- it stinks to high heaven and each and every day, we see more evidence of just how rotten DT is along with his entire administration- including his entire family's conflict of business interests.
Nixon looks like a saint compared to this criminal.
Bush Jr. looks like a genius compared to this idiot.
I hope the investigation of DT's administration continues without the calculated interruption of dropping bombs and any other distraction we look at- yes, we all look at the latest shiny object- but the FBI, the Senate and the media need to keep the public focused like a laser on this treasonous POTUS.
37
It is now clear that Trump knew Flynn was a dangerous hombre yet he chose him and kept him on even after he was exposed. These facts make Trump complicit in Flynn's shady doings and perhaps even supportive. Flynn was fired and Trump shood be impeached for this coverup
31
I'm tired of cutting Trump any slack .
It's so clear that Trump knew about Flynn's " Kompromat " yet did NOTHING .
Trump is not a patriot . He's a willing participant in this coverup .
I wish Flynn could speak out NAIL him . Trump is a traitor who's just out for himself . Disgusting .
It's so clear that Trump knew about Flynn's " Kompromat " yet did NOTHING .
Trump is not a patriot . He's a willing participant in this coverup .
I wish Flynn could speak out NAIL him . Trump is a traitor who's just out for himself . Disgusting .
38
Pres.Obama to Trump DO NOT HIRE THIS GUYa private conversation. Acting AGYates to White House Counsel THIS GUY CAN BE BLACKMAILED BY THE Russians again a private conversation. Flynn remains in the White House for 18 days getting the highest clearance infowith his buddy, Donald Then the Washington Post breaks a Page One story on Flynn's connections to the Russian ambassador Now the whole world knows!!Flynn gets fired by a second President ! No one in the present White House lifted a finger to vet him! Now FAKE NEWS Spicer blames Obama ! Sorry Sean you've exceeded your fabrication quota this month! Time for you to join KellyAnne in the Nevada desert
31
What a farce.
15
Not the type of thing to pat yourself on the back for.
6
It makes one wonder if the Trump administration of grifters will ever take responsibilty for the plethora of screwups happening on their watch.
18
"I don't make mistakes. Quick. Blame Obama. Blame Obama." ~ Pres. Trump
10
Here we go again! Reporting as stenographers rather than a true reporter. Does Mr. Shear not think it appropriate or informative to correct Trump and Spicer's inaccurate, self-serving, childish talking points regarding Flynn's security clearance and the Obama administration. Speaking truth to power is still a feundamental responsibility of the 4th Estate.
6
The 4th estate is owned by the 1% who are Trump's biggest supporters.
4
"The human understanding once it has adopted opinions, either because they were already accepted and believed, or because it likes them, draws everything else to support and agree with them. And though it may meet a greater number and weight of contrary instances, it will, with great and harmful prejudice ignore or condemn or exclude them by introducing some distinction, in order that the authority of those earlier assumptions may remain intact and unharmed."
—Francis Bacon
—Francis Bacon
6
Little noted through all of this is the fact that both President Obama AND Ms. Yates went out of their way to back channel their concerns to the Trump administration about Mr. Flynn.
Mr. Obama has already stated that he might have gone public with his concerns about increasing signs of Russian interference in the fall elections but did not, over caution that it would be seen as putting a thumb on the scale of the election.
The Trump White House and its allies in the Senate have been feverishly trying to paint all of this as pure politics by the Obama administration. The fact that it was so clearly handled with discretion, and that the Trump team was given clear warnings behind the scenes that they needed to look carefully at Mr. Flynn, makes their resulting inaction ever more glaring....and suspect.
They were warned, they knew and yet they persisted.....in doing nothing. The big question now is WHY?
Mr. Obama has already stated that he might have gone public with his concerns about increasing signs of Russian interference in the fall elections but did not, over caution that it would be seen as putting a thumb on the scale of the election.
The Trump White House and its allies in the Senate have been feverishly trying to paint all of this as pure politics by the Obama administration. The fact that it was so clearly handled with discretion, and that the Trump team was given clear warnings behind the scenes that they needed to look carefully at Mr. Flynn, makes their resulting inaction ever more glaring....and suspect.
They were warned, they knew and yet they persisted.....in doing nothing. The big question now is WHY?
30
The point here is that Trump is already president. For how long he plans to keep blaming Obama for everything that goes wrong in his administration? Obama took charge of his administration and did what he needed without mentioning Bush at every turn. He lacks the necessary leadership to be president
17
It's fitting that a woman of good standing and superior intellect stands up for the good of the nation against a man of low morals and questionable intellect.
39
After today Flynn and the Russians now = Trump and the Russians. The House should act. Impeach Trump
9
Anyone has knowledge about how gen. Flynn and his son junior's pizza delivery career doing?
6
We, the country, will continue to suffer due to Trump's continued jealousy of Obama's brain and temperament.
Obama made it look too easy.
"I need to remove Obama's name from all things!
Damn the country!"
Obama made it look too easy.
"I need to remove Obama's name from all things!
Damn the country!"
14
Without knowing exactly what Obama said about someone who disagreed with his soft position against Islamic terrorism, it only gives the main stream media an opportunity to wildly speculate and create another unproven narrative. Some in the media take that alleged "warning" from Obama to mean that Obama told Trump about his contacts with Russians. What I would like to know is why Obama did not immediately rescind Flynn's security clearance. It just doesn't compute..at all.
3
OK, so the question is now - what is our government going to do about this?
10
Article states:
Mr. Trump blamed Obama officials on Monday, saying in two Twitter messages that it was his predecessor’s administration that gave Mr. Flynn a security clearance.
“General Flynn was given the highest security clearance by the Obama Administration — but the Fake News seldom likes talking about that,” Mr. Trump said.
This line of defense coming from the POTUS shows a lack of understanding of how the US government functions. Also, it may show a serious flaw with this administration!at the highest level.
The hearings today are just the beginning, and there is a great possibility that things may not end well for the Trump administration.
Mr. Trump blamed Obama officials on Monday, saying in two Twitter messages that it was his predecessor’s administration that gave Mr. Flynn a security clearance.
“General Flynn was given the highest security clearance by the Obama Administration — but the Fake News seldom likes talking about that,” Mr. Trump said.
This line of defense coming from the POTUS shows a lack of understanding of how the US government functions. Also, it may show a serious flaw with this administration!at the highest level.
The hearings today are just the beginning, and there is a great possibility that things may not end well for the Trump administration.
11
Why did the white house reneged on their responsibility to adequately update Mr. Flynn's security clearance for the specific role of national security adviser. It was stated by Mr. Trump that it was President Obama's responsibility, which is untrue, as the DNI security clearance that he did hold did not qualify him to hold the higher office that he was appointed for by Trump, and that could be interpreted as dereliction of duty.
12
The Donald isn't concerned with the details, only assigning blame.
2
Note to Trump. Can you think, write or speak in more than 140 characters at a time? In interviews, tweets, and speeches, everything you have to say is in 140 bits of clutter. And you play the blame game in 140. May I suggest you take more than 140 seconds to form your thoughts before you act.
12
Enough! Appoint and swear in a special prosecutor, impanel a grand jury, notify the WH to secure all material evidence, issue the subpoenas and let the evidence lead the investigation.
20
Can you imagine if it were the Democrats colluding with Russia? That`s why I don`t think a grand jury will happen until the Democrats win back the house and senate. The GOP have no desire to indict Trump because they know already that he is guilty. They have been evading and hiding ever since election day.
4
Expecting an announcement of American military action somewhere to do something for some reason ... like changing the subject. Who in the US military may die this time to move Trump into a better limelight?
10
Republicans want to make treason and criminality secondary issues to the leaks. Bosh, there should be medals especially for leakers. If the Pentagon Papers had not been leaked to the NYT, we'd still be bogged down in the Vietnam War.
13
I wonder if Sean Spicer is aware of how preposterous it is trying to blame President Obama for Trump dangerously ignoring his obviously informed good advice. Trump had his reasons for wanting Flynn, even knowing he was compromised and susceptible to blackmail. The Democrats will likely need to take over the House before Trump is investigated, but eventually we will find out.
109
I wonder what the odds are for Democrats taking over the House.
God bless you Sally Yates. You were really formidable in today's hearing. I particularly enjoyed you chopping the legs out from under Senator Cornyn who was trying to be imperial but wound up looking really stupid and a rank partisan.
42
Cornyn was just being cornyn! Imperious yes, imperial not!
7
The whole world seems to be in disbelief that somebody so vain and inmature can be at the helm of a superpower. But don't make the mistake of blaming it on others, like the Russians. You own him. This is the American reality tv in full force. Or was it the American exceptionalism?
28
If anyone tuned in to this hearing hoping to hear a "public" confirmation of any evidence of collusion by anyone associated with Trump's team they were let down right at the outset with that very first question by Sen, Graham.
At best we can conclude from today that Trump either has a penchant for ignoring sound advice or was simply not adverse to Flynn's activities all along and was planning to plead plausible deniabilty if those activities became public knowledge. Unfortunately neither will muster an indictment nor impeachment process against Trump.
It appears we'll have to wait for the final act of this saga when all of the classified investigations are concluded.
Anything is possible but if asked to take a guess it's seeming to be more likely that at best one or more Trump surrogates may get indicted for something but Trump himself will walk. Which would fundamentally be an indictment against democracy, our sentence being another 3 & 1/2 years of Trump.
At best we can conclude from today that Trump either has a penchant for ignoring sound advice or was simply not adverse to Flynn's activities all along and was planning to plead plausible deniabilty if those activities became public knowledge. Unfortunately neither will muster an indictment nor impeachment process against Trump.
It appears we'll have to wait for the final act of this saga when all of the classified investigations are concluded.
Anything is possible but if asked to take a guess it's seeming to be more likely that at best one or more Trump surrogates may get indicted for something but Trump himself will walk. Which would fundamentally be an indictment against democracy, our sentence being another 3 & 1/2 years of Trump.
2
Today's hearing was riveting. Sally Yates is a courageous patriot and her integrity is impeccable. Oh, how I miss President Obama and individuals like Ms. Yates. There is so little in the national news these days and in this administration that causes me to feel proud of my country. Thank you, Sally Yates and Barack Obama for your courage and your service.
43
Trump's ignorance of warnings and advice should, in and of themselves, serve as causes for impeachment. But let us hope that journalists are able to unearth the truth about campaign collusion so that we may truly unveil what are likely to have been treasonous acts during the campaign by members of the Trump campaign--and likely with the implicit support of Trump himself.
15
This hearing made clear beyond a doubt that Trump, as president, not president=elect, after having receiving detailed information that Flynn might endanger the security of our country, chose nonetheless to keep Flynn in his position.
A president should protect us, not consciously endanger us - conduct bordering on treason.
A president should protect us, not consciously endanger us - conduct bordering on treason.
17
Trump ignored his oath of office which says he will "to will to the best of his ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." when he placed loyalty over the republic. To that I say "Lock him up"
19
Ignorance is not acknowledging pertinent facts, believing that you know better. That is the Donald's problem, and evidently yours as well. When someone is genuinely mistaken about a subject, no problem, we all make mistakes. We are human and not infallible. Admit that you made a mistake. But to blame your mistakes on others is unacceptable, especially when you hold the highest office in the land. This is something that I taught my children from the time they were able to talk. He needs to grow up and take responsibility for his words and actions, and his supporters need to demand he do so as well.
70
When all is said and done, when Trump are sent packing, what becomes of the Trumps? I see Ivanka selling her high quality goods in 'Third World" countries. My apologies to those countries, no disrespect intended. The same for Jared who will be left with his sinking 666 Fifth Avenue property. And the same for the 'Smartest' President we ever had? Still golfing? But where?
11
I'm sure Mr. Trump's simpleton's thinking was that if Obama fired him, then he must be good....LOL.
16
I wish the NY Times would delve deeper into the Robert and Rebekah Mercer connection to this story. It was Rebekah Mercer's "suggestion" that Flynn be hired as national security advisor. She's also responsible for Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway being part of the current administration. There's something that smells mighty rotten but not yet unearthed in the Mercer connections to Trump and company - it has something to do with money, no doubt, and that money seems very dark indeed.
44
I don't get why some middle and lower class people voted for this guy. He was born into a wealthy family, he doesn't know what a middle class and lower class family need. I cant believe some people are expecting this dude to make America great again. Maybe for the upper class.
26
All this hand wringing over someone that was there for barely three weeks?
4
Tell us dear readers that you are kidding Mr. Gough!
Reckless endangerment just three weeks into the new administration, what could possibly go wrong? Your comment jolted me right out of my seat, I guess I've had no idea how befuddled folks are about what's really at stake. Just wow!
Reckless endangerment just three weeks into the new administration, what could possibly go wrong? Your comment jolted me right out of my seat, I guess I've had no idea how befuddled folks are about what's really at stake. Just wow!
13
Trump only fired him because the Washington Post broke the story. If the information had not been leaked and publicized, Flynn would still be in situ.
10
And that's the position you would take if this same thing occurred under an Obama or H. Clinton administration.
Yeah...right...
Yeah...right...
4
Either way. He got rid of him. Time to move on. A snake is a snake.
1
Flatter Trump, and you're hired, regardless of your character or history.
10
Will the Washington Republican nation - wash this under the Trump rug, just like all the mixed ethics violations.
Money talks.
Money talks.
11
Didn't Trump bald-faceedly blame Mr Obama for Flynn? It would be preposterous even if Obama had not warned him. Now as usual Trump pumps preposterous to new levels.
14
#25 For 25th amendment.
6
Except it needs to happen to the whole lot of them, not just the so-called president.
3
The moral of the Senate AND House investigations on Russia story is that if you "out" a Russian spy, the Republicans will come after you and persecute you as a "leaker."
24
This is an example of how Trump's prejudices got in the way of national security. This is how racism and other isms can undermine people's ability to do the smart thing.
11
What happened to Flynn's tag-along son? The one so interested in child trafficking accusations?
14
These articles are too hard for me to interpret. I understand the substance but the meaning is too confused for me or possibly, actually, too scary.
2
" This is all Obama's fault , don't you agree ? " " Why of course , Obama and the bicycle riders . " , " The bicycle riders , why the bicycle riders ? " , " Why Obama ? " - adapted from " Ship of Fools ' ( 1965 )
9
I was a "get under your desk, the Russians are coming" kid and now we have a so-called president who also went through those drills, but didn't fire Flynn until the media caught him 18 days later with his hand in the cookie jar. This is sick! When can we bring sanity back to our lives by stopping the Trump show?
20
Can we please stop propagating the storyline that Flynn was fired after it was revealed "that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his conversations with the Russian ambassador"? Asserting that Pence was lied to implies that he had no prior knowledge of Flynn's conversations. But how can the Times or any other media outlet prove what Pence internally did or did not already know by that point? You can't. It's a subjective interpretation of events, not a cold hard fact that can be proven or disproven. If two children were fighting and in trouble, and one said the other child was lying, should the adult arbiter automatically believe that the other child was indeed lying? No. It's basically he said-she said.
It's clear that this was a deliberate narrative fed by the White House to the media to emphasize that Pence's hands are clean (should anything happen to Trump), and the media has repeated this narrative blindly until it has hardened everywhere into fact. Please stop aiding the White House with its reality-distortion spin machine.
It's clear that this was a deliberate narrative fed by the White House to the media to emphasize that Pence's hands are clean (should anything happen to Trump), and the media has repeated this narrative blindly until it has hardened everywhere into fact. Please stop aiding the White House with its reality-distortion spin machine.
33
18 days pass between Trump learning Flynn lied and the Russians knew he lied and finally Trump being forced to ask for his resignation. Think about it, for over 2 weeks Trump was aware that his National Security advisor was compromised and open to blackmail by the Russians. Yet he did nothing about it. Flynn had access to classified documents and attended meetings at the highest level of security clearance, and nothing changed with this alarming information. Trump appears to have placed personal loyalty above facts and above country. Who knows if he would have done anything about it had it not been leaked to the press. The question on my mind - Was Trump complicit or simply incompetent? And is incompetent handling of classified information sufficient to be labeled as a traitor and "locked up"?
17
Why would Trump listen to Obama (or anyone else) for that matter when he alone can fix everything?
17
Trump and presumably the Republicans saw Flynn's relationship with the Russians as a positive. Obama and presumably the Democrats saw Flynn's relationship with the Russians for what it is - a threat to America.
I think there is a great chance that Trump will not make it to the end of his term - impeached or resignation (the cowards way out.) If I'm wrong, the United States of America will be under an authoritarian regime controlled by the former Republican Party with Trump as the puppet head of state.
Our focus should be on how the Republican congressional leadership responds between now and the 2018 midterms. If Democrats get control of the House and possibly Senate, it is all over for Trump and the Republican Party. It is time for Democrats to start playing hardball and the mainstream media to throw easy pitches.
I think there is a great chance that Trump will not make it to the end of his term - impeached or resignation (the cowards way out.) If I'm wrong, the United States of America will be under an authoritarian regime controlled by the former Republican Party with Trump as the puppet head of state.
Our focus should be on how the Republican congressional leadership responds between now and the 2018 midterms. If Democrats get control of the House and possibly Senate, it is all over for Trump and the Republican Party. It is time for Democrats to start playing hardball and the mainstream media to throw easy pitches.
13
Trump had been informed about Flynn being compromised by both Obama and Yates and still went ahead and appointed him National Security Advisor. So he is either extremely stupid or complicit. We are left to wonder.
24
Everyone seems to forget that Trump is smart like he keeps telling everyone. So he makes decisions because he is smarter than everyone. Thus his decisions going against others input. Oh well, buckle up.
8
Not surprised at all. Once again Obama has proven to be a true leader with concern for the entire country. When will congress have enough of Trump's lies. He is destroying our credibility around the world and making us unsafe. I'm so sick of this man's childishness.
18
"When will congress have enough of trump's lies?"
After we repeal Citizens United and return this democracy to We The People.
And not a second before.
After we repeal Citizens United and return this democracy to We The People.
And not a second before.
12
A clever and wise person invented the wheel. Only a foolish and wasteful man chooses to reinvent it. Indeed Trump was warned about Flynn by those wiser than he. Now Obama appears a very wise and shining star, while Trump remains a willful fool.
16
I'm a believer in giving a person the punishment they are on record as promoting for others.
So: Lock Him Up!
So: Lock Him Up!
23
Clapper, 'I am a private citizen now. Do not have to answer all these questions without representation.'
Yates, you have a fox in the hen house - lawyers be damned.
Yates, you have a fox in the hen house - lawyers be damned.
4
Who cares about all these lies? We are still winning, right? Someone please tell me we are still winning...
13
If this is winning, what would losing look like? A meteor strike?
11
Nixon notwithstanding, this is arguably the most corrupt administration in American history.
40
I was a young adult during the Watergate era. There is no "arguably" about it. Quite simply, this IS the most corrupt administration in American history.
16
Spot on Isaac. Trump is making Nixon look like a Boy Scout!
8
And, I would argue the most dangerously corrupt political party in American history is the modern day Republican Party.
11
No problem with Trump ignoring Obama's advice. The problem is when Trump and his lackeys blame Obama for their failure in staffing. I guess the buck stops nowhere near the DJT White House.
19
As 45 says, the buck stops there!
2
Trump wasn't going to take no advice from no black guy. President or not.
That's just part of the way this Donald rolls.
That's just part of the way this Donald rolls.
28
What seems to be missing from the current discussion about NSA "unmasking" is at what point did the NSA inform Obama about Hillary's illegal basement server and its potential for compromise by Russian intelligence, who, it seems, are able to hack whomever they wish at will--or at least that's the myth. No one asked Clapper--either side. Perhaps in the classified hearing whenever that happens. After which it can be leaked to the WP and the NYT.
2
Instead of "Alice's Restaurant" your moniker should be "Alice Through the Looking Glass."
12
Seems the NYT online censors didn't like my last, so again but without the Texan barb:
Nice try, but "Alice B. Toklas" would have been a better choice.
Nice try, but "Alice B. Toklas" would have been a better choice.
So Trump listens but does nothing for a couple of weeks. Sounds like what we would call doing do diligence before rushing off to do what someone else suggests especially when that someone else had different ideas to begin with.
In short it sounds like sound management principles were being exhibited rather than the off the cuff management that we are told by the Press is how Trump operates.
In short it sounds like sound management principles were being exhibited rather than the off the cuff management that we are told by the Press is how Trump operates.
2
No further evidence needed that Trump is a fool, at best. and a dangerous one to boot.
18
Flynn treason Presidential coverup=
Impeachment
Impeachment
17
The only thing fake here, is the present administration. Flynn had been fired by the previous administration. That should have been enough of a warning flag for anyone.
21
The elephant in the room was "who" else was compromised by the Russians in the election, which continues in the most serious way, if he happens to be President of the U.S. May I suggest that Trump's tax returns be audited for evidence of this by any and all of the investigating committees on an immediate basis, and the results be made public.
15
Stupid is as stupid does.
9
The elephant in the room in today's senate committee hearing with regards to what the US can do to prevent foreign interference in our elections was somehow missed. All this mess with Russian interference could have been substantially mitigated if the political campaigns had taken the FBI warnings of Russian hacking seriously. So what we need besides a better informed public, is better security on the part of the campaigns (and not just on the part of the States, as Director Clapper mentioned).
4
"Mr. Obama, who had fired Mr. Flynn as the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, told Mr. Trump that he would have profound concerns about Mr. Flynn becoming a top national security aide, said the administration officials, who were briefed on the Oval Office conversation. Mr. Trump later ignored the advice, naming Mr. Flynn to be his national security adviser"
The same he has done with NATO, ACA, Healthcare, NAFTA, we have an idiot in the white house who thinks that somehow he knows everything just to find out months later that he has not clue and have to change his original position more often than a pinball.....
The same he has done with NATO, ACA, Healthcare, NAFTA, we have an idiot in the white house who thinks that somehow he knows everything just to find out months later that he has not clue and have to change his original position more often than a pinball.....
13
We can also deduce, given Trump's indebtedness to Russian money, that Trump didn't ignore Obama but actually needed Flynn's connections with Russia and simply didn't heed the warning (based on Trump's profoundly deep and troubling stupidity). Trump needed all the help he could get with Russia. He just didn't choose anyone who's connections were more than thinly veiled. Trump is in it deep--and only the republican congress is choosing to look the other way. Tossing Flynn under the bus and blaming it on Obama won't get him off the hook. And on the hook Trump should most definitely be.
17
You all keep calling President Trump insecure and childish and dumb yet he is the President and he defeated ALL COMERS to get where he is...so I'd say he's pretty SMART.
The Flynn story is old news, who cares? Obama warned Trump about Flynn? So what. This isn't fake news it's not news at all.
The Flynn story is old news, who cares? Obama warned Trump about Flynn? So what. This isn't fake news it's not news at all.
4
Hey Richard I'm with you. Old news. He was he ain't. NEXT
1
I find it very troubling that folks like you, Richard, have no problem with suspicious connections and alliances and possibly worse of those with positions of power in America's security and military. It makes me seriously question your loyalty to America, your patriotism. In ANY other time in America these proven connections and payments by foreign governments (and not friends of ours mind you) to top generals etc would not be tolerated by any American claiming to be a patriot! But in Trump's America, it's those who claim most vociferously to be patriotic who defend this suspicious and possibly treasonous behavior! You do NOT love america!
15
I'm with you. It over.
If Obama was so concerned about Flynn, how come he didn't suspend his security clearance? Obama never did.
4
He fired him
5
Obama fired him--which would have removed his legitimate access to classified information. Former officials retain their security clearance so that if a current official needs information from their predecessor's time in office they are able to discuss it freely.
4
It wasn't Obama's job to pull security clearances. Do you really think a President takes out the garbage in the Oval Office every night?
4
Trump and Flynn are two peas in a Russian pod full of treasonous Americans who must be prosecuted and removed from White House-appointed positions.
Journalists, attorneys, investigators, WHISTLE-BLOWERS: we need you desperately to clean up this mess. Then, we need the election voided due to treason and a do-over.
Journalists, attorneys, investigators, WHISTLE-BLOWERS: we need you desperately to clean up this mess. Then, we need the election voided due to treason and a do-over.
22
How do we know this wasn't Obama setting up Trump? He probably knew Trump would do the opposite of anything he said, so he told Trump Flynn was a traitor just to get Trump to hire him. He knew then that he could come out later and accuse Trump of knowingly hiring a Russian secret agent, get Trump impeached and use the crisis to lead a socialist take-over of the government.
Freedom!
Freedom!
5
Your logic doesn't make sense. It just shows that Donald Trump is an unstable person who is pushed by revenge/anger. I don't think someone with those characteristics should be commander in chief let alone president of the US.
18
Keith, this is either a boy or joke... whichever it is, not effective.
8
LOL. That's a good one.
6
So let me get this straight: Obama went to the trouble of explicitly warning Trump about Flynn. Then Trump ignores that warning, resulting in a public embarrassment for Trump. Then Trump tries to blame it on Obama.
What despicable behavior by Trump. I can't believe this sorry being is our president.
What despicable behavior by Trump. I can't believe this sorry being is our president.
37
Telling someone a guy is a lousy manager and then renewing his security clearance hardly amounts to relevant warning that the guy is a security risk. Seems like Obama's sour grapes over the guy who is dismantling his legacy. Ok we get Obama doesn't like Trump - take a ticket!
4
Why is there such confusion about Flynn's security clearance. Susan Rice has explained it to CNN very clearly. The low-level security clearance he had during the Obama administration is much more limited than the type of enhanced vetting he would have had as head of National Security. Apples to oranges, and I think most of us get that, unless we're grasping at straws.
12
Trump is the one tossing bombs at Obama so from the looks of things, Trump doesn't like Obama. Ticket please.
5
And who appointed Flynn to start with? He always seemed a crazed character out of Dr Strangelove.
1
Can we just cut to the chase and get on with the impeachment?
35
So how many politicians are vulnerable to blackmail by the Russians? And why are so many Republicans amenable to looking away if not actively suppressing information that exposes blackmail potential in Trump's inner circle? The Democrats may be confronting this issue but at what scale?
11
Mr. Trump hired Mr. Flynn because he loved Mr. Flynn's frantic, psychotic, and apoplectic chants of "LOCK HER UP!" during the GOP primaries.
President Obama's distrust of Flynn was, for the demented Trump, merely icing on the cake.
President Obama's distrust of Flynn was, for the demented Trump, merely icing on the cake.
31
Giving sound advice to an arrogant imbecile is a fool's game.
51
Best comment!
8
Flynn-gate is looking increasingly like Watergate.
Remember, the cover-up is always worse than the crime.
What did the president know and when did he know it? Only when we can answer those questions will the cloud begin to lift from the Trump mal-Administration.
Remember, the cover-up is always worse than the crime.
What did the president know and when did he know it? Only when we can answer those questions will the cloud begin to lift from the Trump mal-Administration.
10
In the course of my law enforcement career I spent countless hours in courtrooms. Having just watched much of the hearing at which Sally Yates testified, I can say, unequivocally, that she is one of the most credible and forthright witnesses I've ever seen.
The real culprits here, aside from the ludicrous Trump pack of hyenas (which is unfair to hyenas), are the so-called "Republicans". Particular shame falls on John McCain, the supposed "honorable" man.
That none of these elected officials is screaming bloody murder, regardless of their party's exposure, is tantamount to treason.
The real culprits here, aside from the ludicrous Trump pack of hyenas (which is unfair to hyenas), are the so-called "Republicans". Particular shame falls on John McCain, the supposed "honorable" man.
That none of these elected officials is screaming bloody murder, regardless of their party's exposure, is tantamount to treason.
58
I'd love to see Sally Yates or someone like her sue him for libel for his jaw-droppingly ignorant tweets. You should not be able to get away with publicly accusing someone of leaking classified information (or wire-tapping your phones) without some consequences.
48
Disgusting. Jared and Ivanka are brought in to advise on cabinet appointments?
What a joke. How does this make anyone value education, experience, and training? No need for expertise to run the country?
Outrageous.
What a joke. How does this make anyone value education, experience, and training? No need for expertise to run the country?
Outrageous.
26
Now, as a member of a minority, do you believe me when I say in ANY kind of business setting, "it's not what you know, but who you know" that gets you the job, the promotion, the perks, etc, etc.
11
I think Angela Merkel must have been thinking the same thing when she met Ivanka. LOL
3
Trump told everyone he "knew more than the Generals" and he thought he knew more than Obama about being President. He didn't need intelligence briefings because he thought he was smart enough. This is the most willfully ignorant person to ever reach the White House. Not only is Trump just plain stupid, he is also very dangerous and we still have almost 4 more years to watch him continually screw up. What a disaster!
34
It's not just a "screw up", our democracy is at stake. When will a "just man/woman" with authority step forward to stop Trump's madness.
7
I try to avoid Trump's tweets as much as possible, skipping over them in articles if I can.
But every time I do read them, like here, I am disgusted and embarrassed for us as a nation. He sounds like an adolescent, like he is the president of a middle school student council not the president of the U.S..
What a disaster he is and what an indictment of our citizenry who propelled him into office and who support his juvenile antics.
But every time I do read them, like here, I am disgusted and embarrassed for us as a nation. He sounds like an adolescent, like he is the president of a middle school student council not the president of the U.S..
What a disaster he is and what an indictment of our citizenry who propelled him into office and who support his juvenile antics.
26
Obama also told the American people that Syria was in trouble if they "crossed the line in the sand" It appears no one believed Obama any longer. He lost his Chicago street cred......to the American people....and the world.
3
I couldn't agree more--just ask Osama bin Laden.
13
False equivalence......crickets.
17
Ah that Obama, always, always, always taking the high road - at every single turn.
The fact that after his second win, Obama, as he had for 4 years, tried once again to reach out to the endlessly acrimonious GOP, well, it shows Obama's almost saint-like moral constitution.
As a Democrat I wanted him to decimate the GOP. I wanted a fighter, not a preacher. But, in retrospect, I have to hand it to him for being perhaps the last politician we will ever see who chose to consistently rise above the moral quagmire that Washington has become.
He could have fought harder, but, I don't think there is any way he could have fought better.
The fact that after his second win, Obama, as he had for 4 years, tried once again to reach out to the endlessly acrimonious GOP, well, it shows Obama's almost saint-like moral constitution.
As a Democrat I wanted him to decimate the GOP. I wanted a fighter, not a preacher. But, in retrospect, I have to hand it to him for being perhaps the last politician we will ever see who chose to consistently rise above the moral quagmire that Washington has become.
He could have fought harder, but, I don't think there is any way he could have fought better.
42
I for one cannot wait for Flynn to start singing.
31
Total reprehensible in terms of how the Republicans are trying to besmirch Sally Yates reputation and credibility on her firing re the Muslim ban.
However, she is a very smart and quick mind and really comported herself well to the point of running rings around Cruz and others.
The hearing was called about Russian interference and Michael Flynn...the Republicans do not seem to care about that.
However, she is a very smart and quick mind and really comported herself well to the point of running rings around Cruz and others.
The hearing was called about Russian interference and Michael Flynn...the Republicans do not seem to care about that.
37
Trump's full arrogance is on display here in assuming that president Obama had nothing in the way of solid advice to impart to his successor. That much is painfully obvious. Still, as a minimum he should have personally scrutinized Flynn a little closer when in December it was revealed that Flynn's son had been fired from the transition team after it was revealed that he had spread the fake news story about Hillary Clinton that led to an armed confrontation in a pizza restaurant in Washington. That in itself should have been a red flag to pay a bit more attention to Flynn. After all, farmers aren't the only ones that know that the fruit often enough doesn't fall far from the tree.
22
Keep in mind that someone who keeps telling you how smart they are is probably a dunce. Trump couldn't stand Obama, he knows "everything" and he can do as he pleases. Presto, "In LIke Flynn". Another example of the incredible lack of judgement by the "Tweeter" who is out of his depth.
21
Once again we see the deplorable judgement by a president who was rejected by the majority of the American Voters. Trimp and the group of deplorables within i the Republican Party are hell bent on erasing Obama's legacy. I suspect they should being to worry about Trump's and their own legacy. One poor judgement after another on a three Month span.
18
The more this administration says they have nothing to hide, the more their behavior says otherwise. The partisan behavior of the Republicans on the current televised hearings only reaffirms the point that an independent prosecutor is needed more than ever.
22
It all fits right in with the Trump method as far as President Obama is concerned - don't take Obama's advice on anything, reverse/repeal anything he can that Obama did while president, and then blame Obama for everything that goes wrong.
22
Isn't enough, enough? Why do we continue to perpetuate this charade?!?
Let's get all the investigators from the various investigating agencies on a fast-track to gather together of all their data and get this mistake out of the White House (using that phrase figuratively, of course, because Trump so seldom seems to be in it). I'm tired of worrying about what stupid Twitter he's going to send or which foreign leader he's going to insult or what mean-spirited order he's going to sign or impulsive move he's going to make next.
Trump is unsuited and unfit for the honor this country bestowed upon him by inaugurating him as President of the United States of America—do note that I didn't say we "elected" him to it. He is making a mockery of the position allotted him. Let's either impeach him or fire him or commit him or incarcerate him—anything ethically acceptable to get him out of office.
Every day this fraud continues is a waste of hundreds of thousands of tax-payer dollars. Every minute Trump remains in a seat of power we risk the lives of people all over the world: political hot-spots that were simmering before he was put in office are now boiling caldrons. Our own healthcare is at risk.
As the citizens of a powerful nation, we have a responsibility to those we share this planet with.
Let's get all the investigators from the various investigating agencies on a fast-track to gather together of all their data and get this mistake out of the White House (using that phrase figuratively, of course, because Trump so seldom seems to be in it). I'm tired of worrying about what stupid Twitter he's going to send or which foreign leader he's going to insult or what mean-spirited order he's going to sign or impulsive move he's going to make next.
Trump is unsuited and unfit for the honor this country bestowed upon him by inaugurating him as President of the United States of America—do note that I didn't say we "elected" him to it. He is making a mockery of the position allotted him. Let's either impeach him or fire him or commit him or incarcerate him—anything ethically acceptable to get him out of office.
Every day this fraud continues is a waste of hundreds of thousands of tax-payer dollars. Every minute Trump remains in a seat of power we risk the lives of people all over the world: political hot-spots that were simmering before he was put in office are now boiling caldrons. Our own healthcare is at risk.
As the citizens of a powerful nation, we have a responsibility to those we share this planet with.
33
Hmmm...Clapper just confirmed ONLY 3 Intel agencies Nsa Cia Fbi...were looking into Russian "Farse" Meddling...But yet Blumenthal "Forcefully" pushed question harder on Clapper that it was "17 Agencies "!!..Wasn't it???..Just like Mrs.Killery Clinton said in 1 of the Pres.debates in 2016..that 17 agencies "Verfied.n Confirmed"..Lies ...Lies...Lies...!!! Thats why "She" ended up "In the Woods"!!..coming to a Theater near YOU.
1
And why would Trump pay any attention to a warning from somebody who is not even a native Russian speaker?
I can warn him about anything.
I can warn him about anything.
8
Did Putin or some other Russian government official require Flynn be hired?
9
The Trump administration will do and continues to do everything possible to discredit the Obama administration. This is one of the most corrupt, contemptible administrations in my memory.
28
So let's get this straight – the so-called president admits on Twitter that Sally Yates alerted the White House that Flynn was compromised but called THAT Fake News, and says that the leak of that discussion is the real issue.
In related news, Trump blames Obama for Trump's hiring Flynn.
As his rationale for hiring Flynn, the so-called president blames President Obama for Flynn's high security clearance, but he hired Flynn anyway even after Obama explicitly told him that he should not, and that Obama had fired Flynn for serious reasons.
If you're trump, it's what you do.
In related news, Trump blames Obama for Trump's hiring Flynn.
As his rationale for hiring Flynn, the so-called president blames President Obama for Flynn's high security clearance, but he hired Flynn anyway even after Obama explicitly told him that he should not, and that Obama had fired Flynn for serious reasons.
If you're trump, it's what you do.
22
What was that Trump said about "We're gonna have all the best people"?
Lies and fraud abound!
Lies and fraud abound!
19
Just like Clinton warned Bush about Bin Laden. We all know how that turned out. Typical, arrogant, know-it-all conduct from clueless Republicans.
17
Clinton had to warn Bush because Bill hadn't taken aggressive enough action to take Bin Laden out.
So,what happened next? Bush took Bin Laden out?
11
Trump wanted Flynn only because Obama told him not to place him in NSA position. Trump is so racist,hates Obama so much because he's black, that to put Obama in his place, he will jeopardize national security and hire Flynn.
It's like dragging Romney before cameras to publicly humiliate him.
It's like dragging Romney before cameras to publicly humiliate him.
22
Trump wears his hatred of Obama like a badge of honor.
11
Trump is just like the defiant teenager whose parents advise him against getting involved with a bad influence girlfriend (Flynn). Of course his no-nothing parents are wrong and he rushes into a close relationship with the "misunderstood girl". Except Trump is egged on, not just by defiance of the grownup Obama (parent), but by downright racism, plain and simple. His hatred of Obama has influenced his every action. He is obsessed with destroying every good thing Obama accomplished, putting not only our country in peril, but the entire world (think climate change denial, nuclear war, etc.) So sad.
20
The blustering bullies of Bannon's Breitbart team cannot fathom the nuance & sound judgment that informed President Obama during the campaign and transition.
Flynn had been fired by Obama for poor management skills, hot headedness and I soirée judgment- not simply criticizing policy. It appears Obams was trying to avoid heavy-handed partisan action both by not pressing Russia's pro-Trump intrusion into the election as well as not humiliating Flyn by an extreme removal of security clearance. The risk to the nation was amp,ivied by Trump ignoring warnings & elevating this loose cannon to the NSC.
That Trump & Spicer offer dumbly defensive counter accusations fools no one.
It has become a tired gimmick whenever a harshly critical fact emerges for Trump to attempt a counter punch, distraction or alternative reality.
We won't be fooled again !
Flynn had been fired by Obama for poor management skills, hot headedness and I soirée judgment- not simply criticizing policy. It appears Obams was trying to avoid heavy-handed partisan action both by not pressing Russia's pro-Trump intrusion into the election as well as not humiliating Flyn by an extreme removal of security clearance. The risk to the nation was amp,ivied by Trump ignoring warnings & elevating this loose cannon to the NSC.
That Trump & Spicer offer dumbly defensive counter accusations fools no one.
It has become a tired gimmick whenever a harshly critical fact emerges for Trump to attempt a counter punch, distraction or alternative reality.
We won't be fooled again !
12
"That Trump & Spicer offer dumbly defensive counter accusations fools no one."
Well, it does fool Trump's base or, they want to be woefully ignorant.
Well, it does fool Trump's base or, they want to be woefully ignorant.
2
So Obama warned and Sally Yates warned White House that Flynn was a blackmail risk and Trump ignored them both? Impeachable offence? Methinks yes!
13
Hilarious!! I guess this stops Fump from being able to blame Obama for his mistake in putting our National Security in the hands of someone who wasn't very good for our National Security. Gah!!
11
Based on the comments, I would say progs and the anit-Trump resistance (berets, baguettes and gaulloises) have a rich fantasy life.
Anyone who voted for Trump, other than the wealthy, live in a fantasy world of political phantoms.
18
So the President,at 4 AM, gets in front of Clapper and Yates and appears to tamper with the hearing. He strikes out. Graham and Sasse are surprisingly impressive, Kennedy is a joke!
Yates smokes it. Clapper is dignified and strong. SO SAD, Donald!
Yates smokes it. Clapper is dignified and strong. SO SAD, Donald!
21
REALLY LOW CLASS for the trump "administration" to be criticizing and blaming their predecessors. But, what the heck, these guys are the bottom of the barrel, in every way, so I guess we can't expect any better. Their mothers must be so proud.
24
Can't wait for Trump's tweets about Sally Yates he will say she is a lier and should be jailed for treason, ole boy session I/m sure would agree.
Go Yates!!
Go Yates!!
13
Funny, will the Leftists acknowledge that Flynn was granted his high security clearance by the Obama Administration? That's right. This guy who is an odd-ball to say the least was granted a high security clearance by the prior Administration.
first up for presidential pardon...if he is convicted: Michael Flynn
5
“The leaks are absolutely real,” he said at a news conference in February. “The news is fake.”
How is that even possible? Is this double Russian agent propaganda talk?
How is that even possible? Is this double Russian agent propaganda talk?
12
Just watched a rerun of 'All In The Family'. The meathead and Archie are arguing again over Nixon and Watergate.
Archie is tired of hearing the negative things about Nixon, 'You don't hit a man when he is down.' Archie supports Nixon.
Meathead asks, 'Which one?'
Archie goes, 'Huh.'
Meathead expands, the Nixon who supported going into Vietnam. Expanding relations with Russia & China and bombing in Cambodia.
Or the one who doesn't know a thing about Watergate?
These Trumps minions are a pale comparison.
Where is Flynn now?
Archie is tired of hearing the negative things about Nixon, 'You don't hit a man when he is down.' Archie supports Nixon.
Meathead asks, 'Which one?'
Archie goes, 'Huh.'
Meathead expands, the Nixon who supported going into Vietnam. Expanding relations with Russia & China and bombing in Cambodia.
Or the one who doesn't know a thing about Watergate?
These Trumps minions are a pale comparison.
Where is Flynn now?
10
Why should he listen? He's smarter than all the generals, and the President of the United States. WHAT A DOPE.
14
Well, good thing Trump did not agree to employ the red line in Syria...oh wait!
6
I once met a corporate salesman in retirement who was deeply troubled by being required to employ a sales technique that he found repugnant. Apparently, it bothered him for a long time because he blurted it out to me, a total stranger, in detail.
He called the technique "condemnation through faint praise" and illustrated it by pointing to someone (who happened to be a highly respected minister) and said "See that person there? He's a great person, but don't stand too close to him!!"
-- implying that he stinks (which he didn't).
The minister heard him and so did others. But the technique was so detestable, and the salesman so imbrued by it that for all the years since he was required to employ that technique, he couldn't shed it from his memory or his behavior.
A vocational hazard, perhaps, in the art of the deal?
The roots of cultural are deep and influences are often hidden even from ourselves, which what makes Trump's example so disturbing.
Will your children grow up to be like Trump?
Who can kids, or adults, look to for cues as to what is, and is not, acceptable and/or desirable behavior. -- Not just for ourselves but for those who we thoughtlessly influence through our unconscious our behavior? Is that how the world ends -- when we run out of untainted people who care?
He called the technique "condemnation through faint praise" and illustrated it by pointing to someone (who happened to be a highly respected minister) and said "See that person there? He's a great person, but don't stand too close to him!!"
-- implying that he stinks (which he didn't).
The minister heard him and so did others. But the technique was so detestable, and the salesman so imbrued by it that for all the years since he was required to employ that technique, he couldn't shed it from his memory or his behavior.
A vocational hazard, perhaps, in the art of the deal?
The roots of cultural are deep and influences are often hidden even from ourselves, which what makes Trump's example so disturbing.
Will your children grow up to be like Trump?
Who can kids, or adults, look to for cues as to what is, and is not, acceptable and/or desirable behavior. -- Not just for ourselves but for those who we thoughtlessly influence through our unconscious our behavior? Is that how the world ends -- when we run out of untainted people who care?
6
Poor fake president Tweetie Pie! Who knew this job could be so hard? Who knew? Who knew not to hire Michael Flynn after he'd previously been fired from the Defense Intelligence Agency? Who knew not to be worried when told that Flynn was meeting with known Soviet agents? Ditto for Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Jeffrey Beauregard Session III, Boy Jared, and who knows who else? To echo General Flynn, "Lock 'em up! Lock 'em up!" ALL OF THEM!
23
It is amazing how this country (or someone else) has gone to such lengths to not elect a person who was quite possibly “the” most qualified person to ever run for the office of “The President of the United States” but didn’t do so because the person was a ‘Woman”. Instead they so feared women and in doing so wanted to keep them down so desperately that they were willing to elect a man who is a narcissistic racist, misogynistic bigot, with absolutely no experience what so ever. It is the perfect combination of Father Knows Best meets Charles Manson at a Hitler youth rally. Meanwhile the rest of the Ayn Rand and Hitler Youth (GOP) group plot to destroy this country and are absolutely giddy while doing it. For these men it may be the perfect placebo for Viagra. Hail to the President, King...I know...Putin Puppet.
31
Why didn't President Obama fire Flynn if he had known the facts??
2
Obama did fire Flynn.
9
What? President Obama had already fired Gen. Flynn. Flynn went to work for Trump after he had "retired".
13
He did fire him. Duh.
27
In a recent article, the Pentagon and Dr. Hoffman of the National Defense University expressed concerned about how to combat Russia’s use of “hybrid warfare,”; stealth invasion, local proxy forces, international propaganda, conventional/unconventional forces, information warfare, propaganda, and economic measures to undermine its enemies when it annexed Crimea and destabilize eastern Ukraine.
Like the Russians, the GOP are using the very same “hybrid warfare”
The GOP & Trump, following the direction of Joseph Goebbels who said that by repeating a few very specific ideas and understanding the psychology of the people concerned you could make them believe that a square is in fact a circle by just using words, and words can be molded to disguise intent. The purpose of propaganda isn’t to be intellectually pleasing or to control a few mindless people but instead, conquer the broad masses. They also use the wordsmithing of Dr. Frank Luntz, who understands how to use words that insight people to act purely on emotions and without all of the facts, manipulate people to act against their own needs.
Walker goes to Germany & England and 47 senators send a letter to the leader of Iran, Bush goes to Estonia (Russia).
The GOP used gerrymandering, voter restrictions, limiting information freedoms, economic warfare defunding the country’s budget, destabilizes the country using fear tactics, provoking: racism, hyper-right religion, confederacy.
The GOP likes dictators…Trump!
Like the Russians, the GOP are using the very same “hybrid warfare”
The GOP & Trump, following the direction of Joseph Goebbels who said that by repeating a few very specific ideas and understanding the psychology of the people concerned you could make them believe that a square is in fact a circle by just using words, and words can be molded to disguise intent. The purpose of propaganda isn’t to be intellectually pleasing or to control a few mindless people but instead, conquer the broad masses. They also use the wordsmithing of Dr. Frank Luntz, who understands how to use words that insight people to act purely on emotions and without all of the facts, manipulate people to act against their own needs.
Walker goes to Germany & England and 47 senators send a letter to the leader of Iran, Bush goes to Estonia (Russia).
The GOP used gerrymandering, voter restrictions, limiting information freedoms, economic warfare defunding the country’s budget, destabilizes the country using fear tactics, provoking: racism, hyper-right religion, confederacy.
The GOP likes dictators…Trump!
14
Of course the Oompa Loompa did the opposite.
He knows more than the generals.
He knows more than the generals.
21
Democrats need to stay on this important Russia issue, Comey issue, Hillary popular vote issue, and Trump tax returns. Yes, the GOP runs 2/3 of America, the Dems have no leader and lost to a guy who walked off the street and smoked them. Minor details.
Winning elections and appointing SCOTUS judges is not important. The Flynn issue, Comey and Trump tax returns are whats important. Go Dems!
Winning elections and appointing SCOTUS judges is not important. The Flynn issue, Comey and Trump tax returns are whats important. Go Dems!
8
The Mike Flynn story doesn't seem to want to go away. If Obama did warn Trump about hiring Flynn for National Security Advisor then it's another dropped ball for the current administration and its vetting process. It also highlights President Trump's habit of being his own best counsel on decision making with notably unfortunate results. If you march to your own tune make sure you don't trip over your two left feet.
14
Trump and Spicer can't believe the public doesn't see through the deflections. He is like a 5 year old caught with how hand in the cookie jar and blames the goldfish.
11
I miss President Obama more each day, not so about trump after he is impeached.
15
This is what Donald Trump tweeted after meeting with President Obama at the White House:
"A fantastic day in D.C. Met with President Obama for first time. Really good meeting, great chemistry. Melania liked Mrs. O a lot!"
Translation:
"A fantastic day in D.C. I had a terrific cheeseburger with fries at the White House. Can't wait to have that kitchen at my disposal. Obama went on and on on about something, but I wasn't really paying attention. Too busy thinking about the cheeseburger and fries. Great chemistry with the WH chef."
"A fantastic day in D.C. Met with President Obama for first time. Really good meeting, great chemistry. Melania liked Mrs. O a lot!"
Translation:
"A fantastic day in D.C. I had a terrific cheeseburger with fries at the White House. Can't wait to have that kitchen at my disposal. Obama went on and on on about something, but I wasn't really paying attention. Too busy thinking about the cheeseburger and fries. Great chemistry with the WH chef."
28
Whatever your political persuasion, government officials -- not to mention a "National Security" adviser -- under foreign sway should be of the most profound concern. WHY is that not the case here? Where's the universal concern--across the aisle / across-the-board... ?
The only OTHER real question is why this drip, drip, drip with NO action? WHEN will the hearings be held? With testimony under oath and under subpoena, if necessary!
Our democracy is rotting from within -- and perhaps due to influences from without too.
The only OTHER real question is why this drip, drip, drip with NO action? WHEN will the hearings be held? With testimony under oath and under subpoena, if necessary!
Our democracy is rotting from within -- and perhaps due to influences from without too.
29
Trump wanted Flynn bad enough to ignore Flynn's history with the Russians and the warnings he was getting from Obama and Christie alike. Why? Why was it so important to give this guy one of only three jobs he wanted, each with the highest possible security clearance? Why?
34
never held elected office but doesnt take advice of two term elected
president and sec. of state?
unfit
president and sec. of state?
unfit
17
Then you hear people say " that's why I voted for him." You don't hire a barber to cut your lawn, you don't elect a clown to run your Country.
16
Obama has the remote control to get Trump do what Obama wants him to do. All he has to say, I will do this and that and Trump will do the opposite, not being a deep thinker. That way Obama will have third term of presidency.
6
If you owned a development company and were looking for a new CEO. Would you consider one that was just fired months ago by a competitor? This is a no-brainer! You would think that as a major developer Trump would have twigged to that! Dah!
9
Obama should have told Trump that Flynn was a great choice. Trump would never have hired Flynn then.
12
Maybe psychiatrists should try to get Obama Derangement Syndrome into the next edition of the DSM. It feels like it's a real thing that is leading to some pretty bad decisions by the GOP. People with pre-existing conditions voting for people who want to abandon them in the health care wilderness. People suddenly thinking Putin isn't such a bad leader. And Trump making Flynn his national security advisor after he was warned by Obama.
Maybe if Obama came out and supported Trump, his followers would run for the hills.
Maybe if Obama came out and supported Trump, his followers would run for the hills.
18
Trump and his entourage (including especially Sean Spicer) blame Obama for not stopping them from appointing Flynn. For heaven's sakes they fired the guy and explicitly warned Trump. That would be a clue. That, and everything Flynn's ever said or done.
21
60 Minutes had a segment last night where Trump voters were surprised their co-worker was being deported. They believed Trump that only bad people would be deported, not nice people like him, who did a good job and had a nice family. This group who thinks government is the problem and it can never do anything as well as the private sector, magically think it will be able to accurately and precisely only deport the exact right people and not a single *human being* in error. Same as the people who complain no one answers the phone when they call Social Security, but elect people who randomly slash budgets. There is seriously no logic.
46
How will government in the US and elsewhere ever be able to function if nothing is ever secret?
Many used to think of the Oval Office as one of the last places where private conversations remain private.
But with that breach, where does secrecy go?
The vaunted White House Situation Room is probably as leaky as the nation's crumbling dams, and anything (anywhere) connected to the internet seems suspect.
In an age of political revenge where one side trumps the other with embarrassing exposures, truly safe spaces have evaporated.
And all as America's adversaries sit back and soak up the chaos with gratified grins.
Many used to think of the Oval Office as one of the last places where private conversations remain private.
But with that breach, where does secrecy go?
The vaunted White House Situation Room is probably as leaky as the nation's crumbling dams, and anything (anywhere) connected to the internet seems suspect.
In an age of political revenge where one side trumps the other with embarrassing exposures, truly safe spaces have evaporated.
And all as America's adversaries sit back and soak up the chaos with gratified grins.
1
One only has to look at the footage of the White House Correspondents' dinner where President Obama humiliated Donald Trump to see the start of all this. Humor deficient Trump clearly was fuming, and since, has done all in his power to eradicate any good that the Obama Administration accomplished. Including, apparently, the sage advice to not hire Flynn.
Maybe that was Obama's plan; knowing that DJT would contradict his advice and that would lead to the Trump Administration's downfall. Given the enmity between the two for the whole "Birther" fisco, I have a strong suspicion that Obama gave DJT the poison pill, and relished watching him swallow the thing. And vacationed for months of silence waiting for this week's revelations.
Maybe that was Obama's plan; knowing that DJT would contradict his advice and that would lead to the Trump Administration's downfall. Given the enmity between the two for the whole "Birther" fisco, I have a strong suspicion that Obama gave DJT the poison pill, and relished watching him swallow the thing. And vacationed for months of silence waiting for this week's revelations.
9
Cut the poor guy some slack - when Vlad the Impaler orders you to hire someone, you do it.
17
Trump blames Obama for everything, but have you noticed that President Obama doesn't seem overly concerned? I think President Obama knows where this is going and how it's going to end.
15
It's clear that Trump doesn't want his taxes released. They must contain details he is worried will damage his credibility. If ever there was a clear blackmail target, his taxes are it. The IRS has significant security, so it would probably take a large organization of programmers to penetrate - likely a state. Trump's tax returns may be discovered at his accountants, perhaps with less difficulty. So perhaps that could be done by hackers.
Russia and China are capable of organizing either effort. Other countries with less hostile relations also might be capable, such as Israel or Germany. Finally there might be criminal, corporate, or anarchist organizations that could hack his accountants.
Given the many possible intruders, Trump's taxes are themselves a national security risk. This isn't hypothetical.
Russia and China are capable of organizing either effort. Other countries with less hostile relations also might be capable, such as Israel or Germany. Finally there might be criminal, corporate, or anarchist organizations that could hack his accountants.
Given the many possible intruders, Trump's taxes are themselves a national security risk. This isn't hypothetical.
10
Do we really think that Flynn was fired "because he lied to the Vice Presiden?" Sounds fishy to me. At this point shouldn't we be saying that he "allegedly" lied? It's hard to read Pence's face, which always has that vacuous half smile on it, but can you be sure that he is being straight with us?
14
In response to Russian tampering issues, Trump has never expressed concern about a foreign power interfering with our election. Instead he consistently uses denial and distraction--exactly the Kremlin line.
Our president--our President!--defends not America, but Russia, openly and blatantly.
Our president--our President!--defends not America, but Russia, openly and blatantly.
25
Christine McM and perhaps others pointed out that Obama was not involved in renewing Flynn's security clearance(s). IMO D Trump would not be granted a TS security clearance, if he were subject to standard screening. His Narcissistic Personality Disorder should disqualify him. As C McM pointed out, it is either a gross misunderstanding of clearance processing, or blatant disregard for facts that led Trump to link the renewal of Flynn's security clearance with Obama.
7
Trump blames President Obama for the problems related to healthcare; he blames him for Flynn; he - again - even referred to DC as the swamp during his last rally.
1. You hired that swamp.
2. You've been in office long enough to truly affect change to the ACA (2 funding measures) and have done nothing about its problems you blather on and on about.
Trump, you said in the Rose Garden the other day that you're the president. Stop whining, man up, take responsibility, and get to work.
1. You hired that swamp.
2. You've been in office long enough to truly affect change to the ACA (2 funding measures) and have done nothing about its problems you blather on and on about.
Trump, you said in the Rose Garden the other day that you're the president. Stop whining, man up, take responsibility, and get to work.
13
And the mark of an inexperienced, incompetent person with really bad judgment is that they never take excellent advice from people with lots of experience and good judgment.
If you ever worked for one of these terrible "bosses" you know what I mean.
If you ever worked for one of these terrible "bosses" you know what I mean.
11
let it go already ...
1
Good idea. While we're at it, can we stop all that obsession with the Holocaust, 9/11, Pol Pot, Stalin's gulags, Abu Ghraib, etc.?
Trump is just the latest President in not accepting blame or blaming others for embarrassing or disastrous mistakes or colossal blunders. Shifting blame seems to be a job requirement for those in responsible positions and becoming a characteristic of American culture.
4
Trump is communicating to his staunch base -- he understands that his core supporters believe whatever he says. They see him as an unimpeachable source of truth (no pun intended). It will be interesting to see if his dissembling ever catches up with him, especially since he is doing so much that is contrary to what he promised and his base's interests.
6
Seems to me that maybe Flynn was sending and receiving information to don trump (former casino owner and university founder) with his contacts with the Russians. This won't stick to don unfortunately, unless Flynn sings.
3
The fact that Flynn used deceit when questioned about his contact with Russian officials tells you that he had something to hide. Either he was hiding the fact that Russia was manipulating him, thereby protecting Russia, or he knew that his contact with Russian officials was improper and probably illegal. Either way, he was protecting Russia's interests, not ours.
166
Russiagate is a ticking time bomb. Cover-ups never work. Igby is going down.
8
Another case of Trump making vital cabinet appointments based not on experience or merit, but as part of a sophomoric stunt to spite his predecessor.
And yet knowing all of this, Trump was quoted as saying he "certainly would have directed him" to discuss sanctions with Russia prior to being sworn in, if Flynn hadn't of his own accord. Have we considered the idea that Flynn fell on his sword after carrying out the president's wishes? Remember, Trump saw nothing wrong with his actions, and expressed "full confidence" in him months after receiving these warnings, even after the story broke.
11
That can't be. No...Trump never mentioned the warning only the wiretapping. Hmmm.....
2
Comey should have warned Trump as well. Comey knew.
The investigation into links with Russia will take just over 4 years. Comey will see to it.
The investigation into links with Russia will take just over 4 years. Comey will see to it.
8
Too bad Obama didn't yet realize the thoroughly infantile nature of Trump's brain, and that Trump's number one priority is to obliterate Obama -- any suggestions Obama made could guarantee Trump would do the exact opposite. That could have been used in a beneficial way.
2
This is all that is to the Russian investigation?
Why wasn't this sad when Mr. Flynn was first appointed national security advisor by Mr. Trump?
2
Obama probably used big words and talked past T's 30-second attention span. Perhaps if he'd tweeted it?
17
Exactly what am I missing? Mr. Wonderful (Obama) tells Trump not to hire Flynn but it was okay for Trump to hire Flynn as DIA.
And he fired him also. You left that part out.
5
Pathological narcissists like Trump always place the blame elsewhere. In
Trump world, the buck (as greenback $) stops at his desk but the responsibility rarely does.
Trump world, the buck (as greenback $) stops at his desk but the responsibility rarely does.
13
This article states as a fact that Flynn was fired because he had lied to Pence. But is it a fact? I seriously doubt it. That Flynn had lied was known by people in the Trump administration , including Pence, long before the firing. Why the delay in firing him? There is more to this than the "lied to Pence" rationale put forth by Trump and his toadies. I hope the Congressional and other investigations uncover the actual reasons Flynn was fired, why the hesitation in firing him, and why Trump continues to praise him and blames the media and others for the firing.
15
Would it surprise anyone to learn that the reason Donald hired Michael Flynn was that he was fired by Obama? The reason Donald ran was to get even with the Correspondents' Dinner roast and the reason he nominates people diametrically opposed to the mission of federal agencies is to get even with people who supported Democrats.
Donald's entire raison d-etre is hitting back and getting even. And like the General Custer character in "Little Big Man," he never reverses a Trump decision.
Donald's entire raison d-etre is hitting back and getting even. And like the General Custer character in "Little Big Man," he never reverses a Trump decision.
15
It seems like the immature need to "win" against the phantom of a past President led Trump down the wrong path.
8
On television now, Sally Yates is the consummate professional. You get the vibe that Mike Flynn is in deep. She warned the incoming administration for specific reasons.
But Mr. Trump's tweet today is alarming many. He's implying with zero evidence that Yates leaked to the press. Both Yates and Clapper deny such allegations---why so typical of the president to deflect and assign blame?
CNN's John King said “Before I covered politics all the time, I used to cover the courts a lot. A lawyer would call that witness intimidation.” Later he said "to go public like this is striking.”
CNN's Dana Bash agreed completely--"…look, I think that we have all been kind of desensitized, in some way, to his tweets and to his statements that are so out of the norm. This is beyond out of the norm. This is inappropriate....for the President of the United States to be this aggressive with somebody who used to work for him — who is coming before the United States Congress in sworn testimony hours later — is beyond the pale. It just is.”
But Mr. Trump's tweet today is alarming many. He's implying with zero evidence that Yates leaked to the press. Both Yates and Clapper deny such allegations---why so typical of the president to deflect and assign blame?
CNN's John King said “Before I covered politics all the time, I used to cover the courts a lot. A lawyer would call that witness intimidation.” Later he said "to go public like this is striking.”
CNN's Dana Bash agreed completely--"…look, I think that we have all been kind of desensitized, in some way, to his tweets and to his statements that are so out of the norm. This is beyond out of the norm. This is inappropriate....for the President of the United States to be this aggressive with somebody who used to work for him — who is coming before the United States Congress in sworn testimony hours later — is beyond the pale. It just is.”
48
Once again the Trump administration demonstrates how they have zero credibility. First they flame the Obama administration, his being an American, all of his policies, so why would they hire Flynn in the first place? Then they blame Obama for giving him security clearance, but Flynn was hired in to the Trump administration, it's their job to vet the man again. Finally, it was Vice President Pence who took steps to fire Flynn, Trump was propping Flynn up until the last moment.
So either this administration is lazy, inept, or both. Either way pointing to the Obama administration again, and again, and again, doesn't display ownership of his administration or leadership.
So either this administration is lazy, inept, or both. Either way pointing to the Obama administration again, and again, and again, doesn't display ownership of his administration or leadership.
25
You will never convince me that Pence wasn't fully aware that Flynn was lying to him. It was the perfect cover is the appointment went south. Pence was completely included in all briefings.
15
Trump and only Trump is responsible for his own hires. I knew Flynn was wrong for any role as soon as I heard the name, as Obama had already fired him when he was head of the DIA. *Fired*.
And then Obama warned Trump in person about Flynn. I assume that the warning was perversely considered an endorsement by Trump; "Well, if Obama says he's bad, he must be good."
Trump and only Trump is responsible. To blame someone who you otherwise hold up as bad for America is the height of hypocrisy and incompetence.
There is no foundation in the White House, only the wind of the moment.
And then Obama warned Trump in person about Flynn. I assume that the warning was perversely considered an endorsement by Trump; "Well, if Obama says he's bad, he must be good."
Trump and only Trump is responsible. To blame someone who you otherwise hold up as bad for America is the height of hypocrisy and incompetence.
There is no foundation in the White House, only the wind of the moment.
32
Trump: “Ask Sally Yates, under oath, if she knows how classified information got into the newspapers soon after she explained it to W.H. Counsel.”
They did, and she said, "I do not know".
Next.
They did, and she said, "I do not know".
Next.
19
My money says the WH Counsel leaked it after he realized the President wasn't going to fire Flynn.
4
TYPICAL TRUMP -NO concern for our country's security just anything to spite Obama and promote Trump's own interests.
Look at Kushner's sister promoting US Visas to the Weathy Chinese Investors for $500,000 investment.
Why is no one seeking Trump's impeachment. He is disgracing our Nation.
Look at Kushner's sister promoting US Visas to the Weathy Chinese Investors for $500,000 investment.
Why is no one seeking Trump's impeachment. He is disgracing our Nation.
20
Wow. Our president cannot spell. That is reassuring. I can just picture that leading to ridiculous conflicts.
6
We fired Flynn, 45 hired him.
We fired and convicted Petraeus, 45 put the criminal on his short list.
45, of all people, can't pretend to not know to ask, "have you ever been fired".
45 needs disposable goons to do the dirty. Flynn and the rest are perfect for job.
We fired and convicted Petraeus, 45 put the criminal on his short list.
45, of all people, can't pretend to not know to ask, "have you ever been fired".
45 needs disposable goons to do the dirty. Flynn and the rest are perfect for job.
19
I'm watching the hearings and I am convince that Charles Grassley needs to be either removed from the committee, barred from asking any questions or have someone else write out some questions for him to ask, he's incoherent and doesn't' make any sense when he opens his mouth.
20
May the Judicial branch of government ultimately exact the cost of tampering in ongoing FBI investigations and the ensuing cover-up from our Commandet in Twit.
9
I can't see why Trump would listen to Obama's advice about Flynn unless he gave specifics. How different is Obama from the Dem. Senators who voted against most of his nominees? As for myself, I was, without any inside knowledge, worried about Flynn, but that was the same intuition that did not want Bannon, Gingrich or Guiliani in any position - they all strike me as too arrogant, strident, impulsive and angry.
1
There seems to be so many ties to Russia it scares me. From the Trumps to the Kushners to the pathetic traitor Flynn.
13
Did anyone warn Obama not to hire Communist and 9/11 denier Van Jones?
Did Jones lie on his security clearance? Is it against the law to be a Communist? Please provide link that Van Jones denies 9/11 occurred. I've never heard that one before and we all know the buildings went down.
Wait. What Sean Spicer is saying that it was all Obama's fault for not suspending Flynn clearance when Trump was the one who actually appointed him as the NSA chief? That's really rich!
12
God forbid, that Donald Trump would ever admit that he was wrong! The issue is why on earth did he hire Mr. Flynn for one on the most important and sensitive positions in The white House? Then again, the same question can be asked about Rex Tillerson. It seems all about the ongoing bromance between Trump and Putin. But, was it just a "rookie mistake" or political payback? Those are the questions the nation needs answered.
5
The explainer-in-chief Spicer will stoop as low as is necessary to cast doubt on President Obama's integrity. On the idiot list of senior officials the press secretary ranks quite high.
10
What this really shows is that Trump is not really that smart when it comes to Government policy or the ethical boundaries required for people who work in the Federal government and they are required to follow.
When you look at the repeated tweets since Trump was elected President sent out by him, even though he is President, many of his tweets challenge the boundaries of ethics in government, and more than anything else completely demean the office of President.
I would venture to say as someone who had worked in the Federal government for 32 years in the DOD, and had to maintain a high ethical standards and beware of conflicts of interest on a daily basis, that even the lowest tier employee in the Whitehouse, as well as all levels of the entire Federal Government, that the employees exhibit the highest level of concern regarding ethics and of conflicts of interest, far above anything Trump has shown in even one day; it is sad to have really dedicated Federal employees to have work for someone as ethically challenged or unfit as Donald Trump.
When you look at the repeated tweets since Trump was elected President sent out by him, even though he is President, many of his tweets challenge the boundaries of ethics in government, and more than anything else completely demean the office of President.
I would venture to say as someone who had worked in the Federal government for 32 years in the DOD, and had to maintain a high ethical standards and beware of conflicts of interest on a daily basis, that even the lowest tier employee in the Whitehouse, as well as all levels of the entire Federal Government, that the employees exhibit the highest level of concern regarding ethics and of conflicts of interest, far above anything Trump has shown in even one day; it is sad to have really dedicated Federal employees to have work for someone as ethically challenged or unfit as Donald Trump.
18
Russian Corruption of Trump Hearing today:
1) Our Intelligence Agencies KNEW about this 18 months ago.
2) Our Intelligence Agencies notified the White House about this
3) Some in Congress knew about Direct Russian contact WITH promises to cater to Russia's needs
4) Eighteen months, for Eighteen Months! They all knew about this and no one, NOT our Intelligence agencies, NOT our Armed Forces, NOT the Obama WH said a WORD.
Somehow I feel that ONE classified email that was passed on is NOT AS IMPORTANT as a foreign Govt. possibly gaining control of the White House
1) Our Intelligence Agencies KNEW about this 18 months ago.
2) Our Intelligence Agencies notified the White House about this
3) Some in Congress knew about Direct Russian contact WITH promises to cater to Russia's needs
4) Eighteen months, for Eighteen Months! They all knew about this and no one, NOT our Intelligence agencies, NOT our Armed Forces, NOT the Obama WH said a WORD.
Somehow I feel that ONE classified email that was passed on is NOT AS IMPORTANT as a foreign Govt. possibly gaining control of the White House
8
No wonder Trump didn't take Obama's advice. As far as our preening POTUS is concerned, Flynn had at least two key qualifications for the position of National Security Adviser: he was stridently pro-Putin and virulently anti-Obama.
10
Why is not the entire Trump administration in prison?
15
I just watched Clapper's opening statement... and there we are.
Set aside all other questions, and we are left with the simple fact:
I didn't know about Putin.
You didn't know about Putin.
The voters didn't know about Putin.
The media didn't know about Putin.
But Trump did.
Flynn did.
Manafort did.
Carter did.
Kushner did.
So did Bannon.
They knew.
They knew something was hinky, even dangerous to this land.
But, because they liked it they kept silent.
That's called treason.
It's called "aiding and abetting the enemy".
And who else knew?
I'm not sure, but at least some of them wore the uniform of this nation.
That's called a "coup", a takeover.
"None dare to call it treason"?
I do. I am dead certain that people who should have spoken up, didn't.
I am dead certain that there are those who have profited and enjoyed the danger to this nation.
I stand by this statement.
I may not be able to do any "more", but I can certainly do no "less".
Set aside all other questions, and we are left with the simple fact:
I didn't know about Putin.
You didn't know about Putin.
The voters didn't know about Putin.
The media didn't know about Putin.
But Trump did.
Flynn did.
Manafort did.
Carter did.
Kushner did.
So did Bannon.
They knew.
They knew something was hinky, even dangerous to this land.
But, because they liked it they kept silent.
That's called treason.
It's called "aiding and abetting the enemy".
And who else knew?
I'm not sure, but at least some of them wore the uniform of this nation.
That's called a "coup", a takeover.
"None dare to call it treason"?
I do. I am dead certain that people who should have spoken up, didn't.
I am dead certain that there are those who have profited and enjoyed the danger to this nation.
I stand by this statement.
I may not be able to do any "more", but I can certainly do no "less".
26
General Flynn did not "mislead" or "lie" to the Trump Administration, a ridiculous and obvious ruse. Flynn was on the team precisely because of his Russian contacts, which were no secret. Trump and Pence are the ones that are lying. The Republican platform "agreed to sideline" the issue of Russian intervention in Ukraine after Russia promised to feed the emails it stole to Wikileaks. However, the prosecutable aspect of this treasonous story is regarding money laundering. The Treasury Department is taking its sweet time, but it's time to start handing down indictments.
Note to the New York Times: it's called a COVERUP. If you don't have the stomach to
pursue this story, then you should hang up your spurs. We are all depending on you. Don't go wobbly
now.
Note to the New York Times: it's called a COVERUP. If you don't have the stomach to
pursue this story, then you should hang up your spurs. We are all depending on you. Don't go wobbly
now.
36
I suspect that Trumps appointments are vindictive.
Akin to his recent “rallies” to re-hash his electorial-college victory, is he obsessed with settling old scores, rather than appointing appropriate people with the appropriate qualifications.
Akin to his recent “rallies” to re-hash his electorial-college victory, is he obsessed with settling old scores, rather than appointing appropriate people with the appropriate qualifications.
5
Agree. Trump would rather put our country's security at risk and further his own financial interests. His entire cabinet and advisors should be thrown out.
5
I pray the truth behind all the Russian collusions before the 2016 election and regarding tRumps tax returns come to light.
Free press and public opinion must keep up the inquiry.
There must be karma for these republicans.
Free press and public opinion must keep up the inquiry.
There must be karma for these republicans.
6
Why do I vote American?
Because while the koch owned gop allowed 9/11 and then couldn't get bin Laden, the Americans protected the US for the past 8 years and took out bin Laden to boot.
But feel free to back another rich draft dodging coward.
I just hope your kid doesn't pay for your hubris in some Middle East meat grinder looking for more non-existent WMD.
Because while the koch owned gop allowed 9/11 and then couldn't get bin Laden, the Americans protected the US for the past 8 years and took out bin Laden to boot.
But feel free to back another rich draft dodging coward.
I just hope your kid doesn't pay for your hubris in some Middle East meat grinder looking for more non-existent WMD.
12
I think the time has come to ask Trump questions under oath and publicly. I wish we had a version of "Prime Minister's Question Time". Enough of this Imperial Presidency and Executive Privilege baloney.
6
Watching Sally Yates testify in real time. Intelligent, articulate, professional and demonstrating a moral compass. All the attributes the jerk in the White House lacks.Sally in 2020!!!
24
Obama's warning is exactly why Flynn was hired.
3
so i just heard that instead of going to look at the evidence yates had on flynn they fired her
4
Incredible yet not the least bit surprising that Trump blamed the Obama Administration for all that transpired with Flynn. His motto is, 'The Buck Never Stops Here.'
10
...and no one seems to care that the President continues to meddle into the Congress' investigations - tweeting away.
7
Just listened to a bit of the hearing led by Lindsay Graham. Any faith I had that the Senate was trying to get to the truth in the Trump/Russia affair is gone. Trump said he could shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue with no consequences. It's the only time that guy has told the truth in his life.
12
Flynn needed to go, and it would not hurt to have Steve B out too. But, if there was anything of real substance linking Trump to Russia, Obama's people( Ms Rice and others) would have leaked it: this is not sarcasm, it is reality. If the evidence existed to tie Trump to Russia/Putin, America would now have it. We can rest assured that there will be a lot of noise during the various investigations, but nothing of substance as to Trump himself will be found. Instead, we need to hope that Trump is actually learning, maybe one day he will stop tweeting, that he will listen to the some of the very good people he appointed, and the health care bill that finally passes does not remove pre existing condition. Each side is calling the other a liar when it comes to what is in and what is out. Maybe the US Senate can help here. The mid terms will be of great interest. Maybe each side can deal with truth and stop smearing the other side.
"...that he will listen to the some of the very good people he appointed..."
Exactly who are you referring to? None of Trump's appointees are very good at anything other than manipulation and twisting the truth.
Exactly who are you referring to? None of Trump's appointees are very good at anything other than manipulation and twisting the truth.
5
Just another example of Trump ignoring Obama just because he wanted to ignore Obama. And just another example of why Trump is going to get a lot of Americans killed before he is removed from office.
4
Exactly what Trump wanted, someone connected to Putin. Learn not to get surprised if Trump lies, somehow he is sympathetic to Russia/Putin or uses the influence of the WH to help his businesses now and in the future. He's wrecking America in ways beyond Putin's wishes. Instead of punishing Putin he punishes our brotherly and peaceful neighbors in the north and south of the country. With Trump and his barrage of lies and deceptions, we all can become an author writing books about him.
1
" I Spy". But not a TV show. Well, maybe the Biggest Loser. Right, Donald??? If it wasn't tweeted, I guess it didn't happen.
2
"...two former Obama administration officials."
So why aren't these "officials" named. What possible reason do they have for remaining anonymous? Something smells about this story.
So why aren't these "officials" named. What possible reason do they have for remaining anonymous? Something smells about this story.
Does the Trump administration ever take responsibility for ANYTHING? What a shameful bunch of amateurs.
2
Everyone in the Trump administration is a victim. They are being attacked by scientists, teachers, engineers, health care professionals, experts of all types, by the OMB, by professional protesters, by non-right wing media. I give the president credit. Pushing back against reality is no easy thing.
209
JR - Trying to live an alternative reality with alternative facts is even harder.
1
JR Fabulous comment and painfully true.
These days it's hard to tell who's being sarcastic......
1
It's a constant source of wonder to me that every chance they get, Trump et al. blame Obama for their own missteps. At what point will they realize that Obama is n longer president and that they have to start holding themselves responsible for their own actions and decisions? I see this with my republican friends as well. What is it about republicans that they just can't let go of Obama?
11
Trump forgot everything said within seconds. He just has no memory nor ability to know when something is serious or not. Plus Trump wanted to deal with Russia and has complete arrogance about his responsibilities.
It's pretty clear that the only Trump policy is to do exactly the opposite of what Obama did or would've done. It keeps his haters/supporters on his side when he can undo anything and everything #44 accomplished. But it's a baldly unpatriotic and anti-intellectual approach to exercising his sworn duties. The fact that he is so challenged in the job, with no original thinking involved to problem-solving is dumbing down the presidency to kindergarten-level incompetency. So sad (for the rest of us).
9
Another day, another piece of evidence that Trump is completely incompetent
13
Just imagine the HOWLING we would hear from the Republics if Hillary was President and she had done something similar.
4
Although the progressives, the "resistance" to anything Trump (complete with berets, baquets, Gauloises and baguettes) reverberate predictably to anything that can be construed as a mark against Trump, what is true is that Obama hired Flynn for a big job. The issue for Obama, as reported here in the NY Times was Flynn's management. DIA is an agency of 17,000 or so employees. The national security adviser isn't really a mgmt position, it's an adviser to the president. So, isn't it possible that Obama's issue with Flynn was, as stated, his management?
Perhaps Obama had other concerns about Flynn but that is not what is reported here.
From everything we know at this point, Flynn apparently had some lapses in terms of reporting activities and playing fast and loose with the truth (something unheard of in the Obama admin?). But...nothing he has done, that we know of, is or was a security breach. He may have had contacts with the Russians in 2015, but did the Obama admin remove Flynn's security clearance? No, they were too busy ceding Crimea and the Ukraine to the Russians.
Outgoing presidents give incoming presidents advice. Incoming presidents aren't obligated to take the advice.
I know the progressives get excited whenever they can put together a sentence with Trump and Russia in it but get over it. There is no evidence of collusion and as far as we know, nothing Flynn did had anything to do with colluding with the Russians re the election.
Perhaps Obama had other concerns about Flynn but that is not what is reported here.
From everything we know at this point, Flynn apparently had some lapses in terms of reporting activities and playing fast and loose with the truth (something unheard of in the Obama admin?). But...nothing he has done, that we know of, is or was a security breach. He may have had contacts with the Russians in 2015, but did the Obama admin remove Flynn's security clearance? No, they were too busy ceding Crimea and the Ukraine to the Russians.
Outgoing presidents give incoming presidents advice. Incoming presidents aren't obligated to take the advice.
I know the progressives get excited whenever they can put together a sentence with Trump and Russia in it but get over it. There is no evidence of collusion and as far as we know, nothing Flynn did had anything to do with colluding with the Russians re the election.
As Sean Spicer speaks to his audience of one, does he not wonder about his own credibility? He seems to twist himself into a pretzel at times, trying to make his boss's lies into a semblance of truth. All he succeeds in doing is lose the respect of not only the journalists he confronts but the many Americans who tune in to his press briefings to see how he debases himself on a daily basis.
C'mon, Sean Spicer! Is it really worth it?
C'mon, Sean Spicer! Is it really worth it?
7
Trump didn't care about Flynn's problems until they became a public embarrassment and he realized everything was going to start coming out.
8
You have to assume that Mr. Obama would never even consider hiring John Podesta for anything relating to national security issues since he has been all over the issue list with the Russians for years.
But the Russian ambassador is like an unofficial U.S. Democratic Senator when you think of his being in constant touch with most of the Dem Senators over the years. He even sits with them during headline events and they all appear to be on a first-name basis. Thirty of them spoke with the Russian during Obama's Iran nuke surrender deal.
But the Russian ambassador is like an unofficial U.S. Democratic Senator when you think of his being in constant touch with most of the Dem Senators over the years. He even sits with them during headline events and they all appear to be on a first-name basis. Thirty of them spoke with the Russian during Obama's Iran nuke surrender deal.
Sean Spicer is a blooming idiot. He needs to be replaced by a non-idiot.
8
Flynn did NOT LIE to Pence -- we know this is not true! Why are you still stating it this way NYTimes???? Extremely shoddy reporting or extremely biased/deceptive reporting on your part. For shame! Maddow etc. have all perfectly laid out the case that PENCE already knew about Flynn's background. He was the HEAD OF THE TRANSITION team, and Elijah Cummings had SENT HIM A LETTER warning him about Flynn. He has NO CASE FOR DENIABILITY on this one. Get the story straight. Who is paying you to distort the story?
16
I absolutely agree w/ you, LVS, they're trying to keep him "clean" so he'll take over for the idiot.
Illegitimate election, impeach the whole lot of them!
Illegitimate election, impeach the whole lot of them!
5
Flynn clearly has something on Trump. Sooner or later............
9
Must be a slow day at the NYT to give a headline to such an obvious point. Donald Trump ignoring good advice is about as normal day turning to night. Perhaps if President Obama had advise this guy to hire Flynn DT would have done the opposite.
Of course he did...but #45 didn't care, because he's an traitor.....when is the NYT, going to do a real piece on #45s evil deeds.....
4
Sooner or later progressives are going to come to the realization that you can't change the minds of Trump supporters using facts. Trump says he wants to bring back manufacturing jobs, while at the same time his and Ivanka clothing lines are manufactured overseas and Mexico. Trump criticized Hillary for her ties to Wall Street, then hires his Chief Strategist, Treasury Secretary, and Chief Council Economic Advisors all from Goldman Sachs. Trump says he will have a healthcare bill that will not cut medicaid and take care of everybody, then the GOP house passes a healthcare bill that cuts medicaid and give a huge tax cut to the rich. These people who voted for Trump didn't even realize that the medicaid they were receiving was because of the ACA medicaid expansion. When Trump said he could go out on 5th Ave and shoot someone and not lose any votes that may have been the most truthful thing he said during the campaign. Trump voters don't care if he lies, or how misogynistic or racist he may be, or what crimes he may have committed. Their antipathy for people who are not like them is so strong that they overlook or rather dismiss any facts that contradict their Utopian view of Trump. The best we can hope for is that after a myriad of broken promises eventually the shine will wear off for Trump supporters and enough of them will switch their votes in 2018 and 2020. But don't hold your breath, after all these are Trump supporters we are talking about here.
331
A sad commentary of the lack of nationalism in the US - at least the French got it right.
Trump's supporters are enthralled by his BRAND - he can do no wrong.
Can't wait till those supporters wake up when they have no medical care, higher taxes and underemployed.
Trump's supporters are enthralled by his BRAND - he can do no wrong.
Can't wait till those supporters wake up when they have no medical care, higher taxes and underemployed.
2
The gold-plated sheen will tarnish when a massive and global recession destroys our economy. No amount of coal production will make up for the lost industries.
1
Everything you said is so true. Most of his middle class white supporters are so blinded by their hate for Afro-Americans, Mexicans and anybody different from themselves, that they don't realize that Trump policies are going to make them poorer and the rich very even more wealthy.
3
Who cares what a former president thinks, the one who fired Flynn.
This is what Trump said to David Muir at ABC in an interview in January:
“I hire the best people. I mean people come up to me and say ‘Wow, Donald, these really are the best people,’ ...
The shallowness of Trump's mind is truly frightening.
This is what Trump said to David Muir at ABC in an interview in January:
“I hire the best people. I mean people come up to me and say ‘Wow, Donald, these really are the best people,’ ...
The shallowness of Trump's mind is truly frightening.
58
You will never get Trump to admit that, instead he will continue with his plethora of inane tweets that completely lie about the facts to deflect any blame or attention from him.
I expect with the hearings today, there will be a real tweet storm of nonsense coming from Trump today and the rest of the week.
I expect with the hearings today, there will be a real tweet storm of nonsense coming from Trump today and the rest of the week.
19
DT when he was sworn in as President, took an oath to defend the constitution and protect the country against enemies foreign and domestic. At that instance itself DT has failed in his obligation - by nominating Flynn as National Security Advisor. He failed again when he ignored Sally Yates's warning about Flynn, and continued his head in the sand approach until the story was reported in Washington Times. What else does DT have to do to prove that he is constitutionally unfit to be the President - when will the country and the republicans in particular admit this clear truth. Are the republican leaders so blinded by their vitriolic need to erase President Obama's legacy - health care, environmental protection and beholden to pass tax cuts for the rich that they will continue to tolerate his presence in the white house? Are they not just colluding with DT and becoming traitors themselves?
31
Who else in this Administration has not been properly vetted? What information did Flynn get access to as National Security Advisor?
14
Trump himself was not properly vetted for the job. At this point seeing his tax information is a a matter of national security.
2
Trump's only motivation for seeking the Presidency seems to be a vendetta against Obama. So if he Obama warns him not to do something, you can be sure he will do it.
From Jim Wright on Facebook:
"After Trump won the election, Flynn became the incoming National Security Advisor. His clearance was already in JPAS. But he needed to do another background check (a NACI) because too much time had passed since his last periodic update (typically every 4 years, but for certain levels of access it can be more often).
Because he was the incoming National Security Advisor and because AT THAT TIME there was no reason not to grant him access, Flynn was given an INTERIM clearance so that he could do his job.
This is perfectly normal and a necessary part of the process for these kinds of situations. Without it, the government would grind to a stop. More: without an interim clearance, Flynn couldn't have been briefed by the outgoing National Security Advisor -- because when Susan Rice left office, her access was suspended because she had no longer a need to know, she was no longer a federal employee. There has to be some overlap. So, Flynn was given an interim clearance so he could be brought up to speed by Rice.
Flynn was granted interim clearance and access while he updated his security background check, which begins with him filling out an SF-86. Yes, this WAS done under the Obama Administration, but again at that point there was no reason not to.
So, Flynn has an interim clearance and he is now required to update his permanent clearance. And during that process, he failed to disclose foreign contacts.
"After Trump won the election, Flynn became the incoming National Security Advisor. His clearance was already in JPAS. But he needed to do another background check (a NACI) because too much time had passed since his last periodic update (typically every 4 years, but for certain levels of access it can be more often).
Because he was the incoming National Security Advisor and because AT THAT TIME there was no reason not to grant him access, Flynn was given an INTERIM clearance so that he could do his job.
This is perfectly normal and a necessary part of the process for these kinds of situations. Without it, the government would grind to a stop. More: without an interim clearance, Flynn couldn't have been briefed by the outgoing National Security Advisor -- because when Susan Rice left office, her access was suspended because she had no longer a need to know, she was no longer a federal employee. There has to be some overlap. So, Flynn was given an interim clearance so he could be brought up to speed by Rice.
Flynn was granted interim clearance and access while he updated his security background check, which begins with him filling out an SF-86. Yes, this WAS done under the Obama Administration, but again at that point there was no reason not to.
So, Flynn has an interim clearance and he is now required to update his permanent clearance. And during that process, he failed to disclose foreign contacts.
14
Thanks for explanation of need for interim clearance. That explains so much & digs a deeper hole for this crew.
1
Well, it was updated, reviewed and renewed in April of 2016... If Obama was so concerned about Flynn why was it renewed then? And in the fall of 2016, if there was even the slightest hint that Flynn may have been acting improperly, why wasn't his clearance then suspended immediately pending investigation of his conduct? The fact is that he was vetted twice during the Obama administration, once in 2012 and again in April of 2016 and approved. He did not have just an "interim" clearance in the fall of 2016... He had the whole enchilada...
The Obama White House's ethics practices are second to none in modern presidential history. Scandal free in eight years. Should have accepted the wise counsel. Instead, this is one of the many examples where Donald didn't do his homework.
Hey Mr President--put the phone down, turn your Fox News off, and stay away from Breitbart and Bannon. If you spend a couple of hours a day studying reliable sources, and are lucky, you might be able to discuss SOMEthing intelligently before you leave office ... Fewer "armada, submarines, very powerful" embarrassments. Wouldn't you like that? So, get crackin', man! No more excuses!
21
Would our Founding Fathers (and mothers) accepted such judgement and "leadership"? They would be in the streets, and preparing the already convincing case for impeachment.
23
Our Founding Fathers would never have enough let a draft dodging coward like trump to own land or to run for office.
5
The only thing with which members of this administration are consistent is lies. None of the team from Trump down through his family ranks, have ever uttered a word of truth. The saddest thing is that they are all extremely confident that resistance is futile, i.e. eventually honest Americans are going to give up and let the Trump team rape this country for all it's worth. It sure doesn't seem as though any congressional Republicans have the moral standing or inclination to stop this travesty. So much for the party of family values, unless you're a Trumpster and the only thing of value to you is more money for the family.
SO SAD.
SO SAD.
15
So interesting that the Obama Administration issued additional sanctions on the Russians for that baloney sandwich / still unproven election meddling allegation the same day as Flynn was speaking to the Russian . Wonder which came first ? Yates probably knows . " Monitoring " much ?
2
Dear President Obama,
The next time you are wrapping up a conversation with the draft dodging daughter dating president, make the following off the cuff remark:
"You were a terrible businessman donald, I am so glad you got into politics where you belong.".
This will be like a yuge splinter in his teeny tiny mind.
It will ultimately drive him from office saving America from the disaster that is surly coming.
The next time you are wrapping up a conversation with the draft dodging daughter dating president, make the following off the cuff remark:
"You were a terrible businessman donald, I am so glad you got into politics where you belong.".
This will be like a yuge splinter in his teeny tiny mind.
It will ultimately drive him from office saving America from the disaster that is surly coming.
10
Obama warned about everyone from President Donald J. Trump down so it does stand to reason he would at least get one of the hundreds correct accidentally.
Interesting, a dope like Trump, who knows nothing about government or the security state, ignores O's warning about an off-the-hook gyrene who screwed up his administration job to the max and had to be terminated.
In his effort to do anything un-Obama, Trump hires this guy and is surprised by the outcome.
The lying liars who couldn't shoot straight on a number of levels.
In his effort to do anything un-Obama, Trump hires this guy and is surprised by the outcome.
The lying liars who couldn't shoot straight on a number of levels.
8
Trump is the Wizard of Oz, and every day another piece of the curtain gets pulled down. Soon his angry tweets will just be treated as the ravings of a child with a twitter account. Never give a delusional fraud the firing key.
13
"Soon his angry tweets..."? Soon? For those of us paying attention, Trump's tweets have been seen and will continue to be treated as the ravings of a
petulant child.
petulant child.
2
A man with no honor hired another with no honor.
Lying carries no shame in this whitehouse.
Of course, lying did not matter to the sixty million who voted for Trump. It makes you wonder at the depth and source of this shame. A large slice of America has failed to live up to its supposed Christian beliefs.
I, for one, am deeply ashamed by this president, his cabinet, and - after the house voted for the barbarism of removing healthcare for millions of fellow Americans - the Republican Party.
The shame and dishonor is deep and widespread. The lack of empathy of one American for another is appalling.
Greed begets the lies and the lies beget the greed.
It is all so transparent and all so very, very ugly.
What part of Trump's America is redeemable?
For that to occur there has to be a moral compass. Trump and his America do not have one.
Lying carries no shame in this whitehouse.
Of course, lying did not matter to the sixty million who voted for Trump. It makes you wonder at the depth and source of this shame. A large slice of America has failed to live up to its supposed Christian beliefs.
I, for one, am deeply ashamed by this president, his cabinet, and - after the house voted for the barbarism of removing healthcare for millions of fellow Americans - the Republican Party.
The shame and dishonor is deep and widespread. The lack of empathy of one American for another is appalling.
Greed begets the lies and the lies beget the greed.
It is all so transparent and all so very, very ugly.
What part of Trump's America is redeemable?
For that to occur there has to be a moral compass. Trump and his America do not have one.
31
Simple question: How will this country survive four years of Trump?
A high security clearance means nothing without access. Giving access to an agent for foreign countries is FAR worse than having a personal server in your basement. Where's the pitchfork and torches subcommittee in charge of rooting out security leaks? The committee(S) "investigating" this are more interested in covering up for Trump rather than getting to the truth.
13
I laugh because I must not cry, that is all, that is all. (A. Lincoln)
15
President Obama's greatest days may yet be ahead of him. We need him to lead us in saving the republic.
21
I cannot think of any US President who has made himself look such a buffoon or worse and through his lies demeaned the stature of the presidency in the eyes of the world. For a country as great as the USA this whole episode is sad news and what is sad is there may be much worse to come.
16
How is a warning from one's foe any different than a dare?
I'm not sure there is any, nice as Obama was to offer it.
I'm not sure there is any, nice as Obama was to offer it.
Trump is a fake president and he delivers fake news to us citizens.
We cannot stand any more of him. This monster must be removed from office, and Republican representatives should be thrown out, too.
We cannot stand any more of him. This monster must be removed from office, and Republican representatives should be thrown out, too.
26
Donald Trump = racist
Make America White again.
Make America White again.
11
So Trump knowingly hired a Russian spy?
19
I guess the KKK doesn't fall far from the tree.
11
So who do we believe: Sally Yates or the guy who saw thousands of Muslims dancing in the streets after 9/11, the guy who claimed that President Obama was not a citizen, the guy who said he was not mocking a disabled reporter when we can watch that appalling video anytime we want?
I think I will go with Sally Yates.
I think I will go with Sally Yates.
793
I think Trump said those thousands of Muslims dancing in the street were doing it in Jersey City.
A rational, well-grounded person would agree with you Dan; however, a stubborn Trump support would say... It's all FAKE NEWS.
3
Well said Dan.
2
President Obama should give Trump a call tonight around 2 A.M. and tell him what a stroke of genius on his part to have family in key advisory positions in the White House. Brilliant move, Donald. Just Brilliant.
7
Now we know why Trumpcare was rushed through the House last week. They knew *this* was coming. I can only hope their impetuousness indicates that Trump is on his way out.
9
During that 90 minute conversation, Obama also suggested that if Trump were to replace the healthcare to make sure the poor, elderly and middle class could afford it.
6
This is the same approach Trump uses for everything. He is given the info by someone, watched it on Fox News, read it on some website. He is never at fault for his decisions. So presidential. The 'buck stops somewhere down the street.'
15
Obama bears a lot of blame for the mess the country is in. US intelligence had briefed him weeks before the election as to the scope of Russia cyber warfare against the US, especially its political system, by trying to manipulate the election.
One would expect a President to realize that cyber-warfare is first and foremost warfare. He should have immediately addressed the nation, told them of the full extent of the Russian act of war against America, and had Trump and his top aides arrested on treason charges, for consorting with, and aiding and abetting an enemy state that had attacked the US. Instead he turned the other cheek. His entire foreign policy was turn the other cheek. Result, we have a President Benedict Donald, a traitor in the White House. He didn't want his legacy to be a confrontation with Russia, instead it will be even worse, the man who let a traitor succeed him.
One would expect a President to realize that cyber-warfare is first and foremost warfare. He should have immediately addressed the nation, told them of the full extent of the Russian act of war against America, and had Trump and his top aides arrested on treason charges, for consorting with, and aiding and abetting an enemy state that had attacked the US. Instead he turned the other cheek. His entire foreign policy was turn the other cheek. Result, we have a President Benedict Donald, a traitor in the White House. He didn't want his legacy to be a confrontation with Russia, instead it will be even worse, the man who let a traitor succeed him.
2
Ahhh, tell it to bin Laden...
2
I am as troubled by anyone by the appointment and conduct of Mr. Flynn.
I am equally troubled by the incessant use of anonymous sources described as "officials". Occasional use of such sources is understandable, but the Times has based almost an endless stream of articles on unnamed sources, informing the reader only that the sources were "officials". Without knowledge about the source, readers are left to rely solely on the discretion of the paper and its internal judgment about the credibility of its sources. I for one have been taught never to rely upon unnamed second or third hand sources.
For all I know, these sources may have an axe to grind, may be disgruntled, may be selective about the information they provide, may be mistaken, or may be intentionally spreading falsehoods.
The Times insults the intelligence of its readers by asking them to rely upon a completely unidentified source described only as "officials". I implore readers to be as skeptical as they would be after hearing any rumor. Without such skepticism, we the readers, give over all our intellectual powers of independent review to someone about whom we know nothing.
In your jobs, if you suggested action based solely on information you heard third hand and could not independently verify, you would probably find yourself unemployed.
We owe it to ourselves to critically examine all information provided by an outside source. The paper's incessant use of vague and unnamed sources precludes us from doing so.
I am equally troubled by the incessant use of anonymous sources described as "officials". Occasional use of such sources is understandable, but the Times has based almost an endless stream of articles on unnamed sources, informing the reader only that the sources were "officials". Without knowledge about the source, readers are left to rely solely on the discretion of the paper and its internal judgment about the credibility of its sources. I for one have been taught never to rely upon unnamed second or third hand sources.
For all I know, these sources may have an axe to grind, may be disgruntled, may be selective about the information they provide, may be mistaken, or may be intentionally spreading falsehoods.
The Times insults the intelligence of its readers by asking them to rely upon a completely unidentified source described only as "officials". I implore readers to be as skeptical as they would be after hearing any rumor. Without such skepticism, we the readers, give over all our intellectual powers of independent review to someone about whom we know nothing.
In your jobs, if you suggested action based solely on information you heard third hand and could not independently verify, you would probably find yourself unemployed.
We owe it to ourselves to critically examine all information provided by an outside source. The paper's incessant use of vague and unnamed sources precludes us from doing so.
2
The spectacular bungling of the Trump team's handling of the Flynn affair has broken down all my inner walls of resistance to schadenfreude. I can't help but cackle maniacally whenever a new revelation emerges regarding the comically self-destructive decision made by Trump and his stooges to install Flynn as NSA. Not only did Trump appoint the notoriously addle-brained Flynn, he and his entire crowd of enablers and lickspittles attempted to cover up their mistake for *weeks* after they first became aware that Flynn lied to Mike Pence in a possibly treasonous manner. WHAAAAAAT?
The Flynn cover-up alone might eventually result in Trump's downfall, if Flynn was involved in a conspiracy to manipulate our democratic process. I find it very hard to believe that the former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency actually thought he could get away with talking to the Russian ambassador *on the telephone*. He *must* have been told at some point that the telephone calls made by ambassadors to the United States are routinely recorded. Flynn's decision to attempt to conceal his conversation(s) from the Trump transition team was simply slapstick-level idiocy.
On that note, even though this almost certainly won't make it past the comment moderators, I would like to offer:
"The Best Evil Laughs Ever!" (a YouTube video)
https://youtu.be/gvObIj7MKXY
The Flynn cover-up alone might eventually result in Trump's downfall, if Flynn was involved in a conspiracy to manipulate our democratic process. I find it very hard to believe that the former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency actually thought he could get away with talking to the Russian ambassador *on the telephone*. He *must* have been told at some point that the telephone calls made by ambassadors to the United States are routinely recorded. Flynn's decision to attempt to conceal his conversation(s) from the Trump transition team was simply slapstick-level idiocy.
On that note, even though this almost certainly won't make it past the comment moderators, I would like to offer:
"The Best Evil Laughs Ever!" (a YouTube video)
https://youtu.be/gvObIj7MKXY
3
Obama did not like Flynn because he opposed Islamic radical terrorism and knew ISIS was a threat to civilization. Issues which Obama refused to believe.
2
Ahhh, tell it to bin Laden son...
4
Obama doesn't buy in to the "end of civilization paranoia that Flynn and his lunatic son shovel out. However, as Comander-in-Chief, he authorized over 500 drone strikes and covert actions against ISIS and Al -Qaeda including the one that killed Bin Laden (vs. 57 strikes under W. Bush who's national security staff couldn't find Bin Laden for a decade) Perhaps there are bigger concerns closer to home considering that TN (your state i believe) has the fifth highest enrollment for Medicaid and has amongst the highest uneployment rate in the country (43rd out of 50). If Republicans have their way with health care, all of the Trump supporters in TN who are who know someone on Medicaid will be in for a rude awakening. Sen. Corker is a good guy and hopefully he'll stand by his constituents and oppose the Trump-Ryan health disaster plan. Alexander is Trump puppet. Good luck!
1
11/9/16, NYT front page: "Donald John Trump defied the skeptics who said he would never run, and the political veterans who scoffed at his slapdash campaign.
He attacked the norms of American politics, singling out groups for derision on the basis of race and religion and attacking the legitimacy of the political process.
He ignored conventions of common decency, employing casual vulgarity and raining personal humiliation on his political opponents and critics in the media.
And in the ultimate act of defiance, Mr. Trump emerged victorious, summoning a tidal wave of support from less educated whites displaced by changes in the economy and deeply resistant to the country’s shifting cultural and racial tones."
Thanks NYT! We got what you sold us!
Oh, and "Emails!!!!"
He attacked the norms of American politics, singling out groups for derision on the basis of race and religion and attacking the legitimacy of the political process.
He ignored conventions of common decency, employing casual vulgarity and raining personal humiliation on his political opponents and critics in the media.
And in the ultimate act of defiance, Mr. Trump emerged victorious, summoning a tidal wave of support from less educated whites displaced by changes in the economy and deeply resistant to the country’s shifting cultural and racial tones."
Thanks NYT! We got what you sold us!
Oh, and "Emails!!!!"
3
Trump has already proven himself to be what every intelligent person already knew: unfit and entirely unqualified for office. He continues to make poor choice after poor choice, and Flynn was merely one (in a gaggle of Russian connections). So Trump continues as long as he's allowed, looting the taxpayers in reviving his failing businesses, while the republican administration leads us back to dark ages.
That this is the kind of "leadership" American voters chose in the 21st century is mind-numbing.
That this is the kind of "leadership" American voters chose in the 21st century is mind-numbing.
386
My takeaway from this article is that the continuing contentious remarks by the current administration about the previous administration are thwarting positive accomplishments. Trump has no warrant for continual criticism, especially since it took weeks, after Yates's information about Flynn, to take action. That takeaway also goes along with all the meaningless allegations about Obama, Hispanics, Muslims, LGBT, and republicans who decline to support the status quo. All of that sidesteps real improvements in infrastructure and for premier healthcare commensurate with many countries around the world. That competitive grandstanding about people has got to cease.
1
Well, not the majority of voters, of course, but still...
1
What's mind-numbing to me is the role the Electoral College played in the election. That, along with the "dumbing down" of the voting population due to cuts to education, and obscene amounts of money in American politics. Is it any wonder that the likes of Trump was foisted on the public?
Who knew that being President could be this complicated?
Certainly not the orange blob in the White House.
Obama tried to lead this donkey to water, but he couldn't make it drink.
Lock him up.
Certainly not the orange blob in the White House.
Obama tried to lead this donkey to water, but he couldn't make it drink.
Lock him up.
8
Haveing been through the security clearance process...the investigation is extremely in depth to include investigators going to addresses and meeting, interviewing people. Plus the wiretaps...if the Obama Administration had any doubts, why not suspend the clearance. It's actually a simple thing to do for any security manager. I'd be in the same position. You gave him the clearance, you said you had some reservations but didn't suspend his clearance. Knowing how in depth they are, you must think that not only has he not violated any of the security requirements but whatever misgivings you have must not be that bad. You never suspended his clearance. Democrats still looking to the lost election. Keep it up...Republicans will win the next one too..blame Trump all day, but the Obama Administration dropped the ball on this...
1
Listening to Sean Spicer -- his obfuscation defies belief. Talk about someone who has sold his soul for a pittance.
Whether or not Flynn had security clearance, the transition team should have been vetting his recent activity. Come on!
Whether or not Flynn had security clearance, the transition team should have been vetting his recent activity. Come on!
21
So another instance of Trump's unabashed penchant for lying. Or he really is having dementia issues. That or he's more awful than anyone thought.
13
Trump's tweets have reached a new level of silliness. Now he blames Obama for giving Flynn security clearance. of course he didn't. The president has other things to do; he can't investigate every one of the million or more people in the gov't and private contractors who have clearances. Flynn lost his clearance when Obama fired him. Trump gave it back to him when he, Trump, re-hired him.
"fake news"? No. Fake tweet.
"fake news"? No. Fake tweet.
14
"Flynn lost his clearance when Obama fired him."
Wrong. In fact, not just "mistaken" but so "wrong" as to bespeak of total ignorance. Flynn maintained his clearance. And in April of 2016, as noted in the article, when the clearance came up for review and renewal, it WAS renewed... That means the vetting occurred in 2012 when the clearance was issued, and again in 2016 when it was renewed -- during the Obama presidency on each occasion...
Wrong. In fact, not just "mistaken" but so "wrong" as to bespeak of total ignorance. Flynn maintained his clearance. And in April of 2016, as noted in the article, when the clearance came up for review and renewal, it WAS renewed... That means the vetting occurred in 2012 when the clearance was issued, and again in 2016 when it was renewed -- during the Obama presidency on each occasion...
Trump's dilemma:
Obama warns him not to hire Flynn.
Putin tells him to hire Flynn.
Hmmmm. What will he do, what will he do ...?
Obama warns him not to hire Flynn.
Putin tells him to hire Flynn.
Hmmmm. What will he do, what will he do ...?
31
The Trumpet stated, “General Flynn was given the highest security clearance by the Obama Administration...." But he, of course, omitted that the clearance was granted long before Flynn was fired by Obama. All high-ranking military officers must have top secret clearances. This is nothing new. One loses a clearance when fired for malfeasance, for breaking the law, for divulging intelligence not meant for the public.
Yes, Trumpet, of course Flynn had (emphasis on past tense, had) a top secret clearance at one point in his career. He is no longer eligible for one. Flynn is done......
Yes, Trumpet, of course Flynn had (emphasis on past tense, had) a top secret clearance at one point in his career. He is no longer eligible for one. Flynn is done......
5
You can lose a clearance for having a bad credit score...being ex-military with several, now inactive, security clearances...including some high level ones; the investigations are extremly in depth and the clearances are easy to get suspended...as the boss, who expressed misgivings; the responsibility does fall on Obama...if he did nothing but Express misgivings...given the vetting process and the requirements to keep the clearance...Obama didn't suspend the clearance or even have him investigated past the incidental wiretap results...blame is squarely on the Obama admin...
1
@Bob
Spot on...
Spot on...
Been there, done that, too, as a military officer; three brothers and a sister also had security clearances; one brother had highest level.
Blame the Trumpet for rehiring a rat.
Blame the Trumpet for rehiring a rat.
2
Many positions in the military require the soldier to have a security clearance. Just because you have been granted a clearance does not mean you are qualified to do any job. It does mean you have been investigated for financial improprieties, character and law enforcement violations. Just because Flynn had a clearance did not mean he was qualified to be National Security Adviser. Trump erred in giving Flynn the job and is grabbing at straws to keep from drowning.
7
Given Trump's disdain of Obama, the former president should have used reverse psychology and endorsed Flynn. I am convinced that any reasonable and rational advice Obama offered on a variety of situations has been rejected. I'd like to know how many Trump voters now suffer from buyer's remorse.
1
This is very serious information revealed today. The media, however, will follow the tweets of Trump and allow themselves to be distracted by his lies and innuendo.
6
Add one more to the Twitter bucket list of finger pointing. Why is it incumbent upon an incoming president, let alone an ignorant one at that, to take any advice from an outgoing president even if it is a sagacious one. Do we seriously expect the current WH incumbent to have displayed any semblance of maturity? To say "Yes" because he was elected president is not a good answer. We should not expect maturity because leadership is thrust upon a person. It is other way around. You don't promote children from kindergarten to college because they will learn. We do it because they have learned. The fact that we got the order switched ought to be the topic of attention, not how or why an immature clown continues to disregard good advice from those around him.
3
Just last week Trump is on record saying that he didn't vet Flynn because he was vetted under the Obama administration - giant kick the can. Now someone needs to ask Trump about those comments, because it seems he did have advance warning of what he was getting with Flynn.
6
Trump is the president (small p) but still blames Obama for anything that goes wrong. He is not smart enough to realize that is just plain tacky and childlike.
2
With each new day a new national security revelation occurs. It happens so often, it's become normalized to the point where the feeling of doom is normalized. Sigh.
Of course, our so-called president ignored Obama's warnings, just like he has ignored all traditions, treaties, treasured alliances, and tested laws governing our nation. He NOT only ignores them, but flaunts opposing them, saying things like he did to Clinton at the debate when asked about avoiding paying taxes -"That makes me smart." and if you have a problem with that, you've worked for government and should have closed the loopholes. It's always someone else's fault when he does wrong or lies ("An expert just told me that, you should talk to them") He refuses to be accountable to anyone or anything! Michael Flynn would still be National Security advisor, despite the warnings Trump received and intel he reviewed, because he knew these things way before he was forced to ask him to resign when the Washington Post broke the story. If this isn't evidence of collusion, I don't know what is, as he knew Flynn had broken the law and continued to support him, as if his very life depended on it and was more upset by the leak (and still is) then the truth coming out about him. Trump is complicit in the collusion, because he knew and did nothing to stop it. HE will break every law, every tradition, every code of conduct he wants, as long as he can gain more wealth and status to his name brand and no one stops him. We need grace to wait for the honorable people to do right, as God gives them the strength and wisdom to do so.
We have an odd situation now that people routinely ignore the President. If any of his predecessors had sent a communique (now Twitter) that shutting down the government was a good idea, it would have been front page for days with congressional aides scrambling. Now, it barely hits the paper like so many of his messages. Almost all of his executive orders are toothless, his threats are shallow and he just is not part of the process. He is irrelevant.
3
Flynn got the security clearance through Obama. He was then FIRED, losing that security clearance. It seems everyone BUT 45 knew that~
If the Times and other of the Media that Trump calls fake news did not break stories about Flynn's contact with the Russians, he would be National Security Director today.
Flynn was so stupid that despite having worked in intelligence before, he didn't realize that the Russian ambassador's phones would be tapped routinely.
I believe the real story, and I hope it comes out, is that Trump was aware of, and approved, all of his people having contact with the Russians. I also believe he was aware through those contacts that the Russians were working hard to tilt the election towards him. If you start with that premise, everything about the Russian contacts make sense.
Flynn was so stupid that despite having worked in intelligence before, he didn't realize that the Russian ambassador's phones would be tapped routinely.
I believe the real story, and I hope it comes out, is that Trump was aware of, and approved, all of his people having contact with the Russians. I also believe he was aware through those contacts that the Russians were working hard to tilt the election towards him. If you start with that premise, everything about the Russian contacts make sense.
5
Donald is so jealous and hateful towards Obama that he probably hired Flynn out of spite. 'If Obama says he's wrong, he's exactly right for me.'
8
So what--President Trump got rid of him. The Democrats are going to whine their party into extinction--they are close to it now.
1
Nothing like well-aged whine...
Obama should have told him to hire him, let Donald wouldn't have.
Why is this news???
Obama fired the guy, isn't it obvious?
Obama fired the guy, isn't it obvious?
and Mr Trump is still tweeting about how Flynn got his security clearance in the Obama years! the buck clearly doesn't stop with this president!
3
The temp-president just keeps on giving us more and more examples of how dumb he is. But enough already, we're convinced!
4
Our president is a firm believer that "the buck stops there."
344
Yeah. "The buck stops there, in my pocket."
4
The rule for this president is when the ($) buck stops and lands in his pocket.
3
But the bucks stop here!
Old proverb: "The dog barks but the caravan moves on." Yes, we are barking but it doesn't seem to have any actual effect. Unfortunately, there's something afoot here that is much more dangerous, much more destructive, than we all seem to realize. It's silly to say that we have a "man-child" in the White House. That's simply a smoke screen , and so is all the humor and satire. It's really not funny. Can we get serious about this?
15
The former President had difficulties with a number of high officials including two Defense Secretaries and several generals. President Trump became aware of Flynn's Russian contacts, which President Obama knew about but failed to warn his successor about. Trump tasked Pence with questioning Flynn about the contacts and fired him when it was confirmed that he lied. If he had fired him sooner than the two weeks it would have been said he flies off the handle.
1
Let no one imagine any of this is normal, despite the appearance that it is 'business as usual' in America. The absence of basic dignity or grace is the least of our worries concerning this self-dealing White House and its Republican enablers.
13
Wondering if Donald Trump consulted with jared and Ivanka on any aspects of Flynn's role in the campaign, transition or administration. Who besides Donald Trump was a fan of Flynn?
Scott Spicer's press conferences are not informative.
Scott Spicer's press conferences are not informative.
7
Of course Trump hired him any way. He knew perfectly well about Flynn's contacts, because they were at Trump's request. How much longer are we going to dance around this before we find out why Flynn did things that the dumbest person ever to work in the DIA wouldn't do?
10
Well, if like Ulysseys told the Cyclops, Obama had told the incoming President that Flynn's real name was 'No Man', one only can wonder if our Mr Trump would have then been so anxious to have gotten this toxic individual aboard his own ship of state? And no, Donald Homer's Ulysseys didn't win the Civil War...
How deep is the denial of this current White House?
--The Senate, House, and FBI have ongoing investigations on Russian meddling/Trump ties.
--Obama himself warned Trump in person against hiring Mike Flynn during their 90 minute Oval Office meeting before Obama left office.
-- Flynn had been dismissed under President Barack Obama as defense intelligence chief. Removed from his job.
--So Trump can't blame Obama.
--Acting attorney general Sally Q. Yates warned the Trump administration in January that Flynn could be compromised from ties to Russia. This followed concerns among Obama officials as to Flynn.
--And Obama himself told a close adviser that the FBI, investigating Trump associates’ possible ties to Russia for about six months, was mostly focused on Flynn.
--That Flynn was employed as an agent of a foreign power was either ignored or unknown by Trump/Pence. So how much vetting did they do?
--It was early on that Flynn said he would talk if given immunity.
Are these too many facts for Trump's mind to process?
--The Senate, House, and FBI have ongoing investigations on Russian meddling/Trump ties.
--Obama himself warned Trump in person against hiring Mike Flynn during their 90 minute Oval Office meeting before Obama left office.
-- Flynn had been dismissed under President Barack Obama as defense intelligence chief. Removed from his job.
--So Trump can't blame Obama.
--Acting attorney general Sally Q. Yates warned the Trump administration in January that Flynn could be compromised from ties to Russia. This followed concerns among Obama officials as to Flynn.
--And Obama himself told a close adviser that the FBI, investigating Trump associates’ possible ties to Russia for about six months, was mostly focused on Flynn.
--That Flynn was employed as an agent of a foreign power was either ignored or unknown by Trump/Pence. So how much vetting did they do?
--It was early on that Flynn said he would talk if given immunity.
Are these too many facts for Trump's mind to process?
8
Obama is too classy to go on Twitter and blast one out saying, "Hey, Trump, I told you so!"
But he doesn't need to say it. He told him so.
But he doesn't need to say it. He told him so.
7
The current President is completely unsuited for the job. The current President is a clear and present danger to all Americans. Every time he speaks he is lying. He should be reined in at the minimum. He should be constitutionally removed from office at the best.
The only way to get him out of the office legally is to flip the House and the Senate. Find your candidates for the 2018 election and begin supporting them NOW. Let us position ourselves to control or remove the man we currently have in office.
The only way to get him out of the office legally is to flip the House and the Senate. Find your candidates for the 2018 election and begin supporting them NOW. Let us position ourselves to control or remove the man we currently have in office.
14
My goodness gratious why should an experienced and knowledgeable man like Donald Trump, who is an fine judge of character take the word of a defeated enemy, a weakling and a loser who he had slandered for over seven years? You can’t trick a trickster or out lie a master liar. What me worry? No one knows more about what’s good for Trump than Trump and what’s good for Trump is
what's good for America. Right? RIGHT?
what's good for America. Right? RIGHT?
7
Apparently Trump believed Obama forgot to take that "Buck Stops Here" sign on the Oval Office desk.
2
When is 45 going to take responsibilities for his own actions? The blaming game is getting tiresome!! What a spoilt child.
7
He will not admit any mistakes as long as he has followers who believe him to be more infallible than the pope!
Why would anyone think that Trump would listen to an advice from a black man?
10
That Obama's misgivings stemmed from Flynn's mismanagement of D.I.A. rather than Russian contacts is written in this article almost as if it were an aside. This, on the very day Yates is expected to testify about Flynn's Russian contacts. I can only conclude that the Times sensationalist headline is intentionally misleading. The Times knows full well its readers' bias is well anchored by the time it gets to the substance of the article, treated as a minor qualifier - that Obama's concerns, expressed to Trump, were regarding management abilities and predated Flynn's Russian problem with the ambassador.
By doing this, the Times lowers itself to White House standards.
Shame on everyone.
By doing this, the Times lowers itself to White House standards.
Shame on everyone.
"I can only conclude that the Times sensationalist headline is intentionally misleading."
My god, do you really think so?
My god, do you really think so?
Hey NY times you would hold a little credibility if and when you address our President as President and furthermore Obama is NO longer president. Get over yourself
1
"...Obama is NO longer president..."
Then someone better say something to him. It doesn't seem he knows. And it wouldn't hurt to tip off the NYT either,,,
Then someone better say something to him. It doesn't seem he knows. And it wouldn't hurt to tip off the NYT either,,,
Like the Times, Many media outlets have always identified former presidents by the title "President." President Carter, President George H W Bush, President Bill Clinton, President George W Bush and now President Barack Obama. It's a sign of respect for the office of the presidency, although it may be re-evaluated soon.
3
Does our Liar-in-Chief EVER take responsibility for ANYTHING?
If it is not "Obama's fault" then it is the "fake media's fault" or else he was "given that information" or he "saw it on tv".
Ugh. I am embarrassed for our country.
If it is not "Obama's fault" then it is the "fake media's fault" or else he was "given that information" or he "saw it on tv".
Ugh. I am embarrassed for our country.
9
Fascinating that President Obama, despite his stated grave concerns about Trump's intellectual and temperamental fitness, tried (gently and graciously) to help steer him in the right direction. But Trump could never accept the counsel of a man for whom he has long had nothing but a rabid and irrational hatred. This episode really highlights for me the sterling character of the leader we lost and the petty nastiness of the emperor with no clothes.
805
Very well said
4
That was perfectly stated.
In Trump's bizarre mind and way of thinking no matter what President Obama told him anyone bet their bottom dollar Trump would do the opposite.
It's sad to me that Trump is not undoing Obama's legacy because it was wrong but he is undoing it because it has Obama's name on it.
It's sad to me that Trump is not undoing Obama's legacy because it was wrong but he is undoing it because it has Obama's name on it.
295
Obama's legacy wasn't wrong, Trump thinks it was wrong because it was Obama's.
2
let's fully anticipate that the next president, a NON gop, will put things right again, and then donny's legacy will completely foolish
I don't think that's the case. Obama tried to do what he thought was the right thing to do and Trump thinks that doing the "right thing" is for chumps.
Black is white. Up is down. This is the way of the Trump Administration: obfuscate, spin, divert and lie. Multiple warnings were issued about Flynn, one coming from Obama himself, yet Trump tweets that the Flynn fiasco is all Obama's fault. Sally Yates is about to testify, and I'm guessing she too gave a clear warning that Flynn was toxic due to his unseemly connections to Russia. Not to worry, these bad facts aren't a problem for Trump and his twitter feed. Just make up a story, feed it to the base, say "fake media", and all will be well. Here's to hoping that Flynn will get immunity (remember, only guilty people need immunity, according to him and Trump), and can start to tell the whole story. Maybe now Hillary should start saying "Lock him up!"...
322
thanks for the post, its excellent
Trump's tendency to blame the Obama administration for everything that goes wrong with his presidency gets old fast. Only an idiot hires someone the previous president fired, especially when that president specifically warns you not to hire him for your own cabinet.
519
Ami : And were you equally outraged when the Obama Administration blamed George Bush for all of his problems ? Let me guess...
But that's it in a nutshell Ami. Trump is an idiot- an ignorant, incompetent idiot!
2
I guess you didn't say the same thing about Obama.
Why should anyone believe what the "resistance gang" says. They have professed, eagerly, that they are focused on overthrowing the duly elected President of the United States. They, therefore, have NO CREDITABILITY, when it comes to ANYTHING they say about what has happened, when it comes to our POTUS. Based on their goal, one MUST assume that they are slanting, obfuscating and/or outright lying when it comes to our President.
3
I think you are in a bit of a time warp, because you seem to be perfectly channeling Mitch McConnell from January 2009.....
2
Your president is the biggest liar of them all. Only the deplorables can't believe it. Now the deplorable think that the left is out to get them and their beloved leader. Is paranoia contagious?
8
You cannot be serious about this argument
With this "president" and his feeble minded staff, it is always the fault of others and they will never accept responsibility for their actions, or, the lack of action as we have seen in the first 100 days of chaos.
Just more buffoonery by twitter.
Just more buffoonery by twitter.
33
President Trump et al. are becoming the nation's propaganda network. They represent the true false information providers.
I think Trump completely disregarded Pres. Obama's input, a disregard that borders on disrespect.
And to think that this information was relayed to Trump in November and Flynn was not fired until months later-mind boggling and also quite unbelievable that Pence was left in the dark about all of this.
I think Trump completely disregarded Pres. Obama's input, a disregard that borders on disrespect.
And to think that this information was relayed to Trump in November and Flynn was not fired until months later-mind boggling and also quite unbelievable that Pence was left in the dark about all of this.
21
How true!
1
#45 cannot even spell properly. How his supporters expect him to change their lives for the better - I don't know but from the way things are going... and from the Counsel he has been getting from his Council, I wouldn't hold my breath.
18
I am watching Spicer's press conference and he is sticking to Trump's 'blame Obama' excuse. Or to put in another way...Obama made me do it ;-)
21
Clearly because he is an impetuous child who cant see reason or take a criticism to save his life.
If Obama warned Trump about Flynn and if it is on the record, for Trump to tell the American people (which is also on record) that Obama vetted him, then that is grounds enough for impeachment. So when do we begin proceedings?
13
this man is clearly breaking the law in the highest office. we need to stop writing intellectual curiosity articles about him and hold him accountable for doing everything from obstructing investigations to enrich his own bank account by refusing to divest interest. Republican Congress will obviously not do anything which makes them culpable. the people themselves need to rise
The GOP from blantant gerrymandering and tampering with voting rights and mechanisms to colluding with Russian meddling have become quite adept at stealing elections.
The GOP from blantant gerrymandering and tampering with voting rights and mechanisms to colluding with Russian meddling have become quite adept at stealing elections.
17
Repub congresspersons will not do anything until it becomes clear that continued support of DT will affect their own re-election chances. They just want to get as much of their agenda passed as they possibly can before the inevitable ax drops. DT needs to be brought down by the Repub party (face it: he isn't particularly Repub OR Dem).
Clearly a cover up of immense proportions is being perpetrated by trump himself and his henchmen. It's obvious that Putin won trump the election and expects pay back. It's also obvious that trump isn't forthcoming on what he knows and when he knew it. Most troubling is Priebus et al running interference with the FBI to thwart its investigation. And the recent ‘private’ telephone calls between trump and Putin are omenous as well. Treasonous malfeasance now looms as a real possibility.
22
Russia is Trump's Tar-Baby. The more Trump fights the investigations, the more entangled he becomes in his own lies.
15
I love it.
Apparently the only person Trump listens to is Ivanka. Trump took Obama's warning as a recommendation.
8
Obama made the mistake of making fun of Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner with Trump in the audience. When you are not nice to people bad things can happen.
1
Have you not watched the White House Correspondents Dinner?? Grilling is in the menu. Trump is just a thin-skinned baby. Likes to dish it out, but he can't take it.
24
Satire by President Obama after 6 years of trump's birtherism? And for this we all must pay an ugly ugly price
25
More accurately, Trump was the butt of well-delivered jokes AFTER he spent years attacking and trying to delegitimize Obama at every turn. Turnabout is fair play, and Trump couldn't handle it. He never can because he's a thin-skinned, man-child who dishes it out but can't take it. When, has Trump been "nice" to anyone who he didn't later stab in the back or whose acquaintance fed his ego or helped his bottomline? 45 insults people daily. He needs to put on his big boy pants and grow up.
12
"Lock Flynn up! Lock Flynn up!" [borrowed from Michael Flynn's calls of "Lock her up," referring to Hillary Clinton].
26
Trump is obviously missing a huge opportunity by not filling all those administration positions; he'd have so many more people to blame.
21
Trump TV Season One rages on. Treason is the reason. Resist
20
Hardly limited to Mr. Trump. This seems like conduct from all Republicans since 2008. That's the only play in their book, Just Say No. Oppose, delay, stall. No critical thinking, just knee-jerk opposing whatever that ... Democrat in the White House (at least he's a man) says. Seven years of "You Lie", violating their oaths of office by refusing to consider Merrick Garland, what else would you expect?
15
Nothing makes me happier than the NYT throwing some shade at Trump for not being able to spell counsel properly. His idiocy knows no bounds.
16
But as I understand it Obama is who gave Mr. flynn his top secret clearance in the first place,.. I have to call this fake news
Obama also fired Flynn and told Trump not to hire him. Call it what you will.
19
and then they took it back and fired him when it was revealed he was a kook - unlike Trump supporters, they realize when they've made a mistake and fix it - it's a called being smart and being a grownup.
12
And Trump fired Flynn as well. So what's the point.
The degree of mendacity, misdirection, and evasion out of Sean Spicer on this issue and most all others is itself a scandal deserving direct coverage. Perhaps most scandalous is the now all-too-familiar rote response "The tweet speaks for itself." Which Trump's tweets generally do. The problem is that Trump's tweets not only speak for themselves but also speak almost exclusively to themselves, to a self-contained realm, an alternative universe unhinged from reality, which is dutifully propagated for Trump supporters to inhabit, by Twitter and the right-wing media machine. What Trump's tweets speak is usually so offensive, vanity-ridden, irrational, baseless, or demonstrably false that it's actually hard to believe they mean what they indeed do say. Reporters' true question in these circumstances is "In what sensible, responsible world can the President tweets be defended?" The obvious answer - "None" - is what Spicer dodges with his "The tweet speaks for itself." "The tweet speaks for itself" should be reported not as an answer but as "Press Secretary Spicer, yet again, refused to defend the indefensible." Because that is precisely what is happening, pretty much daily.
21
Time for an other SNL Spicer moment!!!
1
Trump ran his campaign with promises of national security. He then placed conspiracy-theory proponent Michael Flynn on a national security panel, and did so against the express advice of his predecessor.
Trump said he asked for Flynn's resignation because his lies had embarrassed Mike Pence. Trump still has not shown comparable concern for the dangers that Flynn's placement posed to the rest of us.
Trump said he asked for Flynn's resignation because his lies had embarrassed Mike Pence. Trump still has not shown comparable concern for the dangers that Flynn's placement posed to the rest of us.
19
Wondering who is the handsome Asian gentleman in the elevator with Mr Flynn. Is he part of the security coverage or a lobbyist on his way to pay his respects to our President
6
He's married!
2
Ummm. Does Flynn still have clearance? Has Trump now taken the steps to remove his clearance? I can't find find that information.
12
From my experience upon departure from the position that required the clearance it is cancelled. However, the oath remains for life.
2
If that is true, didn't he lose his clearance when Obama fired him?
Every day is "opposite day" for Donald; I suppose maybe a fun playtime exercise he learned back in gold-plated preschool.
8
What shocking news! I thought Trump knew everything! Thanks again for helping make him our president. When they finally bury free speech, your conduct will be cited as the start of it all.
4
"It was revealed that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence" - allegedly!!!!
It drives me insane when I see the media repeat this. While initially it was proper to give Pence the benefit of the doubt, now that we know Pence lied about having knowledge of Flynn working for Turkey, it is a huge mistake to extend this courtesy.
Pence very well may have lied to Americans and not been the victim of a lie. When the media states this as if it were an accepted fact they do a great disservice to the people.
It drives me insane when I see the media repeat this. While initially it was proper to give Pence the benefit of the doubt, now that we know Pence lied about having knowledge of Flynn working for Turkey, it is a huge mistake to extend this courtesy.
Pence very well may have lied to Americans and not been the victim of a lie. When the media states this as if it were an accepted fact they do a great disservice to the people.
Putin likes trump and was terrified of HRC.
That is all real Americans needed to know and it is why HRC crushed the draft dodging daughter dater by three million.
That is all real Americans needed to know and it is why HRC crushed the draft dodging daughter dater by three million.
12
What would be truly hilarious is, after the investigation is complete and Flynn is charged, he cops to a plea deal and pulls trump under the bus with him.
However, before that could happen, trump will pardon Flynn for any and all crimes, Fox (not real) news will spin it as the President rewarding a faithful patriot for years of service, and trumps pathetic base will lap it up with a smile.
Finally, can you imagine what would be happening if Hillary or President Obama had done this? There would be impeachment hearings going on right now. ORGANIZE AND VOTE IN 2018 & 2020.
However, before that could happen, trump will pardon Flynn for any and all crimes, Fox (not real) news will spin it as the President rewarding a faithful patriot for years of service, and trumps pathetic base will lap it up with a smile.
Finally, can you imagine what would be happening if Hillary or President Obama had done this? There would be impeachment hearings going on right now. ORGANIZE AND VOTE IN 2018 & 2020.
13
No Clinton as President!!
1
Hiring Michael Flynn and then not firing him immediately when his lies were discovered could be the fatal mistake that doomed the Trump administration. The Trump team knew for weeks that Flynn had lied to Mike Pence, but they chose to cover it up until the facts became public.
Trump's enablers were apparently willing to tolerate a potential traitor as NSA rather than face the political embarrassment of promptly replacing him with a far more sensible choice. Rather than admit their mistake, they waited until they were forced against their will by political reality to install H.R. McMaster-who also happens to be a visionary thinker, but that's unfortunately beside the political point. Flynn's obvious lack of fitness for his crucially important role in the national security structure mirrors Trump's own dangerous incompetence.
I have little hard evidence for my supposition, but I believe that the Trump crowd's realization that if Flynn cooperates with FBI investigators, his testimony could spell the end for them has cowed the White House into abandoning most of their Russia-related schemes. The sheer idiocy with which Trump et al. handled the Flynn matter may have forced a profound shift in the administration's policies and collective outlook. Trump must know by now that he is in mortal political danger.
I am hoping for a 25th ammendment solution. If Republicans have any reasonably accurate conception of their predicament they are planning Trump's removal right now.
Trump's enablers were apparently willing to tolerate a potential traitor as NSA rather than face the political embarrassment of promptly replacing him with a far more sensible choice. Rather than admit their mistake, they waited until they were forced against their will by political reality to install H.R. McMaster-who also happens to be a visionary thinker, but that's unfortunately beside the political point. Flynn's obvious lack of fitness for his crucially important role in the national security structure mirrors Trump's own dangerous incompetence.
I have little hard evidence for my supposition, but I believe that the Trump crowd's realization that if Flynn cooperates with FBI investigators, his testimony could spell the end for them has cowed the White House into abandoning most of their Russia-related schemes. The sheer idiocy with which Trump et al. handled the Flynn matter may have forced a profound shift in the administration's policies and collective outlook. Trump must know by now that he is in mortal political danger.
I am hoping for a 25th ammendment solution. If Republicans have any reasonably accurate conception of their predicament they are planning Trump's removal right now.
11
If there were known issues why was his top security clearance not at least reviewed. Now personally I would not even pay any attention to Obama and what he might thing. Almost all of it is wrong.
1
You can't have it both ways.
You wouldn't trust what Obama says but then try to weasel out of responsibility by saying you relied on Obama giving Flynn security clearance?
You wouldn't trust what Obama says but then try to weasel out of responsibility by saying you relied on Obama giving Flynn security clearance?
7
The onus for Flynn on on Trump alone.
8
We have a belligerent, contrarian manchild in the White House, powered only by spite and his vastly over-inflated sense of self. Why am I not surprised that his reaction to Obama's warning was to bring the man on anyway.
11
"...his reaction to Obama's warning was to bring the man on anyway."
"anyway." Surely you're being kind. I believe the reason was to do precisely the opposite of what President Obama advised. This was driven not only by spite and an over-inflated sense of self, but also by sheer, whack-a-do paranoia about anything having to do with all things Obama.
"anyway." Surely you're being kind. I believe the reason was to do precisely the opposite of what President Obama advised. This was driven not only by spite and an over-inflated sense of self, but also by sheer, whack-a-do paranoia about anything having to do with all things Obama.
1
Lock him up!
LOL!!! More Trump hate by the far left who still cannot grasp why their darling did not get elected. Former President Obama made plenty of his own mistakes with appointees. But with the vast majority of the media being unrepentant leftists if very hard to get the real story.
Uhmmmm. I think a lot of people are beginning to see why Clinton lost.
3
LOL! More Americans voted for our darling than for yours. He won on a technocality but she thumped him on points. That's in large part because we did not think Donald Trump had the brains, the experience or the temperament to be a good president. Thanks to the Electoral College, he is proving our point with every idiotic "tweet."
A president of the United States who "tweets" excuses, threats, paranoid fantasies and complete fabrications. Every American should be embarrassed about that alone.
A president of the United States who "tweets" excuses, threats, paranoid fantasies and complete fabrications. Every American should be embarrassed about that alone.
4
So Obama warned Tr*mp and Tr*mp ignored him. But hey, Tr*mp's a smart guy. He told us that. And he would only hire the best people. He told us that too.
13
Isn't it obvious by now that Trump will pick apart anything that Obama did or advised, be it legislation, orders, or appointments. Trump must see this as pulling wings of a fly, petals from a daisy so he can keep count. This in retaliation for the mockery Obama caused him at the Correspondents Dinner in 2011(?) and all the things he said during the campaign. Policy matters not a whit to Trump, only getting back at all the people who ignored him (bankers and developers) and laughed at him, treating him as the dangerous joke he really is.
17
Obama should not have publically ridiculed Trump at the Correspondents dinner. This is karma. If Adolph Hitler's art school professors hadn't rejected Hitler's dreams to be an artist perhaps 50 million people wouldn't have died horrible deaths in WWII.
1
If such responsive karma existed, surely Trump would have been struck by lightning a couple of decades ago. As one commenter said: We need a god who actually smites people.
2
Well, gosh.....President Obama should have KNOWN that trump was "Smarter than EVERYONE..."
trump is a fool who refuses to understand that other folks actually do know more than he does, or that throwing adjectives out as a form of policy is a sign of stupidity.
trump is a fool who refuses to understand that other folks actually do know more than he does, or that throwing adjectives out as a form of policy is a sign of stupidity.
11
I doubt anyone is surprised by this information. Instead of making good on all his promises to make the crumbling infrastructure and jobs in this country a priority, which would help average Americans, Trump has been busy these last three months trying to erase anything Obama did and securing tax reductions for the wealthy.
I'm hoping the next Democratic president has table and chair ready on the podium after the oath of office and does the same to Trump and his crooked cronies, Republicans.
I'm hoping the next Democratic president has table and chair ready on the podium after the oath of office and does the same to Trump and his crooked cronies, Republicans.
10
“General Flynn was given the highest security clearance by the Obama Administration — but the Fake News seldom likes talking about that,” Mr. Trump said.
Memo to Donnie the Dunce:
In 2014 President Obama FIRED Michael T. Flynn, the guy you repeatedly said had your complete confidence.
Whether Flynn had a security clearance or not, YOUR ADMINISTRATION had the responsibility to vet him before you hired him.
After he was FIRED by President Obama (and I am sure you do know the word "FIRED") he did things for which he was expected to request permission and to make reports, and HE DID NEITHER of the required actions. That he was then hired by your administration means all of the events that happened after President Obama FIRED him are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to investigate.
Either you did not bother to vet him, or worse, if you did vet him, his offenses were of no concern to you. Look in the mirror if you want to know who screwed up on that one.
Best regards,
Joe
Memo to Donnie the Dunce:
In 2014 President Obama FIRED Michael T. Flynn, the guy you repeatedly said had your complete confidence.
Whether Flynn had a security clearance or not, YOUR ADMINISTRATION had the responsibility to vet him before you hired him.
After he was FIRED by President Obama (and I am sure you do know the word "FIRED") he did things for which he was expected to request permission and to make reports, and HE DID NEITHER of the required actions. That he was then hired by your administration means all of the events that happened after President Obama FIRED him are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to investigate.
Either you did not bother to vet him, or worse, if you did vet him, his offenses were of no concern to you. Look in the mirror if you want to know who screwed up on that one.
Best regards,
Joe
25
Please stop repeating the lie that Flynn was fired for lying to the Vice President. Ample evidence is available that Trump, Pence, and the transition team not only knew about Flynn's lobbing for Turkey and Russia, but condoned them. Really, the Times can do better than regurgitating the Administration's spin.
22
This article should have noted that Obama fired Flynn as head of the DIA in April 2014. The timing of Flynn's firing alone belies any claim that the Obama administration somehow condoned or ignored Flynn's later contacts with Russia.
Errr which "two former Obama administration officials"?
If Obama was concerned, he certainly kept it to himself
If Obama was concerned, he certainly kept it to himself
A mole by any other name...
3
Why does the NYT continue to report that Flynn was fired because he lied to Pence? This is a joke. Pence knew all about Flynn's conflicts as head of the transition. Pence likeky lied on the Sunday shows, something Republicans falsely accused Susan Rice if doing. Pence was warned via letter from Rep Cummings about Flynn, even if be was unaware due to negligent vetting. Flynn was fired because it all became public knowledge. I wish the Times would stop blindky reporting based on the White House version if events. They have been shown time and again to have zero credibility on issues big and small.
19
“General Flynn was given the highest security clearance by the Obama Administration"
Eric Snowden had a pretty high security clearance to access the data he did, but no one was recommending him for a key position in National Security.
Trump reminds millions of his utter incompetence for the job every day with his Twitter fingers, but at least he makes his supporters jeer.
Eric Snowden had a pretty high security clearance to access the data he did, but no one was recommending him for a key position in National Security.
Trump reminds millions of his utter incompetence for the job every day with his Twitter fingers, but at least he makes his supporters jeer.
11
This entire saga of Trump. At first we didn't want to believe. Then we saw it was a bit like Watergate. Then we saw it was worse than Watergate. The unraveling of the Trump saga now shows itself to be the worst political unraveling in many decades.
16
It was probably a bit of miscommunication. When the Obama team said that Flynn was dishonest, the Trump team probably took that as a recommendation and moved forward.
13
While it pains me to say it (and I have to say it a lot), but I continue to be shocked at the fact that we have an unhinged, pathological liar as the President of this great country. It's clear that Mr. Trump is not only a liar, but he is a racist and that is at the core of his hatred for Mr. Obama. It's outrageous that he just keeps talking like a racists FOX (FAKE) News pundit about his predecessor. I can't imagine how this man can still be in office 4 years down the road, but it seems the Republicans have no interest in protecting American's (which is their job) from this delusional man, so it's likely we will have to wait for the Democrats to come back into power in 2018. Shame on the Republicans -- they are helping this man destroy the country and their party (which may be the only good news here).
28
Bring Obama to a congressional hearing to fully state what was said in their meeting at the White House. That would clear up many questions. Expect an eruption of tweets from donald disparaging the former president as he has done in the past.
7
Harry S. Truman must be rolling over in his grave. From "The Buck Stops Here" accountability in the White House to Tweeting blame daily targeting anyone and anything that came before this administration is mind boggling.
Anyone who hires for a living knows that no matter the decisions of your predecessors once you sign off you own it. Flynn as NSA was 100% the responsibility of Trump and it was Trump who loved the "Lock Her Up Chant" that our former 3 Star General lead in Cleveland.
Mr. President, you broke it you own it.
Flynn will be your undoing likely more than any of the other immoral and unethical actions you have and will take.
Anyone who hires for a living knows that no matter the decisions of your predecessors once you sign off you own it. Flynn as NSA was 100% the responsibility of Trump and it was Trump who loved the "Lock Her Up Chant" that our former 3 Star General lead in Cleveland.
Mr. President, you broke it you own it.
Flynn will be your undoing likely more than any of the other immoral and unethical actions you have and will take.
13
Donald Trump did not attend security briefings during the transition period, apparently because he felt like he already knew what he needed to know. What could Obama tell him about security that he was willing to listen to? America has three-and-half more years of crossing their fingers that this arrogant president, who doesn't even know what he doesn't know, avoids stumbling into a disaster and putting Americans at risk.
17
Obama warned Trump about Flynn?
Well, if Obama was so concerned about General Flynn, why did his administration renew Flynn's security clearance in 2016? Flynn already had the Obama-issued security clearance when the Trump team was putting people in place, so why on earth would Trump or any of his people have any reason to believe that Obama would let someone untrustworthy have a security clearance? And even stranger -- renew it...
Well, if Obama was so concerned about General Flynn, why did his administration renew Flynn's security clearance in 2016? Flynn already had the Obama-issued security clearance when the Trump team was putting people in place, so why on earth would Trump or any of his people have any reason to believe that Obama would let someone untrustworthy have a security clearance? And even stranger -- renew it...
The "Obama Administration" could not give Flynn a security clearance any more than it could tap Trump's telephone.
The President does not control who gets a security clearance from the DIA or CIA or NSA, just as he does not control who the FBI investigates and prosecutes, or whom the courts decide to wiretap.
It remains a disturbing question whether Trump is actually this ignorant.
The President does not control who gets a security clearance from the DIA or CIA or NSA, just as he does not control who the FBI investigates and prosecutes, or whom the courts decide to wiretap.
It remains a disturbing question whether Trump is actually this ignorant.
16
The lies that Trump continues to put out on Twitter re: Pres. Obama after it was revealed that Obama warned Trump not to hire him is stunning. How can anyone trust this buffoon! Where is the republican or anyone to rein this nutcase in!!! Jeeez Louise.....
3
Hilarious. Now someone please tell the temp-president, whatever you do, don't blow-dry your hair in the shower.
5
Independent counsel now!
12
Trump wasn't about to take Obama's advice, since by then Obama was an enemy, one of "them" who had made fun of The Donald. Trump never forgets criticism, and would rather hire loyal morons and sycophants than independent people of quality.
The Trump Administration is a glaringly painful example of the perils of blind loyalty. Whether it's business management, the military or politics, the costs of loyalty are high. Leaders need people who think for themselves, and when necessary tell their bosses 'no'. Trump will never allow this, or allow an underling to garner an amount of attention that threatens his perceptions of his own stratospheric superiority.
The Trump Administration is a glaringly painful example of the perils of blind loyalty. Whether it's business management, the military or politics, the costs of loyalty are high. Leaders need people who think for themselves, and when necessary tell their bosses 'no'. Trump will never allow this, or allow an underling to garner an amount of attention that threatens his perceptions of his own stratospheric superiority.
9
Grifters gotta grift, liars gotta lie and blamers gotta blame. The Trump Trifecta. Bigly.
12
Quit tweeting ignorant comments and watching television. Try to govern. You have control of all 3 branches. If you can't with these odds you are incompetent.
8
People call Trump unpredictable, but if there's one thing we can count on, it's that he will ignore advice from people who know what they're talking about and even double down if possible.
Obama, just completing eight years as POTUS and having experience as Flynn's former boss, warns Trump not to include him on his national security team.
Trump thinks, "What the hell does a black guy know? And also Obama has said some very unfair things about him. Flynn is very loyal to me and has nice things to say about him. I'm gonna do better than make him a team member: I'm gonna make him captain!"
And this is the brand of thinking that dominates the White House today.
Obama, just completing eight years as POTUS and having experience as Flynn's former boss, warns Trump not to include him on his national security team.
Trump thinks, "What the hell does a black guy know? And also Obama has said some very unfair things about him. Flynn is very loyal to me and has nice things to say about him. I'm gonna do better than make him a team member: I'm gonna make him captain!"
And this is the brand of thinking that dominates the White House today.
7
The obvious unanswered question remains, what kind of vetting of Flynn was conducted by Pence? He was in charge of the transition.
11
It's unreal that a sitting President warms an incoming President about a person's ethical and patriotic compromising, and he just ignores it. Treason, as far as Im concerned. No regard for the American public or the country he is supposed to be protecting. It is the highest office in the lad, His judgment is impaired and he has no regard for our safety, none. Only his own profit.
Of course Obama warned Trump, which is precisely why Trump appointed him national security adviser. This presidency is about revenge and spite toward Obama, and self-enrichment and self-glory.
10
Lets keep our eye on the ball. The French election hacking is further circumstantial evidence that Russian hacking tilted our election. Its a consistent modus operandi. The numerous contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian authorities at various levels have been established as has a pattern of lying and deception about them. There is more than reasonable suspicion that, particularly considering his ignorance or obliviousness of how government functions, and the meaning and significance of law, that complicity in this affair goes all the way to the Oval Office. In my opinion that it is likely but remains to be fully examined and proven only because of the ongoing cover-up, knowing that the suspect had a good motive and opportunity, and could easily have perpetrated this offense via conspiracy. We are talking about treason, high treason, in aiding and abetting an attack on our democracy by a hostile foreign power. These are capital crimes, for which others have been executed even in just the past century. I see no humor in any of this and demand to know when MY justice department and Congress will fully investigate and prosecute what could become the greatest political scandal in the history of this great nation.
6
And where is the FBI in all of this? Do we really believe Pence didn't know what was up with Flynn? Come. On. Will Comey do his job and indict these lying imbeciles?
9
Comey does not have the power to indict. A federal prosecutor would.
1
Stupid is as stupid does...
3
Torquemada Trump (We're sending and armada!) and his duped constituency have high marks for one thing: intolerance. Trump revels in hating what America stands for. 100 days and hundreds more acting out his own greedy impulses. The man is a lightening rod for our darkest thoughts. He is our own nightmare, except he takes it down a notch. Unbelievable! Who raised this guy?
6
Trump would do anything to "spit" in the face of Obama. After the "carnival barker" moniker Obama gave him at the press banquet ( the same affair our current chicken-in chief refused to attend) Trump vowed revenge. Boy did he get it. However, he should not forget that what goes around, comes around.
8
Obama's administration didn't just warn incoming Tramp for political reasons. It's more sinister......they were very aware that Flynn had become a compromised backchannel to Russians. To wit: Obama's admin specifically kept the Tramp transition team in the dark about the sanctions which expelled the Russian spies until hours before it was announced. And surprise, surprise, there is Flynn speaking on behalf of the Tramp transition team with the Russian ambassador THAT DAY, in a confirmed communication. This will all come to light in short order, thank you Obama, you couldn't have planned a better sting operation.
7
No surprise here. Whatever Obama recommends, trump is going to do the opposite.
Trump is good at marketing and PR and good at celebrity apprentice. But we are seeing everyday how small-minded and mean-spirited he is.
Trump is good at marketing and PR and good at celebrity apprentice. But we are seeing everyday how small-minded and mean-spirited he is.
8
More people should have listened to Barack during his 8 years in office. It's why I hope he doesn't fall into the Clinton-esque give a lecture for money circuit. He should be given an academic sinecure that will allow him to write and comment on national issues. He was (and is) one of our nation's wisest leaders.
5
Yes, but was the warning tweeted?? If not, doesn't count. Unfair!!!!!
9
A parallel between Pinocchio and Donald Trump is not hard to draw. Invited to Pleasure Island, Pinocchio ignores Jiminy Cricket's warnings of danger and, after a bout of indulgence, he soon grows donkey ears and a tail with his laugh turning into a bray. This is where the story similarity ends tho' because Pinocchio is eventually saved and escapes the Island which he and his fellow travelers had all but destroyed. Unlike Pinocchio, Mr. Trump metaphorically remains on Pleasure Island and indulges his every whim from chocolate cake to castles, vandalism and meatloaf. Pinocchio was an indulgent, lying little brat who was saved by fairies and wise counsel - Mr Trump has no such access even tho' he seems to lead a charmed life.
"Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee. An actor's life for me!
A high silk hat, and a silver cane.
A watch of gold, with a diamond chain.
Hi-Diddle-Dee-Day an actor's life is gay!
It's great to be a celebrity.
An actor's life for me!" (Walt Disney. Pinocchio)
"Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee. An actor's life for me!
A high silk hat, and a silver cane.
A watch of gold, with a diamond chain.
Hi-Diddle-Dee-Day an actor's life is gay!
It's great to be a celebrity.
An actor's life for me!" (Walt Disney. Pinocchio)
3
Flynn has a story to tell and at some point he is going to tell it. The question at that point will be how long before trump resigns because he like Nixon will not wait for impeachment.
5
Trump used to claim that he would run the White House like his own business. Hiring the best people, Donald? Flynn was already known for dabbling in conspiracy theories and not getting along with others. The warning signs were there.
But Trump's staffing preferences came down to Flynn's ability to lead a crowd into lies of "lock her up!"
It was gross negligence for Trump to have ever picked Flynn.
But Trump's staffing preferences came down to Flynn's ability to lead a crowd into lies of "lock her up!"
It was gross negligence for Trump to have ever picked Flynn.
10
I'm pleased this information is released. We, the people, need to know Trump's lack of receptivity and thought to hear opposing views. If Trump had heeded this warning, it would have helped his presidency. Instead, we have had rash decisions with consequential results.
7
Of course Trump did not listen to the warnings. He has no love for this country.
10
Please, please do not quote over and over again that Flynn lied to "Mike Pence". Mike Pence was the head of Trump's transition team and the US congress had written a letter about Flynn to Mike Pence and he ignored all warnings. They are in it together.
16
It appears that Pence did, indeed, know in advance. He was not lied to.
3
These people have no shame. Sean Spicer is blaming Obama for Flynn saying he hired him to lead the DIA so "there was no need to vet, Obama had already done so." First, not one reporter in that room then followed up by stating that Obama also FIRED him in 2014. And none of them pushed Spicer to answer whether or not they actually even vetted the man. They simply moved on. Just like they do with every Trump lie and obfuscation.
18
And no one pointed out the difference between a mere Security Clearance, which thousands have, and the vetting process for a Cabinet member. But remember, these people didn't even know they would have to replace the White House staff. Heck, they can't even find the light switches.
3
Trump has shown the same pattern all his life: He blames others to distract attention from his mistakes of judgment, gross ignorance, indifference to facts and truth, and incompetence. He attacks others preemptively or from sheer malice. He spreads slander, e.g. that Judge Curiel could not be unbiased as he was Mexican, or that Obama was not born in the U.S.A. and could be a Muslim. He creates his own alternate reality either from Alt-Right sites and Fox News or out of whole cloth, e.g. his inauguration crowd was far larger than any other, his speech to Congress was the finest ever, not excluding FDR and Churchill. He also cannot spell and is ignorant of history as well as practically everything else that he needs to know (e.g. that China for years has not artificially maintained its currency at a level to encourage exports). Trump brings shame to his country and position, no matter how many ardent supporters he mobilizes by waving falsehood as his banner. His presidency could end very badly for himself and the U.S.A.
20
How much longer do we have to put up with this ignorant, mendacious clown? Please wake me when it's over.
10
You know, I don't think I believe that Flynn lied to VP Pence. We only have have their word on it, and they have proven untrustworthy. Yes Pence said that Flynn did not discuss Obama actions on phone call to Russian ambassador. But just because Pence said it does not mean that he was representing what he knew. These folks are completely untrustworthy, and could have easily cooked up the Flynn lied to Pence story after the fact. Now all the newspaper articles repeat this as though it is fact. Yes that was the reason they gave for dismissing Flynn, but we just don't know if it is true. I for one do not buy it.
11
But did trump listen? Nope.
And did bush jr. listen to Bill Clinton? Nope.
That's why we got 9/11.
republicans think they can run the world
without experts.
We are in for a very LONG ride
with a bunch of MORONS.
And did bush jr. listen to Bill Clinton? Nope.
That's why we got 9/11.
republicans think they can run the world
without experts.
We are in for a very LONG ride
with a bunch of MORONS.
14
How much longer until this curiously demented president will have to be impeached by reason of insanity?
11
i really wish you would describe Gen Flynn's firing accurately. He wasnt fired because he lied to Mike Pence. He was fired because the press reported that he lied to Mike Pence.
18
great comment, Says so much
4
I love, love, LOVE hearing this! The difference between a President and a jerk on full display.
11
It's pretty clear that the best way to get Trump to do something is to have Obama tell him not to do it. :/
6
How deep does this rabbit hole gonna be!!!
This ignorant, lyiing, inept buffoon playing at being president is a complete and total disgrace to the office, the country and the free world. When is this thin skinned, pathetic person going to STOP hiding behind the skirts of the Obama administration? I am sick to death of him blaming Mr. Obama and his administration for anything and everything. There is no one to blame for his total Incompetency but himself. As for him being elected that blame goes to those who foolishly voted for him. They are responsible for what happens to this country as long as the buffoon is in office. Hope they're prepared for the consequences because it won't be pretty. What I don't want to hear is any complaints from any of them because they have no one to blame but themselves. You made your bed so now you get to lie in it. What's totally unfair is how the rest of us have to pay for your gross mistake.
11
Trump took advice from Obama?
Barry cannot conjugate verbs without a teleprompter.
Barry cannot conjugate verbs without a teleprompter.
Ho no, fellow citizens! Not to believe lying medias! All us good American citizens, who are definitely not Russian plants disseminating misinformatsiya, are knowing that Trump is good guy and not is having anyone on team with Russian tyings! Is definitely nyet! Is not to believing before president who is lying to hurt friendly guy Putin who is also good fellow! I am just regular guy American like you, who say this for loving of America!
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Trump is so reactive you have to wonder if he gave the NSA post to Flynn precisely because Obama warned him not to. And now he's making a fuss about the Obama administration having given Flynn security clearances, which really has no significance here. Yes, he had security clearances at one time. Then Obama got rid of him and warned Trump against him.
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Key word here..."reactive". Some teenagers tend to be "reactive" sometimes. Then, one day, they grow out of it. Mr. Trump, time has now come to let an adult take care of business.
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"Trump is so reactive you have to wonder if he gave the NSA post to Flynn precisely because Obama warned him not to."
I believe it. I believe it because right after he met with Al Gore who gave his recommendations concerning the environment, Pres. Trump picked someone for the EPA who would do the exact opposite.
Trump delights in yanking peoples's chains no matter what the consequences for the nation.
I believe it. I believe it because right after he met with Al Gore who gave his recommendations concerning the environment, Pres. Trump picked someone for the EPA who would do the exact opposite.
Trump delights in yanking peoples's chains no matter what the consequences for the nation.
1
he an obtuse, vindictive child
3
So another yet another Trump attempt to pass the buck by lying fails.
Trump and his team have bypassed spin and gone straight to outright lies on everything from the most trivial to the most consequential. And for all their practice, they are amazingly inept at telling lies. they tell lies that only the incurious and gullible would believe. They must have counted on the news media to let the lies pass out of politeness or in an attempt to pretend this is normal.
Congressional Republicans, is this man worth your support and your soul?
Trump and his team have bypassed spin and gone straight to outright lies on everything from the most trivial to the most consequential. And for all their practice, they are amazingly inept at telling lies. they tell lies that only the incurious and gullible would believe. They must have counted on the news media to let the lies pass out of politeness or in an attempt to pretend this is normal.
Congressional Republicans, is this man worth your support and your soul?
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His lies worked - got him elected. He has a large base who buy such lies as truth.
5
Once a liar lies - he must keep lying to "protect" his original lie and consequence ones. And each time he gets deeper and deeper by untruths, mis-directing, changing the narrative, blaming others, saying the media who discover and report his lies is Fake News, and never admitting he can be wrong. (A lie begets more lies).
What we have here in this administration is a "Liar-in-Chief" who is supported by a cast of supporting liars who tow the line of talking points passed on to them each morning or evening. This makes them enablers by agreeing to defend the lie or because of fear of losing their positions.
This is now a huge boulder (lie) rolling down a steep hill until it smashes at the bottom, i.e., the truth.
And finally a liar must have a good memory of his previous lies.Trump does not have a good memory of what he says and does not care.
What we have here in this administration is a "Liar-in-Chief" who is supported by a cast of supporting liars who tow the line of talking points passed on to them each morning or evening. This makes them enablers by agreeing to defend the lie or because of fear of losing their positions.
This is now a huge boulder (lie) rolling down a steep hill until it smashes at the bottom, i.e., the truth.
And finally a liar must have a good memory of his previous lies.Trump does not have a good memory of what he says and does not care.
If Obama administration had such great misgivings about Flynn, why did it renew Flynn's security clearance? Record shows that Flynn was an outspoken critic of Obama's strategy or lack thereof toward beating ISIS, and Obama, like all liberals, is just saying grapes are sour.
Hypocrite.
Hypocrite.
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How's this for sour grapes? - your president is a traitor for working with the Russians to rig the election.
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Over 1 million people have security clearances, did Trump not check on his own appointees?
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Good point. But despite this fact Obama appeared to provide good advice to Trump, which was ignored. So I don't understand how any of this let's Trump off the hook for a poor decision, and one he's trying to blame on everyone else. Where DOES the buck stop? Not in this oval office.
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History will show President Obama as the foil of President Trump:
Obama was thoughtful where Trump was ignorant
Obama was empathetic where Trump was heartless
But most inportantly, Obama was careful where Trump was reckless.
History will show the appointment of Flynn to be Trump's downfall.
Obama was thoughtful where Trump was ignorant
Obama was empathetic where Trump was heartless
But most inportantly, Obama was careful where Trump was reckless.
History will show the appointment of Flynn to be Trump's downfall.
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Regardless of how Yates photographs, no one in the Obama administration, certainly not its Justice Department, had enough moral high ground to warn anyone about anything.
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Perhaps it was an attitude like that which had the incoming Bush Administration ignoring the warnings of the outgoing Clinton Administration about Bin Laden etc. It seems that opposition and obstruction at any cost and without thought might be a bad modus operandi. It's certainly bad national policy.
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And how did Trump handle Flynn's fallout? By trying to pass the buck onto President Obama, and deceitfully.
Trump's irresponsibility and duplicity are boundless.
Trump's irresponsibility and duplicity are boundless.
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It may be presumptuous for me to say this, but I can't resist..."Lock Him Up!"
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As depressing as these headlines are for our country, and above all, our national security, there is one silver lining here that at least gives me slight comfort.
The Obama administration cared about this country. Whether it be staying up into the wee hours of the morning preserving our climate data, leaving bread crumbs and disseminating information on Trump-Russia to our intelligence partners around the globe, or attempting to keep a treasonous General Flynn from a position with access to our most sensitive national security information.
All of Orangatang 45's blunders just continue to expose the patriotism of the administration of Barrack H. Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.
In the normally insincere words of rubes everywhere: Thanks Obama!
The Obama administration cared about this country. Whether it be staying up into the wee hours of the morning preserving our climate data, leaving bread crumbs and disseminating information on Trump-Russia to our intelligence partners around the globe, or attempting to keep a treasonous General Flynn from a position with access to our most sensitive national security information.
All of Orangatang 45's blunders just continue to expose the patriotism of the administration of Barrack H. Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.
In the normally insincere words of rubes everywhere: Thanks Obama!
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Looks like President Obama keeps outfoxing so-called President Trump, this is just another example of it. Obama tells Trump that General Flynn is a loose cannon and not to hire him. So what else does Trump do but hire him.
President Obama's treatment of Dana Boente seems to have been in the same vein. Obama seemingly demoted Boente by changing the line of succession at the DOJ, so-called President Trump undid Obama's action putting Boente in charge of the Trump-Russia investigation.
This appears to be a trap set by Obama, as Boente was one of his appointees and Boente seems to be taking the Trump-Russia investigation seriously, which is bad news for Trump:
http://www.palmerreport.com/opinion/president-obama-may-have-been-baitin...
Representative Elijah Cummins' letter to the Trump Transition Team is also going to be a problem for so-called President Trump. The letter asked about General Flynn's possible conflicts of interest and was dated before General Flynn was eventually appointed Trump's National Security Adviser.
So Trump is in hot water because either he knew about and condoned General Flynn's illegal behavior or worse he was so clueless that he put a compromised person in one of our country's most sensitive security positions.
Either option nicely explains why Trump has been so hot on making Vladimir Putin his BFF. Either that or the "Golden Showers" compromat tape on Trump actually does exist!
President Obama's treatment of Dana Boente seems to have been in the same vein. Obama seemingly demoted Boente by changing the line of succession at the DOJ, so-called President Trump undid Obama's action putting Boente in charge of the Trump-Russia investigation.
This appears to be a trap set by Obama, as Boente was one of his appointees and Boente seems to be taking the Trump-Russia investigation seriously, which is bad news for Trump:
http://www.palmerreport.com/opinion/president-obama-may-have-been-baitin...
Representative Elijah Cummins' letter to the Trump Transition Team is also going to be a problem for so-called President Trump. The letter asked about General Flynn's possible conflicts of interest and was dated before General Flynn was eventually appointed Trump's National Security Adviser.
So Trump is in hot water because either he knew about and condoned General Flynn's illegal behavior or worse he was so clueless that he put a compromised person in one of our country's most sensitive security positions.
Either option nicely explains why Trump has been so hot on making Vladimir Putin his BFF. Either that or the "Golden Showers" compromat tape on Trump actually does exist!
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Obama warned Trump not to hire Flynn, yet Trump still blames Obama. Talk about not taking responsibility.
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