The indictments of 13 Russians for interfering in the 2016 election are a wakeup call for all Americans who get their politics from Facebook.
Years ago I read a novel published in the 1980s called The Charm School" by Nelson DeMille. It tells of a village in Russia where prospective agents are trained to act and speak just like Americans - that means us - in order to be planted in our country just as it occurred in reality in Montclair, New Jersey not too long ago. More recently, many of us have watched "The Americans," a series about a Russian couple living in Washington DC with their US born children. The fictional Russian couple conducted high level fictional espionage while controlled by fictional higher level Russian agents also living as Americans.
Yesterday's indictment lays clear that Russian interference in our elections is not fiction or "fake news" and it is not a figment of the imagination. Russians injected their agenda directly into our national conversation through the internet and personal conversations with some "unwitting" America assistance. Russian money flowed.
Did the Russians do this with America help? The answer seems to be yes and this story has just begun.
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Message to Goodman: Trump isn't stopping Mueller from doing his job.
So far though, the only evidence we have of anyone disrupting our democratic process in 2016 was the DNC tilting the nomination toward HRC and away from Sanders. The only administration that stood by and did nothing while Russia tried to interfere was Obama's. The only campaign that used Russian sources to discredit their opponent was HRC's (paying for the Steele dossier). The only president who has stated Russia isn't a threat was Obama. The only candidate in 2016 who had taken money from Russian sources for favors was HRC (Uranium One -- money to the Clinton foundation, speech money for Bill).
9
Another 13 "witches "identified. The hunt for traitors now continues and is getting closer and closer to Pennsylvania Avenue.
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MAGA - Mueller Ain't Goin' Away
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Where is a statement from Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan? Oh yeah they tucked their tail between their legs and slithered out of DC so they wouldn’t have to face any music on the school shootings in Florida-These cowards have done nothing to help this country against Donald Trump’s rampage against democracy-
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This American has been awake since the appointment of Mueller. Its obvious that trump has been conspiring with the Russians since the 90's. The oligarchs of the world live in their own world of money loyal to whatever gets them where they want to go country be damned.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
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Message to Trump? How about "message" to Devin Nunes; to every Republican? If you care about your country (which by all evidence- you do not). Get out of the way for the rest of us who do care. There are more of us than you.
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Message from Trump and Putin: Forget Mueller, Rosenstein, Wray and Sessions.
Make Russia Great Again! MRGA!
5
Can't wait to see what 20 hours with Bannon and the flipping of Gates produces.
Unfortunately, this means that america should be highly alert to any signs that Trump will provoke some major military action with possible nuclear ramifications to divert attention from the pressing Mueller investigation.
12
Not a peep of congratulation for Mueller and his team from Trump? The guilty are being exposed and Trump and family must be on the final list of Russian conspirators. Unwitting or not, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Trump's time is nearly up. He's starting to sweat not tweet.
25
This is like reading an espionage thriller. With most pages read, you do not want to stop continuing to finish reading the rest of the book. Because, the excitement is now building up.
The Russians are not our friends. They will always be our enemy. It is that country's leadership, who do not want change for the benefit of their people and country. Instead, bent on crooked ideology, and creating chaos and disarray.
As this article points out, it is not a matter of any political differences, what is important is to safeguard our democracy. In that regard, we all have a responsibility.
The indictment of the 13 Russian nationals is clear evidence of their motives. With all possibility, they should all be arrested and brought to justice. By now, our social media organizations should have systems and controls in place to identify and recognize the sources wanting to initiate publicity.
4
GOPer: Grand Old Party Embraces Russia
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The enemy is not the Russian bots and trolls; the enemy is stupid poorly educated mis-informed Americans addicted to social media and incapable of critical thinking.
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Mueller is doing his job. The president would not have been so stupid as to run if he did anything (including collusion illegal). the democrats have run with a collusion , insanity, money laundering conspiracy theory and they are wrong and false. Get over the 2016 election crooked Hellary lost.
4
The GOP tipped their hand many years ago - gangsters all. Treason by any other name...
10
At the very least, let him do his job. But if what happened was a crime, then anyone openly questioning whether it happened or not, proclaiming it to be a hoax and a fraud and sour grapes by the opposition is by definition obstructing justice, obstructing the investigation of what clearly is a crime.
6
That small ledge of legitimacy that the Trump election has occupied since that fateful day in November 2016 has now grown much smaller by means of the Mueller indictments. Soon, I expect, that small ledge will become a tiny sliver as Mueller continues to reveal the results of his investigation. As a result, Donald Trump will be shown for the fraud that he is and has always been.
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Regardless of what Trump and his associates did or didn't do during the campaign, he is now the President with a constitutional duty to protect our democracy. These endictments make it clear that our democracy is under attack. It's time to either step up and do the job, of step down and get out of the way. Unfortunately, as a man of such diminished character, I doubt he has the integrity to do either.
23
Mueller is safe for now and has been for a while. Not for lack of trying. Trump is certainly trying to dislodge him. The most recent attempt went bust when the Nunes memo fell flat and actually undermined the President's position. The entire episode was very Wile E. Coyote. I'll leave you to guess which one is Road Runner. Beep! Beep!
No. Mueller really only has two things to fear at the moment. One is a miscalculation of the timing and pace of his public revelations concerning the investigation. If Trump panics, he's liable to behave like a cornered badger and do something rash. The other possibility is a Republican landslide in 2018. This outcome seems unlikely at the moment but the election could get ugly. We also have election meddling to worry about. If things go south for Democrats, there might be enough political clout to force Mueller to a lame duck conclusion on the other side of the election.
I'm not sure how Mueller plans to address either eventuality. For the time being though, so far so good. We're moving right along.
4
Trump, the WH and the GOP are not going to let Mueller do his job if it means the loss of the presidency. They all know the game will be over if they don't dirty it up. It is this behavior that yells I am guilty and it has been around since before the primaries. There are always voters to support such people, just look at the choices made by those in other dictatorships. When things don't fit your preconceived ideas, bend them until they do fit. That is how you can live with yourself and others like you. Mueller could have the smoking gun and tons of evidence, but Trump voters will never believe any of that.
9
As an ex-Pat living in Canada, I am always so disheartened to read comments that seem to ignore so much that is obvious and now-even when it was unanimously said to be earlier in 2017-and then again by National Security leaders this week in public testimony- is absolute fact. What are you thinking? Why can you not grasp this? trump, sadly, is a con and dupe-as a private person and now as President. I hold the Rep/GOP responsible for turning a blind eye and enabling this person trump. Whatever your politics, he is-in my opinion -a low, despicable human being. Again, human, selfish being who will hold his interests-monetary or otherwise-far above a nation-now grieving yet again. I am sorry for the country and fear it will take a long time to recover.
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Mr. Goodman cites the attacks on Rubio and Cruz as evidence that the Russians were not focused solely on Clinton but sought to disrupt the election generally. But what do Clinton, Rubio and Cruz have in common? They were all serious challengers to Trump. That the Russians attacked these three shows a specific determination to help Trump become president by weakening his rivals, not just an attempt to promote general disruption.
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The entire goal of the GOP is to destroy the democratic system.
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It’s very clear to many Americans that the 2016 election was far from fair and that the resulting presidency is corrupt and illegitimate. And all the administration’s appointees, starting with Mike Pence, are fruits from a poison tree. Until we are rid of the corrosive crime syndicate running our government into the ground, we are in great peril as a nation.
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Who would you rather see and hear on TV articulating national political strategy--Rod Rosenstein reading criminal indictments drafted by Robert Mueller of Russians charged with interfering in our elections, or Steve Bannon?
I applaud Rosenstein and Mueller for restoring due diligence and due process in the rule of law over Bannon for deconstructing our government.
We need Positive Train Control to help prevent train wrecks, and Positive Brain Control on the part of every voter to prevent unwitting submission to subversive propaganda.
4
Wake up call? Really. I seem to remember that Mueller's investigation revealed that those nasty, brilliant Russians spent a whopping $200,000 to 'disrupt' our pure elections. Whilst the Dems paid Perkins Coie at least $1Million for the 'Russian' Steele Dossier, and the Democrats and Republicans, collectively, spent nearly $2Billion on the 2016 Election. Ha, those Russians are very good, and cost efficient!!! I bet each Party, through independent consultants, is secretly contacting those Russians for best practices ahead of the next election.
5
Fascinating that once upon a time in America, Russia's hatred and fear of a candidate for our highest office made that candidate a shoo-in. Hillary Clinton was Putin's worst nightmare. He preferred someone naive and pliable and without experience or knowledge. He got that person. The tragedy is ours.
7
Trump knew and approved. Trump has cheated at EVERYTHING his entire life, and he's totally in hock to the Russians up to his fake hair.
Trump is a thug who never, ever in his life respected or accepted rules and shrieks like a mashed cat whenever he's forced to accept them.
He WILL fire Mueller and Rosenstein one way or another and will roll the dice that Ryan's Congress won't impeach him....but November is coming.
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Message to The New York Times: You mean like you and the rest of the Fourth Estate are not doing their jobs? It wasn't Russian collusion, er, meddling, that is the story here. It was Americans spying on Americans for craven political purposes. You have been obfuscating the dots for a readership that doesn't seem to care. If President Trump and his political cronies were doing 10% of what President Obama and his henchmen and women did in the run-up to the 2016 election, you and the rest of the MSM would be up in arms with banner headlines. Remember "All the President's Men"? How about a 2016 update, "All the President's Men and Women"?
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Ouch! Sounds like another "whaddabout the other guy", Concerned. When you make those charges, it would be helpful if you supply facts.
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Exactly: Hunt Obama, Lynch, Comey, Rice, NSA, FBI down and put them in jail for crimes against the citizens. Corruption replete in the swamp.
Where's J. Edgar when you really need him for integrity in government?
Total collapse coming soon?
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Message to Fox News: Let Mueller Do His Job
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“President Trump and some of his most loyal supporters on the Hill must let Mr. Mueller and the F.B.I. complete the task.” While I agree 100% with this statement, it is much more likely that Trump and the corrupt, collaborating GOP-controlled Congress will only intensify attacks against this existential threat to their power and money. We need an out-of-the-box, Hail Mary play to save Mueller and Rosenstein, to push for Senate investigatory hearings on why there is no Presidential leadership actions on 2018 election sabotage and for the Senate to pass emergency legislation to fund election security. We need a play like 2 brave and courageous GOP Senators going Independent caucusing with the Democrats ***NOW*** to flip control of the Senate to get these 3 actions going. Dare the Senate GOP to filibuster, the House to block it and Trump to veto it. Senators Flake and McCain, please go Independent to save our country rather than staying GOP that enables GOP collusion with Russian sabotage! You will actually save the GOP from its embrace of Trump! You have absolutely nothing to lose and our country’s eternal gratefulness to gain!
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Even if you had been half drunk and only half awake for a couple of hours yesterday you would already have known everything in this article. A recap without the box score.
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At what point does Mr Obama say he he was wrong about the Russian threat and seek out Mitt Romney to apologize for his smug comment.
This started in 2013.... Who was asleep on the job and how could they miss this?
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Trump International Money Laundry. References available.
Just try to stop Mueller. I dare you, Bigly.
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Many Times readers will leave comments here. But so what?
Your comments here do nothing.
HAVE YOU CONTRIBUTED TO A DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL COMMITTEE? How much?
I've asked this question in the NYT comments a number of times, bit only once has anyone replied "Yes." Not FROM you.
If all you do is comment here without contributing some real money to the Dems, YOU DESERVE MORE TRUMP.
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Just How "Black-Mail-Able" is Donald Trump ?
After All, Isn't that what having Security Clearance is ALL About !
Mr. Mueller was absolutely Brilliant in his crafting of the Russian Indictment.
He is clearly a very strategic chess player. . . and having the Assistant AG deliver the news - "Delicious" !
The FOX Zombies have been brain-washed that this whole Russian Interference in one or most precious rights: Free Elections - as a hoax as sold by Donald Trump . . . the very same Con-Man who stirred up nonsensical lies with his Birther movement declaring Obama a non-US-Citizen !
Sure, those Zombies who give the "president" a 40% approval rating may "still" not face the truth about the 2016 election -
BUT -
FINALLY - America is Now FORMALLY ON RECORD with these Indictments:
"Russia Has Definitely Interfered in our 2016 Election - They are currently active in continuing their work to disrupt our Democracy, and they will continue to do so".
Mueller was very clever to state that; "Americans may have UNWITTINGLY participated in aiding the Russians . . . "
The Trumpians have not had their savior directly named or attacked.
The more Trump denies this FACT - the more Guilty he appears !
Who Cares where the Cash came from to pay off the Porn Star !
The Big Point is that "some incident happened which is harmful to the Trump Brand - that hush money had to be paid !
Clearly, Trump IS very Black-Mail-Able
WHAT DO THE RUSSIANS HAVE ON TRUMP THAT TERRIFIES HIM !
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A "wake up call"? You're kidding, right? The stuff Mueller uncovered is exactly comparable to the the low-level static that U.S. spy agencies have been pumping into foreign elections/politics for over 70 years. Talk about a complete nothingburger!
3
The Russians are coming, The Russians are coming! Wait, they are ALL READY HERE!
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It's very difficult for me to see Trump's actions as anything but treasonous. He may be so stupid he cannot tell treason from abiding within the law; but that is no defense.
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And just what job is he doing? Counter intelligence? -HA!
A whopping 13 Russians! And they spent 1.25 million a month -crumbs! Mr. Mueller has spent tens of millions more investigating 13 Russians.
How about the 30 million illegal immigrants from South America, some of who are illegally voting, and trying to pressure and intimidate our government representatives into giving them citizenship. Talk about trying to meddle in our elections! And they are sucking our treasury dry while doing it.
At least the 13 Russians are spending their own money, no doubt hiring and paying unwitting American citizens, and buying goods and services in America with their $1.25 million monthly budget. And what did they accomplish? Nothing! Mr. Rosenstein said they did not influence anything. Shut this farce investigation down, now.
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30 million from South America?
I totally agree.
Ya can't through a rock these days without hitting a Brazilian or Chilean.
Not to mention a Columbian!
But I think it's more like 200 million of them.
The good thing is they all have NRA memberships, so they support that worthy organization. I read that in an email so I know it's true.
Anyway, stay safe on Halloween this weekend!
(Yeah it's tomorrow night - I think it's the South American version)
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This is a pointless article.
Despite all the rumored (in the left leaning media) that Mueller is under imminent threat of dismissal, there is no EVIDENCE to support those rumors.
There has been no dismissal paperwork issued. Period.
So, just stop, already....
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Gee, indicting 37 Russians seems like a waste of money. Is wasting money part of the program to "Let Mueller Do His Job"?
Alternatively, if this all started in 2014, what investigation is taking place of Obama officials for sleeping at the switch during this period? Should there be a clean-the-house mass firing of embassy officials in Moscow who slept through the past 3 years?
What about the NY Times' Moscow bureau? What were those journalists doing during this period? What did they know and when did they know it?
1
Time for Paul Ryan to fire Devin Nunes.
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President Donald J. Trump addresses a joint session of Congress one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor: “December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy, because of fake news about an attack. Nothing to see here folks. There are some very fine people in the Japanese Imperial Navy.”
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Putin, KGB mastermind/Machiavellian control freak. Trump, 3-card Monty dealer/game show Cheeto in an orange wig. (Think "art of the Deal") Election cooking, bloodsport for Putin, no big tweeting deal for Trump. Small wonder Trump kowtows to Putin, he gave him the election.
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Message to Mueller. Trump won fair and square. Finish the investigation into fake Russian collusion and lets get on with cleaning up Obama's epic 8 year mess.
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Mueller is guarding us against the Russians while Trump golfs in Florida. If Trump fires Mueller, he should be immediately impeached. His inaction regarding the Russians borders on treason.
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These indictments are just more proof the Russians wanted Trump in. The same questions remain... Why? ... Why does he protect them at every turn? Why did they hire so many Russia people. Manafort, Flynn? Why all the meetings and than lying about it? Why the meeting in the oval office with Kremlin spies? Why are the Russians seen at many campaign stops? .... It's seems so obvious that this President has and is working with them. To what purpose ?????. Nick Kristof last week in his op-ed had a nice big timeline list of lies, distortions, questionable activity concerning the Russians, and he even left out a few.... He, Trump doesn't even understand it, but it is treasonous activity. How bad, we'll see.
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I wonder what our friend Nunes is going to work up now
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"Americans who aided and abetted the Russian attack"... - Must I remind you that the punishment for that, is death.
Ex parte Rosenberg
This is the biggest(in scope and consequence) criminal case ever in the history of the United States and it involves at the core, a president... wow, just wow.
2
every day I wish I could be inside Bob Meuller's brain.
I smell money laundering charges coming in the months ahead....Trump Organization loves Russian money.\\\And from Russia with Love comes the $$$$
Don Junior said it best,.....we don't need banks we have plenty of Russian money...
"“[I]n terms of high-end product influx into the United States, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets; say in Dubai, and certainly with our project in SoHo and anywhere in New York. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia." DJT Junior..
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Time for a new plaque on the oval office desk:
"The (laundered) ruble stops here"
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The prosecution conceded already that no election results were changed by any of this alleged interference. Period. Nothingburger. White noise. Hillary Clinton simply lost to one of the most unpopular candidates ever.
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What goes unsaid is that the Russian's were essentially mimicking Fox news in exploiting stupid Americans. Fox news is apparently legal - I don't know how we teach American's critical thinking - I don't think Betsy DeVos is going to be of much help here.
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Help me Obi Wan Ke Mueller. You're my only hope.
1
Throughout our nation's history, at times when we were threatened, we had presidents who rose above matters and took charge, responding positively to the problem. Pearl Harbor is an excellent example., but there have been many others. 9/11, the sinking of the Lusitania, various assassinations, epidemics; there are many examples that come to mind.
Now we cans see that out democratic institutions are being attacked at their very core, and our fearless president has begun, as usual, with "It is all Obama's fault." I am sure that it is only a matter of time before Hillary is accused. The man is fixated on the idea that his election may be proven invalid, and maybe it should, but our founding document, the United States Constitution provides no legal remedy.
The only solution is for our cowardly leader to take the burden on his shoulders and stand up for the rights of the American people instead of totally focusing on himself. Can his ego and paranoia permit it. I have little confidence that he can.
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If proven that Trump has, or has had,illegal ties to Russia that could have been found and proven via his tax returns, perhaps it is time for all presidential candidates to reveal their tax returns. Think of the taxpayer money (billions?) that has been wasted investigating this imposter of a president.
2
This points to a bigger problem. Americans--and any person around the world who spends any time on any kind of 'device--has willingly allowed themselves to be tracked, recorded, influenced, sometimes robbed, and has given anyone who wants it access to their most public and most private desires: we even give up our fingerprints! (This last one I can't believe). This is a world the Stasi could only dream of: we have come accomplices to fascism, we are every day moving closer to a world which is ruled by people who want to manipulate us at every turn.
4
In the year of Trump, peopled with the craven smallness of Nunes, McConnell, Ryan, Huckabee-Sanders, Grassley, Hatch and their colleagues; the comical and buffoonish Secretaries of Treasury, HUD, Commerce, etc. and the dangerous anti-science zealots at the EPA and Dept. of Interior, the country is fortunate to see the true face of honor in Mueller and his team.
Rosenstein, by appointing Mueller and subsequently demonstrating his independence, appears to be making amends for his poor performance in the Comey firing. I also applaud the FBI and its leadership for immediately noting their failure to interdict the recent school shooter, who should never be named or photographed to enhance his publicity/infamy. An unexpected mea culpa and will to transparency totally out of character in Trumpland.
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Just how deep does this "influence" go? And were the beginnings before 2014? This could not be more disturbing. Hopefully the reasons for these indictments will disturb the entire country. Furthermore, my hope is that we will see some true statesmen and stateswomen in our Congress begin to stand up with ferocity of law and patriotism.
1
Naturally Trump reacted to indictments with "me,me,me" rather than outrage and concern for the future of democracy, and a will to do something to reject interference.
2
More of the same from Trumpsters -- remember when Trump told us that Putin assured him there was no election interference? Remember when Trump told the truth? Ever? Why the cover-up and lying about Russia connections?
6
Mr. Mueller’s indictment of Russians involved in cyber attacks on our electoral process provided powerful evidence of why Russians want to destroy us: in no other nation in the world could such an investigation take place. Mueller and his team have given us a stark reminder of how our democracy’s legal system works even in the face of denial by our chief executive and criticism by many in our legislature. Mr. trump and his Congressional enablers hold office only temporarily; our system of justice and those who serve it will continue.
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This news is stunning. We all knew for a while that Russian operatives were infiltrating but now there is proof, and the proof is mind boggling. About the time this started I had my identity stolen. In September 2014 I got a call from a credit card company questioning my application for credit. I had not applied and upon further investigation I learned that someone was trying open several accounts including a T Mobile account, all in my name, using my birthdate and social security number. These spies also set up three Facebook accounts in my name. I’ve done what I could to shut it down, but only partially since I have no cooperation from Facebook. Muellers investigation is incredibly important to help America step up our protection from cyberwarfare. And Trump should lead the charge now that we have irrefutable proof. Trump may be a fake president, but the least he can do is be an honorable American.
1
Russia has been funding political causes in the US for decades. From the Nuclear Freeze movement in the 1980's to anti-fracking protests more recently, the USSR and now Russia has supported domestic US groups whose policies align with Russian interests. No surprise to find their fingerprints all over anti-Hillary sites, anti-Trump protests and Black Lives Matter postings. Anything to cast doubt on the electoral process and sow division. What is different now is how many in the media are willing to do the same.
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Excellent analysis. Thank you.
Prof. Goodman, I certainly support and echo your encouragement. But I fear you have fallen into the low expectations trap with this president. The president we want (and sadly do not have) should not merely "let" Mueller do his job. He should "help" Mueller do his job.
An elephant in America's room is our media, and their influence on our elections.
Rather than allowing cable to call the results with the help of computers, which have been compromised by Russian Intelligence Officers.
It is past time to stop Russian influence in their tracks: Go back to paper ballots.
If our news agencies and social media corporations are upset that they were unable to call the shots, too bad, Dudes. If weeks are required rather than nanoseconds to count the vote: good. These are jobs that many Americans need and would be thrilled to stop Facebook and ABC news from once again controlling the narrative of our elections.
1
The Russians have implemented an act of war against this country.
Americans must demand that Trump implement the Congressionally mandated sanctions today.
3
All those Republicans claiming these indictments clear Trump are in for a rude awakening. These indictments are not the end, but merely, as Churchill put it, the end of the beginning.
As a former intelligence official, with some knowledge and expertise in these matters, Mueller has won a major IW (Information Warfare) victory. The debate is no longer "did Russia impact the elections", but "What did Trump and his people know". If I'm right, expect more indictments over the next several weeks or months, this time of Americans, probably including Trump campaign people and or family members directly or indirectly linked to the indicted Russians, or their superiors.
2
As much as I want to see our so-called "president" impeached, far more important in the longer term is securing our electoral process. Obviously, we can't count on anyone in this administration or Congress to help in that regard. So, I'm making a personal appeal to Fox News, the only megaphone most Trump supporters hear: Stand up for democracy and put the country before profit, for God's sake!
5
yes, let Mueller do his job. We don't want outsiders interfering in our electoral process. I don't particularly like the fact that our government, through the CIA, has been meddling in foreign elections for generations.
That said, since when did Americans become so gullible and so like sheep that they mindlessly believe the nonsense on the internet, Facebook etc. When did Americans become so incapable of seeing through this nonsense? Is it the Fox phenomenon of being exposed to opinion passing itself off as news? Is it the "reality" television phenomenon where entertainment passes itself off as reality? When did we get so dumb that we must protect ourselves from outsider election meddling?
The answer, probably, is that Americans have been dumb and sheepish for a very long time. Our very own politicians, propagandists and marketers count on it.
3
"Informational warfare" is an expression with potentially grave legal consequences . Treason is tied to aiding and abetting the enemy during wartime. Is Mueller dangling treason charges ? Even those who have pled guilty can be charged with additional crimes.
Mueller is ex-military and Trump has surrounded himself with his "generals". I think Mueller is warning the generals of the extreme threat that is Trump.
Asking Trump to let Mueller do his job of investigation is like asking a criminal to pay for someone to investigate their crime.
4
Time to thank the non-voters, third party nihilists, and "independents" of Michigan, Pa., and Wisconsin for granting Trump his electoral victory. 77,000 voters turned the world inside out because they couldn't bother to THINK.
4
Americans have enough problems with unprecedented congressional dysfunction without further erosion of our institutions by Russians or anyone else. I have faith that Robert Mueller's investigation will be thorough and honest. Yes, let the chips fall where they may. I don't believe Trump has anything to fear from a man of Mueller's integrity, if he is innocent.
2
Why shouldn't I conclude that Ryan Goodman is in bad faith? Or is it Mueller?
Listen to Goodman. "Mr. Mueller is reportedly keenly interested in Russian agents’ offering “dirt” on Mrs. Clinton to campaign associates of Mr. Trump."
So why isn't "Mr. Mueller ... keenly interested in Russian agents’ offering “dirt” on Mr. Trump to campaign associates of Mrs. Clinton"? What is the difference?
Why the deafening silence about the Steele dossier bought and paid for by Clinton which included salacious tidbits about Trump? By his silence, Ryan Goodman has made himself an accessory to this fraud. I can only conclude that Goodman and the Times are downplaying the story because they know it blows their conspiracy theory about Trump's collusion with Russia out of the water.
Admit it. The evidence so far shows that the Russians were trying to create havoc. It does not point at collusion.
3
Trump and his boys may not be very bright, but they are smart enough to know that letting Mueller "do his job" is an existential threat.
2
The election can now be regarded as illegitimate. tRump is a fraud and should be removed. If Republicans don't do it, Dems will. Let's get him outta there, so we can start on the corruption of the vp dence.
2
Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes but lost the electoral college by very slim margins in three states. It's logical but hard to prove that the loss of those few votes in three states could be very likely due to the Russians massive efforts to smear Hillary. If so we have an illegitimate president and Vice President currently squatting in the White House. The writers of our Constitution sadly never foresaw such a travesty. What is the remedy?
6
My suspicion is that Robert. Mueller is dealing with only one side of the same coin for now, the Russians who are involved in this drama ….. and he will likely deal next with the other side of the same coin, Trump and his team.
Robert. Mueller: Continue to move ahead on your work … the world is waiting with anticipation.
3
I am afraid that the Trump world finds the Mueller indictments one more step climbed to their big Nothingburger Party.
Mueller's investigation can not educate the GOP government nor the public of Fox News Machina. People like Nunes in the House are far too 'gone' to listen to fact. And the Hannity crowd is crowing with justified glee that this is 'all' Mueller came up with!
There are 2 worlds living in America today. Two separate bodies of facts and truths do not and can not penetrate the wall that has been built between them.
It will take a bomb like event to make that wall crumble.
Trump may never get his Mexican wall but he can claim all property rights to having built the wall of division in America today. On a daily basis, Trump lays new cement and bricks to make that wall higher to save himself and hurt America.
3
When will we see the press compare what the Russians did to what the Koch brothers are still doing to negatively effect American democracy? They have been at it for many years, but because it is "legal," it is treated as if it is invisible. The money poured into our elected representatives' campaign coffers by our own ultra-wealthy people and multi-national corporations makes $1.25 million a month look like chump change. Our current system of campaign finance allows large corporations and rich people, who have more money than they even know what to do with, to legally bribe our elected officials to influence those elected officials to enact policies opposed by a plurality of our citizens. This is why we cannot have gun control, net neutrality, fairly drawn electoral district maps, etc.
5
The Koch Bros may be right wing subversives, but they are OUR subversives...
or something.
1
The president will resign before the embarrassment of having it revealed how badly he and his family are leveraged by foreign debt, and that his financial situation is in reality underwater.
2
While is it still said that the interference did not change the voting results? What we see is a social media campaign of unmeasured consequences. The intent of the Russians seem to have been to create chaos and organize for Trump. Maybe they did not see beyond that but knowing that the margins of victory for Trump in key states was slim can anyone be sure it was not the result of the interference? Of course one reason Mr. Trump hates the Mueller inquiry is that he so afraid it invalidates his election and maybe he should be afraid.
17
After this investigation has wrapped, will a wiser, more discriminating American public investigate the media’s reality-show coverage of this spectacle? Red flags should be the language: alleged, possible collusion, it is said, it is believed to be, sources say. Are these sources the reporters themselves? A more cerebral public should hold media more accountable - especially a public that claims it decries fake news.
3
Finding folks like Donald, Jr., and Jared Kushner in the Trump campaign who are arrogant and ignorant is a dream come true for Russian infiltration. It's easy to see where the "unwittingly" comes from. However, in the president's case, it was knowingly obstructing justice in the memo he dictated to justify his son's stupid act meeting with Russians.
18
Message to Trump: Let Mueller Do His Job. Then we'll impeach you.
20
“impairing, obstructing, and defeating the lawful functions of the government through fraud and deceit for the purpose of interfering with the U.S. political and electoral processes, ..." This perfectly describes the Trump/Republican administration. Trump has appointed cabinet members whose sole job is to destroy the agency they are responsible for. He has repeatedly insulted and demeaned Democratic leaders ("Pocahontas,"), has lied and lied about the path he and the Republicans are taking (huge tax cuts are to stimulate an already high performing economy and will benefit working people), fosters and supports hatred and violence ("really fine people"), and calls actions to protect our country a witch hunt. And the Republicans are with him all the way. Hurry before we find ourselves so divided and destroyed we cannot recover.
12
An important point about letting the public know if these Americans were "unwitting" - it speaks to the competency of the organization. Unwitting may preclude them from being indicted legally, but it should force them to be indicted in the court of public opinion.
6
I might think many of the "unwitting" were marching on the streets of Charlotte.
1
America gets yet another "wake up call." And, yes, we need it. Implicit in all of this are people in positions of power and whose actions, or lack of, have serious consequences for our country that fall under the term, "unwittingly." Let's add a vast populace who are gullible because their attitudes and beliefs are essentially shaped by 30 second assertions in the news media. And, oh yes, misinformation, disinformation and various levels of interference in other countries only come from Russia et al, right?
4
"It should be all too real to Americans, what the costs are for our democratic system and our national security if public servants like Mr. Rosenstein, Mr. Mueller and the F.B.I. are delayed or disrupted in their mission."
We are in bondage to leaders who do not believe in a democratic system, nor in the Constitution--but who believe only in winning the next election for themselves.
12
Anyone who could concoct and run a phony University, which ripped off average Americans of tens of thousands of their savings (that's right Trump supporters - search the phony Trump University) is probably capable of any underhanded, fraudulent activity. Not to mention his real estate dealings, that will come out too.
The guy is a criminal.
And, criminals conspire with and coordinate with and cooperate with Russian criminals.
Triple T baby.
Traitor Trump is Toast.
10
Consider this:
POTUS believes this is an illegitimate investigation. , driven politically by a deep state of craven opponents. When do the pardons get issued? to the Russians?
3
Prof. Goodman - ya think President Trump will let Special Counsel Robert Mueller do his job? If so, I have a bridge in lower Manhattan to sell you. In view of Donald Trump's loud insistence that "The Russian Connection is a hoax", "a witch hunt", a Democratic plot against him for beating Hillary Clinton out of our presidency in 2016, he is the greatest threat to the United States of America since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. The greatest threat since the Revolutionaries dumped British tea in Boston Harbor in 1773. Since the Southern American Slavery states seceded against the Union 1860-61 and fired on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, and lost the Civil War (1861-65).
Prof. Ryan Goodman, it's no news to us today that Donald Trump's "Russian Connection" is not a hoax. That it's real as rain. That there is now evidence of collusion between Trump's administration and the Russians in some manner that will be brought to the light of day by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and Rod Rosenstein, U.S. Deputy Attorney General. We are facing an unimaginable catastrophe as a nation. And as the Emperor Hirohito said to the Japanese people in 1945, after the US destroyed two of his cities with Atom bombs - "we must endure the unendurable". We can only pray for courage and truth and strength to defeat what President Trump has represented for all of us in America since he started his calamitous run for our Presidency years ago.
9
Trump says the indictment proves there was "no collusion". I thought the Nunes memo vindicated Trump? Robert Mueller is no Deven Nunes but it still helps.
2
Perhaps the problem is not that President does not let Mueller do his job but that the Times and its fellow ravelers in the media - with their relentless attacks - do not allow the president to do his job. Not a day goes by without these pages being filled with attacks, vitriol, innuendo and speculation about the White House. For the Times to demand that Trump lay off Mueller is clearly the pot calling the kettle black.
2
Mueller in a criminal prosecutor, and Trump is a lying criminal. Each is acting exactly as you would expect.
5
Do not be surprised if Trump seizes on this indictment to fire Mueller by suggesting the investigation has concluded by identifying the bad guys i.e. The Russians , and cleared the "unwitting" good guys i.e. the Trump campaign. It will only get much much worse for Trump here on out , especially if Gates flips as expected , and he can manipulate this indictment and Rosenstein announcement to the satisfaction of his base.
These indictments do not change anything: Putin still has his man in the White House. Putin also understood that Ryan and McConnell would protect Trump and never lose this opportunity to eviscerate entitlements and cut taxes for their wealthy benefactors. Putin understood that Trump and the GOP were just as greedy and corrupt as him and his oligarchs.
3
Grassley, Graham and all the other Republicans attacking Mueller, the FBI and Christopher Steele are entering the realm of accessories in complicity against the United States along with our so called President, Donald Junior, the Trump Campaign staff, Nunes and Sessions.
10
God Bless Mr. Mueller and his cadre of lawyers! I am so grateful to him for the outstanding work he and his team are doing as well as the news publications such as NY Times, LA Times and MSNBC Rachel Maddow, Andrea Mitchell, Lawerence O Donnell, and Ari Melber for all their work following this web of deceit. Hold on to your goodness the light of truth is a powerful disinfectant.
Now what is the safest way to vote in 2018?
Thank You to all the patriots out there who have been ceaselessly and quietly without thanks been working to save our democracy...thank you. I have been watching and praying and paying attention. Carol Way, Ph.D.
5
These indictments should effectively put an end to any attempts by Trump to fire Robert Mueller. But knowing Trump’s bizarre need for self destruction, the possibility still exists.
3
Any self respecting parent would advise their child to accept their mistakes and learn. Our great genius president, like any self respecting adult, ought to say something along the lines of "I'm human and made mistakes but I love our country and our democracy so much that I can not allow it to be maliciously tampered with so, regardless of the consequences to me or my family for our unwitting behavior, Mr. Mueller and his team must continue to pursue their investigation for the GOOD OF THE COUNTRY."
3
The indictment of 13 Russian nationals in which we are told that some Trump campaign associates cooperated with the Russians "unwittingly" serves two very useful purposes for Mr. Mueller. First, as noted in the article, it once and for all destroys the myth that Russian meddling in our election is "fake news" and gives Mr. Mueller new license to continue. Second, by saying that some Trump associates unwittingly participated does not mean there may not have been those who participated with full knowledge. But it might lull somebody like Trump into a false sense of security who will now be more inclined to "let Mueller do his job."
3
...'"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you'll be able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,"...
Do we all remember this remark from Trump during the campaign, spoken as he looked straight into the camera?
Not saying there was collusion at this point but it certainly looks like encouragement from the man who still has to enact sanctions against Russia.
13
Given these latest developments, any further resistance by trump or the republicans in congress to the FBI doing a thorough and complete investigation of all criminal activities (whether by foreign agents or Americans) must be taken as a sign of obstruction of justice, possibly of treason. The dominoes are starting to fall faster, and trump and the republicans must have long ago seen that the trail leads too close to home for them to let them maintain their current hold on power. At this point, they may 'unwittingly' not understand the damage they are doing to democracy and the US.
2
It's not an easy project, trying to comprehend trump's avoidance of criticizing Russia and its obvious intervention into our politics. It's even more perplexing when you realize his refusal to uphold his spoken vow to defend our country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic waivers on the edge of treason with regard to Russia. For me, the only conclusion I see is blackmail. In view of his multiple shady deals and failed business he has accepted bailouts from from both Russia and other party's involved in money laundering. Once he stepped over that line, he ceased to be an American.
5
I am amazed that this is news to anyone. The Russians have been involved it this type of activity all over the globe for many years. The US has been involved in this type of activity in Central and South America for decades. The the use of social media has just made it easy and more effective. The US is at a disadvantage in this process as it is very hard to influence a Russian Election. We should try to keep the influence at a minimum but we will not win this war with the Russians.
1
The real tragedy in this whole fetid business is that tens of millions of Americans undoubtedly fell for the idiotic nonsense these Russian operatives were pumping out - and so did our big ticket right wing cable news outlets like Sinclair and Fox, along with lunatic 'media' like Breitbart, Limbaugh and Alex Jones. So did a number of our homegrown fruit loop politicians, like Messrs. Gomert, Sessions, Meadows, Jordan and their ilk.
Pizzagate. Benghazi. Email server. Uranium deal. Clinton Foundation. Parkinsons. You name it. The saps swallowed it all hook, line and sinker. And the opportunists cynically picked up the ball and ran with it. Does no one recall Trump's public invitation to Putin to 'go find those emails'?
If Fearless Leader didn't 'collude,' he certainly knew something fishy was up and happily stood by and reaped the benefits. And unless Roger Stone and Donald Jr. were holding seances and palm readings to get their information, there are far too many instances in which it appeared both had prior notice of the next wave of hacked DNC internal communications. Too many coincidences equals it wasn't coincidental at all. They were tipped off.
Hand it to the Russians. They saw the raging pandemic of stupid sweeping across the American 'heartland,' and they played it. Like any predator, the Russians picked the feeble out of the flock. Let's face it, their strategy worked. Trump won; the Russians won.
8
Here is the problem with this investigation. By suggesting and attempting to legitimize accusations by appointing an individual to make indictments for trolling on the internet is essentially giving the US government legsl access to deride the voters of our nation. To use an Olympics analogy, the Russians changed the rules several times at the end of a basketball game against America in order to win. This investigation smells more of Russia than America. We voted for Trump, regardless of how much garbage Russia put on the stupid Internet. Americans are smart. We can sift through the stench to find the truth. Stop deriding us.
2
Do you suggest it's OK to break our laws? And that we should not prosecute the perpetrators?
3
An "individual" did not make indictments a federal grand jury did.
2
Your point is clear as mud. Perhaps you should run for congress?
2
What's not mentioned here is Trump's son or son in law trying to open a back door to the Kremlin.
3
I was brought up in the 50's, where I spent some time under desks waiting for a nuclear attack from Russia and we executed a American couple for for being Russian agents. Admittedly, that was over the top fear, fueled by a politics that exploited our fears. Having said that, we now have evidence of a purposeful strategy to disrupt our democracy and our executive and legislative branch are purposefully trying to dismiss this foreign invasion as fake news or the mechaniations of the deep state. Russia in effect has declared war on our society and our democratic form of government. Instead of spending billions on walls and aircraft carriers, we need to get the smartest people from silicon valley in a room and let them loose on Russia and bring in Mark Zuckerberg for a back to Jesus meeting. Our constitution is strong, but, it grows fragile everyday we allow the Russians free rein over our media and political campaigns.
4
Mr Mueller is still boring within this Russland affair which has been conceived and organized from the previous US government. I hope this stupid campaign against Mr Trump is going to stop someday then behind all these calumnies there is absolut nothing to discover!
2
The indictments document released by Mssrs. Mueller and Rosenstein should be made the focus of special courses for every student in every school in America -- not just to put the Russian "fake news" into perspective but to drive home the unreliability and duplicity of social media in general. Perhaps doing so would help lessen the polarization in our society.
2
They don’t teach civics or government in public school. Though they teach math it is taught poorly. I doubt most high school students could name their own U.S. Representative, or their state representative and senator.
1
These charges are tactical genius from Mueller, deflecting attention away from Trump collusion for now... The real bombs will drop later.
2
Russian Collusion: Trump is impotent
Guns/NRA: Trump is impotent
Two of the biggest concerns in this country. This president is weak, powerless, and woefully derelict in his duty.
5
Trump is a self admitted dirty street fighter. Of course he’s going to try to do whatever he can to thawrt Mueller.
It’s obvious that Trump will not do anything about Russia’s interference in the US elections. Putin probably gets a big belly laugh watching Trump squirm.
Maybe Trump will take on Russia after he releases his tax return.
Doesn’t anyone know if there are legal places to bet that Trump doesn’t talk to Mueller under oath?
This man is a liar, and a cheat but much worse he is a traitor. He stole the election with the help of Russians and easily fooled unhappy Americans... I wish I could say Hillary was a saint... she was a poor choice as was trump... and we got stuck in the middle. Good grief this will not end well.
1
This Gambino style roll up as a multifaceted hydra has an analogy. It brings to mind the classic turducken without equal.
Alexandre Balthazar Laurent Grimond de la Reynier’s “rôti sans pareil” the roast without equal—The Manafort and cohorts engastration are part of a larger dish stewed in a hermetically sealed pot in a bath. The final roll up to include 20 layers, 17 of them birds, and a grand total of 18 creatures.
The last component is a burnt Cheerios colored garden warbler stuffed with an olive. It’s name is: Sylvia borin subspecies trumpensis.
This dish is slowly cooked over a fire for at least 24 hours.
1
First of all, it is clear now that the Kremlin is not our most dangerous adversary. No, the two most dangerous sit at either end of Pennsylvania Avenue in our nation's capital.
Secondly, put yourself in Trump's place after Mueller's indictments of yesterday. He now knows that Mueller's team has hard evidence of election tampering. But he is also compromised, knowing as he does that Russia holds markers on him, his family, and long-time associates, and he knows that if he does what his oath of office requires Russia will collect. He is in a terrible bind, one that fully explains his increasingly erratic behavior. And I expect it to become even more erratic in coming days.
Thirdly, as John McBride said in his earlier comment, a recent article in The Atlantic describes in excruciating detail Manafort's shady dealings spanning decades, including his early and deep association with both Lee Atwater and Roger Stone. Yet Trump named Manafort his campaign manager, not despite but specifically because of that history. Despicable characters all.
In a functioning democracy, one with a non-derelict Congress, any one of several Trump actions would be more than sufficient grounds for his impeachment. As it is, we're headed for a constitutional crisis. How that plays out is anyone's guess. But it will absolutely determine the future of our democracy.
27
Somewhat reassuring that the treasonous efforts of many of the Rs in Congress to distract and trip up investigation proceedings may now be muted or muzzled.
Will it be harder for Trump to be the pupeteer for Nunez and others like him? Think so!
8
More than a year about Trump 'collusion' with the Russians in the NYT. What I now can read is about some Russian individuals who did some nasty things, like identity theft. But WHERE is the collusion? Not a word about it. All that energy lost.
3
Gunter, Mr. Mueller and his staff are just getting started.
Have some patience; work on your attention span; it will be rewarded.
19
It's not over yet. First, prove it happened then find the enablers.
Gunter,
Last summer we learned that Jr., Jared, and Manafort all had a meeting with Russians to get "dirt on Hillary Clinton". They SHOULD have contacted the FBI when the offer was made. They went to the meeting instead. When Gates gets his plea bargain arranged, there will be three former Trump staffers cooperating with Mueller. I think there is time for plenty of collusion to be exposed.
1
Could you at least make it a message to Trump, Ryan and McConnell? Last I heard they weren't exactly putting a stake in the ground here. How come its always Trump, Trump, Trump? Its like he's some form of immaculate conception or something. The real culprits here are the Republican House and Senate. Even Saint John McCain has voted with the President 83% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight. But then he's a loser and not-a -hero right? Or maybe he just forgot that whole thing. Or it was all in good fun. Or something.
19
John McCain has also received 7.7 million dollars from the NRA, the highest of any Republican I believe. Marco Rubio 3.3 million. Etc. And who has been funnelling money through the NRA? Putin and his buddies.
It's not just Trump. It IS the Republican Party which is also owned by Putin.
We are just at the beginning. We've had the Prologue and now we're into Act 1, Scene 1. And it will play out. It's Shakespearean. And Shakespeare takes a long time. People used to make a 'day' of it, take their picnics and watch an all day tragedy or comedy unfold. Our play will take a lot longer. But it will, at some point, have an ending. I predict four long acts before the end.
5
If Russia's goal was to disrupt the U.S. and sow discord, they certainly have succeeded. The Trump Cabal has broken the record of dividing this country, with the support of the GOP Congress. This interference with our election is way more devastating than Benghazi and Emails, but we don't hear much of anything from the GOP leadership. How anyone can vote for a Republican is beyond my comprehension.
254
There is "unwitting" and there is "witless." I suspect many at the GOP grassroots level were unwitting. However, witless is likely a more apt description in the cases of Nunes, Manafort, Flynn, Gates, Papadopoulos, Donald, Jr., Kushner, and the philandering Donald, himself.
23
I've been writing a daily letter to my Congressman, Rep. John Culberson, to speak out and take action against this foreign threat to our democracy and what have we heard back, crickets. With each day passing, I've concluded that the non-responsive is a passive-aggressive acceptance of Trump's Russian overlord and is unacceptable . Why waste money on a wall for national security when the GOP has given the keys to Vlad and Ivan and leaves the backdoor wide open by means of the NRA. The only parade that Americans deserve is one marching these collaborators, heads shorn, legs shackled, arms holding signs - No Hoax - down Pennsylvania Ave. Let Devin Nunes lead the parade.
26
Trump is facing a stark choice: "I was an unwitting tool of Russian agents or I plan to remain an unwitting tool of Russian agents." Other choices: "I am a Russian agent and should be impeached and imprisoned," seem outside the acceptable.
8
Actually, the "other choices" would be acceptable and appropriate to me and many, many other Americans!
1
Here is another choice he faces... "I am the lawfully elected POTUS by the only standard that matters. I will serve the American People and route out the trash that has been building for many years in D.C. per my promise."
Americans don't do wake-up calls very well. We have a succession of incidents of slaughter by guns; we send thoughts and prayers, and carry on. We blundered into Afghanistan, and we're still there, and are assisting the recruiters of terrorists who are intent on killing us. Our political leaders preach personal responsibility but display the opposite. Christian leaders preach Christ and morality... well, why go on? Many of us want to see America get on a better track, and we'll do what we can to ensure some success in November. But that alone would not be enough. The viruses of selfish greed, sectarian bigotry, and arrogant ignorance are in the bone marrow of too many: rehabilitation is a long road. Meanwhile, our denier in chief leads a cadre that denies that the will of Americans was distorted in 2016 by our pals in the Kremlin. Oh yes, let the chips fall where they may, but dealers Ryan and McConnell have locked away most of the chips.
12
Donald Trump is the greatest threat to the United States of America since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. The greatest threat since the Revolutionaries dumped British tea in Boston Harbor in 1773. Since the Southern American Slavery states seceded against the Union 1860-61, fired on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, and lost the Civil War (C.S.A. called it "The War Between the States" - 1861-65). Not news today, Mr. Trump - that the "Russian Connection" is not a hoax. That it's real as rain. That there is now evidence of collusion between Trump's administration and the Russians in some manner that will be brought to the light of day by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and Rod Rosenstein, U.S. Deputy Attorney General. We are facing catastrophe as a natiion, Folks. And as the Emperor Hirohito said to the Japanese people in 1945, after the US destroyed two of his cities with Atom bombs - "we must endure the unendurable". We can only pray for courage and truth and strength to defeat what President Trump has represented for all of us in America since he started his calamitous run for our Presidency years ago.
18
Let us never believe that The Donald will do the right thing. He will surely continue to deflect and obfuscate. The man has no morality - this is, in his tiny mind, another affront to his greatness.
The Donald does not need the help of America's enemy to win an election, indeed.
Do you think that the gravity of this will ever sink into the minds of the 37%? Do you imagine that any will wonder just why Putin so feared Hillary and was so eager to elevate their man?
7
I am baffled by the hysteria over Russian meddling -- accepting as I do that it occurred. We have a long and storied history of interfering in the elections of others -- including those of Russia's then-infant effort at democracy. Even the Times covered the ways in which we intervened to help Yeltsin win. One of iran's pretexts for anger towards the US was our having participated in the overthrow of Mossadegh. We also intervennnd in Chile, and Obama personally approved over $700,000 of Smericnan funds to undermine Netannyahu's re-election.
So fine: indict, complain, do as we wish. But cut out the moral posturing.
And why hasn't the Times, our greatest newspaper, covered this story in its proper context? Is the edtiroial borad's hatred of Trump so rampant that failed failed to report the facts of our history?
5
History does not lie. Nor does it make us comfortable. But it does not dictate that we should allow such interference as it now seems by any foreign entity to contort our democracy.
1
You're trying to fit a round peg into a square hole, Allan.
2
What's wrong with this logic:
We now have hard facts that Russian Federation has attached the United States, financing and implementing criminal activity to undermine our government within our borders.
Why doesn't the Congress declare war -- cyber war, information war, truth v. propaganda war -- against the Russian Federation. Not a news release or speech, but a good old fashion public declaration of war, accompanied by money and authorization to defeat this enemy on his chosen battlefield.
If the President does not lead this effort in the defense of our country, then he clearly is not doing his constitutional job. His inaction in the face of the Russian attack is treason.
This President and Congress must be taught the difference between real facts and actions in the world and alternate realities in their words.
Enough is enough.
133
Just how many Americans have to die in a nasty war with Russia? When did Democrats become warmongers? A war over 13 Russians who failed to influence our elections? Really?
1
I agree, "enough is enough". Please stop writing liberal nonsense. If this rose to the level of a war in your mind, I can only imagine that real aggression would rise to the level of nuclear war. Would you have our military nuke Russia?
No, the right approach is to be appropriate. Something liberals struggle with in their righteous indignation of... well... everything.
Sanctions maybe, trade changes maybe... but all out war against Russia? No Way.
1
A wake-up call? For what, finding a group of trolls roughly equivalent to the Voice of America?
If this is what Mueller has been spending his time on, then he's been wasting his time and our money.
His findings that there are no attachments or connections to Americans splits this away from being anything of even the remotest interest.
3
It's not like we tuned into Voice of Russia on the radio and listened to the Russians
supporting Trump for President in the upcoming election.
Sounds like you've been listening too much to Hannity, Nunes and the "No Collusion" chants from the grifter in the Oval Office. Or maybe your name is really Boris and the farm you're trying to save is in St. Petersburg. Mueller is just getting started. Next you'll see an indictment of the hackers who stole Podesta's and DNC e-mails. Then you'll see an indictment of Trumpies who conspired with the Russians. Trump himself is too dumb to be a Russian agent. He's "unwitting" in indictment lingo or, as Lenin would say, a "useful idiot" for the Kremlin. But eventually you'll see the bald spot on his head as the impeachment door slams him on the way out of the White House.
1
This stuff has gone on for a long time. During the past Israeli elections, Obama sent in political operatives trying to unseat Netanyahu. How much would you like to bet that he also engaged in cyber attempts to tilt their election? And do you suppose we are not engaged in destabilizing Russian society?
3
Spot on, Len. Well said. We do the same thing all over the world. I wouldn't doubt if we lead the way on this stuff. Is it right... no. But it's not easy to stop governments from doing what they do.
2
Wow. It is getting pretty close.
Maybe now is a good time for a nuke war with N. Korea.
End the Olympics with a big bang.
That will grab the headlines for Trump.
I am sure McConnell and Ryan won't object. They never do.
Make America Great Again.
4
If Russia had actually been able to get into the voting booths and to change people's votes, that would be cause for great alarm. But buying ads on Facebook and anti-Hillary ads in the newspapers seem almost childish. The liberal media continues in their campaign of news exaggeration.
2
We just recently found out that they did get into 27 states' voter registrations. Supposedly no proof that anything got changed. But my daughter, along with several friends, registered to vote in Palm Beach Country and on voting day they were all denied. Supposedly their names were not on the lists. I would have made a stink but she didn't know what to do and just walked away. One person being denied, ok, maybe a glitch. Four or five being turned away? Something's up with that.
And, of course the Russians would want Trump to win Palm Beach County, now wouldn't they? It would be embarrassing to lose Mar-a-Lago's neighbors votes.
3
Your post is very worthy, but you underestimate how dumbed down American people have become.
It's bad enough that Americans consistently undermine our own process with propaganda and credulity. Why on earth are we happy to outsource the propaganda to the Russians?
I do not expect that we will find a clear tie between the campaign the the people who actually bought ads, created fake news, and posted content on Facebook meant to divide us. Did you see memes and get annoyed about the War on Christmas? Those were Russian posts. So were the posts supporting Black Lives Matter AND the posts undermining it with Blue Lives Matter.
Indeed let Mueller finish, and let's get it out in the open. Because we need to know who is trying to influence us, and we need to stop being such a collective group of bozos that it works.
5
Thank you Robert Muller for stepping to plate and defending us against Russia's criminal attack on our 2016 election. It is obvious that the GOP control legislative branch is not willing to step-to-the-plate!
7
I'm not sure I like the language used in the press release. That Americans were "unwittingly duped" into helping the Russian Intelligence tilt the election toward Trump give he and his minions an easy out. He's already tweeted that since the operation started in 2014 he is innocent and there was no collusion. Russians, like past American Administrations are experts at this. The only difference is we stopped participating in this activity after the cold war. Hannity is already claiming this exonerates Trump and of course, points at the Democrats and Hillary. He never talks about Don Jr., taking the meeting with Russians in Trump Tower and never references Roger Stone, Jared, Manafort or others like Flynn or Gates. He sure keeps Fox News watchers uninformed so the seeds of doubt have already been planted. And then there's Jim Jordan, Devin Nunes and other Trump train congress cohorts including Ryan and McConnell who have sold America down the river long before the Russians began their manipulation of our system. Their continued attacks on the FBI and the judiciary are aiding and abetting the Russians and are a detriment to democracy. I know FBI agents and their political positions don't get in the way of their oath of office. I just don't have confidence that Trump will be removed from office as a result of his or those in his orbit engaging in treasonous behavior. We've been infiltrated and Mueller can't save us. But voting in November can and hopefully will.
4
Is Hannity one of those unwittingly duped, or was he 'unwittingly' duped?
One has to wonder why he and his cohorts at Fox News continue to be one of the main disseminators of fake news to Trump's base. They can't claim to be uneducated, they must have the same access to information as the mainstream press here and everywhere else in the world.
Perhaps he's Putin's puppet, or maybe he just lies because he can.
2
An easy out exists because... SURPRISE... there was no collusion from President Trump or his team. LOL Get over it already.
Congressman Nadler last evening suggested what the Russians have been doing since 2014 is an existential threat to America and therefore it could be compared to another Pearl Harbor. And what is Trump's response in light of these indictments? Total silence. What if FDR had done nothing - had never said Dec 7 was a day that would 'live in infamy'? What if tens of millions of FDR's countrymen and women, when presented with the news of Dec 7th, had said 'fake news'? We wouldn't be having this discussion.
5
I am simultaneously deeply satisfied and deeply bothered with the latest set of indictments issued by the Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Deeply satisfied because he and his team have done a fantastic job thus far. They have kept their heads down and pursued this investigation with a single minded focus on uncovering the conspiracy. And that too in the face of a series of attacks on their integrity by none other than our own POTUS.
Deeply bothered because the indictment shows how easily many Americans are swayed. Much of what the Russians did was to send out fake news (yes Mr. President, they are the ones sending out fake news) via social media platforms. And many Americans bought that hook, line, and sinker. It shows how uneducated and gullible we are. It bothers me that many read something on Facebook or Twitter and the first thing they do is send it to a list of friends without bothering to verify its veracity. And that is deeply bothering.
What is the solution? I don't know what the short term solution is, but in the longer term, there is a crying need for improving and enhancing our educational levels. Let us stop being impressed by the latest introduction of a new taco; instead let us take joy in our scientific and technological achievements. Why not recognize the winners of the Westinghouse Science challenge just like any other superstars? Then, and only then, will our nation progress.
11
A good start would be for every real news source to have a reporter assigned to the Fox News beat, regularly and routinely debunking the sludge dispensed by Hannity and Fox and Friends. We have ridiculed them for so long, we missed the very real disinformation campaign they were and are waging.
2
This Editorial should be read by the president, Devin Nunes and the Republican party, his base and Fox News. Robert Mueller may be all that's keeping America from being annexed by Vladimir Putin as was the Crimea in 2014.
Unlike Watergate, which was, in its execution, a "third-rate burglary", America has already been victimized by Russia, "unwittingly" or not. The president's son did not "unwittingly" meet with the Russians in June of 2016 to collect dirt on Secretary Clinton, he was all in and wholeheartedly participated in a meeting that promised to bear fruit for his father. The word "unwitting" should not give aid and comfort to the president or his supporters.
The president should closely monitor these developments in the Oval Office he so desperately wanted to occupy instead of going to his Florida palace this weekend for golf and relaxation.
The US is under attack from a foreign power. Now is the time the president should reach out to the intelligence community he unwisely antagonized and alienated just hours after he was sworn in last year. He needs hourly briefings and updates and input from the FBI instead of harboring resentment towards the Bureau.
5
Great idea but sadly the Potus doesn't read. Nunes is totally corrupt and the majority of rest of the GOP only speak up for their 'principle' when they are about to retire or leave office. Case in point, GOP Rep. David Jolly
1
what's the end game here? Mueller keeps his cards close, but this was such a massive investigation and all those senate and house "classified briefings". there were and are people in the know. we better hope they are patriots who believe in democracy.
2
If Donald Trump tries to fire Robert Mueller, watch for a march on Washington that shakes the ground and wakes up Abraham Lincoln in his chair. (Yes, it will be even bigger than the biggest inauguration crowd).
6
Not just in DC, watch for marches nationwide. I have my sturdy shoes, my umbrella, my pink hat, and my American patriotism fired up and ready to go!
2
This is not about partisan politics. This is about the national security of the United States, and it is also about the security of our political system. Time to wake up, America!
6
So after fifteen months of "Russia hacked the election!" and "Trump Russia" collusion" Mueller indicts some Russians who bought ads on Facebook. In 2014. Really?
About that second team investigating the "hacking" of the DNC during the election. We already know what happened there. Podesta got phished and gave out his password. Was it the Russians? Maybe, but who cares? The voters got to see behind the curtain the campaign of a woman who should never have been nominated. In fact, the DNC had to rig the primary system to make sure she would win the nomination. Where's the outrage on that one?
But at least we now know this was all just a ruse to excuse Hillary's loss. The President has been vindicated. He doesn't need to fire Mueller. It's obvious the investigation is going nowhere.
2
The opposition should hope for Trump to fire Mueller. Then the Republicans will have to tip their hand.
Why? For in spite of the Republicans ruinous behavior in the past dozen or so years, there has to be a rubicon one shall not pass when the masses have come to their senses. What if America had become a truly lemming nation (with apology to the real lemmings)? Then all hopes are lost. But I truly can't accept America has come such a long way not learning a single lesson in history about the human heart.
So, Mr Trump, go ahead, do it! And see what McConnell, Ryan et al would do. And see what Faux News would do.
8
Still going with the leftist rumors about firing Mueller?
Trump? What about the GOP Congress?
The GOP could pass legislation to protect Mueller from Trump, but they will not.
The GOP could be actually investigating this, but they aren't.
The GOP Congress could criticize and actively undermine the FBI and other National security agencies, which they gleefully are.
Oh, and Fox News is so complicit is every bit of helping Putin at every step.
113
Mr.Mueller and our intelligence agencies are performing heroically for the American people.They are showing us how and where we are vulnerable .This is crucial information which we should not minimize for partisan reasons.This should lead us to a road map for fair elections.Once there were Russian subs cruising off our shores and we were cautious.Now Russian trolls are trying to invade our political system.We should still be wary and cautious.
99
It is amazing and frightening that our entire Federal Government is motionless and we are being protected by a special prosecutor who may or may not survive the whims of our petulant reality POTUS.
4
Although Congress overwhelmingly voted for sanctions against Russia, Trump has refused to invoke them. Rather than defend the U.S. in accordance with his Constitutional oath, he continues to do Russia's bidding.
80
How to drive the GOP out of government and also crazy as a by product.
Elect all Democrats to the House and Senate in the elections in November 2018.
Create legislation that will nullify the 2016 election result for the Office of the Presidency.
This action will be based on collusion and treasonous behavior on the part of a cast of characters yet to be revealed and established by prosecution.
Eliminate the Electoral College as an out-of-date entity that has outlived its usefulness.
Award to Hillary Clinton the Office of the Presidency as she was the winner based on the actual numerical vote itself.
Her qualifications and experience are far superior to those of the current incumbent in the Office of the Presidency.
Justice will be served.
Trump will be served with the dismissal papers he so richly deserves.
The country as a whole can then Sleep Well at Night (SWAN) and the nuclear football will be in far safer hands ...... at last.
The freedom loving world will SWAN also and breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we have come to our senses and have established ourselves to be a viable, reliable, and valid society - ready to be a good leader once again.
Sanity prevails.
19
American voters have been there, done that. It was called the Obama administration. Other than having a weak, flawed presidential candidate in 2016, Obama and his timid approach to the job is the single biggest reason we now have Trump.
The Executive spin on this is that it vindicates Trump and his campaign. And, almost unbelievably - the White House now seeks to move on and 'protect the principles of our institutions' - oh, like the FBI - the DOJ - the EPA ? That's got to be good news - what changed?
If the White House genuinely think this marks the conclusion of the Mueller investigation - they could well draw insight from Winston Churchill: "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."
28
History has a way of exposing the nefarious and elevating the heroic. Robert Mueller will be remembered as a great hero and patriot.
66
When has Donald Trump ever deferred to anyone when he fired people he wanted out of the way? Never. The noose is tightening around Trump's neck with the indictments of the Russian operatives. Trump, who views Putin as his ally and Mueller as his enemy, is now in panic mode and it would be astonishing if he doesn't fire Mueller. If that comes to pass, even his sycophant GOP minions in Congress couldn't have his back any more.
12
I fear you might be optimistic thinking we would reach a point at which the GOP would feel obliged to do the right thing. That point is farther away than Alpha Centauri. Ryan, McConnell and the rest of the junta will supply the usual grimace and furrowed brow and get back to work giving foot massages to the Koch’s.
5
Remember how Whitewater had the Clintons squirming? Media are soaking the American public with what could be possible- not necessarily what will be.
1
No sooner had the indictments been published that the alternative force (Trump tweets) weighed in with the "no collusion" argument, feebly supported by the Russian effort ramping up prior to his announcing his candidacy. The problem is twofold - there's what the Russians did, and there's what Americans will believe. Hopefully most Americans, even those who might fervently wish that the truth was otherwise, or prone to excuse or dismiss this sad chapter in American history, will come to believe the truth in all its unvarnished discomfort. Only then will we be able to move forward together to have some semblance of what this country should really represent, as opposed to the lack of integrity that was manifested by the Russians and others for whom that virtue means nothing.
13
Mr Mueller goes about his investigations with eyes on all directions, all paths. Senior officials, past and present, of the Trump administration, are flipping at a slow but steady pace, and today's indictments underscore the serious issues at stake. Mueller is managing the multi hydra-headed criminal activities and cover-ups with a kind of administrative genius. And yes, reading between the many lines now available to the American public to read, that meeting with the Russians and Donald Trump Jr will form one foundation of a series of criminal indictments. One giant step will come in November, when this American Constitutional democracy will be tested in the extreme. Republican stalwarts--life-long Republicans and their children--need to think long and hard about this country before they cast their votes.
24
The indictment says that the Russian defendants did this, that, and the other thing. Why was it necessary to say that the defendants "communicated with UNWITTING individuals connected with the Trump campaign"? That language is superfluous to the charges. Its only purpose (as far as I can tell) would be to bolster Trump's claim that there was no collusion. "Gosh, I didn't know what was going on. It was Obama's fault for letting it happen."
4
It would seem clear that the wording applies to that specific instance. There were, it seems quite a few unwitting accomplices. It is a virtual certainty that Mueller is not done laying out his case.There is certainly much more to come.
2
Disguised as Americans, the Russians probably had extensive contacts with local Trump campaign staffers and volunteers. They were duped i.e. "Unwitting". Mueller was telling them that they were not targets of his investigation.
I agree it could have been written more clearly as Trump and Fox News immediately seized upon it as absolution. Mueller and Rosenstein are not out of the woods.
Trump knew, and once again he keeps 1 or 2 steps removed always protecting himself.
Keep going Mr. Muller and follow his money trail. It all leads to the same destination, he is in bed with Russia.
15
Pleas to him are absurd. It's baffling that they keep coming from those who should understand who he is, and what "this" is.
1
A budget of $1.25 million a month? That's Trump change!
It's amazing what a few hackers can do without much funding, but undoubtedly the operation is far bigger than that, and (just as with the indictments of Manafort, Gates, et al.) we will find all about it if we will let Mr Mueller do his job.
Small wonder Mr Trump is acting more and more terrified every day in every way.
8
The ongoing Muller investigation must not be impeded for another reason: the public trust in the legitimacy of our hard fought democratic institutions is at stake. The actions that our democratically elected leaders take in the next two years may have an impact on the survival of the ideals of democracies everywhere for the next 200 years.
3
A wake up call for all Americans? Many of us have been awake for the past 2 years, and particularly the last year, because we can't sleep with the recurring nightmare we have in the White House.
320
I have been laying awake for over a year too. This past year has been a nightmare, I just want to wake up!!!! I knew something was wrong way back when I was reading face book posts that were totally bogus. It really bothered me too that during the campaign DJT kept calling on Russians to hack Hillary. I do not believe it was unwittingly at all, it was a conspiracy.
3
Mueller will do his job. So what? The Russians slimed us a bit in our elections. How many governments has the U.S. government overthrown? How many has the CIA murdered?
While I knew from the events which occurred during the Vietnam War—the Kent State student killings, the leak and publication of the Pentagon Papers, the theft and release of the files detailing the FBI’s domestic COINTELPRO crimes—that our government was bent, the remnants of any naive notions of American fair play were shaken off after the 1975 Church Committee reported the CIA’s overthrow of the democratically-elected government of Allende in 1973—along with the string of CIA crimes going back more than 20 years.
Frankly, I doubt the Russians changed the course of the election. But it is nice to think they did. At 61, I like to view Trump as long-delayed, well-deserved Karmic payback. I have seen hypocrisy, but the air is now so thick with it I know what it tastes like.
44
At 63 years old, how well I remember those days. I also remember the Philip Agee book documenting the attempts of the CIA to influence the elections of any numbers of Latin American govts. And, of course, as an American born of Greek parents, there was The Seven Years. Seven years of brutality imposed on "communists" by the Greek colonels who were assisted by the CIA in their coup.
I would like to think that the American govt has progressed beyond those days and those activities, but I doubt it.
5
Wow. Let's ignore the truth and not try to make things better. I'm 61 too, lifelong Democrat, went to UC Berkeley etc. etc. The US done many bad things, that's true. But our ideals have been, truly, a light to the world. The Mueller investigation and the rooting out of the corruption, divisiveness, racism and xenophobia amplified by Russian interference is something to be applauded. It can make a difference if we live up to our better selves.
incompetence that Russia
14
Not in defense of our past or present wrongs but also note that as a country we should be proud that these sores become known and hopefully corrected. We do need to honor the fact that we are an open society with citizens who speak out, a believe in the rule of law, and a free press. These are our greatest strengths.
27
Ok. So the Russians are the bad guys again after a short break in which the Arabs took their place. Fine. Let Hollywood know and we will watch Rocky 12 starring Ivan Drago's younger grandson soon. Let's just say they did all this (which, with Puting holding the joystick, would not come as a surprise now, would it?), what is the difference between this kind of manipulation and a big-companies-(legally and illegally) funded campaign? That the influencers manipulating voters' opinions are Americans? Some difference! I understand the fuss, I just do not understand why it comes so late.
11
Let's hand it to the GOP for creativity and sleaze. Just when we thought that Joe McCarthy was the pits, along came the "third rate burglary" known as Watergate.
When we were done reeling from Nixon, we were treated to Reagan's secret little foreign policy of Iran-Contra. What a neat idea!
Then, we had to endure the flag waving glories of the Bush family as it manufactured wars in Iraq, killing and maiming thousands of innocents for no reason.
Now Trump/Russia.
Give the GOP its due for an unimaginable, surrealistic house of horrors.
Finally, but not least, it wouldn't be fair to exclude GOP collaborators, all of whom deserve a shout out for selling the country down the river. Heck of a job!
242
Someday there will be a Republican president who makes Trump look good.
4
The American people had a right to know back in October 2016 when McConnell blocked Obama’s request for bipartisan support of disclosure of intelligence findings on Russia’s election meddling.
273
McConnell was still counting the Russian donations to his campaign.
5
Yes. This needs exploring & publicising.
4
What was Saint Obama, the sitting president who had possession of many facts, thinking? Apparently of saving his own already-thin legacy but certainly not the country he and his lovely wife were so proud of.
Today's events make it impossible for Trump to fire Mueller or Silverstein. The indictments prove that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. We already know that Trump, Jr., Manafort, and Kushner colluded with the Russians when they met to share dirt on Hillary in Trump Tower. And we know that Trump obstructed justice in the firing of Jim Comey. Today's events should also put the Nunes gang out of business. The investigation continues.
125
You nailed it, Jim. Assuming Mueller has evidence of obstruction and collusion by Trump or those close to him, indicting 13 Russian bad guys was a smart opening move. Mueller is now untouchable.
7
The “un-witting” ones should go to jail. I don’t care if they claim ignorance. Ignorance is no defense. They need to face the full force of the law and serve as a deterrent against future conspirators with a foreign power against our democracy.
The “witting” ones...they should be considered guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
That is the law. I am sick of not using the law. Ford pardoned Nixon because it would be good for America. Obama let Bush slide away from war crimes and charges of torture for the same reason. Not this time. Hold the republicans accountable. The rule of law means that even rich people face the full force of the law.
122
I think you’re confusing working with someone “unwittingly” with claiming ignorance of the law.
2
Boom!
Now let's see Trump find a way to speed up American amnesia to the max. Perhaps by starting or at least threatening to start a war? The bigger war the better?
21
I am concerned his Twitter finger is itching to 'go nuclear.'
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
1
Boom? More like 'Whimper'. All that money spent and they failed to influence the election. Those 13 men will never set foot in America. Their failure has probably earned them a gulag trip to Siberia, courtesy of Vlad Puitn. Or they're dead for their failure to influence our election. One wonders if that was the extent of Russian meddling.
I'm afraid your message to Trump will fall on deaf ears. Given the likelihood that he himself aided, abetted, and conspired with the Russians, I doubt he'll be eager or willing to do anything to help uncover his crimes. Nor will the Republican-controlled Congress lift a finger to aid in any investigation and/or prosecution that puts Trump, and therefore them, in jeopardy.
But while they control the government, they are not a majority, and one can only tremble at the thoughts of what might happen if he and his co-conspirators and the Russians get away with this.
60
Here is a bet, Kingfish 52. You didn’t hear it here first. They will in fact get away with it. They will hold both houses of Congress in the mid-terms — with Russian help and their usual voter suppression and vote rigging. They have too much to lose and too much to gain. Three more Supreme Court seats, which means the future of the country. They almost have it now and they will have it soon. They will do anything, and I do mean absolutely anything, to make it happen. That’s a promise and a guarantee: the Republicans will reign forever and ever and ever. Democrats will not even be recognized as a legitimate opposition. The party is over. The United States of America is finished.
5
Well, I hope you're flat out wrong. Not everyone watches Fox News exclusively. The free press is still free and the NY Times, Washington Post, and dozens of other newspapers still publish. There is NPR and PBS also. These outlets offer a variety of news as opposed to the AM talk radio stations and Fox News, which has a one or two note song over and over again.
3
I am afraid your predictions may come to pass. While the Democrats are busy concentrating on the sexual harassment issues and little else the Republicans are spewing the lies that unfortunately appeal to the many Americans who are incapable of discerning the real facts.
2
The incentives are perverse - Russian interference helps Trump so why would he want to stop it?
29
Because, um, he is now POTUS & is supposed to defend the Constitution?
1
Bob Mueller has just secured his job. A week or two ago, his firing by Trump would have been given some cover by the GOP. This is now impossible, for any firing will be seen by the overwhelming majority of the American public as not only being done for Trump's selfish protection, and protecting the GOP's social, economic and environmental agenda, but also for Putin's strategic aims against the USA. How those three are tied are rather obvious, but remain to be evidenced and indictments made. And that bears the word treason.
95
@ Ethan Bright. The overwhelming majority of the American public? You must be joking. Nearly half of the American public supports our neofascist regime. Nearly half of the American public supports a demagogue. They won’t change their minds soon. It doesn’t matter who is fired or what indictments are handed down. He can fire whomever he wants and get away with it. I could be wrong. We’ll find out soon enough.
3
DJT has known this all along so why has he consistently defended Putin and the Russians? A case is being built slowly and solidly against DJT and I think that it all centers the Russians being able to blackmail Trump. It's all going to come out.
83
Trump is so arrogant and has such an inflated sense of his "charm" and "intelligence" that he believes he will prevail in a sit-down with Mueller. Donnie has been in court many, many times. He thinks he knows how to behave.
But.... he hasn't been in court on criminal charges. He has faced other attorneys in civil court, but not a prosecutor in a federal case.
In Greek drama it is always hubris - overwhelming pride/arrogance - that brings the protagonist down.
6
The Russian conspirators and the Trump campaigners' amplification of barbaric attacks on any and all competitors during the Republican nomination process and beyond into the final campaign may be separated by half a world away of miles and political/cultural history, and yet the two converge in the extreme and verbally abusive attacks on public servants and political aspirants. The "new normal" should not be taken for granted--- the ugliness was ingested by American voters and Trump was awarded with the presidency.
10
Reuters recently reported that Trump’s poll numbers are an illusion. Polls of likely voters show him with more than 50% approval. He would be reelected tomorrow. Anybody who thinks Robert Mueller will soon be bringing him down is seriously deluded.
1
Wishful thinking.
Do you really think Trump’s going to cooperate with the guy who’s probably going to help take him down ?
10
We are in danger when Trump's ego, wealth, and potential freedom are on the line.
40
Indeed. Time for that old standby used by authoritarians: start a war (somewhere, anywhere) so the public can 'ignore the man behind the curtain.'
The Russian attack on our democracy should not be a partisan issue. All Americans--Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals--should supports Mueller's effort to find the truth about the attack, and to bring whoever aided that attack to justice.
30
I seriously doubt that Trump and his minions in Congress will leave Mueller's team alone. They have tried all means to discredit the investigation and the FBI. We just might have another Saturday-night Massacre coming. Now it is up to the senate and the congress to protect Mueller's investigation, yet I have little faith in the GOP leadership.
25
They'd like to, but I'm not sure they'd now dare. More likely, they'll use the Russian tampering ('we knew it all along' they'll now say, knowing how short the public's memory is) to claim that future elections are unsafe, and will have to be suspended indefinitely, retaining the current GOP-controlled Congress, or - better yet in their eyes - ask Trump to declare martial law until the danger is past - i.e. for ever.
Raj Shah on Fox last night insinuating that the Dems are only trying to disrupt the midterms with this latest Mueller revelation. As if this Russian "thing" is just a partisan ploy and not the deep seated anti-American crime that it is, concerning "All the People." Not just the Democrats. Shameful on Shah's part.
3
Clearly, like everyone else I don't know what evidence Mueller has. But I have to admire the mans work. The way he has outmanoeuvred Trump and the almost entire GOP at every turn. Going to pardon your way out of anyone turning on you? Fine, Mueller will work with State prosecutors so you cannot do that. Start a massive campaign to make it all look like a political witch hunt? Fine, Mueller will move from prosecuting the presidents men one by one and instead will make it obvious the Russians acted against US democracy and in so doing make any further interference look like his GOP are aiding the Russians. Even that lickspittle Ryan has had to make one of the strongest comments he's had to make in a year.
Mueller didn't apply for the job. Didn't ask for it but was (again) asked to serve to protect his country from those who would do it harm and agreed to do so. After an initial sigh of relief from all concerned in Congress, the press and the pundits Mueller has had nearly a year of people questioning his integrity and trying to trip him at every step. It's never made sense for Trumps men to do so as Mueller is one of the only men in the entire country who all sides will believe if he claims Trump and his men are innocent. It only makes sense to do so if they know an innocent claim is not coming. It is clear the GOP no longer believes this is coming.
But I can see why so many have such faith in Mueller if this kind of manoeuvring is how he conducts his investigations.
106
A powerful post and nice summary, E-J.
It reminded me at first of the storied proverb that begins, "for want of a nail ..."
But, having researched it a little, I think it's better to picture Trump bellowing,
"A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!"
And he bellows in vain.
5
Not gonna happen. The entire world knows America lost a cyber war to Russia in 2016, the result of which was the election of Donald Trump; that is, everywhere but America which is struggling to pretend it’s business as usual. It’s why the media and the Dems can’t seem to get a grip on Trump. Paradigm shift! The destruction, discord and instability that Trump is wreaking are precisely what the Russians want and have achieved beyond their wildest expectations. All they had to do was wind him up and send him out there! Is this not perfectly clear? And they will continue to back Trump and the GOP by throwing everything they’ve got at us. That is a safe assumption. The Russians know useful fools when they see them: Manafort, Flynn, Page, Kushner, Nunes and the Trumps were ripe for the plucking, a dream team. And the GOP has a veritable larder-full, primed for sleaze by the Mercers, the Kochs, the NRA and worse, the guys who forged this alliance of opportunity and backed it to the hilt to build their little Ayn Randian Utopia. The GOP has clearly decided it will take what it can get from the result, party before country. Defeat is very hard thing to admit, but that is exactly what Trump represents; every day that goes by without facing the fact that America lost when Trump won makes matters worse, because it is still going on and pride is blinding us. This is no time for parades, or polite discourse; the biggest cover-up in American history is underway
118
Brilliant comment.
5
We now know that Russia spent millions working against Clinton. We already knew that certain Russians offered a meeting to senior members of Trump's campaign to provide damaging material on Clinton. And we know the meeting took place. If collusion then at least corruption.
25
I hope we aren't so naïve as to believe that these indictments, important as they are, will have any meaningful effect upon the behavior of Trump, his cronies, the Republican campaign apparatus, or its donor class. These people are engaged in a cold war against democracy, and they will allow it to become a hot (civil) war if need be. They view their opponents (the rest of us) as unforgivably brown or as quislings, and as a threat to regulate the outdated extractive industries that keep their imperialist ship afloat. They much prefer Putin's company, given that he is of their preferred temperament and pigmentation. Today was a good day for our ailing democracy, but the threats against it haven't changed one iota. We can't rest until the autocrats' defeat has been realized.
32
At this point, it's not only the 13 (and counting) Russians who pose the greatest threat to the United States of America, it's Donald Trump.
Still in abject denial about their interference in the 2016 presidential election and still fawning over Vladimir Putin, this president has undermined the very concept of what it means to live in a free and democratic society.
That is the reason why if Mr. Trump were to take any take steps to remove Robert Mueller, in an attempt to shut down this investigation, there is nothing that would proclaim his involvement any louder.
What most Americans apparently fail to realize is that the fact that Russians are masters at intelligence-gathering, infiltration, causing dissension among the ranks and shutting down any spark of opposition.
This is no hoax. This is a fact.
And anyone who has ever spent any time living in a Soviet Sektor will readily verify this.
It's time for America to face reality and do something this president has so far shown no interest in doing; that is protecting the sovereignty of our nation by demanding the truth.
Let Mr. Mueller do his job.
409
Much depends on Mueller "doing his job". The cloak of trust has basically disappeared from our national political scene. The GOP is now virtually naked in all their vileness. Whether is has to do with the Russian influence on our politics, the firm grip the NRA has on key GOP congressional leadership, or the obvious corruption Trump's tax plan and budget reveal to us, the GOP is trashed.
5
@Harold
All true what you say. But you forgot to mention the G.O.P.'s involvement in the gerrrymandering of voting districts to their advantage.
Hardly patriotic. And nothing to make America great again.
7
"Friday’s indictments raise the stakes for our country enormously."
You think? If Donald Trump was feeling cornered before the news of these indictments, I can only imagine how he feels now that his "cover" of "fake news" has been blown.
As each month passes into his administration, Donald Trump grows bolder and more brazen, to the point of thumbing his nose at implementing Russian sanctions.
All the while he's conspired with loyalists and Congressional allies to tear down trust in the FBI and the Justice Department.
With today's announcement, it's going to be politically harder for Trump to fire Rosenstein or Mueller--not that he won't. He's not exactly known for good judgment or impulse control.
Since I don't watch FOX News, I have no idea what Trump's biggest pal, Hannity, has to say about all this--but I'm sure Trump does.
As usual, what he does in coming days will be more telling than anything he says or threatens.
Of course, the same can be said for the quiet, leak-proof Robert Mueller, who seems to be working at break-neck speed, which still doesn't feel fast enough for me.
304
Hi Christine,
You mentioned "Since I don't watch FOX News, I have no idea what Trump's biggest pal, Hannity, has to say about all this--but I'm sure Trump does." Sorry Christine, but this is a public confession of ignorance.
Russia and China and others, even Israel, have been spying on the US, and trying to disrupt elections, communications, the whole culture for decades and decades. And stealing technology when they aren't being given it, or being gifted our uranium stash. If he was POTUS now Barack Obama would be telling us that our hands aren't clean either, that we have been doing the same thing forever.
So please stop with the astonished outrage, like this is something new.
When ALL the news comes out, the biggest traitors vs the rights of Americans will be Obama, Rhodes, Powers, Brennan, Rice, Clapper and all the other sycophants.
But you will deny it and keep up with the Trump collusion delusion.
Hannity and Carlson are sounding more and more deranged.
8
"the indictments of 13 Russians for interfering in the 2016 presidential election are a wake up call for all Americans regardless of political stripe or party affiliation..."
Response from Planet Trump: uh-oh, quick, find a counter-narrative, I know, "no collusion!"
The social media giants owe us total transparency in the 2018 elections, because it is clear that they failed in 2016 and we can't expect the same from our government.
52
As if it weren't bad enough that a Russian-Republican stooge and Electoral College appointee was thrust into office by a grotesque coalition of America's professional wresting voters, the Kremlin staff, and Anthony Wiener's sexting problems, but even worse, this Presidential imposter does absolutely nothing to defend his country, the Constitution or America's citizens from Russian invasion...and the Russian-Republican Benedict Arnold Congress just sits there and twiddles and spins fresh diversions for their fake news and hate radio voter base....perfectly content to flush the Republic and 240 years of American dignity, ideals and respect down a feculent Trump Treason Toilet....all for a few bars of gold for their oligarchic bosses.
America's Russian-Republican community just doesn't seem to mind Kremlin management.
As long as there's plenty of flag-waving and white nationalism, America's Grand Old Peasants are happy to watch state-run FOX News about the importance of Guns, Gays, God and Greed organ harvesting not just their brains, but also their own republic as Daycare Donny provides them their daily dose of Hillary Hatred while setting new Presidential records in graft, corruption and in emptying the national treasury.
Republistan, we've got a problem...you've all become Russian citizens.
Donald managed to turn 1/3 of his country into a Russian satellite state.
It's up to the other 2/3 of us to correct this treason on November 6, 2018.
Vote in record numbers, America.
360
On top of this news from Mueller, we now hear that J Kushner, without a TS clearance, is the most active in requesting information from our intelligence communities. Another mark here against Kelly who is, belatedly shielding those with only interim clearances from accessing classified information.
Why does Kushner need all that information? What is his current charter? Was he successful in getting his "back channel" direct connection to the Kremlin, to Putin. Somewhere in the fog there must be answers.
And, yes "vote in record numbers, America".
15
So please let Bob Mueller alone
Don't be in his shoe a big stone,
We all know you're a liar,
Be honest, just try 'er
You have got a lot to atone.
40
I suspect that Trump WILL let Mueller do his job, as it now appears that all he’s going to accomplish is to serve as the prosecutorial arm of what congressional committees already concluded and the people have accepted: Russkies sought to interfere, and did, in our last election, and probably in the one before that; and to go after the Russkies who broke laws to do so.
Oh, and Paul Manafort, who may or may not have laundered money illegally years before he even knew Trump or had anything to do with the Trump campaign, thereby burdening Manafort with competitive disadvantage, since other potential international malefactors regularly aren’t pursued by law enforcement.
You’d think if Mueller had anything else to offer other than innuendo, he’d have indicted someone for cahooting with Russkies by now. But it makes it even more important that Trump avoid a tête-à-tête with Mueller, as all that may be left Mueller is maneuvering the president into making a careless statement that could be argued to be an admission of obstruction of justice.
And Mueller actually has delivered some value, as we now have names to associate with that Russkie interference, names belonging to people who can be gone after. Of course, if Trump is merely angry at the suggestion that he won not by sheer Trumpian incandescence and large hands, he might still regard the suggestion of Russian interference as anathema.
But it’s perhaps time for the president to recognize that his hands aren’t THAT big.
4
".....if Mueller had anything else to offer other than innuendo....."
Wishful thinking, Richard. The indictments of those 13 Russians are important in establishing Russian interference, that most on your side have hitherto denied. Do you really believe that those 13 could possibly have done their thing without guidance from Americans? I would bet that Mr. Mueller is meticulously building a case for further indictments involving conspiracy; and this time they won't be directed against Russians but against a chain of American politcal insiders.
357
"You’d think if Mueller had anything else to offer other than innuendo, he’d have indicted someone for cahooting with Russkies by now."
I well and truly don't know what Trump OR his campaign may or may not have gotten up to. Personally, even I (a severe critic of this administration) have a hard time believing they would be so stupid as to knowingly take part in Russia's crimes. But Mueller does not seem inclined to rush and that's fine by me. And if Trump, in his arrogance, took it upon himself to try to shut down any of the investigations into his associates, if he ever encouraged any witnesses to lie, etc., well, so much the worse for him.
Mueller has shown himself to be someone who prefers to gather all available information before making any declaratory statements. Thus, no conclusions can be drawn one way or the other based on what he has NOT said. And it almost goes without saying... any of Trump's self-serving opinions about what is or is not a "hoax" or "fake" carry no weight at all.
94
"But it makes it even more important that Trump avoid a tête-à-tête with Mueller, as all that may be left Mueller is maneuvering the president into making a careless statement that could be argued to be an admission of obstruction of justice."
"Oh! What A Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice To Deceive" (Sir Walter Scott). But here's to Mueller doing some fine unraveling. May he keep pulling on those threads!
35
Not being an expert in the legal ramifications of this affair but:
There was a foreign conspiracy to pollute and alter the election, and several Americans unwittingly participated in the Russian conspiracy, doesn't that mean that they wittingly participated in such an effort, they just didn't know the Russians were behind it?
If a criminal hires someone to transport bags of drug money across town, and the courier doesn't know where the money came from, aren't they still actively participating in a criminal enterprise? Ignorance of the law is no excuse from the law.
I think that's where this is heading. The unwitting US participants were duped, but they actively tried to participate in activities that were illegal, whether they realized that or not.
Mr. Mueller is just getting warmed up. This egg is just starting to fry. Money laundering in on the menu. The birds are just starting to sing and only Mueller has heard their tunes.
172
"If a criminal hires someone to transport bags of drug money across town, and the courier doesn't know where the money came from, aren't they still actively participating in a criminal enterprise? Ignorance of the law is no excuse from the law."
True, but the example you give is incorrect. If the courier does not know that the money is derived from crime he is no more guilty of crime than I would be if I bought a stolen bike in a garage sale - assuming that I did not know that the bike was stolen. If on the other hand I knew that the bike was stolen but did not know that paying for stolen goods was an offence I would be guilty.
4
I've read "The Plot Against America" in the March "The Atlantic" and it made me depressed. Depressed the way I felt when I read "The Pentagon Papers" in 1971 and realized the guys killed in my infantry company in Vietnam in 1969-70 were so much dust in the wind where the world's powerful people.
Even given that Mueller indicted these Russians, knowing who Donald Trump is, his lifetime of business practices, his associates and staff choices, and knowing he hired Paul Manafort, one suspects the Russians have to be the beginning of indictments. If they aren't, then the powerlessness I felt in 1971, a peon in this nation's power structure, will have been underscored and bolded by failure to tell us everything.
Trump's campaign cannot be innocent. It's as simple as that. Don't tell me about due process. Don't remind me allegation as opposed to verdict. I know law.
I also know that Nixon's mere association with Murray Chotiner and then Lee Atwater, was a dark, dark suggestion of who Richard Nixon was and who he populated our White House with.
Trump is no different. His supporters are tragically naïve if they construe this as partisan and conspiratorial. This isn't about Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives, God and the godless. This is about Moral Hazard, to the X power, in a way that the Great Crash of 2008 doesn't even approach.
We who can believe in a better America deserve it Mr. Mueller. Don't fail us.
481
The Plot Against America
https://www.theatlantic./magazine
/archive/2018/03/paul-manafort-american-hustler/550925/
16
Mr. McBride,
Your comment is spot-on about what Trump and his associates are doing to this once proud nation. I have never been so concerned about the future for my six grandchildren since Trump came into office. As you, and I know, the Vietnam War was a colossal American failure, our government lied to its citizens. Thank you for your service.
A fellow veteran.
50
Vietnam Veteran
It’s not simply coincidence that Trump hires Paul Manafort who was a business partner of Lee Atwater, who trained with Murray Chotiner and worked with Richard Nixon. Trump knew exactly what he was doing, who he was hiring and why he was hiring them. You can’t lecture the world on your great business expertise and superb skill as a boss and winner and then claim Manafort had nothing to do with you and your campaign. Trump is a traitor.
49
Not mentioned in the article is another question that I hope Mueller is able to answer: Why has President Trump continually fought to protect the Russians and do their bidding? They obviously have something on him and the investigation will not be complete until we find out what that is.
416
"until we find out what that is." --and what's on his tax returns, which surely will show links to Russia. Somebody please tell me: has Mueller been able to view the returns?
10
In three words: Checkout tax returns!
6
by now, it wouldn't even shock people to see the videos of Donald and the golden girls in the Moscow hotel room. Lord, I only hope i never see them, Lord. it's not clear what more the Russians can have -- but they have years and years of kompromat.
7