In the latest serial of our epic tragedy, a clown by the name of Giuliani is saying that if suspects are being investigated for graft, bribery, tax evasion, collusion, money laundering, or obstruction it might adversely and unfairly impact public opinion about them.
How dare anyone ruin the perverse fantasy of shooting an innocent on 5th Avenue and getting away with it? If that happened, would the deep state be so corrupt as to prosecute the murderer during an election season?
Giuliani is exactly how the Kabuki theatre would personify, in costume, make up and body language, an overtly evil representative who defends an immensely powerful evil ruler: an ally whose being is so cynical and paradoxical and whose words are transparently so farcical that they are no more than bitterly dissonant music.
Giuliani's tactic is simple: obstruct justice at any cost.
1
The GOP has their talking points to go on the offensive in a PR campaign against Mueller, but it doesn't work that way. He will wind up the probe when it is over and not a minute before. The idea of Rudy saying "we want" it to be about the credibility of Trump v. Mueller is laughable. Trump has no credibility whatsoever and in a criminal investigation it doesn't matter what the criminal wants.
1
Giuliani's comment is wishful thinking. His TV appearances are laughable and embarrassing to anyone with an ounce of integrity, which Rudy has none. He also has no credibility at this point and should expect to be indicted for his role in the conspiracy to sabotage the U.S. presidential election, 2016.
1
So Mr. Juliani fears that Democratic candidates will echo Mr. Trump's warning about an elected official who is under investigation by federal authorities? Maybe he thinks that is a winning strategy.
You see, THAT’s how “fake news” starts. In the same way that people tend to remember a promise long after they forget all of its qualifications, by burying “Giuliani Says” at the end of that headline, you almost guarantee that very soon, his wishful thinking will be accepted as rolled-gold fact. I have yet to hear MUELLER say that he’ll wrap it up by Sept 1, or any other date; no doubt Trump would like everyone to believe that he’ll end it by the weekend ...
Why would the NYT report on the babbling of a serial liar? He's not news and has already been debunked. Wishful thinking on RGs part is not news.
1
Trump should tweet appoint Rudy Special Counsel for Presidential Witch Hunts
Some here are saying the Trumpettes will believe this effort to obfuscate.
That may be the most damning fact about their ignorance: that they put any credence whatsoever into Giuliani's sad, pathetic distortions.
If this is what gets them out of this quagmire, it will be a tragedy for our country.
This is a tired, slow moving coup d'état, and I for one am mighty tired of countenancing its existence. Period
3
There should be a legal mechanism whereby the probable falsity of a statement like this can be punishable by law. Also, the paper publishing such a statement without fact-checking given the notoriety of the person making the statement as an unreliable serial liar should have some form of liability to the reading public. Is that to much too ask from a democratic government, or does freedom of speech makes all this irrelevant?
2
Another lawyer telling Trump what he wants to hear. Similar to the false hope that his recently-departed lawyers gave him, an unrealistic assessment that the investigation will wrap up shortly.
Rudy Giuliani and other lawyers like him are why some people rank them worse than politicians on the sleaze scale. Notice how quickly the firm he worked for got rid of him once joined the Trump circus.
1
From Reuters: "A source familiar with the probe called the Sept. 1 deadline “entirely made-up” and “another apparent effort to pressure the special counsel to hasten the end of his work.”
At what point does the NYT stop being played by these people? You guys did enough damage with that ridiculous story just before the election with a headline saying the FBI found no evidence of Russian involvement with the Trump campaign.
Apparently nothing has been learned by the NYT. Trump and his people no longer deserve the benefit of the doubt. The default assumption must be they are lying until proven otherwise.
6
I agree completely. There should be an ethical code abided by the NYT that makes this type of unchecked, most likely not accurate statement not publishable in the first page (if anywhere in paper that has been around for so long). Ad revenues and share holder value is not a substitute for ethics. Shameful!
1
So, this would be longer than the 2 weeks Rudy promised.
2
On the surface the decision to move the Israel embassy to Jerusalem was done without getting anything in return other than red meat for evangelical base. I would not be surprised if it is eventually uncovered that the Israelis have offered or provided some intel or "dirt" to DJT campaign. After all he operates like a coin machine: gotta deposit into the slot first. This weekend we saw the first signs of Middle East involvement during the campaign.
Guiliani made it up. No truth to the statement at all
At best this is wishful thinking
1
Giuliani hasn't changed much since he was NY's mayor and regularly demonized and lied about victims of police violence and murder before investigations had even begun.
Giuliani reckons claiming he bargained for what is precedent at the DOJ, -carefully avoiding influencing national elections - will create an impression of influence and power over SC Mueller. Nothing could be further than the truth. This blatant attempt to influence public opinion and deligitimize the justice process is beneath contempt and screams 'Trump is guilty!'
You know who's not calling the NY Times to spin his case out in the public forum in hopes of influencing public opinion ahead of any potential charges? SC Mueller.
1
Whether Mr. Mueller can wrap up the obstruction part of his investigation depends in large part on when Trump agrees to meet with Mr. Mueller and his team.
Mr. Mueller needs to take the time he needs, regardless of elections. Let Mr. Trump reap what he sowed.
What Giuliani says is as about as believable as what Trump says. I wonder if it even makes any sense to record what he has to say. Of course, whatever either one of them says is fodder for the deplorables that voted for Trump. I am reminded of Leni Riefenstall's great documentary on the 1934 Nazi Party rally in Nuremburg. Scene after scene of rallies showing entranced fans waving flags in their pseudo-patriotic abandon.
Truly deplorable!
Ooops....I wonder if they'll print a retraction.
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/388605-reuters-source-says-gi...
How about this? If the Inquiry isn't concluded by September 1, this windbag and incompetent lawyer either shuts up or at least isn't given a soapbox by the Times and other responsible media outlets?
All this feels like Trump's lawyers spinning another new cycle. None of this is real news since none of it comes from Mueller; it's all White House hot air.
1
I like Schmidt and Haberman, but this article should have been no longer than a paragraph that ended with "The Special Counsel declined to comment."
3
The last person who should be speaking for Mueller is Giuliani.
3
Take as long as it takes, to get to the bottom of the cesspool, Mr Mueller.
1
NYTimes: You've got to be better than publishing headlines like this. Even I knew when I heard Guiliani on TV that he was LYING. Now it is confirmed he was 'lying'. Yet, you let this headline stand for days. Shame on you!
7
Totally agree, are you guys about reporting the truth or just looking for quick hits? Doesn’t take a genius to not trust anything that clown says.
Please stop encouraging and abetting these traitors.
1
Giuliani is all mouth. If he was ever a competent lawyer, those days have long passed. Now he is the lawyer's version of The Mooch.
This headline is bizarre. Giuliani has been spreading nonsense across the media & now we have the allegedly responsible NYT repeating his drivel!
Why?
Why repeat what this clown says?
7
Why would the NYT publish anything that Giuliani said regarding what some other person said?
2
So now Giuliani speaks for trump and Mueller. What is this guy smoking.
2
It will be great to see it end by September 1 with an indictment of Trump.
2
I would believe it only if the words would come directly from Mueller's mouth.
2
"'We want the concentration of this to be on Comey versus the president’s credibility, and I think we win that and people get that,' Mr. Giuliani said."
Is there a better illustration of how Giuliani has become unglued than this statement? It's hard to conceive of anyone whose credibility is more shattered than Donald "Six Lies a Day" Trump.
3
This story's misleading headline makes it appear that Robert Mueller confirmed he would be wrapping up his obstruction inquiry into President Trump by Sept. 1. We don't learn until the last sentence of second graph that Mueller declined to comment. Unless you have other sources confirmed this "news"–not mentioned anywhere in this story—it is merely another Trump attack on Mueller, one that should have been relegated to the back of your political coverage.
The rest of the story is merely a recitation the Team Trump's strategy to discredit James Comey. And this is your lead story? Why?
Why are you giving ANY weight to a man who is clearly a Trump attack dog, one who has routinely changes his story two and three times in the same day? Why does the New York Times continues to treat the lies that come out of this administration as if they are verified news stories?
Did you learn nothing from your colossal mistake in late October of 2016 when you published a story essentially clearing Trump Campaign of possible collusion from Russia?
Should we expect another mea culpa 18 months from now?
5
So if this proves to be what it looks like, completely false information designed to pressure and mislead a Federal investigation, has Rudy just set himself up for an obstruction charge?
1
"A spokesman for the special counsel’s office declined to comment."
That is the only relevant information in this news report.
6
It's amazing! Giuliani's a distinguished graduate of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn! A school known for an alumni imbued with ethics and high integrity! He's acting like an operatic clown! Not something you'd expect from a former Lion of Loughlin!!!
1
Influence voter? We couldn't have that happen! Ask Hilary?
What on God's earth would make anybody believe anything Ghouliani says?
1
Um...shouldn't an investigation into a sitting president's obstruction and possible collusion with a foreign government factor heavily in the decisions of voters??? I certainly hope it influences voters!
1
He made it up, like everything else out of his mouth
If only our idiot president were not on tape stating that Comey's firing would put an end to this "Rusher" thing.
It's also supremely ironic that Giuliani opines that DOJ activity too close to an election would be unfair. Does he remember what Comey did to Clinton 9 days before the last election? In senile Giuliani's case probably not.
1
Does the NYT report whatever Rudy says just because? Reuters is already reporting Rudy made it all up. Fabricated just like everything else he's said on tRUMp's behalf. And they NYT bought it hook line an sinker.
1
Why is this on the front page? It's apparent he doesn't know what he's talking about.
3
Some how it is beginning to appear that the NYTimes itself is merging with fake news, when it provides Giuliani a forum for his machinations, which are based on nothing but spin.
5
I love New York, and can't wait for my next visit. I forgive New York for ever having elected this ranting, whining, grating Rudy Giuliani mayor.
What does it say about President Trump that he has this ranting sometime (at least one time on late-night TV) transvestite shilling for him?
Did Giuliani get his law degree from Trump University?
But the headline should read "Giuliani Hopes Obstruction Inquiry Into Trump May Wrap Up by Sept. 1, Mueller Says".
5
When did Guiliani become a spokesperson for the special counsel's office?
6
Are we certain Mr. Giuliani actually knows who the Special Counsel is. Maybe he's been picking up the wrong Special Counsel hotline and speaking with Kenneth Starr.
1
Since when is Giuliani a reputable source regarding the plans Mueller has?
2
It’s annoying to hear “It’s gone on too long” or “witch hunt”. Those are said by people who don’t know the process and couldn’t “get on the court” with Mueller. Its too complex for them so they say “tired of it, must be a witch hunt. The investigation is a maze of things we know and things we don’t. The indictments and guilty pleas represent admissions of real crimes. Money laundering at a huge scale by Manafort and much more. Robert Mueller is a Republican. Any crime encountered in the course of a Special Prosecutor’s investigation must be pursued by his team and/or passed on to the right agency. Cambridge Analytica meddling was clear on behalf of and with contact to Trump associates. Zuckerberg was a “weak sister” with no command of the company he founded. We need clarity on the important issues. Election tampering, obstruction of justice, emoluments clause violations of the United States Constitution, conflict of interest with Trump family business, the impact on foreign policy via quid pro quo diplomacy ie the Chinese deal with Ivanka on their first visit and the pitching of Kushner’s real estate deal to Chinese investors with promise of White House “access” and expedited citizenship, illegal use of campaign funds and bribes made to porn star/escorts and of course any contact with Russian agents or the woman lawyer with a bogus story about adoption and more. The despicable erratic behavior of Trump as his transparently self serving GOP/NRA deals is clear. Americans know
2
The obstruction part of the investigation may end, but the rest of it will go on. No one can stop an investigation if it is ongoing and still yielding wrongdoing. Trump wants to pardon himself in advance of any crime. This is "L'etat c'est moi" logic.
We don't need an emperor. We need a president who respects the law and ethic. Trump is not that person.
32
" Counterintelligence investigations are used to gather information quietly about the activities of foreign powers and their agents — sometimes for years — and can result in criminal charges."
And then there is the deep swamp of the Russian money laundering that Trump & Kushner have been doing for years. Mueller needs a Democratic majority in Congress & all the funds & resources that he needs to complete the investigation over the next 4 years. The revelations of the criminal & amoral activities of Trump & his abettors must be rolled out weekly if not daily as the evidence piles up & the 2020 election approaches. Make the 2018 & 2020 elections a Blue Tsunami so the nation can get back on to the side of the people & justice not the 1% & Wall St.
5
Many Lawyers like Guliani, don't understand that their reputation is the most important thing they have. Guliani should not cut those deadlines close or he will cut his own throat.
1
For those who didn't know what "corrupt intent" looks like, Trump's tweets have been a masterclass.
5
"Giuliani Says"
Rudy's main concern these days is keeping his name somewhere near the front page.
At this point, he is pretty much forgotten by the public (nyc) and ignored by Washington (dc).
That really has to hurt, especially for a man who thought 9/11 was all about him.
3
Another day, another Trump ruse.
I wish this guy would spend as much time researching solutions to problems as he does whining about this investigation.
I'll repeat what has been said countless times since this began.....an innocent man welcomes any inquiry and all questions about their being falsely accused.
Is this guy the biggest whiner we have ever had as president???
That bone spur must be more serious than we thought. He whines like a toddler. Every day. Again and again and again.
5
Relying on Trump’s credibility is not a winning strategy, Rudy. There are few who are less credible.
5
Hmmm. The obstruction portion of the investigation should end in September -- provided DJT submits to an interview by Mueller's team. Otherwise, says Guiliani, a continued investigation will taint the mid-term elections!!! Could this be a bit of sneaky media manipulation/intimidation by America's Lawyer? Well, the likelihood of Trump submitting to an interview is close to zero I'd say. More fodder for Republicans to cry foul come November.
1
I predict Mr. Giuliani will be gone from the president's legal team well before September 1st.
4
What I find so troubling just now is how sure of its own interpretation each of the various sides is in all of this. I cannot tell whether Giuliani acting as a PR guy or politician trying to get ahead of the story and control the narrative, a crony and pathetic shadow of what he once was (I never liked him because he ruined the seedily wonderful New York of my youth, but many do), and experienced attorney playing a long game, a once-great public figure bordering on relevance or even competence, or something else. Probably all of them at once. I can't see how even those closest to him can.
More than that, I am confused about whether a sitting president brought up for impeachment is also liable for criminal prosecution. Yes, Article one says that the senate alone can try the case and that the defendant is liable for criminal prosecution afterwards, but it really isn't clear at all whether they can be indicted for other offences (non-impeachable ones, i.e. not treason or bribery), and it seems intuitive that the founders who were so aware of venality and accuracy (they are quite clear that a legislator could not be arrested in chamber or on his/her way, for example) would have been specific if they intended for presidential immunity. Also, given the fact that there have only been two cases of presidential impeachment, there can't be much case law. So what are we to make of all this? If you (think you) know, please share.
1
"Guiliani claims..." That says enough, doesn't it?
4
Mr. Trump’s lawyers said the special counsel had no basis to build an obstruction case based on Mr. Comey’s firing because the president was free as the head of the executive branch to dismiss any subordinates.
Not exactly! The President may indeed fire anyone without cause, or for good cause, but not for an illegitimate or illegal cause. Let's say the Pres shot someone and Comey was proceeding with an investigation into that murder and was fired to stop that investigation would not be justified.
As for public scathing of Justice and the FBI, saying that's part of the job is nonsense. Accountability-yes, but retaining faith in the Justice system is part of the job. The President privately instructing his A-G to check allegations of misdeeds in his dept. would indeed be appropriate, oh wait he's attacked Sessions too! Also, I don't believe Mueller has ever suggested or hinted that the infanntile Tweeting constitutes obstruction.
1
Boy oh Boy - U sure golly wish Obama had told Mr. Comey something like! I'm sure the GOP'd understand the necessity.
tRump really is a stable genius! Or at least gets away with the impersonation by some..
"His comments about the timeline echoed tweets by Mr. Obama hours earlier, when he complained that a prolonged inquiry into Hillary's emails would hurt Democrats in the elections..."
So Giuliani is another of Haberman's insider contacts I guess. One that gets to spout lies in return for those juicy anonymous quotes.
3
The real scandal is that the investigation has run on so long. My suspicion won't be confirmed until we know all the facts -- and that time cannot come too soon.
If Mueller has "gone fishing" on extraneous fishing expeditions (like Michael Cohen?), that will be a blot that will stain Mueller's professional reputation to his dying day. The country should not be left twisting in the wind.
The rule should be quick-in and quick-out, with the report referred to the Justice Department and Congress for any necessary action and follow up. Prosecution (if any) should be handed over to Justice.
There may sometimes be a role for a highly respected independent figure to carry out an investigation when there is an apparent or potential conflict of interest. There is no role for a permanent Special Prosecutor.
3
The Watergate investigation took over two years. Some things take time, especially when they are of this magnitude. See also:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/complete-watergate-timeline-took-l...
8
Really, investigation should be quick? Like the kenneth star one?
7
Sharon:
Exactly. Why didn't we learn our lesson? This disaster was completely foreseeable and completely avoidable.
what else does rudy know? area 51? the lunar landing? who killed who killed 2 pac and biggie smalls? this dude is living in a fantasy world created by his patron, donald john trump, totally devoid of reality, facts and sanity. rudy, we hardly knew ye.
9
Guiliani saying that Robert Mueller's Trump obstruction investigation will wind up by Sept 1 is like Elmer Fudd saying he's going to get that pesky wabbit on his [Fudd's] terms, not Bugs's. The only difference is that, whereas Fudd will never get Bugs, Muller will get Trump. And when he does, Trump will be in a sling.
10
Giuliani is embarrassing even to watch - so wild-eyed and desperate to be 'relevant' again. Never much liked him or agreed with him but he did have that great week after 9/11 and helped bring NY back afterwards. It's a shame the man once called 'America's Mayor' is trashing any legacy he might have had for one last turn in the spotlight. He'd have been so much better off if he'd just packed it in and gone fishing. Sad!
9
Yes, protecting our democracy shouldn't "improperly influence voters," say the shameless traitors.
11
"The lawyers also addressed another issue that has emerged about Mr. Trump’s behavior in office: His repeated criticisms — often on Twitter — of the F.B.I. and Justice Department. The lawyers said that Mr. Trump’s statements were simply him doing his job."
The idiocyTeam Trump's legal arguments are truly surreal.
4
Donald Trump has set up his human shield. He has his attorneys, his yes men and women in the Congress and media, and his ever obedient and undernourished voting public. All are positioned to take the brunt of whatever law and judicial process may throw at them. Meanwhile the president is free to roam the fringes of cyberspace and haunt the internet with his tweets and subterfuge. It almost feels as if someone is burning something like books, but that was of another era. I still haven't figured out what to call this. For now, I will simply call it all pernicious.
5
"Mueller Hopes" equals "It's definite" in Giuliani's twisted sense of reality
3
It’s not hard to discern why President Trump’s newly inducted lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, is indirectly pressuring special counsel Robert Mueller to end the Russia investigation soon. He, like his boss, is afraid that, in the light of new revelations about more foreign countries’ attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election, the investigation would continue beyond the originally estimated timeframe. They are concerned that it could sway the outcome of the November mid-term election against the Republican Party. As we know, Mr. Giuliani pressure tactic, and Mr. Trump’s tweets before that, came soon after press reports that three more countries – Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – had offered help to the Trump campaign in the 2016 election. The Mueller team certainly has an obligation to look into the new revelations. Mr. Giuliani and his boss know it will.
Whether President Trump’s firing of James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director, while in the middle of his Russia investigation constituted obstruction of justice is only one of the many questions the Mueller team is looking into, Mr. Giuliani may please note. Newer and newer surprises have sprung up, some even pointing to the Trump campaign’s criminal intent, since the investigation began. A constitutionally mandated special counsel investigation has a responsibility to thoroughly examine all of them. It cannot allow its work to be influenced by a political party’s election prospects.
7
Headline changes silently, eh? This is not the first time. I appreciate that your job is challenging, but you need to start getting these things right the first time. This was not a unique, unprecedented challenge.
6
We're being asked to believe that, of all people he might have chosen to divulge his plans to, Robert Mueller has instead elected to use Rudy Giuliani as his spokesperson in a matter as sensitive as this? This WH crew really does believe that anything they say will be viewed as the truth. Their assumptions as to the stupidity and gullibility of the American people are breathtaking. Well, 62% of us aren't buying it.
6
Times headline writers, however, fall for it every time.
1
Again NYTimes, your original headline was misleading.
I knew it couldn't come from Mueller...what's going on over there?
6
As to preparing the interview with Muller being so onerous: "If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." --Mark Twain
6
At this juncture, I would like to announce the retirement of that great American hero, Rudy Giuliani, effective August 3rd, 2018. A great guy and the best lawyer and mayor ever.
1
Does NYT put hearsay on the front page to appease the administration who wanted it published, however misleading, just to maintain their close relationship wiht that administration? Because even this article seems to suggest--in the headline alone--that its subject matter is untrue, or at least being misrepresented, etc. Honest question.
4
Trump WILL NOT sit for a Mueller interview. The issue is one of total inability to NOT lie. The very suggestion that such an event would present a “distraction” to Trump is a joke. It MIGHT cut into golf time, but since most of Trump’s efforts are spent watching TV, scheming excuses and escape plans, and Tweeting, a “distraction” in the midst of his mental vacancy is unlikely.
For his entire life Trump has used his father, lawyers, intimidation and money to escape justice. Now the rubber meets the road and one must hope that a heretofore criminally partisan Congress will act responsibly in support of our Constitution and the rule of law. I am not holding my breath, but justice will, eventually, be achieved.
10
Let us say for a moment that Giuliani is the PR man and is "fixing" the stage set later this summer or sometime this summer to fire Mueller. The psychological methods used on the Pretend King Trump's base "want" to hear the garbage out stuff, after all his base has felt that America is getting too progressive for them. There is a huge gap between the number of people convinced that there was wrong doing on the part of the GOP, Russia and WH administration. The true numbers will speak in Nov 2018 on the side of right.
What is the end goal? Money for the WH family and friends. Disruption of democracy by Russia in many countries. GOP's delusional U.S. world that they are starting to realize will not be possible. Then there is us. We need to fight for our right to continue to pursue the American dream, the founding father's dream. Yes, we started out on shaky ground, the founding father's were not so "clean". We can still win the day.
5
This man ceased to be relevant years ago. Who cares what he says anymore? It's nothing more than fluff, hyperbole and propaganda for the hypocrites and sheep who support Faux News and Trump.
9
"Mr. Giuliani said that an interview would be a distraction for the president and that the amount of preparation required meant that the president could not sit for questioning until after the scheduled summit meeting between Mr. Trump and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, on June 12 in Singapore."
Who is he kidding? The president that doesn't read even summary briefing notes, chafes at 30 minutes of prep for even the most serious issues, and plays golf more than any other president - ever, can't sit for questioning until after the scheduled summit?
Does Trump fear a perjury trap? Donald, the best defense against a "Perjury Trap" is to just tell the truth.
This is like not revealing tax returns. Hesitate, procrastinate, until hopefully it becomes a moot point. Trump and co. are hoping that they score a huge Nobel-worthy coup with North Korea so that they can drown out the Russia thing once and for all. Problem is, no matter how good anything looks about a deal in June, we won't know the real story about implementation until well after November.
5
Why are we being subjected to this horrid excuse for a man? Who is paying him? If I am, I want him fired.
11
Giuliani is either (1) senile , (2) a paid sycophant by Trump et al. , (3) a serial liar and/or (4) incompetent in his knowledge of the law. His assertion that he was told by Mueller ( about ending the inquiry IF Mueller did not inform him ) should unconditionally qualify Giuliani for obstruction of justice. I am thorougly enjoying the White House grifters in their agonizing last moments in office. Thank you New York Times for reporting on this topic with direct sequences for the future of U.S. democracy.
5
This is such a transparent attempt on Giuliani/Trump's part to manipulate the public narrative that it might be laughable - if the people in Trump world were not so fiercely defensive of their leader.
It now makes sense to assume that either Trump supporters don't understand that having an independent, sound, and balanced system of justice is vital to a democracy, or that they themselves could be engaged in criminal or borderline criminal activities and would actually like to see the justice system de-fanged.
Up until recently, I've assumed that Trump supporters are like me: middle-class, working hard to survive honestly in a rough world.
But even mobsters and white-collar criminals could be writing to media outlets, expressing support for Trump. I've seen so many comments claim that the "economy" is all that counts. Only amoralists with a sick attachment to money would elevate that above justice.
If Trump goes free, they will all go free. Our justice system will no longer have any teeth; no one will be able to prosecute anyone who has enough money to buy or slander his way out of trouble. It'd be like one of those dark superhero movies, in which Trump breaks all of the criminals out of jail & sets them loose on Gotham.
To the honest Trump supporters who care about justice: Are the rest of us going to let mobsters and white-collar criminals take over? Are you going to live by American values, or let the amoralists rule?
5
Giuliani has absolutely no credibility. He has no authority to call for the end of a criminal investigation. These republicans like Nunes & Giuliani seem to be protecting Russian influence, if they will not let this investigation run it's course....Such patriots? hahahahah!
6
"Says Giuliani.."?! Who care what Rudy thinks?! The man is demented!
Special Counsel Mueller will finish when he is finished .....not when Rudy says!
6
Why would anyone believe Giuliani .
2
Reuters is reporting the September 1 date reported by the Times was made up by Giuliani, a source familiar with the investigation told Reuters.
"The source called the deadline 'entirely made up' and 'another apparent effort to pressure the special counsel to hasten the end of his work,' Reuters reported.
"The source went on to say that Mueller will wrap up the probe when 'he thinks he's turned over every rock.'
“'He’ll wrap it up when he thinks he’s turned over every rock, and when that is will depend on how cooperative witnesses, persons of interest and maybe even some targets are, if any of those emerge, and on what new evidence he finds, not on some arbitrary, first-of-the-month deadline one of the president’s attorneys cooks up,'” the source said.
Don't NY Times reporters fact check?
2
Mueller isn't dumb enough to take the bait from Rudy. Rudy thinks he's so clever....sorry Rudy, the horse left the barn about 5 years ago. Broadcasting wishes and trying to minimize the scope of what Mueller is authorized to do ain't gonna change a thing honey. Face reality, start speaking the truth to the American public and stop being so stupid.
3
Guiliani has proven that old men lose their mind when they try an act like a young man .
3
The GOP instigated (and Kenneth Star led ) a Special Prosecutor investigation of Democratic President Bill Clinton that lasted four years, cost the public 26 million dollars and resulted in a finding that Clinton lied about having oral sex in the Oval Office. Now, after only one year, the GOP is howling about ending an investigation of an Administration that seems to have colluded, quid pro quo, with more than one foreign government to alter our system of free and open elections? The stench of partisanship by the GOP , in this sad matter, is almost overwhelming
16
It cost over $100 million, not $26 million.
3
Thanks for the correction-A million dollars here, a million dollars there/ pretty soon it amounts up to real money (Would be funny, if it wasn't so pathetic).
Guilt for a crime or misdemeanor requires a conviction by a court. Only military and civilian courts are empowered to convict. The only officials empowered to prosecute are military and civilian prosecutors for Federal crimes.
Since Congress can only convict for high crimes or misdemeanors the Framers, could only have assumed that the (a) Attorney General has the authority to prosecute the president; (b) a pardon is tantamount to conviction; and/or (c) obstruction would enable presidents to commit Federal crimes with impunity when the president has a reasonable belief that a successor will grant a pardon. When courts routinely accommodate scheduling conflicts and extenuating circumstances.
TNot only is Constitution silent about the power of a president to evade prosecution, using pretzel-logic is entirely unnecessary to accommodate a president’s schedule, Federal magistrates routinely manage scheduling conflicts when the lawyers can’t agree.
I can claim tomorrow the sun will rise in the west and set in the east. So what?
1
Propaganda for making sure the "base" votes in the mid-terms. Of course nothing will happen on Sept. 1 but then the WH will say they were misled, are victims etc. etc. This government is all about campaigning.
4
The most recent on-line headline:
"Giuliani Claims Obstruction Inquiry May End by Sept. 1"
Would seem to be more bluntly accurate than the other headline being used for the same article ("Mueller Hopes Obstruction Inquiry Into Trump May Wrap Up by Sept. 1, Giuliani Says")
5
I'm so happy that Giuliani has apparently found gainful employment as Mueller's spokesperson. The Trump relationship didn't seem to be a good fit.
2
Giuliani's remarks are a one-sided conversation, because Mueller is not talking to the public, not should he. So we have every reason to doubt Giuliani's assertions as simply an attempt to shape public perception of the Mueller inquiry in an effort to push Mueller to conclude the investigation.
Giuliani is right that an investigation past September 1 will influence the midterms, but haven't the Republicans earned this odious distinction with their steadfast allegiance to all things Trump?
Once again, I am critical of the Times' writing of headlines and leads. The story here is about Giuliani, not Mueller. The headline should read "Giuliani Says..." The lead should begin "According to the president’s lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani..." The way the headline and article are written, it advances the Trump narrative, well below the NYT journalistic standard. Given all the outright lies and falsehoods emanating from the Trump White House since January 20, 2017, how can we even be sure that Giuliani is telling the truth without corroboration, rather than spinning yet another yarn?
4
A continuing investigation beyond September might hurt the Republican party in the midterms. And this is supposed to matter in an investigation that has consumed just one year because?
2
"Giuliani CLAIMS it MAY wrap up...", what does that even mean? If he claims it WILL wrap up by September, that's something entirely different...
3
Here's the latest update on Giuliani's agitprop: "Reuters: Source says Giuliani 'made up' end date for Mueller probe"
My question to journalists is this: when are they going to learn to take the Prevaricator Proxy's words with a grain of salt? I realize that they have to do some reporting to keep the public informed but the delivery of the news should be proportionate to the source. Given Giuliani's checkered pattern with truth and disinformation should have given them pause.
1
The lies and deceptions of this administration just keep coming and I read NYT to keep up with it all but when the press writes as though 45s mob are on an equal footing with past presidents it infuriates me. The Congress and the Constitution should be protecting us from this fraud and robbery from our nation but the GOP is in on it. The DEMS can't seem to speak loud enough to break through to the lies and deceit for Americans to listen. It hope young voters see the truth and come out voting this year.
We need a free press to dig for truth out of this garbage pile that the US has become. Our Allies and any possible friends in the world are turning their backs on America more every day. Can't say as I blame them. Canada is even looking better to me right now. If I was younger I would think of moving there but that would be abandoning my country when it needs me most, and it needs All of Us now.
Vote Vote Vote
4
Hope he is not mixing it up with his own "termination/firing" date!
( Weird remark prompted by the strange Trumpian era in which we live! )
Why is the pitiful excuse for a human being still around and apparently being heard?! This guy, like the man he works for, isn't playing with a full deck of cards. Sadly, it's only New York City residents who seem to know this. We've known the truth about Giuliani and Trump for decades and the truth is this. It's all about the money. Always. In every situation.
Behind every decision. Nothing else even comes close. They don't care if this country survives as a Republic or whether it doesn't Couldn't care less as long as they have a gold plated seat at the table where the coinage is being divided up.
3
Rudy is trying to recast the "facts" of the obstruction charge as Trump v. Comey on credibility, a loser of a strategy, but one which Fox and Friends can embrace. In trial, the cleanest strategy is to only call one person a liar; Trump is calling most of government the liars. The real scenario is Trump v. Trump, what he said, and when he said it, hence Rudy's need to reframe the discussions.
How many examples of Mr. Trump's own words will we detail, ad nauseum? When he wrote the press release for Don Jr., was he lying then or now? When he spoke to the Russians, or Lester Holt? This is simply Trump v. Trump, and it goes on and on. Putin won, reducing the US to this chaos.
Yes, Mr. Mueller is doing a magnificent job, as are many other great Americans (Senators Burr and Warner come to mind, Congressmen Shiff and Waters, the entire Mueller team, and the collective administrative branches of government as detailed in the New Yorker's piece this week); and we only know the tip of the iceberg.
2
as an aside, one of the most unbelievable claims here is the president is too busy. he's tweeting seven times a day.
whoever takes away his phone and tells him he has to take his job seriously - his real job, not his save-my-bacon PR freelancing - is an American hero.
1
Rudy's statement, even taken as fact, is pretty nebulous. Modifiers like "hopes" and "may" don't exactly define a definitive deadline. He may have also, true to form, damaged Trump's position by stating that this supposed timeline was contingent upon Trump being interviewed. This puts the ball into Trump's court. He can no longer rant and whine about a prolonged "witch hunt" when it's his own refusal to be interviewed that is preventing its conclusion. Another job well-done Rudy.
1
" ... Mueller Hopes Obstruction Inquiry Into Trump May Wrap Up by Sept. 1, Giuliani Says ..."
This looks more wishful thinking by Trump and his cronies than a real and factual plan of Mueller.
1
Giuliani also said Trump would only sit for two to three hours of questioning. By most estimates, twelve hours would be a low end benchmark for figuring out Trump's knowledge and state of mind. Why should anyone listen to Giuliani? If Mueller wants an interview, he's going to get an interview. The question is simply timing.
We might also wonder how much Muller even wants an interview. The President qualifies every statement. I doubt you'll find any useful testimony without direct examination under oath. I'm not sure Mueller even wants to risk a subpoena before the report. If the report is sufficiently damaging, Trump is going to end up on the stand eventually anyway.
The people who should want an interview are Trump and Giuliani. That's their only chance of ending the investigation before truly harmful facts come to light. Giuliani holds the threat of tying Mueller's subpoena up in court. However, time is not really on Trump's side. Impeding the expedient resolution of the very investigation you yourself are attacking doesn't look too good. Meanwhile, civil litigation proceeds independently of the Mueller investigation. Eventually one of them will hit discovery. You don't want Mueller around that happens. Trump's lawyers better book a flight out of town.
1
Giuliani and Trump are genius in sowing confusion into this issue to the point that only the few die-hard followers of politics can keep track of what is going on. The rest of the world is completely dis-interested at this point.
1
Giuliani is doing exactly what Trump wants him to: muddy the waters. Standard Trump operating procedure. Facts don't apply.
Giuliani appears to be in dotage, if he believes that wishing will make it so. Ascribing such hope to Mueller, shows Giuliani for what he is: well past his prime. It must be difficult for Trump's acolyte to fade into the background. Please.
The real problem with all these Giuliani comments is that we are only hearing from one side (and rightly so). There are millions of people out there who can only process what they hear from that one side, Trump's side. They don't have the ability to reason that the other side doesn't leak and doesn't comment. The Fox News crowd can't think for themselves and say "Hey, I wonder what Mueller's team is being so hush-hush about?" All they hear is what Giuliani, Hannity, and the Fox and Friends Trumpsters tell them. They have the intellectual curiosity of a carrot because, to them, there is only Trump's side of the investigation.
2
What's in it for Giuliani? He goes out on TV and spews nonsence just a the likes of Hannity. Does this man have No shame? Is being in the Game his Drug of choice. Mueller is Smart and diligent he stays quiet and moves along and lets the Jesters perform.
1
Giuliani is fast becoming Trump's chief aid in the obstruction of justice. What else can you call these white house tactics?
Rudolph Guiliani was brought aboard by Donald Trump for his lying skills.
And he's not very good at that either.
Since the whole Russian interference claim is bogus why should the investigation continue? There is plenty of corruption involving Trump including from the Persian Gulf and Israel. It seems that corrupt entities around the world saw Trump open for business for selling favors.
Guiliani has made the dubious choice to ride into the sunset holding on to the coat tails of Trump when he could have been remembered for his leadership after 9/11.
7
His leadership after 9/11...he just happened to be the mayor at the time of the attack.
You may remember in pictures of Giuliani, in the aftermath of 9/11 , his right hand man appeared regularly. He was Bernard Kerik.
He was a close ally of former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani for whom he served as a bodyguard and driver. Mr. Giuliani then tapped him for a senior position in the Correction Department and he went on to become the agency’s commissioner
In 2010, Kerik was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to eight felony charges, including tax fraud and lying to White House officials. His performance after the 9/11 attacks turned him into a national figure like Giuliani. Giuliani somehow avoided prosecution.
3
Other than filling column inches, who cares what Giuliani says? His "facts" are as solid as are wisps of vapor...
2
And (Duh!)...he’s the vaporizer for the liar-in-chief! (Let’s stop with the dancing around this! Trump is a pathological liar. Period...) He makes a joke of Twitters rules and would have been banned if not abusing his powers! His supporters don’t seem to care that he fails to live by the rules he rants others should follow.
1
Wrapped up by September First? So sayeth the Great Giuliani?
My question: Which September First is that?
DD
Manhattan
8
I thought they said it was going to wrapped-up by (last) Thanksgiving? By (last) X-Mas? By (last) New Year's Day? Now it's Sept. 1 -- right after D.C. takes it's annual couple months off? What are the odds? Hey, look over there -- a spy! Better bet: how many days til Cohen, Stone, Felix Slater, and Carter Page indictments drop?
5
How can you tell when Giuliani is lying? His lips are moving. Since when is this guy the public media relations person for Mr. Mueller? I don't believe anything Rudy says. Working for trump lowers him even more than he has been.
4
When Robert Mueller announces an end date I will pay attention. meanwhile, why is the NYT covering this as though it has any official relevance?
5
"The special counsel hopes to finish by Sept. 1 the investigation into whether President Trump obstructed the Russia inquiry, according to the president’s lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani.."
It appears Mr. Giuliani has either misunderstood something or "needs to work on facts" some more. I expect NYT will print a followup to this.
2
Does anyone not a Fauxbot believe anything Giuliani says?
Even Moscowbots know he is just one of Trump's "nattering nabobs of" nonsense.
3
Who would believe a word that emerges from Giuliani's mouth?
1
Who do you believe?
Btw, that was not a question it was a rhetorical comment.
MK
2
Hey - how about giving the long suffering American taxpayer a crack at the pay to play wheel? I pay my taxes.
2
Giuliani has his audience and it is YUGE! Remember, this audience elected the current president. That's how powerful it is. If you think you can defeat them with your witticisms, think again. I guess you have all heard that the DOJ has agreed to investigate the investigators. Now Mueller may find himself in the hot seat. Instead of thinking about a real agenda for the upcoming elections and after, you are wasting your time on useless posts that only you read. What a waste!!! This approach cannot win anything for the liberals. If you continue to do what you have been doing, you will lose again and again.
If I may paraphrase our fine president, Rudy will get his facts straight one day.
1
Dear Maggie Haberman & Michael Schmidt...you need to place in your story that what Giuliani is saying about the Mueller investigation has NOT been confirmed by anyone inside Mueller's team. Otherwise, all you are doing is repeating propaganda placed in the newscycle by Rudy Guiliani and the other propagandists representing the president.
6
As Mueller and his team are not confirming, nothing Rudi says is to be believed.
Needless to say, what Giuliani says is highly suspect. Giuliani is trying to change the narrative to suit Trump's agenda.
When Robert Muller comes out and declares that he's wrapping up the investigation and announces it to the press, then I will believe its true.
In the meantime, NOTHING the Trump Administration says can be trusted. After all, they are all liars.
10
Giuliani himself is an element the obstruction of justice
8
Itś become more and more obvious that Trump is increasingly fearful of the outcome of this investigation, and all the marketing tricks won´t change that. If you repeat something 3 times that doesn´t make it so. It you make up an alternative truth that does not suffice for truth. If you swat something back in return that does not make it effective or representative of the truth. Itś clear Trump and his cohorts are unraveling. To Trump his presidency is at stake, and to others who deny the obvious, itś the Republican party losing its power to manipulate instead of governing in the interest of the American people.
10
I wish / hope they do. After all what have they done ? OH , 2 people were found guilty of lying to FBI and WHAT DID THEY GET (?) , 1 got 30 DAYS BIG FRIGING DEAL ! How many MILLIONS DID IT THEY MAKE THE TAX PAYER FORK OUT FOR THAT?
Who doesn't wake every morning with a sad lump in their throat at what each new day brings from Trump's mafia? America's FBI is all that now stands between the GOP's criminal chaotic dictatorship and the future of our 240-year-old democracy.
11
This is just too darn funny. For a moment I had to check: The New York Times or The Onion? That is question.
Obviously, hack attorney Giuliani, and his semi-literate client, Trumpy, having never read, is unaware of the story about the "Boy Who Cried Wolf". There are now so may wolves penned up in Trump Tower and the White House, someone needs to feed these beasts before they turn on their masters.
On second thought, let's not feed the beast.
Oh Rudy? Donnie wants you to check on the wolf pen. He heard some rumblings. Pronto.
DD
Manhattan
6
lies on top of lies on top of lies. this is all to keep his loyalists believing. trump has created so much chaos and said so many contradictory things it is easy for his high priced ambulance chasers to cherry pick and find reasons and rationales in this verbal garage dump. it's a dirty job but they don't care.
6
"Mr. Giuliani said Mr. Comey had damaged his credibility during his recent book tour and was an unreliable witness."
Well, at least Mr. Giuliani IS in a position to understand "damaged credibility."
3
When the “fourth estate” depends on profits over truth, we are in serious trouble.
In that case, it would appear that the coup should be considered to be complete.
2
If there are no crimes Mr. President then why won't you speak with Mueller? Especially since you said you would love to speak with him. Now you're trying to severely limit what he can ask or you won't speak with him at all. You do realize that this smacks of guilt?
2
The mouthpiece speaks again. There is a reason why some of these people are called paid liars.
Why would anyone believe anything Giuliani says? Look who he represents!
4
The Trump/Guiliani strategy of fighting this investigation by impugning the motives, credibility and personal character of the people conducting it is one of many causes of national wreckage brought to us by this administration. Some of Trump's defenders, acknowledging his grandstanding, nonetheless say we should "ignore the tweets" and focus, instead, on this administrations actions. Sadly, its "accomplishments" include the deliberate destruction, in this country, of a shared commitment to objective truth and to the ideas that justice should be based on it, that investigations should be methodical and thorough and strive to determine what actually happened, that they are led by good people capable of delivering credible results, and, most importantly, that no one is above the law. We now live in a country offering nothing at all except material comfort -- and that, only to those with access to political power, and only depending on how much political power they can, in fact, access. We are now a country devoid of even the appearance of a commitment to the rule of law (except as a game played by lawyers with a win-at-any-cost mentality and value system), to political enfranchisement, to universal suffrage, to real equality under the law or in any meaningful sense. It's a terrible, terrible thing. Unless forced to by the nearly complete destruction of our country, as Germany and Japan were following WW2, we'll never repair the damage, for it now goes so deep.
8
Oh, please. Really?
Don't believe anything Giuliani says.
Mueller on!
8
Giuliani does not speak for Mueller.
10
It's called misinformation, misdirection and distraction. You throw a bunch of stuff at the wall and see if anything sticks.
6
To those of you repeating the Giuliani/Trump narrative, please note that Mr. Mueller and his team have not been conducting press conferences or sending out press releases regarding this investigation. To date their public interactions have been primarily confined to handing down indictments and making referrals (with the occasional announcement of a guilty plea). Despite such restrained behavior, Trump and his minions seldom let a day go by where the don't launch some new kind of attack on the investigation and those running it. Most of the noise (and it is just noise) is coming from one side.
Don't you ever wonder why the President of the United States did not simply cooperate with an investigation into foreign meddling in a U.S. election? Why Trump's side launches so many preemptive attacks against that investigation (despite the fact that is is being run by members of his own party)? Why there have been so many attempts to discredit that investigation before most of its findings have even become public?
It is always dangerous to only listen to one side of an argument. I would ask that you wait to see what Mueller and his team ultimately present before making up your minds. Allowing oneself to be swayed before hearing all the evidence is simply not the way our judicial system is supposed to work. Please try to remember that.
7
How can any headline starting with, "Guiliani claims..." go above-the-fold?
7
September 1 of what year?
6
There is no legal precedent for a specific timeline under which the Special Counsel must conclude an investigation. This is simply Donald Trump and other Republicans becoming very nervous about the November Congressional elections and using Rudolph Giuliani to state claims that may - but most likely were not - stated behind closed doors. Mr. Giuliani is excellent at "baiting" and not bright enough to know by this time that Robert Mueller and his group won't take the bait.
Continue onward, Mr. Mueller!
6
"A spokesman for the special counsel’s office declined to comment."
There is a spokesman for the special counsel? The spokesman who never says anything. I would like that job.
1
Rudy believes that in a one-on-one honesty contest, Trump vs. Comey, that Trump wins?!?! He obviously pays no attention the the lies of his client.
3
All this sophistry from Trump's lawyers is so transparently false that it staggers the imagination. It's one thing to argue opinion, but to claim that the FBI thought that Flynn was "confused" but telling the truth is beyond the pale. This palaver is reminiscent of a dim-witted third grader trying to lie his way out of detention. I guess this tells us how highly they regard the intelligence of his base. Simply incredible!
4
Rudy Giuliani, AKA Batman's Joker, does not schedule the end date of the Mueller inquiry; the evidence trail does. If Rudy truly believes otherwise, he should be disbarred for rank incompetence.
3
So desperate to appear relevant, Giuliani opens his trap again yammering on about details for which he would have no knowledge.
So surprising that DJT would allow this cartoon character to miss speak for him TV.
2
Embarrassing NYT. Please stop treating everything as news that someone in the Trump administration arbitrarily says. Most of us do not subscribe to read what a known dealer in misinformation says. Do your readers a service and focus on what is actually happening in this country.
For every 10 of these articles, I see 1 article on what REAL changes are taking place within HUD or the EPA. That ratio needs to change.
9
It sounds to me like Rudy Giuliani is trying to send a message to his boss that "he has things under control" when that is nowhere near the truth. Giuliana controls nothing.
All of the arguments about obstruction that the White House have put forward are contradicted by the admission of Flynn himself that he lied to FBI investigators when he asserted that he had had no contact with the Russian ambassador, Sergei Kislyak.
we have now heard about a second meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr and more foreigners who were offering assistance in the elction.
52 U.S. Code § 30121 - Contributions and donations by foreign nationals
(a) PROHIBITION It shall be unlawful for—
(1) a foreign national, directly or indirectly, to make—
(A) a contribution or donation of money or other thing of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State, or local election;
or
(2) a person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) from a foreign national.
Donald Trump Jr would appear to have a legal problem, based on two meetings in Trump Tower with foreign nationals in which assistance to the Trump campaign was discussed.
3
May end, is a pretty broad term. It will and should end when there is no longer anything to be discovered. The criminals Trump and Giuliani obviously would like it to be over. Lets face it the longer it proceeds the worse the consequences look for them. Please, Mr Mueller, take whatever time is needed to hold Trump and his gang of parasites accountable.
4
I'll believe it when I hear Mueller say it.
7
key word, "hopes".
1
Ah, the limelight. A moth like Giuliani has just got to have it. Everything he says is calculated to raise the public eyebrow, the source of the green tinted luminescence he so shamelessly craves. Even I am embarrassed for him.
1
So now we have to read about all of Trump's outrageous tweets AND all of Giuliani's outlandish public statements? Giuliani is playing a ridiculous game of PR and imaginary, distracting false narratives. Most, if not all of what he says, turns out to be garbage. So why is it news? All he's doing is attempting to argue his counter narrative in the public arena. Why must the media allow charlatans like Giuliani seize control of public discourse?
1
Giuliani is the spokesperson for Robert Mueller now? I sure didn't see that one coming.
1
Oh sure.
Like Mueller can tell Giuliani, or anyone else, what is going on inside the sacred purview of an investigative Grand Jury.
2
The interesting thing is that Mueller probably found irrefutable evidence of collusion a month or so into the inquiry and has been looking into other matters since then. Now, hold your hand up if you think Mitch McConnell will take any action from these treasonous actions.
2
Trump's legal team, such as it is, is trying to use the one advantage they have: a willingness to work the public though the media. Journalists probably have little choice but to report on these wild assertions. Although they can add context that sets off the statements as fallacious and frivolous, there is no one forcefully rebutting them and no price to be paid legally or politically. Expect the disinformation to continue.
1
If Guiliani told me the sky was blue I'd go outside and check.
2
I hope that date is when Trump and his enablers are imprisoned.
3
Sorry, the person of interest of an investigation or their lawyers can’t dictate the terms or length of it. There is no Mueller may I.
1
Given Giuliani's past false claims about the length of the Mueller investigation -- and given that it's not his decision -- why is this top news?
1
There may not have been collusion, as this would require both parties to actually do something to try to influence the election, but I am sure there will be charges of obstruction. What is most likely to be the outcome is that Trump and his syndicate tried to collude but without success, but donations from foreign powers in return for future favors were welcome. Although this may not be an impeachable offense, it does clearly signal that the Presidency is now under the purview of a crime boss whose goal is to obfuscate the enrichment of those closest to him.
1
I agree that the inquiries could end in September. That could be the time the trials start.
2
I hope the investigation ends; it has been a needless waste of time and resources, resources which could go to other more important things. The American people elected Trump because they were tired of the Establishment doing nothing. Now things are getting done, despite the diversion of this pseudo-investigation. I support the President. I support Trump. Thank you.
1
“Now that the Witch Hunt has given up on Russia and is looking at the rest of the World, they should easily be able to take it into the Mid-Term Elections where they can put some hurt on the Republican Party,” Mr. Trump wrote. “Don’t worry about Dems FISA Abuse, missing Emails or Fraudulent Dossier!” “
The Republican Party has hurt itself by their inaction and by the actions of certain people within their party. The investigations into other foreign entities offering to help elect the one in the Whitehouse are a direct result of the special councils investigation into Russian interference. They in no way indicate the termination of the latter. If, as the Whitehouse person says, this is a witch hunt, it is because there are a lot of “witches” to hunt.
1
So ironic. It was Guiliani who orchestrated the October Surprise with rogue NY office FBI agents whose leaks pressured Comey to make his ill-fated pronouncements. Now he is proclaiming that he doesn’t want the very same interference he was responsible for happening in the midterm elections.
2
It is hard to believe that Mr. Muelller would worry about the elections in November; especially after Mr. Comey's unhappy experience with such considerations related to an investigation. Mr. Giuliani does not present as credible. Mr. Trump, patently, is not credible about anything. The most obvious explanation for this latest outburst is that Trump can feel Mueller bearing down on him and wants to create pressure on Mueller to stop.
2
It is going to be very difficult to wrap up an Obstruction of Justice inquiry into Trump because he won't stop obstructing justice.
4
And if Mr. Giuliani's prediction is false, or if the never ending list of Trump-Russian contacts continues to grow, will Trump say that Mueller broke a "promise" to end the investigation by September?
Meanwhile, Election Day is 169 days away. Will the Russians meddle again? Will Republican voter suppression stop? Will oligarchic propaganda (Russian and American) be exposed?
Will now-bankrupt Cambridge Analytica's data and successful techniques be used in a new election by the same or different behind the scene players?
So many questions! The answers could replace the endless Trump Tweet and news story headlines if journalists and investigators do their jobs.
2
It's absurd that the Times would give this claim any credence whatsoever without it being confirmed by Mueller's office.
Giuliani has a history of lying and providing direct misinformation, as we have seen basically everyday since he started as Trump's lawyer.
It also makes no sense that Mueller would base his investigation on the political cycle, as surely Mueller is aware of how disastrous that turned out to be for James Comey.
Further, the wording throughout the article is particularly mind-boggling. Printing "The special counsel hopes to finish by Sept. 1 the investigation into whether President Trump obstructed the Russia inquiry" before printing "according to the president’s lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani" makes it possible that people see and read the former without realizing and fully comprehending the latter.
2
Think of a Venn diagram. On the one side is an ongoing DOJ investigation into Russian money-laundering and Deutsche Bank in which Trump lingered on the fringes. On the other side is the US Presidential election in which Trump emerged as a viable candidate. Where these two fringes intersected, national security interests mandated an inquiry by the DOJ into if-and-how the two spheres interacted. So, a trusted intermediary was introduced to make a preliminary assessment. When the reports back indicated a potential problem, the DOJ undertook a strategic monitoring to ensure that if something goes awry they were prepared respond. I think what the Mueller investigation is on the precipice of exposing is that Donald Trump’s hedonism and avarice led him over the line into serious violations of the Rule of Law. And, like tragic fool Jake Spoon’s last words in in Lonesome Dove just before he was hanged, Trump’s defense will be: “But Gus, I didn’t see no line.”
1
It's over when its over. Nor before, not after. When all the investigations have been concluded- its over. Why set a date?
Giuliani say "it MAY be over" by then doesn't mean its true since both he and Don are spectacular liars.
2
The only person not making public statements and wild accusations or appearing on cable news entertainment shows is about the only serious adult in the room.
That would be Robert Mueller.
2
Giuliani knows how to create distraction but his respect for the laws which enable this country to remain a republic with a government of law has left him.
1
It's sad to see Giuliani reshape his legacy with his bizarre involvement in Trump's defense. Whether you like or dislike the man is irrelevant to how he really stepped up to the plate in a time of crisis after 9/11 as Mayor of New York. But one thing appears certain. Anyone and everyone hitching their star to the Trump Wagon has eventually been burned. Their reputations, their dignity, their sanity. I'm not the biggest Giuliani fan, but I do see his involvement with Trump as his grand finale downfall. And it's sad...
2
We are being introduced to the newest scenario that will besmirch Mueller's credibility . Whatever conclusion is arrived upon will be seen as a political conspiracy against Trump and whatever elections those publicized conclusions may be near to will be seen as an effort to sway the results. Unless, of course, in the one in a billion chance the conclusions favor Trump.
We need to clean House. The garbage is beginning to stink and we seem to be becoming inured to the odor.
2
Nothing Giuliani said makes sense. No wonder Trump’s bonded with him, two guys untethered from truth, still living in the 80’s, like they’re dealing with New York style business. Can’t get any more weird.
2
TNYTGPA
The New York Times Got Played Again
This one is almost as good as the 49 Mueller Questions (as edited by Trump’s lawyers).
NY Naïveté.
2
is there a reason that that NY Times quotes Giuliani as an authority on anything? Is that journalism?
5
Giuliani's pronouncement that the "Inquiry" will end Sept 1 must give Trump some sense of relief that all this will be over before the election.
It’s Mueller time, not Giuliani time.
12
This info from the man who said Hillary Clinton was too stupid to be president because she chose to stay with her husband after his infidelity. Anyone who still thinks of Rudy as America's mayor is the same person who believes, as Pence does, that more Americans than ever are religious and that Trump will make America great again.
18
Who cares what Giliani says? Why is the NY Time reporting this as news? He's a bad mouthpiece for Trump (check his nose) whose only job is attack Mueller investigation for Trump's base and confuse the media with fake news. Stop reporting this fake news.
18
Misleading headline. It should start with "Giuliani says..."
25
Absolutely!!!
It should say "Giuliani says Muller Hopes...". Then it would be clear that this is Giuliani's disinformation campaign, not reality. Then again, if his point really is that "waiting any longer would risk improperly influencing voters" in the midterms, maybe it was comedy.
15
NYT, do you check your sources, especially those with a history of lying? Did Giuliani show any evidence? Or do you just like to be pawns in Trump’s game to undermine the investigation?
20
Why, because Giuliani says so?
Who is Giuliani to say when an independent investigation ends?
The question is, when will trump, Giuliani and Republicans end their obstruction of justice of this inquiry to the facts of the election invaded by Russians and other foreigners on their behalf? If trump and Republicans are so innocent, they'd welcome a Republican Mueller to finish his investigation. Obviously, like the rest of us, they know they are guilty as sin. Imagine if Mueller were a Democrat?!
We're all eager for Mueller to wrap it up so we can finally impeach, indict and incarcerate the swamp creature - especially before November. Unfortunately trump, his family and his ilk in congress continue to add to Mueller's reasons to continue investigating.
However, if Mueller is done too soon and issues his reports to this Republican congress, it will be buried, locked up and dismissed and nothing will come out of it. Trump will yet again escape with impunity. Indeed, given a license to continue his path to authoritarianism - Mr. I hereby demand!.
13
The Mayor has lost his mind.
12
Wow!!! If Giuliani said it, it must be true. One of the sidelines to this whole mess is that utterly pathetic creep is getting so much ink. He looks and acts like Cheney when he lies and then gives us that sideways glance as if to say "If you believe the lie I just uttered,
I've got a dozen more for you".
14
Trump will never be interviewed by Mueller.
1
Perhaps...but then he will be asked to resign and go live in Russia as an oligarch!
1
I don't believe we can trust anything Rudy puts out.
8
Please, when will this clown show stop---wake up America---we have the a very bad version of "Goodfellas" running this country.
11
The best way for Trump to force Mueller’s hand is to order the FBI and DOJ to turn over the unredacted documents that Congress has requested immediately.
Rosenstein’s plan of dragging things out until the next election in the hopes of having a more compliant Congress can be shattered with one stroke of the pen.
How many people do you think the text message happy Strzok was texting? You know exactly why they don’t want anyone to see those messages.
Trump can be the paragon of transparency and kill his enemies with one shot.
1
I have an even better idea. Why doesn’t Trump just agree to cooperate and answer questions honestly? If there is nothing to hide, wouldn’t that put an end to the investigation faster? He could also be the paragon of transparency that way, couldn’t he? Why do you think he won’t do that?
Kathy, that would dignify the conspiracy.
The conspiracy is collapsing of its own weight.
To pretend that there is any validity to a sham investigation that is itself an offspring of the most corrupt conspiracy in American political history is completely unnecessary.
Well, if he wants it over with, he should dignify it—as did previous presidents under investigation. Why is he immune?
He should be forthcoming and honest. Think he can do that?
Giuliani is worried about the time it will take to prepare Trump for an interview with Mueller's team. If Trump (or anyone) is simply telling the truth about a matter (what he saw, what he knows, what he did), then he really should not have to prepare. It is not a test that he needs to study for.
9
If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.
Times, you're taking the bait. Don't report this nonsense. Giuliani is a liar and spinner, that's all established. Why play his game?
20
At least they changed the ridiculous headline from ‘says’ to ‘claims.’
9
Perhaps this is Rudy's ploy to cancel the mid-term elections . . . undue political influence . . . it worked with derailing Merrick Garland . . . don't do anything and blame Obama.
7
It's clear that Rudy is trying to control the conversation. Please, free press, don't let him.
16
Wow! Except that Trump, himself, said,more than once, he fired Comey because of Russia investigation! So it isn’t Trump’s word against Comey’s. It is Trump vs Trump.
10
You do realize Giuliani is well past his sell-by date if ever he was viable, which is questionable to say the least. This headline is therefore no more than additional misleading misdirection. Do better.
10
De-spin Zone: Mueller announces indictment of Trump will be issued by Sept 1.
8
If this is a matter of "he said, he said", I wonder who I would trust. Hmmm. Let me think about that one. DUH!
4
The entire investigation was to have been wrapped by last Thanksgiving...or Christmas...or New Year...or by Trump's presidential anniversary...or...or...or...
5
'Giuliani sought to frame the investigation as the word of one man against another, President Trump vs. James Comey.'
This tactic seeks to belittle the whole investigation as nothing but a personal dispute and tries to deflect attention away from the pattern of election abuse that is at the root of this investigation. This investigation can not be made to be a personal thing, but about the Trump campaign colluding with foreign powers to steal and subvert our election process.
trump needs to make this about personal vindictiveness and this is always been what he is about from President Obama, Hillary Clinton and even members of his own party. This vindictiveness is one of the worst ways Trump has degraded everything he touches.
11
Sundays with Rudy are sweet,
Along with a donnie boy tweet;
Both provide a distraction
From presidential inaction.
Lord help us when Kim and Trump meet.
11
They won’t meet thanks to comments from Bolton, who would like another regime war as a way to further his neocon agenda.
Giuliani: "A small man in search of a balcony." (Breslin)
If he gets any smaller he'll disappear in sad little puff of smoke, leaving a faint smell of burnt rubber behind.
11
Excellent analysis!
When one steps back from the continued subterfuge by Trump's lawyers trying to tell an independent investigator what to do and apparently laying the public relations groundwork for political support against the Justice Department and the FBI, the clear picture that emerges is an authoritarian grab for power. The insidious slide towards authoritarianism that is reinforced daily by Trump must be stopped. Trump has all the characteristics of a dictator: stereotype the opposition or any group deemed different from his cohort, undermine the freedom of the press, discredit the Justice Department and violate the emoluments clause repeatedly and apparently with treason in the recent case of the Chinese mobile phone company for which he wants to restore jobs while China funds a project of his private company. Even the appearance of a conflict of interest is too much, but Trump flaunts such conflicts weekly if not more often.
As to Guilani, he is pathetic to watch flailing about with taunts and obviously incorrect legal interpretations that begin with his assumption that those under investigation can dictate to the investigators. One wonders if he has considered how investigators react to his demands to end the investigation or to dictate its terms, particularly regarding Trump testimony. Subpoena Trump for grand jury testimony for whatever duration is required. Perhaps then Trump will get the message that he cannot hide from the truth indefinitely. If he is innocent he has no problem
6
Giuliana: Another performer and outright clown in this distraction called the Donald Trump Presidency.
So what ridiculous events will occur this Monday to take our attention away from reality? More professional wrestling between Trump and Kim Jung-un? Some outrageous statement about Robert Mueller issued by the White House? Some blabbering by Kellyanne Conway? Meanwhile:
Perhaps we'll see another scandal by Scott Pruitt to add to the list while he rolls back more environmental protections. Perhaps the GOP congress will do away with Social Security, Perhaps Trump will believe that Term limits don't reply to the president and he will sign an executive order to that effect, perhaps Betsy DeVos will sign a paper outlawing free public education or perhaps Ben Carson will denounce his Afro-American background and claim he is dark due to too much in the sun.
This is all just too tiring and has to stop already, I'm getting very tired of living in a George Orwell Novel.
8
I believe your copyroom mis-ordered the words in the headline. Shouldn't it be:
"Giuliani Hopes Mueller Says to Wrap Up Obstruction Inquiry Into Trump by Sept. 1"
7
I may have issues with the way Mr. Comey presented, or failed to present, information during the 2016 campaign, but in a credibility contest with Mr. Trump, there is no contest. Mr. Trump avoids the truth like a vampire shuns sunlight.
10
Notice that the special counsel has not issued any of its own statements about when things will be wrapped up. That pretty much sums it up. Giuliani is hearing what he wants to hear.
8
Rudolph W. Giuliani, who said on Sunday that waiting any longer would risk improperly influencing voters in November’s midterm elections.
Right, we wouldn't want to wait until 11 days before the election...
13
"Silence is better for the wise and how much more so for the fool."
Giuliani's problem is not only his big mouth but his big ego that leads him to believe he's smarter than everyone else in the room. Which makes him the mirror of his boss and leads to this quote from Will Rogers (or some say Twain) who had seen plenty of buffoonery in his travels: "It's not the things we don't know that get us in trouble, it's the things we do know that ain't so. "
3
Why are we listening and taking anything Guliani says seriously?
7
Did Bill Clinton tell Ken Starr to hurry up and finish his fake investigation. Did Starr give the Clinton people a time line for his investigation. How long did it last? It wandered all over the place, from Whitewater to Monicagate. It was actually a Republican sponsored witch hunt, not an investigation. So these right wing creeps now want to stop a real investigation about a real, specific crime. They have no credibility except to their own tribe.
12
I noticed it said that Mueller's team did not elect to comment. If they wanted to share their timeline with the public, why on earth would they use Giuliani? Rudy hasn't been right about anything yet. He has zero credibility. This is just another stringer of red herrings.
331
We all know Mueller did not tell Giuliani anything
33
Maybe you should check Giuliani's resume as a the lead New York prosecutor and his time as its mayor before you disrespect him. Why are they going back many years before the nomination to prosecute some financial shenanigans by therefore delaying the vital questions in this drama?. Because the democrats want this as the main item in the next elections. That's corruption.
It is likely Mueller never met with Giuliani. Why would he?
14
Since when does Giuliani speak for Mueller, and set his timetable for him? Is Mueller being pressured to hurry up or be fired?
And since when do certain persons under investigation, of any rank, have the right to interfere with that investigation because it might affect the mid-term elections? The Executive Branch of government is supposed to keep a "hands off" stance toward DOJ, FBI, CIA and Special Prosecutor actions, to keep Justice neutral--not politicized.
The White House's interference increases the perception of collusion. Further, Trump brags about his "untouchability", as President, for any criminal wrongdoing in office. It appears that foreign countries have increased the wealth of Trump's companies by a considerable amount during his first year in office.
So when can he be indicted? Congressional Republicans have ignored, or benefited from, his lawbreaking. The U.S. is descending to banana republic, or mafia status, ruled by one raving Godfather.
I cannot tell, now, if the U.S. was ever "the good guys", because evidently, under Trump's leadership, all the ugliness in Americans has resurfaced -- having been there all along.
His supporters are increasing. Who knew Americans how vile and indifferent Americans were? I am angry at Trump's taking advantage, and at American's passivity.
Will Mueller bend to Trump's will or be fired? Possibly. Will voters care? I can only hope energy replaces apathy, and Democrats will prevail.
11
Mueller has to wrap it up. He ain't got nothing on Trump or on collusion and he does need to move on to investigating the FBI and Obama admin's behavior during 2016. Spying on the campaign trail...Tsk Tsk Tsk.
Manafort will be pleading guilty pretty soon. That should speed things up.
2
Ziggy, what Manafort is charged with has nothing to do with Trump or the campaign. It was outside Mueller's charter.
The headline should read, "Giuliani Says . . ." That would have save all intelligently informed readers the trouble of wading through the self-serving froth.
But, noted that Trump has hidden behind the skirts of his meeting with Kim Jun Il as an excuse for avoiding any prior interviews with Mueller or his team. So the delay is all on Trump.
8
Lets see who should we believe, Giuliani arrived on the scene and said the investigation would be over in two weeks, and now its been a month maybe two, not over. I think I will believe Mueller, who seems to be the only person involved that really knows what's going on. The White House complains about all the leaks, but its the staff there that's leaking. Mueller has been doing what they were tasked to do, investigate, follow the evidence, irregardless where that might take them. Its over when MUELLER says its over, that's how the majority of Americans want it. Truth and Justice.
253
Justice won't happen till all appeals are exhausted.
“We want the concentration of this to be on Comey versus the president’s credibility, and I think we win that and people get that,” Mr. Giuliani said ...
I think (a) that, for all his flaws, Comey is pure honesty and, in that sense, perfectly credible; (b) that the president's credibility (and Giuliani's and Nunes's and that of a growing array of republicans and alt-right 'pundits') is 'akin' to that of Frank Abagnale, approaches that of the late John Gotti, falls short of Bernie Madoff 's and John Ponzi's -- and reminds one of Benedict Arnold.
8
Sure, some less discerning people will believe anything. They forget the serious nature of the Special Counsel’s investigation, which has to do with attacks on our democratic Republic by a foreign adversary and on our national security. We should expect an extensive and complete investigation with the cooperation of all witnesses - the future security of our democracy is at stake here. I doubt Giuliani has any influence pressuring the Special Counsel, who appears to be a serious advocate for the rule of law and Justice.
The president’s supporters should be ashamed of themselves, not for their loyal support, but for their willingness to support narratives (backed with no evidence or fact) from the president and his surrogates attacking democratic institutions, federal employees, and the normal rule of law. This applies to Congress as well, where some seem to be running their own obstruction of justice ring.
The president says he is fighting back against the Special Counsel’s investigation in direct statements to the press and in Tweets. But, this investigation is not all about him. It is much bigger and much more important to the future of our country. Any suggestion the president abused his powers is but a small part. We have had many president who have abused their powers of Office. We have only had one president who attacks the very foundations of our country.
8
"Giuliani says" is nothing to pin a big story on. Giuliani also said a couple of months back that the investigation would wrap up in two weeks. He's busy squandering the twilight of his career. Like the White House, he's not a reliable source.
8
Giuliani also has stated that no Terrorist attacks occurred in the U.S. during the George W. Bush administration
3
"We want the concentration of this to be on Comey versus the president’s credibility ..."
No, Rudy ... no. You don't want that.
10
There is continuous reportage of an investigation going on but nothing really ever happens. There was that time Mueller arrested the fourteen (seventeen?) Russians, now forgotten. Here and there on TV we see video of Paul Manafort on his way to some interview. Can we assume Mueller isn't (despite his popular sainthood) personally invested in keeping the thing going indefinitely, enjoying the spotlight and reverence. He should be compelled to give an account of what he's done, where things stand, and get on or get out.
Forgotten?
I don't think so.
A number of those Mueller has indicted have already pleaded guilty.
The rest are awaiting the docket.
Justice is proceeding according to its own timetable, not yours.
The investigation is more alive than ever and will continue until all the perps are exposed.
1
You are so right.
It's always a good idea to broadcast the state of an investigation to the ones being investigated
Sometimes it's even best if you just give them all the info that investigators have uncovered on them directly.
During Discovery.
Sure am glad that you felt Ken Starrs 6 year Investigation was 5 3/4 years too long.
"As a conservative lawyer, who at one point considered taking a job in the administration and still has close ties to it said to one of us last night: “All this man [the source] wanted to do was to help our country. And this was a legitimate counterintelligence inquiry with more than an adequate foundation and a perfectly appropriate method. Trump and Nunes have defiled the oaths they took. It’s just obscene.”
For a very detailed look at how the FBI informant issue was raised and the informant all but exposed, and whining by the Daily Caller reporter over not getting credit for doing so...it's all laid out here.
https://www.lawfareblog.com/day-we-cant-protect-human-sources-president-...
HOW STRANGE! I had heard that there was a plan to have the investigation of Trump completed by 9/11.
1
ACTUALLY YOU'VE GOT IT ALL WRONG Trump says that 9/11 is 7/11. OK, so which is which? Maybe he wants a 7/11 memorial so he can get free Slurpees?
1
I'm not sure why the Times attributes things that Mueller is, or isn't planning to do, to Giuliani. Giuliani is plainly out of touch with reality, and will say anything, without bothering to be sure if it's truthful.
11
This is reporting click-bait gossip. Much like the headline claiming that Secretary Clinton was under investigation by the FBI.
I suppose the media will never learn. If there's a silver lining to the Trumpy era is that the media is being shown to have been reduced to lucrative gossip-mongering.
5
I keep getting the feeling that regardless of outcome, we may be seeing the last days of a free democracy in the United States. It is the progression of an evil agenda.
The progression of this evil looks like this:
First, brainwash enough people to follow your commands so they will counter any legal moves made against you for any reason you tell them. Check.
Next, Divide the people against themselves. Check.
Throughout your tenure, make allies of enemies, and enemies of allies. Work in progress.
Float the idea of a permanent presidency. Done.
Hint at a vast conspiracy against you. Destroy the credibility of credibility. Check and check.
Insinuate that vast voter fraud exists: this is crucial to setting the foundation for calling future elections 'tainted' and declaring them illegal. Done.
On good days I assure myself that this is all just a bunch of what-ifs and suppose-thats. But I now wonder what black letter laws exist to address a leader who refuses to step down? As far as I can tell, there are none. Our democracy hangs in the balance, and the balance upon which it teeters is Donald Trump's basic decency as a man and as an American.
These are grim days.
16
An investigation should be wrapped up when it's ready to be wrapped up.
5
I am not a Trump fan in any way, but I'm starting to think Mueller's investigation is a waste of time and that nothing will come of it. Congress, so long as it's led by Republicans, will not impeach Trump, or even censure him. If Mueller tries to indict Trump, Trump will just ignore him and claim executive privilege, or some such thing. The whole mess will end up in court and it could be it will still be rattling around years from now. It's pretty much been determined that some Russians interfered in the 2016 election, so maybe that knowledge is the best we can hope for. If I thought Congress would stand up for America, my feelings might be different, but I know they will not, so the whole thing is just an exercise in futility.
Are you aware of the scores of indictments and guilty pleas Mueller already has generated?
5
If Murller finds reasons to indict Trump, the announcement alone will crack the ice under the president's sled.
No rejoinder by Trump will save him, een if he cannot be impeached.
1
It seems to me that Trump's lawyers are attempting to pull the same, old shenanigans that Trump himself has pulled since his presidential campaign: just make stuff up; say heads is tails. We need to get this crowd into a court of law with their hands on the bible. Then let's see how they respond to serious questions during penetrating, persistent, competent questioning. Will it be with factual responses or with stuff.
7
Everything Guiliani says about Mueller is hear-say. Mueller says nothing. There is no Sept. 1 deadline. There is no agreement to limit any Trump interview with Mueller to the topics Guiliani announced. Who is Guiliani trying to pull one over on? Does Guiliani actually think the nation that did not elect Trump by majority vote is going to rally around our crime-boss-and-chief?
10
Has Muller actually affirmed anything that Giuliani is putting out there, or is this just more Trumpesque smoke and mirrors? It’s most certainly the latter.
As for the midterm elections being tainted if Muller doesn’t clear the deck on Trump obstructing the Russia inquiry — well just more of the same low grade hoopla.
Then there is the phony dodge that stacking Trump’s credibility up against that of Comey will produce anything like a win for the Trump mob.
Meanwhile Trump’s performance as POTUS and his administration is a travesty that could only come out of Washington.
6
Unfortunately, the trumpettes' version of the Mueller probe constantly being in the headlines and in trump tweets is swaying a lot of people to their side.
I know Mueller cannot reply to each of these fake headlines, but there must be some public officials who can reply immediately to each of the inaccuracies perpetrated by trump and his minions and picked up by the news media each time they read a trump tweet.
Truth and facts are not being well served regarding the Mueller probe and the attacks against law enforcement agencies.
3
Giuliani, on behalf of Trump, is clearly making a see-through attempt to gain some control over the inquiry led by Robert Mueller by forcing time-wise constraint on it for premature and hasty conclusion, rooted in the argument of fairness for the upcoming midterm elections. As first glaring approximation of taking this seriously: Who can trust Giuliani? What is important to him and Trump and the others who have pledged loyalty to Trump as these put themselves in the headlines is, as I see it, a chance for us of this Nation to see what WE seemingly and in a way look like. And from there, to decide ... at least at the voting booth ... what to do about it. It’s impossible for me to believe that truth and justice are irrelevant to our national identity. But with Trump and the crowd around him, that’s now actually the question. There’s a lot at stake for us now and for those who will come after us; that’s for sure.
1
So now anything Giuliani says is a front page headline? Please.
14
If the American public is dumb enough to buy the spurious guff from Giuliani they deserve a continuation of this dreadful administration. Mr Comey is a Boy Scout caught up in a Game of Thrones.
1
Giuliani. A criminal’s idea of what a good defense attorney acts like.
7
[Trump] "doth protest too much, methinks". (With apologies to Shakespeare).
2
With his confusing statements Giuliani is briefing media and the public as if he is the official spokesperson of the special counsel Robert Mueller.
2
Trump is on record as taking virtually all positions on the Russian probe and often contradictory ones. The single biggest fact is that none of these comments, tweets etc were made under oath or to a Federal Agent (like Mueller). An interview with Mueller is critical for that reason. Whether you like Mueller or Giuliani or not is irrelevant. Both are smart men. Giuliani is a former U.S. Attorney who has worked closely with Mueller in the past. Both sides have their strengths and weaknesses in their negotiations and their minimum requirements for a Trump sit-down with Mueller .If they can't reach an agreement this will end up in the courts (multiple courts) with inevitably a long delay which is no ones interest, especially the country's.
37
You’ll have to admit Giuliani doesn’t seem quite as sharp as he used to be, though no less obfuscating.
20
I don't agree with that observation. This is a widespread and complex investigation (Mueller's) and Giuliani has to get up to speed with a year of legal and investigative and testimony to digest. There are no signs of acrimony with Mueller with whom he worked closely in the DOJ in the past. He appears to have gotten Mueller to agree with a deadline if both sides can agree on terms for a sit down. He appears to have gotten Mueller to agree that the President cannot be indicted. Trump's previous lawyers made no progress in that area.
Giuliani may have been a "smart" man at one time. No longer. Certainly, not since 9/11. He is now a merely "nattering nabob of" nonsense ... with no Off switch.
15
Giuliani has been brought on board to lie and spread falsehoods to somehow help Trump deflect the truth, period.
I cannot believe Mueller would ever speak to Giuliani about anything related to the case, certainly not the end date.
Its all Baloney for Trumps ignorant base
Now Trump "demanding" action by the DOJ into the investigation...writing the Obstruction of Justice charge himself
3
If I ever have a very, very important secret I want Robert Mueller to hold it for me. His restraint in the face of this propaganda campaign is simply remarkable.
At a time when Trump sycophants and Fox News trots out daily lies, and every cable talking head has an opinion, Mueller's team remains hard at work and utterly discreet. Admirable.
10
Trump's credibility? Zero. Steele dossier? Not one word has been disproven. To my ears, Trump's tweetstorms sound more and more like the wicked witch, screaming, "I'm melting! Oh what a wicked world!"
2
The Golden Rule for authoritarians used to be that one big lie is more readily believed than a little one. Trump's innovation is that thousands of little lies will drown the truth.
3
This is egregious. Trump surrogates set a new low but it's up to Americans, regardless of affiliation to put country before party. Mr. Giuliani should be asked to provide written proof or challenged to admit to lying...again/"not knowing all the facts".
of course i believe Rudy. he's as credible as the president.
2
When exactly did Giuliani become Mueller’s spokesman?
5
Why does Giuliani's opinion on *anything* merit front page coverage? The man doesn't even stand behind his own statements.
3
If Mueller has pending indictments that show a conspiracy between anyone in the Trump circle and the Russians...he need to make it public now.
Trump is winning the pr campaign through his tweets, complicity by Congress, his lackeys and Fox news.
1
I hope Giuliani is disbarred. The "man" is a disgrace.
7
Either Giuliani has a mole in the Muelle investigation or he is following his master's pattern of inventing things. How else is it possible for him to give such assured bits of news every other day, and all of the m designed to create realities on the ground.
4
Robert Mueller does not do "witch hunts." A study of his background reveals that he's a no nonsense patriot who knows enough about Trump to make him want to puke. Only the moral rot of congressional Republicans defending Trump can keep Mueller from putting Trump out of office and in prison where he belongs, no matter how long it takes.
8
It appears now that Guiliani is now participating with Trump in trying to obstruct justice by pressuring Mueller to end his investigation. Trump supporters continue to miss the most important aspect of Mueller's investigation: Trump and his campaign staff seriously compromised national security and attempted to thrwart our democractic principles by dealing with the Russians and obtaining information illegally on Clinton. Not to mention that we need to know if our President and his corporation are laundering Russian money. This is a failed administration and those who support Trump are party to serious compromises to our democratic principles. The country deserves better.
7
Trump and Giuliani should have to wear lie detectors when they talk. They seldom tell the truth. It's much safer to assume they are lying.
5
Better yet, make them wear the shock collars the make for dogs to keep them for barking.
2
Trump has spent his entire life lying. Giuliani was pretty much done as mayor of NYC due to his shenanigans both public and personal until 9/11 when he was branded " America's mayor " -- both of these guys are self-aggrandizing and probably demented clowns. Problem is, they're both dangerous to our republic.
Now they are desperately spinning fiction to save this corrupt third world banana republican presidency.
5
Trump's mouthpiece just trying to provoke a response from Mueller is so obvious and 3rd rate PR but the Trump Chumps swallow it whole; the rest of us, just follow the evidence (and, more importantly, the money).
A deadline is what they're looking for and Trump's tweets over the weekend prove it's just political cover for vulnerable GOP incumbents trying to rally their base.
3
We all know Trump's base is beyond convincing. It's the so-called educated professionals who voted for him because they didn't like the ethical boundary pushing of the Clintons, or whatever other reason you want to ascribe for they not voting for her. Do these people see the rot? The other question too is whether minorities, women, immigrants -- every group you can imagine who's been offended or disrespected by Trump -- will turn out with enough force to flip Congress. The Democrats should be spending all of their time on building a grassroots movement, like Bernie and Obama did successfully, to encourage small donations and get people to the polls in November because it's high noon for the republic.
4
It is interesting to watch the disintegration of law and order under the Trump administration. “The FBI and the DOJ are not above the law”. Trump is providing oversight of the FBI and DOJ? His criticisms are simply him doing his job? I think we have a dictator on our hands. Trump thinks he gets the final say on all matters, legal or otherwise. If Congress or the courts don’t reel him in, and soon, this fiasco will get out of hand.
7
This is an important investigation. The Russians, who are not our friends, tried to interfere with our election in many different ways. The President's men (including his son) was in contact with Russian intelligence operators during the campaign. Those are indisputable facts. What we don't know is if the President was aware of such undertakings. This must be clearly investigated by our FBI. The President nor his helpers cannot dictate the parameters of the investigation!
3
How, precisely, does Mr. Giuliani think Mr. Mueller can wrap up an investigation into obstruction which is ongoing.
5
Why is this on the front page of NYT? It is not news since these comments are not confirmed by the the Special Prosecutor. As it stands, the NYT is simply giving Mr. Giuliani a platform to mold public opinion.
16
The source for this story, Rudy Giuliani, called Schmidt and or Haberman and dictated this one sided story to them, they wrote it up and the Times published it. You are reaching new lows at the Times. This story is the ramblings from a guy sent to lie to the public and distort the facts and shut down an investigation into Trump and his crime family. This was a press release for Trump not a news story.
18
It's the new editorial standards for millennials. Apparently facts are now labile things like most of these ignorant kids imagine and not the reality based proven irrefutable thing they are.
Trump and Guiliani are not to be believed As liars go.. they are in first place.. The "base" that they lie to and who pathetically believe those lies are going to be heartbroken when the truth is undeniable and facts must be faced.
7
Giuliani said September 1st. He didn’t say what year.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
9
"Mr. Giuliani said that an interview would be a distraction for the president and that the amount of preparation required meant that the president could not sit for questioning until after the scheduled summit meeting between Mr. Trump and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un."
Oh yes, because the president has such an impeccable track record of due diligence, such as preparing for presidential debates, heeding advice from senior staff, and listening attentively to security briefings. And it's not like he spends a sizable amount of his time running off to Florida to play golf.
Giuliani's credentials as a lawyer and prosecutor are merely a means to an end. He has clearly been hired as a political operative and spin doctor. So much for draining the swamp.
9
Never was collusion nor obstruction by Trump...ever. Hillary colluded with Russians and along with various FBI and DOJ officials attempted to influence an election , then, nullify an American election. As we learn more, Obama himself may have been involved as he was in the IRS scandal with Lois Lerner. Many are going to be going to jail over this abuse of power and they will be the deep state partisans who thought they were above the law and thought they would never be caught. They have disrupted the function of government, wasted millions of dollars but more importantly, they attempted to nullify an election....the latter is normally called treason.
3
It is astonishing that anyone could believe this.
6
They believe this but not global warming.
NYT, try a bit harder not to give credence to Giuliani as a spokesperson for the Mueller investigations.
12
Reality check we wont have these investgations if we had manditory voting we would have different president,end of problem.
1
President can order the firing of anyone — except when it’s for the purposes of saving their own hide when it’s being investigated.
2
If the Special Counsel didn't say it then it wasn't said!
9
The public need their day in court when all the self serving and dissembling will be prevented. That is why an indictment of the president is necessary. The dogma of the quiet past is inadequate to the stormy present. The Justice Department must think anew 43 years after Watergate and rewrite its rules about indicting a sitting president. To do otherwise would allow criminal activity to flourish in the White House.
The continuation (or not) of the Special Counsel investigation should not hinge on whether it will help or hurt the Republicans or the Democrats in the 2018 elections. Someone with nothing to hide should not fear scrutiny or transparency. As for Rudy Giuliani's opinion on any of this - he is paid to protect Donald Trump. Of course, he will want the investigation to end. Duh!
5
Why is this the top headline? Gulianni has no credibility. Mueller wouldn’t tell him if that was his plan. Is the NYTs trying to pressure Mueller?
9
The manipulation of any narrative is critical to the Trump presidency to make up for his lack of leadership and his lack of knowledge. Playing the victim while at the same time bullying is his rhetorical trademark. Constantly keeping this narrative before the public through all of the media creates the image of the maligned president who is just trying to do what is right for "the people." Then, when the facts, supported by documents and testimony, are revealed, the false narrative developed so carefully can not be un done. It's just like in a trial when there is an objection and the judge tells the jury to disregard it. They don't. They heard it; they process it; they make their conclusions. Unfortunately, the objections to anything Giuliani says have to be delayed until Mueller's silence is broken. There better be some powerful stuff coming out of this investigation or there will be h. to pay from any power Trump can wield to blow it up and fire more people via Twitter.
3
"Giuliani Says" or "Giuliani is hoping?" But Mueller isn't going to take the bait. Instead, he is going about his business methodically with discipline. There is an idiom, "beware of a silent hound."
5
I'm starting to think that they want the obstruction piece to end before the elections because that's the charge they're most worried about. They'd rather have a nose ring led House to not impeach and declare victory than wait until after the elections knowing that it could be very unfriendly next year. If the president rallies and the GOP still controls the House after the midterms, he can fire Mueller, Rosenstein, Sessions and everyone else next year without consequence since his chances of reelection are near zero.
3
I didn't know Giuliana was in charge of the investigation.
4
It would be nice if Giuliani and Trump were as concerned about the impact of the Russians on the 2016 election as they are about the impact of the investigation on the 2018 one.
6
So far this year, Mueller has to do the job the Framers of the Constitution assigned to Congress. And Ghoullianni playing Kate McKinnon.
1
Rudy was at one time a formidable attourney. No he is just a bumbling old fool. He is resorting to the methods every lawyer uses, that is to disparage the opposition. If he was as good as he now maintains he would try something different,maybe something original. I wouldn't trust him to help me with a parking ticket.
2
If you believe that one
I've got a bridge in Brooklyn and some land in Florida
That you can get for a steal .. Hahaha
1
Really, Mr. Giuliani, "pitting Trump's credibility against Comey's"?! Are you kidding? Trump has no credibility. Even Trump's supporters admit he has an "iffy" relationship with the truth. They just don't care. Besides, you always know when Trump is lying. He has a tell. His lips are moving.
2
I'm sorry, but why would anyone believe anything Rudy has to say?
This man became famous and rich dancing on the graves of NYFD men and women he knowingly sent to their deaths on 9/11. And I'm supposed to respect him?
You have to be kidding.
6
If Trump is the greatest negotiator then Giuliani is the greatest lawyer.
2
You need to write better headlines. This was posturing by Giuliani, not a "hope by Mueller." The story is that Giuliani is trying to pressure a decision. Why ruin a story with a misleading headline?
6
They do it frequently and it's getting much worse.
“Rudy Giuliani said” - what a joke! He’s said a lot of things lately, much of which was incoherent, false, or contradictory. So that fact that you gave him a platform on your front page for more of the same is really disappointing. Statements from liars shouldn’t be treated like truth. An entire article of “Rudy Giuliani said” is more like a press release than a news article and doesn’t belong in the NYT.
6
Why is the Times giving Rudy Giuliani, a discredited liar and buffoon, any cred? Leave the fake news to Fox and Fiends.
13
Liar, liar, pants on fire. Mueller would not share such information with the White House crowd. Giulani is just playing up to Trump -- again.
11
I was a bit disappointed that this article (And headline) is based on Giuliani's statement. He really doesn't warrant any more media exposure.
I believe the Times is making a point with the article. "Exhibit A"
5
attempting to make a point, which will sadly just be fuel for their soulless, amoral counterparts over at Faux News.
Are we really going to just take the word of Rudy Giuliani? A man who was once a highly respected lawyer who has now, like others before him, sold his soul to the altar of Trumpism.
Does anyone actually believe that the Special Counsel will wrap things up by 1 September JUST because Rudy said so?
7
why would you print anything giuliani says as a headline? he's demonstrated over the past weeks that everything he says is either a lie or inaccurate. don't let yourself get used again.
6
Wouldn't "Giuliani *claims*" be more accurate?
5
I am at a loss as to why the NY Times is headlining an article that contains, as far as I can see, no substantiation of any "fact" Giuliani has proffered. I am not interested in positioning, posturing or popping off by a PR person masquerading as some sort of legal representative.
8
This whole episode simply mirrors how DJT has lived his entire life and run his business with deceit, lies, obfuscation, shady practices, bullying and total disregard for anyone other than himself. How is this not apparent to any reasonable person?
7
"Mr. Giuliani said the article showed that Mr. Mueller had found no coordination with Russia by Mr. Trump’s advisers..."
Isn't his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, under indictment and facing hundreds of years in prison for working with the Russian puppet government in the Ukraine? And didn't the Senate just release a bipartisan report showing the Russians helped Trump?
Obstruction? Collusion? Bribery? Of course. And it all adds up to treason.
9
Please, NYT, stop writing trump teams rantings as facts. ‘Giuliani says’ does not belong in the banner. Can we wait for ‘Mueller confirms’, please?
8
Upon reading the headline I just skipped the article, fully confident that whatever Giuliani says is not to be believed. This is the consequence of Trump's lifetime of LIES and the slavish lying of his loyal staff.
6
Only Mueller can decide when his investigation is complete. Statements by Trump and Giuliani are totally unreliable.
5
Ending with "Giuliani Says" is not exactly click-bait best practices.
2
This administration lies endlessly. Trump lies, Giuliani lies, Huckabee-Sanders lies. It's an endless cascade of lies. The only thing Giuliani is trying to do is draw Mueller into a media fight and get him to break his silence and jump into the gutter with Giuliani and Trump. It won't work. I believe Mueller's silence over Giuliani's words.
6
Giuliani is Trump’s new Joseph Goebbels, spreading miss information and propaganda all designed to redirect the voters attention away from the facts of the Mueller investigation.
Trump and his propaganda team of Giuliani, Conway and Sanders together with the Republican Congressional enablers are all focused on making their alternative reality as normal and getting themselves re-elected.
Trump and his enablers are slowly destroying the bedrock foundation of the institutions that make our nation great.
6
At best, thru rose-colored glasses, Giuliani totally misunderstood and misrepresented Mueller.
Did he actually meet with Mueller at all?
I don’t believe one word of Giuliani’s account. He is only surpassed as a liar by Trump himself. Even Sarah Huckabee Sanders cannot keep up with Rudy’s lying.
It is neither logical nor reasonable that Robert Mueller would have made any such commitment. It is clear his team has barely scratched the surface, and every rock they turn over reveals a whole new group of vermin, and it all, ALL points right at Donald Trump at center of the whole mess.
Anyone who doesn’t see that Trump is at the center of multiple criminal conspiracies, from money laundering, to extortion, to fraud, to collusion with a foreign power to affect our election, and, of course, obstructing justice, isn’t accepting and recognizing the compelling mountain of evidence.
We are either a nation of laws, or we are a dictatorship, and Trump and far too many in Congress and the right wing press are far too willing to abandon our 240 years of being that nation of laws.
6
I now believe in Giuliani's word about as much as Trump's, which is to say, sadly, not at all. However, I do wish Mueller would wrap up the Obstruction Inquiry, as Giuliani says. By now it's painfully obvious that Trump committed another felony: Obstruction of Justice (I say another because he committed a felony when he falsified his financial disclosure forms too). By now it's equally obvious that the utterly corrupted GOP doesn't care and won't do anything about it. So, we may as well get it on the books that Trump is a felon again, and get on with electing Dems. while the GOP hitches its wagon to a criminal, thug, and felon.
4
Rudy Giuliani greatest skill is manipulating the media & confusing the American people. He is a Page 6 Addict like his boss Trump. By making these statements he is trying to put Muller on the spot - when actually we have no idea if Muller said this. Giuliani is painted as a clown everywhere but FOX News.
Rudy G. says "the interview would be a distraction for the president and that the amount of preparation required..."
- perhaps if the Mr. Trump explored for him the very novel idea of telling the truth it would not be so distracting & not take such a large amount of time to prepare.
The Rudy & Donald SHow - God Save America.....
5
This is misleading..... have you confirmed this? This headline makes this seem it is true. Please do due diligence and not not spread their propaganda.
9
"Wrapping up the obstruction case..."
there IS no obstruction case, even the subsequent "obstruction investigation" is a stretch for what's going on in the perhaps more aptly named "excursion."
full disclosure: no trump voter here, just a disappointed progressive, made voiceless by the hijack of his party and, btw, a veteran (in daily contact with highly classified material, stuff you don't take home in a brief case or on a hard drive) now facing possible corruptions that invoke the efforts, not of old hat hitler but older hat lenin.
with even it's provenance suspect (such "just cause" as there is seems now fabricated (both the "dossier" and, more important, the dish from the "professor") it's actual birth induced, after the hasty marriage of a failed candidate for the top fbi job, and a cause, the deposition of a president, that needed plausible cover after his political opposition lost public trust.
failing that, the enterprise has been left with its devices, now in use to sustain itself and cast shadows of doubt intended, at least, to nullify a presidency and, yes, to influence an election,
the cast of characters confirms an iffy regard for the law and due process...starting at the top: mueller's record as u.s. attorney in boston during the heyday of the whitey bulger/fbi collusion; the cagey comey and henchlovebirds ready to inflect the election to ensure their jobs; the liars, mccabe and clapper, the smokeblower brennan...could hollywood do better?
Said Rudy with his hands on the orb brought back from Arabia for the purpose of seeing into the future...
3
Mr. Guiliani is now better known for spreading falsehoods and conspiracy theories than a purveyor of facts.
Tic toc.....I will wait for Mueller who will take as long or as little time as is needed to do a thorough job.
4
I abhor the way this headline was written....the possible lie first, then who said it. It first puts into the readers' minds that the Sept 1 deadline was presented by Mueller's investigation group, when in fact it is a statement by Giuliani...who, though often seen as being a bit off his rocker, is used to manipulating words as the means to an end. It should have read, "Giuliani Ramps Up Attack on Mueller, Claiming End of Investigation by Sept. 1."
Beware, America. The Trump group is in full battle mode to bloody the field against our democracy, and those of us who are defending it have been complacent for too many years. The Mid-Terms, while never having been a "glamorous" vote, may be our last defense against the destruction of our nation as we know it. VOTE. And please, NYT and other media...you have our attention, so please use your words carefully lest the message is lost in the heat of the battle.
7
So Trump wants the investigation to end Sept 1, but can't meet with Mueller until after Labor Day? What planet are they on? How can people swallow these lies?
2
Rudy sure does love him some media attention.
2
In Watergate, Agnew resigned, Ford was appointed VP, Nixon resigned, and Rockefeller was appointed VP under Ford with an understanding.
Today, now, we need Pence to resign, Ryan to ascend, Trump to resign, and Mike Bloomberg to to be appointed with support from both parties... with the right to appoint a VP of his choice.
The parties are a mess. The congress is a mess. Successive administrations have been incompetent and loaded with liars and abusers of women and the truth. Complicit is the rule. Conscience is dead in DC.
Mike Bloomberg gave an address at a commencement in Texas. His focus was lying and integrity.
I believe he has identified himself as a prospect. All know Mike. He ran New York City for three terms and Bloomberg News is outstanding.
Mike is 76. I hired him on June 20, 1966, he says. I recall my friend then. He was young and honest and friendly, kind to others... as he was kind to my emotionally crippled sister at a horse show.
Mike has the right stuff. Let's draft Mike. Let's ask Mueller to complete his work - and let's ask the leadership to act as only the leadership can do.
We must start again. Jefferson called for a revolution every 25 years.
It is time for Mike Bloomberg. I like Mike... I liked Ike...
Mike Bloomberg can run again ... after completing this term. After that, he might want to retire and enjoy his life...
Will Mike sacrifice for us all?
Let's ask him.
The cast of characters Trump surrounds himself with is expanding in ridiculousness. Giuliani is just one of the many unprofessional, goofy, and unethical troglodytes that hover and feed off his narcissism. Just the other day, a new one popped up before a Florida licensing commission trying to get a dental license to practice there, based solely on the fact that he was Trump’s personal dentist, with no supporting papers. When told he could get a temporary one if he provided the papers, he marched off in a huff, leaving the commission scratching their heads. Trump had personally prevailed upon the Florida governor to get him the license, and Rick Scott in turn tried to twist the commission’s arms. For once, the thuggery didn’t work. I’m willing to bet Giuliani’s thuggish behavior won’t work on Mr. Mueller.
2
Rudy hasn’t been fully functional in a long time, but that quality lets him fit right in at White House.
2
September? That would be blazing speed.
It took Donald Trump over 5 years to complete his "investigation" of President Obama's birth certificate.
2
DJT with so many different sources of funds from dozens of oligarchs seeking favours; one of them probably Russian or Ukrainian. Ask his son-in-law? Life at the top getting much harder; covering their tracks? Its no paradise up there when the final curtain reveals who owns the real DJT; for what purpose?
I expect that Giuliani and Nunes are subjects of the investigation into trump. DON'T GIVE THEN ANYTHING EXCEPT INDICTMENTS!!
3
Wait -- I thought Giuliani said Mueller would wrap it up in "two weeks" ... a few weeks ago.
In a long line of unintentionally funny and pathetic performers thrown at us by Trump, Giuliani may be the most amazing one of all.
It would be funny if only the consequences for America & the world weren't so dire, what with the presidency in the hands of someone that is completely nuts.
1
I heard this last fall. And last winter. Why would anyone believe anything out of the Trump team's mouths?
2
Let's just all remember that they said NOT ending the investigate in September would influence the midterms. Because, if it ends in September they will be screaming that Mueller is trying to influence the midterms.
"Lies become truth, then become lies again" G.Orwell -1984
2
The longer Mueller takes, the more we learn about the corrupt origins of the witchunt.
Mueller now fears if he takes much longer, it is he that will be the one in hand cuffs.
The choir is warming up.
We have McCabe, Strzok and Page, Comey and a host of others competing to save their own skins.
Make no mistake, Mueller is one of the conspirators.
Trump would be silly to talk to Mueller. Now is the time to be patient. Mueller’s world is imploding around him.
There is only so much slow walking and false redacting Rosenstein can do before it all comes crashing down.
1
Really,Rudy?
Really?
And is anyone supposed to give any credence to anything this pathetic publicity seeking fool has to say?
Haven't heard anything from Mueller-
But then Mueller is behaving the way any reputable attorney would in this situation - mouth closed, information shared when verified and provable beyond a reasonable doubt.
2
The sooner this inquiry concludes, the better it will be for the country as whatever conclusion it might yield, it will pave way to further legal or congressional action. A lot of people want this to drag on so that they could use the uncertainty for politics. Maybe they are assuming that the inquiry would clear Trump or his campaign of any wrong doing. Either ways, speedy but thorough investigation and conclusion of trails is the right way to deliver justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. I hope Mueller concludes this at the earliest and once and for all. If he finds Trump guilty of any wrongdoings, the same detractors would welcome that verdict.
The Giuliani/Trump/GOP strategy to discredit Comey is known to lawyers as "Whistle Loudly In the Dark Past the Graveyard." Giuliani, et al, know it will be Mueller who, in preparing his report, will have already assessed and decided Comey's credibility. Indeed, Mueller cannot reach findings of fact or conclusions without addressing and disposing of any and all questions regarding the credibility of all those his team has interviewed/investigated, Comey included.
In short, Mueller will decide Comey's credibility.
If the report is damaging to anyone's political narrative, it will then be Mueller's credibility that will have to be destroyed in order to discredit his findings. With the exception of Trump whose credibility is demonstrably non-existent, everyone familiar with Mueller's work history, character and competence agrees he is the consummate professional and qualified honest broker. Whatever his findings, it will be 'Game Over' as to who did what, when, why, where, how & to whom, and nothing said by Giuliani, Curly, Larry & Moe, LLP will change the narrative.
With Mueller's report as a guide, it will then be up to the courts and the political process to drown or burn any witches he has found.
2
"A spokesman for the special counsel’s office declined to comment."
Mueller is a lot smarter than Guiliani.
"Mr. Comey, the lawyers said, was fired not to end the Russia investigation but because of how he handled the Clinton investigation. "
Wow, we have Mr. Trump on tape saying to Lester Holt saying it was "the Russia thing " that was the reason for his firing of Comey.
Trump's lawyers are not arguing the law, but are arguing easily disputed "alternative facts.' The next step is " pounding the table" which will begin very soon.
247
Kind of makes you want to throw a shoe or two....
7
With his shoe.
3
This has been contradicted by sources inside the Justice Department. Giuliani should be treated with the same credibility as a mob lawyer or Lying Trump himself. Lest we forget, this is the man who monetized 9/11, making millions as a "security consultant" in the wake of a tragedy he contributed to by his forcing the location of the emergency Command Center in the Twin Towers against expert and police department safety objections. Why he's given even a hint of credence in a NYTs headline is a mystery.
5
Trump and his minions, to the detriment of us all, are practicing the fine art of psychological projection - Accuse, Blame, Criticize, Deny.
2
Am I the only one that literally laughed out loud when they read about this? Giuliani is almost as funny as Kate Mckinnon's Giuliani. Well I'm glad as a member of Mueller's team Rudy has put an end date to this investigation. Perhaps he can also give us the trifecta at the Kentucky Derby while he's at it.
4
Mr. Giuliani and the President are not privy to what information Mr. Mueller has unconverd. When both men make public statements and tweet, they only pander to the base and are running a PR campaign. This PR campaign is important to the Mid Terms because if the Democrat or Republican voters become energized, the implications for Mr. Trump are huge. Despite the focus on “everything” Trump vs Mueller on the 24 hour Cable News programs, most Americans are going about their lives and will simply wait until Mr. Mueller completes his investigation and delivers his report. Mr. Mueller appears to be a man of character, intellect and focus so each word spoken and tweeted by the President and his Counsel make them appear intellectually suspect and small by comparison.
3
Methinks Rudy has the same "aspirational" approach to the truth as his boss. Personally, I aspire for Bob Mueller to be in business as long as Ken Starr was. Unfortunately, there's so much Trump & Co. sleaze to investigate that five years may not be enough time to get the job done
3
Why on earth would you make this a top story? It’s another pie-in-the-sky spin piece from another wishful thinking Trump lawyer. How many times have we heard Trump lawyers tell us the end of the investigation will be by a certain date?
1
If the Trump "team" thinks an ongoing investigation will impact the mid-term elections, they need to consider the impact that a completed investigation would have on the mid-term elections.
1
Giuliani's desperation is quite evident. He is simply throwing stuff against the wall, hoping that something, anything will stick.
1
I hope that Giuliani is lying. Again. The only difference between Giuliani and Comey is that Comey is always pretending to do the "right thing" to attract public attention to himself and Giulian has no pretensions in the ethics department.
It would be like Giuliani to call a press conference to say that if Mueller has a set date to end his investigation, the investigation is biased because nobody can know where or when a true investigation will end. Just when the truth is found out.
Corrumpt
Meaning:
Breaking laws so fast that there's not enough time or resources available for anyone to be prosecuted.
Breaking so many big laws, no one notices the small infractions.
Abuse of power on a scale so massive that it overwhelms norms and normal methods of redress.
Explanation:
Just look at what's happening now, a sitting president using his own hotels for government events, ZTE bailout, the Whitefish Energy Deal in Puerto Rico. The word works so well, who has the time to even look for all the rest of malfeasance?
Used in a sentence:
The administration is so corrumpt that the president stayed in office for a full term.
4
Is ther anyone not on a trump payroll that believes he is more credible than Mr. Comey? Guiliani is going to lose that argument.
2
There are going to be a lot of unhappy people who convinced themselves, based on wishful thinking, that Trump is "going down". In fact, Mueller has picked off some low hanging fruit. After all, Mueller's job is to find something. It's what prosecutors do. Indicting Russians is hardly what Trump's critics had in mind. They are in for a rude awakening. They were just as wrong about Trump's "crimes" as they were about his winning the presidency. They just keep doubling down on their wishful thinking.
2
Remember the various preachers and crackpots who, for generations, have been predicting the end of life as we know it in some kind of spectacular conflagration? And that Doomsday will happen on a specific date and time? And that the only thing that came of these delusions were hilarious New Yorker cartoons?
Rudy has finally found his calling . . .
2
"Would risk interfering in midterm elections". That'd be wild. Imagine if they had done something crazy like announcing more emails right before the election.
3
So at least Giuliani makes it clear that will be not a scintilla of effort to say that Trump and his campaign were not in bed with the Russians on God knows how many different matters. Pay to play, money laundering, violation of campaign finance laws etc. It is not about facts and the law. Their plan is to attack the credibility of the Justice Department in the name of winning. There is and never has been a scintilla evidence about service to anything for Trump and his minions except acquiring power, money, and its privilege to take advantage of others. The sewer that is the Trump Administration is even more odorous now. Of course, Republicans in Congress, Hannity, Fox News, the Kochs and Mercers could care less. Greatness in America is power and money for a few. Can this be what men and women have fought and died for since the Revolution?
1
Some may remember;and all should remember that Trump is Roy Cohn’s protege. The difference is that Joseph Mccarthy finally told a Cohn whopper that wS too big to swallow and thus “ at last had no shame,” whereas the trump strategy is that he never had any shame to begin with. The normal rules simply don’t apply to Trumpkin
2
Mueller also "hopes" that Trump won't make himself president for life by postponing elections.
2
Nixon was re-elected while investigations were going on.
Impeachment proceedings went forward and he did the right thing and resigned.
History may repeat itself?
1
Trumpkin is going for dictator and will not back down or resign unless his entire fortune is at risk. He’s seeking a life long presidency and ho Ted at that just a week or two ago when he said his supporters wouldn’t be happy with just 8 years
1
This is my fervent hope—that things get so hot for him that the easiest, most dignified thing he can do is resign. If someone dangled a big TV deal in front of him maybe? But then, he doesn’t have as much integrity as Richard Nixon—think about THAT statement!
The shoe is on the other foot.
The Muller inquiry is the answer to the investigations into the Clintons—so now the Republicans have to continue to govern while this goes on, and demonstrate professionalism and competence to the whole country.
That’s what will convince me, anyway.
When the Republicans chose Trump they demonstrated that they lack competence and professionalism. It’s going to be a long wait for you.
1
Sound's like Rudy is trying to bounce Mueller into something. However as Rudy has been a bit of train wreck since joining the Trump defense team, Mueller has been thoroughly professional and a gentleman. Whatever Mueller comes out with when he is ready will be seen by the public and the world as highly credible. Something one can never say about the other side.
2
The spin evidenced in this article can only be described as pathetic. If "sacred duty" means anything, then Trump the Con should resign in the interests of country, truth and what remains of the legitimacy of the Executive Branch and our Constitution.
It's illegal to take campaign help from Russia, Saudi Arabia, or the UA Emirates. If following the money and the evidence continues the path to South America, then so be it. Trump's minions will eventually have to live with real facts even if the counterintelligence continues to the end of this train wreck of a presidency.
1
Trump has found the perfect sycophant to do his bidding. Since when does a media hungry retread like Giuliani get off telling Mueller when his investigation will be concluded? And when does POTUS get off coming close to suggesting the Justice Department should act at his bequest? As he attempts to sway the American populous in believing our free press (i.e., the bedrock of a democracy) is biased and inaccurate, he would attempt to control the Justice Department, a very dangerous precedent by someone who has no comprehension or regard for the role of the judicial branch of government. As Mueller's work continues to show what a conniving and sinister force this man is, the more unraveled and desperate he becomes - removing Rosenstein and Sessions would seem possible scenarios here with lawyer Giuliani (shudder) becoming the next Attorney General.
It's odd that the "Giuliani Says" attribution is at the end of the headline so that there is an appearance that this statement is verifiable and came from Mueller. The actual news story is reporting about Giuliani making a strategy statement and is largely his opinion. Helping the Trump/Giuliani crowd create a false narrative to fuzzy up the investigatory context for their supporters should not be the role of the media. Giuliani made a statement, Mueller's team had no comment. That's the story.
2
The interference by the Executive Branch into the work of the DOJ, FBI, CIA and most especially the work of the Special Counsel is illegal. There is a reason for this separation -- to keep from politicizing justice.
To even suggest that the collusion investigation, or Trump and his family's part in it, should be curtailed so that the mid-term elections won't be affected is the height of politicization of justice.
This administration has a real distaste for facts, justice, in short, anything that does not suit a leader with missions as follows: 1) let this presidency get for me and my family get as much personal income as possible; 2) forbid Muslims and Mexicans from coming into the U.S., and wage war on Muslim countries; 3) foist life and planet-killing fossil fuels on the world, and encourage dirty energy worldwide; 4) lower taxes for the wealthy; 5) destroy Medicare and Social Security; 6) cover up, or try to, any traces of promises made to foreign countries, or money accepted from them during the campaign and while in office.
It would seem Mueller is being pressured by the Administration, probably being threatened with firing if he doesn't hurry it up.
1
Haha, that is pretty funny. We were supposed to be wrapping up by Thanksgiving, and then Christmas, and then New Year's.
Well, then, I will look forward to this this new anniversary, because it sounds so good.
Should we look for Hallmark cards? Because I will.
What is the address?
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
A valiant attempt by Trump’s lawyers to throw the kitchen sink at the increasing problem of the special counsel’s investigation. But this really only shows how late we are in the process and foreshadows unhappy times for this White House later this year.
1
I am stunned that Rudy Giuliani has capitulated to Donald Trump. Though I never appreciated his strong-arm tactics in New York City I did think he was a strong person who could see through falsehood. His actions in this article show that he will firmly stand by Donald Trump despite what many reasonable people can see are straight up lies and destruction. Though, on the other hand, is that not what a paid lawyer is supposed to do: stamd by their client despite obvious discrepancies?
Why should Giuliani be believed? So far he has bumbled his way through the first month of his representation of Trump. I doubt that Mueller boxed himself in by promising he would be finished the investigation of Obstruction of Justice by September. Giuliani is into wishful thinking.
As far as firing Comey because of the Clinton investigation, given the facts that Trump wanted to "lock her up", it is hard to believe that Trump cared about the Clinton investigation. After all, part of the reason he won was because of Comey's remarks concerning Hilary just before the election.
All we have to do is look at the revolving door of Trump's lawyers to realize that Trump is quite capable of Obstruction of Justice, as well
as money laundering, lying and almost anything else he feels like doing. I would not be surprised if his lawyers became convinced he is guilty of all that he is being investigated for. They did not wish to tarnish their reputations any further.
Giuliani's own firm dismissed him for talking about "funneling" money and how lawyers often do this, including him. when they represent Celebrity clients. Really?
As far as proof of interfering in the election by Russia it has already been established. Now we have the Mid-East rearing its ugly head in relation to pay for play and possibly interfering in the election.
Boo Hoo if this investigation gets rid of the Republican enablers of Trump. It should. They have refused to do protect the average American.
188
Hard to believe? It’s hard to believe that this dunce is president. That dunce fired Comey because of the Clinton email nothing burger is a no brained lie.
21
Mueller and Giuliani are both men of good faith, experienced and smart whether you like them or not. Giuliani''s job is to protect his client. The September 1st deadline makes sense since the elections are in November but they will need to reach an agreement on terms for a sit down. Neither side holds all the cards. Changing lawyers is not probative for obstruction of justice. Money laundering, if that can be tied directly to the President, if it occurred at all, would be a crime. Is it a crime for Americans to talk with citizens or agents of foreign countries? Is there evidence, like the Nixon tapes, of those conversations? I will judge whether Republicans and this Administration have protected the interests of Americans when I judge, down the line, whether the economy remains strong, whether a good agreement is reached with North Korea and whether agreements on trade are worked out with China. All this remains to be seen. I'm an independent like the majority of American voters.
Many voters have become independent because they left the Republican Party and they left because of Trump.
The President of the United States cannot be charged with obstruction of justice for firing the head of the FBI which is his prerogative. Since it is also clear that both Comey and McCabe
were involved in questionable activities this makes the obstruction claim totally absurd.
18
Saggio- I have not heard of Comey and McCabe involved in questionable activities. Could you be specific about the questionable activities. That information would be helpful in adding to this complicated picture of obstruction and collusion.
56
I suppose this might make sense after a steady diet of state news (Fox), but unfortunately, like much of what they trade in, it does not conform with reality.
54
I suppose if he had left it there, not proclaimed on national TV that he fired Comey for the "Rusher thing", not written the statement about the Trump Tower meeting about "adoptions" (need I go on?), then you might be right!
47
Trump's firing of James Comey is now object of an investigation into possible obstruction of justice. His dealing with Comey is just the tip of the iceberg. He has most likely something sinister to hide that he is desperate to close the many investigations into his campaign and private affairs.
He would have fired Rod Rosenstein and Robert Mueller had he not been held back by former advisers. His intent is quite clear: he wants the investigation into allegations that he won the election with Russia's help be terminated once and for all, so that he could bask in smugness for the rest of his term and possibly for another four years, should he win a second term.
But putting pressure on Mueller and forcing him to stick to a timeline that suits Trump - ending the inquiry before the November mid-term elections - is per se an obstruction of justice. Mueller should be able to operate without interference.
22
Mueller has had ample time to put forward his allegations. He seized Trump's attorney's records, conducted numerous interviews, and thrown a wide net covering actions not related to Russia. It's time to put some closure to this. If the facts are there to substantiate charges so be it, if not then it's over with.
The appropriate comparison for Trump is not Hitler or any other politician or dictator. It is Lance Armstrong.
There was always the contention that Armstrong had won the Tour de France because he had been doped. Over the course of many years, Armstrong denied the claims and derided those who made those claims as liars, jealous losers. He could have used the term 'witch hunt' [but didn't] and painted himself a victim of 'fake news'.
For years, most Americans sided with him. A smaller group doubted both claim and denial. We are, when asked to judge, willing to give the benefit of the doubt, not eager to condemn a heroic figure.
But then...
When the evidence was overwhelming, Armstrong admitted his guilt. He didn't apologize, but he did admit. Just as Trump, after years of making up evidence that Obama was not a citizen, he admitted that Obama was born in Hawaii. He didn't apologize for his many false claims.
When Muller does present conclusive evidence of collusion and money laundering and lying to the American people and attempted obstruction of justice, he will admit those claims and walk away from it all. He is clever enough to know better than to fight a battle he can't win...and he will take down many of his colleagues, probably including Mike Pence...and we will get Paul Ryan as President.
36
Not at all a good comparison. Armstrong was doing what every other pro cyclist was doing at the time, doping and lying about doping. If you did not dope, then you simply were not in contention to win. And if you were not lying about doing, then you weren’t racing.
Trump is in entirely different terrain. Really in an entirely different universe. No other President has lied to the American public like this man. Every word, every sentence, every thought.
2
My comment was to point out the similarity of psychological profile, i.e.the pattern of how the person acts under pressure. But your statement that "no other President has lied to the American public like this man" is inaccurate. FDR lied for years about not getting into another war in Europe so that he could win a third term in 1940 when history has shown that he was determined to stop Hitler years before that. The difference is that FDR, and Ike in the 50's, and JFK and LBJ and Ronald Reagan were accomplished liars - they knew how to present a false front and not reveal their intention until the time was right. Trump, like Nixon, can't help but reveal his true intention.
Just. Don't. give this kook anymore attention! That's clearly all he wants & we have enough to deal with in trump.
17
Vote Nov 18
Vote out every
single
republican
holding
elected
office
Then the reality tv show ends and we get our country back
1
Giuliani must be getting paid a lot of money to run his mouth like this, embroiling himself in blatant disinformation campaigns. He is a fool if he isn’t.
But paid by whom? The Koch brothers? The family that controls Sinclair Broadcasting? The Mercers? Rupert Murdoch? Russian oligarchs? Saudi princes?
Who?
31
All of the above. Trump's entourage.
1
Giuliani would do this for free. He's desperate for attention and he's basking in his glory.
2
I am losing confidence in your objectivity NYT. Since when is “because Rudy says so” a major headline. You should be better than that.
44
You do realize that Giuliani represents POTUS, that's whose been chosen to be the messenger.
1
Why would the NYTimes lend even a scintilla of credence to anything that Rudy Giulani says?????? You're treading on thin ice as far as my subscription is concerned.
39
Never in my lifetime has there been such an angry, dyspeptic man in charge of the federal government. His weekend twitter storms with their demands and asinine condemnations are offensive, not even considering the myriad lies embedded within that point to a man out of control. To read them is to believe the President of the United States is a maddening psychopath, wanting only to inflict the entire country with his distemper. To the Republican "leadership" in Congress, you are required by the Constitution of the United States of America to behave as a coequal branch of the federal government. Do your job - stop this inanity before it ruins our country.
39
Trump and “sacred responsibility” ? The Pres has moved on from sophomoric to nefarious to delusional, and now patently obsessive. Any reasonable person would conclude that an innocent person would have gladly sat down with Mueller many months before this. He also would have ordered a full investigation HIMSELF into Russian election interference, and be supportive of the Justice Department. Trump acts like a guilty person every day and Giuliani is making a complete fool of himself. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, flies like a duck, it’s a duck. The most obvious explanation of events is usually the correct one.
24
Trump is as profane as crooks come.
This senile man is trying to live off the reflected notoriety of Trump’s scandals. It is Trump’s bad karma that no other lawyers with integrity and modicum of decency would work with Trump. However, there should be some law that can take the licenses to practice law from lawyers who have forgotten what law is or who deliberately practice it in a distorted form. We do that to medical practitioners, why not washed out lawyers like Giuliani? When one gives up all the hope to get cured of physical ailments one goes to quacks. Trump is unlikely to be cured anytime soon of his legal maladies, hence he has to go to a legal quack like Giuliani.
7
What a farce that the US calls so many dissimulating shake-down artists "officers of the court".
1
I am looking at this political spectacle from afar. Belgium (Europe). What suprises me most is the division, partisanship and hostility. To the democrats Trump is an animal, and everything he does is wrong. Tax cuts, immigration restriction, Jerusalem as capital of Israel (though in congress uninamously the democrats voted for this), a solution for DACA, ... I wonder what the democrat constituency thinks about this. Not Nancy Pelosi, Debbie Wasserman Shultz, Maxime Waters, Adam Schiff nor Bernie Sanders. But the ordinary Joe Sixpack who doesn't ventilate his opinion on TV or social media and out of sheer habit votes democrat. Did the ordinary democrat voters turn as far left as the leaders of the democratic party? Do all the democrat voters want the President of the US to fail at home as well as internationally and do they agree with all of the obstruction their party is doing? In that case the US has big problems. I sincerely hope the American voters have more common sense and do not want to destroy their own country like their elites want to.
4
As a Democrat who simply doesn't want a liar who daily seems to be losing control of his own emotions, I plead guilty to wanting Trump out of the White House. To me, this is not "far left" when the truth and reality are at stake.
1
It is only a spectacle because of the clown at the center of it. How did you look at American politics when Obama was in office? Did you notice any obstructionism then? He has already failed us with his divisiveness and chaotic cabinet choices. I can’t wait till he’s gone. The longer he’s there, the more damage he can do. It’s not just “elites” who think that. (And you should not buy into these American propaganda labels.)
"Giuliani said that waiting any longer would risk improperly influencing voters in November’s midterm elections"
Oh -- NOW they care about that?! They were thrilled to have the Clinton investigation reopened just 11 days before the election.
30
The Mueller probe will absolutely hurt Republicans in the midterms. And with good reason--the President they're defending is a crook.
2
Not only were they thrilled about Hillary, they were thrilled that Jared Kushner’s social media campaign on Facebook, with the help of Russia, influenced the election.
2
This could be a real estimate of Muller’s deadline, we don’t know, and Trump and Giuliani are both liars, but a broken clock is right twice a day.
But, the evidence for this as correct, for the optimistic person is that 9/1 is just enough time to sink republican chances in the house, and maybe the senate too
Or the R’s could be vindicated.
Rose colored glasses better be off the Democratic Party play book this November; the plan should be to get out the vote, that’s the only realistic plan for victory.
Muller is a Hail Mary, a lotto ticket; if he pays off - it’s a gift, but Muller’s potentially adverse Trump report is not a plan for taking over leadership.
5
"WASHINGTON — The special counsel hopes to finish by Sept. 1 the investigation into whether President Trump obstructed the Russia inquiry, according to the president’s lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani, who said on Sunday that waiting any longer would risk IMPROPERLY INFLUENCING voters in November’s midterm elections."
Irony overload.
14
Never have I received so much for my one vote as I have when I voted for President Trump.
3
Uh huh. Rudy's job at the WH will be wrapped up by August 1, more like.
5
Please stop publishing sentences beginning: "Rudy Giuliani says . . . ." They are not worth the electrons they are written in.
19
First of all, neither Giuliani nor his master can be trusted. Secondly the date specified might be contingent upon DJT giving Mueller the interview. The one with the nearly 50 questions, each more (potentially) damning than the last.
So DJT and the Republicans have two options:
- do the interview, revealing the truth, then shove DJT out of the office OR
- don't do the interview and risk that Mueller comes up with an "October surprise", sinking the party.
Darned if you do, darned if you don't. Another fine mess y'all gotten yourselves into!
5
... "says Giuiani."
Meanwhile, Mueller's spokesperson declines comment.
I'm betting that no such timeline has been discussed
18
Guliani says lots of things. How is this news?
15
The more Giuliani opens his mouth, the greater the chance he will be caught up in the scandal itself. The ego these people have is truly amazing.
7
Giuliani is as accurate as his "alternative facts" client.
7
I've been making this point/asking this question since Nunes' first interference in the investigation with his midnight run performance for the White House. I'm glad to finally see somebody waking up to it, calling it out. This is the David French who writes for the National Review:
"David French
Verified account @DavidAFrench
May 19
David French Retweeted Donald J. Trump
Well then order their release. Declassify relevant FISA applications and associated documents. Let’s see the evidence. You have the power. But I somehow suspect that the game here is to tweet to feed conspiracy theories, not to discover truth."
Duh!
1
Because nothing screams "two weeks" like four months.
3
I don’t believe anything Giuliani says. He has zero credibility. Why would Mueller tip his hand to Giuliani of all people?
10
Rudy is trying to become "America's Lawyer" just as he took advantage of a bad situation, in New York City in 2001, and became "America's Mayor." He is just a bad player taking America for a ride...again.
4
What world does Giuliani live in where he thinks Trump wins a contest of credibility against anyone?
4
We haven't heard peep out of Mueller but we are supposed to believe this clown not only got inside information, but has the privilege to leaking it. This is even more painful than watching a Three Stooges marathon.
4
The Times pays too much attention to everything Giuliani says. He lies almost as often as Trump.
6
With every utterance from his mouth, Rudolph colludes with Donald in the obstruction of justice.
4
"Thou dost protest too much!"
The two presidents who protested as much had a lot to hide.
So if it protests like a duck, it is a duck, America!
4
Simply, I don’t believe Rudy. Ever.
5
Ugh. Re-transport me back to Harry's and Meghan's.
5
Deep State is in deep trouble, it's got the hook in it's throat
4
In a very big way. Brennan's increasingly shrill tweets, I believe, demonstrate that the noose is tightening on Obama's people. How many more stories can the NYT print about the "origin" of the investigation? The timeline is still not right. Someone's lying.
I believe him.
He predicted the Comey letter while the rest of you said he was crazy.
2
Oh, the irony. Giuliani is worried about possible disruption of a Congressional election because of a legal and authorized Federal criminal investigation into the possible disruption of a Presidential election by a foreign power? This is laughable.
Giuliani is making a mockery of himself, Trump and everything he ever pretended to stand for. He’s no longer “America’s Mayor”, he’s now “America’s Shame”. It’s pathetic.
5
Thank you. Oh, the irony indeed! And oh, the insult to the American citizens’ intelligence. Like wrapping the investigation up by 9/1 will magically bestow amnesia on the voting citizenry. My god, these politicians. They truly make me sick.
It's one thing to be sad and lonely when you're old. It's altogether another to be a disgrace.
6
"Improperly influencing voters"
!
7
Was this timeline confirmed by anyone except Giuliani?
1
SURE he did, Rudy.
We all know your word can be counted on.
2
It is a shame that Giuliani has so disgraced himself and his legacy by becoming a paid shill for a man who is willing to destroy our institutions to legitimize his presidency. Lie down with dogs and you will get up with fleas.
6
Lie down with this particular dog and fleas will be the least of your problems.
I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice!!! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!!! - Barry Goldwater
This isn't news, this is spin.
Please step up NYT- we need you!!
2
The bizarre relationship between these two flamboyant, narcissistic seniors is a remarkable thing to behold. They gush. spin, and outright lie while attacking everyone who disagrees with their foul, illogical and largely inarticulate rhetoric.
I never could have imagined a more shocking example of American government implosion than this. Ignorance, vengeance, corruption and greed have deeply wounded our democracy, perhaps fatally.
Perhaps. But in a few months, we have the opportunity to elect a Congress that can divert the course of our nation from the death spiral we are currently suffering and replace it with one focused on healing itself and repairing our relationships with our allies.
I'm so tired of progressives having to haul the car out of the ditch after Republicans have flagrantly placed party before country. When will conservatives ever learn that their politicians lie? And care absolutely nothing about their families or finances?
8
What a sorry spectacle two of our most recent presidents have made of the rule of law in this country. Relying on non-denial denial legalisms to obfuscate the truth when confronted with facts.
Bill Clinton's infamous comment of "it depends on what your definition of "is" is" coupled with his denial of Monica Lewinsky showed just how baldly a man could lie with a straight face.
Donald Trump just lies every time he opens his mouth and his dishonesty now permeates the entire white house. Giuliani playing the role of Roy Cohn in this circus just adds more texture to the script.
Trump is clearly the more dishonest and bigger disgrace of the two, not that it matters to his supporters. While both of Trump and Clinton were and are hounds, when you add the rot of collaboration with a foreign adversary to the stink of the cover-up, Trump "wins" hands down.
Just unbelievable what our country's leadership has become. The two of them almost make Richard Nixon look good.
2
As a Democrat who voted for Bill Clinton twice, I called for him to resign over Monica's dress providing evidence he lied about it. The Republicans went nuts of course and impeached. The Senate didn't convict but I still stand by my call for Clinton's resignation.
I haven't voted for a Republican since.
September? Sure about that? Nothing else will come up before then?
3
Rudi knows nothing. And does he really want Mueller to drop a whole pile of indictments on tRump and the crooks he surrounds himself with in the middle of the midterm campaign?
2
I believe what Rudolph Giuliani says when it actually happens.
2
one thing left out of this: that black is white, and Trump and the Republicans continue to stonewall.
2
Remember President Obama's demeanor, temperament and composure when addressing the nation about serious issues?
I miss that.
8
It’s ironic that now we find wrong done to us what the USA practiced in the past, influencing elections in other countries. Say, like Chile 1973, Saint Kissinger?
2
Is Rudy Giuliani authorized to speak for the special counsel? And even if he is, is the wrap-up date Sept. 1 or some other date contingent upon some other speculated set of activities? So confusing. As usual.
1
One has to note that in the past year it is the on air personalities on FOX News' key programs who set the tone and create the narrative; Trump, Giuliani and their ilk follow. Take the time, before eating, to watch the evening line-up on FOX News and you will note how they formulate a crisis, injustice or acts of treason incrementally over several weeks. You will note that Trump and his enablers grab the ball and run with it for a touchdown in the eyes of Trump's 95% (ers). The majority of the country, simply, waits for the facts.
2
Our president and his minions doth protest too much. The investigation will take as long as it needs to take and he's just going to have to deal with it. Our democracy is way more important than one man's ego.
2
Somehow I think Giuliani's hope to take the Labor Day weekend off is wishful thinking.
1
A man who is above board would not be so paranoid about Mueller's investigation. Trump surrounded himself and his family businesses with Russian money and influence. Never has a person elected to the WH had so many initial cabinet members with Russian ties. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence could smell something very fishy from the outset.
The American people deserve to have this investigation played out. We deserve to know if Trump and his sons/son-in-law/daughter were fiddling around the laws of this land, and especially, we need to know just how much Donald Trump is involved.
2
In other news, Giuliani declared that unemployment would go down to 0% by Oct 1, everyone's wages will go up by a lot really soon, the Wall would be built by Nov 1, and world peace will arrive on New Years Day, 2019. Infrastructure will be fixed, everybody will get great healthcare, and there'll be no more school shootings, too.
It won't be long after that before leaders of all the major nations on earth will be calling for Trump to get the Nobel Peace Prize. And that'll be quickly followed by the establishment of a new Nobel Prize in Prophecy, Propaganda, and Prestadigitation with Rudy as the inaugural recipient.
All of Trump's opponents, except Hillary, Stormy, and James Comey will change their minds and embrace the Don. A new era of peace and prosperity will be ushered in. And I predict that Rudy will predict all of these things pretty soon.
3
Why is the prosecutor talking to the defendant’s lawyer and laying out his strategy and timing? Whenever I hear Giuliani make statements about what the special council told him, that’s always my first question.
3
Giuliani is not on the payroll as a spokesman for Team Mueller, which operates more secretively than Area 51.
Rudy's role is to be a catalyst of chaos for 45.
2
Giuliani tells Trump what Trump wants to hear. People around Trump have one duty, "appease the child king". Rudy and everyone in the Trump circus have zero credibility to believe anything that comes out of their mouths.
1
No chance the investigation into Trump is limited to "obstruction". That's ridiculous.
1
Time to put the facts on the table and either charge Trump or exonerate him. Mueller does however have another show waiting for him : Did he exceed the limits of his charge as special counsel? All we have heard is innuendo and conjecture and no facts as evident by the charges leveled to date. The liberal left will whine regardless of the outcome. They should however keep in mind that payback will be served when this is done. HRC may be wearing a striped pants suit by year’s end.
Ok dismiss Rudy as the PR lawyer for Trump. Both Trump and Rudy have 100% trust in the Nunes Intelligence Committee finding of no collusion or obstruction. For over one year Trump labeled and voiced at my opportunity the Russian investigation was a hoax and witch hunt. He has declared sometimes in 30 seconds no collusion or obstruction five times. Seems a simple question if all this be true, then why not sit down tomorrow and answer Mueller questions? How much time does it take to prepare to answer questions about a hoax?
More to the point can an innocent person, a victim of a hoax and baseless witch hunt be subject to a "perjury trap"? Finally, if true then why spend a year hounding the FBI and Justice Dept. in an effort to derail the investigation or devalue the Mueller report? Innocent people do not obsess about an investigation that is not yet complete. Trump apparently knows how this movie ends, and is working overtime to prevent anyone else from seeing it.
1
"“We want the concentration of this to be on Comey versus the president’s credibility"...
Great strategy. Should work out well for Trump if the over 3000 documented lies are not counted.
2
So, according to Rudy, the Mueller investigation will wrap up by Sept 1. That would be roughly three and a half months from now. Seems unlikely. There are new revelations in the news everyday that would certainly be fodder for the Mueller investigation, and, even assuming that Mueller already knew about 75% of them, that still leaves a lot of work undone. Furthermore, the negotiations for a Trump interview will likely go on for quite some time. Finally, until Manafort's case is disposed of and he decides to flip, and Cohen, too, the investigation is nowhere near complete....
In all likelihood, the investigation has another 6-12 months to go. Hey, Starr investigated Clinton for 4 years and in all that time managed only preposterous charges arising out a sexual peccadillo. Mueller has been at it a year and already had guilty please, dozens of indictments, and plenty more to come...
3
The investigation will end on Mr. Mueller's timetable and on no other.
Many other commentators have (correctly) noted that Giuliani's fabricated date and fabricated narrative are a ruse and distraction--albeit a clever one -- intended to a) galvanize the 'base'; b) make people question "why is the investigation going on after 9/1?"; and c) undermine any final conclusions adverse to Trump.
Mr. Mueller, cannier than all of Trump's PR apparatus put together, wisely says ... nothing.
Fascinating story. Thanks to the journalists who are doing so much in our times to create a first draft of history.
1
All this does is show how Trump and his lawyers are running scared. Certainly they know that it was two years of hard work to bring down Nixon and with much less evidence.
1
I suppose it would be a good idea to look at South America too as Giuliani suggests. I imagine some eyebrow raiser involving Trump and his associates would turn up there as well. As for Africa, the meeting in Seychelles is already in the mix.
2
I find Mr. Giuliani's statements incomprehensible, in the main. And I find myself wondering if he is completely in command of his faculties. His behavior certainly isn't lawyer-like. By the way, I am a JD.
2
'Coordination'? Better than 'collusion', I suppose, but still not good enough. Coordination and collusion are not federal crimes. Why, therefore, would Mueller waste his time on allegations of so-called coordination?
Obstruction, conspiracy to defraud the United States of America, and lying to a federal official are federal crimes. These are the federal crimes Mueller and his team are investigating.
3
Sorry, mea culpa, making a false statement to a federal official rather than lying to a federal official. The difference being that a false statement doesn't need to made knowingly, it can be made recklessly.
Why is Giuliani being taken as an authority on the special counsel’s plans? Is it because Giuliani’s recent record for truth telling is so solid? Is it because Giuliani’s perspective is so non partisan? Or is it because the special counsel has made a practice of leaking his plans through the statements of third parties?
3
It is not clear what basis any of this has. Given the nature and past behavior of Mr. Trump and Mr. Giuliani, we should and must assume these statements are dishonest. Mr. Mueller will tell us what he wants to tell us when he is ready. Since when does the target of an investigation speak for the investigating prosecutor? In my view, the president and his team are obstructing justice again.
2
I think that Mueller should have a press conference and tell everyone what Giuliani's plans are.
5
So Mueller confides in Giuliani?
4
The real function of Giuliani as Trump's lawyer is to confuse the public with statements neither his client nor Special Counsel Mueller want to substantiate. So is he really a tool to confuse and trivialize the case?
10
It didn't take more than a couple of days after Giuliani started speaking as Trump's spokesman, for his former law firm Greenberg,Traurig to disassociate itself from Giuliani. They obviously felt they had a reason to do so.
Further, there has been no statements from Special Prosecutor Mueller's Office to either authorize Giuliani to speak for them, nor confirm anything that Giuliani has attributed to Mueller's office.
The only thing that Giuliani has done is to flap his jaws on the Fox Conspiracy talk show circuit. Giuliani has become a total embarrassment to the majority in our country.
With Giuliani sitting at CNN last week, Giuliani hypocritically denied a contrary former statement he made years ago.
Finally, since they are both so sure of themselves, why won't Giuliani and Trump voluntarily agree to take lie detector tests as to the truth and veracity of their statements.
19
Who would believe anything this shrill, onetime (at least) TV (standing for "television") transvestite has to say about anything, let alone our nation's fast-approaching constitutional crisis?
12
Jimmy.... you’re unstoppable!
8
Trump would believe him.
I reproach myself halfheartedly for lacking compassion for Rudolf Giuliani, who obviously "lost it," "it" being his dignity, respect for the truth and decency, if not what we used to call "his marbles" many decades ago.
24
I think you’re good; please continue.
Trump lackey Rudy Giuliani has obviously grown desperate and even more shrill than normal (for him). Desperate enough to convince himself that his endless stream of lies is truth.
25
Trump, Giuliani: Smell the desperation.
22
If Trump stooge Rudy Giuliani told me the sky is up and the ground below, I would demand independent verification.
28
Desperate. Would a return to the comb-over help?
11
The ship has sailed on the comb-over.
Er, what? One time it was by Christmas. Most of these kinds of investigations carry on for 2 years. I do think however Mueller is aware of the political calendar and will not be doing much in the way of indictments or new items after Labor Day until the election in November is over with.
10
Why should the upcoming elections have anything to do with how Mueller conducts his investigation? You imply that he is being political rather than seeking justice.
2
I am not implying anything of the kind. Not that he is or has been political. But all are aware of the calendar and does not want another like Comey moment. You do remember what Comey did, right? Many saw that as influencing the election and a good prosecutor will want to stay away from what others could see as influencing an election by their actions.
It is hard to believe that Giuliani was ever a highly regarded U.S. Attorney. Lawyers generally are held to a high ethical standard, and he doesn't even meet this bar, much less the ethical bar to be a U.S. Attorney.
61
Giuliani, Cuomo, Spitzer, and Christie were all US attorneys and all became deranged once they achieved elected office. The same aggressive, even nasty traits that served them so well when going after criminals metastasized once they were free from the shackles of legal decorum, such as it is.
1
Your relieved? Me too. God know no one's word is more solid and trustworthy and truthful as giuliani's, except maybe for trump's. Sorry, they don't deserve upper case.
44
I thought I was the only one who discarded uppercase letters for criminals. Love your thinking.
I will believe this when the announcement comes directly from Mueller's team.
36
Anything that hastens the end of Trump is good for the country and the world. Anything that hastens the end of Giuliani’s ability to get screen time is good for civilization. One can only hope Mueller has Rudy in the crosshairs too.
39
One really can't judge whether we should believe Giuliani's pronouncements. Giuliani may be putting words in Mueller's mouth, knowing very well that Mueller (unlike Giuliani) will maintain investigative decorum and keep his mouth shut.
It's not a "fair fight": Mueller's hands are tied behind his back, and his feet are bound, whereas Giuliani is free to punch and kick anywhere (Trump is, too).
12
This has nothing to do with a “fair fight”! Miller is not fighting he is methodically doing his job and is not a pathetic… Like Rudy.
1
There is one person Trump and Rudy Guiliani should fear more than Mueller. Michael Avenatti.
43
Don't know if the damage Trump and his complicit GOP have wreaked on America's reputation both at home and abroad will ever scar over. What a dangerous madcap Three-Ring-Circus, complete with Buffoon
Giuliani...Clown Kushner, and Jesters Ryan, McConnell and Nunes. Lest not forget the Master of Ceremonies bellowing inanities and cracking his whip: Hannity! What in the world happened to America?
32
We had a very corrupt the election. That’s what happened to America.
1
Does anyone believe Giuliani?
Does Giuliani believe Giuliani?
19
I believe him.
He got the Comey letter right. Even predicted the day.
He knows the right people - you all should listen to him a little more carefully.
Trump believes him.
I hate to say it, but the media is helping Giuliani create a false narrative by publishing this nonsense. Rudy is Trump's lawyer/PR man desperately trying to save his boss. Robert Mueller will be done when his investigation is complete and not when Trump and his gang say so.
50
The media is stealthily helping him ??
Wow, what a novel idea !!
Oh no you are so right! Why is the New York Times even printing a story like this? Rudy is off his rocker not news!
Sorry Rudy, you heard incorrectly. Bob Mueller is a close personal friend of mine and after a night of drinking he told me: ...well...you just wait and see. Oh, it's a whopper. But I think I'll save that for later. Good luck, Rudy and Donnie, you're gonna need it.
DD
Manhattan
31
Funny.
2
Giuliani : The lawyer who fought against mobsters that is now representing one.
Lawyers for gangsters are merely gaudy mouthpieces and shrill voices. Giuliani is no exception to that rule.
23
Wait wait wait..................are you saying he fought gangsters or represented them ?
Yes; he, just like his boss is a caricature of absurdity.
Some people say “Giuliani Says” really should be the First Words of the Official Headline, because some of us want to keep up but are also Very Busy People and we can make a Quicker More Accurate Assessment if the name of Mr. Not Believable Rudy G. comes first
16
"Guiliani Says", "Trump Says": the new way of telling the public to question what our White House says.
12
That a president may fire for any reason does not mean that the firing may not be within the activities prohibited by the obstruction of justice statute.
Presumably, Mr Mueller's desire to interview PT derives from the desire to hear from the admitted firer himself, whether a lawful and effective firing he carried out might, because of any circumstances relating to it, constitutes one or more of the activities prohibited by the obstruction statute.
If so, the effectiveness of the firing is unaffected. But the firer would be subject to the penalties specified in the obstruction statute.
2
The only thing more unbelievable than what Giuliani says is that the Times would make its lead story anything with a headline containing "Giuliani Says".
25
Mueller's investigation, to be successful, must craft a very simple narrative.
Yet because the Investigation itself cannot operate in the Media to deliver its story, Media itself must bring that elemental narrative of Trump's guilt. It must be kept simple:
1) Trump has a long and shady history of dealing with the criminal underworld, and in this case, Russian looters, money launderers and oligarchs. (shown by abundant historical evidence)
2) Because of these associations, Trump Co. was a mark for Russian intelligence....and potential blackmail. (shown by abundant present evidence).
3) For these reasons, Trump Co. conspired with the Russian Oligarchy to illegally influence and the election. An act of treason and the deepest corruption. ( shown by abundant evidence and inferred by the two elements above).
Done correctly, this will lead to the just downfall of a criminal president. But the hardest part will be dealing with corrupt Republicans liberally sprinkled on that side of the aisle, and I suspect, a smattering on the Demo side as well.
This is Mueller's largest problem: the depth of corruption that has engulfed our nation. How far he will take the investigation is, to me, one of the most interesting aspects of this.
Likely he is looking at people like Devon Nunes and Dale Rohrabacher. An investigation of this nature is like looking at a spider's web in an attempt to understand it's central beginning and the evolution of its outer aspects.
19
I am a longtime subscriber to the NY Times. I deeply respect the work of the paper and of these two stellar reporters. Nonetheless, I am shocked at the credulity that the Times is showing by giving such prominence to this story. Giuliani has been telling lie after lie about the Mueller investigation. There is absolutely no reason why he should suddenly be believed now. A short item on an inside page (and the equivalent in the online world) I would understand. But this? What were you thinking?
44
"It is illegal for foreign governments or individuals to be involved in an American election."
And yet Chinese foreign nationals and Chinese donors were allowed to provide illegal campaign financing to the DNC under President Clinton for the 1996 elections. And, in contrast to Jeff Sessions recusal & Rosenstein's appointment of Mueller, President Clinton's attorney general, Janet Reno, outright rejected FBI Director Louis Freeh's recommendation of a special counsel to investigate. Even when DOJ's own campaign finance legal team believed it needed special counsel. And instead Reno her own "investigation" that conveniently fully exonerated President Clinton. This is what the Bill Clinton impeachment should have been about; not Lewinsky.
Unfortunately this kind of partisanship and placement of party before law (by the nation's chief law enforcement officer no less) was just one more step in tearing asunder the fabric of this nation.
Mueller should be allowed to continue his work without interference but there also needs to be a nonpartisan Truth and Reconciliation Commission for many other events in US history (regardless of whether key players like Janet Reno are no longer with us).
2
No, they were not "allowed," to provide illegal campaign financing to the DNC under President Clinton in the 1996 elections. There were Senate hearings and 3 millions dollars was returned, and the DNC was fined. Twenty-Seven people were criminally charged and jailed.
It is interesting to note the difference in President's attitudes. Trump wants to stop all investigations no matter what. In the case of the illegal campaign financing to the DNC during Clinton's campaign he said, "I think the investigation ought to proceed,'' he said, ''and then whatever the facts are, we'll take appropriate action at that time.'
3
You forget to mention that Bill Clinton himself called for a thorough investigation of alleged wrongdoing by the Chinese and that there had already been a congressional investigation to the tune of 7.4M dollars and FBI and Senate investigations as well. Also, the DNC returned the attempted donations or refused them to begin with and key “ donors” were indicted and imprisoned or fled the country. Should there have been an independent investigation? Maybe that would have been better, if only so as not to create the appearance of partisanship, but Clinton would not have obstructed justice and smeared the independent counsel the way Trump is doing now, and no wrongdoing on his or the DNCs part would have been found...
Fine.
Charge them both and reverse both elections.
Mueller already knows the answer to those two question. He knows there is not one iota of evidence that Trump colluded. If he did. it was his responsibility to bring that evidence public. Also, there would have been a million leaks. As far as Flynn goes, he has two discussions with Sergey Kislyak. One had to do with a U.N. resolution condemning Israel. Another occurred after Obama imposed sanctions for election meddling. Flynn called Kislyak and “requested that Russia not escalate the situation and only respond to the U.S. Sanctions in a reciprocal manner,” Neither one was trying to affect the election. Trumps comment to Comey was a request not a command. Trump added that “the guy has serious judgment issues”. But none of this had anything.to do with the election and was already known when Mueller took over. Not one other problem has been disclosed about Flynn. The investigation did not stop so nothing was obstructed. So why is Muller continuing? A U.S. judge laid it out. Mueller is trying to find a way to get rid of Trump and has assumed for himself "unfettered power." This is not a search for justice. it is a plan of destruction? Muller says he is going to release everything in September so he won't effect the election. Baloney. That is just six to eight week before the election and timed for massive impact but little time to defend. Impacting the election is exactly what he plans to do.
1
1 / Read the piece again. Giuliani says Mueller says. That you believe anything known prevaricator Giuliani spouts re this issue negates any argument you might proffer. Best you wait and hear what Mueller says.
2 / A judge did not lay it out; he merely questioned Mueller's interest in the corrupt and sleazy Manafort's international affairs. And then decided Mueller could proceed apace.
19
The judge didn't put a hold on Mueller but demanded an unredacted copy of the evidence to review which Mueller was trying to withhold. He stated, "You don't really care about Mr. Manafort's bank fraud," He went on to say, "You really care about getting information... that would reflect on Mr. Trump and lead to his prosecution or impeachment." Basically Mueller is not speaking the truth or justice but he wants to get rid if Trump any way he can and in doing that he has assumed he has, "unfettered power."
You know nothing about what Mueller knows.
The Mueller team is not leaking. Counsel for the witnesses and the court's staff appear to be leaking, and Trump's own team leaked the "50 questions."
Mueller never said he was releasing everything in September. That was Giuliani's fervent hope. Laughable. Even if Mueller finished interviewing all witnesses, including the President, he would have to write his report.
The full court press to try to rehabilitate the Russian collaborator Flynn is transparent and unsuccessful.
1
Rudi Giuliani is akin to a parrot on crack cocaine.
Can't keep his beak shut. Everything his owner (Donald Trump) muses or wishes aloud becomes "fact" in the small cranial capacity mammal Rudi. Flying about talk television shows, sitting amongst Cockatiels (FOX News, FOX and Friends, and Sean Hannity) spouting off whatever string of words come into a mind races continuously and is vacuous simultaneously.
Americans deserve a full and thorough investigation into the CORRUPTION which personifies Trump and Administration. Personally, Robert Mueller can keep investigating, following each lead and line of questioning where it takes him. I have a sense there are Republican members of House and Senate who have been ensnared over the years by Russian and other foreign nations; the extent of the corruption (my opinion is so pernicious and ugly that to call it merely "Pay for Play" is but a gross understatement.
Giuliani hasn't a clue. The depth of crimes are committed by Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Paul Manafort & Rick Gates, Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, Steven Bannon, Eric Trump, Cory Lewandowski, Carter Page, Michael Flynn, Roger Stone; look to the Cabinet positions Scott Pruitt, and Trump appointees. The leprosy of misconduct must be exposed- the entire process of cancer which big money has infected our government is everywhere.
14
Who will investigate contacts of the Trump campaign with the Saudis, UAE and the Israelis ?
22
Well, like Trump, Giuliani's word is not his bond. He's been put out there because Trump likes fellow idiot New Yorkers to come to his defense. Think of the worse possible people New York City could put forth in an advertisement to come visit. You'll find them all working for Trump. From Giuliani to Cohen to the Mooch you've got a casting call of mobbed-upped New Yorkers who represent the most despicably criminal aspects of our fair city. With New Yorkers like these on the national scene, no wonder most Americans have a poor view of our town. They have every right, and this native is ashamed and apologizes for their behavior. But the blame must be shared with the millions who cast their votes for this scoundrel.
DD
Manhattan
12
Perhaps Mueller will wrap up late Oct. Early Nov. elections. Maybe Jan a new round of hearings in a Democratic House?
4
The Mueller investigation is a clear attempt by Democrats to unseat a duly elected President simply because they do not like him. This is very slippery slope.
And the Russians bought ads on Facebook. So what? If Americans are too stupid to know the difference between propaganda ads and real news, then they deserve what they get.
4
You understand that Mueller is a Republican, right?
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@Cathy
No, its not that. Democrats might not like a sitting Republican president but they don't usually investigate them. This investigation is occurring because the Russians interfered in the 2016 election and that is illegal. That's the so what.
2
Oh, if only the world was as simple as you believe it to be. "Not liking Trump" is the last of his worries. People are interested in crimes and punishment.
Dream on Rudy, we are following this to the bitter end. The American people will know every sordid detail, and we will protect our nation from such interference in the future. We want DECENT government for ourselves and for future generations.
16
Ending your headline with "Giuliani says" means we can ignore the date given. This is merely Rudy trying to assure Trump that it will all be over in a few months. Trump's last couple of lawyers tried to appease him the same way: it was going to be over before the holidays, then it was shortly after the New Year. There are still some pretty big fish out there waiting to be questioned.
8
Giuliani says?!?
When Mueller says it is when I'll believe it.
18
“We want the concentration of this to be on Comey versus the president’s credibility, and I think we win that and people get that,” Mr. Giuliani said... Seriously? I'm people and you can throw this statement on the mile high stack of incredible inventions that have emanated for the White House since January 19, 2017. We are not dodos, Rudy and your client is serial liar of historic proportion. As for you, Kate McKinnon is a more credible Giuliani than the original obfuscator when she plays you on SNL.
10
Some commentator contend President Trump’s interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt provides “smoking gun evidence” of obstruction of justice. Some even assert it amounts to a confession of obstruction of justice. Trump did tell Holt that he had made up his mind to fire Comey before he received recommendation from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney Jeff Session. And Trump told Holt that “when I decided to just do it, I said to myself -- I said, you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story. It's an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should've won.” However, Trump gave Holt several reasons he fired Trump. He said Comey was a “showboat,” a “grandstander” and the “wrong man for that position.” But primary among the reasons was Comey’s refusal to tell the American public that the president was not under investigation although he privately ensured Trump that he wasn’t under investigation. Trump told Comey multiple times that he wanted the Russian investigation to continue. The Holt interview does not prove obstruction of justice. A transcript of the interview is online at https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/05/11/president_trumps_full...
2
Keep spinning Rudy. See where it gets you. America's mayor indeed!
4
Improperly influencing voters? Heavens no, you wouldn't want voters IMPROPERLY INFLUENCED by such trivia as obstruction of justice, decades of money laundering, and treason!
16
Who are you talking about?
Reading any article with the headline "Guiliani says...." is a waste of my time. There will be at least 3 more versions by the next day. I cannot believe any word that comes out of his mouth. Of course I'm not his target audience.
7
If the Special Counsel didn't say it then it wasn't said!!!
11
Messrs. Ryan and McConnell,
It's time to stop with the screwball economics and the Inquisition approved judges and stop this New York mobster for the sake of the country.
8
Well stated. As often as I have thought that these folks (and most of all Giuliani) have gone down the rabbit hole, yet again and ever deeper, the rabbit hole IS the strategy. It even makes a twisted kind of sense when the law, the evidence and logic itself are increasingly not in their favor.
6
The saddest point of all these lies and deadly silence of GOPs is this : US democracy is the ultimate victim. After almost 247 years since the founding of this nation, we are seeing the enemies from within, and a total decline of moral compass of those who should be standing up to defend the nation's democracy and constitutions. It reminds me of the horrifying history of people who did not stand up to Hitler, Mao, Stalin...... and the results....
Who says history does not repeat itself ?
14
The country does not need three more months of this charade in which Muller Comey sessions Obama have engaged to serve others in Washington. Muller will go up in flames and sessions will follow because he is part of the swamp
1
Which country do you mean: Canada?
1
Like a long time coach staying way too long at an institution, so it is with Mr. Giuliani..........
12
Nothing found in Russian collusion accusations. On to the Middle East...still waiting for some leaks regarding Obama's involvment in all of this.
2
Only after we see his birth certificate.
5
Yeah, because if there was something actually that juicy to leak it wouldn’t have been done by now. Also, no one knows the extent of the evidence discovered so far. So give me a break!
10
Giuliani has no credibility on this issue. There is no reason that Mueller would set a deadline for concluding his investigation. It will not end until every lead has been explored and every potential witness has been questioned.
31
The amount of lying by Trump and his enablers is astounding. How can this blatant liar be president? Our country as we once knew it is falling apart. I now understand how Nazi Germany could have happened.
35
Getting to the bottom of the corruption of this administration will prove to be impossible because there is no bottom. The Mueller team needs to issue an interim report soon with the proviso that the investigation needs to continue as long as the ongoing conspiracy against the United States and the cover-up of same remain active.
25
This is the same TV lawyer who said Robert Mueller had told him directly that he couldn't indict our Boy President; turns out that wasn't true in any aspect. Rudy doen't know the facts very well, has forgotten the law and doesn't know when to shut up. Why would anyone believe a word he says escapes me.
32
At the moment among Trump supporters how many would believe Trump more credible than Mueller?
I'm fretiring in China where I do not need to concern myself with the erosion of democracy.
5
Why is it certain foreign countries preferred to see us with Trump as president rather than Clinton? I have to believe it's because Clinton would have been tougher on trade, tougher with nuclear sanctions, tougher on human rights issues, tougher to manipulate and harder to fool. If Trump was really the dealmaker he says he is, they wouldn't have have wanted him elected. Collusion wasn't necessary. To the extent it happened, it was accidental and insignificant. The obstruction is a little more worrying, but nothing will come of it, and Trump will claim to have been vindicated. Giuliani is actually doing a terrific job, when you think about it.
6
America seems, effectively, to be held hostage by a radical minority group of people who have a disproportionately large amount of influence over the country (i.e. Trump’s supporters). I worry that should Mueller find strong enough evidence to indict Trump, Trump’s ultimate fate will not be decided in a court of law, but in the court of public opinion, when Trump declares the whole thing to be part of the deep state’s witch hunt. It seems there’s a strong chance that rule of law will be one of the major casualties of this chapter in American history.
28
Shades of Ty Cobb, it's deja vu all over again.
2
You mean Yogi Berra - but point taken.
3
I'm looking forward to when the all powerful witch hunters become the hunted.
3
Interesting comment since it appears that is exactly what is happening now. Benghazi was a 4+ year witch hunt, and virtually nothing to show for it. Trump on the other hand definitely looks to be dirty on many levels.
If you would like to eliminate partisan witch hunts, then one positive thing the right wing could do right now is find a way to prevent political parties (Jason Chaffetz or Ken Starr come to mind) from using the law to beat up their opponents. You might recall that Jason bragged just before the election that he had 2-years of investigations of Hillary Clinton lined up and ready to go should she have been elected. Oddly only Republicans seem to be sure she was guilty of something. Even more odd that they have investigated her for decades and still have nothing proven. It seems that since Nixon, the Republicans are hellbent to destroy the Democratic party by any means. It would be great to eliminate this behavior.
7
Who knew that the only trustworthy iteration of Rudy Giuliani would be Kate McKinnon playing him on Saturday Night Live? What a freak show!
26
I guess Giuliani can say anything he wants; doesn't mean it's true.
22