Evil has many faces but you will know their crimes by their deeds. Time awaits those.
11
Manafort case is being followed closely by a large number of people outside of US. Even in India and China, all major newspapers carry Manafort's updates. The last paragraph is a shocker. Every newspaper prints his name on the front page frequently, CNN/Fox/MSNBC and all local news channels bring up his name quite often. It's is unfathomable to me how one could not have heard of his name!
21
This is the important news not what the lawyers are ordering to eat.
U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III
“I can tell you there have been [threats]. ... I don't feel right if I release their names,” he said, adding that because of threats against him, “The Marshals go where I go.”
22
With the hatred the man in the WH engenders I would be very concerned about the personal safety of these brave men.
36
When they are done and Trump and his cronies are hauled out in chains, it will be champagne for everyone.
18
Times: "... his choice of watch, the hyper-accurate Casio DW-290, ..."
That has a quartz movement, so it is not "hyper-accurate".
An "atomic" watch is "hyper-accurate", which means that it receives time updates by radio from an atomic clock, so it is accurate to the second.
6
Ellis should have been removed. He's obviously bias for the Defense, making nasty comments against the Prosecution and acting like Trump's mouthpiece.
9
Manafort's lawyers didn't put him on the witness stand so he could avoid answering any questions the prosecution might put to him. So now when he's found guilty, he will play the role of the loyal Trump foot soldier and Donald Rump will reward him with a pardon. And so it goes.
7
Godspeed, Mr Mueller and team
33
I was sure this article was going to be about the precautions all those on the team were taking against being poisoned by the Russians (and, by extension, Trump's minions). I'm serious. I think this is a threat. Here's hoping that these heroes' health/lives are being vigilantly protected.
20
Hmm. Sounds like they are doing exactly the right thing. Of course, who knows who might be leaking in a less public setting than a hotel lobby or elevator.
2
Thank you Robert Mueller and team. Cheering you on!
45
To me, the most insightful part of the article was the closing paragraph, referring to the football players, "Some asked reporters who Mr. Manafort was and why so many cameras were set up on the front curb."
This is an inkling of a national problem: simply too many Americans are not paying attention.
The revered institutions on which our country was built are being politicized or dismantled, self-enrichment has come to Washington on an unimaginable scale, the Constitution is being frayed, the ugliest parts of our history - racism - is resurgent, and so many people are not even aware.
122
@Cynthia Overall, I agree, but that Mueller was not recognized has a good side; it shows that he is not politicizing his job and grandstanding to gain support. He's just quietly and professionally getting on with his business. What a contrast not only with Trump and Guiliani but also with Kenneth Starr. Republicans want to try cases in the court of media-publicized public opinion; Mueller tries them in a court of law.
48
@Cynthia This country has been lucky, in our whole history we have had at least some balance of power. We brought Nixon down, brought to the forefront the Iran Contra debacle and many many more situations. Now we don't have any balance, the Republicans aren't calling Trump to task on anything. I fear for this country.
23
Thanks. You posted the comment I was going to make.
4
Nice feel good article. I would rather see an analysis of the bizarre behavior towards the prosecutors by judge T.S. Ellis III should be examined. His strange behavior could have a big impact in the outcome in this case. While he tried to walk some of it back it could consciously or subconsciously affect the jury’s verdict.
33
@Javaforce There's a good column in The Washington Post about it. We're all interested in Judge Ellis' behavior toward the SC team.
13
Really? This is "news"?
Come on people of the press. This is not junior high school or frat fun.
OUR United States of America is in Constitutional Crisis and WE THE PEOPLE - including press/media people - are the only ones who can/will stop them.
Please. Help us get The Con Don and his Robber Baron brethren OUT of OUR governments at every level and preserve/restore true democracy in OUR United States of America.
Time to put "profits" and "readership/viewership" on the back burner. How many billions of dollars can you spend to SAVE America instead of having a hand in it's destruction?
10
There are plenty of articles on the case and other pieces you might find up to your definition of ‘news’.
This was an excellent and timely piece about one of the most fascinating men in the world right now.
The fact you can’t grasp where this piece fits speaks volumes - and is slightly annoying.
20
Robert Mueller faces a great responsibility. To be thorough and fair with the job he is working on, the accountability he’s facing is enormous and take a lot of time and money to complete. While I understand the exasperation of the people – including my own – with this investigation, I believe that Robert Mueller’s job should continue until it’s done. There is no alternative.
37
With such anti-social tendencies, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that they're also very good with Rubick's cubes. Total human indifference to others is no doubt a real asset in Washington these days.
3
@John Doe Maybe you should remember the old saying that "loose lips sink ships."
4
You are confusing anti social behavior with a serious man doing a serious job
18
Judge Ellis judge in the Manafort case stated early on that the Prosecution's mainly wanted to "bring down Trump". At this point the Prosecution should have had him recuse himself. Then the judge continually put his own thoughts in the trial and does everything he can to help the Defense. The Defense in their closing kept bringing up "the Special Master (Mueller)" even though they were told to not bring this up. I think the fix is in, we know Trump has a far reach.
27
All that is grounds for appeal if Maniforte is acquitted. They could fight it all the way up to the Supreme Court. Uh-oh.
5
They may eat some cheap meals but they are costing taxpayers millions of dollars in legal feels for this baseless political attack on Trump.
8
There are several indictments so on balance probable cause for crimes has existed rendering your conclusion that the investigation is "baseless" is without merit. Perhaps you are just sad that Manafort got caught cheating on his tax returns and committing bank fraud when so many get away with it? We either have a criminal justice system that applies to everyone - if caught you get charged with the crime and have the right to a jury trial - or we have a tyrant in charge of our government who dispenses punishment based on whether his feelings have been hurt.
91
@Don
You'd prefer they spent taxpayer dollars on expensive things? Like $30,000 tables (Ben Carson) for the office, or first class travel to Italy (Pruitt), or useless $82 million-dollar military parades (Trump himself)?
I mean, at least there have been indictments in this trial, unlike the Benghazi fiasco.
58
@Don Trump brought this all upon himself, and he's not king. I'm sure you were just fine with the 8 Benghazi investigations. Now deal with the criminal investigation into Trump and his family, please.
3
Two things caught me in this article! Mueller got in his SUV and made a U turn crossing a double yellow line! Isn't that illegal?! Some of the Jets players never heard of Manafort! Well, it's the Jets!!!
16
@Counter Measures Not illegal in DC, assuming you aren't impeding the flow of traffic.
15
"Mr. Mueller got behind the wheel, made a U-turn to cross a double yellow line and drove away."
There's something wrong with this. If it is where the reporter lives, then perhaps his city and its laws are out of line.
3
The Special Counsel Team can run but it can not hide from Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. And since Putin sends his foes to hospitals, mental institutions, prisons, urns and coffins they had better be very careful and wary. MAGA?
8
Mueller 2020 to save the GOP?
12
@George Mitchell
If you are serious, that plan could begin to heal our country, as long Mueller (or someone who as ethical and dedicated as he is) is sensitive to those Trump voters' economic devastation, and to the Democratic voters who have been bypassed by the "great economy". As for the social issues like diversity of gender, race and ethnicity - Trump's supporters need to get over their fear of being overrun by "aliens". We are not aliens. We care about humanity, all plant and animal species and the world ecosystems. Trump supporters need to work their way towards changing their mindset and become more discriminating in their following and believing the messages coming from conservative religious groups, the white-supremacist groups, alt-right political factions, Fox News, etc - they promote fear-no doubt about that. Commerce is one of the actors in this whole American melodrama that generally escapes censure. Average Americans - both Trump supporters and their opposition - need to do more homework to understand and act on the Big Elephants in the room - the Internet players and Internet economy's business models, AND our dysfunctional governmental and educational organizations. We need to get back to the original founders' basic values (which I consider to be generally universal human values) while letting in the fresh air of inclusivity.
The dynamics of fear is something we need to understand well and deal with. We, the human race, can rise above this challenge.
8
@Midwestern Mom: I do agree with you, but some people are more susceptible to propaganda than others...thus the lure of outlets like fox news. I wish it were not so!
1
Discretion, seriousness-what rare traits to see these days and to be reminded they still exist. Even the picture of these dedicated prosecutors in their neat, buttoned up blue suits and ties is a visual relief from Trump's stupid, over-long red ties and flapping jackets. Thank you for this!
43
I think the NYT should launch an investigation into what these people are eating.
5
Trump sez this trial is sad, what sad that his friends can't get away without having to pay taxes on the money they got from Russia to collude.
35
I would wager that most of his friends and he himself are getting away with it. Just one or a few got caught. The sad thing is that our criminal justice system cannot catch everyone even where there is probably cause of criminal activity.
17
This article made me tense, merely by reading it. It portrayed the intensity of this trial and the players involved beautifully.
And we think WE'RE on pins and needles waiting for the verdict to be read?
26
For such a serious issue the headline here is rather immature - unless the NYT is charging Shake Shack for advertising. Grow up.
8
@rudolf
A little lighthearted humor is just what the doctor ordered after what the country's been put through over the last 2+ years. Lighten up.
62
@J Darby
I see Rudolf's point...I think that Weilands's post / journalism is too cutesy / cheeky. This is a serious issue. Mueller's investigation is serious and professional, so why should the NYT try to "lighten it up"? The public is sick of melodrama when it comes to the future of the environment, ethical government, harassment of the average American, runaway consumerism, privitization of all key areas of life - education, healthcare, law enforcement, and so on... 2+ years is nothing! I have been worried about American politics, the surveillance society, since 2000!
Reassuring article.
Contrast the quiet, professional ways of these prosecutors with the erratic, provocative and attention-grabbing actions of the Trump team. It makes that latter look like amateur hour as it works to prod, provoke and pester the former into revealing something.
The Trump team is desperate - for attention, for information, for relief. I hope the SCO keeps up the pressure until they finally break.
74
@JLC
I think you are right, or close to it.
7
It’s another us and them. Most, here, admire him, wait for his findings, and know the importance of sticking to the facts wherever they go. Others have a totally opposite view. As to why I find it very unfulfilling to simply explain it as tribal loyalty or the hand of darkness. This divide is too troubling to stop there. We are on a path to no longer see the humanity of the other.
8
After two years of high-decibel news I'm glad to read about Shake Shack, potato chips and Diet Coke, not to mention Mueller's wristwatch and his illegal u-turn. We'll get the details of this prosecution and its scary implications soon enough.
20
True professionals doing what one used to expect as a matter of course before DC became a pathetic reality show.
More remarkable is the fact that so many of us are looking to this team to save
26
So, basically, this is a news story about things we won't know.
2
@Mark Shyres
On the other hand it was entertaining and well done.
4
Would somebody please send Andres and Weissmann a vegetable tray and fruit basket? Or some salmon and broccoli? We need the heroic, although clearly exhausted, women and men on Mueller's team to stay healthy over the coming months!
75
God speed, Special Counsel Team.
Don't feel like the survival of democracy is on your shoulders or anything like that....
41
The only noteworthy thing about this article is the product placement. Yes, it was incredibly important to me that you mentioned which brand of chips, coffee, and watches the members of the team consume and wear. What a profound waste of space.
6
Get over it! Most of Trump's cronies are eating at 4-star restaurants, that's why the work ethic detail of what and how they eat is relevant.
9
@TurandotDoesn'tSleep
If memory serves, it's diet coke,McDonald's and Kentucky Fried...
The Jets' players who didn't know who Manafort is are the smartest and sanest people in this story.
6
@Tony
Sorry, but I can't agree. For decades American voters have sat back refusing to become knowledgeable about the facts of what is going on behind the government as usual. Ignorance is not bliss.
14
Midwest Mom. Agreed however unless people are directly impacted they don't much care. Slow but sure citizens rights and rule by oligarchy have been taking over. One day when it reaches the tipping point we will wake up and say how did we get here. We got here by ignoring things. It started long before Trump but he is certainly no help
3
It is irresponsible to follow, pursue, stake out, or nag any of the Special Counsel's team, for any reason. Leave them alone, and let them do their jobs. You'll get the story when the time is right.
9
@ChesBay:
>>> "You'll get the story when the time is right."
"Journalism" decidedly does *not* mean waiting for a story until principals decide, for their own purposes, to share it.
3
@ChesBay
I agree....yes, I'm curious about what is going on with the Mueller investigation. BUT my curiosity does not deserve satisfaction for the sake of "journalism". Mueller is not hiding things to be coy. He is being patient (not an American cultural value, in case you haven't notice that) so as to reach his "purpose" - the carrying out of justice in the Trump-Russian interactions, for the public good. Be patient, Douglas.
4
Well, if they're eating Lays potato chips, the finest chip made and the choice of kings, then they know what's important and they have my complete trust.
5
The Mueller team is displaying professionalism at it best, especially in the face of a relentless presidential barrage of abuse.
One has to admire the courage and determination of a team conjuring images of the Knights of the Round Table, gallant, steadfast and principled. These adjectives in no way apply to the person hounding them.
38
I always stated honest people were more praiseworthy in a dictatorship than in a democracy, in view of the corresponding risks.
But in view of the U.S.'s slide towards dictatorship I'm not so sure anymore.
5
@Hamid Varzi
Your comment is confusing. If the US is sliding towards dictatorship (which is definitely Trump's wish I believe), why isn't Mueller's investigation praiseworthy?
5
In a time when Cynicism "Trumps" Service, I am deeply grateful for the
Service I truly trust in Mueller and his Team.
33
No matter how impressive the prosecutors' resumes, the hasty meals emphasize the weight and consequence of their mission. The article humanizes them.
What bears repeating is Manafort laundered $60 million from a Russian front in Ukraine, and as Trump's campaign chairman, presided over platform changes helping Russia over Ukraine during the Republican National Convention of 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Uzo Asonye began the trial by noting former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukoych was Manafort’s “golden goose,” and “paid handsomely” by wealthy autocrats funding the campaign, who transferred money to Manafort’s 30-some foreign bank accounts.
40
Professionals. And public servants. This White House has no clue about either thing. Thank you for including this article which reminds us of the necessary benchmarks.
31
Mueller's team is the best of the best. A group of professionals that are beyond reproach in their respective fields. Regardless what the final findings of the investigation is, the United States and its citizens should take their words at face value.
79
I am getting ready to head off for a 3 day weekend to a place that has no cell phone or internet service. This article will be last one read before I go. I will sleep like a baby.
50
Opposing counsel are always civil, if not friends. We often went to law school together. We know the same people. We have to work with each other.
Only laypeople think trial personae are real life.
17
"Mr. Mueller got behind the wheel, made a U-turn to cross a double yellow line"
Typical behavior of an egomaniac who is above the law.
The rules that apply to us "working folks" don't apply to those entrusted to enforce rules and regulations.
This attempt to humanize Mueller and his "team" is laughable.
3
@rfmd1 - IDK about vehicle codes in VA or DC, but in CA, double yellow lines are used to define no-passing zones.
It is legal to make a left turn or right turn across a double yellow line when it is safe & legal.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/hdbk/turns
2
@rfmd1, I don't know what to make of your comment. Except for the fact The Times shows it as a Times Pick. Is this the best you can do? The egomaniacal autocrat and allegedly Putin front man and enemy of the State is in the White House and you complain about Mueller crossing a double yellow line by making a U turn? very sad.
Crossing a double yellow line is a time honored way of driving in larger cities with making a left turn into a driveway pretending to go in and then backing out and driving the opposite way. I do it all the time.
In Alexandria, a small town, the next U turn possibility could have ben a mile or more away with a tedious several minutes at a stop light. We also have something called a San Francisco stop, if you did not know. You never stop at a stop sign in SF, you slow down to a crawl and if there is no opposing traffic you go right through.
I hope I beat this topic to death and we'll see each other when we get a conviction in this egregious Manafort case unless you are hoping he gets off with his crime. You may be in luck with the judge helping defense along with his behavior.
14
@rfmd1 You're so funny. EVERYONE does u-turns over double yellow lines when its safe. Some even when it's not so safe. I've seen police officers watch that and go on about their business. If one decided to stop Mueller and ticket him, I have a feeling Mueller would not use his position to dodge paying.
Meanwhile, I'm still trying to figure out what makes you think Mueller is an egomaniac...especially in light of the egomaniac on steroids that is at the heart of what Mueller is currently investigating. And this didn't strike me as an attempt to "humanize" Mueller and his team. Sounds more like you're attempting to demonize them. Beware, your bias is showing.
2
It's not going to be Mueller and his team that gets our country out of its crisis of democracy. It will be the voter.
32
@Mrs.ArchStanton We need both. Right now, Mueller's investigation is the thing that makes me think the US has a chance to pull out of our damaged democracy. That investigation is a symbol that can enervate the voters, who, as you say, will need to get their act together and save the day.
I am encouraged by the number of women running for office, by the demonstrations for non-exploitive healthcare, care for the environment, against police targeting of minorities, economic justice, etc. I hope that enough Americans are "woke" to the economic and social injustices in our society to rectify some of America's biggest problems. Reversal of the Citizen's United rule and restoration of the Voting Rights Act will greatly help achieve those goals.
6
@Mrs.ArchStanton: Let us hope it will be both.
4
Also, bring back the law that says you can not present false information as a news story.
2
This is not news - read the LA Times
1
@Barbarra
The LA Times is almost unreadable. Except on those stories that expose the LAPD fraud, double dipping and faux sick leave and DROP program. That would include the newly crowned police chief who "retired", then took his $1.27 retirement bonus, plus retirement pay, and then, magically, was rehired at $300K per year and God-knows how much he will get the next time he "retires", and if he will be "rehired" yet again.
4
@Mark Shyres
Correction: LAPD Chief Moore's non-retirement retirement payout bonus was $1.27 Million, then he was "rehired" at $300Kk per year...plus an undisclosed new retirement bonus when he retires again...
As the NY Times put it "Nice work if you can get it..."
1
Let all concerned about the survival of our democratic republic hope that those folks don't end up eating crow.
1
I would really much rather have your times reporters work on very serious topics rather than this fluffy piece. How about examining further the Kock brothers' long range plans for molding the country to their conservative worldview?
15
@Arielle Levesque
Suggestion,...find room for the lighter things. Your heart, and possibly friends, will thank you.
13
Arielle Levesque--Yes, more information about the Koch Brothers', and their well paid representative, Brett Kavanaugh's intention to use the Supreme Court to legislate from the bench, and ultimately alter our Constitution, to suit their business, and ideological, interests. It's a very scary story, that should unfold, in detail, in the pages of the New York Times. Get Ronan Farrow on it. He'll find the dirty facts on these anti-American rogue citizens.
16
Westin's valets wear flip-flops and white Notre Dame boxing T-shirts? Interesting marketing strategy.
3
@AJT Mr. Andres was wearing the flip flops and the Notre Dame boxing shirt.
8
@Keith:
There is a missing sense-making comma. ;^)
i think its time we start calling the mueller team THE UNTOUCHABLES. after all we the minions. we have the godfather (trump )
9
These guys are Murderers Row; the 1927 Yankees, at least we hope they are, and we need them to sweep the World Series.
Mr. Mueller has taken on an awesome responsibility and we pray they're all up to this Mt. Everest of a job, because they've taken on the totality of Executive Branch and, let's face it, most of Congress too.
In its hour of need, our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
209
@L.Braverman Yup. Given the circumstances surrounding this team and everything leading up to now regarding collusion and obstruction, the stalwart professionalism of these guys is very comforting. By far, this is the real FBI, not the ones who text stupidly to their "things on the side" (even though Strzok still has been more professional than a lot of the Republicans grilling him during his hearing), or the ones in NY commiserating about Clinton to Giuliani during the campaign.
9
Gotta appreciate the rare breed in this era of me-me attention getters. Thank you, SC team!
40
The unsung heroes of what is left of our democracy.
224
@dmck: But you don't know that for sure, do you? Verified reports that Mueller's staff members are being paid $1,500 an hour, billed to the government and taxpayer. Not bad work if you can get it, and no wonder they want to extend this "investigation" indefinitely, and that Strzock and Paige, inter alios, were so eager to be recruited by MUELLER, until he finally had to turn them down, not because he objected to them personally,but because their recruitment would make the Special Prosecutor's staff look too biased, which it is anyway.Many of the attorneys on his staff were donors to the Clinton campaign, reg. Dems. Imagine how many rundown, dangerous tenements in the 5 boroughs,many of which r firetraps which we know after that conflagration in the BRONX , could be made safe with those funds!Thanks Gov. Cuomo and Mayor DeBlasio, both of whom r beholden for campaign contributions from the "permanent government" of real estate owners,and could not care less about the poor and their miserable, perilous living conditions!What is it about ex war heroes that leads them to disgrace in civilian life, and I cite Sens. McCain and Glenn and their involvement in the Keating banking scandal which cost taxpayers billions.If Mueller's attys. bill the government $1,500 an hour, imagine how much Robert Mueller must be taking home, while remaining in public limelight!"A la fin de la journee,"it's all about money and recognition!Taxpayer is being scammed, all because HRC lost the election!
@Alexander Harrison "Verified reports." Please share this verified source. Because my source says you're wrong.
http://time.com/money/5306210/mueller-trump-investigation-pay/
2
@Alexander Harrison Well, that was creative.
1
Interesting piece. Love the U-turn by Mueller. He sounds like my kind of lawman.
36
Is this jury focused on Manafort’s guilt or innocence - guilt is a lock - or is this jury opining on Robert Swan Mueller III, up or down?
3
@S B Lewis It is Manafort who is at risk of a long prison term. Mueller was not in the courtroom.
5
According to Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, Mueller is “the guy who kept four innocent people in prison for many years in order to protect the cover of Whitey Bulger as an FBI informer. Those of us in Boston don't have such a high regard for Mueller because we remember this story. The government had to pay out tens of millions of dollars because Whitey Bulger, a notorious mass murderer, became a government informer against the mafia . .
"And that's regarded in Boston of one of the great scandals of modern judicial history. And Mueller was right at the center of it. So, he is not without criticism by people who know him in Boston."
7
Allen Dershowitz was wrong in his statement. Sean Hannity also pushed this false conspiracy theory. Mueller had nothing to do with the case. I’m from Boston too.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/opinion/robert-mueller-smearing-compl...
1
Dershowitz seems to respond negatively whenever he is not the center of attention. I give him no credence.
1
Except it’s a lie. Do your research, because your “memory” is faulty.
31
"On Wednesday evening, New York Jets players, staying at the Westin before a preseason game against the Washington Redskins, sat at the bar near the defense lawyers. As they signed autographs, some asked reporters who Mr. Manafort was and why so many cameras were set up on the front curb."
Seriously? Are they all so addled from playing football that they don't know about this important piece of news?
I'm thinking of starting a Go Fund Me to purchase subscriptions to the Times for all of them.
61
@Someone's Mom - Seriously. Both of my sons played football in high school and college, but at least they were aware of current events. I think it's pathetic that they are that clueless about one of the biggest news stories of our time.
17
I've always admired professionalism. With what is going on in Washington these days, its moving to the level of a Bigfoot sighting. Keep up the good job.
60
@sjs I agree. Any government employee who forgoes the usual social media blitz and avoids sideshows that pump up celebrity and media financial rewards gets my respect. The internet's business model encourages way too much cotton candy news - empty calories and even poison sometimes.
3
These prosecutors need to be careful; the GOP will take every advantage to call them on what they perceive as an opportunity to belittle them in the public eye. For the prosecutors, keeping their head down and doing their job is commendable among all of the ambient noise and confusion the our unprofessional president and his team are generating.
54
Contrast Mueller and Trump.
The article describes the Mueller side.
Trump, on the other hand, Tweets about his cheeseburgers, would cross a busy street to get in front of a camera, and would push aside a disabled person to get on an elevator and talk to (at) a reporter.
The other difference, of course. is that Mueller and his team work late into the night, serving the public interest, while Trump apparently gets up late, watches lots of Fox News, desperately Tweets personal insults and then plays golf (and cheats, according to multiple reports).
That's our president, folks.
143
@Barking Doggerel
One is a politician- the other is a lawyer working for the DOJ. You are not comparing apples to apples. W
Moreover, all reporting on Trump's work patterns do not indicate he wakes up late.
@Barking Doggerel I agreed with you up until that last line. He is Not My President. He isn't worthy of the title.
12
@Pat Trump may not sleep late, but he doesn't begin his "work" day until 11:00 AM. Later on weekends, which he spends golfing.
1
Deterring attention is part of a prosecutorial strategy to appear and behave in a manner that is beyond reproach; this in contradistinction to the alleged perpetrator and his flamboyant ilk. This is no doubt a sensible decision keeping with what is generally true, that the people's interests are best served by the appearance of professionalism, discretion and competence. That said when it serves the government's interests -- particularly at trial -- prosecutors including the legendarily reticent Patrick Fitzgerald (who in my experience used junior adjutants to do the talking for him) will leak like rotting dinghies. And so, if the situation warrants, they should. Trials are public endeavours at rendering justice not private colloquiums aimed at accommodating the interests of the parties involved.
2
The pro football players asked the best questions. Who is Manafort and why so many cameras? Manafort is the guy that is being thrown under the bus. And nobody really cares what he did. All care what he will do after conviction. Will he sing?
2
@Jim. No, because our traitor in chief will pardon him
5
@Sharon
One should tread carefully when using the word traitor. It seems that many FBI and DOJ officials are fitting that mold. Of course do not forget about the DNC server and Hillary's electronics! Oops! Hang them all says I--if ANYONE on either side of the political spectrum is guilty
So sad that this poor tax evader and fixer for murderous tyrants is being thrown under the bus.
8
The Jets players don't know who Paul Manafort is?? wow
20
@ballzo
Professional athletes, regardless of their sport, may tend to live in a bubble while on the road, their schedule is generally predetermined and their free time may be quite limited at times. Anyway they spend most of their time with their team and its coaches and trainers when they are not actually traveling or playing the game. Even when not on the road, they tend to be athletes and sports personalities first, and informed citizens only secondarily. I know this from personal my experience dealing with professional ball players. And even in these days of NFL players taking the knee, public expressions of political views, or comments on current affairs are things many players and teams tend to avoid for fear of alienating their fans or members of the general public.
11
@javamaster - Excuses, excuses. Seriously, they don't have time to read a newspaper? I find that hard to believe. And if they truly are in a "sports bubble" as you say, then that is truly pathetic!
@javamaster - Unfortunately these athletes are also held up to our teenagers as people to admire and model themselves after, at a time when a lack of civic engagement has led to the most disastrous presidential election in our lifetimes.
3
I hope they are chewing glass and eating nails to toughen themselves up for the battle ahead. Saving democracy from an autocrat like Trump won't be easy.
50
Good. The stakes have never been higher for our country, and this Administration has shown over and over again it will do anything it can to intimidate, de-legitimize, and crush whomever threatens them. Don't give them anything to work with.
57
The special counsel team are professionals and they are to be commended regardless of the results of the investigation. They are defenders of democracy and our code of laws. I would draw an analogy to a tiger. Their prey never hears them stalking them and then they pounce and kill.
35
The last paragraph in this piece is the fulcrum on which our democracy balances.
When will the balance tip away from bread and circuses toward the future of the nation?
I fear the signal will continue to be lost in the noise for a majority of us. And that is exactly what the forces of darkness are seeking, with all their malice and cruelty.
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All trump needs is one starry-eyed trumpist to ensure no jury conviction, and 34 fawning and/or fearful Senators to ensure no removal via impeachment.
Any change will have to come from the ballot boxes that have successfully fended off Russian intrusion and GOP voter suppression.
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@Kam Dog
That one juror would cause a mistrial, and they would do it all over again.
Based on the jury questions to the judge, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
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The world is watching and waiting as Mueller and his team do their jobs, and they seem to be doing a thorough, detailed investigation, which is their charge. While Trump tweets, Republicans in Congress do nothing, and real journalists work diligently to cover, and uncover, malfeasance, we put our faith with these heros to gather the facts and hold guilty parties responsible for their words and actions.
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The prosecutors of the special counsel’s office have found themselves in a very hostile environment in the courtroom of Judge T.S. Ellis III.
The judge has made several remarks and facial gestures calculated to belittle the prosecution case.
The judge has done the unthinkable by refusing to allow prosecutors to publish (formally show the jury) copies of documentary exhibits admitted into evidence.
The judge has allowed the defense to refer to President Trump in argument, in spite of an earlier ban on references to Trump, which prosecutors dutifully honored.
Special counsel Robert Mueller has been unwilling to comment on the case, and so has every member of his team.
The prosecutors have good reason for being “careful.”
Contrast that professional behavior with members of Donald Trump’s defense team of lawyers, including Rudy Giuliani, who take every opportunity to advance publicly the Trump lie about a so-called witch hunt.
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@sdw An article in the Times yesterday pointed out that, despite reports in the media, the case against Manafort is extremely strong, and the judge realizes this. By his behavior, he is making it virtually impossible for the defense to appeal with an argument that he wasn't fair to them. This does make some sense.
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This is so refreshing to read about these true patriots. This is the 1st time that I have seen the picture of the two. Thank you NYT for the story.
35
Mueller runs a tight ship -- efficient, well organized, and staffed by hard workers who are conscientious, abstemious and devoted to the cause of justice, for the good of their nation. In other words, everything that the White House should be, but isn't.
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I appreciate the professionalism of Mueller and his team. Just as it should be
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The Team is like water in a desert for all of us longing for Our America's return--professional, forward thinking, engaged with the world, adult..
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At least the president can't whine about "fake news" because there is no news, nor should there be. These prosecutors are charged with sifting through thousands of pages of evidence, figures and untold minutiae so they can present the facts of their case to the judge and jury. In the Manafort case, only Judge T.S. Ellis was unprofessional and his bias was evident before this trial began.
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If I were being investigated by a team of attorneys like the one Mueller has assembled, then I would most certainly not be playing with fire in the way that Trump is.
He’s either completely guilty with nothing to lose, or he’s just guilty (whether or not it’s proven in court is another matter).
27
I don't see the ignorance of some professional athletes as to the identity of Paul Manafort and why he is attracting more attention than they as a positive thing. Unfortunately, this phenomenon of oblivion to people and events having repercussions that affect the lives of tens, hundreds of millions is, in fact, the norm for the majority of the populace of the United States.
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Robert Mueller III and his team seem to be the very definition of Professionalism.
trump and his team seem to be the very definition of something else.
I support Mueller.
44
Given the frequency with which lawyers and reporters whose work is inconvenient to the Russian government have been targeted with polonium poisoning, exotic military nerve gases, etc., I understand perfectly well why these brave men are reluctant to identify which food orders are theirs.
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Mueller and his team are professionals who want their legal actions to be based on data from their investigation, and no leaks. They don't Tweet about their work or chat with reporters. The Social Media has made being professional difficult. It's good to see it.
30
I'm not surprised about the professionalism of this team. Mr. Mueller didn't pick them out of the Yellow Pages. But it does surprise me that spies have gotten nothing at all.
"In one instance, Uzo Asonye, one of the special counsel prosecutors, stepped into an elevator with a colleague whom he stopped midsentence."
Elevators have ears. When I was squashed into a crowded hotel elevator and it jammed, after ten minutes it started getting hot and we mused about our air supply. A voice materialized to reassure us. They had been eavesdropping.
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@KJ ...yes, the Internet of Things... IOT. It is not a good use of our technology the way it is being introduced. Where is the public vote and inclusion in the debate? There is no debate, just some arguments for safety and convenience. IOT has a lot of negative surveillance and economic control aspects to it. Why aren't our civic, scientific and educational leaders asking for the public's vote on this technology? If we weren't so busy following inane apps and social media news we could possibly spend precious time on helping shape our future culture and environment as participants rather than just as consumers. Like Detroit turned our culture 100% towards automobiles and destroyed the option of mass transportation by railroad, we will be held hostage in the future to whatever the internet industry and its investors dream up for us. Very discouraging. When will Americans get their act together and take democracy into their own hands and not leave it up to the private industrial sector, the insurance industry, religious activists and Wall Street to decide what crumbs we citizens are allowed?
As pretty much the entire world knows, the only leakers during this investigation have been Rudolf Giuliani and President Trump as they attempt to obstruct, delay and generally obfuscate the Special Counsel's progress.
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@Mincepies Actually that is not true. Ari Melber on MSNBC says almost nightly that a "source close to the Mueller probe" said x, y, or z. The buttoned down Mueller team narrative is a branding exercise by the leftwing media, even as they tout their access to information.
@TL - Really! You know that for a fact? I'm betting that the source close to the Mueller probe is actually a right wing whack job saying he knows what's going on. I don't put anything past any of trump's supporters and lackeys to make something up to impugn Mueller's obviously airtight investigation.
@TL The information the public has about the activities of the Mueller probe comes from official indictments and...people who have been interviewed and are speaking about it, not from the investigators.
To me the most valuable tool in this investigation has been the ability of the Prosecutors to keep a low profile. It is best to continue that. No more stories on these harried people. Leave them alone to do their jobs.
Or else Trump will be tweeting "Prosecutors court press attention what dopes, SAD. I told you this was a Witch Hunt."
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..Mueller has nothing to say because he has nothing tangible to report - otherwise, we would have seen it by now.
He's got Manafort for money laundering a decade ago - and he charged some low level staffers for inconspicuous reasons.
He's a year and a half into the investigation and is desperately trying to find something, but so far, nothing.
His mouth is full of cheeseburgers; that's all.
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@JM Or he's being professional and diligent. Why is that so hard to understand?
5
Shhhhh.....just wait. Maybe there is nothing there. But what makes you an expert? Wouldn't you rather they took their time? Why the hurry? I imagine when Ken Starr was investigating Clinton you were perfectly comfortable with the amount of time he took. @JMS
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@JMS - Sure if you call multiple indictments and guilty pleas nothing.
27
Thank God there are professionals who know how to behave working in our current government! What a relief, and what a breath of fresh air to hear nothing except what must be spoken. Too bad for the cable news that must invent fake news about this team or speculate on the source of Starbursts and what's the hidden meaning of orange chewies.
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One has to admire these prosecutors professionalism, lack of leaks,and non-publicity seeking ways.
Wouldn't it be nice if all government employees, especially those in the top echelons, simply did their jobs with little fuss?
Our lives would be so much more tranquil, same and productive.
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@LJB I certainly miss the days of "no drama Obama".
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@LJB
In my experience the great majority of career government employees do their jobs with little fuss. The administration appointees should take a lesson from them.
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@LJB They are the true meaning of "public servant". Something trump and his lackeys know nothing about!
7
I agree with Liz Cook. There is nothing truly newsworthy in this article.
What I was hoping for based on the title ("Meet the Special Counsel Team") was background information on the team Mueller has put together, to better understand who they are. Are they the "17 angry Democrats" claimed by Trump or, as I believe, simply a reasonable cross section of the nation and the legal community trying to uncover deep and troubling mysteries? Obviously the entire team is not made up of Democrats, angry or otherwise; it's leaders (Mueller and Rosenstein), at the least, are both Republicans, but who and what are they?
THAT is an article I would have been interested in reading. This one? Not so much.
6
@HDreier
Actually, you did get the point.
Their personal lives are irrelevant ( and almost nonexistent at this point).
They don't opine about issues in public. They don't leak. They don't want to be the center of attention. It takes enormous focus to bring such a huge amount of material, much of it in the language of accountants and tax experts, into a trial in a way that is intelligible to the judge and jury, that this is their life for now.
That's it.
12
I'm guessing this warrants an article because people doing their jobs in a quiet, professional manner has become an anomaly these days...?
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It's somehow calming and reassuring to know there are still people out there with integrity, discretion and professionalism. I know these people are out there, but we hardly ever see them in the news.
Somehow we've turned these traits into liabilities in a society led by a fool with no trace of these qualities, or even the slightest respect for those who do.
For all our sake, go get 'em Team Mueller. You are truly our only hope.
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Some New York Jets players asked who Mr Manafort was? I don’t know whether I should feel pity or envy regarding their ignorance in that matter.
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@EllenThe Jets players who asked were probably afraid they might have to play against the Mueller team.
9
I admit that I spend way too much time reading about all things related to the Russian investigations. But for someone not knowing who Mueller is ... that is pretty out of touch.
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Unfortunately there are millions and millions of them. They walk among us and their phones never leave their hands.
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@Ron perline Not Mueller, Manafort: "some asked reporters who Mr. Manafort was and why so many cameras were set up on the front curb."
1
Mueller and his team of professional, discrete, and competent lawyers aren’t publicity hounds. They do their work with no hint of leaking, scandal, or other self interested behavior. Nothing rattles them, and they avoid the spotlight.
No wonder Trump and his far weaker legal team are scared to death.
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@Demosthenes: Mueller's team is discreet, not discrete.
12
This is the way good litigation lawyers work.
These lawyers should perhaps make an effort to improve their diet.
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@James B - I had the same thought about the diet.
9
@James B Reading this article made me want to send the team a nice, healthy lunch!
11
The subtle observation of the special prosecutor making an illegal u-turn is a nice reminder that everyone involved in this situation is an imperfect human being.
13
@GBarry Every infraction is about enforcement. If there is no enforcement almost everybody does it. The best example id the speed limit. Almost everybody drive above the speed limit by the amount tolerated by the police; only those who drive above the tolerated amount are fined.
3
In light of this article, maybe the next time the news media reports on something purportedly from Mueller ‘s team, like the questions for Trump, they will note that the information did not come from Mueller’s team.
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This is not news ... these attorneys are doing their job ... courteous with no leaks or comments ... bravo ...
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@Liz Cook
AGREE- WP is beginning to resemble FOX.
2
@Liz Cook Disagree that it's not news. It shows very clearly the team's commitment to keeping silent to the media. Their integrity is of utmost importance and this shows how seriously they take it.
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@Liz Cook On the contrary, in these days, especially under the current Trump administration and with a Congress that has become even swampier, professionals doing a high profile job with no leaks or comments IS news.
7