It appears that Trump is being restrained by the Senate from replacing Rosenstein. Good move by the Cowards on Constitution and Independence Avenues.
4
There is the possibility that we have truly descended to journalism by gossip, which is reprehensible. Rosenstein goes to the White House for what turns out to be a regular meeting. Given the narrative of the weekend and the reported comments attributed to Rosenstein, the immediate response from the commentators ( we no longer have journalists ) was to report that he was going to the White House to be fired / resign. After all, that is what the junior high school gossip was saying. Every news media known to man took that narrative and ran with it. Then, when no less an authority than Andrew McCabe weighed in - the die was set. It is becoming increasingly unlikely that the news commentators ( Times included ) will ever be able to get beyond reporting their interpretations of gossip as fact.
3
It's inordinately easy to speak for someone else, but I think now is a time for Rosenstein (and Dems) to talk hardball to Trump.
If Rosenstein is compelled to resign, Dems should threaten political chaos going into the upcoming election; one theme is of a Republican attack on Mueller (not to mention women). Republicans appear to fear that scenario at this time (e.g. Hannity). If he is fired, the resulting storm fire is likely to be even more volatile, and, in addition, a short-term compliant replacement becomes more difficult for Trump to install. Republicans and Trump appear to want to get rid of Rosenstein, but after the elections. To counter that plan, Rosenstein might demand a tenure of, say, two more years without attacks on his bailiwick and on national security. Otherwise no deal, thereby forcing an eyeball-to-eyeball firing with all the attendant pre-election fallout, Why wait until November to be fired, and, for that matter, why resign?
None of this is good, but hardball, not softball, is the game being played.
This is a classic poker play. Rosenstein knows exactly what cards the Prez is holding, and Trump knows almost nothing of Rosenstein's cards. So Rosenstein is calling Trump's bluff. You can see how unnerved and clueless the White House is when Hannity is begging the prez on air not to fire the Deputy AG, because it's 'a trap'. Sure, it's a trap. It's a trap of Trump's own making and he's caught himself in it. All he can do is sit there chewing his tiny hand off and growl at anyone who comes to help him. Sure Rosenstein's days are numbered, and I'm sure he can't wait to get out of this mess. But there's no happy ending for Trump and he's starting to realize this.
I find it interesting that the New York Times reported that Andrew McCabe's memos contained a discussion of Deputy AG Rosenstein's discussion of wearing a wire to tape President Trump.
Representative Robert W. Goodlatte, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, was told his committee could not see the McCabe memos.
It is interesting and typical of this entire investigation.
I’m writing this after over 2,500 comments have been posted. I’m shocked by the fury against the NYT for publishing the story about Rosenstein from anonymous sources. The NYT’s us NOT responsible for any of the chaos that has ensued since Trump was elected and Trump surely didn’t need them to publish this article to give him cover to fire Rosenstein, anymore than Trump needed the letter from Rosenstein as cover to fire Comey. Trump said it himself, he would fire them anyway if he thought it would “get rid of this Russia thing”. If our criminal justice system is so flawed that the president firing the acting Attorney General means we aren’t able to get to the truth about Trump, which the NYT’s and other papers have been increasingly giving us a clearer picture of, we are in deep trouble with or without their reporting. My Dad used to say, “your sins will surely find you out”, so I’m very sure that the truth would be outed sooner or later. Truth has a way of showing up at the most inconvenient times but it is the truth that will lead to justice being served and that day of reckoning coming.
1
Rosenstein faces the ultimate dilemma. When do you choose to do something that is wrong on paper to achieve what you know is right. Unfortunately the laws and policy rules were not written with Trump in mind. I am sure he has lost countless hours of sleep trying to balance on the razors edge.
3
There goes another!
And another!
And, yet, another!
Good god, we're inundated by them!
So many twists and turns... we could lose track of the plot line... that these folks are elected and appointed public servants. Not actors in some netflix drama.
Epic article. What beats me as a reader from Europe is why he is still President. It's patently obvious that he has a childlike understanding of the issues. He has contradicted himself countless times and only admits or changes his story when proof surfaces. US companies and consumers are already complaining about the tariffs. He needs impeaching as soon as possible.
3
Mr. Trump, the hereditary CEO of a volatile family business and Star of a Reality TV Show, made his reputation and wealth by being intentionally and publicly abrasive, insensitive and on the margins of propriety. His hostile takeover of the GOP and victory by a whisker over the Democrats are testimony not to his strengths but their weaknesses. In power, he did not learn or unlearn. His nemesis, the inexorable march of the Muller Investigation, is becoming an existential threat to his presidency. Unfortunately, his chosen, longtime friends, advisors and foot-soldiers have proven unreliable. For his own good and that of the country, he should seek truthful counsel who would lead him legally to his best options, not sycophants would temporarily praise him for their profit.
"Rod Rosenstein’s Job Is Safe, for Now"
.... because Mr. Trump is afraid that:
1) Mr. Rosenstein may in fact has recorded Mr. Trump's fifth-grader comments and discussions and will be releasing the recordings once he is fired;
2) Mr. Rosenstein can go to media and tell a lot about the anarchy he observed in the White House and certain absurd, potentially racist, views he heard from Mr. Trump. That is why, once again, Mr. Kelly could be talking of an "amicable release";
3) Firing Mr. Rosenstein could force Republican Senators to go along with their Democrat counterparts passing a bill to tie Mr. Trump's hands regarding firing of Mr. Mueller and closing down the Russian investigation.
1
Nothing that the Times has written defending its decision to publish the highly questionable Rosenstein article has changed my mind. It was irresponsible for the editors to publish such a flimsy dated story with so many unnamed sources that might have been motivated by unsavory motives. It accomplished no newsworthy goal except to stir up Trump deep state muck.
I wish the cable news outlets would spend more time vigorously questioning the credibility of the story. I do not object to an unflattering story about Rosenstein if it is newsworthy. I do object to such a story so artless in candor and the careless ease it sought to discount the integrity of Rosenstein held in high regard throughout his career. Once again the story just doesn't hold water.
I makes me think about the dreary and relentless Judith Miller reporting that had no corroboration in any respectable news outlet. Yet the Times persisted. Evidence that the Times can be dead wrong especially about such a critical issue that destabilized the Middle East and at the untold cost of human life.
So many of the comments are distrustful of the story. If Rosenstein is fired by Trump I shall place the knife in the back squarely in the hands of the Times and the arrogance of its editors. My trust in the Times will be sufficiently damaged and I regrettably shall make the WP my paper of record.
The controversy that your story has generated is not an indication of its success as an investigative piece.
14
For those of you who follow this circus, the playbook is clear. Trump is not going to fire Rosenstein on Monday when he can save it for a day when he needs a real media distraction...Thursday sounds good, right after blasey’s testimony. And All media will fall for it hook, line and sinker.
10
Reason suggests that Donald Trump is guilty of crimes similar to those Cohen and Manafort recently pleaded guilty to. If the Special Counsel, led by Robert Mueller, is able to prove that then Trump will be going to prison for a good, long stay. THAT is why Trump fights justice and is terrified of the truth.
6
What a dilemma for Trump: do what he wants to do but by doing so indicates that the "failing, dishonest" Times got a story about his administration right.
2
Mr. Rosenstein, in this matter, should take a page out of AG Sessions' book: force the Trump to fire him. Resigning is the same as giving up everything Mr. Rosenstein has stood for: a thorough, fair investigation of Trump/Russia matters and other issues and the credibility of the Justice Department as a whole.
4
Trump complains about Rosenstein and Sessions but hey these were his choices.
2
I'm alarmed that there were apparently so many occasions where Rosenstein tried to or prepared to resign.
This is not a time for normal "decorum" and to offer a resignation if (or before) it's requested. Rosenstein MUST force Trump to fire him.
4
I don't understand what makes whatever Rod Rosentein said (or didn't say) about Trump a newsworthy story. It's hard to believe the Times would stretch and sensationalize such a petty, gossipy into a 'story'.
We all know that lots of people in high places say lots of things about this president. So how is this different?
It really looks like NYT decided to target RR for some reason. And since he's essential to keeping the Mueller investigation intact and that is essential to keeping the country intact -- I question what drove reporters to think this item was either a necessary or important thing for people to know. It just isn't. Seems like really bad judgment.
And yesterdays version of the follow-up story starring poor, 'conflicted', 'emotional' Rod Rosenstein was even more absurd. Even if Rosenstein was nervous who would chose to focus on that. Somebody at the NYT really really doesn't like Rod Rosenstein and/or they rely on info from somebody who doesn't and then don't even bother to take out the bias.
9
@Anna
I fully agree. This is an extremely critical time in history of the US and the world. In an attempt to publish a sensational news/article, The NYT may have neglected its huge journalistic responsibility.
2
Positive outcome if Rosenstein is out?
He will be a free agent to a "tell all" book. Little good that may be. Remember Comey's "tell all" book? As time went on it had no impact on affecting Trump's endgame of stopping Mueller. It is now relegated to the bottom of Amazon's bestsellers. The damage is done and Trump loves it until more revelations emerge and he can distract the American people from those as well.
Mr. Rosenstein should quit. He is not emotionally fit for this job. His insecurities and panic at Democratic attacks in early 2017 is what led him to appoint a special prosecutor despite the absence of the legal predicate for such an appointment. He should return to private practice.
1
An investigation that’s already resulted in a bunch of guilty pleas is hardly an appointment without merit.
Distract! Look..squirrel!
1
..wanted to avoid an angry tweatstorm from trump?
Rule One: Never let a bully guide your actions.
( probably was too late for that when knowingly joined a known bully's staff)
Rule Two: Never think a megalomaniac won't attack you though you be as loyal to him as a believer is to God: megalomaniacal tyrants often pick just that person to have shot on Fifth Avenue, just to let all know that no one is safe.
How could Ros' not have known that?
He should have demanded the 25th way back then, and quit when it was rejected.
Fear of bullies? Doin't work for them. Don't submit to them.
Those "tweets" incidentally, are "presidential statements". So trump declares and no one official or in the press says otherwise. That's why his lies, slander, false accusations and threats are published -- presumably, they are vital communications to the American people, and 99% are impeachable "hitting" , retaliation against Americans for using their Constitutional rights. Most are also evidence of unfitness for office, meriting initiatiopn of the 25th amendment process.
4
#GOPInIt4Themselves
4
Why is it that the ones with the worst behavior hunker down and survive -- and the "honorable" ones fall on their swords? There's more to Rosenstein's job than his career -- like the well-being of the republic. He said nothing more, essentially, than what current and former members of the administration (Tillerson and Kelly and McFarland and Cohn etc) have all said -- that Trump is an idiot with no discernable intelligence or moral code who is unfit for office. Big deal. This isn't a news flash. Rosenstein should get over himself.
3
trump is far too chicken to actually fire anyone himself, unless its staged and he gets applause.
3
Either he is so stupid to think that when the president is busy he would bother to fire him, or the NYT as usual has what some call "fake news". My understanding is that Rod asked for a meeting and will get one on Thursday, what he wants to talk about is not clear nor is what the president will think or do. Just more not really reporting, but rather rumor which a news paper should not publish.
3
@vulcanalex
Pompous dimwittery.
1
I'm still angry at the NYT for publishing an article about Rosenstein while letting the accusers remain anonymous. And I'm angry at McCabe for writing memos that are now being used to derail the very investigation he was supposed to be protecting. On the other hand, I'm glad to know that, even if it were posed as a joke, someone with the power to do something has raised the issue of using Article 25. And, as others have pointed out, if Russia House on the Potomac can use McCabe's memos as evidence, then they have to accept Comey's memos as evidence as well.
3
I sincerely hope Rosenstein will not resign. Far better to force Trump to fire him. Just more obstruction of justice from the corrupt, two-bit con man temporarily fouling the Oval Office. Donald Trump, the former "Law and Order Candidate" turns out to be the most lawless, corrupt man to ever hold office. A complete and utter disgrace.
3
Why is the Times allowing itself to be used by Trump sympathizers? Apparently this story about Rosenstein is old and was considered a joke by some. Why did the Times publish this story about Rosenstein now - with the consequence being that Rosenstein will probably leave office and a Trump sympathizer might take over as head of the Mueller investigation?
The Times isn't reporting news here - instead they've become a player in this government mess. Now the Times' actions are being reported by others and critiqued and analyzed. Very strange position for a news agency to assume . . .
3
In just about everyplace else, Trump would have been deposed by a military coup d'état by now. Instead, our history, culture, and system of laws has prevented that. As such, assuming the NYT got the story correct, Rosenstein proposed using current law, based upon our Constitution, to evaluate the president's fitness for office given the daily evidence that he is not. Nothing wrong with that, compared to the lawless alternatives commonly used elsewhere. Rosenstein deserves admiration, not scorn.
Trump would be a fool to fire Rosenstein or subsequently, Mueller. His fate will be far worse than Nixon's.
3
Couldn't the NYT have handled this article on Rosenstein differently? Rosenstein is one of the sane ones in this administration. You undercut him at the knees and have thrown him in front of the big orange Mack truck.
Venting and speaking sarcastically about the president, out of frustration, does not constitute intent to betray and undermine him. Right now, the entire nation is venting and speaking sarcastically about this president and his administration. It just happens that in his Rosensteins's case it was used against him. It appears he was stabbed in the back twice...once by some colleague, and once by the NYT.
8
Why was he not fired Monday??? Get rid of him!
What does anything that the NYT so stupidly twisted about what Rosenstein said have to do with crimes that have been committed?
How can processes get so confused by this horrible gossip reporting?
Crimes have been uncovered. We have a president who very probably is beholden to Putin for his election. But it is apparently more important for the NYT to print gossip.
3
Trump is not a master strategist, he has simply learned how to manipulate the media. His tweets, his rallies are created to create chaos and inflame our anger and fear. The Rosenstein story is just another way to distract the public from Kavanaugh's difficulties. The media, desperate for profits, gives him exactly what he wants. It will stop when we get tired of politics as entertainment.
3
NYT gets a story entirely wrong, reports it wrong, and the only explanation it can give is chaos in the White House. Perhaps the confusion and chaos is in the NYT newsroom.
5
Rosenstein will instead be fired on Thursday to distract from a woman who, a mile and a half down Pennsylvania Avenue, will be describing how a Supreme Court nominee climbed on top of her and tried to pull her clothes off.
Don’t miss the season premiere of “Survivor, D.C.”!
7
If the White House forces Mr. Rosenstein into a position where he can no longer perform his job in a manner consistent with his own sense of honor and duty, he should force President Trump to fire him, rather than offer his resignation. Forcing the Deputy AG to resign is exactly the outcome Trump wants, whereas firing him would add more evidence to any potential case of obstruction of justice which might be brought against the President.
2
All of us over a certain age recall the so called "hands off" Presidency of Ronald Reagan. The totally vacuous and empty smiles of the man who apparently was barely half aware of events around him. Some of us recall the famous cartoon,(infamous?) from Time or Newsweek, I believe, of David Stockman emerging from a cartoon "woodshed", tucking his shirt back in his knickers, like a good 19th century schoolboy after being beaten by RR. The immense, and rock-ridged face of Reagan held an axe-with handle upmost,(reminiscent of Roman fasces?) , unsmiling and with his fury at Stockman barely suppressed. He had just,(in cartoon speak), given the errant leaker,(stockman had been angry and amazed by Reagan's ignorance- too and had told reporters that not only did the new "President" not have any agenda, but that he didn't know what an agenda was!)
After slaving to elect Reagan, Stockman was aghast to discover his hero and role model was apparently an ignoramus and seemingly detached from reality.
No doubt this is something of what Rosenstein may have felt, too. That the most powerful man in the known universe was incapable of ruling, nor even of understanding what the job encompassed, or that the Constitution placed limits on what he could do! No legislators ever had intellectual imagination to see such a situation eventuating: that the USA would happily elect a total "incompetent" and then celebrate it.
"We're all Bozo's on this bus" seemed to be the general message.
Now thanks to the NYT Trump may very well have a means by which to challenge any findings by Mueller as The Deputy AG being biased against him, and thus throw out any findings. Really NYT? This bit of gossip is worth our Democracy? Everyone in the current administration has probably secretly called Trump an idiot and believed him as unfit to hold the office.
4
Journalism (even the NYT) seems so sloppy recently. Do any of your reporters truly know Mr Rosenstein "was ready to resign" yesterday morning? Did they speak with him? Or did any "informed sources" tell them what Rosenstein was thinking or expecting . Could we go back to old fashioned reporting where the first paragraph states the 4 W's -- who, what , where, when -- backed up by credible sources. Ideal speculation masked as news is not helpful, particularly at a time of political instability.
3
With his job on the line, and in light of his strong denials, if I was Rosenstein, I’d say to Donald Trump in Thursday’s meeting: “Mr. President, you’ve been saying for two years that the “failing New York Times” has been reporting lies and fake news. Why are you believing them now?!”
2
Really? The New York Times is now writing clickbait instead of headlines?
The headline “Rosenstein Thought He Would Be Fired. This Is What Happened Instead” doesn’t inform; it manipulates.
7
Thanks New York Times for running that background story that other outlets ran, bit with a very different angle, due to having sources that were in the room.
Thank you for bringing the republic one step closer to authoritarianism. I know you wanted to be first and get the glory, but so what? You could have gotten sources that were in the room. You didn't. The effect was and still may be disastrous.
Thank you for that. No Pulitzers for you.
5
@KatheM I actually believe from the Slate interview with the reporter that they had a source that was in the room, but could not describe that person as such because there were not enough other people in the room to provide enough cover for the source.
News is news but your timing is terrible. Keeping this investigation alive and moving forward is of prime importance.
1
In April there was bipartisan momentum for a bill to protect special counsel Robert Mueller from getting fired by President Trump. Mitch McConnell squashed it.
“This is a piece of legislation that's not necessary, in my judgment,” McConnell said in an interview with Fox News. "… I'm the one who decides what we take to the floor. That's my responsibility as the majority leader. And we will not be having this on the floor of the Senate.”
So much for any protection for Mueller should
7
Actually,the media expected Trump to fire Rosenstein and add to his current problems .That surprisingly has not happened .
1
I question the wording used by NY Times reporters in the initial article. A Deputy Attorney General cannot “invoke” the 25th Amendment and would not even be a part of the constitutional “collusion” inferred by the Amendment itself, which would initially involve the Vice-President and Cabinet members. It is misleading to use the word “invoke” to describe someone talking about the 25th Amendment.
In addition, describing sources as those, in essence, briefed on or having read memos, does not suggest presence at the particular meeting. If a source was actually at the meeting, protection of one in a handful present is understandable, but such a description is extremely misleading.
The reason we are having discussions like this at all is the foreign attack on our democracy and the subsequent internal attacks on our democracy by the White House and many in Congress. A president who has done nothing wrong need not whine about the lack of protection by the DOJ to which he or she is not entitled to have. A Congress refusing to Check the abuses of powers by the Executive, to protect the rule of law, and to perform its constitutional duties signals extreme danger to our democratic Republic.
Firing the Attorney General and/or the Deputy Attorney General might initiate a slow bleed and slow death to the Special Counsel’s investigation, but it is no different than a quick death by cut to the jugular. Both can apply to our democracy.
4
I am also very disappointed with the NYT, as others have said. I see no reason for rehashing Mr. Rosenstein's comments from months ago that were said in private and were not followed by any wrong actions. No one in the White House has been fired so far for their comments revealed by Bob Woodward. In this politically charged climate people have strong personal opinions and you could be reporting on them all day long, but to what end? Please be more circumspect in what you publish, and consider the consequences.
8
In a world where down is up and up is down, where lies are truth and truth is lies, progress is nowhere to be found. It is unlikely we will ever know what role Trump played in Russia's interference in our election. As Saudi Arabia seeks to break the egg and struggle into freedom, America is choosing to go the other way. We are no longer governed by reason but by religious doctrine. In the near future, we will program the human mind in the computer, and this will be based on a "survival" algorithm. Then, we will finally learn how we confuse the mind about what exactly is supposed to survive with our ridiculous beliefs. At that point we will begin the long trek back to reason and sanity. See RevolutionOfReason.com
2
The dramatic announcements sound like a realty TV show. This is manufactured drama.
1
Resignation is out of the question. If Rosenstein eventually resigns he's no better than all of the other feckless, enabling sycophants surrounding Trump.
3
OK, can we all agree that Trump and company scheduled the Rosenstein meeting for Thursday to draw focus from the Kavanaugh hearing?
8
Regardless of Rosenstein, there is only one way this can end. Trump is raging against reality, straining to push from his mind the gnawing thoughts that are the consequences of a lifetime of unchecked avarice. Trump's bluster and feint of confidence barely conceal his dread as he gazes into the black hole that is his future. I watched boys like Trump swagger through the Allegheny County Court House for years. Underneath that defiant facade, Trump is screaming bloody murder. The stress of facing serious criminal and tax charges is like being fired, divorced, and loosing your mom all in one day.
3
If I were Rod I'd be sure to wear a wire for that Thursday meeting. Wish Comey had too.
6
Rosenstein must not resign. To do so would be the ultimate act of cowardice.
2
Pres. Trump need not concern himself with Rosenstein. The declassification of the Carter Page FISA application will expose Rod Rosenstein's role in Spygate and force him to resign or recuse himself.
1
Trump should fire Rosenstein. Actually Rosenstein should man up and resign. If he doesn't resign it shows that he lacks character and moral values and is unworthy of a government job.
2
I have been a longtime fan and reader of the New York Times. I have not always agreed with positions that the paper has taken, but I have never felt the extreme disappointment that I felt after reading the article describing Rod Rosenstein’s alleged comments about wearing a wire and the 25th Amendment. It seems as though, however good the intentions might have been in printing the story in the first place, that the Times has been used. The paper has been an ardent supporter of Robert Mueller’s investigation and has decried any efforts to relieve Mr. Mueller, and by extension, Mr. Rosenstein, of their jobs. And yet, how is it that the same NYT that has thrown its support behind this critical investigation has taken this opportunity to print a story emanating from unnamed White House sources that serves no purpose other than to give President Trump the means to fire the only man safeguarding the continuation of the Mueller Investigation? This does not appear to be “all the news that’s fit to print” at this time.
8
Don't be surprised when President Trump announces AG Sessions resignation Thursday or Friday and appoints Rod Rosenstein as his pick for the new Attorney General.
He will be fired, after the election!
We should never accept anonomous sources. If a white house official can not trust the president he is working for, he should honorably resign. Then he should publicly tell the reason why.
Rosenstein, get a spine. You want to leave before Trump can criticize you in tweets? (Per the article)
“Adults” who think they are holding things together in the WH for America. You won’t fire Rosenstein before the midterms because it will be better for Trump? (Per the article, John Kelly) Tell me again how you are a patriot?
Grown men scared of a big baby who happens to be president. Grow some courage, gentlemen.
3
The story that the NYT wrote in regards to Rosenstein absolutely makes no sense. I realize that the newspaper researched this encounter and I don't understand why the newspaper didn't question these allegations. There is no logic to the story. No matter how you look at it if your a thinking person who didn't spent their teen and college years drunk it sounds like a very made up story. Something that a NYT reporter like Judith who used to write for the paper and went to prison to protect her sources would promote. Remember Judith she was all about making and keeping a name for herself not about America and the truth.
There is enough confusion and movie making, book writing currently at this White House. Mr. Rosenstein is the last item to come out of Pandora's box, he and Mr. Mueller represent hope for the country and the world. Hope that people vote in the midterms, hope that true Americans not slogan Trump supporters take back our country.
Trump will go down in history as the King of corruption and hate. Hopefully as a democracy we will still be standing.
2
Trump will fire him via twitter like the coward he is - Of the many, many people to leave the administration, trump has only had other people do the firing, or fired them over twitter. Spineless, cowardly and disrespectful !
3
The Times has put The Times at risk with these stories. You are perpetuation Friday's story. The Times caused what it describes yesterday.
Read the 25th Amendment and tell me how Mr. Rosenstein ever would have expected to gain majority support in the Trump cabinet and two thirds support in the Congress, this Congress, to put the amendment into action?
He would have to be the most politically inept and naive man in Washington to even consider it.
No, you got snookered and the reporters and editors and, ultimately, the executive editor of the paper need to reckon with that.
You've made a mess just as you let Judith Nathan make a mess that got us into the Iraq war.
Go back and report on your own reporting and do the corrective story that needs to be done lest none of us believe what we read in The Times and lest the newspaper's sworn enemies feast on this.
Unlike so man commenting on this my objection is not that it helps Trump and all he is but that it is really bad reporting that never should have been published.
The Times got used and no one has else has followed. They are reporting about your report but they are not reporting it.
8
The leak to the NYT failed to deliver.
President Trump didn't take the bait.
2
So, the Times publishes an incendiary article, based on second hand sources, with no comment from the subject of the article. This piece brings us to the brink of a national crisis. Then the Times gets to report, the next day, blow by blow, on what happened yesterday —as a result of their own questionable reporting. What’s wrong with this picture?
10
It is inevitable that trump will pull the plug on the investigation, regardless what the NYT or any other media entity does. The mid terms may or may not gauge how voters feel about it. It depends on how effective the GOP and Russians are at subverting the election process with voter restriction efforts, gerrymandering, technology driven misinformation campaigns and hacking. All these efforts are now being pushed into high gear.
Meanwhile back at the ranch the EPA is being gutted, the CFPB is being dismantled, Dodd–Frank is being compromised, huge chunks of public lands are being sold off, world free trade is being seriously and deliberately hampered, and all while the FBI is being disemboweled.
3
Oh, please.
"People close to Mr. Rosenstein, White House advisers, Justice Department officials, lawmakers from both parties and others familiar with the rapidly evolving situation" all have their own agendas.
Here's what actually happened.
Trump was handed a gift on Friday. He knew immediately Rosenstein was done, but he let Rosenstein sweat over the weekend. He was going to fire Rosenstein Monday morning, and reports started "leaking" that Rosenstein expected to be fired (why wouldn't he?), but then some adviser realized that the firing is going to be big news, so it'd be wise for Trump to wait until Thursday. They could use the firing to distract from the Blasey/Kavanaugh stuff. Great idea. So Sarah Sanders came up with the General Assembly excuse and made Trump sound extra super important in the process, having to deal with all those "leaders from around the world" and whatnot, as if people couldn't figure out on their own that the United Nations General Assembly is a meeting of world leaders.
Once that plan was in motion, all the people the New York Times eventually spoke with were sent by their various masters to spin this story to the New York Times.
7
Rod Rosenstein is doing his job to protect and defend the U.S, its Constitution and Bill of Rights. donald trump and his alt-right ilk - the entire republican party - would do well to follow his example.
1
This is a well-placed "leak" orchestrated by the Trump administration. Sideshow, meant to distract the citizenry.
4
So Rosenstein denies the account as "inaccurate" but you irresponsibly go on into pure fantasy speculation. Pathetic.
8
In my opinion (and in the opinions of many others if the comments here are any indication), Rod Rosenstein would never have had "his dramatic day" had it not been for the New York Times carrying the story that just happened to be the exact excuse the White House was looking for for firing Rosenstein.
It reminds me of the time during the 2004 election where the New York Times had a story that was very damaging to the Bush White House - so they called the White House to ask if they should run the story before the election. If you don't remember the story, I'm sure you can guess the answer. The New York Times waited until after the election to run the story.
The New York Times. Newspaper of record. Like Pravda or Tass.
8
Seems to me that the NYT caused this entire problem. Do you really believe you should print everything? Doesn’t anyone over there think about the consequences of some of the “news?”
9
There are other news outlets. “On Point” was being broadcast yesterday about 10:30 on NPR. They announced Bloomberg News was reporting that Trump had accepted Rosenstein’s resignation.
The Times, notably, never reported any such thing. You may congratulate yourself for reading real news here.
1
I see a lot of criticism of the Times for its reporting on Rosenstein's comments re the 25th Amendment, as if the Times is somehow 'jeopardizing' the Mueller investigation.
The Times isn't jeopardizing anything. Trump is.
Backing off him, for whatever reason, is only caving to his blackmail/extortion.
'Don't close in on me or I'll pull the plug on Mueller.' 'Don't impeach me or violence will erupt.' 'Don't oppose me or I'll punish, insult, degrade you, sue you, incite violence against you, make your life a living hell.' 'Don't report crtically of me or you'll get death threats, I'll yank your license, drive you out of business.'
It's time to get this toxic child out of office.
15
Without knowing the inner history of Mr. Rosenstein's relationship with Mr. Trump and other players in the drama, it is hard to make a serious judgment whether this poor man will ever be able to retrieve from a hideously corrupt President the least shred of personal honor. But someday our country and the world is going to know the whole truth, and whatever happens to him, Mr. Rosenstein will be compelled to suffer for his relationship with a man who seems to poison whatever he touches. I sometimes wonder whether Sophocles and Shakespeare would consider this spectacle the stuff of serious drama or the filthy pathos of criminal rubbish totally beneath their notice. God have mercy on our country!
7
He will be fired on Thursday the same day as the Kavanaugh/Ford testimony and what it will accomplish is another distraction while the Judiciary Committee votes on the S.C. nomination. We are being played like a violin.
11
Well, you can't blame the guy for wanting to resign from the creepiest, the sleaziest, the meanest, the most corrupt administration ever to slime the White House!
I was disappointed that Rosenstein hadn't actually been recording Trump and pushing hard for invoking the 25th amendment. Since that's what everyone should be doing with an unstable serial liar and con man like Trump, the fact that he isn't suggests he's being intimidated.
Maybe he should resign anyway because I'm really beginning to believe Rosenstein will just sit on Mueller's most important findings. It seems like we're just going to get an endless stream of these "safe" indictments of Russian hackers, which are, of course, symbolic since we're not exactly going to go over there and yank them out of Putin's basements by their dirty t-shirts.
And, yes, yes, Flynn, Cohen and Manafort are big ones, but they are all getting plea deals, which is useless, if, as I'm beginning to suspect, the authorities are just letting those guys off easy because that is the pattern with rich, white, criminal guys: they get off easy.
4
People, we all new this day was coming. The hard part is watching our government fall apart before my own eyes. And really... there's nothing I can do, except post a comment...
3
If Mr. Rosenstein is a smart patriotic man, who does not want to open the door for djt to disrupt Mr. Muller's investigation he will not quit. Let him fire you because;
"If, however, Rosenstein is fired, then the argument that Trump must follow the federal order of succession becomes significantly stronger."
You know djt is fighting for his life and picking Rosenstein's successor will help him sleep a bit better.
Do Not Quit and help end this nightmare of a djt regime
7
Twenty bucks says Trump finds a way to make this like an Apprentice episode. Rosenstein is out; what matters now is the how. Look for the newest big shill for Trump — Lindsey Graham — to nauseate Sunday morning news talk show viewers with his dissembling explanations as to why Trump needs a justice department stocked with henchmen, and that the sworn loyalty of those henchmen is a matter of national security (the new reason for the trump administration to do anything).
5
We do not know that Rosenstein plotted against Trump. It could be a story planted to discredit Rosenstein. Just another episode in the seamy saga that is the Trump administration.
7
I expected NY Times readers to be a little more sophisticated when it comes to their ability to distinguish between the news and editorial/opinion sections. What's made the paper great is that it pays no heed to political considerations nor the timing of the release of its findings from its reportage and investigations. That inoculates itself (most of the time) from charges of bias. Trump and other Republican officials may call it fake news, but they read it and they privately take it seriously. As for Rosenstein, the president didn't fire him on the spot because he wants to milk him for as much information about the Mueller investigation as possible before he sends him packing.
4
Okay, I believe the scoop jeopardized Rosenstein's position.
But to be clear, that's a newspaper doing its duty, uncovering the intrigues and also actions of the government. You can't fault NYT or other news sites for doing their job.
Instead, fault the government, fault Trump, fault ourselves and how America has become a nation where we fear the truth because of its implications. Recognize that even if Rosenstein is fired because of the scoop, it shouldn't make a difference because as responsible citizens, we would vote the person who would do such a thing out of office.
Let's stop castigating institutions for doing their duty, and look at how we let someone like Trump get into office in the first place. Vote for a blue wave in 2018, reform campaign finance laws, and let's fix this nation up.
7
@Jason Huang
Yeah, just like the NYT and Judith Miller did their duty in lead up to the Iraq war “reporting” misinformation and cherry picked intelligence that was spoon fed from the Bush administration.
1
The smart play by Trump is not to fire Rosenstein, but relieve him of his duties supervising the Russian Collusion nonsense investigation.
Rosenstein is hopelessly conflicted given his signature on the ginned up FISA application and for his recommendation to fire Comey.
Rosenstein has also been stonewalling and randomly, unnecessarily, redacting documents that Congress has been demanding for months in a transparent attempt to prevent the truth from emerging.
Sessions needs to step up and put Rosenstein in the penalty box.
2
@Ken
As we talk about stonewalling, where are the tax records?
2
This column is far better than yesterday's but that doesn't alleviate the readers' concerns that NYT has abandoned its reporting restraints for a clickbait moment.
To be clear, all of the reporters in this column are top notched. I can't speak for others but I follow many of them on Twitter. However, I can't help to suspect NYT knew it was a tool for double or even triple crosses but it was willing to be an instrument of nefarious purposes.
This is not just about Rosenstein's job is safe or not, this is about NYT following the footstep of Facebook of being a part of a FUD campaign - this time by local political operators
10
I was incorrect about Rosenstein resigning.
Trump will fire Rosenstein by this weekend and on Monday Trump will announce Rosenstein's replacement.
It will be someone ready to fire Mueller.
Trump knows things are not going well for himself or for his Republican enablers and Trump aims to inflict as much damage as possible to distract the nation from what a really godawful president he has been.
5
It is sounding like the NYTimes got this story right, as they further explained in "The Daily" today.
But as others predicted and this story explains, we now see Rosenstein may very well fired, Besides Plan B, all we can hope is this spurs voters to finally send the Rs packing.
Good job NYTimes , they are saying Rosenstein wants to quit now , hoping I guess that Congress won't be interested in having him testify if he is gone. But of course they will want to plug the deep state line, to discredit Mueller etc.
1
If this entire debacle can be said to produce one great hero, it is Rod Rosenstein. More, even, than Mueller who does not have to answer to the idiot savant president or the Republican establishment. He has preserved the dignity and integrity of his office against so many wolves that all his suits must be in tatters. And while doing so he doesn't, apparently, go yapping to the press every third day. What is a man of his character doing in Washington anyway? He is a fish out of water. He just does his job.
As is so often the case, the USofA lucks into getting a leader with some integrity in its moments of extreme and historic crisis. Of course Trump is going to fire him but his last act of patriotism should be not to resign but to go before the crooked firing squad with his head held high. He is my hero.
5
The notion that this President intends " to clean house at the Justice Department " is so farcical as to merit no further comment.
6
I learned from over three decades of practicing law that for cases of much more significance, the evidence has to be much more compelling. The Times had to know that its article about Rosenstein's alleged statements, taken out of context and made more than one year ago, would lead to a Constitutional crisis. But the only evidence relied upon was hearsay and perhaps a memo written by someone with questionable motives. I would expect Russia to attack the U.S. Constitution, but I never dreamed the Times would do the same. Why?
The article today about Rosenstein possibly resigning or being fired was dry and matter-of-fact, with no mention whatsoever about the ensuing consequences. Was the Times trying to avoid the gravity of the mess it had created? Make no mistake, the public will hold the Times responsible for its careless and mindless attack on Rosenstein. Doesn't the Times have any opinion about a Rosenstein resignation or discharge? Shouldn't the Times take responsibility for its mistake? For the sake of this Country, isn't it time for courage, not cowardice?
38
It appears that Trump or the Trump administration wanted to get public’s reaction to their intent before taking the action. They got an extreme amount of coverage without actually talking an action. Type of strategy that gets attention even without action. This chaotic style will be copied in the future. It gains massive attention without action. Aggressive negative behavior !
12
With all the bluster and nonsensical critique of the Mueller probe, one wonders where the Republicans' appetite for investigations has gone. Late in 2012 the Republican-controlled Congress launched FIVE separate investigations into the Benghazi attack, and on 7/8/2015 the House Select Committee finalized its report. Mr. Rosenstein should stay on board and give Mr. Mueller more TIME; after all, documenting the complete illegitimacy of Trump's election is a weighty matter indeed.
13
November 6, 2018 cannot come soon enough. "Oversight" of the Trump administration by this Congress is malpractice, causing great and lasting harm to the nation.
10
Surely the New York Times understood that Mr. Rosenstein could be forced to quit when it published its account last week that he weighed invoking the 25th Amendment and thought about audio-taping Mr. Trump.
After publishing the Rosenstein story and the anonymous Op-ed alleging a shadow government, the New York Times has become a major player in the White House drama. I hope it considered very carefully what could happen as a result of a story about something that happened over a year ago — and that the paper was now in a position to trigger a Constitutional crisis.
It would be a sad day in American journalism if Mr. Rosenstein is ousted over a story based on vague musings about the 25th Amendment and wearing a wire in meetings with the President.
Was that story so compelling, so vital to the public’s understanding of the disastrous Trump presidency, that the New York Times was willing to jeopardize the Mueller investigation by potentially triggering Mr. Rosenstein’s ouster?
26
@Phil Gollner
"vague musings about the 25th Amendment and wearing a wire in meetings with the President"
Yes, that's pretty much the "scoop" NYT's Mike Schmidt bragged about working on for months and months on The Daily podcast.
The notion that Republican Rosenstein was seriously fomenting insurrection only a few months after inauguration is not credible to me.
I'm skeptical about the Times' news judgment on this one.
For those who are hooked on Haberman and Schmidt's reporting on the Mueller probe, try reading Marcy Wheeler at emptywheel.net for a head-spinning fresh take.
Do Not Resign,
Rod Rosenstein!
We support your investigation,
Signed
A Grateful Nation.
Now that's a bumper sticker I can get behind. Or rather, in front of. I'll take 50 copies and have them sold out by the end of my block.
14
Me, too!!!
When I was reading this, instead of picturing Rod Rosenstein running back and forth, not knowing if he was going to be fired or if he could resign or if he was even able to resign, I was picturing John Cleese going through this absurdity, like a Fawlty West Wing.
7
For as long as I've been a NYT reader, I always regarded its comments section as an integral and extremely valuable part of the NYT experience.
Today, not so much.
Really, what's up with the "If the Mueller probe is over, it's the NYT fault"? If the Mueller probe is over, it's the fault of the ones who pull the plug and their abettors, that's it.
I abhor the current president, his administration and their coward supporters in Congress as much as any here. But putting the blame squarely at the feet of the NYT for whatever comes next is as non-sensical as it is dangerous.
When the bonds that keep a functioning democracy together are coming apart at the seams, the 4th estate is not here to save the Republic, it's here to inform its citizenry so it may be empowered to do its utmost to save it themselves.
Voting an imbecile into the highest office of the land has consequences. These play themselves out now in serious and insidious ways, and yes, including possibly the sabotaging of the Mueller probe. So be it then. But it's not a news outlet's duty to save a government official his or her job, it's to hold them accountable, red and blue alike.
I want to know and understand what's going on. I don't want the NYT to decide if and when it's at all appropriate for me to know or understand it. We already got Fox News for that. Let the NYT do its job and let us do ours: booting the corrupt, power-hungry, and dangerous idiots out of our government, starting in November.
32
The future of this country’s democracy is at stake. If the Times can protect its “anonymous” source(s) for an opinion piece, surely it can take time to protect our democratic process. Instead, this paper and WaPo rushed to scoop one another knowing the results would be horrendous for the U.S.
These are not normal times and Trump is not a normal man. As the “adults in the room” have said, he is amoral. As everything he had done has shown, he is a corrupt and soulless being.
Please spare us your righteousness as we in this country are on pins and needles waiting to get to an election and to the truth about foreign interference in our democracy, including Trump’s role in that.
5
Bravo!
@TheYmirian
“it is here to inform its citizenry”
You mean the way the NYT and Judith Miller informed the citizenry about weapons of mass destruction in the lead up to the Iraq war?
If we can question our government why can’t we question the 4th estate?
If this president fires either Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein and / or Spec. Prosecutor Robert Swan Mueller III, this president will assure his impeachment.
11
Of course he didn’t get fired on Monday. Trump is waiting for Thursday to do get rid of the “lingering stench” so that he can mask the real stench coming out of the Thursday Kavanaugh hearings!
16
And, if, on Thursday (or later), Rosenstein announces the Muller Inquiry has completed a significant phase, ie; the investigation into the Trump collusion thing is complete (report to follow next Wednesday) and the investigation has now moved (where the facts took them) into an investigation of collusion and conspiracy on the other side... the obstruction justice through an attempt to undermine the legitimate election of our 45th President, then to attempt a 'soft coup' against our then sitting 45th President
Wherever the facts go... that's what you wanted. Open your eyes.
A BIG surprise is a'coming your way!
1
It's better the Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein puts in papers before the storm overtakes the deceptive lul; of course, with protest and by mentioning the systematic campaign by Trump against the justice department as the primary reason for the resignation. Let the tables be turned on the other side.
2
Rod Rosenstein is a thoroughly decent man doing his best to serve his country.
Trump has been openly plotting to get rid of Rosenstein for ages. If we as a country allow him to subvert the rule of law so brazenly, I can only conclude that our citizens are spineless, our institutions are laughable, and we deserve to have an amoral autocrat like Trump as our president.
9
Rosentein wished to leave on amicable terms? If he is worth his salt, he should go down swinging, defending not himself, but the legal process. Either way, what is that book deal worth anyhoo?
7
Where can I pre-order Rosenstein's book?
Kidding aside, I hope he hangs in there. He's all we have left between pre-chaos and chaos.
8
Mr. Rosenstein, don't quit. Let Trump fire you, but don't quit. The country needs brave people to help us survive Trump.
16
Not that I should really believe too much of these insider
stories, but it appears to me that it is incredibly naive
on Rosenstein's part to resign and not insist upon
being fired. He appears to believe in the "good faith"
of his executive superior, aka POTUS. He appears to believe
that it is in the best interests of the country to resign than be fired.
I simply don't follow that at all. To believe in the good
faith of his boss is utterly ridiculous. There is no basis in our commonly experienced reality for that. To assume that
there will be an independent council investigation with genuine integrity and independence of inquiry after he leaves is manifestly absurd.
So, if he believes that the country needs such an independent
council he cannot agree to play nice with his boss and
resign peaceably. That just plays into the hands of his boss. He has to force a firing and then put
the country on notice that an active putsch is in process.
7
Rosenstein should refuse to resign. If Trump wants to fire him, make Trump do it. There may be even more at stake than principle — see
https://m.govexec.com/management/2018/09/why-it-matters-if-rod-rosenstei...
Also, note that if Kavanaugh is confirmed to the Supreme Court, he will have a likely pro-Trump vote on the legality of a possible Rosenstein firing and replacement (see the link, above). So much is interconnected ... .
7
It is possible that the first reporters who broke the primary story were fed a barium tale, which served several purposes:
1) Distract from the Kavanaugh nomination problems.
2) Defocus the media and the voting public from the Russian cyber attack investigation.
3) Further poison the American public with characterizations of "fake news" and "liberal attack dogs"
4) Provide mutual cover to Trump and Fox News with a "don't throw me in that briar patch" type of chant -- a "don't fire Rosenstein" call and response routine).
5) Conduct a dry run for the Rosenstein firing or resignation.
6) Make an opportunity to track back the barium trail to see who talked to the reporters so that they'll be on the pink-slip list when the wholesale sacking does take place.
What followed was a stage-managed week of reactions culminating in Mr. Rosenstein's visit to the White House where conflicting accounts were released regarding the subject of that visit. Stay tuned for more distractions and destruction.
12
"The president had already planned to clean house at the Justice Department — but not until after the elections."
Oh, okay!
Comforting.
Sure to be positive post-election changes! Rosenstein, already without a shred of credibility or honor, should resign immediately. Delaying his departure only helps enable Trump's post-election machinations. Bring the deceit and planned further obstruction, into the open. Now!
3
Why on earth would Trump want to shut this thing down? It is going nowhere fast and isn’t going to amount to anything. And it’s the ultimate shiny object, which on any given day Trump can tweet about and completely change the news cycle.
I pray the Democrats take over of the house in November so they can impeach Trump and save his presidency. Any bad thing that happens after that can and will be based on the “distraction” of impeachment.
8
There’s a Steely Dan album you need to hear. It’s called “Pretzel Logic.”
2
Second story in a week from the newspaper, that I love, that smells like rotting fish. Either your reporters are being manipulated by Trumpian tricks or your reporters are choosing to humiliate Rod Rosenstein by portraying him as an emotional basket case. Again we are subjected to gossip not news.
Why not investigate how much money GOP in Congress have received directly or indirectly from Russia? How much relationship or influence did McConnell have from Russia while he was blocking President Obama’s SCOTUS and other Federal judge positions?
Why not investigate the conference room in Trump Tower, where the Russians met with the campaign team — is it wired for sound or video for Mr. Trump to have watched the entire meeting so no one would need to inform him of what happened?
That is the kind of news we need, not a report on Mr. Rosenstein’s emotions.
71
@Patricia Geary
Thank you for your excellent comment.
5
I'm just sorry he didn't do it. We have a bigoted. corrupt president who stands accused of sexual assault, lining his own pockets using the power of the office, lying, destroying those values we hold most dear, including our beautiful landscape and wildlife, our clear air and water, attacking those institutions, like our free press, that make our democracy safe and secure, creating provocations that lead to war, breaking our most important alliances -- and the guy who wanted to work in opposition to that maniac is the problem?
No, NYT. You got the wrong guy.
17
The title of Bob Woodward's book "Fear" seems to become more appropriate by the day. Is this how the American people want to live? Under an authoritarian madman?
It also speaks volumes that DJT was in NYC when this scheduled meeting happened. He wants to keep away from "danger" while still projecting the image of an all-powerful "ruler".
His old catchphrase was "You're fired". His new one seems to be "We'll see how it goes". He probably think that's more intimidating, but he is wrong.
I said it before and I say it again: getting fired by DJT might be the first step to a successful presidential run in 2020. I know what I'm talking about, because Germany's first set of political leaders after WW2 came from Gestapo-cells, concentration camps and exile...
14
It seems the NYTimes is getting skewered for untimely reporting of recently discovered news-worthy juice that could swing "things" in undesirable paths, depending on your viewpoint.
I personally would rather have all of the cards on the table.
Let the chips fall where they may.
7
@GP
Not recently discovered. The Time has been working on this non-story for a year and just now chose to release it.
1
If Rosenstein resigns, Trump will be free to fill his position with some crony. Rosenstein should wait to be fired, which will tie Trump's hands. I think Rosenstein knows that this is the most admirable position, which will make Trump look absolutely the worst, and will do damage to the mid-terms--an appropriate punishment for our reprobate president.
14
Celebraty Apprentice finally arrives to the Oval office...dear god, can we get this televised!
8
Memo to trump
You are still guilty
You are still going to jail
Maybe they’ll say nice things on the trip there but you can’t buy the DOJ
20
Give me a break. Cut the hysterics. The function of the news media is to report the truth about what happened, not to serve up softball stories which confirm one's political opinion. If you want those, just tune into Fox News. For all of those mad that the Times printed this article, remember that the Justice Department does not just willy-nilly bandy about wearing wires into Executive Branch meetings. This sort of procedure would have had to have been signed off on by multiple levels of oversight. Hence the documentation in the McCabe memos. Trump's handling of this shows just how tight of a box he has built for himself. Firing Rosenstein over the McCabe memos will be a declaration that the McCabe memos are true. We all know what happened to McCabe. He was fired because of a perceived bias for Hilary Clinton and some cooked up fiasco about leaking something to the press. This future possible firing will not serve to reveal the presence of some 'deep-state conspiracy'. It will be demonstrable evidence of the President's corrupt intent to obstruct justice.
We aren't 'just entering full scale constitutional crisis mode.' We've been there for months. If you care about your country as a nation of laws and not a nation of men, show that you support and defend the rule of law. It the Mueller probe is over, it is not the New York Times's fault. It is all of our faults. And our children will not forgive us.
23
Remember how he fired Comey? Mr. Comey was in CA in the middle of either a speech or giving FBI training and the news of his dismissal flashed on a TV there. Someone ELSE had to inform Mr. Comey. Out of the blue!!! (not low class; no class)
17
It's important to notice that Trump, in this case, is no longer labeling this newspaper the "failing" or "fake news" New York Times! Seems he likes the newspapers when a story can serve his purposes.
The Times is a great newspaper doing its job of providing solid, independent reporting.
6
For a group, liberals and NYT readers in general, that ceaselessly point out just how much this president lies they sure seem to be in a big hurry to believe everything he tweets. Wasn’t he supposed to have fired Sessions, Rosenstein, and everyone else months ago. Shouldn’t we have been at war with North Korean and Iran by now? What about that global recession and market crash “we may never recover from” (anyone home Paul?).
This is DJ Trump as PT Barnum—there’s a liberal born every second.
3
So, Rosenstein should stay at least until after midterms because it would be bad for the president! Why in hell would Rod Rosenstein want to do anything to spare Trump a headache, after the way he and the FBI have been so incredibly abused by this man?
For that matter, the notion that Trump is being told to avoid any firings until after the midterms is also disgusting; if he's going to rile up voters (either his base or undecideds) , make him do it now and let them know who this person truly is, and not be cowardly and wait until after the midterms for him shake things up.
3
At this frenzied pace of one enormous piece of news or a development being surpassed by another every hour, day after day, for what, 3 years now (including the campaign) --
t-Rump and group have succeeded in creating the distracting and disorienting chaos they seek.
And whether they 'clean house' at DOJ before or after mid-terms, what does it matter? t-Rump supporters will just cheer it on, and the rest of us will forever wonder what was in the Mueller/FBI investigation.
'Cause those findings and documents will never see the light of day.
~ 9/11 family member,
(still awaiting release of pertinent Saudi Arabia documents
17 years later. And not expecting to see in my lifetime)
6
Just pondering over events and timing: did the Mueller investigation getting into conversations with Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort raise concerns in the Trump White House such that stories are revealed about Mr. Rosenstein, with an ultimate objective of stopping the investigation?
Are we witnessing such a series of moves of political survival chess?
No doubt the right wing media would justify this as part of cleaning out the deep state, mindless of any substantive basis for concern of competence that might have led to Mr. Rosenstein's alleged concerns and statements.
2
Rod has lots of problems. First, his comments if true will be a clear violation of his security clearance. That’s not an issue for Trump but for DOJ to consider. Then if true, he was clearly being insubordinate. He has a boss and that boss is the duly elected POTUS. That means if true, Rod was bucking the mandate of the American people. That would put him in the coup class.
If I were Trump, I’d make him go before the House Intelligence Committee and let them help him get on the same page as the rest of America. If he can’t, Rod has lots of problems.
2
Interesting timing. If, because of unforeseen circumstances, Ford testifies against Kavanaugh next week on Tuesday, will Trump hold off his meeting with (and firing of) Rosenstein till that Tuesday?
3
I urge Mr. Rosenstein to not resign. The country needs him now more than ever. Even if the allegations about him had some grain of truth to them, any halfway intelligent person could see early on that we have a lying president who cares only about himself. He would throw ANYONE under the bus, except possibly Putin who more than likely has the goods on him. As we now see, even his trusted attorney and "fixer" for decades was recording conversations. No one trusts Trump to tell the (whole) truth (including his base) or to do the right thing. He is enjoying every minute of his reality show at the expense of our great nation. Sadly, Trump knows exactly what he is doing. And so do a majority of the American people. Vote in 2018 to save our country.
5
Millions of citizens are suffering emotionally and physically -- and unendingly -- under the sham president's abnormal influence: all of us just as "disoriented" as Mr. Rosenstein has said he is in Trump's America.
An indisputably bad president, unlike any other in our history for his utter lack of civility -- and usefulness -- Trump is a daily shock to the normal system. (I have friends whose Trump anxiety has prohibited a full-night's sleep ever since he took office.) Trump is more than an intolerable individual, he is a scourge: a Sickness.
Considering the nation's mass suffering under this president, Mr. Rosenstein's plea for enactment of the 25th amendment against Trump is wholly rational and sensible. As a thoughtful patriot captive in a National Nightmare, Mr. Rosenstein is correctly [desperately] trying to help end the Nightmare. He has our unwavering support in the War of Ethics he is waging (along with Bob Mueller, et al.) against Trump .
The U.S. needs a whole army of honorable "defeat Trump" protesters like Mr. Rosenstein.
9
One step in uprooting democracy is gaining control of key depts. justice is one of them. Read about the whole process in KILLING DEMOCRACY. It's a quick read at a low price on Amazon. Best insight into Trump takeover there is.
2
Comments on efforts to "undermine" the President have taken two major paths. One is that people surrounding the President are patriots protecting the country from his potentially most extremely damaging acts. The other view is that undermining the elected leader of the country is unacceptable, and that those trying to block the president should be found and punished.
In ordinary times, the latter view would hold water. However, since the election of Trump was aided by a hostile foreign power, we cannot accept that he is the duly & fairly elected leader of the country. Efforts to limit the harm he does to our country are indeed patriotic.
5
At point why should the President believe Nixon’s fate awaits him if he fires Rosenstein or for that matter Mueller? As, so far, the party with impeachment veto power, has tirelessly defended him against almost daily scandals.
6
One positive thing about Trump is that he keeps us amused. A titillation a day. Was it really only about a week ago that"Fear" was the talk of the town? What will we do for entertainment when he is gone?
4
Impending jail time can frighten anyone and cause anxiety to those caught up in crime.
Rosenstein became "dirty" when he agreed to write that memo full of dubious claims against the former FBI director. So for me this quitting/firing is poetic justice. Sally Yates on the other hand retained her dignity and everyone's respect upon her firing.
1
Rosenstein answers to the President, and Trump can fire Rosenstein anytime. I cannot imagine any boss not firing an underling for such duplicity, if the NY Times has this story correct. I think Trump will let a suffering Rosenstein hang in the wind for a while and then "accept " his resignation.
I don't know if that will bring about an end to Mueller's investigation, but then, I believe that Congress itself should fulfill its obligations by following the constitution. This "Special Prosecutor " law is specifically designed to enable Congress to avoid their responsibilities.
2
Thank you, New York Times for publishing news no matter if they are approved by a certain school of thought or not. The news is the news. Keep publishing.
1
In all fairness to Rosenstein, he’s not the only one senior Trump appointee to have reportedly raised the 25th Amendment. Woodward claims John Kelly raised it too.
9
This may turn out to be a clever move on Mr. Rosenstein’s part. We now know publicly that responsible officials were discussing the possibility of using Amendment 25 to remove a mentally incompetent President from office. We also know that there may be more recordings of Trump’s deranged conduct, and a clear rationale for making these public during an impeachment hearing.
I doubt very much that the NYT revealed any secrets. The Trump crowd is full of tale-bearers and outright fabricators, and I doubt that Mr. Rosenstein had any illusions about them.
2
So now even our SOS Pompeo says:
"Officials not backing Trump's mission 'ought to find something else to do"
Does that mean that officials doing THEIR JOB (getting the guys who cyber attacked our national election system) in the FBI are supposed to pledge allegiance to Trump? Trump's MISSION????
We all know Trump's MISSION is to stop Mueller and get away with breaking the law.
5
You have been played with a combination of selective quotes from memos and gossip. Remember, the game of Telephone by experts. Remember, there is a reason why hearsay is not permitted in court.
I am afraid that a desire for "The Story" overcame your good sense.
11
Is anyone else feeling exhausted by all this?
This administration started by having a scandal a month. Now it's up to at least one (if not more) a week. Can you even remember last week's scandals? Or the week before? Or last month?
Doesn't it seem that the op-ed column and the Woodward book scandals were part of some hazy past? Who has the energy to keep up with the pandemonium that swirls through this administration? Is this part of some plan? Are Trump and the GOP simply seeking to keep everyone running in circles until we all drop?
11
The Trump/Rosenstein confrontation reminds me of a standoff in the great HBO series "Rome". The powerful and militaristic Marc Antony is facing down the younger and more cerebral Octavian (grand nephew of the late Julius Caesar and member of a nominal ruling triumvirate including the two):
"[Antony puts his hands around Octavians neck as if to strangle him]
Gaius Octavian Caesar: Go on, strike me. See what will happen.
[Antony lets go and starts to leave]
Gaius Octavian Caesar: Oh, and Antony, if you find that gold, you'll be sure to tell me, won't you?"
What will happen, indeed? In the above case, Octavian becomes the great Roman Emporer Augustus. Marc Antony ends up in Egypt, dead from suicide with Cleopatra, after an affair.
1
The article says Mr. Rosenstein wanted to leave amicably and not have a twitter storm about him from Trump. Congress and other politicians and staff are living in fear of Trump tweeting something nasty about them on Twitter. Think about that. Our country is being run on the fear of Twitter. Will somebody please get over the fear of Trump's tweets and stand up to this bullying maniac?
24
All of a sudden what the "failing" NYT prints is NOT "Fake News!!!" How very interesting.
31
It is possible that Mr. Rosenstein was not fired today because he knows to much. The GOP can't risk any more bomb shells coming out before November 6.
32
Ah yes, the man who knew too much!
Considering there’s a “bombshell” everyday I seriously doubt that’s it.
1
Just think, after Thursday, Rosenstein will be replaced, and the Mueller investigation shut down.
8
Doubtful. But time will tell.
@muslit Trump can't automatically replace him at will if Rosenstein is fired. He should let this happen.
Considering the inevitable fallout from the Michael Schmidt article, it should have been published only with far stronger support. Damage done. How about an editorial to urge Rosenstein to order Muller to issue whatever he has by Wednesday PM. Otherwise, times up.
17
Is NYTimes turning into CNN?
26
If you have troops on a battlefield it is unethical to print a story that will likely get them all killed.
Those troops on the battlefield are the American people. And what's likely to die is the rule of law.
86
Could not have said it any better.
1
@Sparky
There's absolutely nothing "military" about this.
1
You concoct a story, primarily out of whole cloth, and print it. Then you report on the reactions it creates with so much authenticity but with no underlying facts or cooperation. Have you no shame.
Do you hate the duly elected president so much you would throw out the truth and jeopardize our country. What will be your reward when this deed is done?
17
@G Sessions: The "duly elected president" as you call him, throws out the truth on average more than 7 times a day, and jeopardizes our country by throwing it under the bus, together with its law enforcing agencies and its allies, in an appearance with Putin. Trump supporters have no credibilty lecturing anybody about the truth.
43
The duly elected president was not. Lesser votes, support from Russia, and more vote suppression.
4
Duly elected? Are you kidding? His Fake Presidency was stolen only with the help of illegal Russian subterfuge (possibly in coordination with members of Trump’s team) and Trump’s felony pay-off of bribes to keep porn stars quiet. I’m sorry, but this is no duly elected president.
1
I can understand why the NYT printed this story but I hope for it's sake it was solidly vetted by the responsible editors. If it turns out the NYT was played on this article, it will be a disaster for it's credibility.
34
Who tipped the press that Rosenstein had been summoned to the White House? Why was the White House explanation so different from the Justice Department? Today's heavily manipulated soap opera was just too conveniently choreographed to be anything but an intentional distraction from other news. Trump fingerprints all over it.
41
"(Sanders) said the two men will meet on Thursday when the president returns to Washington ..." A bit of good news, since DJT never fires anyone in person.
Otherwise, this thread of articles should bring shame to the editors and staff of the exalted NYT. C'mon, you lot, we are counting on you!
23
While I feel the same sense of disappointment towards the NYT for outing Rosenstein, I think it is both unfair and dangerous to want to keep a newspaper from investigating and reporting truths.
Truth is the basis of freedom, transparency is the basis of truth. Thank you NYT for doing what you do, as difficult as it is.
27
@Thinking
After some more thought and reading more comments and other articles, I think it may be close to the time for me to abandon the NYT as a main source of accurate reporting. There have been many instances lately where articles appear to give credence and attention to those it shouldn't. I have been disappointing in many articles where the skew has seemed wrong to me and information left out or not properly described. I am very concerned about the direction this paper seems to be heading in. I sincerely hope I am wrong.
6
As far as I can tell this story was entirely concocted from start to finish by the media, primarily by the Times, as others simply say "as reported in the Times". First, the story on Rosenstein, then the story on what would happen to Rosenstein because of the story on Rosenstein, then the story on what did not happen to Rosenstein. And it's all a crisis at the White House?
17
How was NYT not aware of being played when it reported this purely administration-sourced story on Friday? And today how do people feel about after this 45 juke successfully diverted attention from the Kavanaugh Supreme Court appointment at a critical moment in history?
31
The President has really thought this one out down to the minute for all it’s worth. And it’s worth a lot changing the subject away from the KAVANAUGH SCOTUS hearings Thursday! The media reporters will be cross-eyed trying to figure out which one is The Big Story! Smart..
13
@Moe Def Yep, and it was originally scheduled for Monday. Why was it moved to Thursday I wonder. I agree, I think the media is being played so much it's hard to tell when the playing starts and when the real life craziness is happening.
4
I agree with a lot of the commenters. The Times seems to be printing gossip that serves as catnip for Trump angst (of which there is plenty to go around without adding to the sum). It's reminiscent of the CNN buildup to the election - "will you look at what Trump said now?" - that ended up handing him the election with unwarranted free attention. Of course, career civil servants can't stand Trump and mutter about what to do - just like most of the rest of us. That's not news. I read the Times to help put cable news in perspective. Please revert to being a newspaper again - this isn't "news fit to print".
29
Q. What's a textbook example of an OXYMORON?
A. "The Trump Organization"
19
And a textbook example of moron is Trump. Of course Tillerson said it better...
20
It would certainly be a lot easier and better for our nation if someone would just clean house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue rather than replace our entire justice department one investigator at a time.
28
This is not a made for television soap opera! This is serious business and our democracy is truly at stake! Please stop publishing these he said/she said blow by blows that aren't even substantiated. I'm really surprised and disappointed in the NYT.
30
And if Rosenstein is fired or resigns that will be the end of the Russia investigation. Exactly what Trump and the GOP have wanted. Great. And not what we, the people, need. We need a president, not a incompetent toddler with self important handlers letting him run amok.
25
A small but important distinction is in order. The article says this: "This account of the events of the past several days is based on interviews with people close to Mr. Rosenstein, White House advisers, Justice Department officials, lawmakers from both parties and others familiar with the rapidly evolving situation." That last phrase more accurately would read "and others WE HAVE DETERMINED ARE familiar with the rapidly evolving situation." There is a judgement involved here, maybe several. Yes, in a way you are paid to and may be uniquely qualified to make those judgements. But speculation should not be described as statements of fact. As you were.
7
It's quite notable that Trump hasn't seized on the revelation
about what Rosenstein was contemplating as another excuse to belittle the NYT and call the story "fake news" (at least, not yet). We know that Trump is paranoid, but it seems now that he has good reason to be.
5
Honestly, what were you all thinking when you published this story? I am angry. The fate of the Republic is at stake. This was a lousy thing to do to all of us. Thanks for nothing!
28
The times made another big mistake printing spurious allegation s that were not news then or now. This article has Rosenstein "racing " out of his office to the wh. Is there an adult in charge at the times. You need help.
23
Would the NY Times publish troop movements or ship positions or battle plans in a time of war?
The NYT motto was, "All the news that's fit to print"
24
I have unsubscribed from the NYT over their handling of Friday's "scoop" and their mishandling if this story overall. This isn't a reality T.V show, this is real. Treat it as much.
34
Too many leaks. Too much speculation. When will these government employees just shut up and do their job. Everyone is too busy pushing their personal agendas. Disgusting.
8
Rosenstein is a pill that Trump can neither swallow nor spit out.
He stays right where he is now.
13
Let him keep his job while wearing a scarlet A to work every day and let him see how it feels. Good way to take the wind out of any sail.
1
@John Doe
Trump is president, not King. The 25th amendment is one of the legal means to remove an individual who cannot fulfill the duties of his office — discussing this option, though Rosenstein probably was in jest — under the circumstances of this presidency, falls under the scope of his duty to the nation. No scarlet A applies here.
16
Dear NYT, you have lost my trust.
36
This is strategic. In seven weeks, Rosenstein most certainly would be fired.
It is the GOP's fear that Trump may fire him prematurely.
Rosenstein is helping the GOP in realizing those fears.
3
I thought something similar. The rumor has been that Trump would do a big housecleaning after the midterms including Rosenstein. Perhaps the NYT is trying to force Trump's hand and make Rosenstein's firing and replacement a campaign issue. Maybe they made the decision to run with it before the SC confirmation blew up. Seems like bad timing.
Rosentein can sleep easy for the next few days. He will not be fired on Thursday. He is worth lot more to Trump alive and kicking in the DOJ than gone.
Neither will Rosenstein quit now. Too much pressure to stay from various parties.
So come Thursday we all can watch the soap opera at the White House only to be drag into it the day after and so on.
5
The construct of the “withering away” of the state was first propounded by Engels and more recently by Putin as he attempted to divert state power into his own hands. It is no surprise that a communist/Russian construct has appeared in the hands of Bannon and Trump.
In the US how does that phrase apply? Largely, “deep state” refers to the regulatory bureaucracy which trump is trying to dismantle. That bureaucracy live to enact regulations which require implementation and monitoring over many presidential cycles. Trump treats that bureaucracy as a foreign body that must be expelled from the body politic when in fact it is necessary to move regulations for clean air and clean water forward. In trump’s view, clean air and clean water are just things he can give away to friends of his who pollute.
A second possible application is to the DOJ and FBI. Looking at the DOJ, it is clear that trump has never come to grips with the concept that, inter alia, DOJ and the office of the counsel for the President do not work as his personnel valets. He has never understood nor does he care to know that these folks DO NOT work directly for him to serve his ends.
In the hands of someone like trump who is utterly ignorant of constitutional law and the generations of precedents beneath those frameworks, those structures, in his paranoid ravings comprise, the deep state.
Trump’s ignorance and paranoia have given birth to this farcical thing called by trump and his minions “the deep state”.
9
I really think that the context of certain comments that Rod Rosenstein may have made could explain the matter before us.
If a top official in the Justice department or FBI says "maybe I should wear a wire" could be made sarcastically is because you could probably assume they generally are already equipped to surreptitiously capture conversations to be transcribed later if needed.
It would be like someone in the Treasury department today saying "maybe we should put serial numbers on our dollar bills to prevent forgeries."
It is more than likely now a standard issue to have "Tactical Pants" gear that can record conversations just like Maxwell Smart always had on a shoe-phone...!
2
Mr Rosenstein's 'meeting' with Trump is an obvious ploy to divert attention from the main ring that particular day.
5
The New York Times has really gone too far with this story. By publishing its gossipy piece last week, they set Rosenstein up for a resignation. I'm really disappointed.
22
If the Times had done its job reporting this original story, we'd be talking about what CAUSED Rosenstein to consider taping the president and invoking the 25th amendment. What happened to push Rosenstein to consider this? That's what we need to know in detail, which the story did not deliver. The Times instead focused on Rosenstein, not what drove him to consider this. And of course it's going to lead to Rosenstein's ouster or reining him in. The Russia investigation suffers because of this. The Times BLEW it. I'm so outraged at the Times over this.
24
This whole thing will be a stain forever on the NYT. Reporting hearsay as fact? Really? You were so played by some and so caught up in the new “scoop” competition that you’ve let a shoddily written article actually further endanger our democracy. Great job! Hope you’re real proud of yourselves.
And just to be fair...publishing the “anonymous” editorial was no better...everyone at the NYT needs to take a good, long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourselves where your integrity went.
22
I don't understand readers' criticisms of the NYT. I'm being serious. I want our country to survive this horrible nightmare as much as anyone else. But one of the institutions most worthy of saving is the free press. The journalist's job is not to get rid of presidents or to sit on information because it might be beneficial or harmful to one side of the aisle or the other. Only if the reporting is flawed, if there wasn't enough vetting of the agenda of the leaker, if the leak is demonstrably false, only then should the NYT issue a retraction. People who are saying they now will end their subscriptions don't understand the role of journalism. They love when the NYT and WP do excellent reporting and ferret out information that helps their agenda, but if what reporters find is potentially harmful, these critics are willing to throw away our freedom of the press.
13
While no great lover of any of those in the Trump Universe from Comey through Rosenstein, this whole distraction reminded me of the old Brer Rabbit story. Since Trump is a petulant and obstinate child, what better way to ensure keeping oneself employed than by all but demanding firing? The Trump fiasco continues to be represented as a second rate soap opera— all of his own authorship.
3
“Follow along with Rod Rosenstein’s action-packed day!” This is not a game, NYT. Americans are stressed beyond belief.
14
Jay Sekulow, said he did not know whether Mr. Rosenstein was going to be pushed out. But he used the confusion to call for a pause in the Russia investigation, saying that if Mr. Rosenstein did resign, it “clearly becomes necessary and appropriate” that “there be a step back taken here” and a “time out on this inquiry.”
Sekulow is a third rate lawyer from a third rate law school. His sole purpose in life is to provide legal cover to the right-wing evangelical movement in the U.S. while lining his pockets with their money. They have no problem with this since he converted from Judaism. He also filed for bankruptcy along with his mentor Traitor Trump.
14
And how exactly does this evangelical lawyer embrace trump? I’m guessing a discussion about “I’ll guarantee you the Christians if you give them all the political favors they want. “
1
Since when do Americans have a “right not to know?” Thanks to the NYT for informing us whether we like it or not.
As others have mentioned, the citizens are responsible for preserving our democracy. The press can only help to educate the electorate.
We owe the press thanks for its efforts even when we aren’t happy with what we learn.
13
Can't help wondering, curiously, how far this can go. The despair is being diluted with schadenfreude. "Greatest Nation on Earth". Well... If you think about it, those words are almost always said by Americans. The flaws in your country and the cracks in your democracy has always been visible but all the good things with your country have always overshadowed it. In spite of all flaws, we have been reasonably certain that common sense will prevail. That in spite of all the corruption, there is a mechanism that will keep the ship afloat.
Then came Bush, the lies about the WMD and the Iraq war. Then the 2008 Financial crisis. Two things that changed the world forever. Orchestrated by criminals, corrupt politicians and bankers. No one was held responsible.
Your goodwill was almost completely spent.
In comes Obama, a statesman, a person that seemed to actually care about the country, about the world.
We almost forgot about Bush. Almost.
Then this. "Make America Great Again".
I am happy to read that Mr. Rosenstein wanted to invoke the 25th amendment, that shows he is sane. Because Donald Trump is not. He is simply not sane and it is so obvious that it should not even need a debate. Every day we get more and more proof for how unsuitable he is to be a leader of anything, let alone a country. Much of that proof we get from his own tweets. But instead of your system removing him, it let itself be dismantled, slowly but surely.
The NYT character counter says I must stop now.
20
Why does NYTimes protect the identity of its sources/not jeopardize their jobs, when the story will likely cause Rosenstein, such an important figure at such a crucial time, to lose his job, and as most others have said, jeopardize the Russia investigation/pierce a giant hole in our sinking democracy?
NYTimes has been working on this story for almost a year as the reporter says to Slate, and have decided that the sources’ utter anonymity here is more important than Rosenstein’s— he can be put at risk but not the sources. Is this trading journalistic integrity and civic duty towards democracy for getting a big story?
I wonder what is next in the queue...it seems that if the sources are being spared at Rosenstein’s expense, there are to be more bombshells.
This is a lot of responsibility on the part of the Times. I wonder if the news media ought also to be elected by the people if they are supposed to be a check/balance on government. Not that I approve of our choice of president. So much power in the hands of so few.
9
@Raj What kind of journalism do you want? Only stories that suits your perspective. What a corrupt Justice Department. Very Sad.
2
Tune in Thursday for another episode of how our country is falling apart.
19
Let us be clear. If Rosenstein was going to be fired today was the day. Trump's history tells us that he does not like to fire people to their faces. Just does not have the strength of character to do so. Perhaps that is why he reapted the phrase "you are fired" with such flare. It was all such a made of situation on the as The Apprentice" and he could play out his fantasies there so well.
More importantly what is about to take place on Thursday will be the beginning of the final chapter of Mueller investigations. Trump will attempt to offer a "deal" to Rosenstein. Such as, Sessions job, perhaps, once he gets rid of him. Of course, Rosenstein will be offered the Faustian deal. How can he neutralize Mueller's report to nip in the bud before the congress gets a whiff of it.
Rosenstein is the easiest solution for Trump to wipe out all of Mueller's work.
The question is how much is Rosenstein driven to go "as far" in his DOJ career.
1
I am in disbelief that the NYT felt the need to publish Friday’s article. I agree, the paper needs to tell the truth, but that doesn’t mean it has to publish every seemingly inconsequential “inside baseball” article it’s reporters come across (i.e., the meeting in question happened in 2017 and didn’t actually result in any actions being taken).
Unfortunately, while the meeting in question was inconsequential, the publication of the article could allow this farce of a presidency to continue into the future, along with the downfall of our republic and the global world order.
I’ve never been so close to cancelling my subscription.
17
Agreed but I appreciate the comments almost more than the stories.
We may have a Donald J. Trump Mini-Me type of character in Judge Kavanaugh.
If confirmed, respect of the SCOTUS may forever change.
Vote on November 6, 2018. Vote “D”
20
New York Times is a proud and effective member of Team Trump. It helped elect him with the zealotry with which it pursued the Hillary’s email issue thereby changing the course of human history for the worse. Not satisfied with its role in giving the world Trump, they are determined to provide him all the necessary cover he requires to purge the public service of anyone who is capable of independent thought or action.
Thank you New York Times for being an agent of totalitarianism and authoritarianism.
15
Your anger would be better directed at the DNC and not the NYT. It was their dishonest maneuvering in favor of HRC that gave us a candidate that the majority of Democrats rejected, and force fed is her name to be the parties candidate of choice. Since that farce I have never again given a cent to the DNC. I continue to contribute to individual candidates, but never again to the party
5
@Lorca
Majority of Democrats voted for Clinton. Sanders isn’t a Democrat.
So Bernie got a raw deal from the dnc. You know, he was never a democratic until he ran for pres. I like a lot about Bernie but he was a one note candidate, NOT a dem. He should not have expected support from them to begin with.
3
Trump has been playing this poor gumshoe like a fiddle since day one. He got Rosenstein to write the critical memo of Comey's bonehead treatment of the Clinton investigation and then used it as a pretext to fire the righteous FBI chief. And now Trump has him, like Jonathan Edwards' spider, 'Hanging by a slender thread'. This is one poor bureaucrat who must wish Trump had never descended that escalator in Trump Tower back then. The Donald has surely ruined his life.
1
So; Thursday. Just in time for the Blasey Ford testimony before the committee. The media manipulation by this administration is pretty transparent unless you’re a moron. This whole scheme of diversion is just getting ridiculous and I fear the media is going to fall for it again and coverage of the sensational (Blasey Ford) will overwhelm coverage of (and outrage over) a more disastrous event for checks and balances and the rule of law (firing Rosenstein).
9
An artifice to draw attention away from the mounting evidence against Kavanaugh.
13
'He joined a previously scheduled meeting of high level officials'
Hopefully so that they can all invoke the 25th!!!
5
@Alyce. Leaving us either Mullah Pence and his dream of an American theocracy, if before January, or after, if the cheating lying Pence can be ousted, who ever is elected speaker. Who can be anyone. Does not have to be an elected official! Pence lied to Congress, and he is entangled in some way with Convict Manafort. Not fit to serve.
Maybe its all a stunt to distract from Kavanaugh and what was that other thing/s??????
3
You can always count on good ol' Susan Collins to be "concerned" about a lot of things. And then go along with whatever the GOP majority decides to do.
14
Sometimes, the NYT just needs to shut up.
Just be quiet.
EVERYTHING is not necessary for dissemination.
You know the phrase, "you're on a need to know basis?"
Well, WE Didn't Need To Know
OMG. NYT. I get that you have "integrity" but sometimes, brevity is the better part of valor.
13
Hey, where's the headline "Rosenstein to be Fired Because of Us."
And then, of course, "The Meuller Investigation to be Paused. (Stopped.)
Probe of DOJ to Begin...Thanks to us."
Our country was in trouble. Now it's a thousand times worse.
You saw all this destruction coming...because of one article.
It looked as though the good guys were finally getting their footing. A chance to turn things around. Level the playing field.
But, that's all gone.
Mission Accomplished.
6
In short, The NY Times and other news outlets relied on sources other than the principals and got burned.
5
This article does not say much about what happened today, as the headline suggest. It just mentions the travel plans of the President and attorney general.
4
I've never seen such an amount of backlash against the NYT, at least in recent times. I agree with most, though. The Times were quite irresponsible here.
19
Rosenstein is on his way out. Maybe Trump will wait until the mid-terms to ease him out, but he will be gone soon. There are too many people who will tell Trump what he said and Rosenstein's explanation, that he was joking, is absurd. The highest ranking DOJ official does not joke about wiretapping the President of the United States. He is living on borrowed time.
2
I hope you will still have an election in November...!
6
If Rosenstein is fired, it's all over. Mueller will be next. Freedom in American is already hanging by a thread. If we lose Rosenstein and Mueller, the fascist revolution will have gained the victory. We can look forward to becoming like Russia and China.
14
Well, like Russia - a country run by a repressive government and wealthy gangsters with an enthusiastic duped mainstream lapping up their right wing nationalist propaganda.
Not so much China.
10
@Peter
Um, Peter, that's not China? But I appreciate the 75% agreement!
If Kavanaugh is confirmed, he will forever have a stain. And if Rosenstein is fired or forced to quit the New York Times will forever have a stain.
10
Why does the President of the United States employ an attorney who has a radio show?
13
In 2020, Donald Trump expects that the NYT will be supporting him for another term. Given your outing of Rosenstein, maybe he's on to something.
25
Rod Rosenstein: NEVER ever resign. If you resign it means YOU are a participant in the trump and GOP crimes under investigation... Let the Grabber fire you..!!
18
Y'all need to stop messing with the poor man and leave him alone.
9
Even if Rosenstein is fired or resigns it is not going to be easy to get rid of Mueller. Same jeopardy for Trump still applies if he tries.
2
I am going to unsubscribe to the NYTimes. The Rosenstein article was such a threat and so underresearched. It is entirely reprehensible. It isn’t about not reporting the research. But why stand by the research when other papers reported different interpretations. This amounts to under-reporting the news. And the effect. History turns. Just like the NYT published the false stories about weapons of mass destruction that initiated the catastrophe of war. There are times when the second glance, reflective pause are useful.
41
If Trump is wise, he will leave Rosenstein in place until after the midterm elections. It is his best move. But Trump is not wise, and is unable to govern himself, so all bets are off.
I'm waiting for Trump to shoot himself and the Republican Party in the foot once again.
Vote.
12
If Trump shoots himself in the foot while on Fifth Ave, or Pennsylvania Ave, will it matter to his party?
4
All this soap opera drama is a sinful waste of time. Imagine. Just imagine what this administration could be working on instead of silly gossip and high school level intrigue.
Infrastructure anyone? Jobs and retraining for the disenfranchised? Healthcare and education reform so all Americans can prosper?
As promised...."it will be better and cheaper...and you're going to love it!"
Pathetic. No...disgusting. No...irresponsible. Actually, no....evil.
11
I suppose I can see why the NYT published the article, that doesn't mean I have to like it. Trump is interested in finding out about conversation, he just wants the joy of firing Rosenstein in person. Unfortunately it probably means the end of the Mueller investigation. And we'll be one step closer to a fascist government.
3
Is anyone as cynical as I am? It must just be coincidental that Donnie Trump decided to meet with Rosenstein the same day as his pet Supreme Court nominee is facing grilling about his alleged attempted rape of Professor Christine Blasey Ford.
8
Did Rod Rosenstein wear a wire?
3
The single most disturbing thing about this is not the Trump regime will almost certainly get to scuttle the investigation into its high crimes and misdemeanors. The single most disturbing thing is that the Trump regime has already shifted their base most of the way towards autocracy.
All we need to do to verify that fact is to read the comments from people who call this "treason" or a "coup", and who want Rosenstein to be jailed.
Rosenstein was explicitly discussing our Constitutional safeguards against a President who is unfit for office. By wanting to lock him up for that, members of the Cult of Trumpism are signaling that the law of the land doesn't matter to them and that they'll criminalize the United States Constitution itself if it means that they can jail their Dear Leader's opponents.
How much daylight is there, really, between sending someone to jail for following the 25th Amendment, and sending them to jail for following the 1st?
Once a cult of personality has accepted that their cult's leader is the ultimate (and only) source of not just authority but of truth itself, there is nothing left to tether them to truth, integrity, legality, or basic human decency. And when people cleave to the notion that their Dear Leader is a higher authority than the law of the land, they become a clear and present existential threat to the rule of law, democratic governance, and civil society itself.
Trumpists are the true unindicted co-conspirators.
17
Scoundrel rosenstein will now be able to retain his job and disclose the vast deep state corrupt obama/clinton regime conspiracy to use American intelligence agencies to spy on political opponent Trump and later undermine the will of the American people who elected President Trump. Without doubt, this is the greatest untold assault on America since the founding. Many need to be held accountable, serve serious prison time. Will justice ever be served in a land once known as America? The people deserve nothing less..
2
@Screenwritethis
Trump is president, not King. The 25th amendment is one of the legal methods to remove an unfit president, discussion of this ipso facto is not only "ok," with the specific knowledge available to those empowered by the law to act under the 25th amendment, it is in fact their duty to the country to do so.
5
What admiraljack says. Really, are your readers any the wiser or more enlightened for the story? Thanks for giving Trump a path to fire Mueller. Rosenstein was the last man standing between democracy and despotism. Well done, NYT.
23
63 million people voted for a Psychopath in my opinion. It has been a slow, horrific, descent into hell for first of all, anyone who ignorantly took a job with this administration, the citizens of this country, and the rest of the world, who look on with both disdain, and horror.
17
You got played. Deal with it.
4
Lets see, Kavanaugh, Rosenstein, another sexual abuse claim, it must be time for a distraction. Rosenstein it is.
8
So the NYT, by inaccurately characterizing Rosenstein's flip sarcasm as a legitimate wiretapping proposal, has likely done what Trump couldn't: remove Rosenstein from office. I am simply without words. Maybe these: Shameful. Foolish. Reckless. Arrogant.
48
are these simply more distractions so we don't pay attention to the SCOTUS nomination process? I don't ask faceciouely.
9
There are thousands of media outlets reporting on Kavanaugh.
3
If NYT jumps the gun like this again I'm unsubscribing.
20
We have an ongoing coup d'etat, with economic libertarians assuming power and getting rid of any restraints on them by government. If a free market cramps their style, it will go too; I dont see the Kochs letting renewable energy sources or mass transit hurt their empires by being cheaper (and, given the reality of global warming safer) in the long run.
We may have to engage in mass nonviolent civil disobedience. It worked in Egypt, for example, except that there was nothing on hand familiar and worked-out and ready to go with which to replace the existing power structure. We dont have that problem; we have something over two centuries old, with whose problems and dangers we are quite familiar, and we should be able to get it back and once again take on the hard task of working on that more perfect union.
6
It didn't work in Egypt. Study your history.
4
This American experiment must not be thrown away with a coup d’état. Reforms must be made from inside out. By saying goodbye to our established institutions, what may result could be much worse than what we have now.
1
@cdisf
I explained why it didnt work in Egypt.
"All the news that's fit to print." It's certainly a moment to reflect on that. For a 'scoop,' the NYT outed the watercolor-esque musings of one of the bulwarks in remain against an executive branch determined to bend the judiciary to it's personal whim & will. Maybe it's a cynical play to force more 'outrage' into the electorate before the mid-terms - the end game being the removal of the special counsel in order to harness the blow back from nervous centrists to 'vote Democratic.' Maybe it won't work. Where is it safe to have semi-private musings amongst colleagues? Nowhere, it's obvious to conclude. One can't even play down a hypothetical without someone trafficking it for a bounce in the news cycle. Ironically, we're adding fuel to Justice Kavanaugh's argument that the climate in Washington will dissuade good and worthy people from serving - irrespective of the merits or agendas in allegations against him. Maybe there's an ethical argument that, by virtue of trying to uphold a 'free and independent press,' the NYT had an obligation to publish this; or, maybe the NYT just precipitated the retirement of the acting attorney general.
21
Exactly. You nailed it admiraljack.
Mueller was getting too close. He flipped Cohen and Manafort. Who could guess what we are about to find out?
Now Trump will have his legal team overseeing the Mueller investigation. Hillary should be worried. She will be the first democrat locked up.
1
Rosenstein should go to jail.
5
Get real. Making a recommendation is not a crime.
6
@Karen
What's the basis for your saying Rosenstein should go to jail? I'm just curious and would like to know what law he has broken. It's been the case up until now, that we don't throw people in jail just because we don't like their politics. What is your evidence that he broke the law?
11
Why?
Please elaborate
Thanks in advance.
4
Whose fate? His or Trump's?
1
My prayer thanks to the events NYT reported is Rosenstein please stay. He is being forced out.
4
Don't forget that our constitutional democracy is in its third century of existence. It has gone through many difficult times and challenges. It has been suffering this crisis for over two years, and may be considered as the pains of growth.
We're proud that the mainstream media around the country, not limited to the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, Reuters, etc., together with all government agencies, with support of the silent majority, courageously carry out the fierce defense of our national security and national interests by unmasking all kinds of cover-up and abuse of power.
To err is human. Trump and his cronies have erred in protecting Trump, his children and their criminally driven cronies from unavoidable punishments. But justice will finally triumph. Any dirty plots against Jeff Sessions, Rod J Rosenstein and the heroic Mueller team will be heavily repaid.
Such counter-punch as the NYT's so-called "set up" for firing Rosenstein is not only ineffective but counter-productive,
2
Shades of the NYT coverage of HRCs campaign. Left one wondering whether their endorsement of her was sincere. Is there some kind of hidden agenda at the Times, or has Trump paranoia infected us all?
19
So Thursday Trump will have a news story to divert attention from the Kavanaugh spectacle -- firing Rosenstein. It's the chaos theory of management. He might have to sock it to Sessions, too, if he hopes to win the ratings that day, though.
7
Great just great. Another gutless wonder throws in the towel. This is what happens when good men stand by and do nothing.
Americans have handed the keys to their Kingdom to a carnival barker, who bays loudly at anyone and everyone who fails to show him the respect he craves. And the men and women who occupy high office are so craven that with a few honourable exceptions, they fail to stand up to him.
What is the matter with Americans today? When did you all become such cowards?
12
We’re not all cowards. Most of us have been gerrymandered out of power for decades.
4
I believe the NYT “got played” on this. This could well be an engineered story by the GOP get Rosenstein out. Now the NYT needs to reveal the source! What are you doing NYT. There’s no rewind. The country is spiraling into a GOP abyss while the planet is literally melting down. Rosenstein is a conservative republican with great talent and integrity. You’ve set him up with Trump. What now guys please tell us. The FBI and DOJ are needed.
Now you’ve got a great man in the CEOs office with the GOP dancing to see how to play this. Pence is involved and 100 percent guiding Trump. If Rosenstein goes so does my subscription. Nightmare from the NYT!
32
I do have to wonder why, at this moment in time, sources chose to tell the NYT about statements Rosenstein made a long time ago (in news cycle terms). The NYT had to know that Trump could use it to fire Rosenstein and pave the way to then appoint someone who will end the Mueller investigation. So yeah, I share Neil in LA’s frustration with our paper of record. I suppose the public just had to know, though...
13
Mine too, I’m finished with this paper if he gets fired.
7
Agreed regarding NYT role. This story, from the start, smells of set up. Hope the reporters can sleep. The rest of us are sure tossing and turning.
11
Trump will fall, and the more stupid stuff he does and says, the harder the fall will be.
4
Pence wants to be King
3
Rosenstein should be removed for another reason. He prepared the memo to the President to fire Comey. How can he be a witness to so-called obstruction and be the prosecutor in charge of the investigation?
2
Please Mr. Rosenstein, don't make it easy for him by resigning.
13
Reading through the comments was highly instructive for me and I am grateful for the mixture which helps me understand the matter better than initially.
1
I think that posters are missing one possible important consideration, if Rosenstein resigns, can he not become a witness to the persecution?
4
@passepartout
The fact that he is a witness means he shouldn't be running the investigation. That's a legal conflict.
3
I don't think so. The 25th Amendment (among other things) does not call for witnesses to high crimes & misdemeanors to run away and hide...
If he resigns Trump can name anyone on the administration (no constraints on whether they have applicable experience or qualifications) as long as they have been confirmed by the Senate for some role in his administration. This is the law as reported today by the Washington Post.
If he is fired then the Senate has to confirm a replacement. Hearings, background checks, all the elements of confirmation. Rosenstein resigning is really really bad for the country and gives Trump all the cards. He could name Betsy DeVos deputy AG and have her shut down Mueller - any true believer would do...
3
Why did the NYT throw Rosenstein under the bus with that baseless and unnecessary story on Friday?
I can think of 2 credible reasons.
Someone ‘got’ to you after that anonymous op ed and threatened you where it hurt, or mueller has found something damning about the NYT that would sink you.
Otherwise printing that Friday article makes no sense. It doesn’t take a genius to know that all that stands between mueller and trump is rosenstein.
So why did the NYT do something do egregiously unpatriotic?
29
Please let there be tapes.....
3
My God, NYT! What were you thinking?
Did the Times ask Mr. Rosenstein for his version of the conversation before printing it? Did the Times carefully consider the sourcing of the story? How far did The Times go to confirm the truth of this "account?"
Now, 3 weeks after "Anonymous" gave the NYT another 15 minutes of fame, now we know what is actually worse, more irresponsible and journalistically self-indulgent, than publishing anonymous accounts of discord within this disastrous administration. It is identifying such statements to a specific individual, taking whatever was said totally out of context. Imputing to a responsible public official highly incendiary statements that he very likely did not say to begin with.
Does the Times have any idea how badly it has been played here? Rep Devin Nunes, a likely enough source of this mischief in any event, is doubtless chortling in his joy. Finally an outlet like the Times has dignified a piece of his poison long enough for it to have a chance to work.
Will this poison do its job, and end Mr. Rosenstein's career? If it does, what will you do then? How could the Times be so greedy for a scoop, and so stupid?
42
New York Times, if it weren't for a few of your writers, Charles Blow amongst them, and certain arts & culture features, I would cancel my subscription. You truly messed up on this one. You reputation is quite tarnished and rightly so. For shame.
33
Readers might want to consider this alternative take on this news, which takes into account the events surrounding this event in a way that the Times' disappointing coverage did not. The take puts the matter in far better context than the Times story does: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/09/rosenstein-times-story-leave...
The piece ends with this remarkable but by no means off-the-mark line: "Can I suggest retroactively retitling the piece “Rosenstein Shared Everyone Else’s Concerns About Obviously Insane, Seemingly Compromised President and Considered Drastic Response but Then Decided to Take the Safe, Bipartisan Approach Instead”?" A far fairer and more accurate interpretation of the matter at hand.
16
Boy, New York Times this is an unforgivable sin on you. You literally played into Trump’s hands. Did you just kill the Times as a Newspaper into becoming the national enquirer of the news paper world or Us weekly Newspaper? The sources of your story had some calling it a joke and others saying Rod was serious. In such case was it appropriate to break it as a News Story? This is a betrayal and I hope Mueller can drop something this week just to help us go through this cliff because right now Trump is ready to fire and making it harder for us to get any justice. I’m starting to question your integrity especially after your editorial board gave some anonymous person to write an Oped. Your entire editorial board need to step down if Rod resigns. You have dampened the mood of the country with that article and it was not worth it.
28
If Rosenstein resigns, he is negating his federal career.
1
Fortunately, Trump is in New York at UN and unavailable. If Trump fires Rosenstein, we will have another Saturday Night Massacre. Noel Francisco, who would succeed Rosenstein, has too many conflicts to serve as deputy Attorney General.
5
We all know Trump's prioties: distract, distract, distract!
Am I the only person to think that scheduling the Trump-Rosenstein meeting for Thursday was just Donald doing what Donald does best: distracting us from what really matters to him: for example, the hearings that will challenge the character of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, an individual who in his writings has all but promised to exonerate the president from collusion with the Russians or most anything else while Trump remains president. to the Supreme Court.
Kavanaugh did what his victims allege. If he didn't, he'd be demanding an FBI.
He's a creep--as demonstrated by his supporters, particulary Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump--in that order.
6
Just one simple question. Since this was first reported by the lying MSM, why is anybody paying attention to it in the first place? Isn't it a "nothingburger"?
5
NYT trying to compete for the Breibart readers with an article that seems to be a flimsy misrepresentation? What's going on here?
12
This is standard. Joe Prentice and the Prentice Gang stick up their seventh bank, shoot one teller and rough up several customers. They make their getaway but customer runs out and reports their license plate number. Police surround the robbers' motel room. Before they can make an arrest, Joe announces, "We need a timeout."
1
Why in the world would a President of the USA NOT want an investigation into a foreign adversary who has cyberattacked our elections? That is the job of the POTUS. To protect the citizens of this country. If Trump is purposely sabotaging that active investigation, he is derelict of his duty and should resign.
4
@JoeDean
Because the investigation is a way of finding something that could be used to impeach the president in a legal coup. Russia is just the excuse used to justify the so called investigation.
1
Methinks ya'll protest too much the NYT.
The defense of our republic is not the job of the press; tis our own responsibility -- and by extension, that of our elected representatives. Yeah, that lot.
Mr. Rosenstein has sworn to protect and defend the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic -- no matter who they are. Suggest he not resign that oath.
Just play it cool, boy,
Real cool!
3
Rosenstein is an apparent liar. He signed off on the memo that recommended to the President that Comey should be fired. But afterwards said he did it because he felt pressure from the White House to do it. To make amends for his lack of moral turpitude, he hired Mueller. The whole episode seems to lack truth telling on his part as well as a lack of leadership and courage. What government official prepares and signs off on a document he believes is untruthful?
1
Perhaps off topic but something you all should be aware of. I was a regular resistance poster on the Fox News website and as of Sept. 12 my posts were no longer visible. Believing that Fox was editing my posts (never vulgar, always factual) I thought of creating a new account, only to have a message pop up saying, "We're Sorry Fox News is not accepting new users at this time. We'll be back up and running again soon."
Fascism at work!
10
Clear your cookies.
3
All the news that's fit to print, and unfit to print, too.
If the NYT is simply going to tee it up for him, the president may just stop watching Fox news.
This really is not funny, it is a serious disconnect by the NYT to give the president a truth, with which he can deconstruct a serious search for the truth.
7
Mr. Rosenstein may or may not have made a suggestion to secretly record the president. It is important to note that others were included in the conversation and no action was taken. Also: many in the administration (and perhaps as much as 50% of Americans) find the circumstances alarming enough to consider removing the president from office. How can we trust an administration when any and all criticism of the president is called fake news? The logical conclusion is that the president and allies will use this story to create a scandal to distract from the Kavanaugh hearing on Thursday and to discredit Mueller investigation.
6
I’m in agreement with many other commenters that the timing appears odd to publish this story about Rod Rosenstein. I find the political agenda theories many commenters have suggested as the motivation to publish this story now rather interesting, but they are just speculation not backed up by facts. Personally, I would have preferred to keep the focus on Brett Kavanaugh until the end, rather than diluting your readers’ attention with one more political scandal. But I do believe, at some point, the loyal readers deserve an explanation of just what the thinking was here.
12
A large number of responders are criticizing the New York Times for divulging the story that Mr Rosenstein had suggested applying the 25th Amendment to pull Mr Trump from office.
I have a different perspective: Mr Rosenstein was in the right to propose applying the 25th Amendment. The proposal undoubtedly was rejected by Mr Trump--no one wants a bad performance report--and apparently, many members of the Cabinet.
So be it. Mr Rosenstein had a good reason to propose the involuntary removal of the President. Certainly, Mr Rosenstein cannot be alone, but he was forthright to say so. And he was correct.
The gambit by Mr Rosenstein failed, and he will be dismissed shortly. But the rationale for deposing the President remains sound. Mr Rosenstein is just the first. At some point, if anyone cares about the future of our country, there has to be a critical mass to pull the President, either from the Cabinet or Congress.
2
Everyone should relax and remember history. Trump is afraid to fire people unless he has a reality TV show host role. He has someone else do the dirty work for him. If a bodyguard zips over to the DOJ, then we have reason to worry. If Kelly takes someone to the Situation Room, we have reason to worry. If we read in tweet, simultaneous with Rosenstein, that he has been fired, then we know he has been canned.
Besides, undoubtedly someone is telling Trump that firing Rosenstein this close to an election virtually ensures impeachment proceedings in the House.
3
Who leaked Rosenstein's comments from 16 months ago?
What was purpose? More Chaos?
11
Rosenstein released that completely damning Russia indictment 3 days before the Helsinki Putin/Trump summit. He knew Trump would show himself to be a self interested traitor. It was a beautiful move, and it was obvious where he stood as far as Trump's presidency goes.
Now he will likely be fired or quit, and citizens of the U.S. will lose a powerful ally in the fight against Trump. And all over a non news story.
Him thinking the president is unfit for office doesn't move the needle. We all know he isnt fit. We have known it for years. Of course many in Washington know it and want him out. We didn't need the Woodward book to tell us that and we certainly didn't need a continuation of the book in article form.
I know what you were trying to do with the Rosenstein article, but it looks like you screwed up. If you are going to play politics, do a better job of it, because he actually was part of the resistance.
10
I am so disappointed at the NYT. It was beyond irresponsible and right down dangerous to publish that article and give Trump an excuse to fire Rosenstein.
These are dark times, don’t be naive, the survival of our Democracy is at stake here.
16
Mr. Rosenstein. To echo the thoughts of Congressman Adam Schiff, please do NOT resign. Force Trump to fire you.
7
Rosenstien is just going to be played by the trumper
1
A responsible newspaper does not publish if it would harm our republic. The New York TImes has now shown itself to be irresponsible. Anyone with a bit of common sense would know that if Rosenstein made those comments, they were 99% likely to have been scarcasm. I think Trump allies played this newspaper and management was stupid enough to fall for it. But printing anything that might have been made up or misinterpreted which undermines the Mueller investigation seems treasonous to me.
11
And why Thursday? I assume Trump will be at UN until then, but also coinciding with Kavanaugh / Ford testimony. Distraction?
2
Mr. Rosenstein, you don't know me, but I beg you to consider me as the face of all the concerned citizens of America. Please do not cave and resign. You must stand fast against this assault on our democracy, the rigged election of a Russian operative to the presidency of the U.S. I keep hearing people say that we're on "the verge" of a Constitutional crisis. We are not on the verge, we are THERE. This Constitutional crisis began when Congress refused to do its job and hold hearings on Obama's appointee to the Supreme Court, and the crisis has only become more acute since then. Now we have a Russian puppet in the White House and Congress working for Putin. I hope the Justice Department is conducting investigations of all the GOP traitors who've been bought with Russian money, and especially Mitch McConnell, who has played the part of saboteur of American democracy with willful glee.
7
Really? Was the scoop worth the loss of Rosenstein and imperiling the Muller investigation? Worse, you didn’t disclose anything of note.
This is why people get you.
4
Three words for your meeting today, Rod: Wear. The. Wire.
9
Dan I hope Rod wore a wire.
1
This is how I see this meeting having gone down:
Rosenstein to WH:
I just want to let you know that we have enough evidence right now to come down like a ton of bricks on the President and his family, all safely housed in jurisdictions that he cannot touch with pardons. We are currently working on figuring out a soft landing for the country and the Presidency. Fire me if you want but if so I must advise you that this will only worsen his fate.
WH to Rosenstein:
Thank you Mr. Rosenstein, the President will be happy to meet with you on Thursday to discuss this further.
9
Trump must by happy that the failing New York Times has finally delivered. He gets to sack Rosenstein and replace him with a more pliant official, an official to whom Mueller has to report. Good work, NYT.
14
@Simon
It turns out that Trump's anger over Rosenstein's alleged statements was misreported. He trusts McCabe and the Times even less than the Deputy A.G., so his job seems secure, at least for awhile. Now the Times has to beg for its readers to come back, if they ever really left.
1
Gee, thank you New York Times. You’ve really done a bang-up job from your coverage of the the Clinto/Trump campaign, right up to now.
14
My advice to Rod Rosenstein is either tell the biggest whopper you can think of—no, bigger than that— and then start leaking like crazy, or tell this sorry excuse for a President to take a flying jump and immediately get onna TV.
1
Mr Rosenstein should not resign. If he is firesd so be it, but he has an important job to do and a responsibility to all the honest, ethical, hard working folks in the Justice Department to keep at his job as long as he can.
6
Let me guess...the firing of Rosenstein will be announced right after Ford's testimony.
3
If Mueller investigation is closed down
won't America erupt?
And won't it just prove that you live in an country that
is no longer America as you know it, but some kind of deep state.
5
@pealass when trump put his hand on the Bible, the Lincoln Bible, no less, and swore to uphold the Constitution, that was his first official lie.
5
I am not sure if the country will erupt should Trump fire Rosenstein. I’d like to think so. But we may be complacent, worn out by Trump’s barrage of tweets (the media of choice on this The Apprentice POTUS) and constantly recovering from the whiplash of one bizarre story/comment/rally after another.
I am surprised there aren’t weekly rallies against Trump currently. God knows there’s enough to demonstrate against.
4
At this point I fear for our nation. What are we as ordinary people to do? We should all take to the streets to demand a competent President. Feeling powerless to this I have even thought about a Citizen's Arrest. In all seriousness. Everyone in a position to do something has not. Maybe this is where we step in and make an arrest on the grounds that we believe a felony has been committed.
In California, Penal Code Section 837 states that "a private person may arrest another: (1) For a public offense committed or attempted in his presence. (2) When the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in his presence. (3) When a felony has been in fact committed, and he has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed it."
4
Rosenstein should not resign even if Trump asks him to do so. Let Trump fire him if Trump wants to.
Rosenstein did nothing wrong, as I read the reports of his concerns last year. His only failure might be his choice of confidants on the matter.
Rosenstein has been doing a good job in a tough political climate. He needs to continue serving the United States in his current capacity.
9
Nice going NYT. Now Trump will put in a lackey that will end Mueller's investigation and let Trump get away with collusion with the Russians. Have you no common sense? Up until now you have been an anti-Trump partisan, which was fine with me. Now, you decide you want to do objective reporting? Your lust to sell newspapers overrode your good judgment and handed Trump an enormous gift The editor who approved this story should be fired.
18
What purpose was served by publishing Rosenstein considered the 25th? Who in the summer of 2016, capable of critical thought, did not at least question the sanity of Putin's Puppet who publicly asked Putin to hack away, which was the only honest thing he said apart from bragging about his fondness for tic tacs.
Do the editors of the Times not know that Trump would like nothing better than an excuse to remove Rosenstein, which appears to be a barrier to removing Mueller.
I bet the editors do know that Trump clearly manifests 3 severe personality disorders at the upper level 3 spectrums. Simply go to DSM 5 and read about paranoia, narcissism and sociopathy.
I get the role of the Fourth Estate is to objectively create informed public opinion. However, it is self evident the 25th is a fallacious pipe dream. It is objectively absurd to think the cabinet of Putin's Puppet, a treasonous cabal of complicit demagogue swamp dwellers, would ever pull the switch.
Is this really "news" fit to print?
17
Looking froward to hearing the recording!
1
If Trump is smart he will fire Rosenstein as soon as the Judiciary hearings conclude on Thursday. Then the committee should push for an immediate vote on Friday so this is behind us by the weekend. Overwhelm the news cycle then sit back and watch the liberals go mad about two things they can do nothing about.
2
if he releases his tax returns, we will all see if he is really as "smart" as he claims to be... or is just flaling around, trying to stave off inquiry and obstruct justice, as it appears.
1
@ Pottree
If there was anything impressive to be seen in his tax returns, we would have had them before the election.
At this juncture I think Mr. Baquet should clarify exactly how he sees the Times’ role. Is the paper a source of information or an active player in national politics?
16
Did you do this Rosenstein thing to try and balance taking a stand on a consistent basis on Trump's corrupt behavior and presidency? This is overcompensation wouldn't you say? My god.
Did you lose your nerve or what?
Trump has a very simple way of working. He pronounces what is good and bad, who is good and bad, who is a disgrace and who is a very fine person. There are no principles at work in this, no logic, so form of consistent reasoning; it is merely his very subjective, self interested, highly conflicted, hopelessly biased and idiosyncratic views of what is "good" and "bad."
It and he are a farce and a joke. Yet he makes pronouncements all the time like Moses on the Mount, totally oblivious of his own history of conduct and malfeasance. He certainly believes his own delusional rightness on everything. It's utterly ridiculous. Pulling back from the courage of your own convictions? Bending over backwards to show you treat everyone the same regardless of the consequences?
The great spewing fountain of arbitrary self serving opinions day and night night and day. And you hand him this? God help us all.
8
Here comes our October surprise, right on schedule. Trump accepts Rosenstein's resignation offer, then follows quickly by firing Jeff Sessions as A.G. and installing a stooge from his stable of loyalists to shut down the Mueller investigation. Meanwhile, Kavanaugh's vote is rushed through with nary a whiff of investigation of late-breaking allegations of drunken sexual violence.
By November 6, enough of America will have had it with GOP usurpation, corruption and obstruction - not to mention an economy stalled by Trump's tariff wars and tax-cut-fueled deficit - to shatter midterm voting records and begin the process of restoring honesty and responsibility on the Hill, with eventual consequences for the White House and Supreme Court.
6
Chief of Staff Sean Hannity passionately advises Trump not to fire Rosenstein.
Stay tuned for Thursday’s episode of “will he or won’t he - Only his Hannity knows for sure.”
“We are experiencing, tonight, a massive constitutional crisis, and frankly, this is designed to set up the president," Hannity said.
Hannity implored Trump not to fire Rosenstein, saying that "the deep state is crumbling from within."
"Under zero circumstances should the president fire anybody," he said. "The president needs to know it is all a setup."
5
Hannity must have a mind like a pretzel.
4
@Agent 99. This is the most important comment of all. As Sean Hannity goes, so goes The Donald.
Barring the obvious betrayal of a sensible man, Rosenstein by NYT, the real influencers, day to day, of the unstable mind in the Oval Office are all at FOX.
I don’t fault the NYT for publishing the original story. But I do wonder if the Times was being played. If so, the plan is working perfectly.
5
Since we've become a banana republic, perhaps we need a military coup(led by Mad Dog and Kelly) to save the democracy. I never thought in a million years that I would say this, but the military industrial complex seems less dangerous at this point in time than Trump and his lackeys in congress. The generals might even respect the value of science over religion and profiteering. They might have some ideas on the impact of guns on our society. Run the despot out of town. It's not a good precedent, but it may be necessary to save the planet. We don't have a lot of time. It's not just us, it's the globe we live on with all of those other people.
There need to be regulations put in place for the qualification of the presidency. As of now, there are none except that you have to have been born here, or have American parents. There is no intelligence test. No ethics test. No experience needed. Nada.
10
NYT, you got played by anonymous. Whatever possessed you to print a story based on 2nd and 3rd hand information, stop it. This follow up that Resenstein might resign, or be fired, or stay on the job, would be ridiculous if we were not teetering on the edge of a constitutional crisis. As things stand, it's profoundly irresponsible.
How about spending one news cycle investigating the veracity and motives of the anonymous sources who leaked the initial story to you. Who actually benefits from that story and the fallout?
29
The U.S. and the world needs Rosenstein. I applaud his service and bravery in the face of a president who has criticized and threatened him. Too few people with integrity have been able to hang on this long and it is frightening to think about the justice department with another toady of the president, further eroding our democracy.
8
Newspapers are printed in black and white, but their editors' decisions about what stories to cover and how to cover them are most definitely not black and white. There are not only two sides to every story: sometimes there are a million or more.
A piece's "newsworthiness" cannot be the *only* ethical consideration before publication. An obvious example would be an article outing a spy whose arrest might be imminent or whose life might be put in danger.
It would certainly have been newsworthy to reveal the details of Operation Overlord before the D-Day invasion, but we'd be right to question an editor who chose to do so.
Revealing the name of a suspect of a criminal investigation at an inopportune moment could lead to vigilante violence.
Letting the cat out of the bag too early could spoil a corporate whistleblowing case.
The public's right to know can come into conflict with a private individual's right to privacy.
What bits of information should be released to the public and what bits should be withheld are clearly matters of some sensitivity with regard to a reporter's sources, as well.
While journalists (and documentarians) can't and shouldn't be held responsible for every possible outcome of a story's publication, neither should they glibly absolve themselves in advance for predictably horrific consequences.
Maybe it's a bit like Oliver Wendell Holmes's legal advice not to yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater: a reasonable person really *should* know better.
10
Does anyone else find it odd that Trump rejects Comey's memos memorializing discussions, but accepts McCabe's?
Oh wait, the Comey memos make him look bad and the McCabe memos make him look good.
Oh wait, he hates McCabe and fired him.
Oh wait ... oh, never mind.
10
The photo of General Kelly escorting the Deputy Attorney General to his car wasn't clear enough to see the bulge in the general's suit coat. The bulge is from the Rosenstein resignation letter. Kelly and his master will play that at a time most convenient to them.
Again a nation's gratitude to writer Michael Schmidt and his editor for their assistance in getting rid of the former deputy a.g. Now we wait for Mueller's dismissal or for a Bork like crony to weaken the investigation.
2
Trump has a strategy that is slowly dismantling our Republic. Is it working? Seems to be! Midterm election polls show the Dems dropping from an 11 point lead to 4 points only slightly ahead of the GOP. His pandering to the American Jewish and Asian equality concerns at major universities also moves the bar in the GOP's favor. They seem to be the only ethnic groups he has not upset. Monthly rallies keep throwing fuel on the fire to stir up his base and gives him free press coverage for his distorted point of view. The Dems have no strategy to fight this menacing anomaly. The list is so long and old — which shows his inability to do the job as president. The average voter will listen to Russ L. and Fox News to get their information. They don't have time to analyze and search for the truth.
Rachel Maddow gives out more information than the Democratic Party. The Dems are not educating and moving the Trump supporter away from the lies.
We may be in for a Trump controlled Congress after November — unless Mueller has an October surprise to end this autocratic take over of our Democracy.
4
you don't get it:
Trump supporters are neither moved nor motivated by truth or facts.
what gets them excited is appealing to their feelings of grievance and perception of self interest. this toxic brew is flavored with a pinch of tincture of paranoia and a healthy dose of racial superiority.
truth, facts, history, even reality don't hold a candle to this recipe that's been stewing since Reagan, if not Goldwater.
the antidote to this poisonous stew is unknown, but facts are not effective against Republican miasma, a dish best served overdone.
2
Trump's path to the next appointment will be much smoother if Rosenstein resigns, therefore I hope Rosenstein will stay until he is fired. It is clear that Republicans are floating this story in order to "allow trump to accept Rosenstein's resignation".
Because trump can't control his fundamental impulse to lie I would fully expect that even were Rosenstein to demand to be fired, trump will say that he resigned. Now that the rumor was floated about being Rosenstein being willing to wear a wire, it will be hard for Rosenstein to wear a wire to support any contention which he offers. Therefore Rosenstein must record any conversation, which trump will resist.
It looks as though Rosenstein is getting backed into a corner, but, hopefully, he will do the right thing and refuse to leave until fired.
4
After meeting with El Trumpo on Thursday he will be all in with the program a la "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" just as they all are regardless of supposed integrity before Trump for some of them. Look for signs of glassy-eyed assurances of fealty following their meeting.
4
If the Democrats unseat Trump because they "don't agree he's president material" then we need not have any more elections and enjoy this new kind of liberal tyranny. It's called socialism.
1
How long before Rudy Giuliani is named acting Deputy Attorney General? Before the weekend? Bets?
5
@LAH
Sure! I bet you a bucket of KFC Rudy is the AG before the dust settles, and rosensteins job goes to Janine Pirro. (Trump tends to prefer hiring ppl he sees on TV. He likes to watch, you know....)
2
This situation is serious. Not just what is happening with the Rosenstein debacle, but all the machinations of this President, his cabinet and the Republicans who have controlled both house of Congress. What's that line about not paying attention to history. To think our democracy can withstand any kind of Constitutional crisis is both naive and stupid. Germany was a democracy with a highly educated electorate. No civilization, no society can maintain supremacy forever. The Greeks couldn't, the Romans, The British couldn't, and neither can the United States. Our downfall won't come as a result of a conflict with another foreign power. It will come from within. Something like we are all witnessing everyday.
16
@jwgibbs You are right. America is on the downward spiral, and it will fall from within. Nothing is surer, we're watching it pick up speed now. Even without Trump America cannot shake it off, these last two years have shown when corruption takes hold, democracy cannot survive, and the people are too complaisant
and partisan to come together and do anything about it. It's been nice knowing you, America, but you're done. The rest of the world will now have to fight off China.
Not long ago Republicans thought it was scandalous for the spouse of the Secretary of State to chat with the Attorney General because it conceivably might have influenced an ongoing investigation. They were correct, it was at least inappropriate if not scandalous, and the AG appropriately recused herself. Why is it now just fine for the President to chat with the Deputy Attorney General in charge of an investigation of Russian interference in the election that he won? Republicans have fallen very far and very fast away from democratic principles and I fear they will prevail.
4
Does anyone think that Mr. Rosenstein feels it's safe to resign now because the Mueller investigation is winding up and Trump can't do anything anymore to impede it?
We are not dealing with a normal administration. We are not dealing with a President that uses logic to make a decision. Because of that it is important for media outlets like The New York Times to use discretion. All scoops do not deserve to be printed. Save them for Fox News.
Should the article about Rosenstein result in the ending of the Mueller investigation, I will be canceling my subscription.
8
Does anyone else feel like this country is going off the rails? Being driven into a ditch?
How about falling off a cliff?
Maybe in a nightmare that keeps on going in the day time...maybe that’s it.
5
The NYT did what it had to do. They can't suppress some things, and publish others. This Rosenstein /25th Amendment episode is just one more chapter in the tragedy that is the Trump presidency. In the spirit of Past is Prologue- remember that the Nixon presidency, in it's final year, looked a whole lot like the current one. In the end- our Democracy survived. I believe it will survive this too.
6
Trey Gowdy should disappear from the spectacle the republicans wielding. He and his Ilk Jordan should be restrained from public view for their nefarious behavior
No doubt they are both proud of the the spectacle towards our FBI agents who have devoted their lives to keep us safe
What have Gowdy and Jordan done for the good of the country? Shame shame shame Your performance during our FBI agents testimony days it all
Who are you? What do you stand for? Do you recognize yourselves?
2
@NRS
In the 1970s the Republican Party cared about the rule of law, such that they showed sufficient integrity to lead the proceedings against a Republican president. The current POT (Party of Trump) is entirely partisan and hardly bothers anymore to disguise their intent to establish permanent one-party rule in all branches of government. No one is selected for SCOTUS whose rulings might vary at all from the hardline conservative script. Kavanaugh was selected because he promised trump no prosecution for misdeeds during (and likely before) the campaign. Your optimism that we will survive this is misguided.
1
The responses by N.Y. Times readers is more threatening to our democracy than anything Trump has done to date. Any Democrat wanting to be president who aspires to the sentiments of Times readers would be at home in a third world country run by a despot. Trump’s base and fair minded moderates need to come out in force for the midterms and Trump is likely a
shoe in for a second term.
3
There are no “fair minded moderates,” who’d vote for this clown, and it’s “shoo-in.” In case you’re wondering why us lib’ruls snicker.
3
Thanks for the correction. I don’t give libs much thought these days. As their
responses to this issue well illustrate,
liberals have a talent for expressing high levels of ignorance and not even recognizing it.
@JAC
A "shoe"-in ?
More likely a heel without a soul
1
First the Iraq War. Now this. What were you thinking?
9
If Rosenstein wasn't under pressure before, my guess is he'll now buckle under Trump's pressure and do the master's bidding to keep his job...just as he did with his Comey-firing memo.
Expect seeing Mueller in a political/legal straight jacket in the near future.
Oh yeah, and thanks to the NYT editors who thought it was wise to out Rosenstein over a wide-spread opinion in DC that Trump is, in fact, a dangerous moron.
10
I wonder how this impacts the testimony rosenstein can give or will give to mueller. Do the rules on what he can say change, assuming he resigns or is fired?
1
The unfortunate details involving this year-old issue is the fact that with time, not only do we lose context, we forget the moment the history this was written in.
For example, then Senator Hillary Clinton took a hit for her vote to support the Iraq war. But if you unwind the timeline to the days around that vote, heck even I was willing to support then President Bush as he pressed for war sanctions if Sadam's regime didn't bend to UN inspections. That was the actual threat placed on the table. I too felt that if UN inspectors were to be given access to Iraq's WMD's, then it would only come upon threat of war but I always expected cooler heads to prevail. The senate voted yes, some did not agree, and the inspections went on. Unfortunately, despite the green-lighting of war for the sake of inspections, which proved successful, the Bush team used it as a green-light to invade. My mistake was giving that team too much credit for respecting the life and safety of American service men and women, something I won't expect again. I bet Hillary felt the same way. But at that moment in post 9/11 time, I too was supporting a war action presuming it was a strategically placed bluff.
Rosenstein's comments and beliefs that you published were also taken in snapshot of time that once you remove the context of "the moment", drastically change the dynamic of the concept. Now Rosenstein becomes the villain that would use any method to undo a sitting president. Really?
11
It has seemed for about 3 years now that children (Harvard educated, drinking age children) are running the Times.
13
@Chip Very interesting. Let's talk about that someday -- when if ever it's relevant.
This can’t be good. Mr. Trump returning from a UN meeting where he is not liked. And Thursday, Dr. Blasey Ford will be testifying before the Senate Judicial committee.
The Republican Party should be prepared for the marches across the country if Rosenstein goes. Once again, was it really worth it to stand behind Mr. Trump?
4
I thought the anonymous oped was underneath the press of record, but this latest "report" of Rosenstein allegedly *seriously* advancing the 25th is both irresponsible and not obviously true. The consequences will be stunning...but then, you all will have something to report about which, after all, seems to be the only thing that matters.
14
I usually admire the NYT, but printing this story was a boneheaded, unpatriotic decision. Now Mueller is a sitting duck. Trump will fill Rosenstein's vacancy with some lap dog who will eagerly do the dirty work of shutting down or obstructing the ongoing investigation. Or he/she will be slipping documents to the likes of Nunes, et al. I'm tempted to cancel my subscription and just read the WaPo.
18
STOP BLAMING THE NEW YORK TIMES!
If our democracy is so weak it can't withstand a single article from the New York Times then who's fault is that? It's ours. All of ours.
This out-sized outrage reminds me of the time that the entirety the Islamic Faith was apparently going to be brought to the edge of ruin because of the publication of a single cartoon. This vehemence being expressed on here strikes me as no less ridiculous, or absurd.
The Times is here to report what it finds out. Not to protect Democrats.
Put the blame where it belongs: with Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, the GOP, Fox News, and a pathetic minority of ignorant racist voters. These people, and people like them, have been undermining this country for decades.
So please, save the vitriol and derision for those who've earned it. The New York Times is a messenger, not the maker or breaker of nations. That job is ours, and ours alone.
22
'...We do not believe that everything in Society is either exactly right or exactly wrong;—what is good we desire to preserve and improve;—what is evil, to exterminate, or reform.'
^ "A Word about Ourselves". New-York Daily Times. September 18, 1851
http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/browser/1851/09/18/109920974/article-view
After 167 years of fourth-estate leadership, even considering its past mistakes and most recent error in judgement, NYT's motto, 'All the News That's Fit to Print (with the operative keyword being "fit") served its readership well.
While power attracts the just as well as the easily corrupted, I always believed that NYT's editors' and journalists' integrity would resist its temptations. Nonetheless, it's with heartfelt sadness that I say, NYT, after all these years of laudable effort, you seem to have lost your way. I don't know how you can undo the damage this debacle has caused Mr. Rosenstein and our country. However, you need to try.
14
Will he be asked to kiss the ring?
1
Where is the NYT response? Where is your explanation to your readers about the layers of (poor) editorial decision making that allowed this unnecessary, untimely, uncorroborated, un-newsworthy story to be published?
If not now, perhaps you will issue an explanation after all the dominos have fallen, Muller is out on the street, and Trump’ is the last man standing, dismantling what’s left of our Democracy and lining his pockets.
19
Wow. So many people blaming the NYT for Rosenstein's predicament. But Trump has been regaling Rosenstein almost from the day he appointed Mueller.
As well, Trump has said time and time again that the 'failing NYT' is 'fake news.' Why would he now consider it as a reliable source?
1
@D. Epp
oops - should have said "railing against Rosenstein..."
So, Rosenstein and trump will be meeting on Thursday, the same day Ford will be testifying before the Senate. Coincidence? (No.) Diversion? (Yep.)
6
Ever since Trump's inauguration many Americans have been appalled by what he says and does...or tries to do. Thinking people and the mainstream media know that all he engages in is destruction, not creation. Aside from all this, people have gone about their own business with faith that the 'system' will work through all of this and justice will prevail in the end, particularly resting hopes on the Mueller investigation's outcome. What a laugh. This flies in the face of what history tells us about the power of, and the powerful appeal of, fascism. We are very, very close to the brink on this.
No one alive has had to personally engage in a pitched battle to decide the fate of this country. The last such battle in the interior was in 1865. The last WWII veterans are very aged now. Interesting, and maybe no coincidence, that this is all happening just as the last of those who fought fascism are dying off. If things don't go well in the November elections, the American people may be confronted with the choice of whether or not to "beat their plowshares..." well you know the quote...personally I don't see that kind of bravery and sacrifice happening these days. If no new majority is won in November, good people had better be prepared to 'hunker down' and survive for a decade or two...think 1933 - 1950 Germany.
5
See facts in italics: "The Tea Party Patriots, a political group, produced a dramatic TV ad calling Rosenstein “a weak (strong) careerist (experienced member) at the Justice Department, protecting liberal Obama holdovers and the ‘deep state’ (the rule of law) instead of following the rule of law (illegitimate rantings of the president)” . Don't resign Rod. Let them fire you if they must but don't resign.
4
Giving Rosenstein until Thur. gives him time to clean out his office and write a glowing resignation letter telling Trump how much he enjoyed working in the Trump administration and what a great president he is. Hopefully the next Democratic president will name Rosenstein attorney general so he can prosecute Trump and his family and administration.
3
Look at these comments, NY Times. You owe your readers an explanation. After almost two years of factually reporting on the disaster of this administration, with one article, you've completely un-done all your excellent reporting. I guess I'll have to drop my subscription and pick up the Washington Post instead. BTW, I've been a subscriber since 1986.
19
Rosenstein was considering quitting?
Told someone in WH he was quitting?
Sources?
Sorry, but my trust in your reporting is flagging.
16
With great power comes great responsibility, and as the "paper of record", the NYT has the responsibility to weigh the public good against the desire for a scoop. You abjectly failed that responsibility here. There was no pressing public need for this information to be published at this moment, and a pressing one for the continuation of Mr. Rosenstein in his position, where he is protecting the investigation of conspiracy against the United States by the person now in the White House and his campaign in collaboration with a hostile foreign power. Do the stakes get any higher than that? This editorial decision will live in infamy.
39
Let me guess.
When Rosenstein gets back to his office on Thursday he’s gonna find all of his stuff packed up in cardboard boxes and security guards waiting for him.
4
There is nothing wrong with anyone in power considering the wisdom of any portion of the United States Constitution. Talk of the 25th Amendment is typically brief due to its difficult requirements. I doubt there was any serious discussion of wearing a wire but who here, not sporting a MAGA hat, hasn't shared wistful words about the 25th Amendment?
Trump will do what he can with this news.
Kudos to the NYTs for its professional integrity in reporting all of the news, even news which can be misused by this administration. Without your integrity, we would be lost.
1
Like the story on Don McGahn's cooperation with the Special Counsel's office, I don't see a clear benefit in publishing the Rosenstein story, and many of your other readers don't either. As a reader, I should be able to easily see the benefit to the American public in revealing this damaging information; instead it just feels like inflammatory gossip. If you are going to risk damaging people's careers and personal lives with the stories you publish, please make sure they strengthen our democracy, and not weaken it.
28
The New York Times tells us that "democracy dies in darkness".
It can also die by the dumpster fire light of an unnecessary and ill-timed article, the content of which only serves the person who would kill democracy.
We already knew that Trump was not fit to serve and that many in his own administration concurred. So tell us NYT...why would you gratuitously hand over Rosenstein's head in a gift basket?
17
The traitor in the White House uses America's values and laws in the same way as terrorists use them: as weapons to further their own goals.
We value the presumption of innocence, but when you have known connections to international gangsters, money laundering (i.e., human and drug trafficking), tax fraud, when you call on foreign powers to hack into your opponent's emails (to literally interfere in the election), when every move you make points to guilt and complicity with a foreign power--when you do these things, you're suspicious. People, law enforcement, want to expose you for what you are. This anti-American "president" uses that value of the presumption of innocence to make himself the victim and to further obstruct justice. His values and interests are in direct conflict with the values and interests, the ideals, of America.
5
I think The Times was being played by a pro-Trump faction that wanted Rosenstein dumped. I haven't seen the Times played this well since W.'s administration used the paper to help get us into the war in Iraq.
29
Same old thing: trump sets up a tease for the next episode of the continuing mini-series of "My White House"
"Stay Tuned"
3
The NYT needs to fess up who their source is, re the wire tap and the 25th amendment.
7
It’s admittedly interesting to watch the media throw stones into the mob, if one may, and seat back and marvel at its work as citizens turn on each other, and then report on it! It must be the golden age of journalism and the media. One wonders how this time might be remembered decades from now. People in the media must feel like gods, playing the sides and citizens against each other and making money while at it! It’s a wonderful life!!!
6
The New York Times has been failing us with its sensationalist reporting, and with its "breaking the story" on Rod Rosenstein, it has reached a new low. The NYT has lacked journalistic impartiality (to the extent such a thing is possible) and integrity regarding this Administration since it entered the White House. All one need do is look at the front page or the home page of the NYT on any given day to see how completely over-the-top its coverage is of every minute item in relation to Trump and his (admittedly) corrupt cronies and henchmen. The NYT has fanned the flames of hysteria around this administration and has failed to provide the kind of sober reporting and reasoned critique we so desperately need. At this point, the NYT has lost credibility. I think it highly possible that Rod Rosenstein joked about wires and the 25th amendment. One of the NYT even suggested as much. But to cover this story without context is simply irresponsible journalism. Come on, NYT, you can do better and we deserve better.
11
This story just drips with irony. One would need a calculator to add up the number of times Trump has called NYT's reporting fake news. Why should he believe the Times story about Rosenstein? You're just a bunch of hacks! A failed newspaper. He should be calling in Rosenstein to commiserate with him for being the latest target of the biased NYT. Unless, as someone suggested below, that the White House helped set up the story. Hopefully the NYT would see through any such attempt.
2
I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to overhear what Rosenstein and Kelly had to say about Trump. I have a feeling they are both on the same page with respect to their opinions of him.
2
40-year reader here. I've been paying NYT subscriber my whole adult life, but I cancelled my subscription this morning. (FYI your team was quite busy...and they knew exactly why I was cancelling.)
I'm appalled at the NYT's choice to publish what was essentially a tabloid-style hatchet job on Paul Rosenstein.
Smearing a person based on un-named sources, making subjective claims about his behavior and state of mind - what the heck?!
He was "acting erratically" (during an incredibly trying time, well over a year ago)? Says WHO?!!
I have no doubt ANYONE could be attacked and "taken down" in such a manner. Just find some second and third-hand sources with an agenda, print their claims as fact. So what if a quote is taken out of context, without regard for accuracy or tone.
Several of your sources were saying similar things? Yeah...those are called talking points and the criminals presently squatting in our White House love to be coordinated in their smear campaigns, if you hadn't noticed.
This feeling of sadness, helplessness and foreboding is familiar: it's like the horrible day Bush started the Iraq war and "Shock and Awe!" led the evening news...and the awful night of Nov 8, 2016.
By running this story now, and reporting the information in this way, the NYT has made a choice that will change the course of future events for the worse, drastically and irrevocably.
29
@emily YES; based on "several people". WHO?
6
Dear NYT,
please refrain from adding more fuel to the ongoing frantic attack on the Justice Dept., whatever your best intention was.
The law and order is in crisis now. Thus not all facts need to be publicized immediately, esp. to the criminals.
6
1- I never fault the press for reporting a story, but Friday's story was largely hearsay and clearly planted intentionally by a Trump staffer in order to make an excuse to fire Rosenstein. The lack of skepticism was remarkable. The Times got played. Couple this with:
2- This morning the Times was played again with the big headline that Rosenstein was believed to have resigned according to (sketchy) sources. It was a plant to distract from the Kavanaugh debacle.
When the Times quotes anonymous sources from inside the White House they MUST be skeptical! Do not report what the liars say as fact. Yet, the headlines read this way on a regular basis. Just look at how they report on Guiliani's imaginary negotiations with Mueller every other week for months on end.
I increased my Washington Post subscription to include Sunday delivery in addition to digital. I had the NY Times delivered daily until the election reporting but scaled back to digital only after the unrelenting coverage of Hillary's emails. NY Times is about to lose me altogether. Shame.
12
Do we actually know, as of this moment, that he's agreed to resign? Maybe he will, maybe not; maybe he'll go tomorrow, maybe he'll go after the midterms.
Is there some reason why the NYT and others have to report blow-by-blow speculation? I think it just confuses everyone.
4
King Trump..... “What miserable drones and traitors have I nurtured and promoted in my household who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born clerk!" Knights of the Republican Caucus with NYT scribes to thy rescue......... job done your majesty.
3
Ah, the pros and cons of a free media. One can’t glory in the constitutional right to free speech then cry foul and demand facts be hidden if they don’t favour you. Point applies equally to both the Trumparatchiks, “Resistance” or weary moderates.
NYT columnist Michael Schmidt broke the HRC private email server story, too.
I don’t remember the NYT reporting on the G.W. Bush White House using a private email server setup and run by the RNC, nor the “LOST” or “DESTROYED” 22 million official emails sent and received.
One has to wonder why the GOP-controlled judiciary committee is adamant about not releasing any documents or emails pertaining to U.S. Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh who worked as a staffer for three years in the Bush White House. What’s judiciary committee chairman Chuck Grassley hiding from the public about Kavanaugh?
13
This reporting about this matter should have never been
printed, I understand printing the truth ,but you just gave this man a loaded gun ,it should have waited for Muller to finish ,and this meeting of Trump & Rosenstein is the same day of Kavanaugh hearing SMELL SOMETHING?
6
It appears likely the Rosenstein story is being manipulated by the White House to both distract from the Kavanaugh nomination and actively obstruct the Mueller investigation.
The trouble is, media is being played, including your good selves by delivering the first volley of this fiction extravaganza with last Friday's Rosenstein lead story.
The agenda for this coming Thursday sees Kavanaugh and his accuser face questions from the Senate, and the 'meeting' between Trump and Rosentein.
The finality of these two events revolve around protecting Trump from further investigation and delivering the Supreme Court to the Right for a generation.
Dear Editors, how do you plan on reporting what could be a fundamental day for America?
7
@PaulN: LOL! While impressions are always interesting (in a cartoonish way), if you conducted a cursory examination of the location identifiers of the lion's share of the posters here, you would discover a wide representation of cities and towns from every region of the country. While NYC is clearly a frequent flier in the mix--after all, it *is* the *NY* Times, I'll bet many of us are not leftist extremists, or ever owned Birkenstocks or lived in NYC apartments. "Not that there's anything wrong with that," as comedian Jerry S. always said.
Most important, most of the folks who submit reply posts tend to reply to the substantive question or position stated, unless of course, they are trolls. Again, LOL!
4
The NYTimes loves Trump. The endless free publicity during the campaign—in every section of the paper. Insulting Bernie Sanders, not giving his issues— health care and education—any serious discussion at all.
The New York Times , as well as some neoliberal Dems, would rather lose to the right than win to the left.
8
Lost in translation are a few facts 1) If Rosenstein feels the way he does and discussed even sarcastically such things with so many people at the DOJ (we say the most important things in jest) than he should resign with dignity and not serve a President he hates so much that he plots to overthrow. 2) If he felt free to discuss wearing wires and invoking the 25th amendment at DOJ this means that ALL the seniors officials were thinking more or less the same and he a) felt safe and b) was compelled to speak so. 3) Who proposed Donald Trump to name him number 2 at DOJ when Rosenstein was so vocal about his coup. The person who proposed Rosenstein should be outed too. 3) Rosenstein should resign and run for Congress as a Democrat, that would be the ethical thing to do, instead of plotting to overthrow Trump with the Mueller investigation which was a frame up to begin with signed among other by Rosenstein and in illegal complicity with the British and Australian services who framed Carter, Stephanopoulous, and who cooked the fake Steel dossier. 4) Rosenstein was outed in order to protect bigger fish, in an exchange.
Wouldn't be surprised if this is a tactic on Rosenstein's part to extend his tenure. He knows that Trump prefers to wait until after the midterm elections to fire him, so why not make Trump show his hand now? If his resignation is not accepted now, it gets even more awkward to fire him later.
1
"Rod Rosenstein Will Meet With Trump to Discuss His Fate"
Does anybody really think Mr. Trump is a person to have decent discussions with?
I´m afraid Mr. Rosenstein will have to learn soon what a "unilateral discussion" is all about.
"Hey boss, I consider to tap you just to bring you down" is never a healthy stance if this boss has got wind of such statements - no matter who the boss is.
I accept unnamed sources are necessary in newsgathering. Although identified sources may be the gold standard, for a variety of reasons identification may not always be possible, advantageous, or safe.
Second, when Trump supporters talk about the ‘deep state,’ I believe they are referring to the actual ‘state,’ meaning the government as it exists within our constitutional/institutional framework. The behavior of the current executive administration, Congressional Republicans, and Trump supporters suggests their intent to dismantle the current standing government and replace it with something else. In my opinion, the something else would NOT be based upon democratic ideals (the constitutional goal of the United States, admittedly never fully achieved) or rule of law.
Based on the above observations, I think Mr. Rosenstein would have been remiss in not having suggested avenues to protect the United States as a functioning rule-of-law democratic (small ‘d’) union. My concern is not that he THOUGHT of documenting administration ineptitude, obfuscation, and the destruction of the state. I take issue with the fact that he DIDN’T do it.
Mr. Rosenstein’s allegiance lies in protecting the intact homeland, not in protecting insurrectionists. I suspect the panic in the intelligence communities is because they have observed firsthand and can provide evidence of information which would indict the sitting president (and close cabal) of treasonous activities related to the 2016 election.
3
Sir Mueller, the grand chess master, is at least 2 moves ahead against Donald. Mr. Rosenstein is Mueller's gambit.
2
The Times published two articles based on anonymous sources who were concerned that their jobs be protected.
It's ironic that the writers and more importantly, the editor agreed to this. For whose benefit were the articles written? Certainly not in the name of truth, as the providers of the information were unwilling to stand behind the "information"that they portrayed. I believe that they both were primarily was to smear Mr. Rosenstein, the first setting the stage.
6
I think it might behoove us to step back and look at the big picture. Events in the Trump era flash by at a dizzying pace, in part because Trump himself chooses to operate that way and uses it to his advantage. Slow down. Zoom out.
Robert Mueller is running an old school, totally by-the-book investigation, and running it perfectly. . Mueller cut a plea bargain deal with Paul Manafort. Why? He had the evidence to lock him up for many years. Manafort must know something very valuable about Russia, collusion, and Trump’s corrupt business dealings with the Russians.
As Mueller draws the noose tighter, the Oval Office is dissolving into utter chaos. Two sources have reported that General Kelly refers to Trump as an idiot. Rosenstein suggested wearing wires, recording Trump, and invoking the 25th amendment. Bob Woodward’s book supplies all the gory detail one could ever want: This is a wildly irrational, mentally ill president who’s badly detached from reality.
The Republican Party is willing to subject our country to this for what? A tax cut?
Big picture? Trump’s presidency is in collapse. The only question is when it implodes altogether and how it will happen. The cowardice of the Republican Party is remarkable. If they ever want to be put in charge of the country again, they’ll step in and end this disaster soon. But I doubt it will happen.
Thus, a whipping in the midterms. And the Democrats will have to ride to the rescue of our democracy.
1
A meeting on Thursday? Kelly and Rosenstein just called Trump's bluff. "Go ahead, Mr. T, I dare you to fire me." Despite his famous phrase, Trump is too much of a coward to fire anyone.
1
Please notice that Rod Rosenstein is going to meet the White House on Thursday. It’s also the day of Kavanaughs’ hearing. The meeting is a distraction. Do NOT fall for it. Watch and follow the hearing please.
7
I'm also very disappointed with NYT! I was even considering terminating my subscription. NYT should have considered the consequences of printing this material at this critical time. Plus, not everything in the story is believable, and the other sources describe the context of the Mr. Rosenstein remarks differently. And why the discussing of the 25th amendment should be a reason for revealing this information to the world, when it's a constitutional right? NYT shouldn't have to publish this incomplete information just to create 'breaking news'. Really.
8
This is not the America I fought three wars for. Sad. Stand up and fight America! Or loose your freedom forever. There will be no going back I promise you.
4
As a reader for over 50 years, thanks NYT! And what purpose did this story serve, at this time? The blood flowing from this is going to be on your hands. Enjoy!
9
I do think that the NYT article "Rosenstein Raised Idea of Recording Talks With Trump” (Sept. 22) has hugely benefitted Trump.
Whoever provided the sources was hoping that the NYT would publish them and that the article would serve Trump as a "borrowed knife" to stab Rosenstein.
16
@J. von Hettlingen Looks like most people love truth only when it applies to their own interests.
1
Only inside the Beltway could an American Spring start on the first day after the first day of Fall...
In the interest of sustainable Democracy and self-congratulation, an excerpt recycled from an anonymous post last week...
“...Especially since we may be heading for a crucifixion (or several) later this week – followed by resurrection on the Sunday talk shows...
A week off – so sue me...Worse, post me so all can not hit the “What’s not to like” button...
But - back from the future...
Like to be a fly on that wall come Thursday – but wouldn’t be able to fit in the Oval Office...
Between Trump’s ego and the 6 hidden cameras and 29 hidden recording devices Rosenstein’s having sewn into his suit and briefs and OO pics of Omarosa – who’s eyes seem to follow Trump around the room – and Woodward scrunched up in the bottom of the coffee cart...
Not to mention the hand-truck from Staples with three boxes of legal pads and several dozen sharpies in case anyone wants to take contemporaneous notes...
Sort of like a clown car on Youtube – but run backwards...
.....
More succinctly, NYT...
The enemy of our enemy is our President...
Go figure...
PS
Despite your 3 separate sources – going to need more NYT corroboration...
Bret, what the Conservatives are channeling on Fox...
Ross, to divine what the Divine’s plan B now is...
Tom, to let us know what the Arab Street’s saying in public and springing in private – or is it the other way around...
PPS
Only one “AG” in Giuliani
2
Sorry NYT, I'm not going to pull any punches - Trump is a threat to our democracy, which many brave souls have fought and died to uphold. Then you turn around and rat on someone in Rosenstein who is risking all to save it, as is his duty. Would you publish the locations of our troops in a battle zone? Publish the location of our battleships in and out of Pearl Harbor in December of 1941? This is a day of newspaper infamy.
7
Well done, Times!
Maybe your editors should take an afternoon off and watch "Truth," about how Dan Rather and CBS were set up by believing allegations about Bush?
Nothing like being used as a party to dirty politics in search of a few clicks, eh?
9
Maybe in his meeting with Trump, Mr. Rosenstein can employ Bugs Bunny's famous "duck season, wabbit season" tactic to get Trump to inadvertently resign instead.
5
How dare the NYT risk the future of our country. Maybe it is all a game to you sitting on high, but to ordinary Americans we are in a dire crisis, and your shoddy reporting has exacerbated the turmoil.
Shame on you.
8
These comments are extremely revealing to me. It's obvious that the audience here doesn't care about truth, but only political gain. Does anyone here actually care about what goes on in the world anymore, or is everything filled with ulterior motives? Are you really going to blame the NYT like a bunch of babies over reporting a news story?
2
Maybe, just maybe, this is a good thing. Like a zit that needs to pop, we need to get everything out. Mueller has had plenty of time and I'm sure he has a plan for just this scenario. And all of it will happen just before the elections. We might actually see the collapse of a stable genius and the republican party.
6
The Donald’s death rattle is a nasty sound, but it is indeed a death rattle for him and the weak GOP horse he rode in on.
All bets now on him taking a deal to resign before impeachment bells ring.
1
Congratulations New York Times. You got played big time. Care to tell us who your anonymous sources were who fed you the story about Rosenstein to set him up for this?
10
Well, Rosenstein is smiling in that photo with Kelly. I would think, or at least hope, that Kelly would have more respect for the Justice Dept than his charge in the Oval Office..
3
Thanks again NYT's. After subscribing for 25 years I almost cancelled after the election fiasco when your reading of the polls kept a lot of voters at home. According to you Hillary would win in a landslide. So I went to bed early. Oops.
Now this. You're not The Grey Lady I came to count on. Now you're competing for headlines against TMZ and The Enquirer. I hope your group thinking newsroom is happy.
16
I suppose it’s the NYT’s job to report the news, no matter the outcome. Without knowing a thing about it, I’d be more disappointed in the man for resigning than anything else. Better to let Trump yell at Sessions for hiring him than give up one of the few positions of reason and common sense remaining in this disastrous admin.
3
I am so disappointed with NYTimes on the timing of this report. It is the James Comey moment again. If the Mueller's investigation was shut down or scaled back because of the resignation of Rosenstein, would NYTimes accept its role in bringing down the republic?
Maybe I should stop my subscription.
12
There is lots of bashing NYTimes today. But what if NYTimes didn't publish this piece but the info would be leaked somewhere else? And on top of that, what if the story about NYTimes hiding this info would be leaked, too?
Have a nice day.
12
That is what Comey said.
4
Dear NYT,
Do you grasp that the United States is both having an existential crisis over whether or not it wants to continue as a liberal democratic culture AND struggling for its future as a viable nation due to the frightening, abysmal incompetence of this administration?
Surely you must understand at least that continued freedom of the press depends on the survival of our Constitution.
So many times I have read in your pages that these are not normal times. The piece that you ran on Rosenstein would have only shaken the administration in normal times. In these times it has the potential to shake this society to the core.
God help America.
30
BRAVO!!! Could not agree more.
4
There was no reason to publish the info on Rosenstein. It wasn't earth shattering news. Now you've given Trump a reason to fire him. The Republic is at risk!!! For shame, NYTimes. Not responsible.
19
To those who whine about the Times breaking the story - it's without fear or favor, folks. The Times should report the truth as it knows it when it knows it. I'd say wait to be fired if that's going to happen - Sessions has to do it, and I think it'll be "fun" to watch the cowardly Orange push Sessions into it.
5
@Bob Trosper Yeah, right....the "truth" based on what "several people" say.....no thanks
6
It doesn't matter whether Rosenstein resigns or is fired now.
Unless the House impeaches him (possible) and two-thirds of the Senate votes to convict him (which will never happen), the only way to get rid of Trump is prosecution in court.
But now with Rosenstein so compromised, any appeals court will toss out anything that even makes it that far.
Just for clarity, where did the NYTs get the
idea that Rosenstein was considering resigning? Since resigning and being fired
are substantially different events. He was quoted as saying that they would have to fire him. The White House said he was resigning.
Why did the NYTs publish such a provocative
poorly documented article? While it might be that there may be no good time to
publish such a piece there are clearly bad times. The author gave a vague and unconvincing response yesterday; I hope he hasn’t heard the end of this.
5
The Times' journalists wanted a scoop and and a blockbuster headline, and didn't care if it came at the expense of the nation. What did you expect would be the outcome of exposing that Rosenstein discussed - or more likely joked about - wearing a wire to Trump's office. What did you expect when you revealed that he's considered, perhaps in jest, using the 25th Amendment against Trump? Is your headline more important than our stability or security? If you have earth-shattering news to report, report it. But if you just want to advance some salacious gossip about a past incident that might unhinge an already unhinged President for your personal glory, wrapped up in the self-righteous blather of informing the public, then you have no interest really in the welfare of this country. The press should exercise some judgment in matters that might destabilize the country for no real gain. Shame on you New York Times and shame on the journalists who wrote this story.
9
Let's Trump be what he his; November will be the beginning of the end of both his tyranny and the GOP. It is history, in real time!
PS: The NYT just does its job; Trump and his gangsters are the problem
2
For many of us non-Americans observing the moral decay of the office of the president, Mr. Rosenstein is the one chance the Trump administration has to reorient itself. Certainly, no republican senators seem willing to assume that task, for fear of a tweet.
I love you New York Times, but I hate you now, for revealing this information. I really hope Mr. Rosenstein keeps his job.
11
Yikes, all of these comments are lambasting NYT for reporting Rod for wanting to invoke the 25th. Listen, the reporting is fair and impartial. Bravo to the times. NYT is not liberal or conservative. They are reporting facts fair, equal, and impartial. Right, wrong, or indifferent they report the facts Jack!
4
@Dom FACTS?!?!? oh, of course, based on what "several people" told Schmidt. His stock and trade is anonymous sourcing
4
I have read all the protests and explanations from Michael Schmidt and his editor, and conclude that, once again, the Times has been played by the right.
Faced with essentially the same set of sources and issues as its competitor, the Washington Post, the NY Times positions itself as not as good for truth or journalism except in the high personal esteem of its insular culture.
I began subscribing to the Washington Post on October 31, 2016, when the NY Times ran its notorious headline used to exculpate Trump and Russia, even though the text below by Lichtblau and Myers contradicted the headline: "Investigating Donald Trump, F.B.I. Sees No Clear Link to Russia."
The Times helped saddle us with a traitor who has deeply damaged our democracy, and it has over-credited the job it has done attempting to pour the milk back in the bottle.
11
With the heat aimed at Rosenstein and endangerment of the Mueller investigation -that would be enough for the Trump administration to plant this 'news' story. But watching the fury of New York Times readers toward the paper of record for this wishy washy allegation that threatens our democracy-Trump will consider that a mighty bonus.
2
The funniest thing in all of this that Trump apologists so often speak of the "cloud" hanging over the Trump administration because of the Russia investigation. They seem to be under the impression that if Rosenstein and Mueller were to disappear tomorrow, they could get out from underneath all the suspicion.
If I were convinced of Trump's innocence (which I am not), my biggest fear would be something happening to Mueller to prevent him from releasing his full and final report. In fact, if I were a political operative and wanted to hobble the Trump administration, I would find some way to help shut down Mueller's investigation in just the incriminating, "nothing to see here" kind of way Trump fantasizes.
"Shut down the investigation! That will show I've got nothing to hide!" As if it's not bad enough that Trump is such a hopeless liar his own lawyers think it would be malpractice to allow him to speak to Mueller directly, we're back to firing people? How did that logic work out with Trump's brilliant decision to fire Comey? Did that help or hurt Trump's claims of innocence? If Trump ultimately interferes with/fires Mueller, his administration will wind up looking at the uproar just after Comey's firing like the halcyon days of youth.
What Trump needs to be viewed with less suspicion is to have someone who is not beholden to him perform a complete and unimpeded investigation (including Trump's own sworn testimony) and find no evidence of criminality.
2
The Times’ disclosure of Rosenstein’s past actions on Trump reminds me of Comey’s pronouncement about the Hilary Clinton e-mails before the election: ill-timed and unnecessary.
All I can say is that this makes a “blue wave” in November even more critical. Get off your duff and vote.
Emerge after that with the House and Senate still in GOP hands and this country’s goose is cooked.
9
If Mueller finds himself out of a job and is looking for something that needs investigating I can think of thousands of NYTs readers that would like him to investigate how the wheels fell off the NYTs.
8
You have done a great job, Times, in shutting down the Meuller probe. Trump is delighted with you. You owe the rest of us a long explanation of your actions. You are a terrible disappointment!
8
Not surprising the incredible lack of justice expressed by thousands on NYTimes readers. Demanding an explanation of why they published this story with even a Times reporter on THIS WEEK that the story was correctly sourced and true.
Nevertheless, truth is the last thing that matters with the readers of this paper except for their version of it.
Lies are just fine.......Incredible....
1
Oh, to be a fly on that wall!
The King of Cowardice, President "You're Fired" actually in the room with someone he wants to fire? How awkward and exciting at the same time!
Maybe he'll get up the nerve to Tweet "You're Fired!" to Rosenstein from across the table in the Situation Room? Or have Kelly do it?
#45 is, without a shred of doubt, a cowardly, toothless chicken. I have a 3 year old niece with more guts than this President.
3
Ro is not smart enough to deal with Trump. He should have had Russia facts available when he meet with Congress back when. Trump does not play nice.
It has been clear from the early days of this administration, that Trump would do anything to get rid of Mr. Mueller's investigation. It has also been clear from day 1, that there have been an incredible number of contacts between Trump campaign and/or administration officials, together with unusually favorable comments about and gestures toward Putin. On top of this, it is easy for the casual observer to see that Trump is unmeasured in his temper and public statements (a dangerous trait for the leadership of this, or any country). It is also clear that the NYT's anonomously-sourced about Mr. Rosenstein's article could likely result in his removal as over-seer of Mr. Mueller's investigation. Why would the NYT give fuel to this fire and cover to Trump? This newpaper owes the public and its own subscribers an explanation.
4
"The 'president' will discuss his fate?" What a joke!
Rod,
If you resign you will forever be remembered as a coward who gave up when the going got tough.
Stand firm. Do not resign.
3
Rosenstein is smart and principled. Now to finally write his memoir to add to our libraries.
How many more defectors before our bookshelves are full?
1
What are the chances the Rosenstein story was planted by Trump loyalists as a means to expedite his resignation?
5
We are in such deep trouble with this incompetent headcase of a president. Now is not the time to split hairs about the role of the press and Rosenstein or anyone else 'serving at the pleasure of the president'. Rosenstein is a public servant, not a president's servant and for the sake of the country, he needs to fight hard to hold on. Please.
1
I am so disappointed in the NYT for publishing the two articles that were so inflammatory using anonymous sources. I am convinced that you were played.
7
If the New York Times has upset the Left, and that seems to be the case if the Comments are read, then this paper has shown that it is being fair to both sides. It is truly publishing “All the news that is fit to print”.
2
Thank you for your contribution -- but that is a non sequitur.
1
Oh good grief, will everyone calm down? Take a deep breath and think.
1) Read Paul Waldman's piece in the Washington Post ("Even if he fires Rosenstein, it’s too late to protect Trump from Mueller")
2) It's miraculous that we've gotten as much mileage from Mueller as we already have. Does anyone think that Trump would not find a way to stop the Mueller probe as soon as he wanted? Mueller (and Hillary, and Obama, etc.) are useful as fuel for his hate rallies. When the investigation gets hotter than that, he will douse it.
3) Mueller's info and evidence are safely backed up in multiple locations and jurisdictions.
4) Blaming the media for reporting something? Sounds a lot like Trump's cries of "fake news!" Who's really getting played here?
5) The blame for this constitutional crisis rests not with the Times, but with an amoral Republican party and their decades of radio propaganda, with the tiny brainwashed minds that vote for them, and with the "useful idiots" who think that both sides are equally bad. No one else. We were already in the rabbit hole; let's stop fighting one another and find our way out.
Slow, deep breaths, please. And keep your passport updated.
14
What if Trump does not fire Rosenstein? Will anyone praise Trump for not firing Rosenstein?
No. No one will praise Trump for anything.
That is because he became President in a deeply flawed election that to many of us he lost. He is intensely unpleasant in an offensive in your face sort of way. He has
assaulted most of our institutions and
belittled our beliefs. He has not done a
thing that has earned our respect. He
inherited his money and used it to expand
his shoddy real estate empire. He is a serial
abuser of women and by his own boast
has made a habit over the years of sexual assault. As if all of this were not bad enough,
he is a Republican.
1
Someone please help me understand why Mr. Trump would be concerned about an article published in the “fake news media” about his administration.
8
Where is Sally Yates when we need her? As The World Turns.
3
"...after private discussions were revealed."
YOU, NYT, revealed them! Your reporting and editorial judgment has gone from bad to worse.
4
Trump leaked to NYT to start this chaos theory of firing Rosenstein. Distraction! Trump will meet with Rosenstein Thurs; same day as Kavenaugh fiasco. Trump will not fire anyone face to face; he is a wimp. Kavenaugh is the real story; he is guilty(this is not a trial; this is an interview for a job promotion]. More and more women come forward; Kavenaugh is guilty! Vote NO on Kavenaugh. Ray Sipe
3
It's wasn't all that long ago that I believed nearly everything I read in the NYTs. Like last Thursday. I'm just an average old white guy but I strongly suggest the NYTs get back to telling the truth all the time.
1
The Times better be right on this story. I don't consider anyone in the Trump government to be credible source. I'm reminded of Judith Miller listening to "sources" from Cheney staff and convincing the American people of the presence of nuclear weapons in Iraq with planted misinformation in banner headlines. There was a lot on the line and the Times got it wrong. I hope this is not another historical mistake.
10
For better or worse, many people in business subscribe to the Samuel Goldwyn Staffing Dictum: "I'll take 50% efficiency in exchange for 100% loyalty."
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
So many commenters are blaming the NYT`s for the Anonymous article as the cause of the demise (if it happens) of Rosenstein. I strongly disagree. They are shooting the messenger. The Trump crime family & the GOP are the enemy. The truth must not be kept in the dark while Trumpish Fake News is spread around to confuse reality & gullible voters.
Stand up for democracy.
3
I sometimes wonder whether the media - including the NYT - will be the savior or the death of democracy.
Publishing the original article on Rosenstein was irresponsible, particularly considering: 1) it appeared his discussions many months ago were simply that and didn't go anywhere or lead to any actions , 2) it misses the context that I'm he discussed an incredible range of things, and 3) revealing it could have extraordinarily detrimental implications.
There is great responsibility in unearthing sensitive information. In this case, the NYT was irresponsible.
7
I agree. The NY Times was incredibly dumb for writing this story and now strengthening President Trump's position and weakening the Mueller probe.
4
Hurry, Mr. Mueller! Can we have the indictments by Wednesday, pretty please?
1
This is not unexpected byproduct of NYT article and one can not help but wonder to what end the continuing chaos hurdles our democracy. Every branch of our federal government seems to have reached a tipping point. The midterm elections never seemed more crucial than at this point.
2
1. Much of the frustration directed at the Times article comes from the apparent weakness of its sources (no one actually in the room) and the certainty of the report when what was said and how it was said are not certain. The Washington Post was more balanced and temperate in its reporting, and readers noticed. Given the stakes, more caution was expected.
2. Kavanaugh and Rosenstein are major stories, no doubt. But only one event really matters now: November 6, 2018 midterm elections. Anyone who wants curbs on presidential and Republican power needs to vote, get like-minded family and peers to vote, and lend a hand to Democratic House candidates in swing districts.
4
I'd love to be a fly on the wall during a meeting between Trump and Rosenstein. Who wouldn't?
1
What a fiasco. While Rosenstein's comments may be *factually* true - we do not know the context in which he made this statement. I've seen how headlines can make things read like a 10 on the Richter scale - but when you see a video or hear the context in which the subject matter unfolded - an entirely new context emerges. I do think the NYT has an obligation to report news stories from all perspectives. But this will obviously damage the NYT and has handed our volatile leader the perfect opportunity to squash a vital investigation.
3
Good Job NYT! news is news whether people think that it should or should not be reported. Why would RR agree to resign and not fight? why would he just go belly up if the accusations had no ground? The All people have their own opinions and all people say things they don't mean, but when those things go against the values and main mission of your work then you should be held accountable. Holding the story back for reasons of allowing a case to be determined is absolute garbage. Put yourself in the shoes of the accused, you would want to know if the accuser was doing the wrong things even if only to justify your innocence? I understand that there are those that say"but Trump is guilty!!" but if you were being called a drug dealer and you knew that the police officer planted the drugs on you wouldn't you want the records of that police officer doing it in the past to others, or knowledge of him stalking you ,or finding out that his sister is your neighbor who wants your property? i say good on the NYT for doing their JOB!
Rosenstein, stay!. Stay strong for the American People, and the Constitution of the United States Of America!
4
Things most Americans don't want to believe:
There is a 'Deep State' entrenched government bureaucracy. These folks cannot be fired. They believe in centralized big government. They believe government knows what is best for America. They relish their power and control and will do whatever is necessary to protect it. They typically become wealthy leveraging government policy to foreign governments. They do not believe in core Constitutional values, believe the Constitution is antiquated, not relevant. They have infected, subverted American justice. They despise President Trump, his supporters and administration which represents an existential threat to their continued parasitic existence. Their major media allies/agit-prop support and foment misinformation to misdirect the hapless public. One could go on, but you get the picture. If normal folks aren't concerned, they should be..
2
@Screenwritethis
Wow. Explain how Trump is NOT a parasite? What has he ever done for anyone that didn't benefit himself? He and his swarm are known and celebrated liars. You got it flipped. You and your minority "government" of rich, wealthy white men. What is it that attracts you so much to this crowd?
3
President Trump would likely accord more respect to Mr. Rosenstein was facing a number of alleged sexual assault complaints against women. Dito from the GOP Congress members.
1
Merely talking about recording Trump isn't grounds for Rosenstein to be fired. If Trump had been recorded, Rosenstein would have been fired via tweet already.
1
I would worry if someone in Rosenstein’s
position hadn’t considered the 25th
amendment after meeting the Orange One.
I think his foresight and assessment were
prescient.
2
@howard williams Absolutely. It's pretty obvious that he's not the only one. The 25th amendment theory has been floating around for some months.
So many of the commentators seem to be angry at The Times because of the severely detrimental consequences the original article has set into motion. If the editors had chosen to hold back the article on that basis alone, then the necessary impartiality of the press, the fourth leg of our democracy, would be at risk.
My belief is that your choice to run the article despite its poor sourcing and vetting—in particular, the lack of primary sources—has put the country at risk. Your lack of prudence on something of the greatest importance to the wellbeing of our nation is irresponsible at best—and, at worst, devastating.
4
Saying this again because it's disturbing how many people seem to be completely ignorant to how journalism works. There is additional information gathered to verify these claims that won't be released because anonymity needs to be protected. People are more willing to open up anonymously because it means less chance of retaliation.
There wasn't a goal being pushed by publishing this article. NYT is a news agency not a propaganda machine. They don't publish news with the goal of advancing a particular agenda. They publish news to report what is happening. If you want some message advancing garbage shoved down your throat try Fox News or Mother Jones.
Be skeptical of the claims, skepticism is a healthy aspect of critical thinking. Being mad at a news outlet for publishing news when their job it is to report news is just ignorant and shows a clear lack of understanding about the role of the media as a check on the government.
I'm sure this won't change any opinions because you didn't get to a place where you're shouting at a news outlet for reporting news using good reasoning, but still, it has to be said.
1
Many people say Rosenstein should wear a wire in his meeting with Trump. Is it legal to do that in a meeting with the president in the WH?
What if he actually wears one and is caught doing so? Will that then become a criminal offence? That would be akin to traitorous. In that case all the accusations against him will be confirmed.
1
Whatever is going on it will be in the full light of day and your eyes will be wide open.
All America will see Trump and his henchmen stamping down on the Mueller report.
They must be in fear of what it says.
Whether Rosenstein stays or goes it is still a battle of epic proportions for this report to even see the light of day.
If NYT suppressed news in the way Fox does would that make you happier.
You get one choice. Which way to vote. Stand up and be counted.
1
Well Chicken Little, "the sky is not falling" at least not until Thursday. But then it's more likely to fall on Judge Brett Kavanaugh than on Rod Rosenstein. And, since when has Donald Trump ever said, "You're fired!" to anyone's face? No, with the election just six weeks away, the sky will still remain unshattered. The Times may have laid an egg with their faulty interpretation of Rod Rosenstein's affect, but it's better that they have egg on their face than Robert Mueller and his investigation that may save our democracy.
It's hard to fathom why the NYT felt the Rosenstein story needed publication at the time it appeared in the paper.
It's a little like Comey announcing that he was reopening the Clinton email investigation days before the election.
And the consequences, unintended or not, (although it's also hard to fathom that the Times new bureau would be unaware of likely consequences) will parallel those of Comey's announcement--a precursor to unmitigated disasters.
It won't matter whether Rosenstein actually committed fireable offenses. It's all personal with the guy in the White House. Intensely, narcissistically personal.
But truthfully, if Rosenstein's firing was already writ large, better to go out in a blaze of necessary discussion about Trump's fitness for office than to be fired-by-tweet.
7
We should all know by now that Trump is very simple minded. He does not understand sarcasm. Nor does he understand verbose language. Keep it simple for Trump simple minded.
1
My question is, how did this information on Rosenstein come to the attention of the NY Times at just this particular moment?
A well timed leak, has turned normally important agents of public information into "useful idiots".
I can't blame the NY Times for publishing this article on Rosenstein, that may well lead to his resignation, and Trump installing a "loyal" puppet to terminate Mueller's investigation on Russia's influence in the US election, and Trump's own obstruction of justice.
Rosenstein DID write a letter justifying Comey's dismissal, knowing Trump wanted to fire Comey for political reasons. But Comey DID deserve to be dismissed for inserting himself into the national election at the most sensitive possible moment. Comey appointed himself savior, in an act of pure narcissism, and to this day doesn't think he did anything wrong.
Still.
Timing matters.
When Wikileaks released the emails damaging Clinton at precise moments in the campaign to swing the election, its no longer a "news organization", but a foreign intelligence outfit sewing discord. I was a fan of wikileaks at the outset, but now I see it as a criminal organization, and I do hope Mr Assange will one day be held accountable for his actions.
The GOP is irredeemable. As is Trump. All we can do, is be patient, ride it out, and VOTE.
1
Thursday? Really. Seem like something else is happening Thursday... Thursday... Thursday... what was it? OH, yeah, Judge Kavanaugh's disaster hearing.
Gee, I wonder why our president would want to compete with the American people's opportunity to get to know his supreme court nominee better?
How will how pick which sex abuser to watch? There are so many choices!
I am so very embarrassed to live a country that would elect this administration. The people who work with and for them are as soulless as the are shameless. When will the nightmare end?
3
The byline of the Washington Post reads: "Democracy dies in darkness." Now it needs to be amended as follows: ". . . and the New York Times turned off the lights."
54
@Warren Metcalf
The corner of 14th and K streets has been dark since 1972.
@Warren Metcalf
No,the opposite is true.
The NYT has not turned off the lights so that people could not see.It reported the news.
If people want to understand what
"Democracy dies in darkness " really means ,they only have to look at FOX which suppresses or drastically downplays any news that is not favorable to Trump and the Trump Congress.
Those who follow FOX and only FOX are indeed in darkness, a darkness that they have willfully chosen.
1
Great, the NYT can be so proud when Mueller is fired. Thank's a lot. Accusing Rosenstein of saying something very unimportant was news we needed to know. It was a real scoop. Gosh, I bet no one else in the whole Administration has joked about the 25th Amendment being used or wearing a wire. How could we survive if the NYT didn't tell us?
I hope the two reporters who thought this stupid story needed to be told are fired.
Lindsey Graham said the 25th Amendment should be used, Trump is a kook, not fit to be president and worse.
https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/graham-fed-up-with-same-comments-abou...
50
I find myself, a faithful reader the NYT for 50+ years, so appalled by the shoddy scoop-chasing hit job on Rosenstein, that I can only look at your cluttered home page with its perky cute headlines with rage and disgust. You really should be ashamed of yourselves for publishing an article that, by serving your egos, contributes to the destruction of American democracy. I imagine you all wrapped in your righteousness while we watch our country fall apart.
59
THANKS NYT! At a time when our Democracy is in peril, you decide to be the good boy scout and publish a story that puts the Muller Investigation in danger. The American public deserves to know a much bigger truth, you went for the smaller one about an alleged conversation- and the world is worse off for it.
35
Stupidity everywhere. Rosenstein for writing that memo when everyone knew Comey was a boob in his handling of the Hilary emails. Hilary for her private server used for official business. Trump for his lying. The Times for using a THIRD (or fourth) hand anonymous source to tattle about what Rosenstein supposedly said, "based" on McCabe's notes, which no one has seen and which might not even exist; the product of a man acting tribal because he swallowed Trump's lie about the R memo justifying firing Comey and wanted to someday get the man responsible for attacking his employer. The Times again for salacioualy inviting readers to reread their inane story. I'm right about here with cancelling my subscription!
17
@BBKFlorida
What was salacious about the "Inane story"?
This Rosenstein exposé gave Mr Trump what he needed to get rid of the US Deputy AG. Whether it is true or false, it puts Mr Rosenstein in the untenable position of no longer appearing to be an impartial investigator.
/slow clap
Well done, NYT, you managed to make Mr Rosenstein resign. Now Mr Trump will be able pick a new USDAG.
19
Hey Mr. Trump, what say, more fake news?
6
Thank you New York Times! In your sanctimonious patrician soul you made a bold commitment to “unbiased” reporting. Like Lady Justice the “Gray Lady” wears a blindfold. But you are not a judge. You are in the business of selling papers and beating out your competitors. I can think of no other reason why the editors would allow such a piece of speculation and non news to be published. These were thinking out loud thoughts and trial balloons that went nowhere but gosh what a story! The sinking of the Maine is a dim candle to this tawdry sensationalism. This ranks right up there with your no Russian meddling report that helped elect Trump and now you can take credit for keeping him president in the canard of “objective” journalism.
30
Donald Trump will use this damaging informations to force Rob Rosenstein to make the special counsel to hand over ALL reports to the administration, fire the special counsel, or end the investigation. Trump will probably ask him to resign. The big question will be: will Trump leave the position empty or have Jeff Sessions put someone who is LOYAL TO TRUMP?
2
I don't see an apology to Mr. Rosenstein or to your readers for credulously accepting and publishing a smear job on Mr. Rosenstein.
32
There is much hand wringing about the motives of the Mueller investigation and the reporting by this publication and the effects of the investigation and reporting on the Trump administration, such as it is.
Without independent oversight of our government and officials, transparency in our government and reporting by an independent press we become subjects of an authoritarian regime led by despots and will become subservient to the same.
If Trump and his supporters and the pundits believe this investigation to be a witch hunt propagated by “fake” news perhaps they should remember our government is allowed to govern by the people-not by political parties or those who desire to be despots.
I believe if the Deputy AG is shown the door by Trump we may see what happened to Nixon repeated.
1
Oh, to be a fly on the wall!
1
Great work NY Times!!! Ending the Special Council’s investigation and democracy as we know it, all in one badly sourced article. I’m switching to the Washington Post.
33
Our government will continue to govern incompetently with or without Rod Rosenstein as deputy AG.
The Justice department and the Supreme Court have been forever tainted by the stench of Donald Trump and his Republican enablers in both the House and Senate.
Lets stop pretending that Robert Mueller or Rod Rosenstein is going to to end this nightmare. They are boy scouts protecting the very institutions the President and Congress are using every day to destroy the powerless and protect the rich and powerful.
6
@HL
with the collusion of quite a few of the "powerless" unthinking, slogan-sucking evangelical zombie mob
2
I have absolutely no idea what the NYT was thinking publishing the original article, which is stuffed with nothing but hearsay. All you've done is make Mr. Rosenstein prime for firing, and Mr. Mueller even less protected than before.
A brainless tactic that is bound to have major repercussions.
20
Shame the decision to make this information about Rosentein's possible statement went public. When something like that is "given" to a reporter, there is always a reason for doing so. Many people who have difficult bosses will make a joke or say something when stressed and, such a statement is then used by an opponent in the workplace, by the boss or someone else as a means to get rid of the speaker. Or, this could be a great distraction meant to rally the troops and true believers, those who see the great EVIL coming from the Justice Department which failed to toss "crooked Hillary" in jail for life, but dares to investigate the US President who is busy draining the DC swamp (some would say into his pocket - but that could be taken the wrong way, misinterpreted and used to fire those people who say such a thing in jest, or not in jest). With the path to the new Court possibly slowed or even stopped by the latest #METOO folks, getting the pro Trump all rallied and getting the news media focused on firing rather than sex scandals may help to save the position for the Republican's first pick for the SCOTUS seat. In the meantime, another probably decent person who had a good career track will be out of a job. But, at least the NYT broke the story. What else matters?
14
Sorry for Rosenstein. He seems a good guy, upright and honest - doesn’t fit into this crime-family Administration.
I hope he stays but I think he might be happier leaving.
13
NYT might have saved Trump from impeachment/indictment and push US into more chaos. Is it true that real Journalist should always report the truth whenever it's discovered, no matter what the consequence of reporting is?
7
Presumably he'll wear a wire.
4
lol. thanks
1
Rosenstein is playing a very odd and opaque strategy here. But what he should do is force Trump to fire him. There is no objective reason for Trump to do that, and it would build upon the already substantial evidence of Trump's corrupt actions to obstruct justice in the Russia investigation.
It would also put corrupt Senate Republicans in the position of having to further defend Trump's lawlessness, on top of sabotaging the SCOTUS process and defending Kavanaugh's lies and felonious misconduct.
All of which is going to accelerate the implosion of the Republican party and the release of their underworldly grip on our government and our daily lives, as the anti-Republican revolt takes place in November. Election day cannot come soon enough.
12
All these people finding fault with the NY Times might as well stick their heads in the sand or plug their ears.
Was the Times supposed to not report what they had learned because it didn't fit the well worn narrative?
You're all hypocrites who can't seem to recognize that a conspiracy and a coup are not the way forward. You want to win elections. Not fight another civil war.
9
@Billy The correct sequence is " Ready, aim, shoot", not " Ready, shoot, whatever". There is no conspiracy, there is genuine conversations about preserving our country as it was established to be.
2
America, this investigation is essential and must go forward uninterrupted. If Trump takes meaningful steps to shut it down, it's time for major, sustained action in the streets - protests, non-cooperation, civil disobedience, strikes, the lot. The Foxies will try to paint that as crazy and self-destructive, which is all the more reason to keep it going until the investigation is restored, unimpeded, and not until then.
12
These comments section is a reflection of what is wrong with this country. Many are complaining about the NYT story. Yet, theh do not complain when is a negative story about the Trump administration, even when the story cannot be confirm it. It feels like people will support anything that they agree with, and just ignore what they do not like, even if they are wrong.
5
Rosenstein will meet with Trump on Thursday. Mueller, you've got 72 hours left to pull it all together!
No doubt the Mueller team has been working under the expectation that every day could be their last, so that if Trump were to shut them down they'd have a contingency plan to get out whatever it was they had on hand, ready to go. Hopefully by Thursday the Mueller team will have pallets full of documents loaded up into delivery trucks idling at the receiving docks, waiting to be unloaded at the US Senate building.
9
The NYT does not know what the President and the Attorney General are meeting to discuss. They did not fully vet the story that has lead to this mess. Anyone, including journalists and newspapers, who print these un-vetted stories is participating in obstruction of justice as this could derail the Mueller investigation. The completion of this investigation is vital to the country right now. SHAME ON THE NYT. I expect this kind of nonsense from Fox news not the NYT.
16
I'm sorry that WE are ALL Upset. I personally don't know why NYT is sitting on all these stories. What other stories are they sitting on?
This story goes back to the days where Comey was fired and at that time WE all thought Trump was crazy ! I'm glad someone with 2cents of brains was thinking of using the 25th Amendment. I hope there are people still trying to do that.
Thursday with the Hearing and Roddy should be an interesting day... I wonder what the UN will be talking about that day too... ?!!!
We have the Mueller investigation and our next Supreme Court Judge all hanging on the line...
Please people... lets focus.
6
1. I am hoping Rod Rosenstein will not resign. He's something of a hero now and will be even if he is fired. But if he resigns, Trump will have far greater leeway to pursue containing the Russia investigation and related matters.
2. To the Times: you have taken it on the chin from your readers regarding the two regrettable recent articles, particularly the one regarding a wire and the 25th Amendment. Some of the complaining readers don't seem to understand that you can't suppress news or be concerned about tilting an outcome. But I do think you could have written about the topic more skillfully, more deeply, and less sensationally and thus better maintained your credibility and integrity.
6
I really do not understood the need for discussion. The Deputy Attorney General has compromised himself and needs to leave immediately. He is not indispensable, but besides he is compromised. There is no option but leaving.
6
Since when is being compromised a reason to leave your position: see Trump
for details.
1
@Nancy
How exactly has Mr. Rosenstein compromised himself? By the, probably sarcastic, comment about wearing a wire? Or the possible contemplation of employing a legal means to remove an unfit president from office, as is his duty if he is aware of facts that warrant this?
1
Trump's only concern is whether he is "winning"
Was this meeting scheduled Thursday so that Trump will win the news cycle over the Kavanaugh hearings (or has the timing on that changed yet again?)
No matter how Trump handles this, I'm sure it will provide fodder for those seeking to invoke the 25th Amendment.
So - Is he winning?
1
Seriously, why is it a bad thing that Rosenstein is trying to keep this country from disaster. Why is everyone buying the deplorables' mindset. His investigation of Trump has nothing to do with Trump's mental fitness for office. His concern for Trump's ability to do the job is mirrored in millions of us. We are helpless to stop Trump. Rosenstein could have been joking, but I hope he wasn't. At least the American people will know someone is watching out for us. Rod, tell Trump you're not his employee, you work for the American people and you are concerned with is fitness for office.
7
If the Mueller probe is discontinued, I would encourage some clerical worker or Robert Mueller himself to plug in a flash drive and post the contents to Wikileaks. If not, it’s all over, Baby Blue.
5
My advice for Rosenstein: don't be alone with that guy in the white house--he is a known liar and cheat; if this can't be arranged, take copious notes, but it is better to wear a wire.
10
The comments here speak volumes about the irrationality of most NYTimes readers.
The NYTimes has overwhelmingly criticized Trump at every possible moment and has cheer-led the “Russia-Trump Collusion” conspiracy theory for two years.
Yet, this ONE factual report the NYTimes ran about Rosenstein last Friday has the readers in an uproar:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/21/us/politics/rod-rosenstein-wear-wire-...
Conclusion: NYTimes readers (99% of them) have literally lost their minds.
7
Maybe we have, but we’re not nearly nuts to think that this is the sole and only story the Times got right in the last three years.
2
Now that the Times has "outed" the DAG, the Times needs to "out" the anonymous source that has led to this imbroglio along with a full investigation of the source's motives.
Unless the reporter has just awoke from a 2 year deep sleep, it is obvious this kind of story would roil the democratic process, what little is left of it.
This is not journalism!! For all we know it is truly FAKE NEWS.
I'm a subscriber.....on the bubble.
8
If this was put out in an attempt to divert our attention from the Kavanaugh mess--do WH people really think our collective attention span is that feeble?
About the comments Rosenstein made (or is alleged to have made) about wearing a wire and invoking the 25th Amendment--if we had a sane, fit person occupying the office of President, it would be one thing. But it's been unavoidably apparent to anyone with even a few brain cells huddled together for warmth, from the time this grifter descended the escalator in 2016, that he is dangerously unfit to hold the office of President. Rosenstein's words match the words of a number of others caught in this "administration's" sick, corrupt orbit. I don't see the problem.
7
But I thought trump and his press secretary believe not a single word printed in the NYTimes. What's changed their minds I wonder?
10
Trump has to first check with Putin to get instruction what best to do with Rosenstein.
14
Is this the shiny object to divert our attention from that or is that the shiny object to divert our attention away from this...or that or that or that...it’s like a mirror ball spinning around this dance floor of diversion.
10
@S H
Well put. That’s an apt description of how propaganda works.
2
Congratulations!
Young ambitious New York Times reporter leaks story that ends US Democracy! What a personal triumph. A real great addition to someone's professional resume. Scoop of the year!
A moment of silence for the USA.
13
Oh come on! This meeting was pre-scheduled! The NY Times is the country's newspaper of record and is supposed to check it's sources. It's research on this and other topics of interest is/are very sloppy and tries to create drama where none exists.
10
This seems so obvious. The Kavanaugh nomination is tanking, there are no other judicial prospects willing to give the potus a pass on obstruction, etc., so now it's time for plan B - shut down the investigation by chopping ti off at the head (the DAG).
8
Hmmm, what else could be happening this Thursday?
12
Is it worse if he resigns or is fired, jeopardizing the Mueller investigation - or is it worse if Trump keeps him on, holding something over his head that will jeopardize the Mueller investigation?
2
I am disappointed too. In a sane world, in the world I'd prefer to live, it would be the other way around. Trump would be meeting with Mr. Rosenstein to discuss Trump's fate.
11
It seems pretty clear at 2:00 p.m. that the white house played cable and print media this morning. Rosenstein is summoned to the white house. Cable news, NY Times, and the Post jump on it. Drop all mention of Kavanaugh and his 2 accusers. Don't cover the protests at the Capital. Then Huckabee Sanders issues release stating that Trump is out of town and will talk to Rosenstein on Thursday, conveniently when Professor Blasey-Ford might be testifying.
You are making it hard not to believe the "media" isn't complicit on the maneuvering. I am a staunch free press advocate. I subscribe to 3 newspapers and 3 news magazines and the Columbia Journalism review. If the actions of 9/24/18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. make me express doubt, what is it doing to those who already were screaming "fake news"?
20
Hopefully, he will be wearing the wire on thursday.
15
Story says Rosenstein will meet with Trump on Thursday,
does Trump know yet? Won't he be watching TV?
6
Seems awfully like a very bad marriage - ending like Jack Welch's.
1
He should wear a wire to this meeting.
12
I think your reporting on this is very lacking in quality. Shameful in fact. Quit trying to "scoop" everyone and report the news. This is why many criticize "main stream media". I prefer accuracy -not "we reported it first". Really pretty disappointing.
11
Mr Rosenstein: If you indeed are planning to resign, I know that tens of millions join me in imploring you to reconsider. While I can barely imagine the stress you must be suffering in this situation, it seems that you are the only person who can protect the legitimacy of the Special Counsel’s investigation. Please know that you have the heartfelt appreciation and full support of all Americans who truly believe that justice ought to be based on thoroughly researched factual evidence, and delivered impartially and in an even handed manner.
24
I wish the NYTs demonstrated whether or not, it was ready to serve the United States for America and not open to mimicking FoxNews anti-journalism dependent on rumors, innuendos, scandals that it cannot confirm are ligitimate based on context, source or it service to the general public.
8
There is no proof of collusion between Trump and Russia yet. However the NYT reports about it. Do you complain about tha as well ?
3
Like many other commenters, I'm furious and appalled that the NYTimes published the article that may lead to the firing of Rosenstein.
what public good was served by publishing the information that gives Trump a pretext to fire Rosenstein? None!!
I've been subscribing to the Times for three decades. I don't plan to end my subscription, but I will no longer hold the paper in the same high regard that I have had for many years.
the reporters and editors who decided to write and publish this "scoop," thus putting their career status above the national interest in this perilous time should be ashamed of themselves!
32
All news outlets make editorial decisions about what news they will publish. This was a big misstep by the NYTimes!
No action was taken, just second hand reports and a couple of memos. Hardly newsworthy in light of the potential damage to a man of integrity and more so to the Mueller investigation.
But, for whatever questionable motives, the Times decided to go ahead and put our country at further risk!!!
Hoping Rosenstein stays strong and remains for as long as possible.
21
If the NYT had suppressed the story about Rosenstein they would be no better than Fox News.
8
@PJ
They should have reported it in a truthful context. Which would have been "A frustrated Rosenstein joked about wearing a wire in a meeting and like all jokes, people laughed and absolutely nothing was done about it and there have been absolutely no evidence that any action taken to oversee the investigation was not upright and above board.
Instead the article was written as if he then took actions to undermine Trump at every turn.
It's like reporting that Trump "discussed shooting someone on Fifth Avenue" and playing up how shocking it was that Trump was conspiring to commit murder and speculating if he had done it already or was just planning to murder soon. Instead of the CONTEXT which is that there was not a single action taken by Trump in which he pursued this supposed "intent" to murder someone.
The fact that the NY Times did not blare a headline about Trump's murderous intent which he may or may not have already done is not because they "suppressed" the story. It is because such a story would have taken a simple statement and with innuendoes and smears turned a statement into a completely dishonest and false story about Trump's murder attempt and whether he got away with it or not.
13
@RJ "A frustrated Rosenstein joked about wearing a wire in a meeting and like all jokes, people laughed and absolutely nothing was done about it and there have been absolutely no evidence that any action taken to oversee the investigation was not upright and above board."
That seems like a politically slanted version of the article. The article makes clear that Rosenstein didn't actually do anything - just talked about it, but not always completely jokingly. You can't trust the NYT's editorial judgement when it fits your point of view but complain when it doesn't. That's what Trump does - Fox News is the truth but anything that reports something contrary is fake news.
The irony is that he's now going to haul Rosenstein over the coals for something that was reported by a "fake news" source.
@PJ "That seems like a politically slanted version of the article."
If an article is slanted to leave readers with the impression that something is true when there is almost no evidence to believe it is true, then asking for it to stop being slanted is not asking for bias.
"Investigating Donald Trump, F.B.I. Sees No Clear Link to Russia"
You may remember that NY Times article that exonorated Trump right before the 2016 election.
Your suggesting that telling the entire truth with context is simply another "slant" is wrong.
It is so obvious that Mr Rosenstein is a man of honour and is under immense pressure in a job no one deserves. He has managed to stay calm and impartial. I truly hope he stays in the WH exactly where he belongs until the SC sends their report. Then, resign, retire, do what ever you like but until then please stay strong Mr Rosenstein - the country + the world need this investigation to be continued and reported on!
12
Ponder this. Trump understands he is losing Congress. He understands that his bought Supreme Court Justice might not get confirmed. So he leaks a story about Rosenstein to begin firing everyone associated with the Mueller investigation, before the wrath of the Democrats, the majority Americans capable of critical thinking.
11
Thursday meeting huh? Brilliant timing.
If the Kavanaugh hearing blows up, Trump can fire Rosenstein within minutes, install a puppet at the Justice Dept. and kill the Mueller investigation. If Kavanaugh survives, Trump keeps that ace, lets suspense build as to Rosenstein's fate (he does like that limelight drama) and fires him anyway. Either way Mueller is toast, whether or not the SCOTUS is in Trump's pocket.
We are in a full-blown Constitutional crisis. Everyone ready to take to the streets when the Nov. 6 elections are "postponed" due to "foreign interference" and to avoid a "compromised" election result?
"We promise elections will resume after the integrity of the process is assured."
Our experiment in Democracy is failing, and very badly.
10
It is inevitable that trump will pull the plug on the investigation, regardless what the NYT or any other media entity does. The mid terms may or may not gage how voters feel about it. It depends on how effective the GOP and Russians are at subverting the election process with voter restriction efforts, gerrymandering, technology driven misinformation campaigns and hacking. All these efforts are now being pushed into high gear.
Meanwhile back at the ranch the EPA is being gutted, the CFPB is being dismantled, Dodd–Frank is being compromised, huge chunks of public lands are being sold off, world free trade is being seriously and deliberately hampered, and all while the FBI is being disemboweled.
14