Every sailor has a hungry eye. Any sign of President Donald's tax returns yet? Keep watching the horizon, matey. Maybe your ship will come in, the SS Lollipop, berthed in Bahia Mar. Meantime, "full fathom five thy tax returns lie, those are coral that were its write-offs..."
5
It's a trap Obama ...
Instead of pardoning turkeys, you should have cited Trump's own words and pardoned Hillary.
After all, Trump supports it. He just can't do it yet. Do Trump a favor and take one more thing off of his very full plate. Remember, he's ending crime and ISIS on day one ....
Instead of pardoning turkeys, you should have cited Trump's own words and pardoned Hillary.
After all, Trump supports it. He just can't do it yet. Do Trump a favor and take one more thing off of his very full plate. Remember, he's ending crime and ISIS on day one ....
3
This is news only to the New York Times audience - those of us who supported him never took that " you would be in jail" for anything more than it was - a rhetorical comeback in a debate and campaign red meat. What we are very glad about is that the Democrats themselves are doing a great job of destroying Clinton now, when they all obediently lined up behind her earlier because it was her turn.
As was said somewhere, the Donald's supporters "took him seriously, but not literally". I guess that's what happens when you watch too many "reality" shows.
4
A classic paradox. Can you believe a liar when he tells you he was lying.
4
This is what con men do. They appeal to people, using lies and false promises, and then when they get what they want they move on to the next fool.
13
First of all, Hillary has already been vindicated in the email case. The FBI investigated and found no grounds for prosecution. Most likely, she will be vindicated in the Clinton Foundation investigation. From the tenor of the election and the actions of the FBI, there was no love lost between the FBI and the Clintons. (Will the jury regard exhibit A: Comey throws out an October Surprise.) So we can assume the FBI is not playing softball. They investigated and found nothing,..although I'm sure they would have loved to have found something. Thus, by stating that he is not going to press the investigation (which he can't do one way or the other anyway), Trump is suggesting that she is guilty to his minions, but getting off due to his beneficence. It is a brilliant move, if were not so sad.
5
Trump did with his foundation was he accused Hillary of doing. I dare him to tell his AG to file charges against her.
5
Was the talk of "Lock her up!" just a campaign stunt? Probably so, but Trump's comments during and after the election show that he doesn't understand the limits of presidential power and the legal restrictions that he'll have to work under. Trump has shown the same ignorance when he dismissed notions that he'd have to relinquish control of his businesses while in office.
The next four years are going to be filled with these moments of realizing that Trump is completely unprepared to be President and that his word-salad comments are attempts to bluff his way through ignorance.
I don't believe in our version of democracy anymore. When a mentally unstable and habitual liar wins with empty promises, threats, bigotry and rank hatred then you have to conclude that most voters don't take their civic responsibilities very seriously.
The next four years are going to be filled with these moments of realizing that Trump is completely unprepared to be President and that his word-salad comments are attempts to bluff his way through ignorance.
I don't believe in our version of democracy anymore. When a mentally unstable and habitual liar wins with empty promises, threats, bigotry and rank hatred then you have to conclude that most voters don't take their civic responsibilities very seriously.
11
Nothing to pursue. Nothing to indict. There is, was and always will be no there, there. But we all knew that.
Being generous, I thought it would be six months after he took office before I would say, I told you so. To even my surprise, only one day after the election I found myself saying it. It will be a long 4 years.
Being generous, I thought it would be six months after he took office before I would say, I told you so. To even my surprise, only one day after the election I found myself saying it. It will be a long 4 years.
6
As someone who did not vote for Mr. Trump, I am somewhat encouraged after reading his interview with the NYT. He seems to have an open mind and appears to be willing to listen. He understands investigating Mrs. Clinton will only be divisive and he will alienate the very people he needs to win over. I always thought he was playing a dangerous game, playing with fire by stoking all those racist, xenophobic, misogynistic sentiments but he seems to understand the electorate better than most politicians. I have to admire his sheer cunning. He said the right things folks wanted to hear.
Trump is unwilling to jail Clinton, and he is willing to cancel your parking ticket too.
Unfortunately for her and you, as a president, he is not in charge of either.
So with deepest regrets, he will have to let justice take its course.
Unfortunately for her and you, as a president, he is not in charge of either.
So with deepest regrets, he will have to let justice take its course.
1
A whole lot of people sure seem surprised that a dictator acts like a dictator.
6
For anyone out there who may not like liberal NYC that much, you may be wondering why such an "authentic" man like Donald Trump doesn't seem interested keeping his word to you now that he's gotten what he wants (the Presidency).
There's a breed of entrepreneur common to Manhattan called a "C-o-n M-a-n." The "con" is short for "confidence," due to their talent in inspiring unwarranted confidence in their honesty, abilities or products. Our President-elect is such a person (down south you once called people like him "carpet baggers" or "snake oil salesmen"). You may recall stories of contractors Trump failed to pay, casinos he bankrupted, his dubious tax strategies or his fraudulent "university." You may also know about how Trump failed to make headway in his own city (even during the GOP primary) and how he's protested all the time ... y'know, "Don the Con"? Between that and his crazy stories, we figured you had him pegged, actually. On the other hand, "MADOFF" fooled people too, I guess.
Anyway, the particular "con" (or "hustle," as we say up here) you have experienced is known as a "bait-and-switch." This hustle is used on what people like Trump call "a mark." Sadly, that's you, in this case. For an average con man, a bait-and-switch might involve, say, showing you a display radio to get your money and then selling you a box with a brick inside. In this case, the display was Trump's every word, the money was your vote and the brick-filled box is the Presidency.
There's a breed of entrepreneur common to Manhattan called a "C-o-n M-a-n." The "con" is short for "confidence," due to their talent in inspiring unwarranted confidence in their honesty, abilities or products. Our President-elect is such a person (down south you once called people like him "carpet baggers" or "snake oil salesmen"). You may recall stories of contractors Trump failed to pay, casinos he bankrupted, his dubious tax strategies or his fraudulent "university." You may also know about how Trump failed to make headway in his own city (even during the GOP primary) and how he's protested all the time ... y'know, "Don the Con"? Between that and his crazy stories, we figured you had him pegged, actually. On the other hand, "MADOFF" fooled people too, I guess.
Anyway, the particular "con" (or "hustle," as we say up here) you have experienced is known as a "bait-and-switch." This hustle is used on what people like Trump call "a mark." Sadly, that's you, in this case. For an average con man, a bait-and-switch might involve, say, showing you a display radio to get your money and then selling you a box with a brick inside. In this case, the display was Trump's every word, the money was your vote and the brick-filled box is the Presidency.
15
"Hillary Clinton has widened her lead in the popular vote. The hashtags #AuditTheVote and #AuditTheElection have become rallying cries for supporters of Mrs. Clinton who are directing people to flood the Justice Department with phone calls about voting irregularities." -- today's New York Times
Join us! Make your own protest -- call or write the Justice Department today!
Join us! Make your own protest -- call or write the Justice Department today!
8
The "Lock Her Up" trope was disgusting and cynical, forget about the fact that he has and had no legal power to do it. He should apologize to Clinton and to the plurality of the electorate that voted for her.
7
“If you wish to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver nothing.” - Napoleon Bonaparte
9
What exactly did he mean? It isn't clear and invites speculation. As usual, Trump says something that is open to interpretation, then the media pounces with their spin and open ended questions, leaving everyone more confused rather than less. The dynamic resembles a psychologically dysfunctional relationship. It's like a romance between two narcissists... The media will play it up for all it's worth and whip up outrage while Trump gets to keep everyone off balance, in which he excels and seems to enjoy.
Please keep things in perspective. He has said he will not personally press for an investigation, "We have people who do those things,"... End of story. It's certainly for the best that he lay off the issue. The "inquiry" (nicer word than "investigation") into the Clinton Foundation continues. The IRS is investigating it, too. Trump never had the power to do much either way.
One wishes Trump and the media could enter relationship counseling for the sake of the country.
Please keep things in perspective. He has said he will not personally press for an investigation, "We have people who do those things,"... End of story. It's certainly for the best that he lay off the issue. The "inquiry" (nicer word than "investigation") into the Clinton Foundation continues. The IRS is investigating it, too. Trump never had the power to do much either way.
One wishes Trump and the media could enter relationship counseling for the sake of the country.
2
Never fear, Hillary haters. There's always the T-Party House committee chairmen who no doubt are still drooling over the chance to make her life a living hell to the very end. Also, it's just possible that Trump has been advised by Comey that there is nothing there.
4
Trump is the epitome of the classic "snake oil salesman" and the politician that promises "a chicken in every pot". The problem is, when do you take him seriously? Regardless of what he says there will always be a cloud of doubt as to his sincerity. How will we ever know what his true beliefs are much less his motives. In my lifetime I have never seen the public so taken with someone as bombastic as Trump. "I know more than the generals"! Really? “The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary — but also at many polling places". That one disappeared the moment he won. There is no end to the bogus things that Trump uttered during the campaign and I still ask, at what point do you start believing what he says?
4
Better worry about your own accusations first! She has been cleared of all so get over it!
5
If Trump turns out to serve reasonably, that will not excuse a decision to support him during the election as far as I am concerned. To me, the ends do not justify the means. Accusing Sec. Clinton of criminal conduct, where there never has been any legal basis to do so, in order to curry favor with misinformed voters or voters unconcerned with the facts was an unethical and inappropriate campaign tactic. It was only one of many employed by Trump, his surrogates, and other Clinton opponents.
6
It's pretty obvious what his constituency elected him to do: they elected him because he is not black, or female, or liberal. He's an old, white, rich man in the position of ultimate world power. This has restored the balance for them in making white privilege and power visible again, and I honestly believe beyond that most of his supporters don't care at all whether he follows up on a single campaign promise, whether it be going after Hillary or not.
10
Why was this normalized away in the election.
Trump repeatedly said he would call for a special prosecutor to pursue Hillary. He was answered with "jail her, jail her" from his adoring crowds.
Anybody who knows the criminal justice system that this is not how justice works in America. It is how it works in Russia. It is considered impropper in most democracies for a political figure to have an opinion on a matter before the courts.
Did the media call him out for this?
Not a chance. They had the email scandal in their collective teeth and where not be be distracted from that by a mere legal issue. Donnie sold papers so he was repeated verbatim, daily by the news services. No matter how outrageous.
He called for the militant gun faction, the 2nd amendment types, to take her down if she was elected. He said they where the last line of defense for the 2nd as she was going to repeal it.
It she could click her fingers and make that so! This was never called out. How does one amend the constitution, it is not a click of the fingers.
The media dropped that one too.
Now we have his electorate who he is now telling he won't do this or cannot do that. Their anger was present at all of his rallies!
Will they go peacefully into the night?
I hope for everyones sake they do.
God bless America.
Trump repeatedly said he would call for a special prosecutor to pursue Hillary. He was answered with "jail her, jail her" from his adoring crowds.
Anybody who knows the criminal justice system that this is not how justice works in America. It is how it works in Russia. It is considered impropper in most democracies for a political figure to have an opinion on a matter before the courts.
Did the media call him out for this?
Not a chance. They had the email scandal in their collective teeth and where not be be distracted from that by a mere legal issue. Donnie sold papers so he was repeated verbatim, daily by the news services. No matter how outrageous.
He called for the militant gun faction, the 2nd amendment types, to take her down if she was elected. He said they where the last line of defense for the 2nd as she was going to repeal it.
It she could click her fingers and make that so! This was never called out. How does one amend the constitution, it is not a click of the fingers.
The media dropped that one too.
Now we have his electorate who he is now telling he won't do this or cannot do that. Their anger was present at all of his rallies!
Will they go peacefully into the night?
I hope for everyones sake they do.
God bless America.
5
Trump may just be waiting until January 20th to relaunch the investigation into Clinton's emails and Foundation. By saying now that he's dropping it he placates Clinton supporters, appears to unify the nation, and gives Obama no reason to pardon her. At the same time, his fanatic Alt-Right (or should we just call it what it really is?) base believes he's just biding his time, "playing the long game," as they put it, and therefore do not withdraw their support of him. It may be naive to assume that Trump was going to follow through on his campaign promises. But it's equally naive (if not more so) to assume he means what he says now.
5
This whole business is absurd. First, when he made the threat during the debate, he sounded like a tin pot dictator from a banana republic. And now, in rescinding the threat, he is presenting it as a matter of good will, rather than admitting that the threat he made had no place in the way our country functions, or did before he became president-elect.
And last, I wonder if he will change his mind should Mrs. Clinton choose to challenge the results in 3 states due to possible tampering via electronic voting machines.
What a Kafkaesque country we have become.
And last, I wonder if he will change his mind should Mrs. Clinton choose to challenge the results in 3 states due to possible tampering via electronic voting machines.
What a Kafkaesque country we have become.
9
How telling is it, that donations to Clinton Foundation and its heirs & assigns are down by 37%, or more? It's like when you're newly divorced, and no longer invited to gatherings of married couples. Like "An Unmarried Woman," by Mazursky. Remember?
2
Which of your fake news sites did you go to for your information, Charles?
5
Of course not. She has not committed any crimes. All the lies were part of undermining her campaign. What should really happen is that Hillary sues him for defamation of character.
8
Do not pay any attention to what he says. Only what he does and with whom he surrounds himself. His words are feints and jabs.
4
Donald's got in spades what Cyrano de Bergerac praised so much: "Panache." The Europeans will swoon.
Did Trump really take HIllary off the hook?
Has anyone actually read the hilarious transcripts of the Times meeting?
The pretense that this was cogent interchange approached farce.
As this theater of the absurd ploughed on, Pinch sounded more and more Trumpian.
Trump, by contrast, sounded like the oracle at Delphi. Read his equivocations—uh, prophesies—carefully. He is NOT, for example, predicting no prosecution of the crooked queen.
Friedman vs Trump was perhaps the most probing and cogent moment. Good questions by Friedman. And coherence from Trump.
The prez-elect ultimately left Friedman speechless as to the windmill's net environmental impact, portraying it as a weapon of mass destruction, net polluter, and bad for the balance of trade. (Made exclusively by Siemens & China, he said.)
Trump defused Friedman's retort—(an SC GE wind turbine plant)—noting it was an assembly-only operation.
He answered (to laughter) Friedman's robotics-taking-away-manufacturing-jobs question with "we'll make the robots."
I was waiting for Friedman to counter with "the robots will make the robots ad infinitum," but it never came.
Has anyone actually read the hilarious transcripts of the Times meeting?
The pretense that this was cogent interchange approached farce.
As this theater of the absurd ploughed on, Pinch sounded more and more Trumpian.
Trump, by contrast, sounded like the oracle at Delphi. Read his equivocations—uh, prophesies—carefully. He is NOT, for example, predicting no prosecution of the crooked queen.
Friedman vs Trump was perhaps the most probing and cogent moment. Good questions by Friedman. And coherence from Trump.
The prez-elect ultimately left Friedman speechless as to the windmill's net environmental impact, portraying it as a weapon of mass destruction, net polluter, and bad for the balance of trade. (Made exclusively by Siemens & China, he said.)
Trump defused Friedman's retort—(an SC GE wind turbine plant)—noting it was an assembly-only operation.
He answered (to laughter) Friedman's robotics-taking-away-manufacturing-jobs question with "we'll make the robots."
I was waiting for Friedman to counter with "the robots will make the robots ad infinitum," but it never came.
4
Clinton has been called guilty of treason essentially in the court of public opinion. She has a right to defend herself in a real court to clear her name and rebuild her reputation. To allow him to walk away is to leave her reputation tarnished and hence the judgement and moral character of all Democrats who supported suspect.
2
Isn't it obvious ?
By saying he won't pursue investigations into Clinton's ethics, he's also lowering the bar for his own ethics and conflict of interest violations. Meanwhile he and his wolf-pack associates are using his new position to push through a range of deals that will make anything Clinton abetted seem like selling loose cigarettes on the street corner.
By saying he won't pursue investigations into Clinton's ethics, he's also lowering the bar for his own ethics and conflict of interest violations. Meanwhile he and his wolf-pack associates are using his new position to push through a range of deals that will make anything Clinton abetted seem like selling loose cigarettes on the street corner.
10
What Trump continues to do is to cast doubt on our government - the FBI and countless hours of testimony over a private email server, resulting in no criminal behavior, and recognition that other Secretaries of State have used similar servers - nope, not enough for Trump, the insider outsider who needed a target to whip his gullible base into a frenzy. So Trump says he knows more than the generals, knows more than the FBI, knows more than the most qualified and experienced presidential nominee ever - except that he shows that he does not know the very basics of the Constitution, the government, or even what the job of the US President entails. He knows only how to sell himself to the gullible - and that hucksterism is not enough to guide, lead or even advise the US for a single day. It would take a mature, professional person with a small amount of intelligence to realize that, and to resign now rather than risk holding this nation back - but Trump is not mature, not professional, and has even less intelligence. He only wanted a TV network where no one would fire him, as NBC did. He should go have that online, somewhere, where he can ooze lies and poison all day to entertain those seeking such vile garbage. We know that the votes in at least 4 swing states were tampered with - and we request that Pres Obama, Hillary Clinton and Attorney Lynch get a vote audit in those states. One county in Wisconsin reports 1178 more votes than voters - so the hackers were not perfect. HELP!
6
Cue the usual VSPs to stroke their chins and comment on what a statesman-like move this is on the part of Trump. Then they'll throw in some serious sounding cliche's, such as "pivot," and all the stupidity and demagoguery of the campaign will be forgotten.
3
" A president ordering the F.B.I. to stop a politically sensitive case would be a major scandal."
You've got to be kidding. Not a single "major scandal" seemed to dent Trump in the slightest. Those are so twentieth century.
You've got to be kidding. Not a single "major scandal" seemed to dent Trump in the slightest. Those are so twentieth century.
2
Trump simply demonstrated what's been happening for a while now, he just did it with absolute 0% sugar coating.
Half of this country's minds, when it comes to politics, don't go any further than "My team is winning, yayyyy!" and "My team is losing, booooo!!". Just like a football team with a cheering section. The actual words means nothing, it's all about feeling good. That's it. Feelings.
Whether or not someone follows through on what they say doesn't matter to Trump supporters at all, and it never will. As long as they feel like their man is winning - nothing else matters. It is truly just like civic pride one may feel to their sports team. It makes them feel really really good because much of the rest of their life isn't that great. While, in reality, it essentially takes their money and provides no economic benefit to them at all.
That's essentially what a sports team is - a way to fool yourself into feeling like something good happened to you and those you love, while something bad happened to those you hate. At even the most cursory examination, it's all just fabricated loyalties -- but it's very real when you look at how much sports teams are worth.
Half of this country's minds, when it comes to politics, don't go any further than "My team is winning, yayyyy!" and "My team is losing, booooo!!". Just like a football team with a cheering section. The actual words means nothing, it's all about feeling good. That's it. Feelings.
Whether or not someone follows through on what they say doesn't matter to Trump supporters at all, and it never will. As long as they feel like their man is winning - nothing else matters. It is truly just like civic pride one may feel to their sports team. It makes them feel really really good because much of the rest of their life isn't that great. While, in reality, it essentially takes their money and provides no economic benefit to them at all.
That's essentially what a sports team is - a way to fool yourself into feeling like something good happened to you and those you love, while something bad happened to those you hate. At even the most cursory examination, it's all just fabricated loyalties -- but it's very real when you look at how much sports teams are worth.
2
Unfortunately, the very real damage is done. Winning isn't everything when you trash the very foundations of our political system.
6
Yes, we all hope, but regardless of how he softens and accommodates,
let us never forget that our new President-elect is a disgrace to the Office, an embarrassment to our country.
He has not one personality trait that any decent parent would wish on their children. He attained his position through conspiracy-theorizing and flat-out lying. He made promises to a hopeful and gullible America that he knew had no intentions of fulfilling.
Donald J. Trump is nothing more than a ten-cent carny huckster. He should wear a plaid suit.
Eliot Riskin, Riverside, CT contributed this comment.
let us never forget that our new President-elect is a disgrace to the Office, an embarrassment to our country.
He has not one personality trait that any decent parent would wish on their children. He attained his position through conspiracy-theorizing and flat-out lying. He made promises to a hopeful and gullible America that he knew had no intentions of fulfilling.
Donald J. Trump is nothing more than a ten-cent carny huckster. He should wear a plaid suit.
Eliot Riskin, Riverside, CT contributed this comment.
7
More than likely Giuliani or some other advisor with a legal background told Trump that the FBI was right as a matter of law not to bring charges against Clinton on the email questions and that there are no violations of law involved with the Clinton Foundation.
Furthermore, questions about impropriety, like "pay to play", will only highlight own Trump's dubious dealings. Congress could actually do something to make these arrangements unlawful. But they won't because they all benefit.
Trump may like conspiracy theories but he doesn't completely live in the same fantasy land that some of his supporters do.
Furthermore, questions about impropriety, like "pay to play", will only highlight own Trump's dubious dealings. Congress could actually do something to make these arrangements unlawful. But they won't because they all benefit.
Trump may like conspiracy theories but he doesn't completely live in the same fantasy land that some of his supporters do.
1
"I JUST SAID IT TO GET ELECTED." That's Trump's real answer for all his broken promises. He has no principles. He only knows how to promote himself. His election hastens the decline of America. I am ashamed that so many of my fellow Americans voted for this man. This is in stark contrast to the pride I felt when the Obamas got off Air Force 1 on their first visit to Europe
7
Dear Mr. Trump, I would tweet or youtube video you, except I don't tweet and or do video. I don't know if this will reach you, and if it does, if it will anger you. I had second thoughts about posting this. After all, now as President, you know how to reach me. Thank you for not putting Hillary Clinton or former President Clinton in prison. I know you can still change your mind, or some one in your administration, or Congress can now pursue putting either one or both in prison now and succeed. What a great country or what? I never was part of the mob that wanted to put former President Bush and members of his administration on trial for war crimes, let alone put them away in Cuba. I accepted what the Supreme Court ruled as the winner of the Gore - Bush campaign. Just as accept that you won this election, even though Hillary Clinton received over 2 million votes than you. And that the Russians seemed to dictate the outcome. I never for once thought that the election would be rigged. Especially rigged against Hillary. Did I mention what a great country this is? Anyway, as I said, you know how to reach me, so please don't put me in prison. People around town are sporting Hillary for Prison shirts. Do I need to don one? Good Luck! As President success in life, as well as business, is guaranteed for the rest of your life. Thank you for affirming my beliefs in democracy. Sincerely, Peter
3
I do not find this a comforting trend. As we have a system with at least some checks and balances, Trump does not wield the power to throw Hillary in jail for alleged infractions that have been previously and exhaustively examined.
Because he has no experience with public service--and notably, no one he trusts except for family (cue the Godfather music), Donald Trump is parading people before the press and "leaking" potential candidates to see the reaction of the press and the electorate.
Welcome to the new political reality show--the Trump-dashians.
Because he has no experience with public service--and notably, no one he trusts except for family (cue the Godfather music), Donald Trump is parading people before the press and "leaking" potential candidates to see the reaction of the press and the electorate.
Welcome to the new political reality show--the Trump-dashians.
3
It's a political move. For now he doesn't wish to energize the opposition. Hillary won the popular vote by a significant amount and Trump has no clear mandate, just the good fortune of his party controlling both houses of Congress.
While he figures out how to grapple with all his own international business ties, it would not be good to remind the public of her alleged digressions. He is just saying that for the moment don't expect anything from him on this, debate promise or not. And, it is up to the Judiciary or the Congress to pursue prosecution, so all he has backed off on is requesting a special independent prosecutor. If the country is going to be put through a protracted trial that may or may not result in a conviction, he probably doesn't want it to be on him. He would prefer it be on the Justice Dept. or the Congress.
While he figures out how to grapple with all his own international business ties, it would not be good to remind the public of her alleged digressions. He is just saying that for the moment don't expect anything from him on this, debate promise or not. And, it is up to the Judiciary or the Congress to pursue prosecution, so all he has backed off on is requesting a special independent prosecutor. If the country is going to be put through a protracted trial that may or may not result in a conviction, he probably doesn't want it to be on him. He would prefer it be on the Justice Dept. or the Congress.
1
President-elect Trump will have made a grave error if he does not let the legal process go forward against Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Crime Family Foundation. He should not preempt the considered judgment of the Department of Justice and FBI after an investigation to determine the extent of criminality. He can always use a pardon to prevent sentencing, but, at a minimum, the Clintons should be compelled to pay millions of dollars in fines for their acceptance of donations and phony speaking fees while Clinton was Secretary of State. The laws and regulations governing what federal employees may accept couldn't be more clear, and the Clintons wilfully broke the law.
1
It brightens my day that your blood pressure is spiking over yet another of Trump's reversals, Leo. Thanks for commenting. And, since I hope you return regularly to bleat and moan about all of Trump's predictable reversals, please don't eat too much greasy stuffing or dark meat. Because hatred of the Clinton's on too full a stomach could cause bring on some some really dis-HEART-ening changes for you.
3
No matter how badly or well he does as President, Donald Trump has already ruined a great deal of what many of us have always loved about our country: that it is a nation of laws, not men. That you are elected to serve all the people. That all public and political discourse should be rational and informative.
Such a coarsening of our politics and our culture is truly deplorable, and after eight years of a wonderful, scandal free, intelligent and rational president, to descend to this ill-bred man is even more deplorable.
Such a coarsening of our politics and our culture is truly deplorable, and after eight years of a wonderful, scandal free, intelligent and rational president, to descend to this ill-bred man is even more deplorable.
7
th clintons attended his wedding to mel
theyre old friends
th lock her up was theatrics for th rubes
1
The statement by Trump that he does not want to hurt the Clintons is that of a king in a monarchy or of a despot in a dictatorship. Even if democracy in the US is far from ideal, it is still a democracy and a nation by based on the rules of law.
It is now up the media, not to be cowered by power, to do its job to report on the potential abuses of power and conflict on interests that are pre-ordained to happen under the Trump administration and to inform the American people.
It is now up the media, not to be cowered by power, to do its job to report on the potential abuses of power and conflict on interests that are pre-ordained to happen under the Trump administration and to inform the American people.
2
If Obama can pardon a turkey, he can pardon Clinton, and end our long national nightmare.
1
And so the backpedaling begins. Yes, non-educated white male electorate, your uniformed decisions will soon be manifested before Trump's first term (if it goes that long). Lesson learned? Pay attention and stay in school.
6
There's nothing to lock her up for. There never was and media, like the NYT, should have made that abundantly clear, but they hedged.
9
May those whose comments try to assure us that all candidates engage in the same kind of hyperbole during a campaign prove correct with Trump. His contempt for truth, for separation of his private business from leadership of the country, his bullying, boasting of groping women, all suggest otherwise.
5
You know, whether Trump locks up Hillary or not, it might be a good idea to set up a special prison for political prisoners - just have a feeling that we will be needing a political prison (a large one) over the next few years.
Trump Moves to Diversify His Cabinet except for women
and I ask why so?
and I ask why so?
2
Maybe what they actually said was "help her heel". That may explain a few things.
2
Remember George Bush's "Read my lips. No new taxis"
""help her heel" may explain a few things."
Her political instability?
Her political instability?
We the " Deplorables " that Liberals and the media thought were stupid...well a lot of us knew that,,deportation squads,,,walls,,,jail for Hillary,,water boarding ..was never going to happen.
We knew it all along..See we heard Trump differently than the Elitists that talk down to us.
Trump has all of you tripped and mixed up.
Do not be shocked if we see Jeb make a visit soon and I bet the phone call was made already.
We knew it all along..See we heard Trump differently than the Elitists that talk down to us.
Trump has all of you tripped and mixed up.
Do not be shocked if we see Jeb make a visit soon and I bet the phone call was made already.
1
Dont worry by the time Mr Trumper sets his agenda to get richer , we will be yelling "lock him up" .. they may !!
3
Trump will seek to unite a severely divided nation in the same way his repulsive and criminal predecessor George Bush did: by starting another illegal war of aggression based exclusively on lies. The chance of global annihilation at the hands of these deranged fanatics is very very real.
7
This is just another indication of what a pack of illiterate suckers Trump voters are. That anyone would have voted for such a demeaning, evasive (where is YOUR tax information, Mr. trump???), divisive, and fantasy-driven candidate is an appalling indication of how intractable our philosophical divide is as a nation. There is NO healing in sight, especially when less than half of the electorate chose a new president who wants to poison my air and water, give away my public lands, and take away affordable health care from my young adult children. -- Not My President, in any way whatsoever, except as a symbol of how embarrassing it is to be an American in the eyes of the sane and compassionate elements of the global population.
7
I believe that some right wing nut case with continue to try to prosecute Hilary Clinton. Ms. Clinton is the epitome of well educated, strong, highly successful women, which the frightened lunatic fringe, old white men hate.. this desiccated group who are limping into the sunset want to make an example out of her and will do anything to put her in jail. Don't hold your breath, if you think that trump or his henchmen wouldn't go after her..
6
Yesterday(?), T said he'd let Clinton slide
- she'd already done the 'perp walk'
I said, 'no good deed goes unpunished'
Today she is contesting the election
Readers?
- she'd already done the 'perp walk'
I said, 'no good deed goes unpunished'
Today she is contesting the election
Readers?
She's contesting the election? Really? Who whispered that to you, Fortress? Breitbart?
1
So low information are they, his most fervent voters may not even realize he's moved on from the rabble rousing. They spend as much time evaluating presidential candidates as they do picking their favorites on reality TV shows. These are the boobs H.L Mencken described, the same ones the Republicans have so assiduously distributed in gerrymandered electoral districts, so they could win all three branches of government, when the totals of the votes were majority Democratic, as they will be for the foreseeable future. Now they get to pack the Court for the next generation or so. Did Comey realize the power he had, given Hilary's unpopularity? Unbelievable...
2
There's also the unspoken quid pro quo
1
Why in the world does anyone believe the "softer" stuff now coming from Trump? On torture, why wouldn't he say "we won't do it" and then do it secretly? If and when caught, claim the necessities of national security? On Clinton, why not say "don't worry" so Obama doesn't pardon her in advance before he leaves office?
The only things that count are what he does; there is no rational reason to believe one thing he says. In fact, the rational approach, based on his past credibility, is to disbelieve everything he says until we SEE action consistent with what he's "assured," "promised," "guaranteed," or just said.
The only things that count are what he does; there is no rational reason to believe one thing he says. In fact, the rational approach, based on his past credibility, is to disbelieve everything he says until we SEE action consistent with what he's "assured," "promised," "guaranteed," or just said.
6
REALITY: trump will not pursue the private server case but the other FBI cases will continue with a possible indictment by the justice dept
2
"Was ever woman in this manner wooed? Was ever woman in this manner won? I'll have her, but I'll not keep her long." -- Richard III
Donald will be less forgiving of co-conspirator Loretta Lynch, I bet.
Donald will be less forgiving of co-conspirator Loretta Lynch, I bet.
2
Trump is obviously ignorant about legal process. Not a good trait for the chief enforcer of the Constitution.
7
The Chief Enforcer is named Chief Justice John Roberts. He who enforced ObamaCare on an unwitting populace.
Wondering how Cher, Miley Cyrus, Sarah Silverman, Joy Behar, Madonna, Harvey Weinstein, David Geffen, and Robbie Mook are adjusting to life in Ontario and British Columbia, eh? Excellent health care, and 3-month waiting list, etc.
3
At the end of the day. it is what politicians do. Say one thing do another.
Take that Mr lap dog Comey. You are simply a useful idiot to Trump. Ready for your next set of orders from on high?
6
mjohns--No, Comey is out. He got his golden parachute, and is headed for a sunny retirement in an undisclosed location.
3
so no one considers this to be a ploy, extortion to prevent clinton or her surrogates from investigating evidence of fraudulent voting in the swing states?
10
Robert--Democrats should pursue a recount. No doubt about it.
5
Finally a worthy investigation and done With the proverbial "Fine Tooth Comb"
Those out of the way places in the swing states are most likely easiest to hack. All they needed is a razor thin margin.
The electoral college has become the Gerrymandering of the entire nation.
If every single Californian voted for Hillary, their votes are meaningless.
And they DO pay taxes ! Their votes? Forget about it. How can this be?
Those out of the way places in the swing states are most likely easiest to hack. All they needed is a razor thin margin.
The electoral college has become the Gerrymandering of the entire nation.
If every single Californian voted for Hillary, their votes are meaningless.
And they DO pay taxes ! Their votes? Forget about it. How can this be?
1
The media is still getting played, just like you were played during the campaign.He won't go after Hillary, but his Attorney General sure will. He is unsure about climate change, but he appoints a climate change denier to run the EPA. Quit living in fantasy land and hold him and his administration accountable.
15
Re Professor Rory Little's view of a president's decision to halt an investigation not being "out of step with constitutional constraints":
I thought the president could only pardon someone who has been convicted through due process of law.
Correctly or incorrectly, halting any investigation, whenever and wherever, will eternally be seen as a coverup.
I wasn't aware that the founders sought such power for the executive.
I thought the president could only pardon someone who has been convicted through due process of law.
Correctly or incorrectly, halting any investigation, whenever and wherever, will eternally be seen as a coverup.
I wasn't aware that the founders sought such power for the executive.
1
God help us. NYT readers and the public in general need a Civics lesson:
1. This is a constructive PARDON - got it? Repeat a constructive Pardon.
2. There need be no indictment, charge or conviction - a President can issue a pardon regardless.
Man Oh Manischewitz what's a mother do to with all of you uninformed folks with big opinions??
1. This is a constructive PARDON - got it? Repeat a constructive Pardon.
2. There need be no indictment, charge or conviction - a President can issue a pardon regardless.
Man Oh Manischewitz what's a mother do to with all of you uninformed folks with big opinions??
2
Publius--Nixon was never convicted of anything. Nor will be Hillary Clinton, not that I see any similarities between the two. HE was a crook, SHE is not, no matter what stupid things are said by alt-righters. Either way, the current president was trying to, and is enabled to, protect the accused. I would have loved to see Nixon go to jail. What a truly wretched person.
2
Well, I see all the haters and name callers are still going full bore. Reading the transcript of Trump's meeting with the Times staff, it was disappointing to see attempts to link Trump with some group of white nationalists meeting in Washington, D. C.
Sulzberger's "reset" to return to fact based journalism was a lot of hot air and it looks like the new President will be facing at least four years of snide comments and Hillary trolls on the Times' blogs and comments.
Sulzberger's "reset" to return to fact based journalism was a lot of hot air and it looks like the new President will be facing at least four years of snide comments and Hillary trolls on the Times' blogs and comments.
4
"Well, I see all the haters"
Look, there's one now!
Look, there's one now!
living in Scotland we were stunned when the Donald got elected I should not have been immigration and jobs worked for him just as it did in our eu referendum when brexit won for me that is a disaster difference you can vote him out in 4 years we are stuck with brexit
3
Ms. Conway is just doing her job - a marketing professional selling an amorphous, shifting product.
However she is not blameless in the dangerous and damaging distortions she has created, spread and amplified through a pliant media.
When the history is written on the continuing hysteria, people like Ms. Conway must be held to account.
However she is not blameless in the dangerous and damaging distortions she has created, spread and amplified through a pliant media.
When the history is written on the continuing hysteria, people like Ms. Conway must be held to account.
9
The Nuremberg trials settled the issue that "just following orders" or "just doing one's job" is no defense.
Ms. Conway is morally responsible for everything she says and does. She's an expert at gaslighting the American public, and she's the Goebbels of this Administration.
Ms. Conway is morally responsible for everything she says and does. She's an expert at gaslighting the American public, and she's the Goebbels of this Administration.
2
Why is the media making so much of this? It's not his job as president to lock people up or investigate them.
4
They're media. That's what they do, broken only by bouts of self-flagellation and blame-shifting.
2
but, see, millions of his supporters thought so
thats th issue
1
Reading these articles is like watching someone stomp his foot and insist(!) there is a problem where there very often isn't one. This must be what a bitter media looks like. It has no perspective and refuses to let go of its animus.
Trump doesn't want to harass Mrs. Clinton because he knows that there's nothing to pursue except the defeat of this exceptional woman. Now that the GOP has destroyed any hope of having anything but a puppet for President there's no more need to continue their vast Right Wing Conspiracy. They "won". America lost.
9
He didn't drop anything. He is just anesthetizing the situation before the E-college vote and inauguration. The FBI and DOJ will make those decisions, which he knows full well.
When will people give Trump credit for being smart?
When will people give Trump credit for being smart?
3
hitler was a diabolical genius
oddly, th judge who sentenced ted bundy to death called him th same
trump is an evil cunning underhanded scheming diabolical genius
1
Hillary Clinton made a grave mistake whether her followers choose to believe it or not. I suggest they read the Constitution annals and then make a decision about the fraudulent Clinton Foundation. I think President elect Trump's decision about dropping the matter may lessen the anger and it shows he is human. I have always thought his bark was worse than his bite. He is trying to align himself for a difficult job in a nation with a 20 trillion dollar debt. No one can blame that on him.
2
And his recognition that more people (2 million and counting) voted against him than for him. As far and the "fraudulent" Clinton Foundation, that is yet to be seen. However, DJT has already been found to have had his hand in the Trump Foundation cookie jar.
1
I am heartened by Mr. Trump's decision. He has shown grace and humanity in his handling of the Clinton e-mail and foundation questions. She deserves it. As Mr. Trump said on election night--the country owes her a great deal of gratitude for her service.
4
Always chuckled at the moronic "lock her up" chant. He's already demonstrating when you are of no further use to him - like his voters - he dumps you.
12
Who has been dumped? Be specific, lest I lump you in with the Democrat panelists on Anderson Cooper, esp. Christine Quinn, Sgt. at Arms.
2
Trump fears losing face and being exposed as a carnival barker who ran a shell game of a campaign. This is the most important sentence in this article: "The investigation into Mrs. Clinton’s emails is already closed and, while the one into her family’s foundation remains open, senior F.B.I. officials and career Justice Department officials have said there is little evidence justifying moving forward with a case." I'd love to see it move forward, so Secretary Clinton may clear her good name.
7
I too would like to see the matter fully aired out, not because I think the Clintons are without fault, but because I want to know the real background by which fully 20% of our uranium assets went to Russia while huge amounts of money ended up in the Clinton Foundation. The looting of the Haitian relieft funds is another matter that deserves a very thorough examination.
4
You'd better let the FBI know this, they have been waiting to hear from you.
1
Clear the decks, DOJ, because the Trump Train is about to arrive, with more corruption than Nixon, Reagan and both Bushes combined. Look on the train for the Russian, Chinese and German banks that Trump Inc owes hundreds of millions to - and how those debts are going to be paid off by destroying interests of the US. TPP - gone - there the Chinese are happy! The Russians were involved in the Trump rise to disgrace from the start - now Putin can determine NATO's future, troop size and where the fleet goes. Syria, Ukraine, you are destroyed, no one to prevent Putin's plans for you, Trump's debt more important than millions of lives. The German banks will also get their pound of flesh - and the profits from the poorly run "infrastructure" rebuilding that Trump will champion - like Cheney (one of the dark powers so loved by Bannon)- billionaires will grow richer due to these messes. As for the lowly, disenfranchised Trump voters - outta luck, suckers. You will lose your Soc Security, Medicare, homes, and any sad little futures you hoped for - Trump Train only loves the rich, uses the poor, and leaves those who don't make a profit for Trump on the station platforms, wondering why they don't matter. We are looking forward to the impeachment of Trump, and the running of the rats who will disown him to save themselves. Putin will enjoy it too, be sure - he wins either way. Such are the power of lies.
I'd much prefer it if Trump were telling the truth about his intention to jail Hillary and lying about his intention to undo the Iranian nuclear deal and reverse all action on climate change, signalling full speed ahead into the abyss.
2
Trump energized these desperate voters w/ his false promises but he has not yet realized that a short time from now, they will turn on him like a pack of vipers when he cannot deliver the goods and services they are expected to get. He, still, doesn't know who he is dealing with when he traded what is left of his soul to a pack of devils in exchange for the post as Head of States. He is going to get what is due to him.
4
Law enforcement investigators need only one element of a conspiracy, That said, they are plenty out there so who needs to follow Hillary around the house?
1
The USA election was hacked just enough to steal the vote
https://www.change.org/p/demand-an-audit-of-the-2016-presidential-election
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-statisticia...
https://www.change.org/p/demand-an-audit-of-the-2016-presidential-election
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-statisticia...
6
Trump is framing this as something gracious he is doing, instead of honestly admitting that Clinton REALLY HAS DONE NOTHING CRIMINAL!
What does he want - for Clinton to kiss his ring? Probably!
In recent days, Trump has stretched or broken more rules and laws than most of us can count. He is openly, arrogantly defying Laws on a clean separation of his business interests and Presidential duties. He's been told from day one that should he become President, he would have to do it. No choice. Now that we are here, he is claiming that it has always been understood that the two would always have to be mixed, and that his win was a form of referendum on the issue.
There is so much wrong with this type of thinking, I hardly know where to begin:
He does not get to make up his own Law, or chose which Laws to follow! This is the first rule of the Demagogue/Dictator: they make their own laws or ignore what does not suit them.
He is bringing his kids into key meetings, or talking of giving them important roles.
He really has not idea how to be President. Instead of hiring the Best of the Best as promised, he is hiring his friends and hanger-ons. This was why some would not vote for Clinton, fear that she would do this. He is also spending time planning "victory tours," looking for more adulation. Seriously?
He has critical business ties to Russia. How can we allow his needs and pursuits to override the national interest! Nobody is above the Law!
Nobody forced him to be President!
What does he want - for Clinton to kiss his ring? Probably!
In recent days, Trump has stretched or broken more rules and laws than most of us can count. He is openly, arrogantly defying Laws on a clean separation of his business interests and Presidential duties. He's been told from day one that should he become President, he would have to do it. No choice. Now that we are here, he is claiming that it has always been understood that the two would always have to be mixed, and that his win was a form of referendum on the issue.
There is so much wrong with this type of thinking, I hardly know where to begin:
He does not get to make up his own Law, or chose which Laws to follow! This is the first rule of the Demagogue/Dictator: they make their own laws or ignore what does not suit them.
He is bringing his kids into key meetings, or talking of giving them important roles.
He really has not idea how to be President. Instead of hiring the Best of the Best as promised, he is hiring his friends and hanger-ons. This was why some would not vote for Clinton, fear that she would do this. He is also spending time planning "victory tours," looking for more adulation. Seriously?
He has critical business ties to Russia. How can we allow his needs and pursuits to override the national interest! Nobody is above the Law!
Nobody forced him to be President!
6
GW, take a look at your calendar and realize that Trump is almost two full months away from actually being president, no why not cool your jets and see what the man does before he takes office on January 20th.
2
I already have. Did you read my comment? Trump has been "busy" making choices, and making statements. I am reacting to what he has done since the election.
Exactly how long should I wait? The entire "Trump Excuse" among the Faithful from Day One has been, "Just give the man some time. He will 'pivot' and become Presidential." He has not: not once, not ever.
He is taking action already. His actions have meaning. He will be President, for Pete's sake! Everything matters. When will Trump's apologists stop making excuses? How long must we wait?
Did the Right "give Obama a chance?" No, they swore eternal obstruction, which is basically an open act of sedition. Note, they were blaming their war deficit on him around this time back in 2008, after years of telling the nation that "debt doesn't matter" - weeks before he was sworn in!
Some of us have memories. We remember what so many would so quickly and conveniently forget. It's long past time to drop the Double Standard blindness that got us here
Exactly how long should I wait? The entire "Trump Excuse" among the Faithful from Day One has been, "Just give the man some time. He will 'pivot' and become Presidential." He has not: not once, not ever.
He is taking action already. His actions have meaning. He will be President, for Pete's sake! Everything matters. When will Trump's apologists stop making excuses? How long must we wait?
Did the Right "give Obama a chance?" No, they swore eternal obstruction, which is basically an open act of sedition. Note, they were blaming their war deficit on him around this time back in 2008, after years of telling the nation that "debt doesn't matter" - weeks before he was sworn in!
Some of us have memories. We remember what so many would so quickly and conveniently forget. It's long past time to drop the Double Standard blindness that got us here
Trump's benevolence so rich given: Trump's Foundation Self-Dealing; Trump University $25 million settlement; Sexual Assault allegations. Trump/Bondi Florida scandal. Trump business world-wide conflicts of interest.
2
It seems as if many Times readers would prefer that Trump stick by his idiotic pledges to prosecute Hillary, build a wall, deport Muslims, repeal Obamacare, etc. etc. etc. Really, people? Whether you supported Trump or not, the possibility that reason might prevail in that strangely coiffed head of his should give people hope. Instead, it brings out more of the same useless mudslinging that made this election so nauseating from the start. He's headed to the White House whether you like it or not, folks. Wouldn't it make sense to leave the cynicism behind for a day or two and focus on tackling the nation's real problems?
2
It's not that people want him to stick by his pledges. People are pointing out that he is just now learning how ridiculous his pledges were. So his whole fraudulent campaign was built on lies. He suckered his supporters into voting for him; now he doesn't need them anymore, so he's turning his back on them. Do I trust Trump to now do the right thing? Absolutely not. He's clueless. As former employees have pointed out, he doesn't read and he's not inquisitive. He doesn't formulate his own ideas. He simply listens to the last person he talks to. That explains why his positions keep changing.
6
It's a trap, Obama.
1
The threats were not just prosecution. Supporters, including at least one elected official, called for Clinton to be killed (either with or without a trial), and Trump just egged them on.
But, of course, we shouldn't take that seriously. Talk of assassinating the President of the United States is all just good fun -- "locker room" talk, perhaps.
But, of course, we shouldn't take that seriously. Talk of assassinating the President of the United States is all just good fun -- "locker room" talk, perhaps.
8
A quick trip over to Breitbart shows you that a good number of his supporters took him at his word and are very disappointed. Hopefully, they'll have to get used to that feeling.
5
Put aside Trump and even Clinton because a real crime was committed. Email hacking is a real crime with people serving time in prisons for hacking emails. Someone (and you can guess here- Putin, teenagers, Assange, RNC) yet the Congress and the FBI went after Mrs. Clinton. Sort of strange to completely ignore the hackers Who hacked the email account of Mrs Clinton? Who hacked the DNC emails? Could the pardon stop an investigation that may show foreign hackers working with American counterparts- something we will never know since Trump wants it over.
4
This looks like Trump does not want the FBI getting too excited about following the scent of any political criminality too avidly lest they turn their attention to the cornucopia of blood trails leading to himself. Conflicts of interest? We can only hope that's all they'll sniff in the next 4 years.
3
I suppose he realized that a) it was all hot air and b) it would lay the groundwork for his own incarceration in four years.
16
"[Trump] had no intention of pressing for an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server or the financial operations of her family’s foundation."
No intention?
In the yesterday's New York Times interview with Trump, Trump was asked if he definitely NOT prosecute Hillary Clinton. Trump responded NO.
See http://nyti.ms/2gkaEzr
(Search in meeting transcript for "MATTHEW PURDY" to read question and answer.)
No intention?
In the yesterday's New York Times interview with Trump, Trump was asked if he definitely NOT prosecute Hillary Clinton. Trump responded NO.
See http://nyti.ms/2gkaEzr
(Search in meeting transcript for "MATTHEW PURDY" to read question and answer.)
Just as some promised you can keep your doctor and/or your health plan and that rates would be lower some promises are not kept. I do agree that it is not Trump's decision but if you think Obama didn't influence Lynch in not prosecuting Clinton I've got a bridge in Brooklyn for you.
6
It may be a scary thought, but what if the GOP and the deplorables really picked a Democrat in Trump clothing.
2
Lock HIM up! And while we're at it let's see all his cabinets email.
6
SNL: Prescient.
3
Great hypocrisy here today. The liberal elite was outraged when Trump wanted to lock her up, now they complain when he says he won't pursue it. The liberal elite went wild when Trump indicated he might contest election results: now they themselves are sending petitions to electors to derail the electoral college.
You revile Donald Trump, but you are all really wonderful people. Really--wonderful people.
You revile Donald Trump, but you are all really wonderful people. Really--wonderful people.
7
Such a shwell guy. Does this mean he'll be inviting the Clintons to his next wedding?
8
Don't the scales of Justice have equal measures while being blindfolded?
It is a representation that Justice is blind, equally meted out and can not be affected by any one wo\man. ( including and especially a President )
It is a representation that Justice is blind, equally meted out and can not be affected by any one wo\man. ( including and especially a President )
2
What Trump says now doesn't count. Just because he doesn't want to have an uncomfortable conversation with 60 minutes or the New York Times, doesn't mean that once he's in office he won't actually do whatever he pleases -- and, he could easily encourage his buddy Comey to restart the investigation and say, "oh, it had nothing to do with me." ... In short, we're being suckered. Just like we were when he was running for office.
6
He looked mighty comfortable on 60 Minutes, and gave Lesley Stahl way more than she expected. She melted, as did Matt Lauer & Jimmy Fallon before her.
I read with great interest the transcript of Trumps meeting with the NYT and was not surprised to learn that he is slowly adjusting his view of what is within the realm of the realistic and reasonable. This reality show may be be a bit too real.
I was also saddened to read his responses to questions from reporters. He is terribly uninformed on most issues and clearly dodged any unequivocal response. His rambling comments are I suppose not surprising but it would be nice to, just for a second, imagine that his bluster and bombast exhibited on the campaign trail would be replaced by some meagre measure of facts. Alas it was not to be. VP-elect Pence has his work cut out for him and the SNL skit last Saturday night where Baldwins Trump asks if Pence is going to do everything for him is probably very close to the truth.
Remember - you elected him! Time to turn off the news channel and read a few good books, that might help the next 4 years go by more enjoyably.
I was also saddened to read his responses to questions from reporters. He is terribly uninformed on most issues and clearly dodged any unequivocal response. His rambling comments are I suppose not surprising but it would be nice to, just for a second, imagine that his bluster and bombast exhibited on the campaign trail would be replaced by some meagre measure of facts. Alas it was not to be. VP-elect Pence has his work cut out for him and the SNL skit last Saturday night where Baldwins Trump asks if Pence is going to do everything for him is probably very close to the truth.
Remember - you elected him! Time to turn off the news channel and read a few good books, that might help the next 4 years go by more enjoyably.
15
#trump doesn't dare go after #clinton. he has his own pending prosecutions. many computer scientists say it appears the election stolen by hacking scaring voters from polls.
6
If anyone deterred people from voting, it was the New York Times and their daily bag graph showing Hillary with up to a 94% chance of winning. Is that responsible journalism?
Up here in Portland, we have daily demonstrations and vandalism incidents and most of those arrested are from elsewhere and were not even registered to vote.
Up here in Portland, we have daily demonstrations and vandalism incidents and most of those arrested are from elsewhere and were not even registered to vote.
2
Just another example of the rich elites taking care of each other.
3
I've always thought that prosecution of Hillary was a bit over the top; but another solution exists.
Dissolve the notorious (and noxious) Clinton Foundation and distribute its assets to worthy causes.
Confine Bill and Hillary to their house in Chappaqua. Let them live out their lives together in peace and solitude. In that setting they can enjoy each other (and their grandchildren) and not rend the nation with their schemes and plans.
Dissolve the notorious (and noxious) Clinton Foundation and distribute its assets to worthy causes.
Confine Bill and Hillary to their house in Chappaqua. Let them live out their lives together in peace and solitude. In that setting they can enjoy each other (and their grandchildren) and not rend the nation with their schemes and plans.
3
The only people who thought the Clinton Foundation was notorious an d noxious were the alt-right freaks who backed Trump. The assets have been and continue to be distributed to worthy causes.
Try getting your hands on some facts.
And if you are really outraged by sham charities that are used to divert donations to the personal interests of people controlling them, then take a look at the Trump Foundation. Dishonest Donald uses it to pay personal bills and settlements for lawsuits. It's a matter of public record.
Try getting your hands on some facts.
And if you are really outraged by sham charities that are used to divert donations to the personal interests of people controlling them, then take a look at the Trump Foundation. Dishonest Donald uses it to pay personal bills and settlements for lawsuits. It's a matter of public record.
5
Make them live together.
Cruel punishment is not allowed.
Cruel punishment is not allowed.
1
The assets have been and continue to be distributed to worthy causes.
----------------------------
WHO, Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Feed the Poor, Operation Smile, and many other charities and philanthropies do the same, for free.
----------------------------
WHO, Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Feed the Poor, Operation Smile, and many other charities and philanthropies do the same, for free.
Trump and his political handlers exploited the anachronism (Electoral College) to slip Trump through a back door and into position of President Elect.
This maneuver, designed to thwart the Will of the people, was perpetrated over the protests, and the majority Votes of the American people.
Trump is illegitimate. His Con Game goes on. Now more grotesque than ever,
Will the Electoral College protect us? Or will it leave us on a political altar of sacrifice to the charlatans and bigots in our midst, thus proving how useless it is for anything, except for dangerous exploitation.
Trump is playing nice until then. Just wait.
This maneuver, designed to thwart the Will of the people, was perpetrated over the protests, and the majority Votes of the American people.
Trump is illegitimate. His Con Game goes on. Now more grotesque than ever,
Will the Electoral College protect us? Or will it leave us on a political altar of sacrifice to the charlatans and bigots in our midst, thus proving how useless it is for anything, except for dangerous exploitation.
Trump is playing nice until then. Just wait.
3
Getreal, a great name for you. Trump did not create the Electoral College, it is part of our Constitution. You Hillary trolls are sore losers, but losers all the same.
Why don't all you Hillary trolls return to your parents' basement and take a few Xanax or something else to calm you down.
Why don't all you Hillary trolls return to your parents' basement and take a few Xanax or something else to calm you down.
2
I completely agree with you, the electoral college is an established part of this country's democracy, and Trumps win, though technically against the "will of the people" as represented in the popular vote, his win is certainly legitimate.
I hope you also remember that the electoral college still has the ability to elect Hillary Clinton as president (however unlikely that may be). I hope you and many others would be just as eager to defend its legitimacy if it ultimately decided against Trump, in favor of the popular vote.
I hope you also remember that the electoral college still has the ability to elect Hillary Clinton as president (however unlikely that may be). I hope you and many others would be just as eager to defend its legitimacy if it ultimately decided against Trump, in favor of the popular vote.
He can still use the threat to discourage her from filing challenge to his election.
Love him or not, one has to admire the President-Elect's ability to take down an opponent. This has been evident (often in retrospect) throughout this campaign. Even when he seemingly falters, the result seems to ultimately achieve his purpose of inflicting political blows. He certainly has instincts which should give his detractors pause and which might serve very well for the US in the world stage. What might seem impulsive and off-the-cuff later turns out to be shrewd maneuvers to achieve the desired result. In this instance of not pursuing Hillary, he really has not promised anything: Congress, the FBI, and other organizations are still free to pursue any investigation they may choose. Mr. Trump is simply not spear-heading it. And why should he? As he says, there are bigger fish to fry like healthcare and immigration. He manages to appear magnanimous and statesmanlike, while news about this keeps the Hillary issue alive. Really...brilliant, no?
6
One thing about Trump that we should all be able to agree on. Trump is a wild card and you never really know if he'll do what he says he will. I've no doubt Trump will, repeatedly, alienate people across the entire spectrum by the time his term ends.
3
Trump will grant Clinton a pardon if the media keeps persecuting Hillary for forgiving Bill.
Jesus told his in Mather 24:24.
Jesus told his in Mather 24:24.
Plus, he is not completely stupid. There is no case here and he cannot even fabricate one. There never was, as Comey readily admitted. Now that he has used the fake issue to win the election (although it provided a way for people to vote against Hillary without admitting that they were doing so because she is a woman), there is really no motivation to pursue this further.
11
Once again, Trump trumps the New York Times. The headline, "Donald Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation," assumes that he had the right in the first place unilaterally to open such an investigation. Additionally, the phrase "drops threat" suggests that this is somehow a gesture of compassion.
At some point, the Times needs to get ahead of the curve in reporting on Trump and not allow him to keep setting the narrative.
At some point, the Times needs to get ahead of the curve in reporting on Trump and not allow him to keep setting the narrative.
22
Bad headline writing too 'drops threat' can be read as "makes new threat"
Trumps dropped the charges because the charges are phony. His bluff has been called and he folded. Now what’s going on with the wall.
1
Is anybody else starting to think that maybe Trump was a mole for the Democrats planted within the GOP?
2
Good luck with that. Picking Sessions and Bannon
should take care of that particular delusion.
should take care of that particular delusion.
5
What a guy, eh? Such generosity of spirit- How lucky can we be to have a new president with such heart and grace
6
I don't know which I respect more: Trump's heart and grace, or HIllary's unimpeachable integrity, honesty, selflessness, and forthrightness. Tough choice.
1
This was a complete disgrace! People chanting "Lock Her Up" at campaign events, and Trump doing nothing to stop them. Trump saying he would put HRC in jail at the debate. It brought campaign discourse down to a level that we can't crawl back from. Thanks for showing us how classy John McCain is, since he had the opportunity to do the same eight years ago, and he rejected it.
8
"The president-elect essentially said that he had no intention of investigating Hillary Clinton, despite its being a common theme during his campaign."
Yet another broken campaign promise ... and he won't be POTUS for another 60 days or so!
Yet another broken campaign promise ... and he won't be POTUS for another 60 days or so!
4
Trump's word is his bond.
Just ask Ivana and Marla...
Just ask Ivana and Marla...
12
Mr Trump learned to control opponents through intimidation and utterly outrageous bluster tactics from Roy Cohn, Esq. Mr. Cohn was Sen. McCarthy's lawyer during the 50's Red witch hunts.
But once there, I have a deep feeling Mr. trump may likely to act more controlled and intelligent, not as the demagogue we all fear he may be.
It may be unwise to judge him by his tactics because he will keep you off balance that way. Look past that to his actions, not words.
What worries me more are his appointees, who, unlike Mr. Trump, are true believers.
But once there, I have a deep feeling Mr. trump may likely to act more controlled and intelligent, not as the demagogue we all fear he may be.
It may be unwise to judge him by his tactics because he will keep you off balance that way. Look past that to his actions, not words.
What worries me more are his appointees, who, unlike Mr. Trump, are true believers.
6
Her story is an American Tragedy. No matter what she did Fortune's Wheel was spun and fate had to have its say. She was on the wrong side of history against Obama and then Trump. In most cases we write our own story. But in her case the electorate helped it along by setting a higher bar for her than her opponents. It may help explain the historic protests going on around the country as a way to purge the regrets we may have about helping to write her story.
11
This is a truncated headline.
The full headline should read:
"Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation Until His Complete Inability to do the Job Requires Him to Manipulate and Distract His Clueless, Gullible Base with more lies about HRC".
The full headline should read:
"Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation Until His Complete Inability to do the Job Requires Him to Manipulate and Distract His Clueless, Gullible Base with more lies about HRC".
23
And we have a Winnaahhhh!!!
It's either that or invade the wrong Country or Countries.
It's either that or invade the wrong Country or Countries.
1
For perspective, regarding all the emails that are calling Trump's remarks an abuse of power, here are the first couple of paragraphs from a NY Times article calling for President Obama to "Prosecute Torturers and their Bosses":
"Since the day President Obama took office, he has failed to bring to justice anyone responsible for the torture of terrorism suspects — an official government program conceived and carried out in the years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
He did allow his Justice Department to investigate the C.I.A.'s destruction of videotapes of torture sessions and those who may have gone beyond the torture techniques authorized by President George W. Bush. But the investigation did not lead to any charges being filed, or even any accounting of why they were not filed.
Mr. Obama has said multiple times that “we need to look forward as opposed to looking backwards,”"
So, apparently, it is OK to say that it's the president who's seeking prosecution of someone whom he believes has engaged in criminal behavior, I guess because he is, technically, the head of the state police.
"Since the day President Obama took office, he has failed to bring to justice anyone responsible for the torture of terrorism suspects — an official government program conceived and carried out in the years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
He did allow his Justice Department to investigate the C.I.A.'s destruction of videotapes of torture sessions and those who may have gone beyond the torture techniques authorized by President George W. Bush. But the investigation did not lead to any charges being filed, or even any accounting of why they were not filed.
Mr. Obama has said multiple times that “we need to look forward as opposed to looking backwards,”"
So, apparently, it is OK to say that it's the president who's seeking prosecution of someone whom he believes has engaged in criminal behavior, I guess because he is, technically, the head of the state police.
1
A smarter guy would have used the bureaucracy as an out with his base, i.e. saying he's learned some things he wasn't aware of about the limits of prosecuting Clinton and that as POTUS he's to leave those decisions to others. But no, we always knew the biggest problem is going to be power going to this head and how to check that power.
2
Maybe he doesn't want to lock her up because he knows he'd fail at doing so. So, this is just a way of him saving face, backing out of a fight that he knows he'd lose.
14
My hope is that Trump's behavior will help people learn to identify a narcissist and understand what it is to be in a relationship with a narcissist. This completely unsurprising change of focus on Trump's part demonstrates several classic narcissistic characteristics: gaslighting, empty promises made for personal gain, and a lack of an inner core of conviction in favor of achieving one's own immediate gratification.
Never underestimate the damage that can be done by a narcissist.
Never underestimate the damage that can be done by a narcissist.
10
Speaking of pardons Trump could issue, we need to discuss ones Obama can still issue before noon on 1/20/17. Just to be safe I suggest he give a sweeping one to HRC, and while at it, and to be his usual generous self, give one to the president-elect just in case some of his many legal cases turn against him in the future.
Hillary Clinton has not been charged with any crimes. Donald Trump has, and some have yet to come to trial. He was just forced to pay $25 million to victims of his fraudulent Trump University scheme, and there are statutory rape charges and more coming soon.
The very idea that millions of "informed," "educated" Americans consider Clinton a crook and Trump a man of his word (and fit to be president) can only be a symptom of a deep national sickness.
The very idea that millions of "informed," "educated" Americans consider Clinton a crook and Trump a man of his word (and fit to be president) can only be a symptom of a deep national sickness.
14
Its incredible Trump supporters seem to think there is actually a case after the FBI investigation and what was their expectation of the outcome? This special prosecutor would prove she intentionally mishandled classified information? Please.
But I do still have questions, would this special prosecutor charge Colin Powell for also using a private email survey? Would they charge Scott Gration for something criminal? Would they revisit cases where classified documents were leaked intentionally but people got off with light sentences because of their political connects? E.g Petraeus (who may work in the administration) or Scooter Libby. Will they also allow Dick Cheney to be prosecuted of War Crimes in Europe? And once they find they cant actually prosecute, would they have endless more investigations until the republicans leading the investigation clear her name, like the Benghazi committees.
Oh no thats right, it would be a sham investigation more appropriate for a Banana Republic.
But I do still have questions, would this special prosecutor charge Colin Powell for also using a private email survey? Would they charge Scott Gration for something criminal? Would they revisit cases where classified documents were leaked intentionally but people got off with light sentences because of their political connects? E.g Petraeus (who may work in the administration) or Scooter Libby. Will they also allow Dick Cheney to be prosecuted of War Crimes in Europe? And once they find they cant actually prosecute, would they have endless more investigations until the republicans leading the investigation clear her name, like the Benghazi committees.
Oh no thats right, it would be a sham investigation more appropriate for a Banana Republic.
7
Since when does the President investigate anyone? Isn't that for the other branches to undertake? Another example of the man knowing nothing about his job, or assuming he has more power than he does.
6
Not saying others didn't/don't/won't do it.
But it's documented Nixon spoke of it,..on the regular:):)
But it's documented Nixon spoke of it,..on the regular:):)
With some notable recent exceptions, people are not locked up in the USA without first having a trial. Perhaps Trump is getting on-the-job remedial education in civics.
7
Can we give US voters a remedial education in civics too?
9
The Republicans have turned lying and smearing their opponents, decent and QUALIFIED public servants, into a fine art.
Why does this country tolerate ANY of them?
Why does this country tolerate ANY of them?
11
I assume a good 2966 of the 2967 earlier comments are "Why should anyone believe it?"
2
What was Diogenes looking for again?! It's 2016, and me thinks he, and many of the rest of us will need to keep looking! Sometimes, especially lately, I wonder why I ever became cultured and well educated! Tell me, unless there is a sea change, the gutter in America has not now come to power?! And please, anyone who really knows women, especially those well scrubbed and suburban one's weren't going to vote for this guy?! They love these guys, especially when they know, the guy has played the field...Teach your children well.
4
The Dems are now dealing with the most dangerous opponent they've ever faced, including Nixon and Reagan. All Trump cares about is what will make him richer and more popular politically. HIs background is obviously liberal rich New Yorker, meaning "socially liberal" if it doesn't cost me a dime in any way. All he has to do to become more popular is stimulate the economy--easy as pie with the Republicans under his thumb--build up the military to make America literally stronger, and not fight any stupid, unpopular wars in the Middle East. All those things are a slam dunk for him. What do his backers care whether or not he actually puts Hillary in jail? His voters know full well that Hillary will never get over this defeat, and that will be more than good enough for their schadenfreude.
4
President Elect knows how to bait people. He knows he could not prosecute her, but dismisses it as if he is showing a glimmer of largesse. The idea is to stick to policies since this is where lives will be changed for better or worse. VP Pence is already spreading a message to Christian churches today challenging a long held view of the separation of religion and governing. He has also couched religious beliefs as fodder for political change. The power to do these things comes from our representatives on all levels where elections have been way short of voter participation. As President Obama often said, "Don't boo, vote!"
3
The bloat fool knows he would lose whatever magic case that he might build to charge Hillary. Some people think the bore is strategic and crafty in his fumbling ways. Well, some people,,,,,,,,,,,,
Trump's brand is to be predictably unpredictable. Political leadership (like law) is best when it is predictable, conservative and based on precedent. Otherwise you've got chaos, uncertain and inefficient markets with a lot of waste. You also have people making wrong choices and regretting it. Then you get a power vacuum and the result is someone who is uber-predictable, also known as a dictator, running the country. Politicians should say what they mean and mean what they say. Trump cannot be trusted to say what he means, but now we all know this so we should discount everything he says but nothing that he actually does.
9
And now Trump has dropped his investigation of Hillary Clinton; I may as well drop my investigation of Santa Claus. I am not looking to hurt him or Mrs. Claus; I think they have suffered enough!
7
Don't believe a word he says. Decisions about whether or not to prosecute someone aren't made by the President, they're made by the Justice Department. I know the FBI director closed the Clinton investigation, but he can be overruled by the Attorney General. Who has Trump picked for his AG? Go figure.
3
Look for it soon. Homeland Security will be renamed the Republican Guard. Negotiations underway to licence the name from the ayatollahs, in return for letting Tehran compete in Miss Universe.
2
Perhaps Trump realizes that he is as vulnerable to investigation as was Clinton. His charitable foundation and his business dealings should be investigated. There are questions about his connections with Russia.
In two years Trump may be the one asking for clemency.
In two years Trump may be the one asking for clemency.
5
Clinton was vulnerable shiney?
How so?
After 30 years of Special Prosecutors, 9 Congressional Invesigations and 2 FBI Investigations HRC has been charged with a grand total of ZERO crimes.
Now where are little hands' taxes?
How so?
After 30 years of Special Prosecutors, 9 Congressional Invesigations and 2 FBI Investigations HRC has been charged with a grand total of ZERO crimes.
Now where are little hands' taxes?
6
This is exactly why he "suddenly" is going to walk away from one of his key promises. The Justice Department and the Republican congressional committees have spent millions investigating Hillary Clinton and come away with nothing. Let's spend the same amount of time and money on Trump. We will hit a goldmine of coverups and pay for play conflicts of interest.
3
So the hatred of the Clinton's continues. And they wonder why we have a divided country.
On the other hand, has there ever been a president who broke so many promises BEFORE he took office?
On the other hand, has there ever been a president who broke so many promises BEFORE he took office?
6
So let me see:
Not going after Hillary, so we can stop hating her
Not building much of a wall, so we can stop hating Mexicans
Not profiling or deporting Muslims, so we can stop hating them
No more Democrats in any majority, so we can stop hating them
At this rate, Fox News might go out of business...
Not going after Hillary, so we can stop hating her
Not building much of a wall, so we can stop hating Mexicans
Not profiling or deporting Muslims, so we can stop hating them
No more Democrats in any majority, so we can stop hating them
At this rate, Fox News might go out of business...
8
How is King Trump going to prosecute his vassal when Hillary Clinton's popular vote mandate is now over 2 million and growing?
3
Hillary will beat them in court and they know it. It's a witch hunt. If I were her I would refuse a pardon from Obama (if offered), and have my day in court, and clear my name. She should be screaming "bring it on"! Then she can humiliate those idiots.
By saying he isn't going ahead with his "Special Prosecutor" now, Trump can always change his mind after Obama is out of office. Then a pardon is off the table. But he won't. He doesn't want this fight, but she should.
Every politician in Washington would be horrified if she lost because they all know they could be next. It will also be clear that this has much to do with the fact that she is a woman, and the powers that be want to make the next woman who might dare to make a serious shot at the White House, think twice.
By saying he isn't going ahead with his "Special Prosecutor" now, Trump can always change his mind after Obama is out of office. Then a pardon is off the table. But he won't. He doesn't want this fight, but she should.
Every politician in Washington would be horrified if she lost because they all know they could be next. It will also be clear that this has much to do with the fact that she is a woman, and the powers that be want to make the next woman who might dare to make a serious shot at the White House, think twice.
3
A lot here - re your first comment: What color is the sky in your world?
1
Don Trump was nothing but a New York street thug punk during his campaigning who abused Clinton like a wife beater.
Now he wants to be nice?
I think he really wants everyone else to be nice and forgive him for being a Beast.
Ain't gonna happen in this house.
Now he wants to be nice?
I think he really wants everyone else to be nice and forgive him for being a Beast.
Ain't gonna happen in this house.
12
If this is the new Southern Strategy, we're in for a very rough century.
2
Trump essentially passing moral judgement on Clinton is frankly preposterous. His own business legacy is rife with a veritable smorgasbord of malfeasance bordering on criminality leaving in its wake a litany of victims galore of shafted partners and deceived clients.
9
He never took an Oath of Office, and was not finagling under Color of Authority, either. Just like her 33,000 emails went missing, so too did the Rose Law Firm Records the Federal Grand Jury sought when the First Lady testilied [sic] there. Whaddya know, the fugitive records turned up weeks later right in the First Lady's study. As did many of the emails, belatedly.
3
Charles, among other things you don't know is the use of "[sic]".
(It's not to play games with your own words.)
(It's not to play games with your own words.)
1
Every one talks as if Hillary was found guilty -- should there not be a court proceeding before determining anything? Or is this optional under a Trump regime? She has to be proved "guilty"? Trump foundation is now found to be "illegally" accepting or diverting money? Lock him up?
6
There was a protracted hearing, in the Court of Public Opinion. The evidence was consistently low rankings in Honesty and Trustworthiness for her, and varying explanations why, like in "Rashomon."
They also said she was a witch - the public is not a court of law.
4
It figures that the primary concern of NYT editors (and lead story) would be the fate of one Hillary Clinton. A broken record. With all of the actually important issues and challenges we face, why would this even come up?
5
Ask Trump. And the people who chanted lock her up.
5
Like Jeffrey Lord said to John Berman on chastened CNN yesterday: "200 racists and Nazis gather in a hotel ballroom in New York and your network gives them major exposure. Why?" Geez, the Hells Angels or Outlaws should do the same, and triple their membership by Christmas. Silly media.
4
I'm asking the professional journalists of the NYT. They should have their priorities in order, in theory, for the sake of the citizens they serve. Yet their kneejerk partisanship comes first.
1
Well, ignoring the fact for one moment that it's not his call, the emails were used in the same way Ebola was used in 2014 to scare us all to death, and ... sadly it worked.
And in exactly the same way that the "Ebola" issue was dropped, literally the day after the election, ( i guess the results of the election must have caused Ebola to turn and run), the "Email scandal" of the century will fade into the background, now that it has served it's purpose and HRC is defeated. (Unless, of course, these new revelations being pushed for a recount gain traction, then you can be sure those emails will once again be a cause for "disaster" or "yuge disaster".
And in exactly the same way that the "Ebola" issue was dropped, literally the day after the election, ( i guess the results of the election must have caused Ebola to turn and run), the "Email scandal" of the century will fade into the background, now that it has served it's purpose and HRC is defeated. (Unless, of course, these new revelations being pushed for a recount gain traction, then you can be sure those emails will once again be a cause for "disaster" or "yuge disaster".
6
I hope I'm not the only person who senses the profound violation of legal norms reflected both by Trump's persecution of Clinton on the campaign trail, and his seemingly magnanimous dismissal of the issue now that he is the victor. The whole thing has a sickening, emperor-like quality to it -- very troubling.
26
Conway is beginning to sound like an ever-excusing mommy. Forever stepping behind her over-indulged miscreant child. Coming up with tons of vapid verbiage to try and cover over the sociopathic antics of this waywar political idiot.
I am beyond outraged over this travesty of a yet uninaugurated administration. I've run out of words. I'm witnessing the incipient Oval Office Lobbying and Patronage firm.
It's disgusting! If the Electoral College fails to stand up to the call of the Founders to rid us of a mistake (or a rigging of the election as seems possible now in 3 battleground states, where anamolies have been found by researchers), then we've turned over the White House to an Absolute Kleptocracy.
I am beyond outraged over this travesty of a yet uninaugurated administration. I've run out of words. I'm witnessing the incipient Oval Office Lobbying and Patronage firm.
It's disgusting! If the Electoral College fails to stand up to the call of the Founders to rid us of a mistake (or a rigging of the election as seems possible now in 3 battleground states, where anamolies have been found by researchers), then we've turned over the White House to an Absolute Kleptocracy.
12
Of course he was lying then and he's lying now.
8
Where ya been? Everyone lies.
Charles, not everyone is president.
As Dan Rowan replied to Dick Martin at some new insight on Laugh In ca. 1966, "I didn't know that!"
Get a grip on reality, he cannot unilaterally decide to have some one prosecuted just because he is President., the rules of law still apply. It is just another example of how uninformed and delusional he is.
5
Which is why he only said he would appoint a special prosecutor. But hey why let the facts stand in the way of a rant?
1
.....if Mrs Clinton did not commit a felony she has nothing to fear....the original FBI investigation was seriously flawed....honest FBI agents were appalled by the restrictions placed upon them by their political superiors...Mr Comey was handed the results of the flawed investigation....this may very well not be the end of this story...in any case President Trump would pardon her...win-win
With Trump University, Tax fraud, his upcoming rape trial, he is much closer to lockup, and forget the psychiatric lockup he is candidate for right now.
10
His supporters got duped.
5
He lied. I remember seeing almost all his followers with signs lock her up. Well he fooled you all. Hilarious.
11
I am certain that there will be plenty of politically motivated prosecutions of Democrats by the Justice Department. That's what Republicans do.
4
It's a sad day when the facts keep mirroring Saturday Night Live parodies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUWSLlz0Fdo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUWSLlz0Fdo
2
In related news, I have abandoned my threat to knock out Mike Tyson in three rounds.
9
There it goes! At the end we is just another politician , he is no different than Hilary,this guy has a huge EGO so big that can be dangerous for many people, sad part is that he started way to fast back stabbing the people that put him were he his now it makes me laugh!
3
There is one difference.
While HRC is not a crook, the unregistered sex offender elect is.
While HRC is not a crook, the unregistered sex offender elect is.
6
That is exactly what it was ...a threat
2
Any Trump voters having buyers remorse yet? He is rapidly becoming the "flip flopper in chief" First he is going to deport all illegal immigrants now only the criminals,appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary,now he's not, he is going to keep an "open mind" about climate change. Repeal and replace ACA now he wants to keep some of it.
4
He's been a mole for the Democrats all along... It makes so much sense.
1
Get used to the broken promises. According to fact check organizations, Hillary did not tell the whole truth 27% of the time. Trump was at 71%.
Also, for those of you who remember or have read about Joseph Mc Carthy and the witch hunt of the 1950s by the House Unamerican Activities Committee, Google Donald Trump and Roy Cohn.
Cohn was the attorney for the committee that falsified evidence and ruined a lot of lives. When you hear Trump say that he heard something or read somewhere, and doesn't provide any reference, think back to Mc Carthy's list of Communists in the U.S. Government that nobody ever saw.
Coincidence? I think not.
By the way, Cohn was such a deplorable figure, that he was disbarred even though they knew he was dying of AIDS
Also, for those of you who remember or have read about Joseph Mc Carthy and the witch hunt of the 1950s by the House Unamerican Activities Committee, Google Donald Trump and Roy Cohn.
Cohn was the attorney for the committee that falsified evidence and ruined a lot of lives. When you hear Trump say that he heard something or read somewhere, and doesn't provide any reference, think back to Mc Carthy's list of Communists in the U.S. Government that nobody ever saw.
Coincidence? I think not.
By the way, Cohn was such a deplorable figure, that he was disbarred even though they knew he was dying of AIDS
11
Donald John Trump was not empowered by American political convention to either prosecute or not prosecute Hillary Clinton. That power is left to the Attorney General acting on behalf of his client the American people and their Constitution. Any attempt to act like Richard Nixon and John Mitchell should lead to impeachment.
Unless Donald Trump pardons her any and all investigations of Hillary Clinton and her activities regarding the Clinton Foundation or other issues should continue their normal natural course.
If Barack Obama has not already done so Trump should ask for the resignation of F.B.I. Director James Comey.
Unless Donald Trump pardons her any and all investigations of Hillary Clinton and her activities regarding the Clinton Foundation or other issues should continue their normal natural course.
If Barack Obama has not already done so Trump should ask for the resignation of F.B.I. Director James Comey.
2
As a Trump supporter, I feel deeply betrayed. Rudy Guilliani should be appointed as the special prosecutor to bring the Clinton's misdeeds to a grand jury.
If Trump is half the man I thought him to be when I voted for him, he will step back and simply let justice be done with the Clintons. In fact, that should be Trump's response whenever this issue is raised: "Let justice be done."
Pursuing the Clinton's for their alleged misdeeds isn't about looking backward, but forward. It's about the rule of law, and establishing the precedent that even presidents and presidential candidates should they commit felonies should be called to justice on the People's behalf. I can't help but think Trump now wants the same consideration for his business deals during office as he is now willing to give the Clinton's after he leaves office. This elitism must be stopped.
If Trump is half the man I thought him to be when I voted for him, he will step back and simply let justice be done with the Clintons. In fact, that should be Trump's response whenever this issue is raised: "Let justice be done."
Pursuing the Clinton's for their alleged misdeeds isn't about looking backward, but forward. It's about the rule of law, and establishing the precedent that even presidents and presidential candidates should they commit felonies should be called to justice on the People's behalf. I can't help but think Trump now wants the same consideration for his business deals during office as he is now willing to give the Clinton's after he leaves office. This elitism must be stopped.
Justice has been done with the Clintons. They have been investigated and investigated and nothing illegal has been found.
3
You broke it you bought it.
4
That would all be nice if there was a solid legal case, but there ain't.....
3
No doubt, some of Trump's followers will feel betrayed... but most won't. They've basically subscribed to blind devotion. And THAT is the real danger here. This man needs to be held accountable for his decisions, actions, and behavior. I really don't know how he can be president with his brazen push for nepotism and his tremendous financial ties that will inevitably perpetuate conflicts of interest. This is a MESS.
23
I am so angry that the media - NYTs included - report this as if it's a reality.
Looks like Trump supporters will be going vegan since he's starting to take away their red meat.
13
Bring it on trump: the American people ready to overthrow your government.
8
What does it even mean? He changes his mind every five minutes as he is moored to virtually no fixed principles outside himself. Put him in a room with NYPost reporters, not NYTimes, and he'll flop back to "lock her up."
7
NO question on, NO discussion on ACA/ Obamacare?!
2
This is so infuriating. Why are you still even giving this abominal story any credence? This is not what you do in an advanced Democracy This is what tinpot dicators do. Stop covering this story as a real stroy. You the press, have created this monster. You gave him Billions in free advertising. "If it bleeds it leads."
Where is the criminality. Let's see. Trump settles $25 million suit for fraud. How much coverage have you given this? Very litte. Trump paying expenses from his non-profit for a stupid picture. And all the nepotisim that is so plain to see. Point the finger in the right direction. Do your job.
And ... why are the Demcorts so utterly wimpy? They should be asking for re-counts. Challenge the rsults. Don't roll over and lay dead. There is voter suppression. It is well known. Even you the venerated NYT are being constantly harrassed and denigrated. Why are you being so complicit and wimpy?
This like a bad movie. Or, let's see, out of Back to the Future.
President Biff.
Where is the criminality. Let's see. Trump settles $25 million suit for fraud. How much coverage have you given this? Very litte. Trump paying expenses from his non-profit for a stupid picture. And all the nepotisim that is so plain to see. Point the finger in the right direction. Do your job.
And ... why are the Demcorts so utterly wimpy? They should be asking for re-counts. Challenge the rsults. Don't roll over and lay dead. There is voter suppression. It is well known. Even you the venerated NYT are being constantly harrassed and denigrated. Why are you being so complicit and wimpy?
This like a bad movie. Or, let's see, out of Back to the Future.
President Biff.
12
well surprise, surprise.... at the end of the day all that matters is, he got his votes...
13
And lost by 2 million votes...most Americans wanted the adult.
10
His electoral votes. Looks like the popular vote count has pulled Clinton ahead by 1.5%.
4
This is what I project to be Trump's next con.
He'll appoint people who didn't support him to positions, like Nikki Haley. She'll step down from her governorship to take a position Trump offers her. Her Trump supporter Lt. governor steps into the governor seat.
After a month or so, Trump will say Halley's not doing her job and fire her.
Result?
Trump gets even.
The person who didn't support him is out of a job.
If I was one of those anti-Trump appointees, I'd think hard and long about accepting anything he has to offer.
Instead of making yourself look bad by accepting a position from a despicable person who you didn't support, tell him that you couldn't possibly take a position from a person like him.
He'll appoint people who didn't support him to positions, like Nikki Haley. She'll step down from her governorship to take a position Trump offers her. Her Trump supporter Lt. governor steps into the governor seat.
After a month or so, Trump will say Halley's not doing her job and fire her.
Result?
Trump gets even.
The person who didn't support him is out of a job.
If I was one of those anti-Trump appointees, I'd think hard and long about accepting anything he has to offer.
Instead of making yourself look bad by accepting a position from a despicable person who you didn't support, tell him that you couldn't possibly take a position from a person like him.
14
Something about this clemency business for Hillary just creeps me out. I suspect Stockholm Syndrome.
1
Haven't we learned that Mr. Trump will say anything that serves his purposes at any given moment? Its hardly matters that legal, logical boundaries are crossed to a person who has no concept of ethics. To be lulled into forgetting this, even for a moment will be at our peril.
10
Oh what a wonderful man!
2
The Clintons are a good example of what comes out of being nothing but a politician for your whole life. Nobody would have given Hillary the time of day when she was practicing law if they did not want access to her husband. People have not thrown enormous money their way because of their business skills or because they had anything to offer other than influence and access for sale. Maybe she committed some criminal act, or maybe not. The country is better off letting them fade into the background than continuing their presence on the front lines.
6
"Nobody would have given Hillary the time of day when she was practicing law if they did not want access to her husband."...Long before Bill Clinton was President, Hillary held a prestigious position on the Nixon/Watergate investigation committee. In fact there is evidence that suggests while Bill Clinton was the up front politician, Hillary provided the brains.
16
Good grief Mitchell - I don't recall you being Secretary of State or a senator. Hillary is an accomplished lawyer, first lady and a mother and if anything Bill was a ball and chain that she had to drag with her.
9
Two points, Everytime Donald Trump talks about issues of the First Amendment, and the Fifth Amendment a little bit of Democracy atrophies, shrivels up and dies.
Second, The only way to make even the most remote sense of Donald Trump is via verified source transcripts-the word salad, the incoherence chirping speach demands nothing short of transcripts. Its not even worth listening to him-reading him is all one needs to understand our Hillbilly President Elect. Come tell on the Mountain indeed.
Second, The only way to make even the most remote sense of Donald Trump is via verified source transcripts-the word salad, the incoherence chirping speach demands nothing short of transcripts. Its not even worth listening to him-reading him is all one needs to understand our Hillbilly President Elect. Come tell on the Mountain indeed.
6
Trumpty Dumpty promised a wall
Trumpty Dumpty conned them all.....
Trumpty Dumpty conned them all.....
21
Dumpty Trumpty!
2
Trump voter, 2016: CROOKED HILLARY! LOCK HER UP!
Trump voter, 2019: Hey, what happened to my Medicare?
Trump voter, 2019: Hey, what happened to my Medicare?
33
And let's not forget- What happened to my Social Security and why are all my roads now toll roads and public schools all charter schools? The list goes on.
3
Trump needs to get potential investigations of the Clinton Foundation out of the limelight: Embarrassing comparisons may be made to certifiably illegal activities of the Trump Foundation that were covered up and that the Washington Post exposed only a few days ago.
These illegal activities included probable attempts at influence-buying by foreign entities -- in short, the same sorts of things that led to calls of "Lock Her Up" when they were applied to Clinton.
Now that Trump is President-Elect, media will evidently be reluctant to dig into and feature the story.
These illegal activities included probable attempts at influence-buying by foreign entities -- in short, the same sorts of things that led to calls of "Lock Her Up" when they were applied to Clinton.
Now that Trump is President-Elect, media will evidently be reluctant to dig into and feature the story.
3
"Trump needs to get potential investigations of the Clinton Foundation out of the limelight:"....Just as the Benghazi "scandal" was an invention by Republicans for political purposes, so to was e-mail "scandal" (both Republican predecessors, Rice and Powell also used a private e-mail server), and the "FBI investigation" of the Clinton Foundation. The Clinton Foundation, unlike the Trump creation, actually does significant charitable work on an international scale. Using the FBI (Comey letters) as a political tool seems to have worked pretty well for the Republicans.
3
4 Things you never, eva, eva,..have to give a Bully (for they're pre-programmed to pursue them CONstantly):
Power, a microphone, a (selfish) cause, or a weapon.
And if you do, never, eva, eva,..be surprised of the results.
Power, a microphone, a (selfish) cause, or a weapon.
And if you do, never, eva, eva,..be surprised of the results.
8
This is Amarosa's prediction prior to Mr. Trump's win. "Every critic, every detractor, everyone who's ever doubted or disagreed with Donald or challenged him will have to bow down to President Trump. It's the ultimate revenge to become the most powerful man in the world."
Incredibly that's come to pass. Incredibility Mr. Trump continues to unashamed play us like a fiddle--or at least keeps trying to. And that includes the Clinton's and the press.
Incredibly that's come to pass. Incredibility Mr. Trump continues to unashamed play us like a fiddle--or at least keeps trying to. And that includes the Clinton's and the press.
4
Trump should NOT involved in the decision to investigate: let the FBI and DOJ follow the trail of obvious evidences of corruption. Treat this investigation likethat for any other citizen for whom evidence indicates further investigation. "Drain the swamp" of DC and the NE powerbrokers would require further investigations of the Clintons and their "foundation", treatment that any other citizen would get. To allow the "politically well-connected" to be free from following the law would be disgraceful, dishonest, detrimental to the healing of the nation.To say that he didn't "want to hurt the Clintons" is naive...if they broke the law, they hurt THEMSELVES, AS WELL AS THE NATION. Did Hillary & Bill care that their behavior may have hurt the security of the NATION??? It is obvious that they felt no shame.
The schoolyard bully backs down from a fight he knows he can't win, tries to save face by saying, "I wouldn't want to have to hurt you."
9
Why is no attention being paid to the millions of dollars Donald just spent in a settlement for running a fraudulent university. That seems worse than an old lady who doesn't understand how emails work.
10
One understands the political reasons for doing this. But it's shocking if they are also dropping the tax evasion investigation. Well there's another lesson in politics for you, people. You get away with anything, as long as you're big enough.
2
We all know that there is nothing there to investigate anyway. As long as this does not prevent any FBI probes into his business dealings with Russia, Manafort's time in the Ukraine, his tax scheme's and anything else that may be under scrutiny behind the scenes. It's possible that Comey is being non-partison but I doubt it.
4
It may be an urban legend, but every time I read about Trump supporters who refuse to recognize their hero for what he is, I think of a story that went round after a bridge collapsed in Connecticut.
According to the story, a driver approached the bridge, saw cars ahead of him go down with the bridge, and parked his car across the lanes to prevent others from taking the plunge.
All the vehicles behind him stopped except for a car that had just been stolen, occupied by the thieves who stole it. They swerved around the roadblock, laughing so hard they didn't notice the problem, flipping the finger at the stopped cars as they drove off the broken bridge and into space.
All through the campaign, Trump fans were warned that he would let them down in a big way, possibly making their lives even worse. But they flipped us off as they went into the voting booth and chose an Ivy League billionaire cheat as their "populist" president. I'd take sour satisfaction from the way all the warnings are being vindicated, but I have to live here, too.
According to the story, a driver approached the bridge, saw cars ahead of him go down with the bridge, and parked his car across the lanes to prevent others from taking the plunge.
All the vehicles behind him stopped except for a car that had just been stolen, occupied by the thieves who stole it. They swerved around the roadblock, laughing so hard they didn't notice the problem, flipping the finger at the stopped cars as they drove off the broken bridge and into space.
All through the campaign, Trump fans were warned that he would let them down in a big way, possibly making their lives even worse. But they flipped us off as they went into the voting booth and chose an Ivy League billionaire cheat as their "populist" president. I'd take sour satisfaction from the way all the warnings are being vindicated, but I have to live here, too.
14
As opposed to an Ivy League millionaire cheat? (Last I checked, Yale was still in the Ivies).
2
Poor Mitch, conned like the rest of 'em.
2
Mr. Trump needs to follow through with his word if he wants to keep the people who voted for him backing him. Old saying;
" Can't do the time don't do the crime"
He got the vote because we are all tired of the mealy mouth promises, the complete disregard of the government for what the people of this country really want. He would do well to invite Mr.Warren Buffitt to his advice committee.
Mr Buffitt's article on how to fix a major problem in our government makes
plenty of sense and is very do able. It's called "The Buffitt Rule Yes "a must read for anyone who wants common sense and fair laws.
The government is suppose to be :"For the people" NOT above the people or over the people.
" Can't do the time don't do the crime"
He got the vote because we are all tired of the mealy mouth promises, the complete disregard of the government for what the people of this country really want. He would do well to invite Mr.Warren Buffitt to his advice committee.
Mr Buffitt's article on how to fix a major problem in our government makes
plenty of sense and is very do able. It's called "The Buffitt Rule Yes "a must read for anyone who wants common sense and fair laws.
The government is suppose to be :"For the people" NOT above the people or over the people.
1
Poor Sheila, conned like the rest of 'em
3
"I don't want to hurt the Clintons..."
Why not, Don?!! They've had fun doing it to foes AND friends over the decades.
Why not, Don?!! They've had fun doing it to foes AND friends over the decades.
So here's the thing about narcissists:
1. They never keep the promises they make;
2. They never follow through on the threats they make;
3. They accuse you of things they are doing themselves and threaten you with the things they fear;
4. They live in a world of their own reality where lies are truths and truths are lies.
With regard to Mr. Trump, follow the money...I suspect we are about to see the most corrupt administration in our country's history based on what we have seen over the past 2 weeks. It's going to be a rocky 4 years!
1. They never keep the promises they make;
2. They never follow through on the threats they make;
3. They accuse you of things they are doing themselves and threaten you with the things they fear;
4. They live in a world of their own reality where lies are truths and truths are lies.
With regard to Mr. Trump, follow the money...I suspect we are about to see the most corrupt administration in our country's history based on what we have seen over the past 2 weeks. It's going to be a rocky 4 years!
28
Once again the left goes bat-crazy apoplectic over a man who takes great pleasure in pushing their political/ideological buttons, knowing exactly what he is doing. Swallowed, hook, line and sinker. He just chuckles inside, changes the tune, and moves on. And the cycle starts again. And he says he's not a politician.
2
Is this about making better policy and building a better country, or about pushing the Left's buttons? I think we know the answer.
7
@Bill Camarda,
It is about separating politics from governing. The former occurred during the campaign but let's see how the latter goes when he takes office. Pushing the left's buttons was/is obviously easy.
It is about separating politics from governing. The former occurred during the campaign but let's see how the latter goes when he takes office. Pushing the left's buttons was/is obviously easy.
Poor wko, conned like the rest of 'em.....
1
NYT: Stop treating Trump like he is a monarch and can bring people to justice upon a whim. You are fueling the madness!
10
It's easy for Trump to say he won't prosecute Hillary. He knows that a decision to prosecute lies with the F.B.I., not him. So, he can sound "kind," and "reasonable," while those in his forthcoming administration do his dirty work. I am not holding my breath. In fact, it might be smart to have all women participating in the Million Women March, to make a donation to a Hillary defense fund.
6
Actually, the decision to seek prosecution runs to the Justice Department, run by the Attorney General, who will report directly to him. The ultimate decision, of course, is made by a grand jury.
1
He knows it's a losing proposition and he hates to lose. So.... He will defer to his Attorney General since it is not within the purview of the Presidency to say who should or should not be indicted! He thinks Americans are stupid and can't see his strategy!
3
The photos of folks waving "Lock Her Up" signs and screeching about political correctness tell me all I need to know about who they really are. Hillary talked about the half of his supporters who were concerned about the economy--but her remarks sank like a stone in the media, and we didn't see that "concerned" half in those photos. No: we saw the ugly, surly mugs of a mob: ah, yes, the cream of the white race. Their idea of power is crushing others to "elevate" themselves, so they'll be fine with Bannon and Sessions; this is what they really wanted; Umptray said all the despicable things they wished they could say without being shamed, and now they think they have "a mandate" to be pigs. (Sorry, pigs.) They don't read the NYT, or WaPo, or The Guardian, so they don't yet know that, rather than "making America great again," this election has already diminished our country in the eyes of the rest of the world (except Russia, where Pootie-worship is the result of his promise to Make Russia Great Again). And they didn't know that Hillary hadn't committed any crime, or that Whoozis couldn't "lock her up" even if she had. We're all going to suffer thanks to their gullibility; the joke's not just on them. But we might be tempted to take satisfaction in the thwarting of their viciousness toward Hillary with his bait-and-switch. To quote Nelson Muntz: HA ha!!
18
OK, so Trump, with the help of the entire GOP, Right Wing Think Tank/Media Industrial Complex, and so-called Mainstream Media have spent the last two years screaming that Hillary Clinton is (basically) "Satan in a Pantsuit". She (supposedly) put the US in danger of being destroyed by foreign countries, stole gazillions of dollars, and even killed people to cover it all up. Now that the election is over the new position is "Oh she's been through a lot and I don't want to hurt her." And everyone is now supposed to forget and pretend that none of this ever happened? If this is now the standard for what Elections are, how the 4th Estate conducts itself and views its responsibility to the public, how our so-called Leaders view "Leadership", is it really inappropriate to view Democracy in our country as having reached: The Last Chapter of, What's the Use?
This really comes down to a massive case of "Gaslighting". And while there may be millions of people that fall for it. I know that the folks who work at the NYT, other media outlets, Elected Officials of both parties, and lots of others know exactly what's going on. Are you really OK with letting this happen?
This really comes down to a massive case of "Gaslighting". And while there may be millions of people that fall for it. I know that the folks who work at the NYT, other media outlets, Elected Officials of both parties, and lots of others know exactly what's going on. Are you really OK with letting this happen?
12
This article is not clear to me. When did Trump say to the times that he wanted the FBI to close the investigation into the Clinton Foundation? Why would the article suggests this even quoting Glen Kopp "It does seem like an extraordinary breach of protocol... involved in that decision" (sorry I can't see the rest of the quote with the comment window open).
I really enjoy the Times but the Trump coverage border on hysterics frequently. Over 2,500 comments on this article suggest there is of course appropriate interest but a more balanced and dispassionate stance would serve this great paper better. Let the commentators and editorial page howl.
I really enjoy the Times but the Trump coverage border on hysterics frequently. Over 2,500 comments on this article suggest there is of course appropriate interest but a more balanced and dispassionate stance would serve this great paper better. Let the commentators and editorial page howl.
You mean he's not going to "lock her up"? You mean that was just a con?
10
Just another (would be) politician saying anything to get elected (and didn't he accuse Hillary of the same thing?) and using patronage to give jobs to his loyal supporters. Big change.
16
Somewhere out there in a red state a sobering voter is muttering: Obamacare
isn't so bad? Clinton won't be locked up? Romney might be Secretary of State?
Deportations slashed from 11 million to a measly 3? And the Wall? My Wall!
Don, you promised. Don't say you meant Mall.
Don't tell me I've elected a Batman villain to be President. I'm not that stupid.
isn't so bad? Clinton won't be locked up? Romney might be Secretary of State?
Deportations slashed from 11 million to a measly 3? And the Wall? My Wall!
Don, you promised. Don't say you meant Mall.
Don't tell me I've elected a Batman villain to be President. I'm not that stupid.
8
So somebody explained to him that this is all for real now? Someone said, "Mr. Trump, there is nothing to prosecute her for"?
5
Trump always knew that. Now try to find someone who can explain it to his deluded followers.
7
Unfortunately,...they'll be investigating the Clintons, Gores, Carters, Streisands, (LeBron) James', (decendants of:), Kennedy, LBJ, FDR, Jefferson (but only the Bi-Racial ones:),..
or they'll have our troops invading the wrong Country.
So as to (hopefully) shift the focus from their inability to govern.
or they'll have our troops invading the wrong Country.
So as to (hopefully) shift the focus from their inability to govern.
6
Gives new meaning to the phrase - 'Trumped up charges'.
10
Your election was shown here in prime time and everyone continues to be very interested in what is happening in the USA. The result was a little unexpected, to say the least, but you know what they say; we get the government that we deserve. Good luck, guys. We'll be tuning in to every news outlet, and watching how Donald Trump handles the great responsibility that he is taking on, and hoping that he does the best possible job. Who knows, he could be the greatest President ever, especially if he is true to his word and tries to be fair to everyone.
2
Hope is a good thing, especially when it's all one has.
2
How can Trump be resurrected as Nixon (RIP) when he was already alive when he passed away?
2
After a year of Trump behaving like the candidate devil incarnate - I will not applaud his shallow acknowledgements of reality.
14
Only the most myopic partisans can claim Hillary has been cleared as many rank and file FBI have noted there are people in prison for far less than she did.
Name the FBI rank-and-file folks who have noted what you say they've noted, ML.
Can you name one such person? What did he or she say?
Come on. Let's hear it.
Can you name one such person? What did he or she say?
Come on. Let's hear it.
1
Maybe Hillary will be the one investigating after all.
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/11/activists-urge-hillary-clin...
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/11/activists-urge-hillary-clin...
1
He is deflecting calls to investigate his IRS and heaven knows what other legal transgressions, not to mention his use of a non secured phone in his first interactions with global leaders.
5
Why waste the political capital on locking up Clinton when Trump already ended her political career? Wise move.
2
So you knew all along that the accusations of Clinton as corrupt, a traitor, and a murderer where all lies. You must be one of those smart Trump voters we've heard of. Are there any more of you?
6
In all the "normalizing" of Trump's that's taken place since the election, this polite, chuckling, sycophantic interview by the powers that be at the NYT is by far the worst, most harmful example of it.
7
Trump says he is not going after Hillary Clinton. Not once has he said he would tell the DOJ or the FBI to lay off and I do not think he will. I for one do not blame him. He does not need to get wrapped up in this mess because our country is in a huge mess and he has more important fish to fry. Now if her were to inject politics into our justice system then he and I are going to have a super major problem. But I am willing to give him a chance and wait and see. We just saw Obama inject politics into our justice system so Trump best not make this mistake.
1
It's not his job to say who, or who will not, be prosecuted.
That's up to the DOJ. And since Obama had 2 ridiculously political AGs, the only thing Trump can do is appoint a non-political AG...as he has done...in Jeff Sessions and Sessions will make the determination.
That's up to the DOJ. And since Obama had 2 ridiculously political AGs, the only thing Trump can do is appoint a non-political AG...as he has done...in Jeff Sessions and Sessions will make the determination.
1
Sessions a non-political AG.....? On the contrary.
And a racist as well.
And a racist as well.
8
Trump wants to run the country the same way Putin does.
5
Fear, panic, loathing, outrage and terror from all the commenters on this column. I'm enjoying this.
3
Poor John, conned like the rest of 'em. I'm really enjoying that.....
1
Well, what do you know. Donald Trump agrees with James Comey!
Those two clowns making huuuuuuge decisions for Hillary and our nation.
How thankful we should be.
Those two clowns making huuuuuuge decisions for Hillary and our nation.
How thankful we should be.
2
Ms. Conway needs to hyphenate her name; Con-Way, the way of a con.
9
I'm a rabid Trump zealot
and I think this 'pardon' is fine
It is yes a form of command interference with autonomous prosecutors and investigators
and does offer, as popular commenters here have noted, that T CAN influence this autonomous process
but I think THIS one is ok
ans no I don't think she lost the election over this, she lost b/c of who and what she is
mostly she lost b/c Mr Obama created a coalition she could not
and she ran the wrong campaign, to wit all those 'extra' or 'wasted' votes in the blue states
and I think this 'pardon' is fine
It is yes a form of command interference with autonomous prosecutors and investigators
and does offer, as popular commenters here have noted, that T CAN influence this autonomous process
but I think THIS one is ok
ans no I don't think she lost the election over this, she lost b/c of who and what she is
mostly she lost b/c Mr Obama created a coalition she could not
and she ran the wrong campaign, to wit all those 'extra' or 'wasted' votes in the blue states
So most - if not all - of what he ran on was, what does he call it now, "campaign rhetoric".
That's a great term. From now on, I guess, he's saying that we should never be gullible enough to believe what is said during a campaign, that's all just "rhetoric" defined as:
"language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content.. "
So Trump admits that the platforms and promises and policies he voiced over and over again in stump speech after stump speech in every city and town across the country, bringing crowds to a frenzy were very successful rhetoric -were meant to be lacking in sincerity, while being designed to persuade - fancy words for lying through his teeth to get your vote - him never once giving a thought to following through, and secretly laughing at you because you were buying it.
Many of us knew this was happening, and tried to point it out, but were drowned out by shouts of "Build that Wall", and "Lock her up".
And now you're not even going to get that. Sad.
That's a great term. From now on, I guess, he's saying that we should never be gullible enough to believe what is said during a campaign, that's all just "rhetoric" defined as:
"language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content.. "
So Trump admits that the platforms and promises and policies he voiced over and over again in stump speech after stump speech in every city and town across the country, bringing crowds to a frenzy were very successful rhetoric -were meant to be lacking in sincerity, while being designed to persuade - fancy words for lying through his teeth to get your vote - him never once giving a thought to following through, and secretly laughing at you because you were buying it.
Many of us knew this was happening, and tried to point it out, but were drowned out by shouts of "Build that Wall", and "Lock her up".
And now you're not even going to get that. Sad.
2
Please stop quoting him and do reporting. Didn't you learn anything in the last 3 weeks?
Why don't you report how much the lawyers were paid for Trump University? And then why don't you do the math that each of those 7000 people barely got anything out of the $25mil.?
Is the mafia involved in his casino's or his building of the best, greatest, sometimes bankrupt buildings in the world? I know it's a stretch of the imagination that a casino would have mob ties, but it's a thought.
He's a compulsive liar and you are his lap dog.
Why don't you report how much the lawyers were paid for Trump University? And then why don't you do the math that each of those 7000 people barely got anything out of the $25mil.?
Is the mafia involved in his casino's or his building of the best, greatest, sometimes bankrupt buildings in the world? I know it's a stretch of the imagination that a casino would have mob ties, but it's a thought.
He's a compulsive liar and you are his lap dog.
9
Hillary should not believe him for one minute. No one should believe anything he says for one minute; he can't focus that long.
2
Very hard for me to believe that anyone would want to be associated with the Trump brand.
It is ugly whether he is president or not.
No one should rent buy or frequent anything owned by this man.
I for one will never set foot in a trump property again. Nor should you.
It is ugly whether he is president or not.
No one should rent buy or frequent anything owned by this man.
I for one will never set foot in a trump property again. Nor should you.
4
The thing to understand is that politics has descended so far that "policy" announcements are simply being used to signal the "type" of person you are. People aren't voting for someone thinking "this guy is really going to build a wall". Instead they are voting for someone "who would choose to stand in public and say they will build a wall". The "lock her up" chants are the same - people are voting for someone who let's me have the experience of chanting my rage in a room for an hour. It's like going an Eagles concert - nobody actually wants to head off and check in a hotel California. I am not for this. But I think that's what is going on. Nobody is going to feel cheated by this.
2
If fraud, bribery, bully law suits and bankruptcy are off the table, trump has nothing left.
4
Is Trump going to apologize to President Obama for the birther controversy? If not why not?
7
The Clinton Foundation should be fairly investigated by the FBI.
For example,
Why did TD Bank pay Bill Clinton 1.4 million dollars for 3 speeches when it had 1 Billion dollars of loans to the company that would build the Keystone Pipeline which was under review by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton?
For example,
Why did TD Bank pay Bill Clinton 1.4 million dollars for 3 speeches when it had 1 Billion dollars of loans to the company that would build the Keystone Pipeline which was under review by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton?
Yawn. Go look up all the tax returns from both Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation (all on her website for anyone to see) and let me know when you find any evidence to back up your claim.
8
And, yes, I realize the fantasy in JCK's comment involved Bill Clinton, not Hillary. They file jointly.
1
Together NYT and most media fall prey to Donald's news manipulation. There are two soloutins to this. Continue being manipulated and the public will tire of Donald, much like the Boy who cried Wolf. In the alternative, report all such news in a small block at the bottom of the page.
3
And here I was, thinking it was not possible to be more nauseated by the man. Turns out condescending Trump is worse than buffoon ignoramus Trump.
4
President Obama's fiscal promise revisited:
“We’ve got to spend some money now to pull us out of this recession. But as soon as we’re out of this recession, we’ve got to get serious about starting to live within our means, instead of leaving debt for our children and our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren.”
“[T]oday I’m pledging to cut the deficit we inherited in half by the end of my first term in office. This will not be easy. It will require us to make difficult decisions and face challenges we’ve long neglected. But I refuse to leave our children with a debt that they cannot repay – and that means taking responsibility right now, in this administration, for getting our spending under control.”
“We’ve got to spend some money now to pull us out of this recession. But as soon as we’re out of this recession, we’ve got to get serious about starting to live within our means, instead of leaving debt for our children and our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren.”
“[T]oday I’m pledging to cut the deficit we inherited in half by the end of my first term in office. This will not be easy. It will require us to make difficult decisions and face challenges we’ve long neglected. But I refuse to leave our children with a debt that they cannot repay – and that means taking responsibility right now, in this administration, for getting our spending under control.”
Iam Not Completely Surprised.
Besides I Agree with the FBI Findings.
Besides I Agree with the FBI Findings.
1
Once again, Trump has the NY Times crack journalists following the trail of bread crumbs he intentionally leaves behind instead of investigating the real story here - the unprecedented threat of a fascist government in which his business interests become intertwned with his government policy. Please, Times, step up your game and stop being outplayed by Trump at every turn.
8
Trump likely dropped the notion of going after Hillary because he has been forced to admit that he profited personally from his foundation, and that is one of the things he was going to go after Hillary for. The net result is that Trump and the Clintons both win - he gets a slap on the wrist; his illegal behavior is swept under the rug, and the Clinton’s get out from under the spotlight and can continue to manipulate their foundation in nefarious ways. This is how they will "heal." This is how power brokers and elites like Trump and Clintons are allowed to work under the American system. The average man and woman could not get away with it. This in Trump parlance is “the art of the deal.” Who loses? Democracy and the American people.
1
I can't believe how focused people are on this issue. Hilary lost. She's done. NO ONE CARES ABOUT HER ANYMORE! The FBI has moved on, so should the country. Trump and the congress have got plenty to do instead of wasting time with the Clintons.
The Republicans would be fools to pursue anything further. The have an opportunity to demonstrate some thoughtful leadership, fix Obamacare and some other things.
The Republicans would be fools to pursue anything further. The have an opportunity to demonstrate some thoughtful leadership, fix Obamacare and some other things.
I also misunderstood the headline. You might rephrase it to Trump Withdrawls the Threat of a new Clinton investigation. Your headline is a bit close to being "Trump Drops Hint that there will be a new Clinton Investigation. Dropping a Threat could mean either no longer threatening, or adding a new threat. While I realize there was a previous threat that could be dropped, as you can imagine I've already heard that he wasn't planning to pursue that investigation. So when I saw you headline, I thought this was even newer news saying he'd reversed himself again and was planning a new investigation that this was a new development right now...
2
would someone on your staff take the time to explain to your readers that the president has NO authority to direct the government to investigate or prosecute ANYONE. this is the job of the justice department, which takes its lead from the FBI, assuming that they can come up with just cause. Mr. Comey, much as he wanted to slander her, simply could not come up with any case that would go anywhere in court.
8
I continue to doubt that Trump really wants to be president. His determined avowal to commingle his business and presidential activities is a sure fire way to either get impeached or, more likely, to give him a chance to say that he'd rather run his businesses than be president. Then, lucky us, we'd have Pence for president.
5
So this headline is supposed to give a feeling of solace to the THINKING portion of the American people who are still beyond horrified by the election results? It's strange that in the past I don't recall a case where the president sought such an investigation. If I remember correctly during the Clinton years Congress was unrelenting in the use of special prosecutors. On a personal note, I would love some suggestion on how to get through the coming several years because each time I see the man coming in's name in print, I get a strong feeling of foreboding. We shall see if our institutions have enough safeguards in place to protect us from the onslaught of the most vile legislation one could imagine. It's bad enough that the dregs of American politics are being chosen to fill positions within the government. Next will come federal judges and members of the Supreme CourtI suppose he thinks he's being magnanimous towards Hillary Clinton when in fact the threat was contemptible in the first place. I just don't know how I'm going to get through these coming years without being in a constant state of upset. Never have I felt more out of touch with my government or my country.
5
Sorry Trump supporters. I guess he is just a politician like any other - say one thing and then do another!
4
Trump may not even think about the things he says. He's more of a spout out words and hope they're not too tangled up to understand kind of guy. Everybody wonders what he's up to. He doesn't know what he's up to. He says things and hopes his handlers clarify what he said...to him and the public.
6
No normal man could have said half the asinine and vulgar things he said about Mrs. Clinton and his Republican opponents during the campaign while truly believing them.
Mr. Trump is not a normal man, he did say those things, he does believe them; and that is why I consider every word he says now the ramblings of a disturbed individual.
Mr. Trump is not a normal man, he did say those things, he does believe them; and that is why I consider every word he says now the ramblings of a disturbed individual.
14
There will be no charges because there is no case. There never has been, but the gullible Fox fed public would much rather see a strong woman as mendacious than their beloved TV star who merely "tells is like it is." And when Trump says, "The campaign was vicious..." he does so without any implication that it was he himself who was leading the charge. Something like W saying, "mistakes were made..." No notion of responsibility from the man to whom we have given the greatest responsibility in the world.
14
The King speaks.
When he roars, we subjects are to quail at the power of Leviathan.
When he forgives, we subjects are to say hosannas for our mild and forgiving ruler.
Revealing that so many of Trump's core supporters claim to revere the Constitution, huh?
When he roars, we subjects are to quail at the power of Leviathan.
When he forgives, we subjects are to say hosannas for our mild and forgiving ruler.
Revealing that so many of Trump's core supporters claim to revere the Constitution, huh?
1
It's a start. Apparently Trump knows where the power is. Could be promising.
People should check the comments of Trump voters on sites like the New York post and Fox news , the cracks are already showing even before his has been sworn into office .
1
This could be a Trump head-fake. By saying that he will not pursue any further investigation of Hillary, it might ward off any pardon that might be granted by President Obama before the end of his term.
If then the DOJ/FBI aggressively conduct their own investigation and prosecution, as Trump promised his supporters, he can piously say that it wasn't his doing.
What's that old quip, "No matter how cynical I get, I can't keep up."
If then the DOJ/FBI aggressively conduct their own investigation and prosecution, as Trump promised his supporters, he can piously say that it wasn't his doing.
What's that old quip, "No matter how cynical I get, I can't keep up."
2
Surprise! The man who looks to turn the Oval Office into a full fledged criminal enterprise - no possible conflicts of interest and no possibility of verification/transparency - is suddenly hesitant about pushing for a prosecution he was never actually allowed to instigate. You can't make this stuff up.
3
Lock him up!
4
He says he won't pursue her. He cannot be trusted. She must be given immunity before January 20th. An honorable congress and president would do what President Obama did, "look forward not backward". We will not have an honorable congress and president. Grant immunity, even though morally it shouldn't be required.
now the fun begins...
No matter all the lies that Trump told during the campaign about Hillary, I think he knows that there is no there there about either the e-mails or the Clinton Foundation. The FBI found no reason to prosecute Hillary for the e-mails, and the Foundation inquiry began only after the unsubstantiated claims of Peter Schweizer. I suspect that the "foreign entities" seen by Hillary have also been seen by previous presidents because they are important world leaders and Nobel Prize winners.
Trump raises the issue and ultimately decides to drop it and that's abusive? As opposed to candidate Obama making the same threat regarding the CIA post 9/11 interrogation practices and ACTUALLY following through on it? That wasn't political? Ohh, I understand. What the CIA did was actually wrong an what Clinton actually did wasn't. Got it.
1
Why does this continue to be a lead story? It is a non issue Trump never intended to pursue. I'd love to see more emphasis on the "Crooked Donald" stories about his fraud case and shady foundation operation.
The Trump Administration will soon be embroiled in many, many fights over policy and (at least as to AG nominee Sessions) personnel. President-elect Trump's comments regarding Hillary tell me that, at least for now, he is not interested in further mucking things up with what he surely knows would be an unnecessary, unproductive and divisive sidetrack. In that sense, he's already shown some improvement from his candidacy.
2
There is no there in the mind of DJT, there or anywhere else. Plenty of here there and a bunch of now. But not an iota of there. So, I don't believe a word he says. If Clinton decides to ask for a recount in those three states, we'll hear "Lock her up," all over Trump's tower.
2
She wasn't "crooked" and he knows it. She's now 2 million votes ahead of Trump.
3
Won popular vote by more than 2 million and rigged counts in Wis, MI, And PA...
Where's the outrage on the liberal side???
Where's the outrage on the liberal side???
2
Does anyone believe a word Trump says at any point in time?
Today he won't prosecute. Tomorrow he finds new "evidence" and he will prosecute.
He simply panders to whatever his current audience happens to be.
On Tuesday Nov 23rd he was pandering to the NYT.
Today he won't prosecute. Tomorrow he finds new "evidence" and he will prosecute.
He simply panders to whatever his current audience happens to be.
On Tuesday Nov 23rd he was pandering to the NYT.
He may not want to "hurt the Clintons" with this conciliatory gesture, like Obama "appointing" her Secretary of State after saying "she'll say anything to get elected" during the 2008 campaign—
BUT there are issues involved here—with the private home brew server for secrecy and the operation of and solicitation for the Clinton Foundation, all while she was in official office as Secretary of State—that go well beyond personal vendetta or not wanting to "hurt the Clintons".
BUT there are issues involved here—with the private home brew server for secrecy and the operation of and solicitation for the Clinton Foundation, all while she was in official office as Secretary of State—that go well beyond personal vendetta or not wanting to "hurt the Clintons".
1
Who does this guy think he is? King Donald? Has anyone told him this is a Constitutional Democracy?
It doesn't matter what he says about Hillary today. He can just change his mind tomorrow and his simple minded supporters will still love him. His whole campaign was full of double talk, triple talk and contradictions. Lies and broken promises don't matter as long as he's not a Democrat. He's living proof that there is a sucker born every minute.
But this rabbit hole environment he's creating is scary. On 1/19/17 Obama should issue a pardon to all Americans who voted against Trump to protect them from prosecution for anything that the Trump administration can contrive of as a crime.
It doesn't matter what he says about Hillary today. He can just change his mind tomorrow and his simple minded supporters will still love him. His whole campaign was full of double talk, triple talk and contradictions. Lies and broken promises don't matter as long as he's not a Democrat. He's living proof that there is a sucker born every minute.
But this rabbit hole environment he's creating is scary. On 1/19/17 Obama should issue a pardon to all Americans who voted against Trump to protect them from prosecution for anything that the Trump administration can contrive of as a crime.
Donald Trump is moving to the White House, and liberals put him there.
Thank you press.
Thank You Obama.
Thank you Clintons.
Thank you liberals.
To the DNC: Never has there been a more contrived campaign in the history of the United States of America.
Thank you press.
Thank You Obama.
Thank you Clintons.
Thank you liberals.
To the DNC: Never has there been a more contrived campaign in the history of the United States of America.
2
I did not vote for Trump. However, he has acted with a lot of common sense since his election and is becoming more likable.
It is time for the liberal left to him credit and start working with him.
It is time for the liberal left to him credit and start working with him.
A politician failing to live up to a campaign promise?
You mean like a promise to close the prison at Guantanamo Cuba, or to get all US troops out of Afghanistan?
This is news?
You mean like a promise to close the prison at Guantanamo Cuba, or to get all US troops out of Afghanistan?
This is news?
Short and sweet, last paragraph of the article: Professor Kory Little, (JD?) got it exactly right. I cannot improve on the good professor's comments, and I'd be a fool to try. Professor Kory Little got it right. (I know, a lawyer doing something right is an oxymoron.) In this instance, the silly lawyer got it right. Thanks professor little. -Cg.
How bad a candidate was Hilary Clinton? The only news about her is whether or not Trump will exceed his authority and further damage American democracy by ordering her prosecuted. Had Clinton been a more inspiring and less mendacious candidate, she could now be the leader of a loyal opposition, empowered to call out Trump's emerging conflicts of interest and flirtation with the alt-right. But Clinton left the stage with little or no moral authority. Obama role as sitting president requires him to be gracious to Trump. The TV news media (more influential, alas, than the Times), has been cowed and thrown into confusion and sycophancy by Trump and the right wing. Maybe the Times should launch an online TV channel to slow the current turning if American into stone--into a kind of ruby for a Trump pinky ring.
Think about this nonsense. It was never "news". Once again the mom rises to the bait.
1
In theory, as other commenters have pointed out, the president should not be involved in criminal prosecutions. But, in reality, it has happened. For example, George H.W. Bush used his FBI as a tool to remove Democrats from statewide elective offices in Texas by fabricating allegations against them. George W. Bush used his Department of Justice to remove the Democratic Party governor of Alabama on flimsy corruption accusations. And then there was the controversial firing of United States attorneys by George W. Bush because they wouldn't pursue political prosecutions, along with the prosecutorial misconduct in the case of Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. I think Donald Trump is unqualified to be president, but for everyone to act shocked that a president could be involved in federal criminal prosecutions for political purposes is disingenuous or naive.
1
Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, well before dawn, thinking of Donald Trump growling "Crooked Hillary." And of his followers chanting "Lock her up, lock her up!" That alone is enough for me never to accept him as a legitimate leader of the United States. In his attempts to smear her, he befouled himself and the office of the presidency. It is not within his moral purview to forgive her for anything.
5
I wonder if Trump has read "The Prince" or if these characteristics of leadership are innate to him? I suspect 95% of the people who voted for him have no idea what I mean with this comment.
1
>It's time for Hillary to dust off her best business suit because the Rust belt needs a recount. The election may still be her's.
1
Someone must have told him that he doesn't the power to investigate enemies as president. We should be more interested in investigations into the president elect's business dealings. What are his interests, foreign and domestic? He should release his full taxes and divest in all his business holdings. Congress should pass laws to require that presidential candidates are required to release their taxes. Also the presidents elects family members should have no role in governing. There is a law against that already.
1
If Chaffetz ever opened his eyes, he'd see there's a lot more to investigate with Trump than Clinton. Clinton has been thoroughly investigated and nothing was found. You wouldn't have to investigate very deeply to find Trump corruption.
But Chaffetz enjoys his political witch hunts too much. As for Judicial Watch, it's just a partisan outfit that's been trying for years to get dirt on the Clintons. They've used every conspiracy theory but have failed. Even the book Clinton's cash was debunked. The right wing is filled with hate. It is their fuel.
But Chaffetz enjoys his political witch hunts too much. As for Judicial Watch, it's just a partisan outfit that's been trying for years to get dirt on the Clintons. They've used every conspiracy theory but have failed. Even the book Clinton's cash was debunked. The right wing is filled with hate. It is their fuel.
2
Surprise. The con man conned his cult supporters.
3
Don't believe him.
1
President Obama should give Hillary a blanket pardon before leaving office. Donald Trump's word is worthless. He could change his mind tomorrow for whatever reason.
1
It's a good thing Trump dropped the threat to prosecute Hillary, because he may soon find that his time is far better served working on numerous prosecution cases against him.
3
"Donald Trump's Foundation Engaged in Self-Dealing, IRS Filing Shows": WSJ
Fear of reciprocity, Prez-elect Trump? Trump must recuse himself from making the decision to let Hillary and the Clinton Foundation off the hook.
"Sessions [is] calling for a special prosecutor to continue investigating HC & the…Foundation…"
Trump's calculus not to prosecute Hillary is flawed. He had better deflate this trial balloon. Fast.
It is a lose-lose not only for him politically, but for the country and the world.
Why Trump must indict Hillary Clinton:
1– Our democracy hangs by one frayed thread…that we are all equal before the law.
2– The precedent of not rendering equal justice to Clinton as to the compelling, massive, prima facie case of espionage imperils our national security in perpetuity.
3– The victims of the Clintons' crimes are We The People & the country. The Foundation is a racketeering enterprise. Penalties for RICO crimes include the forfeiture of all assets gained through a pattern of racketeering activity. Those assets are the people's assets, America's assets. Prosecuting & convicting the Clintons is about making America & Americans as whole as is possible.
This latest scam of the Clintons makes their 90s WH quid pro quo look like—if you’ll pardon the oxymoron—penny ante treason, which brings us full circle & explains why HC chose to set up & scrub the illicit private server & risk being charged with espionage & obstruction of justice…
do those that voted for Trump have the capacity to understand the degree to which they were lied to? it's too late for all of us, but I hope they know the price they paid for the false promises they bought.
10
Awww, so sweet of donald to not go after Hillary any more. Vicious campaign he says, trump is the vicious one. Plus he doesn't know what he is doing. "Make America Great again," all smoke and mirrors.
How patronizing of DT to assume that Hillary needs his help to heal. I can't stand to hear that man talk about how Hillary "struggled". Again the coded sexist talk of stamina. Let's see how the petulant Donald does after four years in office, assuming he doesn't resign or hasn't been impeached.
2
Trump has little understanding and respect for the laws of our nation. He does not have the power to decide which cases are prosecuted and which cases are not. He made claims that he could decide to prosecute the Clinton during the campaign to throw "red meat" to his base. The unsophisticated fell for much of his campaign bogus promises and he was elected. Now, he will be exposed every time he tries to implement one of his crazy campaign promises. Accordingly, there will be no wall, no jailing of Hillary, no mass deportations, no million jobs in the coal industry, no extreme reversal of international trade, no reversal of the Affordable care act. The best he can do is pass some watered down infrastructure bill. My fear is that he tries to fight every nation with terrorists and we end up in a larger unending war. Playing Whack a mole with war is not a reasonable thought.
1
Trump decides to publicly moderate on his campaign threat of a Special Prosecutor to further beat the dead horse that is the Clinton emails and there is a furor.
How wacky can it all get — probably not too mulch more than this?
President DJT will face major pressures from both sides as he strives to navigate his way out the the minefield he randomly laid as Candidate Trump.
I sincerely hope he has the courage and brass not to shrink form the task of of setting a sane course for his presidency.
As for the FBI, and its independence and insulation, who investigates them? Too much power has reared its ugly head in this organization in the past.
How wacky can it all get — probably not too mulch more than this?
President DJT will face major pressures from both sides as he strives to navigate his way out the the minefield he randomly laid as Candidate Trump.
I sincerely hope he has the courage and brass not to shrink form the task of of setting a sane course for his presidency.
As for the FBI, and its independence and insulation, who investigates them? Too much power has reared its ugly head in this organization in the past.
3
Harry Markopolos, author of No One Would Listen said this Madoff's ponzi scheme, "It's hard to compete with a Ponzi scammer, because all he has to do is type his performance returns into the computer," Markopolos says. "He doesn't have to manage his returns according to the market, whereas I had to." "I read his strategy statement, and it was so poorly put together," Markopolos recalls. "His strategy as depicted would have trouble beating a zero return, and his performance chart went up at a 45-degree line: that line doesn't exist in finance, it only exists in geometry classes."
The problem is being repeated again...
The problem is being repeated again...
Donald Trump says, "The campaign was vicious.”
True. And one of the innumerable lies he told in his vicious campaign was when he told Hillary: "If I win, I am going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation."
True. And one of the innumerable lies he told in his vicious campaign was when he told Hillary: "If I win, I am going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation."
2
Sam the Slam, USA: I'm not confused, but I'm afraid you have missed the mark. Some people cannot be enlightened, and that is the true danger. You made an informed decision to vote for Hillary, but you confuse readers with your last line (which could be a typo) which says: that "perhaps" you will be called "an uneducated Trump supporter" --- even though you voted for Hillary. "Talking past" others is a communication problem which has separated many families this Thanksgiving. Many will not sit down with their family who voted for the opposite candidate. I'm one of them. That's the grand American tragedy resulting from all the lies and manipulation of the electorate by a narcissist whose selfishness truly shames our great nation.
2
The good news (relatively speaking) is that Trump now looks more Berlusconi than Mussolini. He will embarrass us daily, and use the office of President to boost his business empire, but at least democracy looks relatively safe (for now.)
1
Trump knows fully well that there is nothing to charge Hillary on.
"Lock her up!" was an effective campaign slogan that energized his followers. Actually finding any evidence of a crime is another, more complex matter.
I assume his election will now adversely affect investigations into his own foundation's dealings, his possible bribery of the Florida Attorney General, and his breaking embargo laws against Cuba, among numerous other crimes.
"Lock her up!" was an effective campaign slogan that energized his followers. Actually finding any evidence of a crime is another, more complex matter.
I assume his election will now adversely affect investigations into his own foundation's dealings, his possible bribery of the Florida Attorney General, and his breaking embargo laws against Cuba, among numerous other crimes.
2
Most tend to forget that Mr. Trump is one of the best negotiators of our time. He starts his positions in the extreme and by the end of the deal he is where he wants to be. Mr. Trump knows that Mr. Obama is leaving him the most divided United States since the civil war and he knows that we have to heal. Not going after Mrs. Clinton is part of that healing. The NYT's reputation was badly hurt during Mr. Trump's run to the White House. They chose to attack rather than report. Now Mr. Trump has met with rivals from both parties as well as the NYT that attacked him on a daily basis. His transition is historic. It is a transition for the people not special interests. Soon folks will see that only the criminal illegals will be deported and the US will look more closely at those coming from terrorist nations. There will be no "ban" on Muslim immigration which has some folks knickers in a twist.
How generous of Trump to make such a big deal out of "not locking her up" when that was never a possibility in the first place. Now he looks "presidential" and "moderate" - by turning this bald-faced lie around to his benefit once again. And the press is all over it - again.
Hillary Clinton can't be locked up because she did not commit any crimes. You have to be guilty of something before you can be incarcerated - at least in
the United States in which I grew up.
Hillary Clinton can't be locked up because she did not commit any crimes. You have to be guilty of something before you can be incarcerated - at least in
the United States in which I grew up.
15
If Coulter and Breitbart are against you, you are on the side of the angels. Now we just need him to not deport undocumented immigrants with misdemeanors and not repeal the preexisting conditions/child coverage/Medicaid expansion portions of the Affordable Care Act and we will basically have what a Hillary presidency would likely have given us just with a different set of scandals. If the Republicans in congress were this pragmatic and not the numb skulls they are, we would be home dry.
4
Investigate schminvestigate. That assurance means nothing. A real strongman would just lock her up and dare his opponents to do something about it.
1
Congratulation today, for the first time in a long time, to Washington Post for getting the context right on this story, unlike other liberal media who are sooo desperate to save Hillary from her other scandals that they declared it blanket immunity. Hillary has serious perjury issues still pending for her lies in sworn testimony before Congress and serious ethics issues for her use of Pay to Play to enrich her foundation and family.
Liberals who report this as a get-out-of-jail-free card for Hillary and a broken promise by Trump have yet to see the final outcomes. They already had another premature ejaculation, you might say, like the tremors from their near unanimous predictions of a resounding victory for Hillary and the Democrats running for US Senate in the recent elections.
Liberals who report this as a get-out-of-jail-free card for Hillary and a broken promise by Trump have yet to see the final outcomes. They already had another premature ejaculation, you might say, like the tremors from their near unanimous predictions of a resounding victory for Hillary and the Democrats running for US Senate in the recent elections.
In other words: It was all fabricated and for purely political purposes....and the Republicans and their corporate Main Stream Media that controls over 90% of the news that people hear and read worked like a charm.
Granted - Hillary is flawed and she screws up a lot of things....but she isn't corrupt (like Trump), she pays taxes (Trump doesn't), she didn't dodge the draft 3 times (Trump did), she doesn't rape or grope women (Trump clearly does and has). and she isn't the most corrupt billiopnaire in the US (that would be Trump.
When 5 huge media conglomerates control 90% of the news and they are either owned by ultra rich billionaires or huge companies managed by very rich CEO's, you know we don't have a so called liberal media....in fact our media is quite the opposite as we saw in the brain washing of America to support Bush's invasion of Iraq. History will laugh at the assertions from the right that the media is liberal....it is a very right wing media.
Granted - Hillary is flawed and she screws up a lot of things....but she isn't corrupt (like Trump), she pays taxes (Trump doesn't), she didn't dodge the draft 3 times (Trump did), she doesn't rape or grope women (Trump clearly does and has). and she isn't the most corrupt billiopnaire in the US (that would be Trump.
When 5 huge media conglomerates control 90% of the news and they are either owned by ultra rich billionaires or huge companies managed by very rich CEO's, you know we don't have a so called liberal media....in fact our media is quite the opposite as we saw in the brain washing of America to support Bush's invasion of Iraq. History will laugh at the assertions from the right that the media is liberal....it is a very right wing media.
3
I still don't like him.
8
So, the Trump supporters take the bait, hook, line and sinker, all the while whining about being "talked down to" by the so-called elites. Meanwhile, Limbaugh and his ilk are laughing all the way to the bank.
3
Given the number of potential investigations into his activities, notwithstanding the ones already demonstrated (at least two by his foundation and the Trump University fiasco, maybe he decided to back off running his mouth about Hillary. Disregarding his lack of knowledge of the law, maybe he figured discretion Trumps (pun intended) stupidity.
2
Dear President-Elect Trump, healing is not what is needed. My respect for you is not in the positive range--it is solidly in negative territory. I view you as a loser and a protector of the lawless, immoral, unethical, and crass among us.
3
"A decision to shut down an investigation, he said, “is not out of step with constitutional constraints,” as the Constitution gives the president the power to issue pardons for federal crimes."
This is how the NYTs ends yet another print promotion of Trump?! There is no Clinton criminal to be pardoned! More Trump smoke and more tiresome, weak kneed reporting.
I am very sad to see how easily Trump continues to make fools of the 4th estate. You should know better by now.
This is how the NYTs ends yet another print promotion of Trump?! There is no Clinton criminal to be pardoned! More Trump smoke and more tiresome, weak kneed reporting.
I am very sad to see how easily Trump continues to make fools of the 4th estate. You should know better by now.
2
The headline writers could of titled this article a little better. It could be taken the other way.
2
The one thing we do know about Pumpkin Head - he's a liar. Practically everything he's said has been a big lie. And now, we know that practically everything he promised his base was a big fat lie too. All the chants, all the misogynistic slogans, all the hate. That was a big lie too. Lies, lies, lies. Of course, we knew he had no policies. Now we know practically everything else was a big lie too.
4
While he is back tracking President Trump should also change his mind that he plans to "take and keep" Iraqi and Libyan oil.
4
“If I win, I am going to instruct my A.G. to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation, because there’s [sic] never been so many lies, so much deception.”
Well, he was right about that, at least.
Good work, NYTimes, and the rest of the legacy media, for allowing an unprecedented cavalcade of lies and deception to go unidentified as such, throughout the entire campaign.
Your willing – apparently eager – and utterly credulous catapulting of an unending stream of utter fabrications from JudicialWatch, the Congressional Publicans, and the mendacious media mouthpieces of the Breitbart brigade and the Fox”News” cohort are the reason we now have what should have been unthinkable:
“President Donald Trump.”
Whatever happens as a result of this – however much damage is done to the economy, to our citizenry, to the people of whatever countries we screw up, to the entire planet – this is all on you.
I hope to God that one of the promises our new “President” doesn’t break is to start jailing so-called journalists.
Maybe that’s what it will take for you to finally understand that you don’t allow liars to lie.
Well, he was right about that, at least.
Good work, NYTimes, and the rest of the legacy media, for allowing an unprecedented cavalcade of lies and deception to go unidentified as such, throughout the entire campaign.
Your willing – apparently eager – and utterly credulous catapulting of an unending stream of utter fabrications from JudicialWatch, the Congressional Publicans, and the mendacious media mouthpieces of the Breitbart brigade and the Fox”News” cohort are the reason we now have what should have been unthinkable:
“President Donald Trump.”
Whatever happens as a result of this – however much damage is done to the economy, to our citizenry, to the people of whatever countries we screw up, to the entire planet – this is all on you.
I hope to God that one of the promises our new “President” doesn’t break is to start jailing so-called journalists.
Maybe that’s what it will take for you to finally understand that you don’t allow liars to lie.
The fact that Trump does not follow through on what he says is no shock to me. He was always a hip shooter and spouts only in two ways: one for his ego, and one for effect. Aside from that, he's one the most offensive people on the planet.
A Hillary Clinton prosecution and conviction of anything would get a pardon anyway. Why waste the time and ink. Losing was the worst punishment you can imagine. There is no pardon for that.
Trump will dilute most of his promises. The wall will become a fence from Home Depot. Water boarding will be reduced to going to bed without dinner. People with intent to harm us will be entering through JFK and Canada instead of Mexico. The unemployed in the rust belt will still be unemployed four years from now.
And then there is poor me. A man without a president. Sickened by watching his sharpest critics actually meeting with him. My candidate had the character to stay away from him.
Anyone connected to this man, aside from the very few who put country before the man, have made a Faustian deal with the devil.
A Hillary Clinton prosecution and conviction of anything would get a pardon anyway. Why waste the time and ink. Losing was the worst punishment you can imagine. There is no pardon for that.
Trump will dilute most of his promises. The wall will become a fence from Home Depot. Water boarding will be reduced to going to bed without dinner. People with intent to harm us will be entering through JFK and Canada instead of Mexico. The unemployed in the rust belt will still be unemployed four years from now.
And then there is poor me. A man without a president. Sickened by watching his sharpest critics actually meeting with him. My candidate had the character to stay away from him.
Anyone connected to this man, aside from the very few who put country before the man, have made a Faustian deal with the devil.
2
I keep hearing in the national media comments that Mr. Obama should give HRC a presidential pardon. For what? I thought one had to be arrested, tried, and convicted of a crime and not just suspected, accused, investigated, harassed, tried through innuendo, and gossip? Or did we change the Constitution somewhere?
4
Sen. Sessions as Attorney General will hire a special prosecutor and investigate the Clintons for years. Congress will investigate her at the same time, probably more than one committee, for as long as they can. This has been going on for 35-40 years. Trump will throw up his hands and say, “It’s not me. I don’t want to hurt them, but I have no control over the Justice Department’s investigative decisions or the Congress. I have nothing to do with this.” It’s how an Antisocial Personality behaves.
2
The sooner we can get rid of and forget the Clintons the better.
2
This is why I just canceled my subscription. The NYT and MSM are still missing the BIG stories - instead of these softballs, they should be pursuing DJT still not releasing his taxes. Or investigating how much money DJT owes to WHICH foreign governments. Or Ivanka using her father's public office to hawk gaudy $11K bracelets. Or DJT receiving foreign diplomats looking to curry favor in his hotels at $20K per night suites. Or DJT trying to skirt anti-nepotism laws - and Ivanka and her slimy husband sitting in on a meeting with PM of Japan. This should be FRONT PAGE NEWS EVERY DAY. The Fourth Estate is just cheap rent. This is why DJT is POTUS-elect.
4
Why are comments allowed for the story on Trump but not for the story of how the Obumbler administration is trying to block a Progressive from Congressional leadership?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/politics/democrats-leadership-fight...
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/politics/democrats-leadership-fight...
I wonder how Trump's more blood thirsty supporters are reacting to this news? He used so much hyperbolic rhetoric like this to woo people into voting for him. If he doesn't build a wall or jail Clinton or any of the other nonsensical things he said while campaigning, will his supporters notice or care?
3
Remember one thing today. Authoritarians rule through CONFUSION.
2
Trump admitted that he said anything to get elected.
He totally manipulated millions of people to vote for him.
Now he will manipulate Congress and America Laws to get his children Top Security Briefing Clearance.
He has no concept of anyone doing anything but what he dictates.
We all have to become alert to what is going on and stand up to say - No, Mr Trump, you are an elected official working for US the American people - We are not here to work for you.
Trump has so many Conflict of Interests....
He totally manipulated millions of people to vote for him.
Now he will manipulate Congress and America Laws to get his children Top Security Briefing Clearance.
He has no concept of anyone doing anything but what he dictates.
We all have to become alert to what is going on and stand up to say - No, Mr Trump, you are an elected official working for US the American people - We are not here to work for you.
Trump has so many Conflict of Interests....
1
Hopefully the FBI and DOJ will do their job- released from Democrat pressures not to pursue
He and his henchmen dare not pursue Secy. Clinton on stale stuff the GOP House already spent millions on without any proof of wrongdoing, when more than half the voters already determined he was an illegitimate choice for president of the free world. No, he'll spend most of his time trying to make self-enriching deals for him and his kids and firing those around him who dare to challenge him.
3
NYT - ok, we get it. This has been your lead story for almost 24 hours. Please move on to more important issues such as Trump's major conflict of interests with his businesses and the presidency. The guy and his family are already lining their pockets due to their new status. This issue needs to be vigorously pursued by the press, the government (though I'm not holding my breath) and everyone else.
1
Aren't we delighted. The most important thing there discussed was Hillary. We know because that was the headline. America, you have nothing to worry about, Hillary is safe.
If only we could say the same for the environment.
If only we could say the same for the environment.
2
Any charges against Hillary Clinton are and would be litterally, Trumped Up.
The man is evil.
The man is evil.
3
This shows, again, how inadequate and unfit HE IS to be the President Of The United States...
Hey DT supporters! Do you still remember his promises for his first 100 days...
It's easier to deceived people, than convince them that they have been deceived...
Hey DT supporters! Do you still remember his promises for his first 100 days...
It's easier to deceived people, than convince them that they have been deceived...
2
His supporters are furious!!! There are already calls of betrayal. Waking up that part of the electorate can just as easily turn on its champion.
Gee... the man's a prince. He's a con man & magnanimously decides to not pursue Clinton? Has she already interrogated multiple times & no smoking guns were found?
Clearly there's more—or actually less—to the email story, but it's appropriately not discussed. For a broad hint... I've never seen a mention of the Diplomatic Pouch.
My conclusion to the email story.... far more noise than signal.
Clearly there's more—or actually less—to the email story, but it's appropriately not discussed. For a broad hint... I've never seen a mention of the Diplomatic Pouch.
My conclusion to the email story.... far more noise than signal.
This man is such an embarrassment to humanity.
3
Come on, y'all: we elected a gameshow host. I believe his execution of the office is predictable by no one one (including he and his close, permanent staff) simply because he is a whirlwind of talk and very little but reptilian territoriality going on in that brain. The people who elected him were foolish to believe that just because he could mouth their frustrations he has anything even the cynics among us would call a plan. Ironically, he himself could next be the one to tick off, you know, 'those second amendment people'
2
Release Your Taxes you babbling coward!!!!
5
I've seen a lot of comments about the independence of the DOJ. I think that's swell -- DOJ should remain independent -- but naive. Prosecutors have always had some degree of discretion. And the FBI head and the AG, who heads the DOJ, report to the president. If the president says we should use our discretion and avoid prosecuting a political opponent, the AG and FBI are going to use their discretion and avoid prosecuting a political opponent.
"Lock her up," was swift-boating a seasoned politician. that's all he ever intended it to be. "Worse than Watergate"? Please.
"Lock her up," was swift-boating a seasoned politician. that's all he ever intended it to be. "Worse than Watergate"? Please.
Unquestionably true. Trump does not want to hurt other rich, powerful elites--at least those whom he can "beat" and control.
1
#GrifterInChief
1
American christians are a nasty hypocritical lot.
They sat blithely by while member of their faith, Secretary Clinton, was the victim of a concerted effort by other "christians" to bear false witness against her and they said nothing.
Nothing.
I hope they keep that in their heads the next time they pretend they're christians...next sunday...for an hour.
They sat blithely by while member of their faith, Secretary Clinton, was the victim of a concerted effort by other "christians" to bear false witness against her and they said nothing.
Nothing.
I hope they keep that in their heads the next time they pretend they're christians...next sunday...for an hour.
6
That's one nasty swipe at all Christians, yes?
You're right.
It's actually a little than half of the electorate that should be ashamed to call themselves christians.
I stand corrected texan.
It's actually a little than half of the electorate that should be ashamed to call themselves christians.
I stand corrected texan.
2
Of course he is dropping the Hillary investigation. Guilty men always want to take the spotlight off an investigation they know could prove the used Russians to hack into DNC emails, not as some believe to know what the DNC was up to, rather to collect data on Hillary voters in order to alter votes or delete them.
Some men just never learn that they cannot always get away with it all.
Someone needs to insist that Comey of the FBi disclose the "undacted" versions of the hacked emails. They won't, of course.
When the only way the Republican boys can win an election is through games like in 2000 and 2004 and now in 2016, they are proving they are undeserving of public trust.
Some men just never learn that they cannot always get away with it all.
Someone needs to insist that Comey of the FBi disclose the "undacted" versions of the hacked emails. They won't, of course.
When the only way the Republican boys can win an election is through games like in 2000 and 2004 and now in 2016, they are proving they are undeserving of public trust.
4
I flipped over to a right-wing/evangelical website, following what turned out to be another fake news item. But the comments were real, and they were all slamming Trump for all of this--not prosecuting Hillary, not killing Obamacare etc. Trump's chronic lies, lack of political awareness and complete disloyalty to anything but money are finally catching up with him, a month too late. His base is slowly awakening, and they're furious.
8
The man who would be king.
3
So I guess that there really are two sets of laws in this country, one that we little people have to abide by and another that say if you are powerful enough, you get a pass. Terrible....
1
Remind us draft dodger elect after all the special prosecutors, all the congressional imvestigations and the fbi investigations and hundreds of million dollars in tax payer money how many crimes has Secretary Clinton been charged with a crime?
Here's a hint, its the same as the number of Vietnam War tours of duty that you Mitt Romney, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney have under your belts.
Here's a hint, its the same as the number of Vietnam War tours of duty that you Mitt Romney, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney have under your belts.
5
What? The bully has stopped bullying? For now...
2
Trump won't be taking apart Obamacare or Medicare either. Good thing, too...all the popcorn I'll be eating as the Trump Travesty unfurls will be hard to digest.
1
Couldn't find any eh?
If we have learned anything from the past two weeks it is that what he says and does are two different things. Hopefully, a pardon is in the works.
The headline is misleading. Once again Hillary Clinton is subjected to a double standard (apologies to those who don't see it this way). I am still stunned that once again the lesser man beats out the superior woman for a position of power. That it is the Presidency accentuates my thoughts and feelings.
This country had a woman who knew what the rigors of being President were and was willing to serve her country. And the antiquated Electoral College got it all wrong this time. Now we have Don the Crooked Con Man manipulating the media with distractions while he and his family plan on how best to line their pockets. After all, if a President does it, it isn't illegal.
Why in all the talk about Clinton's emails, was this not given equal time? "Over the course of decades, Donald Trump’s companies have systematically destroyed or hidden thousands of emails, digital records and paper documents demanded in official proceedings, often in defiance of court orders."
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/11/11/donald-trump-companies-destroyed-emai...
This country had a woman who knew what the rigors of being President were and was willing to serve her country. And the antiquated Electoral College got it all wrong this time. Now we have Don the Crooked Con Man manipulating the media with distractions while he and his family plan on how best to line their pockets. After all, if a President does it, it isn't illegal.
Why in all the talk about Clinton's emails, was this not given equal time? "Over the course of decades, Donald Trump’s companies have systematically destroyed or hidden thousands of emails, digital records and paper documents demanded in official proceedings, often in defiance of court orders."
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/11/11/donald-trump-companies-destroyed-emai...
32
Trump is not looking to divide United States, but to unify the nation. It is no mater of African American, Cacausian, Asian etc. It is not the Republican who won the election, but everyone who want the country to be great again.
Because what they taught you in school doesn't apply.
Hillary is crooked because if you say something over and over again it becomes true. If you said Don was crooked a thousand times and got people to read it, it would also become true.
Educated democrats fail at creating truth because they are taught that facts, logic and rational arguments are relevant. They are not. It only matters how many times you repeat something. That is why global warming is now false and Hillary Clinton is the most corrupt politician of all time.
Hillary is crooked because if you say something over and over again it becomes true. If you said Don was crooked a thousand times and got people to read it, it would also become true.
Educated democrats fail at creating truth because they are taught that facts, logic and rational arguments are relevant. They are not. It only matters how many times you repeat something. That is why global warming is now false and Hillary Clinton is the most corrupt politician of all time.
1
Mary Ann Donahue - "Over the course of decades, Donald Trump’s companies have systematically destroyed or hidden thousands of emails, digital records and paper documents demanded in official proceedings, often in defiance of court orders."
Mary Ann please read the full text of 18 U.S. Code § 793 (f) - "Whoever, being entrusted with or having lawful possession or control of any document, writing, code book, signal book, sketch, photograph, photographic negative, blueprint, plan, map, model, instrument, appliance, note, or information, relating to the national defense,"
There really is a difference between Trump's business emails and those classified emails relating to NATIONAL DEFENSE. Also please notice that contrary to Director Comey's statement there is no need to show "intent" in order to be guilty of this law.
Mary Ann please read the full text of 18 U.S. Code § 793 (f) - "Whoever, being entrusted with or having lawful possession or control of any document, writing, code book, signal book, sketch, photograph, photographic negative, blueprint, plan, map, model, instrument, appliance, note, or information, relating to the national defense,"
There really is a difference between Trump's business emails and those classified emails relating to NATIONAL DEFENSE. Also please notice that contrary to Director Comey's statement there is no need to show "intent" in order to be guilty of this law.
Pretty simple. Trump, being a good businessman, doesn't do the dirty work himself. I suspect Gowdy, Chaffetz, and the new AG will be given carte blanche to redouble the Clinton attacks with nothing on record that he ever told them to have at it.
7
She's no threat anymore. All investigations will cease. All taxpayer funded political hit jobs against Hillary did their job.
Nah - they got what they wanted. Their sights are now set on different targets. Namely you and me.
1
It was not a "threat". It was a campaign promise. Another broken promise.
I count on the NYT to keep track of broken promises, not to downplay a promise to a threat.
I count on the NYT to keep track of broken promises, not to downplay a promise to a threat.
1
His Twitter handle is 'The Real Donald Trump'. Is this the real one? I'm thinking that alien ships abducted that one, right after being elected, and substituted a 'robot' version. Hard to imagine going from his rhetoric on the campaign trail to the version we see now. Or, did he just push the right buttons and give his supporters exactly what they wanted to see and hear to assure his election. I'm definitely thinking, yes, on that one.
9
Bengazi and the emails farces succeeded beyond even the republicans wildest dreams. Now that it served it's purpose it can be discarded. The crocodile and his minions shed some false, empathy tears in public, laughing hisetricaly behind closed doors at the success of their smear campain and at the stupid public who played out into the scheme.
20
I would only hope that had Trump decided to push for legal action against Hillary that he would pursue Bush and Cheney, who destroyed 22 million emails, and their actions resulted in a war, with many more lives lost than what occurred in Benghazi. Gender discrimination once again.
16
I have 2 conspiracy theories:
1) Trump wants to hold the threat of investigation to quell her criticism of him going forward
2) Trump is on best behavior to guarantee that the electoral college doesn't switch the decision on 12/19
1) Trump wants to hold the threat of investigation to quell her criticism of him going forward
2) Trump is on best behavior to guarantee that the electoral college doesn't switch the decision on 12/19
12
And to stop Obama from pardoning her, but it's all correct.
Yes and yes to both of your theories.
As I seas I see it, Trump is merely stating that he won't interfere with the FBI doing its job. That's appropriate, especially since the FBI, just days before the election, re-confirmed that there wasn't enough evidence to indict. I wish Obama had Maintained neutrality.
2
The FBI itself flouted its own rules and injected itself into the election.
If it can't maintain neutrality and work to throw the election, I'm worried about the FBI found forward.
If it can't maintain neutrality and work to throw the election, I'm worried about the FBI found forward.
Americans have been fooled big time by Trump based on FBI second time investigation of Hillary E mails few days before the election which costed Hillary the presidency and US only chance to break the 'glass ceiling' against women in times to come. Trump is president elect and soon going to takeover 'white house'. Trump has nothing to lose; against all odds he won the election which he himself has not anticipated to win.
Many republican icons disassociated themselves from Trump as republicans losing the election won't effect their leadership role. Trump has no qualms about Hillary's investigation of E mails but its such a shame that Putin somehow manipulated rather decided American elections!!!
Many republican icons disassociated themselves from Trump as republicans losing the election won't effect their leadership role. Trump has no qualms about Hillary's investigation of E mails but its such a shame that Putin somehow manipulated rather decided American elections!!!
5
Trump does not speak for Congress or any of his appointees who could initiate investigations. President Obama should provide a pardon in light of the obvious intentions of some to pursue criminal investigations as a matter of ill-will or revenge.
1
The Special Prosecutor law was designed for these situations. Appoint a Special Presecutor and let the chips fall where they may. The the Political Elite class now.
Then we need to start with the Trump Foundation, which he has basically admitted was a scam since day one. And even though the Trump University fraud was settled, a special prosecutor could still look into those misdeeds. Let the special prosecuting begin.
It's better he let the Clintons melt into the sunset.
It would be a shame for them to have to have a fire at the Clinton Foundation that destroys every single last record of all the help they have given starving children.
Now, no fire is necessary.
It would be a shame for them to have to have a fire at the Clinton Foundation that destroys every single last record of all the help they have given starving children.
Now, no fire is necessary.
2
This fits a pattern: Republicans make endless noise about Clinton's emails because it served their purpose and may have won the election, yet they consistently stop short of taking any concrete action such as a formal prosecution. I suspect this is because a wider investigation or pre-trial discovery would reveal that nearly all of our senior officials, including many leading Republicans, have either used non-secure email services or have deleted emails that should have been retained as public record. We already know this is true of Collin Powell and the G. W. Bush White House. Does anyone think all of them could withstand the degree of scrutiny that's been directed at Clinton?
19
Oh, well, over two thousand comments by the time I see this. No point adding my voice but I will anyway.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it, “Hillary for Prison” people. It was a witch hunt, done with political motivation, with no legal merit. The emails had already been dispensed with (no “reasonable” prosecutor would bring such a case per the FBI, the agency authorized to conclude such by the Attorney General.) The Clinton Foundation investigation will yield much the same. The Donald has lost interest. It was an election ploy, period.
Let’s face it. These extremists wouldn’t know the truth if it slapped them in the face. Critical thinking skills are gone. You’re all telling Clinton supporters to “get over it.” How about you get over it?
Put that in your pipe and smoke it, “Hillary for Prison” people. It was a witch hunt, done with political motivation, with no legal merit. The emails had already been dispensed with (no “reasonable” prosecutor would bring such a case per the FBI, the agency authorized to conclude such by the Attorney General.) The Clinton Foundation investigation will yield much the same. The Donald has lost interest. It was an election ploy, period.
Let’s face it. These extremists wouldn’t know the truth if it slapped them in the face. Critical thinking skills are gone. You’re all telling Clinton supporters to “get over it.” How about you get over it?
16
Trump seems to have a far different idea of the office and powers of U.S. President. He is behaving more like the presidency is an extension of the Trump Corporation and he's starting a new season of Celebrity Apprentice. This is the 21st century iteration of Ubu Roi.
5
It was all theatre, entertainment for a gullible electorate weaned on television reality shows. I don’t think they care whether he keeps or breaks any of his campaign promises, most have no idea of the consequence either way. It will be only when the economy tanks, prices rise and the rich get richer while the middle class becomes buried in greater debt will they take notice, and even then…
12
The economy tanked and prices rose and the rich got richer every time a Republican was elected to the presidency in the last 40 years. The sheep don't care. They are still waiting for the baby killers to be stopped and they want more guns in schools and hospitals.
All the careful talk about how Democrats lost the election (which apparently they actually didn't) walks around the national embarrassment that too many American people, in their appetite for "get tough" slogans and zest for the false equation that cash equals brains and virtue, will buy into an obvious con. The United States simply has too many dumb people.
15
The lovable con is a staple of western culture, from Robin Hood onward. "Ocean's 11" was remade and sequeled, remember?
Donald Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation is not true.
He said nothing of the kind. Should his FBI or DOJ or the congress, or all three, wish to proceed in an investigation, Mr. Trump will not stop this.
He said the he would not wish to harm them. I guess he meant he would not wish to prosecute Clinton interests. Well, the president does not prosecute.
The congress can investigate, but the congress does not prosecute. Federal prosecution or state, for criminal matters, and the state or individual for civil are the alternatives.
Mr. Trump only stated what he was not willing to do. He did not limit what others might do.
He said nothing of the kind. Should his FBI or DOJ or the congress, or all three, wish to proceed in an investigation, Mr. Trump will not stop this.
He said the he would not wish to harm them. I guess he meant he would not wish to prosecute Clinton interests. Well, the president does not prosecute.
The congress can investigate, but the congress does not prosecute. Federal prosecution or state, for criminal matters, and the state or individual for civil are the alternatives.
Mr. Trump only stated what he was not willing to do. He did not limit what others might do.
1
I voted for HRC. I'm of the opinion that Trump knows that if a thorough vetting of Hillary takes place, it includes what happened in the election, including Assange, WikiLeaks, certain investigative agencies within our government, the Russians and Trump and his handlers.
Trump never intended to have HRC investigated; obviously, he will be a president, not the great ruler, and never would have had the power just to jail her.
The majority of Trump's voters never gave this a thought, but "elites" knew it all along. There's going to be a lot of Trump voters with buyer's remorse before long, because it increasingly looks as though Trump is going to preside as a liberal Republican in so many ways. Where he doesn't, he's so inexperienced he will probably work with a coalition of Democrats to get his policies through.
There's not going to be huge changes to Obamacare, to Medicare, to Social Security, because Trump won't want to wreck the economy and I'm betting he works pretty well with the Dems. He wants to do expensive things, spend lots of money, please his populists. I can only imagine what the national debt will look like in a few years, but Grover Norquist better make sure his heart is in good shape because his "no new taxes" pledge just went out the window with Trump's election. Good luck explaining new taxes, Kellyanne.
I might add, already in Indiana, one of our most powerful GOP legislators is warning that taxes are going to have to rise.
I'm laughing, I really am.
Trump never intended to have HRC investigated; obviously, he will be a president, not the great ruler, and never would have had the power just to jail her.
The majority of Trump's voters never gave this a thought, but "elites" knew it all along. There's going to be a lot of Trump voters with buyer's remorse before long, because it increasingly looks as though Trump is going to preside as a liberal Republican in so many ways. Where he doesn't, he's so inexperienced he will probably work with a coalition of Democrats to get his policies through.
There's not going to be huge changes to Obamacare, to Medicare, to Social Security, because Trump won't want to wreck the economy and I'm betting he works pretty well with the Dems. He wants to do expensive things, spend lots of money, please his populists. I can only imagine what the national debt will look like in a few years, but Grover Norquist better make sure his heart is in good shape because his "no new taxes" pledge just went out the window with Trump's election. Good luck explaining new taxes, Kellyanne.
I might add, already in Indiana, one of our most powerful GOP legislators is warning that taxes are going to have to rise.
I'm laughing, I really am.
5
My first response is admittedly relief. Then, I realize how appalling this is because it grants Trump the status of king which is what he craves, I suspect.
Since the determination that Trump won the election, I have thought of him like no other candidate/president elect in my lifetime, that is, as someone to fear. I pray he will find a way towards decency. With the persuasion of those who might be natural enemies, yet who need him in order to accomplish some greater good (think President Obama at the White House trying to convince him to keep parts of the ACA), we seem to be in a situation where we are trying to appeal to any hidden decency in the man even before he has taken office.
Since the election has ended, one of my continuing fears is that he would try to follow through with his threat, in what ever ways are at the disposal of a president, to kill Hillary’s spirit once and for all by “locking her up”.
With an election that will go down as one representing the entrance into an age of a dystopian pageantry, the likes of which even Orwell couldn’t have envisioned, apparently the twist is that D.J. Trump might have a shred of decency in him. His campaign “promises” are just part of the small show to get him to the big show on Air Force One.
Well, since we are in this position, I’ll take the merciful Trump over the vindictive one, regardless of who makes decisions in the continuing witch hunt of H.R.C. At least Trump has finally demonstrated a shred of decency!
Since the determination that Trump won the election, I have thought of him like no other candidate/president elect in my lifetime, that is, as someone to fear. I pray he will find a way towards decency. With the persuasion of those who might be natural enemies, yet who need him in order to accomplish some greater good (think President Obama at the White House trying to convince him to keep parts of the ACA), we seem to be in a situation where we are trying to appeal to any hidden decency in the man even before he has taken office.
Since the election has ended, one of my continuing fears is that he would try to follow through with his threat, in what ever ways are at the disposal of a president, to kill Hillary’s spirit once and for all by “locking her up”.
With an election that will go down as one representing the entrance into an age of a dystopian pageantry, the likes of which even Orwell couldn’t have envisioned, apparently the twist is that D.J. Trump might have a shred of decency in him. His campaign “promises” are just part of the small show to get him to the big show on Air Force One.
Well, since we are in this position, I’ll take the merciful Trump over the vindictive one, regardless of who makes decisions in the continuing witch hunt of H.R.C. At least Trump has finally demonstrated a shred of decency!
2
@ Sharon Sonoma County “at least Trump has finally demonstrated a shred of decency”
Well, yes, I suppose that is a possibility.
But another possibility is that Mr Trumpf knows full well that the Clintons, and their Foundation, are guilty of no malfeasance whatsoever – and that, just as with every single other investigation of Hillary undertaken by the Congress, the FBI, or Uncle Tom Cobleigh and all, the inevitable results would be utter vindication for her.
In considering that this is Mr Trumpf we’re talking about – the man who cut his own nephew’s medical care out of a grudge with his brother over the family inheritance; the man who’s consistently failed to pay individuals and firms ((in)famously including both a family of little girl singers who performed at his recent rallies and, ironically, his own lawyers) the agreed debts he incurred in buying their services; the man who played the bankruptcy system to enrich himself while leaving his own investors holding the bag; the man who has been demonstrated to have given not one single penny of his own money to charity over a decades-long span – which possibility do you consider the more probable?
Really?
Well, yes, I suppose that is a possibility.
But another possibility is that Mr Trumpf knows full well that the Clintons, and their Foundation, are guilty of no malfeasance whatsoever – and that, just as with every single other investigation of Hillary undertaken by the Congress, the FBI, or Uncle Tom Cobleigh and all, the inevitable results would be utter vindication for her.
In considering that this is Mr Trumpf we’re talking about – the man who cut his own nephew’s medical care out of a grudge with his brother over the family inheritance; the man who’s consistently failed to pay individuals and firms ((in)famously including both a family of little girl singers who performed at his recent rallies and, ironically, his own lawyers) the agreed debts he incurred in buying their services; the man who played the bankruptcy system to enrich himself while leaving his own investors holding the bag; the man who has been demonstrated to have given not one single penny of his own money to charity over a decades-long span – which possibility do you consider the more probable?
Really?
"knows full well that the Clintons, and their Foundation, are guilty of no malfeasance whatsoever – and that, just as with every single other investigation of Hillary undertaken by the Congress, the FBI, or Uncle Tom Cobleigh and all, the inevitable results would be utter vindication for her."
We know the point of these "investigations" isn't to determine guilt or innocence. The point is to damage her in public opinion with innuendo, which has been very effective, for example, she lost the election!
I said shred of decency.
We know the point of these "investigations" isn't to determine guilt or innocence. The point is to damage her in public opinion with innuendo, which has been very effective, for example, she lost the election!
I said shred of decency.
Considering his assumption that the purpose of his having political power is to develop personal wealth for himself by trading influence, and his evident intention of using Twitter as his email server, I can only conclude that somebody finally explained to him what he was supposed to lock Hillary up for.
2
All of this is working quite well to distract progressives from the last, best hope we have of any bulwark against the wrenching lurch to the extreme right that Congressional Republicans plan: the Supreme Court!
Unfortunately, Obama has almost completely dropped the ball in letting Senate Republicans wrest this nomination out of his hands to give to Trump.
The Constitution clearly grants the president the right and duty to appoint a justice, even when the Senate waives its right to advise and consent, as they have done with the Garland appointment. Obama needs to get a little spine and swear in Justice Garland, in spite of his apparent fear that Republicans might not be happy, and might even make noise and take him to court about it (they'd lose).
Obama mustn't let the nation down on this vital precedent. We elected him twice with significant majorities, and he needs to fulfill his duty and seat his judge even if it seems controversial.
Unfortunately, Obama has almost completely dropped the ball in letting Senate Republicans wrest this nomination out of his hands to give to Trump.
The Constitution clearly grants the president the right and duty to appoint a justice, even when the Senate waives its right to advise and consent, as they have done with the Garland appointment. Obama needs to get a little spine and swear in Justice Garland, in spite of his apparent fear that Republicans might not be happy, and might even make noise and take him to court about it (they'd lose).
Obama mustn't let the nation down on this vital precedent. We elected him twice with significant majorities, and he needs to fulfill his duty and seat his judge even if it seems controversial.
5
Do you not see that any court trying to use that 5-4 majority would INSTANTLY be saddled with three Trump nominees, cheerfully unvetted by even what passes for Republican moderates in the Senate?
No more destabilization for a second, please. Let us catch our breath and see where we're at.
No more destabilization for a second, please. Let us catch our breath and see where we're at.
King Trump hard at work deciding who should and who should not be investigated. A reasonable person might realize that the whole e-mail, (now closed), investigation was a witch hunt. Now the King realizes if he were to pursue the hunt he might and probably would come out the bad guy. His inglorious supporters are in for lots of surprises when it comes to his promises. Stay tuned lying at work
5
Trump and his political handlers exploited the anachronism (Electoral College) to slip Trump through a back door and into position of President Elect.
This maneuver, designed to thwart the Will of the people, was perpetrated over the protests, and the Majority Votes of the American people.
Trump is illegitimate. His Con Game goes on. Now more grotesque than ever,
Will the Electoral College protect us? Or will it leave us on a political altar of sacrifice to the charlatans and bigots in our midst, thus proving how useless it is for anything, except for dangerous exploitation.
This maneuver, designed to thwart the Will of the people, was perpetrated over the protests, and the Majority Votes of the American people.
Trump is illegitimate. His Con Game goes on. Now more grotesque than ever,
Will the Electoral College protect us? Or will it leave us on a political altar of sacrifice to the charlatans and bigots in our midst, thus proving how useless it is for anything, except for dangerous exploitation.
4
The very fact that a president-elect assumes that he is entitled to pursue some prosecutions on political grounds and to drop some is extremely troubling. This is not how a president is supposed to function. His mentality is one of an autocrat and a bully, not a democrat. He does not seem to know anything about the rule of law and the separation of powers. All of these at such an very early stage may be a precursor of what is to come. American people cannot allow this way of thinking to be regarded as normal and not be strongly challenged.
15
Exactly- And in the matter of the future of the Supreme Court, HE thinks gay marriage is a settled matter, but that abortion rights are not... Who the heck does HE think he is?!
1
Wiser move than anticipated from Mr. Trump.
Investigating Hillary's email server is a waste of money. As is the investigation of the Clinton foundation.
He, with help of the GOP and election incompetence in many states, managed to take the win away from the candidate with the most votes.
Better not to harass the Clintons further or he'd energize those who want to have the results in Wisconsin and elsewhere overturned.
Investigating Hillary's email server is a waste of money. As is the investigation of the Clinton foundation.
He, with help of the GOP and election incompetence in many states, managed to take the win away from the candidate with the most votes.
Better not to harass the Clintons further or he'd energize those who want to have the results in Wisconsin and elsewhere overturned.
4
A good move for Trump. If he wants the nation to heal and to be accepted as the President of all the people this action is a necessary first step. It has been widely known that this whole investigation was started and continued to damage Clinton politically. It worked. This investigation is a low point in the history of our politics.
4
@ Curt Dierdorff Virginia “This investigation is a low point in the history of our politics”
But that is exactly why any and all such investigations must go on unimpeded.
It is precisely because every single charge was obviously a Publican fabrication – yet utterly believed by far too many (including too many ostensible progressives) that an independent prosecutor must play the game out to the end, and fully exonerate Hillary, Bill and their Foundation of all wrongdoing.
Clearly, this will not satisfy the deplorables, who know what they know, no matter what the facts say – even when those facts are established by their own. (Reality, after all, has a well-known liberal bias.)
But the rest of us – and history -- need to have the facts firmly established, and the record set straight.
The shame of an election decided entirely on a mendacious PR campaign needs to be made as clear and undeniable as possible.
But that is exactly why any and all such investigations must go on unimpeded.
It is precisely because every single charge was obviously a Publican fabrication – yet utterly believed by far too many (including too many ostensible progressives) that an independent prosecutor must play the game out to the end, and fully exonerate Hillary, Bill and their Foundation of all wrongdoing.
Clearly, this will not satisfy the deplorables, who know what they know, no matter what the facts say – even when those facts are established by their own. (Reality, after all, has a well-known liberal bias.)
But the rest of us – and history -- need to have the facts firmly established, and the record set straight.
The shame of an election decided entirely on a mendacious PR campaign needs to be made as clear and undeniable as possible.
Certain people made the decision to invade Iraq which continues to drive this country to ruin: wasted lives of our servicepeople, 2 trillion down the toilet that should have been spent to address the very legitimate concerns of many people who voted for this guy, and too frequent fraud and mismanagement in defense contracting calling into question the legitimacy of our government to do its job.
Unfortunate outcomes like this are to be expected....
Unfortunate outcomes like this are to be expected....
5
As expected, Trump is going to protect his fellow criminal Progressive Democrats from facing the laws that the rest of us must live under, and he will be cheered by the political class because they now feel reassured that they too can break the laws with impunity. A nation with two sets of laws, one for the ruling elite and one for the hoi polloi, cannot last long as a republic. Trump will merely continue our descent into despotism.
This would be hilarious if it were only a third rate penny novel. But alas truth is crazier than fiction. We shall all be reading a lot more these next four years although I expect less so of periodicals.
14
How benevolent of him. Kind of like when Amon Goeth pardoned the concentration camp prisoner in Schindler's List. The irony is that he actually doesn't possess the knowledge that it's not his decision and that the decision has already been made. She's been cleared. It would be funny if it weren't such a national tragedy in the making.
48
Comparing Donald Trump to a mass murderer.
Wow.
Wow.
The man is a self-serving know nothing who is already in the process of rolling the Congress and the nation. The man is an embarrassment. He acts as if this is a reality show. Shame. Shame. Shame. We are losing our democracy and he acts as if he were the king and not the President elect. He is not a monarch.
59
I only wish Hillary would say, "No. I insist you investigate. Bring on the jugglers and clowns. Let's do this."
42
Except that she's a person of integrity and wouldn't do that in the real world. She can't help that his followers are so stupid they didn't understand it was all a show.
“She went through a lot and suffered greatly in many different ways, and I am not looking to hurt them at all. The campaign was vicious.”
Certainly this is music to the ears of any rational person. But what does it say about him and his supporters?
The fact that he recognizes the viciousness of what he did, the fact that he did it anyway, the fact that his supporters couldn't see it.
It's all beyond belief.
Certainly this is music to the ears of any rational person. But what does it say about him and his supporters?
The fact that he recognizes the viciousness of what he did, the fact that he did it anyway, the fact that his supporters couldn't see it.
It's all beyond belief.
54
I'm not surprised he's dropping this at all. It was a phony scandal from the beginning, but it did serve is purpose: to paint Hillary as dishonest and a liar. Many did not vote for her because of this and it conveniently distracted voters from Mr. Trump's grosser misgivings.
Like Joseph De Maistre said: "Every nation gets the government it deserves".
Like Joseph De Maistre said: "Every nation gets the government it deserves".
44
Between Trump's preemptive and contemptuous dismissal of the key issues of his "base" -- building the wall, demolishing Obamacare, holding show trials of Hillary Clinton -- and the upcoming collision with reality over job losses and dealing with terrorism, it may not be long before we hear a chorus of "Lock him up!! Lock him up!!"
Can Trump or his congressional allies really put the genie back in the bottle? Time will tell.
Can Trump or his congressional allies really put the genie back in the bottle? Time will tell.
20
Good luck trying to explain to your reasonable and rational supporters that all the promises you made to them were actually lies.
They seem calm and mature so you should be just fine mr. president.
Have fun.
They seem calm and mature so you should be just fine mr. president.
Have fun.
1
How he treated Clinton was a nightmare yo behold and now King trump is issuing his pardon .
Trump is a salesman. He will, I don't doubt, offer you a great "deal" on the Brooklyn Bridge. Not the George Washington Bridge, however -- Christie owns that one.
For the love of all that is holy (and democratic), someone PLEASE explain to this self-aggrandising fool that being President is NOT the same thing as being CEO. He is *not* the Boss Of The US And The World; he does *not* get to decide how the press covers him; he has no say in how foreign nations choose their diplomatic envoys (you really embarrassed yourself there, donny, though not as much as when you stated your son-in-law could bring peace to the Middle East, which made the world guffaw); he does not get to make veiled or open threats regarding people and actions that don't suit his delusional idea of himself, etc etc etc.
Truly, I don't think he gets it. So maybe he'll see this and it'll finally click: You don't get to decide whatever you want and order your minions to do it. You are not a CEO or mafia boss. You are a public servant, accountable to the people - not the other way around. You didn't change your mind because you're a good guy; you changed your mind because your plan was delusional to begin with. No, you don't look magnanimous, just manipulative and completely divorced from reality.
Truly, I don't think he gets it. So maybe he'll see this and it'll finally click: You don't get to decide whatever you want and order your minions to do it. You are not a CEO or mafia boss. You are a public servant, accountable to the people - not the other way around. You didn't change your mind because you're a good guy; you changed your mind because your plan was delusional to begin with. No, you don't look magnanimous, just manipulative and completely divorced from reality.
77
No he doesn't get it. Will not ever get it. (Don't you get it?) Mafia boss.
But how do we stop him? Right now, all we're doing is gawking and either wringing our hands or smugly guffawing. Meanwhile, it looks like he's doing just about everything he wants to do.
Because he has always known that his insinuations about HER and HER character have always been hullabaloo, razzmatazz, conniving, deception, and bull. In fact he is the one who should be investigated, and jailed for doing what he has done, and for affecting the results of an election by spreading lies, filth, and innuendo. One day the chickens will come home to roost, America, sooner or later, will find out who is crooked and who is the real crook.
34
Maybe it's because he knows that there is nothing to investigate.
24
For crying out loud. Watch the trailer for the Steve Bannon movie "Clinton Cash." Then do an internet search about each of the accusations in the trailer. They are all proven to be false. We have a president-elect who can't seem to distinguish between facts and fake news.
The clue is that he rejects virtually every expert in the climate field and relies on what to decide something that the experts say puts our entire planet and civilization at risk? A hunch? Oil companies? The internet? A single non-scientist paid by the coal industry?
Scientists lose their jobs for fake information. Oil and coal companies make more money--but only for a few years. They will die with the rest of the planet too.
The clue is that he rejects virtually every expert in the climate field and relies on what to decide something that the experts say puts our entire planet and civilization at risk? A hunch? Oil companies? The internet? A single non-scientist paid by the coal industry?
Scientists lose their jobs for fake information. Oil and coal companies make more money--but only for a few years. They will die with the rest of the planet too.
18
Hamilton brouhaha, now this. He really knows how to distract us from thinking about how he's guilty of running a fraudulent company and calling it a school. Stealing from the very same people who admire him, want to be like him and made him president.
26
The president-elect needs to have a meeting with James Comey so Comey can explain why not prosecuting Clinton wasn't even a close call (as he said). Then he can give the not-prosecuting line without sounding like a whimsical dictator.
Verifiable facts and evidence need to guide all of his proposals and policies.
Verifiable facts and evidence need to guide all of his proposals and policies.
11
And if Comey were a man he'd answer: "but we all knew she was innocent before we began the investigation. We "investigated" her to trick stupid people into thinking she was a crook so another born to privlege draft dodger could win the presidency".
But since Comey is just a Koch GOP gimp he'll never say that.
But since Comey is just a Koch GOP gimp he'll never say that.
1
I guarantee that if the Clintons continue their greed, there will be repercussions. But I also believe that the Clintons have the potential to learn a lesson, and they could become a very positive force that is not influenced by personal gain. From what Donald Trump said, from what he knows of the Clintons, he believes they can do this. I hope he is right and I will commend the Clintons if they make the change.
3
They are peas in a pod. Trump will exploit his nations of investment expansion and the Clintons their fund. Their daughters are best friends. Get the picture. It's all in terms of morality like the characters in The Big Short - everyone's greedy. Your broker unless you have 5 mil isn't doing a thing for you. Your bank relationships mean nothing. Young journalists all self serving ego driven.
2
Good God. Trump just settled up in court with former students at his fake university. He had to pay out tens of MILLIONS of dollars.
For cheating.
For defrauding these people
He is the embodiment of greed. Take off the blinders- this is just sad.
For cheating.
For defrauding these people
He is the embodiment of greed. Take off the blinders- this is just sad.
44
That was fast.
2
If everyone keeps saying "backpedalled" that angry reactive guy will come out swinging - haven't you figured it out.
Save the criticism on things where it's just to slam what's better anyway. He can't take criticism get the idea. Chose wisely but it's "dumber than a rock"- yes all of you - to harp on him softening a stance that's good news and could pay later. Backlash from him. That's on you
Save the criticism on things where it's just to slam what's better anyway. He can't take criticism get the idea. Chose wisely but it's "dumber than a rock"- yes all of you - to harp on him softening a stance that's good news and could pay later. Backlash from him. That's on you
In other words, this is not going to end well, LOl.
Trump's moderation with respect to Clinton's past deeds, real or imagined, will last until he faces a major crisis. Then "something new" will be discovered that will merit a special prosecutor. Our collective hair will catch on fire. Attention to crisis diverted.
7
You soeak as though we had a plethora of great candidates from which to choose. Both candidates have their faults. Problem with Clinton is that she has been around too long and people wanted a change. In addition, I don't find her particularly trust-worthy.
Trump had/has a chance to develop policies and programs to benefit the country without worrying about the political fallout thar always occurs. Afterall, he isn't a professional politician. Seems to me, though, that he is wasting his time on petty squabbles. Disappointing.
Trump had/has a chance to develop policies and programs to benefit the country without worrying about the political fallout thar always occurs. Afterall, he isn't a professional politician. Seems to me, though, that he is wasting his time on petty squabbles. Disappointing.
And trump's Honey Boo Boo base will fall for it hook line and sinker...as they always do.
1
This guy just does whatever feels right at the time. He panders to his audience, in this case some NYT reporters. Later he'll pander to someone less savory. At decision time, he'll do whatever feels right in the moment. All we have to go on is his actions: hiring some super sketchy people in high positions.
14
This is going to be a very long, very messy, very unstable four years.
24
Oh let the Republican dramas unfold. Ha!
Wait until scandal after scandal. How about the term limit matter? HAHAHA
Wait until scandal after scandal. How about the term limit matter? HAHAHA
5
You are right
4
The media is playing into Trump's game by even reporting this. It's not news, it's spectacle. Of course he won't prosecute Clinton. He had nothing to prosecute her for. It was just one of many lies and stunts he pulls off to look macho and rile up support (and win the election). So is it really 'news' that "Trump drops threat of new Hillary Clinton investigation"? I think not.
26
"Donald Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation".
Well, big oops! Hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa...
And WHEN will there be investigations of "Crooked Trump?"
Trump's attitude is that laws don't apply to him. He's an
elitist snob and a holier-than-thou Trickster.
Well, big oops! Hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa...
And WHEN will there be investigations of "Crooked Trump?"
Trump's attitude is that laws don't apply to him. He's an
elitist snob and a holier-than-thou Trickster.
9
But he's gonna' make his base of dropouts millionaires.
1
Trump the Merciful! Trump the Merciful!... someone stayed up watching Gladiators last night.
10
He hasn't any more power to prosecute anyone than the man in the moon. Of course if he decides otherwise,we have a system of checks and balances such as Paul Ryan.
6
Trump has no ammunition to use against Clinton anyway. But it is kind of perversely fun watching him renege on every single major promise he made to his supporters. There will be no jailed Hillary, no wall, no deportation force, no Muslim registry. Instead, we're going to watch a clueless wannabe dictator/clown making a mockery of the US around the world and stumbling and bumbling his way through the next four years. He is completely lost. But the real disturbing part is he looks like he thinks he's some kind of smart guy who pulled off something amazzzzzzzzzzzing.
16
"Nothing is as dangerous as a fool who thinks he is king." --Me, just now
You don't consider his getting elected amazzzzzzzzzzzzing?
There is an unspoken agreement between the two parties that they won’t prosecute one another’s crimes, esp. if committed in the performance of their duties in office. Thus Obama ’looked forward not back’ where the war crimes of Bush and Cheney were concerned, and now Trump is doing the same for Clinton’s crimes committed while Secretary of State, no doubt in the hope that his successor will not prosecute him. Though it is not inconceivable that Trump will pardon himself at some point during his Presidency.
5
That would be interesting, although there is no jurisprudence to support a president pardoning himself.
The Constitution says that the president "shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment." ... And since no court has ruled on this issue--because no president has ever tried to pardon himself--it remains an open question.
The Constitution says that the president "shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment." ... And since no court has ruled on this issue--because no president has ever tried to pardon himself--it remains an open question.
1
Evidence??
There were no "Clinton crimes" to begin with.
It is not upto Trump to further investigate or not Hillary on various issues of national importance. His Threat to Hillary was of no substance but a scare tactic It is up to the law of the land to look into such matters. The law of the land can also look into Mr.Trump's actions prior to becoming President
9
This is all quite backwards of course.
Any non-theater action on this entire matter would cpontain two main elements:
1. Exactly when did the FBI and the NSA first know about the 'email server', and why was it not immediately, when it was first turned on and used? Why was the Sec. of State not asked to shut it down immediately? The security services either were not effective, or if they were, they performed a dereliction of duty -- if that server was any national threat. This is a huge point A.!
2. Trump, in his strong libel of HRC on this matter, should be held accountable. He publicly -- in the most visible arena anyone ever has -- accused HRC, without evidence or trial, of guilt and threatened her in order to achieve support for his self-interests. This is absolute libel, and he should be charged with it. Or is he above the law?
Any non-theater action on this entire matter would cpontain two main elements:
1. Exactly when did the FBI and the NSA first know about the 'email server', and why was it not immediately, when it was first turned on and used? Why was the Sec. of State not asked to shut it down immediately? The security services either were not effective, or if they were, they performed a dereliction of duty -- if that server was any national threat. This is a huge point A.!
2. Trump, in his strong libel of HRC on this matter, should be held accountable. He publicly -- in the most visible arena anyone ever has -- accused HRC, without evidence or trial, of guilt and threatened her in order to achieve support for his self-interests. This is absolute libel, and he should be charged with it. Or is he above the law?
17
First, I think you mean slander (spoken) not libel (written).
Second, the least protection from defamation is given to public officials. Those harmed must prove that the act was a) published b) false c) injurious; and d) unprivileged.
The landmark 1964 case of New York Times v. Sullivan, SCOTUS held that certain defamatory statements were protected by the First Amendment. But the court stated "a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open."
The court made a rule that public officials could sue for statements made about their public conduct only if the statements were made with "actual malice."
"Actual malice" means that the person who made the statement knew it wasn't true, or didn't care whether it was true or not and was reckless with the truth, which one could argue in Trump's case.
However, HRC and the Clinton Foundation have skirted the law at numerous times, especially regarding financial and regulatory reporting, which is probably the reason they haven't pursued action. As they say - those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Second, the least protection from defamation is given to public officials. Those harmed must prove that the act was a) published b) false c) injurious; and d) unprivileged.
The landmark 1964 case of New York Times v. Sullivan, SCOTUS held that certain defamatory statements were protected by the First Amendment. But the court stated "a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open."
The court made a rule that public officials could sue for statements made about their public conduct only if the statements were made with "actual malice."
"Actual malice" means that the person who made the statement knew it wasn't true, or didn't care whether it was true or not and was reckless with the truth, which one could argue in Trump's case.
However, HRC and the Clinton Foundation have skirted the law at numerous times, especially regarding financial and regulatory reporting, which is probably the reason they haven't pursued action. As they say - those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
It's slander, actually, but still against the law. Defamation is serious, but given that defamation is one of the most basic tools of electioneering, it's generally not prosecuted.
1
"The campaign was vicious." You mean you were vicious, Trump, and some are not fooled (and many are) that you are vicious now and will be again, wielding it like a weapon whenever you feel you need power. You're an abusive individual and you'll be the opposite of a public servant.
26
Two weeks in and already Trump has back peddled on most of his campaign promises. "we love the undereducated!" yes he really said this. Yet they still voted for his now empty bag of impossible promises.
9
Better than hating half of Americans and calling them deplorables.
3
It won't matter what Trump does. His voters won't care. They need to be believe in him. I'd pity them, if they weren't so potentially dangerous.
5
The truth hurts.
3
If then Clintons are smart they will not take Trump at his word, and leave the country. His word is worth nothing.
3
This shows he is willing to bend. Not something you Obama minions are familiar with, is it.
3
Uh, let's have Donald and Melania leave. Clinton is not responsible for Trump's ridiculous behavior.
5
To whom are you speaking?
Nobody should be at all surprised by this. The Trumps and Clintons are longtime family friends of each other. Without doubt the harsh campaign put a strain in their relationship but a good guess is that both families will get over it. Friends tend not to prosecute friends.
3
I don't know why anyone would've taken him literally about the Clinton jailing thing. Ditto for the wall. He always meant these figuratively. He has absolutely nothing to gain politically by pushing for it, so why would he? Clinton is a spent force politically. Done with. It's kind of amazing that the mainstream media continues to take these literally.
3
Maybe they took him seriously because he said she should be in jail "believe me"! So, tell me now - in the future, should we believe anything he says? Is he being literal or figurative? How do we know, how do we tell? Do you have the magic key to figuring Donald out?
A lot of his supporters took it literally.
Well, they were his talking points during the campaign, and we were taking him seriously until we realized that were ridiculous, and now he is backtracking of most of them. These words make us more frightened
Prosecution rests with the Justice Department. Perfect set up. Now if Barack pardons Clinton, she looks REALLY guilty. If he doesn't... And we all have to admit, under Obama Justice and the IRS has been anything but blind. So a bit of Clintonesque misdirection, followed by some Lois Lehnering and Loretta Lynching AFTER inauguration seems like a reasonable way to communicate the need for the rule of law to the 50% living on the coasts who did not value it for 8 years. Democrats have criminalized dissent and demonized opponents for so long that they forgot how awful it is when governance is held by the opposition that has been ignored and attacked. Quid pro quo.
Obama should use Trump's words as he pardons Hillary.
He can simply say "Trump was going to basically do it, you all heard him, so I'm just codifying it". End of story forever.
He can simply say "Trump was going to basically do it, you all heard him, so I'm just codifying it". End of story forever.
3
He can't pardon her because she hasn't been convicted of anything and she hasn't been convicted of anything because each investigation ends with the determination that she has not committed any crimes.
Dude ... If Obama "pardons Clinton"? What would he pardon her for, exactly?
Clinton should request that she be prosecuted. There is no prospect that she will be convicted of anything but she should turn that into the show trial fiasco that it would always have been - just to make a point and haunt the Trump whitehouse for years with the truth.
4
Perhaps there was a deal cut. Well of course there was! Perhaps that deal was Hillary opts out of pushing electors her was or of seeking recounts in states with tight voting results.
"I don’t want to hurt the Clintons, I really don’t,” Mr. Trump said during the interview. “She went through a lot and suffered greatly in many different ways, and I am not looking to hurt them at all. The campaign was vicious.” He should personally apologize in public for his behavior towards Bill and Hillary Clinton. There was so much that was fair game but he hit so far below the belt it was disgusting. But we all know he'll never apologize and own it. He's a sick person.
24
Trump didn't apologize to the 6,000 Trump University students who lost their homes, went bankrupt and/or were evicted because Donald Trump deliberately used high-pressure sales techniques to get them to sign, then charged exorbitant rates and delivered absolutely nothing. Was he guilty about the crimes? No, he just wrote a check and strolled away, no apologies, no remorse. And now he claims he didn't have to settle at all. What Donald Trump did to the students who admired him should give pause to every Trump fan who believes anything he says.
1
What happend to remembering JFK today? Most important day in the
the youth of many of us. Has Trump trumped history? Terry S. Johnson
the youth of many of us. Has Trump trumped history? Terry S. Johnson
8
People who take him literally continually miss the point. It's his DOJ that would appoint a special prosecutor, as in Watergate, to investigate whether Mrs. Clinton violated statutes punishable by jail. A read of the relevant statute would convince most independent people that she did. Trump is saying, and I agree, that this would not serve the national interest and he wants to focus on jobs and uniting the country. He will restore jobs but he will fail to unite the country which has a large number of people who will never reconcile themselves to the election results even if they can bear to watch on January 20th when he takes the oath of office.
Donald Trump. had he followed through on his campaign promise to prosecute Hillary Clinton, would have had engaged in persecution of a political opponent, a common feature of a a police state.
Trump's statement, which his flunkies are trying to sell as a noble gesture, by saying that he will not (isn't inclined to?) prosecute her, perpetuates his unconstitutional assertion that a President has the power to order up prosecutions at whim. Sure, an AG like Senator Jeff Sessions might prosecute on Trump's demand, indicting anything from ham sandwiches to Clintons, but the AG and the President would be pushing a tainted case.
In confirmation hearings, Sessions needs to be questioned sharply about whether he believes a President has the power to order prosecutions.
Trump's statement, which his flunkies are trying to sell as a noble gesture, by saying that he will not (isn't inclined to?) prosecute her, perpetuates his unconstitutional assertion that a President has the power to order up prosecutions at whim. Sure, an AG like Senator Jeff Sessions might prosecute on Trump's demand, indicting anything from ham sandwiches to Clintons, but the AG and the President would be pushing a tainted case.
In confirmation hearings, Sessions needs to be questioned sharply about whether he believes a President has the power to order prosecutions.
11
C'mon, get serious. Even Comey's criticism of Clinton couldn't come up with anything more serious than extremely careless. Meanwhile, Clinton's numbers in the popular vote keep climbing. Did anyone really believe Trump, a man in desperate search of legitimacy, would go after the woman who beat him by millions of votes from Americans?
9
Would you liberals be more content to have him press for an investigation? He promised to be a president for ALL Americans, not for just the people who elected him. So why are you not pleased that he has dropped his intention to press for an investigation of your hero? It shows he does not intend to be firm in his stand on all issues. I guess this is something that liberals can't quite understand.
1
1. We're not all "liberals" nor appreciate being labeled. Some people on the "left" do not care for this word, for various reasons. I don't expect you to understand, just making the point.
2. We're not "pleased" because we knew that Donald Trump had no ability or authority to prosecute Hillary Clinton in the first place. Further, that the FBI, as they have let everyone know, has no intention of prosecuting her.
Donald Trump relentlessly persecuted Hillary Clinton and encouraged his followers to do the same. He can be expected to do the same again to others.
So, no, not pleased and think it's beyond ridiculous that we are somehow expected to be.
2. We're not "pleased" because we knew that Donald Trump had no ability or authority to prosecute Hillary Clinton in the first place. Further, that the FBI, as they have let everyone know, has no intention of prosecuting her.
Donald Trump relentlessly persecuted Hillary Clinton and encouraged his followers to do the same. He can be expected to do the same again to others.
So, no, not pleased and think it's beyond ridiculous that we are somehow expected to be.
13
If you recall from de Toqueville's Democracy in America -- a defining characteristic of our democracy is that the system is set up such that "defeating" a political adversary means stripping them of their political power - not charging them with a crime. There is a separation of Hillary as Presidential candidate and Hillary as individual citizen. Is being the last person in America to have an AOL account a Federal crime? Not according to de Toqueville!
2
I've supported Mr. Trump from the beginning and contributed several times, posted comments in his defense and support, called talk radio stations, distributed literature, put up Trump signs at 4 AM on election day because I believed Donald Trump would honor his promises if elected. I voted for Donald Trump to help Washington solve problems, rebuild our country, restore law and order, and end the corruption and double standard for office holders, so if he does not build a physical wall or request special counsel to investigate Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation then the last 18 months "will have been the greatest waste of my time and money!" I am not saying Hillary should be locked up but rather I want an independent investigation and if she broke the law then hold her accountable (the penalty, or forgiveness thereof, may be one of discretion but reserve such decision until the results of an investigation). Also, as a Christian, previous Social Worker and an attorney, I care deeply about people so I am not advocating a Wall to alienate Mexico (or its people) but rather a physical wall to create a security measure to control who and what comes across the boarder for the benefit of both countries. The Wall will be seen as a symbol of strength and rebirth or our nation and our resolve to do whatever it takes to keep us Great for generations to come. So please Mr. Trump keep your promises and you will be one of the greatest Presidents in our history!
3
The man you voted for - and only a minority of Americans voted for him - is a serial liar (proven many times over during the campaign), debauched, with narcissistic authoritarian tendencies, and no convictions, besides a focus on enriching himself and his family at the expense of the uninformed public, and now the nation. Hillary Clinton is the opposite of all of that. That is why almost everybody I know - yes, this is San Francisco - voted for her. And, unfortunately, it is very unlikely that he will be one of the greatest Presidents in this country's history.
19
The guy conned you.
16
Your time and money have been wasted.
However, you seem like someone who cares, and I'd like to understand why you believed him and why you think these positions make economic or moral sense. Especially as a NYT reader.
However, you seem like someone who cares, and I'd like to understand why you believed him and why you think these positions make economic or moral sense. Especially as a NYT reader.
1
How about they investigate the Former Secretary Clinton AND President-Elect DJ Trump? Lies and deception abound in both camps.
2
Just as Gowdy didn't get any "truth," neither will Chaffetz. This is a witch hunt circa 1950s to promote their name on tv. When will Americans wake up and see how they waste American taxpayer money on a witchunt.
4
Mr. Trump is following the recommendations of the FBI director, which is the sensible course and what he should be doing.
The disastrous election loss by the Democrats hopefully should make Mrs. Clinton no longer politically relevant, and Mr. Trump has many more important issues to look after.
The disastrous election loss by the Democrats hopefully should make Mrs. Clinton no longer politically relevant, and Mr. Trump has many more important issues to look after.
Trump supporters? He reneged on his campaign promises? Get used to it. He will not do anything for you and everything for himself. That was his history, and one history you supporters didn't bother to check.
18
Trump is a phony and a con through and through . America electing him is showing itself to be a desperate nation clinging to some dream of past.
9
I know we will have a ton of investigations pointed at this Charlatan, but I've been on his FB page for quite some time and it's interesting to find that a majority of the responses are very much the in style and punctuation, I don't believe he has as many followers as he says he does. I think most of them are bots. Investigate that.
9
Ugh. Ms. Conway and Mr. Trump's coterie are enabling this emperor's new clothes situation wherein they make him feel like he has the legal power to do things when in fact he doesn't.
More rational heads are going to have to do some maneuvering, and given the cabinet, I have no idea who that is.
More rational heads are going to have to do some maneuvering, and given the cabinet, I have no idea who that is.
12
I was quite taken aback when Trump threatened jail time on Hillary Clinton in the middle of a national debate. That sort of behavior is usually only seen in teapot leaders of less than stellar nations. Now that he is President-Elect, he has to step back from his hard line. If he didn't, then the division would only sink his presidency. Surely Trump has enough sense to realize that he has to avoid such a public fight. Were his administration actually to prosecute her, he would be left with egg in his face.
A trial of Hillary Clinton would be ultimately end in an embarrassing loss for his fledging administration. There is not a chance that he would ever win consider the recent revelation that Colin Powell also did not adhere to "proper" protocol. And such an egregious prosecution would only galvanize the anti-Trump movement. The Clinton's would have support from both sides of the isle and drive the issue to the front of public discourse. And such an aggressive stance would only cause the opposition to attack on Trump’s own long list of illegalities. It’ll be a bloodbath for everyone, which is exactly why the issue will be avoided entirely.
A trial of Hillary Clinton would be ultimately end in an embarrassing loss for his fledging administration. There is not a chance that he would ever win consider the recent revelation that Colin Powell also did not adhere to "proper" protocol. And such an egregious prosecution would only galvanize the anti-Trump movement. The Clinton's would have support from both sides of the isle and drive the issue to the front of public discourse. And such an aggressive stance would only cause the opposition to attack on Trump’s own long list of illegalities. It’ll be a bloodbath for everyone, which is exactly why the issue will be avoided entirely.
18
Presidents don't have the power to prosecute anybody. It's not in the Constitution. It's not in any law. It has never happened. And no President has ever tried to prosecute anybody. Moreover Attorneys General can't consult with the President on who to prosecute. And if the President says publicly who should be prosecuted, the judge usually has to throw out the case. So the President should not even be discussing this matter let alone making any decisions.
I find it amazing that this is a news story, let alone the top news story. Apparently, the Times asked Trump if he wanted to prosecute Clinton. Amazingly, the future President of the United States then started talking about prosecuting her, as if this were a decision for him to make. Then the Times tells us "criminal investigations are conducted LARGELY independently from the White House," Apparently, they think that the President gets involved once in awhile, although the correct answer is never. The newspaper got its information talking to an expert, who happens to be a partner of Giuliani. I'm guessing he was at the bottom of the expert list.
My conclusion is that the Times and Trump should not talk to each other. They really don't like each other and when they're together they both lose it, big time.
I find it amazing that this is a news story, let alone the top news story. Apparently, the Times asked Trump if he wanted to prosecute Clinton. Amazingly, the future President of the United States then started talking about prosecuting her, as if this were a decision for him to make. Then the Times tells us "criminal investigations are conducted LARGELY independently from the White House," Apparently, they think that the President gets involved once in awhile, although the correct answer is never. The newspaper got its information talking to an expert, who happens to be a partner of Giuliani. I'm guessing he was at the bottom of the expert list.
My conclusion is that the Times and Trump should not talk to each other. They really don't like each other and when they're together they both lose it, big time.
9
According to the experts on Fox News, Trump, our distinguished President Elect, will allow the soon-to-be Attorney General, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, a Southern Boy in his own right, decide to pursue further criminal investigation into Clinton’s use of an unauthorized email platform outside of the security of the Federal government, and over which she transmitted highly classified government information; information so sensitive that if in the wrong hands could have damaged the security of our beloved nation, If not bringing about its downfall! Information which could have led to the death of service men and other government operatives, and probably did so in the deaths of four Americans, including an Ambassador, in Benghazi. Jeff Sessions, who is an American devoted to freedom and security will do the right thing He is afterall a Southern Boy, who believes in security, insuring freedom, and protecting the lives of Americans. Besides the FBI investigation into the Clinton Foundation is still going on, and hopefully that inquiry will uncover illegal activity and elevate it to the highest authority. Thank you.
1
As they say on "Big Bang Theory..."
Sarcasm?
Sarcasm?
4
Southern Boy: "the FBI investigation into the Clinton Foundation is still going on, and hopefully that inquiry will uncover illegal activity..." Why hopefully? you WANT them to find illegal activity, it seems....interesting preconception to be taking. Do you see your bias there?
7
They haven't got anything, Southern Boy. That's why Trump's given up on pursuing it. He knew that, but unfortunately you and thousands of voters didn't. Give up. I'm not sure why you hate Hillary Clinton so much, but maybe you could at least try to read carefully and check the facts. They got nothing.
12
An FBI guy deep throated Nixon resulting in his impeachment. Another FBI guy, Comey, derails Clinton. The FBI owes America and needs to bring Trump back to earth. Sadly, it will probably take another "Nixonian" debacle before that happens.
4
Now I'm really confused. I just had to turn off MSNBC because I couldn't take it anymore. Based on their almost evangelical support for Mrs. Clinton, this announcement on Trump's part should be reason for happiness and relief on their part, when in fact they're now livid about it. I'm sorry but it's not Trump that's going to undo this country, it's the segment of it that is just totally unwilling to tolerate any other point of view but their own. Intolerance and bigotry comes in many forms, some of which have nothing to do with race or religion.
2
There are a lot of segments of society that have no tolerance for viewpoints other than their own.
I would like to see HRC DEMAND she be investigated on alleged crimes concerning her use of an email private server. I think it is fair to say it was this issue that Trump and the republicans pushed hardest against HRC and further, it was one of the most significant reasons for her loss. So, let the republicans have at it and have them once again be exposed for their frivolous pursuits and vacuous thinking.
3
Trump the Beneficent - yea right!
He is dropping the "lock her up" charge because there is nothing there - and he knows it as well as the Holy inquisitioners at the GOP who will continue their persecution to satisfy their lynch mob supporters.
Trump even gave money to the Clinton Foundation - he knows it does a lot good and was hoping to get "something" out of the Clintons too. Besides, does he want equivalent scrutiny into his own crooked foundation?
In fact, those who move to persecute her should themselves be investigated. I thought the Constitution protected individuals from political persecutions.
Trump continues to lie and change his mind when it is convenient for him - regardless of what he just told the Times this time around. So I take Trump at his word - which word? He has proven to be vindictive, so I believe his threatening words. So Hillary is not safe until he is finally out of office.
Now we need to create a "Freedom From Persecution Watch" think-tank to investigate the right wing "Judicial Watch" looking to character assassinate their political opponents. Can we get a FOIA to review "Judicial Watch" e-mails? They claim to be in the public interest - lets verify this.
“we’ve got to get to the truth.” Judicial Watch, Chaffetz and the GOP will not be content even if they water boarded her. There must be a way to sue them for abuse of power and political persecution. If they can do it to Hillary, they can do it to any American.
He is dropping the "lock her up" charge because there is nothing there - and he knows it as well as the Holy inquisitioners at the GOP who will continue their persecution to satisfy their lynch mob supporters.
Trump even gave money to the Clinton Foundation - he knows it does a lot good and was hoping to get "something" out of the Clintons too. Besides, does he want equivalent scrutiny into his own crooked foundation?
In fact, those who move to persecute her should themselves be investigated. I thought the Constitution protected individuals from political persecutions.
Trump continues to lie and change his mind when it is convenient for him - regardless of what he just told the Times this time around. So I take Trump at his word - which word? He has proven to be vindictive, so I believe his threatening words. So Hillary is not safe until he is finally out of office.
Now we need to create a "Freedom From Persecution Watch" think-tank to investigate the right wing "Judicial Watch" looking to character assassinate their political opponents. Can we get a FOIA to review "Judicial Watch" e-mails? They claim to be in the public interest - lets verify this.
“we’ve got to get to the truth.” Judicial Watch, Chaffetz and the GOP will not be content even if they water boarded her. There must be a way to sue them for abuse of power and political persecution. If they can do it to Hillary, they can do it to any American.
11
Remember the recent book that claimed to know the "formula" for writing a NYT Bestseller? Those peeps need to "study" reality TV shows, a la Trump's endeavors on TV. We can begin to not just experience, but "name" what is/ might happen in the Trump presidency. Imagine a real scientific model or algorithm! I am not a social scientist or understand how to make big bucks in the entertainment industry, but I, like many of you, have observed a few patterns about reality TV : People say outrageous things and then take it back. Conflict drives the story. Relationships are fiercely protected by bastions of loyalty rather than by individuals (with deeply developed personal character) who seek to do what is right within/ for the larger community. And best of all-- good management of the aforementioned items equals HIGH TV RATINGS (or votes) which leads to REVENUE (or wealth) which leads to a LOUD VOICE in society at large (or power.) Reality TV is not true. It is scripted to play us and to make money off of us. But following this play book in the realm of government. . . I just don't think it can end well.
3
The lede story in the NYT? Come on. Did anyone take seriously the notion that Trump would sic his justice department on Hillary?
2
His followers did.
12
Donald Trump promised to not press for an investigation. He did not say he would try to stop one by the FBI or IRS, and they may still continue with investigations if there is overwhelming evidence. Nor did he say that he will try to stop criminal charges against the Clintons from the Justice Department. He did not promise a presidential pardon. Did he?
2
You can be sure that Trump is a lot more concerned about investigations into HIS crimes than he is interested in trumped up charges against Clinton (pun intended).
4
I am ashamed of the American system of education. Look what it hath wrought.
13
There was never anything to prosecute. It was almost all fake news that the media ran and ran to get sales. Still, it's the first time I have felt a tiny bit of relief regarding Trump's plans. I hope they leave her alone. Enough of the witch hunts.
15
The State Dept. IG report: was that fake news too?
Nice Constitution you have there, be a shame if something were to happen to it.
6
There is a simple explanation for why Trump is letting Mrs. Clinton get of easy.
He will need the cooperation of Democrats on some things he wants to accomplish.
And he cannot get it by going after Hillary.
He is putting country before revenge.
Hard to take in, isn't it? (smile).
He will need the cooperation of Democrats on some things he wants to accomplish.
And he cannot get it by going after Hillary.
He is putting country before revenge.
Hard to take in, isn't it? (smile).
2
Don't be ridiculous. US Law is not some witch hunt. Read. Educate yourself.
2
The simplest reason is that she is innocent.
If she's guilty, letting her off because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings would be borderline Treason.
If she's guilty, letting her off because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings would be borderline Treason.
1
The easy resolution of this issue is for President Obama to simply issue a blanket pardon to Hillary Clinton, as President Ford did for Richard Nixon, to prevent Trump or the Republicans from making a political weapon of prosecuting her for the Benghazi, email, and the Clinton Foundation.
For those who say you cannot pardon when there's no crime, I say read the Constitution. The President can pardon anyone for ANYTHING under any circumstances EXCEPT he cannot pardon someone who is impeached. And that's the ONLY limit on pardons. He can even call it an "amnesty" as Jimmy Carter did for the draft evaders.
For those who say you cannot pardon when there's no crime, I say read the Constitution. The President can pardon anyone for ANYTHING under any circumstances EXCEPT he cannot pardon someone who is impeached. And that's the ONLY limit on pardons. He can even call it an "amnesty" as Jimmy Carter did for the draft evaders.
2
She was cleared of all the hysterical charges against her and has not committed any crimes. No pardons necessary.
The solution is impeachment, being found guilty; trial for fraud and tax evasion and being found guilty; and serving time in jail.
8
Don''t think for a minute that if the FBI finds criminal conduct that she is gong to get off. He will incarcerated her.
1
Give it up. The FBI closed their investigation by exonerating Hillary Clinton. That's the end of it. Their next high-profile criminal investigation will most likely be of Donald Trump.
He can pardon people, but the president does not have the power to incarcerate people.
It's better for everyone that Trump look ahead instead of behind. Hillary has the rest of her life to ponder her debacle. With the FBI passing on charging her that should be enough.
2
Very crooked Trump!
What a disgrace he is been! a fraudster, women abuser and the list goes on, he can't even read the script that has been prepared in the video for him, and that is the future president New York spends 1 Million a day to protect that what a waste! When so many go hungry...
What a disgrace he is been! a fraudster, women abuser and the list goes on, he can't even read the script that has been prepared in the video for him, and that is the future president New York spends 1 Million a day to protect that what a waste! When so many go hungry...
8
Its not up to him although he made a promise to us to follow up and made it part of his campaign when she attacked him so viciously. It always seemed to me that he upped the ante when she would attack him like the audio tape she brought forth. He won, she lost. I guess he seems to think if she doesn't rock the electoral boat then he will leave it alone.....for the time being. Trump attacks when he is attacked we all need to remember this.
1
He fools his supporters and toys with opponents.
7
This guy did nothing for humanity and mankind. Absolutely nothing. Can NYT not cover him less? It might mean less revenue in the short term but we need to boycott him and send a message. He is not news worthy any longer. I want the front page to be about global warming or the Fukushima earthquake. I don't want to hear about a guy posting a tweet at 6am. It's not news. I woke up at 7am and drove into NYC with heavy traffic and I saw the Port Authority cop check my car if I had 3 passengers on the G.W. Bridge while the truck behind me got pulled over because he should have stayed away from the carpool lane. News are things that unexpectedly happens or a special event. Trump's tweets is not. I repeat, it's not news it's brainwash or aka manipulation of the public.
8
Since he's willing to move off of the Clinton Investigation, will the FBI be investigating Rudy Guilliani, who clearly was having conversations with his FBI buddies in the NY Office and clearly said on Fox News that "something big was about to happen" just one or two days before Comey opened the investigation again. Surely someone should investigate it.
21
I wish the press would make the distinction between Clinton's email issue and the corrupt-at-it's-core Clinton Foundation. I'll give Hillary a pass on the email/private server debacle that Jame Comey found no evidence of prosecutable behavior. But the Clinton Foundation is by far a totally different beast. The Clinton Foundation's corruption, as evident in the Wikileaks, is obvious and really needs to be pursued. Not for spite or vengefulness, but to send a message that our government is NOT for sale. As someone who voted for Hillary to keep Trump out of the WH, I fully support continuing with an independent investigation. If Trump wants to pardon her should she be found guilty, then that will be his prerogative as president.
2
Let's get the investigation going immediately about the Russian hackers who colluded with Team Trump in a presidential election and the FBI dithering about emails out of the way too. A foreign government helping one candidate? What?
These are FAR more serious- if our Congress was not completely colluding with the GOP an investigation would have already been started.
These are FAR more serious- if our Congress was not completely colluding with the GOP an investigation would have already been started.
12
A foreign country trying to help a candidate for President of the USA, such as President Elect Donald Trump, destroy democracy by colluding with that candidate to further the foreign country's global interests would be grounds for a charge of Treason. Let's hope the investigation into these plausible suspicions based on actual facts that are already known known is ongoing and bears its rotten fruit of outright lies, malicious schemes, and results in the charge that is warranted.
Even though he doesn't have this kind of power, it's gleeful to imagine the white guys with those "LOCK HER UP!" t-shirts. Could it be they were all conned??
5
Guys, he said he would not initiate anything. He never said he would stop anything either. When the FBI or Congress get the Clintons, he can honestly say "I had nothing to do with that". This is politics 101. Set it up and let others pay the price.
4
Are you paying attention Electors???
Put aside the campaign promises; nobody can keep all their campaign promises.
Put aside the accusations of xenophobia, etc. No body can truly know what is another's heart.
Pay attention to this list.
1. A mind-boggling and ever increasing number of conflicts of interest that arise from the parallel running of a Government and a business empire.
2. A total lack of transparency, starting with his failure to release his income tax returns, and reluctance to openly encounter the press.
3. Flirting with nepotism in trying to bring his family both into his transition planning and running his business, which he promised would be in a "blind trust."
Are you paying attention electors???
Is this the America you love???
Put aside the campaign promises; nobody can keep all their campaign promises.
Put aside the accusations of xenophobia, etc. No body can truly know what is another's heart.
Pay attention to this list.
1. A mind-boggling and ever increasing number of conflicts of interest that arise from the parallel running of a Government and a business empire.
2. A total lack of transparency, starting with his failure to release his income tax returns, and reluctance to openly encounter the press.
3. Flirting with nepotism in trying to bring his family both into his transition planning and running his business, which he promised would be in a "blind trust."
Are you paying attention electors???
Is this the America you love???
19
Why are you making this into news? The President doesn't dictate to the DoJ. It was an empty threat then, and it is an empty promise now.
All you are doing is helping Trump manufacture a story in which he is magnanimous to Hillary Clinton.
Way to get used!
All you are doing is helping Trump manufacture a story in which he is magnanimous to Hillary Clinton.
Way to get used!
7
Seems clear now that attacking Clinton's honesty was a campaign strategy. Trump's posed as a novice campaigner but knew all along that branding Clinton (and the Clinton foundation) as corrupt made it impossible for her campaign to raise Trump's ethical issues without sounding defensive. Every high school debater learns this tactic. But what fools we now seem and how terrifying is the thought that we have a president without a moral compass.
11
I really find it very hard to even look at this guy let alone hear him.
It embarrasses me deeply that he is actually the US president.
It embarrasses me deeply that he is actually the US president.
15
This is a bad headline. The drop a threat can mean either to imply a new one (like dropping a hint) or to relinquish a threat, as in this case.
The possibility remains open that Trump will have Clinton prosecuted at some unknown point in the future -- triggered by unknown circumstances or whim.
Many commenters here complain that Trump is threatening to interfere in the supposedly independent role of the Attorney General and the DOJ. I may well be wrong -- but my understanding is that the DOJ is an executive department under the authority of the president. The AG, too, is subject to the president's orders. The president can fire even a special prosecutor, as Nixon did to Archibald Cox, way back when. So if Trump decides it would be expedient or fun to prosecute Clinton in the future, what will stop him? Answer: Nothing at all. There will be outcry -- but so what? Of course, there is no chance whatever that any D.C. jury would convict Clinton -- but that will not deter Trump.
Many commenters here complain that Trump is threatening to interfere in the supposedly independent role of the Attorney General and the DOJ. I may well be wrong -- but my understanding is that the DOJ is an executive department under the authority of the president. The AG, too, is subject to the president's orders. The president can fire even a special prosecutor, as Nixon did to Archibald Cox, way back when. So if Trump decides it would be expedient or fun to prosecute Clinton in the future, what will stop him? Answer: Nothing at all. There will be outcry -- but so what? Of course, there is no chance whatever that any D.C. jury would convict Clinton -- but that will not deter Trump.
2
You have even less of an understanding of how our government operates than Donald Trump. And that's saying something.
Why is this story being framed as though Trump is somehow being magnanimous in his decision not to go after Hillary Clinton. The fact is he used lies and offensive rhetoric to get elected and now that he succeeded, he must face the reality that there is no legal or ethical basis for his claims. He is backing down to avoid a public embarrassment- not hers, but his own. Framing this story as anything else than his grand lie revealed is an offense to Hillary Clinton and the millions of American who are nauseated by this gross manipulation. Your headline should have read - "Trump Forced to Back Down From Threats Against Clinton To Avoid His Own Public Embarrassment". The it the the type of truth in journalism that the American people want and deserve, that has been so sorely lacking this entire campaign cycle, and is likely a contributing factor to our current sorry state of affairs. Do better NYT,
12
No. Trump should keep his (and his acolytes') vows to investigate and jail HRC and CGI and every things that are Democratic and liberal. Many voted for him to just do that.
Many voted for Trump because he made up fantasy revenge scenarios starring his opponent. But Trump does not have the power to sic the Department of Justice on any citizen. If the Trump voters didn't realize this, well, that's deplorable.
Watch out for the feint ... he may be hoping Obama now sees no reason to pardon her. Some hope.
1
He's lying.
He just wants Obama not to pardon her.
He's probably already told Sessions to lock her up.
When Sessions does indict her, Trump will simply say "as President I really can't interfere", then he will smirk, wink, and giggle. The joke is after all on all of us.
Obama, pardon her ... don't fall for this.
He just wants Obama not to pardon her.
He's probably already told Sessions to lock her up.
When Sessions does indict her, Trump will simply say "as President I really can't interfere", then he will smirk, wink, and giggle. The joke is after all on all of us.
Obama, pardon her ... don't fall for this.
5
Whose gonna investigate Trump?
10
Does the New York Times realize that their headline here, "Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation," would read to a younger generation the exact opposite of what it is trying to convey?
20
Yes they do.
They are in on it.
They are in on it.
I am not going to be surprised if Trump may ask Hillary Clinton to serve as his Secretary of State someday. She has lots of experience to deal with foreign leaders including Putin and Xi Jinping. Chinese foreign affairs people did not know how to handle Hillary Clinton when she visited China and made a lot of demands. She knows how to handle Chinese.
6
So that he can blame Hillary when Putin, Xi and Kim jr. of North Korea don't do as He demands? No way she would accept and tarnish her legacy by associating herself with a Trump administration.
2
As himself mentioned, America need to implement the law to punish spreading misconceptions and lies including false campaign promises.
5
"Well, when the president does it, that means it is not illegal." - Richard Nixon
"The president can't have a conflict of interest." - DJ Trump
This bodes well. #NotNormal #NoMandate
"The president can't have a conflict of interest." - DJ Trump
This bodes well. #NotNormal #NoMandate
34
I think Mr Trump sees his presidency as a commission like you would give painter or a sculptor to portray a particular subject; In this case the commission it to "make America great again". Now once the commission is granted we have to get out of the way so he can proceed. Would one want to tell Michelangelo which chisel to use, or pick the colors da Vinci can mix on his palette.
Also, Mr Trump has other commissions, all over the world. Is it fair to force him to work only on "Make America great again" for the next four years?
Also, Mr Trump has other commissions, all over the world. Is it fair to force him to work only on "Make America great again" for the next four years?
1
Yes.
More like handing a blow torch to Barney Fife.
Or Mr. Bean fixing that famous oil painting with his giant oil rag in one of the Mr. Bean series.
Or the sculptor of Ugly Lucy.
Our republic being the subject of their travesties.
Or Mr. Bean fixing that famous oil painting with his giant oil rag in one of the Mr. Bean series.
Or the sculptor of Ugly Lucy.
Our republic being the subject of their travesties.
2
Yet he finds time to tweet against musical and TV shows that use their free speech while they have it.
8
Seeking to prosecute Hillary would have led to the next Democrat President to seek prosecution of Mr. Trump for all his misdeeds before, during , and after he acquired the Office. This guy is out to enrich himself and to financially and morally bankrupt the country while he is in office and he certainly doesn't want any of that coming back at him.
20
Dropping a threat that never had any legal merit in the first place? Whatever. Of course, this has nothing to do with Trump admitting to tax fraud in his most recent filing and previous years wherein the Trump used donations made to the Trump Foundation illegally to make personal purchases, like a giant portrait of himself. Essentially, the claims Trump asserted were true about the Clinton Foundation have been proved to be genuine tax fraud confirmed by the IRS with respect to Trump and his Trump Foundation. Not coincidentally, this damning revelation is made after the election. The full release of the Trump tax returns before the election would have revealed this and other unseemly practices. Donald Trump is a complete fraud and liar and should resign from the presidency. Meanwhile, Mrs. Clinton's popular vote count is expected to better Trump's by nearly 2.5 million once the official count is finished which will set a new record high popular vote count for a candidate losing the electoral vote but winning the popular vote. As all or most of Trump's guaranteed promises to his supporters on the campaign trail are being completely scrapped before he even officially takes office, he is now '"officially" the least trustworthy and honest presidential candidate. He cheated and lied his way to the White House. Not my President and never will be! What a mockery of democracy.
28
Once again Trump is setting the agenda for what the press will cover while the real story is marginalized.
The flap over Pence and the play "Hamilton" deflected the key news of the day, which was Trump settled a lawsuit over Trump University for $25 million.
Today, he said he wouldn't pursue the "trumped up" and unsupportable criminal charges he alleged (but was treated as fact) during his campaign against his presidential opponent Hillary Clinton. All the while he is violating ethical boundaries with continuing involvement in his various businesses.
The press must change the way it's covering Donald Trump. He is distracting you every day from the real news that you need to bring forward and investigate.
I would suggest that with every Trump event that transpires you ask yourself, "What else is going on that we should make the real story and headlines?"
It is clear to me that you have to rewrite the journalistic rules for covering Trump. His is an Orwellian world where up is down, right is left, and black is white. You can't believe him. He's manipulating you.
The headlines on this article seem to play into what Trump has tried repeatedly to convey: that Hillary Clinton is guilty of something. She isn't. He has been bullying her, making up unsubstantiated threats (abetted by Fox News) and directing a hateful, personal smear campaign of an experienced, competent opponent. But journalistic rules require his allegation be treated as fact when it is not.
The flap over Pence and the play "Hamilton" deflected the key news of the day, which was Trump settled a lawsuit over Trump University for $25 million.
Today, he said he wouldn't pursue the "trumped up" and unsupportable criminal charges he alleged (but was treated as fact) during his campaign against his presidential opponent Hillary Clinton. All the while he is violating ethical boundaries with continuing involvement in his various businesses.
The press must change the way it's covering Donald Trump. He is distracting you every day from the real news that you need to bring forward and investigate.
I would suggest that with every Trump event that transpires you ask yourself, "What else is going on that we should make the real story and headlines?"
It is clear to me that you have to rewrite the journalistic rules for covering Trump. His is an Orwellian world where up is down, right is left, and black is white. You can't believe him. He's manipulating you.
The headlines on this article seem to play into what Trump has tried repeatedly to convey: that Hillary Clinton is guilty of something. She isn't. He has been bullying her, making up unsubstantiated threats (abetted by Fox News) and directing a hateful, personal smear campaign of an experienced, competent opponent. But journalistic rules require his allegation be treated as fact when it is not.
38
Why do the TV "news" shows such as CNN and MSNBC keep having the same liars (Conway, Guiliani, et al.) on their programs, allowing themselves to be fed the same feces sandwich, every single day? It's as if they are committed to giving Trump, Inc. a free, daily, national propaganda outlet, otherwise unobtainable for poor Trump and his mendacious band of sycophants.
28
He ran as an independent , he doesn't care what the lib's or repub's think. That is going to be the beauty of his Presidency.
5
Interesting. What do you think the big R after his name means?
15
He ran as a Republican. You think he can govern without anyone else now that the election is over?
6
He had to run on one of our two platforms - he had no choice.
3
I'm a liberal Democrat but I do think the NYT is being unfair in how their framing this interview.
Trump ACKNOWLEDGED man-made climate change. That's fantastically good news. Why isn't that the lead?
He's walking back the Clinton prosecution threats. That's good news but the TImes is turning this into some pedantic argument about whether he even has the right to direct his AG not to prosecute Clinton. They really won't let him win on this one!
Trump ACKNOWLEDGED man-made climate change. That's fantastically good news. Why isn't that the lead?
He's walking back the Clinton prosecution threats. That's good news but the TImes is turning this into some pedantic argument about whether he even has the right to direct his AG not to prosecute Clinton. They really won't let him win on this one!
5
"He's walking back the Clinton prosecution threats. That's good news but the TImes is turning this into some pedantic argument about whether he even has the right to direct his AG not to prosecute Clinton."
It's hardly pedantic. It is about the core idea that Trump can turn our presidency from a nation of laws into an authoritarian state. Don't you see that? He's promoting a fundamental change of our country into everything it once opposed and was founded o opposing. Pedantic? Really?
It's hardly pedantic. It is about the core idea that Trump can turn our presidency from a nation of laws into an authoritarian state. Don't you see that? He's promoting a fundamental change of our country into everything it once opposed and was founded o opposing. Pedantic? Really?
3
TRE-because that would be like praising him for acknowledging the world is not flat, 2+2=4 and Obama was not born in Kenya. Why should he get credit for retracting lies and falsehoods and acknowledging a scientific consensus a decade or more after the rest of the world? He has just caught up. He'll get kudos when he makes an actual shift in policy that reflects his newfound acknowledgement.
5
Why is anyone believing anything he says?
18
Trump won't go after the Clintons.
Of course he won't. He isn't supposed to.
It's by law up to his AG Jeff Sessions. Independently of Trump.
Depending only on the FBI findings.
Which FBI works on the case full blast.
What is all the fuss about?
Of course he won't. He isn't supposed to.
It's by law up to his AG Jeff Sessions. Independently of Trump.
Depending only on the FBI findings.
Which FBI works on the case full blast.
What is all the fuss about?
2
The original often-repeated public threat to jail his political opponent violates democratic norms and is completely unacceptable. This alone should have disqualified him as a candidate for US President. No amount of backpedalling at this point on his intentions toward Mrs. Clinton erases his outrageous assault on free elections in making this threat to jail her.
31
I doubt he knows the truth. When he says, "I know of no evidence that would justify any charge. I accept the judgment of legal experts that, if there were a charge, they are certain it would not yield a conviction" -- when he says these things, then he would be telling the truth.
4
There are a kind of people who "have been walking on the wall of the
prison but not fallen inside." I was assuming that there were relatively
few such people in US politics, which I appreciated. At least till recently.
prison but not fallen inside." I was assuming that there were relatively
few such people in US politics, which I appreciated. At least till recently.
4
Perhaps by "forgiving" Hillary for crimes she never committed
May help the Donald avoid hearing chants such as "Lock him up!"
In the future for the crimes to which he has never admitted:
Trump University scam; Trump Foundation scam; ad infinitum....
May help the Donald avoid hearing chants such as "Lock him up!"
In the future for the crimes to which he has never admitted:
Trump University scam; Trump Foundation scam; ad infinitum....
18
The GOP went after Hilary hard but they couldn't find any smoking guns. Comey did a lot of damage to Hilary's campaign with his letter that raised a lot of doubt but did not lead to any legal action. The justice department should be determining if Comey violated the Hatch rule.
The Donald is trying to appear magnanimous by not going after Hilary. I think the real reason is that he knows he doesn't have a case.
The Donald is trying to appear magnanimous by not going after Hilary. I think the real reason is that he knows he doesn't have a case.
39
It's not even his case to have.
2
It is patently ridiculous to have ONE PERSON - a person who has no background or authority in criminal justice - imply that (1) it is up to him to decide to prosecute, and (2) his willingness to "prosecute" depends on his mood that day. What's even more ridiculous is to see otherwise reputable journalistic outlets report this dynamic with a straight face. This article SHOULD HAVE been very short. Basically a statement of what Trump said, followed by a journalistic refutation that we elect presidents, not kings or dictators, and that (without laughing) nobody can say what the law is or isn't. That it isn't up to our chief executive as to who or who not to prosecute.
21
I'm wondering, could this be a strategic move to keep pressure on the Clintons, who will curb Democrats' zeal in House & Congress in return of "amnesty"?
1
The title of this article is ambiguous. "Drops threat" could be interepreted as "makes a threat." It could also be interpreted as "stops making a threat."
5
That's very big of Donald to drop his threat of a frivolous lawsuit. Hopefully it will free up the Justice Department to review real investigations into fraud at Trump University, Trump's past sexual assaults, and the upcoming onslaught of business conflicts that Trump will face as he refuses to separate his business interests from his role as President.
17
Trump's statements today would likely be admissible to prove that the prosecution was frivolous or malicious.
The lawyers have not even started on him yet.
The lawyers have not even started on him yet.
1
Unfortunately this pronouncement by Trump probably will not stop the Republicans in Congress from continuing to peruse their own hearing agenda into Hillary and all the related matters such as the Clinton Foundation, emails, Benghazi, etc.
5
This is a big surprise to anyone who didn't realize that Trump is a amoral con man.
15
So have we all had enough infotainment, soft serve bluster and nonsense this week to forget the President-elect just settled a lawsuit alleging his personal role in a massive consumer fraud? Twenty-five million dollars paid? Cutting directly to the question of his personal ethics and perhaps sufficient to establish grounds for impeachment?
13
Yeah well wait until he needs a distraction.
8
why would you write such an ambiguous headline for this article? the headline forces you to read the article to see whether he is making a threat or disavowing a prior threat. and the article itself has very little actual content.
not front page news by any means. do your job. investigate the Foundation, investigate his business interests and his conflicts of interest, investigate conflicts of those all around him, and ensure the government follows all controls to promote high ethical standards (in spite of our collectively having elected a profiteering confidence man who has long been dedicated to the pursuit of money over morals.
not front page news by any means. do your job. investigate the Foundation, investigate his business interests and his conflicts of interest, investigate conflicts of those all around him, and ensure the government follows all controls to promote high ethical standards (in spite of our collectively having elected a profiteering confidence man who has long been dedicated to the pursuit of money over morals.
3
It's so clear that Donal Trump will modify his speech depending on who is in front of him. He has no integrity so he has no problem making contradictory statements and promises to everyone. That's because he's a snake oil salesman - what matters to him is the sales pitch. And once everyone has bought what he's selling, he sits around counting his money and everyone else is in ruins. He will continue to Tweet (so impossibly dull and uninspired, this form of communication) and directly oppose whatever he said to this panel of journalists. Besides, it isn't very likely that his most stalwart fan will ever read the NYT, and if they did, they'd say you were lying anyway - and he'll either agree with that assessment or simply not address it, condoning it with his silence. It's a perfect system - FOR HIM.
11
It's a trap.
He will go after her.
He's just making sure Obama doesn't pardon her.
He will go after her.
He's just making sure Obama doesn't pardon her.
6
Obama can't pardon her. She has not been convicted of anything and sentenced to anything. There is that little fact.
3
Lori,
Sure he can. Look it up.
Sure he can. Look it up.
Why are we even -- you even -- paying this any attention? AR in Chicago has got it right. It blows my mind that we waste an entire front page article on this non topic when there are for more important ones to cover related to the President Elect
3
It's not two weeks from the election and Trump is not just pivoting, he is full-on sprinting away from much of his campaign rhetoric. That is a good thing whether you believe he is sincere or not. Words have consequences, especially the President's.
None of this should be surprising. Trump wanted to win, and he did what he thought he needed to in order to get there. He already admitted during the primary that he had no intention of building The Wall. He's a showman.
He's also nonideological. The only thing he really believes is that he's the smartest guy in the room. The rest is trivial detail to him (that's why he still doesn't understand how the government works -- he doesn't really care). He operates on instinct, not principle, and that's why he's unpredictable. But it's also why he's malleable, and the left shouldn't hesitate to take advantage of it. We must thwart the Paul Ryan agenda at any cost.
I've never really bought the "Trump is the end of the world" narrative. The biggest threat has always been in validating his supporters, and that part seems to be bearing out. Yes, there's danger in normalizing their views. But at the same time, these people, who have ALWAYS been there but spoke in euphemism and operated in shadow, are revealing themselves. We know who they are, where they are, and what they're trying to achieve. It's time to confront them: they are a minority, and they are not getting "their" country back.
None of this should be surprising. Trump wanted to win, and he did what he thought he needed to in order to get there. He already admitted during the primary that he had no intention of building The Wall. He's a showman.
He's also nonideological. The only thing he really believes is that he's the smartest guy in the room. The rest is trivial detail to him (that's why he still doesn't understand how the government works -- he doesn't really care). He operates on instinct, not principle, and that's why he's unpredictable. But it's also why he's malleable, and the left shouldn't hesitate to take advantage of it. We must thwart the Paul Ryan agenda at any cost.
I've never really bought the "Trump is the end of the world" narrative. The biggest threat has always been in validating his supporters, and that part seems to be bearing out. Yes, there's danger in normalizing their views. But at the same time, these people, who have ALWAYS been there but spoke in euphemism and operated in shadow, are revealing themselves. We know who they are, where they are, and what they're trying to achieve. It's time to confront them: they are a minority, and they are not getting "their" country back.
11
He'll say whatever he thinks will please whatever audience is listening, which is why he is so wildly inconsistent. It's his actions we need to worry about, and we're talking about the guy who just hired Steve Bannon as his chief strategist.
My goodness, it only took two weeks from the election for Trump to make a complete about-face. During the campaign Trump supporter showed up wearing "Hillary for Prison" shirts, their hero Donald led them in chanting "lock her up," and Mr. Trump wanted us to believe that the Hilary email scandal was worse than Watergate. Worse than 60 plus criminal indictments, 40 plus convictions, prison sentences, and a president driven from office? Really?
And now, a complete turn around?
Just wondering, my friends on the right wing, just wondering: do you get the idea here that you just might have been conned? By one of the most outlandishly successful con artists in human history?
Lock her up, indeed. Wake up, white America. You've been duped, yet against, by a Republican in suit and tie pretending to be all kinds of things he is not. He duped you bigly. Or duped you Big League. But you've been duped, by one of the best.
And now, a complete turn around?
Just wondering, my friends on the right wing, just wondering: do you get the idea here that you just might have been conned? By one of the most outlandishly successful con artists in human history?
Lock her up, indeed. Wake up, white America. You've been duped, yet against, by a Republican in suit and tie pretending to be all kinds of things he is not. He duped you bigly. Or duped you Big League. But you've been duped, by one of the best.
12
Just wait until his jobs program turns out to be making all of Horatio Alger's novels available on the internet for free.
3
What's the best way moving forward to hold Trump and team accountable for their lapses in judgement, facts, and understanding of how democracy and our laws work? This article did a good job shredding his assumption that he can decide whether to pursue Clinton, but I'd like to see a daily dashboard showing factual errors and errors of omission that his team generates. It will be hard to keep up with it all.
5
Should I be grateful?
2
The salesman/promoter told them what they wanted to hear to close the sale. They bought it hook, line and sinker. More to come. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.
9
He can certainly voice an opinion. If those who hear it agree and no law is violated, so be it.
This is just the latest example of Trump reneging on an empty campaign promise--something he's likely to do weekly for the next year. Trump took his "promises" to new heights in the run-up to the election, and all those who voted for him will no doubt feel abandoned or betrayed when he ignores their trust.
This is the reason he's going to end up a one-term President--assuming he doesn't get impeached for his crooked pre-election dealings with the Trump Foundation, or his behind the business scenes dealings while in office.
This is the reason he's going to end up a one-term President--assuming he doesn't get impeached for his crooked pre-election dealings with the Trump Foundation, or his behind the business scenes dealings while in office.
7
We have already seen stop-and-frisking of liberal leaders by both loud-mouthed or methodically diligent Republican self-appointed warriors and guards for justice.
Obama became the first President who was bullied by public outrage into showing his birth certificate.
Upon showing it and his religious credentials he was told these were falsifications by proof of willfully blind mobbing.
Hillary got her emails turned inside out and received hearing after hearing for stuff for which former SOS or (likely) presidential candidates have never been brutally stopped and frisked for to exhaustion.
The Federal Bureau of Innuendo even joined that stop-and-frisk crusade as intra-gov 5th column.
Bill McKibben gets stalked at his every step.
That makes it logical that Rudy Giuliani is being considered for the country's director of national intelligence.
And that Donald Trump sees himself as prosecutor in chief and as the big tiny finger who can point to whose turn it shall be to be duly stopped and frisked by Big Brother with big power to sink or set on fire your budding career if deemed politically desirable to protect corporate private profit greed interest against the only power that can place checks and balances to the detriments of the practically unlimited scope of that powerful greed.
It's just stepping up an effort that has already been started reaping a rich harvest.
One wonders how far they will take it.
In Brazil the most lethal occupation is environmental activist.
Obama became the first President who was bullied by public outrage into showing his birth certificate.
Upon showing it and his religious credentials he was told these were falsifications by proof of willfully blind mobbing.
Hillary got her emails turned inside out and received hearing after hearing for stuff for which former SOS or (likely) presidential candidates have never been brutally stopped and frisked for to exhaustion.
The Federal Bureau of Innuendo even joined that stop-and-frisk crusade as intra-gov 5th column.
Bill McKibben gets stalked at his every step.
That makes it logical that Rudy Giuliani is being considered for the country's director of national intelligence.
And that Donald Trump sees himself as prosecutor in chief and as the big tiny finger who can point to whose turn it shall be to be duly stopped and frisked by Big Brother with big power to sink or set on fire your budding career if deemed politically desirable to protect corporate private profit greed interest against the only power that can place checks and balances to the detriments of the practically unlimited scope of that powerful greed.
It's just stepping up an effort that has already been started reaping a rich harvest.
One wonders how far they will take it.
In Brazil the most lethal occupation is environmental activist.
7
Of course there should be no prosecution. There is no "there" there, never has been. This is just another ploy on Donald's part to make it seem that she engaged in criminal acts, but that he is going to let her off the hook out of pity. He is only perpetuating the smear campaign against her, in a backhanded fashion. In actuality, Trump is the one who should be investigated.
9
President-elect Donald Trump probably made the right decision not to go ahead with the email investigation of Hillary Clinton. He surprisingly won the election and it looked as though she was going to be our next president. When she learned she had lost, she was visibly upset and this would be cruel to put her through more suffering. I was not a Clinton supporter but I think we should show her compassion. I think her political career is over and it did not end the way she had hoped. She needs our sympathy and hopefully she will find peace.
This is comic indeed.
Falsely accusing someone and then "forgiving" them is as old a con as there ever was. Lol. See: "When did you stop beating your wife?"
Falsely accusing someone and then "forgiving" them is as old a con as there ever was. Lol. See: "When did you stop beating your wife?"
15
Though Ms.Clinton was leading all along, I firmly believe that FBI Director's communication, tilted the balance in favour of Mr.Trump during the last minute. Also, Mr.Trump got votes of those people who felt betrayed by Ms.Clinton for her use of private email server. In one stroke, president elect has said he does not want to hurt the Clintons, meaning thereby he does not intend to appoint a special prosecutor, as he promised during debate. He has taken his supporters for a ride.
2
Mr Trump seems to be some one who is quite amenable when his feet are held firmly to the fire. With enough steady, calm pressure, he may cut Mr Bannon off from the inner sanctum, and deflate the alt-right balloon figure about to shadow over the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Pax, jb.
2
I'd start investigating him now.
This stinks of collusion and corruption. Trump is unfit.