Public figures are often forced to resign for the slightest unethical behaviour being exposed. Why is such an immoral individual as Trump ending up running for the highest office in the US? Why are Americans putting up with this? Why is the media portraying him on balance as a legitimate candidate? Why do people even dare to compare HRC to that crook? Why? Why? Why? Remember Obamas words: Trump is unfit to be President of the US. Vote America in November and ensure this election remains a footnote, all be it a dark one, in your history.
28
"When they call I give. And you know what? When I need something from them two years later, three years later I call them, they are there for me"
Now I see what he meant by "I alone can FIX it" . He meant fix in the sense of rigging, not repairing!
Now I see what he meant by "I alone can FIX it" . He meant fix in the sense of rigging, not repairing!
22
Donors gave to his foundation expecting the money to be used for charity.
He betrayed them by ILLEGALLY donating their money to a politician, for which he was fined by the IRS. This is a major scandal unto itself, whether or not the money was used to bribe Bondi.
Additionally he has been fined repeatedly for violation of FEC laws.
The FBI has cleared Mrs Clinton of any willful misconduct, and yet Trump supporters try and equate the two. It defies logic.
He betrayed them by ILLEGALLY donating their money to a politician, for which he was fined by the IRS. This is a major scandal unto itself, whether or not the money was used to bribe Bondi.
Additionally he has been fined repeatedly for violation of FEC laws.
The FBI has cleared Mrs Clinton of any willful misconduct, and yet Trump supporters try and equate the two. It defies logic.
28
Police detectives become hardbitten and cynical after years of hearing sociopaths, and pathological liars try to con them.
There used to be the same kind of journalist (tv talking heads not included).
These journalists had heard it all, were cynical, hard driving and never wrote with kid gloves. They relished rooting out the truth.
It is inexcusable that a fine paper like the Times would write such a polite, hesitant article. At this crucial time, readers deserves salt and vinegar, not pablum.
At the least, shouldn't this article have explored the implications and possible ramifications of an attorney general, after he donated thousands to her campaign, deciding not to join in the prosecution of Trump, which could have landed him in prison?
Shouldn't this article have raised serious questions about the attorney general's suitability to impartially prosecute cases when she, like the white supremacists campaigning for Trump, is now proudly supporting Trump, who by rhetoric and actions have shown himself to be a racist, sexist, bigoted xenophobe?
Surely there must be journalists left at the paper who can carry on the tradition of meaningful, insightful and fearless journalism.
There used to be the same kind of journalist (tv talking heads not included).
These journalists had heard it all, were cynical, hard driving and never wrote with kid gloves. They relished rooting out the truth.
It is inexcusable that a fine paper like the Times would write such a polite, hesitant article. At this crucial time, readers deserves salt and vinegar, not pablum.
At the least, shouldn't this article have explored the implications and possible ramifications of an attorney general, after he donated thousands to her campaign, deciding not to join in the prosecution of Trump, which could have landed him in prison?
Shouldn't this article have raised serious questions about the attorney general's suitability to impartially prosecute cases when she, like the white supremacists campaigning for Trump, is now proudly supporting Trump, who by rhetoric and actions have shown himself to be a racist, sexist, bigoted xenophobe?
Surely there must be journalists left at the paper who can carry on the tradition of meaningful, insightful and fearless journalism.
20
At the time of the donation, Trump was a businessman. In cases where government officials accept bribes from businessmen, the focus of any investigation is generally upon the public official. A dirty attorney general is considered more of a public nuisance than a dirty businessman. I have read no indications that Ms. Bondi is crooked and would sell her integrity for $25,000 -- which is not that much for the Attorney General of Florida. The transaction sure looks dirty, especially because of its timing and because of the participation of Mr. Trump. But absent evidence that Ms. Bondi is dirty and actually sold her case against Trump for a modest cash payment, it's tough to prove bribery here.
2
Especially when you don't even try. House Oversight Committed to the rescue. Not.
10
It wasn't simply a bribe. He put her on retainer. She'll bend to his "will" whenever he likes. It's obvious why the Republican party looks the other way-- they can't afford not to. He is raiding the Republican campaign coffers and they don't say a thing.
Why is the media-- I'm talking to you, NY Times-- just getting around to this? What is his hold over you? Has he been making "donations" to you guys as well?
Why is the media-- I'm talking to you, NY Times-- just getting around to this? What is his hold over you? Has he been making "donations" to you guys as well?
17
Rather a short stay on the front page, and this after NYT ignored story for months and had to be shamed into covering it by a Paul Krugman column.
18
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black .... these two candidates are both crooked to the hilt. What a sad choice we have this year.
3
Yeah, maybe , my choice Trump I trust way more than any Clinton absolutely Trump!
2
And when Congressman Ami Bera's (D-CA) father is accused of laundering campaign donations, he is sentenced to a year and a day in jail. Even though he is in his eighties and is of more use to society as a free man than as a man behind bars.
7
Liar, liar, pants (& dress) on fire.
Yes, Hillary > Trump.
But both = No.
“Society is facing a new and unprecedented challenge — responding to its own overwhelming complexity. The structure of our society must change.”
Yaneer Bar-Yam
How about a military coup with an Eisenhower like general, throw out Congress, restructure American society so we can better navigate exponentially accelerating complexity, i.e., our new environs?
Part of that complexity is climate change. Part of that complexity is: your money or your life?
In addition, we tax the Kardashians' heavily for excessive use of cultural and biological bandwidth in a pathetic, superficial manner.
Yes, coup=myriad unintended consequences; yes scary; but when we're on the path of collapse and extinction, i.e., it's Triage Time, gots to try stuff.
Probably all futile no matter how this era plays out ... just generating variation, like an immune system encountering an unknown pathogen.
Yes, Hillary > Trump.
But both = No.
“Society is facing a new and unprecedented challenge — responding to its own overwhelming complexity. The structure of our society must change.”
Yaneer Bar-Yam
How about a military coup with an Eisenhower like general, throw out Congress, restructure American society so we can better navigate exponentially accelerating complexity, i.e., our new environs?
Part of that complexity is climate change. Part of that complexity is: your money or your life?
In addition, we tax the Kardashians' heavily for excessive use of cultural and biological bandwidth in a pathetic, superficial manner.
Yes, coup=myriad unintended consequences; yes scary; but when we're on the path of collapse and extinction, i.e., it's Triage Time, gots to try stuff.
Probably all futile no matter how this era plays out ... just generating variation, like an immune system encountering an unknown pathogen.
2
I worked as a prosecutor in 2 different states, including in an attorney general's office. There is no way Ms. Bondi was not aware her staff was working on a potential multi-state case against a prominent individual. An ethical AG would have returned the campaign contribution under those circumstances.
26
Hey, this is Florida, a glass of o.j at the border and a few hanging chads, buy's you politicians
Nothing new here.
Nothing new here.
1
Paying a fine is no simple "brush" with campaign laws, it was an actual finding. Mr. Clinton meets with Lynch and the world as we know it is ending. Trump and Bundi all dressed up with presumably someplace to go in August is not cause for a footnote even. Unlike the article several days ago where the reporters ominously said there was a "cloud" over Clinton's campaign because of the marital woes of her staff. The list of such oddities coming from the NYT is getting longer by the day.
19
Let's see if the "Crooked" media stays on top of Teflon Don for this or he leads them off on some other wild goose chase like he is known to do with the compliant media.
10
If "donations" didn't influence politicians, business would not be making them. Business are in the business of making money, the rest is just window dressing. They are legalized bribes, plain and simple.
4
Seems Mr. Trump doesn't use the same criteria as he does for Mrs. Clinton when it comes to pay to play.
Buying justice is as bad as it gets, influencing the judicial system I would think is a crime, and the attorney general if proven must be indited, there is no grey area in this matter, none at all.
Buying justice is as bad as it gets, influencing the judicial system I would think is a crime, and the attorney general if proven must be indited, there is no grey area in this matter, none at all.
11
Trump is disgusting in all ways. He is making a complete mockery of the presidential process. He is an embarrassment to all Americans.
19
A private businessman makes a $25,000 political campaign contribution, which the IRS later deems inappropriate and levies a fine. The private businessman pays the fine. The politician who received the donation did not know of, nor decide on the case involving said private businessman's "university"; instead, the politician's staff decided there was no case to pursue. Clearly, no connection.
Conversely, a public servant with over 30 years of federal government experience, uses her position as Secretary of State to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for her family's private "foundation" and provides special meetings and access to the foreign contributors, while she is simultaneously breaching our nation's national security laws, policies and protocols under the guise of "gee, I didn't know what was confidential or secret".
Given the facts, it is clear there is no legal, moral nor ethical equivalency...not even close. Instead, it's more lame-stream media spin of the Clinton campaign's lies and false narratives in hopes of diverting the voters' attention away from her clear corruption and dangerous incompetence.
Conversely, a public servant with over 30 years of federal government experience, uses her position as Secretary of State to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for her family's private "foundation" and provides special meetings and access to the foreign contributors, while she is simultaneously breaching our nation's national security laws, policies and protocols under the guise of "gee, I didn't know what was confidential or secret".
Given the facts, it is clear there is no legal, moral nor ethical equivalency...not even close. Instead, it's more lame-stream media spin of the Clinton campaign's lies and false narratives in hopes of diverting the voters' attention away from her clear corruption and dangerous incompetence.
2
He did not make the contribution as a "private businessman".
The money came from a Trump family foundation in apparent violation of rules surrounding political activities by charities
The money came from a Trump family foundation in apparent violation of rules surrounding political activities by charities
8
Except both of these are complete false scenarios.
Scene 1: Corrupt businessman who frequently brags about getting politicians to do whatever he wants due to his contributions to them illegal channels a $25,000 contribution from his non-profit foundation to an attorney general's campaign which is considering an investigation into his national fraud Trump U which harmed Florida citizens. Corrupt attorney general instantly drops the investigation.
Scene 2: Public servant for over 30 years helps with her family's foundation which gives 88% of all its funding to good causes such as helping 9.9 million people get HIV medications. Some of the donors get access to her such as Nobel Laureate with whom she was friends for decades; others are turned down. Only a fraction of her total meetings were in fact with donors. The ONLY 3 emails out of 30,000 that were marked confidential (NOTE: these were confidential and not classified) had only small cs in the text, and did not have the required Classified or Confidential mark in the heading, so that Comey himself said an expert would not have identified these 3 emails as classified). Gee, if an expert couldn't tell the difference, how could a busy secretary of state? And the 3 emails involved were about her daily calendar of protocol calls such as a condolence call -- zero to do with national security.
Trump supporters are uneducated fools who have been conned by this ignorant bigot and share his racist views and his fascism.
Scene 1: Corrupt businessman who frequently brags about getting politicians to do whatever he wants due to his contributions to them illegal channels a $25,000 contribution from his non-profit foundation to an attorney general's campaign which is considering an investigation into his national fraud Trump U which harmed Florida citizens. Corrupt attorney general instantly drops the investigation.
Scene 2: Public servant for over 30 years helps with her family's foundation which gives 88% of all its funding to good causes such as helping 9.9 million people get HIV medications. Some of the donors get access to her such as Nobel Laureate with whom she was friends for decades; others are turned down. Only a fraction of her total meetings were in fact with donors. The ONLY 3 emails out of 30,000 that were marked confidential (NOTE: these were confidential and not classified) had only small cs in the text, and did not have the required Classified or Confidential mark in the heading, so that Comey himself said an expert would not have identified these 3 emails as classified). Gee, if an expert couldn't tell the difference, how could a busy secretary of state? And the 3 emails involved were about her daily calendar of protocol calls such as a condolence call -- zero to do with national security.
Trump supporters are uneducated fools who have been conned by this ignorant bigot and share his racist views and his fascism.
13
Maybe if Trump released his prior tax returns, we could really see what is really going on. Something to hide there Donald?
14
Indeed, it casts a shadow.
Indeed, it raises more questions than it answers ;-)
Hey, I've got an idea! Have the NYT switch all its Trump staff to covering Clinton, and all its Clinton staff to covering Trump. It certainly couldn't be any worse-
Indeed, it raises more questions than it answers ;-)
Hey, I've got an idea! Have the NYT switch all its Trump staff to covering Clinton, and all its Clinton staff to covering Trump. It certainly couldn't be any worse-
4
I am certain Trump was leading the cheers the day SCOTUS issued its Citizens Uniited ruling back in the day. I am also certain that he thinks laws are meant for the 'little people,' just like Helmsley thought about taxes.
6
The word of choice to describe issues with the Clinton Foundation is "scandal", even when a closer examination shows no scandal to exist; the word in the present headline, for what seems on the face of it to be a very serious ethical breach, is a "brush" with campaign funding rules. What dictates such a double standard? Is even the NY Times afraid of Trump?
34
spot on! Your thoughts are well taken. I too have wondered why the NYTimes seems to favor Trump. Have you see Paul Krugman's excellent op-ed from earlier this week?
7
Here is an actual quote from Ben Carson, former Republican candidate, stated yesterday on the news, which demonstrates and independent opinion on corruption in American politics and demonstrated by this article.
"I knew that there was corruption, but the level of corruption throughout the political system is overwhelming. And I’m talking about the established Democrats and the established Republicans who are much more interested in holding on to power and their positions than they are about their party or about their country," Carson said on "Fox and Friends" this morning. "This is really very sad, and I hope that more people will wake up and see what’s happening."
"I knew that there was corruption, but the level of corruption throughout the political system is overwhelming. And I’m talking about the established Democrats and the established Republicans who are much more interested in holding on to power and their positions than they are about their party or about their country," Carson said on "Fox and Friends" this morning. "This is really very sad, and I hope that more people will wake up and see what’s happening."
3
If anyone else did it they would be in jail - double standard.
20
Was the $25,000 a down payment with the Mar-a-Largo fundraiser to follow? Did Trump meet his obligation as she meet hers?
11
This happens all the time, and everyone knows it. I don't care about this specific case any more than I do the literally countless others. Trump is who he is. Almost anyone, if they thought they could get away with it, would do this. The campaign-finance system lends itself to corruption, whatever John Roberts thinks or imagines.
We've got to prioritize reform and enforcement of laws; and the penalties for flouting the rules have to sting. It's nothing for a billionaire to pay these fines, nothing whatsoever. Favor-buying is so rampant at the local level. It is disgusting.
We've got to prioritize reform and enforcement of laws; and the penalties for flouting the rules have to sting. It's nothing for a billionaire to pay these fines, nothing whatsoever. Favor-buying is so rampant at the local level. It is disgusting.
Latest "Brush" with Campaign Finance Rules? A "slap on the wrist"? Your choice of language makes it sound like Trump was caught with his hand in the cookie jar, not implicated what appears to be a bribe for a law enforcement official.
14
Let's see, I want to donate to a candidate. Congress person or Senator from my home state? No. Presidential candidate? No. I got it, the SAG of Florida, because her work is so important.
11
"Gift?" "Donation?" Am I paranoid to suspect that had Hillary done this the headline would have labelled it an "Alleged Bribe?"
17
In ancient Rome, nobody was paid adequately for public service and so bribery and graft were neither unethical nor illegal, they were just part of the incentives to gain qualified people to serve the public. If people consider pay offs and quid pro quo to be normal practices, they do not feel any regrets. Trump's experience in business lacks any ethics nor sense of fair play because he has always been able to do whatever is required to get ahead and been able to afford to pay for any poor behaviors which he has not been able to escape. He likes to say that he can fix the corrupt system for everyone without having ever functioned successfully without using corrupt means. Why does it not raise questions amongst anyone as to how Trump could suddenly act completely differently than he has for his entire adult life?
6
Fool 'em twice, and you can probably fool 'em again and again.
1
Thanks. And, look what happened to the Romans. Trump must be held accountable for this.
Pam is a nice woman and we like her here in the Deep South. Do you guys know anything about Tampa??
2
She kept a family's dog from them after Katrina for a year or two, and she was adamantly opposed to gay marriage even after the Supreme Court made it the law of the land. Suddenly after the Pulse massacre, she changed her views. Nice?
3
This is nothing compared to Sec. Clinton's dealings as a top federal government official. Anyway there is always a double standard. If Ms. Clinton takes a contribution from someone who gets a favor, it's just 'bad optics'. If Trump does, people will say its a 'bribe'.
4
Talk about really, really bad "optics":
https://www.scribd.com/doc/316341058/Donald-Trump-Jeffrey-Epstein-Rape-L...
https://www.scribd.com/doc/316341058/Donald-Trump-Jeffrey-Epstein-Rape-L...
4
Good point! Except she didn't, hasn't, not true. So, yeah, you're left with the only one of these things that actually occurred - the bribe.
6
Cite the example about Hillary doing a favor to someone who contributed to her. None exists.
6
Let's see, $25,000 paid BY Trump vs. $150 million paid TO Clinton. Yeah, those warrant similar outrage.
5
Quid pro quo, plain and simple!
6
Just another distracting smokescreen from the dishonest media to take our eyes of crooked Hillary who is such an unbelievable and horrible liar and criminal, believe me, believe me...
sorry, my brain was momentarily taken over by a Cheeto-haired pathological liar. I need to take a metaphysical shower now.
sorry, my brain was momentarily taken over by a Cheeto-haired pathological liar. I need to take a metaphysical shower now.
3
Why why does the NY Times spend so much space on the front page on this topic? The amounts in question are about $25,000 each given by Trump as a PRIVATE citizen. In contrast, the donations to the Clinton Foundation were about a million dollars each given to Hillary in return for favors when she was a PUBLIC servant, as Secretary State. So why doesn't the NYT devote a ton of front-page coverage to the Clinton Foundation scandal. The reason is clear. The NYT is monumentally biased. The editors should give up all pretense of impartiality, and simply state that their newspaper is a mouthpiece of Hillary and her Party.
Let's see if the censors allow this comment. Criticism of their newspaper is viewed unfavorably.
Let's see if the censors allow this comment. Criticism of their newspaper is viewed unfavorably.
3
Your comment was printed . And, the NY Times has devoted tons of space to the Clinton Foundation. Use the search engine. Wrong on 2 counts.
I wish the coverage had been clearer. The overwhelming majority the people she met with as Secretary of State who donated money to the Clinton Foundation were people she would have met with regardless of donations because they were important figures in foreign countries. And there is no evidence of favoritism.
Make that wrong on three counts.
I wish the coverage had been clearer. The overwhelming majority the people she met with as Secretary of State who donated money to the Clinton Foundation were people she would have met with regardless of donations because they were important figures in foreign countries. And there is no evidence of favoritism.
Make that wrong on three counts.
5
Well, good point - except your accusations against Hillary are not true.
But, to create your equivalent argument, what you're saying is that Pam Bondi, not trump, is the wrongdoer here?
But, to create your equivalent argument, what you're saying is that Pam Bondi, not trump, is the wrongdoer here?
Gee, I guess you missed the fact that this particular private citizen has been charged with fraud and his "donation" was an attempt to avoid prosecution.
4
Not a "brush with financial rules" but a payoff to a government official to squash an inquiry into Trump University, one of his major ongoing scams.
We used to call this corruption and send people to jail for this, but apparently not any longer. Meanwhile he has the nerve to call Hillary "crooked"? This guy has a history of unfounded lawsuits designed to stifle competition. He's a thug and a bully, a paranoid narcissist in the making and the closest to our having our own Hitler.
He can't be President.
We used to call this corruption and send people to jail for this, but apparently not any longer. Meanwhile he has the nerve to call Hillary "crooked"? This guy has a history of unfounded lawsuits designed to stifle competition. He's a thug and a bully, a paranoid narcissist in the making and the closest to our having our own Hitler.
He can't be President.
16
Bribery is a RICO predicate. Trump is being tried under Civil RICO (Cohen v. Trump) for Trump University. The plaintiff could add Bondi to the list of defendants and include this act as part of the predicates and continuity.
It is fact that Trump is accused of fraud and RICO; these accusations have survived a motion for summary dismissal; trial is slated to begin early next year.
No other presidential nominee has been in this position. And if Trump is elected, the trial would continue; the president is not shielded for acts committed prior to the presidency.
It is fact that Trump is accused of fraud and RICO; these accusations have survived a motion for summary dismissal; trial is slated to begin early next year.
No other presidential nominee has been in this position. And if Trump is elected, the trial would continue; the president is not shielded for acts committed prior to the presidency.
17
While political enemies have unsuccessfully tried to for decades to uncover scandal in Hillary Clinton's distinguished and open record, the sleaze behind Donald Trump's business career, and his and his father's cynical abuse of public programs and officials, has barely begun to be investigated and discussed. Lies about purported charitable donations never made, diverting campaign donations to events at Trump properties that could have been held for a third of the price elsewhere, failing to pay his campaign staff, stiffing small contractors, failure to disclose his tax returns, strong-arming Christie to cut Trump's millions in tax obligations to the state of New Jersey, overcharging the Veterans' Administration to build cheap housing... the list goes on and on. Those who have actually dealt with Trump and his empty promises should be the ones we are listening to. The latest include the former prime minister of Scotland, who testifies to the failed Trump golf development in his country ("thousands of jobs" in actuality turned out to be under 100 jobs, including part time)--and who warns of the grave danger of having such a dishonest and delusional person as Trump anywhere near military power:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/07/donald-trump-is-real-dan...
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/07/donald-trump-is-real-dan...
13
"Brush with campaign rules" sounds like whitewash to me. Try plain and simple: "Bribe"?
16
What about the fools that DONATED that money to Trump "charity" thinking it was going to help the needy, when in reality Trump used it to buy off a politician?? Why are they not filing complaint after complaint about the fraud committed when the money was collected?!?
8
The best part of the pay-for-play story is that Trump also used his money to buy influence with the Clintons themselves - during Hillary's senate and presidential campaigns and with large donations to the CGI.
He was an equal opportunity buyer of influence, just as Team HillBilly is an equal opportunity seller.
He was an equal opportunity buyer of influence, just as Team HillBilly is an equal opportunity seller.
1
Yeah, Trump invited Bill to play golf on his courses and invited Bill and Hillary to his wedding to Melania and didn't even get an invite to Chelsea's wedding. See how much that donation to the Clinton Foundation got him?
1
cfay:
I totally agree. A terrible return on investment.
I totally agree. A terrible return on investment.
1
I am reminded of Blonde bimbo Biondi interview with Anderson Cooper when she tripped on her lip and appeared as stupid as her appearance. Confident she has a job with FOX if only Ailes were still there. Career Day was tough for her, I'm sure. What about Abbott in Texas? He must think his wheelchair licenses him to roll over sensible laws against bribery. But in Texas, that's just part of winning by hook or by crook--and the state seems to enjoy a plethora of crooks in high places.
5
Is Congress going to demand to see all the emails and paperwork from Trump and FL related to this issue? Are we going to grill both Trump and Bondi for hours on National TV, demanding to get to the bottom of what happened? Are
18
Duh!
He has BRAGGED about how well he buys such influence!
This is no news to anyone who's awake!
And it shows anew the overwhelming need for sweeping changes in political fundraising rules!
How sad that we do not have enough (any?) true patriots in Congress to undertake the very few fundamental reforms that would make our government work, once again, for ALL the people of this country -- not just the Congressmen/women and the 1%. Namely:
1) Eliminate gerrymandering!
2) Eliminate political contribution excesses!
3) Term limits.
He has BRAGGED about how well he buys such influence!
This is no news to anyone who's awake!
And it shows anew the overwhelming need for sweeping changes in political fundraising rules!
How sad that we do not have enough (any?) true patriots in Congress to undertake the very few fundamental reforms that would make our government work, once again, for ALL the people of this country -- not just the Congressmen/women and the 1%. Namely:
1) Eliminate gerrymandering!
2) Eliminate political contribution excesses!
3) Term limits.
9
I heard that Mr. Trump is writing a new book, The Art of the Lie." But, maybe I am mistaken.
8
Raj Fernando was a big donor to the Clintons. In spite of having no experience or credentials, when Mr. Fernando requested a seat on an International Security board at Hillary's State Department, naturally it was granted.
All of the esteemed members of the board wondered who he was and what he was doing there. But it wasn't until ABC News started asking questions about him that he resigned his seat and the State Department tried to wash their hands of this "pay to play" agreement.
I'm sure the outrage is palpable among democrats. They seethe over Trump's alleged indiscretions, so I'm sure they're more than infuriated over this Hillary scandal - too angry to talk about it, I guess.
All of the esteemed members of the board wondered who he was and what he was doing there. But it wasn't until ABC News started asking questions about him that he resigned his seat and the State Department tried to wash their hands of this "pay to play" agreement.
I'm sure the outrage is palpable among democrats. They seethe over Trump's alleged indiscretions, so I'm sure they're more than infuriated over this Hillary scandal - too angry to talk about it, I guess.
1
And Bimbo Bondi helped the banks rob homeowner of their homes. Lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.
4
The majority of comments posted here state in one form or another that the practice of grading Donald Trump on a curve must stop, and stop now. Please, NYT, listen. This must be taken seriously. Enough with the "shadows" on Clinton's campaign. Enough with the Just-Trump-Being-Trump mentality. If you don't take it seriously, what other news organization will?
11
the appropriate u.s. attorney's office in florida will have to open an investigation into bondi and trump, or the public perception will remain that trump, as he has claimed, essentially expected a "payback" (ie, quid pro quo) when he donated to bondi.
this case for federal fraud actually is better than the one against the virginia governor, because in this case there is not doubt that "an official act" by bondi was involved: the decision not to sue trump. what the u.s. attorney should demand is the internal staff documents within the florida attorney general's office, along with relevant e-mails, memos, etc.
this should be resolved asap. don the con may actually be a crook.
this case for federal fraud actually is better than the one against the virginia governor, because in this case there is not doubt that "an official act" by bondi was involved: the decision not to sue trump. what the u.s. attorney should demand is the internal staff documents within the florida attorney general's office, along with relevant e-mails, memos, etc.
this should be resolved asap. don the con may actually be a crook.
7
I though that pay-to-play was where one made contributions to political campaigns so that in the future when important issues came up the donor could talk to important people about their concerns or issues but not necessarily have a guarantee of a particular outcome.
The situation with Trump and Bondi sounds to me like a outright bribe. Bondi's office was considering whether to charge Trump University with fraud or whether to join a suit against Trump U. Trump donates $25,000 to the group supporting Florida attorney general Bondi and Bondi decides not to pursue charges, law suit, or anything.
Isn't pay-to-play different from buying a particular decision.
The situation with Trump and Bondi sounds to me like a outright bribe. Bondi's office was considering whether to charge Trump University with fraud or whether to join a suit against Trump U. Trump donates $25,000 to the group supporting Florida attorney general Bondi and Bondi decides not to pursue charges, law suit, or anything.
Isn't pay-to-play different from buying a particular decision.
7
After reading this article, I am left wondering why Donald Trump has not gone to jail. Is it that easy to simply pay penalties every time you get caught breaking strict laws if you're wealthy?
13
An off the shoulder on the shoulder kind of thing - ambivalent at best.
1
Are you commenting on the republican part's nominee's flip-flopping? Otherwise I don't get it.
2
How many examples of this man's poor character do we need? Why does the media grade him on a curve? Think of the consequences!
22
In America large political donations are essentially bribes. Call it what it is. We have a totally corrupt political system.
3
Mr. Trump has spent a lot of time defending himself against charges of hypocrisy (for having donated to Democrats, since he was one in a former life) by saying he gives to everyone because when he calls in a 'favor' he gets what he wants.
As demonstrated by his interaction with the Bondi campaign, apparently, he was telling the truth for once in his life.
As demonstrated by his interaction with the Bondi campaign, apparently, he was telling the truth for once in his life.
8
This is a man was has said he always gave to politcal people, and when he came calling one year two years latter they always answered. So he gave to Pam Bondi and 4 days later she decides not to file charges against Trump University.
Oh boy if the tables were truned I could hear the adjatives coming out of Trump's Mouth.
Oh boy if the tables were truned I could hear the adjatives coming out of Trump's Mouth.
12
The attempt at cover up is often worse than the matter being covered up.
More investigation needed.
More investigation needed.
6
Not worse, but consistent and very typical.
Sounds to me like Trump's entire career has been using his inheritance to finance payoffs to people investigating one of his dishonest schemes.
Sounds to me like Trump's entire career has been using his inheritance to finance payoffs to people investigating one of his dishonest schemes.
5
Mere coincidence, says ethics-challenged Donald J. Trump. His $25k gift to
Florida's AG had nothing to do with her office's investigation into shenanigans at the Trump University of lower learning. Investigation aborted. "Happenstance." It only feels slimy. Trump is as clean as pure snow along Broadway -- three weeks after it's fallen and been stomped through.
Florida's AG had nothing to do with her office's investigation into shenanigans at the Trump University of lower learning. Investigation aborted. "Happenstance." It only feels slimy. Trump is as clean as pure snow along Broadway -- three weeks after it's fallen and been stomped through.
17
It doesn't bother me so much that he may have made donations hoping for influence. I am more worried about candidates who are susceptible to dispensing influence in return for receiving donations.
By the way, where was Hillary last month? Private big donor fund raisers?
By the way, where was Hillary last month? Private big donor fund raisers?
9
And the white noise machine was in play as in the past - to prevent the prying ears of the media.
2
Yes, she was fundraising.
1
While you're asking......where were you?
3
Trump is truly stupid.
You invite the person to give a speech, than pay the person lavishly for her/his deep insight, and leave to her/his discretion to either pocket the money for personal enrichment or use if for her/his reelection campaign.
Totally legal.
You invite the person to give a speech, than pay the person lavishly for her/his deep insight, and leave to her/his discretion to either pocket the money for personal enrichment or use if for her/his reelection campaign.
Totally legal.
3
What do sports figures command for their speeches? And for what earth shattering insights?
5
But there is a big difference in a "payoff" to a government official with the power to prosecute who suddenly decides to drop the case......and getting paid by a corporate sponsor to give a speech!
6
Trump is a lobbyist who was been at this dirty political game for decades. He excoriated Hillary about dirty money yet he does the same. Stay tune Trump Gate soon to follow.
10
"...a spokesman for the Florida Att gen office says they never considered joining the New York case, that the proposed inquiry never made it across Bondis desk." The only true professional at increasing their wealth through public funds / donations are the Clintons. Bill was paid $16 mil from 2010-2015 as an honorary Chancellor at Laurette Education while his wife was sec of state. Why? Cause they operate campuses all over the world, and a little Sec of State influence goes a long way. Clintons take in the cash, Trump gives it away.
1
I agree, Trump's much more savvy swindling people for cash at Trump U and giving it away in bribes. That's the America I want!
3
When is Clinton going to release her Wall Street speeches?
3
She is a private citizen. There is no law or precedent requiring her to do so.
Where's Trump's tax returns?
Where's Trump's tax returns?
3
Oh get off it. Trump . . . taxes? one year anyone? No?
Clintons have 30 years posted. The trump socks are out today in bigly numbers.
Clintons have 30 years posted. The trump socks are out today in bigly numbers.
7
Worth pointing out that when she delievered these presentations, she was a private citizen. They occurred after she left State. Nor was she at that point a candidate for President.
6
You know, Trump himself has said numerous times times that he was knee-deep in the game-rigging business of making contributions to politicians of all stripes. Shucks, even the Clinton's had their hands out to take his money. So, he got busted for over-zealousness at times. That is all in the record. All part of it for high-powered businessmen. But how does that compare to Hillary's conduct while serving as Secretary of State in peddling access for contributions to the Clinton foundation? I know, where's the evidence of the quid pro quo, you'll ask.
If you believe that some of the rottenest governments and individuals in the world gave hundreds of millions to the Clinton Foundation because they wanted to help starving children in Africa, then there's no reasoning with you. And this: when will the NYT, and the rest of the MSM, trusted by less that ten per cent of Americans, come to grips with the fact that all the dirt-digging and hysteria against Trump has failed miserably? Indeed, has even become counter-productive? I'm not holding my breath.
If you believe that some of the rottenest governments and individuals in the world gave hundreds of millions to the Clinton Foundation because they wanted to help starving children in Africa, then there's no reasoning with you. And this: when will the NYT, and the rest of the MSM, trusted by less that ten per cent of Americans, come to grips with the fact that all the dirt-digging and hysteria against Trump has failed miserably? Indeed, has even become counter-productive? I'm not holding my breath.
2
@riclys: This isn't buying influence.
It is either EXTORTION (from her side), or BRIBERY (from his side).
See the difference?
It is either EXTORTION (from her side), or BRIBERY (from his side).
See the difference?
6
Exactly, where is the evidence of quid pro quo ?
2
Yeah I agree, if Trump swindles people that's their bad luck, and bribing public officials to cover it up is just legitimate business.
2
Your relentless, breathless pursuit of All Things Trump is beginning to resemble a witch hunt.
4
you know, Al Capone used to say that a lot, too.
4
Trump created his news and the responsibility of journalists is to report it. Sorry you don't like it but maybe you'll want to take a second look at a candidate who's in the news every five minutes because of his own very, very, very bad behavior.
5
Hey Chris - it's a ''which hunt'' which of Trumps multitude of sleazy crimes, hit ons and assaults to cover? Which of his crimes described in his own words to call to the public's attention? His defense is intentional admitted criminality should be excused because he's a private citizen. Let's keep him that way.
4
A great picture. Looks like she is trying to keep up with him.
3
Donald Trump simply bribes people to get what he wants. The rules don't apply to him. He is his own Mafia family. Don Trump. Corruption works. Always has. Always will. Everybody has his price. It's called capitalism. I don't know why this surprises anybody. The Donald is in the New York real estate/ construction business. That is how it works. Half the country does not have a problem with Mr. Trump and may well elect him to the Oval Office.
5
A sleaze will always be a sleaze. Republicans continue to circumvent the laws to suit themselves. They are ready to start an inquisition for even a perceived wrong by a democrat. Trump will need to change his tune of "crooked Hillary" to something else. It's just a mater of time before his bid for the White House crumbles like a house of cards.
12
Why does NYT news and opinion writers disproportionately write anti-Trump news?
Don't get me wrong. Both major candidates are the sorriest choices since IKE
Don't get me wrong. Both major candidates are the sorriest choices since IKE
3
It is Trump's own responsibility for his bad news. He creates it and journalists report it.
7
"Why does NYT news and opinion writers disproportionately write anti-Trump news?"
Cmon, GWB. These stories practically write themselves.
Cmon, GWB. These stories practically write themselves.
4
It baffles me how the press will dog Clinton for months--years--over her emails, and call out scandals that do not exist with her foundation, yet this story about Trump will be here today and gone tomorrow. Perhaps it's because of the sheer volume of wrongdoing on Trump's part. An embarrassment of riches? Safety in numbers? I've come to believe this is part of his strategy, the way schools of fish can confuse a predator with their quickness and pretty stripes.
I'd love to see you guys sink your teeth in for once.
I'd love to see you guys sink your teeth in for once.
29
You're now part of the solution.
Don't let the Times get away with pivoting to another topic.
These comment boards need to be filled with demands of the press to give this scandal, his tax returns, and a birther apology the attention they deserve.
Don't let the Times get away with pivoting to another topic.
These comment boards need to be filled with demands of the press to give this scandal, his tax returns, and a birther apology the attention they deserve.
9
As is seemingly often the case with Donald Trump, this was not a "brush" with finance rules but a violation of them. That's how it is with megalomaniacs--as well as people who feel they can buy everything.
It is still hard to fathom how the media continues to treat this embarrassment of a candidate as if he's still on reality tv. He's not cute or fascinating. It isn't funny. It's pathetic and dangerous. He should actually be held accountable for not only this one but for all his "brushes."
It is still hard to fathom how the media continues to treat this embarrassment of a candidate as if he's still on reality tv. He's not cute or fascinating. It isn't funny. It's pathetic and dangerous. He should actually be held accountable for not only this one but for all his "brushes."
28
So the New York Times thinks bribery, an open case of bribery with Trump bribing Pam Bondi to drop an investigation of his fraudulent Trump University, is a "brush" with campaign rules? Is murder now a disagreement? Is the racist, misogynist, nativist fascism of Trump now just politics? In the meantime, the "appearance," the "optics" of emails is bad for Hillary Clinton? I guess this is what you get when you get journalism major and not investigative thinkers or philosophers or historians or people dedicated to false equivalency.
23
Bribery is a crime that imperils democracy. Stop softening it by saying "circumventing rules" or "pay to play."
24
"Brush?" When there was an IRS find paid for illegal activity? While the Times claims that Anthony Weiner's sick behavior is casting "clouds and shadows" over the Clinton campaign because Weiner is married to a top advisor to Hillary Clinton? Stop trying to normalize Trump, all you are doing is creating a false equivalence between him and Clinton. There isn't. Trump is a liar and shape-shifter and demagogue like we haven't seen at the presidential level, normalizing him is dangerous and wrong.
28
As a fiscally conservative but socially liberal middle of the road (College graduate) American, I can not stand watching any more of Trump and Clinton on TV. I know that we messed up with a contentious electoral system that delivered two highly deficient nominees and I know that, unless a miracle, we will be punished with four more years of mediocre leadership. But please let's get over it and skip these painful media appearances.
1
This factual information won't budge his supporters. Living in a fantasy world, they prefer to believe insinuation and accusations to actual facts
17
Well heck, then accuse and insinuate away!
1
Hillary has spent a lifetime in public service, her only flaws being overzealousness in her ambition and quest for power, but still in the service of the public. Trump has never done anything for anyone but himself, his ambition and quest for power a narcissistic and egotistical farce of gargantuan proportions. Finally, news about him that isn't about his weird personality, bizarre statements or neo-fascism-- it is about his unabashed corruption and complete lack of ethics.
30
I really want Hilary Clinton to win this election. Not because I feel strongly about her becoming president; it's more that I'd like to get back to reading the New York Times without any Trump headlines.
24
It gets better:
"Trump Held Mar-a-Lago Fundraiser for Pam Bondi
The event came not long after the Florida attorney general’s office did not join a fraud lawsuit against Trump University."
The March 14, 2014, reception at Trump's Palm Beach resort featured the billionaire businessman and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as special guests, and cost attendees a "suggested minimum contribution" of $3,000, according to an invitation to the event published by The Huffington Post.
Although Trump did not write Bondi a check that night, he and his daughter Ivanka each donated $500 to Bondi in the fall of 2013. Together, both Trumps also donated $125,000 to the Republican Party of Florida, which The Huffington Post reports was the largest single source of funds for Bondi's campaign.
The use of the Mar-a-Lago for the party also amounts to an in-kind donation. Trump has charged his own presidential campaign around $140,000 each time it has used the resort, campaign disclosures show, while it only cost the Florida GOP $4,855.65 to rent the space for the Bondi fundraiser. The party sent a check for the amount on March 25, 2014, The Huffington Post says.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-09-07/trump-held-fundraiser-for...
"Trump Held Mar-a-Lago Fundraiser for Pam Bondi
The event came not long after the Florida attorney general’s office did not join a fraud lawsuit against Trump University."
The March 14, 2014, reception at Trump's Palm Beach resort featured the billionaire businessman and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as special guests, and cost attendees a "suggested minimum contribution" of $3,000, according to an invitation to the event published by The Huffington Post.
Although Trump did not write Bondi a check that night, he and his daughter Ivanka each donated $500 to Bondi in the fall of 2013. Together, both Trumps also donated $125,000 to the Republican Party of Florida, which The Huffington Post reports was the largest single source of funds for Bondi's campaign.
The use of the Mar-a-Lago for the party also amounts to an in-kind donation. Trump has charged his own presidential campaign around $140,000 each time it has used the resort, campaign disclosures show, while it only cost the Florida GOP $4,855.65 to rent the space for the Bondi fundraiser. The party sent a check for the amount on March 25, 2014, The Huffington Post says.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-09-07/trump-held-fundraiser-for...
34
And it gets even better than that:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/rape-lawsuit-donald-trump-resur...
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/rape-lawsuit-donald-trump-resur...
3
So curious about the use of the work "brush" instead of referring to it as a violation in the headline.
20
It seems that Clinton and Trump are held to different standards.
Clinton shows the appearance of possibility of some pay for play.
Trump shows evidence of actual pay for play.
And it is treated as equivalent.
Clinton shows the appearance of possibility of some pay for play.
Trump shows evidence of actual pay for play.
And it is treated as equivalent.
22
What Trump did was worse than that, it was bribery plain and simple.
5
How about publication of at least an occasional article about Hillary's financial enrichment having been a professional politician for so many years. How did she accumulate so much wealth, treating the federal government as a private bank, it seems, aside from so many lies, lies, lies. Maybe you could increase your readership with a fairer picture of Hillary Clinton. I read you only for non political parts of your paper. You appear to be acting as a non paid shrill for Hillary. Our republic is in danger of being bought and paid for by the rich elite.
"I read you only for non political parts of your paper." Did you think this was a fashion piece?
4
The Clintons were technically broke from all the legal fees they owed for defending lawsuits that were simply Republican harassment and sabotage when they left the White House.
2
I read for science and sociology and technology.
I believe according to the Republicans the criminal charges are based lying under oath when she told Congress that she had released all emails, but additional email were found after the servers were wiped.
As for not knowing about servers, you don't need to know anything about computers to know what is considered a secure system and what is not. There were clear guidelines on email security.
I'm no Trump fan and I do not want to see him as President, but Hillary is not helping herself and in my opinion it was a poor decision to have a private server.
As for not knowing about servers, you don't need to know anything about computers to know what is considered a secure system and what is not. There were clear guidelines on email security.
I'm no Trump fan and I do not want to see him as President, but Hillary is not helping herself and in my opinion it was a poor decision to have a private server.
It was a poor decision and it's too late to rectify it now. Time to move on.
Not a crime, though. But BRIBERY is a crime.
6
Except there are no criminal charges. She did not lie. Read the fbi report, rather than watch fox, you might learn something.
Yes, the Rs in congress are furious that there will be no charges laid, but when there is no crime, well, that means no charges, no matter how badly someone wants it to be so. If you hate your neighbors, you can accuse them of all sorts of things, but that doesn't mean the police will arrest em.
Yes, the Rs in congress are furious that there will be no charges laid, but when there is no crime, well, that means no charges, no matter how badly someone wants it to be so. If you hate your neighbors, you can accuse them of all sorts of things, but that doesn't mean the police will arrest em.
3
Typical Trump. Win at (presumably) all costs.
Even assuming he has been running a successful business, how do we decide if the underhanded part of business as usual in his world is any more tolerable than the political machinery known as Washington?
Even assuming he has been running a successful business, how do we decide if the underhanded part of business as usual in his world is any more tolerable than the political machinery known as Washington?
4
When Reagan came in to the presidency, the last vestiges of awareness that the bad drive out the good in the absence of minimum standards of conduct faded from its boardrooms.
1
At the end of the day, it will be our knowledge of the candidates relative to our country and to the world that will help us decide whom to vote for. And if we accept the premise that the past is a reasonable indicator of the future, it's probably a useful reference to measure the candidates against legacies of US presidents in the recent past. Maybe it's even tempting to summarize the qualities of some of our own favorite presidents and see how the candidates stack up.
The thing that I remember fondly about the last Republican president, George W. Bush is that he stood amidst the ruins of the World Trade Center, with his arm wrapped around a firefighter and with a bullhorn to comfort the nation. Say what you will about his legacy, but the man could galvanize when that was the presidential thing to do. Donald Trump, unlike Bush, has a demonstrative history of being divisive. It's hard not to conclude that that is precisely his NATURE. It appears that's all he knows.
Hilary Clinton did not exercise proper judgement as a politician at times, but Trump has not shown any moral compass. The phony last minute manipulation of a religious entity notwithstanding, he has not quoted anyone in his statements off script. Not great statesmen, not religious sacrament, not books (other than his biographies), and not life wisdom stemming from daily human experiences.
He might know something about making deals, but sadly for him, this country has many values not open to compromise.
The thing that I remember fondly about the last Republican president, George W. Bush is that he stood amidst the ruins of the World Trade Center, with his arm wrapped around a firefighter and with a bullhorn to comfort the nation. Say what you will about his legacy, but the man could galvanize when that was the presidential thing to do. Donald Trump, unlike Bush, has a demonstrative history of being divisive. It's hard not to conclude that that is precisely his NATURE. It appears that's all he knows.
Hilary Clinton did not exercise proper judgement as a politician at times, but Trump has not shown any moral compass. The phony last minute manipulation of a religious entity notwithstanding, he has not quoted anyone in his statements off script. Not great statesmen, not religious sacrament, not books (other than his biographies), and not life wisdom stemming from daily human experiences.
He might know something about making deals, but sadly for him, this country has many values not open to compromise.
1
His word is worthless bue's so slimy he is hard to pin down on any issue. He takes every side of every issue and Mrs. Clinton and the media have not figured out how to pin him down when he clearly is talking out of both sides of his mouth on every issue and flip flopping on numerous issues and trying to be everything to everyone on every issue.
For example he actually had the audacity to say today he would never let down our veterans! We've all seen him attacking not only John McCain as a loser for being a POW and the Knan family with his bigoted attacks and he has attacked the generals who came out and endorsed Hillary. He is a complete phony and he can talk until he is blue in the face but it doesn't change the fact that everything he says is meaningless because his word is worthless.
For example he actually had the audacity to say today he would never let down our veterans! We've all seen him attacking not only John McCain as a loser for being a POW and the Knan family with his bigoted attacks and he has attacked the generals who came out and endorsed Hillary. He is a complete phony and he can talk until he is blue in the face but it doesn't change the fact that everything he says is meaningless because his word is worthless.
9
I remember when Trump's son sent fundraising emails for his campaign to leaders of foreign countries. That, too, was blatantly illegal. There was no hew and cry from the press. It was the members of parliaments who shamed Trump on Twitter, but not enough to rouse the American public to demand Trump's removal from the race.
Trump took money from his "Foundation" to pay Ms. Bondi. Do the suckers who donated to the Trump Foundation realize that Donald used the money to bribe an AG to drop the Trump U fraud case? Compare the books on the Trump "Foundation" and the Clinton Foundation, NYT.
If we can't see Trump's tax returns, maybe it's time the press start demanding the tax papers of everything he puts his name on.
The rap sheet on Trump is long. Who cares what he says or she says or what the polls say. Whatever happened to shoe leather and researching the record?
Trump and his campaign have absolutely no respect for the rule of law. Do you, NYT? Then report Trump's record.
Trump took money from his "Foundation" to pay Ms. Bondi. Do the suckers who donated to the Trump Foundation realize that Donald used the money to bribe an AG to drop the Trump U fraud case? Compare the books on the Trump "Foundation" and the Clinton Foundation, NYT.
If we can't see Trump's tax returns, maybe it's time the press start demanding the tax papers of everything he puts his name on.
The rap sheet on Trump is long. Who cares what he says or she says or what the polls say. Whatever happened to shoe leather and researching the record?
Trump and his campaign have absolutely no respect for the rule of law. Do you, NYT? Then report Trump's record.
24
Kat.you're talking about real investigative reporting. I don't know that the Times does that anymore.
1
Just looking over Trump's contribution to Republican Elections, he also donated $25,000 to Republican Governor Greg Abbott's election. He was the Texas attorney general that decided not to file a lawsuit against Trump there, despite was was supposed to be a strong case built by the consumer protection agency.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TEgOsurVWSDF6P2oeZPviSFqD_K6CjYV...
http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2016/06/greg-abbotts-top-consumer...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TEgOsurVWSDF6P2oeZPviSFqD_K6CjYV...
http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2016/06/greg-abbotts-top-consumer...
16
"Florida Gift Is Trump’s Latest Brush With Finance Rules"
This is an almost criminally understated headline. It suggests that this was just another indiscretion rather than the quid pro quo it apparently was, which would make it significantly different than other transgressions. And if it turns out to have been a bribe, it's not just a rule that will have been broken, but a law.
This is an almost criminally understated headline. It suggests that this was just another indiscretion rather than the quid pro quo it apparently was, which would make it significantly different than other transgressions. And if it turns out to have been a bribe, it's not just a rule that will have been broken, but a law.
21
Sadly in NY we have Republican Senators, Republican Assembly Members, Republican Town Supervisor, Town Council reps who remain quite when it comes to Trump's rhetoric, and hate mantra.
5
Sounds like Donald's new name should be "Crooked, Corrupt Donald." Surely the GOP cronies in Congress are already planning extensive hearings on this misbehavior. Oh, wait, all the GOP cronies in Congress care about is attacking Hillary.
9
This is another example of Trump projecting his own flaws onto Hillary.
HE is the corrupt one, HE is the bigot, HE is the one that "doesn't look (or act) Presidential", HE is the one withholding information (taxes and health), HE is by far the biggest liar (see Politifact), and HE is the one that "should be locked up".
But his followers insist that he is honest. They seem to equate vulgarity and meanness with honesty. He is happy to point out everyone else's flaws, but not his own.
HE is the corrupt one, HE is the bigot, HE is the one that "doesn't look (or act) Presidential", HE is the one withholding information (taxes and health), HE is by far the biggest liar (see Politifact), and HE is the one that "should be locked up".
But his followers insist that he is honest. They seem to equate vulgarity and meanness with honesty. He is happy to point out everyone else's flaws, but not his own.
16
Raj Fernando bought a seat on Hillary Clinton's State Department's national security board. Big donor. No experience. But he was given a seat on the board because he gave a lot of money and he wanted a seat. It was that simple. But its a non-story because it might offend the Queen.
Cite your source please.
3
You do realize the republican party's nominee has ZERO experience in government, correct? Exactly ZIPPO experience relevant to being president.
5
I do not care. He wasn't spending my money, and his actions didn't impact my life. That is why he will get a pass on this issue.. Again.
If citizens put their heads in the sand and don't stand up for the health of our country, he will.
2
The corruption of a public official, shaking down a business man; a business man paying bribes; a criminal investigation dropped; a re-elected corrupt politician; a corrupt business man running for public office.......
Exactly which of these relevant facets of this scandal do you feel have no "impact on your life"?
Corruption in public life affects us all.
Exactly which of these relevant facets of this scandal do you feel have no "impact on your life"?
Corruption in public life affects us all.
4
I thought it was strange that he admitted to paying bribes and was never investigated. I was told that there was no evidence of an act, so there could be no investigation. I always thought that was a lame excuse, but eventually assumed that it may be true.
Now, there's an act to support the admission. I can't say he's guilty, but if Hillary got a 16 month long investigation, he ought to get one too.
Trump definitely suggested that this is only the tip of the iceberg. He said he paid "them all", didn't he.
Now, there's an act to support the admission. I can't say he's guilty, but if Hillary got a 16 month long investigation, he ought to get one too.
Trump definitely suggested that this is only the tip of the iceberg. He said he paid "them all", didn't he.
14
It appears that laws and regulations are only meant for the "little people".
7
It will be interesting to see if Trump supporters will be willing to admit that $25,000 to an AG who announced she is "looking into" investigating you is a lot shadier than a meeting on a tarmac? If you believe Bill Clinton's meeting was nefarious, be consistent and admit the donation is ridiculously bad!!
7
“The American people deserve to know what was said, because clearly the attorney general did not proceed with the investigation.” Never thought you’d hear Hillary Clinton say those words.
1
If this were a Clinton Foundation scandal, the headline would barely fit on the front page, and it would hardly be described as "defending," and the photo would show one of the Clintons with their head down instead of walking with an umbrella.
If you want to root out corruption in this country, perhaps it should start in your own newsrooms. That would be a wonderful start.
If you want to root out corruption in this country, perhaps it should start in your own newsrooms. That would be a wonderful start.
14
I love how Donald, again the center of the universe, is holding the umbrella over his person, rather than extending it to cover the both of them; this speaks volumes about the guy.
10
Since Trump thinks this kind of behavior is ok - “I was under the impression that I was getting my money back,” - how much would it take to get him to approve new oil exploration in a national park, or to sell arms to a hostile country? In his mind, everything is for sale. More proof that as long as his pockets are lined, nothing else matters.
16
Shady ethics. I'd bet that, if he's elected President, he'd establish the Trump Global Initiative and accept $25 million from the Saudi Arabia government.
2
Both the NYT and the WP have delineated the legions of misdeeds and nefarious scams that have been left unchecked by the U.S. Justice Department. Bondi, Christie, mob associates. We either confront with fairness and impartiality these misdeeds, or as Joan Collins sang: Send in the Clowns. We are no longer a working democracy.
This election is about preying on the public's fears; be it economic or ecological. No one gets a free pass. Serious problems demand serious people to address them. I despise Hillary for her smugness and nagging opaque demeanor, but I am voting for her because I know in her soul she will put America first, and Bill is an asset. Hillary is Mother Theresa next to her opponent. Let's end this sideshow madness! Elect HRC, indict DJT!
This election is about preying on the public's fears; be it economic or ecological. No one gets a free pass. Serious problems demand serious people to address them. I despise Hillary for her smugness and nagging opaque demeanor, but I am voting for her because I know in her soul she will put America first, and Bill is an asset. Hillary is Mother Theresa next to her opponent. Let's end this sideshow madness! Elect HRC, indict DJT!
4
"Brush with finance rules"?
How about "bribe"?
How about "bribe"?
15
What's the fuss"? It is a run-of-the-mill bribery, and both should be behind bars!
1
Apparently Mr. Trump thinks that it's not crooked when he tampers with the justice system, but then again, he believes he can do and say anything he wishes at any moment and it's okay. This racist, fascist, narcissistic man needs to get his comeuppance sooner rather than later. He is a clear and present danger to the United States.
3
When will Rep. Chafetz demand a special prosecutor and hold committee hearings to address Trump's likely malfeasance?
5
Another example of this self aroused buffoon breaking laws; corrupting public officials in the never ending quest to enrich himself. His motto "let no law get between me and a buck". What amazes me is that time after time political officials continually bend over and touch their toes to accommodate him. The most perfect example of this is the highly esteemed Chris Christie who forgave $25 million dollars in taxes and let us not forget the really big one settling with Exxon the environmental lawsuit which cost the State of New Jersey hundreds of millions. Trump; Christie and Bondi all have one thing in common, THE GUTTER!
4
And Trump has the gall to slander Mexico about its history of corruption and bribery.
7
“When they call, I give. And you know what? When I need something from them two years later, three years later, I call them, they are there for
me.”--Donald Trump
You lopped off his next sentence. "And that's what you call a broken system." He said the words you quote in order to illustrate the scope of the problem, which he himself was caught up in.
me.”--Donald Trump
You lopped off his next sentence. "And that's what you call a broken system." He said the words you quote in order to illustrate the scope of the problem, which he himself was caught up in.
2
What's your point? He avails himself of the broken system.
Also, "the system", broken as it is, doesn't allow for tax-deductible contributions from non-profits to benefit a campaign. That was pure Trump. And he got caught. (I suppose he thinks that part of the system is broken too--getting caught.)
Also, "the system", broken as it is, doesn't allow for tax-deductible contributions from non-profits to benefit a campaign. That was pure Trump. And he got caught. (I suppose he thinks that part of the system is broken too--getting caught.)
1
Re your statement, "And he got caught." If you have proof of a contribution-for-benefit, it is more than the article is claiming. It says the contribution was made weeks before any discussion of an investigation.
1
The same way a rapist gets "caught up in" a rape? I see, he's the victim here. And I guess he was a victim of racial discrimination when he helped make sure Black people were excluded from Trump properties. And he was a victim when Trump University defrauded its students and when he refused to pay small contractors while scamming millions of dollars while his casinos went bankrupt. Poor pitiful Donald.
1
This alone should disqualify Trump for President. He is a con man, a thief and a lier. What more do we need in this country to put someone behind bars..............oh,perhaps his supposed $1.0 billion dollars.
Totally repugnant.
Totally repugnant.
7
I just watched a CNN interview where Trump surrogate Chris Collins repeatedly calls this illegal activity, "technicalities". It's truly unbelievable. No, what he did was illegal and he was fined repeatedly for his donation and lobbying activity. They are trying to excuse it away because he was the donor and not the recipient. The fact of the matter is there are laws in place to ensure donors do not engage in this type of activity and he broke the law. That is not a "technicality".
7
This sort of behavior by Trump may also be the reason why he has so much disdain for the "Mexican judge", Federal Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel. Judge Curiel simply cannot be bought by Mr. Trump in his backroom dealings, and as such a judge like that cannot be trusted by Mr. Trump.
1
It is no accident that the Trump U. case is for violating RICO statutes and running a corrupt enterprise. If he wins election, even before he takes office, he will be the most corrupt individual to hold the office of president. More corrupt than Warren G. Harding; more corrupt than U.S. Grant and more corrupt than Andrew Johnson. These three are generally considered the worst three American presidents. Their descendants will all be grateful to American voters for electing someone who is head and shoulders ahead of them in the contest to be the worst American president ever.
7
I think that it is time that the Congress launch a bi-partisan pre-election impeachment so that if "The Great Betrayer" and "Cheating Chiseler" somehow is elected, he can be evicted from the White House before he enters it.
2
Crooked Donald. What a loser!
5
I can't believe that the Florida Attorney General did not make the decision not to investigate Trump. That was a decisions that no political office holder would have left to a subordinate. When one smells a rotten fish, there is a rotten fish. Just more Trump lies.
4
Congratulations to the NY Times for finally noticing something other than Hillary Clinton repeatedly and brazenly failing to break the law. Perhaps we might now see some stories about the policy differences between the 2 candidates?
11
None of the South Florida newspapers are plating this story. But any anti-Clinton stoey goes to the top. Which is why Trump's polling is improving.
5
Congress has spent millions of dollars looking to discredit Hillary Clinton. The media has spent thousands of hours reporting it, over and over. It comes to light that Trump has clearly bribed a public official to not join a lawsuit on Trump University. This happens in the context of him refusing to release his tax returns and running for President of the United States. Where is the outrage in that? Is fraud and bribery of public officials now an accepted practice? Meanwhile, Trump continues to bully his way into the White House because he has learned to read a teleprompter.
This is so surreal. It does not even resemble the United Stares of America.
This is so surreal. It does not even resemble the United Stares of America.
12
i am simply outraged that the Times has diverted resources from its ongoing in-depth investigation of the Shadows cast by the Clouds of the Many Very Troubling Questions that Continue to Dog Hillary Clinton's campaign because of the Clinton Foundation despite the invariable grudging admission in paragraph 23 that it was all legal, normal and unobjectionable.
And for what? A mere very obvious case of buying a breach of duty by a high state official to protect a scam that cheated the elderly and the desperate out of vast sums of money? The actual improper use of charitable foundation funds to make the bribe? Why, what's newsworthy about that?
But I at least credit the Times with covering the story after a mere 72 hours of social media and prominent blogger shaming.
And for what? A mere very obvious case of buying a breach of duty by a high state official to protect a scam that cheated the elderly and the desperate out of vast sums of money? The actual improper use of charitable foundation funds to make the bribe? Why, what's newsworthy about that?
But I at least credit the Times with covering the story after a mere 72 hours of social media and prominent blogger shaming.
12
Bravo, Steve!
1
Trump "never spoke to her about it." But she clearly got the message. Bondi was running a shakedown operation, and Trump was paying her a bribe. You can dress it up in any euphemism you want, but there was clearly a "quid pro quo." Bribery is legal as long as you follow these "politically correct" dance steps.
6
It was a mutual shakedown for fun and profit
2
25K to shut her up? Trump got her cheap. She should have held out for more money.
9
Well, no, Trumpheld a fundraiser for Bondi at Mar-a-Lago after she dropped the TU scam investigation - which would be a trade in lind for the 25 thou illegal contribution, had it not been for the fact that Bondi got a sweatheart $4,855,64 bill from Trump. Keep in mind Trump bilked his own campaign - meaning RNC donors - $140,000 per event there. He's already personally profiting off his scam run: making the only deals he cares about: those that benefit Donald. Oh, and he and Ivanka chipped in another $125,000 to the Republican Party of Florida ― Bondi’s single biggest source of campaign funds. So don't worry about Bondi - she knows how to work it.
5
Oh get over it!
Hillary accepts money from Goldman Sachs and other 'too big to fail' banks.
Both candidates are playing a corrupt game.
Some voters (and media) can see the corruption in BOTH candidates...
Hillary accepts money from Goldman Sachs and other 'too big to fail' banks.
Both candidates are playing a corrupt game.
Some voters (and media) can see the corruption in BOTH candidates...
1
She accepted money for a speech. She was not a government official.
It was not illegal....your argument has no merit.
It was not illegal....your argument has no merit.
5
But only Trump has made an illegal contribution and clearly as a bribe. On the other hand, Clinton has never been proven to have done anything illegal.
6
And yet, while he gets away with THIS one
we'll hear more about Hilary's emails.......
Gods help us all.
we'll hear more about Hilary's emails.......
Gods help us all.
8
It will be interesting to see how all the Trump apologists twist out of this one.
Oh, right --- it's called denial.
Oh, right --- it's called denial.
4
Don't let them hear you calling them "apologists"--there's nothing to apologize for. Ever. Remember, this is a man who's never felt the need to ask God's forgiveness. (I'm an atheist, but felt compelled to bring it up.)
1
The article should have been front page news, as many have pointed out. Rarely are the readers comments as interesting as the article itself. In this case, having read well over half of them, three very clear responses emerge. One, Trump's behavior is bribery by any ordinary standards. Two, the NYT (and many other news outlets) have consistently used a double standard when reporting on Hillary Clinton's alleged misdeeds as contrasted with Trump's frequent and well documented "brushes" with the law. Three, nothing in Hillary Clinton's conduct vis a vis the Clinton Foundation comes close to the level of actual illegality of Donald Trump as described in this article. And, yes, I hope the NYT will stop following the herd in its reporting on this campaign and regain its right to be called the "paper of record." Sadly, I no longer expect it. Please surprise me.
8
Just like a common, repeat offender, Trump needs to be taken off the street. Now.
10
Not even! Isn't it time to speed up All the investigations of Trump's malfeasance? And to push some serious penalties or jail time for Trump's criminal conduct. Please get federal help and bring Mr. Mendacity to his knees. Before it's too late,
3
Isn't this what Michael Corleone would have done... at a minimum? Trump is a new form of a gangster. He will try to bully/strong-arm people/nations into doing what he wants. What do you expect form a Las Vegas Casino owner. Actually acts more like Fanuuci, a small time hood.
10
I wonder why the NYTs isn't giving Trump the same type of unrelenting intense scrutiny over this PAY TO PLAY that it has given Hillary Clinton over everything she has ever done since coming out of her mother's womb.
10
If they'd had sonograms back then (?) you can be sure they'd have been dug up by now to show her doing illicit deeds--like getting ready to be born.
1
the picture at the start of this article says a lot about Mr. Trump: note that he is fully covered under the umbrella, but Pam Bondi is half exposed to the elements. Such a gentleman!
7
There are myriad ex-politicians who are and have served time for this very act, and lessor so.
While it is not the role of any publican to pronounce an act as criminal, the title of this article provides a conspicuous softening of the event. Please NTY and other journalists, do not live in fear of retribution from this fool for stating the truth plainly. As the watchdogs of our democracy and the purveyors of vital information, please do not sacrifice perspicuity to pandering. Stay with this story and all the others that demonstrate the fine line being walked by this man.
While it is not the role of any publican to pronounce an act as criminal, the title of this article provides a conspicuous softening of the event. Please NTY and other journalists, do not live in fear of retribution from this fool for stating the truth plainly. As the watchdogs of our democracy and the purveyors of vital information, please do not sacrifice perspicuity to pandering. Stay with this story and all the others that demonstrate the fine line being walked by this man.
8
Shouldn't there be an investigation with access to Trumps tax returns and all emails, Twitter feeds and notes used by the IRS and various State investigations into Trumps campaign donation violations and pay to play deals? The American people have a right to transparency for his " charitable foundation" dark money? What's with the double standard?
7
When it comes to play for pay it's better to give than receive - as Hillary has found out.
Nice try. But in spite of the GOP windy angst machine, in order to "play for pay" you need to get something for your money.
With Trump you get political favors. With the Clintons you help starving people in Africa get AIDS drugs.
Not quite the same, is it?
With Trump you get political favors. With the Clintons you help starving people in Africa get AIDS drugs.
Not quite the same, is it?
5
Wow you think when Clinton Foundation donors call up Hillary for favors and State Department employees are tasked with making helpful telephone calls that's helping starving people in Africa? I suppose you also think the foundation supplying Hillary with a private jet is an act of charity.
i just tend to view people who buy politicians as on a slightly lower rung of culpability than the politician who is bought. We don't give people public jobs so they can profit from them. There must b e plenty of people out there who think like I as Hillary's honesty rating is right down there with Trump.
i just tend to view people who buy politicians as on a slightly lower rung of culpability than the politician who is bought. We don't give people public jobs so they can profit from them. There must b e plenty of people out there who think like I as Hillary's honesty rating is right down there with Trump.
Trump is an unscrupulous person who thinks that winning justifies anything, anything. Why anyone would place any trust in him, especially all those who can't get enough of his big talk and alpha posturing who offer the guy nothing beyond the prestige of winning, would want him as President of the United States is bizarre, bizarre.
The Florida Attorney General should have rejected Trump's gift because she had to make a decision which affected Trump's financial interests. She did not and it looks like she it could have influenced her decision not to join in the suit against Trump University.
Trump claims that his avarice and habits of leaving his losses with his business partners means that he understands how corruption in the system rigs it against most people and he can fix it. This seems to be an example of Trump manipulating people in government for his own benefit. Is it clever to admit that one has no scruples? Why would anyone trust someone like that?
The Florida Attorney General should have rejected Trump's gift because she had to make a decision which affected Trump's financial interests. She did not and it looks like she it could have influenced her decision not to join in the suit against Trump University.
Trump claims that his avarice and habits of leaving his losses with his business partners means that he understands how corruption in the system rigs it against most people and he can fix it. This seems to be an example of Trump manipulating people in government for his own benefit. Is it clever to admit that one has no scruples? Why would anyone trust someone like that?
10
Rules only apply to little people, a class to which the Donald does not belong.
4
The media spends so much time reporting on Trump's email attacks that the most important fraud issue is being overlooked. Let's start putting pressure on Trump by demanding a release of his tax records. He claims they can't be released until completion of audit but then in a follow up statement volunteers to have them released as soon as Hillary provides access to 30,000 emails. I'm sick of his email attacks. No matter how often he brings them up, we know Hillary has done the wrong thing. But, it's time to look into his background. It should start with his IRS records. Surprising how many of Hillary's emails have leaked to the press; yet nothing of Trumps financial records, IRS or otherwise. We get snippets of million dollar companies in China, low tax rates, Casino closing, but nothing to sink our teeth into. The media has to start asking the right questions.
6
As long as there are solely financial penalties (in those circumstances when someone is actually caught!) and considered chump change...this will be the m.o. as per usual.
Criminal lock-ups should be the order of the day...if one wants to be a steward of the government-elected to public office-refuse to take the money or go to jail. Those who would buy their favors may hesitate to put their enablers in jail.
Bribery rewarded by slaps on the wrist is de facto complicity
Criminal lock-ups should be the order of the day...if one wants to be a steward of the government-elected to public office-refuse to take the money or go to jail. Those who would buy their favors may hesitate to put their enablers in jail.
Bribery rewarded by slaps on the wrist is de facto complicity
3
When our politicians are for sale, rich people and corporations will purchase them. Thus, the notion that we are a democracy comes into question.
1
As I understand it, it's legal to buy influence during election season, but not any other time. It seems the only issue is what mechanism is used to buy it. Great system.
So "crooked Donalds" is agin caught cheating. Hillary has passed many investigations and no guilty causes have been found. Yes, Not guilty is the conclusions of many investigations from Whitewater to E mails.
Donald has 4 bankruptcies leaving thousands without jobs, stiffing over 3000 folks who did work for him, using illegal immigrants to do jobs, lying on immigration papers, creating a scam university, guilty for discrimination in his properties by excluding blacks etc. So just who is "crooked"?
Donald has 4 bankruptcies leaving thousands without jobs, stiffing over 3000 folks who did work for him, using illegal immigrants to do jobs, lying on immigration papers, creating a scam university, guilty for discrimination in his properties by excluding blacks etc. So just who is "crooked"?
9
So what? The Clinton Foundation's pay to play scheme by comparison is akin to the Five New York Crime Families plus the Chicago Outfit. While this Trump Florida donation thing represents a comparative Cub Scout troop rules violation.
The ethical problem of lawyers running for elective political legal office is not the fault of Donald Trump.
The SCOTUS decisions in the Bush v. Gore and Citizen's United cases is the root of money and political evil.
The ethical problem of lawyers running for elective political legal office is not the fault of Donald Trump.
The SCOTUS decisions in the Bush v. Gore and Citizen's United cases is the root of money and political evil.
2
I highly doubt you could give any facts regarding the Clinton Foundation.
6
In order to "pay for play" you have to get something for your money.
The only thing you get for donating to the Clinton Foundation is helping African people get AIDS drugs, and relief for the people of Haiti to rebuild.
Not quite the same, eh?
The only thing you get for donating to the Clinton Foundation is helping African people get AIDS drugs, and relief for the people of Haiti to rebuild.
Not quite the same, eh?
7
Bribery is a crime. For both the giver and the receiver.
And you cite no evidence of what donors received in your allegations of 'pay to play'. And kudos on your 5 New York Crime Families plus the Chicago Outfit metaphor comparison with Cub Scouts. Truly nonsensical. I read 50 intelligent critiques of Donald Trump's well known corruption and then lo and behold, a nonsensical pro-Trump rant with no evidence. What a surprise.
And you cite no evidence of what donors received in your allegations of 'pay to play'. And kudos on your 5 New York Crime Families plus the Chicago Outfit metaphor comparison with Cub Scouts. Truly nonsensical. I read 50 intelligent critiques of Donald Trump's well known corruption and then lo and behold, a nonsensical pro-Trump rant with no evidence. What a surprise.
4
The Art of the Deal explained: Coincidence + Clerical Error
1
Trump said pay and play almost 4-5 time s since last years.
Guy is proud of his behavior and you are questioning him.
What moral shallowness
Guy is proud of his behavior and you are questioning him.
What moral shallowness
1
Several commentators have complained about how this article pussyfoots around Trump's actions while articles about the Clinton campaign are more aggressive.
Instead of complaining, I'd like to make a suggestion for an alternative headline:
"Suggestions of Bribery in Florida and Texas Dog Trump Campaign."
Instead of complaining, I'd like to make a suggestion for an alternative headline:
"Suggestions of Bribery in Florida and Texas Dog Trump Campaign."
6
I want FBI to look into Trump's finances, tax evasion , corruption and criminality in bribing and pay to play activities.
16
Why is the Florida Attorney General - dressed for a cocktail party, it would seem - walking on the airport tarmac with Donald Trump on August 24? Bill Clinton can't say hello to Loretta Lynch, but this is OK? Seems like a double-standard to me.
27
You will note, not a word about the optics of this from NYT. I am so disappointed.
2
I despise both Trump and Biondi, but in the Clinton/Lynch scenario, Lynch's DOJ was literally days away from deciding whether or not to indict Mrs. Clinton for her e-mail debacle. Although, I would be thrilled to see more come out of the Trump/Biondi meeting than this picture of 2 hateful self-important blondes.
Given Trumps penchant for "donating funds" to further his business interests, how will he manage to divorce himself from his business if he becomes President. Some time ago he mentioned that he will turn over management of the empire to his children but they are so intimately involved in his campaign how could they possibly be considered uninterested parties. As President, Trump will have extraordinary power to influence and enhance his business interests. The potential conflict of interest is enormous but nobody seems to care or question this issue. The donations of thousands of dollars for access are peanuts compared to the influence he could exert as President. This is the ultimate pay to play scenario.
13
What has any of this to do with e-mails? Look! Over there...e-mails!
5
It's about time we hear something about Donald Trump's corruption. What is wrong with the paper of record these days? Is the hatred for Hillary so all-encompassing that every day we must see more headlines about her supposed corruption but nothing about Trump except his outrageous statements. I am so disappointed in the Times this election cycle.
16
What is so amazing is that people are just discovering that Trump has a history of corruption and unethical business dealing because of this article.
What is more amazing that very little is being said by or investigated by the media who are supposed to be our "gatekeepers." If Trump wins, I can only blame the media for its unequal treatment of Hillary Clinton and Trump.
What is more amazing that very little is being said by or investigated by the media who are supposed to be our "gatekeepers." If Trump wins, I can only blame the media for its unequal treatment of Hillary Clinton and Trump.
10
I am not promoting one candidate over the other nor am I promoting one news agency over another. Having said that, please watch the current documentaries on both candidates. Not much to blow your hair back on Clinton, but Trump? Oh my goodness, the man is a shyster and liar. He is appropriately called the "Master of Hyperbole". He has never changed and he is about to run the country?
5
Empty drum (trump) is a fraud, briber, and cheat. It is shame that my beloved (former) party has nominated this cheat as presidential nominee.
This venomous snake must be crushed, and dumped.
This venomous snake must be crushed, and dumped.
9
All Trump could do as a private party, was make a contribution and hope it earned him favor with a public official (i.e. Trump is in exactly the same position as Dow, Sultan of Brunei and others who paid sums vastly bigger than $25K to the Clinton Foundation to curry favor with the Secretary of State/putattive next POTUS). Only the public official can be bought in this scenario - they don't have to accept the contribution or take the action the contributor desires. If they do, then the public official is the corrupt actor. Trump's point all along is that too many public officials are for sale - at worst this case proves it, but the guilty party is then Bondi, not Trump (just as HRC is the guilty party for quid pro quos flowing from the State Department following contributions to the Clinton Foundation). I do appreciate few people here have an open mind on the Presidential race, but at least try and not have an empty mind.
Never keep your mind so open that your brain falls out; if you do, you miss little things such as the fact that it's illegal to so much as try to bribe a public official, or Trump's many Saudi partners.
5
That's like saying that in a paid hit, it's only the gunman that is guilty, not the person that paid them.
4
@ Richard. Paying a bribe is every bit as illegal as accepting one. There has not been a single instance in any report on the Clinton Foundation that demonstrates that anyone who gave to the Clinton Foundation received anything even remotely improper from Hillary Clinton. In fact, when you see headlines that "raise questions" about the CF "ties" to the Clinton State Dept., you find, buried in paragraph 4 of the report, that the donor's request for some favor was actually refused. This newspaper has done just such a headline-bait-and-switch on numerous occasions in the last two weeks. Here, Trump plainly appears to have successfully bribed a prosecutor with an illegal campaign contribution from his altogether phony "Foundation" in connection with an on-going investigation. Then he lied to the IRS about who received the donation, in an effort to it cover up. But you seem to buy his "it-takes-a-criminal-to-catch-a-criminal" nonsense excuse for the crime he committed. He's a candidate for President of the United States, for heaven's sake. Is there no bar people will allow him set for himself that is too low?
6
Yes, Trump constantly called the system rigged. He also boasted how he had used that very same system to his advantage. Another reader has called attention to Christie's forgiving of a $25 million tax bill. This is the candidate who s calling Hillary "corrupt??". If anyone is, it is Trump. Unfortunately, it says something about the American electorate and his supporters that they ignore this as well as his complete ignorance of the critical issues and his bigotry and racism. I am an immigrant and now an American citizen. I almost wish I weren't so I could disassociate myself from this current attitude of all too many other Americans. I am considering the possibility of my eligibility for another citizenship. I am ashamed of America.
4
I am so impressed by reading most of these comments. I am so pleased to see so many are looking at this issue with open minds and impartial judgements.
Yes, it is sad to see that people like Mr. T can get away with murder but, somebody gets life in prison because he was hungry and stole a piece of pizza (3rd offense).
Yes, it is sad to see that people like Mr. T can get away with murder but, somebody gets life in prison because he was hungry and stole a piece of pizza (3rd offense).
4
Why is this story coupled on your web site with a report that "GOP lawmaker repeats his call for an inquiry into Mrs. Clinton"?
In what way is the latter news, and why is it listed as a "Top Story"?
In what way is the latter news, and why is it listed as a "Top Story"?
2
The Obama administration gave $1.7 billion in cash to Iran, the biggest state sponsor of terrorism. I find that just a bit more concerning than a 25k donation. Why is that not being reported on?
It was reported extensively, which is how those of us who bothered to read the articles found out that it was $400 mil, part of Iranian assets that were frozen back in the 1970s and that had increased to $1.2 billion because of a little thing that I believe is called, ah yes, "compound interest."
In other words, kind of tough to bribe people woth their own money. And oh, by the way, relly hard to bargain with people when you don't give them anything.
In other words, kind of tough to bribe people woth their own money. And oh, by the way, relly hard to bargain with people when you don't give them anything.
1
United States had entered into an arms deal with the Shah of Iran before he was deposed. Iran had paid 400 million dollars to begin that deal. We are lucky they didn't charge us full interest to return their money. That would have been $2.3 billion at 5% over thirty nine years
1
You do realize that it was the return of Iran's own money? You do realize that or are you just shaving the truth to make up a blaming of the Obama folks?
2
“Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me... They think, deep in their hearts, that they are better than we are because we had to discover the compensations and refuges of life for ourselves. Even when they enter deep into our world or sink below us, they still think that they are better than we are. They are different. ”
Trump truly doesn’t think the rules are for him. Because he will never pay a price that he can’t afford.
So why does he stand a chance of winning? Because he looks at people and talks directly to them in simple language about what they say in smaller groups if not in the cafeteria. He really shouldn’t be underestimated; he’s an expert manipulator. It doesn’t matter that the NYT runs yet another article on his 100% corrupt behavior. He’s indifferent because he’s different, and his voters aren’t listening to the NYT in the first place.
Trump truly doesn’t think the rules are for him. Because he will never pay a price that he can’t afford.
So why does he stand a chance of winning? Because he looks at people and talks directly to them in simple language about what they say in smaller groups if not in the cafeteria. He really shouldn’t be underestimated; he’s an expert manipulator. It doesn’t matter that the NYT runs yet another article on his 100% corrupt behavior. He’s indifferent because he’s different, and his voters aren’t listening to the NYT in the first place.
13
so america is run by gullible fools
i can buy that
Say what you will about Trump, but at least give him credit for an unerring instinct for identifying public officials that can be bribed.
6
Proof that Trump isn't a misogynist: "if I were, why would I bribe a woman?"
6
Proof that he IS a misogynist is that he paid a male AG in Texas a lot more.
This important story will soon be over shadowed and buried - again - by the headlines that Trump just announced the moon is made of green cheese. All the news feeds will report the claim with breathless incredulity. and how this could be possible. Cable news will have hours of discussions with cheese experts and a couple of moon guys. Print media will "discover" that Hillary had herself mentioned the words cheese and moon, in one of her speeches, thus fulfilling their responsibility for "fairness". I wish I was making this up.
8
Another instance where the news media, including the NYT minimizes Trump's corruption and actions that blatantly shows how he gives the media and the American people the middle finger!
4
Look, let's just move forward with the assumption that all appointed and elected officials and would-be politicians are criminals, thieves, totally or partially corrupt (is that like partially pregnant?), if not murderers (if not murderers of people then murderers of the Constitution).
Have a nice day.
Have a nice day.
Trump supporters and Hillary critics are unfazed by these revelations. To many of them, it shows he's a smart businessman who knows how to get things done, as Trump has boasted. When HRC does nothing more than meet with a donor to the Clinton Foundation for a photo op--a charity that has actually helped many, many, needy people--it proves to them that she's "crooked". Such hypocrisy boggles the mind.
9
And the NYTs has been the leader of this hypocrisy.
Just because he has pulled this off for decades, doesn't make it the new norm. It deserves the full attention of the American people and the justice system. He's a thug and belongs in jail.
All this makes his tax returns just that more suspect.
All this makes his tax returns just that more suspect.
11
Lock him up. He broke the law and it's far from the first time. It's time for him to be held accountable for his actions, something that has never happened in his whole dirty life.
10
Does it matter...? For Trump fanatics no matter what he did or what he does doesn't matter. They despise Hillary Clinton so much that these violations are small peccadilloes.
2
@fraga
Yes. It matters -- because it serves no one to hide the truth of the matter. Besides the knife cuts both ways.
Yes. It matters -- because it serves no one to hide the truth of the matter. Besides the knife cuts both ways.
Nothing out of the ordinary, business as usual. The Press hasn't focused its attention on the strong chance Mr. Trump may wind up in jail under the RICO statutes. He's made history by being the first Presidential candidate to be involved in class action fraud litigation. Especially egregious is the fact that Trump U was warned, numerous times, by NY State that it could not operate as a University since it wasn't licensed or accredited by the state. So tell me how an unlicensed organization could offer Post Graduate and Doctoral programs without having any professors? With handpicked instructors selected by Mr. Trump who weren't qualified, had little real estate sales knowledge and in some cases didn't possess real estate licenses. The Press keeps denigrating and castigating Mrs. Clinton over e-mails and the Clinton Foundation. Yet, she hasn't been indicted and caused no direct harm to citizens while Mr. Trump defrauded over 5,000 students out of $40 million and drew $5 million in salary from Trump U. Never mind the employees, tradespeople, suppliers, bondholders and shareholders he screwed in his four business bankruptcies while he drew $40 million in salary. Is the Press blind? Then again, Mr. Trump is innocent until proven guilty. If he wins the election is it possible that we’ll have a jailbird President? Will there be an oval office and TV Studio in the Federal Prison Camp? Will he be able to sign up inmates for a new and improved real estate seminar?
8
But, but, but Hillary Clinton broke a fingernail and she should cut off her fingertips to avoid the appearance of impropriety. *extreme snark*
2
Pam Bondi and Donald Trump are two of a kind.
Both are twice divorced. If they can't even stick to their marriage vows, then how can they be expected to keep faith with anything in life?
There's neither honour nor honesty in these two characters. Integrity? They don't need it. They don't heed it. As soon as the opportunity to get ahead rears its head, both these ambitious actors' principles give way to greed.
Both are twice divorced. If they can't even stick to their marriage vows, then how can they be expected to keep faith with anything in life?
There's neither honour nor honesty in these two characters. Integrity? They don't need it. They don't heed it. As soon as the opportunity to get ahead rears its head, both these ambitious actors' principles give way to greed.
4
Pam Bondi who was elected and re-elected by 14-15 point margins in a swing state folded the class action (civil) law suit to the New York class action suit against Trump in the Trump University litigation. This consolidation is standard procedure in class actions and was no favor to Trump. The lawsuit continues as is generally known. The contribution by Trump was $25,000 and to a known supporter. Remember he donated money to Hillary Clinton as well. This sum should be compared to the huge donations (multi-millions) by foreign donors to the Clinton Foundation and I recall that the State Department green-lighted the purchase of uranium in Colorado by Russia (!) and Bill Clinton received $500,000 for an hour speech in Moscow by the banks that purchased the uranium. The Clinton State Department states unequivocally that there is no quid pro quo for the $500,0000 and Pam Bondi ( Fl. Attorney General) unequivocally denies any quid pro quo for the $25,000. I would have preferred Rubio vs Biden. No one has accused either of financial improprieties.
Better late than never. The NY Times has ignored this story in favor of such important pieces as showing us how Anthony Weiner's latest sexcapades cast a shadow over Secretary Clinton's campaign, why young blacks won't vote for Secretary Clinton, and perpetuating the myths about the evil Clinton Foundation though not a single policy decision by anyone was changed due to a donation.
Now we have an actually illegal "bribe" (there is no better way to say it) from the Trump Foundation to the Florida Attorney General to get her to back off prosecuting Trump U for fraud. I guess after every other media outlet has reported this story the NY Times felt compelled to do so. This one piece is not going to cut it. You need to begin acting like journalists and call out Trump for ALL his lies, his misogyny, his failures to disclose either his tax returns or the real story of how his wife emigrated to the US and her status when she first arrived. Trump is running for president of the US, not the head of the cheerleading squad at Trump U. Stop grading him on a curve. The country cannot afford a president who is an unqualified and crooked as he patently is.
Now we have an actually illegal "bribe" (there is no better way to say it) from the Trump Foundation to the Florida Attorney General to get her to back off prosecuting Trump U for fraud. I guess after every other media outlet has reported this story the NY Times felt compelled to do so. This one piece is not going to cut it. You need to begin acting like journalists and call out Trump for ALL his lies, his misogyny, his failures to disclose either his tax returns or the real story of how his wife emigrated to the US and her status when she first arrived. Trump is running for president of the US, not the head of the cheerleading squad at Trump U. Stop grading him on a curve. The country cannot afford a president who is an unqualified and crooked as he patently is.
11
Are you really expecting anything from the NYTs? They appear to be more into propoganda than actual journalism.
It is about time this story was picked up. Why was the story about tax "forgiveness" by Christie only up for a few hours? Too late for those who have already decided that Clinton is the corrupt one in this election. Shame on the NYT for taking so long.
7
Trump bribes everyone to get his way.
Let's call it what it is.
Let's call it what it is.
12
Donald J. Trump knows how to work the system. He pushes the envelope as far as possible with regard to the either the ethics or the law. If and when he gets caught, he pays his fines and walks away both with the object of his graft or the influence he initially sought. He has never been held accountable throughout his life and business career for any of his wrongdoings. In some respects, his personal actions reflect his modus operandi. The case with Ms. Pam Bondi is just the latest of his scams. Here he found a woman that is just as corrupt and just as morally-challenged as he and used her in order to avoid a law suit against Trump University; a scam that played upon victims mistaken belief that they could be just as wealthy and successful as the Donald in Florida. Mainly seniors who, in all likelihood, should have known better because if it is too good to be true, then it is often a fraud looking for a sucker. Both Bondi and Trump thought that a mere $25,000 would allow him to avoid legal retribution of an angered and aggrieved citizenry who realized that they had been taken. For Trump this was small potatoes, no matter how illegal it was, but for the Donald, it was business as usual for a man with no ethics, no morals, and no vital center. It is simply the art of the scam. Something that he is seeking to perpetuate on the American public on or before November 8.
5
Donald "above the law" Trump
3
Trump is a cult, a Jim Jones, and the press loves a cult.
And every "Beloved Leader" has to have an "Arch-Enemy".
Clinton fits the bill. Best of all, she's female.
"Hang her! Kill her! Shoot her!"
She's smarter than Their Man, better prepared, a real professional and that Witch is going to make their Beloved Leader look stupid in the Last Battle of Good and Evil - the Great Debates! Oh NO! Get her!
And so we have had a year of e-mails - Ha! She was CARELESS!!!
And only now is the press 'looking' at Donny and his crimes.
Real crimes.
Crimes that Clinton would be destroyed by.
But Donny won't be.
Donny's crimes are "normal business dealings".
Everyone does it.
It's too late, Reporters.
"If you build it, they will come."
For a year you've built this cult, and now it looks like he's going to win.
Another Duterte. A thug.
He's crookeder than a dog's hind leg.
He's surrounded by the mob, by Klanners and by every group on the Southern Poverty Law Center's "Hate Group List".
The Cult of Donny has been around since the 80's, the Ugly Eighties of Excess, and he was the King-Cult back then.
There isn't anything in this article that couldn't have come out a year ago.
But it didn't.
Why?
Because every reporter loves a cult. They're such fun!
This isn't going to end well.
You reporters are going to get your cult that you want.
And then he's going to eat you all because that's what the Jim Jones of this world do: They always eat the ones who put them in power.
And every "Beloved Leader" has to have an "Arch-Enemy".
Clinton fits the bill. Best of all, she's female.
"Hang her! Kill her! Shoot her!"
She's smarter than Their Man, better prepared, a real professional and that Witch is going to make their Beloved Leader look stupid in the Last Battle of Good and Evil - the Great Debates! Oh NO! Get her!
And so we have had a year of e-mails - Ha! She was CARELESS!!!
And only now is the press 'looking' at Donny and his crimes.
Real crimes.
Crimes that Clinton would be destroyed by.
But Donny won't be.
Donny's crimes are "normal business dealings".
Everyone does it.
It's too late, Reporters.
"If you build it, they will come."
For a year you've built this cult, and now it looks like he's going to win.
Another Duterte. A thug.
He's crookeder than a dog's hind leg.
He's surrounded by the mob, by Klanners and by every group on the Southern Poverty Law Center's "Hate Group List".
The Cult of Donny has been around since the 80's, the Ugly Eighties of Excess, and he was the King-Cult back then.
There isn't anything in this article that couldn't have come out a year ago.
But it didn't.
Why?
Because every reporter loves a cult. They're such fun!
This isn't going to end well.
You reporters are going to get your cult that you want.
And then he's going to eat you all because that's what the Jim Jones of this world do: They always eat the ones who put them in power.
4
There is plenty for real journalists to investigate about candidate Trump, his "people," his foundation, and his enterprises.
Real journalists could start with a list of all the items cited by various Commenters to this article.
Multiple "donations" to Attorney Generals ONLY in states investigating Trump University.
The "Yuge" reduction in Trump casino's tax bill to NJ from $30M to $5M.
Close ties to Putin "sympathizers" (Paul Manafort, Carter Page, and Gen. Micheal Flynn).
Tax returns.
Donald Trump is a "media centric celebrity," not a successful businessman, and not a person qualified by character, temperament, knowledge, experience, or judgment to be President of the United States.
Real journalists could start with a list of all the items cited by various Commenters to this article.
Multiple "donations" to Attorney Generals ONLY in states investigating Trump University.
The "Yuge" reduction in Trump casino's tax bill to NJ from $30M to $5M.
Close ties to Putin "sympathizers" (Paul Manafort, Carter Page, and Gen. Micheal Flynn).
Tax returns.
Donald Trump is a "media centric celebrity," not a successful businessman, and not a person qualified by character, temperament, knowledge, experience, or judgment to be President of the United States.
10
Really disingenuous to criticize Trump's political donations and not address the fact that the Clinton Foundation has received funding from every bank and foreign power you can name.
There is a tiny difference you have forgotten to note. Not one single policy position or decision was changed on the basis of a donation to the Clinton Foundation. With all the microscopic examination of its finances not a single example was found. This donation by the Trump Foundation was not only illegal under the tax laws it was clearly a bribe and was treated a such by the Florida AG who stopped looking into the fraudulent Trump U. as a result this donation. To date the donation has not been returned by the Bondi front group that got the donation. Where the heck is the IRS?
It is not Secretary Clinton who is charged with violating the RICO statute. That would be Drumpf. He is facing civil charges for running a corrupt enterprise under the RICO statute. It should be criminal charges, but that would not get any money back for those who were suckered by the lying, crooked ads for Trump U.
It is not Secretary Clinton who is charged with violating the RICO statute. That would be Drumpf. He is facing civil charges for running a corrupt enterprise under the RICO statute. It should be criminal charges, but that would not get any money back for those who were suckered by the lying, crooked ads for Trump U.
3
This is just one example why Trump is unfit to be president but there are so many other disqualifying circumstances as well.
How did this guy convince millions of republicans to vote for him is amazing and a testimony that so many people in the US are at least naive but also ignorant and misinformed.
But it cannot be just be a problem with republican voters, credit has to be given where it is due, Trump must be the greatest con man that ever existed.
How did this guy convince millions of republicans to vote for him is amazing and a testimony that so many people in the US are at least naive but also ignorant and misinformed.
But it cannot be just be a problem with republican voters, credit has to be given where it is due, Trump must be the greatest con man that ever existed.
5
How about Donald Trump's Donation Casts Shadow on Campaign?
16
I guess there are no shadows where the Dark Lord sits. Either that or the press are just idiots.
5
A waterfall of lies continues to spout from this man's mouth. I cannot understand how people can still be taken in by him. Even if you think our country needs a shake-up, how could a Trump presidency be a solution to anything?
8
States run by the GOP have become laboratories for bribery. Government is there to be looted and abused.
Many local yokels complain about the federal government when the source of their grievances are in their own back yard.
Many local yokels complain about the federal government when the source of their grievances are in their own back yard.
12
That's what happens when people vote from their guts and not with their brains - and that's what makes the GOP so successful.
2
What about the $35,000 Trump donated to Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott – who then also did not pursue lawsuits against Trump University?
16
Pay to play?
Oh right, like the Clinton Foundation and the Secretary of State.
Got you. Well, no actually I don't get it. How is it legal for her and illegal for him?
Oh right, like the Clinton Foundation and the Secretary of State.
Got you. Well, no actually I don't get it. How is it legal for her and illegal for him?
1
No. It's the other way around. Not only how is it legal for him ? -- but why did it take so long to break this story???
3
Try the other way around.
4
Because there is clear evidence with Trump and exactly zero evidence of pay to play with Clinton. Unless you have that evidence. Actual fact-based evidence that no one else has been able to to find. Does that help you get it? Probably not, because you don't really want to get it, do you?
5
Donald J. Trump has been guilty of pay for play and other various (shady) misdeeds for many decades now..of this there is no question. A person does not become an alleged "billionare" without indulging in such practices over a very long period of time, many of which Trump has directly admitted to on more than one occasion.
Hillary Clinton (on the other hand) is every bit as guilty as Trump, the difference being that she refuses to admit to *any* of these (shady) tactics (her feigned and insincere apology for using her private e-mail server aside), and this is largely why she is despised by most Independents (and Democrats) and currently losing ground in the polls.
Trump is *most likely* guilty of paying off Bondi in order to get out of a potential investigation into his impropriety, however, there is no question whatsoever that Hillary Clinton lied under oath to Congress with regard to "never sending or receiving classified documents.".. Just ask Director Comey.
As such, the result(s) should be obvious..
Clinton should be barred forever from serving in any official or private capacity requiring TS or SI clearance..and Trump should just go to Jail. End of Story.
Hillary Clinton (on the other hand) is every bit as guilty as Trump, the difference being that she refuses to admit to *any* of these (shady) tactics (her feigned and insincere apology for using her private e-mail server aside), and this is largely why she is despised by most Independents (and Democrats) and currently losing ground in the polls.
Trump is *most likely* guilty of paying off Bondi in order to get out of a potential investigation into his impropriety, however, there is no question whatsoever that Hillary Clinton lied under oath to Congress with regard to "never sending or receiving classified documents.".. Just ask Director Comey.
As such, the result(s) should be obvious..
Clinton should be barred forever from serving in any official or private capacity requiring TS or SI clearance..and Trump should just go to Jail. End of Story.
1
The Times comtinues to report on Trump's pecadillos like they are news. There is no low, no bottom to what Trump will do. The only "news" would be if he did something honorable or smart. We watch for the latest Trump debacle every day, just like we watch a car race for the horrifying wreck. It's inevitable and feeds the lowest common denominator.
3
Trump paid the lady to stop investigating him. Now, they are both denying it. There's plenty of evidence, but I momentarily forgot that facts don't count for anything among dRumpfsters. And, after all, it IS Florida, with a long history of cheating.
8
@ches
Right -- And it was Florida that gave us another term of George "Chad" Bush.
Thanks for nothing.
Right -- And it was Florida that gave us another term of George "Chad" Bush.
Thanks for nothing.
2
And of course on NPR this morning, yet another mention of Trump attacking Clinton over her 'private email server' for about the hund-eenth time, and not so much as a peep about this ACTUAL smoking gun of corruption and bribery.
With exceptions here and there, the media's coverage of this election and the primaries of both major parties has been sorely lacking, toothless and it's blatantly obvious was 'designed' not to inform but only to sensationalize and maximize their own ratings.
A disturbingly large percentage of the voting public is treating this election as if it were a reality TV show, because that's how the media is portraying it.
http://news.wgbh.org/2016/09/05/news/five-reasons-why-media-are-piling-c...
With exceptions here and there, the media's coverage of this election and the primaries of both major parties has been sorely lacking, toothless and it's blatantly obvious was 'designed' not to inform but only to sensationalize and maximize their own ratings.
A disturbingly large percentage of the voting public is treating this election as if it were a reality TV show, because that's how the media is portraying it.
http://news.wgbh.org/2016/09/05/news/five-reasons-why-media-are-piling-c...
8
So you finally decide to report actual wrongdoing by a candidate, days after the story broke elsewhere and after multiple additional spurious articles about Clinton that show no wrongdoing, just "questions"? Nice work, "Paper of Record". Nice work.
Here's a tip: Trump doesn't get to evade scrutiny just because he lies continually, has no discernible workable policies, no intellectual coherence, a proven record of breaking laws, and refuses to disclose information critical to an electorate being asked to vote for the oldest candidate in history. I know it's difficult keeping pace with his egregiousness, but that doesn't justify giving him a pass - and it doesn't mean you draw flatly false equivalence in an effort to look "objective". You've got a critical role in informing the American people. Do it, instead of chasing shadows.
Here's a tip: Trump doesn't get to evade scrutiny just because he lies continually, has no discernible workable policies, no intellectual coherence, a proven record of breaking laws, and refuses to disclose information critical to an electorate being asked to vote for the oldest candidate in history. I know it's difficult keeping pace with his egregiousness, but that doesn't justify giving him a pass - and it doesn't mean you draw flatly false equivalence in an effort to look "objective". You've got a critical role in informing the American people. Do it, instead of chasing shadows.
6
Why did it take you so long to discover this story, which broke days ago? Yet another example of the Times' double standard when it comes to Clinton and Trump.
6
None of this will matter. Trump supporters are immune to actual facts. Just listen to Steve Inskeep's interview with retired Rear Admiral Philip Anselmo on NPR from this morning. This man's willful ignorance of Donald Trump is the very definition self delusion. Trump could openly admit to being a corrupt lair and it wouldn't matter.
4
The man is a crook. Plain and simple.
11
Can only imagine the self-serving actions of a President Trump from padding his expenses, charging exorbitant rates for use of his own planes and copters, renovating the White House into a White Power House personally decorated by Melania at her nonprofit rate and using Trump's contractors who'll sue the government because their bills are unpaid.
And why wouldn't he just bribe various officials to do as he wants, or just buy enough votes to get his his laws passed? Christie or Giuliani on the Supreme Court, Sheriff Arpaio heading up Homeland Security, Ivanka, US Ambassador to the UN, Scott Biao, Secretary of Happy Days, Joe Scarborough, water-boarded, subjected to looped Deathcab for Cutie with max bass and treble settings, sent to Guantanamo, loses time slot.
No scenario is too nightmarish, no nightmare more horrifying than giving Trump the keys to drive America straight off the cliff.
A year of living dangerously just got the attention of adrenaline-addicts curiously thrilled by the prospect of America as an action movie, a Trump smackdown of comic book villains using our very real nuclear arsenal for a little extra pop. A little Trumpian salty language and remember where the Philippines used to be? It's been nuked back into the Philippine Deep. Now that's respect.
It's indeed thrilling. They have no idea.
And why wouldn't he just bribe various officials to do as he wants, or just buy enough votes to get his his laws passed? Christie or Giuliani on the Supreme Court, Sheriff Arpaio heading up Homeland Security, Ivanka, US Ambassador to the UN, Scott Biao, Secretary of Happy Days, Joe Scarborough, water-boarded, subjected to looped Deathcab for Cutie with max bass and treble settings, sent to Guantanamo, loses time slot.
No scenario is too nightmarish, no nightmare more horrifying than giving Trump the keys to drive America straight off the cliff.
A year of living dangerously just got the attention of adrenaline-addicts curiously thrilled by the prospect of America as an action movie, a Trump smackdown of comic book villains using our very real nuclear arsenal for a little extra pop. A little Trumpian salty language and remember where the Philippines used to be? It's been nuked back into the Philippine Deep. Now that's respect.
It's indeed thrilling. They have no idea.
4
So - the question I have today is about the fundraiser he held for Bondi at Mar a- Lago in 2014. How much did he say that was worth - as a contribution to her campaign ($????) - as compared to how much he reimbursed his own campaign for a campaign event there this past June ($420,000)?
9
The difference between the candidates is that is one is a lemon the other is a lemon squeezer.
They're both thirsty for the lemonade.
They're both thirsty for the lemonade.
2
One can only hope that the nation's news media, if it even pretends to be fair, will hammer home the copious tales of decades-long Trump political malfeasance and financial skullduggery. Our American Hypocrite-in-Chief needs to be justly compared and contrasted with his "crooked Hillary" who looks like a girl scout compared to The Donald.
The right-wing spin machine has done a superb job painting Hillary as irredeemably corrupt as a smokescreen that hides the exponentially greater corruption in its own back yard.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
The right-wing spin machine has done a superb job painting Hillary as irredeemably corrupt as a smokescreen that hides the exponentially greater corruption in its own back yard.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
12
Influence peddling to obstruct justice being pursued against a fraudulent, law-breaking and bankrupt business that preyed on poor and middle class students
vs.
Productive and law-abiding influencing of foreign governments to address social, health and environmental issues by members of an elite foundation that has a laudable mission and track record of impactful programs.
vs.
Productive and law-abiding influencing of foreign governments to address social, health and environmental issues by members of an elite foundation that has a laudable mission and track record of impactful programs.
9
The only thing that unites the 50 US states is cheating people of honest government.
2
I'm sure there was no intent by Trump to break any laws, so it's all good, right?
1
Trump is without a doubt the most corrupt person to ever run as a Presidential candidate for any major party, even worse than Richard Nixon.
I wonder how many other government officials Trump has paid off for favors?
I wonder how much Trump paid Rudy Giuliani under the table over the years?
What did Chris Christie get in return for reducing Trump's tax burden he owed the state or New Jersey from 5 million to 500 thousand?
Where there's smoke there is always fire, and there seems to be a lot of fire here.
What's even worse about Trump, is he is also the most ignorant one on every issue.
This corruption scandal with Trump is only the tip of the iceberg.
Trump can't open his mouth without lying....disgusting.
I wonder how many other government officials Trump has paid off for favors?
I wonder how much Trump paid Rudy Giuliani under the table over the years?
What did Chris Christie get in return for reducing Trump's tax burden he owed the state or New Jersey from 5 million to 500 thousand?
Where there's smoke there is always fire, and there seems to be a lot of fire here.
What's even worse about Trump, is he is also the most ignorant one on every issue.
This corruption scandal with Trump is only the tip of the iceberg.
Trump can't open his mouth without lying....disgusting.
21
So Trump contributed $12,500 to Schneiderman's campaign for attorney general, and no that the attorney general is suing Trump's phony university for fraud, Trump cries foul: he's not getting his money's worth. I love it! Requests for campaign contributions should come with catalogs: set prices for available special favors.
5
Well, clearly he miscalculated - the going rate for dropping a RICO suit is 25k, in Florida and Texas.
Let's hope this gets as much airtime, discussion, and political shaming as Clinton's mere appearance of pay-to-play.
But then, she appears to be held to an enormously different standard than buffoon and fraud Trump. I haven't heard the news stories mention Trump U lately—a clear fraud and certainly not the output of a "good businessman"—but we still have to hear about e-mails on a daily basis.
But then, she appears to be held to an enormously different standard than buffoon and fraud Trump. I haven't heard the news stories mention Trump U lately—a clear fraud and certainly not the output of a "good businessman"—but we still have to hear about e-mails on a daily basis.
9
Why did it take two people to write this article? There's no investigative work at all beyond asking Bondi's spokesman for a token statement.
I love the New York Times, but you guys are totally behind the ball on the Bondi Bribe reporting. Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel has been covering this story for months now and he's the one doing the old-school journalism of tracking down the documents. The Times is just staggering out of bed at noon and trying to catch up.
I love the New York Times, but you guys are totally behind the ball on the Bondi Bribe reporting. Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel has been covering this story for months now and he's the one doing the old-school journalism of tracking down the documents. The Times is just staggering out of bed at noon and trying to catch up.
5
Gee, if I was a billionaire, I could get away with stuff like this too.
4
It's been said that Donald Trump is a cheapskate but I didn't know politicians could be bought so cheaply.
2
The article says Trump recently gave money to Kamala Harris, the CA attorney general now running for US Senator (and strongly favored to win), and that her office has been looking into complaints about Trump University.
I wonder whether that allegation will be pursued. The article doesn't say whether Ms. Harris, or her office, has been contacted about this. Sounds intriguing, especially for us Californians.
Sounds identical to the Florida allegations – except, of course, that Ms. Harris is a Democrat rather than a Republican like Florida's Ms. Bondi.
I wonder whether the Times will pursue this.
I wonder whether that allegation will be pursued. The article doesn't say whether Ms. Harris, or her office, has been contacted about this. Sounds intriguing, especially for us Californians.
Sounds identical to the Florida allegations – except, of course, that Ms. Harris is a Democrat rather than a Republican like Florida's Ms. Bondi.
I wonder whether the Times will pursue this.
2
Kamala Harris, as you noted, didn't pull her investigation of Trump U as payback for Trump's contribution.
1
I have no doubt that Trump has done all the things the NYT has been accusing him of, and that it is probably the tip of the iceberg. He is a continuously failing/underperforming businessman that has constantly resorted to underhanded/illegal tactics to get his way, stuffed a bunch of vulnerable/naive counterparties in many of his business dealings, and has had to stoop to selling things like branded bottled water to generate cash.
But, as a supposedly progressive newspaper, the NYT has lost almost all credibility when it decided to be the mouthpiece of Hillary in the Democratic candidacy race. Just like the DNC that could not keep neutral, the NYT could not either.
So at this junction when Trump has started to lead in the polls and the Hillary camp is getting desperate, the NYT's coverage of Trump's shenanigans is almost worthless. They will ratchet up the attacks on Trump in desperation, but the fact that they have been in bed with the Hillary campaign for so long will much lessen the effects of those attacks.
But it is sure fun to watch them keep trying. Plus, this has to be gold for journalism curricula.
But, as a supposedly progressive newspaper, the NYT has lost almost all credibility when it decided to be the mouthpiece of Hillary in the Democratic candidacy race. Just like the DNC that could not keep neutral, the NYT could not either.
So at this junction when Trump has started to lead in the polls and the Hillary camp is getting desperate, the NYT's coverage of Trump's shenanigans is almost worthless. They will ratchet up the attacks on Trump in desperation, but the fact that they have been in bed with the Hillary campaign for so long will much lessen the effects of those attacks.
But it is sure fun to watch them keep trying. Plus, this has to be gold for journalism curricula.
Wow... Is this article a reflection of NY Times bias toward Trump or just lazy reporting? Making a campaign contribution to an Attorney General who could affect the outcome of a pending fraud trial sounds like the highest form of actual corruption! Shouldn't they both be charged with something here? In comparison, the NY Times suggestion that there was actual pay for play between the Clinton Foundation and The State Department has far fewer facts and more serious unproven allegations.
11
I join the chorus of Times readers calling for equal coverage of actual bribes, lawsuits, penalties , bankruptcies and other activities of a vain influence buyer.
The damage of media innuendo has already been done to Hillary Clinton and its doubtful Trump supporters will be swayed by slimy facts against their man, but if your newspaper is ever going to fair, you must launch a daily report on actual Trump malfeasance.
The damage of media innuendo has already been done to Hillary Clinton and its doubtful Trump supporters will be swayed by slimy facts against their man, but if your newspaper is ever going to fair, you must launch a daily report on actual Trump malfeasance.
11
What purpose is served by describing the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington as liberal? Is it meant to diminish it before some audiences? Or perhaps to suggest that centrists and conservatives do not share concerns about responsibility and ethics in Washington? Or to cast the issue in a partisan light to make for more compelling reading?
When it comes unethical financial behaviour Trump is blatantly machiavellian. However, Hilary has a memory problem because of a "concussion".
1
"Donald J. Trump, who has repeatedly denounced pay-to-play politics during his insurgent campaign..." What? He has regularly and specifically bragged about donating money to politicians to be in their good favor.
4
Another of Trumps sleazy deeds. Let's hope Florida isn't rigged again like it was when the supreme court allowed Bush to become president. We are still, and will for a very long time, see the results of his administrations blunders and war on Iraq with the continued deterioration of the middle east and the chaos that it has caused to innocent people.
5
Less than 60 days to election day. Let's pay attention folks.
Why don't we get a daily account of every shady act that Trump has committed in his life of deceit?
Remember we are talking about a flip-flopping entertainer who according to recent polls has a shot at becoming the President of our (always) great nation.
It's not funny that Trump can say that he knows from experience about all the corruption that he himself wholeheartedly promotes as his standard operating procedures would ever be acceptable to decent Americans.
Remember that is no "morning after" pill to rid our nation of Trump's stench after flirting with delusions that he is a person who speaks his mind and how refreshing that is.
Why don't we get a daily account of every shady act that Trump has committed in his life of deceit?
Remember we are talking about a flip-flopping entertainer who according to recent polls has a shot at becoming the President of our (always) great nation.
It's not funny that Trump can say that he knows from experience about all the corruption that he himself wholeheartedly promotes as his standard operating procedures would ever be acceptable to decent Americans.
Remember that is no "morning after" pill to rid our nation of Trump's stench after flirting with delusions that he is a person who speaks his mind and how refreshing that is.
9
I heard New York Congressman Chris Collins defending Trump's bribery - 'alledged bribery' - of Bondi today. He said that it was OK because Trump has always been on the 'giving' side of payola whereas Hillary has been on the 'receiving' side.
There's no evidence whatsoever that Hillary has been on the receiving side of anything like this. Contributions to a charity that saves lives and stops suffering is far, far from the same thing. But taking that aside, Collins' admission is a lot to think about.
Collins evidently thinks that it's OK to bribe politicians. That's not a problem. It only becomes a problem for the politician when they get caught.
How did Buffalo ever elect such a sleazeball?
There's no evidence whatsoever that Hillary has been on the receiving side of anything like this. Contributions to a charity that saves lives and stops suffering is far, far from the same thing. But taking that aside, Collins' admission is a lot to think about.
Collins evidently thinks that it's OK to bribe politicians. That's not a problem. It only becomes a problem for the politician when they get caught.
How did Buffalo ever elect such a sleazeball?
12
Trump has said that he donates to politicians, and when he wants something, he calls. Isn't that quid pro quo?
It's hard to figure out where Trump ends, and the attorney general, Ms. Biondi begins.
It's hard to figure out where Trump ends, and the attorney general, Ms. Biondi begins.
8
This $25,000 payment looks like a bribe, walks like a bribe, smells like a bribe...what can it be? Didn't she drop the investigation into the many complaints in Florida about Trump University? Whatever it was, it worked.
6
There is a big difference in the whole pay to play argument between Trump the business man attempting to gain favor and Hillary accepting money for influence from a foreign govt.
While Trump's may be illegal under certain laws, Hillary's infractions rise to the level of treason since they are specifically forbidden by the US Constitution.
While Trump's may be illegal under certain laws, Hillary's infractions rise to the level of treason since they are specifically forbidden by the US Constitution.
Gee, I hope you're willing to apply that standard to Trump's ties to Russia.
1
Except you have no proof of "Hillary accepting money for influence from a foreign govt." None whatsoever. Zilch. And it drives you nuts, I'm sure.
2
Not at all. I could care less who wins.
It became obvious to me years at that the game is ultimately fixed.
Voting changes nothing except a few surface things to please the masses!
Most all elected officials, esp @ the federal level, sell their souls to get there.
You, as a voter have absolutely no power. None whatsoever.
Of course that is only seen once the official is in office.
This is just historical fact.
It became obvious to me years at that the game is ultimately fixed.
Voting changes nothing except a few surface things to please the masses!
Most all elected officials, esp @ the federal level, sell their souls to get there.
You, as a voter have absolutely no power. None whatsoever.
Of course that is only seen once the official is in office.
This is just historical fact.
Thank you NYT. Your expose of Manafort was led to his firing. Corrupt Trump. Pay for play. No wonder he does not want to release his tax returns.
21
Trump’s version of pay to play:
Make a large campaign donation —> ask to bend the rules with your lawsuits
Clinton’s version of pay to play:
Donate to fight AIDS —> ask for assistance getting clean water to people in need
Why do I get the feeling there are false equivalencies here?
Make a large campaign donation —> ask to bend the rules with your lawsuits
Clinton’s version of pay to play:
Donate to fight AIDS —> ask for assistance getting clean water to people in need
Why do I get the feeling there are false equivalencies here?
9
"Brush with campaign fund rules" - LOL at you headline. I am sure this is all one big coincidence. That, folks IS pay to play. Trump has bragged about it before - go back and see what he said in the primary. This is a clear cut case of giving money in exchange for political favors.
10
Did the lawyers say you couldn't use "bribe" in the headline or article?
Well, those of us in the reality-based universe see it that way. That was nothing other than a bribe. And it seems to have worked. Case dismissed. And although this story has been bouncing around the political forums for a while, it's only now that it's being picked up by the NYT. Maybe later is better. Maybe not. I guess it all depends how the DOJ responds. Where are the cries for an FBI investigation?
Well, those of us in the reality-based universe see it that way. That was nothing other than a bribe. And it seems to have worked. Case dismissed. And although this story has been bouncing around the political forums for a while, it's only now that it's being picked up by the NYT. Maybe later is better. Maybe not. I guess it all depends how the DOJ responds. Where are the cries for an FBI investigation?
8
If he was just donating to a friend why wasn't HE the one donating? Why wouldn't his foundation not know that there can be no donation from the foundation to a political organization? It is not an obscure fact but SOP
4
It's about time the NYT covered this story. What took you so long?
7
This isn't Whitewater; this is serious.
21
Crooked Donald strikes again.
11
Wait. I thought the U.S. House has indicated that another thorough examination of every e-mail or action from the family fund will finally prove Mrs. Clinton has violated laws and should be charged for crimes, While it's top priority seems to be rooting out the criminal behavior for future punishment of one presidential candidate, shouldn't the House expand its search for possible criminal activity to include any current presidential candidate? Or, shouldn't it focus attention on anyone who wanted to be a presidential candidate or anyone who is running for federal elective or wants an appointed office or holds such an office today? Surely, if Mrs. Clinton's actions warrant such an intense search for criminal behavior, every other person holding a position of public trust or wanting to hold that position deserves the same, intensive, microscopic scrutiny of every action that person has ever taken, cost to taxpayers be damned. What other expenditure of public funds could be as useful as paying for relentless searches to discover every possible violation of every possible rule, law, or policy ever committed by anyone trying to or holding a position of public trust? Zika prevention and cure research? Cancer prevention research? And, if one tenth the scrutiny Mrs. Clinton has already endured would be expended on these others, maybe a few real "dollars for results" actual crimes would appear. Or, maybe a few would not pass the smell test.
13
One story is about an independent businessman and the the other is about a public official who betrayed the public trust by taking money from foreign governments,, wall street and who know who else, then giving those people special access to her. Trump always said he gave contributions to both sides because that is how the game works if you are a businessman and need a favor...that's what he is running against, saying he will stop play for play when his is elected. That ought to make sense even to a liberal.
Oh, we're perfectly conversant with the fact that Trumpy's an immense liar and braggart who's worked the financial and legal system for decades, while lining up Saudi and Chinese partners to bail him out of his frequent scrapes with reality.
1
Hillary Clinton did not take money for herself from foreign governments. Her family foundation, a charity from which her family derived no income, did. The contributors who met with her are no different than contributors who meet with a public official they supported, except that in Clinton's case, there was no U.S. policy or law that was demonstrably altered by any "access" provided to Clinton Foundation donors. There was no "betrayal of the public trust."
As for money she earned from speeches to Wall Street firms: she had a right to earn those fees as a private citizen, just like any other highly-paid public speaker. And there is absolutely no evidence of any policy those speaking fees influenced. Clinton, not Trump, supports Dodd-Frank and additional regulation of risky trading.
Trump, on the other hand, made five-figure contributions to the campaigns of two state attorneys general who were on the verge of investigating his fraudulent enterprise-- and those investigations were set aside. And, in the case of Pam Bondi, Trump made the initial contribution illegally, with money others donated to his foundation, then tried to cover it up.
So I think you have the corruption exactly backwards.
As for money she earned from speeches to Wall Street firms: she had a right to earn those fees as a private citizen, just like any other highly-paid public speaker. And there is absolutely no evidence of any policy those speaking fees influenced. Clinton, not Trump, supports Dodd-Frank and additional regulation of risky trading.
Trump, on the other hand, made five-figure contributions to the campaigns of two state attorneys general who were on the verge of investigating his fraudulent enterprise-- and those investigations were set aside. And, in the case of Pam Bondi, Trump made the initial contribution illegally, with money others donated to his foundation, then tried to cover it up.
So I think you have the corruption exactly backwards.
1
Wow, the NYT is concerned about the corrupting influence of money again now that it is not connected to Hillary Clinton. This is shady indeed, but nothing compared to Hillary Clinton selling her office to foreign powers, and nothing compared to the campaign finance scandals embroiling the Clinton campaign in 1996. Do you remember John Huang and Charlie Trie and the Chinese money funneled to the Clinton campaign while they looked the other way? No? Definitely go after Trump on these issues, but to exempt Hillary Clinton from the same level of scrutiny is obscene.
The fact that you guys refuse to read the articles in the Times doesn't mean that they are not there.
It means that you've taped your eyes shut.
It means that you've taped your eyes shut.
2
A search of the NYT website yields no recent articles pertaining to John Huang. You must have magic powers to see what isn't there. You also wilfully ignored the point that the level of scrutiny is different. A front page article for a "brush" with campaign finance rules when it is Trump. An endorsement for the most corrupt political official in modern times when it is a Clinton.
Many of us in Florida have questioned the use of the millions of taxpayer dollars spent by Ms. Bondi and the Scott admin to pursue lawsuits against policies we would like the opportunity to vote on or that polls show are overwhelmingly favored by Florida voters. Our current heavily Republican state legislature may be due to change under new anti-gerrymandering requirements, but not soon enough to provide health care under Medicaid for those who need it or change the pollution from major polluters allowed to use our water resources for their profit
If the "years long relationship" between Mr. Trump and Ms. Bondi (his words) was the only reason she received a campaign donation of $25,000 and then failed to protect the Florida consumers who were hurt by Trump U, this is just one more reason both of them should never hold any public office.
If the "years long relationship" between Mr. Trump and Ms. Bondi (his words) was the only reason she received a campaign donation of $25,000 and then failed to protect the Florida consumers who were hurt by Trump U, this is just one more reason both of them should never hold any public office.
6
He did the same thing in Texas! Justice is for sale in Republican states.
11
He who lives in a glass house shouldn't throw stones. What chutzpah! The nerve for (1) playing dumb about something so transparent as trying to bribe a state official and (2) attacking the Clinton Foundation, considering his shady decades' old shenanigans.
6
DT was never accused of being squeaky clean, but is there something --
some professional or personal aspect of his life -- that doesn’t point to
dirty rotten scoundrel? The electoral college probably results aside, why do his
poll numbers indicate he may be competitive as a viable presidential candidate?
What does Teflon Trump need to do or reveal to his fan base that will make them
sit up and take notice? Will the upcoming Presidential Debates do him in? Or will
he repeat the show-stopping tour de force that created this clown college valedictorian in the first place?
some professional or personal aspect of his life -- that doesn’t point to
dirty rotten scoundrel? The electoral college probably results aside, why do his
poll numbers indicate he may be competitive as a viable presidential candidate?
What does Teflon Trump need to do or reveal to his fan base that will make them
sit up and take notice? Will the upcoming Presidential Debates do him in? Or will
he repeat the show-stopping tour de force that created this clown college valedictorian in the first place?
5
Where is the FBI report? Where is the prosecution? Where are the interviewers hammering him on this? This is real corruption - this isn't an A-listed charity saving thousands of lives. This is not a fake scandal. This is unadulterated bribery.
16
A bribe or timely coincidence? It's difficult to reach a definitive conclusion beyond a shadow of doubt, but the case of the vanishing legal investigation about fraud complaints against Trump U. does not smell good.
Mr. Trump - please disclose your tax returns (from any prior year) to show you have legally paid taxes as a U.S. citizen. As an independent voter, I think it matters. If Mr. Pence can show his tax returns to the public, so can you.
Mr. Trump - please disclose your tax returns (from any prior year) to show you have legally paid taxes as a U.S. citizen. As an independent voter, I think it matters. If Mr. Pence can show his tax returns to the public, so can you.
3
For the love of country NYTs, do it for the nation!
FLUSH this conman to where he belongs. We know you're a "respectable" journalistic institution but, THIS is a national emergency requiring ALL HANDS ON DECK!
Assemble a dedicated team of investigative reporters to dig up the WHOLE truth behind this orange-mugged fraud!
What more do you need to do the right thing?? This clown ADMITTED he contributes (pays!) to politicians for results (to play!!). He's paid fines for going too far. Hundreds of thousands IN EXCHANGE for getting away with it....and you're JUST REPORTING THIS??
Do the right thing OR forever be KNOWN to have shirked your moral duty to report "all the news that's fit to print". Forever. Forever.
FLUSH this conman to where he belongs. We know you're a "respectable" journalistic institution but, THIS is a national emergency requiring ALL HANDS ON DECK!
Assemble a dedicated team of investigative reporters to dig up the WHOLE truth behind this orange-mugged fraud!
What more do you need to do the right thing?? This clown ADMITTED he contributes (pays!) to politicians for results (to play!!). He's paid fines for going too far. Hundreds of thousands IN EXCHANGE for getting away with it....and you're JUST REPORTING THIS??
Do the right thing OR forever be KNOWN to have shirked your moral duty to report "all the news that's fit to print". Forever. Forever.
6
Trump openly asserts that he gives pols money in exchange for them doing something for him when he needs it. He gave NY AG Eric Schneiderman a contribution. Schneiderman gets elected and sues Trump U for fraud. Trump brings an ethics complaint claiming the AG's suit is part of a shake-down for more contirbutions. Trump's sleaziness is seamless - an art form.
5
Trump's not a candidate ... he's a disease, a pox on our political landscape. Americans must reject him or we'll reap an ugly harvest for our foolishness.
10
If he can't write a check properly how can he manage the largest economy in the world?
16
then his name wont be on th checks
yours will
1
Another story that will die because he is a man and Hillary’s email and or foundation woes will continue because she is a woman. She is held to a different standard, not just by the press but by the public.
3
Is normal day in Russia.
6
I wonder if Chief Justice Roberts could refuse to swear Trump in on the grounds of ordinary decency and common sense.
10
Clinton must win, if only to appoint Supreme Court justices who will do the job that the Congress refuses to do . . . purge the electoral process of wink wink, nudge nudge "contributions."
6
The Trumpian photos in the NYT this morning are priceless. Trump with a blonde on his arm, the lady just happening to be a state official he's contributed funds to, and a picture of many ladies at a table for military vets (not that women can't be vets, it's just the angle of the photo which is noteworthy). NYT sarcasm on? A picture is worth a thousand words indeed.
2
I can just imagine the backlash if Hillary had done this. It would be printed in neon in every headline all over the country and the GOP and the press would hold her feet to the fire until it caused permanent damage to her campaign. Compared to what Trump has done over his lifetime, Hillary is a saint.
10
Ms Bondi fancies herself as the next Governor of Florida. She is following in the footsteps of of another giant in personal and politcal ethics, Rick Scott
5
How well we remember Richard Nixon standing before the nation to say the American people need to know their president is not a crook. "Well, I am not a crook," he assured us.
But he was a crook.
Now, once again, a crook is running for president. Crooked Donald.
This time around, the crimes, the lawsuits, the frauds, everything is right out on the table for the electorate to consume. No cover up here.
Where is the FBI?
Better yet, where are Howard Baker and Sam Ervin when we need them?
But he was a crook.
Now, once again, a crook is running for president. Crooked Donald.
This time around, the crimes, the lawsuits, the frauds, everything is right out on the table for the electorate to consume. No cover up here.
Where is the FBI?
Better yet, where are Howard Baker and Sam Ervin when we need them?
6
Here is another example of how settlements that allow perpetrators to "admit no wrong doing" is a losing proposition. If Trump had been compelled to admit guilt, we wouldn't be here right now. Or, if we were, it would be harder for him to weasel out of this.
Also, these aren't "brushes" with the law. For the life of me, I can't understand why the New York Times plays it coyly with Trump.
Also, these aren't "brushes" with the law. For the life of me, I can't understand why the New York Times plays it coyly with Trump.
6
I'm shocked that the NYTs or any other media outlet is even mentioning this. Certainly, Hillary Clinton coughing is the real story of the day!
Why would anyone care that a candidate for POTUS bought and paid for an Attorney General? And who cares that he is out flaunting his pay-for-play in photo shoots all week? After all, he a Republican and we all know they never have to say they are sorry about anything, let alone have to answer to the press or the American people.
Emails, charities and allergies are obviously the real crimes and misdemeanors. I'm sure we'll be back to smearing Hillary by lunch time.
Why would anyone care that a candidate for POTUS bought and paid for an Attorney General? And who cares that he is out flaunting his pay-for-play in photo shoots all week? After all, he a Republican and we all know they never have to say they are sorry about anything, let alone have to answer to the press or the American people.
Emails, charities and allergies are obviously the real crimes and misdemeanors. I'm sure we'll be back to smearing Hillary by lunch time.
8
OMG. Hillary deletes her emails after a subpoena for same, which would provide more proof of her pay for play practices risking America's security and reputation, and this article is all the news that is fit to print. I may start saving $7.50 a month.
The reason Trump understands how the Clintons operate is because he's been on the other side, donating to people like them. He's said this many times.
1
He *donated* to the Attorney General in Fla.
The one investigating his Fake Trump U.
The one investigating his Fake Trump U.
By that logic, let's elect Don Corleone.
This kind of thing is actually great for Trump. He's running against an opponent with a lifetime of public service and a highly rated global charity that has helped millions. But he's dragged the media into, "hey, they all do it."
4
In many third-world countries, bribery and kickbacks are a regular part of the business culture. In the United States, however, despite the occasional headline stories, kickbacks and bribes have been purged from our business culture during the past sixty years. For the most part, ethics and transparency are much better now than they have ever been, especially in large businesses.
Hasn't anyone detected that Donald Trump speaks and behaves more like a third-world despot, rather than like Hitler or Mussolini, to which he is constantly compared? Loud, big belly, rules with an iron fist over his organization, solves problems with bribes. Definitely third world. How did our country come to this point where such a man is running for president?
Hasn't anyone detected that Donald Trump speaks and behaves more like a third-world despot, rather than like Hitler or Mussolini, to which he is constantly compared? Loud, big belly, rules with an iron fist over his organization, solves problems with bribes. Definitely third world. How did our country come to this point where such a man is running for president?
4
Trump, Ailes, Christie, Bannon , Stone, the new guy they have just brought in.
Old white males , corrupt to the core.
Then there is the association with the mafia and Russian mafia thanks to Manafort.
Are we really going to hand over our country to them.
A real possibility.
Cry the Beloved country ( acknowledgement to Alan Paton)
Old white males , corrupt to the core.
Then there is the association with the mafia and Russian mafia thanks to Manafort.
Are we really going to hand over our country to them.
A real possibility.
Cry the Beloved country ( acknowledgement to Alan Paton)
2
Of course it is "pay for play" just as it was for most of Clinton's meetings.
"Campaigning in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Hillary Clinton demanded details of the conversation in which Ms. Bondi solicited Mr. Trump’s donation. “The American people deserve to know what was said, because clearly the attorney general did not proceed with the investigation,” she told reporters."
Yes, just as soon as you disclose your speeches to Wall Street. You're both beholden to the rich and powerful. This is boring. Let's talk issues.
Yes, just as soon as you disclose your speeches to Wall Street. You're both beholden to the rich and powerful. This is boring. Let's talk issues.
1
wrong, this false equivalence between Clinton and Trump only helps Trump. There is no comparison between his lies, evasions, and demagoguery and Clinton.
1
Crooked Donald!
5
Loretta Lynch gets castigated for meeting with Bill Clinton (with her husband present) but it's okay for Pam Bondi to have private chats with Donald Trump while he is the subject of her investigation? A picture tells a thousand words.
5
How does one deal with a person who is deep into corruption? Like a skunk, the smell lingers on Trump and the pathetic aspect Trump enjoys corrupting individuals and politicians. There is no getting around this that Trump is equal to late Boss Tweed. More sooner than later this cesspool of vice and deceit Trump should go to jail. One wonders why hasn't the U.S. AG not filed criminal charges against Trump and the individuals who authorized the use of U.S. Mail for soliciting Trump U. over state lines in a criminal endeavor. But no our U.S. AG sit on her read doing NOTHING. The list of crimes committed by Trump are extensive, and you wonder who is covering for this crook. Erick Garner lost his life for selling a ten cent cigarette. What's the excuse for allowing this criminal to evade prosecution?
3
The media/press in America wants their readership to pretend that the former Secretary of State , First Lady and Senator from New York is on equal footing with a grotesque cartoon character with a past unsavory in the extreme because.........money. The public will punish the Grey Lady and innovation will supplant this publication for what has been a shameful journalism demise.
Invest wisely NYT as Donald Trump is taking you down along with many other less august outlets.
Invest wisely NYT as Donald Trump is taking you down along with many other less august outlets.
5
I love it when you guys bluster and threaten, and it reminds me that bullies are always one brief punch in the snoot away from tears.
Trump should have copied the Clinton model and created a foundation where truckloads of "donations" would be deposited for access and favors from the Trump Administration.
Nothing he has to say can be believed.
4
For all his many obvious faults, you have to admit Trump was honest about one thing: the reason why wealthy people and businesses give candidates large sums of money.
At least he didn't pretend as so many others on both the left and the right have done that he was doing it to make the country better. He was buying at the least access and often favors and he wasn't hesitant in saying so. We know Goldman Sachs didn't pay $600,000 to Hillary Clinton because she is one of the most entertaining speakers around.
If Ambrose Bierce was alive today and updating his "Devil's Dictionary" he probably would define "campaign contribution" as a nicer name for a bribe.
At least he didn't pretend as so many others on both the left and the right have done that he was doing it to make the country better. He was buying at the least access and often favors and he wasn't hesitant in saying so. We know Goldman Sachs didn't pay $600,000 to Hillary Clinton because she is one of the most entertaining speakers around.
If Ambrose Bierce was alive today and updating his "Devil's Dictionary" he probably would define "campaign contribution" as a nicer name for a bribe.
Trump knows the system is "rigged," because he's been engaged in rigging it for years.
Whenever Trump wants to play, he has to pay, because no one in their right minds would actually pay HIM to do anything.
Whenever Trump wants to play, he has to pay, because no one in their right minds would actually pay HIM to do anything.
6
If these allegations are true, this is not simply pay-for-play. This would be outright criminal bribery. Its not clear to me why the FBI or some other law enforcement agency is not looking into this.
4
What is an "insurgent campaign"? Is that part of the Clinton/Times alt-right campaign stratagem? I hope to see more in the coming weeks. Should be riveting journalism.
That's nice to know. But the problem is no matter what Trump did that skirted the rules, Hillary was even worse. So you better find a better way to defeat him, New York Times.
1
I am sorry - can you tell me again how it's Clinton's "corruption" we have to focus on ad nauseam? Why it's Clinton's honesty and trustworthiness that get bandied about?
I'll bet you could do 3 stories like this a day about Trump from now until the election and still have only scratched the surface.
I'll bet you could do 3 stories like this a day about Trump from now until the election and still have only scratched the surface.
18
Bondi's office should release all the notes by her and her staff (emails included) regarding the complaints about Trump U and the response from her staff. She is a public servant. That information should be made available.
13
This article is a good start although the NY Times had to be shamed into writing it by readers, Paul Krugman, and others:
"The New York Times Is Picking on the Wrong Candidate’s Charitable Organization...The Clinton Foundation is squeaky clean, while the Donald J. Trump Foundation is a scam." (Washington Monthly)
"Paul Krugman is clearly correct that the reporting on the Clinton Foundation has been terrible, filled with innuendo, and has, to date, found nothing untoward or unethical."
And it's not only the Times that is concentrating on the wrong Foundation, As of yesterday it was reported that in recent days there have been over 600 stories in cable news about the Clinton Foundation and only 11 about the Trump Foundation Pam Bondi bribe.
There are more wrong doings with the Trump Foundation that the media should investigate:
-" When Donald Tried to Shake Down Mike Tyson for $2 Million
He said it was for charity, but the payment never showed up in Trump's foundation."
-"During that 27-year period, Trump has claimed to donate millions to charity — especially when marketing products and events that bear his name. Some of those claims are in fact contradicted by the publicly available records. ..., the presumptive Republican nominee often touts his public-speaking fee at $1 million or more — and says he donates the fees to charity.
-Trump relied on the donations of others and claimed them as his own.
"The New York Times Is Picking on the Wrong Candidate’s Charitable Organization...The Clinton Foundation is squeaky clean, while the Donald J. Trump Foundation is a scam." (Washington Monthly)
"Paul Krugman is clearly correct that the reporting on the Clinton Foundation has been terrible, filled with innuendo, and has, to date, found nothing untoward or unethical."
And it's not only the Times that is concentrating on the wrong Foundation, As of yesterday it was reported that in recent days there have been over 600 stories in cable news about the Clinton Foundation and only 11 about the Trump Foundation Pam Bondi bribe.
There are more wrong doings with the Trump Foundation that the media should investigate:
-" When Donald Tried to Shake Down Mike Tyson for $2 Million
He said it was for charity, but the payment never showed up in Trump's foundation."
-"During that 27-year period, Trump has claimed to donate millions to charity — especially when marketing products and events that bear his name. Some of those claims are in fact contradicted by the publicly available records. ..., the presumptive Republican nominee often touts his public-speaking fee at $1 million or more — and says he donates the fees to charity.
-Trump relied on the donations of others and claimed them as his own.
5
Trump should also be under investigation for money laundering for the Russian Mafia. Very convenient "investments" they make in his real estate. No wonder he speaks so highly of Putin.
4
It's political payola. The gift that just keeps on giving. Is the press going to give dRumpf more breaks and excuses for his illegal activities.
4
So the New York Times publishes this article as if it were a breaking story. The Biondi/ Trump Scandal has been around for awhile. I, and I'm no reporter have known about it for at least 3 or 4 months. The Abbott/ Trump pay for play scandal has been around for a while as well. It's too bad that the New York Times is so focused on Clinton emails and the Clinton Foundation which on a comparable scale don't even come close to Trump's mendacity. You really need to balance your coverage, because this is no longer a question of ratings or paper sales, it's about this country.
4
Did anybody notice the way Mr.Trump holds the umbrella in first picture? The center of the umbrella on his head, while Ms.Bondi tries to place at least some of her humanity under the scarce sheltered room left. Chivalry at its best.
6
Police detectives become hardbitten and cynical after years of looking into the dewy, "innocent" eyes of sociopaths, and pathological liars.
There used to be the same kind of journalist, (those talking heads on television are not in this category). These journalist had heard it all, were cynical, hard driving, and never wore kid gloves.
They considered it their mission to skewer and expose liars, cheats, and frauds of any kind. They were driven to get to the bottom of things, to strive for the truth.
Where are they now when they are most needed?
At the beginning of his vile, corrosive, candidacy, they would have exposed Trump, who lies and then proudly lies about what he just lied about, and shut him down.
It is inexcusable that the New York Times wrote this kind of polite, hesitant article. Has it lost the ability to do meaningful, insightful, and fearless investigative journalism?
Shouldn't this article have explored the implications and ramifications of an attorney general receiving money from Trump, and then dropping a legal case against him which could have landed him in prison?
Shouldn't it have raised serious questions about the attorney general's suitability to impartially prosecute cases when she, like white supremacists campaigning for him, is now proudly supporting Trump, a racist by rhetoric and actions, a bigot, sexist, and xenophobe?
New York Times: bring back the salt and vinegar. No more Pablum.
There used to be the same kind of journalist, (those talking heads on television are not in this category). These journalist had heard it all, were cynical, hard driving, and never wore kid gloves.
They considered it their mission to skewer and expose liars, cheats, and frauds of any kind. They were driven to get to the bottom of things, to strive for the truth.
Where are they now when they are most needed?
At the beginning of his vile, corrosive, candidacy, they would have exposed Trump, who lies and then proudly lies about what he just lied about, and shut him down.
It is inexcusable that the New York Times wrote this kind of polite, hesitant article. Has it lost the ability to do meaningful, insightful, and fearless investigative journalism?
Shouldn't this article have explored the implications and ramifications of an attorney general receiving money from Trump, and then dropping a legal case against him which could have landed him in prison?
Shouldn't it have raised serious questions about the attorney general's suitability to impartially prosecute cases when she, like white supremacists campaigning for him, is now proudly supporting Trump, a racist by rhetoric and actions, a bigot, sexist, and xenophobe?
New York Times: bring back the salt and vinegar. No more Pablum.
4
You have an article on Trump regarding $25,000.00 related to the Trump University, but nothing on how the Clinton Foundation took in billion of dollars from foreign dictators and oppressive regimes of women and gay rights. The NYT mentioned nothing about how Hillary Clinton as secretary of state and Bill Clinton milked dry billion of dollars from the Haitian earthquake relief fund. Please google "Hillary Clinton and Haiti."
While the NYT is attempting to cast a shadow on the credibility of Donald Trump they are ignoring the mountain of corruption evidence against Hillary Clinton. Nobody is drinking the NYT's kool aid especially independent voters. As information, Trump has a double digit lead over Hillary with independent voters. And we all know that no presidential candidate can win the election without independent voters.
Marinade on that NYT.
While the NYT is attempting to cast a shadow on the credibility of Donald Trump they are ignoring the mountain of corruption evidence against Hillary Clinton. Nobody is drinking the NYT's kool aid especially independent voters. As information, Trump has a double digit lead over Hillary with independent voters. And we all know that no presidential candidate can win the election without independent voters.
Marinade on that NYT.
1
They will do anything possible to elect Hillary. The problem is that less than 1% of Americans read the Times. A great newspaper has been ruined. I cannot trust the reporting.
So-called "independent" voters are really mostly partisans, political scientists show this over and over again. Maybe 12 percent of the electorate at best are somewhat "independent." And the Clinton Foundation is highly rated by independent charity watchdogs. And there weren't any illegal campaign contributions funneled through it. Here's the scoop on so-called "independents":
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/01/11/independents-o...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/01/11/independents-o...
1
I knew Texas had to be in here somewhere. Best guvmint money can buy!
4
Just doing what he has always done first intimidate and if that does not work pay them off. Pathetic!
1
I have to laugh how the Times stays clear of all the financial dealings of the Clintons which apparently is off limits to its "investigative" reporters.
1
So, he goes to Mexico just before his "major" immigration speech and, somehow, the subject of the wall never comes up. Then he makes this contribution but he never spoke to Ms. Bondi. Ya, right.
1
The fact that Trump ignores government rules, lies, cheats and uses sharp business practices appeals to many people. Americans admire business men who succeed even if it's by taking advantage of others. What's a little fraud when there are profits to be made.
1
NYT and major media in America have for years now failed to investigate public officials objectively. Just like all media its leadership has a political agenda which their staff fully embrace and actively support. The fact that we have an administration that's been allowed to trample over the Constitution without substantial coverage and outcry from NYT and the media at large, is all anyone needs to know to understand this truth. Now you're clearly in the Clinton camp and hoping to damage the Trump campaign. If you were journalists and guardians of the republic as our founders intended, you'd have printed the mountains of dirt on Hillary you and your Leftist friends have helped hide for 30+ years now.
Trump has brazenly boasted about bribing corrupt politicians, you're handed a story from other news organizations gift-wrapped with the quid, the pro, and the quo, but it's all just a "brush" with some "rules"? Okay, good to know it's not important. I guess that lets NYT off the hook for decades of pushing every non-story about the Clintons going back to the NYT being the original engine driving the Whitewater non-story.
I have to laugh at the most of these comments. Sorry but this is the epitome of the pot calling the kettle black. What this all means is that Martin Luther King is rolling over in his grave. The content of ones character means nothing. You will vote for Hillary no matter what she does or does not do. It is you're world view that you are voting for and who the next 3 judicial imperialists will be. The same applies to Trump voters. The question is ,do you like the policies of this administration? Do you like where you are now?
Donald is a crook, no one has the guts to call him out! His penchant for pay-and-play should be a campaign ad...but his supporters do not care! Like Don said, "he could kill someone in Times Square" and his supporters would still support him! Despicable!
If I hear one more person tell me how "untrustworthy" Hillary Clinton is, and/or that she is a "liar", my head is going to pop. We need to face some facts: 1. There is no moral equivalence between these two people running for President and 2. We have a choice between these two people. Sober up America! If you don't want the stock market to dive, have Putin up to his elbows in our government and Mike Pence appointing Supreme Court Justices, then please focus! I don't care what you think of Hillary, I really don't. President Trump will run this country like he has run his campaign; unpredictable chaos, managed by charlatans.
2
The media vultures who salivate over "scandals" seem to prefer the demonization of an ambitious female politician and a black President to the mundane, everyday corruption of a businessman, probably because it reads better and is easier to put in language the masses can understand. Even this article does not pack the wallop that headlines about emails and charitable foundations have. Trump hides behind settlements and shell companies and he gets what amounts to a pass. Makes me sick. Call it what it is, bribery.
1
When will the media/press REALLY expose this flim-flam man? Why is his "University" not displayed for the fraud it is? His bankruptcies and defrauding suppliers? His bribing a Florida DA? His racist beginnings in real estate? His close, personal relationship with one of the most disgraced, disgusting political figures in the USA, Roy Cohn? His indifference towards women? (Why haven't we heard from Maples?) And why is he not showing his tax returns? Is it because it will reveal his dealings with the Russian mob, the Russian oligarchy and the NY mob?
This man has more skeletons in the closet than a Halloween party. He is beyond "benefit of the doubt."
Donald Trump is a serious threat to the national security of the United States and the press MUST dig into his personal, and business endeavors the way they've dug into Clinton's.
This man has more skeletons in the closet than a Halloween party. He is beyond "benefit of the doubt."
Donald Trump is a serious threat to the national security of the United States and the press MUST dig into his personal, and business endeavors the way they've dug into Clinton's.
1
Did anyone see the Anderson Cooper story about Bill Clinton's involvement with "for profit" universities? He was paid 17.5 million over 5-6 years to be an "honorary Chancellor." Give me a break NYT, everyone was trying to profit from for-profit universities (a horrible idea that preys upon the poorest and least elible to pay). Looks like the Clinton's pocketed much more than most.
Talk about Corruption! Investigation of Bribery needed!
It's as simple as this Trump gives money and excepts favors. That's pretty much his philosophy of both politics - where he gives generously and gets generously - and charities where he gives nothing and gets nothing in return.
2
Keeping Donald Trump in the headlines is great. No one really reads the whole story but they see his name which is important when it comes time to vote. It is the name they remember!!
Trump admitted that he if he gives a donation to a political candidate he expects a favor in return, i.e. pay for play. It would make a lot of sense for him to give money to Ms. Bondi to drop the investigation of Trump U.
He is used to buying his way out of trouble, and those he can not buy will.......
As far as I am concern neither Trump nor Hillary is qualified to be the President. We do have another option to vote for and he is on all of the ballots. That is Gray Johnson. I will admit I do not support many of his platforms, but I do think that he would make a good President. He is willing to work with Congress, both sides.
He is used to buying his way out of trouble, and those he can not buy will.......
As far as I am concern neither Trump nor Hillary is qualified to be the President. We do have another option to vote for and he is on all of the ballots. That is Gray Johnson. I will admit I do not support many of his platforms, but I do think that he would make a good President. He is willing to work with Congress, both sides.
Alerted to this story by Paul Krugman's column earlier this week I was stunned to read in The Washingyon Post that AG Bondii solicited (!) the donation. Not a word in The Times. I'm hard pressed to come up with a more flagrant case of public corruption and think this aspect of the transaction deserves a lot more attention than you have given it so far.
Aside from Murdoch getting the UK coppers to ignore his UK CEO's personal server she used for work and wiped against court orders, there was her BlackBerry which still contained a month's worth of emails. After that device spent over a month in police custody after her arrest for hacking and conspiring to corrupt government employees, only one email could not download its contents. The earliest one, from Cameron.
It was compressed, she told the court in 2012, and she had no idea why. But Snowden's reveal left me peeling with laughter. GCHQ told NSA that THEY cracked the BB's compression technology in their next memo, but nothing about employing Tempora to rid the device of the evidence of corruption. Takes a month to reduce emails to metadata in their perverted system.
Now, if none of the press want to take this up, I intend to do it as a serial on milk cartons. I can appreciate they too don't want their servers rifled through like Hillary's or Murdoch's. Heck, if that CEO had been caught corrupting Cameron, Murdoch would lose his license to own a broadcaster and thus be deported as his citizenship calls for his to run a tight ship.
That's what his lawyer said when begging the Brits not to open that server to examination. A $2 billion FCPA fine might be hiding in there! Instead, Murdoch threw coppers his grunts' wiped server and 72 reporters and their sources were arrested for conspiring to corrupt government. No impact on the executive suite.
It was compressed, she told the court in 2012, and she had no idea why. But Snowden's reveal left me peeling with laughter. GCHQ told NSA that THEY cracked the BB's compression technology in their next memo, but nothing about employing Tempora to rid the device of the evidence of corruption. Takes a month to reduce emails to metadata in their perverted system.
Now, if none of the press want to take this up, I intend to do it as a serial on milk cartons. I can appreciate they too don't want their servers rifled through like Hillary's or Murdoch's. Heck, if that CEO had been caught corrupting Cameron, Murdoch would lose his license to own a broadcaster and thus be deported as his citizenship calls for his to run a tight ship.
That's what his lawyer said when begging the Brits not to open that server to examination. A $2 billion FCPA fine might be hiding in there! Instead, Murdoch threw coppers his grunts' wiped server and 72 reporters and their sources were arrested for conspiring to corrupt government. No impact on the executive suite.
Um, it's not a "brush with campaign finance laws". It's bribery. Or, if you want to tiptoe around Trump in your usual fashion, "alleged bribery". Are you going to start actually vetting this charlatan? Or is that reserved only for the candidate who hasn't broken any laws, but about whom you insist there are "questions"?
Let's see all the AG's email.
4
Crooked Donald! Lock ’im up!
4
Can we close our eyes and click our heels three times and it's 9 November 2016?
So, I wake up this morning and in the local paper in bold print is the following headline: BONDI: TRUMP DONATION A COINCIDENCE.
Really?
Do these politicians really think the voting public is so stupid they can't see a quid pro quo that is flagrantly staring them in their face?
This is the type of action and concomitant response why so many people have so little faith in their elected leaders. When caught in a lie or compromising position the response is not a mia culpa but a doubling down or just more lies.
Bondi and Trump, tweetledum and tweetledee, both hypocritical law and order candidates who are anything but. Bondi and Trump the poster children for Pay to Play.
Really?
Do these politicians really think the voting public is so stupid they can't see a quid pro quo that is flagrantly staring them in their face?
This is the type of action and concomitant response why so many people have so little faith in their elected leaders. When caught in a lie or compromising position the response is not a mia culpa but a doubling down or just more lies.
Bondi and Trump, tweetledum and tweetledee, both hypocritical law and order candidates who are anything but. Bondi and Trump the poster children for Pay to Play.
2
NYT, the ball is now in your court. Are you going to act like responsible journalists and go after this bribe allegation or will you let it fade away so you devote more space to talk about Hillary's email ad nauseum.
How this story is handled will define the NYT.
How this story is handled will define the NYT.
8
There is actually a matter of far greater concern which needs to be investigated, and that is the Putin connection. And let us not forget the several "persons of interest" whom Trump has taken into his circle of "old friends," with whom he will attempt to start a cable network so far to the Right as to place Fox News in the "Middle-Of-The-Road" -- all this after he loses the Presidential election, as he possibly intended from the outset.
So, journalists are finally unearthing Trump's landfill of rubbish? Shocking. Good luck asking him about it; he'll tell you it's none of your business.
8
All these nondisclosure agreements everyone who breathes Trump air must sign - what if they were declared illegal by some judge? Would the Trump wall come tumbling down THEN?
2
As one who lived there and watched the Jeb Bush/Kathleen Harris/Republican Party/Conservative controlled U.S. Supreme Court debacle in the 2000 presidential election, I can tell you that the Florida Republican Party's corruption of state politics is malignant. If Bondi called Trump to ask for a contribution within a few weeks of the Trump University fraud story hitting the front pages of the Sentinel, she knew full well what she was doing. SHE WAS SOLICITING A BRIBE! Both she and Trump should be hit by the full force of the law, and her license to practice law should be revoked.
19
When will the NYTimes start reporting on how Trump did the same with the Texas AG??
10
Trump, Bondi, and Greg Abbott. Lock 'em up!
13
OK and as you also know he gave tons of money to Hillary in the past so...mention that
Exactly correct, but did she ASK for it?? And was she the top law enforcement official of a state at the time??
1
Did he give that as a bribe for Hillary to call off an investigation into his shady "School" ? Because, if I'm not mistaken, contributing to a political campaign isn't illegal. Bribing a State's Attorney is.
1
and, Evan, in this case the contibution was illegal, thus the $2,500 fine
1
Disgusting!!!
2
"Trump’s Latest Brush With Finance Rules"?
"Brush with the law" suggests a casual, unintentional violation, NOT the clearly willful pattern of ILLEGAL activity, disdain for the law, and lies and distortions when outed which is indeed the case with Trump!
Trump's "cozy" activity with state officials in Fla and NJ should, alone, be cause for arrest and indictment!
"Brush with the law" suggests a casual, unintentional violation, NOT the clearly willful pattern of ILLEGAL activity, disdain for the law, and lies and distortions when outed which is indeed the case with Trump!
Trump's "cozy" activity with state officials in Fla and NJ should, alone, be cause for arrest and indictment!
13
Why did it take you almost a week to even report this? The Post, MSNBC etc. were on this long ago. Is it still news? The NYT reluctance to cover these key issues is unethical. The rush to cover a Hillary fundraiser and declare her "more comfortable with the affluent" is fueling her perception as "unethical" and somehow he is "more trustworthy"?????
8
Why is it that the fact that Trump did much the same thing in Texas with then Attorney General, now Governor Greg Abbott hasn't caused the uproar this Florida story has? Why does Greg Abbott always get a pass from the NY Times and the Washington Post, as though Texas isn't part of the US? I know some Texans are emotionally unbalanced and want to secede from the Union, but it hasn't happened yet. When Texas passed, over the objection of Wendy Davis and other Democratic legislators, an eggregios anti-abortion bill requiring trans-vaginal probe iltrasound procedure, it got SOME national coverage, as though it was happening in some far-off province. However, when the Virginia Legislature did so a year later, it became a national uproar. Could it be that Richmond is just 2 hours down the road from news reporters and camera crews in DC and it is just too expensive to cover important news on powerful places like Houston, Austin and Dallas and because, well, they are west of the Hudson and south of the Mason-Dixon line?
8
The conman says:
"I've been a conman my entire live, I know the ins and outs. I know how to work the system because I made the system. Today you need to trust me because of that. Being a conman has given me the gift of knowledge and experience playing the game. Trust me with all that you hold dear and I promise you I will change the system I helped create. Trust me, believe me and for it you will be better off than ever."
"I've been a conman my entire live, I know the ins and outs. I know how to work the system because I made the system. Today you need to trust me because of that. Being a conman has given me the gift of knowledge and experience playing the game. Trust me with all that you hold dear and I promise you I will change the system I helped create. Trust me, believe me and for it you will be better off than ever."
4
It's hard to grasp the level of cynicism Trump has shown over the years:
Here we have a presidential candidate who has openly boasted how he has bought politicians, paid for influence, shortchanged people to whom he owed money, and has declared bankruptcy no fewer than 4 times and stiffed his creditors to the point that they, too, went out of business.
In his campaign he holds events in his own properties, sets up his headquarters in his own building while tripling the rent to be paid by donations to his campaign, all the while claiming he's been self-financing.
Trump evidently believes he can finesse his way into the White House while refusing to reveal his financial dealings via his tax returns. He thinks that screaming to the high heavens that the country is going down a rathole and played to our deepest fears, that his opposition is "crooked," will divert the electorate away from his fraudulent behavior and his abysmal lack of understanding of even the most basic concepts of American political institutions.
This election of 2016 seems to be some sort of trial that the country occasionally has to deal with when a scoundrel gets hold of power. We are a divided people, certainly, but in the end The People will get it right.
Here we have a presidential candidate who has openly boasted how he has bought politicians, paid for influence, shortchanged people to whom he owed money, and has declared bankruptcy no fewer than 4 times and stiffed his creditors to the point that they, too, went out of business.
In his campaign he holds events in his own properties, sets up his headquarters in his own building while tripling the rent to be paid by donations to his campaign, all the while claiming he's been self-financing.
Trump evidently believes he can finesse his way into the White House while refusing to reveal his financial dealings via his tax returns. He thinks that screaming to the high heavens that the country is going down a rathole and played to our deepest fears, that his opposition is "crooked," will divert the electorate away from his fraudulent behavior and his abysmal lack of understanding of even the most basic concepts of American political institutions.
This election of 2016 seems to be some sort of trial that the country occasionally has to deal with when a scoundrel gets hold of power. We are a divided people, certainly, but in the end The People will get it right.
14
Wait until he gets in the White House! How does the change of name to Trump House sound? I remember the allegations against Bill and Hillary Clinton about 'renting' out the Lincoln Bedroom to donors in the nineties. With Trump as president AirBnB would do your booking. This is corrupt American elections for the world to see. Glories of capitalism! More to come.
5
Strikes me as really unethical for an attorney general to take campaign contributions from anyone. Our elections need to be publicly financed. Period.
14
Do you want the public to finance the KKK when they run for public office? I sure don't.
Is there any scam this amoral grifter hasn't run??
14
Think you're missing the boat here. This story plays right into the Trump narrative. As long as HE is not taking the donations, he's got a story to tell that will resonate with many disaffected voters.
Really? A billionaire bribing a Republican attorney general to make his consumer fraud lawsuit go away? Thousands of ordinary people -- many retired or unemployed -- were robbed of their life savings in a straight-up scam that played directly on their dire need to earn a living.
That SHOULD resonate with disaffected voters. Electing a narcissist who sees everyone else (except his immediate family) as gullible sheep to be fleeced with impunity will do for their nation exactly what Trump "University" did for its students.
That SHOULD resonate with disaffected voters. Electing a narcissist who sees everyone else (except his immediate family) as gullible sheep to be fleeced with impunity will do for their nation exactly what Trump "University" did for its students.
The Times is soft peddling another Trump story that has been out for quite some time and covered many many other places.
12
So the same paper that refused to give Sanders any coverage at all does not find buying a public official off a front page headline. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
7
He has to drop out and drop out now!
Oh wait. That only works when Clinton does something. Like sneeze. Or cough. Or, I don't know, breathe.
"Brush with campaign rules?" Puh-leeze...
Oh wait. That only works when Clinton does something. Like sneeze. Or cough. Or, I don't know, breathe.
"Brush with campaign rules?" Puh-leeze...
15
25 grand campaign donation vs 100 million or so in bribes and you make the big deal out of the 25 grand. Ain't life grand?
4
Come on Dan-in Maryland- stop trying to peddle that curing AIDS in Africa and protecting the rights of young women is a 'bribe' . . . A BRIBE is a BRIBE - and if Trump buys Governor Abott or Pam Bondi for cheap -he brags about it too. So he can't take the fifth. He's already self-incriminated.
3
He bought his way out of fraud against US citizens.
She sold-out the people of Florida who were defrauded.
The Clinton Foundation is a highly-regarded charity that does good works around the world.
BIG difference.
She sold-out the people of Florida who were defrauded.
The Clinton Foundation is a highly-regarded charity that does good works around the world.
BIG difference.
1
What $100 million in bribes? Only in right wing world.
1
The sycophants who support Trump will dismiss his own words as another attack on him. Even when his own words are used his supporters claim they were taken out of context. With his constant use of bombast and gadfly status it's no wonder that he has attracted a Jim Jones dedicated followers. The good news is America doesn't have enough Kool-Aid to quench their thirst.
17
New nickname- Sleazy Donald.
This stuff is straight out of a Sopranos episode. A sleazy operator buying favors from politicians. The other side of the coin? He is for sale to anyone for the right price.
Imagine now Trump's fantasy- change libel laws so his attorneys can sue all those pesky reporters. Having the power to intimidate judges. Eliminating regulations that get in the way of his profit. Buying off or threatening all who get in his way.
That's how he operates now. Imagine him with the powers of the presidency.
I don't want this story to fade away like all the rest of Sleazy Donald's misdeeds. Every time we hear of some meaningless e-mail story, let's have two about Trump buying politicians, two more about "Trump U," two more about the workmen and small businesses Trump refused to pay.
Sleazy Donald gets away with everything. This story a good start. DON'T LET IT FADE AWAY.
This stuff is straight out of a Sopranos episode. A sleazy operator buying favors from politicians. The other side of the coin? He is for sale to anyone for the right price.
Imagine now Trump's fantasy- change libel laws so his attorneys can sue all those pesky reporters. Having the power to intimidate judges. Eliminating regulations that get in the way of his profit. Buying off or threatening all who get in his way.
That's how he operates now. Imagine him with the powers of the presidency.
I don't want this story to fade away like all the rest of Sleazy Donald's misdeeds. Every time we hear of some meaningless e-mail story, let's have two about Trump buying politicians, two more about "Trump U," two more about the workmen and small businesses Trump refused to pay.
Sleazy Donald gets away with everything. This story a good start. DON'T LET IT FADE AWAY.
31
Some of his real estate deals evidently had mob ties. Too bad he gets away with not releasing any of his taxes whatsoever.
2
Pam Bondi, hmmf. She and our crooked governor should both lose their jobs. Rick Scott bought his way to the governorship and she's just as bad. Big crocodile tears after the Pulse massacre in Orlando. Guess she only cares about the gay community when they are dead. Her and Trump and Scott. Lock them up
16
No question that Donald Trump is a liar and a hypocrite. Those are some of the printable words to describe this sleaze. The real question is why so many Americans are still supporting his attempt to become President. Heaven help us all if Trump ever enters the oval office. What lies and fraudulent schemes would he then create to gain his selfish egotistical goals.
17
Yes, Donald, there's no more of a connection between your illegal "contribution" and Bondi's non-action than there is between the moon and the tides. I'm sorry: I thought you promoted yourself as the law 'n' order guy???
17
My advice to all for whatever it is worth, is never, never trust and/or vote for a Presidential candidate that refuses to release his taxes.
Pam Bondi, please release your records and or e-mail trail in relation to Trumps donation and your knowledge of Trump University.
Pam Bondi, please release your records and or e-mail trail in relation to Trumps donation and your knowledge of Trump University.
28
'brush with', shouldn't that read 'violation off'?
15
The NYT and other stalwarts of the left do not understand that Trump's current electoral position has more to do with HRC's background and reputation than his.
Original Trump supporters from the early stages of the primaries will not be moved from their position. They have latched on to a populist making promises that will be difficult, if not impossible, to keep.
The bulk of his current support is more a reflection of the current Democratic nominee. If you're campaign is to point out allegations of illegality regarding Trump, you're too late. In the eyes of independents and others not enamored of Trump as nominee/candidate/populist-wrecking-ball that trophy is already in HRC's cabinet.
Original Trump supporters from the early stages of the primaries will not be moved from their position. They have latched on to a populist making promises that will be difficult, if not impossible, to keep.
The bulk of his current support is more a reflection of the current Democratic nominee. If you're campaign is to point out allegations of illegality regarding Trump, you're too late. In the eyes of independents and others not enamored of Trump as nominee/candidate/populist-wrecking-ball that trophy is already in HRC's cabinet.
1
Wow, how "anti-establishment" of him.
This really proves he'll bring millions of jobs to unskilled workers in rural areas.
This really proves he'll bring millions of jobs to unskilled workers in rural areas.
10
hes always been a rebel
Let me pose this question for reporters: suppose Trump wins in November. He will be, although no one can prove it yet, up to his orange ear lobes in business-related debt to the Chinese and others. Yet he has so far claimed that he will not put his business interests aside, and will let his sone and family run his enterprises while he occupies the White House.
Does this not strike members of the political news media as at least a little or somewhat suspect? Something worth looking into.
Please.
Does this not strike members of the political news media as at least a little or somewhat suspect? Something worth looking into.
Please.
19
I consider myself a (moderately) intelligent person - I keep track of politics and Congress (FWIW) and all that. I am not a fan of Hillary Clinton nor of Donald Trump.
For the life of me, I have never been able to completely grasp the venality of Mrs. Clinton's email imbroglio. Again - I've been paying attention and keeping score all along, but I've never really been able to see any 'there' there.
But let's have another taxpayer-funded investigation, by all means.
This Florida AG bribery story, on the other hand, is easy for me to understand and 'get'. Donald Trump paid off a public official to have a judicial process quashed. 1+1 = 2.
Finally, a corruption story even I can comprehend!
For the life of me, I have never been able to completely grasp the venality of Mrs. Clinton's email imbroglio. Again - I've been paying attention and keeping score all along, but I've never really been able to see any 'there' there.
But let's have another taxpayer-funded investigation, by all means.
This Florida AG bribery story, on the other hand, is easy for me to understand and 'get'. Donald Trump paid off a public official to have a judicial process quashed. 1+1 = 2.
Finally, a corruption story even I can comprehend!
31
Trump bribing politicians. Clinton bribed by Goldman Sachs...
What's the difference, really?
What's the difference, really?
2
Let's see... Clinton isn't hiding her speaking fees - rather her tax returns show that she and Bill paid their fair share of income tax from their speaking fees at the top rate of over 30% (Donald probably has a 0% rate). Moreover, Hillary and Bill, from their income (of speaking fees and other income) paid over 9% to charity (again, unlike Trump who only uses personal money for charitable purposes when caught by the press, for example, the money he promised Veterans).
14
How is she "bribing" Goldman Sachs? They paid her, not the other way around. Maybe that's the "difference".
2
The difference is that Clinton wasn't bribed by Goldman Sachs. She was paid a fee to speak that was no higher than many public/motivational speakers receive, something anyone with a desire to learn could discover. And Clinton neither made decisions as Secretary of State nor voted as a NY Senator in any ways that demonstrate that she was influenced by those speaking fees. That stands in stark contrast to two large political contributions made by Mr. Trump to state attorneys general who made the decision not to investigate his fraudulent "Trump University" business venture.
4
Excellent article and investigating !! It's this kind of quality journalism by NYT reporters that makes Don Trump tell people not to read the New York Times.
13
Please keep up the pressure on Trump and Bondi. There is a clear appearance of a quid pro quo payment in Florida as is the case with Abbott in Texas. Voters are not satisfied to hear from Trump: Nothing to see here, and now back to Clinton and their Foundation". If he were in fact a honest dealer, handing over his own and his foundation email history as well as tax returns would not be a problem. Apparently it is though...yet he is more trustworthy?! Notice how he never offers any tangible paperwork to exonerate himself from suspicions about his dealings with politicians. For Bondi who claims now she is being bullied by Clinton, very simple just release the emails which shows the process, and explain the curious timing of Trump donation by which you and office decide not to proceed with investigation into Trump University. We need proof because it does look like a crime.
22
Just hope the New York Times keeps this story alive and others that have not been divulged. The grifter is a grifter and he needs to be put out there for everyone to see.
21
Call it what it is--a bribe
14
Let’s call it what it is, a bribe. Let’s add this pay off to the list of corruption scandals surfacing around Trump’s business credentials. Yet, some would excuse Trump’s unethical behavior as business as usual. Don’t be fooled. As Bloomberg said, I know a con when I see one. This is a man people want running the economy!? Donnie’s dots are beginning to be connected, and it appears to be one swindle after another. But let’s continue the sexist tropes: Trump is a (masculine) strait-talker and Hillary is some form of devious or manipulative (female) because, of course, we need to maintain (double standards) false equivalency with our election coverage. Sorry NYT’s you are still behind the curve in your 2016 election coverage with this summary of what’s already been widely documented. Thankfully, we have engaged, active independent journals and investigative reporters, social media, and the twitter-sphere bringing to public attention the substance and issues and calling out corporate media.
114
OMG. It it NOT a "BRUSH". It is an illegal contribution and a bribe to avoid prosecution for an illegal "university".
16
Folks, if you read the WAPO's coverage of this it is titled:
"How Donald Trump made it look like he was bribing the attorney general of Florida"
Like the New York Times using "brush" ... not willing to say clearly: "Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck ... it's a duck!"
Plain and simple, this was a bribe, folks. The timing, Donald's blatant foot-in-mouth comments make the motive and intent clear, too. The reason it is "legal" is that nobody will prosecute Trump and Bondi for it.
Yo! Newspapers! What is it? You scared of Trump suing, right? He sues everybody all the time, right?
"How Donald Trump made it look like he was bribing the attorney general of Florida"
Like the New York Times using "brush" ... not willing to say clearly: "Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck ... it's a duck!"
Plain and simple, this was a bribe, folks. The timing, Donald's blatant foot-in-mouth comments make the motive and intent clear, too. The reason it is "legal" is that nobody will prosecute Trump and Bondi for it.
Yo! Newspapers! What is it? You scared of Trump suing, right? He sues everybody all the time, right?
15
Drumpf is the personification of everything Sanders and Warren railed AGAINST.....and he's a contender in this election. Mind boggling.
He's corrupt and immoral to boot. The man is truly 100% pure Ugly American. Reality TV come this nation's reality!
Be scared. Very!
He's corrupt and immoral to boot. The man is truly 100% pure Ugly American. Reality TV come this nation's reality!
Be scared. Very!
11
I totally agree with the Simpson's Nelson Mundt and Casablanca's croupier: Ha-HA! I'm shocked - SHOCKED! - that payoffs have been made by this candidate!
6
Oh but enough of this now. Time to get back to emails, the Clinton Foundation, and how after all these years we still don't know Hillary Clinton. Really NYT what are you thinking? The voters don't want to hear any stories about Donald the con artist. Especially ones where he really broke the law.
12
I am sure that if the Congress and FBI applied the same level of scrutiny to Trump's business dealings they'd find plenty of things to be concerned about. The real issue here is not who is more trustworthy or the bigger liar but who gets the most scrutiny. I think the level of scrutiny involving both candidates should be equal. If we spent over two years investigating Trump and he was honest I am sure we'd find something questionable and suspicious enough to disqualify him. We just haven't looked deep enough or long enough.
5
This clumsy episode with Trump is just the tip of the Pam Bondi iceberg. Will she sink his ship?
6
The New York Times is finally focusing on real Donald scams instead of pathetic carnival barking about Hillary's e-mails, FBI notes, and charitable foundation for the last three weeks.
7
The individual members of the electronic media (I refuse to dignify them by calling these folks journalists) may be center-left personally but their corporate bosses are apolitical capitalists. Ratings and engineering a close election by trashing HRC daily is everything.
Thus, these important stories about DT's ethical lapses are ignored or downplayed or even excused. Thanks NYT for not following the herd. The new party line for DT on cable and broadcast "news" is is now "He's a different style of candidate". Thus we must excuse his ethical faults and lapses. Oh, but the Clintons. Let's throw everything at them even if we have no evidence of actual criminality, fraud or conflict of interest. This election was starting to look like a rout and we can't have that as our ratings would tank. So, its become "how many times can we be negative about HRC today"?
Thus, these important stories about DT's ethical lapses are ignored or downplayed or even excused. Thanks NYT for not following the herd. The new party line for DT on cable and broadcast "news" is is now "He's a different style of candidate". Thus we must excuse his ethical faults and lapses. Oh, but the Clintons. Let's throw everything at them even if we have no evidence of actual criminality, fraud or conflict of interest. This election was starting to look like a rout and we can't have that as our ratings would tank. So, its become "how many times can we be negative about HRC today"?
5
How did the Clintons amass $170M in personal fortune in 16-years? When the Trumps make money, they sell something. What did the Clintons sell? Why do you refuse to address that issue?
1
Trump U is selling lies and got caught at it.
Now he would like the AG in charge in several states to look the other way. That IS the issue.
3
What do the Trumps sell? Besides a useless "degree" from a bogus university, and their name on somebody else's hotel?
2
You know how much the Clintons made in 16 years because...?
We have their tax returns.
If you want to know what they "sold", just check their tax returns. It should list their sources of income. Why don't you start there.
We have their tax returns.
If you want to know what they "sold", just check their tax returns. It should list their sources of income. Why don't you start there.
2
NYT- you have made the double standard a true art form.
12
my god. if this is the worst you can come up with in the face of ALL the financial,governmental,ethical breaches,scandals and improprieties Clinton has and IS currently under FBI investigation for- you need to up your game. Im not a Trump supporter, but check yourself before you wreck yourself NYTimes.
Certainly this Florida episode of corruption should be followed. But there are so many others, too, that have been ignored. For just a couple examples: Trump said he witnessed hundreds of Muslims in New Jersey celebrating the 9/11 tragedy as it went on across the river---THAT was an out and out LIE, and a very serious one, too, but nothing came of it. Trump was reminded a few days ago by a reporter of his "birtherism" efforts to delegitimize President Obama, and he replied, "I don't talk about that any more, I DON'T BOTHER to talk about it"---thus attempting to dismiss the whole thing as a triviality---and the reporter just let it go! He just let it go! Donald Trump is a despicable, disgraceful human being, and the reporters are giving him a pass. Our country cannot survive with such "journalism."
10
The impropriety of Trump's contribution to Pam Bondi's campaign has been justly condemned by the Times editorial and by readers and needs no further comment. I wonder, however, at the timid response by the IRS, which gave Trump a mere slap on the wrist. The IRS was subjected to loud and sustained accusations by Republicans that it targeted conservative groups in investigating requests for tax exempt status. Lois Lerner, head of the Tax Exempt Organizations unit was forced to resign over the flap, although investigations by the Department of Justice and the FBI absolved the IRS of any discriminatory intent. The contribution to Bondi was made by Trump's foundation. Why is its tax-exempt status not even questioned after this incident? Could it be that the IRS has been cowed by Republican attacks?
That much for the awesome power of government!
That much for the awesome power of government!
92
This article is a day late and a dollar short, a great example of why I cancelled my NYTIMES subscription after 25 years: soft pedaling Trump's habitual violations. He didn't "brush" anything. He's a con and a thief and he's perpetrated most of his evil in NY right under the editors' noses.
17
I agree. And to comment I believe you do have to be logged in, meaning you are a subscriber, no?
1
The Art of the Bribe.
16
He buys what he wants, and if it's not for sale, you're an anti-wall Mexican trying to rob the poor of their Don Pablo. Sorry, Narcos, Netflix has me under house arrest.
Poor Florida, your laws are subject to Donald's approval. Looks like he Trumped you with another grasping AG. Like Christie and Rudy aren't enough with their trumped up plans to arrest Hillary in the first hour of the Don's office. Won't someone please extradite these light weight fluffs?
As NJ AG, Christie ignored claims Murdoch's crew had hacked into competitor's computers and ran their clients off. Perhaps this is what got settled by NewsCorp for a quarter billion dollars in civil court? Or another one. Way to miss the ball, Chrisite.
http://newscorp.com/2016/02/29/news-corp-announces-settlement-of-class-a...
Poor Florida, your laws are subject to Donald's approval. Looks like he Trumped you with another grasping AG. Like Christie and Rudy aren't enough with their trumped up plans to arrest Hillary in the first hour of the Don's office. Won't someone please extradite these light weight fluffs?
As NJ AG, Christie ignored claims Murdoch's crew had hacked into competitor's computers and ran their clients off. Perhaps this is what got settled by NewsCorp for a quarter billion dollars in civil court? Or another one. Way to miss the ball, Chrisite.
http://newscorp.com/2016/02/29/news-corp-announces-settlement-of-class-a...
3
"Brush with campaign fund rules"? This goes well beyond a nick on the edges of campaign finance; it's corruption. Trump paid to make a legal problem go away. It's sickening to see the double standard applied to the candidates. Clinton foundation - corruption, corruption, corruption!!! Trump - oh he didn't know the rules. Repulsive.
17
If only The New York Times would use the same brush with all candidates. Just as in previous elections, the Times repeats every rumor and innuendo about the Clintons with a snark unseen since the days of Gawker. Meanwhile, actual IRS fines and readily available evidence (without exhaustive FBI and Congressional investigations) and Trump gets a mulligan.
14
and of course there is nothing out of the ordinary, or suspicious going on with the Clinton family "slush" fund (aka: Foundation), with contributions coming in from those that want an audience, or "favors" from the Clintons.
No one is buying John-Barron-Vermonter spinning that contributing to end AIDS in Africa is the moral equivalent of Trump bribing the Texas governor or Florida AG to drop fraud charges on Trump U.
4
What "favors"? Document please.
2
With such transparently absurd and morally corrosive decisions such as the Supreme Court's regarding Citizens United, the goal posts were moved to the one yard line against social justice in the United States. The criteria that justice need be done, but also be seen to be done has been broken by the logically inconsistent granting of virtual personhood to corporate special interests.
In my years of community activism we realized that to change the words and terms of reference of an argument, was to change the very nature of the matter and compel clarity, accompanied by greater logical and ethical consistency.
That degree of ethical clarity appears to be non-existent to the players involved such as Florida's attorney general. What continues to amaze outsiders viewing the American political scene is the lack of clamour for halting this obvious bribing of public officials and their ejection from positions of trust. Similar situations in other countries often lead to widespread public condemnation, resignation or court proceedings, but for Trump these same failings are boasted of as evidence of sagacity. American exceptionalism indeed!
In my years of community activism we realized that to change the words and terms of reference of an argument, was to change the very nature of the matter and compel clarity, accompanied by greater logical and ethical consistency.
That degree of ethical clarity appears to be non-existent to the players involved such as Florida's attorney general. What continues to amaze outsiders viewing the American political scene is the lack of clamour for halting this obvious bribing of public officials and their ejection from positions of trust. Similar situations in other countries often lead to widespread public condemnation, resignation or court proceedings, but for Trump these same failings are boasted of as evidence of sagacity. American exceptionalism indeed!
10
Why is this just coming out. Hillary has been repeatedly hit on her wonderful charity that does so much good. Trump has a foundation that only benefits himself. He has used it illegally to pay Pam Bondi campaign and had a fund raiser for her in exchange(or coincidently at the same time) to get a law suit dropped after his illegal and crooked Trump University. He has been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for illegal gifts to influence state legislators in NY. why haven't we heard about this as much as her foundation which does good.
14
We need to see his tax returns.
21
We need reporting on his child rape lawsuit file in New York State too.
2
Finally. It's about time NYT published an article about this, tepid though it may be. The coverage of Mrs. Clinton in the Times has been so one sided that I almost cancelled my subscription.
12
I freat we are seeing a double standard set. Donald Trump has done whatever he feels would help him regardless if legal or not or who or how many others were hurt or damaged. It is alright because he is an important businessman and he can get away with it.
Then he goes on the campaign trail and claim the Clinton Foundation is favors pippeline. Donald Trump and his supporters cannot have their cake and eat it. Fair is not a one way street.
Then he goes on the campaign trail and claim the Clinton Foundation is favors pippeline. Donald Trump and his supporters cannot have their cake and eat it. Fair is not a one way street.
12
Ditto to James comments. Trumps' lying, cheating, pyramid schemes, scamming, money he owes to everyone plus his tax returns should be blasted and uncovered in every paper and news channel. He is worse then Bernie Madoff. An ugly nasty narcissistic racist. The "ugly American" in every regard.
12
And there is another bombshell lawsuit filed in New York.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/rape-lawsuit-donald-trump-resur...
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/rape-lawsuit-donald-trump-resur...
1
Trump is a true "Pay-4-Play" candidate. He sees money in everything and that's how he has build his life and it is his core character.
How can this not be a dis qualifier for American people.
One side a man, who will sell anything to make money and on other side a women, who has been dealt with all negativity a man can create, but has a foundation to help people w/o any return and an experience no one on world can match.
Choice is clear: I am with her.
How can this not be a dis qualifier for American people.
One side a man, who will sell anything to make money and on other side a women, who has been dealt with all negativity a man can create, but has a foundation to help people w/o any return and an experience no one on world can match.
Choice is clear: I am with her.
14
"Trump's Latest Brush With Finance Rules" should read "Trump's Latest Violation of Finance Laws."
15
Times, now where's one article after another about the "clouds" and "shadows" and bad "optics" over Trump's campaign?
This is more than a "brush", NYT. Out-and-out bribery. It's not that scamp Trump being a scamp. Stop soft-peddling it.
This is more than a "brush", NYT. Out-and-out bribery. It's not that scamp Trump being a scamp. Stop soft-peddling it.
17
Where's Congress when it needs to open an investigation into a real crime, rather than the fabricated ones against Clinton?
So a personal use of an e-mail account is a big deal even though few are accusing her of passing on secrets to the Russians (like Manadorf, or whatever the criminal former campaign manager for Trump was called). And Trump, who brags about buying off officials, an illegal act under any number of laws in the US, admitted to doing that, was caught doing that, and worse, was caught by the IRS as a tax cheat for doing that, is not being investigated?
And they impeached Clinton for lying about sex?
At some point, the press has got to do a better job comparing apples to apples. Why isn't this a story every day?
So a personal use of an e-mail account is a big deal even though few are accusing her of passing on secrets to the Russians (like Manadorf, or whatever the criminal former campaign manager for Trump was called). And Trump, who brags about buying off officials, an illegal act under any number of laws in the US, admitted to doing that, was caught doing that, and worse, was caught by the IRS as a tax cheat for doing that, is not being investigated?
And they impeached Clinton for lying about sex?
At some point, the press has got to do a better job comparing apples to apples. Why isn't this a story every day?
6
And what if this $25,000 is just the tip of the iceberg? It is grossly unfair to almost give Trump a pass and not investigate him thoroughly and completely and constantly investigate Clinton and find almost nothing.
I am certain if Congress and FBI investigate Trump's businesses as thoroughly as they have investigated Clinton something in fact many things would be found to give voters serious pause about electing Trump President of the United States. Just for starters let's have the Congress, the FBI and the State Department investigate Trump's ex campaign manager and shady political wheeler dealer Paul Manafort and his ties to Russian oligarchs and Vladimir Putin. Did Trump through Manafort or even Putin hire Russian hackers to hack into the DNC? Sounds like a 21st century Watergate to me. Maybe Congress and the FBI should lay off Clinton and do their duty and properly and thoroughly investigate the background of all the candidates.
What is Trump hiding? Trump University a complete scam? His "estimated" personal worth of $10 billion way too high? Evidence of tax fraud that resulted in an IRS audit? Shady business dealings involving Russian oligarchs and dirty money? The voters have a right to know Mr. Trump. What are you hiding from the American people?
I am certain if Congress and FBI investigate Trump's businesses as thoroughly as they have investigated Clinton something in fact many things would be found to give voters serious pause about electing Trump President of the United States. Just for starters let's have the Congress, the FBI and the State Department investigate Trump's ex campaign manager and shady political wheeler dealer Paul Manafort and his ties to Russian oligarchs and Vladimir Putin. Did Trump through Manafort or even Putin hire Russian hackers to hack into the DNC? Sounds like a 21st century Watergate to me. Maybe Congress and the FBI should lay off Clinton and do their duty and properly and thoroughly investigate the background of all the candidates.
What is Trump hiding? Trump University a complete scam? His "estimated" personal worth of $10 billion way too high? Evidence of tax fraud that resulted in an IRS audit? Shady business dealings involving Russian oligarchs and dirty money? The voters have a right to know Mr. Trump. What are you hiding from the American people?
8
I saw a poll the other day that Americans find Trump more trustworthy than Clinton. The reason is that pieces like this (or the wonderful expose about a month ago on how everyone who had anything to do with Trump's casinos -workers, contractors investors - was screwed) are flashes in the pan.
Meanwhile, virtually EVERY single day there's a story about Hillary and the "damn emails."
Unless there is a story EVERY single day on the front page of The Times about Trump's corruption/mendacity/unfitness it will not be "1964 all over again," it will be "2000 all over again."
Meanwhile, virtually EVERY single day there's a story about Hillary and the "damn emails."
Unless there is a story EVERY single day on the front page of The Times about Trump's corruption/mendacity/unfitness it will not be "1964 all over again," it will be "2000 all over again."
15
Right here in the Times - free Kool-Aid for EVERYONE!
2
Trump bribed a public official that was planning to investigate his business practices. Why isn't he under investigation? Is anyone that's wealthy or well-connected immune from accountability? When there is no accountability there is no justice. I thought we were a country of laws, that no person was above. I guess I was wrong. No wonder folks are very, very angry. There's gonna be a reckoning. Pitchforks will be involved.
9
"Brush with the rules"?
Good lord, if this were about Clinton, the headline would have screamed "criminal!!"
Come on, NY Times, get off the false equivalency bandwagon!
Good lord, if this were about Clinton, the headline would have screamed "criminal!!"
Come on, NY Times, get off the false equivalency bandwagon!
18
The only difference I see here between what Trump did an what Clinton, or (name almost any democrat or republican in Congress) did is that the amount is relatively small. Virtually everyone in either party accepts donations in return for so-called access. They are called to task for these unethical activities only by their opponents.
Unbiased news coverage would expose all of the rats. But alas the list would probably be too long to fit on the screen of a mobile device, and not digestible in the 10 seconds the average person devotes to a news story.
Unbiased news coverage would expose all of the rats. But alas the list would probably be too long to fit on the screen of a mobile device, and not digestible in the 10 seconds the average person devotes to a news story.
1
And Republicans are "upset" over Hillary's e-mails and her foundation that actually helps people? What's wrong with our country? Nearly 50% of voters support this clown, including the KKK and other white supremacists.
13
For Mr. Trump, campaign bribes, I mean contributions, are "business as usual" for this high powered, I mean dishonest, businessman. The 25 grand (a cheap deal) to Ms. Bondi is just the tip of the iceberg. With minimal investigation any good journalist will find a YUGE number of incidents of bribery.
What we would all like to see is Pam Bondi testify under oath. Then the fireworks will fly.
What we would all like to see is Pam Bondi testify under oath. Then the fireworks will fly.
11
When will the Clinton Foundation get close to equal time with all of the investigative reporting on Trump? A $25,000 donation to the pac of the Florida Attorney General is a microscopic drop in the bucket compared to millions "donated" to the Clinton Foundation by foreign nations and companies who met with Hillary to plead their various causes while she was Secretary of State, or paid to Hillary and Bill for speeches to Wall Street Banks. And when will The Times investigate the on-line university that paid Bill Clinton $16 million in "consulting" fees? When?
3
I find it interesting that the man who suggested that the judge hearing his case over his University is "prejudiced" because of his ethnicity,yet a man who donates to Attorney Generals has unequivocally claimed he gets repaid for political donations. What justice does Mr. Trumps really want for America? Is this Trump Justice,the best that money can buy?
12
This is not a "brush" with campaign finance rules, this is a full, head-on collision.
180
"Brush With" finance laws? Someone please add this to the list of risible euphemisms that will be cited by woeful historians after Trump is elected.
8
Seems like we should be calling for a special prosecutor to look into this?
11
The very definition of hypocrisy.
This is the sort of hypocrisy and double standard that minorities in this country have been enduring.
Although I'm a Hillary supporter, I must say, it couldn't have happened to a nicer Lady! Granted, unknowingly to most of us, she's been dealing with this for over 35 years, but she always had her skin tone to fall back on, which allowed her to become quite duplicitous.
Even now she's not calling out the hypocrisy, and identifying it with the lack of growth in the respective minority communities. Almost as if there is the self preserving, white code, that she's an adherent to.
This is the sort of hypocrisy and double standard that minorities in this country have been enduring.
Although I'm a Hillary supporter, I must say, it couldn't have happened to a nicer Lady! Granted, unknowingly to most of us, she's been dealing with this for over 35 years, but she always had her skin tone to fall back on, which allowed her to become quite duplicitous.
Even now she's not calling out the hypocrisy, and identifying it with the lack of growth in the respective minority communities. Almost as if there is the self preserving, white code, that she's an adherent to.
It's about time the NY Times caught up with this story. (Perhaps someone has noticed what Paul Krugman had to say the other day about differences in media treatment of the two candidates for president?)
The rise of Donald Trump could not have gone as far as it has without media determination to hold Clinton to a different standard while giving Trump a pass on item after item. There have been so many stories about the 'appearance' of corruption on the part of Hillary; so little on the proven corruption of Trump - and all his other issues.
It's not just the NY Times that's been failing in its duty to inform the public. Journalism has turned into a fight for eyeballs - chasing sound bites and producing click bait instead of substance. In some ways, the failures of the press should be the biggest story of the 2016 campaign. To cite Cokie's Law, it's out there.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/5/1567083/-Digby-The-Media-Fails-...
The rise of Donald Trump could not have gone as far as it has without media determination to hold Clinton to a different standard while giving Trump a pass on item after item. There have been so many stories about the 'appearance' of corruption on the part of Hillary; so little on the proven corruption of Trump - and all his other issues.
It's not just the NY Times that's been failing in its duty to inform the public. Journalism has turned into a fight for eyeballs - chasing sound bites and producing click bait instead of substance. In some ways, the failures of the press should be the biggest story of the 2016 campaign. To cite Cokie's Law, it's out there.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/9/5/1567083/-Digby-The-Media-Fails-...
4
The Trump organization headed by its' namesake plays the game as well as they can and apparently that is good enough.
If, in the game of politics, the methods employed appear to fly under or skirt the law without breaking it, eyebrows will then as now be raised, but coupled with an occasional slap on the wrist that will be the extent of it.
No business shutdown, no huge fines, no jail time; American business at its' finest led by an American businessman who seeks the most powerful elected, appointed or inherited office in the world as his new boardroom.
The only problem is this world overlaps the world in which the rest of us live, work and play.
If, contrary to good sense, we as a nation choose him, we will also get his baggage and those he hires to handle it as (p)art of the deal.
Buyer beware.
If, in the game of politics, the methods employed appear to fly under or skirt the law without breaking it, eyebrows will then as now be raised, but coupled with an occasional slap on the wrist that will be the extent of it.
No business shutdown, no huge fines, no jail time; American business at its' finest led by an American businessman who seeks the most powerful elected, appointed or inherited office in the world as his new boardroom.
The only problem is this world overlaps the world in which the rest of us live, work and play.
If, contrary to good sense, we as a nation choose him, we will also get his baggage and those he hires to handle it as (p)art of the deal.
Buyer beware.
2
When Donald Trump calls anyone dishonest, a liar, a cheat, or untrustworthy, I believe him. Experience counts, no?
2
Thank you NYT for the constant barrage of anti-Trump stories and the lack of anything good to say about Hillary. The hatred is beginning to back fire.Trump is inching into the lead.
Helping you bring Trump into the lead is the political personality of a seasoned Politician--Hillary. Each time she opens her mouth and says, "the American people" our eyes glaze over because she still thinks we have the wool over our eyes. She doesn't have a clue about "Americans"
or "The American People". Not a single clue of what we desire.
And Trump, well...he continues to say the truth in a bombastic, in-your-face-is-the-truth style. Nothing politician about him! Thus he is believed!
Helping you bring Trump into the lead is the political personality of a seasoned Politician--Hillary. Each time she opens her mouth and says, "the American people" our eyes glaze over because she still thinks we have the wool over our eyes. She doesn't have a clue about "Americans"
or "The American People". Not a single clue of what we desire.
And Trump, well...he continues to say the truth in a bombastic, in-your-face-is-the-truth style. Nothing politician about him! Thus he is believed!
2
Rules???? Trump don't need no stinkin' rules.
4
Seems to me that Trump is the very type of person we want away from politics. We all complain about corruption, yet we are one step away from putting the wolf in the hen house.
6
Why is this a surprise?
Trump bragged about paying off politicians and government officials all year, and Trump can't lie fast enough, or can't remember anything he said, Trump is the most corrupt and fraudulent person to ever run as the Presidential nominee for a major party.
I wonder how much Trump paid off Rudy Giuliani under the table over the years?
I wonder what Chris Christie received from Trump to reduce his huge tax debt to the state of New Jersey?
This looks it's only the tip of the iceberg with this raw corruption of bribes and pay-offs from Trump.
This is why we need to see his tax returns, just to know how much in debt Trump is to China, Russia or any other foreign counties that may hold leverage over a potential President.
It's also time for the media to stop giving Kellyanne Conway a pass every time she blatantly lies for Trump, she's turned into Kellyanne Con-artist by the Trump campaign.
Trump bragged about paying off politicians and government officials all year, and Trump can't lie fast enough, or can't remember anything he said, Trump is the most corrupt and fraudulent person to ever run as the Presidential nominee for a major party.
I wonder how much Trump paid off Rudy Giuliani under the table over the years?
I wonder what Chris Christie received from Trump to reduce his huge tax debt to the state of New Jersey?
This looks it's only the tip of the iceberg with this raw corruption of bribes and pay-offs from Trump.
This is why we need to see his tax returns, just to know how much in debt Trump is to China, Russia or any other foreign counties that may hold leverage over a potential President.
It's also time for the media to stop giving Kellyanne Conway a pass every time she blatantly lies for Trump, she's turned into Kellyanne Con-artist by the Trump campaign.
8
Did I read the headline for this article correctly? "...Donation Is His Latest Brush With Campaign Financing Rules" "Brush"? Really? Just another minor dust up, ho hum? How about "egregious violation" or may be "total disregard" ?
9
Trump “You’d better believe it,” Mr. Trump responded. He added: “When they call, I give. And you know what? When I need something from them two years later, three years later, I call them, they are there for me.” Trump routinely asks voters to trust that, because he possesses that insider’s knowledge, he can reform a system that he calls “rigged.” So Trump who cheated and bribed his way to his few business successes amongst his myriad of failures now will be the new Sheriff in Town. Like the good book say’s if you will pay a bribe you will take a bribe.
5
Donald Trump said, "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters." All he has to do is pay off corrupt politicians, law officials, and reporters and he can do whatever he needs to do to take over this country. If he's caught paying bribes by the IRS, all he has to do is pay a small fine and move on. He's even giving us blatant examples, so you better believe what he says, America!
5
The Times finally begins to investigate Trump record of corruption, but still trays him kindly. Trump broke the law, but the Times says he had a "brush" with the law.
The Times should change is name to "Trump media."
The Times should change is name to "Trump media."
12
Just another example of Trump exhibiting the exact behavior that he denounces in others. Lyin' Ted and Crooked Hillary aren't simply offensive nicknames for others, they're the Donald's reflections of himself, seen through the mirror of others.
Through the years Trump has swindled dozens of subcontractors, students, taxpayers and public officials in his alleged "empire" yet managed to escape any of the labels he finds so appealing and so richly deserves. "Tricky Trump?" "Despicable Donald?"
Through the years Trump has swindled dozens of subcontractors, students, taxpayers and public officials in his alleged "empire" yet managed to escape any of the labels he finds so appealing and so richly deserves. "Tricky Trump?" "Despicable Donald?"
8
He has a 30 year record of using money to influence and the media is just getting into this now?
153
Two points here. Does that Attorney General from Florida look in the mirror. A terrible outfit, in my opinion. And I"m a woman.
Secondly, Trump is doing us all a favor in that we see real-time what the rich think of their giving. They are buying influence and in cases votes. The system is broken. Hillary wants to strike down Citizens United and I stand with her on that as I stand with her on almost everything.
When politicians that are rich want to raise taxex on the rich, they have my vote. It's as simple as that. It tells me they are more fair minded. And I like that.
Secondly, Trump is doing us all a favor in that we see real-time what the rich think of their giving. They are buying influence and in cases votes. The system is broken. Hillary wants to strike down Citizens United and I stand with her on that as I stand with her on almost everything.
When politicians that are rich want to raise taxex on the rich, they have my vote. It's as simple as that. It tells me they are more fair minded. And I like that.
4
Stick to the issues, not clothes. As a human, judge on the use of brains, not clothes.
Trump is looking more and more like an overstuffed Larry Mondello from Leave it to Beaver, rather than a Presidential candidate.
5
Or rather an old Eddie Haskell, gone to seed....
NPR briefly covered this story a few months ago. The panel of pundits who covered it dismissed the significance of a mere 25K, all agreed that it was politics as usual, a big nothing all around. Never heard another word. But I hear about the Clinton Foundation and the emails and the FBI report and the lack of press access and so on every day it seems. If we are to be given such detailed updates on Mrs. Clintons past smoke and shadows, then the media should also investigate Mr. Trump's less than savory dealings in greater detail and dog his every business dealing. This story exemplifies the whole election. Trump has engaged in actual unethical behaviour. Clinton has done stuff that has bad optics but for all the scrutiny, no-one ever finds any actual wrongdoing. But somehow the narrative that Clinton is crooked or a liar has been so firmly established that a great many folks who hate Trump think she is the bigger crook.
And when will Pam Bondi be investigated?
And when will Pam Bondi be investigated?
5
As a subscriber of both the Times and the Washington Post, I can attest that the Times has been derelict in its obligation to it's readers when it comes to Trump's litany of malfeasance. Clinton's issues are "appearance" and optics; Trump IS a crook who has bragged about "buying" off politicians.
Even with direct evidence of an illegal contribution to the FLA AG by his Foundation, to say nothing of the optics of an out an out bribe, no wall to wall coverage, no breathless TV commentary about "pay to play" and certainly no clamour for an independent prosecutor from the Congress.
Even with direct evidence of an illegal contribution to the FLA AG by his Foundation, to say nothing of the optics of an out an out bribe, no wall to wall coverage, no breathless TV commentary about "pay to play" and certainly no clamour for an independent prosecutor from the Congress.
6
This country is in the grip of a corrupt, lying, scheming, mercenary group of Republicans -- congressmen like Jason Chavez, Senators like Chuck Grassley and governors like Sam Brownback - who stop at nothing to retain power, dominate policy, destroy the environment, support ruthless mega-rich businesses, and keep minorities in chains. The propaganda machine is directly aimed at a dumbed-down population entranced by entertainment, games, and propa-news like Fox. Now this group will ignore all corruption, narcissism, lies, and demagoguery from their totally unqualified presidential candidate whose name nauseates me to even type.
Even if the candidate has an R by his name, people and GOP leaders should reject his blatant corruption, sociopathy, racism and sexism, & egocentric fascism or this country is headed for disasters of unparalleled magnitude.
Even if the candidate has an R by his name, people and GOP leaders should reject his blatant corruption, sociopathy, racism and sexism, & egocentric fascism or this country is headed for disasters of unparalleled magnitude.
6
He did the same thing in Texas, making a contribution to make a suit against Trump U. go away. It worked. How did you miss that?
3
Voters want to see Trump's tax records for the past eight years, and to have Pence unseal his Congressional library. Without them being honest and transparent no one should trust Trump.
5
That's it?! That's all you got? Man, dredging this up from the depths seems so petty compared to Hillary's long, long list of sin. Oh, well, when you got a job to do....
2
Except here is an ACTUAL CRIME.
You have NO evidence of ANY crime committed by HRC, NONE. NADA. ZIP.
And if you insinuate you do by saying "sin" then please do list them out HERE:
You have NO evidence of ANY crime committed by HRC, NONE. NADA. ZIP.
And if you insinuate you do by saying "sin" then please do list them out HERE:
7
Sinning is not against the law. Bribing a public official is.
1
I write this in my admittedly hopeless crusade that The Times becomes more balanced. It has always been my favorite media source and every day I am discouraged by its one-sided coverage. To be plainer - Trump should not be president, but neither should Clinton. Here we have another anti-Trump article, probably deservedly. Unfortunately, the Times has shown that it will publish slanted articles against him (the one on women was the first I remember but I'm sure there were others before) and so I read them without giving credit unless supported elsewhere. But, shouldn't the article really be, Trump admissions about playing the game were true, although not to Clintonian levels. Again, I don't care which of them loses, so long as the other wins. But, on this front page we have a pro-BLM article (they are supported by Clinton) while when BLM chants death to cops or takes over mikes, if there is any story, it is buried. Yccch.
Of course, the Times has a left leaning readership (that's not just my opinion - surveys show it is overwhelmingly so and the comments make it even clearer) and I realize they, no more than their right wing cousins do, want to see balance. I do. I also want world peace. Good luck to me I guess.
Of course, the Times has a left leaning readership (that's not just my opinion - surveys show it is overwhelmingly so and the comments make it even clearer) and I realize they, no more than their right wing cousins do, want to see balance. I do. I also want world peace. Good luck to me I guess.
2
The Times isn't doing the Democrats any favors, or maybe you haven't noticed.
2
It would be a service to readers to provide links to other news sources that have reported on Trump's fundraiser for Bondi at Mar a Lago. Is the bar for Trump so low that it's not worth noting?
4
The more political pundits enumerate Trump's missteps and problems, the more his poll numbers creep up.
Creep seems appropriate. There is so much about this campaign that is creepy.
Genuine political analysis is missing something. I don't have a clue why anyone with a brain could support Trump [40% or more of registered voters] but the pundits should.
They're on the verge of mocking him into office.
Creep seems appropriate. There is so much about this campaign that is creepy.
Genuine political analysis is missing something. I don't have a clue why anyone with a brain could support Trump [40% or more of registered voters] but the pundits should.
They're on the verge of mocking him into office.
3
It's a bribe, plain and simple.
People have gone jail for it and so he and respective AG need to go same private prison.
People have gone jail for it and so he and respective AG need to go same private prison.
12
He wishes he could have bribed the judge presiding over his Trump U lawsuit, but instead, he insulted the judge. Trump has given money to many of his so-called supporters. THEY haven't given HIM any, I don't think. I also think he paid off Pena Nieto, for allowing his appearance in Mexico.
2
If a small-time non-violent drug dealer had made the same donations to candidates he would already be in jail.
Why has this man not yet been put in jail?
Why has this man not yet been put in jail?
11
Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up!
1
Hillary: “The American people deserve to know what was said, because clearly the attorney general did not proceed with the investigation,” she told reporters.
She better step up her game. what a lame response.
BRIBERY say it.
She better step up her game. what a lame response.
BRIBERY say it.
8
Trump's paying penalties but not admitting wrongdoing. If this were HRC, Trump would be more red in the face than ever flailing around the podium, screaming and gesticulating that she paid to play and needs to own up to it. But as far as it concerns him, there was no wrongdoing. The word hypocrite does not even come close to describe him.
6
How did this happen? The New York Times took a break from bashing Hillary Clinton to actually focusing on Trump. Did the Times finally understand Trump is a scurrilous corrupt man? The Clinton Foundation saves lives. Trump Foundation is the one funding bribes to politicians to save Trump's thin skin.
2
There are three possible explanations I can see for the reprehensibly unequal treatment Clinton and Trump receive for their respective sins, of which this is merely the latest example. If it looks like a bribe, quacks like a bribe, and has results like a bribe. . . .
First, the media are secretly supporting Trump, because he would provide more entertainment as president than Clinton would and hence more attention to the media. This is a short-sighted strategy, because the media will only receive attention until we are all blown up by a Trump juggernaut exercising the nuclear option.
Second, everyone is beyond sexist. The level of scrutiny Clinton has received, and the negative response, can be attributed to overt, blatant, and reprehensible sexism. People do not want a woman as president, and, because they are unwilling to admit this, are coming up with lame and unsupported excuses for refusing to back her.
Third, Trump supporters--including the media--combine stupidity and hypocrisy at a level never seen before in a national political campaign.
Whatever the reason for the rankly unequal treatment, I am in despair. How can anyone at all think that Trump would be a better president than Clinton?
First, the media are secretly supporting Trump, because he would provide more entertainment as president than Clinton would and hence more attention to the media. This is a short-sighted strategy, because the media will only receive attention until we are all blown up by a Trump juggernaut exercising the nuclear option.
Second, everyone is beyond sexist. The level of scrutiny Clinton has received, and the negative response, can be attributed to overt, blatant, and reprehensible sexism. People do not want a woman as president, and, because they are unwilling to admit this, are coming up with lame and unsupported excuses for refusing to back her.
Third, Trump supporters--including the media--combine stupidity and hypocrisy at a level never seen before in a national political campaign.
Whatever the reason for the rankly unequal treatment, I am in despair. How can anyone at all think that Trump would be a better president than Clinton?
2
"the media are secretly supporting Trump, because he would provide more entertainment as president than Clinton would and hence more attention to the media."
barbara8101, don't forget CBS chairman Les Moonves' comments earlier this year about Trump being great for CBS even if he was bad for the country. No one should forget this:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2016/02/les-moonves-trump-cbs-220001
barbara8101, don't forget CBS chairman Les Moonves' comments earlier this year about Trump being great for CBS even if he was bad for the country. No one should forget this:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2016/02/les-moonves-trump-cbs-220001
Trump scandal = Breaks the law to enrich himself
Clinton scandal = The possible appearance of impropriety, if you squint, to help save other people's lives.
Media, get over your Clinton hatred.
Clinton scandal = The possible appearance of impropriety, if you squint, to help save other people's lives.
Media, get over your Clinton hatred.
11
As others have noted, we are left to wonder just WHEN anyone in our incompetent media are going to actually go after Drumpf for his decades of lies, bribes, cons, tax evasion, his fraudulent "Foundation," and so on? Here he is, accusing Secretary Clinton of "pay for play" when he himself engages in real bribery and "pay for play" on a regular basis. The double standards in journalistic coverage are simply staggering - and as usual, Drumpf skates by while the press mercilessly assails HRC for, well, nothing. Why does no one ask Drumpf about whether he would sever all ties with his phony Foundation if elected? Why does no one stay on his failure to release all of his tax returns? Why is it that the Dallas Morning News has assailed Drumpf as wholly unfit for office, whereas the NYT has not even touched upon this topic, either? Clinton has made her share of mistakes, and is almost always her own worst enemy on such occasions - but she acknowledges this, whereas Drumpf is permitted a permanent media pass. I am thoroughly fed up with the egregious, supine media in this nation - we have become the laughingstock of the world.
3
Donald Trump and his business affairs, aka the gift that keeps on giving; if only HRC would come clean and tell the truth about emails and anything else, she would have nailed Donald's coffin long since. Do it Hillary, make yourself respected again!
1
Now to be fair to both candidates, the NYT should run at least seven more days of Trump's pay for play scams. I used seven to approximate Sec. Clinton's email/foundation coverage. Fair and balanced reporting, however, would require at least another two weeks to cover all of Trump's scams.
5
Yeah, he's not a politician. And he's so honest. And of course, he's an outsider. And there was no fraud at Trump U. Not to mention, his bankruptcies were a sign of his brilliant business acumen.
If someone had written Trump's political story as a screenplay no studio would have bought it because not even Hollywood can suspend belief that much.
If someone had written Trump's political story as a screenplay no studio would have bought it because not even Hollywood can suspend belief that much.
5
It is truly astonishing as to the level of intellectual dishonesty required by the MSM (and libs) regarding their current and past attempts to simply look the other way regarding Clinton's gross incompetence and obvious cover-up. To suggest at this point that there isn't (at the very least) adequate cause to charge her with "perjury" and automatically remove her top secret/SI clearance (forever) should constitute criminal injustice in and of itself. SHE STATED UNDER OATH "I DID NOT SEND OR RECEIVE CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL."...Did Director Comey agree with this statement? (AKA Perjury = Automatic removal from office ---> permanent removal of TS/SI clearance). Period.
What she said was the truth. To the best of her knowledge she did not. The fact that a small "c" for confidential, the lowest level of classification, was found further down in a few emails that were sent to her by others without the proper labeling does not mean that she was aware of it. You would have to be able to prove she did understand the improper "c" meant classified and also that she saw it/read it. You can't.
1
The bribe to the Florida AG is a direct 'qui pro quo'. Nothing has been shown in all of the time that Hillary was Secretary of State that she did a 'quid pro quo'.
Trump is a ridiculous man, a pathological liar, he has hurt thousands of people in his business dealings, he thinks 'looking' presidential is what it's all about. Well, here's a tip, Mr. Trump. You will never look like 'presidential material'. Only in your dreams, Trump. Only in your dreams. And if you win, it will an American nightmare.
Trump is a ridiculous man, a pathological liar, he has hurt thousands of people in his business dealings, he thinks 'looking' presidential is what it's all about. Well, here's a tip, Mr. Trump. You will never look like 'presidential material'. Only in your dreams, Trump. Only in your dreams. And if you win, it will an American nightmare.
9
The whole system is corrupt. It makes me want to stay home on election day. I just may do that.
That would be morally irresponsible.
3
Please vote. We need to stop Donald.
3
For those straddling the fence as to whom they'll vote for in the Fall election, this may influence their choice. But to the majority of Trump's supporters, this nor anything else will matter. They like it all, everything this guy brings to the table-his lies, his bragging, his insults, his exaggerations, his portrayal of Hillary Clinton through licentious innuendo, any degree of maleficence- the crookeder the better is to their liking, the flip-flopping that occurs from day to day. He's their Pied-Piper and they love everything about him. Even Trump carrying a cadaver over his shoulder to a rally would bring shouts of Trump! Trump! Trump!
10
I have a simple question: if the check written to Ms. Bondi was a political contribution from a charitable foundation's account presumably clearly bearing the foundation's name, why would Ms. Bondi not have returned the check immediately? Was Trump's name somewhere on the check all she needed to see to accept it?
Trump's foundation should produce a copy of the check so we can see just who signed it and how it was endorsed and negotiated.
Trump's foundation should produce a copy of the check so we can see just who signed it and how it was endorsed and negotiated.
10
Oh, the handwringing of the Left.
All upset about a $25k political contribution from Trump while having no problem with the hundreds of millions of pay-to-play and blood money (Saudi Arabia and the other cast of seedy characters) "donated" to the Clinton Foundation.
The Left is blind when they look in the mirror and fail to see the corruption of Lady Macbeth.
All upset about a $25k political contribution from Trump while having no problem with the hundreds of millions of pay-to-play and blood money (Saudi Arabia and the other cast of seedy characters) "donated" to the Clinton Foundation.
The Left is blind when they look in the mirror and fail to see the corruption of Lady Macbeth.
There has not been one line, one paragraph, one page showing proof that HRC gave any access for foundation donors that was "pay for play". Meeting and greeting is part of the position of any public official.
That the rabid Donald casts aspirations on their wealth, which comes from speaking engagements, books, and maybe smart investing.
show us your taxes Mr. Trump!
That the rabid Donald casts aspirations on their wealth, which comes from speaking engagements, books, and maybe smart investing.
show us your taxes Mr. Trump!
1
Do you not see that Trump and his businesses (not just the Trump Foundation with this Pam Bondi mess) have been found guilty of violating FEC and campaign finance laws and were hence forced to pay fines... But all there is on Clinton is suspicion?
I'm not saying Clinton is perfect angel, but the US government has devolved into a plutocratic oligarchy and I defy you to show me one nationally recognized holder of an elected office (sans Sanders and Warren) that hasn't used corporate and big donor money to finance a campaign. If you want to fix that, support local politicians who pledge to make state laws regulating how campaigns can be funded... No presidential pick will change anything on this front.
What's truly disgusting is that Trump rails against people for corruption that nobody can prove while denying his own corruption which had a very clear and measurable effect (FL not investigating the Trump University scam).
If you want to criticize Hillary, go for it. Just pick critiques that are valid and factual.
I'm not saying Clinton is perfect angel, but the US government has devolved into a plutocratic oligarchy and I defy you to show me one nationally recognized holder of an elected office (sans Sanders and Warren) that hasn't used corporate and big donor money to finance a campaign. If you want to fix that, support local politicians who pledge to make state laws regulating how campaigns can be funded... No presidential pick will change anything on this front.
What's truly disgusting is that Trump rails against people for corruption that nobody can prove while denying his own corruption which had a very clear and measurable effect (FL not investigating the Trump University scam).
If you want to criticize Hillary, go for it. Just pick critiques that are valid and factual.
Trump has a "brush" while Hillary is under a "cloud."
6
Brush with the rules? It's a lot more than that. Why doesn't your headline reflect that this looks like bribery to get the Trump University investigation dropped?
6
"Mr. Trump ... has been brazen in asserting that he has used political donations to buy influence — and routinely asks voters to trust that, because he possesses that insider’s knowledge, he can reform a system that he calls 'rigged'."
Ah, yes -- it takes a thief to catch a thief.
Ah, yes -- it takes a thief to catch a thief.
1
Remember, a vote for Clinton is also a vote against Donald Trump. That is all anyone with any sense needs to know.
3
This should waive privilege and give you the right to find out what the attorney said: "My attorneys basically said that this was a proper way of doing it,” Mr. Trump testified.
1
Im waiting for the rep congress to have a hearing to see if the payment was a bribe. Well they had Clinton in front of the FBI for emails . This seems to me to be much more important , our legal system is watching and
Americans are waiting . Subpeona her and put her in front of the committe with Trump/ we can handle the truth and we demand it .
Americans are waiting . Subpeona her and put her in front of the committe with Trump/ we can handle the truth and we demand it .
2
I wanted to post just a paragraph from this article re Paul Krugman's recent Hillary column, but it's so good (and so fair-minded, even generous to Clinton) that I'm posting the link. He argues that, no matter who gets the White House in November, we need better journalism now and in the future, for the sake of democracy--and to atone for the lousy job the mass media have done in 2016:
https://theintercept.com/2016/09/06/the-unrelenting-pundit-led-effort-to...
https://theintercept.com/2016/09/06/the-unrelenting-pundit-led-effort-to...
1
Sweet picture of Pam and The Donald.
2
When will the NYT cease it's war against the Trump campaign. EVERY day there are articles trying to tear down the man. For decades Trump has successfully navigated the sewer of New York city real estate and politics. This "news" won't do a damn thing to derail his campaign any more than Mrs. Clinton's lying to Benghazi families or her extortion of world wide countries through the Clinton Foundation.
The most bothersome issue with the NYTimes coverage isn't the bias against Mr. Trump but that the 'paper of record' makes no attempt to even hide their favoritism of Mrs. Clinton.
Merriam-Webster's dictionary definition of journalism is partially described thusly:
b : writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c : writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest
Clearly the NYTimes follows part C over part B.
The most bothersome issue with the NYTimes coverage isn't the bias against Mr. Trump but that the 'paper of record' makes no attempt to even hide their favoritism of Mrs. Clinton.
Merriam-Webster's dictionary definition of journalism is partially described thusly:
b : writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation
c : writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest
Clearly the NYTimes follows part C over part B.
Trump's real estate dealings have been part of that "sewer" as you call it in NYC.
Look up the stories of his racial discrimination in the 70s- all facts are there if you care to take a look.
Look up the stories of his racial discrimination in the 70s- all facts are there if you care to take a look.
Why investigate an obstruction of justice case when you can prowl through Hillary's emails.
1
Pay to Play Scorecard:
Trump: 2 (The sky is falling!) - Clinton: 12,497 (Nothing to see here folks.)
Trump: 2 (The sky is falling!) - Clinton: 12,497 (Nothing to see here folks.)
Illegalities scorecard:
Trump: (at least) 2: Clinton: 0
Trump: (at least) 2: Clinton: 0
1
It is people like Donald Trump who travel internationally and do business in other countries that make all Americans look like greedy, selfish pig dogs in the eyes of the world.
1
Lock him up!
So because he is a crook and a thief he thinks he is in a great position to end a rigged system?
The "system" was making on on the fines too while "slapping his wrists".
Lock him up!
I get it- whatever Trump comes up with ( i.e. now "not looking presidential, fellas" ) first check him.
So because he is a crook and a thief he thinks he is in a great position to end a rigged system?
The "system" was making on on the fines too while "slapping his wrists".
Lock him up!
I get it- whatever Trump comes up with ( i.e. now "not looking presidential, fellas" ) first check him.
4
Straight from the Chamber of Commerce playbook. It's called greasing the wheels. How many box seats are given to expensive shows and sporting events? Your child needs to get into a prestigious school, no problem. You don't want to play? We shut down a bridge.
1
Good piece. I hope the NYT will continue to pursue Trump's glaring and repeated corruption with the same alacrity that it demonstrates in its coverage of Hillary's non-scandals.
2
This will not put a dent in his campaign as his supporters could care less. His words that "I can probably shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose any voters" rings true. Never has a candidate for POTUS from a main political party has misrepresented the truth as much as Trump. I'm amazed at this generation of reporters who let so much slip by. It will be a real circus if this clown gets elected.
3
So if the donation is so legit, why was it made through the Donald J Trump Foundation, which according to filings is ostensibly focused on "Giving primarily for health organizations, youth development, and social services"? And for that matter, when I click on the Form990 available on Charity Navigator, why does it take me straight to the 990 for the Eric J Trump Foundation, you know, the one dedicated to raising money for children's cancer research?
Above all, why doesn't a "foundation" immediately lose it exempt status the moment it is revealed to be a political slush fund? From the looks of it, Trump has merely found a way to write off his political "gifts" as charitable donations. This candidate is openly making a mockery of the US system!
Above all, why doesn't a "foundation" immediately lose it exempt status the moment it is revealed to be a political slush fund? From the looks of it, Trump has merely found a way to write off his political "gifts" as charitable donations. This candidate is openly making a mockery of the US system!
174
And where is the proof the Trump Foundations actually donated the collected funds to the health organizations, youth development, and social services? It is highly doubtful even one penny went to these needy services!
3
It's also false reporting to the IRS - the 990s are nonprofits' and charities' reports to the IRS.
This is big-time tax fraud and tax evasion - felonies that are punishable by prison time and yuuuge fines.
Lock him up!
This is big-time tax fraud and tax evasion - felonies that are punishable by prison time and yuuuge fines.
Lock him up!
2
And for the IRS to ignore this infraction of tax-exemption laws may justify the impeachment of the IRS commissioner. But that would expose too many Republican scams.
1
The worst part of this whole thing is that it isn't even illegal. This kind of thing goes on regularly in American "democracy."
2
Matt- Bribery is illegal. Paying off through laundering from non-profits is illegal. Ivanka tried it in NY State too on the Trump U case.
2
It is illegal!!!
2
th love of money is th root of all evil
and america sure does love money
i mean LOVE
Trump's alleged ties to organized crime are even more disturbing--
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/31/politics/trump-mob-mafia/
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/31/politics/trump-mob-mafia/
12
Trump is owned by the Russian Mafia and has been a wannabe mob player along with sleaze bags like Witkoff and Gluck using Bernie Kerik through Giuliani- another son-of-mob monster.
2
Finally some decent reporting from the Times.
5
Both candidates have skeletons in their closets. It really comes down to the person that you trust that will do their best in the office of the Presidency for the overall good of this country. Which would include public safety, financial security and opportunity to better your life no matter what the color of your skin is, your sexual orientation or your religious beliefs. I do not see any of the qualities in Trump.
The Times is late to the game on this, but at least you got there eventually. Please don't feel as though you have to parcel out the juicy Trump morsels in moderation and hold some stories like the AG payments in reserve so that there will still be something left to chew on in early November.
Rest assured, the larder of misdeeds is well stocked, and there's plenty more to be had where this story came from. More than enough to see you through Election Day. Carry on, and report what needs to be reported on a timely basis.
Rest assured, the larder of misdeeds is well stocked, and there's plenty more to be had where this story came from. More than enough to see you through Election Day. Carry on, and report what needs to be reported on a timely basis.
9
She is my AG. Would you like her? $25,000 but discounted by 100%.
No justice in Florida with Gov. Scott and Bondi.
No justice in Florida with Gov. Scott and Bondi.
5
So maybe Trump broke campaign finance law and bought impunity with his donations. Maybe he swindled several thousand students out of their life savings at Trump U, and sues contractors to get a "Trump discount". Perhaps he dodged the Vietnam draft, and invites his followers to beat up protesters. So what? At least he didn't use private servers for a government account like Hillary did. Private servers, people! Scandalous!!!
2
The difference is the question (answered to the affirmative) regarding the use of a Private Server (unauthorized) to transmit U.S. Government information marked "sensitive" and/or "secret" while Secretary of State. Trump, if breaking campaign laws, was a private citizen, not one of the highest government officials. THAT is where the seriousness of the Private Servers (not allowed) lies.
It seems that the election is down to which toad do you want to eat.
It seems that the election is down to which toad do you want to eat.
You have to have a private email account whoever you work for. Can't use your employer's email for personal email. Having her own email server is far more secure than using gmail or other widely used free email services. Non-classified work emails were also sent with the private account but sent to and copied to .gov accounts. There is nothing inherently bad about this. The only alleged classified material was after the fact contention by a different agency with different criteria, i.e. spooks insist NY Times front page stories on drone attacks is secret information. Spooks will be spooks.
You Republicans are just not very intelligent, and worse, proud of it.
You Republicans are just not very intelligent, and worse, proud of it.
1
...which is why the public needs to see the tax returns of individuals running for the highest office in the land... We need to see this, period, post haste, media! Media is beyond irresponsible for letting this issue go. I don't need to know over and over if so and so donated 2 gazillion dollars to some charity to help poor kids with HIV, and then was personally thanked. That's just good manners, duh. Pay-to-pay resulted in a fine, laws were broken, and no thanks is needed.
8
Thank you for finally reporting on this important story. Is there any reason you omitted the Trump Foundation's misreporting (= cover-up) of the contribution to Ms. Bondi?
9
Now, I want to hear Donald Trump questioned about this lapse of judgement and ethics in every single interview that he has for the rest of his life. And every time a pundit talks or writes about Donald Trump, they need to reference my trust issues with him in regard to this and the many other shadowy deals he has made and the improper way he has handled his affairs. OK?
9
"Quid Pro Quo". Bondi gets a donation and ends criminal investigation into Trump U, the total scam operation.
In 25 years, the Republican smear machine cottage industry against the Clintons can't find a "Quid Pro Quo". Maybe because they have kept their Clinton Foundation, which actually does a lot of good in this world, legal. Funny how their attack dogs, for example, Newt Gingrich and Ken Starr, have been found to have actually done far worse things than Bill Clinton was accused of in his trumped-up impeachment, for which he was acquitted.
In 25 years, the Republican smear machine cottage industry against the Clintons can't find a "Quid Pro Quo". Maybe because they have kept their Clinton Foundation, which actually does a lot of good in this world, legal. Funny how their attack dogs, for example, Newt Gingrich and Ken Starr, have been found to have actually done far worse things than Bill Clinton was accused of in his trumped-up impeachment, for which he was acquitted.
9
Don the Con and Pam the Scam, a match made in somewhere other than Heaven. If Bondi has anything good on Trump she ought to save herself a lot of trouble and produce it now. Otherwise she is going to find herself holding the bag, the inevitable consequence of any transaction with Tangerine Caligula.
11
Ex-actly. I'm sure Comey is watching all of this, and waiting...
If I were Bondi, I'd resign now and move out of the country instead of rolling the dice on this bad bet.
If I were Bondi, I'd resign now and move out of the country instead of rolling the dice on this bad bet.
Such things are common,and they happen all over the world. You give gifts,free rides,hotels' stay,to officials to get favours. One top Indian businessman is reported to have said that he will salute even a peon in a government's office,to get files moving. Such things will continue to happen. In offices,buttering is common to get promotion.
america is working hard to lower itself to indias level
be pateint
soon you will pass them
Bill Clinton's private meeting with the Attorney General. then the fast track FBI interview of Hillary and no indictment rush by the FBI director makes any actions by state attorney generals seem so minor on the corruption scale...but have at it.
You are kidding us, right? Bill sees the AG on the tarmac and hops over for a chat. It's not a pre-arranged meeting, Bill's a talker. Hillary and her tens of thousands of chain non-classified e-mails had already been scrutinized, analyzed, verified (every single one related to work went to a State Server email address) six ways from Sunday since Benghazi- 'fast track' - hardly. Unless Bill was carrying twenty grand in a suit-case, I fail to see the equivalence. But, have at it.
11
A meeting in full view of many people with an old friend is very different from a $25000 bribe.
Plus the AG is not part of the FBI.
Plus the AG is not part of the FBI.
1
I notice the NYT does not apply the word controversy to something involving Mr. Trump, and shows no such restraint with anything related to Mrs. Clinton.
11
Exactly. Apparently the mass media's use of the word "scandal" is reserved solely for e-mail server issues.
Trump is paying an attorney general who then drops a complaint investigation into HIM for FRAUD for TRUMP U.
Sorry, it is putrid false equivalency to say that this is "no different" or the same as another rich person or corporation making a contribution in the belief it will give them an edge in having a future phone call answered and their opinion heard.
Make no mistake - I want money and its corrupting influence extricated from American politics as it is equally a false equivalency for the SCOTUS to maintain that such consists of 'exercising free speech.'
BUT - Trump's 'contribution' to Bondi when HE WAS BEFORE HER FOR CRIMINAL FRAUD- and he subsequently deciding 'not to pursue' a case that half a dozen other attorneys general are pursuing stinks of bribery.
Trump tried to engage the New York Attorney General and ensnare him in a trap of 'retaliating' against Trump for complaining that Schneiderman 'asked him for a campaign contribution,' - but in this case the AG actually had accepted a campaign contribution but not let it interfere with doing his job and is prosecuting the howling Trump. In this case Trump complained that his campaign contribution wasn't honored as the 'bribe' he intended it to be. Can't have it both ways, brat.
Sorry, it is putrid false equivalency to say that this is "no different" or the same as another rich person or corporation making a contribution in the belief it will give them an edge in having a future phone call answered and their opinion heard.
Make no mistake - I want money and its corrupting influence extricated from American politics as it is equally a false equivalency for the SCOTUS to maintain that such consists of 'exercising free speech.'
BUT - Trump's 'contribution' to Bondi when HE WAS BEFORE HER FOR CRIMINAL FRAUD- and he subsequently deciding 'not to pursue' a case that half a dozen other attorneys general are pursuing stinks of bribery.
Trump tried to engage the New York Attorney General and ensnare him in a trap of 'retaliating' against Trump for complaining that Schneiderman 'asked him for a campaign contribution,' - but in this case the AG actually had accepted a campaign contribution but not let it interfere with doing his job and is prosecuting the howling Trump. In this case Trump complained that his campaign contribution wasn't honored as the 'bribe' he intended it to be. Can't have it both ways, brat.
16
By the way Trump used his daughter Ivanka to try to launder his attempted bribe against Eric Schneiderman which he then used as a pretext for his 2013 'ethics' complaint against the NY AG and TRump has been forced by the facts to drop that suit and claim as Schneiderman returned daughter Ivanka's clumsy bribe attempt: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/trump-ethics-gripe-new-york-ag-dropp...
5
In Texas the Trump U case included charges of false advertising. It was considered a very strong case by those involved. But then the $5.4 million settlement was allowed to drop, and a $35,000 check for Abbott’s gubernatorial campaign arrived—a neat bargain on Trump’s part. This stuff has been out there for months. The Times and CNN have been too busy playing lapdog for the interests against Hilary in their midst.
4
Donald Trump betrays America at every turn, every chance he gets...
9
Hypocrisy thy name is Trump
10
The best part about this article is the picture of Trump with the umbrella. He is clearly holding it up only for himself. Ms. Bondi is being allowed the "scraps" of the coverage, following behind and hoping she only gets a little wet.
Seems like a perfect example of Trump's sociopathic narcissism and his feelings about woman. She probably isn't pretty enough to get a full umbrella.
What do they say? A picture is worth a thousands words!
Seems like a perfect example of Trump's sociopathic narcissism and his feelings about woman. She probably isn't pretty enough to get a full umbrella.
What do they say? A picture is worth a thousands words!
12
Clearly because he views her, as he likely does the rest of the human race, as his servant and underling.
If people would just get on the ball and do an in depth investigation of Trump, they would find out just how crooked and bad he is. When someone like Trump accuses his rivals of sordid things, it is because Trump has done all those things and thinks that everyone is just as crooked as he is. Crooked Trump, low energy Trump, etc.
8
Believing anything Trump says given his decades of lying, deceiving and believing he is above the law is willful ignorance. Either his supporters are too dumb to care or they share his values...which are worth nothing. What supreme narcissism to refer to his opponent as crooked Hillary when he, in fact, is actually the only crook in this presidential election.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
4
This is hardly the first time Pam Bondi took money from someone/something that she was investigating.
Back in the day, Bondi's Republican predecessor had begun an investigation into Jacksonville-based Lender Processing Services, the people who put the "robo" in robosigning. The FBI had actually set up shop in the LPS building in Jacksonville to investigate. LPS made campaign "contributions" to Bondi, as did its employees and their wives, members of the LPS legal team, and LPS affiliates as far away as Texas. Bondi took office, promptly fired the two Florida AG attorneys who had been tasked with investigating LPS, and...end of investigation.
This is all a matter of public record.
There was more, but Bondi has a history of taking money from the very companies she's supposedly investigating and dropping the investigation once the money is in hand.
So why is the Trump thing such a surprise?
Back in the day, Bondi's Republican predecessor had begun an investigation into Jacksonville-based Lender Processing Services, the people who put the "robo" in robosigning. The FBI had actually set up shop in the LPS building in Jacksonville to investigate. LPS made campaign "contributions" to Bondi, as did its employees and their wives, members of the LPS legal team, and LPS affiliates as far away as Texas. Bondi took office, promptly fired the two Florida AG attorneys who had been tasked with investigating LPS, and...end of investigation.
This is all a matter of public record.
There was more, but Bondi has a history of taking money from the very companies she's supposedly investigating and dropping the investigation once the money is in hand.
So why is the Trump thing such a surprise?
186
What, you mean that the mass of evidence shows that Pam Bondi is corrupt, and will take cash payoffs and trips to Hawaii as recompense for favorable treatment of the donors? How can that be? Mr. Trump himself attests that she is "beyond reproach."
Trump must mean "beyond my ability to reproach, because I am the one bribing her, and thus equally legally culpable." He assumes that everyone lives by the same criminal standards that he does - which is why he is constantly accusing Clinton of being a crook.
Trump must mean "beyond my ability to reproach, because I am the one bribing her, and thus equally legally culpable." He assumes that everyone lives by the same criminal standards that he does - which is why he is constantly accusing Clinton of being a crook.
If this is trueand provable, she should be impeached, disbarred and jailed. I believe that most candidates for attorney general around the country seek the office because they wish to prosecute public office corruption, among other types of crime. But in the case of Ms. Bondi, it appears she sought the office im irder to corrupt itfor personal gain. Despicable.
2
Where is the media on this? Seriously...where are they? This is no longer humorous or even mildly amusing. Months of hearing the drumbeat against Clinton by the GOP and the media about any number of things that have not come to fruition. And months of Trump: his outrageous comments, accusations, his lack of remorse, no taxes, his bizarre doctor note, his ignorance and lies...where are they now? Will they be there when he attempts to run this country like he owns it? And Steve Bannon and Roger Ailes are both set loose in the halls of the White House? How many years will these dangerous fools set us back? Will the media pay attention then?
7
“When you give, they do whatever the hell you want them to do.”
like it or not it's the way things are and trump, as a private citizen, did what he did on his own and when fined, paid...no doubt thinking of the fines themselves at part of the cost of doing business....so, unlike hillary, he's been prosecuted and penalized.
the florida example is only an allegation, subject to investigation, (and worth a try at that)...no such option is available to the electorate in the case of hillary clinton, who throughout her own shady dealings (and open wounds, like smashing devices), held high office in the government of the united states of america.
like it or not it's the way things are and trump, as a private citizen, did what he did on his own and when fined, paid...no doubt thinking of the fines themselves at part of the cost of doing business....so, unlike hillary, he's been prosecuted and penalized.
the florida example is only an allegation, subject to investigation, (and worth a try at that)...no such option is available to the electorate in the case of hillary clinton, who throughout her own shady dealings (and open wounds, like smashing devices), held high office in the government of the united states of america.
1
No, he hasn't been prosecuted.
1
Add Bribery to Trump's illegal activities.
11
bribery is what everybody else does, Republicans only give alms to good, general interest causes....
1
He is paying his penalties.
Let's do an equally in depth review of the Times' candidate and see what we see.
How about we start being honest in our examination of both candidates?
What's the concern?
Let's do an equally in depth review of the Times' candidate and see what we see.
How about we start being honest in our examination of both candidates?
What's the concern?
1
I am curious about Mr. Pence opinion with regards to the this topic. He compared Clinton as the most corrupted since President Nixon. Can someone do me us a favor and ask Mr. Pence?
6
Isn't bribery a jailable offense?
5
Not when there's no-one to prosecute. Who is going to prosecute here?
Yeah! So what else is new?
They all do it. Anyone who has made it successfully in politics has skeletons in his/her closet, has done "favors" for the powerful, and always has a "what's in it for me and mine" attitude. If they don't, their rise up the political ladder ends with town dog catcher! After all, it's the American way!
They all do it. Anyone who has made it successfully in politics has skeletons in his/her closet, has done "favors" for the powerful, and always has a "what's in it for me and mine" attitude. If they don't, their rise up the political ladder ends with town dog catcher! After all, it's the American way!
1
america, on its way to bananastan
Another demonstration of personal immunity from the Rule of Law by the Trump/Ailes team.
It isn't surprising that his supporters applaud Trump's intention to freely disregard the Constitution as well.
It isn't surprising that his supporters applaud Trump's intention to freely disregard the Constitution as well.
3
"Brush" with the rules? C'mon, NYT. You are suggesting this is ok behavior. Call a bribe a bribe. You are giving him a pass. Honestly, I don't get the double standard. You force us to read endless diatribes and editorials scolding Hillary for her server and family foundation. And then let Trump off with a cute headline about brush with the rules.
6
For Donald Trump: Show me the taxes. Show me the money.
Why the Republicans and supporters put up with his nonsense is beyond.
Why the Republicans and supporters put up with his nonsense is beyond.
9
So you go to a baseball game and the hometown team manager walks out before the game and hands the umpire an envelope filled with cash - that's a bribe. But when a businessman hands a politician an envelope filled with cash - that's a "campaign contribution". Furthermore, the politician tells you that it had zero impact on their decision making - does anyone believe that?
3
What about a contribution to a "charity" you control? Does that count?
The IRS has very strict rules on how a charity distributes its funds. There's never been any "self dealing" in the Clinton Foundation. It's illegal. Charity Watch has graded the Clinton Foundation an "A", higher than the American Red Cross.
2
Can an average citizen get away with what Trump got away with?
If not, this is out and out bribery. Call it what you want.
If someone has a better explanation, I look forward to it.
If not, this is out and out bribery. Call it what you want.
If someone has a better explanation, I look forward to it.
153
Sadly, this continuing activity along with the ability to get away with just a slap on the wrist is shredding what is left of any democracy in America.
A non-event concocted by the mainstream media to discredit DJT.
Really? Bribing a public official in order to avoid prosecution for fraud is a non event?
Why else would The Donald be giving to the Florida Attorney General's campaign?
2
A gangster and a thief through and through. No truth, no honor. Donations? No. Bribes? Clearly.
3
The hypocracy of the GOP is never ending. Just take Jason Chaffetz who once more calls for an inquiry about Hillary Clinton's e-mails but they seem never question or ask for inquieries about Trump's wrong doings or shady business deals and never mind his possibly questionable income tax filings. The news media do not seem to question the hypocracy of the GOP much either for it surely could voice its concern about the unfair treatment of Hillary Clinton, Dr. Krugman in the New York Times certainly did.
6
It is time that the media started paying attention to factual matters regarding Trump, such as this BRIBE, or his Trump University lawsuits, or his wife's failure to "explain" her immigration status (as his campaign PROMISED would be done), or a host of other inconsistencies, irregularities and illegalities that have been committed by Trump, his associates, his family and his campaign.
He says Hillary Clinton is crooked. Coming from Donald Trump, one can only say that given his lengthy (40 year) career of engaging in crooked activities, that is hypocrisy to the Nth degree. And some people trust this guy. Unbelievable.
He says Hillary Clinton is crooked. Coming from Donald Trump, one can only say that given his lengthy (40 year) career of engaging in crooked activities, that is hypocrisy to the Nth degree. And some people trust this guy. Unbelievable.
12
The Times claims to be professional; professionals follow stories to their conclusions; why can't the Times follow even one of the stories about transparently corrupt Trump to its conclusion?
1
Funny how much noise is made about the Clinton Foundation....a group trying to eradicate AIDS and Malaria; and almost comical silence on Trump's Foundation.
Trump's group hasn't provided much good of any sort, except apparently to pay off Attorney's General who decide if they're going to prosecute Trump's "University" scam.
Trump's group hasn't provided much good of any sort, except apparently to pay off Attorney's General who decide if they're going to prosecute Trump's "University" scam.
7
Interesting information, but because it comes from the "corrupt" and "biased" New York Times, it will not be read or considered valid by Trump supporters. Bannon and Trump have brainwashed this particular group of voters into believing that facts are always questionable when presented by any MSM news outlet.
Rupert's Confederacy of Dunces will march on, misinformed and scared out of their wits.
Rupert's Confederacy of Dunces will march on, misinformed and scared out of their wits.
3
Sounds like a conspiracy doesn't it, Lil50?
Correction: Ailes's and Drumpf's Confederacy of Dunces.
Mr. Trump says he is going to "take and keep" Iraqi and Libyan oil. We have been busy informing Arab governments of his plans and are they the reason the U.S. Secret Service recently announced 12000 new job openings?
2
Show us the Tax Returns!!
4
Gives new perspective to Trump's perpetual claim, "I can fix it."
3
Interesting that he is so shy he doesn't want to disclose which charities he donates to but has no qualms about blatantly bribing public officials.
1
Looks like there's a hearse in the background. Fitting.
2
Two wrongs do not make a right, but it should go without saying every single person with money or power is attempting to sway those with influnce. Trump is wrong, but so is the rest of countless thousands in history's past who have influnce peddled.
18
Stop trying to cover for him. You are saying because other people have done it, we should allow him to also? Trump is running for president and should be held accountable for his actions. Lock him up.
2
Trump is running as an 'outsider'. He's presenting himself to the poorly educated as their champion. Their voice against the rigged system. Which makes his entire campaign, and the medias inability to confront him effectively, particularly galling. And destructive.
1
Yes, but they aren't going to be elected president in 2016. Let's aspire to something better.
in 2013, Bondi's spokewoman told the Orlando Sentinel that " Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's office is reviewing the New York lawsuit's allegations, to determine whether Florida should join the multi-state case."
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-09-13/business/os-trump-institu...
According to this article Bondi's officie is now saying that "the office never gave any thought to joining in the New York attorney general’s case."
Someone is lying, and given that Bondi's office is also now acting like they had only one complaint. But
#1) Dozens of complaints were on file with the AG's office -- most filed while her predecessor was in office -- but complaints don't expire when a new AG takes over
#2) Bondi's office was looking into whether to join the NY lawsuit, which included multiple instances of Floridians who got ripped off.
This stinks to high heaven, and its about time that the Times started reporting on this in detail. Just because the TImes got p'wnd by the Post on this story doesn't mean its not important.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-09-13/business/os-trump-institu...
According to this article Bondi's officie is now saying that "the office never gave any thought to joining in the New York attorney general’s case."
Someone is lying, and given that Bondi's office is also now acting like they had only one complaint. But
#1) Dozens of complaints were on file with the AG's office -- most filed while her predecessor was in office -- but complaints don't expire when a new AG takes over
#2) Bondi's office was looking into whether to join the NY lawsuit, which included multiple instances of Floridians who got ripped off.
This stinks to high heaven, and its about time that the Times started reporting on this in detail. Just because the TImes got p'wnd by the Post on this story doesn't mean its not important.
4
The Donald knows best all crooked deals and all frauds that are out there. He has done them all and he knows them best. If there is one guy who has done pay for play it is the Donald, a nasty and crooked guy who is unhinged and knows nothing about country, laws or decency. He presents to the country his tacky version of billionaire that paints everything golden but behind the paint there is the crumbling Donald, his failed businesses, his pretending of giving millions to charity which turn out to be a single single donation and his foundation that instead of spending the Donald's money spends other's money on Trumps businesses. Oh and not to forget the many he defrauded with his fake university schemes. Indeed, if there is one crooked guy who knows it is the Donald and he does it: One crooked deal after the next. We yet have to see his TAXES, which may turn out also as fake as his University.
4
Let me see if I get this straight. Donald Trump brazenly bribes public officials so they will not sue him for blatantly lying to and cheating Americans out of their savings, and that's just a brush with the rules. Meanwhile the Clintons use their connections to raise millions upon millions of dollars to save and improve the lives of countless poor and displaced people struggling throughout the world, and that's a dark cloud and a scandal. Are we living in Bizarro world?
11
It was the Attorney General of Florida who pushed GW Bush into the Presidency. This could be Trump's means to litigate his path to the Presidency.
5
And the slack-jawed, sloe-eyed, thick-browed Trumpeteers think this is the guy who will shake up the system enough to save their skins. This doofus reminds me of the endearing Peanuts character, Pigpen, who trails a cloud of carpet knap, dust, lint and hair with him everywhere he goes; only this hypocritical fraud is much, much dirtier.
3
So, it's ok for Trump to contribute to politicians for thing that he wants.
2
Biondi is the person that called Bloomberg a "billionaire bully" for pointing out he opposition to a Clean Air Act in Florida.
Now the "bully" is Hillary.
Biondi should grow up and defend her actions without name calling....
Now the "bully" is Hillary.
Biondi should grow up and defend her actions without name calling....
2
Republicans and the right-wing media are willing to excoriate the Clinton Foundation, a charity that saves lives around the world, simply because of their irrational thirty year hatred of Bill and Hillary. Yet, when conservatives are guilty of actual bribery (not just in Florida, but Texas also), they are silent. Hypocrites, every single last one of them.
7
so the NYT will fall all over itself to declare, over and over, that corrupt HRC's Clinton foundation is just fine in whatever it does and that "there is no proof" of pay to play on her part, and then go ahead and publish this hatchet job full of innuendo and it is perfectly alright. Its perfectly alright because this time its a Republican. Hypocrites.
3
It is obviously all right with you when a Republican does it.
2
Nice article. Now, will you be doing follow-up? Or, is this just a one-and-done article since you have been taking heat for your blatantly biased coverage of Mrs. Clinton?
5
Pam Bondi needs to resign immediately. She is a disgrace as the Florida Attorney General. Her standard is, "where there is smoke there is fire." If we use that standard then we can say she's guilty. Her latest ruse is to blame Hillary Clinton for her acceptance of what appears to be a bribe. Governor Scott needs to ask for her resignation and start an inquiry into what seems to be the buying of the attorney general's office. As to Drumpf well let's hope that the NY AG's case is rock solid.
4
Governor Scott was elected as a biz whiz after his company ripped off Medicare for a couple of billions of dollars. He's not going to do anything about this.
Dear NYT, as one of the last newspapers of merit still standing, you have a moral responsibility to help bring down this con-artist with every ounce of investigative-journalism still left in you. This man is too corrupt, too self-serving, too dangerous, too un-American, too fake, to be allowed anywhere near the presidency.
7
We've gone from "whatever the traffic will bear" to "whatever your expensive legal department can help you get a way with." O Pioneers!
2