There IS evidence of coordination. Please read Malcolm Nance's book, "The Plot to Hack America," which came out two months prior to the 2016 election. Nearly everything he demonstrates in the book has come to pass. Nance is a former U.S. Naval intelligence agent. He also wrote a book about how to defeat ISIS, and Trump allegedly wanted to meet with him before the inauguration. However, after having seen Trump's disdain for the intelligence community, Nance refused. Nance is often a guest on radio and TV shows (e.g., MSNBC, CNN, etc.), and had been during the campaign. The book left me petrified about the future of our country and the Constitution. It IS a worse scandal that Watergate; I have lived through both. Just read the book.
3
I would place the 5th factor listed in the article, ideological alliance, as number one. Putin appears to be a hero to white supremacists and other extreme cultural conservatives throughout the West. The very fabric of our Constitution and its resulting institutions is at great risk of disappearing under the boot of Trump's covert Confederacy. At some point Fox News and its more moderate Republicans audience will need to decide whether the American experiment is worth preserving. The rest of us can kick and scream, but it will be up to them.
34
I believe trump has financial ties and that's why he won't release his tax returns. I don't lightly dismiss the dossier. Several people possibly connected to it have been kidnapped or killed in Russia. The mi6 ex agent, Christopher Steele is in hiding for fear of his life. I think this will prove to be credible.
Bannon is the biggest danger of all. He believes there is already a war happening with Islam and he wants it. He and Putin are in the same place on this.
Bannon is the biggest danger of all. He believes there is already a war happening with Islam and he wants it. He and Putin are in the same place on this.
53
Manafort, close friend of Putin, former Trump campaign chair, former king-maker in Ukraine who also opened Ukrainian negotiations for gas deals with Exxon whose former CEO is Tillerson, Trump Secretary of State.....this plate of political spaghetti of intertwined intrigue is fascinating....
Bannon and the alt-right boys are playing with fire in cozening up to Putin for his anti-Muslim protect the white culture sentiments, but Putin eats people like Bannon for breakfast. And then Trump for lunch if he doesn't get to destroy NATO first.
When we figure this out, Trump will have to leave office, though I would like to see his tax returns first.
Bannon and the alt-right boys are playing with fire in cozening up to Putin for his anti-Muslim protect the white culture sentiments, but Putin eats people like Bannon for breakfast. And then Trump for lunch if he doesn't get to destroy NATO first.
When we figure this out, Trump will have to leave office, though I would like to see his tax returns first.
49
Circumstantial evidences suggest that the fourth explanation is quite plausible and cannot be disregarded:
Compromising material does not need to be about Trump's "sexapades". The dossier may contain reasons behind Trump's steadfast denial to disclose his tax returns.
Trump has refused to denounce all of Putin's specific actions or positions. He keep denying his team's contacts with Russian intelligence even after Russian confirmed the same. His defense has been hollow and alarming ... even for republican members of congress and his supporters.
Trump is not an ideologue. He also does not have smarts or coherence of thoughts. Yet a group of pro-Russia advisers and cabinet members was assembled. This points to someone with dominating leverage over Trump.
Media has reported that Trump wasn’t pleased about not knowing the full contents of the executive order that made Bannon a permanent member of NSC. The order was authored by Bannon. It means that Bannon self-appointed himself to NSC. Despite such trickery, ever so willing to say "you are fired", Trump still has not shown willingness or courage to remove Bannon.
NYT reported that Russia chose to move forward with its own cruise missiles. Trump did not respond to it and managed to circumvent it through Thursday’s bizarre press conference. Perhaps by design?
Too many date points that suggest distinct possibility that both Putin and Bannon have dossiers on Trump, independently or jointly.
Compromising material does not need to be about Trump's "sexapades". The dossier may contain reasons behind Trump's steadfast denial to disclose his tax returns.
Trump has refused to denounce all of Putin's specific actions or positions. He keep denying his team's contacts with Russian intelligence even after Russian confirmed the same. His defense has been hollow and alarming ... even for republican members of congress and his supporters.
Trump is not an ideologue. He also does not have smarts or coherence of thoughts. Yet a group of pro-Russia advisers and cabinet members was assembled. This points to someone with dominating leverage over Trump.
Media has reported that Trump wasn’t pleased about not knowing the full contents of the executive order that made Bannon a permanent member of NSC. The order was authored by Bannon. It means that Bannon self-appointed himself to NSC. Despite such trickery, ever so willing to say "you are fired", Trump still has not shown willingness or courage to remove Bannon.
NYT reported that Russia chose to move forward with its own cruise missiles. Trump did not respond to it and managed to circumvent it through Thursday’s bizarre press conference. Perhaps by design?
Too many date points that suggest distinct possibility that both Putin and Bannon have dossiers on Trump, independently or jointly.
39
"But remember that Obama never came up with an effective approach to Syria. "
Oh ? and what, exactly, do you think Obama should have done ? Asked for a pink pony and nice nice from Assad ?
Sent in a few divisions of US troops on a direct collision with Russian military ?
Armed ISIS ?
I mean, you got better ?
In the real world, sometimes, no matter how horrible something is, there isn't a good solution (although Obama could have done more, I think without congress, to help Syrian Refugees)
Oh ? and what, exactly, do you think Obama should have done ? Asked for a pink pony and nice nice from Assad ?
Sent in a few divisions of US troops on a direct collision with Russian military ?
Armed ISIS ?
I mean, you got better ?
In the real world, sometimes, no matter how horrible something is, there isn't a good solution (although Obama could have done more, I think without congress, to help Syrian Refugees)
21
My explanation of Putin's actions:
It may be in the Russian policy manuals that whenever there is a chance to hurt an adversary without risk it should be done. The Internet seems well suited for such an action. It may not have any additional ulterior motive and may simply be opportunism.
It may be in Russia's interest that the weakest presidential candidate is elected. And just as in chess, when you can confuse and weaken your opponent, you do it: so Putin has been very successful indeed, given all the mayhem around Trump's election.
Here in Europe many are extremely suspicious of Putin's motives. Maybe his actions will quickly be forgotten in the US, but not here.
Some good that may come out of this election: awareness of
(1) The vulnerability of society to false, or even true but highly disruptive, information spread by the Internet.
(2) The large distance between men and women in society.
(3) The large psychological distance between the upper and lower classes, who give hardly any attention to each other.
(4) The large extent to which Europe, and its elites, lean on the US.
(5) The fundamental expansionistic attitude of Russia, contrary to all treaties and promises.
It may be in the Russian policy manuals that whenever there is a chance to hurt an adversary without risk it should be done. The Internet seems well suited for such an action. It may not have any additional ulterior motive and may simply be opportunism.
It may be in Russia's interest that the weakest presidential candidate is elected. And just as in chess, when you can confuse and weaken your opponent, you do it: so Putin has been very successful indeed, given all the mayhem around Trump's election.
Here in Europe many are extremely suspicious of Putin's motives. Maybe his actions will quickly be forgotten in the US, but not here.
Some good that may come out of this election: awareness of
(1) The vulnerability of society to false, or even true but highly disruptive, information spread by the Internet.
(2) The large distance between men and women in society.
(3) The large psychological distance between the upper and lower classes, who give hardly any attention to each other.
(4) The large extent to which Europe, and its elites, lean on the US.
(5) The fundamental expansionistic attitude of Russia, contrary to all treaties and promises.
25
Yes, the "Republicans who run the Senate and the F.B.I. need to pursue their investigations without the friendly deference they have generally shown to Trump so far." Absolutely!
So far, with the exception of some statements by a few Senators such as John McCain, Congressional Republicans have been shockingly reluctant to do so. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the current head of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee appears to be totally disinterested in investigating the connections between Russia and either Trump himself or those who've served either in his new administration or in his 2016 campaign. Instead, Chaffetz has decided to focus his energies on investigating who leaked the information about former White House National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, rather than Flynn's questionable contacts with Russia's ambassador to the U.S.
Whatever the motive or motives are behind Trump's embrace of Putin and Russia, the U.S. has never before had a situation where a candidate and then president has blindly embraced a foreign power to the degree that Trump and both his senior campaign and administration staff have embraced Russia.
This embrace, combined with the apparent Russian involvement in pre-election hacking, should give every American who values our nation's sovereignty, serious cause for concern. The only way to address these is through Congressional hearings and FBI investigations. Congressional Republicans need to do their part and hold hearings now.
So far, with the exception of some statements by a few Senators such as John McCain, Congressional Republicans have been shockingly reluctant to do so. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the current head of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee appears to be totally disinterested in investigating the connections between Russia and either Trump himself or those who've served either in his new administration or in his 2016 campaign. Instead, Chaffetz has decided to focus his energies on investigating who leaked the information about former White House National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, rather than Flynn's questionable contacts with Russia's ambassador to the U.S.
Whatever the motive or motives are behind Trump's embrace of Putin and Russia, the U.S. has never before had a situation where a candidate and then president has blindly embraced a foreign power to the degree that Trump and both his senior campaign and administration staff have embraced Russia.
This embrace, combined with the apparent Russian involvement in pre-election hacking, should give every American who values our nation's sovereignty, serious cause for concern. The only way to address these is through Congressional hearings and FBI investigations. Congressional Republicans need to do their part and hold hearings now.
24
Follow the money!
13
Oops know he knows NOTHING about the killing and torture in Putins Russia. He just like the Putin adoration and propaganda
2
How could this author not mention Secretary of State Rex "good boy!" Tillerman and Exxon-Mobil's 500 billion dollar deal in Russia, currently on hold due to sanctions? Former business executives frequently get offered ambassadorships, but an SOS with no experience in foreign affairs is unprecedented.
Since a whole bunch of experienced journalists can't (yet) get to the bottom of 45's business entanglements and tax returns, how does the IRS handle these situations? Do they assign dozens of agents to meticulously go over every submitted tax form? Since Trump has been lying pathologically since forever, what's to prevent him from submitting falsified tax forms? How would the IRS know if he omitted ventures in Russia? Do they have spies fluent in Putinese?
Rumors are Donald gets a 20% stake in the Russian-Exxon deal when it goes through.
Since a whole bunch of experienced journalists can't (yet) get to the bottom of 45's business entanglements and tax returns, how does the IRS handle these situations? Do they assign dozens of agents to meticulously go over every submitted tax form? Since Trump has been lying pathologically since forever, what's to prevent him from submitting falsified tax forms? How would the IRS know if he omitted ventures in Russia? Do they have spies fluent in Putinese?
Rumors are Donald gets a 20% stake in the Russian-Exxon deal when it goes through.
21
So now we're left counting on "the Republicans who run the Senate and the F.B.I." to act in the best interests of the United States?
Good luck with that. I'm betting on the "patriotic leakers, and journalists".
Good luck with that. I'm betting on the "patriotic leakers, and journalists".
24
The correct answer to this nefarious multiple-choice question could well be F: All of the above.
Mr. Leonhardt acknowledges that the five options are not mutually exclusive, but he fails to thoroughly connect the dots between them. As another commenter has suggested, Putin may well be Trump's "role model"; accept that premise, and A and E necessarily follow. And B, C, and D may all be natural outgrowths of the business relationships with the wealthy and powerful in Russia that Trump has quite clearly spent decades cultivating -- if he owes Russian oligarchs money, he and/or Moscow may well have leveraged these relationships to torpedo Hillary Clinton's candidacy (an outcome to their mutual benefit), and at some point along the line Russian intelligence compiled kompromat on Trump to be used as needed.
To me, the Russian connection is the one overarching concern that trumps every other Trumpian scandal to date, because it prompts a deadly serious question -- Is the seat of executive power in the United States under the sway of a hostile foreign power? Has the White House become a mere satellite of the Kremlin? If the answer is yes, then our very sovereignty as a nation becomes thrown into doubt.
Mr. Leonhardt acknowledges that the five options are not mutually exclusive, but he fails to thoroughly connect the dots between them. As another commenter has suggested, Putin may well be Trump's "role model"; accept that premise, and A and E necessarily follow. And B, C, and D may all be natural outgrowths of the business relationships with the wealthy and powerful in Russia that Trump has quite clearly spent decades cultivating -- if he owes Russian oligarchs money, he and/or Moscow may well have leveraged these relationships to torpedo Hillary Clinton's candidacy (an outcome to their mutual benefit), and at some point along the line Russian intelligence compiled kompromat on Trump to be used as needed.
To me, the Russian connection is the one overarching concern that trumps every other Trumpian scandal to date, because it prompts a deadly serious question -- Is the seat of executive power in the United States under the sway of a hostile foreign power? Has the White House become a mere satellite of the Kremlin? If the answer is yes, then our very sovereignty as a nation becomes thrown into doubt.
22
I'd combine points 1, 3, and 5: Mr. Trump sees virtue in a cooperative relationship with Russia that ignores Russian domestic affairs and actions in the states of the former Soviet Union, hundreds of miles behind the old frontiers of the USSR. That would be a reasonable US policy, but Trump also appears influenced by some ideological affinity to Russian "white Christian" nationalism. He may not be an ideologue, but his affinities on this seem clear, as well as his willingness to employ and empower ideologues. That may be alarming, but it's not illegal or corrupt. The key question is point #3: did Trump's desire for a closer relation and his affinity for the regime lead to collaboration between his campaign and Russian intelligence? It's hard to believe we'll see the "smoking guns", but there could have been a great deal of collaboration handled as "parallel activity" without explicit coordination. At this point, we should add a sixth issue: all of this furor has had the political effect of unwisely locking Democrats into a rabid Russophobia, making them loud advocates of a new Cold War. I doubt that position will be sustainable for the party: it will divide the opposition to Trump and distract the party from a domestic and economic agenda with broad popular appeal. In the absence of a "smoking gun", I fear this controversy will wear down the Democrats, more than it affects Trump.
3
Mr. Leonhardt, you define your fourth explanation -- "Russia has compromising material on Trump" -- too narrowly. The "compromising material" need not involve "a dossier compiled by private investigators" at all. If the Trump campaign solicited Russian intelligence to hack the DNC, then "Russia has compromising material on Trump" on that issue. If Trump is financially beholden to Russian interests and has been lying about these obligations (and why he is withholding his tax returns) for months, then "Russia has compromising material on Trump" on that issue.
It is akin to the sordid relationship J. Edgar Hoover once had with some high-ranking U.S. politicians. The politicians would solicit Hoover's aid in compromising a political opponent -- and then Hoover would turn right around and use their solicitation of him as a threat, gaining him personal job security and virtually unlimited funding for the FBI.
Whatever "business conspiracy" or "political conspiracy" Trump may have engaged in with the Russians, the proof of such a conspiracy is "compromising material on Trump" possessed by the Russians with which they can exact favorable treatment.
It is akin to the sordid relationship J. Edgar Hoover once had with some high-ranking U.S. politicians. The politicians would solicit Hoover's aid in compromising a political opponent -- and then Hoover would turn right around and use their solicitation of him as a threat, gaining him personal job security and virtually unlimited funding for the FBI.
Whatever "business conspiracy" or "political conspiracy" Trump may have engaged in with the Russians, the proof of such a conspiracy is "compromising material on Trump" possessed by the Russians with which they can exact favorable treatment.
12
We readers need David to report exactly WHAT evidence there is that Russia was involved at ALL in our election last Nov.
One person won and the loser was the sixth to have more votes but in the wrong places, so that seems to tell us any intervention failed.
There was clearly no hacking of election systems or totals.
The U.S. has seen sophisticated e-mail hacking since the 1990's. It makes one look foolish to try to blame all of that on any foreign government.
o, please David. Tell us how we KNOW Russia did anything, since their partnerships and deals with Hillary and Podesta were much stronger and more profitable that anything with Trump.
One person won and the loser was the sixth to have more votes but in the wrong places, so that seems to tell us any intervention failed.
There was clearly no hacking of election systems or totals.
The U.S. has seen sophisticated e-mail hacking since the 1990's. It makes one look foolish to try to blame all of that on any foreign government.
o, please David. Tell us how we KNOW Russia did anything, since their partnerships and deals with Hillary and Podesta were much stronger and more profitable that anything with Trump.
4
I'm pretty sure it was the conclusion of all of our intelligence agencies that Russia was involved in several ways, just as they are known to interfere in elections in many countries throughout the world. Sometimes it's not possible for the US government to tell the public everything they know because then everyone knows what they know and . . .you wouldn't believe they know it unless they explained in great detail the programs they used to find out and so forth. But it's well established that Russia was involved, at first just meddling and then later to actively try to help Trump. Maybe your question is "did they sway the election?" which is a different question and no one seems interested in the answer to that except Trump who in his supreme wisdom seems to know for a fact that Russia did not effect the outcome -- because they did not try. The principle involved is that Russia should not meddle in the elections of other nations. Trump created this false narrative that the question is "did Russia effect the outcome of the US election" but the real narrative is "Should Russia be stopped from interfering in the elections of any country on earth." Trump continues to push this narrative that things would be *worse* if HRC had been elected. Creating and battling a straw-man enemy as a distraction. Must we constantly be told that Trump was a pitiful consolation prize. Or as his campaign theme song went "You can't always get what you want . . . . . ."
9
We know that Russia hacked our elections in an effort to help Trump because of the declassified report issued by the Director of National Intelligence on January 6th. How are you still unaware of these findings?
11
I think it is much simpler. Putin is an authoritarian and politically incorrect. Trump likes both.
6
Trump has problems to be sure, and we won't see an investigation by Congress unless enough Republicans find the courage to defy the dark money that floods every election in the form of conservative think tanks and "social welfare" groups who create attack ads against anyone who doesn't follow orders. The enormous amounts of money flooding the system since Citizens United has had extraordinary negative influence in our elections, both local and national, to the point of convincing voters to elect representatives who don't have their interests at heart. I encourage you to read Jane Mayer's book Dark Money. Be prepared to be very afraid.
11
"The fourth explanation is the flimsiest: the idea, contained in a dossier compiled by private investigators, that Russia has compromising material on Trump. Unless real evidence emerges, I’d encourage you to ignore this theory.
The final possible motive — an ideological alliance — is in some ways the most alarming. "
Not at all. If there is indeed evidence that supports the fourth explanation, then that would be by far the most alarming. If Trump is compromised (aka blackmailed) then he would be willing to do anything - and I do mean anything - to make sure that he is never found out.
Yes, there may not be evidence, but if so, then it would be far worse than an ideological alliance. He could be persuaded to do whatever it took to satisfy his Russian masters.
The final possible motive — an ideological alliance — is in some ways the most alarming. "
Not at all. If there is indeed evidence that supports the fourth explanation, then that would be by far the most alarming. If Trump is compromised (aka blackmailed) then he would be willing to do anything - and I do mean anything - to make sure that he is never found out.
Yes, there may not be evidence, but if so, then it would be far worse than an ideological alliance. He could be persuaded to do whatever it took to satisfy his Russian masters.
4
No “business conspiracy” has precluded his criticism of China, for one.
1
If the Trump Organization were financed disproportionately by oligarchs close to Putin, then that business relationship explains Trump's hostility toward China. Putin would like to drive a wedge between the U.S. and China.
7
No US bank will lend him money, due to his multiple bankruptcies and obvious financial incompetence (building four casinos on one block in Atlantic City, Trump Steaks, Trump University, etc.), so he has to go overseas to get any liquidity, at great cost. He needs Putin's cash inflow, because his Daddy isn't around any longer ore to bail him out by sending flunkies down to buy chips at his casino.
He is underwater, in bed with fascist dictators, and way over his head.
He is underwater, in bed with fascist dictators, and way over his head.
20
I surely don't know the motive(s) of Trump's antics with respect to Russia. However, given his lengthy ego-centric history, I think it's not likely to take any form more lofty than self-interest and money. Those tax returns probably will explain a great deal of Trump's strange behavior.
9
That's all we should focus on -- getting the tax returns. There are many issues that concern many different groups, but all of America would benefit from a law demanding that Trump release his tax returns. Who would oppose such a law other than Trump himself? This is something Democrats and Republicans could and should support. There is no downside to America if such a law is passed.
8
Trump has put his own gain over National Security....He needs to go.
13
To para-phrase, "Russia, I don't have any business with Russia, I haven't ever made a phone call to Russia!" Yet this is disavowed by both his son's remarks (the son that is supposedly holding the Trump Empire in a blind trust, never to speak with his father until 2020 (or, horribly, 2024) and by the lawyer Michael D. Cohen and Felix H. Sater, "a business associate who has helped Mr. Trump scout deals in Russia" [NY Times February 20.] The New York Times, an institution I hold dear (Ah! The Failing NY Times fake news operation) has a very special job to do. UNEARTH these presently alluded to activities. The very future existence of the newspaper - every newspaper - depends on it.
13
Deutsche Bank may hold the key. The Justice Dept. is investigating the bank's ties to Russia, money laundering, violation of Ukraine/Crimea sanctions, and loans to the Trump and Kushner families.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
11
I'm for the leakers, patriotic or otherwise.
Dump the dirt on trump so we have legal recourse to dump Trump.
Dump the dirt on trump so we have legal recourse to dump Trump.
10
Reading this piece was a waste of two valuable minutes that I will never get back. Summary: Author has absolutely no idea what Trump is thinking or doing with regards to U.S relationship with Russia. The End.
2
The truth will come out.
It always does.
This has the feel of Watergate circa spring 1973 just after the Nixon landslide
and before the start of the Watergate hearings.
Any thoughts for which Trump staffer will be John Dean in this era?
It always does.
This has the feel of Watergate circa spring 1973 just after the Nixon landslide
and before the start of the Watergate hearings.
Any thoughts for which Trump staffer will be John Dean in this era?
5
One of the curious qualities of DJT's pathology is accusing perceived adversaries of the very lies and transgressions of which he is guilty -- a common tactic of schoolyard bullies. Perfect examples include the many epithets hurled against Hilary Clinton during the campaign -- "corrupt", "a bad person", "dishonest", "can't be trusted" and on and on and on... All these epithets culminated in the crowd pleasing chant: "Lock her up." So now we are faced with the unsurprising irony that indeed DJT is the one who not only should but will almost certainly be locked up. Of course, there is no need to shout the phrase with delirium like DJT's own supporters. As millions possibly billions of people across the world repeat the phrase in DJT's direction, there is no need to shout. The murmur of billions drowns out the shouts of the relative few. And so, let us each repeat, each in our own way, as quietly but effectively as we can: Lock him up. Freedom and democracy depends on the relentless pursuit of the truth.
9
Republicans and Democrats alike can agree unanimously that Trump cares more about Russia than the U.S. I would disagree with the author of this piece, however, that the idea that Russia has compromising material on Trump is unlikely. I think it's the most plausible theory. My guess is that it's something way worse than simply hookers peeing on beds. An investigation into Trump's treason is necessary.
7
While it is true that there is no evidence of compromising material in Russian hands that does not mean it is the "flimsiest" of possibilities. After all the compromising material could of course confirm the other theories or could be something else altogether. The idea that Putin could scandalize Trump if he failed to advance Russian friendly (or at least neutral) policies is very much consistent with pro forma Russian methodology. But business ties alone would likely not be serious enough to sink Trump. Nor would ideological sympathy with Putin be sufficient for Trump to be so complimentary especially since it adds little to his base and peels off many who might otherwise support him. And of course Trump's explanation that good relations with Russia are in our national interest is also not a winner electorally, and I am not inclined to think he is demonstrating moral character. That leaves election meddling or compromising material or some combination thereof. Fasten your seatbelts, its gonna be a bumpy ride.
52
I’m seeing Red!
Bullys unite
This matches Trumps character
What do the other 65% do? Those of us that are enlightened enough to see through fake news and scare tactics, are open-minded enough. We see that there’s no simple answer to life’s multi-faceted reality
We aren’t even the aggressive type, need to conserve that energy for brain power
This won’t help to fight even the other 35% that show they aren’t interested in playing fair or being decent
Let alone against the powerful, the corporations heads that own all of us
Bullys unite
This matches Trumps character
What do the other 65% do? Those of us that are enlightened enough to see through fake news and scare tactics, are open-minded enough. We see that there’s no simple answer to life’s multi-faceted reality
We aren’t even the aggressive type, need to conserve that energy for brain power
This won’t help to fight even the other 35% that show they aren’t interested in playing fair or being decent
Let alone against the powerful, the corporations heads that own all of us
3
He's a traitor, and so are all he cronies who have Russian ties. Get them all out of the White House. Congress: Get a hold of donald trumps tax returns, and let's see what's going on, once and for all. Either he's guilty, or he's not. I say guilty.
6
It has been reported that the Intelligence Community (IC) is withholding certain information for the White House and also that people were arrested in Russia who are accused of treason and working for America. This may lie at the heart of the hostility by the IC to Trump. If the cover of 3 or 4 long term US moles in Russian intelligence was blown just a few days after inauguration and the Trump inner circle is suspected it would go a long way to explain what's happening.
5
The political conspiracy seems like the most plausible. Even Obama administration officials were in touch with several foreign countries during the campaign and the transition. But there is no evidence to suggest that they discussed policy, especially with an 'enemy' nation. There is evidence that offers from foreign countries to discuss sensitive matters were turned down because they were not in government yet. I believe it is as much an ethics issue as it is a political and national security issue. Going by the Michael Flynn case, there is evidence that the Trump team did not act ethically. The FBI also needs to look into whether major policy issues have been discussed between the Trump team and the Russians during the campaign and the transition in return for business favors for the Trump company.
3
I'd like to throw in another theory. This is that Herr Trump personally finds strongmen and certain dictators engrossing and appealing. Trump himself acts in many ways like one. Perhaps he finds the concept or a strongman sexy and it appeals to his own vanities. If this idea is true, there would be clues embedded in the 40+ years of deal-making and press coverage.
33
I buy all of your "explanations," but I wonder if you've lost sight of the person you're talking about. These are all logical, based in reality. Couldn't it be as simple as these guys are his friends? They bailed him out of bankruptcy. They expressed support for his candidacy. They've got his back. What's not to love if you're DJT?
2
If any foreign government wanted Trump to win we'd have heard it from the Times and WaPo. There were weeks of hatred fired at Trump and the campaign chairperson but no indicator that the Russians wanted Trump over Hillary, who got the Uranium One deal through.
The reports that the Islamic governments were supporting Obama's candidacy were much stronger, along with money donated to that campaign through Hamas and the Palestinians.
And we can definitely say that the Muslim support paid off very handsomely for them with Obama, into the twelve-figure sums.
The reports that the Islamic governments were supporting Obama's candidacy were much stronger, along with money donated to that campaign through Hamas and the Palestinians.
And we can definitely say that the Muslim support paid off very handsomely for them with Obama, into the twelve-figure sums.
1
“The Republicans who run the Senate and the F.B.I.’ will not pursue investigations unless patriotic leakers and journalists make sure the truth comes out.
5
Apart from John McCain, I'm not seeing much backbone from the Republicans. If the GOP stonewalls and there are more damaging leaks, this foot-dragging could backfire on them. They would be seen as co-conspirators.
The reported volume of calls between the campaign and Russian officials makes me suspect that there was a coordinated effort to damage Clinton's prospects.
The reported volume of calls between the campaign and Russian officials makes me suspect that there was a coordinated effort to damage Clinton's prospects.
9
Mr. Leonhardt, how can you say Trump "merely flirts" with the alt right when his administration is being loaded with Breitbart veterans?
Bannon is the most visible, of course, and he probably is responsible for recruiting these people, but clearly the Trump administration is doing far, far more than "merely flirt" with the alt right!
Today the WaPo reports on one of the latest hires: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/for-a-trump-advis...
These are dangerous people who pursue a radical right wing agenda and who have been responsible for polluting American media with "fake news" for many years now. Trump does not listen to his intelligence briefings and has picked a fight with our intelligence community, but he does listen not just to Fox News but also to the deranged right wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who thinks Sandy Hook was a fake massacre and pushes the idea that 3-5M people voted illegally and only for Clinton.
These people have no business being anywhere near our government. They operate in synch with Putin's campaign to destabilize western democracies. They seriously endanger the security of this country.
Bannon is the most visible, of course, and he probably is responsible for recruiting these people, but clearly the Trump administration is doing far, far more than "merely flirt" with the alt right!
Today the WaPo reports on one of the latest hires: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/for-a-trump-advis...
These are dangerous people who pursue a radical right wing agenda and who have been responsible for polluting American media with "fake news" for many years now. Trump does not listen to his intelligence briefings and has picked a fight with our intelligence community, but he does listen not just to Fox News but also to the deranged right wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who thinks Sandy Hook was a fake massacre and pushes the idea that 3-5M people voted illegally and only for Clinton.
These people have no business being anywhere near our government. They operate in synch with Putin's campaign to destabilize western democracies. They seriously endanger the security of this country.
22
Readers here would profit by checking Breitbart regularly. The stories forbidden for discussion in the WaPo & NY Times often show up there and they don't load nearly as many cookies as Daily Caller.
Trump belongs to Bannon; they are inextricably entwined. Without a doubt, Bannon knows where the bodies are buried, who is indebted to whom, and who knew what when. Trump can't ever jettison Bannon; the alt-right backlash would be devastating.
Bannon seeks power through chaos, and the Russian connection can only help him gain that power.
Bannon seeks power through chaos, and the Russian connection can only help him gain that power.
9
I agree that foreigners should not influence American elections. No campaign funds or political contributions should be allowed from non-US citizens. The United States should also refrain from influencing elections in other countries. The penalties should be reasonably severe.
Now try to enforce this, especially the latter part. The United States has worked to influence elections and political movements around the world. It has always had favored candidates in foreign elections and has found ways, overt and covert, to help them.
A classic present-day example of this is Israel. Israeli citizens are prime players in American elections, and vice-versa. Many enjoy "dual citizenship," a diversionary way around this issue. Millions of dollars are contributed to Israel-friendly candidates in the United States by Israelis, primarily to the Democratic Party. I think this should be stopped along with all of the other examples from Russia to the People's Republic of China to Mexico and to every other country in the world. Illegal immigrants taking part in our political process should be immediately deported, including those involved in advocacy groups. No foreign influence!
This should also apply to "in-kind" contributions, such as participating in voter registration drives, taking part in political rallies, sending money to relatives overseas to donate, and a myriad of other ways to influence politics in countries not their own.
Singling out the Russians is not enough.
Now try to enforce this, especially the latter part. The United States has worked to influence elections and political movements around the world. It has always had favored candidates in foreign elections and has found ways, overt and covert, to help them.
A classic present-day example of this is Israel. Israeli citizens are prime players in American elections, and vice-versa. Many enjoy "dual citizenship," a diversionary way around this issue. Millions of dollars are contributed to Israel-friendly candidates in the United States by Israelis, primarily to the Democratic Party. I think this should be stopped along with all of the other examples from Russia to the People's Republic of China to Mexico and to every other country in the world. Illegal immigrants taking part in our political process should be immediately deported, including those involved in advocacy groups. No foreign influence!
This should also apply to "in-kind" contributions, such as participating in voter registration drives, taking part in political rallies, sending money to relatives overseas to donate, and a myriad of other ways to influence politics in countries not their own.
Singling out the Russians is not enough.
3
tRUMP has only recently "tempered" his pro-Russian comments recently in an attempt to deflect attention and opinion away from this scandal. He's in it with Putin up to his orange tinged eyeballs. The information is out there and the wheels are in motion. He will be impeached over this. They're letting it play out slowly to soften the blow, but the hit is coming.
11
Whether he, or his staff are owned by Russia or wish to emulate the Oligarchy, they are off to a stunning start.
Our spineless and amoral public servants are reprehensible.
Good Luck and Godspeed to the press and their allies.
Our spineless and amoral public servants are reprehensible.
Good Luck and Godspeed to the press and their allies.
18
For what little it is worth, I disagree that your "fourth" possibility is the weakest. Rather, the sort of behavior the dossier profiles is closely aligned with what Trump himself has demonstrated. If we can get transcripts of phone calls between Trump campaign officials and Russian politicians, video-tape evidence in support of the dossier seems within easy reach. And, the existence of such supporting evidence and the power it would exert over a Trump administration does a very good job of explaining why the US is becoming a Russia apologist.
7
Trump seems to need recognition, affection, respect, etc. desperately. Who likes him? People with deplorable values(white supremacy, xenophobia, nationalism, etc.), people who believe America's way forward is to magically return to the 1950's, and people who found the Republicans' ridiculous caricature of Hillary Clinton compelling for whatever reason (having nothing to do with the actual person). That's not a lot of people. What they lack in numbers they make up for in intensity and devotion, but he knows the score. Putin shows him respect, he's in. Doesn't hurt that Putin can probably pull the plug on Trump's business 'empire' by calling-in or even just making public Trump's debts to Russian parties. Putin's interest? A malleable US leader and a compromised America. I imagine he likes Trump a lot.
8
IN addition to owing lots of money to R oligarchs and wanting the naming rights to more buildings in R's sphere of influence, he probably has been promised a cut of the HUGE wealth that will come to Putin and EXXON when the sanctions are ended and they take a LOT of oil from Russian land that EXXON invested in but can't develop yet. Of course that not only enriches all of them, it also ends our grandkids' ability to live well on this earth.
9
Trump doesn't love this country. He is forever dissing America, her cities and its inhabitants. So it is not a stretch to think he is a sellout. A traitor.
True patriots will keep an eye on ball: Russia, Russia, Russia!!!
True patriots will keep an eye on ball: Russia, Russia, Russia!!!
12
Well, the theory you deem "the flimsiest" (that Russia has compromising evidence on Trump) overlaps with the business conspiracy theory (that Trump has business ties with the Russians that he wants to keep secret). So this theory cannot be ignored even at this point. Of course, real evidence is required for the first three of your potential conspiracy explanations and would be helped by the release of Trump's tax returns so the feds could follow the money.
As to the "ideological alliance" explanation, it strikes me that the evidence already supports this motive as an underlying (and at least partial) explanation for Trump's actions. The alt-right idolizes Putin for the reasons you note. Bannon is alt-right and was chosen by Trump to run his campaign. He was also chosen by Trump after the election to be his closest adviser. Trump also made it a point during the election to court alt-right supporters (through dog whistles, racial innuendo and praise of Putin). Also, and perhaps most importantly, Trump is himself an autocrat and goes out of his way (and maybe his mind) to denigrate democratic institutions such as a free press and an independent judiciary.
The ideological alliance explanation, already sufficiently proven, should alone be sufficient to question Trump's motives and loyalties as president. And if the extent of his campaign's contacts with the Russians had been known to the public before the election, he likely would not be president now.
As to the "ideological alliance" explanation, it strikes me that the evidence already supports this motive as an underlying (and at least partial) explanation for Trump's actions. The alt-right idolizes Putin for the reasons you note. Bannon is alt-right and was chosen by Trump to run his campaign. He was also chosen by Trump after the election to be his closest adviser. Trump also made it a point during the election to court alt-right supporters (through dog whistles, racial innuendo and praise of Putin). Also, and perhaps most importantly, Trump is himself an autocrat and goes out of his way (and maybe his mind) to denigrate democratic institutions such as a free press and an independent judiciary.
The ideological alliance explanation, already sufficiently proven, should alone be sufficient to question Trump's motives and loyalties as president. And if the extent of his campaign's contacts with the Russians had been known to the public before the election, he likely would not be president now.
7
Mr. Leonhardt, you write:
"The fourth explanation is the flimsiest: the idea, contained in a dossier compiled by private investigators, that Russia has compromising material on Trump. Unless real evidence emerges, I’d encourage you to ignore this theory."
Mr. Leonhardt, I assume that you realize that by phrasing this particular section of your op-ed the way that you did, and not explaining why we should "ignore" this theory, that you are merely piquing everyone's interest in the "flimsiest" explanation? That, or you are working for the Russians and trying to throw NYT readers off the track.
You may recall the January 10 press conference at which Mr. Trump carried on -- protesting too much in my opinion -- about how the dossier to which you refer was "fake news" and assuring us that he was acutely aware of possible surveillance: "Be very careful, because in your hotel rooms and no matter where you go you’re going to probably have cameras," he warned. He added of course that he was a "germaphobe" -- that by way of explaining why he would never be in a room where prostitutes were urinating on a bed once slept in by Mr. Trump's predecessor.
I think that since he delivered those remarks January 10, we have learned a great deal about the idiosyncracies, pathologies and behaviors of our new president.
Enough that I would call the explanation above for Mr. Trump's Russophilia the "strongest," rather than the "flimsiest."
"The fourth explanation is the flimsiest: the idea, contained in a dossier compiled by private investigators, that Russia has compromising material on Trump. Unless real evidence emerges, I’d encourage you to ignore this theory."
Mr. Leonhardt, I assume that you realize that by phrasing this particular section of your op-ed the way that you did, and not explaining why we should "ignore" this theory, that you are merely piquing everyone's interest in the "flimsiest" explanation? That, or you are working for the Russians and trying to throw NYT readers off the track.
You may recall the January 10 press conference at which Mr. Trump carried on -- protesting too much in my opinion -- about how the dossier to which you refer was "fake news" and assuring us that he was acutely aware of possible surveillance: "Be very careful, because in your hotel rooms and no matter where you go you’re going to probably have cameras," he warned. He added of course that he was a "germaphobe" -- that by way of explaining why he would never be in a room where prostitutes were urinating on a bed once slept in by Mr. Trump's predecessor.
I think that since he delivered those remarks January 10, we have learned a great deal about the idiosyncracies, pathologies and behaviors of our new president.
Enough that I would call the explanation above for Mr. Trump's Russophilia the "strongest," rather than the "flimsiest."
3
WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE??? If the shoe were on the Democratic foot and the Dems were doing the illegal and unconstitutional things T-Rump is doing, the GOP would be heating vats of tar while carrying pitch-forks and torches! Instead, ..... crickets. Has the Republican Party become so diseased and corrupted that they are willing to sacrifice our Democracy for some money? Don't any of them have families that they might want to leave a healthy planet, and country for? Where is the shame?
9
No real investigation of the Russian connection to Trump will occur within the government. The Republican controlled Congress gains nothing by bringing down Trump and potentially loses a lot. FBI Director has already thrown his lot with Trump too. It will be up to the press.
5
One of the keys is the release of Trump's tax returns. His refusal to release them signals very strongly that he is hiding something from the American people. That, along with Trump's fawning over Putin makes a great many people nervous.
7
Toward the end of this column, there is one point that jumped-out at me and, I believe, might be a key consideration. Early in the Trump Regime, Reinc e Priebus was considered to have more power in the Inner Circle, as there were no counrtrer-claims by Trimp or any of his other top adv visors. But now, as Bannon and, lets not forget Jared Kushner, have been recognized as key players in determining Latin American Policy at the NSC. Priebus on the NSC is a distraction, Bannon on it is clearly a dangerous situation.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
Anybody who has studied the USSR and Russia worries, because it is just impossible that there is nothing behind this strange affinity of Trump to Russia. He is just not that complicated.
In regard to your fourth possibility "the idea, contained in a dossier compiled by private investigators, that Russia has compromising material on Trump." I would not ignore it just because it sounds so far-fetched. I do not think they have any sex tapes. I think they have proof of financial deals and possibly they have his Tax returns.
It was and continue to be about his tax returns. If he continues to stonewall on the tax returns, eventually they will be leaked by someone or some foreign state - and Russia may just do it if Trump does not dance.
In regard to your fourth possibility "the idea, contained in a dossier compiled by private investigators, that Russia has compromising material on Trump." I would not ignore it just because it sounds so far-fetched. I do not think they have any sex tapes. I think they have proof of financial deals and possibly they have his Tax returns.
It was and continue to be about his tax returns. If he continues to stonewall on the tax returns, eventually they will be leaked by someone or some foreign state - and Russia may just do it if Trump does not dance.
2
Our guy in office and the Russians share a policy that
• appeals to anxious people who are worried about their local culture
• defends the oil industry (Putin's major study in his college days)
• projects domineering "strength"
• diminishes state support of disadvantaged citizens
• supports the wealthy, regardless of how they became wealthy
• enables the consolidation of business activities and the concentration of wealth such consolidation produces
• supports a meritocracy measured in amassed currency, over all other measurable standards of quality work
• engages in direct, blunt confrontation
• does not tolerate dissent
• treats the role of government as a competition, rather than a means to promote and manage an egalitarian, just society
• really, really aims to make a lot of money, and share it with those worthy supporters
All's fair in love and war....and business.
It's just a game, right?
• appeals to anxious people who are worried about their local culture
• defends the oil industry (Putin's major study in his college days)
• projects domineering "strength"
• diminishes state support of disadvantaged citizens
• supports the wealthy, regardless of how they became wealthy
• enables the consolidation of business activities and the concentration of wealth such consolidation produces
• supports a meritocracy measured in amassed currency, over all other measurable standards of quality work
• engages in direct, blunt confrontation
• does not tolerate dissent
• treats the role of government as a competition, rather than a means to promote and manage an egalitarian, just society
• really, really aims to make a lot of money, and share it with those worthy supporters
All's fair in love and war....and business.
It's just a game, right?
3
To the silent members of the GOP: All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. Just remember that the whole world is watching you right now. With fear and disbelief. What legacy do you want history to remember you by? What are you going to tell your grand-children when they one day ask you what you did, when Bannon and Trump rose to power? Please stand up to the craziness we all are witnessing from what used to be a country and leadership we adored and relied on. But are now terrified of.
14
The Trump Organization, having become toxic to US lenders, became dependent on "alternative" sources of $$, likely including $$ looted by Russian oligarchs. This made Trump an easy mark for Russian interference in our election, the objective of which is to end the sanctions. Trump's "bromance" with Putin is simply an act of self-preservation. The cost to America for this unholy alliance is incalculable.
8
I suppose it shouldn't, but it continues to confound me that all those Trump supporters who were all over Secretary Clinton for being "dishonest", a "liar", "totally corrupt", and on and on, are so completely unwilling to demand honesty, truth, and transparency from Mr Trump. Especially on an issue as serious as his relationship with, and beholdenness to, Russia and Putin. Especially considering the public statement by his son, the involvement of his staff, his cabinet choices, and his refusal to release his taxes - the one action that would provide truth and clarity, and clear this whole issue up. Those same people who jumped on every crazy rumor about Secretary Clinton as if they were gospel, are now refusing to demand that Mr Trump be held accountable in light of verified facts. Not only refusing to demand it, but actively opposing discovery of the facts. I can understand the Republican Congress going that route - they've got big dogs in this right - but the apparent deliberate, combative ignorance and hypocrisy of so many of his supporters is just... amazing!
30
The first thing Putin did when he took power was to discredit and hobble the media. Sound familiar? This is an open plea to the (not-failing, and not FAKE news) NYT and other legitimate media outlets - do not let this crook Trump and his GOP cronies, (who are only interested in making themselves richer), get away with turning America into an authoritarian state. John McCain is right, those who don't remember the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them.
11
I've believed from the beginning that Trump ran to enrich himself and his family. And I also believe that this unhinged president with a history of unethical behavior admires Putin not only because he sees him as a strong leader but because Putin is now the richest man in the world. And why is Putin the richest man in the world? Because he stole from his own people.
14
I fail to understand why a very thorough background check isn't required prior to throwing your hat in the ring. Business,personal, financial. Everyone going to work in the White House is required to undergo a background check and several have already been fired and escorted out after the results are in. I expected the voters to reject someone with multiple bankruptcies, 3500 lawsuits filed against him, a fraudulent university and multiple sexual assault complaints. But apparently none of that mattered and look where we are now. An independent agency conducting the search, including requiring tax returns, would have saved us from a lot of misery.
16
Before the 2020 election a background check, psychiatric check, release of tax returns and getting rid of the archaic Electoral College should all be put in place. Not the way some of these are now especially that the Monster in the WH can just skip releasing his tax returns. We all know that it reveals a mountain of things about him that he is afraid to have put out to the Americans.
3
As a doctor I was subjected to numerous background checks. My wife, a police officer, underwent the same scrutiny. Why shouldn't the leader of the free world be subjected to the same standards?
2
Dear Mr. Leonhardt,
How about some NYT comment on tha amazingly stupid and aggressive strategy the "EU-leaders" are intending to pursue towards their NATO partner, the UK?
Marine Le Pen's comments have been eminently sensible and show that the people who control the "EU" are the real exteremists and that it always was a really stupid idea to be in the "EU".
How about some NYT comment on tha amazingly stupid and aggressive strategy the "EU-leaders" are intending to pursue towards their NATO partner, the UK?
Marine Le Pen's comments have been eminently sensible and show that the people who control the "EU" are the real exteremists and that it always was a really stupid idea to be in the "EU".
6
Most of the answers are in the tax returns of the so-called president.
He should be hammered and badgered incessantly until they are released. No hearings for Gorsuch, no more nominations of judges at any level, until tax returns are released.
He should be hammered and badgered incessantly until they are released. No hearings for Gorsuch, no more nominations of judges at any level, until tax returns are released.
23
"Stephen Bannon, President Trump's chief political strategist and, after Trump, the most powerful man in Washington, once declared proudly: 'I am a Leninist.' He was talking to a New York university academic who had written extensively on communism and the former Soviet Union. 'What on earth do you mean?' the professor asked him. 'Lenin wanted to destroy the state and that's my goal too,' replied Bannon. 'I want to bring everything crashing down and destroy all of today's establishment.'"
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/06/lenin-white-house-...
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/06/lenin-white-house-...
10
I give you theory number six. He is on the take. Russia has promised him a stake in Rosneft via QHG Cayman Ltd if he drops sanctions on Russia permitting exports from the $500 billion Exxonmobil oil field in the Arctic.
13
Donald Trump's involvement with the Russians can simply be solved by the completing the IRS investigation of his financials.
The red flag of caution raised when he did not submit his tax returns, yet, his enamored supporters were excited like participants at World Wide Wrestling spectacle.
The question American never asked, is when does a life long millionaire or billionaire seek the opportunity to serve the American people and pass on making more monies for his corporations?
With his offspring firmly entrenched with their ears near their father, the president of the United States. Will the family forgo profit making ideas that are a part of their DNA to work diligently for all American citizens?
Question, how long does an IRS investigation take place?
The red flag of caution raised when he did not submit his tax returns, yet, his enamored supporters were excited like participants at World Wide Wrestling spectacle.
The question American never asked, is when does a life long millionaire or billionaire seek the opportunity to serve the American people and pass on making more monies for his corporations?
With his offspring firmly entrenched with their ears near their father, the president of the United States. Will the family forgo profit making ideas that are a part of their DNA to work diligently for all American citizens?
Question, how long does an IRS investigation take place?
10
The whole Trump ilk should be called Hillary's Deplorables. They are white trash trying to pose as upper class people. I cannot stand that Ivanka, I truly believe she is as dangerous as her father.
6
I have little doubt trump has been tied up with dirty Russian money for years. If you missed Rachael Maddow's show last evening, it's a must watch (link below). A singular crook featured in her show is Ukrainian born, Russian-connected, Trump-connected, Dymtro Firtash. The US has been trying to extradite him since 2014. Today the Austrian Court ruled in favour of the US. This guy has lots of dirt on little donnie: the noose is tightening, I'd say. Now what will Sessions do to save his good buddy, trump?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuD52eTDE5g
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/21/austrian-court-approves-extra...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuD52eTDE5g
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/21/austrian-court-approves-extra...
10
Money, follow the money. If we can't get him now we can go after him post presidency.
3
Just like Mr. Woodward and Mr. Bernstein's articles during the Watergate scandal.
1
While I agree with all that you have said, I am concerned that t-rump is going about covering most ways that we can scrutinize his dealings either in business or in government itself. He has a cabinet of like minds and he is casting a web to protect himself and his ideology. This is the frightening part. That there are so many in "high" places that shield him.
7
The MI6 dossier mentions that Trump made a deal that, if he could get Russian sanctions lifted, he and his fellow White House Russophiles would be given 19% of Rosneft, Russia's second largest oil company. This makes all the sense in the world - it's all about money for himself - and it makes even more sense of his pick of Rex Tillersson as Secretary of State, who is doing nothing in public. The Trump/Putin presidency is now an extension of the kind of state-sponsored oligarchic rule we see in Russia - that is their ideology. Congress must take a strong stand against lifting sanctions and save the free world from Putin's fascism.
13
Pretty clear his own interest is to profit in the white house. It is obvious he is protecting his own wealth at the expense of the country, as his sons flit around the globe with expensive protection courtesy of us.
He remains the sole beneficiary of any work done by his sons with his companies. His mansions and properties here and globally are protected at tax payer expense. Protecting Trump Tower everyday might even bankrupt New York City. The Donald would like that. Maybe he wants Melania to stay there, so he can purchase properties that cannot sustain 5th Avenue being closed off as it is. We're sending the Coast Guard to protect Mar-a-Lago.
Private businesses are being destroyed at the local airport since no one can fly if Trump is in town. That means no private jets, no flying lessons--it affects business that cater to airports. Some will be bankrupted, some say entire airlines are moving from the airport there so they are not impeded. One guy was losing 50 thousand per day.
He remains the sole beneficiary of any work done by his sons with his companies. His mansions and properties here and globally are protected at tax payer expense. Protecting Trump Tower everyday might even bankrupt New York City. The Donald would like that. Maybe he wants Melania to stay there, so he can purchase properties that cannot sustain 5th Avenue being closed off as it is. We're sending the Coast Guard to protect Mar-a-Lago.
Private businesses are being destroyed at the local airport since no one can fly if Trump is in town. That means no private jets, no flying lessons--it affects business that cater to airports. Some will be bankrupted, some say entire airlines are moving from the airport there so they are not impeded. One guy was losing 50 thousand per day.
7
I haven'ts seen a patriot in the republican party for a couple of decades. Maybe McCain used to be, but he seems to have sold his Nation down the drain so his party can remain in power. Patriotism to one's party is not real patriotism.
No, what will be needed is a vigorous and free press that will, finally, stop with its constant false equivalence meme and get to the bottom of t rump's treason. For treason it most certainly will prove to be.
No, what will be needed is a vigorous and free press that will, finally, stop with its constant false equivalence meme and get to the bottom of t rump's treason. For treason it most certainly will prove to be.
7
A combination of the last four theories (Theory #1 being help with Syria is nonsense. Trump doesn't care about Syria, apart from its importance to Putin). Given that Trump is all about making a buck, and hiding his taxes, I think the financial "conspiracy" is the most likely.
5
Please, Patriotic Leakers, continue! It is the only transparency the American people are ever going to view, amidst the darkness of the Trump administration.
3
The final motive Mr. Leonhardt mentions, an ideological alliance, makes me think Trump has been led to believe that by allying bonding himself with Mr. Putin, the result will be that they will become the two most powerful leaders in the world. In effect, Mr. Trump believes they will have divided the planet between them. resulting in his ultimate "win". Of course, Mr. Putin understands things differently; he will not stand for sharing much more than a bottle of vodka and a jar of caviar. Mr. Trump has been handing Russia the stability of the United States quite effectively for the past year or so, even more so in the past month. The 20% of that he's spent on the golf course has hastened the process. So long as persistent investigators like Serge Kovaleski, Jake Turx and Rachel Maddow don't back off, and have the unflagging support of their news organizations, the evidence behind Mr. Trump's motives will be laid bare and America can begin to heal. Well, we'll have to deal with President Pence first. To prepare, I urge everyone to read "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
5
wait until Putin whispers to Trump something about the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, first cooked up by the Czar's henchmen and dragged out of mothballs every few years since for a revival.
Kirshner, have you got your fallback New Zealand citizenship in place yet? Ask Thiele.
and to ultra Christian Pence, it could be argued Muslims and Jews are about the same, what with the no pork, the beards, the circumcision, and most importantly for the veep, no Jesus.
Kirshner, have you got your fallback New Zealand citizenship in place yet? Ask Thiele.
and to ultra Christian Pence, it could be argued Muslims and Jews are about the same, what with the no pork, the beards, the circumcision, and most importantly for the veep, no Jesus.
3
I would not be so quick to dismiss the fourth alternative - the chances of Trump, prior to his political career, being well-behaved while out of town on business are slim to none, even without a foreign government with the means (and the inclination) to set him up with easy women in a bugged hotel room. It would be something of a miracle if he had not fallen into such a trap.
4
Good writing. All five of your explanations are plausible and logical based on reported information. I tend to lean toward the money angle and at this stage of your article, I think your counsel is a wise course to take.
I have been amazed that President Trump continues to lie about his Russian connection. Of course, he is not under oath so I suppose he rationalizes that he will say whatever it takes to continue to serve.
I am not as certain about the Russia-related inquiries by the F.B.I. and the Senate Intelligence Committee, these inquiries are behind closed doors and the public does not have access to their evidence. Ultimately, the President will be tried in the court of public opinion and hopefully the opinion is based on evidence based findings by the investigators.
The big question for me is the President's "Russophilia" harmful to the economic, environmental and military security of the United States. I am already troubled by the reports that Russia influenced the outcome of the November 2016 election and the suggestions from many sources that the Trump campaign was complicit in their meddling with false or misleading information.
There is much at stake, I suggest that it would appear that the investigation should be elevated to a higher level "commission" and the hearings and evidence made more public by televised proceedings.
Public hearings would expose the frailties of the US democracy but it may lead to reforms that would not happen otherwise.
I have been amazed that President Trump continues to lie about his Russian connection. Of course, he is not under oath so I suppose he rationalizes that he will say whatever it takes to continue to serve.
I am not as certain about the Russia-related inquiries by the F.B.I. and the Senate Intelligence Committee, these inquiries are behind closed doors and the public does not have access to their evidence. Ultimately, the President will be tried in the court of public opinion and hopefully the opinion is based on evidence based findings by the investigators.
The big question for me is the President's "Russophilia" harmful to the economic, environmental and military security of the United States. I am already troubled by the reports that Russia influenced the outcome of the November 2016 election and the suggestions from many sources that the Trump campaign was complicit in their meddling with false or misleading information.
There is much at stake, I suggest that it would appear that the investigation should be elevated to a higher level "commission" and the hearings and evidence made more public by televised proceedings.
Public hearings would expose the frailties of the US democracy but it may lead to reforms that would not happen otherwise.
3
Trump's motive with Russia is money.
Trump cares only about money.
He names as secretary of state a man who would earn Exxon a sweet $50+ billion deal with Russia if sanctions are lifted.
Trump's bonus: a sweet 10 percent.
Trump is not a sophisticated or deep thinker.
He is a failed businessman in many of his attempts.
He goes bankrupt to save himself, over and over again.
This is just about money, folks.
Nothing else to see.
Trump cares only about money.
He names as secretary of state a man who would earn Exxon a sweet $50+ billion deal with Russia if sanctions are lifted.
Trump's bonus: a sweet 10 percent.
Trump is not a sophisticated or deep thinker.
He is a failed businessman in many of his attempts.
He goes bankrupt to save himself, over and over again.
This is just about money, folks.
Nothing else to see.
4
the thing to remember is that trump never actually planned to become president. the Russians on the other hand had other ideas. as has been noted many times tump's businesses were on the brink of implosion. he has been unable to get financing through normal channels for some time now. in stepped the Russians with their plan to capture the presidency. originally only planning to disrupt the elections, trump provided them with an opportunity to have a major influence over president. so they provided financial assistance to save his business empire, and influenced the election in favor of trump. they caught lucky break when comey played into their hands with his last minute trashing of HRCs campaign. of course this is all conjecture, but far less so then any of the delusional outbursts coming from trump. even if we get a look at his tax returns, we may not get the whole story because the really bad stuff wont be there. but it would be a start in the right direction.
4
Another reason could be Trump's narcissism. The mistranslated comment where he believes Putin called him 'brilliant' would loom large in Trump's mind even though a more accurate translation would be 'colorful'. He loves being the center of attention at all times, continuously bringing up his electoral college victory and having a rally with his supporters in Florida less than one month into his administration.
2
Trump admires and wants to replicate Putin's business model: Use governmental power for personal gain.
6
It would seem apparent that Trump's sole interest is the money; please Trump it's the money at all costs. I have never seen Trump as the successful businessman he keeps telling us he is. More likely a not ready for prime time.
1
I understand that Clinton got more votes than Trump.
You folks now have the opportunity to study an alternaticve way of electing president- in France.
I suggest that the French method is better than that in the USA. That is not a claim that everything in France is better.
So please watch it and think about changing your system.
You folks now have the opportunity to study an alternaticve way of electing president- in France.
I suggest that the French method is better than that in the USA. That is not a claim that everything in France is better.
So please watch it and think about changing your system.
1
You realize, of course, that you no longer have both feet on the ground. Liberals have laughed for years at the Black Hellicopter and tin foil hat crowd. Now you can join their conventions!
You think the invasion of the U.S. by the United Nations is hiding in Trump's tax returns?
Think about it: Trump and his family are businessmen, not interested in government or governing. None of them have ever done anything for the common good, they are only interested in enhancing their brand and making money. I believe their main and sole goal is getting the sanctions lifted so the Russians can start cashing in on the deal they signed with Exxon (Rex Tillerson) for the Arctic. I'm betting Trump, his family, and associates will get their huge cut and then Trump won't be interested in governing anymore. Mission Accomplished!
4
The core of Trump's motive is sheer overwhelming narcissism. As a result he feels he is above the law. There are countless examples from his soiled past to prove that claim.
Impeachment is a real possibility. The sooner the better.
Impeachment is a real possibility. The sooner the better.
3
This "shocking risk to American interests" was covered up by the American government and the media before the election. The powers that be had a copy of the Christopher Steele dossier, and instead of getting to the bottom of it -- we STILL do not know what in it is true or false -- the government, and Comey in particular, with the help of the media, obsessed about HRC's dumb and boring emails while covering up the dossier of Trump's ties with Russia.
That is truly outrageous. Trump is an unhinged reality T.V. star. What excuse do the rest of you have?
That is truly outrageous. Trump is an unhinged reality T.V. star. What excuse do the rest of you have?
3
Getting $$ is the motive in every Trump action and has been his whole life. Among Trump's appointees and entourage with Russian ties, $$ was changing hands. Among Trump's appointees without Russian ties, getting wealthy on other people's $$ and directing it to candidates and causes that preserve their $$ is how their system works. Of course, grabbing tax $$ collected for the public good and handing it over to private business and corporations has been and continues to be not just the Trump way but the Republican way. Trump is just more bold and shameless about it. The $$ protest sign pictured above this analysis says it all: Follow the $$.
2
Well said, Mr. Leonhardt, but this "... strange case of Russophilia ..." you discern will be outed, if at all, by the aggressive inquisitiveness of hard working journalists and their bosses in the newspaper business. Television news can't and won't do the scut work necessary to develop confidential sources and organize protracted story lines. Parenthetically, an exception, if any, might be WGBH-TV's "Frontline" program. "Might" is the operative word in the preceding sentence.
Trump's Russophilia will be outed, if at all, by a newspaper that has the leadership, will, and resources to investigate leads, develop reliable sources, and produce timely stories that hold up under the most intense ... underscore "most intense" ... denials and blowback the Administration and its crony "news" organizations can muster.
Woodward and Bernstein wrote the playbook for rooting out the truth about crooked political shenanigans at the highest levels of government. It's now up to today's editors and reporters to draw back the curtains concealing the secrecy, conspiracy, intrigue, and just plain lying (that may be ... appears to be) going on in the highest levels of the current presidential administration.
Get it on.
Trump's Russophilia will be outed, if at all, by a newspaper that has the leadership, will, and resources to investigate leads, develop reliable sources, and produce timely stories that hold up under the most intense ... underscore "most intense" ... denials and blowback the Administration and its crony "news" organizations can muster.
Woodward and Bernstein wrote the playbook for rooting out the truth about crooked political shenanigans at the highest levels of government. It's now up to today's editors and reporters to draw back the curtains concealing the secrecy, conspiracy, intrigue, and just plain lying (that may be ... appears to be) going on in the highest levels of the current presidential administration.
Get it on.
2
Wait! Where's the "he's going to become the richest man in the world" theory? Skimming 20% off a $500 billion Russian-Exxon oil deal would be a lot of money for the First Dealmaker. Remember, his "Catch Me If You Can" remarks during the debate. "I'm smart for not paying any taxes." IMHO ... this is all about becoming as rich as Putin, if not richer. I had an interesting thought the other day. If DJT was traded, say, to the Seattle Mariners and told he would earn $200 billion, but he would have to play ball like the Democrats, does anyone doubt that he would do so with as much fervor as he is displaying now? It's all about the money.
1
Trump would say it's the first possible explanation. Convenient too.
The whole world knows it's some combination of 2, 3, 4 & 5.
This guy COULD be having the absolute longest tax audit EVER. Nah. He's just lying.
The whole world knows it's some combination of 2, 3, 4 & 5.
This guy COULD be having the absolute longest tax audit EVER. Nah. He's just lying.
1
I prefer choice # 2.
Trump "enterprises" have become debt-soaked.
There have been multiple bankruptcies, "Chapter Elevens" & "settlements".
U.S. & German banks have been "burned" & decline additional loans.
We have not been "privy" to his tax returns, yet.
"Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets", according to Mr. Trump.
Russian $$$ have financed Trump "projects" in Soho & Dubai as well as others.
Trump "enterprises" have become debt-soaked.
There have been multiple bankruptcies, "Chapter Elevens" & "settlements".
U.S. & German banks have been "burned" & decline additional loans.
We have not been "privy" to his tax returns, yet.
"Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets", according to Mr. Trump.
Russian $$$ have financed Trump "projects" in Soho & Dubai as well as others.
2
You left out the possibility that Trump is being or has been cultivated and played.
Don't spies 'turn' people like this?
A narcissist is way too vulnerable to flattery -- look at the ongoing "campaign" events which DT needs to re-convince himself he is loved by his base, as everyone BUT his base is marching in protest of his chaotic, amateurish first month.
Don't spies 'turn' people like this?
A narcissist is way too vulnerable to flattery -- look at the ongoing "campaign" events which DT needs to re-convince himself he is loved by his base, as everyone BUT his base is marching in protest of his chaotic, amateurish first month.
2
The fake president as many people call him (so many people) is afraid of the news (very, very afraid) precisely because of what he's hiding. If you're listening, New York Times, please continue digging to discover the roots of Mr Trumpnik's Kremlin-o-philia.
3
When Trump was elected it was like getting kicked in the balls. It makes you sick to your stomach and it hurts, When you recover you want to get even.
But not so for Congressional Republicans. Because they don't have any balls.
But not so for Congressional Republicans. Because they don't have any balls.
3
Interesting that Leonhardt doesn't acknowledge the MURDEROUS foreign policy perpetrated by the U.S. over the last 2 administrations (16 years to be exact). Let's not get too pious there Davy
2
Basically, I see it as detente. What would you prefer? However, if the NY Times prefers war, we'll send you all over there first.
2
When I read the paranoid psychobabel in the above responses I cannot help but think how foolish they should all feel if all government investigations fail to find a Trump-Russian connection.
Or will they ?
No probably not. The Liberal Left still cannot get over that HRC lost the election not because of any foreign meddling but rather because their candidate was perceived as significantly more flawed . Remember the 30,000 deleted emails? (A little right wing paranoia here?). Remember her failed 'Reset' with Russia. How about her coming under 'sniper fire' at a Middle East airport ,or her coverup of the Benghazi attack to the American public ?
For the last eight years the American middle and lower class has born the burden of the Liberal agenda . Think drug trafficking along the southern boarder, think deteriorating inner urban cities,think a corrupt ,bureaucratic failing school system, think murder rates that make inner cities death zones that have been governed by largely DNC appointees, think sanctuary cities. Are you getting the picture?
All the above paid for by hard working middle class dollars. What have they gotten over the last eight years ?
Jobs that continue to leave the country, transgender bathroom rights , PC rhetoric,an an inability to save for retirement.
Nice going DNC !!!!
I was just reading an article in today's NYT's urging the DNC to move even further left . Really ??
Lost the election because of the Russians. Really ???
Or will they ?
No probably not. The Liberal Left still cannot get over that HRC lost the election not because of any foreign meddling but rather because their candidate was perceived as significantly more flawed . Remember the 30,000 deleted emails? (A little right wing paranoia here?). Remember her failed 'Reset' with Russia. How about her coming under 'sniper fire' at a Middle East airport ,or her coverup of the Benghazi attack to the American public ?
For the last eight years the American middle and lower class has born the burden of the Liberal agenda . Think drug trafficking along the southern boarder, think deteriorating inner urban cities,think a corrupt ,bureaucratic failing school system, think murder rates that make inner cities death zones that have been governed by largely DNC appointees, think sanctuary cities. Are you getting the picture?
All the above paid for by hard working middle class dollars. What have they gotten over the last eight years ?
Jobs that continue to leave the country, transgender bathroom rights , PC rhetoric,an an inability to save for retirement.
Nice going DNC !!!!
I was just reading an article in today's NYT's urging the DNC to move even further left . Really ??
Lost the election because of the Russians. Really ???
2
There is nothing in this piece about Russia's actual influence, if any, on the election. It's about Trump's ties to Russia, not the DNC hack.
And at any rate, it's incorrect to say that HRC "was perceived as significantly more flawed" as if that somehow explain's Trump's minority victory.
And at any rate, it's incorrect to say that HRC "was perceived as significantly more flawed" as if that somehow explain's Trump's minority victory.
2
Currently the people around Trump are beginning to circle the wagons. First Preibus on TV , Fox News , stated he did not read the transcript of Flynns conversation withe Russian Ambassador. Intentionally insulating himself from the coming firestorm. Like the question " What did you know and when didi you know it ?" Corey Lewandowski told David Axelrod on CNN , that the buses containing illegal voters from Mass. coming into New Hampshire , as Steve Miller said was not true ( Surprise Surprise). But more important he said Trump know nothing about contact with Russians and if it was done it was probably Manafort asking the Russians for help. I think he was building a case to protect and insulate Trump just as Priebus is doing.
3
Or Option 6: All of the above.
1
Comment part 2: BTW, trump's taxes could not be viewed, allegedly, due to ongoing IRS audit. Just when will that audit be completed? Would the resident decree "never"?
1
That is, Trump doesn't want America to be friends with Putin's Russia;
he wants America to be LIKE Putin's Russia, an autocracy based on nationalism, a Christian identity, plutocrats hand in hand with state power, and democratic forms without democracy.
he wants America to be LIKE Putin's Russia, an autocracy based on nationalism, a Christian identity, plutocrats hand in hand with state power, and democratic forms without democracy.
2
Looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck. If you should presume it's not a duck, you should think carefully about how you will explain your actions to reasonable people (like your adult kids) when they asked what the heck you were thinking should the obvious prove true.
1
Sure, you're in bed with the owners of the paper so you can say anything you want. But your essay strikes me as another diversionary tactic. Don't pay too much attention to this or that. Hear me?
They're probably too close to the truth. Let the journalists figure it out. Twenty years or more from now. If there is anything left twenty years from now...
They're probably too close to the truth. Let the journalists figure it out. Twenty years or more from now. If there is anything left twenty years from now...
Whew! The clintons must be thrilled that all media attention is focused on Trump and Russia 24/7. Is one to assume that the FBI, CIA and the ever faithful MSM are giving thd Clinton Family Foundation a pass on their "pay to play" illicit and illegal shenanigan?
2
Well, Trump is the President. His secret connections with Russia are national-security issues and could threaten our democracy. Don't you think those are important things for the media to write about?
2
Don't count on Comrade Comey to get at the truth. He is still sniffing for more Clinton emails.
2
The one I favor is that both are oligarchs. Russia treated Trump as a king when he visited. For Trump, that is all it takes for him to be your BFF.
1
The unabashed propaganda of the Times and other media against Trump is counterproductive and will end up in an unexpected solid support for Trump. Why ? Because Trump devotees do NOT read the medias like Times. Medias reacted by turning simplistic, hoping to reach the simple at heart... They do not; they merely distress people like me who cannot stand for obvious bias and your new unwelcomed approach of dishonesty in reporting... Compared to the evil which now looms of total corruption of the medias, Trump appears as tle lesser evil.... Sad.
Pierre JC Allard
Pierre JC Allard
3
What say you NOW, Comey???? Mr. Integrity, indeed.
2
Going partly with theory 1, trump owes $$ in Russia, and the Russians are much more demanding of repayment than the US bankruptcy courts with which trump and his hapless contractors are all too familiar. This is how the story began.
And the next chapter, the elephant in the room, is US sanctions against Russia. When Exxon CEO Tillerson, a dual agent also acting as Secretary of State, lifts sanctions, a half trillion dollar flood of wealth frozen in 2011 flows to Putin as the first massive drop that commences an orgy of Arctic drilling. Russia's motivation for exerting influence, part of the larger goal of choosing the generally weaker opponent.
Follow the $, follow the $$, follow the $$$...... (trump himself ALWAYS does, can't resist.)
And the next chapter, the elephant in the room, is US sanctions against Russia. When Exxon CEO Tillerson, a dual agent also acting as Secretary of State, lifts sanctions, a half trillion dollar flood of wealth frozen in 2011 flows to Putin as the first massive drop that commences an orgy of Arctic drilling. Russia's motivation for exerting influence, part of the larger goal of choosing the generally weaker opponent.
Follow the $, follow the $$, follow the $$$...... (trump himself ALWAYS does, can't resist.)
1
Follow the money. Donald, Jr. could not have known that his father would be President eight years after crowing about Ru$$ian money coming into Trump Organization projects, after American bank$ belatedly wised up to $ix bankruptcie$ and cut him off from more traditional, on the up and up, funding.
And I don't care how much you wish to dismiss the Ru$$ian dossier. There is nothing in it that one could objectively say "Donald Trump could never have done THAT."
And I don't care how much you wish to dismiss the Ru$$ian dossier. There is nothing in it that one could objectively say "Donald Trump could never have done THAT."
4
Mr. Leonhardt, after reading your piece my first thought was an Ayn Rand quote "The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me"...Why the complacency with POTUS regarding his accountability towards us the voters? Why so many are staying quiet? Why so many are not demanding transparency? Could it be that too many are involved or too many feel the threat of been exposed (on both side of the aisle) to embarrassing situations? This is daunting and completely unnerving to see the level of "cover up" reaching to an unimaginable level of participants...Which is the root of this unparalleled situation? Who is going to stop this nonsense? Maybe we reached to a political stalemate ? If so, who can break this deadlock? If democrats are not ready or capable to fight, or the GOP is simply covering up their president regardless the seriousness of his non-accountability, then our last chance (under our actual government system) lays with the SCOTUS...can someone please take all these non-sense to them? If we keep eluding to tackle this wild "bull" frontally then we will be letting him to do whatever he wants...and this is not an option...let's stop him!
5
I believe your column, and most of the anti-Trump all the time MSM are explained as Begging the Question. More clearly explained is less SAT-vocabulary and Advanced Degree jargon. That is: you work from the position that
You are RIGHT, FAIR, OBJECTIVE and Trump and his "minions" are wrong, stupid, venal, treasonous, power mad et al ad infinitum. More in NYT speak. You and Neo-Lib & cyber Fauz Progs Pots sanctimoniously demean the Neo-Con, Trumpsters plus faux Tea Party Koch Bros cabal Kettles BLACK.
The American tragic binary delusion. Nothing socially, political, economically and/or morally ever a simple matter of BLACK or WHITE, but rather a Mandela Color Wheel spectrum of both Black and White and all shades, saturations and hues between.
And, final tangential musing: why this faux hysteria about third rate Russia which shades out any mention of more important China, #2 World Industrial if not yet Miliatry COMPLEX, puppet master of North Korea and the magic genie for American Consumers in need of simple mops to Apple toys of conspicuous consumption.
You are RIGHT, FAIR, OBJECTIVE and Trump and his "minions" are wrong, stupid, venal, treasonous, power mad et al ad infinitum. More in NYT speak. You and Neo-Lib & cyber Fauz Progs Pots sanctimoniously demean the Neo-Con, Trumpsters plus faux Tea Party Koch Bros cabal Kettles BLACK.
The American tragic binary delusion. Nothing socially, political, economically and/or morally ever a simple matter of BLACK or WHITE, but rather a Mandela Color Wheel spectrum of both Black and White and all shades, saturations and hues between.
And, final tangential musing: why this faux hysteria about third rate Russia which shades out any mention of more important China, #2 World Industrial if not yet Miliatry COMPLEX, puppet master of North Korea and the magic genie for American Consumers in need of simple mops to Apple toys of conspicuous consumption.
1
remember"i' rather be right than president" ?
trump mag not be presidential enough (eapecially since the bar is cintrolled by hostile forces) but he' ususlly right - pours borders are dangerous and their violators can be rxpendive to support - isis, is what it is, unlike those weepy moments when opposing soldiers met and sang carols, each and every one if this lot are committed to killing us anywhere by any means possible - infrastructure - education- all of it even if his ways and means are debateable (no fan here) he's right.
and when he's "murky" we can count on you and yours to be wring...or way off the mark...when he said that "we've got some killers too"...he got slammed, but what we 've done in the way of messing up countries puts us in good company...the deposing if an elected goverment iran and its replacement by the shah, for only ONE example, lives on in misery and, if you will, infamy.
trump mag not be presidential enough (eapecially since the bar is cintrolled by hostile forces) but he' ususlly right - pours borders are dangerous and their violators can be rxpendive to support - isis, is what it is, unlike those weepy moments when opposing soldiers met and sang carols, each and every one if this lot are committed to killing us anywhere by any means possible - infrastructure - education- all of it even if his ways and means are debateable (no fan here) he's right.
and when he's "murky" we can count on you and yours to be wring...or way off the mark...when he said that "we've got some killers too"...he got slammed, but what we 've done in the way of messing up countries puts us in good company...the deposing if an elected goverment iran and its replacement by the shah, for only ONE example, lives on in misery and, if you will, infamy.
"Over the Rockies"??? More like "Over the Urals".
3
How can you be sure that the FBI email Hillary flip flop didn't result in a surplus of sympathy votes for Hillary.Maybe she should thank the Russians for getting her close.oh
1
Follow the Russian ring prostitute and you will find how many Trump's aides are involved.
Trump will say anything for $$$. Being outrageous is the easiest path to diverting attention from the money trail. Stay focused. Find a whistle blower within Treasury, whatever it takes to bring down the moron.
1
Until Trump and Russia, the country which has had the most covert success in literally buying control of our politics has been Likud Israel, Russia's arch-enemy. Never in history has a tiny country like Israel quite literally bought control of a great power's legislature, and executive (when Obama is not president) the way Israel, through AIPAC, Adelson, and the rest have bought ours. Israel, of course, claims to be "our greatest ally in the Middle East" (which is hardly hard to be), yet it's actual goals for the past twenty years have been to use the American military to launch wars for "regime change" against its enemies in Iraq, and now Iran. Wars which have had and will have devastatingly negative consequences for America itself, totally wasting thousands of American lives, hundreds of thousands of Middle Eastern lives, and many, many trillions in new national debt, while "accomplishing" only the ever-wider spread of Muslim hatred of America. It remains to be seen what Putin and Trump have in mind. Hard to believe it's good. But we KNOW what Bibi Netanyahu and Shel Adelson have had in mind for twenty years, and it has been entirely disastrous. Too bad we can't start investigating THAT undermining of America by a foreign country right along with our investigation of Russia's.
1
I concur with all Mr. Leonhardt writes. I wish that President Trump would make a speech in which he outlines his relations with Russia and how they fit into his views of the US relations to NATO and the EU; with Syria, Turkey, and the Kurds; and with Israel and Iran. After all, the President has the authority to set foreign policy. Citizens also have the right to know whether that policy benefits the country or the business interest of the President.
2
No, the mystery at the core of the Trump / Russia story is what, exactly, Russia is accused of doing to "interfere" in the US election. The Times never says -- beyond the vague accusation. Did they do the DNC hacking that revealed the shenanigans against a Bernie Sanders? If so, they did a better job than US election officials. Did they hack Hillary's and John Podesta's emails? Then they performed a public service where the US Dept of Justice was asleep at the wheel. I didn't vote for Mr. Trump (or Hillary), but the Russia hysteria promoted in this newspaper is disgraceful.
1
What? The Russian hacks (Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear) of DNC, DNCC, Podesta and others have been reported on many times, in detail. Along with the Russian propaganda efforts (trolling, bots, fake news stories). And attacks, which turned out to have no effect, apparently, on some state election offices. Just look at the Times of the last few days for stories of Russian interference in elections in other countries.
You expect FBI Director James Comey and Senate Republicans to end friendly deference and begin investigating in earnest? God help America find some leakers.
2
Trump is a puppet. A loud, obnoxious, lying puppet. Bannon is behind the curtain pulling the strings. Unfortunately, the person we all need to focus on, scrutinize and seriously be concerned is PUTIN. Trump is PUTIN's Ploy. Although Trump behaves like a spoiled, rich adolescent, Bannon's affinity for manipulation is creepy, PUTIN is sociopathic. ALL the FACTS do need to keep coming out, my guess is many of your proposed theories are intertwined. But, the American People need to wake up and smell the fumes and recognize the stench for what it is. 1. It is probable, actually very likely that PUTIN interfered in our Election in harmful ways that changed the outcome. 2. It is probable that PUTIN has power over Trump...which is interesting because few people can control him. 3. Trump may be an obnoxious, egotistical, albeit buffoon, PUTIN is a MONSTER. Follow the Money... we don't know yet how the final scene of this DRAMA will play out but sure of one thing...It will make Watergate seem like "Romper Room". Where do we start? Follow the Money... not just Trump's money... I'd start following the trail of money connected to all the world's Oil Tycoon's. Trump keeps carping on about ISIS... but it's interesting that Saudi Arabia -- where ISIS actually radiates from... is not on his hit list. INTERESTING... FOLLOW the MONEY... the dirt will emerge.
3
I just hope the NYT and Washinton Post spare no expense to get to the bottom of this Trump/Russia craziness as best we can and as quick as possible.
2
The FBI? Are Comey, et al, finally finished looking under every rock for the smoking email and ready to move on?
1
It seems that there is a collective amnesia that (as reported by the NYT and the FT) all of the principal Russians responsible for the DNC hacking have been arrested as CIA spies. Mr Leonhard, as long as you don't account for this we will never understand the hacking and its motive and an investigation would be just a whitewash. Was this a CIA operation or a Kremlin job?Or both?
Also, according to an investigative series in the FT, Trump's deepest Soviet block business connection is with Kazakhstan. Kazakh dirty money built Trump Soho after the banks turned Trump down.
Also, according to an investigative series in the FT, Trump's deepest Soviet block business connection is with Kazakhstan. Kazakh dirty money built Trump Soho after the banks turned Trump down.
2
David,
You left out the "Alger Hiss Motive" the same Left that still supports Hiss and any version of World Communism, even Stalin's, hates both Trump and Putin. The same Left that couldn't see a single Soviet agent or even a sympathizer in Washington including Hiss then now see "Agents of Russian Nationalism" behind every tree in town. The President's hotels serve caviar and vodka in their restraints, therefor He must be a "Russian Pawn" or outright "Agent".
The NYT and much of the media hate Trump because He proved them wrong by beating HRC and he's not "their kind" of President (think Obama here). The same NYT that had no problem with Roosevelt dealing with Stalin who killed more people than the Nazis he helped defeat hate Putin because he's not a Communist like Stalin. They hate Trump for treating him as a legitimate head of state even after Obama and HRC did the same thing for eight years and were played for fools by Putin.
Enter the late Alger Hiss who was both a "useful fool" and a spy for a "Different and better" Russia. Like Trump how you view him seven decades later still depends on your politics.
This is about politics which is "The blood sport" and nothing more. The Left and the NYT should be very carful and think "Joe McCarthy" here! What goes around sometimes comes around!
You left out the "Alger Hiss Motive" the same Left that still supports Hiss and any version of World Communism, even Stalin's, hates both Trump and Putin. The same Left that couldn't see a single Soviet agent or even a sympathizer in Washington including Hiss then now see "Agents of Russian Nationalism" behind every tree in town. The President's hotels serve caviar and vodka in their restraints, therefor He must be a "Russian Pawn" or outright "Agent".
The NYT and much of the media hate Trump because He proved them wrong by beating HRC and he's not "their kind" of President (think Obama here). The same NYT that had no problem with Roosevelt dealing with Stalin who killed more people than the Nazis he helped defeat hate Putin because he's not a Communist like Stalin. They hate Trump for treating him as a legitimate head of state even after Obama and HRC did the same thing for eight years and were played for fools by Putin.
Enter the late Alger Hiss who was both a "useful fool" and a spy for a "Different and better" Russia. Like Trump how you view him seven decades later still depends on your politics.
This is about politics which is "The blood sport" and nothing more. The Left and the NYT should be very carful and think "Joe McCarthy" here! What goes around sometimes comes around!
1
The Real Fake news:
The president signs a new executive order:
Do not bring you brains to work in the White House.
Brains confuse every one (including me!)
Leave them in your Car or at home!
Signed: The Grand Poohbah
P.S.
(Sweden, Switzerland, Samoa, Somalia, Senegal ,Spain: Now, I am confused see, What I mean?)
The president signs a new executive order:
Do not bring you brains to work in the White House.
Brains confuse every one (including me!)
Leave them in your Car or at home!
Signed: The Grand Poohbah
P.S.
(Sweden, Switzerland, Samoa, Somalia, Senegal ,Spain: Now, I am confused see, What I mean?)
The full quote from Donald Trump, Jr. is "And in terms of high-end product influx into the US, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets; say in Dubai, and certainly with our project in SoHo and anywhere in New York. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia. There's indeed a lot of money coming for new-builds and resale reflecting a trend in the Russian economy and, of course, the weak dollar versus the ruble," http://www.eturbonews.com/5008/executive-talk-donald-trump-jr-bullish-ru...
My sense is that the "business conspiracy" explanation was first, and from that developed the "political conspiracy" and "ideological alliance" explanations.
As for the "blackmail" explanation, video or photographs of the current White House resident frolicking with one or more escorts in a Moscow hotel would not upset a segment of his supporters. They would see it as demonstration of Trump's machismo.
Maybe the White House resident is trying to create good paying jobs for thousands of historians whom will study him for decades trying to unravel his motivations.
My sense is that the "business conspiracy" explanation was first, and from that developed the "political conspiracy" and "ideological alliance" explanations.
As for the "blackmail" explanation, video or photographs of the current White House resident frolicking with one or more escorts in a Moscow hotel would not upset a segment of his supporters. They would see it as demonstration of Trump's machismo.
Maybe the White House resident is trying to create good paying jobs for thousands of historians whom will study him for decades trying to unravel his motivations.
Trump "...flirts wih the alt-right." Having Steve Bannon as his principal political advisor, with a seat at the table for National Security Council meetings, sounds more like someone in bed with the far right-wing, not flirting with it.
4
A couple of weeks ago in a crowded room, President Trump blew a kiss to FBI Director Comey who grinned broadly. Comey then walked across the room to Trump and they bro hugged. Not proof of anything, but telling nonetheless. We all know the FBI intentionally hurt the Clinton campaign. Does anyone really believe the FBI will conduct a meaningful investigation of the ties the Trump family and the Trump administration has to Russia? I certainly don't.
1
This is a very concise, thorough piece of all the reasons we need to investigate further, but there is already ground for legal action that is proceeding and in the last, fifth, or final possible motive, that as you shared "could be the most alarming", you failed to mention that not only was his Inaugural speech noted as pro "white, Christian-infused nationalism", it also was bearing allegiance to a whole different America than I live in, which his supporters are a fan of. This is why it is important to move this investigation along in a timely fashion, as this allegiance with Russian like ideology versus more than two thirds of our country, by our President is dangerous to ALL who oppose him, as we are already experiencing a rise in hate crimes and ANTI everything but one's personal needs being met. This is NOT America and it certainly is NOT Christian, with thousands of references in the Bible to caring for the alien, wayfarer, stranger, not your usual neighbor.
1
I'll go with the dossier theory.
1
One word: Oil.
2
LET THE LEAKS BEGIN! Nobody able to do so is going to willingly release Trump's income tax statements. How much of a hush-up will the FBI be complicit with in the investigation of Trump's campaign team had contact with Russia? We know some things for certain. Paul Manafort, one of Trump's top campaign officials, had to resign because a hand written diary of his financial dealings, presumably within the Ukraine and/or with Russia. I assume that none of the details of the contents of that diary have come to light not because they are not relevant, but rather, because they are most likely extremely dangerous to Trump's fictionalized denial of the campaign team's allegedly improper communication with the Russians. Never mind that Trump's understanding of models of inernational--indeed all affairs, domestic or foreign--are at the level of a child reading the names of model airplanes on the toy store shelf before choosing the one of greatest interest at the moment. There! Now you've probably gotten a preview on some material that could be of interest to SNL. But that's where fantasy and US policy coalesce. Why? Because Trump's father was grandiose when older and died of dementia at 83. At 70, Donald is not too young to show clear symptoms of dementia, starting with confusion of basic facts, to inability to follow narratives, to irritability and irrationality, to concrete thinking. The litany could continue indefinitely. But to what end? We must use the 25th Amendment!
1
God speed and all power to the patriotic hackers and leakers! We haven't heard much from Anonymous lately, but I hope they're working on this. Or, please, someone within the IRS.
Get us those tax returns and any other dirty laundry you can dig up!
Get us those tax returns and any other dirty laundry you can dig up!
2
Is destroying our democracy as we know it just to give a few thousand billionaires a tax cut really worth it?
1
I knew it. Trump's on drugs! Rumor has it that during the campaign he took 500mg of Vladsa-pala-mine every day for over a year. It helped him win the election. Sounds like he's still using.
2
Follow the money... it's that simple.. in my book, Pence has known all along, I do not buy that "deer in headlights" premise, they just need him to be squeaky clean to take over the helm.
1
Why beat around the bush ... it's obvious that Putin won trump the election and expects pay back. It's also obvious that Trump isn't forthcoming on what he knows and when he knew it. Treasonous malfeasance is not out of the question.
2
Motive is really clear. Money! Trump got many loans from Deutsche Bank. He got those loans when US Banks would not loan money to him. He was on the verge of bankruptcy. Thus he had no collateral. Deutsche Bank was just indicted for money laundering - Russian money. It doesn't take a genius to figure out where The Donald got his money. He had to give them something .... Was it information on people? It was known for sometime he wanted to run for President. The attack on the US by the hackers was planned, carefully, meticulously for a long period of time. They knew who and when to strike. Did they also give us a candidate? Phone calls between Trumps loan officer at Deutsche Bank and Russia might tell an interesting story?
1
Do you sit by the fire with a glass of vodka for inspiration when you come up with these preposterous "motives"? Are you smoking a pipe? If you are, I suggest filling it with tobacco instead of the stuff you're smoking. Now, let me suggest another motive; entrenched bureaucrats in the intelligence community, fearing for their jobs, leak secret data, to gullible New York Times reporters, in order to overturn an election and bring down a sitting president. Why isn't there an investigation to find these people and bring them to justice? The only crimes committed so far are these illegal leaks. The only ideological conspiracy here is between the New York Times and radical liberals that want to overthrow the government.
I don't understand how U.S. intelligence officers would cause Trump campaign staffers to stay in touch with the FSB, or cause a Ukrainian autocrat to funnel cash to Trump's campaign manager, or cause Trump's national security adviser to accept a payment from Russia Today, or cause Ukrainian con men and fixers to submit a pro-Russia "peace plan" to that adviser. You'd really have to be smoking something to believe the U.S. intelligence community was both interested in doing those things and capable of causing all of them to occur.
As long as we haven't seen Donald Trump's tax returns, we can speculate on any alliance we want. While Mr Leonhardt raises the idea Trump has financial debts for which he owes or owed solvency to Russian lenders, resulting in Trump's bizarre and crazy references about Russia, Ukraine and Putin, let's keep it local! Try New York! FoxNews! It's so much a part of Trump's financial, intellectual and emotional life he dissed Sweden because he heard Ami Horowitz on Tucker Carlson, FoxNewsTV!
I suggest Trump has provided ample evidence that he has a huge stake in FoxNews. He routinely and with vehemence names Rupert Murdoch's competitors, like the Times and CNN, as corrupt purveyors of fakery. We've heard the WSJ maintains an independent editorial board - why doesn't Trump include it in his rants? It's obvious. Ivanka Trump was a trustee of Murdoch's children's huge trust. Nearly every day Trump is shilling for FoxNews by dissing the New York Times and CNN. If this isn't a sign of a self-interested and self-dealing shareholder, what else could it be? In addition to a "Russia Motive," there's plenty of data supporting a "FoxNews" motive.
I suggest Trump has provided ample evidence that he has a huge stake in FoxNews. He routinely and with vehemence names Rupert Murdoch's competitors, like the Times and CNN, as corrupt purveyors of fakery. We've heard the WSJ maintains an independent editorial board - why doesn't Trump include it in his rants? It's obvious. Ivanka Trump was a trustee of Murdoch's children's huge trust. Nearly every day Trump is shilling for FoxNews by dissing the New York Times and CNN. If this isn't a sign of a self-interested and self-dealing shareholder, what else could it be? In addition to a "Russia Motive," there's plenty of data supporting a "FoxNews" motive.
2
Why is it taking so long for someone to leak the tax returns? Obviously, many people have been looking through them and I hope they are an essential part of the investigation into Russian ties. I'm surprised protests haven't erupted at Russian embassies and consulates around the world. If it was the U.S. meddling in elections there would be protest all over the place. Europeans are usually very good at this, yet I have not heard of anyone organizing massive protests against Russian embassies and consulates there.
1
We know a lot of Russian oligarchs have drained billions from the Russian people and that they "invested" that money in the U.S. and around the world. We also know that Donald and his son both said they did a lot of business with Russians -- "a disproportionate amount." And we know that Donald plays fast and loose with mafia figures and plays dirty with his own business partners, contractors and employees. He cheats them when he can.
This explains why Donald, after a long life in global development, has no loyal friends. No one to name to ambassadorships and other government posts but family and generals and a few billionaires who have a stake in controlling regulation.
Our Conflict-in-Chief is still in business. That is all he knows.
This explains why Donald, after a long life in global development, has no loyal friends. No one to name to ambassadorships and other government posts but family and generals and a few billionaires who have a stake in controlling regulation.
Our Conflict-in-Chief is still in business. That is all he knows.
4
Republicans in Congress aren't afraid of Trump, they're afraid of his core voters. They have a convincing history of severely punishing ("primary-ing") Congressmen they consider traitors to the cause. The threat is real.
The GOP leadership needs to slowly start convincing Trumpsters that their hero is not fulfilling his promises to them. These voters need to see that his antics aren't really meant to upset the establishment; they're designed to cover up his ineptitude. When enough of his base is starts doubting him, Trump will loose power and the adults in the GOP will be able to step in.
Meanwhile, I don't think Trump loves the Russians. I think he's afraid of them. If he has really borrowed millions from those thugs, he does not want to get sideways with them. Unlike lenders in the US, Russian oligarchs are not likely to simply roll-over if Trump defaults. So he plays nice to keep from being targeted.
Speculation: What if Trump ran for president not to get power, but to get protection?
The GOP leadership needs to slowly start convincing Trumpsters that their hero is not fulfilling his promises to them. These voters need to see that his antics aren't really meant to upset the establishment; they're designed to cover up his ineptitude. When enough of his base is starts doubting him, Trump will loose power and the adults in the GOP will be able to step in.
Meanwhile, I don't think Trump loves the Russians. I think he's afraid of them. If he has really borrowed millions from those thugs, he does not want to get sideways with them. Unlike lenders in the US, Russian oligarchs are not likely to simply roll-over if Trump defaults. So he plays nice to keep from being targeted.
Speculation: What if Trump ran for president not to get power, but to get protection?
3
Trump self-aggrandizement is the only interest the man has.
1
Comey should recuse himself for his remaining tenure when politics are incolved
1
I assume that Jeff Sessions will do whatever he can to shut down any investigations.
1
Nikita Khrushchev was wrong in 1954 to transfer Crimea from Russia to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, a move calculated to bolster Ukrainian solidarity with the Soviet Union. Most of the people who live in Crimea are ethnic Russians. Now that the Soviet Union no longer exist, they want to be reunited with Russia. As the Washington Post reported in 2014, “Most people in Crimea wanted to break away from Ukraine and join Russia. They voted about a week ago, and most people who participated said yes. The night of the vote, thousands of people ran out into the streets of Crimea’s capital to celebrate.” Rather than restart the Cold War, the United States should regard the Crimean breakaway as another consequences of the breakup of the Soviet Union.
"President Trump certainly seems to have a strange case of Russophilia"
No, Mr. Obama had a strange case of Russophobia. It was truly bizarre to force the plane of the Bolivian president into Austria. A real show of American arrogance.
Russia has not killed a single American in recent times. Radical Islam has killed hundreds of Americans and also in Europe.
While respecting both Islam and Muslims, (and yes, I do respect Islam rather than those "Muslims" who are not really Muslims) I do not have much respect for Mr. Obama's naive policy, nor that of Mrs. Merkel.
I almost feel sympathy for ISIS. At least they know what they want. The West has no idea what it wants. Clever talk, but no clear goals. The West is an army with a hundred generals and few soldiers.
No, Mr. Obama had a strange case of Russophobia. It was truly bizarre to force the plane of the Bolivian president into Austria. A real show of American arrogance.
Russia has not killed a single American in recent times. Radical Islam has killed hundreds of Americans and also in Europe.
While respecting both Islam and Muslims, (and yes, I do respect Islam rather than those "Muslims" who are not really Muslims) I do not have much respect for Mr. Obama's naive policy, nor that of Mrs. Merkel.
I almost feel sympathy for ISIS. At least they know what they want. The West has no idea what it wants. Clever talk, but no clear goals. The West is an army with a hundred generals and few soldiers.
And this relate's to Trump's unexplained love for Putin's indisputably murderous regime how? Are you proposing to overlook any crime as long as the victims are from countries other than the U.S.?
1
His son's comments about business connections in Russia completely contradict Trump's protests that "I have no deals in Russia." No deals, but DEALINGS.
Lying may be an art to some. But, Trump is an easy liar.
To Trump, part slick con, part yarn-spinning old porch sitter, it's as natural as breathing. Whatever comes out of his mouth is…whatever.
Attacks in Sweden or 42% unemployment!
Want the formula to Trump?
Listen to his words, then take the exact 180 degrees opposite and that is the truth. (Think of John Lovitz as "The Liar" on SNL)
Trump University was a great success.
I'm under IRS audit.
Largest Inauguration crowd in history.
My campaign had no ties to Russia.
All his careless utterances, all his lies give us the truth.
So, we know all.
Just need to trust the formula and act accordingly.
Lying may be an art to some. But, Trump is an easy liar.
To Trump, part slick con, part yarn-spinning old porch sitter, it's as natural as breathing. Whatever comes out of his mouth is…whatever.
Attacks in Sweden or 42% unemployment!
Want the formula to Trump?
Listen to his words, then take the exact 180 degrees opposite and that is the truth. (Think of John Lovitz as "The Liar" on SNL)
Trump University was a great success.
I'm under IRS audit.
Largest Inauguration crowd in history.
My campaign had no ties to Russia.
All his careless utterances, all his lies give us the truth.
So, we know all.
Just need to trust the formula and act accordingly.
5
Hillary's second biggest mistake: Trying to beat the system with her private email server.
DNC's second biggest mistake: Having sloppy cybersecurity.
DNC's second biggest mistake: Having sloppy cybersecurity.
And this is relevant to Trump's corruption why?
1
The only motives the megalomaniac ignoramus has on Russia, or shall I say Ru$$ia, is money: Hotels, golf courts, casinos, etc. etc.
On the other hand, due to his predatory background, it would not surprise me if Vladimir has a big dossier with photographs on his past activities.
On the other hand, due to his predatory background, it would not surprise me if Vladimir has a big dossier with photographs on his past activities.
1
But why contacts with intelligence officials?
3
I have little confidence in the fbi investigations and less in the senate intelligence. Unless someone in the media digs up the truth as in Watergate, we will find the truth years from now.
2
What do Putin's Russia and Trump's America have in common? Russia has long been--and America is rapidly becoming--a thorough-going kleptocracy.
America's banksters, CEOligarchs and finagliaciers in the past have generally hidden their greedy ways beneath layers of complexity and obfuscation. Under the self-serving President Trump, America's trend toward kleptocracy is ever more evident.
Upon his ascent to the Presidency, the entrance fees at Mar-al-Lago jumped from $100,000 to $200,000. The Trump family has already cost the taxpayers, in security and travel fees, nearly as much as the Obama family's costs for an entire year. His administration is replete with billionaires bent on diminishing the welfare of common folk.
We are becoming a nation dominated by the greediest among us. Will we soon move forward to full Russification? Will we become an authoritarian society that merely retains the outward appearance of democratic practices? And will the bulk of our citizenry drift into a cynicism born of the recognition that no institution, not even the Presidency, is larger than the avarice of the one heading it? And of the awareness that utter narcissistic shamelessness knows no checks and balances?
America's banksters, CEOligarchs and finagliaciers in the past have generally hidden their greedy ways beneath layers of complexity and obfuscation. Under the self-serving President Trump, America's trend toward kleptocracy is ever more evident.
Upon his ascent to the Presidency, the entrance fees at Mar-al-Lago jumped from $100,000 to $200,000. The Trump family has already cost the taxpayers, in security and travel fees, nearly as much as the Obama family's costs for an entire year. His administration is replete with billionaires bent on diminishing the welfare of common folk.
We are becoming a nation dominated by the greediest among us. Will we soon move forward to full Russification? Will we become an authoritarian society that merely retains the outward appearance of democratic practices? And will the bulk of our citizenry drift into a cynicism born of the recognition that no institution, not even the Presidency, is larger than the avarice of the one heading it? And of the awareness that utter narcissistic shamelessness knows no checks and balances?
3
Benghazi was an endless commission that served no practical purpose; however an investigation into the Russian connection could potentially have long-term and deleterious effects on our nation's democracy. It MUST be investigated.
192
Here, here!
1
Just keeping tally after reading many of these comments,for the possible connections between Trump and Russia: investors in Trump businesses and properties, white nationalism, oil, admiration of Putin as a strongman.
1
Since we have not seen Trump's personal nor corporate income tax returns nor Trump's personal and corporate business records we do not know what Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin knows about Trump's motives. Putin is the Trump master combination puppeteer and ventriloquist. And so are the 17 American intelligence agencies.
Who can keep a secret? Who can leak?
What do we the people not know and why don't we know it about Trump's Russian motives?
Who can keep a secret? Who can leak?
What do we the people not know and why don't we know it about Trump's Russian motives?
1
Ever consider explanation #6: He's just an idiot that spouts random thoughts?
Isn't it time that people of consequence stop treating his twitter outbursts as policy rather than ravings?
Isn't it time that people of consequence stop treating his twitter outbursts as policy rather than ravings?
3
"..... it will be left for patriotic leakers, and journalists, to make sure the truth comes out." Gee. Could this have anything to do with why he's trying to convince us all that the media is the enemy of the people? If we believe that, then we won't believe anything we read in the news. It will all be "fake." The Right will claim that all those outraged on the Left are just being sore losers. The Left will be marching in the streets, but so what? So long as republicans hold both houses of congress, we will be spinning our wheels and getting nowhere.
This is a coup.
This is a coup.
3
One more option: a combination of the points listed. What a mess.
1
Regarding the last sentence of this piece, it is more than likely that it WILL be up to the press and leakers to seek the truth - given that official investigations depend on congressional republicans, Sessions and Comey. I have no faith in any of them.
2
Dear Mr. Leonhardt,
Some way beneath your amazingly interesting and exciting comment on ... em... something or other, is an article on Greece.
As so often with articles on the "EU", there is nowhere to comment on it.
Having read it again, I cannot find any consideration of the idea that Greece should leave the Euro.
Dire predictions were made about the awful things set to befall the UK if we voted to free ourselves from the "EU". It hasn't turned out that bad and the Bank of Enmgland has admitted that it got it wrong, like big-time.
Iceland has got itself sorted out after a very difficult period.
Iceland and the UK are outside the Eurozone.
The countries in the worst trouble in the "EU" are at the edge of the Eurozone.
Sweden is not in the Euro and is doing better than neighbouring Finnland which is etc.
So please stop being a slave to "EU"-ism and help to save the Greek people by advocating that they leave the Euro.
Some way beneath your amazingly interesting and exciting comment on ... em... something or other, is an article on Greece.
As so often with articles on the "EU", there is nowhere to comment on it.
Having read it again, I cannot find any consideration of the idea that Greece should leave the Euro.
Dire predictions were made about the awful things set to befall the UK if we voted to free ourselves from the "EU". It hasn't turned out that bad and the Bank of Enmgland has admitted that it got it wrong, like big-time.
Iceland has got itself sorted out after a very difficult period.
Iceland and the UK are outside the Eurozone.
The countries in the worst trouble in the "EU" are at the edge of the Eurozone.
Sweden is not in the Euro and is doing better than neighbouring Finnland which is etc.
So please stop being a slave to "EU"-ism and help to save the Greek people by advocating that they leave the Euro.
We need a whistle-blower protection program independent of the government.
1
The Fascist Bureau of Investigation, and Sessions, will protect the fuehrer.
2
You forgot the the motive of oil deals, including turning a blind eye toward pipelines through Crimea, appointing Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, and helping Exxon drill on the Russian arctic.
1
If a company has a billion dollars in one pocket, and a billion dollars of iou's in the other, how much is it worth?
To wit: How can a Sheldon Adelson and a Steve Wynn earn billions in the "sure thing" casino business, while their close friend could bankrupt 4 casinos...not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4.
Who would lend money to such, and why? Just asking.
To wit: How can a Sheldon Adelson and a Steve Wynn earn billions in the "sure thing" casino business, while their close friend could bankrupt 4 casinos...not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4.
Who would lend money to such, and why? Just asking.
3
I observe two things as I read this: it could have, with few changes, been written by a right-wing McCarthyist in the 1950s; and the picture confirms that: note the hammer and sickle -- the symbol of Communism! -- on the placard
I don't think it could have been written in the 1950s, because Eisenhower's campaign didn't have actual connections to Soviet intelligence, and there weren't plausible allegations of KGB interference in the election as far as I know. The hammer and sickle do seem appropriate, since Putin was a KGB officer during the Soviet period. I don't know about his personal philosophy, but I'd say that just because he's a kleptocratic oligarch doesn't mean he's not a Communist also.
1
Trump and the Russians. Really? We had an election. Trump won. Get over it.
Try to keep up. Some Republicans (McCain, Graham, etc.) even want a solid investigation.
3
I take it you hold to the theory of "no harm, no foul." Russia can interfere all it wants, and possibly buy a candidate, but as long as the candidate with the most Electoral College votes becomes the President, there's no harm done?
1
Motives assume rationality. Look at P.T. Trump's enablers, and it's easy to see the futility of explanations.
1
Wonderful column. Thank you. I am counting the days until some patriot in the IRS releases Trump's tax returns for him. Shouldn't be too much longer. Since half of them have already been fired by the Republican budget-slashers, job security is no longer much of an inhibition to a responsible leaker.
3
I vote for the financial angle combined with the brutal, pseudo-macho dictator angle. Trump could care less about suffering in Ukraine or Syria, and knows nothing substantive about either conflict. He only cares about his money and personal power.When is someone going to leak his tax returns?
2
Based upon the remarks or the lack thereof I wouldn't count on Republican "leadership" to properly investigate or hold trump accountable. It will require diligent journalists, leakers and whistle blowers.
3
Fascinating. Frightening. Foreboding.
Are we reading a synopsis for the next John Le Caree or Robert Ludlam spy novel? While all the elements of fantastical fiction are present, this sheet is real. What's missing is the underlying motive that has propelled the story thus far. This column misses mentioning it also. Namely, the half trillion dollar buried treasure of oil reserves under Russian Arctic waters temporarily kept at arms reach by Obama's sanctions. Oil reserves that RExxon Tillerson's natural resource conglomerate had contracted with Putin's oligarchical apparatus to extract. In order for that oil to be shipped/piped to market without taxation by Ukraine would require nothing more complex than Russian control over Crimea. Check.
Lifting the sanctions would not only unlock the Arctic treasure chest but personally pump unimaginable wealth into Putin and his cronies personal pockets. The British M6 spy's secret dossier includes the nugget of intelligence that trump will get up to 20% of the proceeds!
Need any more reason why trump has stacked his administration with protoputin people? Why was pro-Russian Crimean language forcefully inserted into the Republican party platform last July? Why Flynn was making nice with his Russian counterparts the day after Obama added more sanctions? Why the trump campaign was in "constant contact" with Kremlin spies?
If the Senate Intelligence Committee has any guts and brains, they need to ask the right questions.
Are we reading a synopsis for the next John Le Caree or Robert Ludlam spy novel? While all the elements of fantastical fiction are present, this sheet is real. What's missing is the underlying motive that has propelled the story thus far. This column misses mentioning it also. Namely, the half trillion dollar buried treasure of oil reserves under Russian Arctic waters temporarily kept at arms reach by Obama's sanctions. Oil reserves that RExxon Tillerson's natural resource conglomerate had contracted with Putin's oligarchical apparatus to extract. In order for that oil to be shipped/piped to market without taxation by Ukraine would require nothing more complex than Russian control over Crimea. Check.
Lifting the sanctions would not only unlock the Arctic treasure chest but personally pump unimaginable wealth into Putin and his cronies personal pockets. The British M6 spy's secret dossier includes the nugget of intelligence that trump will get up to 20% of the proceeds!
Need any more reason why trump has stacked his administration with protoputin people? Why was pro-Russian Crimean language forcefully inserted into the Republican party platform last July? Why Flynn was making nice with his Russian counterparts the day after Obama added more sanctions? Why the trump campaign was in "constant contact" with Kremlin spies?
If the Senate Intelligence Committee has any guts and brains, they need to ask the right questions.
4
It's only a matter of time before the truth emerges. There is a huge "I told you so" waiting in the wings for all those Trump supporters who put their faith in this most corrupt egomaniac with his treasonous ties to Russia.
4
no mention in this article of the negotiations which had been going on before sanctions between exxon-mobil and the russian oil company about developing oil wells in the artic. Look at who is secretary of state....
3
Surely some brilliant hacker could liberate Trump's tax returns and make them public. Offer a reward. And when they reveal what I believe they will impeach this loudmouth strongman from our sacred house.
2
"Ideological Alliance", as Mr. Cohen suggests, would seem to be the overriding theme of this administration's embrace of Putinism. None of the other possible motives connects the dots like the fascist culture that links Russian and American paranoia in the face of global dislocation and religious extremism.
The excellent Feb. 10, NYT article by Jason Horowitz, revealing Steve Bannon's interest in the Italian fascist intellectual Julius Evola, opened up an illuminating perspective on the obscure mindset that Trump and Putin seem to share. Reading translations of Mr. Evola's obscure philosophy introduces the reader to the alt-world of "White Genocide", an ominous world view in which the connections between Right Wing America and post-Soviet Russia begin to fall into place.
The excellent Feb. 10, NYT article by Jason Horowitz, revealing Steve Bannon's interest in the Italian fascist intellectual Julius Evola, opened up an illuminating perspective on the obscure mindset that Trump and Putin seem to share. Reading translations of Mr. Evola's obscure philosophy introduces the reader to the alt-world of "White Genocide", an ominous world view in which the connections between Right Wing America and post-Soviet Russia begin to fall into place.
3
The Russians patiently work to destroy our political and social system from the outside, while Mitch McConnell and the GOP impatiently work to destroy us from the inside.
4
The only thing I really want to read about Trump is the announcement of his indictment.
4
Sympathizing with "enemies" (borrowing from Trump's lexicon) can have unintended consequences. Remember the news reels at the end of WWII where the French dragged Nazi sympathizers into the streets to mete out punishment, and the startling images of the French women who had been too cozy getting their heads shaved.
Who's to say when this is all over and done, that if Trump and his group are proven to have been "Russian sympathizers" and colluded to help trash Hillary and thereby win the Presidency, maybe a similar punishment will be appropriate and The Donald be shorn of his famous pompadour. If so, poetic justice might include Mitt Romney doing the shearing. Who's to say. Who's to say.
Who's to say when this is all over and done, that if Trump and his group are proven to have been "Russian sympathizers" and colluded to help trash Hillary and thereby win the Presidency, maybe a similar punishment will be appropriate and The Donald be shorn of his famous pompadour. If so, poetic justice might include Mitt Romney doing the shearing. Who's to say. Who's to say.
2
After seeing how Trump has behaved in his pre-candidate life, during the campaign, and in the first month of his so-called "Presidency", I would not encourage anyone to dismiss any nefarious thing that this man has done.
5
The factor that primarily motivates Donald Trump is quite obvious: To be seen as YUGELY successful----at any cost, regardless of actual income / assets.
It is long past time to examine Donald Trumps tax returns and understand exactly how Russia relates to the past 20 years of Trump's public and business life.
It is long past time to examine Donald Trumps tax returns and understand exactly how Russia relates to the past 20 years of Trump's public and business life.
2
"The fourth explanation is the flimsiest: the idea, contained in a dossier compiled by private investigators, that Russia has compromising material on Trump. Unless real evidence emerges, I’d encourage you to ignore this theory."
Why? because it's distasteful to you? Given this man's propensity for lying - and I wish journalists would stop using weak words like "misspeak" or "misstatement." Trump and his White House lie on a regular basis - he deserves no benefit of the doubt on this or any other area.
Why? because it's distasteful to you? Given this man's propensity for lying - and I wish journalists would stop using weak words like "misspeak" or "misstatement." Trump and his White House lie on a regular basis - he deserves no benefit of the doubt on this or any other area.
2
I think Leonhardt made that suggestion because of the nature of the allegations in the dossier -- specifically, the allegation that Trump, with at least one prostitute, was filmed micturating on the Moscow hotel bed in which President Obama had slept.
The article doesn't mention another possibility - that a lot of the pro-Russia behavior is possibly just smoke & mirrors - an attempt to get around a difficult foe. I don't believe it - but was surprised at Bob Woodward's comments on Sunday that the Administration had (according to Flynn, what a reliable source!) a 2-track strategy with Russia. He seemed to hint that perhaps their public stance in one track, and a second track will be to come down hard on Russia w/ respect to arms. ("...there are many unanswered questions about it... two and a half weeks before the inaugural, I met with Flynn and went through a number of things, like Russia, and he made the case, said, look, we’re going to have a two track strategy, reach out to Putin, and at the same time build-up our military in a way that Putin is going to hate, and it’s going to be very tough. We have not seen that side of it. But -- so if there’s some strategy in all of this..."). Is this malarkey even at all plausible?
I am thinking it is actually more likely that this is the feigned "smoke and mirror" that will be used to hide the real "smoke and mirror." It is unlikely the GOP will ever investigate - they're too self-serving and will do all they can to protect their ridiculous Administration. More likely they'll hold onto a "ruse" such as what Woodward put forward.
I am thinking it is actually more likely that this is the feigned "smoke and mirror" that will be used to hide the real "smoke and mirror." It is unlikely the GOP will ever investigate - they're too self-serving and will do all they can to protect their ridiculous Administration. More likely they'll hold onto a "ruse" such as what Woodward put forward.
2
I am hoping that there is a new "Snowden" at the US NSA who is studying the Russia-USA transmissions that pass through Sweden and are monitored by the Swedish FRA (Defense Radio Authority) and eventually will find transmissions where Trump and Co. are engaged in communications not appropriate for a president serving under the mantle of the party that during much of my younger lifetime in the USA saw the Soviet Union as the greatest menace the world has ever known.
Time will tell if a revelation might reveal Trump's motives.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US Se
Time will tell if a revelation might reveal Trump's motives.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US Se
1
A provocative article. But there is one more thing I would like to know: What are the relationships among Assange, Snowden, Putin and Trump? Has this line been pursued (if it can be)? There is so much smoke here--surely there must be a little fire somewhere.
Trump's pro-Russia behavior and refusal to disclose his taxes make it apparent he has much to hide. The fact that anyone disputes this connection is laughable. Why is this man allowed to get away with murder? Why is he allowed to continue using the presidency like just another business? Aren't people outraged? Yes, they are! But despite such flagrant violations of trust and propriety, Trump skips along his merry way. Is there no way to force this grifter to show his hand? Don't Americans deserve more from our President?
8
Dear Mr. Leonhardt,
If you are concerned about foreigners meddling, then you might like to investigate claims of the USA meddling in the UK, resulting in us being prisoners of the "EU" for over 43 years and paying, at today's prices, billions each year to an organisation which is not merely totally useless but is mega-destructive.
Fairly recently it was reported that Obama had advised Cameron not to give us a referendum on "membership" of the "EU". If that is true, then it shows a complete lack of understanding as to the consequences of that, given that we had already been denied a promised referendum by Blair.
And then there is the reported attempt by Goldman-Sachs to influence the Brexit referendum etc.
Please investigate these matters.
If you are concerned about foreigners meddling, then you might like to investigate claims of the USA meddling in the UK, resulting in us being prisoners of the "EU" for over 43 years and paying, at today's prices, billions each year to an organisation which is not merely totally useless but is mega-destructive.
Fairly recently it was reported that Obama had advised Cameron not to give us a referendum on "membership" of the "EU". If that is true, then it shows a complete lack of understanding as to the consequences of that, given that we had already been denied a promised referendum by Blair.
And then there is the reported attempt by Goldman-Sachs to influence the Brexit referendum etc.
Please investigate these matters.
It's been a long time since we've heard as creative a conspiracy as this one... that the U.S. meddled "in the U.K." (by ratifying all those treaties and protocols over the years? or something) and thus kept the U.K. in a voluntary union that it never wanted to be a part of. Brilliant! I especially like the part about how the U.S. interference caused the U.K. to ditch the Pound in favor of the Euro... oh wait a minute --
1
Given the hyper partisan moment our country is going through, we should have an independent investigation of the Russian effort to influence the election. The scope of the investigation should be broad enough to include the Trump administration's ties to Russia. The person selected to head the investigation should be someone who has the trust of both parties and the respect of the public. Congressional investigations are important, but are unlikely to produce a final word on this topic, and a final word is what the country needs.
3
The burden of proof is on Trump to show that his ties to Russia is not based on economic / business ties that override national interests. As pointed out, Mr. Trump can answer this concern by releasing his tax returns that he has not been willing to do to date.
If there is a political conspiracy , I believe Mr. Trump will be ousted, as he should be. This why we need a Special committee to investigate this possibility to ensure an impartial examination of the evidence. The sooner the better.
If there is a political conspiracy , I believe Mr. Trump will be ousted, as he should be. This why we need a Special committee to investigate this possibility to ensure an impartial examination of the evidence. The sooner the better.
6
Trump sees a kindred soul in Putin: an amoral, opportunistic, power-hungry and manipulative demagogue. His narcissism, of course, prevents him from seeing the inevitable clash of egos - he cannot imagine how the love could not be mutual.
2
The truth comes out, eventually, but we need it fast to save us from Komrade Trump. When it does we can only hope that those who helped Trump suffer with him.
1
Why are we encouraged to ignore the fourth possibility, the only one with actual hard evidence put forth to date?
1
And what motivates so many Republicans to turn a blind eye to Trump's treachery and possible treason?
3
We may never find out more about Trump's Russia motives as we now have an ultra partisan Jeff Sessions as the Attorney General and an FBI director who wouldn't "confirm or deny a pending investigation" about Trump's Russia connections but was all too willing to blabber about FBI's review of Clinton's email, which most likely cost Clinton the election.
How partisan Jeff Sessions is will be evident today as the US justice department is supposed to be in a Vienna courtroom today regarding its extradition request in a case involving Ukraine. See news story, "Will Trump Rescue the Oligarch in the Gilded Cage?" http://tinyurl.com/gw5kue2
How partisan Jeff Sessions is will be evident today as the US justice department is supposed to be in a Vienna courtroom today regarding its extradition request in a case involving Ukraine. See news story, "Will Trump Rescue the Oligarch in the Gilded Cage?" http://tinyurl.com/gw5kue2
2
Considering what Trump will brag about,one wonders what's in his taxes. The fact that he is suddenly quiet when he normally can't stop bragging makes me curious
2
Trump is surrounded by Russian agent handlers who will assure that he does as Putin desires. It may take time.
2
"Friendly deference" is too mild a description of how many Republican lawmakers treat Trump. Try "fawning sycophancy."
3
Good article.
I fall into the 'all of the above' category.
However, I have one small quibble. Donald's mental stability, or lack thereof, wasn't mentioned. This is a man who would gleefully destroy a country to enrich himself personally. There may not be a clinical definition for that kind of crazy, but we're looking at it.
I fall into the 'all of the above' category.
However, I have one small quibble. Donald's mental stability, or lack thereof, wasn't mentioned. This is a man who would gleefully destroy a country to enrich himself personally. There may not be a clinical definition for that kind of crazy, but we're looking at it.
4
While the motive could be a combination of all the explanations provided here, explanation #2 stands out. As pointed out in detail in other NYT articles, Trump burnt his bridges to American banks/lenders, who had been repeatedly made to look like fools by shelling out for Trump's bad businesses. Of course, without his tax returns (time to subpoena?), we'll never know.
4
We need a Watergate type investigation by a special prosecutor and Congress. Nothing less is acceptable!
5
Whatever the reason for the bromance between Putin and Trump, the American people will have to make the Republicans own it. Let them know that if they protect Trump, their fate is tied to his.
5
With regard to your 2nd explanation, the business "conspiracy"- not sure what you mean by conspiracy here. Jr's remark has been mentioned many times, but how does that jibe with T's oft-repeated (as recently as last week) that he has absolutely no business ties, interests or connections in Russia--despite the fact that he visited numerous times (& would he do it for nothing? I don't think so!). So there's a contradiction there. Interesting though that he isn't nearly as vocal in his toadying with other iffy countries in which he clearly has large investments--Turkey, Philippines, etc.
Which brings me to the 4th explanation, which you dismiss. That dossier has not been disproven. That of course is a logical fallacy but parts of it have indeed been supported, and it offers the only really strong explanation--that Trump is being blackmailed.
Which brings me to the 4th explanation, which you dismiss. That dossier has not been disproven. That of course is a logical fallacy but parts of it have indeed been supported, and it offers the only really strong explanation--that Trump is being blackmailed.
2
Trump's animus towards the media reflects the fact that it is the only thing that stands in the way of Trump's total corruption. The NYT must stand by its commitment to reveal Trump's treachery. and reveal which one or all of these points apply to Trump. I personally believe that Putin's one humdred billion dollar nest egg is a strong attraction to Trump's greed.
5
Here's what worries me the most. What if Donald Trump is just a fool who idolizes Putin and his kleoptocracy? So a little bit of everything is true. He has done business with Russians, but not Putin's regime directly. He learned that Putin was interested in aiding his campaign, so he egged him on with kind words but no explicit collusion. And ideologically and politically he has found a mentor. All of these things together could be devastating for the country and he may not have broken the law. Then we just drift towards a shady, manipulated, autocratic United States of Trump for 4 years ?
I don't understand why Republicans wouldn't do everything in their power to protect Pence and impeach Trump. Maybe that's harder than it sounds?
I don't understand why Republicans wouldn't do everything in their power to protect Pence and impeach Trump. Maybe that's harder than it sounds?
2
I firmly believe that it is going to be up to the press to dig out the truth. The current holders of the reigns of power have no motivation what so ever to do the right thing by our country and it's citizens. The unwillingness to aggressively get all of the answers after the show that was put on to keep HRC out of power is egregious. This needs to be shouted from the roof tops and the answers need to be found. The press needs to protect us. It appears that you are the only ones with any means and willingness to do so now. The Dems are toothless due to the Republican's fixing the game. Find the answers and please call out the Repubs lack of patriotism every day. The lack patriotism on their it is not an opinion. Repub actions and lack thereof, are glaring examples of it and clearly shows their willingness to let our Republic fail. Our leadership is rotten to the core.
6
We're to the point where we're reciting what we already know.
Column after column. We aren't breaking new ground.
We as a nation are stuck with all Republican rule.
Our election was influenced by Russian hands. Republicans used Russia's Wikileak dumps to campaign against Democrats. They welcomed the flow of leaks, even made campaign ads you saw on your televisions.
How much hope does the average person have that Republican-led committees can affect any change? Can force this president to disclose his secretive ties to Russia? There's Jeff Sessions, an undying Trump loyalist who will not enforce anything against Trump. The attorney general himself was part of the campaign chant to jail their female political opponent. He thought this was fine. Lock her up. We are in deep trouble and we gotta shake out of just delineating what we already know.
Column after column. We aren't breaking new ground.
We as a nation are stuck with all Republican rule.
Our election was influenced by Russian hands. Republicans used Russia's Wikileak dumps to campaign against Democrats. They welcomed the flow of leaks, even made campaign ads you saw on your televisions.
How much hope does the average person have that Republican-led committees can affect any change? Can force this president to disclose his secretive ties to Russia? There's Jeff Sessions, an undying Trump loyalist who will not enforce anything against Trump. The attorney general himself was part of the campaign chant to jail their female political opponent. He thought this was fine. Lock her up. We are in deep trouble and we gotta shake out of just delineating what we already know.
2
Trump wants to be emperor of everything - business, money, power, success, the law, the people, the news, the polls, the voting machines.
What better model to turn to than Putin.
What better model to turn to than Putin.
1
Raging against Trump and his cohort does little to advance our knowledge and understanding of the Trump motives with respect to Russia. The rage, indeed the outrage of the American people should be focused on a weak kneed GOP Congress who forsake our national security while using the Trump smoke screen to advance their legislative agenda.
2
I concur that the FBI should be (and appear) non-political. But Comey's revelation of the Clinton investigation and silence about the Russia -Trump inquiries remains more than curious. Add to that the tip-off about the coming Clinton disclosures by Giuliani (allegedly based on NY FBI contacts) and the case for political neutrality gets even more tenuous. The ghost of J. Edgar Hoover would be shocked (shocked!) to learn politics was happening. Round up the usual commas.
1
Insider trading.
It's exciting, I bet.
Everyone likes to "know a guy."
Early on in the campaign, it was closed door stuff.
The inner circle, gathered in a glass paneled room, overlooking Manhattan.
"Don't worry, Mr. Trump. I got a guy."
Some real James Bond stuff, the brothers chuckled, slapping each other on the back as they dispersed to do "the shows." A moment to shine in their father's eyes, in on the game. It was fun.
Then it got real.
On July 27th Donald talked in an uncharacteristically scripted tone,
calling upon Russia to release Clinton's "lost emails". It wasn't your typical Donald. It was out of nowhere. It was careful.
Somewhere, someone who was listening to other traffic, banter between Russian agents and someone close, heard something familiar. Maybe it was odd the way the intercepted banter and the press conference lined up.
Then a counter-intelligence probe began.
It must take a while to untangle the barrage of incoming intelligence, sift through it all. The people who do it for a living, who namelessly toil in windowless offices to keep the nation safe, I assume they are meticulous people.
The answer to your theories, Mr. Leonhardt, will not just include what Mr. Trump knew and when, but more importantly, who is willing to fall on their sword for him.
Insider trading is exciting.
It's fun to know a guy, until that guy gets caught and sings like a bird.
Then, it's important to know a guy who is a really skilled attorney.
It's exciting, I bet.
Everyone likes to "know a guy."
Early on in the campaign, it was closed door stuff.
The inner circle, gathered in a glass paneled room, overlooking Manhattan.
"Don't worry, Mr. Trump. I got a guy."
Some real James Bond stuff, the brothers chuckled, slapping each other on the back as they dispersed to do "the shows." A moment to shine in their father's eyes, in on the game. It was fun.
Then it got real.
On July 27th Donald talked in an uncharacteristically scripted tone,
calling upon Russia to release Clinton's "lost emails". It wasn't your typical Donald. It was out of nowhere. It was careful.
Somewhere, someone who was listening to other traffic, banter between Russian agents and someone close, heard something familiar. Maybe it was odd the way the intercepted banter and the press conference lined up.
Then a counter-intelligence probe began.
It must take a while to untangle the barrage of incoming intelligence, sift through it all. The people who do it for a living, who namelessly toil in windowless offices to keep the nation safe, I assume they are meticulous people.
The answer to your theories, Mr. Leonhardt, will not just include what Mr. Trump knew and when, but more importantly, who is willing to fall on their sword for him.
Insider trading is exciting.
It's fun to know a guy, until that guy gets caught and sings like a bird.
Then, it's important to know a guy who is a really skilled attorney.
1
I generally agree with premises two through five (Trump will lie his way of the fourth) but am having a hard time with the first. Sure, reduced tensions between the Russia and the United States would be better, but we can say the same for China which Trump is constantly antagonizing. Russia and the US have little in the way of common purposes and objectives, especially regarding Syria. I think most learned observers in the West would like to see al-Assad gone and possibly stand trial for war crimes. Putin’s goal all along has been to prevent this from happening and to maintain a strategic presence in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean. Supposed collaboration to defeat ISIS is a red herring. Trump hypes ISIS to keep his evangelical base in the fold and use as a common enemy to restrict immigration and ramp up domestic security. Trump has not a care about any humanitarian crises in Syria or elsewhere.
So, back to the mantra: Congress needs put the Trump regime under oath, subpoena his taxes, follow the money, and find out how much in debt our president is to Russia.
So, back to the mantra: Congress needs put the Trump regime under oath, subpoena his taxes, follow the money, and find out how much in debt our president is to Russia.
2
Please add the possibility that Russia is bribing Trump to your financial support scenario. The Steele dossier mentions a payment of a 19% share of Rosneft in exchange for lifting sanctions. Lo and behold, 19.5% was sold to an unidentified buyer in December. Buyer and recipient can't be determined - the deal is hidden in shell companies.
4
There is another possible explanation. Trump may be trying to play "Good Cop/Bad Cop" with him playing nice to Putin while the rest of his administration is much tougher. This may be giving Trump too much credit for sophisticated thinking, but sometimes it pays to be underestimated. If Putin thinks Trump is a fool, he will convince himself that he can get the better of him in any agreements. Trump can play off of Congress and blame them for not going along with Trump's leniency to Putin as a negotiating tactic. I doubt that this will work well, but Trump fancies himself a brilliant negotiator so maybe he thinks he can pull this off.
2
The Republican Congress still believes it can use Trump to promote plutocracy.
Meantime Trump's supporters give him undying support because he feeds their prejudices.
The country has not in my lifetime been in such danger.
Meantime Trump's supporters give him undying support because he feeds their prejudices.
The country has not in my lifetime been in such danger.
2
The question and answer lies in why an investigation happy Congress does not want an investigation into Trump's ties with Russia and meetings with Russian operatives during the campaign. They are afraid of what an investigation would reveal and how it would affect their own interests and are hoping all will blow over.
However, this volcano will erupt as day by day the caldon is growing and pressure mounting with each new leak.
When it does, it will blow the lid off the GOP's complicity in not pursuing the truth in the face of so many serious clues pointing to Trump's treasonous alliance with Putin....and the heat they feel will be the disintegration of the Republican party.
However, this volcano will erupt as day by day the caldon is growing and pressure mounting with each new leak.
When it does, it will blow the lid off the GOP's complicity in not pursuing the truth in the face of so many serious clues pointing to Trump's treasonous alliance with Putin....and the heat they feel will be the disintegration of the Republican party.
3
There must be things in the Trump tax returns that we should know about, but I doubt Trump has financial ties to Russia that are influencing his behavior. He now has, after all, access to much greater sums of money from other authoritarian regimes who want to influence US behavior. Why wouldn't he double-cross his Russian partners? He's been more than willing to do so in the past.
I think the real reason is ideological, combined with a psychological connection to a strong leader that Trump takes as a model. He has Bannon whispering in his ear, constantly, and Bannon has a coherent world-view that puts Russia at the front line of resistance to Islamic extremism.
And, yes, that's terrifying. I'd take a financial connection over this any time. Though I would like to see those tax returns.
I think the real reason is ideological, combined with a psychological connection to a strong leader that Trump takes as a model. He has Bannon whispering in his ear, constantly, and Bannon has a coherent world-view that puts Russia at the front line of resistance to Islamic extremism.
And, yes, that's terrifying. I'd take a financial connection over this any time. Though I would like to see those tax returns.
5
Trump cozies up to a natural enemy like Russia while he insults or alienates nations that have been friends for decades. In addition to Australia and others, he has now he has added even Sweden to the latter list. He has access to the most vast intelligence community in existence, which he belittles, but relies on Fox News as a basis for his erroneous rants. It doesn't get any more stupid than that.
3
I fully understand the need to feel concerned about Mr Trump. I also understand your fear that his election was influenced by the Russians. That such things should never happen is unexceptionable.
And though I hate "whataboutery", it seems to me that the US must be a bit more honest about what it has been up to in influencing elections in other countries. Or is it the case that while it is perfectly all right for the US to do what it does, it is not all right for other countries to do what they do?
And though I hate "whataboutery", it seems to me that the US must be a bit more honest about what it has been up to in influencing elections in other countries. Or is it the case that while it is perfectly all right for the US to do what it does, it is not all right for other countries to do what they do?
1
I think we would all do well to remember that the Russians did not write the hacked emails. No one is alleging that the emails have been fabricated. If Hilary and Podesta and her cronies hadn't written the emails, there would be no story.
Furthermore, I seem to be the only one that finds it hypocritical that we covertly listen to phone calls of the Russian Ambassador, but complain when we find that the Russians are hacking our emails. We both spy on each other...some shock! Where is the media outrage over our actions? Apparently there are no complaints when illegal actions by our government, and the illegal leaking of the phone calls result in the resignation of a Republican National Security Adviser. What happened to balance in media?
Furthermore, I seem to be the only one that finds it hypocritical that we covertly listen to phone calls of the Russian Ambassador, but complain when we find that the Russians are hacking our emails. We both spy on each other...some shock! Where is the media outrage over our actions? Apparently there are no complaints when illegal actions by our government, and the illegal leaking of the phone calls result in the resignation of a Republican National Security Adviser. What happened to balance in media?
1
Someone needs to come up with the courage to speak the unspeakable: if the people who are in a position to investigate the legitimacy of the election are those who benefit from the White House being in Republican hands, then the investigation itself will forever remain suspect, as will the legitimacy of the executive branch. We need to include Clinton supporters in the dialogue, and include them in the investigation. We need to accept the possibility that the election could have been compromised.
This is simple logic. If there was illegal collusion between the campaign and Russian operatives, it taints not only Trump, but Pence as well. It taints the entire election. It's troubling that those who are entrusted with the question of what comes next, seem to first insist that we "accept the results of the election" before we address whether the election was compromised.
Shouldn't it be the other way around?
Disparaging voters as "sore losers" does nothing to quell the concerns of the majority of voters who did not choose a Republican administration. If the Clinton campaign was hobbled by unrelenting Russian interference, we voters were robbed of our right to a fair election. Rewarding the RNC amounts to an ironclad guarantee that the same thing will happen next time.
This is simple logic. If there was illegal collusion between the campaign and Russian operatives, it taints not only Trump, but Pence as well. It taints the entire election. It's troubling that those who are entrusted with the question of what comes next, seem to first insist that we "accept the results of the election" before we address whether the election was compromised.
Shouldn't it be the other way around?
Disparaging voters as "sore losers" does nothing to quell the concerns of the majority of voters who did not choose a Republican administration. If the Clinton campaign was hobbled by unrelenting Russian interference, we voters were robbed of our right to a fair election. Rewarding the RNC amounts to an ironclad guarantee that the same thing will happen next time.
2
It is hard to believe that the infamous tax returns cannot be subpoenaed, though I worry if the FBI director subpoenas them, in light of his behavior before the election, the truth will not be revealed except through a leak. Of all the insanity that has come out of the current administration, this one should be kept in the forefront until resolved. I fear that more tweets and other apparently impulsive behavior coming from #45 will cloud the issue. There is too much smoke here for there not to be a fire.
2
Trump will never be challenged by the opportunists, cowards, and traitors that constitute the Republican party today. They're too busy trying to figure out how to cut health care, Social Security, environmental protections, etc. Besides, their corporate overlords wouldn't like them thinking for themselves, or doing anything for the good of the country.
5
Russia is the central story of the so called president and his cronies.
Everything else is a distraction. All his destruction, corruption, criminal violations of the Constitution are all small beer next to the Russia story.
Everything else is a distraction. All his destruction, corruption, criminal violations of the Constitution are all small beer next to the Russia story.
2
Let's try the simplest answer. We know Trump's primary interest is himself and primarily his own monetary gain; we know he operates on other people's money; we know he doesn't really have any policy stances on domestic or foreign affairs; we know that Trump is secretive about his personal finances (not releasing his tax returns). Trump doesn't care enough about Putin's or Russia's policies or ambitions and doesn't have the attention span to think about them for very long. It just seems most probable that Trump's involvement with Putin and Russians is most likely financial - maybe involving business opportunities but most probably debt related.
3
I just read a comment here that complained we're obsessed with Russia and Trump and we're mentally ill as a result.
A secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win White House. The FBI's in agreement. That our spy agencies conclude Russia ran an operation to install The Donald is the most significant, consequential finding in years. Donald repeatedly shows great fondness for Putin. No comment on the fact that Putin is dissing him recently.
Trump, in December, says ridiculous, just another excuse/don’t believe it.
He's the beneficiary of a fixed election.
Vladimir Putin of Russia ordered the hacking. Wikileaks is part of his propaganda tools. He also hacked into databases with Republican National Committee data, but released documents only on Democrats. Presumably Putin still has the goods on the RNC. But Republicans act blissfully in denial.
Bottom line: more information emerges from wire tapping just in January that Trump's inner circle were in touch with Russia, as was his campaign, before and after the election. All along, in touch with Russian officials.
This is all based on intelligence assessment. We are not mentally ill for refusing to accept it and move on.
A secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win White House. The FBI's in agreement. That our spy agencies conclude Russia ran an operation to install The Donald is the most significant, consequential finding in years. Donald repeatedly shows great fondness for Putin. No comment on the fact that Putin is dissing him recently.
Trump, in December, says ridiculous, just another excuse/don’t believe it.
He's the beneficiary of a fixed election.
Vladimir Putin of Russia ordered the hacking. Wikileaks is part of his propaganda tools. He also hacked into databases with Republican National Committee data, but released documents only on Democrats. Presumably Putin still has the goods on the RNC. But Republicans act blissfully in denial.
Bottom line: more information emerges from wire tapping just in January that Trump's inner circle were in touch with Russia, as was his campaign, before and after the election. All along, in touch with Russian officials.
This is all based on intelligence assessment. We are not mentally ill for refusing to accept it and move on.
2
The motive is much simpler. Trump thinks, stupidly, that he can get some gains via old fashioned wheeling-dealing (including bullying) with Putin. He thinks Putin and he play by the same rules in their power games. By personally engaging Putin in those games Trump thinks he can win big for America and will be a hero. Trump's thinking in this is wrong in so many ways..
2
Lacking evidence, suspicions are assumed to be motives.
Then Russia is blamed for things that have causes right here at home.
Russia did not steal that election. Hillary lost it. She said herself that she should have been far ahead. Why wasn't she? It was not Putin, it was her.
The same is true in Syria. Yes, Putin intervened. He came late to a long war fed by Western money.
Western money and weapons were given to jihadi crazies like the one who met with Sen McCain, and soon after stared in a video in which he cut out the innards of a prisoner and ate them on video still raw and still body temperature. "Head choppers" R Us. That was not done to us by Putin either. We made that reality, to which he came late.
Blame on Putin avoids facing our own mistakes. That avoids fixing them. That enables doing the same mistakes again and again. And we have.
Then Russia is blamed for things that have causes right here at home.
Russia did not steal that election. Hillary lost it. She said herself that she should have been far ahead. Why wasn't she? It was not Putin, it was her.
The same is true in Syria. Yes, Putin intervened. He came late to a long war fed by Western money.
Western money and weapons were given to jihadi crazies like the one who met with Sen McCain, and soon after stared in a video in which he cut out the innards of a prisoner and ate them on video still raw and still body temperature. "Head choppers" R Us. That was not done to us by Putin either. We made that reality, to which he came late.
Blame on Putin avoids facing our own mistakes. That avoids fixing them. That enables doing the same mistakes again and again. And we have.
Like when Putin started bombing US-backed rebels in Syria--that's also definitely the U.S.'s fault (with no blame for Russia)?
Yes, because those US rebels needed to be bombed. We are now bombing them too.
Trump's ideological link to Russia is by Bannon who is a player in the alt right universe in which Russia is seen as the last great white hope against an increasingly brown world. Trump's business link to Russia by Russian investors in his properties and ventures, and involves Manifort and other associates.
1
David Leonhardt's speculations about the Russian connection are well put (though I wouldn't so easily dismiss the British intelligence dossier). But I think he's a little off-base when he says that Trump went so far as to "equate the United States and Vladimir Putin's murderous regime." When Bill O'Reilly reminded him that "Putin is a killer," Trump replied, "We have a lot of killers. Well, you think our country is so innocent?" The response doesn't quite answer O'Reilly's imputation of Putin's personal culpability, but it does make an unarguable implication about our government's willingness to engage in political assassination and is a useful reminder that we shouldn't be holier-than-thou in criticizing other countries' moral failings. The press only strengthens Trump and his supporters' anti-media claims when it overstates or misjudges his blunt, often loose remarks.
2
Fair enough. But if OBAMA had answered the question that way, there would have been impeachment hearings straightaway. So, 45 got off easy (yet again!) despite his thick tongue and defensive posture.
Why wouldn't the Republicans in Congress be willing to investigate? If they find impeachable offenses, they could dump Trump and have Pence who would be more to their liking for passing their legislative agenda and returning order to the White House.
2
This makes total sense. Perhaps those Republicans who can make that happen are proceeding cautiously, because they don't want to lose their base. It seems like the only time the Republicans plan for the long haul is when their jobs at at risk.
However I don't have much confidence in Mitch McConnell's ability to move the levers to make it happen. And Paul Ryan is pretty much a political hack. John McCain seems to be our only hope right now that it could happen.
However a Pence Presidency would result in them efficiently making national policy changes that would harm me. Through out my whole life the Republican policies have been harmful to me. So I say forget about it. We are totally in a lose-lose situation.
However I don't have much confidence in Mitch McConnell's ability to move the levers to make it happen. And Paul Ryan is pretty much a political hack. John McCain seems to be our only hope right now that it could happen.
However a Pence Presidency would result in them efficiently making national policy changes that would harm me. Through out my whole life the Republican policies have been harmful to me. So I say forget about it. We are totally in a lose-lose situation.
The real question is, “Does our Congress and our intelligence agencies want to let this Russian thing drag on into the third or fourth year of the Trump presidency or nip it in the bud as soon as possible?” If there is no “there” there, then the sooner we find out the better it is for the Trump presidency and the American people.
2
Liberal media's obsession with Russia and Trump is at levels of true mental illness. We live in a world where forming alliances should be encouraged. Where was all of this obsession when Obama told the Russian foreign minister he would have more flexibility after the election? What were his motives? Maybe nothing more than alliances are better than hostility.
2
Trump supporters cultish worship of trump to the point of ignoring his obvious and treasonous affiliation with enemies of America is the more dangerous form of mental illness.
The rights obsession with the liberal media obscures the primary point. Liberals are not obsessed with Trump and Russia, we're obsessed with having a president who has been bought. A president controlled by any other government, especially a government and by somebody who would happily murder you and me if he didn't like you, is dangerous for all of us, including you. That you can't see this is the most worrisome part of all of it. Wake up, dady dude.
Maybe all but the first of these are all true -- Trump was indebted to Russia, which extorted him with compromising material to ensure repayment, which then turned into a political opportunity for both parties, which is now going to benefit Russia far more than the USA. I don't doubt that Trump has a genuine affinity for Putin, because he wishes he could be as smart and powerful. But Trump isn't nearly so cunning, largely due to a lack of self-control. At the end of the day, although Trump is attracted to Putin's authoritarianism, and Trump loves the white nationalist politics used to grow such centralized power, it is hard to believe he would take *this much* heat on the topic if there is not really a compromising situation. Why would he get so easily boxed in? Can you name a single other human being on Earth that Trump has defended at *literally every turn*?????
1
My money is on the corruption theory. He is probably up to his hairline in debts to Putin's bankers. It would not be surprising to find that like his buddy Paul Manafort, he has some very unsavory ties to the Russian or Ukrainian oligarchs. Perhaps both. Either way the pressure must be maintained and increased on McConnell to approve a select committee or independent commission. We will know what this president knew and when he knew it. No excuses.
1
Many have tried to "normalize" Trump's occupation of the White House; Legitimize him by pointing out that he "won" the election (if not the votes).
While Trump denies reality, we must face it: Trump is a cancer on our democracy. He must be removed. Republicans will not do their sworn oaths to protect our country. They must be punished. We can do that in 2018, but we cannot wait to remove Trump.
We need "patriotic leakers, and journalists, to make sure the truth comes out." We also need brave employees in the IRS, CIA, FBI, NSA to share with journalists and the nation any and all information that will bring Trump down.
While Trump denies reality, we must face it: Trump is a cancer on our democracy. He must be removed. Republicans will not do their sworn oaths to protect our country. They must be punished. We can do that in 2018, but we cannot wait to remove Trump.
We need "patriotic leakers, and journalists, to make sure the truth comes out." We also need brave employees in the IRS, CIA, FBI, NSA to share with journalists and the nation any and all information that will bring Trump down.
3
I have a simple message today. We need to know the truth behind the Russian ties. The future of our country may depend on it.
2
The first suggestion is not plausible. When it comes to Trump, the starting place is also himself, his narcissism. Everything Donald Trump says, does, and breathes, begins and ends with his own interests and ego. The only reason Trump would care one whit about Syrian refugees would be if they could somehow help him make a profit. Maybe, to get into the US, they should simply send him a note telling him how amazing and brilliant he is, i.e.: take a cue from Putin.
Trump clearly lied when he said recently he has no ties of any kind to Russia. His fawning attitude is about making nice with Russia?? Naive at best, dangerous at worst. And very naive of anyone who would believe such malarkey.
Trump clearly lied when he said recently he has no ties of any kind to Russia. His fawning attitude is about making nice with Russia?? Naive at best, dangerous at worst. And very naive of anyone who would believe such malarkey.
1
There's nothing mutually exclusive about these five hypothesized causes, however much the separate presentation of each of the driveway dispose a reader to think of them as as alternatives. There is, nothing about the first and last two that should distract from.the likelihood that the third is central: unlikely that continuous WH contact with Russians amidst Russian aid for the Trump campaign would not have involved some back and forth about the campaign aid.
1
Another guess is that Trump was flattering Putin during the campaign simply because it was an easy one up - Hillary failed miserably with Putin (personally, putting policy aside). Trump likes to one-up, speaks in warp-speed without filters, and didn't mind rubbing that failure in her face. In other words, all talk - which could explain why he keeps saying there isn't really anything there between him and Russia. Maybe it was just another empty brag.
What really matters is what happens going forward.
What really matters is what happens going forward.
Business conspiracies other than loans also abound.For example, lifting sanctions in return for business opportunities in oil, hotels etc.
This needs to be fully investigated--no cover ups or paper overs. Lets see if these GOP senators are as honorable as the GOP senators who investigated Watergate. So far, I don't see that they are.
2
I realize the cows may have left the barn, but here's an idea to keep this from happening again: the states, or the two political parties in the states (especially Iowa and New Hampshire...) should require a presidential candidate to release the last five(?) years of tax returns to place his/her name on the primary/caucus ballot.
4
Also, submit to a standard physical/mental exam to be administered to all candidates who stand on a debate stage and get free publicity and elevated standing that that entails AND be an actual member of the party he wants to represent in a Presidential campaign for at least five years. Also, have a record of being elected to an office that gives the candidate some knowledge of how government works.
The Party needs to vet for its own best interests. For example, what will having a candidate whose political "career" is based on "Birtherism" say about a party, even if Ryan states that any R. president who can write his name with a pen to get the libertarian agenda (no taxes, little government, no regulations) through is all that is needed? Has the Country sunk this low?
The Presidency is the highest position in the country and the most demanding. It is not an apprentice job even for the most intelligent, well read, articulate and civic-minded citizen. (Women must have the most extraordinary resumes to be treated as equal to the least qualified man in the running.)
The Party needs to vet for its own best interests. For example, what will having a candidate whose political "career" is based on "Birtherism" say about a party, even if Ryan states that any R. president who can write his name with a pen to get the libertarian agenda (no taxes, little government, no regulations) through is all that is needed? Has the Country sunk this low?
The Presidency is the highest position in the country and the most demanding. It is not an apprentice job even for the most intelligent, well read, articulate and civic-minded citizen. (Women must have the most extraordinary resumes to be treated as equal to the least qualified man in the running.)
My guess based on what we know: Trump ran for president without thinking for a minute that he could actually win. His reason is the same for his reason of surrounding himself with Russian-Ukraine interested people and his love affair with Putin. He was constructing a business deal. He was doing everything in his power to leverage all of the free publicity he was gifted with just for running and being outrageous. Then when he was beaten he would be well positioned to do the deal with Russia and make billions. We were all conned. We fell for it (not me but..) and now we have a totally unfit, conman, who never even wanted the job in the Whitehouse.
2
Someone else you may already have brought this up, I don't have time to read all these comments this morning. But what Leonhardt has left out is the Rosneft/Exxon theory. That oil deal is worth $500 billion and can't go through unless sanctions are lifted. If Trump lifts the sanctions so the theory goes he will be rewarded with $19 billion and Rex Tillerson also will profit immensely. Follow the money!
8
The sixth motive is an anti EU motive. It is both in US and Russia's interest to weaken a strong competitor and adversary. As in many other cases geopolitics and economics rule.
Trump's son has talked about substantial financial connections with Russians, and it appears likely that Trump is beholden to them in some ways.
However, if you examine his espousal of conspiracy theories and other (actually) fake news originated by Fox, Infowars, and Breitbart, and his seemingly excessive support of certain organizations and individuals, there is one thing in common to all of them: they have flattered him.
His vanity above all else informs all of his actions. He thinks Vlad called him brilliant. Ths was actually a slight mistranslation. Vlad was calling him a shiny object.
However, if you examine his espousal of conspiracy theories and other (actually) fake news originated by Fox, Infowars, and Breitbart, and his seemingly excessive support of certain organizations and individuals, there is one thing in common to all of them: they have flattered him.
His vanity above all else informs all of his actions. He thinks Vlad called him brilliant. Ths was actually a slight mistranslation. Vlad was calling him a shiny object.
Of your five motives you describe, the only one I reject out of hand is the first. Trump has no conception of sound public policy, he doesn't care about it, and he didn't run for president so he could implement it. Trump is all about Trump. So any reasonable explanation for his motives in cozying up to Putin must begin there. He's doing it because he thinks it will benefit him personally--either by keeping current creditors or investors happy, or by opening doors for future investment, or by keeping his past indiscretions secret, or by enhancing his power, or in some other way. Trump sought the White House for personal gain and not for public good. The most depressing thing of all is that the American people went along with it.
2
Trump's greed, ego and business failures led him to be suckered into being supported by Russian money ( son's comments, plus latest evidence--Trump/Russian collaboration on hotel in Toronto--how many more of these around the world?).
And now that he's president, McConnell etc. are taking advantage of his ignorance, susceptibility to manipulation, and lack of attention span to bend him to their will (it benefits them to not investigate any of this).
These extreme Republicans are bent on destroying the US gov--(proof; the cabinet pick's own statements on what they think of the part of gov. they are hired to lead).
So far the only ones with backbones to go against this scourge appear to be McCain, leakers, and the media. So much for patriotism.
And now that he's president, McConnell etc. are taking advantage of his ignorance, susceptibility to manipulation, and lack of attention span to bend him to their will (it benefits them to not investigate any of this).
These extreme Republicans are bent on destroying the US gov--(proof; the cabinet pick's own statements on what they think of the part of gov. they are hired to lead).
So far the only ones with backbones to go against this scourge appear to be McCain, leakers, and the media. So much for patriotism.
1
So many convolutions in the spoutings of Trump that any possibility seems probable. I like the thought that his business ties loom large. It is frightening in any case. When will we hear impeach?
1
Dude, my money is on the existence of a videotape.
One where he was filmed doing unimaginable, despicable things.
In short, being himself.
So much so, that he'd lose his business, his family, and his freedom all in one fell swoop.
His adulation of Putin has a trembling quality to it.
We should end his misery.
One where he was filmed doing unimaginable, despicable things.
In short, being himself.
So much so, that he'd lose his business, his family, and his freedom all in one fell swoop.
His adulation of Putin has a trembling quality to it.
We should end his misery.
1
Occam's Razor tells us that the simplest answer to some question is probably the best explanation. The simplest explanation of Trump's statements about Russia or lack thereof is that he is trying to hide something.
3
I have yet to read or see how the Russians influenced the election. They did not hack into individual voting machines or stand outside the polling places and threaten voters. The FBI and CIA investigated these claims end they both concluded that the Russians did not influence the election. The media keeps pushing this narrative. Trump won because of the bad governing during the past 8 years. Obama ignored laws he did not like, changed the ACA law without congress, a definite illegal move, the Fast and Furious gun running scheme where Obama hid evidence under the guise of executive privilege, Obama bowing to a Saudi prince, the Bengahzi lies about a video, and the list is exhaustive. Why is the media not focusing on all of those unconstitutional acts by Obama?
Are you serious? Because you're totally incorrect on pretty much every point you made in this post. I also suspect you're just a troll for the cheeto, and / or totally suckered by his lies and the lies from breitbart, infowars, etc etc etc.
Mr. Lleonhardt's analysis is spot-on win many respects. But the dossier tends to confirm or make more likely the hypothesis that Putin deliberately has been aiding Trump for many years.
That hypothesis does not require any motive at all on Trumps part - that's why I think the most likely explanation is simply that Trump is an "unwitting accomplice" and Putin views Trump (accurately) as being poisonous to America and its values.
That hypothesis does not require any motive at all on Trumps part - that's why I think the most likely explanation is simply that Trump is an "unwitting accomplice" and Putin views Trump (accurately) as being poisonous to America and its values.
1
Trump can solve the mystery but he won't unless he is forced to either directly or indirectly by Congress.
What is most distressing to me is that there is not unanimous support for getting to the bottom of this. If it turns out to be nothing of consequence in regards to preserving democracy and protecting the Constitution, then we move on.
So, why wouldn't any president want to do this? I think Republicans are delusional if they think this is going to go away without the mystery being answered. I'll go further and state that until the truth is out, the president and the Republican Congress is illegitimate and everything they do is automatically illegitimate.
What is most distressing to me is that there is not unanimous support for getting to the bottom of this. If it turns out to be nothing of consequence in regards to preserving democracy and protecting the Constitution, then we move on.
So, why wouldn't any president want to do this? I think Republicans are delusional if they think this is going to go away without the mystery being answered. I'll go further and state that until the truth is out, the president and the Republican Congress is illegitimate and everything they do is automatically illegitimate.
4
Even with potential allies, Trump prides himself on playing hardball and engaging in tough negotiation, not sycophantic abasement. But he literally fawns over Putin, and ignores "emasculating" provocations by the Russian military--very un-Trumpian behavior. This leaves only two possible options.
First, that Trump really buys into an apocalyptic clash of civilizations and global holy war. Russia is the only nation with a sizable military that mirrors Trump's view that radical Islam is an existential threat. They are the only country that can/will stand with the U.S., and therefore must be appeased at all costs. (Putting aside China's similar fights against Muslim extremists, or the fact that Turkey and Iran have done much, much more to fight ISIS that Putin--the Archie Bunker ethos finds it hard to make common cause with these nations....)
The second, and much more likely scenario, is that Trump is fundamentally compromised, e.g., he believes that Russia could end his presidency, bankrupt him and his family, and/or send him to jail at will.
(Russia's attitude and behavior certainly fits with the second scenario and not the first)
First, that Trump really buys into an apocalyptic clash of civilizations and global holy war. Russia is the only nation with a sizable military that mirrors Trump's view that radical Islam is an existential threat. They are the only country that can/will stand with the U.S., and therefore must be appeased at all costs. (Putting aside China's similar fights against Muslim extremists, or the fact that Turkey and Iran have done much, much more to fight ISIS that Putin--the Archie Bunker ethos finds it hard to make common cause with these nations....)
The second, and much more likely scenario, is that Trump is fundamentally compromised, e.g., he believes that Russia could end his presidency, bankrupt him and his family, and/or send him to jail at will.
(Russia's attitude and behavior certainly fits with the second scenario and not the first)
2
Your concerns about Trump's loyalty to Russia, in preference to U.S. interests, are valid indeed. We may be living in a world of mafiosi covering each other's nefarious acts. Trump's persistent unwillingness to criticize thuggish Putin is most suspicious for malfeasance yet to be uncovered. Why would he choose Paul Manafort (last April) otherwise? Manafort having severe conflicts of interest, lobbying for dictators worldwide, and as a consultant of Viktor Yanukovich, the ex-dictator of UKraine, a crook under the tutelage of the Kremlin? Turbid business for sure, but seemingly just 'business as usual' for fraudster Trump. Trouble is, this irresponsible and unscrupulous ignoramus is U.S. president now, unwilling, or unable, to sever dependency ties with Russia. A most dangerous proposition. What we need now is patriotic leakers to allow sunshine and reveal the truth, with the facts we need to indict this 'ugly american', thus far oblivious to reason, decency and civility.
1
Why should the readers be encouraged to ignore the possible motive that Russia/Putin has information on trump that involves material of a salacious nature? You explain that I it should be ignored because there's no hard evidence. There's no hard evidence about any theory of what his motive is. It seems, given his history of groping women, given Russia's success and predilection of spying on Americans-particularly wealthy, powerful Americans - that having evidence of his salacious behavior with prostitutes in a Moscow hotel is as plausible as any theory involving financial indiscretions. The motive(s) of behavior certainly can involve several and varied embarrassing acts by trump or, as suggested,none, but his absurd admiration of a tyrant. Until and unless competent evidence is provided either proving or disproving possible explanations for his inexplicable behavior towards our enemy, we shouldn't ignore any theory or give credence to any. That's what investigations are for. Let's hope that, as was the case with Watergate, that we are able to get
an honest and thorough investigation by either a bipartisan body or an independent counsel. AG Sessions should totally recuse himself for any inquiry.
an honest and thorough investigation by either a bipartisan body or an independent counsel. AG Sessions should totally recuse himself for any inquiry.
2
As our new Attorney General, Jeff Sessions declines to recuse himself from investigations into Russian collaboration with the Trump campaign, of which he was a member, we cluck our tongues and assume that someone with the capacity to make a change will eventually protest. When he refuses to seek an indictment for former NSA Michael Flynn over his lying to the FBI we accept it as the new normal.
If our Justice Department is compromised we must rely on the vigilance of the press to keep us informed, as the republican led House and Senate have proven that they have no interest in anything other than their own selfish agenda. What would previously have been shameful has become routine.
The common thread is the same as it has always been; greed, which has risen to the level of religion. All debate over the reasons for our dilemma can be distilled into that single word. The ideological masses on one side or the other ebb and flow like the tides, straining against each other while those in power look down in amusement at the effects of their subterfuge.
We CAN make a difference, as long as we remain focused and resolute. I will continue to hold my sign, joining my brethren in the only religion worth following: The Truth.
If our Justice Department is compromised we must rely on the vigilance of the press to keep us informed, as the republican led House and Senate have proven that they have no interest in anything other than their own selfish agenda. What would previously have been shameful has become routine.
The common thread is the same as it has always been; greed, which has risen to the level of religion. All debate over the reasons for our dilemma can be distilled into that single word. The ideological masses on one side or the other ebb and flow like the tides, straining against each other while those in power look down in amusement at the effects of their subterfuge.
We CAN make a difference, as long as we remain focused and resolute. I will continue to hold my sign, joining my brethren in the only religion worth following: The Truth.
2
I personally think it is not as simple as one motive but rather a path Trump followed that involves a little of each.
I think Trump going back 30 years found himself in a position where he could not borrow money and needed sources of investment, "other peoples' money". He became a hyped brand more than anything else. He has no morals, and there is a trail of Russian and former Soviet Republic cash. I think Trump's luxury hotels and other real-estate deals are ways for corrupt oligarchs to launder large amounts of cash.
After getting into this situation, I think it is very likely he managed to become compromised by illicit and perverted sexual escapades in Russia. Remember, his image is everything, including for his TV show. It is possible if not proven yet.
Having many illicit, corrupt ties, once he decided to run for President, people like Manafort and Page and others attached themselves to it hoping to profit. Flynn saw a possibility for his own agenda, which is primarily to pull Russia away from Iran so that we can confront what he views as the biggest culprit.
As for ideology, I don't think Trump has any, but he also does not value democracy. He will merge his personal ambitions, and his desire to amass wealth, with the presidency. Democracy stands in his way, and he sees corruption in Russia and elsewhere that he will embrace if it benefits him.
He has no morals, no values, no character. Just selfish greed.
I think Trump going back 30 years found himself in a position where he could not borrow money and needed sources of investment, "other peoples' money". He became a hyped brand more than anything else. He has no morals, and there is a trail of Russian and former Soviet Republic cash. I think Trump's luxury hotels and other real-estate deals are ways for corrupt oligarchs to launder large amounts of cash.
After getting into this situation, I think it is very likely he managed to become compromised by illicit and perverted sexual escapades in Russia. Remember, his image is everything, including for his TV show. It is possible if not proven yet.
Having many illicit, corrupt ties, once he decided to run for President, people like Manafort and Page and others attached themselves to it hoping to profit. Flynn saw a possibility for his own agenda, which is primarily to pull Russia away from Iran so that we can confront what he views as the biggest culprit.
As for ideology, I don't think Trump has any, but he also does not value democracy. He will merge his personal ambitions, and his desire to amass wealth, with the presidency. Democracy stands in his way, and he sees corruption in Russia and elsewhere that he will embrace if it benefits him.
He has no morals, no values, no character. Just selfish greed.
7
The smoking gun is Trump's refusal to release his tax returns. If there is smoke, there is fire.
If there was nothing in those returns that would cast a shadow on his business dealings, it would be logical that he would have released them last year.
He is afraid to release them, and the bottom line for that fear is either evidence of a blatant lie that not even his "truthful hyperbole" model of twisting the truth will justify, or the returns will show him for the business fraud that many think he is. A house of cards on both counts.
If there was nothing in those returns that would cast a shadow on his business dealings, it would be logical that he would have released them last year.
He is afraid to release them, and the bottom line for that fear is either evidence of a blatant lie that not even his "truthful hyperbole" model of twisting the truth will justify, or the returns will show him for the business fraud that many think he is. A house of cards on both counts.
5
Trump is a real estate developer from New York. The money and influence of Russian mobsters and oligarchs in New York real estate has been growing since the end of the Cold War. What is so confusing? Trump's financial entanglements with Russian money are obviously profound and resonate with the ways the Putin regime is also intertwined with crooked money in that country. Where's the confusion? The coinciding ideological are beside the point for Trump, I think, although for Bannon and the other alt-right crew now ensconced in the White House these may be the most important reasons for an alliance with Putin. The most and perhaps only shocking aspect of this entire scenario is the cravenly hypocritical and slavish worship of power from the scions of the Republican party that have moved them to abandon all of their former projects in order to serve the Trump regime.
3
Trump speaks with both side of his mouth and has one overriding egocentric urge: to be admired by people.... his ego feeds on adoration...
He refuses to release his tax returns, unlike any other former president. It is clear it contains information that could tarnish his reputation.
As investigations proceeds regarding his possible ties with Putin and Russia. what legal tools are available for the investigators, to make him release his tax returns?
He refuses to release his tax returns, unlike any other former president. It is clear it contains information that could tarnish his reputation.
As investigations proceeds regarding his possible ties with Putin and Russia. what legal tools are available for the investigators, to make him release his tax returns?
4
Well, there might be another explanation: that both are in the pocket of Big Oil. Russia's economy runs on oil and gas and it has now overtaken Saudi Arabia as the world's number one exporter of crude oil. Trump has already demonstrated that he is totally on the side of fossil fuels and against renewable energy. Big Oil is under threat like never before and no doubt they are buying up politicians left right and centre to defend their interests. This is my concern. Trump is so blatantly pro-fossil fuel and overtly hostile towards renewables and the climate change/environmental movement in general. This should be a warning sign to anyone but people seem to struggle to make the connection between that and the Russian connection. I'm no conspiracy theorist but it seems very obvious to me that he has been conscripted by Big Oil. Nothing new there, of course, historically most Republicans have been very friendly towards this industry but the times, as the song goes, are a-changing and big oil is under threat now like never before. They will stop at nothing to preserve their profit margins and desperate times calls for desperate measures. The plot thickens!
193
And talking about Big Oil who is the current Secretary of State? It adds to your theory.
1
Yes. And don't forget Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Gives me chills.
1
Mark is spot on! Its all about gas, black sea, Crimea, Gazprom, Exon-Mobil. Follow the money, which means follow the oil and gas. Everything else is distraction. Trump desperately wants to be in the real Billionaires Club.
1
Exactly. "The United States has never had a situation quite like this." Which is all the more reason to have an independent investigation that will demand the release of #45's taxes and find out how far the hacking of the DNC's computer system affected the election. Oh, and Tillerson's ties and Comey's role in the election (and absence of same when it comes to #45's gliding into the presidency). Start it stat. If the investigation reveals treason, then hang 'em high and install the rightful president in the Oval Office.
8
Why isn't oil near the top of this list? Didn't the Secretary of State have a $400 Billion oil deal scotched by Obama's sanctions? Isn't Russia primarily a kleptocracy organized around the expropriation and exploitation of Russia's carbon resources for the benefit of Putin and his cronies? The US can help Russia in the destruction of the global efforts to protect climate. Russia can enrich Trump and Tillerson. This Bromance is all about carbon and climate. America's Oil States, North Dakotastan, Texarabaria, SaudiHoma, West VirLibya and Iraqasee are all on board to destroy climate for their monetary benefit. Weld county in Colorado is paying cash for infrastructure because oil is on private land there. Utah is piloting the schemes to get public lands into private hands. Kleptocracy pure and simple. The confluence of ideology, theft and climatecide. Oh, its not warming; and if it is warming, humans are not the cause; and if humans are the cause it won't warm much; and if it does warm a lot, there is nothing we can do about anyway because our conservative politicians are bought and paid for by oil dollars. And finally, by a fluke, they are in power. The Koch brothers and Trump will have an nice public distance while embracing over oil exploitation in the arctic, pipelines to shale catastrophes and the theft of public lands for their use.
By the way, this is not a victim-less crime. Our grandchildren will pay dearly for the destruction of climate for oil profits.
By the way, this is not a victim-less crime. Our grandchildren will pay dearly for the destruction of climate for oil profits.
23
David, it is an undeniable fact that Trump and Putin are of one soul with 2 bodies.
Beside their White color of the skin, both have the mentalities that correspond with one another.
Both of them are now presidents of two super powers who came to power with White Judeo-Christian nationalistic hubris.
Both supposedly hate Muslims but don't mind breaking bread with the Ruthless Arab leaders after their ending of Ramadan.
Putin breaks bread with Assad and Iran's leaders.
Trump breaks bread with the very sadistic rulers of this world who also happened to be Bush's partners in blowing up our twin towers and a part of the Pentagon.
Yes, I'm talking about Saudi Arabia from where 16 of the 19 hijackers came and feted and dined and wined by the Saudi embassy officials before they killed 4,000+ of our beautiful civilian souls beside our losing of 8,000+ of our fantastic and the world's best brave men and women in the subsequent useless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Trump is ignoring all the facts given in the now declassified 'Congressional Report on 9/11' which I read along with millions of our fellow citizens beside probably more than a billion people all over the world.
That report clearly stated the facts about the roles that the Saudi officials as well as officials from Egyptian,Lebanon and U.A.E. embassies played where 16+3 of the hijackers came from.
So my question now, "Is our foreign policies be dictated by where Trump has hotels, Casinos and resorts ?"
You figure.
Beside their White color of the skin, both have the mentalities that correspond with one another.
Both of them are now presidents of two super powers who came to power with White Judeo-Christian nationalistic hubris.
Both supposedly hate Muslims but don't mind breaking bread with the Ruthless Arab leaders after their ending of Ramadan.
Putin breaks bread with Assad and Iran's leaders.
Trump breaks bread with the very sadistic rulers of this world who also happened to be Bush's partners in blowing up our twin towers and a part of the Pentagon.
Yes, I'm talking about Saudi Arabia from where 16 of the 19 hijackers came and feted and dined and wined by the Saudi embassy officials before they killed 4,000+ of our beautiful civilian souls beside our losing of 8,000+ of our fantastic and the world's best brave men and women in the subsequent useless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Trump is ignoring all the facts given in the now declassified 'Congressional Report on 9/11' which I read along with millions of our fellow citizens beside probably more than a billion people all over the world.
That report clearly stated the facts about the roles that the Saudi officials as well as officials from Egyptian,Lebanon and U.A.E. embassies played where 16+3 of the hijackers came from.
So my question now, "Is our foreign policies be dictated by where Trump has hotels, Casinos and resorts ?"
You figure.
There is, in addition to the five motives mentioned in David Leonhardt's opinion piece, a sixth pro-Russian/pro-Putin motive. Trump needs and thrives on adoration, his most powerful motive after money. Putin recognizes this weakness in our president and has used this basic Trumpian need to his (Putin's) advantage.
3
DT is seriously deficient in 2 of the 6 components of Mazlov's Heirarchy of Needs - Esteem and Love/Belonging. Putin is feeding this man's insatiable ego, to the detriment of our democracy.
Money laundering for the Russian mafia through real estate shell companies is trump's game. I did get a big laugh out of the idea that trump is motivated by wanting to end a humanitarian crisis in Syria though - he's displayed even less compassion than intellectual curiosity in his brief time as a politician.
5
Most of the motives suggested probably apply to some degree, but I believe that in the end they all rest on a foundation of ego and greed. Trump has always put Trump first and that means pursuing profit wherever it may be found. He has not been bothered by ethics or laws. He considers himself smart and his best evidence for that may be his accomplishments as a schemer. Trump believes he can out-scheme anyone. To understand Trump follow his ego to the money. To find the money, uncover the schemes.
1
“…Trump merely flirts with the alt-right.” From my vantage point, he is way past flirting and has jumped into bed with those racists and xenophobes. Every time I hear DT talk about something that is not himself, it is so easy to picture Bannon as the one whispering into his ear.
1
I'm afraid the most plausible scenario is that the House and Senate will do nothing about this and we will be stuck with a deeply compromised President for four years or more. And that Trump will not like this (he almost pathetically craves respect) and will eventually do something really drastic.
The current crisis we are mired in would have been unthinkable 20 years ago.
The serial liar criminal fake President is enriching himself and causing problems on a daily basis because of freaks like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. It's really that simple; in a different Era their political lives would have ended if they had supported this dolt.
Not sure what James Comey told the gang of eight on Friday but since he handed the election to Trump on a platter I don't see anything other than an independent commission solving this terrible crime.
Trump is a thug and no one who has the power to stop him seems interested in doing so. Why is that?
The serial liar criminal fake President is enriching himself and causing problems on a daily basis because of freaks like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. It's really that simple; in a different Era their political lives would have ended if they had supported this dolt.
Not sure what James Comey told the gang of eight on Friday but since he handed the election to Trump on a platter I don't see anything other than an independent commission solving this terrible crime.
Trump is a thug and no one who has the power to stop him seems interested in doing so. Why is that?
3
It's amusing that people believe Trump has a political ideology. As has been stated many time he is a "transactional" guy. The only common theme in Trump's life has been money. His connections with Russia are based on money.
2
During the campaign, it looked as if there was some strong pro-Trump sentiment within the FBI. How extensive is that sentiment and will it affect any investigations the agency pursues?
It's wise to doubt conspiracy theories, but sometimes they turn out to have basis in truth. Who would have thought that Donald Trump would have been caught on tape talking about grabbing female anatomies?
It's wise to doubt conspiracy theories, but sometimes they turn out to have basis in truth. Who would have thought that Donald Trump would have been caught on tape talking about grabbing female anatomies?
1
What about oil? I thought this was the obvious reasoning. Russian wants the sanctions lifted so it can export their oil. Look at who was chosen as Secretary of State , an oil executive who can oversee a deal with billions in profits. Hasn't also been reported that there in the dossier Trump was to receive funds for cooperation?
Follow the money , follow the oil.
Follow the money , follow the oil.
2
"Trump merely flirts with the alt-right"--??? He does more than flirt, he installs the alt-right's operators at the highest level of his administration, even anoints them principles on his (our) National Security Council.
Also, for what it may be worth in understanding Trump's affinity for Russia, I believe he has gotten the majority of his wives from that part of the world.
Also, for what it may be worth in understanding Trump's affinity for Russia, I believe he has gotten the majority of his wives from that part of the world.
6
Excellent analysis, Dave! As is often the case, multiple factors are surely at play here. But given the president's financial track record, money is likely chief among them. So yes, indeed, follow the money.
2
This analysis helps us keep our eyes on the prize. All the swirling stories and revelations and counter-narratives and commentary in the breathless media end up, often, providing more heat than light. Meanwhile, there's no disputing that the president is soft on Russia and Putin -- none. The big story, as Leonhard suggests, is why. Let us stick with that. It's a way out of the swamp.
3
Maybe Trump is splitting hairs, maybe he doesnt have any loans from Russia, but what he does appear to have is a lot of "customers" buying his (or his partner's) projects who are Russian. There has been discussion of these properties providing a money laundering outlet for dubiously obtained Russian funds. Tit for tat. The power and political motives are strictly the icing on the mogul's ego, but the most dangerous to the world.
More than anything Trump has said so far, his denunciation of journalists as the enemy of the people is a transparent admission on his part that he has something to hide. It is also a statement that calibrates the current reality: our Congress will not investigate him because Republicans value power over transparency. To steal a line from Nixon, "now more than ever" we need the fourth estate since it seems to be the one remaining institution willing to hold a budding tyrant accountable. Alas, this may not be enough since it is more than apparent that we live in a Confederacy of Dunces (john kennedy toole)
2
Conspiracy theories constructed from whole cloth fueled by progressive fantasy.
This is junk journalism. There is no evidence suggesting anything untoward. Yes, Russia is a country. The US is a country. Countries sometimes form alliances. Well, I think that proves it.
This is why Trump says that journalism is the enemy of the American public. You are making up possible facts to support a fanciful narrative, Yet you present them as possibly real and speculate on what they might mean.
There is no evidence that Trump is a Russophile. For most of his detractors the idea that he might take a fantasy to anything would require too much focus and therefore out of Trump's reach. Anyone spotted any Russian Tchotchkes in his office?
The idea that Russia hacked the Dems to help elect Trump sounds plausible on its surface -- except -- the hacking of the DNC occurred in summer of 2015 before Trump had taken the lead in the Republican field. And the damage done to the DNC was minimal at worst -- embarrassing to staffers but voters knew who HRC was before the e-mails.
And so what if Trump has had business interests in Russia -- or if Exxon has contracts with Russia. It is insulting to Trump and Tillerson to suggest that prior business relationships would affect their current jobs. And remember, there is a looking history of American corporations working with enemies -- like Nazi Germany.
No substance, no story. But that won't stop a Times propagandist.
This is junk journalism. There is no evidence suggesting anything untoward. Yes, Russia is a country. The US is a country. Countries sometimes form alliances. Well, I think that proves it.
This is why Trump says that journalism is the enemy of the American public. You are making up possible facts to support a fanciful narrative, Yet you present them as possibly real and speculate on what they might mean.
There is no evidence that Trump is a Russophile. For most of his detractors the idea that he might take a fantasy to anything would require too much focus and therefore out of Trump's reach. Anyone spotted any Russian Tchotchkes in his office?
The idea that Russia hacked the Dems to help elect Trump sounds plausible on its surface -- except -- the hacking of the DNC occurred in summer of 2015 before Trump had taken the lead in the Republican field. And the damage done to the DNC was minimal at worst -- embarrassing to staffers but voters knew who HRC was before the e-mails.
And so what if Trump has had business interests in Russia -- or if Exxon has contracts with Russia. It is insulting to Trump and Tillerson to suggest that prior business relationships would affect their current jobs. And remember, there is a looking history of American corporations working with enemies -- like Nazi Germany.
No substance, no story. But that won't stop a Times propagandist.
3
Fact check: The hacking was not a one time event. It continued for months and months after the initial incursion.
It is possible to agree that having a better relationship with Russia is a desirable goal without removing the caveat "under the proper circumstances." If the end result is a latter-day Molotov-von Ribbentrop pact that allows Russia a free hand to destabilize our European allies for its own ends, that hardly seems like a positive outcome.
It would be much more costly by far -- in the precious blood of young American soldiers as well as American wealth -- to allow Russia to expand it sphere of influence (read as oppress neighboring countries) than to help those countries that value their own independence to defend their own freedom.
This defense of all things Russia that Trump supporters have taken up so wholeheartedly is not a long-term winner, morally or politically. What next, defense of all things Chinese?
It is possible to agree that having a better relationship with Russia is a desirable goal without removing the caveat "under the proper circumstances." If the end result is a latter-day Molotov-von Ribbentrop pact that allows Russia a free hand to destabilize our European allies for its own ends, that hardly seems like a positive outcome.
It would be much more costly by far -- in the precious blood of young American soldiers as well as American wealth -- to allow Russia to expand it sphere of influence (read as oppress neighboring countries) than to help those countries that value their own independence to defend their own freedom.
This defense of all things Russia that Trump supporters have taken up so wholeheartedly is not a long-term winner, morally or politically. What next, defense of all things Chinese?
So just because DT doesn't have a set of nesting dolls in the Oval Office that proves he is not a Russophile? The Russians would conceivable have begun to destabilize Clinton's campaign regardless of who the GOP nominee would have been, so your point about when the hacking began does not hold water. We do know that the most important thing in the world to Trump is his brand, his business, making money, so yes it is quite conceivable that Trump would sell out U.S. interests if it improved his bottom line.
yes, the hacking of the DNC occurred in summer of 2015. Before Trump. But it was perhaps always the Russian goal of blocking Clinton, no matter who she ran against. Once it became evident it was Trump, they started releasing all the data.
Please don't be so obtuse.
The job of journalists is to ferret out stories and the truth because the rest of us are busy leading our lives. Ask yourself what this country would look like without journalists. I suggest it isn't a pretty picture.
We have never had a president so closely tied with Russia. I, for one, am glad journalists are on the job, working to make sure we keep this president and his administration honest. We don't live in Russia, after all. And just because Trump says so, doesn't make it so.
Please don't be so obtuse.
The job of journalists is to ferret out stories and the truth because the rest of us are busy leading our lives. Ask yourself what this country would look like without journalists. I suggest it isn't a pretty picture.
We have never had a president so closely tied with Russia. I, for one, am glad journalists are on the job, working to make sure we keep this president and his administration honest. We don't live in Russia, after all. And just because Trump says so, doesn't make it so.
Treasonous Trump may simply view Putin as a great role model....
Has muzzled the press through effective intimidation -- check.
Uses the power of the state to loot national resources to benefit cronies. -- check.
Uses the power to the state to keep cronies in line -- check.
Uses a captive court system to seize property from and imprison opponents. -- check.
Uses state intelligence services to assassinate opponents who are outside the country. -- check.
Sounds like a laundry list of what the Donald would like to do, doesn't it?
Has muzzled the press through effective intimidation -- check.
Uses the power of the state to loot national resources to benefit cronies. -- check.
Uses the power to the state to keep cronies in line -- check.
Uses a captive court system to seize property from and imprison opponents. -- check.
Uses state intelligence services to assassinate opponents who are outside the country. -- check.
Sounds like a laundry list of what the Donald would like to do, doesn't it?
4
Sanctions relief would get Russian oil flowing again to help fix Russia's economy and grease the skids for large exploration deals with Exxon/Tillerson. Even ethical people can be tempted to make bad deals when billions of dollars are at stake and headed their way.
3
Quotation: “If you see fraud and don’t say ‘fraud’, you are a fraud.”-Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Quotation: “Incentives undermine ethical motives.”-Economist Samuel Bowles
Quotation: “It is hard to get a grip on things when your palms are greased.”-Unknown (for now)
Quotation: “Incentives undermine ethical motives.”-Economist Samuel Bowles
Quotation: “It is hard to get a grip on things when your palms are greased.”-Unknown (for now)
It is possible to believe that at the heart of The USA is a bitter, superstitious, minority that needs guns and an enemy in order to feel good. The terms of their discourse leads one to believe that they have left their minds unanalyzed and unexamined. Their thinking seems to have uncritically accepted values and traditions that run counter to the realities of science and history.
Perhaps they feel that they have been mislead by government and need to rely upon local customs and ideas about what constitutes life on Earth rather than politicians or experts.
They now have a leader with a world view commensurable with their own ignorance and superstition. He loves their attention and their devotion. Like some old rocker, on tour, who belts out the same old licentious stuff night after night without any home life to ground him - a terminal adolescent forever seeking more attention.
Perhaps they feel that they have been mislead by government and need to rely upon local customs and ideas about what constitutes life on Earth rather than politicians or experts.
They now have a leader with a world view commensurable with their own ignorance and superstition. He loves their attention and their devotion. Like some old rocker, on tour, who belts out the same old licentious stuff night after night without any home life to ground him - a terminal adolescent forever seeking more attention.
8
Financial...Trump has a long history of business talks with Russia. His son said a disproportionate amount of Trump business was with Russia and great amounts of money in 2008. Trump gets funding thru Deutsche Bank which is now paying millions in fines to the US for Russian money laundering. Trump's buildings in the US have dubious Russian backing.
Congress MUST get Trump's financial records as a baseline for any investigation into his campaign's ties with Russia. Did Russia directly contact Trump? Probably not--his truth problem makes direct negotiation difficult for Russia also. However, he surrounded himself with Russian-tied people in both campaign and his admin. The GOP Congress MUST do their duty as per the Constitution (think they remember that document these days?) in overseeing the Exec. Closing your eyes, willfully blind, violates their oaths of office in putting Party loyalty above that owed to our nation.
Congress MUST get Trump's financial records as a baseline for any investigation into his campaign's ties with Russia. Did Russia directly contact Trump? Probably not--his truth problem makes direct negotiation difficult for Russia also. However, he surrounded himself with Russian-tied people in both campaign and his admin. The GOP Congress MUST do their duty as per the Constitution (think they remember that document these days?) in overseeing the Exec. Closing your eyes, willfully blind, violates their oaths of office in putting Party loyalty above that owed to our nation.
8
Well stated, Mr. Leonhardt, but don't look to the congress or the FBI to conduct investigations that produce definitive answers. This moment, this issue, this person begs for the attention of determined well-resourced investigative journalists whose results will be shared in the open fora of public squares and academic halls, will demand the attention of the public and its officials, and will produce or result in accountability.
17
Resurrect the "Muckrakers."
This column is way less alarmist than it should be. We're talking about a sitting president who may owe greater allegiance to a hostile foreign power than to the country he leads. We shouldn't be talking about that as if it's some minor policy disagreement.
As has been pointed out; the flood of leaks is a cry for help from the adults in the room: the intelligence agencies.
As has been pointed out; the flood of leaks is a cry for help from the adults in the room: the intelligence agencies.
478
all evidence points to the Donald being in hock to the Russians up to his coiffure... but it is a certain fact that he owes allegiance first and probably exclusively to himself.
in this instance, Romney was correct in his initial assessment.
in this instance, Romney was correct in his initial assessment.
2
Absolutely!! There is no room for discourse in this White House..if you don't agree with the pandering fool at the top, you're out..Democracy is built on discourse and diversity. What's happening now is a travesty to our way of life, our values and the fundamentals of our democracy...but at least it's not Hillary, the most qualified candidate in the history of our democracy..Fools. Time will tell, it already has. The Ways and Means committee should be adamantly demanding the tax returns..but Brady is a Republican, he's got to tow the party line with the rest of them. Cowards.
1
I find David Leonhardt's columns to be very much a letdown. He lacks something, maybe the courage of his convictions. He'd be disappointing as an occasional guest contributor. What he's doing in charge of the Op-Ed section simply baffles me. Either he quickly grows into the job or he's not going to look good when compared to his predecessors. (Sound familiar?)
Some clarity about motive will emerge with the comparison of dates of the phone calls between 45 campaign people and Russian intelligence and statements made by 45 during his campaign. Circumstantial evidence of collusion seems pretty self-evident right now.
1
The sooner this con artist is impeached and imprisoned the safer our democracy will be. The fact that his tax returns and business schemes have not been made public is an indictment of the current leadership of the Republican Party, which increasingly resembles a cabal, not a party in a democratic republic.
"The fairest assumption is that he has Russian business ties he wants to keep hidden."
What are the odds that a thin skinned huckster who defrauded thousands of his fellow citizens and bankrupted small businesses as part if his business strategy, is motivated by money?
His bromance with Putin's authoritarian rule may be just that, a need to compensate for certain personal failures? Now, if Putin has any "kompromat" on our 45th president, it will not be the FBI or CIA who discovers it. Russia's FSB will release in due time.
The issue here is whether any or all of the above led Trump and/or his aides (some now members of his administration) to undermine our elections, foreign policy and national security.
I believe the answer is yes. And if you care about keeping America great, you should at least want to know and let the evidence keep coming out.
What are the odds that a thin skinned huckster who defrauded thousands of his fellow citizens and bankrupted small businesses as part if his business strategy, is motivated by money?
His bromance with Putin's authoritarian rule may be just that, a need to compensate for certain personal failures? Now, if Putin has any "kompromat" on our 45th president, it will not be the FBI or CIA who discovers it. Russia's FSB will release in due time.
The issue here is whether any or all of the above led Trump and/or his aides (some now members of his administration) to undermine our elections, foreign policy and national security.
I believe the answer is yes. And if you care about keeping America great, you should at least want to know and let the evidence keep coming out.
Another dishonest column from a dishonest paper. The typical Democrat tactic is to criminalize policy differences and to paralyze the administration with multiple investigations and leaks. Clearly, Trump does not want another Cold War and sees Russia as an ally against Islamic terrorism. The Trump haters are so desperate that they are willing to plunge this country into another Cold War never mind the cost and blood or treasure. Of course, it wont be their Ivy League bound children who will do the fighting and dying.
3
Eric
We have read your dystopian comments before, regarding gun control. Why are we not surprised to hear the language of the breitbarters also emanate from the same source. The yuge leap from Trump hating to plunging us into another Cold War, and in just a month, no less, has to be some sort of record, even in alt-facts land. Clever boys and girls, those progressives!
We have read your dystopian comments before, regarding gun control. Why are we not surprised to hear the language of the breitbarters also emanate from the same source. The yuge leap from Trump hating to plunging us into another Cold War, and in just a month, no less, has to be some sort of record, even in alt-facts land. Clever boys and girls, those progressives!
1
"Patriotic leakers"? One certainly hopes so, notwithstanding the meager support those patriots received from the press during the Obama years, when they faced unprecedented government prosecution. But journalists? Surely you can't mean the one and five percenters who attend the White House corresponds' dinner and laugh at the president's jokes and can't be expected to risk their TV appearances and their bylines if telling the truth is uncomfortable?
How long, for example, has David Leonhardt been demanding that the Congress and the FBI investigate the ties of America's business and banking elite to Saudi Arabia?
Trump, in offering a grotesque parody of an American president, reveals the depravity of the whole.
How long, for example, has David Leonhardt been demanding that the Congress and the FBI investigate the ties of America's business and banking elite to Saudi Arabia?
Trump, in offering a grotesque parody of an American president, reveals the depravity of the whole.
3
Following his fourth bankruptcy, Deutsche Bank undertook to finance Trump when no other lender was willing to do so. Deutsche Bank was also recently fined $630 million by the Justice Department for laundering $10 billion of Russian oligarch money. Trump's projects may have provided a convenient outlet for Deutsche Bank, in which case Trump is beholden to these oligarchs.
2
Your last sentence cuts to the chase. We need someone to leak Trump's tax returns. They will almost certainly expose a multitude of sins and help bring down this alien administration. Calling all leakers.
5
CIA officer Aldrich Ames and Robert Hansen both spied against the U.S. for Russia. Both were successful because the numerous red flags were overlooked, no one believed they would be traitors, but, in hindsight, yes, they were.
Today, we are witnessing red flags from Paul Manafort, Trump and two other bit players hiding in the background. But, we are reluctant to believe what we see. By the time counter-intelligence officers convince Trump confidant AG Jeff Sessions it may be far to late with a substantial amount of damage done.
Today, we are witnessing red flags from Paul Manafort, Trump and two other bit players hiding in the background. But, we are reluctant to believe what we see. By the time counter-intelligence officers convince Trump confidant AG Jeff Sessions it may be far to late with a substantial amount of damage done.
1
Russia is hardly more murderous than Saudi Arabia in Yemen or we were in Iraq. I am not a Trump supporter at all, but the use of language in regards to Russia is as hypocritical as it gets. Trump had it right when he said that we are not innocent. As to motives, I think trying to seek an accommodation with a nuclear armed power equal to ours, as opposed to engaging in the same reflexive, cold war anti-Russian mentality seems one of the few things that are truly positive about Trump and which are long overdue.
2
It's all about oil -- it always is.
When Putin heard Trump say that our chief failing in invading Iraq was that "we should have just taken the oil," I bet his tiny ex-KGB heart skipped a beat. Finally, here was someone in the US who didn't pay lip-service to the ideas of spreading democracy and nation-building in the Middle East. Here was someone who spoke his language, who bluntly advocated that the US should have acted like the kleptocratic, extortionist, petro-dictatorship that Putin had worked so hard to build in Russia.
The Russian state physically hovers over every oil-producing kingdom, sheikdom or what-have-you in the Middle East, and Putin would probably love nothing better than to extend its reach into every one of those oil fields and pipelines and extract those foreign resources for Russia's own global profits (like the US and the CIA intervened to prop up the Shah of Iran and the House of Saud through the 50s, 60s and 70s). And to have the US led by someone who wouldn't at least pretend that we were only committed to democratic ideals -- well, I'm sure Putin would have done anything to back Trump after that.
When Putin heard Trump say that our chief failing in invading Iraq was that "we should have just taken the oil," I bet his tiny ex-KGB heart skipped a beat. Finally, here was someone in the US who didn't pay lip-service to the ideas of spreading democracy and nation-building in the Middle East. Here was someone who spoke his language, who bluntly advocated that the US should have acted like the kleptocratic, extortionist, petro-dictatorship that Putin had worked so hard to build in Russia.
The Russian state physically hovers over every oil-producing kingdom, sheikdom or what-have-you in the Middle East, and Putin would probably love nothing better than to extend its reach into every one of those oil fields and pipelines and extract those foreign resources for Russia's own global profits (like the US and the CIA intervened to prop up the Shah of Iran and the House of Saud through the 50s, 60s and 70s). And to have the US led by someone who wouldn't at least pretend that we were only committed to democratic ideals -- well, I'm sure Putin would have done anything to back Trump after that.
3
There is another point here, perhaps a sixth theory of Trump's inappropriate involvement with Russia, albeit a more indirect one. That is Trump's effort to delegitimize the American news media. Why is he doing this? In part, he hates criticism and wants to discredit anyone who disagrees with him. That the main reason, however, is that when the truth about his Russian ties is finally uncovered, it will be so devastating that Trump's only defense will be to try to blame the media for disseminating fake news.
2
How can it be that Trump's tax returns are more closely guarded than the myriad of other information like the private data of millions of citizens hacked when the OPM was broken into? Or the information exposed by people like Manning? This has puzzled me ever since Trump sandbagged his taxes. It's hard to believe it can be kept secret for so long.
I think it's likely known outside IRS but used as a hostage in return for favors or money from the Trump administration or the Republican controlled Congress. If that comes out it will be a scandal for the ages.
I think it's likely known outside IRS but used as a hostage in return for favors or money from the Trump administration or the Republican controlled Congress. If that comes out it will be a scandal for the ages.
5
Mr. Zouck, I would add that there is insufficient push back on the "under audit" excuse. Why isn't the press clamoring for the name of the alleged auditor? It is pretty clear there is no audit still going on, right? So why isn't the press insisting that at least one IRS auditor be named?
I agree entirely. I can't say why there is no serious work being done to get to the bottom of this. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but there are plenty out there, including trump himself, and I have not heard from them on this issue.
The question is: How can Russia use whatever they have on Trump to their advantage? Getting him to change any policy under threat of exposure of information is unlikely to influence him. Exposure of either sexual misconduct or financial misconduct would not embarrass him as he has already shown himself to be a proud miscreant on both of these.
2
Interesting and somewhat plausible posits. Going a step further, to identify the why in terms of Republicans in Congress and the Attorney General as to whether they care to investigate. It won't be enough, initially, for the Fourth Estate to continue their investigations while the President continues to berate journalists that show any sort of challenge. The "friendlies" will in no way pursue this sort of investigation.
1
I suspect that the real explanation is some combination of several of these factors. But I look especially to number 4, the alt-right, nationalist influence, for political reasons. It was interesting that on successive days at news conferences, Trump was asked about government policies to deal with rising antisemitism and chose to interpret the question as impugning his personal character. One might see that as a clueless narcissistic response, but I suspect that it is more shrewd than narcissistic. Trump -- or Trump's handlers -- realize that the old coalition of business and evangelical voters didn't prevail in 2008 and 2012, and probably would not have done so in 2004 without a war. They needed a third leg of the nuclear triad to deliver the White House, and that leg is alt-right nationalism. That doesn't mean that all or even half of Trump's supporters are racist nationalists, but enough are in that camp to make him wary of alienating this crucial wing. To right the ship, we will need to peel off those in the other two camps by showing that this chaotic policy is bad for business or contrary to the values that Republicans hold. (And yes, there are a few who still have some remnants of those values.)
3
The reasons for President Trump's attitude towards Russia may be an accumulation of several situations --- including the activities and relationships between his family and low life gangsters and spy's for Russia. One of the most underrated obstacles to doing international business is --- each one of the cultures are in part powered by underground economies or more directly Mobs, Mafia, Yakuza, Tongs, Cartels, etc. The President's unreasonable attitude may be driven in part by fear --- after all we see high profile assassinations happening all over the world. What's he afraid of other then revealing his taxes?
There is no choice other than to oppose Trump at every step. The man is delusional - making stuff about Sweden? Sometimes I wonder if he is just becoming senile - or his memory is going. Did he hear something on one of his late night broadcasts about Sweden and not quite remember what he heard. So he plugged in own narrative? The problem is that Trump seems to have been lying to the press since he was young. I watched him on tv last week very carefully when he was denying any connection with Russia at all - and it looked believable. Then about two days later the NY Times came out with the article about how his various associates were regularly communicating with Russian representatives during the election - and also that he had worked on a project (that did not come to fruition) for a building in Moscow. So this man lies very convincingly. A total creep - who has taken us down the road to fascism.
10
“As a liberal person who has been disbarred because I chose to speak out against the F.B. I. and The Justice Department in support of my right to free speech, I would caution you in placing all the focus on the President. Your paper, The Times, addressed the issue of "The Deep State" this morning in the daily podcast. The Deep State is where the upper-level lifies control what is being leaked to the media, which dutifully reports the leaks to the public, which in turn raises the opposition to people they do not like. In this case that is Trump.
The people in control of the Deep State, hidden from sight, live by the mantra that their view of things is right because they know better. They have the power to then super-impose their views in secret on us. The leaks are calculated to move the country to support their views. They believe they are true heroes.
The issue with Russia and Trump is of interest, but notice the timing of each leak, how the media then broadcasts them and in what light, and then see the resulting public reaction, which is now galvanized in a movement to bring Trump down no matter what.
The journalists, writers, artists, etc., need to keep your independence and focus some of your energy on the whens, whys, and hows of the leaks and who benefits from them, otherwise, you incredibly important part of the forces that keep this country moving forward are surrendering your power.
The people in control of the Deep State, hidden from sight, live by the mantra that their view of things is right because they know better. They have the power to then super-impose their views in secret on us. The leaks are calculated to move the country to support their views. They believe they are true heroes.
The issue with Russia and Trump is of interest, but notice the timing of each leak, how the media then broadcasts them and in what light, and then see the resulting public reaction, which is now galvanized in a movement to bring Trump down no matter what.
The journalists, writers, artists, etc., need to keep your independence and focus some of your energy on the whens, whys, and hows of the leaks and who benefits from them, otherwise, you incredibly important part of the forces that keep this country moving forward are surrendering your power.
2
"The fourth explanation is the flimsiest: the idea, contained in a dossier compiled by private investigators, that Russia has compromising material on Trump. Unless real evidence emerges, I’d encourage you to ignore this theory."
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the dossier put together by a well-regarded British spy, parts of whose story are being slowly confirmed by reporters.
I respect the reportorial caution, but where there's smoke there could be a president who is fired.
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the dossier put together by a well-regarded British spy, parts of whose story are being slowly confirmed by reporters.
I respect the reportorial caution, but where there's smoke there could be a president who is fired.
256
Plus more than a dozen meetings outlined by the dossier have now been confirmed with respect to the parties, the locations and the times and dates.
Trump will try to coopt the intelligence agencies before this whole story hits the fan, I predict.
Trump will try to coopt the intelligence agencies before this whole story hits the fan, I predict.
No one has mentioned his preference for Eastern European women as wives. That dossier might have a thing or two to say about a compromised Prez.
We need, one way or the other, to see the tax returns. There can be no rational reason to withhold them. Congress needs to do whatever it takes to get them released, so we can know for sure whether there are nefarious reasons for Trump's Russian behavior. Failing action by Congress, and fully recognizing the illegality of the action, someone inside the IRS should disclose the tax returns. I see this as a patriotic act, as difficult as it would be to contemplate. Only then will we know whether the President is telling the truth about many of the things he says about his financial dealings. Count me among the skeptics!
301
Where are you, patriotic IRS whistle-blower ? We're waiting for you.
Trump’s "Russia motives" are primarily financial. Russia's economic growth during Putin's first two terms a decade ago was impressive and Russia, as an energy superpower dazzled him. Trump said on one occasion: “Moscow right now in the world is a very, very important place. We wanted Moscow all the way.” During a visit in 2013, he boasted: “The Russian market is attracted to me. I have a great relationship with many Russians, and almost all of the oligarchs were in the room”.
His past dealings with Russia went as far back as the time of the Soviet Union. In 1987, he wanted to build branded hotels and condos in Moscow. “It’s a totally interesting place,” he said. “I think the Soviet Union is really making an effort to cooperate in the sense of dealing openly with other nations and in opening up the country.”
His desire to build a Trump Tower near Red Square continued throughout the 1990s and in 2013 he travelled to Moscow, hoping to meet Putin while staging the debut of his Miss Universe beauty pageant. According to Washing Post, Putin cancelled the meeting at the last minute, but sent a gift and personal note. Trump did collect a a share of the $14m paid by investors including Aras Agalarov, a Azerbaijani-Russian billionaire property developer and close Putin associate, for bringing Miss Universe to Agalarov’s City Hall.
His past dealings with Russia went as far back as the time of the Soviet Union. In 1987, he wanted to build branded hotels and condos in Moscow. “It’s a totally interesting place,” he said. “I think the Soviet Union is really making an effort to cooperate in the sense of dealing openly with other nations and in opening up the country.”
His desire to build a Trump Tower near Red Square continued throughout the 1990s and in 2013 he travelled to Moscow, hoping to meet Putin while staging the debut of his Miss Universe beauty pageant. According to Washing Post, Putin cancelled the meeting at the last minute, but sent a gift and personal note. Trump did collect a a share of the $14m paid by investors including Aras Agalarov, a Azerbaijani-Russian billionaire property developer and close Putin associate, for bringing Miss Universe to Agalarov’s City Hall.
10
I see Trump's Russophilia as something more banal.
Putin is Trump's daddy figure. The deeply self-loathing Donald Trump sees in Putin his unforgiving and critical father whom Donald could never please. So Trump projects his self-loathing onto America, the world and his "enemies" with his delusionally apocalyptic pronouncements in the desperate hope that daddy Putin will notice, become compassionate in the way that Fred Trump never could and all will be forgiven.
Of course that will never happen so all Trump can do to express his repressed rage is to continue to seek revenge, destroy things and toady up to Putin.
To sum up, the man needs serious, intensive psychotherapy before he wrecks everything.
Putin is Trump's daddy figure. The deeply self-loathing Donald Trump sees in Putin his unforgiving and critical father whom Donald could never please. So Trump projects his self-loathing onto America, the world and his "enemies" with his delusionally apocalyptic pronouncements in the desperate hope that daddy Putin will notice, become compassionate in the way that Fred Trump never could and all will be forgiven.
Of course that will never happen so all Trump can do to express his repressed rage is to continue to seek revenge, destroy things and toady up to Putin.
To sum up, the man needs serious, intensive psychotherapy before he wrecks everything.
And one more.
Trump is the unwitting patsy whose presence on the world stage as the instigator of American introversion and distraction has been engineered by Russia. The goal is domination of Europe and Asia, the play is to remove American interest in these with an America-first version of the Producers. Trump may know nothing. Investigate instead those who whisper and direct him.
Trump is the unwitting patsy whose presence on the world stage as the instigator of American introversion and distraction has been engineered by Russia. The goal is domination of Europe and Asia, the play is to remove American interest in these with an America-first version of the Producers. Trump may know nothing. Investigate instead those who whisper and direct him.
4
This might be less troubling if we had an honest President. Instead, we have someone who tells at least one lie every time he speaks in public.
The NSA says Trump's campaign staff spoke to the Russians during the campaign. The Russians say the same thing. Only Trump insists there was no contact.
If Trump wanted to find out if any of this was true he could send someone over to the NSA to review the phone intercepts, and then get the truth from any of his staff identified on the intercepts. Instead, we get denial and bluster.
It's time to appoint a special prosecutor to get to the bottom of this murky swamp.
The NSA says Trump's campaign staff spoke to the Russians during the campaign. The Russians say the same thing. Only Trump insists there was no contact.
If Trump wanted to find out if any of this was true he could send someone over to the NSA to review the phone intercepts, and then get the truth from any of his staff identified on the intercepts. Instead, we get denial and bluster.
It's time to appoint a special prosecutor to get to the bottom of this murky swamp.
9
With the Times and the Wash Post devoting a crack team of investigative journalists on this story of Trump's Russian Connection you know the Frank Affair was but the tip of the iceberg. We are but a month in and there is so much intel to be culled. Trump's pronounced denials of any collusion with Russian only makes them more convinced there is one. And then there's the myriad Trump conflicts of interest. He has already violated so many of those laws in but his first month in office. The counterattack against Trump is mounting. It is just a matter of time before the drip, drip, drip becomes of deluge of incriminating evidence against Trump. We've only just begun.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
5
Two competing visions. One the US and Russia in constant conflict over who will cause the most damage, exercise the greater global control and will be the most feared. The other Russia and the US in partnership agreeing to coordinate efforts to dominate the world together, creating global misery in tandem.
1
Whenever there is a great pot of money, there is trouble. When companies have a great deal of reserves, say for pensions, arbitrage rolls in and the fund is either vastly depleted, or vanishes. The 2008 crash was similar, in that financiers made their money up front, and then got out, creating new mechanisms to hide what they were really doing.
Russia's oil is that huge pot of money. And, the Republicans and Trump Administration appear to be doing their best to get their hands all oily with this. As far as Trump's taxes, it should be no surprise as to what is in there. His history of getting his products, and fees, up front, getting out better off, and leaving behind chaos is superbly documented. The little guy takes the fall. This time, it will be all the rest of us.
Russia's oil is that huge pot of money. And, the Republicans and Trump Administration appear to be doing their best to get their hands all oily with this. As far as Trump's taxes, it should be no surprise as to what is in there. His history of getting his products, and fees, up front, getting out better off, and leaving behind chaos is superbly documented. The little guy takes the fall. This time, it will be all the rest of us.
4
This analysis of the Trump-Putin connection by David Leonhardt is very perceptive and accurate.
If there is an error, it is erring on the side of Donald Trump in terms of withholding judgment where hard evidence is lacking.
The very best that anyone can say about President Trump’s foreign policy is that it is clearly -- at the very least -- naïve and reckless.
The worst, of course, is to call the policy and its presidential architect treasonous. At the moment, none of us can that treason is out of the question.
Every American, regardless of political party, ought to be able to agree on one thing: We need a thorough investigation, totally independent of White House guidance, of the Russian connection.
If there is an error, it is erring on the side of Donald Trump in terms of withholding judgment where hard evidence is lacking.
The very best that anyone can say about President Trump’s foreign policy is that it is clearly -- at the very least -- naïve and reckless.
The worst, of course, is to call the policy and its presidential architect treasonous. At the moment, none of us can that treason is out of the question.
Every American, regardless of political party, ought to be able to agree on one thing: We need a thorough investigation, totally independent of White House guidance, of the Russian connection.
5
The fourth and flimsiest idea, that flimsily dressed seasoned concubines engaged in a trip-X scene with Trump, before he was a candidate, and topped off their paid-for-party with their warm good-bye specialty from the 'Euro-nation" (that's a pun) is likely the unseemly infantile truth.
Trump is not the first rich person to throw away money on sexual intimacy in a foreign country far from home, in a hotel where sexual dalliance is arranged via room-service keyword request.
We have to assume the tapes exist and their publication would end Trump's presidency on an 'Ms. Demean her,' besides doing reverse wonders for his Trump Hotel brand.
Understandably, newspapers of record don't want to go down this trip-X path.
When the North Korean bed-wetting despot gets his copy of Trump with the Russian women, Kim will be ready to launch atomic warhead ballistic missiles, with an advance backwater understanding that upon the North Korean's launch, that might, in fact, incinerate our West Coast, we either sue the North Korean for peace or the Trump tapes go to You-Tube.
We don't need to see these tapes. But the press could locate and interview the British Agent who gathered the material.
http://michaelslevinson.com
Trump is not the first rich person to throw away money on sexual intimacy in a foreign country far from home, in a hotel where sexual dalliance is arranged via room-service keyword request.
We have to assume the tapes exist and their publication would end Trump's presidency on an 'Ms. Demean her,' besides doing reverse wonders for his Trump Hotel brand.
Understandably, newspapers of record don't want to go down this trip-X path.
When the North Korean bed-wetting despot gets his copy of Trump with the Russian women, Kim will be ready to launch atomic warhead ballistic missiles, with an advance backwater understanding that upon the North Korean's launch, that might, in fact, incinerate our West Coast, we either sue the North Korean for peace or the Trump tapes go to You-Tube.
We don't need to see these tapes. But the press could locate and interview the British Agent who gathered the material.
http://michaelslevinson.com
1
It seems like Trump's tax returns are key to unraveling this mystery. So, can we please have a story detailing:
1. What an audit of this kind typically entails and what can be learned from it.
2. How long it typically takes the IRS to complete an audit of this nature.
3. What is the status of the IRS audit of Trump's taxes. i.e., what stage is the audit in, how close is it to being completed?
4. Can the IRS expedite the completion of an audit, much as Comey expedited the FBI's examination of Ms. Clinton's emails?
5. Are there legal channels that can be followed to force the release of Trump's tax returns? Does any congressional committee charged with investigating this affair have the power to demand that the returns be surrendered?
Not asking for a big investigative piece here, just a simple story explaining the audit process and the status of this particular audit. Also, if someone within the IRS were to slip a copy of Trump's return into the mail, what issues would reputable news organizations like the NYT consider before publishing?
1. What an audit of this kind typically entails and what can be learned from it.
2. How long it typically takes the IRS to complete an audit of this nature.
3. What is the status of the IRS audit of Trump's taxes. i.e., what stage is the audit in, how close is it to being completed?
4. Can the IRS expedite the completion of an audit, much as Comey expedited the FBI's examination of Ms. Clinton's emails?
5. Are there legal channels that can be followed to force the release of Trump's tax returns? Does any congressional committee charged with investigating this affair have the power to demand that the returns be surrendered?
Not asking for a big investigative piece here, just a simple story explaining the audit process and the status of this particular audit. Also, if someone within the IRS were to slip a copy of Trump's return into the mail, what issues would reputable news organizations like the NYT consider before publishing?
7
Supposing there was something to all of these things? In that case, his motivation would appear to center around his financial interests, since not pursing any of the other things would impact negatively on his investment interests. Quite honestly, I do not know why the press has been so willing to allow him to say that he has no connections with Russia, when his own words contradict themselves.
7
Put yourself in Putin's shoes. It's 2013-4, trump is making political noises. The Russians assess and feel he is important politically. It would be trivial for them to steal trump's tax statements and basically build a complete dossier on his holdings, secret and open, around the world; record his phone calls; acquire photographic evidence of whatever. And as trump's position within the GOP rose, their efforts would increase. And then at the right time, let trump's people know what they have. Of course it might help that trump has people around him who do extensive business with Putin and perhaps, to the extent trump has any real political views (which I doubt), similar politics.
6
The Orange One had already traveled to Moscow to oversee his Miss Universe competition, and stayed in Russian hotels. At that point, he was a well-known public figure with well known international business holdings and political ambitions. If Russian intelligence didn't hack his Android device and tape every minute of his activities in that hotel, Putin should fire someone for dereliction of duty. And I don't doubt that they've got tons of "kompromat" on him, although it's the financial shady dealings that are probably more effective for blackmail than the "salacious" business that everyone fully expects from Trump wherever he goes. (Come on, he bragged about it on open mic and still got elected!)
Obviously Trump is "lying about it". 1) The arrangement was designed to give him "deniability", so he's playing that card to the hilt. 2) Contradicting that is that his management style is tightly controlling, so his subordinates do not play games on their own. 3) Since laws were probably broken, the deniability will break down as investigators pile on culpable parties until one or more of them cracks under pressure. 4) At that point Trump will be exposed as party to the crime and as lying to federal investigators, impeding justice. 5) That is impeachable. So good luck with the "deniability" tactic, Mr. President.
9
And the GOP needs to own up to their complicit behavior in refusing to question Trump.
It appears that all of these five pieces are necessary to explain Trump's behavior, like genes in an organism. If I were to rank the different explanations from most to least dominant, it would be 2-3-5-1-4.
The first explanation is just a way to rationalize his behavior. I do not think it is the root cause. If the last explanation (an ideological alliance) is true, then Trump is a home-grown Putin, functionally no different from the home-grown radical Islamist.
"Russia is a ruse", he recently said. His recent tempered stance on Russia may be just the flip side of that: a ruse to make us think that there is nothing there.
The first explanation is just a way to rationalize his behavior. I do not think it is the root cause. If the last explanation (an ideological alliance) is true, then Trump is a home-grown Putin, functionally no different from the home-grown radical Islamist.
"Russia is a ruse", he recently said. His recent tempered stance on Russia may be just the flip side of that: a ruse to make us think that there is nothing there.
8
I'm astonished that his tax returns haven't been leaked or found by hackers.
Ousting him on the basis of his various transgressions, past and present, is not enough: it is unacceptable to have a government (and Congress) installed on the basis of deeply flawed elections.
The majority in the US might feel heartened by a cartoon in my (Dutch) newspaper of two TV watchers commenting "Isn't it exciting, these final days of a presidency?"
Ousting him on the basis of his various transgressions, past and present, is not enough: it is unacceptable to have a government (and Congress) installed on the basis of deeply flawed elections.
The majority in the US might feel heartened by a cartoon in my (Dutch) newspaper of two TV watchers commenting "Isn't it exciting, these final days of a presidency?"
14
Donald fears the internet. Someone will have to trip his accountant and steal his briefcase. Unless the accountant himself finds his conscience.
That tells the honesty of those who works in IRS. Please share the cartoon with the rest of the world!
I think the "why" is very important and David does seem to have discussed all of the likely reasons. It maybe likely a combination of issues. I cannot help but view trump as a man with such a fragile ego that he is easily manipulated. I do not think he has the intellect to reason himself to his own sound conclusions. His narcissistic feeders such as Bannon know how to manipulate him, to his very core, including the approval of a strong, man's man leader such as Putin. I also think there are likely Russian originated loans on the books for far flung trump properties. Those loans maybe hard to find because there could be a "front" financial institution that acted as the middle man. That is why he says with such confidence he does not owe the Russians any money.
13
I think you are missing an obvious connection. Three things are sure to send Washington lurching into action: oil, guns, and money. The bromance with Putin has all three.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine, and Obama to imposed sanctions on Russia, Exxon Mobil entered into a series of enormous complex reciprocal deals with Roseneft, Russia's de facto national oil company. It is reasonable to assume that Putin personally receives a lot of Roseneft's income. In the Exxon Mobil deal Roseneft received interests in US oil reserves and Exxon Mobil received interests in extensive Russian petrochemical reserves.
Obama's sanctions threw a monkey wrench into the deals. Exxon's losses on the deals since the sanctions are in the billions and still counting. That is why much of the back channel chatter between Washington and Moscow focused on lifting the Obama sanctions. Exxon Mobil is hurting, and so is Roseneft.
Follow the oil, follow the money. And then Trump appointed the CEO of Exxon Mobil our Secretary of State.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine, and Obama to imposed sanctions on Russia, Exxon Mobil entered into a series of enormous complex reciprocal deals with Roseneft, Russia's de facto national oil company. It is reasonable to assume that Putin personally receives a lot of Roseneft's income. In the Exxon Mobil deal Roseneft received interests in US oil reserves and Exxon Mobil received interests in extensive Russian petrochemical reserves.
Obama's sanctions threw a monkey wrench into the deals. Exxon's losses on the deals since the sanctions are in the billions and still counting. That is why much of the back channel chatter between Washington and Moscow focused on lifting the Obama sanctions. Exxon Mobil is hurting, and so is Roseneft.
Follow the oil, follow the money. And then Trump appointed the CEO of Exxon Mobil our Secretary of State.
46
As you say, Mr. Leonhardt, your five possibilities are not mutually exclusive. But let's focus on the one most likely to be true--namely, the second possibility of a business conspiracy. If one reads about Trump's history, you learn that he has been involved with Russia in some capacity at least since the 1990s. Given that long-term involvement it is not surprising that so many of his current advisers and hangers-on have connections to Russia: Michael Cohen, Flynn, Manafort, Carter Page, Boris Epshteyn, Roger Stone, Felix Sater (just to name a few off the top of my head). A lot of shady characters there, and all with strong connections to Russia.
So: 3 decades of involvement in Russia, a whole team of Russian-related advisers, but we are to believe Trump that he has absolutely no business interests in, or more importantly no indebtedness to Russia? All that time spent and the only concrete result was a beauty contest in 2013? Come on-- even in the world of Trump that strains credulity.
My rule of thumb with Trump is that the reality of his actions are generally
way worse than the appearance. Rumors are now flying about massive debt to Russian mobsters and the possibility that his "businesses" have long been fronts for dirty Russian money. If my rule of thumb is at all correct we are in for some shocking revelations.
So: 3 decades of involvement in Russia, a whole team of Russian-related advisers, but we are to believe Trump that he has absolutely no business interests in, or more importantly no indebtedness to Russia? All that time spent and the only concrete result was a beauty contest in 2013? Come on-- even in the world of Trump that strains credulity.
My rule of thumb with Trump is that the reality of his actions are generally
way worse than the appearance. Rumors are now flying about massive debt to Russian mobsters and the possibility that his "businesses" have long been fronts for dirty Russian money. If my rule of thumb is at all correct we are in for some shocking revelations.
37
Typically income tax returns do not shed light on sources of lending for a non public entity. So that suggestion is weak as to substantiating a theory. And it is a theory in terms of speculation about Mr. Trump.
Obama and Clinton both had an objective of re-setting the Russian relationship but some how that is different? You may recall the open mic incident where Obama made some sort of promise to Medvedev about his flexibility regarding something. No one in the press ever asked a question so we still don't know what that meant. Biased and misleading "journalism" is a real problem in America. Suddenly the press is consumed with conspiracy theories.
And it seems perfectly acceptable to them that Clinton enabled an entangled set of transactions benefiting Russia with regard to Uranium.
Suspicion is not unwarranted some times but attempting to justify it without facts does nothing productive. But that represents the coverage of the new president by the predominately liberal media which results in his open disdain for them. Not surprisingly their penchant for playing loose with the facts only further solidifies Mr. Trump's support by fair minded people outside the bubble of far left dictates.
Obama and Clinton both had an objective of re-setting the Russian relationship but some how that is different? You may recall the open mic incident where Obama made some sort of promise to Medvedev about his flexibility regarding something. No one in the press ever asked a question so we still don't know what that meant. Biased and misleading "journalism" is a real problem in America. Suddenly the press is consumed with conspiracy theories.
And it seems perfectly acceptable to them that Clinton enabled an entangled set of transactions benefiting Russia with regard to Uranium.
Suspicion is not unwarranted some times but attempting to justify it without facts does nothing productive. But that represents the coverage of the new president by the predominately liberal media which results in his open disdain for them. Not surprisingly their penchant for playing loose with the facts only further solidifies Mr. Trump's support by fair minded people outside the bubble of far left dictates.
4
" And it seems perfectly acceptable to them that Clinton enabled an entangled set of transactions benefiting Russia with regard to Uranium." False statement according to Politifact. The comment Obama and Medvedev, false equivalency.
Traitor Trump's inner circle Mannafort, Page, Flynn all have had dealings and have met with Putin's advisors.
" Not surprisingly their penchant for playing loose with the facts only further solidifies"-- what utter nonsense. Trump lies every time he opens his mouth and it is remarkable that you believe him and are willing to trust him.
Traitor Trump's inner circle Mannafort, Page, Flynn all have had dealings and have met with Putin's advisors.
" Not surprisingly their penchant for playing loose with the facts only further solidifies"-- what utter nonsense. Trump lies every time he opens his mouth and it is remarkable that you believe him and are willing to trust him.
1
Mrs, I didn't like Trump from the get-go, for a lot of reasons. But I have made a good-faith effort to filter out all the other stuff (the infamous 'p*ssy' tape, his more extraordinary lies, etc) and look at this particular question of Russian involvement dispassionately.
Trump has been interested in Russian for business reasons going back to the late 1990s. Trump has stacked his administration with others who have financial ties or possible financial ties to the Kremlin (Flynn, Manafort, Carter Page, etc). As Leonhardt points out, there's a lot about Trump's business empire we don't know, but we do know he still owns it and that he has mixed his presidential business with his family business since winning the election. Putin sits at the top of Russia's kleptocracy and can funnel billions wherever he likes. Somebody clearly sabotaged Clinton's campaign with the leaks, and the FBI is sure it was the Russians. The Russians have monkeyed around with elections before. The Russians want to diminish the influence of the US-NATO axis. The Russians want the sanctions lifted.
BY themselves, these facts don't definitively prove corruption and/or coordination between Trump and the Russians to derail Hillary's campaign. But taken together, is it so unreasonable to be suspicious and to demand further inquiry?
Trump has been interested in Russian for business reasons going back to the late 1990s. Trump has stacked his administration with others who have financial ties or possible financial ties to the Kremlin (Flynn, Manafort, Carter Page, etc). As Leonhardt points out, there's a lot about Trump's business empire we don't know, but we do know he still owns it and that he has mixed his presidential business with his family business since winning the election. Putin sits at the top of Russia's kleptocracy and can funnel billions wherever he likes. Somebody clearly sabotaged Clinton's campaign with the leaks, and the FBI is sure it was the Russians. The Russians have monkeyed around with elections before. The Russians want to diminish the influence of the US-NATO axis. The Russians want the sanctions lifted.
BY themselves, these facts don't definitively prove corruption and/or coordination between Trump and the Russians to derail Hillary's campaign. But taken together, is it so unreasonable to be suspicious and to demand further inquiry?
Comparing the Obama administration's reasonable "Russian reset" attempts to Trump's curiously cozy, possibly treasonous relationship with Russian intelligence is preposterous.
Another thread to follow: Trump greatly admires the way Putin has taken over Russia and made it follow him. He likes the idea of a strongman who rules with strong words and, indeed, is able to lie consistently to his countrymen and get away with it.
Possibility #2: Many of Trump's self named towers are worthless, responsible for paying debts that are greater than the potential market value if they were sold. The only means to keep such an "empire" afloat would be to go public, raising lots of cash, or taking on mountains of debt from people who aren't that concerned with how bad the metrics look. The first option, going public, is off the table because the only time Trump ran a public company, it went bankrupt, he got put on an allowance and eventually fired. Trump never again went public until he decided to run for president.
The idea that Trump is buried in debt is a likely one. That's the way he operated all of his business life. He promised much more than could ever be realized, took on debt almost beyond imagining and, shark like, kept churning on to the next deal...the next deal...the next deal.
In recent times, Trump abandoned the debt/build game in favor of renting out his name, taking a huge payment up front and a payout over years. Risk free money! Yes, until you consider that Trump University cost him $25 million in hush money to make it go away.
The possibility is very real that Russians own Trump's backside. They own the rug on which his empire stands.
Possibility #2: Many of Trump's self named towers are worthless, responsible for paying debts that are greater than the potential market value if they were sold. The only means to keep such an "empire" afloat would be to go public, raising lots of cash, or taking on mountains of debt from people who aren't that concerned with how bad the metrics look. The first option, going public, is off the table because the only time Trump ran a public company, it went bankrupt, he got put on an allowance and eventually fired. Trump never again went public until he decided to run for president.
The idea that Trump is buried in debt is a likely one. That's the way he operated all of his business life. He promised much more than could ever be realized, took on debt almost beyond imagining and, shark like, kept churning on to the next deal...the next deal...the next deal.
In recent times, Trump abandoned the debt/build game in favor of renting out his name, taking a huge payment up front and a payout over years. Risk free money! Yes, until you consider that Trump University cost him $25 million in hush money to make it go away.
The possibility is very real that Russians own Trump's backside. They own the rug on which his empire stands.
49
Carter Page is the Rosetta Stone for this cipher.
In January 2017 Page was under investigation by the FBI, CIA, NSA, ODNI, and FinCEN. His ties to Russian state-owned oil companies allows him to operate in an undisclosed financial world where lifting sanctions unlock hundreds of billions of dollars.
Mr. Page quoted on his travels to Russia on December 12, 2106,
"I had the opportunity to meet with some of the top managers of the company Rosneft. The recent Rosneft deal, in which the Qatar Fund and Glencore could take part is, unfortunately, a good example of how American private companies are limited to a great degree due to the influence of sanctions."
The background details of this deal are questionable. "Rosneft declined to respond to questions posed by Reuters, including a request for comment on how ownership of the 19.5 percent stake was divided, information about the identity of the Cayman Islands buyer, or details of the source of any undisclosed sources of funds. The Kremlin did not respond to a list of questions about the deal sent by Reuters."
The smoking gun is in plain site of everyone. When Trump lifts sanctions billions flood into Russia, namely the deal pending for ExxonMobile as architected by Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, who was a director of the joint US-Russian oil company Exxon Neftegas.
The same Tillerson who was awarded 2013 the Order of Friendship by Putin for his contribution to deloping cooperation in the energy sector. Game, set, match.
In January 2017 Page was under investigation by the FBI, CIA, NSA, ODNI, and FinCEN. His ties to Russian state-owned oil companies allows him to operate in an undisclosed financial world where lifting sanctions unlock hundreds of billions of dollars.
Mr. Page quoted on his travels to Russia on December 12, 2106,
"I had the opportunity to meet with some of the top managers of the company Rosneft. The recent Rosneft deal, in which the Qatar Fund and Glencore could take part is, unfortunately, a good example of how American private companies are limited to a great degree due to the influence of sanctions."
The background details of this deal are questionable. "Rosneft declined to respond to questions posed by Reuters, including a request for comment on how ownership of the 19.5 percent stake was divided, information about the identity of the Cayman Islands buyer, or details of the source of any undisclosed sources of funds. The Kremlin did not respond to a list of questions about the deal sent by Reuters."
The smoking gun is in plain site of everyone. When Trump lifts sanctions billions flood into Russia, namely the deal pending for ExxonMobile as architected by Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, who was a director of the joint US-Russian oil company Exxon Neftegas.
The same Tillerson who was awarded 2013 the Order of Friendship by Putin for his contribution to deloping cooperation in the energy sector. Game, set, match.
6
The single greatest danger of the last month is the Republican Congress's unwillingness to investigate 45's ties to Russia. Not knowing what we may be dealing with here is truly dangerous territory for America. Voters have put GOP representatives and Senators in place who generally are putting their party and their power above the interests of our own country. Not knowing what we are dealing with in our leader's ties to Russia could certainly bring us all down in fairly short order. What will it take to make our Congressional leaders do the right thing for the safety of our country? I am not convinced that they will. Their interests lie elsewhere.
461
Even if Trump was simply naive--he is fatally tainted as our voice both because of the universal assumption that he is beholden to Russia, and because he lies. But Trump micromanages and gambles that he can say anything and get away with it.
--In referring to Flynn's talking to the Russian ambassador about sanctions in December, Trump said that if he hadn't he would have told him to.
--In referring to Flynn's talking to the Russian ambassador about sanctions in December, Trump said that if he hadn't he would have told him to.
Calling Trump "45" is being too generous.
I prefer "Mr. 46 percent"
I prefer "Mr. 46 percent"
1
It's plain and simple...the GOP is milking it for everything they can. It's time their constituents find or create another party. That's, of course, if it doesn't include the so-called "uneducated" that Trump will be hanging out to dry. Nothing more than a pathetic display of a huge power grab.
1
We do not know the full story, but what we do know is that we have an administration without a coherent set of values and principles around which to construct a sensible policy. We have a president who seems to be flippant with facts and unwilling to delve into the complexities of governance and policy making. Finally the Republican Congress does not seem to have many people of courage willing to investigate and understand what is true. Coupled with these Russian connections, this makes for an alarming situation for America (the administration's first focus) and the world.
234
Errata above: would ["not"] be in a conversation . . .
If one uses as a premise the fact that “trump speaks his mind” (it is the “shoot first – aim/think later” trait in trump), then there may be truth to the third reason identified by Mr. Leonhardt. As examples, we have seen trump say things like “the press is the enemy”, only to have Mr. Pence say the opposite. We have seen trump essentially question the need for NATO, only to have his secretary of defense say the opposite. Some may observe that this is a volitional trump tactic to “negotiate”. On the other hand if it demonstrates his uncontrollable inability to keep quiet (he is – after all – unaccountable), then saying such things like Russian hackers should locate the 30,000 missing emails, and having Paul Manafort as a manager, perhaps leads to evidence of knowledge he had at the time. It may take an effort to connect the dots to show a political conspiracy to coordinate efforts with Russian Intelligence, but if that is accomplished then Mr. Pence will be President of the United States
6
My vote goes to motives second and third. The results of the investigations of the Trump-Putin presidential election and, the disclosure of the president's tax returns will enlighten us. The political motive to take office and the economic reasons to quench his thirst for wealth.
Motives one and five are very good but you are assuming a depth of though that is missing in Trump world. I do not think the president understands geopolitics and ideology represents a commodity.
Finally, the third motive did not get my vote because we already had a dose of that with the recordings of Trump grabbing women. This motive would be the same but in video mode.
3
45 deserves no benefit of the doubt as far as his business interests in Russia are concerned. He has not released his tax returns. We are entitled to believe that he is deeply invested in Russia and with Russian money.
Take the deeply flawed two-week old and now defunct ban on immigrants. It was directed at seven countries that had little to do with terrorism but also places where 45 had no business interests. OTOH Saudi Arabia and Egypt were excluded from that list. Not only did they have a deeper connection with terrorism but those are two places where 45 has business interests.
We always knew that 45 cared about one thing only - him and his business interests. He tweeted about Nordstrom dropping his daughter's line of clothing. Who does that? A delusional narcissist who does anything and everything to benefit himself.
Case closed.
Take the deeply flawed two-week old and now defunct ban on immigrants. It was directed at seven countries that had little to do with terrorism but also places where 45 had no business interests. OTOH Saudi Arabia and Egypt were excluded from that list. Not only did they have a deeper connection with terrorism but those are two places where 45 has business interests.
We always knew that 45 cared about one thing only - him and his business interests. He tweeted about Nordstrom dropping his daughter's line of clothing. Who does that? A delusional narcissist who does anything and everything to benefit himself.
Case closed.
17
It circles back to two things, I believe -- ideology and follow the money. The first is the most sinister, terrifying, and, perhaps,, the least understood by those opposing Trump. I am just beginning to wrap my head around it.
Bannon. It's all about Bannon and Trump looking to tear down our government -- indeed, our entire nation -- in service to their ideology. Bannon is the brain, Trump is a believer who carries iy out. Bannon, Senior White House Advisor of our great nation, believes in total destruction of government institutions. He is a Leninist. There are also multiple speeches available where he claims the US is in the "Great Fourth Turning" of our history. Seems that fancy, nonsensical bit of language is a made-up reality that can lead us straight to war.
Their work has already broken down our elections, the bedrock of who we are. Look at their cabinet picks -- most want to eliminate what they are in charge of in order to weaken and break down our government agency by agency. Trump and Bannon are making the press the "enemy of the people." They are trying to make us fear our intelligence community. Their inroads have been swift.
PLEASE shed more light on Bannon. Give us more on Trump's personal lawyer crafting foreign policy re Ukraine. The press has improved in calling Trump's lies, "lies." Now it's time to clearly reveal what kind of destruction he is planning and why. And destruction of our nation it is.
Bannon. It's all about Bannon and Trump looking to tear down our government -- indeed, our entire nation -- in service to their ideology. Bannon is the brain, Trump is a believer who carries iy out. Bannon, Senior White House Advisor of our great nation, believes in total destruction of government institutions. He is a Leninist. There are also multiple speeches available where he claims the US is in the "Great Fourth Turning" of our history. Seems that fancy, nonsensical bit of language is a made-up reality that can lead us straight to war.
Their work has already broken down our elections, the bedrock of who we are. Look at their cabinet picks -- most want to eliminate what they are in charge of in order to weaken and break down our government agency by agency. Trump and Bannon are making the press the "enemy of the people." They are trying to make us fear our intelligence community. Their inroads have been swift.
PLEASE shed more light on Bannon. Give us more on Trump's personal lawyer crafting foreign policy re Ukraine. The press has improved in calling Trump's lies, "lies." Now it's time to clearly reveal what kind of destruction he is planning and why. And destruction of our nation it is.
19
There is a reason, or perhaps many, that people refer to President Bannon--the gray presence and driver behind the Trumpian throne. Investigations into Trump business dealings, taxes, coziness with an equally amoral Putin, and so on must include an examination of the totalitarian, sexist, racist, and anti-women co-president as well. A supine GOP is not, however, likely to put the good of the country ahead of lining their own pockets and trying to stay in power so that they can preside over the destruction of the American dream.
Consider combinations of motives: Trump owes money, Russia has Kompromat, Trump hasn't divested, Exxon and other deals affect stock prices, his kids are his advisors. And there are personal relationships with Russians and others. And think of the possibilities outside of Russia. Think even of the domestic possibilities for personal profit via: military spending, the border, sped-up drug approvals, and so forth. You don't have to be a graduate of Trump University to see where this is going. He could actually leave office worth as much as he claimed when he got elected.
Maybe he hasn't made a phone call to Russia in years. Or maybe he just pretended to be someone else when he did. So what? Follow the money.
Maybe he hasn't made a phone call to Russia in years. Or maybe he just pretended to be someone else when he did. So what? Follow the money.
9
But of course, there is always Trump's preposterous and kittenish posturing that he would have needed to personally "make calls from ground line through operator" like in old good times, and unless there is a printed call log from ground line with AT@T on it, that would mean he didn't have any other means to communicate with "Russia", being surrounded by Russians and by Kremlin-connected, from Russian oligarchs buyers of his most expensive real estate in NY or partners like Bayrock, to his favorite surrogate, senior adviser Russian Boris Epshteyn from Moscow, to any of his Kremlin shills and moles he and his family are surrounded with.
1
Trump has been known to stretch the limits of "truthiness". When a person makes outrageous comments and takes liberties with the facts it is very difficult to take anything they say with any surety.
He has a reputation as a shrewd business man and for stiffing the people he does business with hence he has made his own bed when trying to convince many of us that he is truthful.
There is more to the Russia story and possibly many others issues in Trumps past. The Russian connection need to be fully investigated, to sweep in under the carpet only subverts getting to the truth.
Trump has never done anything in his life to serve the public good if anyone has evidence of that please tell us about it. It is imperative that we must rely on the Patriots serving in government and in the free press to uncover the "dirty deeds" committed by the Trump Administration now and in the future. Something stinks about this Russia business and it's not the Swedish fish.
He has a reputation as a shrewd business man and for stiffing the people he does business with hence he has made his own bed when trying to convince many of us that he is truthful.
There is more to the Russia story and possibly many others issues in Trumps past. The Russian connection need to be fully investigated, to sweep in under the carpet only subverts getting to the truth.
Trump has never done anything in his life to serve the public good if anyone has evidence of that please tell us about it. It is imperative that we must rely on the Patriots serving in government and in the free press to uncover the "dirty deeds" committed by the Trump Administration now and in the future. Something stinks about this Russia business and it's not the Swedish fish.
22
I don't like Trump either, but, in reply to your request for evidence, there are two state parks with Trump's name on them located in Dutchess County, north of New York City - access from the Taconic Parkway.
2
Set aside your first argument: "fewer tensions with Russia would benefit the United States, which is a reasonable position." Trump is not interested in benefits to the country, only himself, and he never takes a reasonable position.
Lastly, count on Republicans to not engage but continue to enjoy this smoke screen, along with all the other Trump idiocy, while they continue their nefarious schemes to dismantle social programs, protection of the environment, enriching he wealthy...while opposition groups are distracted by Trump craziness like The Wall, etc.
Those of us who progressives had better watch our flanks.
Lastly, count on Republicans to not engage but continue to enjoy this smoke screen, along with all the other Trump idiocy, while they continue their nefarious schemes to dismantle social programs, protection of the environment, enriching he wealthy...while opposition groups are distracted by Trump craziness like The Wall, etc.
Those of us who progressives had better watch our flanks.
20
This is the best summary of the situation!
In Florida this past weekend Trump made a clear reference to his movement, the Brexit (of course much smaller) and populist movements in Europe. He is just pouting words vs Putin's cultivating ties to the point of funding Le Pen's party and overtly supporting Salvini's in Italy while pushing political, and not only, ties with Hungary's welcoming far right goverment. These and others wanting to exit the common currency and Europe.
The reiteration of support to NATO by Trump's surrogates in Munich is a minuscule fig leaf compared to the clear intent by Trump/Putin for the disintegration of the EU.
The reiteration of support to NATO by Trump's surrogates in Munich is a minuscule fig leaf compared to the clear intent by Trump/Putin for the disintegration of the EU.
12
Ok, since we are opining as to Trump's motives: here is mine.
You put the political and the financial argument together, and you probably have it. Trump was left for dead after the four bankruptcies. He was toxic; nobody would touch him. He was quoted as saying a homeless man on the street had more than he had.
So, how does someone emerge from that, raising capital in a very capital intensive industry? Who would touch somebody like that with probably no equity, even less credit, and a reputation for screwing people Even if we believe that some of the money comes from trademarking deals, it just does not all add up.
Enter the Russian (and Chinese) money, but that $ comes with strings attached, which is where the political end of it arrives. My guess is that Manafort and others were negotiating a peace deal in Eastern Europe in return for a) more laundered money for projects, and b) forgiveness of his loans in the event that Putin gets both the Crimea, and an option on the Ukraine. Heck, it is just another real estate deal, right?
Trump could care less about doing President, but he does care about being President because, for now, it gives him leverage financially. He does care- no, is probably obsessed- with those loans because he has made his Faustian bargain and is seeking a way out, which is probably why he behaves as he does. He will not refinance his loans conventionally (even if he could) because then the disclosures would come. Dangerous game.
You put the political and the financial argument together, and you probably have it. Trump was left for dead after the four bankruptcies. He was toxic; nobody would touch him. He was quoted as saying a homeless man on the street had more than he had.
So, how does someone emerge from that, raising capital in a very capital intensive industry? Who would touch somebody like that with probably no equity, even less credit, and a reputation for screwing people Even if we believe that some of the money comes from trademarking deals, it just does not all add up.
Enter the Russian (and Chinese) money, but that $ comes with strings attached, which is where the political end of it arrives. My guess is that Manafort and others were negotiating a peace deal in Eastern Europe in return for a) more laundered money for projects, and b) forgiveness of his loans in the event that Putin gets both the Crimea, and an option on the Ukraine. Heck, it is just another real estate deal, right?
Trump could care less about doing President, but he does care about being President because, for now, it gives him leverage financially. He does care- no, is probably obsessed- with those loans because he has made his Faustian bargain and is seeking a way out, which is probably why he behaves as he does. He will not refinance his loans conventionally (even if he could) because then the disclosures would come. Dangerous game.
58
Right. Follow the money!!!
Some of the points in the article assume Trump has a capacity for ideologically-driven strategic thinking. I'm pretty sure no such thing exists. At the core of Trump is his towering interest in self: self enrichment and self aggrandizement. There's no ideology there, only a pathological compulsion for 24/7 self promotion. In recklessly aligning himself with Bannon, the alt-right...etc., he struck a long-shot deal with marginalized white Christian nationalists, offering them a crack at legitimacy in return for the elevation of all things Trump to unimaginable heights. To Trump’s and everybody's amazement, the deal actually bore fruit causing the craven Republican establishment to immediately rally around him in service to their own misguided ideological yearnings. So now we have the spectacle of nationalists duking it out with Republicans over which awful, regressive policies to impose on the American people (and the world), while Trump scrambles to protect his brand with its many international connections now legitimately open to public scrutiny, and representing spectacular conflicts of interest for a sitting president. It's only about money and ego for Trump- the two legs of his infinitely unstable mind (and malleable world view) . Which is why all investigative roads must lead to a thorough and public examination of Trump’s tax returns. Any investigation that doesn't compel Trump to release all his tax records will be a farcical waste of taxpayers' money.
44
The IRS has his tax records. They can be reviewed if the desire is there.
I'm confident that Julian Assange will help get to the bottom of this since he seems so dedicated to truth with neither fear nor favor toward anyone. As for the so-called back-door peace proposal for Ukraine, it is not so much "dubious" as it is outright bizarre.
It seeks to topple the legitimate Ukrainian President, to cede Crimea to Russia (the proposed 50-100 year "lease" is laughable on the face of it) and to lift the sanctions on Russia. The "deal" is advanced by shadowy thugs with ties to organized crime and fascist politics. The Ukrainian government is doubtless thrilled with this "plan" that would turn the country into a Russian vassal.
President Trump's coddling of Vladimir Putin and Russian interests during the campaign was downright mystifying. It made no sense at all. Now that the tangled web of intrigue is unraveling, it is making more sense and the scent is most foul.
Assange, release the President's tax returns!
www.endthemadnessnow.org
It seeks to topple the legitimate Ukrainian President, to cede Crimea to Russia (the proposed 50-100 year "lease" is laughable on the face of it) and to lift the sanctions on Russia. The "deal" is advanced by shadowy thugs with ties to organized crime and fascist politics. The Ukrainian government is doubtless thrilled with this "plan" that would turn the country into a Russian vassal.
President Trump's coddling of Vladimir Putin and Russian interests during the campaign was downright mystifying. It made no sense at all. Now that the tangled web of intrigue is unraveling, it is making more sense and the scent is most foul.
Assange, release the President's tax returns!
www.endthemadnessnow.org
26
Right on David, look hard at the motives (i.e., the "why") and its likely things will fall into place. The latter i.e., the ideological connection) seems increasingly plausible given Trump's repeated rants (and previously Flynn's) against radical Islamic groups and the purported subsequent ban designed to keep said groups out, but really a thinly veiled action against Muslims; this along with his grandiose pronouncements and character make-up makes one think he will accept nothing less than a Putin-like presence as he seeks to have it all, in the process trampling over our democratic principles and seeking to dismantle institutions (i.e., the press, national media) that stand in his way. I could be wrong but I think following the money will not unearth the pot of gold here - the real answer is found in the person of the presence now residing on Pennsylvania Avenue, America's first tyrant.
16
Horseshoe crab, I totally agree with you about the money. This is Trump's bottom line (so to speak).
But I don't think so when you say: "...the ideological connection) seems increasingly plausible given Trump's repeated rants (and previously Flynn's) against radical Islamic groups and the purported subsequent ban designed to keep said groups out, but really a thinly veiled action against Muslims."
Trump doesn't have any ideological leanings of any kind--this is not someone who thinks deeply on any subject. The Islamophobia message is being fed to him by Bannon and Pence--and I live in dread that they are actually trying to accelerate us toward the "End Times." (Read (or just get a summary of) one of those "Left Behind" books and check out this piece: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/steve-bannon-apocalypse_us_5898f02ee.... And Pence--very fundamentalist Christian--is right there with him.)
But I don't think so when you say: "...the ideological connection) seems increasingly plausible given Trump's repeated rants (and previously Flynn's) against radical Islamic groups and the purported subsequent ban designed to keep said groups out, but really a thinly veiled action against Muslims."
Trump doesn't have any ideological leanings of any kind--this is not someone who thinks deeply on any subject. The Islamophobia message is being fed to him by Bannon and Pence--and I live in dread that they are actually trying to accelerate us toward the "End Times." (Read (or just get a summary of) one of those "Left Behind" books and check out this piece: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/steve-bannon-apocalypse_us_5898f02ee.... And Pence--very fundamentalist Christian--is right there with him.)
1
Anti Muslim policies? Where were all you folks when Obama sent women and children refugees to a determent facility in Pennsylvania because they are Christian?
You most likely are unaware of it. Our heroic, maligned, but innocent press never reported on it.
You most likely are unaware of it. Our heroic, maligned, but innocent press never reported on it.
MRS- "Anti Muslim policies? Where were all you folks when Obama sent women and children refugees to a determent facility in Pennsylvania because they are Christian?
You most likely are unaware of it. Our heroic, maligned, but innocent press never reported on it".
Legitimate sources please? Maybe it wasn't reported by the MSM because it NEVER happened???!!!!
You most likely are unaware of it. Our heroic, maligned, but innocent press never reported on it".
Legitimate sources please? Maybe it wasn't reported by the MSM because it NEVER happened???!!!!
This is a well reasoned and presented editorial. While not as accusatory as might be warranted, it is hard to imagine "reasonable" people in Congress would not aggressively pursue these various ties.
However, I suspect that Trump is much more incompetent than people give him credit for based on his lack of meaningful success as a businessman outside of real estate. Also, we don't know the ownership of many of "his" companies. Since most such real estate projects are organized as LPs, it would be easy to conclude he may have little ownership and instead simply be providing his name. He was also a beneficiary of the most amazing real estate property increase in history in NYC where his inherited properties were located.
Seen as a bumbling and incompetent businessman shooting from the hip, his present foreign policy mistakes and reliance on FOX News is much more understandable. thanks for making the case!
However, I suspect that Trump is much more incompetent than people give him credit for based on his lack of meaningful success as a businessman outside of real estate. Also, we don't know the ownership of many of "his" companies. Since most such real estate projects are organized as LPs, it would be easy to conclude he may have little ownership and instead simply be providing his name. He was also a beneficiary of the most amazing real estate property increase in history in NYC where his inherited properties were located.
Seen as a bumbling and incompetent businessman shooting from the hip, his present foreign policy mistakes and reliance on FOX News is much more understandable. thanks for making the case!
39
For such a failure in his chosen profession he sure seems financially successful.
Trump will never be Obama, he's not a community organizer (code words for agitator). He's a businessman from the pinnacle of American business, NYC.
He made clear his objectives over the past two years. And he was elected as the anti-Obama. There is no other explanation. Clinton was more Obama and the voters not part of one of the victims categories catered to by democrats were so sick of Obama's destructive and divisive reign they voted for the anti-Obama.
Trump will never be Obama, he's not a community organizer (code words for agitator). He's a businessman from the pinnacle of American business, NYC.
He made clear his objectives over the past two years. And he was elected as the anti-Obama. There is no other explanation. Clinton was more Obama and the voters not part of one of the victims categories catered to by democrats were so sick of Obama's destructive and divisive reign they voted for the anti-Obama.
Trump was the winner of "A pox on both your houses" when Sanders dropped out. This election was a mandate against both Dems and GOP. And, the more we hear, the more I wonder exactly how has he stayed in business for so long? Did wearing a custom suit and bluster really keep this con man in business as even his creditors accepted his own statements of worth (just trust me)?
It's Trump's business interests that are driving his behavior towards Russia and V.Putin. Trump sees Russia as the perfect source of investment funding from a political ecosystem with untraceable capital flowing from Russian state-run entities.
The problem is that the oligarchs doing the lending are not really deal makers who rejoice in the "art of the deal." Instead, they invest only in what they can control lock, stock and barrel (again, using Russian state capital). Simply stated, Trump is up to his earlobes in debt to political criminals, with V.Putin as the CEO of the Russian kleptocracy.
The problem is that the oligarchs doing the lending are not really deal makers who rejoice in the "art of the deal." Instead, they invest only in what they can control lock, stock and barrel (again, using Russian state capital). Simply stated, Trump is up to his earlobes in debt to political criminals, with V.Putin as the CEO of the Russian kleptocracy.
53
How on earth would you know that?
Look, you and your like minded cohorts are free to hate Mr. Trump. I can empathize after eight years of the most arrogant, narcissistic, destructive, most imperial presidency in our history. I still respected the office.
I only accepted facts about Obama's failures, not speculation.
Look, you and your like minded cohorts are free to hate Mr. Trump. I can empathize after eight years of the most arrogant, narcissistic, destructive, most imperial presidency in our history. I still respected the office.
I only accepted facts about Obama's failures, not speculation.
Trump's fascination with Russia is understandable. First, the dude is a developer always in need of cash. Russian oligarchs have that. Second, Russians know no fear, thuggery is an art form. Trump admires that. Third, oh my god are Russians intelligent! Unbelievable.
Putin is a role model. Russia reflects what toughness can accomplish. Putin fixed a broken country. He enriched his friends and is popular at the same time. Russia no longer has a Chechen problem, and has a Mediterranean port. We have a Middle East problem, and Arab allies who are funding people trying to kill us.
Trump admires the toughness spelled by Russians and Putin. He is emulating them. Businesses from round the world are currying his favor, giving his family money. His is destroying the press and free speech. Dangerous thugs and white nationalists are in charge of the White House and occupy cabinet positions. His party is in majority, scared witless of him, and cloying - largely because they are first cousins of white nationalism. He could, as he bragged once, terminate someone on 5th Ave on live TV, and his sycophants will offer alternative facts. He has convinced voters they should join him in destroying America and enriching his friends. They are giddy, intoxicated, and hysterical.
Quite like what Putin has accomplished.
The Trump-Putin alliance will have the whole world quaking. It is an outcome both want very much. This is a very smart guy at work.
Kalidan
Putin is a role model. Russia reflects what toughness can accomplish. Putin fixed a broken country. He enriched his friends and is popular at the same time. Russia no longer has a Chechen problem, and has a Mediterranean port. We have a Middle East problem, and Arab allies who are funding people trying to kill us.
Trump admires the toughness spelled by Russians and Putin. He is emulating them. Businesses from round the world are currying his favor, giving his family money. His is destroying the press and free speech. Dangerous thugs and white nationalists are in charge of the White House and occupy cabinet positions. His party is in majority, scared witless of him, and cloying - largely because they are first cousins of white nationalism. He could, as he bragged once, terminate someone on 5th Ave on live TV, and his sycophants will offer alternative facts. He has convinced voters they should join him in destroying America and enriching his friends. They are giddy, intoxicated, and hysterical.
Quite like what Putin has accomplished.
The Trump-Putin alliance will have the whole world quaking. It is an outcome both want very much. This is a very smart guy at work.
Kalidan
308
Putin is smart. Trump needs to have people around him who can pass on what passes for ideas, which he focuses on briefly like the shiniest object in sight before they disappear. Short atttention span, short-term memory, limited depth of thought. We express ourselves in words. His are vague and open to interpretation. What exactly does "terrific" mean to him? When he applies the word to his "decisions," I interpret the word as having horrific overtones but no real information is conveyed. There was an Ad campaign in Fortune magazine in the 50s referring to the ideal executive--"Send me a man who reads." The writer of Trump's book about the "art" of the deal said Trump had never read a book in his adult life. That's half-a-century in which one can build a vocabulary and have knowledge of more than gossip or one's present days. Builds excess capacity to keep the brain functioning longer as well.
3
Except Russia (as opposed to Putin and his closest cronies) is still broken. No functioning econony to speak of -- nothing to export except oil and hockey players. Other countries now make really good vodka. People still die younger than they used to. No great technical innovations unless you want to count its hacking genius. Regression to near medieval religiosity among some. Except for the fact that Russia has nukes and some oil (at a time when fossil fuels can see the 'sell by' date on their usefulness), it's still a basket case in most ways. Hardly a country to emulate, even if Trump admires the brutish ways of its leader.
4
Russia is a disaster - it is literally a dying country. I have travelled there a lot. Putin has not saved it. In fact, Putin and CO stole all of the state assets and have become billionaires. Putin has sealed Russia's fate. I'm sure Russia will never recover from what Putin has done to it.
2
Until Trump disproves theories of financial ties to Russia he'll be dogged by speculation they exist. He could have easily put this behind him by providing tax returns that put our national suspicions to rest. Refusing to so enables us to think the worst: he must have something to hide. It wouldn't be unreasonable to speculate Tump's offensive against the mainstream media is a preemptive strike to discredit this developing story before the truth is uncovered by Congress or solid investigative reporting.
535
Quite on point!!
It's more than that. If he has lied about his involvements, he should be removed either for violating his oath of office, or for mental instability and inability to conduct the responsibilities of office.
Ever watch the West Wing? Of nearly 600 positions, he has filled 45. The offices are empty -- business cannot be done ... and he is playing golf or tweeting about a bogus news article on Fox.
BTW ... why isn't more attention devoted to the fact that the Fox report on crime in Sweden was fabricated -- presenting answers to some questions as though they were responsive to completely different questions.
Why does FOX retain it's FCC license in the face of this kind of flagrant lying?
Ever watch the West Wing? Of nearly 600 positions, he has filled 45. The offices are empty -- business cannot be done ... and he is playing golf or tweeting about a bogus news article on Fox.
BTW ... why isn't more attention devoted to the fact that the Fox report on crime in Sweden was fabricated -- presenting answers to some questions as though they were responsive to completely different questions.
Why does FOX retain it's FCC license in the face of this kind of flagrant lying?
2
It appears Donald Trump is strongly motivated by his personal financial interest and the financial interests of his family. It appears his lack of discipline has caused him to enter bankruptcy a number of times, making him a poor credit risk to Western bankers. It appears the Russians have come to his aid, and several of his projects sold to primarily Russian investors. The question becomes who really owns him and what has he and his family been promised for playing along with his owners. I hope I am wrong, but if the Republican led Congress has no interest in pursuing these very serious issues, it is reasonable to suspect they know it is very serious and if uncovered could jeopardized their promised tax cuts for the top 1% and dismantling of regulations (that is, protections for the average citizens). I sincerely hope the press keeps the pressure on so the Russian connection can be cleared up one way or another.
793
The republican led congress will not show any interest in pursuing these very serious issues until they get a majority of their pet laws passed - most notably the ACA and any other legislation meant to benefit those Americans who require help. They will benefit their benefactors at the top and - when they no longer need him to suck up everyone's energy - they will "discover" the trump-Russia connection, "investigate it", find him guilty of all the things we already know he is guilty of, and discard him. They are using him as a shield - and getting what they want...or should I say - their owners, the top 1% of the 1%. are getting what they want.
1
sorry - removal of the ACA...
I've always looked at the Trump kids, like they're the Madoff children. There is a lot at stake, when your aged father has built a house of cards.
Having friends and allies are per se better than having enemies. So, of course, easing tensions with Russia is a good goal. But what will it cost? Weakening NATO, allowing Russia to rebuild the Soviet Union, becoming a partner in crimes or just a loyal vassal?
Trump signaled during the campaign that he admires dictators like Putin. He ran a closely held corporation with little internal accountability. His admiration of dictators and his first month's activities reveal a troubling tendency toward dictatorship.
Because Trump has been secretive about his business relationships, we do not know about ties to Russia. Until we know, we cannot simply trust Trump to be acting in our best interest.
Trump signaled during the campaign that he admires dictators like Putin. He ran a closely held corporation with little internal accountability. His admiration of dictators and his first month's activities reveal a troubling tendency toward dictatorship.
Because Trump has been secretive about his business relationships, we do not know about ties to Russia. Until we know, we cannot simply trust Trump to be acting in our best interest.
26
Trump has turned self-loathing into a high art. Having put every wart on display--even his repeated criminal conduct--his rage at any opposition, his bigoted/xenophobic/white supremacist beliefs, his abominable use of grief for political ends, his craven desire for autocratic power has only revealed the real nature of the Republican party, now made up of 1000s of large and small Trumps, each with their own absolute agenda of myth and ideology; all lack a moral compass.
Russia, with an economy smaller than South Korea's, the size of Spain's, is only a player because of its nuclear arms and its supplies of natural gas that heat Europe in the winters; without these strategic advantages, it would be in a conversation of world powers. It is a strong State that robs its citizenship. But Trump admires Putin's use of fear and power and desperately wants to do a deal--even one that will benefit his magic thinking to the determent of the country.
Russia, with an economy smaller than South Korea's, the size of Spain's, is only a player because of its nuclear arms and its supplies of natural gas that heat Europe in the winters; without these strategic advantages, it would be in a conversation of world powers. It is a strong State that robs its citizenship. But Trump admires Putin's use of fear and power and desperately wants to do a deal--even one that will benefit his magic thinking to the determent of the country.
42
I think Trump is obsessed with jihadists. Trump admires Putin's solution to the Chechens, which is brutality. Add to that the Russian "assets" and you have the answer. So simply put its partly the appeal of committing murder in the name of defense and lining his conflict of interest pockets. No Democrat could ever have gotten away with what Trump is doing.
30
What do we know of our POTUS?
Unstable, first came to our notice,
His lawyers and minions
Give him his opinions,
When he ran t'was ill fortune bode us.
He came out of Pandora's box,
In need of a major detox,
Giving him their vote
I must sadly note
Voters had heads full of rocks.
Unstable, first came to our notice,
His lawyers and minions
Give him his opinions,
When he ran t'was ill fortune bode us.
He came out of Pandora's box,
In need of a major detox,
Giving him their vote
I must sadly note
Voters had heads full of rocks.
70
Will destroying Trump (if you even achieve it) be a solution? The world and America were a mess before Trump even declared his candidacy.
To those who think that the world was just fine in 2014, I would like to ask "What are you smoking?"
Trump may not be the solution but I do not have much respect for those who think that there were no problems to be solved.
To those who think that the world was just fine in 2014, I would like to ask "What are you smoking?"
Trump may not be the solution but I do not have much respect for those who think that there were no problems to be solved.
1
This is one of your best. Thank you.
Mr. Eisenberg:
What a breath of fresh air in this toxic swamp. Thank you!
What a breath of fresh air in this toxic swamp. Thank you!
"“Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets,” Donald Trump Jr. said in 2008, specifically mentioning projects in SoHo and Dubai."
Well, junior's statement certainly puts the lie to daddy's claims last week that he never has had anything to do with Russia...
I think that Trump loves other 'strongmen' types. His remarks during the campaign made plain that he sees the presidency along the lines of a dictatorship where he would just "fix" or "change" whatever he didn't like with the snap of his fingers.
Additionally, Trump sees himself as savior. He is in my age group, so the USSR/Russia have been the "evil empire" our whole lives. What better for a savior than to be the only president ever (the best, most wonderful) to make friends with Russia.
The sad and scary thing is that Putin, while he may have a similar view of leadership, and foster's Trump's distrust of "the West," can play Trump like a cheap fiddle. Ditto for folks like Bannon. Trump is gullible, thin skinned and very, very swayed by personal praise. The clever and sinister, who see this, are truly a danger to us all.
Well, junior's statement certainly puts the lie to daddy's claims last week that he never has had anything to do with Russia...
I think that Trump loves other 'strongmen' types. His remarks during the campaign made plain that he sees the presidency along the lines of a dictatorship where he would just "fix" or "change" whatever he didn't like with the snap of his fingers.
Additionally, Trump sees himself as savior. He is in my age group, so the USSR/Russia have been the "evil empire" our whole lives. What better for a savior than to be the only president ever (the best, most wonderful) to make friends with Russia.
The sad and scary thing is that Putin, while he may have a similar view of leadership, and foster's Trump's distrust of "the West," can play Trump like a cheap fiddle. Ditto for folks like Bannon. Trump is gullible, thin skinned and very, very swayed by personal praise. The clever and sinister, who see this, are truly a danger to us all.
124
In the same speech, Trump Jnr bragged that "We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”
Trump Snr continues to refuse to disclose his tax returns and recent attempts by the Democrats requiring him to do so have been rebuffed in the Republican controlled HoR.
It was the late Mark Felt ('Deep Throat') who told Bob Woodward to, 'follow the money'.
The key to unlock the Trump/Russia relationship is to be found in Trump's tax returns.
Felt would now say, 'Follow the taxes'.
Trump Snr continues to refuse to disclose his tax returns and recent attempts by the Democrats requiring him to do so have been rebuffed in the Republican controlled HoR.
It was the late Mark Felt ('Deep Throat') who told Bob Woodward to, 'follow the money'.
The key to unlock the Trump/Russia relationship is to be found in Trump's tax returns.
Felt would now say, 'Follow the taxes'.
2
The conversations in The Times whether in the op ed or the comments seem to ignore the fact that we are the ones that started a war at Russia's southern border, overthrowing Ukraines elected President and installing Poroschenko a puppet of ours, Israels and the oligarchs who strip mined Russia during the nineties and are attempting to turn it into their own fiefdom, controlling the resources no matter the misery to others. There was a veritable blackout on news surrounding this and the Clinton/Nulands/Pyatt involvement in the coup but the fact remains it happened. Reuters, Haraatz and other legitimate news sources regularly reported on the whole sordid affair, one not dissimilar to what we did to Egypt when they elected someone not approved by us and Israel. It seems we chose sides early in the game and as Mr. Steiglitz observed in his excellent comment we have the hawks in chief McCain and Graham as cheerleaders for a war with Russia. Rather than the continued nonsensical op eds about the republicans are bad, democrats are good, we should step back, see what is really going on and not being reported on before we have another "W.M.D. Moment", but this time with someone who can fight back. Overthrowing small countries for big oil and Israel is one thing, but to start a war with Iran and Russia is insane, they can be part of the solution as Kerry observed, but never as apparently in neo con fantasies will they allow themselves to be taken over, so stop the drumbeat for war.
15
Then by all means, let them interfere in our election and install their preferred candidate who is no doubt receiving ample financial reward to end the sanctions.
1
Actually the conversations in the Times and in the comments here are ignoring the myths you have accepted as truth.
The US government is on the record as supporting the mass protests against Yanukovich's kleptocracy. The US spent billions on aid for Ukraine over a twenty-year period to try to create a bulwark of democracy and a market economy in the region. (The aid was also a quid pro quo, acknowledging Ukraine's decision to abandon its nuclear arsenal.)
The US was using its influence to bring Ukraine into the EU's orbit, certainly. To assert that American money and strategy were the forces that drove the revolution is baseless.
Sure sounds like your effort to "see what is really going on and not being reported" could be rooted in stories from Russia Today, the Kremlin's "news" network.
The US government is on the record as supporting the mass protests against Yanukovich's kleptocracy. The US spent billions on aid for Ukraine over a twenty-year period to try to create a bulwark of democracy and a market economy in the region. (The aid was also a quid pro quo, acknowledging Ukraine's decision to abandon its nuclear arsenal.)
The US was using its influence to bring Ukraine into the EU's orbit, certainly. To assert that American money and strategy were the forces that drove the revolution is baseless.
Sure sounds like your effort to "see what is really going on and not being reported" could be rooted in stories from Russia Today, the Kremlin's "news" network.
1
Thank you to Ted of Portland for finally calling on the New York Times to become more forthright in its reporting of "intervening in others' elections". The Times started reporting on Ms Nulands involvement in the overthrow of the elected government of Ukraine, but for unexplained reasons stopped reporting on it for months after her phone calls were leaked, probably by Russia. Also with Mr. Leonhardt now going back to 20th century history on foreign interventions in American elections, I urge him to use his scholarship to also enumerate US interventions in the democracies of Guatemala and Iran under the Dulles brothers, and in Chile in 1974 to overthrow the elected government. Why does not the New York Times facilitate its readers' thinking about this "worst case" Russian intervention in 2016 by presenting the history of American interventions in other democracies as it hypocritically bemoans the hacking of the DNC. Then compare apples to apples, and evaluate the moral equivalence of each.
Great enumeration of possible motives, but don't forget the element of manipulation - Trump could just be fawning over Putin in response to Putin's flattery of him, a shallow, manipulative flattery, but highly effective to one so susceptible to attention.
29
Perhaps it is because in Putin Trump sees himself. The strong boss man who weeks out corruption that suits his fancy not the nations. When you lie down with dogs you run the risk of getting fleas. Don't know who brings them to the mat but one can be assured both will have them before this relationship ends.
11
The motive isn't really the issue. The issue is that Trump is a clear and present danger to the national security of the United States.
It's a hell of a thing to say about the President of the United States.
It's a hell of a thing to say about the President of the United States.
193
I agree that the immediate threats posed by Trump demand immediate attention, but understanding his motives may help to deflect further problems, weaken his control, and allow a more effective defense against him.
Although all the explanations outlined in the article have some merit and most likely motivate Trump to some degree the explanation I am most partial to is the one that explains Trump's fervor for Russia and Putin based on solid business ties between Trump and Putin. Remember first and foremost Trump is the businessman, deal maker and profiteer.
In my scenario Putin is not only Trump's role model from a leadership standpoint---a scary thought in itself---Trump is business partners with Russian oligarchs including Putin and was hired by Putin for a cool $1 billion "consulting fee" to win the American election so Putin would have a really good friend in the White House. Putin is literally Trump's boss for money. Putin could well afford such an expense with personal wealth estimated at as much as $60 billion. And Putin would certainly have the contacts and motive needed to hire Trump.
I smell smoke and I see fire. Trump the traitor to America for cash? I think that's a real possibility the Congress and FBI should actively and thoroughly investigate no matter where it leads. Much more of a threat to America's safety and independence than Clinton's e mails could ever hope to be.
In my scenario Putin is not only Trump's role model from a leadership standpoint---a scary thought in itself---Trump is business partners with Russian oligarchs including Putin and was hired by Putin for a cool $1 billion "consulting fee" to win the American election so Putin would have a really good friend in the White House. Putin is literally Trump's boss for money. Putin could well afford such an expense with personal wealth estimated at as much as $60 billion. And Putin would certainly have the contacts and motive needed to hire Trump.
I smell smoke and I see fire. Trump the traitor to America for cash? I think that's a real possibility the Congress and FBI should actively and thoroughly investigate no matter where it leads. Much more of a threat to America's safety and independence than Clinton's e mails could ever hope to be.
62
It seems that money has always been Trump's first and best motive.
Those Congressional Committee Chairmen -- House and Senate, all GOPers -- who have the power to get Trump Family Inc. federal tax returns from the IRS. ... Need to be LEANED ON heavily. It'll only take one or to GOP members of those committees to push the chairs to do this. Until then -- or until someone leaks the returns -- American will remain in the dark on this. Lastly, look up the UBS, Credit Suisse and other 'offshore tax fraud' cases and stories? The way these work? Those "caught" by the IRS -- with the help of the State Dept. during Bush and Obama -- had two choices: (1) fight in court and have your names appear in the press, or ( Shhhh!) (2) settle -- IN PRIVATE -- and pay your fines, penalties, interest and back taxes. And keep it all hush hush. Who here would bet Trump never got caught in such a mess?
1
What Trump lacks is an assumption that the U.S. and Russia can’t come to acceptable terms on cooperation simply because we don’t like Putin. I’m sure Trump has loathed some of the co-investors in his projects (as some undoubtedly loathed him), yet somehow managed to co-exist long enough to get buildings built. There’s a lesson there for those who write about how the world SHOULD be without any responsibility for building anything.
David offers the premise that “murky” ties exist between Trump and his people on one side and Putin and his goons on the other; yet offers no evidence that his premise is valid. What has surfaced are communications between Trump’s people, not just with Russia but with dozens of foreign representatives, claimed to be no more than the nebulous expressions of “better relations” to come. The agencies whose civil servants, outrageously lionized in the Times as “whistle-blowers” but in fact ideologues exercising a stolen power to destroy, have insinuated dastardly deeds while admitting that no evidence exists of illegal or even censurable actions. They rely on transcripts that only they have reviewed but haven’t released.
The agencies already weighed in: there’s nothing there. McCain’s committee will conclude the same thing, and the MSM, abetted by those same civil servant fellow-travelers, will move on to other spurious challenges to an administration they find ideologically unacceptable. Don’t expect to have an appreciable impact on our governance.
David offers the premise that “murky” ties exist between Trump and his people on one side and Putin and his goons on the other; yet offers no evidence that his premise is valid. What has surfaced are communications between Trump’s people, not just with Russia but with dozens of foreign representatives, claimed to be no more than the nebulous expressions of “better relations” to come. The agencies whose civil servants, outrageously lionized in the Times as “whistle-blowers” but in fact ideologues exercising a stolen power to destroy, have insinuated dastardly deeds while admitting that no evidence exists of illegal or even censurable actions. They rely on transcripts that only they have reviewed but haven’t released.
The agencies already weighed in: there’s nothing there. McCain’s committee will conclude the same thing, and the MSM, abetted by those same civil servant fellow-travelers, will move on to other spurious challenges to an administration they find ideologically unacceptable. Don’t expect to have an appreciable impact on our governance.
8
When I read a Richard L. comment, I channel my inner "George Costanza".
In the above case, my reaction is that Trump is a goner.
Hello, President Pence.
In the above case, my reaction is that Trump is a goner.
Hello, President Pence.
34
Kevin:
You seem more excited than I at the prospect of breaking out the knee-pads. Just be sure to remember to replace the kneeling-bench in your pew when you're through with it.
Trump won't even muss his road-kill on this one.
You seem more excited than I at the prospect of breaking out the knee-pads. Just be sure to remember to replace the kneeling-bench in your pew when you're through with it.
Trump won't even muss his road-kill on this one.
2
“there’s nothing there. McCain’s committee will conclude the same thing, and the MSM, abetted by those same civil servant fellow-travelers, will move on to other spurious challenges to an administration they find ideologically unacceptable.” This from those who also crowed endlessly, spent millions, if not billons, and wasted countless worktime investigating Benghazi and Clinton’s email server, only to find what? To borrow, “there’s nothing there.” And at the risk of sounding as cynical as these conservative commenters, the politically-influenced FBI director, hoping to save his job, issued a face-saving reprimand. Talk about being two-faced, hypocritical and without credibility.
Yet there’s more. “What Trump lacks is an assumption that the U.S. and Russia can’t come to acceptable terms on cooperation simply because we don’t like Putin.” Another sophomoric rationalization. No, it is not that simple. Russia has been an adversary of the US since the founding of the Soviet Union and continues to be so. Just imagine Clinton as either a candidate or president speaking about Russia as has Trump. Think we’d hear the same cockamamie excuses from the right?
And, “David offers the premise that “murky” ties exist between Trump and his people on one side and Putin and his goons on the other; yet offers no evidence that his premise is valid.” Wow, where’s Darrell Issa when you need him? To borrow again, that often seen dismissive remark, that “nebulous expression,” Giveth me a break.
Yet there’s more. “What Trump lacks is an assumption that the U.S. and Russia can’t come to acceptable terms on cooperation simply because we don’t like Putin.” Another sophomoric rationalization. No, it is not that simple. Russia has been an adversary of the US since the founding of the Soviet Union and continues to be so. Just imagine Clinton as either a candidate or president speaking about Russia as has Trump. Think we’d hear the same cockamamie excuses from the right?
And, “David offers the premise that “murky” ties exist between Trump and his people on one side and Putin and his goons on the other; yet offers no evidence that his premise is valid.” Wow, where’s Darrell Issa when you need him? To borrow again, that often seen dismissive remark, that “nebulous expression,” Giveth me a break.
3
Russia isn't ever going to moderate the refugee crisis. They are quite happy for the flood of displaced refugees to continue moving west into EU and NATO member populations. Then they get to coordinate with alt right and nationalist propaganda outlets to scare those people into backing isolationist and nationalist politicians allied with Putin.
I don't know if this was the plan all along or they just used the situation to their advantage. Either way the right in America need to realize that Putin is the reason those Syrian refugees don't have homes anymore and that he is playing everyone else for fools.
I don't know if this was the plan all along or they just used the situation to their advantage. Either way the right in America need to realize that Putin is the reason those Syrian refugees don't have homes anymore and that he is playing everyone else for fools.
76
The whole thing makes me sick. Yet, I listen to a cousin in North Carolina who thinks I should be eating crow because of Trumps overwhelming electoral college win.
If one of the scenarios you pose proves true, I doubt you will get the Republicans to condemn him or his followers to believe any evidence of wrongdoing.
If one of the scenarios you pose proves true, I doubt you will get the Republicans to condemn him or his followers to believe any evidence of wrongdoing.
100
You can remind your cousin that Trump's electoral college victory was the 46th largest out of 58 elections.
Also that it wasn't as large as either of Barak Obama's (or Bill Clinton's) victories.
Also that it wasn't as large as either of Barak Obama's (or Bill Clinton's) victories.
1
Are the generals he has brought in nuts? Manafort and Bannon, not to mention Ivanka's cozy time in Dubrovnik with Putin's girl friend, would eliminate any chance of these people having a security clearance. These generals need to be very clear about who they will work with and then expel Bannon, block any contact with Manafort and send Ivanka and Jared back to NYC. Basic long standing rules are being ignored. The FBI and CIA need to get a grip but I suspect they will instead pursue people demonstrating much as they did under Nixon and Bush.
127
Could not agree with you more, maybe the new General in
his "stable" will get rid of Bannon.
Never heard about darling Ivanka meeting in Dubrovnik will look that up.
Great post thanks.
his "stable" will get rid of Bannon.
Never heard about darling Ivanka meeting in Dubrovnik will look that up.
Great post thanks.
1
This story just goes on and on., its like the E-mails that sunk Clinton. She could of fixed it by just talking about up front. Trump should take a lesson from her playbook, he should address this, and not just by dismissing it. Show the people your tax returns, appoint a special prosecutor. The fact he will not do any of these things is because his personality will not allow him to give in or he is guilty.
39
"Trump campaign advisers had close links to Putin’s circle, and some of them spoke with Russian officials during the campaign. "
Please give me a single name. Trump indeed used some help from mr Manafort, who indeed has some political ties in... Ukraine. Besides of him, you will not find a single person who has more or less significant ties to Russian establishment.
Please give me a single name. Trump indeed used some help from mr Manafort, who indeed has some political ties in... Ukraine. Besides of him, you will not find a single person who has more or less significant ties to Russian establishment.
7
You seem to have missed yesterday's front page story.
"In recent days, Trump has tempered his pro-Russia comments and even criticized its actions in Ukraine. So it would be a mistake to imagine that we know the full story of Trump and Russia."
No, it would be a mistake to characterize trump's flaccid comments here as him having "tempered his pro-Russia comments."
All that's missing here is a huge - or, should I say "yuuuuuge," wink at Putin.
I spent 30-plus years in Pennsylvania politics. Every elected official when he or she "is in the bag," will always assure the company or the lobbyist, or in this case the brutal murdering dictator who is holding that bag:
Ignore what I SAY. Watch what I DO.
No, it would be a mistake to characterize trump's flaccid comments here as him having "tempered his pro-Russia comments."
All that's missing here is a huge - or, should I say "yuuuuuge," wink at Putin.
I spent 30-plus years in Pennsylvania politics. Every elected official when he or she "is in the bag," will always assure the company or the lobbyist, or in this case the brutal murdering dictator who is holding that bag:
Ignore what I SAY. Watch what I DO.
64
If the USA "board of directors" selected a new CEO, who immediately publicly touted our deceptive competitor as being the same as us; called all our established customers and told them they need to pay more and respect us better; then said disparaging things about our family ties...CEO little donnie would have been shown the door the first week.
You are not the winner if you cheat. Little donnie is illegitimate as president, and a farce of a businessman.
You are not the winner if you cheat. Little donnie is illegitimate as president, and a farce of a businessman.
85
What's the motive ? Rubles. ( Billions upon Billions of rubles )
There is no secret ( except for the tax returns ) as to why this administration is doing what it is and has. It is for the money.
I would say follow it , but we cannot even do that.
There is no secret ( except for the tax returns ) as to why this administration is doing what it is and has. It is for the money.
I would say follow it , but we cannot even do that.
148
""""""""""""""" Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, the law firm advising President-elect Donald Trump on handling his business conflicts, won the Russia Law Firm of the Year award in 2016.
The law firm announced the award in a press release last May, noting it was recognized in the Chambers & Partners' 2016 Chambers Europe guide. According to Morgan Lewis' website, the firm's Moscow office staffs more than 40 lawyers who are well known in the Russian market and "have deep familiarity with the local legislation, practices and key players."
Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning that he had no ties to Russia and repeated the sentiment during a press conference later in the day.
"I have no deals that could happen in Russia, because we've stayed away," he said. "And I have no loans with Russia."
Morgan Lewis attorney Sheri Dillon spoke about Trump's conflicts of interest during the press conference, announcing that Trump plans to hand over leadership of his company to his two adult sons and a longtime executive.
A spokeswoman for the firm declined to comment."""""""""""""""""'
http://fortune.com/2017/01/11/donald-trumps-morgan-lewis-russia-award/
An attorney -client privilege defense to the investigation that should get interesting
The law firm announced the award in a press release last May, noting it was recognized in the Chambers & Partners' 2016 Chambers Europe guide. According to Morgan Lewis' website, the firm's Moscow office staffs more than 40 lawyers who are well known in the Russian market and "have deep familiarity with the local legislation, practices and key players."
Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning that he had no ties to Russia and repeated the sentiment during a press conference later in the day.
"I have no deals that could happen in Russia, because we've stayed away," he said. "And I have no loans with Russia."
Morgan Lewis attorney Sheri Dillon spoke about Trump's conflicts of interest during the press conference, announcing that Trump plans to hand over leadership of his company to his two adult sons and a longtime executive.
A spokeswoman for the firm declined to comment."""""""""""""""""'
http://fortune.com/2017/01/11/donald-trumps-morgan-lewis-russia-award/
An attorney -client privilege defense to the investigation that should get interesting
58
I think Trump sees himself as some sort of Messiah instead of a civil servant. Yes Donald, the presidency is an honor not a spoil.
Because Trump isn't intellectual he is drawn to the appearance and power of Russian strong men: Rich, surrounded by beautiful women, and success in pursuing in shady deals..
What Draws Trump to Putin is the cult of personality.
But don't forget the heavy influence of Steve Bannon, whose white nationalism is in line with trumps anti-immigrant furor. Trump is actually actually Bannons ticket to an ugly worldview whereby whites, actually Christian whites, partner with Russia to fight Islam.
The greatest danger of Bannon is ultimate goal of swinging Trump to his own worldview, which is based on eradicating Muslims from the face of the earth. When it comes to Russia, Bannon is using Trump for his own means.
Putin has a head start on this, and Donald is trying to play catch-up ball by flouting our Constitution and mimicking the gestures, look, and swagger of dictators.
As Rachel Maddow put it last night, staring into the camera, this is what we are acing: the future of democracy in a country where a growing despotic presidency is consolidating our via a Justice Department headed by a loyalist AG whose loyalty to Trump is stronger than his oath to protect the Constitution.
Yes Trump has ties to Russia and they may be deep, but we will never know with Jeff Sessions installed as top cop.
Because Trump isn't intellectual he is drawn to the appearance and power of Russian strong men: Rich, surrounded by beautiful women, and success in pursuing in shady deals..
What Draws Trump to Putin is the cult of personality.
But don't forget the heavy influence of Steve Bannon, whose white nationalism is in line with trumps anti-immigrant furor. Trump is actually actually Bannons ticket to an ugly worldview whereby whites, actually Christian whites, partner with Russia to fight Islam.
The greatest danger of Bannon is ultimate goal of swinging Trump to his own worldview, which is based on eradicating Muslims from the face of the earth. When it comes to Russia, Bannon is using Trump for his own means.
Putin has a head start on this, and Donald is trying to play catch-up ball by flouting our Constitution and mimicking the gestures, look, and swagger of dictators.
As Rachel Maddow put it last night, staring into the camera, this is what we are acing: the future of democracy in a country where a growing despotic presidency is consolidating our via a Justice Department headed by a loyalist AG whose loyalty to Trump is stronger than his oath to protect the Constitution.
Yes Trump has ties to Russia and they may be deep, but we will never know with Jeff Sessions installed as top cop.
243
Trump is an ignorant chief deplorable. Say it and get it over with. You say "Trump isn't intellectual". What a profound statement. Well. neither is half of America intellectual. Now with Ms. DeVos in charge of education, the other half will join el presidente.
1
Nor with Trump's puppy dog James Comey as FBI Director.
1
What an admirable position---that the president of a constitutional democracy should actually NOT have profitable financial ties to a former enemy, a dictatorship that seeks to influence our elections. Unprecedented.
How far America has fallen that we have to cope with such an issue, with all the grave national problems to be addressed. We’re forced to worry about the corruption, hypocrisy and lies of the US president, which will hold us back from bringing the US up to 21st century standards of democracy and equality.
The positions of DT and VP will keep shifting for one-upmanship. They have no principles.
Now reports say the Putin govt is getting suspicious and wary of Trump. He’s an undependable ally, even to the Russians!
Russia is preparing for Putin a dossier on Donald’s psychological makeup. DT is a “ a risk-taker who can be naïve.”
Trump "doesn't understand fully who is Mr. Putin — he is a tough guy," former Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov told NBC News.
Interesting developments ahead to keep our news media speculating.
How far America has fallen that we have to cope with such an issue, with all the grave national problems to be addressed. We’re forced to worry about the corruption, hypocrisy and lies of the US president, which will hold us back from bringing the US up to 21st century standards of democracy and equality.
The positions of DT and VP will keep shifting for one-upmanship. They have no principles.
Now reports say the Putin govt is getting suspicious and wary of Trump. He’s an undependable ally, even to the Russians!
Russia is preparing for Putin a dossier on Donald’s psychological makeup. DT is a “ a risk-taker who can be naïve.”
Trump "doesn't understand fully who is Mr. Putin — he is a tough guy," former Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov told NBC News.
Interesting developments ahead to keep our news media speculating.
17
Ascribing Trump's Russian posture to "an ideological alliance" presupposes his intellectual capacity to contemplate the nuances of geopolitical dynamics. That's as far off as thinking he's an avid reader.
The financial side of things makes more sense. In addition to his tax returns, he should release his passports, including all of his visa stamps for the last twenty years, even though one wonders if the IRS would publically state that any released tax documents are indeed copies of what was actually filed (or, on the other hand, "sanitized"), or if the State Dept. would verify the passports as authentic.
Probably at the direction of Putin, Rex was installed as the Sec. of State: ExxonMobil holds exclusive drilling rights to the Russian Arctic, where between $500 billion and one trillion in oil sit. The only things preventing that company's drilling are the Sanctions, which is why there's backroom talk of how to get rid of them. Can you say "kickback?" Can you say "Hotel & Condo building permits in Moscow?"
"I've never met him. I've never had any business in Russia," Trump says. How about the $10 million profit from Miss Universe?
The financial side of things makes more sense. In addition to his tax returns, he should release his passports, including all of his visa stamps for the last twenty years, even though one wonders if the IRS would publically state that any released tax documents are indeed copies of what was actually filed (or, on the other hand, "sanitized"), or if the State Dept. would verify the passports as authentic.
Probably at the direction of Putin, Rex was installed as the Sec. of State: ExxonMobil holds exclusive drilling rights to the Russian Arctic, where between $500 billion and one trillion in oil sit. The only things preventing that company's drilling are the Sanctions, which is why there's backroom talk of how to get rid of them. Can you say "kickback?" Can you say "Hotel & Condo building permits in Moscow?"
"I've never met him. I've never had any business in Russia," Trump says. How about the $10 million profit from Miss Universe?
166
Trump, family, staff appointee ties to Russia: #1-Campaign manager Manafort worked as lobbyist ($12+ million) for Russian-backed former Ukrainian president; #2-U.S. intelligence agencies confirm elements in the Russian dossier that targeted Trump (The Business Insider - 2/10/17); #3-Trump's many ties to Russian citizens (The American Interest, 12/19/16); #4-Trump Server Communicates With Russia (Slate Magazine, 10/31/16;) #5- FBI scrutinized Trump foreign policy advisor Carter Page on suspicion of private communications with senior Russian officials/security, also see Roger Stone; #6-Putin set to ink $500B oil development deal with Exxon once sanctions lifted (Sec of State Tillerson former Exxon CEO); #7-Russia paid bloggers to release fake news stories critical of Clinton; #8-Wikieleaks under Russians tutelage only published Democratic Party-hacked information to harm them during the election; #9-Trump invites Russia to hack Clinton's account; #10-Trump disputes the proof provided by 17 U.S. intelligence agencies of Russian hacking of the 2016 election; #11-Trump insults and threatens other countries and long-time U.S. allies but goes out of his way to defend Putin; #12-Trump named Flynn National Security advisor (see R.T. etc.); #13-Ivanka Trump is a friend of Wendy Deng (ex-wife to Rupert Murdoch), who dated Putin, Ivanka is a Murdoch trustee; #14-White Supremacists support Trump under Bannon's alt-right platform idolize Vladimir Putin as the last white race savior.
206
Be careful or you will soon be called an 'enemy of the state' by the president.
66
Whose words have no credibility
2
Mark. Being an 'enemy of the state' may yet become a badge of honor. Like being on Nixon's enemy's list.
As a 10th and 12th generation Yankee WASP, I'd consider that an honor under current political circumstances.
Look the fact is Trumpster desires to be just like Putin. A dictator whose every word and whim is carried out. There is no free press in Russia to criticize Putin or even question his actions, opposition politicians mysteriously end up dead, he's amassed trillions of dollars in shady business deals and no one questions him. Give Trumpster and his supporters enough time and as long as he has enough spineless Republicans it'll happen here too
89
Completely wrong. There are "Rain TV" channel which is extremely critical of Kremlin authorities, and everyone may easily subscribe to it.
1
Jonathan, you may want to talk to some of the people involved with Rain TV and ask them about freedom of the press in Russia.
Russian troll
Trump is a virtual artists palate of the elements of histrionic and narcissistic personality disorder traits. Choosing all five of the possible explanations in some combo seems to best explain his strange case of Russophilia. Asto motive....
People with histrionic pd engage in dramatic actions that ensure they will be heard, they crave excitement and act on impulse and suggestion, often leading to exploitation. They come across as insincere. Combined with the self absorbed narcissist who needs to be admired, while lacking empathy, it seems Putin's Russia offers Trump both a goal and a mirror.
Motives are secondary, psychological state should be our primary concern. Our President Trump has a serious personality disorder....grab the tail and hold on.....this is going to be a wild ride.
People with histrionic pd engage in dramatic actions that ensure they will be heard, they crave excitement and act on impulse and suggestion, often leading to exploitation. They come across as insincere. Combined with the self absorbed narcissist who needs to be admired, while lacking empathy, it seems Putin's Russia offers Trump both a goal and a mirror.
Motives are secondary, psychological state should be our primary concern. Our President Trump has a serious personality disorder....grab the tail and hold on.....this is going to be a wild ride.
38
Palate?
Trump owes Russian oligarchs one of whom mat be Vladimir Putin 900 million dollars.
We already know of his business track record and his difficulty meeting his obligations.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out what is going on here.
We already know of his business track record and his difficulty meeting his obligations.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out what is going on here.
279
The most plausible reason. 900 million.
1
I have personal experience borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars from Kremlin backed Russian oligarchs for my luxury hotel business as Gortune magazine has reported https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/fortune/2014/09/04/aman-resor.... The thing I have learned is that once you take money from them (it's always indirect loans from oligarchs not the russian government) its not like a typical bank loan. They own you. Your life belongs to them and if you deviate from what they want they have hidden subtle untraceable ways of destroying your life--they are not shy about telling you this to your face knowing noone can point the finger back to them and prove they did anything.--and then if you actually try to resist they follow through on it, In every imaginable insidious manner possible. They make you pledge your crown jewel assets-- for Trump I am sure it's his Hotel brand--then they Blackmail, Frame you, get you arrested w fake evidence, and then foreclose on the loan, steal your business without proper cause --you cannot imagine the depths to which these people will sink after you have borrowed money from them. And if and when you resist like I did they have infiltrated some of the most powerful law firms in the country and the the mud that is thrown at you not even the FBI can discern if it's real or unreal. Sad state of affairs but now afterwards I don't blame Trump for kowtowing to the Kremlins line.
1
That "private dossier" everyone is so quick to dismiss stated Trumps' personal lawyer made numerous trips to and had contacts with Russian operatives (which he denied by tweeting the cover of his passport). It now turns out, his personal lawyer is involved with Pro Moscow Ukrainians trying to get a Putin approved "peace" deal directly to Trump. Don't discount that "dossier" which also included Trump compromised by Russian intelligence.
225
Exactly. The expert who compiled the dossier is one of the most respected Russian experts in the UK with years of experience. Much has been verified by other intelligence experts. Even the sex tape is not out of character from all of his boasts across the years and his patterns.
13
I also read that Cohen has dual citizenship: US and Israel. If true, he has two passports. Could Czech entry stamps be on Israeli passport, not US?
It is alarming in all of those dimensions. Very alarming. I am sure that he did a deal with Russia and so "owes" them. I hope it results in his impeachment.
I think that Trumps instincts were to rouse the rabble into a hatefest against snowflake liberals. The rabble having been groomed by Fox. He needed a prototype strongman - and that was Putin. He needed a group of people to hate - that was the Hispanics.
But the media including the NyTimes have played into his hands. The NYtimes's conflation of legal and illegal immigrants by the Times made it impossible to disentangle Trumps conflation of illegal immigrants and all Hispanics. The NyTimes assumption that free trade is good for all (when it is not) and that the Fed keeping ZIRP so long it starved savers and retirees, and the mantra that all protectionism, makes it impossible now rationalize that pinpointed protectionism is good and Trumps blanket protectionism is bad.
I have been saying this for the last year. At first my comments were not even posted because it was against the popular Dogma. I said watch out for Trump.
And now we have him as essentially a chaotic distraction for the extreme right wing to take over our country and our courts.
I think that Trumps instincts were to rouse the rabble into a hatefest against snowflake liberals. The rabble having been groomed by Fox. He needed a prototype strongman - and that was Putin. He needed a group of people to hate - that was the Hispanics.
But the media including the NyTimes have played into his hands. The NYtimes's conflation of legal and illegal immigrants by the Times made it impossible to disentangle Trumps conflation of illegal immigrants and all Hispanics. The NyTimes assumption that free trade is good for all (when it is not) and that the Fed keeping ZIRP so long it starved savers and retirees, and the mantra that all protectionism, makes it impossible now rationalize that pinpointed protectionism is good and Trumps blanket protectionism is bad.
I have been saying this for the last year. At first my comments were not even posted because it was against the popular Dogma. I said watch out for Trump.
And now we have him as essentially a chaotic distraction for the extreme right wing to take over our country and our courts.
23
And constitution ...
3
It could be that, facing a certain amount of economic stagnation, both Russian corporations and US corporations see easy pickings in the dismemberment of the EU back into two spheres of influence and are pushing their governments in that direction. This would in theory take both companies back to the era when nationalists believe they were 'Great'.
The existence of the worlds largest market sitting between the two superpowers, with huge wealth and insufficient defence and political integration, is certainly tempting and is a much easier way for both governments to deliver for their constituencies than the hard graft of creating growth through strategic economic planning. Right-wing nationalism is the perfect way to drive wedges into the cracks in an organisation based on voluntary merging of sovereignty.
By it's nature, the destruction of the EU and the division of its spoils would only be a temporary collaboration between the US and Russia. Once complete, we would be straight back to the very tense situation that Reagan believed he had resolved forever.
The existence of the worlds largest market sitting between the two superpowers, with huge wealth and insufficient defence and political integration, is certainly tempting and is a much easier way for both governments to deliver for their constituencies than the hard graft of creating growth through strategic economic planning. Right-wing nationalism is the perfect way to drive wedges into the cracks in an organisation based on voluntary merging of sovereignty.
By it's nature, the destruction of the EU and the division of its spoils would only be a temporary collaboration between the US and Russia. Once complete, we would be straight back to the very tense situation that Reagan believed he had resolved forever.
10
"The Republicans who run the Senate and the F.B.I. need to pursue their investigations without the friendly deference they have generally shown to Trump so far."
Of curse that won't happen. Republicans are too craven and power-hungry above all else. The truth will emerge, but it will emanate from a "patriotic leaker" or, more likely, a disgruntled former insider.
Of curse that won't happen. Republicans are too craven and power-hungry above all else. The truth will emerge, but it will emanate from a "patriotic leaker" or, more likely, a disgruntled former insider.
386
I believe that Senators McCain and Graham may be the only Republican Senators who retain a sense of patriotism. The others would cheerfully sell American children into a cannibal meat-market in exchange for wealth and power.
5
Yes the truth will emerge just as the truth that Richard Nixon actively subverted peace talks with the Viet Namese in 1968 emerged last month. I wonder how much comfort that gave the families of American kids killed (along with many, many more Asians) there from 68-72? Or how many of those families are even aware of the "news"? It's time for John McCain to round up a couple of other Republican senators and once more subject himself to the torture his party will inflict for putting America first. You're 80 years old and not facing re-election for 6 more years, Senator. Get back to your patriotic routes. Secure your legacy.
3
Mr. Leonhardt, your five possible explanations are all plausible (and frightening). But none of them explains why Trump would go out of his way to demoralize and disrespect our intelligence agencies, and to de-legitimize our basic democratic institutions such as our press, our elections, and our independent judiciary.
There is another possible explanation: The people Trump surrounds himself with are so unvetted, so propagandized, and so ideologically extreme, that Russian intelligence could have penetrated Trump's inner circle and be influencing his talking points, and no one would notice.
There is another possible explanation: The people Trump surrounds himself with are so unvetted, so propagandized, and so ideologically extreme, that Russian intelligence could have penetrated Trump's inner circle and be influencing his talking points, and no one would notice.
451
See "What Does It Mean to Have Repeated Contacts With Russian Intelligence?" This article exposes how Russian intelligence agents pose as businessmen to gain access.
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/02/what-does-it-m...
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/02/what-does-it-m...
20
Thank you , Ann.
2
Trump is unvetted;
know nothing about his finances and indebtedness
know nothing about his health
Know nothing about his Slovenian Sphinx
Know he doesn't read
Know he can't write policy
Know he has no vision
Know his relationship with Bannon and Miller is alt-right
Know he's a bully
Know he's a liar
Know he stiffs people
Know he needs enemies
Know he's uneducated
Know he loves Russia
Know he has no vocabulary
Know he's weak on decrying, anti-semitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Hispanic
And the coup-de-grace he's a delusional, fabulist liar.
know nothing about his finances and indebtedness
know nothing about his health
Know nothing about his Slovenian Sphinx
Know he doesn't read
Know he can't write policy
Know he has no vision
Know his relationship with Bannon and Miller is alt-right
Know he's a bully
Know he's a liar
Know he stiffs people
Know he needs enemies
Know he's uneducated
Know he loves Russia
Know he has no vocabulary
Know he's weak on decrying, anti-semitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Hispanic
And the coup-de-grace he's a delusional, fabulist liar.
2
Anti-Trump activists are facing a crucial moral-historical dilemma: is it morally permitted and historically necessary to use the anti-Russian popular attitude in order to topple the seemingly unhinged and anti-democratic President?
By now, the anti-Trump camp answer is clear -- use everything which seems to have negative effect on Trump and his administration: from questioning his suspicious and murky motives (allegedly leading to collusion with Russia during the election and before and after inauguration), to taking part in a twisted anti-Russian incitement campaign (“as hostile as Putin”), all the way to an intensive crusade against manufactured Russian threats and Trump’s alleged Russia-first doctrine -- led by the misguided crusader-for-global-democracy senator J. McCain and the calculated crusader-for-global-domination Senator L. Graham – which is liable to start a global confrontation with Russia
The anti-Trump campaigners (among them, indeed, the best and the brightest) may not like at all the (potentially radioactive) fruits of their moral-historical choice.
By now, the anti-Trump camp answer is clear -- use everything which seems to have negative effect on Trump and his administration: from questioning his suspicious and murky motives (allegedly leading to collusion with Russia during the election and before and after inauguration), to taking part in a twisted anti-Russian incitement campaign (“as hostile as Putin”), all the way to an intensive crusade against manufactured Russian threats and Trump’s alleged Russia-first doctrine -- led by the misguided crusader-for-global-democracy senator J. McCain and the calculated crusader-for-global-domination Senator L. Graham – which is liable to start a global confrontation with Russia
The anti-Trump campaigners (among them, indeed, the best and the brightest) may not like at all the (potentially radioactive) fruits of their moral-historical choice.
2
How about all of those Russian built missiles Iran has pointed at your house? If you're Israeli you might want to consider that.
5
I get your irony man, all these rather-primitive conventional missiles the gullible Iranians have to settle for once they decided not to go on the military-nuclear course (and against strategic Israel). By the way, they build and pay for the missiles themselves, not the Russian – real losers, believe me.
Isn't "Trump merely flirts with the alt-right" an understatement considering Steve Bannon's position in Trump administration?
516
He was being polite.
That was certainly my response, tahnkhimo. It ain't "just flirting" when you're living with the guy!
3
Russia's hacking of the U.S. election combined with Trump's ceaseless praise of Putin show something is rotten.
Why will he not show his tax returns like every other modern president? Why was he not force to show them? He is hiding something, and the citizens of America have a right to answers for their questions. Republicans in the House are covering up for Trump when they refuse to request his returns. Their relentless witch hunts against Hillary Clinton forced the constant turn over of documents, emails, and everything else. But not one piece of paper from Trump is requested although the business conflicts of interest with Russia alone are enough to justify the review of the tax returns. More than a million people have signed the "We, the People" White House petition for Trump to release his tax returns. Kellyanne's response was "No" because no one was interested. Excuse me? The Wall Street Journal/NBC poll in January, 53% of Americans wanted Trump to release his taxes, and only 30% did not want him to.
The Russian intelligence agency ties were basically playing with treason, conducted during the time the election was actively being hacked on Trump's behalf. Trump himself on the campaign trail asked the Russians to hack Hillary Clinton. The constant communications from Trump insiders with Russia were obviously more likely to be nefarious given the situation than innocent foreign policy queries.
What did he know, and when did he know it?
Why will he not show his tax returns like every other modern president? Why was he not force to show them? He is hiding something, and the citizens of America have a right to answers for their questions. Republicans in the House are covering up for Trump when they refuse to request his returns. Their relentless witch hunts against Hillary Clinton forced the constant turn over of documents, emails, and everything else. But not one piece of paper from Trump is requested although the business conflicts of interest with Russia alone are enough to justify the review of the tax returns. More than a million people have signed the "We, the People" White House petition for Trump to release his tax returns. Kellyanne's response was "No" because no one was interested. Excuse me? The Wall Street Journal/NBC poll in January, 53% of Americans wanted Trump to release his taxes, and only 30% did not want him to.
The Russian intelligence agency ties were basically playing with treason, conducted during the time the election was actively being hacked on Trump's behalf. Trump himself on the campaign trail asked the Russians to hack Hillary Clinton. The constant communications from Trump insiders with Russia were obviously more likely to be nefarious given the situation than innocent foreign policy queries.
What did he know, and when did he know it?
254
Wait until the truth comes out, and it will, oh yes it will. The Republicans will find their party crumbling because they will be blamed for this treason. Yes, I call it treason.
4
Mr. Leonhardt, what the country needs today are Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the two journalists who broke the Watergate story that toppled a president who was as unfit for the Oval Office then as is the current occupant. It's no co-incidence that both presidents loathed the press and the protections of the first amendment. They serve as a democracy's checks and balance on elected officials, especially when a president angrily pushes back on reporters who are only doing their jobs. As the saying goes, where's there's smoke, there's fire.
That this president has something to hide in his relationship and financial dealings with Russia is obvious. His refusal to release his tax information sounds an alarm that Republicans in the Senate and House should heed and investigate as soon as possible. We the people don't know what the president has swept under his rug and maybe Republicans don't care but citizens who have inquiring minds want to know.
Come clean, Mr. President. You're wrong when you say that your tax returns are none of our business. You ran for the presidency because you said you wanted to serve us. Now is the time to show us that you meant what you said.
That this president has something to hide in his relationship and financial dealings with Russia is obvious. His refusal to release his tax information sounds an alarm that Republicans in the Senate and House should heed and investigate as soon as possible. We the people don't know what the president has swept under his rug and maybe Republicans don't care but citizens who have inquiring minds want to know.
Come clean, Mr. President. You're wrong when you say that your tax returns are none of our business. You ran for the presidency because you said you wanted to serve us. Now is the time to show us that you meant what you said.
172
Waiting for Congress to investigate is futile. They will not begin to take action until the political consequences of failing to act are obvious.
I agree that investigative journalism could make a difference. Who will fund the hard work that will need to be done? Will that funding discredit the findings?
Donald Trump will never "come clean." It's not imaginable that he has the ability to do anything that doesn't feed his ego.
I agree that investigative journalism could make a difference. Who will fund the hard work that will need to be done? Will that funding discredit the findings?
Donald Trump will never "come clean." It's not imaginable that he has the ability to do anything that doesn't feed his ego.
3
"The Republicans who run the Senate and the F.B.I."
While the Senate might have a Republican majority, did Mr. Leonhardt just write that the F.B.I. is Republican? Is that not a rather serious charge to make about a federal bureau, or any federal body?
Of course what Mr. Leonhardt might have meant was: The Republicans who run the Senate, and the F.B.I. (and yes I know that the Oxford comma comes after a list of at least 3 items)
While the Senate might have a Republican majority, did Mr. Leonhardt just write that the F.B.I. is Republican? Is that not a rather serious charge to make about a federal bureau, or any federal body?
Of course what Mr. Leonhardt might have meant was: The Republicans who run the Senate, and the F.B.I. (and yes I know that the Oxford comma comes after a list of at least 3 items)
15
Comey is an avowed neocon.
12
Mr. Leonhardt said it correctly. Look no further than Comey, and Giuliani's back-door key to the FBI's New York office.
4
Given Comeys bringing up Hillary's emails 9 days pre election when there was nothing new but failed to see why we should know about Trumps connections with Russia...the FBI did work for the republicans over the democrats.
4
I choose what's behind door #4.
"Putin" is a known dog whistle to the alt-right. Every time Trump says the name it means "authoritarian white rule" to white nationalists. It is what both Bannon & Trump believe in. Neither Bannon or Trump believe in democracy -- in the least. They believe it is a an ideology that benefits mongrels and has always been antithetical to white people (the great and sole builders of civilization). Brannon's aim is to sow so much chaos as to destroy democracy. Putin's strongman stance is precisely what B &T want to replace democracy with.
Sure, there might be some business entanglements, but Trump's aim is far more sinister -- so much so that even the most outraged liberals don't know what they are really dealing with. And no, this is not a conspiracy theory. Read what Bannon has written and said in the past. Read who he has read and quoted. Recognize the full import of Trump installing Bannon in the White House.
"Putin" is a known dog whistle to the alt-right. Every time Trump says the name it means "authoritarian white rule" to white nationalists. It is what both Bannon & Trump believe in. Neither Bannon or Trump believe in democracy -- in the least. They believe it is a an ideology that benefits mongrels and has always been antithetical to white people (the great and sole builders of civilization). Brannon's aim is to sow so much chaos as to destroy democracy. Putin's strongman stance is precisely what B &T want to replace democracy with.
Sure, there might be some business entanglements, but Trump's aim is far more sinister -- so much so that even the most outraged liberals don't know what they are really dealing with. And no, this is not a conspiracy theory. Read what Bannon has written and said in the past. Read who he has read and quoted. Recognize the full import of Trump installing Bannon in the White House.
551
I agree completely with your analysis. When Trump started saying things like "I know more than the generals do" Bannon and Putin saw a man ripe for the picking.
Little knowledge, no moral compass and greedy. Trump was their opportunity.
I would be interested to know who introduced Bannon to Trump. Was it Paul Manafort? Roger Stone? The coincidence? that at the time when Russia would need sanctions removed and thus Manafort & Tillerson then Bannon coming in for political ideology pro-Russian is suspect.
Little knowledge, no moral compass and greedy. Trump was their opportunity.
I would be interested to know who introduced Bannon to Trump. Was it Paul Manafort? Roger Stone? The coincidence? that at the time when Russia would need sanctions removed and thus Manafort & Tillerson then Bannon coming in for political ideology pro-Russian is suspect.
2
"Read what Bannon has written and said in the past. Read who he has read and quoted. Recognize the full import of Trump installing Bannon in the White House."
Right! So why hasn't the public seen a full-court press by the mainstream media exposing Bannon and his views, perhaps in the same way they went after HRC?
Right! So why hasn't the public seen a full-court press by the mainstream media exposing Bannon and his views, perhaps in the same way they went after HRC?
3
Door #4 is tempting but relies too heavily on the idea that 45 thought ANY of this through in advance. Please. He's not that clever.
Instead, its WAY more likely that Putin stalked a desperate (on account of greed) businessman, framed him up good with kompromant extraordinaire - and then, a Perfect Storm did the rest.
After he's caught by the you know whats, and the Perfect Storm crashes America, the Kremlin directs their puppet (Hillary called it well!) from Mockba.
Rex "65 Million Acres of Rusky Oil Exploration Rights" Tillerson gets cherry picked for State. Tom "Don't Worry About Sanctions" Flynn gets NSA and Dumbdumb Rick "Oops" Perry gets the (nuclear) Energy Department he couldn't even recall!!
And America is sitting around wondering about the motive?? The motive would be interesting to learn but it is IRRELEVANT as we are the victims of a double-reverse coup d'etat.
Instead, its WAY more likely that Putin stalked a desperate (on account of greed) businessman, framed him up good with kompromant extraordinaire - and then, a Perfect Storm did the rest.
After he's caught by the you know whats, and the Perfect Storm crashes America, the Kremlin directs their puppet (Hillary called it well!) from Mockba.
Rex "65 Million Acres of Rusky Oil Exploration Rights" Tillerson gets cherry picked for State. Tom "Don't Worry About Sanctions" Flynn gets NSA and Dumbdumb Rick "Oops" Perry gets the (nuclear) Energy Department he couldn't even recall!!
And America is sitting around wondering about the motive?? The motive would be interesting to learn but it is IRRELEVANT as we are the victims of a double-reverse coup d'etat.
5
There are two evils here, Mr. Leonhardt: Stephen Bannon and Mitch McConnell.
Begin with the most likely fact: Donald Trump is a fool. He stumbled upon the presidency with an extraordinary amount of luck. His office was the result of a perfect storm of the underbelly of racism in the American experience (going back to the 1970's when he and his father forbid blacks to rent his properties to his birther campaign). He was a windsock for the far right, a natural magnet for Bannon once the Republican primaries got underway and became non-competitive with each Trump win. It all coalesced during the GOP national convention and the general election: the Hollywood Access tape and "lock her up" chants. He drew the forces of anarchy to himself while disparaging President Obama as a "weak" leader and elevating Vladimir Putin as the model for state-controlled fascism: suppression of the media and minorities. Bannon's fingerprints are all over this.
McConnell, as Senate Majority Leader, directs the course of that body's business. He isn't about to hazard any challenges to this president because an investigation that uncovered irrefutable evidence that Trump owed Russia would unpin McConnell's promises to Dark Money. Like a dirty thread on a doily, the McConnell/Grover Norquist/Koch Bottle gang would be the last giveaway for the GOP as it determinedly plods down the dark road toward authoritarianism. Donald Trump is a mere tool.
Bannon and McConnell know about Russia. They don't care.
Begin with the most likely fact: Donald Trump is a fool. He stumbled upon the presidency with an extraordinary amount of luck. His office was the result of a perfect storm of the underbelly of racism in the American experience (going back to the 1970's when he and his father forbid blacks to rent his properties to his birther campaign). He was a windsock for the far right, a natural magnet for Bannon once the Republican primaries got underway and became non-competitive with each Trump win. It all coalesced during the GOP national convention and the general election: the Hollywood Access tape and "lock her up" chants. He drew the forces of anarchy to himself while disparaging President Obama as a "weak" leader and elevating Vladimir Putin as the model for state-controlled fascism: suppression of the media and minorities. Bannon's fingerprints are all over this.
McConnell, as Senate Majority Leader, directs the course of that body's business. He isn't about to hazard any challenges to this president because an investigation that uncovered irrefutable evidence that Trump owed Russia would unpin McConnell's promises to Dark Money. Like a dirty thread on a doily, the McConnell/Grover Norquist/Koch Bottle gang would be the last giveaway for the GOP as it determinedly plods down the dark road toward authoritarianism. Donald Trump is a mere tool.
Bannon and McConnell know about Russia. They don't care.
774
Do not agree with your assessment.
The most obvious Russia theory is the money tie. He was heavily vested in Russia in 2008. If they loaned to him then in a horrible housing market and got paid back I'm sure they loaned to him more recently.
Second, Trump is not a fool. If you will recall his presidency began with serious questions from democrats about his influencing the election. He made so much unsubstantiated noise about the election being rigged AGAINST him that everyone gave up the other argument. Scary effective!
Lastly, I don't want an investigation into the Michael Flynn Russia conversations. If you open that up you also open up how and why the intelligence community leaked the conversation in the first place. Had they not we wouldn't have even known. An investigation might very well silence an organization that right now is placing a much needed check on our President's power.
The most obvious Russia theory is the money tie. He was heavily vested in Russia in 2008. If they loaned to him then in a horrible housing market and got paid back I'm sure they loaned to him more recently.
Second, Trump is not a fool. If you will recall his presidency began with serious questions from democrats about his influencing the election. He made so much unsubstantiated noise about the election being rigged AGAINST him that everyone gave up the other argument. Scary effective!
Lastly, I don't want an investigation into the Michael Flynn Russia conversations. If you open that up you also open up how and why the intelligence community leaked the conversation in the first place. Had they not we wouldn't have even known. An investigation might very well silence an organization that right now is placing a much needed check on our President's power.
1
Bannon and McConnell are collaborators. Their reasoning is varied, from a sense of self-importance (Bannon) to fear of making an open secret in Kentucky public knowledge, thus damaging some of his credibility with racists and haters (McConnell).
Both revel in the power of hate, as does Trump. Trump's own reason is that he was NOT as rich as he says he is until he got a massive input of funds from Russian sources. This is all the more surprising because, before he started using his last name as a stylemark, Trump was went bankrupt in his gambling endeavors. It is easy to separate a fool from his/her money--that's what gambling is about. It's easier to fail on the oldest profession (prostitution)--which is less of a hazard to family life--because whores purvey youth and attractiveness. With gambling, you only have to provide the "action." In other words, Trump's business credentials are a sham.
Like Trump, the GOP depends on fools of voters who heed the lies to lose their livelihoods--and soon REAL liberties (our Constitutional guarantees) to the unscrupulous. No wonder they collaborate.
Both revel in the power of hate, as does Trump. Trump's own reason is that he was NOT as rich as he says he is until he got a massive input of funds from Russian sources. This is all the more surprising because, before he started using his last name as a stylemark, Trump was went bankrupt in his gambling endeavors. It is easy to separate a fool from his/her money--that's what gambling is about. It's easier to fail on the oldest profession (prostitution)--which is less of a hazard to family life--because whores purvey youth and attractiveness. With gambling, you only have to provide the "action." In other words, Trump's business credentials are a sham.
Like Trump, the GOP depends on fools of voters who heed the lies to lose their livelihoods--and soon REAL liberties (our Constitutional guarantees) to the unscrupulous. No wonder they collaborate.
3
It is time for Soxared to become a Preferred Commenter!
3
The Russians own him. That's why we won't see his tax returns
unless the Senate does its job.
He used the word "I" which is misleading, it's his businesses
that have the loans and obligations
Plus he lies about everything. Think Sweden.
.
unless the Senate does its job.
He used the word "I" which is misleading, it's his businesses
that have the loans and obligations
Plus he lies about everything. Think Sweden.
.
313
Correct. "He" has no investments in Russia, but he has investments from American LLCs whose funds are aggregated from other LLCs, whose ultimate beneficiaries are entities closely tied by favors to the Russian government. The very definition of "foreign emoluments". Even the tax returns may not reveal this without much painstaking research and luck, aided by subpoena power from a truly independent investigator.
21
The Republican senate won't do it's job. They wallow inTrumps lies. It doesn't take political experts to determine what Trump is up to. Congratulations, all you wonderful conservatives!
1